A Cool Girl's Guide To Bird Watching

What is the Demure trend?

The Demure Fall trend began when Jools Lebron posted a TikTok video on August 2, talking about how she gets ready for work. "I do my makeup, I lay my wig, I do a little braid," she says in the viral video, which now has 3.9 million views. "Very demure, very mindful. Don't forget to be demure divas!"

TikTok users immediately embraced the new characteristic, turning it into 2024's next big trend. And women have applied it to everything from eating subs to sorority rushing. And they're not the only ones! Even Netflix hopped on the trend, posting a clip from Gilmore Girls season 5 episode 20.

In the episode, Rory tells Emily she wants a club soda, to which Emily responds, "So demure, isn't she demure?" "The demurest," Richard answers. This is just another reason to join the trend if you ask me. If it's Emily and Richard-approved, I'm there!

What does Demure mean?

According to Merriam Webster, demure means "affectedly modest, reserved, or serious : coy." This new trend might feel like it's in opposition to the loud edge of Brat Summer, but I think Demure Fall is more about being coy (or playful) than it is about actually being reserved.

In a society that constantly tells women we should be quieter or take up less space, Demure Fall turns being quiet or reserved on its head by taking up even more space. It's a bold, albeit sly, declaration that there is value, fun, and freedom in womanhood.

Lebron takes a more feminine approach to the trend, but Demure is really more of a mindset than a fashion aesthetic. Anyone can be Demure!

That being said, I feel like my most powerful self when I get in touch with my femininity (thank you glazed donut nails and dresses!!), so a dainty Demure Fall will definitely be a part of my 2024!

Is Demure Fall connected to the viral Trad Wife movement?

Demure Fall and the Trad Wife movement do have a lot of similarities at first glance. They both provide an aesthetic of femininity and womanhood, but the major difference between the two is that the Trad Wife movement is sincere in their approach to traditional femininity, while Demure Fall appears to take a more humorous, satirical approach.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ain’t Too Proud To Meg (@ainttooproudtomeg)

To make your Snackle Box 4th of July friendly, just color code your snacks so they're red, white, and blue! Gummies, candies, fruit — there is plenty to choose from. :)

@gracelynnhewitt99 time for a cheat day hehehe 🤭😇 #snacks#snackbox#snackdiy#snackideas#asmr#asmrsounds#snacklebox#satisfying#candy#candybox#organization#kitchenorganization♬ I Can Do It With a Broken Heart - Taylor Swift

Instead of dealing with a ton of wrapped snacks, which means you have to reach into your bag over and over, snackle boxes keep all your food in one place (which also means it can eliminate extra trash!). Stuff a craft or tackle box with all your favorite sweets, or the makings of a charcuterie board (although if you’re traveling on a plane or another public space, you might want to stay away from the truly potent snacks). Then when you’re feeling hungry, you just pull out the whole box and feast!

The best part about using a box with multiple compartments like this is that you have unlimited treat options. Fill one half with sweets or chocolates, and the other half with salty snacks so that you can satisfy ALL your cravings.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Charcuterie Shop, LLC (@the_charcuterie_shop)

All you need to make your own snackle box is a handy tackle box — like this one from Amazon! Then you can just fill it with all your favorite bites. Not only are these great for vacation travel days, you can also bring them to movie nights, sleepovers, and games. Man, I could have used this during my sister's soccer game seasons!

All The Disney Theme Parks, Ranked

1. Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is quintessential Disney for both the young and young-at-heart. Located in Central Florida, when you think of Disney, this is usually what comes to mind. It's most notable for the larger-than-life castle where Cinderella and her princess friends get together to meet guests everyday.

I especially love Magic Kingdom because it has a bit of everything for those classic fairytale lovers and thrill seekers. You'll find coasters such as Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as well as more classic attractions like It's A Small World and Peter Pan's Flight that are suitable for the whole family. Plus, the entertainment is top notch with a daytime parade, evening fireworks, and a show on the castle stage.

(A word to the wise, though: there really isn't any alcohol in this park, so don't expect to have that Epcot-esque experience here)

2. Epcot

Speaking of Epcot, it's genuinely unlike any other theme park in the world. The park somehow brings together futuristic concepts (Space 220 is out of this world) and cultural diversity (hello, World Showcase!) in such a unique way! Not only can you explore 11 different international pavilions, eating and drinking to your heart's content, but you can also enjoy incredible rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

And while Epcot has rides and character meet and greets, this park really stands out for its festivals. Every few months, guests can experience different themed festivals filled with varying entertainment, food, and beverage offerings. Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival is arguably the most popular — I mean who doesn't love to celebrate that?! Other incredible celebrations include the International Flower & Garden Festival, International Festival of the Arts, and Festival of the Holidays. I highly recommend scheduling your trip to Epcot during one of these festivals periods because it truly shows the park at its best capacity.

(And if you're feeling a silly, you can "Drink Around The World" in Epcot's World Showcase any time of year 😉)

3. Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is flashy and fun, featuring larger than life productions to high-tech attractions and rides. You'll find a bit of everything at Hollywood Studios, but Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land are the park's newest developments with attractions including Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon, and Slinky Dog Dash. Oh, and I can't forget about Tower of Terror — the icon of the park that can be seen from multiple points across the Disney property.

Lastly, you won't want to miss Fantasmic, the parks nighttime spectacular that combines water, characters, fireworks, and more into a breathtaking show for guests each night. Content Editor Haley Sprankle constantly has the theme song stuck in her head — it really is THAT good.

4. Animal Kingdom

No trip to Disney World is complete without a visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Whether you're looking to be in tune with nature or see wildlife in action, you can experience it all at DAK.

For starters, you can go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris where you'll be guided around an African savannah right in the heart of Florida to see animals like giraffes and hippos in their natural habitats while learning facts about the park and their conservation efforts. Outside of the rides, you can't miss the Festival of the Lion King which is a 30-minute Broadway-style show that features acrobats, live music, puppetry, and fire throwing — all in celebration of the beloved film!

The only downside to DAK is that it can get extremely hot, and there aren't a lot of places to find relief from the brutal Florida sun. I'd definitely be sure to wear protective hats and hydrate, whenever possible!

5. Disneyland

A visit to the original Disney park is a must-do at some point in your lifetime. Disneyland is home to Sleeping Beauty's castle and has a quaint, old-school feel that instantly transports you back in time. Unlike Disney World, characters at Disneyland roam and meet guests as they interact with their environment — almost as if they just hopped off a page from a storybook.

In terms of rides, there's no shortage of them at Disneyland, from Indiana Jones Adventure to Pinocchio's Journey. Lastly, no trip to Disneyland is complete without paying homage to Walt outside of his apartment on the top of Main Street U.S.A. Don't forget to grab a churro too — they're delicious!

6. Disney California Adventure Park

Directly across from Disneyland is Disney California Adventure — here you'll find a mix of Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters and rides for the whole family. DCA is home to the beloved Cars Land, AKA where you can visit Radiator Springs Racers and Flo's V8 Cafe. Other highlights of the park include Pixar Pier, San Fransokyo Square (inspired by Big Hero 6), and Avenger's Campus. If you get hungry at DCA, there are plenty of dining options, from Carthay Circle to Lamplight Lounge. Plus, who doesn't love that iconic Mickey Mouse ferris wheel?!

7. Disneyland Paris

Making your way to Europe? Be sure to make a stop at Disneyland Paris — located only 40 minutes away from the downtown area — to get your fix of Disney magic. Disneyland Paris is centered around Sleeping Beauty's Castle and is home to four lands — Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland.

Like any Disney theme park there are so many rides, characters, and fun to get into. Step foot into Phantom Manor or Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain to immerse yourself in Disney's iconic storytelling whether by yourself or with family members.

8. Walt Disney Studios Park

Next to Disneyland Paris, you'll want to head over to Walt Disney Studios Park to find attractions and characters inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel. Some of the most exciting elements? Crush's Coaster, Cars Road Trip, and Ratatouille — because of course we couldn't exclude Paris's favorite rat. It's definitely a slower paced park with less offerings, however, you'll still feel the magic as soon as you step foot onto the property.

9. Tokyo Disneyland

If you find yourself in Tokyo, then you'll absolutely wanna do yourself a favor and head over to Tokyo Disneyland. While it's completely it's own park, Tokyo Disneyland seems most similar to Magic Kingdom with its seven different "lands" throughout. You'll find the World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland.

You'll find some classic Disney attractions, like the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and The Beast alongside other family-friendly options like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Monsters Inc Ride and Go Seek. Plus, you'll be able to see lots of characters throughout — not to mention the exciting entertainment offerings from Jamboree Mickey to Harmony in Color!

Lastly, this park has SO much great merchandise options, so you can bring home something unique with you to remember your trip!

10. Tokyo DisneySea

Head on over to Tokyo DisneySea where you'll find a plethora of rides and characters from beloved Disney movies. Aside from Mickey and Minnie, you can meet lots of princesses alongside Duffy and friends (the cutest little animal characters!) to fill up your autograph book and camera roll to the max.

This park is self-described as the "only Disney park themed to the myths and legends of the sea," adding extra intrigue to the experience. You'll find the Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Fantasy Springs, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, and Mysterious Island.

Tokyo DisneySea's latest expansion is Fantasy Springs where you'll be immersed into the worlds of Peter Pan, Tangled, and Frozen. Plus, you can get on Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea — which you also won't find at any other Disney park!

11. Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland features the Enchanted Storybook Castle right in the center of the park, where guests can take pictures and get immersed in the magic. The park has eight different themed areas — Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, and Zootopia — with each offering it's own unique vibe. Some popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Tron Lightcycle Power Run, and Peter Pan’s Flight.

According to their website, this park is also the most "technologically innovative" Disney theme park, so I'm sure you'll be in for some really exciting features! Plus, the Enchanted Storybook Castle is "the tallest, biggest and most interactive of all Disney castles the world over." Okay, sign me up!

12. Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland may be last on this list, but the park definitely has some incredible standout options for guests! (Plus, you know I'm never mad to be at any Disney theme park ever!)

For starters, no other Disney park has a Mystic Manor, an alternative take on the Haunted Mansion where guests are ushered inside as Henry Mystic shows visitors inside his home that's filled with antiques. Other highlights include the Iron Man Experience, Slinky Dog Spin, and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.

Plus, this park has stunning views throughout. The main castle is surrounded by lush, green mountains that are totally breathtaking — and totally different than anything you'd see in Orlando!