Imagine sipping Champagne above a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or indulging in a heavenly spa treatment with the Manhattan skyline in view. Even if your wallet can't quite stretch to a full-blown luxury getaway, sprinkling a touch of luxe into your travels can turn an ordinary trip into a memorable adventure. That idea sparked our new series, Flights of Fancy, where we take you along for a trip to the luxury experiences around the cities we adore.
Dallas-Ft. Worth
Photo: Hôtel Swexan
This Secret Dallas Speakeasy Hotel Is A Luxe Experience For Any Budget
Situated near Dallas’s Uptown, the Harwood District spans 19 city blocks filled with dozens of shops, restaurants, and luxury office buildings (Rolex was the first tenant, back in 1984). This trendy area of the city has become known as a great place for a bistro lunch or happy hour cocktails, and last year welcomed its first luxury boutique hotel: Hôtel Swexan. Our writer takes you inside the luxe experiences, from cocktails to lodging.
San Francisco Bay Area
Photo: Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay
These Fancy Bay Area Brunch Spots Are Worth The Splurge
From Marin to Half Moon Bay, these fancy brunch experiences are more than just a meal; they deliver picture-perfect ambience and a memorable feast to enjoy with your best people. So pack your weekend best and head to the Bay for mimosas with a twist and a meal to savor.
Malibu, CA
Hotel June
Visiting Hotel June Malibu — A Retreat Worth Unplugging For
Hotel June has become an iconic PCH destination to unwind and delight in Malibu's thriving local community. As a typical millennial who's glued to their digital devices 24/7, our editor Ali couldn't be more thrilled for an excuse to log off and luxuriate in the present moment in the scenic hills of Malibu.
Miami
shutterstock
Miami Must: This 20-Course Tasting Has You Wash Your Hands In Chocolate
If your wallet doesn’t lend itself to a fully luxurious vacation, leave room for at least one splurge-worthy activity that’s sure to be a highlight of the trip. Our editor, a South Florida resident and self-proclaimed foodie, recommends Elcielo Miami.
Chicago
The Robey
Explore Chicago's Hippest Neighborhood From This Mid-Century Modern Hotel
One of the benefits of taking a trip to Chicago is that it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Sure, it’s not going to be super cheap to visit any major city, but in comparison to the U.S.’s coastal hotspots, Chicago is a fantastic deal. If you’re particularly intrigued by the Windy City’s emphasis on architecture and design, you shouldn’t miss The Robey hotel.
NYC
Bathhouse Williamsburg
This NYC Bathhouse Is The Best Spa Experience I've Ever Had
Bathhouse Williamsburg isn't exactly a spa. You won't get a facial — or even cucumbers on your eyes — there, but you'll find relaxation in so many other tangible ways. From their available array of amenities included in the day pass to the specific treatments like scrubs and massages, Bathhouse is perfect for taking a step back from a city that requires oh-so-many steps.
Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.
The Wicked moviepress tour has been a truly beautiful thing to witness. Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo have cried in almost every interview because of how much they love their characters and each other, and it seems like working on this project really did heal something in them. So, after the sincerity of their interviews, I was really taken aback when I learned Dax Shepard had Cynthia Erivo on his Armchair Expert podcast...and chose to ask her about going to the bathroom?
Keep reading for what Dax Shepard had to say and, like me, wonder why he asked it in the first place.
On an episode of his Armchair Expert podcast, Dax Shepard asked Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo if her famously long nails make it difficult to wipe when she goes to the bathroom. “I knew you would ask that,” Cynthia responds, saying “no one’s afraid” to ask such an intimate question.
“My answer is that nobody uses just their fingers to wipe their backside,” she says. “You use tissue, correct? And you wipe!”
When he asked if she was annoyed or offended by the question, Cynthia admits she's "annoyed by it."
“I'm, like, 'Come on, guys,' ” she says. “But I get it, but it's also, like, ‘I'm a functioning adult, and I've never walked around smelling like, you know…'"
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
The actress has proved she's nothing if not honest this fall, going viral for saying "thank goodness" the actresses who auditioned with her for Glinda didn't land the role and for vocalizinghow much a fan edit of the Wicked movie poster offended her (she later admitted she should have texted her friends instead of posting on social media).
Now, this question was very weird to me for a few reasons. Not only does it have nothing to do with the film, but Dax asking Cynthia about her bathroom habits gives me a similar feeling to the one I got watching that male interviewer ask Scarlett Johansson about her underwear during Avengers: Age of Ultron press. Just...what is the reason? Plus, the fact Cynthia has also been vocal about how much she values her nails as a part of Black culture only makes the question (and the fact the nails feel like, no pun intended, the butt of the joke) weirder.
"Here’s the thing," Cynthia tells Dax before switching topics. "There are people who do not have nails who need to check how they’re wiping." Get 'em girl!
What did you think about this Armchair Expert interview with Dax Shepard and Cynthia Erivo? Let us know in the comments and read up on The Latest Wicked: Part Two News!
Looking for a more modern (and not to mention chill) Easter brunch this year? You best be mixing up some spring cocktails! Stock up on some fresh fruit at the farmers' market, put on your bunny ears, and flex your mixology skills with one (or a few!) of these delicious spring brunch cocktails.
Grapefruit Thyme Fizz
Go for a fragrant, floral refreshment by combining thyme with vodka and grapefruit! This easy cocktail recipe will last you way past Easter, too. (via Brit + Co)
Cadbury Creme Egg Cocktail
It's not an Easter cocktail without the use of some Easter candy! This sweet sipper leverages the classic Cadbury eggs for a creamy sip every time. Add a chocolate rim for even more delight! (via Brit + Co)
Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Margaritas might just be our favorite cocktail, and it's a wonder that there's so many variations of them! This take infuses the tequila cocktail with lime, basil, and sweet strawberries that you'll love sipping alongside some fluffy pancakes this Easter. (via Brit + Co)
Frozen Blueberry Paloma
For something with a cooling (yet still boozy) effect, this frozen Paloma cocktail will hit different on Easter. (via Brit + Co)
Glittery Spiked Raspberry Lemonade
Glitter makes every drink better, TBH. These zesty spiked lemonades are best shared with friends and family over brunch! (via Brit + Co)
Eggo-spresso Martini
This milky martini is the ultimate wake-up call on Easter morning. Amp up the brunch vibes with this boozy mix from Eggo, including their Eggo Brunch in a Jar Sippin’ Cream. (via Brit + Co)
Cucumber Gin Cocktails
Don't let the electric green color of these Easter brunch cocktails scare you away – it's just a blend of lime, cucumber, and Chartreuse! (via Crowded Kitchen)
Rose Lemon Spritz
Any spring cocktail that includes "spritz" is gonna be a big hit for your Easter brunch. Let this one sweep you away with a dreamy mix of floral rose and punchy lemon! (via Mixop)
Japanese Yuzu Whiskey Sour
Yuzu and whiskey make the perfect pair, and the citrusy notes from this cocktail are just what your Easter brunch needs! (via Takes Two Eggs)
French 75 Punch
This gin-based punch serves as a great base for any fizzy spring cocktail. The orange-y flavor is reminiscent of the beloved mimosa, only better in this batched version. (via Epicurious)
Strawberry Lemonade Bunny Colada
Pop off using some bunny Peeps for your next spring brunch cocktails! This recipe is a perfect fit for Easter celebrations. Here's how to make this dreamy drink.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz Natalie’s Strawberry Lemonade
- 4 oz cream of coconut
- 1 oz lime juice
- 4 oz white rum
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp vanilla frosting
- 1 tbsp Easter sprinkles
- Pink bunny Peeps
Directions:
- In a blender, combine the Natalie’s Strawberry Lemonade, cream of coconut, lime juice, rum, and frozen strawberries. Blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth.
- Rim two glasses with white frosting and dip in a mixture of coconut and sprinkles.
- Pour the mixture into the glasses and garnish with pink bunny Peeps marshmallows! (via Natalie’s Juice Company)
The Sunburn Cocktail
This spring cocktail uses Sunshine Punch, a bottled mix of rum and vodka infused with orange and vanilla. Talk about an upgrade to your regular OJ! To make The Sunburn cocktails, shake 2 parts Sunshine Punch with 2 parts pineapple juice and .5 parts coconut rum over ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with an orange wedge for the full effect! (via Sunshine Punch)
Sweet Tea Prosecco Cocktails
Sweet tea is the perfect mixer for brunchy cocktails like this. The lemon and fresh mint leaves amp the flavors up in this glass even more. Iced tea cocktails FTW! (via Vanilla and Bean)
Elderflower Martini
All you need to craft this spring Easter brunch cocktail is four ingredients: cranberry juice, lemon juice, Citron vodka, and elderflower liqueur. Easy peasy! (via A Beautiful Mess)
Cucumber Basil Moscow Mule
We just love the ginger-y effect of Moscow Mules. The drink is super fizzy, which will keep Easter brunch interesting with every sip! (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspo!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Lead image via Natalie’s Juice Company.
I literally can't believe I'm writing this, but after a year of keeping up with all the biggest and best 2024 movies, I'm here with a final installment: December movies! This year has had some truly remarkable flicks (Challengers! Wicked! The Fall Guy!) and we're truly going out with a bang. While you're keeping up with all the best December TV shows coming out, here are the best December movies coming next month.
Keep reading for all the new December movies to add to your watchlist in 2024.
Y2K — In Theaters December 6, 2024
A24
Remember that Y2K crisis at the turn of the millennium? This December movie, which follows two high school juniors who crash a New Year's Eve party, reimagines it as a full-blown disaster — blood, guts, and all.
Y2K stars Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, The Kid Laroi, and Fred Durst.
Mary — On Netflix December 6, 2024
Netflix
Get a new look at one of the most famous women in the world when Mary drops on Netflix next month. This movie will give you a whole new look at the titular heroine's life — from being forced into hiding to running for her life, all to protect her baby son from a murderous king.
Mary stars Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Keren Tzur, Mehmet Kurtulus, Mila Harris, and Anthony Hopkins.
Nightb—ch — In Theaters December 6, 2024
Searchlight Pictures
Another December movie that will have you looking at motherhood differently is Nightb—ch, which follows Amy Adams character's life as she becomes a mother...and becomes convinced she's also turning into a dog.
Nightb—ch stars Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Patrick Snowden, Emmett James Snowden, Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Archana Rajan, Jessica Harper.
F Marry Kill — On Digital December 6, 2024
Lionsgate
We all know dating apps can be a really horrifying experience, but when true-crime lover Eva starts to believe one of her three dates could be the “Swipe Right Killer," she finds herself in a life-or-death situation.
F Marry Kill stars Lucy Hale, Samer Salem, Virginia Gardner, Jedidiah Goodacre, Brendan Morgan, Brooke Nevin, and Bethany Brown.
A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter — On Netflix December 6
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
If you're still singing "Nonsense" by Sabrina Carpenter, then this December movie (er, holiday special) is for you. Not only will the popstar perform tunes from her fruitcake EP, but she'll be joined by special guests as well!
A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter stars, you guessed it, Sabrina Carpenter.
Maria — On Netflix December 11, 2024
Pablo Larraín/Netflix
Angelina Jolie's newest film follows iconic performer Maria Callas. After a glamorous, albeit difficult, public life, Maria moves to Paris for some quiet — and must confront her identity, her past, and her future in the process.
Maria stars Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Haluk Bilginer.
Kraven The Hunter — In Theaters December 13
Jay Maidment/Sony
Despite the fact it's coming out around the holidays, Aaron Taylor Johnson's new December movie is not for kids. The flick follows the titular Kraven as he morphs from the son of a gangster to the brutal and fearsome villain comic fans know so well.
Kraven the Hunter stars Aaron Taylor Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, and Russell Crowe.
Carry On — On Netflix December 13
Netflix
One TSA agent is in for a less-than-jolly holiday when he's blackmailed by a traveler hoping to bring a very dangerous package into the airport on Christmas Eve.
Carry On stars Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, and Sofia Carson.
Mufasa: The Lion King — In Theaters December 20
Walt Disney Pictures
Not only is this Lion King sequel giving us a brand new look at a classic story, but it also marks Blue Ivy Carter's acting debut! The movie tells the story of how Mufasa began his journey as an orphaned cub and how a run-in with royal heir Taka changed everything.
Mufasa: The Lion King stars Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Aaron Pierre, John Kani, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, and Blue Ivy Carter.
Babygirl — In Theaters December 25
A24
Nicole Kidman's new December movie will add some spice to your holiday, thanks to an affair with her character's much-younger employee. Is it getting hot in here?
Babygirl stars Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.
A Complete Unknown — In Theaters December 25
Macall Polay/Searchlight Pictures
If you're still laughing about the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest, then you'll definitely want to show up to see this flick, which stars our favorite Timmy as Bob Dylan during his historical move from folk to rock'n'roll.
A Complete Unknown stars Timothée Chalamet Monica Barbaro, Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, Boyd Holbrook, and Nick Offerman.
Let us know which December movie you're most excited for on Instagram!
Nicole Kidman is, as the kids say, mothering. She's giving fans plenty of movies and TV shows to pick from while we wait for the next seasons of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers — A Family Affair, Expats, The Perfect Couple (and the AMC intro, of course). Her newest movie Babygirl comes from A24, and the steamy drama is mixing work and pleasure. Pour yourself a glass of wine for this one, folks.
Scroll down to learn more about Babygirl — and to watch the HOT new trailer!
What is the plot of Babygirl?
A24
Babygirl Plot
In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman plays Romy, a powerful CEO struggling to hold her perfect persona together. Her marriage to Jacob has never provided with much pleasure, despite the fact he's caring and artistic. But when Romy meets a young intern named Samuel, and feels immediately drawn to him, the two begin a torrid affair.
And filming scenes with Harry Dickinson got so intense, Kidman said she literally had to take breaks. “There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to orgasm any more,'” she told the Sun. “Don’t come near me. I hate doing this. I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!”
But the fact the movie was made by women empowered Kidman — and gave her a sense of freedom. "Doing this subject matter in the hands of the woman that wrote the script, that's directing it and is a really great actress herself — we became one in a weird way, which I'd never had with a director before," Kidman says in a statement. "When you're working with a woman on this subject matter, you can share everything with each other.”
"I really decided in the beginning, I want to make a sexual film, just as sexual as all these films that I've always admired so much," adds writer-director-producer Halina Reijn, "but now I'm going to do it completely through female eyes. What does that mean and what does that look like?”
When is the Babygirl release date?
A24
Babygirl Release Date
Babygirl made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, but you can watch the movie in theaters December 25, 2024.
Who's in the Babygirl cast?
A24
Babygirl Cast
The cast of Babygirl includes Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.
What has Nicole Kidman said about making Babygirl?
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Nicole Kidman revealed Babygirl is the most "exposing" film she's done because she's “made some films that are pretty exposing, but not like this.”
“It left me raggedm" Kidman says. "At some point I was like, I don’t want to be touched. I don’t want to do this anymore, but at the same time I was compelled to do it...This is something you do and hide in your home videos. It is not a thing that normally is going to be seen by the world.”
“I felt very exposed as an actor, as a woman, as a human being,” she continues. “I had to go in and go out like, I need to put my protection back on. What have I just done? Where did I go? What did I do?”
What does babygirl energy mean?
A24
"Babygirl" is a term of endearment that's usually applied to a man (you've probably heard it describe Pedro Pascal or Paul Mescal). When someone is giving babygirl energy, they're kind, cute, and disarming. And considering Babygirl plays with power dynamics, we could be guessing who the "babygirl" in question is up until the very end.
Watch The 'Babygirl' Trailer Here!
There were SO many moments that made our jaws drop here:
- The thumb in the mouth
- The pink skirt moment
- NICOLE CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS?!
Yeah, this is one you won't wanna watch with your parents, friends. 🥵
Are you looking forward to seeing Nicole Kidman onscreen again? We might have to wait until December to see Babygirl, but there are plenty of incredible Fall Movies coming our way.
This post has been updated.