Lifestyle

Royal mistresses who shaped history

The title of royal mistress goes back thousands of years. And as drama and scandal surrounded these women, society would often look down on them. However, these opinions were often kept a secret, because for some, the position of royal mistress was one of the highest in the land. Far from just keeping a monarch company in the bedchamber, royal mistresses, especially those from high-ranking families, often influenced them on issues of their own interests, and those of their relatives. And even if it could be an unstable position, love and lust remained strong, leaving an everlasting mark on the pages of history books. Intrigued? Click on to discover the most influential royal mistresses throughout history.

Your Health Horoscope for April 16, 2024

Each zodiac sign is linked to a part of our body and can reveal valuable information about how celestial forces influence our well-being. Discover your daily health horoscope based on your zodiac sign.Read More: Where Your Next Vacation Should Be Based on Your Zodiac Sign Read More: Health Horoscope

Aya Asaqas: Moroccan skateboarder hopes her Olympic dream can inspire next generation

Over the past five decades, skateboarding culture has influenced sport, fashion, music, art and architecture, all while fostering a sense of community, belonging. For 21-year-old Moroccan Aya Asaqas, skateboarding means many things. At first “it was like an escape”; a way to learn more about herself, explore her own limitations and push them as far...

This is why storytelling is good for your health

Storytelling is an ancient art form in many cultures. Storytellers played an important role in society before telephones and mail existed, traveling from village to village to spread important news and share old tales. Their arrival was welcomed, and the residents would gather together to hear them speak. Of course, we now have the news of the world at our fingertips and countless ways to entertain ourselves. Storytelling is no longer essential for such practical reasons, but it’s still a valuable art and a skill that we could all benefit from. When we relay a mishap at work to our partner or update a friend on last night’s date, we are also stortytelling. But when we truly recognize the importance of telling our stories and listening to the stories of others, we can unlock incredible benefits for our relationships, our creativity, and our mental health. Curious? Click through the following gallery to find out why storytelling is such a good idea.

Shoppers Swear By This $15 Hair-Thickening Serum That Adds ‘More Bounce and Volume'

More than 2,000 shoppers have bought it in the last month.

Silly irrational fears we all had as kids

Whether it's because of TV, books, or even stuff parents tell their children, kids are constantly haunted by irrational fears—like the idea that a serial killer lives in their basement and is just waiting for the perfect moment to murder them. As we get older, we tend to grow out of most childhood fears, and we can look back and realize how ridiculous they were. Click through this gallery to reminisce about the silliest fears you had as a kid.

Ram Navami 2024: Date, Shubh Muhurat And Significance Of The Birth Anniversary Of Lord Shri Ram

Ram Navami is a significant Hindu festival which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Ram. This day is observed on the ninth day of Chaitra month. Lord Rama is revered as the embodiment of compassion, morality, and goodness. His life and teachings serve as an inspiration to his followers, and his birth is honoured as a symbol of hope and optimism. This year, Ram Navami will be celebrated on 17th April 2024. Ram Navami 2024: Date And Time -...

Old architectural wonders that were destroyed

Over the years, our collective architectural aspirations have progressed forward in impressively futuristic ways, but these newer buildings have been built on the foundations of those that long came before. The only problem is that many of these architectural ancestors have not survived time's relentless effects, and gorgeous old structures which served as libraries, churches, theaters, and museums have been destroyed by war or demolished to make room for parking lots and freeways. These lost structures are doubly impressive because of the time in which they were constructed, without all the modern fixings and machines we have today. Click through to have a look at an architectural history that remains just that, history.

11 great at-home catering options for your dinner party in Dubai

Perfect if you don’t feel like cooking for a house full of people this weekend… Throwing a dinner party can be fun, but the prep work can take its toll on the host before the party even gets started. While ordering delivery at home is one option, there are plenty of places offering at-home catering […]

The capybara, an adorable animal going viral on social media

The growing trend: Why couples opt to live separately

With the amount of breakups, affairs, divorces, and separations at an all-time high, it’s high time to reimagine what relationships should look like. Our concept of the 'correct' romantic progression has generally followed a rigid scheme of meeting someone, falling in love, moving in together, and then potentially getting married and starting a family. Often the time spent living apart in a relationship is quickly eclipsed by the time spent living together. But, now, more and more couples are choosing to "live apart together." It doesn’t mean they don't love each other, but rather that they're assessing the best ways they can be the healthiest partners, and sometimes that just involves having your own space. Intrigued? Click through to learn more about the surprisingly strong case for couples to live separately.

Fear of flying? You are less alone than you think

Lies you were told as a kid that you still believe

Parents often tell their children myths and misconceptions in an effort to avoid tantrums and gain obedience. Regrettably, these falsehoods are often perpetuated and unquestioningly accepted as truth for generations. Let´s find a debunking of common lies that you may have heard as a child.

Weird and wonderful animals you've never heard of

We often grow up learning about the same popular animals (lions, elephants, dogs, monkeys, etc.), but there are so many underappreciated species that are left behind! Spread across the four corners of the Earth are strange and intriguing creatures that often exceed our imagination, exhibiting shapes and colors that only Mother Nature could design. Especially the creature voted the earth's most hideous species... Click through for a thorough introduction to the world's weirdest and most wonderful animals.

Twist in case of 11 people who fell violently ill after birthday bash

Guests at an 80th birthday bash believe a batch of ham and pea soup, which took the host three-days to make, was behind 11 people falling violently ill.

What fate befell the six wives of Henry VIII?

Henry VIII was King of England from 1509 until his death in 1547. As monarch, he is especially known for his six wives and, in particular, his single-minded effort to have his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon annulled. This led to his excommunication by the Pope and the initiation of the English Reformation. Indeed, his parting with Catherine led to a split with Rome. But what of his subsequent marriages? And who were the six queens consort wedded to Henry? Click through and find out who got divorced, who died, who ended up beheaded, and who survived.

Happy Durga Ashtami 2024: Maa Mahagauri Wishes, Messages, Quotes, WhatsApp And Facebook Status To Share On Day 8 Of Chaitra Navratri

Happy Durga Ashtami 2024 Wishes: One of the longest festivals of India, Chaitra Navratri is all set to culminate with Durga Ashtami and Navami celebrations. The nine-day-long festival of Navratri is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil and seek blessings of Goddess Durga and her nine different incarnations. Some people culminate in the festival of Navratri on Durga Ashtami, the day that falls before Maha Navami. This year, Durga...

Navigating social media mindfully: Building a positive online presence

Welcome to the journey of mindful social media use! In this fast-paced digital world, we all benefit when we explore navigating the online landscape with intention, and by crafting a positive and authentic presence. In this gallery, join us on a quest to curate a meaningful digital identity, fostering connections that reflect the best of who we are. Are you ready to shape a positive online space? Then click on and let's embark on this mindful journey together!

The truth about Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is one of the central figures of Christianity, and the story of his life is the basis for the New Testament in the Bible. Depending on your beliefs, you might see Jesus as both the Messiah and a historical figure. The Bible tells us a certain amount about his life, but very few historical sources exist from the time he was alive. This means it's a challenge for secular historians to find information about Jesus outside of religious texts, but there have still been some fascinating discoveries in recent decades. Some serve to support the stories told in the Bible, while others tell a different story entirely. Click through the gallery to learn what historians can tell us about the life of Jesus Christ.

Animals we always mistake for one another

Some animals share physical characteristics and look so similar that we end up mixing them up all the time. Indeed, some are even from different species, but nonetheless are alike in many ways. Sure, you can tell the difference between a lion and a tiger, but can you spot the difference between a jaguar and a leopard? Or perhaps between a llama and an alpaca? In this gallery, you'll find the most common animals we mistake for one another all the time. Click on and see if you can spot the differences!

Traits you have your mom to blame for (and some your dad)

You've probably been told that certain traits are inherited from either your mother or your father. But is this really so? Well, there might be some truth behind these claims. We inherit DNA from both our parents, and any traits passed on to offspring differ, depending on the parent. The fact of the matter is we obtain some of these traits from our moms, as we do others from our dads. But which is which? Click through this gallery to find out.

How to make positive affirmations really work for you

You've heard it before: people boasting about the effects of saying positive statements out loud. But as a newcomer to this mindfulness practice, these affirmations can seem, and sometimes even feel, quite awkward. In truth, it's much more than just telling yourself how awesome you are, though admittedly that’s part of it. There are effective ways to go about it that will work even for the most skeptical people. The first step is understanding how and why positive affirmations work, and the neuroscience behind the practice, which numerous people claim has changed their lives. Click through to see, based on information gathered by Positive Psychology, how to make it work for you.

Common mistakes dog owners make on the regular

Dogs make amazing companions, no doubt about it. Yet, teaching them the ropes and giving them the best care can throw some challenges our way. Of course, we want our furry pals to sense our love, but we're also aiming for good behavior and following our cues. Owning a dog brings loads of perks, but it also means stepping up to responsibilities. And let's be real, sometimes even though we mean well, we slip up and make mistakes. That's where this gallery comes in! Curiosity piqued? Go ahead and click through to find out if any of these sound a tad too familiar...

Balancing your masculine and feminine energies

Everyone has a balance of masculine and feminine energies, and they are by no means related to gender. An imbalance between the two causes problems in our daily lives regarding our working and social lives, and our relationships All of us will go through periods of imbalance of these energies. To find out how you can recalibrate to be in the more harmonious and balanced mode of being, click through this gallery.

Kanya Puja 2024: 5 Affordable Gift Items For Little Avatars Of Maa Durga

Kanya Puja 2024 Gifting Guide: The significant ritual of Navratri is Kanya Puja, which worships ten little avatars of Goddess Durga. People usually perform Kanya Puja on the eighth or ninth day of Navratri. Kanya Puja is a holy Hindu ritual that involves the worship of nine girls, representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Special delicacies including puri, chane and halwa are prepared and offered to Goddess Durga as prasad. The little girls...

Historical figures called crazy, who were right all along

So many of the things we take for granted today, things that so obviously improve our lives, didn't catch on as easily as you might think. It can be difficult for people to come around to new ideas, even when adopting them would be in their best interest. Indeed, individuals throughout history have been doubtful of everything from penicillin to airplanes, only to be proven extraordinarily wrong once the concepts they mocked went on to change the world. Although it's great that people usually come around to amazing ideas, it can be a very frustrating process for those thinkers and inventors who can't see why the world doesn't want their help. In some cases, these heroes of humanity couldn't even stick around long enough to see their work be appreciated. But we can certainly appreciate them now. Read on to learn about the figures throughout history who were right all along.

Coachella 2024: celebrities show their coolest looks

A visual journey through the worst hairstyles in history

Every generation looks back with embarrassment at their younger selves, and rightly so! Our proudest moments almost always turn into our biggest fashion faux pas with the predictable passage of time. Let's journey backwards to see some of the worst hairstyles in history, from ancient monks to '80s rock stars. Click through the gallery to get started.

Cafes in the UAE where luxury fashion meets fine dining

From ultra-chic showrooms, specialised boutiques and fashion week runways, the UAE is no stranger to all things luxury fashion. But taking it one step further, a handful of brands have married couture with cuisine in the Emirates with unique food ventures. Just last month, Ralph’s Coffee – the cafe by American fashion house Ralph Lauren – made its ...

Weirdest units of measurement that are actually real

There are a million ways to measure a great number of highly specific phenomenon, and some of them are quite unique. A lot of measurements get their names from everyday items, making them even more baffling and hilarious. Here are the weirdest measurements people actually use.

Affordable ways to make your home look more expensive

In home decor, sometimes less is more. You might follow the latest trends, but there are simple tricks you can use to make your home look timelessly luxurious, like it's owned by a celebrity! Of course, you don't want to spend an actual fortune making your home look expensive. But fear not, there are ways to achieve this on a budget. Click through the following gallery and discover the secrets to make you home look more expensive.

How dirty is your clean bathroom?

Did you know that some products traditionally kept in the bathroom should definitely be stored elsewhere? Things like toothbrushes, for example, and medication do not sit well in a bathroom's warm, damp, and humid environment, no matter how thoroughly you scrub your sink and toilet. Furthermore, these items and many more like them can promote health and hygiene issues you'd never normally associate with a place where you bathe and shower. So, just how dirty is your clean bathroom? Click through and discover what should be kept in another room.

Hiding spots for valuables that burglars won't find

We don't usually think about the possibility of our homes being broken into by burglars, but prevention is the best medicine. We all have valuables at home, whether that's cash, jewelry, expensive electronics, or even a hard drive or USB pen with important files; we need to keep them safe. Long gone are the days when we used to keep cash under our mattresses, but where should we hide our valuables? In this gallery, we give you a few options that no typical burglar will think of. Curious? Click on and discover the best hiding spots for valuables.

The terrible truth about child stardom

As social media brings us all closer to celebrities than ever before, many stars are choosing to keep their children out of the spotlight. Given what we're learning about the effects of growing up in the public eye, it certainly seems like the safest choice. Many of the child stars who came up through the likes of the Disney Channel and 'The Mickey Mouse Club' are now fully-fledged adults who are looking back at their experiences and sharing the dark truths about exploitation and abuse. Even those who weren't directly harmed by the adults around them still have their fair share of trauma to work through. Child labor is prohibited around the world for good reason, but the entertainment industry has always been a controversial exception. Click through this gallery to read about what it's really like to be a child star.

Do you remember these toys from the 90s?

Facial detox: Tips for healthier skin

Daily pollutants, chemical products, cosmetics, and stress can really take a toll on your skin. Facial skin can accumulate impurities that only a deep cleansing can remove. Besides targeting embedded dirt and fighting free radicals, a facial detox creates smoothness and cell longevity for your skin. Here are some of the things you can do for a successful homemade facial detox.

What do tattoos say about us?

These Delicious Passover Foods Deserve a Spot on Your Seder Table

Plus, some of our favorite Passover recipes. Every spring, Jews around the world sit down to begin the eight-day (or seven days, depending on the family) festival of Passover with a dinner called a seder. In 2024, the holiday begins on the evening of April 22nd and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 30. Though every family has its own traditions and rituals, the purpose of the holiday is to retell the Biblical story of the Jewish people fleeing slavery and finally leaving Egypt. The festival is perhaps best known for the Passover foods consumed (and not consumed) throughout the week. Though every Jewish family has its own standards and levels of observance, one of the most common rules is that Jews cannot eat anything considered chametz. This refers to anything that contains grain that has come into contact with water and had the chance to rise–think bread, pancakes, cupcakes, and cookies. This is because when the enslaved Jews were leaving Egypt, they didn’t have enough time to allow their bread to rise. Many Jews will only consume foods that are unleavened and have a special kosher for Passover marking. Additionally, some Jews that come from Eastern European countries also avoid foods called kitniyot, which include rice, mustard, corn, beans, and other legumes. Instead, many Jews will use ingredients like almond flour, potato starch, and an unleavened cracker called matzah to cook throughout the holiday. When the sun sets on the first night of Passover, a large dinner will be served, and at the center of the table is the seder plate. A large plate with a shank bone, egg, bitter herbs, greens, lettuce, and a special mixture called charoset (more on these later). Recipes to make Passover foods If you’re looking to make some delicious meals with some of the Passover foods below and more, some of our favorite recipes include: Matzo Ball Soup Gefilte Fish Slow Cooker Brisket Crispy Roasted Potatoes Green Beans With Olive-Almond Tapenade Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Kale Cauliflower Tabbouleh Potato Kugel Roasted Baby Vine Tomato Grilled Chicken Flourless Chocolate Cake Roast Lamb Charoset Chewy Chocolate-Walnut Cookies So, what traditional Passover foods are served at a Passover meal? This varies family-to-family, but some common foods include:

Are natural products always better than synthetic ones?

For years now it has been a common marketing tactic of cosmetic companies to market their products as 'natural.' There is a general perception among consumers that products described as such must be better for both our bodies and for the planet. The reality is, however, that the situation is not always clear-cut. Check out this gallery to learn why.

101 unique name ideas for your pet dog

Naming a dog can be a fun, but sometimes daunting, experience. We often taken into account the dog's breed, size, personality, and of course, our personal taste in names. But with so many options out there, how do we find the right name? If you're looking for inspiration on how to name your new four-legged friend, then this is the perfect gallery for you. Browse through the gallery and you'll surely find the perfect name for your pooch!

The most beautiful surrealist sculptures around the world

There are surrealist sculptures around the world that have been created with such attention to detail that they confuse and amaze art lovers! You'll find these installations in various prestigious art museums around the world. Check out the most beautiful surrealist art sculptures on the planet!

Easy stretches for menstrual pain relief

Menstruation is a natural process, but one that can be extremely uncomfortable and painful at times. Indeed, there are a number of strategies and tools available to deal with the effects of menstruation, and stretches are one of them. Many poses can help alleviate menstrual pain through a number of mechanisms, including muscle stretching and increasing blood flow to specific areas of the body. In this gallery, we show you simple stretches that can help with period pain. Click on and try them out!

Prehistoric animals you won't believe existed

The animal kingdom is full of a wide variety of animals living in the seas, land, and skies. Millions of years ago, many more species made the Earth their home, but have since gone extinct. In the following gallery, browse through and discover the incredible and fascinating animals that once roamed the planet.

Going braless: benefits and beginner advice

The no-bra look is a big trend in fashion and feminism these days, but is it really better than wearing a bra? Going braless is all about personal choice. We all love taking off an uncomfortable bra after a long day, but that doesn't mean it works for everyone all the time. The key here is freedom. Whether you want to wear a bra or not, you should be able to make your decision purely based on your own comfort and physical needs. There are plenty of harmful myths and attitudes floating around that may prevent a woman from doing this freely. Click through this gallery to see them deflated and learn more about the benefits of going braless.

How smart is your dog? This breed intelligence ranking will tell

Dog breeds are broken down into all kinds of categories to help owners understand the ones that make the best fit for them. One of those categories is intelligence, which can be helpful when you're looking for a working dog, among other reasons. The website Dog Breeds List ranks breeds according to the animals' ability to understand and obey first commands. For example, those in the top 10 need fewer than five repetitions and obey on first command 95% of the time. Click through the gallery and find out how your best friend ranks.

Everything you need to know about millennials

There are a lot of generalizations out there about millennials, who might just be the most studied generation in history—and perhaps the most misunderstood. Often criticized for being entitled and lazy, other stereotypes include that they're yoga-obsessed vegans who subsist entirely on avocados while constantly being active on social media. However, there's much more to this generation. Defined as people born from 1981 to 1996, the term "millennial" was coined in the 1991 book 'Generations' by historians Neil Howe and William Strauss. And while the word is sometimes still used as a catch-all term to describe young people, some millennials are now in their 40s. So click on for everything you need to know about millennials.

Lost pets: basic precautions you can take

According to American Humane, every year around 10 million pets go missing in the United States. A lost or missing pet can cause heartbreak and misery for its owner. Very likely overcome with worry and a sense of guilt, they'll also have to deal with the void left by the disappearance of their little friend. Indeed, it's just like losing a loved one. But there are things you can do beforehand that will assist in the safe recovery of a wayward pet, and methods you should adopt to lessen the chances of your buddy going AWOL in the first place. Click through and find out the basic precautions you can take to keep your pet safe.

Pink, green, purple: check out the world's most colorful beaches

There's nothing better than taking a beach vacation. The idea of sitting back on fine white sand with a drink in hand comes as close to paradise as it gets. But what if you could be sitting on pink or green sand? Colorful beaches are scattered all across the globe, and they are as stunning as your imagination can muster. Browse the gallery and check it out for yourself.

The most beautiful cathedrals in France

The laziest animals on the planet, and their hilarious quirks

After a day of sitting down, first at work or school and then at home while you binge your latest favorite show, it can feel like humans are the laziest species alive. But fear not, for there are plenty of way lazier animals out there! These animals also have hilarious habits that either force or facilitate their laziness, and it all just goes to prove that nature has a seriously incredible sense of humor. Click through to see the laziest of them all, and find out how they're actually biologically inclined to inertia.