POPSUGAR Culture

How These Small-Business Owners Balance Their Creative Drive With Digital Demands

Kelsey Garcia — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:00:03 -0700

CleanMyMac by MacPaw

Being a small-business owner in a creative field is to exist between two worlds: the artistic mind is the driving force, but the operational logistics can't go ignored either. And while modern technology makes it easier than ever, the typical workday still comes with its own messes, dwindling storage space, and plenty of troubleshooting.

That's why many turn to CleanMyMac by MacPaw, the all-in-one Mac care app, cleaner, and maintenance app. CleanMyMac helps tackle junk, duplicates, malware, and performance issues so all kinds of business professionals can, well, get back to business. Below, two creatives and business owners offer a glimpse into their daily digital lives and how their laptops keep things running.

Sabrina Swogger

Floral Designer and Owner of Flower in Style

Courtesy of Sabrina Swogger

I first fell in love with floral design while creating the flowers for my sister's wedding. I still remember designing her bouquet and seeing how something as simple as flowers could hold so much meaning. It wasn't just arranging blooms - it was about telling a story, celebrating a milestone, and creating something beautiful for someone you love. From that moment on, I knew I wanted flowers to be a bigger part of my life and career.

After freelancing for a few years and learning from some of New York City's top florists, I decided to go out on my own and start Flower in Style, a design studio specializing in weddings, events, and brand activations. I launched the business on my birthday; it was a gift to myself. After years of helping bring other people's visions to life, I was ready to create something of my own. It was time to bet on myself and turn a longtime dream into a reality.

But starting a business was about as terrifying as it was exciting. No two days are the same. One day I'm in the flower market sourcing blooms at sunrise, and the next, I'm building proposals, designing mood boards, answering client emails, creating content, or installing florals at an event. During wedding season, my days can start at 5:00 a.m. and end at 11:30 p.m.

People see the finished arrangements, but they don't always see the bookkeeping, invoicing, marketing, and problem-solving behind the scenes - not to mention the unpredictable nature of working with a perishable product. Running a creative business sometimes means wearing every hat: designer, accountant, salesperson, marketer, customer service representative, and delivery team all at once.

My Mac is open from the moment I start my day until I go to bed. It's the central hub of my business from communicating with clients to whipping up contracts. And it allows me to bring ideas to life before a single flower is even purchased: I create mood boards, design presentations, event proposals, and marketing materials. It helps me visualize concepts, communicate ideas to clients, and organize inspiration. It essentially acts as my creative studio when I'm not physically working with flowers.

I've had clients request last-minute revisions to proposals, timelines, or design presentations mere hours before an event or meeting, and being able to quickly update documents, communicate with vendors, access contracts, and reorganize logistics from a single device has helped me navigate countless high-pressure situations. In the events world, flexibility is everything, and my Mac helps me stay responsive when things inevitably change.

It isn't without its challenges though - one of the biggest being storage. As a floral designer, I'm constantly working with high-resolution photos, videos, design decks, proposals, and event galleries. Over time, those files add up quickly. When storage starts to fill up, I've definitely noticed my computer slowing down at times, especially when I'm juggling multiple projects during wedding season.

That said, every file represents a project, a client, or a milestone in my business, so it's a challenge that comes with growth. I've learned the importance of staying organized, backing up my work, and regularly managing files to keep everything running smoothly. For these moments, I lean on Space Lens, a CleanMyMac module that analyzes my storage and presents me with a map helping me visualize large files and other folders I could stand to part ways with.

CleanMyMac by MacPaw

When I first started my business, I envisioned throwing myself into the creative work. In reality, it's a balance. As my business has grown, I've realized that the administrative side often takes just as much (if not more) time than the creative side. While it took time to find that balance, I've learned that both sides are equally important. The creative work is what clients see, but the administrative work is what keeps the business running smoothly. In the end, it's all worth it to see a client's reaction when everything comes together.

Bianca Timiraos

Illustrator and Owner of Bianca Jayde Design

Courtesy of Bianca Jayde

There's a distinct memory I have of waking up one morning, in the spring of 2023, with an unshakeable thought: "I want to get paid to make cool sh*t." Really, it was a realization that I wanted to share my art with the world, but this dream soon consumed me.

Years prior, I worked in event design before transitioning to interior design operations. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, I lost my job due to pandemic layoffs, and while I was fortunate enough to land remote work, I was no longer working in a creative field, and for many reasons, I felt lost. But while spending all my time at home, I, like many, revisited old hobbies.

I used to love doodling as a kid but, for some reason, I stopped drawing as I got older. And I suppose because my mind was no longer being fed creatively through my day job, I had a void to fill during my off-hours, so I started putting pen, marker, and paint to paper.

This eventually led to the creation of Bianca Jayde Design. My business has gone through a few phases: I started out making art prints and notecard sets before expanding into wedding stationery and now, I even have a collection of illustrated silk scarves and cocktail napkins.

My workdays keep me on my toes - I may start the day perfecting a wedding invitation and end it sketching up a new silk scarf design. There's definitely an art form to managing not just multiple projects, but also multiple types of projects. While I love having creative agility, the biggest hurdles I face in the day-to-day are time-management and balancing client commitments with building out my product lines: I tend to prioritize client feedback and deadlines which can, at times, mean delaying working on my collections.

When you're running a creative business on your own, you're not only the artist but also the CEO, accountant, social media manager, IT specialist, and, at times, even the intern. When I feel myself getting stretched a bit too thin, I'm known to say, "I just want to draw!"

Helping me keep it all together, however, are my Mac, iPad, and iPhone. They're all synced so I'm constantly able to access my files on all three devices. I draw and find inspiration on my iPad, edit and manage projects on my Mac, and I post to social media on my iPhone.

Since I'm often working across devices, Cloud Cleanup helps me keep tabs on all my connected storage: the feature gives me all the insight into files across iCloud so that I can free up space by removing duplicate illustrations or drafts that I no longer need.

CleanMyMac by MacPaw

As a one-woman show, each aspect of my business comes with a a learning curve. But that's also one of the many joys of being an artist and entrepreneur: I am constantly learning and that's what keeps me going.

Final Thoughts

For most small-business owners, triumphs and heartbreaks happen alongside each other on a weekly basis. And as with anything in life, it's hard to do it all on your own - but when you're first starting out, it's unlikely to have the support of a full staff. That's why it's invaluable to have a trusted software companion be part of the team. Just like how you bet on yourself as a business owner, you can also bet on CleanMyMac.

For Your Next Girls' Trip, Try Sports Travel

Lena Felton — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:20:02 -0700

When I walked into SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 13, my throat caught with emotion. I'd never seen a sports arena teeming with so much fervor. American flags waved high above my head, vuvuzelas blared, strangers high-fived and wished each other luck. The security guards and ticketing staff were all smiles. It hit me then: I was about to watch the US men's national team face off against Paraguay in the World Cup. Having grown up playing soccer, the moment was surreal.

I'll caveat this with an admission: I'm not, in general, a big sports fan. While I support women's teams any chance I get and I do enjoy watching soccer, I'm generally apathetic when it comes to major sporting events. I'll go to one or two games per season for Bay Area teams, but if I'm being honest, I'm mostly just there for the good time.

I'd also never considered traveling for sports before. Plenty of my friends plan trips to see their favorite athletes and teams, whether to catch the US Open in New York City or to splurge on getting a glimpse of Formula 1. And with the World Cup this year in 16 cities across North America, plus the Olympics coming to LA in 2028, sports-related travel is only projected to grow.

All to say, when I was invited by Airbnb on a group press trip to watch the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game, I felt a bit out of my element. But after a few days in LA, I learned that sports-related travel can be extremely fun - especially when you're surrounded by likeminded friends. Our trip consisted of a group of several women in media, and we balanced getting hyped for the game with massages, hikes, and quintessential LA experiences. I love that this trip brought together a group of awesome women who could rattle off the top international players in one breath and their favorite natural wines in the other.

I also realized that sports travel, when done right, gives your trip a purpose, and it still holds opportunity for all the other things that you might love about travel, like adventure, good food, a healthy dose of relaxation. I'm not the only one: according to a report from Priority Pass, more travelers are pairing sports and wellness for the ultimate travel experience.

Here were the elements that convinced me a girls' trip with sports and wellness elements mixed in is a winning combination.

The Location and Lodgings

If you're a diehard fan, marquee sporting events like the World Cup, Olympics, and Formula 1 can give you an excuse to travel to a place you've never been before for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But even if it's a city you know well - I've been to Los Angeles a dozen times - you can still use the trip to explore a neighborhood you've never spent much time in. We stayed in a huge house in La Brea, which was centrally located for a massive city like LA. It meant that we could walk to the famous vintage shops on Melrose (which I hadn't done since high school) or hop in a Waymo to reach the beach. Of course, you also want to take into account the travel to and from the sporting event you're there to see. Thankfully, we were only a 45-minute drive to the stadium.

Staying in a house, versus a hotel, also changed the feel of our trip. Our airy Airbnb allowed enough space for us to spread out, but it also naturally encouraged spending downtime and meals together (I especially loved the communal feel of the kitchen) - and when you're traveling with friends, that's what vacation is all about.

The Event Itself

When it comes to making sure everyone enjoys the sporting event itself as much as possible, logistics are king. Do your research on the best way to get to the arena and how long you'll need for security; also consider booking a car service or reserving Ubers ahead of time. In our case, pre-game performances started two hours before the match, so we left extra early to make sure we didn't miss them.

Having a clear exit plan with the entire group also made all the difference. While some folks in our group arrived separately, we all left together, which made getting out of the packed stadium much more seamless. Logistical snafus can famously bring down the vibes in a group, so giving everyone different roles to make sure you're prepared for the main event is key.

The day of the event, I'd also recommend keeping the rest of your itinerary light. Dedicating an entire day to getting rested, ready, and hyped up for the big game, all together, allows you to truly convalesce around a celebration. Maybe you plan a special activity like decorating T-shirts as a group or you reserve a kickoff brunch at a fun restaurant; whatever it is, this is the time to lean into the inexplicable "collective effervescence" of a sporting event.

The Rest of Your Itinerary

While the game might be the main event, make sure whatever extra time you have on your trip, you're planning the things you genuinely enjoy, both for some solo time and to make memories with the group. Airbnb set us up with several different Airbnb Experiences to craft itineraries that felt true to our travel style. I opted for a Runyon Canyon hike with rescue dogs, an in-home massage, and a yoga class and soundbath that the practitioner set up in the backyard.

But while those were restorative self-care options, the time spent all together as a group was so special. One of my favorite parts of the trip was a private chef dinner at the house: we were all able to eat delicious World Cup-inspired fare in the comfort of our sweatpants.

Ultimately, a sports and wellness trip with friends is about making sure you're able to enjoy a thrilling experience with people you love, a new place worthy of exploring, and downtime for you to unplug. After that initial moment of awe when I stepped into the stadium, I spent the following few hours screaming my head off, jumping up and down whenever the US scored (which was a whopping four times), and genuinely embracing being a fully fledged sports fan, right alongside newfound friends. I surprised myself a little at how much I enjoyed it all, and that was thanks to the gift of the game.

Lena Felton (she/her) is a senior director of special projects at PS, where she oversees sponsored packages, tentpole projects, and editorial partnerships. Previously, she was an editor at The Washington Post, where she led a team covering issues of gender and identity. She has been working in journalism since 2017, during which time her focus has been feature writing and editing and elevating historically underrepresented voices. Lena has worked for The Atlantic, InStyle, So It Goes, and more.

This Is What It's Like to Travel With an Invisible Illness

Samantha O'Brochta — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:30:03 -0700

One day, when I was a teenager, I felt a large, painful lump in my armpit and hoped it was just an ingrown hair bothering me. It went away a few days later, so I assumed my self-diagnosis was correct. A month later, another lump appeared, but this time under my other arm. These bumps came and went, but each time hurt terribly and there didn't seem to be any remedy but to wait for them to either die down on their own or burst open and drain.

I was too afraid to tell anyone about it because it was so embarrassing. It hurt too much to shave my armpits and the bumps made them look unsightly, so I stopped wearing tank tops. The bumps got painful to the point that there were some days I couldn't even lift my arms. The cysts spread to my breasts and inner thighs as well, which made walking painful and wearing an underwire bra feel incredibly uncomfortable.

As I got closer to graduating high school and going off to college, I finally decided it was time to figure out what was wrong and I googled my symptoms. It turned out that I had hidradenitis suppurativa, a rare disease that affects your lymph nodes and causes an intense form of acne-like cysts that only get worse with age.

After finding a dermatologist and finding out there's no cure, I spent years trying to deal with it through a combination of pills and minor surgeries that didn't work. Since 2014, I stopped the treatment and decided to deal with it on my own.

Invisible illnesses plague many people in the world. Outwardly, someone may look fine and healthy, but under their clothes or hiding beneath their skin, agony is chronic and constant. There are varying levels of diseases and syndromes that can affect a person, and my hidradenitis suppurativa is definitely not at a point where I feel too debilitated to live a blissful life, but it's taken a toll on me in an unfortunate way that makes my favorite activity of travel a bit frustrating at times.

I never know when an outbreak of cysts are going to erupt and cause excruciating pain. I haven't seemed to figure out any sort of consistent trigger for the lumps to come out of hiding to attack me, but I am always feeling irritation from them in some way or another. As someone who likes to travel light and wear a backpack to avoid lugging around a suitcase, I've had to find a balance when it comes to straps that cut into my arms. Trying to travel solely with a backpack has cost me some good days when it comes to the pain that follows.

As a curvy traveler, I already get the oh-so-fun chub rub when I do a lot of walking, but on days when there's a flare-up on my thighs, I feel so terrible when I am unable to go for long without needing to take a break to avoid the friction making the problem worse. And it's hard to explain to a travel partner why I need to stop without sounding like I have no endurance and that each step hurts internally to the point where I can't enjoy anything.

Sometimes I wish I could be carefree and wear a bathing suit and go out into the water and take a cliché photo with my arms up.

Sometimes I wish I could be carefree and wear a bathing suit and go out into the water and take a cliché photo with my arms up, looking all happy and unbothered. But embarrassment haunts me with every potential change that my armpits could become visible to another human being and they could see the mangled, lumpy skin that hides under there that I am so ashamed of. Beach vacations are about letting loose and relaxing, but I avoid them at all costs to lessen the chance of wearing anything that could lead to the exposure of my secret.

I cannot go a day without taking my clothes off for the night and there not being stains on my shirt from where my lumps have decided to drain on me. A normal person can pack clothes thinking they will be able to use a shirt more than once, but often my suitcase needs a healthy ration of tops to offset this unfortunate problem. And the smell these leaks produce is not hidden by deodorant, which makes me nervous every time I sit next to a stranger on a plane, train, or bus, hoping they wont smell the aroma that I have no control over.

It's bad enough that if affects my daily life, but when I travel, the stress of the planning and making sure everything goes right makes my disease seem to rear its ugly head and get worse, leaving me with one more problem to deal with as I try to see the world. Chronic pain is not a fun thing to have to worry about when you're seeking enlightenment and beautiful sights abroad.

But here's the thing: travel is my passion and I refuse to let this stand in my way. I may have to alter certain behaviors or avoid certain things to attain my goal of being a world traveler, but I am happy to push through the pain to make this happen.

I never talk about my invisible illness with anyone because it's a personal trait that I don't want to explain to people who might think I'm contagious (I'm not), but I think it's time to be open about my affliction and let others know they're not alone. Walking through the world while worrying about balancing my health and my passion is an odd path to take because I am constantly unsure of what aches lie before me, but I am determined to take on the challenge and hopefully inspire others to do the same if they're able.

Samantha O'Brochta is a travel writer and content creator based in New York City.

How I Made My Solo "Workcation" Feel Less Lonely

Emily Zirimis — Tue, 19 May 2026 08:57:50 -0700

PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

Last month, I flew to Los Angeles for work, admittedly one of my favorite places to travel to for a work trip. And while an out-of-the-ordinary rainy day greeted me upon touchdown at LAX, the familiar line of palm trees and nearby In-N-Out still pulled me in like a warm hug.

I'm typically a pretty flexible traveler, but at this stage in my career, the novelty of a fast work trip can wear off. So this time around, I switched things up and stayed at the Moxy Downtown Los Angeles, a Marriott Bonvoy property, which is designed with solo travelers in mind. (You can check out other Marriott Bonvoy properties using Marriott Bonvoy points for your next solo work travel trip.) There are multiple restaurants, a pool, gym, and more amenities located within the same building as the Moxy and its sister property, the AC Hotel.

Fortunately for me, staying at the Moxy DTLA meant a fairly quick car ride from the airport (gotta love LA traffic), which made for a faster hotel check-in. A lovely concierge at the front desk welcomed me in the moodily lit lobby area, and went over the various amenities, again reiterating that I didn't really need to even leave the property if I didn't absolutely have to.

Michael Kleinberg, courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy

I'm not a big solo meal girl if I can help it, so eating dinner alone on my first night of this trip was out of my comfort zone (growth!) but the staff at AC Bar & Bistro was welcoming and the vibes were elite, so I felt perfectly comfortable. I ordered an appetizer of marinated olives, the hanger steak frites with arugula and chimichurri, and the Oaxacan Sour cocktail consisting of Banhez mezcal, lemon, egg white, and Angostura bitters.

While still running on east coast time, I woke up early the next morning and headed straight down to Bluestone Lane, conveniently located in the first floor lobby where I ordered two different types of toast: the peanut butter and berry toast with strawberries, raspberries, honey, and mint on multigrain toast, as well as the avocado toast, which came with cherry tomatoes, feta, prosciutto, and a sprinkle of chili flakes, also on multigrain toast. (I couldn't decide. Both were fab, no regrets.)

As I prepared for a day out and about in LA with a friend, I chilled in my room - with a corner view at that! The cozy room featuring a king-sized bed overlooking the city provided the perfect solo escape for a work trip.

Since I knew I'd have at least one day to myself in LA before work ensued, I made sure to make both plans with a good friend, as well as solo down time for myself. It was a good balance of activities, and I felt like I got a nice dose of both. We went to vintage furniture store Pop Up Home, stopped by the Damson Madder pop-up, walked Little Tokyo, and paid a visit to Erewhon, a no-brainer for an East Coaster like me. That delicious $24 Hailey Bieber smoothie? Fortunately (or unfortunately), it is good.

Emily Zirimis is the associate creative director at Popsugar. Before joining the PS team, she worked as Creative Design Director at Teen Vogue for nearly six years. She holds a BFA in Communications Design with a minor in Art History from Pratt Institute and has been working in the digital media space since 2014.

18 Hotels Doing Wellness Travel Right

Kelsey Garcia — Mon, 18 May 2026 13:30:03 -0700

In an age of hyperproductivity, extreme optimization, and multi-function everything, people are starting to vacation differently. Many travelers are moving past crammed itineraries and busy sightseeing, in favor of more intentional tourism. To create more restorative moments of rest and overall wellness, we've seen a rise in grief retreats, quiet quests, and even "calmcations".

Wellness tourism is booming, and it's not slowing down anytime soon, with the industry projected to grow from $1 trillion to $3.25 trillion between 2025 and 2034, per Fundamental Business Insights. The industry broadly refers to hotels and retreats with a wellness specialty, whether that means a workout program, a cutting-edge spa, a plant-based menu - or all of the above. But some properties are also carving out more specific niches with offerings like equine therapy, spiritual rituals, falconry, in-room infrared therapy, and a menu of biohacking therapies.

Henley Vazquez, the co-founder of modern travel agency Fora, says she tends to see an uptick in wellness travel bookings in January. She has a few theories as to why that might be: "One is that you come out of the holidays and you want a fresh start in the new year. Instead of just making a New Year's resolution, you're actually going and doing something about it," Vazquez says. But she also thinks there's a greater awareness around health and wellness following the COVID-19 lockdown, as many people turned to the great outdoors for relief. "For lack of anything else to do, [people] bought a pair of hiking boots and climbed a mountain and found out, 'Actually, this makes me feel really good,'" she says.

These days, there are options for every kind of traveler, making wellness travel more appealing and more accessible than ever before. But wellness has also become a baseline consideration for even the most traditional trips. Someone seeking out a summer beach vacation might also be asking themselves, "How do I come back as a better person?" Vazquez explains.

With so many wellness offerings to choose from, these are the tried-and-true properties Popsugar editors believe are doing wellness tourism right. From a luxury lifestyle hotel in Portugal, to a relaxing oceanfront property in Laguna Beach, we rounded up some of the standout stays for health, fitness, and overall wellness. Read on for our recs, but be warned: travel bookings may ensue.

Experts Featured in This Article

Henley Vazquez is the co-founder of Fora, an online travel agency and network of travel advisors.

I Went on an "Ex-cape" After My Breakup, and It Kinda Healed Me

Renee Rodriguez — Wed, 13 May 2026 10:35:03 -0700

Last September, I broke things off with my off-again, on-again, boyfriend for what was probably the millionth time. (Okay, officially, it was the third or the fourth time, but spiritually and mentally, it felt like a lot more.) Because it had happened so many times before, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but that didn't mean I was immune to the emotional fallout that happens after a relationship ends.

If there's one thing I tend to do after a breakup, it's overthink everything. By November, I could feel myself getting stuck in a constant thought loop, replaying conversations, rewriting outcomes - the usual. And although I hadn't run into him yet, I knew it was imminent. We both live on the west side of Los Angeles, frequent the same bars and hang outs, and even still keep some mutual friends. I didn't want my entire emotional state hinging on a chance run-in at Erewhon, so I decided I need to make an escape.

When I was invited to visit the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica for a five-day stay to test the spa and wellness offerings, I decided to treat it as something more intentional: the escape I was looking for, an "ex-cape."

In my mind, it's exactly what it sounds like: an escape from your ex, yes, but more importantly, an escape from the version of you that only exists in relation to them. It's not about being dramatic, or cutting someone off in a grand gesture. It's about quietly removing yourself from the habits that keep you stuck. And as much as I didn't want to admit it, I was stuck.

I planned to lay around, read books, enjoy the sunshine, swim in the ocean, and try to stop looking at my ex's Spotify for an entire week - a feat I hadn't been able to accomplish since we parted ways. (First in my bloodline to stalk someone's Spotify, by the way.) That plan, for the record, lasted about five minutes.

When I first arrived in Costa Rica, the Four Seasons sent over a full itinerary, and my immediate reaction was mind panic. The activities looked amazing, but the days were stacked. I'm talking early mornings, multiple wellness sessions a day, and structured activities back to back. Instead of lying around doing nothing, I would be participating in breathwork, energy work, astrology readings, and a few things I didn't even fully understand yet.

The activities were of course optional, but I decided to embrace the intinerary full force, and what ended up happening was something I didn't expect: I didn't even have time to spiral. On my first day, I participated in an energy-balancing massage, and later that night I participated in a Yin Yoga class at the resort's Wellness Shala, an open-air structure overlooking the ocean. You could hear waves the entire time, feel the humidity in the air, and immerse yourself in the environment.

Every spa or wellness session started the same way: I would sit down with a practitioner, set an intention, and actually think about how I was feeling. It was deliberate and purposeful.

The next day, I had a private session with an energy healer and reiki master. I'll be honest, I went into it a little skeptical. There were absolutely moments where I was like, "Do I fully understand what's happening here?" The answer was a resounding "no," but I felt calm and grounded afterward, which was enough for me.

Then, there was the astrology reading: an in-depth birth chart session that lasted close to two hours. I'm a Taurus, which I already knew, but this went far beyond that. We got into planetary placements, patterns, and life timing. In mildly terrifying news, however, the astrologist did mention that I likely wouldn't find my one true love until 2027. Sad!

The standout activity, no contest, was surfing. On day three, I finally got out into the water for a surf lesson, and it was the first time the entire trip that my brain went completely quiet. I'm not referring to a calm or regulated nervous system. I mean totally silent. There is something about trying to stand up (and eventually actually standing up) on a moving wave that leaves zero room for overthinking anything - including a recent breakup. Instead, I was having fun, dude. I was living. And it was great.

I must admit - the trip wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, I did get stung by a jellyfish and step on a bee (all in the same day), but I chose to look at those mishaps as character building. Throughout my time in Costa Rica, I found pockets of what I originally thought the trip would be: lying in the sun, reading, doing absolutely nothing. But the structure, which I initially resisted, ended up being the thing that helped me the most.

Through all of this, there was no space to think about my ex, no space to overanalyze my life, and absolutely no space to stalk someone's music-listening history. I could only focus on what was directly in front of me, and it was exactly what I needed. I had experiences that required my attention, my body, my participation.

I didn't come back from the trip suddenly healed or over my breakup. It took me several more months to actually get there. But for those five days, I was pulled out of my normal patterns. I wasn't sitting around and overthinking, I wasn't reaching for distractions that didn't help. I was doing new, unfamiliar things - things that were occasionally uncomfortable - but things that required me to be present.

Ultimately, that's what an ex-cape is - an opportunity to escape from the checking, the spiraling, the overanalyzing. And it doesn't need to involve hopping on a plane and leaving the country. It can be a trip, but it can also be a weekend, a routine shift, or a decision to do something different long enough to interrupt the pattern. Mine looked like Costa Rica, a fully stacked itinerary, and a few moments where my brain finally shut up. But the point isn't where you go. It's that, for a second, you stop doing the thing that's been keeping you stuck.

Renee Rodriguez (she/her) is a senior staff writer and producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.

Step Inside the Airbnb Where We Shot Our "Off Campus" Cover

Lena Felton — Wed, 13 May 2026 05:50:02 -0700

If you've checked out our cover story with Belmont Cameli and Ella Bright, the stars of the new Amazon Prime series "Off Campus," then you know the setting of the shoot itself plays a big part in the photos. A gorgeous pool, a stylish kitchen island - these are some corners of the beautiful West Hollywood home that feature in the final photographs. And you can rent the exact location through Airbnb.

Though you can't tell from the cover story, the rental home actually boasts five bedrooms and five bathrooms, including a separate pool house. One of our favorite rooms was the upstairs master bedroom, which has a huge walk-in closet and a private rooftop with an outdoor fireplace.

PS Photography | Emily Zirmis

But every detail of this house is expertly curated: its Santa Fe-inspired design makes it feel like an ultra-luxe oasis right in the heart of Los Angeles, as if you've just stepped into a wellness resort. It'd be the perfect choice for a special birthday trip, or a treat-yourself vacation with friends. And it's walking distance from trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as The Grove, a popular outdoor mall.

Over the course of our shoot day, our editorial and production teams spread out in the living and dining rooms, which have an open floor plan and large arched windows that let in beautiful light. That area flows naturally to the aforementioned kitchen, where the fridge is hidden and the long island truly steals the show.

PS Photography | Emily Zirmis

Meanwhile, Bright got all of her glam done in the pool house, which has its own kitchenette and bathroom. It was the perfect place for a rising star to get all glammed up and feel fabulous. And when it came time for the camera, our photographer, Sophie Chan Andreassend, mostly shot the couple around the kidney-shaped pool, which turned out to be an ideal place to conjure summer love.

Ultimately, this Airbnb was the perfect setting for a romantic, aesthetic shoot day. And trust us: if you rent it, you'll feel like you're getting the celebrity treatment, photoshoot or not.

The Romance in "Devil Wears Prada 2" Was Underwhelming - and That's Kind of the Point

Kristine Thomason — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:49:52 -0700

There's so much to love about the "Devil Wears Prada 2": the little winks to iconic lines from the original film ("that's all"); a dazzling display of designer fashion; and, of course, the incredible core cast who can really do no wrong (Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, I'm looking at you).

Admittedly, when the sequel was first announced, I was excited but cautiously optimistic. I've loved the original since I saw it in theaters as a teen back in 2006 - I was awed by the glamorous world of glossy magazines, and it served as one of the many media-focused movies from that era that inspired me to become a lifestyle journalist. And, given all the disappointing reboots as of late, I tempered my expectations before seeing the much-hyped sequel during its premier weekend.

As the credits rolled, however, I found myself pleasantly satiated. It was like trying one of the specials at your favorite restaurant - not necessarily as good as your tried-and-true dish, but enjoyable nonetheless. While it doesn't overshadow the iconic original, I was impressed by just how much "Devil Wears Prada 2" got right. For one, there's the fashion, of course, which not only provides incredible stunning visuals, but also acts as its own form of storytelling.

The movie also offers an accurate (and, at times, triggering) depiction of the precarious state of media and journalism as a whole. And, most of all, I really appreciated that the character arcs all felt organic and believable. In fact, one aspect I really appreciated about Andy Sachs' character (Hathaway) is how she is confidently, unapologetically on her own path - one that might look different from what society often deems the "correct" stage for a woman in her early 40s.

When we catch up with Andy, it's been 20 years since her time as Miranda Priestly's (Streep) assistant at the prolific fashion magazine Runway. During this time, she seemingly built a successful career as a newspaper journalist, reporting on the kind of meaningful topics she'd hoped to cover as a budding writer in the first film. She's a more confident, self-assured version of the Andy we knew from the early aughts - and, while it's not rooted in any kind of rejection of norms or sacrifice, she just so happens to be single and childless.

In a scene where she's catching up with former colleague Emily (Blunt), Andy nonchalantly shares: "I'm not married. Never found the right person. And my kids are at a doctor's office on 85th. They're frozen eggs right now, but I like to think of them as my little ones, Siobhan and Esther." The tone is casual and lighthearted. It's very clear the film isn't implying Andy chose her career over having a family, the all-too-familiar trope we often see thrust upon driven female characters - rather, it simply shows that she's been doing her own thing. The writers seem to be making it clear they're not celebrating or condemning this fact. It simply is.

Similarly, the romantic storyline in this film is very much a footnote. Andy ends up hitting it off with a contractor, Peter (Patrick Brammall), while touring a new apartment, and the two begin a sweet yet simple courtship. I personally appreciated that on their first date, he actually made an effort to read some of her most recent articles (as any writer will tell you, this is our love language), and they spent the dinner engaged in fun banter. I've seen some criticism about the inclusion of this love interest, claiming the writers could have removed the character entirely without it having any bearing on the story. While that's almost certainly true, I actually really appreciate this innocuous romance.

To me, it was nice to see an example of a kind, supportive partner who wasn't threatened or irritated by Hathaway's dedication to her job. His very existence in the film was a lovely reminder that ambitious women don't need to choose one of two paths: dim their light to appease a needy partner, or girlboss in perpetual solitude. It's the perfect foil to the first movie, where Andy's boyfriend Nate (played by Adrian Grenier) seems to be perpetually irked by her job at Runway; he is wildly unsupportive and even encourages her to quit, despite knowing very well that this grueling job was an important means to an end for Andy's career. It's frustrating to watch, and has forever cemented Nate as a villain for many fans of the film, myself included.

In contrast, the only conflict that occurs between Andy and Peter is in a moment of heated work stress, where she snaps at him, saying her work is actually meaningful and implying he doesn't understand. He appropriately offers her some space - not in a nasty or passive aggressive way, but as someone who is choosing to set appropriate boundaries. At this moment, my husband turned to me and said, "I don't know enough about this character to care if they make up." Again, I feel like that's kind of the point here: Peter seems like a very nice guy, but the movie isn't centered on this relationship. He might be someone Andy ends up with long-term, or he might just be someone who brought her some joy for a few months - either way, it's totally fine.

Miranda, similarly, is paired with a kind partner in this movie (played by Kenneth Branagh), who - unlike the husband we see in the first film - isn't irritated by the attention she pays her job over him. Instead, he seems like a fully self-actualized human, happy to share his life with Miranda. He offers her an ear when she debates a career transition, and never once tries to influence her decisions based on his own desires.

"In decentering romantic relationships, the movie frees up space to focus on other types of bonds."

In decentering romantic relationships, the movie frees up space to focus on other types of bonds - namely, female friendships. As circuitous as it was, I loved watching Emily and Andy's relationship evolve onscreen. And, of course, there was something very special about the dynamic between Andy and Miranda's characters - particularly as the film came to a close, and there's a newfound mutual respect between the two.

Towards the end of the movie, we get a poignant conversation with the pair, in the backseat of a car (a clear parallel to the "don't be ridiculous Andrea, everybody wants this" scene in the original movie). I won't give away this speech, but one part that stood out to me is when Miranda mentions that there's always a cost to success. I appreciated this sentiment, because despite the happy ending of the movie, the writers aren't trying to leave you with the watered-down notion that, "Yes, you can have it all." Choosing to focus energy on one goal or area of life inherently limits the others, that's simple math. However, the story makes it clear that women's options extend far beyond the binary of a thriving career or a happy home life.

This message wasn't forced or stuffed into the plot. It was simply woven into the stories of the strong, powerful women onscreen. And, as a 30-something journalist who has often felt "behind" in life, I have to say, this thoughtful portrayal of three motivated ladies was wildly refreshing to see onscreen.

Kristine Thomason is a lifestyle writer and editor based in Southern California. Previously, she was the health and fitness director at mindbodygreen, and the fitness and wellness editor at Women's Health. Kristine's work has also appeared in PS, Travel + Leisure, Men's Health, Health, and Refinery29, among others.

What It's Like to Date Amid a New Diagnosis

Shahamat Uddin — Mon, 04 May 2026 07:10:03 -0700

It was as cute a meet-cute as could be. Megan Nicklay, 29 years old at the time, had made it from New York City to Santiago, Chile, where she'd spend the next few weeks completing a summer internship she planned over a year ago. Luck would have it that the man who owned the apartment she was staying at had a son - a son who was flirtatious, handsome, and had blue-green eyes that didn't decide on one color or the other. It was May 2025 and on this particular day, the two spent hours strolling and chatting in the crisp air, finally making their way back to the apartment that brought them together.

They sat in the back patio and string lights above watched on as Nicklay's newfound crush inched closer to her. "Can I kiss you?" he asked. Nicklay was gleeful, but as he placed his hand on her neck she flinched. One touch closer and he might have known right then: known that she was wearing a synthetic wig and had been diagnosed with cancer three months prior.

"It was all in the span of a few months," Nicklay tells Popsugar. "I first felt a lump on my body in January 2025. I got a biopsy and then I was diagnosed on February 25. I had sarcoma. I started chemo right away, first round in March . . . Two weeks later, all my hair fell out and I started radiation. In April, I had finals. I had my cousin's wedding and was feeling healthy and I thought, 'Perfect, I can go to Chile for a few weeks and do my scans when I get back.'"

Nicklay says she spent many weeks in denial after receiving her diagnosis. She was at the tail end of nursing school and attempted to proceed with her life as it had been, as a single woman in her 20s who enjoyed dates, love affairs, crushes. But after chemo, her body was different, and she asked herself, "Is anyone going to love me? Is anyone going to want me?"

Stories about illness and romance often portray couples who've already built a life together that's then tested by diagnoses, as seen in "The Notebook" or "Still Alice." But a growing number of narratives, from "Dying for Sex" to "The Big Sick," ask a different question: What happens when illness enters the conversation before love has had time to take shape? For those dating in the early stages of a diagnosis, romance can become a negotiation between disclosure and desire, vulnerability and self-protection, one that plays out before the relationship feels secure.

For Nicklay, those questions weren't theoretical, they followed her to Santiago, to the night she kissed her new crush under patio lights, and she relished it: yes, this feeling is still there, yes, it is still possible, yes she knew it, but . . . did he need to know? Over the course of their two month relationship, Nicklay never told him about the diagnosis. To this day, she still hasn't.

"There was one moment I did almost say it," Nicklay says. "We were with a lot of people who were smoking cigarettes and he was going on about how he knew people who got cancer from smoking and people who would still smoke once they had cancer, like his aunt. Then he asked me, directly, did anyone in my family have cancer?" Nicklay laughs telling this story, pointing out that she did answer his question as asked. "I said no," she says. "The truth is that there's no cancer in my family. I did not lie. It felt like a lot to drop in that moment."

Their relationship lasted the length of her time in Chile, and when she returned to New York, Nicklay decided that she wouldn't keep her diagnosis a secret with future suitors. "I was kind of a catfish on the dating apps for a little bit," she says. Nicklay took a sort of "revenge mode" approach to romance after feeling "invigorated and inspired" by her body's response to treatment, going on as many dates as she could and maximizing romantic experiences to prove to herself she still had her past self within her. Yet that too felt off, muddying the waters of how she wanted to approach love and how she wanted to approach her diagnosis.

Crush after crush and date after date, Nicklay continued to test how cancer - disclosing it or not disclosing it - impacted a relationship's trajectory. Was there a way for her to bring that aspect of her life into a relationship without it becoming a secret she carried or a challenge she was trying to outrun?

For many, dating amid diagnoses raises questions about the conditionality of love and what's worth investing in, compared to diagnoses received during long-term partnerships, where existing bonds and the strengths of lived-in relationships are tested. Jesse Cole, a 30-year-old healthcare worker, witnessed the latter firsthand.

"My dad had brain cancer when I was pretty young and was entirely bedbound for the better part of a couple of years," he says. "He had 11 brain surgeries and was quite sick, and then my mom dealt with ovarian cancer for six and a half years before passing away a couple years ago. I saw the way each one supported the other through both of their journeys and it was truly the most beautiful testament of unconditional love and support I have ever seen in any facet of life."

Having grown up with this model of love, Cole was stunned when his own medical diagnosis accelerated the demise of a new romantic relationship. In October 2024, he started to notice "crazy-looking rashes," all over his body, later combined with "electric shocks of pain." At the time, he had been on a few dates with Ryan* after being introduced by mutual friends. The two hit it off, but ultimately decided against a relationship right then. Jesse's symptoms persisted and doctors attributed them to an unspecified autoimmune disease. In early 2025, Ryan came back around, telling Cole, who was adjusting to his new normal, that he was ready for a committed relationship with him.

"Through the first couple months of the relationship, I really felt cared for and supported," Cole says. "This condition impacts virtually every aspect of my life . . . and it's really hard to be present, to go out, to enjoy things, to do anything that resembles normal life." Cole adds, "There were times where he was attentive to that. He would ask how he could help and adjust his schedule to be more in line with what I could and couldn't do, all of the things that I would want from a supportive partner."

But, in July 2025, when the two traveled to Europe for a birthday trip, Cole says the nature of the relationship started to change. Traveling between cities was difficult for him. Plans had to shift to accommodate his wellbeing, and in the moment, Cole apologized to Ryan for a "less-than-ideal vacation," and Ryan was understanding then, but his attitude shifted when they returned to the States. He confessed to Cole that he didn't "believe in unconditional love."

After telling Cole he felt "burnt out," of taking care of him, Ryan told Cole that even if they were together and married for 30 years, if Cole were to, for example, get a cancer diagnosis, Ryan would leave him. "He told me if I was hit by a car and couldn't walk - and thus go out and party anymore - he would leave me. He told me he would leave me if I gained a certain amount of weight," Cole recalls. "Suddenly all these beliefs that I guess he had the whole time were presented to me as like, of course, this is just what people think, right? And I was like, no, that's psychopathic. That's really terrible to say."

Cole says that a confluence of circumstances led to the end of the relationship, but discovering Ryan's attitudes towards him and potential romance with people who are living with chronic conditions forever changed the way he saw him. "I was angry at first," Cole says, "but now I mostly feel sad for him." He adds, "There's a life you have where you're young, hot, and your body works, but that's not always going to be the case."

Julie Stamm was 27 years old when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007. She had just moved to London and was a few months into a budding romance with a coworker, who she would go on to marry. She's "not proud to say" it, but looking back, Stamm realizes her MS diagnosis kicked her into "lockdown mode."

"I think I married him because I thought, no one's going to love me with all of this going on," she says. "I didn't know what this was going to turn into . . . After seven years of marriage, I ended up realizing that even with this chronic illness, I still deserve to have excitement."

Once separated, Stamm was "really nervous" to reenter the dating world. "I didn't know what it would look like to walk into a bar, pick someone up, and have to say, 'Oh, hey, I'm gonna run to the bathroom a couple of times because I don't feel great,' or 'I can't feel my left leg, I need to leave,' or what I would do if I walked into a bar in high heels and then be unable to walk out."

"I'm going to find the hottest guy at the bar. He's not going to know I have MS and I'm just going to do it."

Still, in the months following her divorce, Stamm set out a goal. "I'm going to have a one-night stand," she says. "I'm going to find the hottest guy at the bar. He's not going to know I have MS and I'm just going to do it." The plan never came to fruition: On her first single night out, she met her now husband and shared her MS diagnosis within five minutes of meeting him. He told her he didn't know what MS was, and Stamm replied, "Just don't Google it." But over the course of weeks that became months that became years, Stamm found their relationship could grow around her MS, not in spite of it. "We haven't spent a week apart since that night."

A year into their relationship, Stamm's husband was diagnosed with epilepsy, a condition she was able to quickly spot because of her own medical experiences. She says showing up to support him allowed her to understand how he had shown up to support her.

For people living with chronic conditions, "disclosure can be one of the worst parts of dating," Jacqueline Child says. Jacqueline was diagnosed with a chronic condition when she was 14, eventually leading to requiring a feeding tube in 2021. She had been putting off the feeding tube for years because of feelings around shame and stress - and dating.

"I experienced so much ableism and discrimination on mainstream dating apps - people running as far and as fast as they can at any mention of a diagnosis, or assuming that dating me would be burdensome or too stressful," Jacqueline says. "And it wasn't really what people wanted to deal with in their 20s."

Her experience, however, eventually inspired her and her sister, Alexa Child, to start a dating app tailored for people living with chronic conditions, Dateability. "Something that I struggled with when realizing that I wanted to meet people with chronic illness or disabilities is that everything that was built for my community was super clinical," Jacqueline says. "I would either have to meet someone at a doctor's appointment or a support group, and that's really not that fun for me. So I was like, let's make this normal and just have it be so that there's no shame attached."

The sisters launched Dateability four years ago and recently celebrated their first known wedding between two people who met on the app. They've prioritized giving the agency of disclosure to their users, allowing individuals to select from broad terms like "immunocompromised," "chronic illness," "permanent medical device," and these tags show up on a user's profile like religion, political views, or similar attributes would on traditional dating apps.

Jacqueline and Alexa shared the story of Rachel, who met her partner on the app. Rachel was born with a disability, while her match was, at the time, recently paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury. "Her partner didn't know how to navigate his new reality and she taught him that there is so much joy even in being disabled and there are so many things they can do. She changed his life forever," Alexa says.

Rachel recently passed away due to complications of her illness. And though Alexa acknowledges anxieties around timelines and life expectancy, she shares Rachel's story to say, "Life doesn't end when there's a diagnosis." No human is immortal ("we are all going to die," she says) and time doesn't inhibit the magnitude of one's love, nor do chronic conditions. Instead, they can be catalysts for the fullest of love to be felt.

"None of us know our time," Stamm says. "You take away the disease and realize this is just life . . . If you try to give control to the condition or the illness, you're giving it too much credit. I ask myself, what can I control? I can control my happiness. I can have three slices of pizza. I can drink that beer. I can walk into a bar and within minutes, find the man who is my entire universe." Google it later. Cheers to now.

Shahamat Uddin is a freelance writer largely covering queer and South Asian issues, but also related lifestyle topics and entertainment. His family hails from Sylhet, Bangladesh, but after growing up in Roswell, GA, he now lives in Brooklyn with his cat, Butter. Outside of PS, he also has bylines in Teen Vogue, Vogue, Vogue India, New York Magazine, Them, The Nation, and more.

I Booked a "Dopamine Reset" Trip After Feeling Distracted and Dysregulated

Kristine Thomason — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:30:02 -0700

Technology is a bit like a comet. On one hand, it's nothing short of magical; after all, with a small device that fits in the palm of my hand, I can call a friend across the country and see their face smiling back at me as we chat about our week. I can access an expanse of knowledge in a matter of moments that might otherwise take me weeks to uncover in a library. I can keep up with loved ones on social media, and even get sparks of inspiration that fuel the stories I write.

There's no denying that the internet and social media and smartphones have changed our lives over the past decade - but just like a comet gone slightly off course, the misuse of tech could potentially wreak havoc on our lives.

This sentiment has felt especially potent over the last year. I've noticed just how quickly and mindlessly I reach for my phone on a daily basis. In moments of boredom: I reach for my device. In moments of discomfort: I distract myself on social media. In moments of loneliness: I fill the void by thumbing through just about anything online. This is troubling at best, but to top it all off, I've noticed how the baseline hum of my anxiety has felt a bit louder as of late, and my ability to concentrate for long stretches of time has been slowly yet noticeably faltering.

I've tried a number of interventions to help regulate whatever screen time has done to my brain: I laid off caffeine and tried morning cold plunges instead, I've gone for technology-free runs, and I've even implemented a practice of intermittent digital fasting. Still, I couldn't quite break the habit of using my phone as a crutch for, well, life - but I was determined to change that.

I reached out to neuroscientist Nicole Vignola to get her thoughts on what in the world was happening to my brain. As it turns out, I'm hardly the only person with this experience. "In today's world, our brains are bombarded with high-dopamine hits from scrolling TikTok to snacking on sugar-laden foods to chasing likes on social media," she tells Popsugar. "This constant stimulation shifts our brain's baseline: what once felt enjoyable now feels boring, and everyday tasks like reading, working, or even talking to a friend can feel like a chore."

With dysregulated dopamine levels as my potential culprit, I set out to try a new intervention (which was, ironically, inspired by a TikTok video that came across my feed): a "dopamine reset." And, since I'm an avid traveler, I decided this recalibration time would be most effective in conjunction with a getaway.

Experts Featured in This Article

Nicole Vignola is a neuroscientist, brain health consultant, and the author of "Rewire: Break the Cycle, Alter Your Thoughts and Create Lasting Change."

What Is a Dopamine Reset Trip?

Dopamine, by the way, is a neurotransmitter that's integral to our brain's reward system - it influences feelings of pleasure, motivation, mood, and more. Our modern lifestyles, however, may contribute to a dopamine imbalance: "Overstimulation from screens and processed foods, lack of sleep, chronic stress, and even unresolved trauma can disrupt the way dopamine is produced and received in the brain," says Vignola, noting that biology also plays a role - and conditions like ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson's disease are all linked to dysfunctions in dopamine.

How do you know if you're dealing with an imbalance? "You might feel constantly restless, crave stimulation, struggle to focus, or find it hard to feel joy from things that used to make you happy. You might notice you're compulsively reaching for your phone, eating when you're not hungry, or procrastinating tasks that require deep focus. These are clues that the brain's reward system is overloaded and may be in need of some rebalancing," says Vignola.

That's because, with every enjoyable experience from dopamine, there is an unpleasant feeling that accompanies it shortly after. This usually manifests as the feeling of wanting more - more chocolate, more social media, one more episode on Netflix. "When we're always chasing pleasure, even small doses of discomfort, like boredom, can feel unbearable," Vignola says. "But if we learn to sit with that boredom, it actually becomes a biological reset button. We lower the baseline and allow pleasure to be felt again from simple, meaningful activities. It's not about eliminating dopamine, but about restoring our sensitivity to it."

That's where the dopamine reset comes in. And while you can't technically "detox" dopamine (contrary to what social media may lead you to believe), the idea of a reset is rooted in neuroscience. The concept: Temporarily abstaining from high-stimulation behaviors, so your brain can rebalance.

The approach is pretty simple. Nicole suggests spending 24 to 72 hours without screens caffeine, processed food, or passive entertainment. Instead, engage in low-dopamine, low-stimulation activities like journaling, walking, sitting in silence, or doing nothing at all. "It's in that boredom that the brain begins to reset. Even a short break can start to shift the needle and increase motivation and focus."

For me, I knew that if I was home, going through my regular routine, it might be too difficult to default back to bad habits. So instead, I opted to take my dopamine reset as part of a three-day retreat at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa.

My Experience With a Dopamine Reset Trip

Cal-a-Vie is just two hours from Los Angeles, but the sprawling French countryside-esque property feels like it belongs thousands of miles from home. When I pulled up to the resort on a Wednesday afternoon in April - with my phone glued to my palm like an extension of my body - I thought I was more than ready to disconnect for a little while.

Upon arrival, I was brought to the picturesque outdoor dining area - complete with a dreamy canopy of trees - for an al fresco lunch. When a vibrant salad was placed in front of me, my first inclination was to whip out my phone and document the whole thing: my meal, the setting, all of it. I decided that I hadn't really started the reset yet, so it was fine to snap a few photos of my lunch and the property, allowing myself to slowly ease into a phone-free existence (yes, I internally cringed while typing those words).

After lunch, I toured the grounds and could already feel the tranquil nature of this place seeping into my body. Later, I met with the resort coordinator and fitness director to discuss the plan for my stay. (Cal-a-Vie offers a wide array of fitness and wellness activities on a daily basis, and you get to customize the type of experience you want based on your goals.) My plan: Replace the time I'd normally spend on my phone with activities that support healthy dopamine levels, including exercising, time outdoors, journaling, reading, and simply relaxing. Per Vignola's advice, I would also minimize caffeine and sugar (which proved fairly easy to do with Cal-a-Vie's health-supporting food options).

After some more "easing" into my reset - aka, taking photos of my rustic-elegant room - I left my phone charging on the nightstand and headed to dinner. I grabbed my journal and a book - dopamine-reset-acceptable security blankets for a solo dinner. However, when I arrived in the grand dining room, I was surprised to see groups of people already situated around large dining tables. I must have looked like a lost baby deer, because a woman seated at one of the tables beckoned me over to her and asked me to join her group.

Immediately, I was welcomed by a carousel of new names and "nice to meet yous". Over the next hour and change, I'd learned all about my table companions - where they were from, why they were visiting, and other minute yet meaningful details about their lives. Gathered around that table, completely immersed in conversation and delicious food, screen time felt like a distant memory. It helped that not a single person had their phone sitting on the table (at Cal-a-Vie, they generally encourage going device-free in communal spaces). We were all fully present, with unfettered attention on the moment and each other.

The next day, I moved through one wellness activity after the next - sound bath, spa time, a workshop on boundary setting, trapeze yoga (something I never tried before, but immediately loved), and outdoor journaling. For lunch, I sat with my new friends, and at dinner, we gathered as a large community.

I have to admit, however, that despite the constant flow of soothing activities throughout the day - in between sessions, I noticed the urge to reach for my phone (to check for texts, emails, or other notifications). I gave myself some grace - realizing that a habit doesn't break in the matter of a day - and simply observed and acknowledged this inclination.

The following day, I woke up with the sun, and joined the daily-offered group hike. I'm not normally a morning person, but there was something magical about moving through nature in those quiet moments when the world begins to wake. I spent the four-mile trek chatting with my new friend, and letting the sunshine jumpstart my body and mind.

Something about beginning the day outdoors set the tone for the rest of my day. After breakfast, I journaled, practiced Pilates, took another trapeze yoga class, experienced a cathartic guided breathwork session, visited the spa, and even spent some time simply reading by the pool.

In each class and session, I engaged with new people from all over the country, bonding over these shared experiences. By dinner that night, it felt like I was at a party with a large group of my friends - rather than at a retreat with a room full of strangers. Throughout this day, with my phone out of sight and mind, I didn't once notice a digital craving. I was too busy meeting new people, learning new things, and engaging with activities that brought me joy. I felt an incredible sense of peace.

On my final day at Cal-a-Vie, I woke up with mixed emotions - a blend of gratitude for this time I had to reset, and also melancholy that my stay at this beautiful wellness oasis was already coming to a close. That morning, I rose for the hike, taking time to observe and truly appreciate my surroundings - I marveled at the vibrant purple flowers that peppered our path, and found delight in the way the sunshine sparkled against the morning dew. I ate my breakfast slowly, savoring each bite of the healthy, flavorful meal in front of me. I exchanged information with new friends, and made promises to stay in touch.

Before departing, I went on an astronomy hike, where an instructor put the scale of the solar system into perspective - measuring the distance between the sun and earth and beyond with each step we took. He mused about how many incremental cosmic miracles had to occur for us to even exist, and I thought about how I don't want to take any of it for granted.

Final Thoughts on My Dopamine Reset Trip

Over a short span of three days, I was amazed by just how much my nervous system felt like it was at equilibrium. By the second day, I felt the tether to my phone truly snap, and I experienced an incredible sense of calm as a result. The combination of stimulating my brain with learning, spending time in nature, and moving my body felt truly euphoric. Candidly, I wasn't sure a "dopamine reset" would really work - but I am happy to report that I felt the effects.

I was amazed by just how much my nervous system felt like it was at equilibrium.

The bigger concern, however, was bringing this sense of serenity back into daily life - especially when I have to engage with screens and technology on a daily basis. After all, Vignola says, "A dopamine reset isn't a cure, but it can be a helpful support tool in the broader picture of mental health." Her advice post-reset? "Continue to avoid compulsive behaviors, such as things that feel like a 'hit' but leave you drained. That includes binge-watching, endless scrolling, or sugar crashes. The goal is to train the brain to crave what nourishes it, not what numbs it."

Additionally, to maintain longer-term benefits, Vignola recommends everyone do a "daily reset," where you put your phone off at a specific time at night (ideally around 9 p.m.) and don't turn it on again until your morning routine is done. This helps to keep us balanced even in between.

And, as for finding a healthy relationship with tech, she says it starts with intention. "Instead of defaulting to your phone when bored, use it with purpose. I always recommend turning off non-essential notifications, deleting highly addictive apps from your phone, and using grayscale mode to reduce the visual dopamine spikes," she says, also recommending curating your social media feed to elevate you, not drain you.

"And perhaps most importantly, replace rather than just remove," she says, "swap screen time with an engaging book, a podcast, or a walk. The brain is wired for stimulation, but when we're thoughtful about what we feed it, we can shift from compulsive consumption to conscious engagement."

That replacement is key - and really, what it's all about. Rather than toiling life away staring at screens or scrolling social, we can spend our precious, limited time on this earth with activities that actually light us up. When I put my phone away for just a couple of days, I was able to read a book, journal, learn new skills, and more - all of which left me feeling joyful and accomplished at the day's end, rather than feeling depleted or guilty. However, what struck me most of all from this entire experience was the way removing my tech stimuli made space for community connection - no one was picking up phones at dinner or avoiding conversations with others by retreating into the Internet. Instead, it created space to deeply listen, to ask questions, and to forge relationships.

At the end of the day, removing digital distractions, even for a short period of time, allows us to get back to what makes us truly human - learning, creating, and connecting.

The Brand Behind Those Viral Colorful Backpacks Just Launched Luggage to Match

Sarah Wasilak — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 03:00:02 -0700

Image Source: PS Photography / Sarah Wasilak

If you know me, then you know I'm a certified Disney Adult who almost always has a trip to Orlando planned. So when the opportunity to test Cotopaxi's debut roller luggage presented itself, I was like, "No problem - I'm going to Disney next week." And this was particularly exciting for me because of Cotopaxi's signature feel-good color combinations, which are appropriately playful, and are of course extended to the new Coraza Roller Luggage in a very fun way.

Named after active volcano Mt. Cotopaxi in the Andes of Ecuador, Cotopaxi is a brand recognized for its durable satchels, duffels, and backpacks which feature contrast zippers with a colorblocking effect. It previously only offered softside suitcases in 38 to 65L, but the new Coraza hard shells are a game-changer. The biggest selling point for the Cotopaxi devotee? You won't miss the zipper effect because the colored wheels are interchangeable and allow you to mix and match your luggage to your travel destination - at least, that's how I plan to customize my vacations moving forward.

About the Cotopaxi Coraza Roller Luggage

The Cotopaxi Coraza Carry-On ($295) measures 22"H x 14.5"W x 9.5"D.
The Cotopaxi Coraza Checked Roller ($345) measures 30"H x 18"W x 10.25"D.
The cases come in three different colors: Aster, Blue Spruce, and Cotopaxi Black.
The Cotopaxi Coraza Wheel Replacements ($5) are sold separately and come in six different colors: Azure, Flame, Saltwater, Kimchi, Pitaya, and Citron.
The cases are made from scratch- and crack-resistant recycled polycarbonate, making them noticeably durable.
The interior mesh packing cubes are made from recycled materials and are completely removable.
The suitcase doesn't have a zipper, but two TSA locks that are easy to reset.

What I Like About the Cotopaxi Coraza Roller Luggage

Image Source: PS Photography / Sarah Wasilak

I'm such a fan of Cotopaxi as a brand because of the thoughtful color accents, and it was a delightful surprise to find that the suitcase interior fits the bill. The packing cubes have colorful zipper pulls and hooks that allow you to easily detach them for flexibility in packing. I personally took advantage by removing them completely, filling each side with "tougher" items I was bringing, like sneakers and hair tools, then packing the cubes with my daily outfits and clipping them back in. I found I even had extra room on top for my Popsugar Packing Cubes ($25), which I fill with smaller clothing items like socks, underwear, sports bras, swimsuits, and workout shorts. My cat Kit also tested out the luggage, and it clearly fits her perfectly - so it looks like she's coming to Disney, too.

As far as movability goes, I found the wheels offer a very smooth glide, and the suitcase's trip from the apartment to the car to the plane to baggage claim (and so on) proved its durability - there were zero signs of wear or scuffing on the outer shell.

What to Consider Before Buying the Cotopaxi Coraza Roller Luggage

Image Source: PS Photography / Sarah Wasilak

If you prefer zippers on your luggage, this hardside suitcase isn't for you. The TSA locks are heavy-duty, and absolutely secure, but you'll definitely have to exert some energy to pop the lock open by way of the button at the top. It's also important to note that there are no smaller hidden zippered compartments in the interior - it's just the two convenient packing cubes. I think of this luggage as more of a "fill it your own way" type of design.

Who Is the Cotopaxi Coraza Roller Luggage Best For?

The Cotopaxi Coraza Roller is best for anyone who loves pops of color on their luggage and has a lot of their own packing cubes and storage bags that they're committed to taking with them on trips. The interior packing cubes help to separate your packing into sections - you can store items both underneath and on top - but if you like to stay organized with several small pouches for accessories, you'll likely be adding those wherever you can find the room.

Where Is the Cotopaxi Coraza Roller Luggage Available

The Cotopaxi Coraza Roller Luggage is available on the brand's website. Today through May 3, if you buy either size of the Coraza you get a free Cotopaxi Cubo Expandable Packing Cube Set ($60) with your purchase.

Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the PS Shopping Director. With plenty of experience in the fashion industry and over 11 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing and creating social videos across the lifestyle, health, and fitness categories. She is the host of the "Dinner for Shoes" podcast and has bylines at InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit.

Breaking Up "Gracefully" Is Overrated

Susan Akyeampong — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:45:02 -0700

Over the weekend, many group chats were buzzing about Megan Thee Stallion's bombshell Instagram Stories. The posts alleged that her seemingly adoring, "golden retriever" boyfriend Klay Thompson had cheated, mistreated her throughout basketball season, and - the real kicker - turned around and told her he wasn't sure he could be monogamous. "I need a REAL break after this one," Megan wrote.

This comes after Megan had cooked Thanksgiving dinner for his entire family, bought a house with him, and often praised him in the press. And in hindsight, Thompson (and his brand) had benefited from their very visible, very loving relationship.

The outpouring of support was immediate. When Megan took to the stage at Moulin Rouge on Broadway the next day, she was visibly emotional, and the standing ovation she received felt like it carried the weight of something more than a great performance. Within that wave of online and in-person support though, was the counternarrative that it was undignified to reveal the infidelity and other private details of the relationship.

Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith went on air to say, "How come you couldn't just break up and go on your merry way? These women just chirp, chirp, chirp, chirping all over the damn place." The same sentiment was circulating on X over the weekend. One user said, "Sometimes even if they did you bad you don't need to make a scene of it." Another argued that if you're cheated on, the best response is to learn from it and choose better next time: "Be selective abt who u allow in ur life. Daily, more sitchs like this hit men; we take L & move on." The implication, presented as "concern" for Megan's image, is that a woman who has just been wronged out of a serious relationship should leave gracefully and spare the details.

The "graceful breakup" is a standard almost exclusively expected of women, and it almost always operates at our expense. Throughout the relationship, Megan appeared to follow the good girlfriend playbook: she was courtside at games, made an effort with his extended family, and used her far more prominent cultural platform in a way that, whether intentional or not, brought him considerably more public visibility than he had previously. Now that it's over, she's expected to take the messy details with her and leave his newly improved squeaky-clean reputation intact.

This of course isn't new. When former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay's ex-husband Bryan Abasolo filed for divorce in 2024, he pushed the narrative that she had chosen her career over their marriage and desire for children. She later said she had let people do the talking without commenting herself, and inaccurate stories circulated as a result. Now, remember when Jordyn Woods and Tristan Thompson kissed at a house party years ago? Thompson came out of it relatively unscathed while Woods received the lion's share of the public's lambasting.

Civility is always expected to flow from the woman, functioning as a kind of protective shield around the man while she absorbs the consequences. For Megan, there is the added layer of misogynoir: Black women who are outwardly confident in their sexuality are routinely held to a standard of having to prove their worth to be romantically chosen. The insinuation here has been that Megan's public image as a certified "Hot Girl" made it so that there was no way Klay was ever going to be faithful to her. What's more, Megan must have done something to lose a relationship that looked that good from the outside. The alternative doesn't fit the narrative that being chosen is something you have to deserve and then continuously maintain.

Even so, Megan has received a fair share of support - and it seems to surpass the typical sympathy one might have for someone who's been cheated on, which happens all the time. See, for many women and fans of Megan, the star-studded relationship had archetypal elements: a partner who shows up consistently, doesn't embarrass you, is faithful. Outside of his career accomplishments, Klay's new image was being built on the way he treated Megan, like when he would defend her in comment sections or pick her up from the airport with flowers.

Yes, the bar is catastrophically low, but many of us aren't asking for anything we're not offering in return, which makes it even more jarring when male suitors can't meet the bare minimum. In a sense, the reaction to this breakup news was a collective sigh from women who have been told in countless configurations online, in self-help books, and podcasts that the problem we face is that we're not enough, or giving too much, or giving to the wrong person.

Megan's experience speaks to the grief of women who've spent years being asked to pour everything into romantic relationships even at the risk of accepting unacceptable behavior - and I say that from experience.

My first relationship was awful. He was controlling and deeply insecure, and I spent the entirety of the relationship overcompensating out of desperation to be chosen. I absorbed his anxieties and presented them to my friends as my own choices. When it ended and the fog finally lifted, I had a lot to say and I said it to anyone in my circle who would listen.

While there are limits to using social media as a way to process trauma, there is something freeing about naming what has happened to you, especially when you've spent months or years carefully curating a version of events that protected someone else's image at the cost of your own clarity. Relationship psychologists argue that disclosing your experience is a part of healing because it breaks through the denial and silence that betrayal depends on to survive. In my experience, that is exactly how the healing began.

There is a perception of dignity that asks scorned lovers to leave quietly and call it strength, but that tends to serve the person who caused the harm. There's a case to be made that Megan is navigating her breakup gracefully, even if it might not be in the way the public expects or demands, because ultimately, telling the truth is its own kind of grace.

Susan Akyeampong is a communications professional based in Nottingham, working in the charity sector. She is also a freelance writer covering relationships, entertainment, and culture. In addition to PS, her work has been featured in publications such as Refinery29, Stylist, and Grazia.

The Top Destinations to Visit in 2026, According to Vrbo

Jessica Andrews — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:30:00 -0700

With the spring season kicking into full gear, now's an opportune time to start securing your travel plans for the rest of the year. When coordinating trips in the US and beyond, I always start with lodging: Do I want to stay in a hotel or rental? How close (or far) do I want to be from a major city? And what amenities are on my must-have list? I tend to gravitate more toward rentals than hotels so I can take advantage of the creature comforts associated with home, from a fully stocked kitchen to a private pool I can enjoy at any time. So Vrbo's newly released list of the top vacation homes of the year is a go-to guide when I'm choosing the best rentals - and destinations - to have on my radar.

From a desert oasis in Palm Desert, California to a poolside paradise in Sag Harbor, New York, there's no shortage of places to explore in 2026. And about those previously mentioned amenities: infinity pools, private saunas, steam rooms, outdoor bathtubs, mini-golf courses, sunken jacuzzis, art studios, and movie theaters are only some of the luxuries you can indulge in at these destinations. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway in Park City, Utah, or a week in Big Sky, Montana, keep scrolling for the best places to travel this year, according to Vrbo.

The $8 Amazon Product That Saved My Feet at Coachella - Plus 11 Other Items to Bring

Renee Rodriguez — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:25:00 -0700

After eight years spending the second weekend of April at Coachella Music Festival, I think it's safe to call myself a seasoned veteran. While I've never camped (I'm ballsy but not that ballsy), I've done general admission, VIP, and even one year with an artist pass, so I consider myself pretty knowledgeable when it comes to the festival.

I'm typically the one everyone in my group turns to when it's time to find a bathroom quickly, and I'm always the one leading everyone from stage to stage because I essentially have the map of the festival memorized. Over the years, I developed a packing list of items that are my festival must-haves. One important note? Packing for the festival isn't just about curating the perfect outfit. Although I do have a formula I usually follow (pants the first night, a dress the second, and shorts the third) and places I always shop for the cutest outfits, there's way more to the festival than just looking cute. There's lots of walking involved (I walked over 20,000 steps on Saturday alone), it's hot, and although it's sweltering during the day, the temperature drops fast at night.

If you want to avoid a sunburn, blisters, getting the dreaded "Coachella cough," or a dead phone right when you want to film your favorite artist going on stage, you're going to want to pay close attention to your packing list. Ahead, I'm breaking down all of my top Coachella prep tips to help you get ready for the festival, plus all the products that are an absolute must for my bag.

What It's Like to Stay in an Art-Themed Hotel in Madrid's Cultural Center

Kelsey Garcia — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:30:02 -0700

Art flows freely in Madrid. There's the Museo del Prado, where crowds clamor around Hieronymus Bosch's "Garden of Earthly Delights," hoping to get a closer look at the intricate triptych. At the Reina Sofía just down the way, Picasso's "Guernica" has a towering presence, stopping visitors in its tracks. And sprinkled throughout the city are smaller galleries, opera houses, and theaters dedicated to both the old way and the avant-garde. And now, there's a hotel dedicated to it all.

Casa de las Artes opened in the Barrio de las Letras, or Madrid's Literary Quarter, on May 5, 2024. Part of the Meliá Collection hotel group, the property is a former palace now housing 137 accommodations. I stayed at the hotel for two nights, and was impressed by its bold design and dedicated, artful ethos.

As its name suggests, Casa de las Artes is centered around the seven fine arts, which includes architecture, sculpture, painting, and dance. (Yes, even dance: the gym comes complete with a barre studio.) Dalí lithographs line the halls, and Casa de las Artes is also building over from where "Don Quixote" was first printed. Even as a mere visitor, it was easy to feel the sense of cultural pride imbued in every aspect of the hotel.

Here's what prospective travelers should know about staying at the Madrid hotel.

About Casa de las Artes

The hotel consists of 137 accommodations ranging from compact city rooms with a courtyard view to more spacious suites with terraces.
The average nightly rate is around $300 depending on availability and time of year.
The on-site restaurant, Maché, serves local cuisine.
A breakfast buffet is available daily. There is also a weekly brunch featuring live music and flamenco.
Past the lobby, there is a small movie theater, Cinema Miró, with regular screenings on the calendar.
There is a gym, thermal pool, and sauna.
The hotel is about a 30-minute drive to and from the Madrid-Barajas Airport on average.

What I Like About Casa de las Artes

The last time I was in Madrid a few years ago, I couldn't tell you where I stayed. It was some faceless, modern hotel actually not far from Casa de las Artes, in Atocha. I had a stopover on the way back from Marrakesh and the hotel was fine, albeit absolutely forgettable. In contrast, there's a lot I'll likely remember about Casa de las Artes.

For starters, the lobby is washed in a resplendent coral, which bleeds down the halls and into Maché, where velvet seating and gold fixtures greet guests. At a time when many hotels take an all-beige-everything approach, it's refreshing to see these bolder choices at play.

I stayed in a superior room with a city view. The room was more muted than the splashy lobby floor, but I enjoyed its tranquility (and very comfortable king bed) after long days of sightseeing. I was pleasantly surprised to see the room had a small balcony, where I would spend evenings people-watching, a favorite vacation pastime.

Though I was unable to experience Maché's dinner and brunch services, I did enjoy the daily breakfast, which included the usual, in addition to a selection of Spanish staples, like manchego cheese, jamón serrano, and tortilla Española.

The location is also tough to beat. On my last day in Madrid, I was pressed for time but determined to see Goya's Black Paintings at Museo del Prado. Thankfully, the museum is a ten-minute walk away, and all told, I was able to be there and back in less than an hour.

What to Consider Before Booking Casa de las Artes

Because of the older building, the rooms at Casa de las Artes aren't one-size-fits-all, and some of the layouts have to be rather creative.

In my room, for example, the bathroom sink was in the main area of the room just outside a door separating the shower and toilet. While there was a curtain to provide some partition between the sink and the rest of the room, it won't do much to quiet sounds if you still need to do your 12-step skin-care routine while your travel buddy's already fallen asleep. It's perhaps par for the course for a metropolitan hotel, but still worth noting.

Who Casa de las Artes Is Best For

Casa de las Artes is best for couples and solo travelers who prioritize sightsteeing and want to be conveniently situated in Madrid. I didn't see many families with young children at the hotel during my stay, and I find the hotel is best suited for adults.

Rating

Kelsey Garcia (she/her) is the lifestyle director at PS, where she oversees coverage across Balance and Fitness & Health. Kelsey is passionate about travel, wellness trends, and evolving parenting styles. Before joining the PS team as an editorial assistant in 2015, she interned at Elle and Harper's Bazaar, among other publications.

How to Plan a "Workcation" During Your Next Business Trip

Lena Felton — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:05:11 -0700

I personally love any excuse to travel. Because I live on the West Coast and most of the Popsugar team is in New York, I travel back and forth quite a bit and often dream of living a true bicoastal lifestyle. Whenever I have a reason to be in New York or another city for a big presentation or work event, I opt in - and I'll often try to tack on a couple of days and make a real trip out of it to explore, try new restaurants, and catch up IRL with long-distance friends.

That being said, I have many friends who travel for work - to New York, yes, but to other places like Miami and San Diego and Milwaukee - and dread it. These trips are often chaotic and busy; the travel pulls them out of their usual routines; and they end up spending their time in drab hotels and eating at the airport. Given some recent work travel I've done, I decided to consult a travel expert to find out how to really maximize business travel and make it feel like a downright vacation.

Experts Featured in This Article

Katy Nastro is a travel expert and spokesperson for Going.

Katy Nastro, a travel expert for Going, is a pro at workcations. "If you have the flexibility and the availability to take more time across a weekend, you're taking advantage of the fact that you had to be there anyway and maybe some of your costs are being taken care of by your company," she says. "I don't want to call it a free vacation, but it's a more attainable way to maximize vacation."

To empower all of you traveling-for-work folks, I got Nastro's top five tips for turning your next business trip into a workcation.

1. Be Strategic in Extending Your Work Trip

Generally, there's no recipe with exactly how to extend a work trip to make it feel more like a vacation, according to Nastro. Some companies will only pay for the flight and hotel costs associated with the work purpose itself, while others might be flexible. But if you extend the trip a couple days to fly back mid-week, the entire flight cost would typically be cheaper, so you could be "saving the company a couple bucks," Nastro says.

As I mentioned before, I work remotely in San Francisco, but a lot of happenings are in New York, so I try to get out there as much as I can. Last month, I opted to fly in late on a Wednesday night and stay through the weekend, using some travel credits from a canceled flight to pay my way there (though if the travel is required by your company, they should be paying for the flights!).

For the extra days you'll be tacking onto the travel covered by your company, I'd highly recommend crashing with close friends, checking out last-minute booking sites like HotelTonight.com, or taking advantage of credit card bonus points. I was able to stay at the Moxy NYC Lower East Side - a very lively hotel right in the heart of one of my favorite neighborhoods in Manhattan, with a killer rooftop bar - because I was checking out the kinds of rewards the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card from Chase offers. Credit cards like this can allow you to earn points on purchases that you can then use for free nights around the world - perfect for an extension of a work trip. (Even better, right now, new cardmembers can earn up to four Free Night Awards, which can then be redeemed for one-night stays at properties like the Moxy.)

2. Honor the Type of Vacation You Actually Want

Depending on where you're traveling, you might feel pressure "to see the greatest hits." But Nastro advises to spend time doing the things you want; that's what will make the trip feel like a vacation. For Nastro, that looks like trying a new restaurant wherever she is for work, even if she's been to that city multiple times. "I'm spending the time doing the things I would normally do if I were on vacation," she says. Maybe that looks like doing a self-guided walking tour of a new city for you or carving out some spa time. Whatever it is, commit to giving yourself a vacation treat.

When I was in New York City last month, I spent an hour window shopping in Soho - an experience I used to absolutely love doing as a teenager and something I usually don't make time for at home. I fell in line with tourists who were milling about and taking their time, and it was a nice break from the busy-ness of the business side of my trip.

3. Lean Into the Unexpected Delights

If you're traveling to a city that wasn't necessarily on your bucket list, it's important to still try to seek out experiences you're excited about. As Nastro says, "You might be delightfully surprised." When she traveled to Charlotte, NC, for work, for example, she found a box park with pop-up shops and cafes that she loved. She also suggests asking locals - and not just the folks working at your hotel - what they enjoy doing in that particular city.

4. Use It as an Excuse to Catch Up With Friends

Part of why I love traveling to New York is to see a lot of friends from various chapters of my life - childhood, college, and work - and coming in for work is a great excuse to catch up with them. Of course, when it's a shorter trip, it can be difficult to see everyone. But I try to make it a point to set aside time for at least one hangout when I'm there.

Nastro says that even if you're not going to a city where a friend lives, you and your friends can use work trips as an excuse to meet up - it "gives you a reason to be in this place with them." A couple of years ago, one of her friends was at a conference in New Orleans, and Nastro decided to fly in from Charleston to see her. Her friend lived in Boston, so it was a perfect middle ground, and it "turned into such a great reconnection for us," Nastro says.

5. Use Your Work Travel as a Launching Pad

Similarly to trying to find the best deals on lodging when you're extending a work trip, Nastro also recommends seeing where else you could jet off to from wherever you've landed for business. She was working in Miami when she saw a great flight deal to Guatemala through Going. It was only $200 or $250 roundtrip, so she jumped on it and was able to spend a weekend in Antigua. She jam-packed her days, trying out restaurants and taking a tour of a coffee farm, so that it felt as vacation-like as possible.

But sometimes, it's important to listen to what you really need at that moment. "In theory, it would be great to tack on another day to a work trip, but I think for a lot of us, if things at work are getting chaotic, the timing might not be right - and as much as you might want to explore this new place, it might just not be the right time," Nastro says. "Sometimes the best trips are the trips that you actually do plan a little further out and not try to make happen because you feel like you need to."

So whether you want to turn your next work trip into a full-on vacation or keep it strictly business, that's up to you. But I'll continue making my work travel as enjoyable as possible.

I'm Shopping These Apple Deals ASAP, From 39% Off AirTags to $200 Off iPads

Anvita Reddy — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:20:03 -0700

Whether you've been #TeamApple forever or you've recently converted, there's no doubt Apple products have captivated users for decades. We've tested several of Apple's bestselling gadgets and can confirm they are worth the hype. The brand is known for its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional user experience - and our editors are big fans of Apple products. Ahead, we rounded up the best, editor-reviewed Apple devices and products worth every penny - including several that are majorly discounted for Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

From the iPhone 17 our style director is obsessed with to the editor-backed Airpod Max headphones, Apple's lineup is designed with the user in mind, prioritizing aesthetics and intuitive software with a user-friendly interface. The best part about owning Apple products is the seamless interconnected ecosystem that allows you to transfer files, switch Bluetooth connections, and even use an iPad as an extended monitor.

The brand is also keen on integrating health and wellness features throughout its products and our fitness-obsessed editors use them regularly. You can track activity level, sleep, and blood oxygen level on the Apple Watch, and there's a brand new hearing aid feature built into the AirPods Pro 2. With powerful processors and vibrant retina displays, these devices are ideal for editing photos and videos, gaming, watching TV shows and movies, and more.

Keep reading to shop the Apple products that are worth the investment.

Our Favorite Apple Products to Shop

$39 off a tracking device to locate all your essentials: Apple AirTag 4 Pack at $60, originally $99
Issa Rae's go-to AirPods for $30 off: Apple AirPods 3rd Generation at $139, originally $169
Perfect for workouts since they're sweat- and water-resistant: Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds at $158, originally $200
The classic Apple watch with advanced health and wellness features: Apple Watch Series 10 at $300
Editor-loved noise-canceling headphones for almost $100 off: Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones at $450, originally $549
The iPad Air's lowest price in 30 days: Apple iPad Air 11-inch at $650, originally $849
A viewing experience that could rival your TV: Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2) at $888, originally $1,048
Record from your front and back camera at the same time: Apple iPhone 17 Pro at $1,099

Looking for even more sales? Shop more of Popsugar's editor-curated Amazon Big Spring Sale picks and subscribe to our newsletter for more shopping recommendations. Plus, make sure you sign up for Amazon Prime so that you don't miss a moment of the sale.

The Ultimate London Packing List, From a LBD to an $8 Coin Purse

Kyley Warren — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:05:03 -0700

There's truly no place like London. Even after several trips to England's storied capital, I still find myself pining for more. With the city's rich history, diverse food culture, elaborate architecture, and unmatched fashion offerings, London is a mecca for all types of travelers - whether you're a foodie, historian, or bonafide fashion girlie (I like to think I'm a little of all three).

Most recently, I was able to visit London, England by way of PrettyLittleThing, the UK-based fashion retailer known for its size-inclusive options and vast occasionwear category. The brand's headquarters are in Manchester - which is a short train ride away from London - but the label also has showrooms in other major cities. Unlike past trips, I got to embrace the city in its most quintessential form, with afternoon tea appointments, garden walks around Kensington Palace, and even a double-decker bus tour that offered a quick way to take in London's most iconic sights.

Now, with a couple visits under my belt, I'm confident that I've finally mastered the ultimate London packing list. From comfortable walking shoes and roomy personal carry-on bags to editor-approved travel accessories and seasonal coats, there are a handful of items that can elevate your next trip abroad for the better. If you've ever wondered what to wear in London or what to pack for London, I've created a comprehensive guide that'll simplify planning for your next trip. That way you can focus your time on what really matters - keeping tabs on the royal family (duh!).

Our Favorite Splurge-Worthy Finds

Whether it's your first trip to London or you're a seasoned regular, it's always worth packing an investment piece-especially for a long-haul flight. Consider this your sign to lean into elevated essentials, from quality luggage to timeless wardrobe staples. Think premium travel gear and standout brands like Zimmermann and Wardrobe.NYC that make the journey feel just as refined as the destination.

Wireless Headphones: Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Ear Buds at $199, originally $239
A Travel Tote: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote at $295
A Dinner Bag: WARP Oval Oxblood Quilted Bag at $390
A White Shirt: Zimmermann Rebellion Poplin Wrap Blouse at $595

Kyley Warren's London Packing List

A Tech Essential: Tacomege Transparent Ring Grip at $5
A Travel Adapter: Mifaso US to UK Plug Adapter at $6, originally $8
A Coin Purse: Nipichsha Small Leather Coin Purse at $8
A Portable Door Lock: AceMining Portable Door Lock at $12
A Wrinkle Spray: Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray at $13
A TSA-Approved Toiletry Bag: Morfone 16-Pack Travel Bottles Set at $14, originally $15
A Body Wash: Shampoohotel Miami Hydrating Body Wash at $15
A Neck Pillow: Popsugar Travel Neck Pillow at $15, originally $20
A Guide Book: "London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers" Hardcover Book at $15, originally $22
Pimple Patches: Cosrx Acne Pimple Patches at $16
A Water Bottle: Popsugar Stainless Steel Water Bottle at $16
A Breathable Tank: PS Breathe Tank Top at $20
A Compact Umbrella: Goothdurs Mini Travel Compact Windproof Umbrella at $23
A Multifunctional Beauty Product: Merit Flush Cruelty-Free Blush Balm at $30
An Evening Dress: PrettyLittleThing Black Plisse One-Shoulder Ruched Midi Dress at $35, originally $69
The Perfect Night Out Scent: Salt & Stone Body Mist at $45
Comfortable Walking Sneakers: Nike V5 RNR Sneakers at $95
An Eye Cream: RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream Ultra Retexturizing Hydrator at $120, originally $150
Chic Jeans: We The Free Tennessee Low-Rise Boyfriend Jeans at $128
A Trench Coat: Banana Republic Timeless Trench Coat at $150, originally $250
A Packable Pullover: Patagonia R1 Pullover at $155

What It's Like to Get Celeb Treatment at the Four Seasons Napa Valley

Lena Felton — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:05:02 -0800

You've likely heard of the Four Seasons - yes, the ultra-luxe hotel brand that inspired and served as the backdrop of three seasons of "The White Lotus" - and Napa Valley, California's wine country. But when those two bastions of luxury converge? Now that's the stuff of dreams.

For Valentine's Day weekend, my partner and I got the opportunity to go on a two-night hosted stay at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, and the experience somehow surpassed the expectations I'd had in my mind. But I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised; countless celebrities have been known to frequent the Four Seasons, and this relatively newer property (it opened in 2021) made headlines in 2025 when Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Bry Burrows rented it out for their wedding weekend.

To perhaps a lesser extent than Hurts and Brown, my partner, Nicholas, and I had a Valentine's weekend at the property that was unbelievably romantic. Think: sparkling rosé upon arrival, a soak-in tub in a very sexily outfitted bathroom, and impeccable service that made us feel like royalty. It was immediately clear to me why the rich and famous choose the Four Seasons again and again. Here's a little peek inside.

About the the Four Seasons Napa Valley

The property has 85 rooms and suites and 20 private residences. Rooms include indoor fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, private terraces, and wine fridges.
There are two outdoor pools, one that's adults-only and another that's family-friendly.
Dining options include Auro, a Michelin-starred restaurant; Truss, an all-day restaurant; and Campo for poolside eats and drinks. There's also a working vineyard and Elusa Winery tasting room on-site.
Spa Talisa offers services like massages, facials, and mud baths.
There's an on-site fitness center and bocce ball court, and the property offers complimentary yoga classes, bicycles, and more.

What I Liked About the Four Seasons Napa Valley

If you don't know much about Napa Valley, take it from someone who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and knows the area well: Calistoga, where the Four Seasons is located, is gorgeous and unique. It's a bit more rustic and private than other, more touristy wine spots like Napa, and it's known for its natural hot springs.

The property itself embodies the private, luxe feeling of the entire surrounding area. The guest rooms are actually their own townhomes: we had our own balcony, a spacious living area, two bathrooms, and a gorgeous bedroom that overlooked the mountains. The bathroom was my favorite aspect of our not-so-humble abode: it had stunning side-by-side vanities and a huge, soak-in tub with a separate shower - so spacious that I joked that my entire apartment could fit inside it.

Throughout the weekend, we were surprised at how quiet the grounds felt, and figured that most folks were just spending time in their own townhomes, given that everything you need for a relaxing weekend is at hand there, from a switch-on fireplace to one of the comfiest king beds I've ever experienced. The discreet nature of the place made it clear, again, why celebrities love it here.

And just like you'd imagine any talent-ready getaway to be, service at the Four Seasons is impeccable. For one, our room was equipped with an iPad where we could chat with hotel employees at all hours of the day, requesting anything we might need (my partner opted for memory foam instead of a feather pillow, for example). Hotel staff were always at the ready to drive us around the grounds on their golf carts, and the staff at the Spa Talisa went above and beyond - we had a nap-inducing couples' massage on our last day on the property.

The hotel also did an amazing job of planning an unforgettable itinerary outside the grounds. Of course, the main draw of a trip to Napa is generally what the area is known for: wine tasting. The Four Seasons scheduled an exclusive, food-pairing wine tasting for us at Darioush, an upscale winery, and the experience was one of the highlights of our entire weekend. The concierge even organized a designated driver to drive us to and from the property, which let us enjoy the day worry-free.

As for dining on property, we ate at Truss, an American restaurant, several times during our stay. We loved how varied the dining experience was: we ordered delicious breakfasts directly to our room, where we could graze leisurely; experienced a fireside chalet dinner one night, replete with comforting bites like artichoke dip and short rib; and sat inside the modern, design-y restaurant for a three-course Valentine's Day dinner.

Is the Four Seasons Napa Valley Worth the Splurge?

If you want to celebrate a big event in wine country - a special birthday, an engagement, something of the like - then I can't imagine a more fitting place for the occasion. Napa Valley is known for its upscale and gorgeous hotels, but the Four Seasons truly offers a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling like you got the celeb treatment.

I feel lucky to have gotten to experience it, as it certainly wasn't our run-of-the-mill weekend trip. To get to commemorate our love with the most beautiful backdrop? There's nothing better.

The Personal-Item Bags Our Editors Actually Use to Travel, Starting at $14

Anvita Reddy — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:05:11 -0800

There's nothing like going on a quick trip for New Year's Eve or taking the time to visit friends and family you haven't seen in a while. However, the costs of flights are skyrocketing, suitcases are getting lost, and airlines are charging a pretty penny for carry-on luggage and checked bags. The hunt for cheap flights and convenient travel is an ongoing challenge, especially during the holiday season. One way to keep travel costs as low as possible: utilizing the personal-item carry-on bag. The personal-item bag is a must when you fly a no-frills airline such as Frontier or Spirit Airlines, or buy a basic economy seat for domestic travel, since it's the only bag you can bring that's free of extra costs. And fortunately, our editors try hundreds of products each year, which means we've done our fair share of traveling with the best of the best travel bags that will make your long-haul flights as easy as possible.

Our Favorite Personal-Item Bags to Shop

The best option for the committed Spirit Airlines flyer: Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag at $14
Most durable option for weekend trips: Lubardy Travel Backpack at $33
Most affordable option for travelers on the go: Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On at $58
For a 48-hour summer road trip: Beis The Mini Weekender at $98
Best option with an detachable shoulder strap: Nex Carryall Bag at $105, originally $207
The best option that doesn't compromise on style or functionality: Béis The Commuter Duffle at $119, originally $158
The best option for busy people: Dagne Dover Landon Large Neoprene Carryall at $170
The best option that can withstand scuffs and bumps: Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage at $185
Best for people with frequent weekend trips: Calpak Diaper Tote Bag With Laptop Sleeve at $195
The ultimate personal-item bag: Calpak Ambeur Mini Carry-On Luggage at $215
Best hiking-approved option: Away Overnight Bag at $228
Best option with a luggage trolley sleeve: Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack at $230
Best for those who need a bigger carry-on: Nomad Lane V4 Bento Bag at $268, originally $298

What Qualifies as a Personal-Item Bag?

A personal-item bag can be a durable backpack, a stylish tote bag, a spacious diaper bag, a laptop or work bag, or anything small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. Each airline has different qualifications on sizes and proportions, so we've listed a few common ones below:

Spirit: 8" depth x 14" width x 18" height
Frontier: 8" depth x 18" width x 14" height
United: 9" depth x 10" width x 17" height
Delta: 9" depth x 13" width x 17" height
American: 8" depth x 14" width x 18" height
Southwest: 8.5" depth x 13.5" width x 18.5" height
JetBlue: 8" depth x 13" width x 17" height
Allegiant: 7" depth x 15" width x 16" height

How We Test the Best Personal-Item Bags

The personal-item bags we chose for the list below combine functionality and style with long-lasting use. Here are a few things our editors consider when reviewing them:

Storage - Does it have enough room for all of your travel must haves while being able to fit under the seat?
Style - Is the design flattering? Could it go with all of your airport outfits?
Extra features - Does it have other compartments that can store useful products like small toiletries or a phone charger?

In short, a quality personal-item bag has enough room for all your travel accessories while being compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you according to the airline guidelines, along with a few vacation outfits, an extra pair of shoes, makeup, skin-care, and maybe a reusable water bottle. Fortunately, we curated the best personal-item bags for planes that you can shop right now, like a top-rated, PS editor-approved weekender bag from Béis. Ready to hit "buy" on a new one for yourself? Ahead, a selection of the best personal carry-on bags for flying.

Update on Feb.26, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

A "Micro-cation" Is the Bright Spot You Deserve This Winter

Lena Felton — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:20:02 -0800

After the rush of the holidays dies down, a tough stretch of winter settles in. All that excitement from merriment and travel no longer masks the reality of short days and cold nights.

OK, I know I shouldn't be complaining about winter in San Francisco, where I live - we rarely endure a day below 50 degrees, and we don't have to deal with snowstorms. But there's still something about the winter mindset, the overall mood, that can get me down. The summer promises possibility, adventure, travel. And the winter, post-holidays, just promises . . . gritting your teeth and getting through it.

But this year, I tried something new to combat that gloom: a "micro-cation." Typically seen as a trip that's fewer than four days, micro-cations can be a low-commitment way to break up the monotony of winter, spark joy, and even reset your wellness.

Experts Featured in This Article

Kaitlyn Rosati is a solo travel expert and author of No Man Nomad.

As Kaitlyn Rosati, a travel expert and blogger, puts it: "A micro-cation, whether somewhere as far as a jump across the pond to Europe or finally visiting that small log cabin you've had saved on Airbnb that's a two-hour drive away, is a great way to experience something new and get a nice change of scenery. . . . One of the biggest excuses people have is that they don't have 'time' to travel. But for me, I'd rather spend three days in Italy than three days at home."

My Experience Taking a Wellness-Focused "Micro-cation"

While I'd gladly take any chance to visit Italy, part of why I love living in California is that there's so much to explore. Whether you're romping around a major city like Los Angeles or soaking up nature in a place like Yosemite, some of the world's best sights are right at our fingertips. Santa Barbara might be lesser-known, but it's a gorgeous, quintessentially Californian destination - a perfect place to take my wellness-focused micro-cation.

This micro-cation was truly small in scale (as they should be): just two nights and three days, in a city that is only about 300 miles from San Francisco. I'd only ever driven through Santa Barbara, a trip that can take upwards of five hours. This time, my partner and I opted to fly, which felt much less stressful. When we arrived in the palm tree-lined, sunny city after our short 45-minute flight, we were ready to spend the first afternoon exploring.

We immediately headed to our hotel, the Kimpton Canary, which is located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Where you're staying is often the priciest part of any vacation, so I often look for deals and credit card points to reap travel benefits. For this micro-cation, my partner and I were hosted by Chase IHG One Rewards Consumer Credit Cards. During the trip, we learned just how far points can go: cardmembers earn IHG One Rewards on every purchase, and can use those points to unlock access to more than 6,800 hotels across IHG properties like the Kimpton Canary. As of Jan. 22, new Chase IHG One Premier and Traveler credit cardmembers who are approved have access to earning even more bonus points and perks.

We loved that the quaint, well-appointed hotel was so central; we walked directly out our door and into Santa Barbara's bustling downtown area, which is chock full of shops, restaurants, cafes. I was also immediately taken with the city's architecture: everything is Spanish-style and white-washed, the perfect setting for an escape. Its natural beauty is breathtaking, too, with long stretches of white beaches and grand mountains that jut up behind the city.

After meandering and getting into vacation mode, we met up with friends at one of their favorite wine bars, Lieu Dit, and then took a leisurely stroll down to the pier, watching the sun melt like sorbet into the Pacific Ocean. We had a casual, delicious dinner at Finch and Fork, the restaurant in the hotel, and went to bed early so we could make the most of our full day there.

And make the most of it we did. The next day was a mix of both adventure and relaxation - a perfect combo, in my opinion, for any micro-cation. We started the day off on the hotel rooftop, where we did an intimate, outdoor yoga class. Afterwards, I headed to Float Luxury Spa, about a five-minute walk from the hotel, for an indeed luxurious, 80-minute massage. After drifting off in bliss, I browsed the Santa Barbara Farmers Market, where stall after stall offered plump winter citrus, bright greens, and local honey. I love to feel like a local while traveling, and the bustling market was great for resident-watching, too.

Next, we borrowed bikes from the hotel and headed to Hendry's Beach, a slightly-farther-away locale. I will say, we were huffing and puffing up Santa Barbara's hills on the 30-minute bike ride, but we loved getting the chance to be active and see more of the city. We ate a sun-drenched lunch on the beach and then huffed and puffed back to our hotel, where we took a much-needed shower before ending the night at Loquita, a tapas restaurant our friends recommended. This is where insider knowledge and research come in handy: having one or two nice meals planned out really does make a micro-cation feel like an indulgence.

On Sunday, we did a quick jog along the beach before packing up, heading back to the airport, and getting home before dinnertime. It was a quick trip, yes, but I arrived back home feeling refreshed, at peace, and like I had really gotten out of my usual drab winter routine.

Takeaways For Planning a Micro-cation

The most important thing I learned about micro-cations is that choosing somewhere novel and enchanting - but not overwhelming - is key. While there were a handful of things my partner and I wanted to check out while we visited Santa Barbara, nothing felt absolutely pressing, and we left enough time in our itinerary to wander around and really just relax. That was the whole point, after all.

Where you stay is also crucial: Kimpton Canary ended up being the perfect landing spot for us, as it was within walking or biking distance to most of what we wanted to see. And a balance of relaxation and exploration will make your days feel fuller. I'd recommend prioritizing one or two "big" activities per day that allow you to really get a feel for the place or try something new.

I will say, Santa Barbara is a paradise in the winter simply because it is 70 degrees, sunny, and beautiful. But even if you're taking a micro-cation in a colder climate, think about what you can get out of the travel that you don't currently have at home. Maybe you try a new winter activity (cross-country skiing, for example, is pretty easy to pick up as a beginner), or maybe you spend the whole weekend holed up in a cozy cabin with a book.

Rosati says during this time of year, she enjoys visiting small towns in upstate New York, "despite the frigid temperatures." That's also because, she adds, "one of the biggest logistical benefits of choosing to visit places in January is you can usually get better hotel deals since it's low season for a lot of places."

"Outside of that," she continues, "you'd be surprised by how much you can see in a two- or three-day trip, and for me, it's quite literally a break from burnout."

Agree: micro-cations are all about giving you a little reprieve from it all.

I Attended a Palm Springs Award Gala - and Brushed Elbows With Miley Cyrus

Lena Felton — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:55:10 -0800

Over the years - having sat at my computer for many an award show, covering the news as it has unfolded - I've developed a curiosity to know what it's actually like to attend one. Our readers are interested, too: we've answered all your questions about what the stars are eating during shows, what's in the gift bags, and more.

Now that award season is in full swing, I'm excited to report that I have some insight for all of you. On Jan. 3, I got the opportunity to attend the Palm Springs International Film Awards, a night that honors this year's standout films. It's seen as a kickoff to award season, and I attended the show and after party as a guest, brushing elbows with the likes of Miley Cyrus and Adam Sandler.

Yes, I'm still pinching myself, but before we get to that, a little context. I was in Palm Springs thanks to a trip sponsored by Visit Palm Springs, the city's tourism organization. Palm Springs sits in the Coachella Valley, its beautiful desert landscape hugged by the spectacular San Jacinto Mountains. It's known for many things: world-class midcentury modern architecture, its queer-friendly social scene, its proximity to national parks like Joshua Tree.

And, seeing as it's a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, it's been a haven for Hollywood stars since the 1920s. You can tour Frank Sinatra's old home, and today's celebs still flock there for relaxing (and sometimes rowdy) getaways. In other words, it's the perfect backdrop to a major gala dinner like the one the Palm Springs International Film Festival puts on.

PS Photography | Lena Felton

What It Was Like to Attend an Award Gala

I'd been to Palm Springs a few times prior for bachelorettes and birthday parties, our trips a combination of hiking, relaxing by the pool, and spending balmy nights doing karaoke in downtown Palm Springs. This time, however, was a little different, seeing as we were given the A-list treatment. We were put up in the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, a massive property right in the heart of Palm Springs with views of those beautiful mountains. It's also just a block away from the Palm Springs Convention Center, which is where the gala has been held for more than 30 years.

On the day of the Film Awards, we kicked off our morning at Parker Palm Springs, a sprawling luxury hotel with 13 acres of exclusive property - a labyrinth of tucked-away pools, lemonade snack shacks, an intimate amphitheater, and more. It's a hot spot for high-profile guests, and you could feel it in the quiet, secluded grounds. We got massages at its nautical-themed spa, then had a lovely outdoor lunch on the racquet lawn. Those few hours, I'm sure, are exactly what the actual stars need to calm their nerves and get them into the right headspace for the flashing bulbs and stresses of an award show.

Indeed, before we knew it, it was time to stop relaxing and time to start prepping. Celebrities will spend hours getting glam ahead of award shows - their impeccable hair and makeup and nails and skin don't just materialize out of thin air. I opted to get my hair blown out at a nearby hair salon, but celebrities usually have a whole team of hair stylists, makeup and nail artists, and wardrobe stylists getting them glammed up. I did snag a couple products from our list of red carpet beauty products that are loved by celebrities, and did my own makeup at the hotel.

Before and after makeup (PS Photography | Lena Felton)

Around 4 p.m., it was time to meet up with our group to toast ahead of the awards, and everyone was dressed to the nines. It was a 60-degree evening in Palm Springs, and the sun was peeking behind the (rare) clouds. We weaved our way through an entrance for non-celebrities, which was next to the flashing lights of the star-studded red carpet, and voilá, we were inside the Convention Center. It was decked out in hundreds of beautifully adorned dinner tables and a massive, sparkling stage; there was even an ice luge at one of the walk-up bars.

The stars waltzed into the convention center right before the ceremony's start at 6 p.m., shuffling past crowds of adoring attendees. I hung out at the end of the tunnel, where some stars were peeling off to find their seats. And it was there that Cyrus did, in fact, brush past me as she entered the reception area, looking extra cool in sunglasses and a plunging tux. She was at the gala to accept her Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award for "Dream as One," her song in "Avatar: Fire and Ash."

I didn't have much time to fangirl, as it was time to take our seats. Most of the celebrities were seated in the center line of tables, the dazzling stars spread out among the 2,500 other guests (and, yes, they got shy glances from surrounding fans). Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner canoodled at one table, just 24 hours before he famously went acceptance-speech official with her at the Critics Choice Awards. Our table was only about 50 feet from Adam Sandler's, where he and Laura Dern were cracking each other up. As the show started, we were treated to a three-course meal: a pumpkin-spiced pear salad to start, short ribs and mashed potatoes as a main, and a choice between poached pear and chocolate mousse for dessert, plus free-flowing drinks. Our tables were adorned with little glass buddhas, a keepsake guests are encouraged to take - if they can fit them in their fancy clutches.

L: Jenner and Chalamet sit at the gala dinner (Getty | Emma McIntyre) R: My place setting for the gala dinner (PS Photography | Lena Felton)

This award show is always special, too, because all the celebrities who win are notified beforehand - and are presented with their awards by another star. For example, Colman Domingo introduced Michael B. Jordan for his Icon Award win; Jane Fonda introduced Chloé Zhao, Paul Mescal, and Jessie Buckley, who were being honored for their work on "Hamnet." It felt like a friendly, intimate warm-up to all the competition to come, a chance to really celebrate before the rush of award season turned all the way up.

After three hours of dramatic, poignant, and funny acceptance speeches, it was time for the after party, which was held back at Parker Palm Springs, where we were earlier that day - though it felt like so much had happened since. Standing in line to get into the after party, Sandler and his wife and daughters were actually leaving the property, scooting past us with their roller suitcases. "Have fun, you guys," Sandler shouted over his shoulder.

L: Adam Sandler gives his acceptance speech after Laura Dern introduced him (Rand Larson) R: The large bread and charcuterie display at the Parker after party (PS Photography | Lena Felton)

The after party was reminiscent of a huge, boisterous, black-tie wedding: there was a dancing tent and multiple bar areas, with attendees milling about and grazing on a massive charcuterie display. Unfortunately, I didn't spot any celebrities in the crowd of hundreds, but I'm sure they were having a good time. Or maybe they were already back on the road to Los Angeles, saving up their energy for the rest of award season. They were just getting started, after all.

Well past midnight, I crawled back into my hotel room, my feet sore from four-inch heels. It was a night I won't forget, but I also wondered: how the heck do celebrities do this, over and over again, from January to March? I had newfound respect for their stamina and grace, and a newfound appreciation for watching award shows from my couch.

I Travel for a Living - and This Backpack Is Still My Go-To After a Year

Lauren Mazzo — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:30:07 -0800

Backpacks endure a lot in their lifetime - getting dragged through trips, streets, trails, and gym locker rooms and crammed with way too much (sometimes wet, dirty, or stinky) stuff. And considering I've been living out of a carry-on suitcase and backpack for about two years now, I cannot understate the pressure that my backpack is under. My backpack is my bathroom medicine cabinet, my briefcase, my entertainment center, and my bookshelf. It's also my hiking backpack, my gym bag, my personal item, and my lunch bag. This thing has got to do it all - a seemingly impossible task for one bag.

Yet, somehow, I've found one that can take on the task: the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack ($148).

I've had this Lululemon backpack for a little over a year now, and so far, it's been through 13 countries, more than 30 flights, and hikes in every type of weather, from the Arctic Circle in Norway to the "End of the World" in Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina. I've packed and unpacked it too many times to count.

So trust me when I say this backpack is the one. It can stand up to long hikes but also looks polished enough to take to the office. It can fit a hell of a lot of stuff yet still fits under an airplane seat (even when filled to the max). Its classic design means my husband doesn't mind carrying it for a while on long hikes (as you can see in the photos below). And even more importantly: it has a magnificent array of pockets.

If you are an avid traveler, have a lot of active hobbies, or just like a good backpack, keep reading for my take on why the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack is simply the best.

What I Like About the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack

Most travel backpacks fall into one of a couple of categories: the super-intense nomad backpacks that look like a veritable turtle shell, cutesy carry-ons that don't fit much and suffice for vacationers only, or super-crunchy outdoor-adventure backpacks that can stand up to multiday backpacking trips. I need something in between, and this backpack fits the bill.

At 25 liters of volume, it can fit a LOT of stuff. For reference, my typical backpack load includes two books, a small notebook, a laptop, a bag of chargers, a case of toiletries, a pouch of miscellaneous personal-care items, a water bottle, an extra jacket, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and a spare wallet. And because the main compartment closes with a drawstring, you can really push the limits of the amount of stuff you can cram in. For instance, if the gate attendants are being strict about the "two items only" rule, I can still fit my little crossbody purse inside my backpack in a pinch. Because of the drawstring and the adjustable buckles, it can also adjust to smaller loads - so if you're packing light for a day trip, you can physically downsize it versus carry around a big empty shell of a bag.

The trolley-compatible sleeve in the back is beyond helpful for slipping onto the handle of my carry-on so I have the option of either carrying it on my back or rolling it around (a must have for a travel backpack, IMO). And there's a padded zipper laptop pocket that you can access from the side - not through the main compartment. Take it from someone who treats TSA like a competition: this is huge if you are trying to be fast in the security line and don't want to rearrange your whole backpack to take out your laptop. Because it's padded and water repellant, I've also never worried about something happening to my computer while it's inside.

While it's not designed to be a hiking backpack first and foremost, the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack has a lot of the features you need to hit the trail, like a padded back panel and straps, two easy-access water-bottle pockets, and water-repellant fabric. I have thoroughly tested that last feature: after getting caught in a surprise downpour while on top of a mountain in Brasov, Romania, I was soaked - but everything inside my backpack was perfectly dry. After that, I've never been nervous about getting caught in bad weather with this thing on, and it protects my stuff every time. I've comfortably worn this in all-weather hikes, from rain and snow to sweltering heat, and it's held up through it all (and has yet to smell, either).

An unexpectedly useful feature on this backpack are the tiny pockets on the outsides of the water-bottle sleeves. They don't fit much, but they're the perfect size to fit a phone charger for easy access or even to store trash when you're on a hike (remember: leave no trace!).

As for the other pockets, there's a small one inside the back of the main compartment that's perfect for stashing a few extra cards or some cash. (In case you haven't heard this yet: always split up your sources of money, so if you lose your wallet or purse, you don't lose everything. I learned this one the hard way.) There's another small pocket on the top of the backpack that's the perfect size for things like hand sanitizer or keys, and I've found it to be a great spot for sunglasses since they get crushed and will be easy to access when you arrive to your destination. Finally, there's a front envelope-like pocket with a snap closure that's perfect for thinner items like a notebook, passport, or book or even for keeping dirty laundry or a wet swimsuit separate from everything else (speaking from experience).

And despite how heavy I pack this thing (I can't even tell you how many cab drivers, hotel porters, family members, and friends have commented), this backpack shows no sign of tearing on any of the zippers, seams, or straps.

What's Worth Noting About the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack

One of the only drawbacks I've found in my extensive use of this backpack is that the water-bottle sleeves are quite small. A 16-oz. Corkcicle bottle or Swell bottle will fit inside, but my other favorite water bottles (such as this giant Yeti or popular Hydroflask) don't.

I also chose the Raw Linen colorway (which is no longer available), even though I knew it would get dirty. And it has, though not nearly as much as you might expect from all the travel and outdoor adventuring I've done with it. And that's truly lucky, because this thing is spot-clean only (another drawback).

Who the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack Is Best For

While my personal needs are quite unique, I think this Lululemon backpack makes the perfect all-in-one backpack for anyone who likes to be active when they travel - someone who might need a backpack for a hike or day outside or even to hit the gym but doesn't want a backpack that screams "crunchy." You could equally use this backpack for day-to-day running around, especially if you need to change outfits a few times or bring a laptop or tablet with you.

Additional Details

Color options: Black, Black/Silver.
Dimensions: 14.2" x 6.1" x 20.1"
Laptop pocket: Fits up to a 16" laptop. I can fit my 13-inch laptop inside with a thin sleeve case on it.

Where Is the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack Available?

The Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack is available on lululemon.com.

Rating

- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes

Lauren Mazzo was the senior fitness editor at PS. She is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist through the American Council on Exercise. Prior to joining PS, she worked for six years as a writer and editor for Shape Magazine covering health, fitness, nutrition, mental health, sex and relationships, beauty, and astrology.

Haley Lyndes is a shopping writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in the publishing space. Specializing in home and lifestyle, she covers everything from furniture and mattresses to beauty products and fitness gear. Her writing has appeared in BuzzFeed, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple.

I Went 11 Years Without Having Sober Sex - but When I Did, It Was Mind-Blowing

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:02 -0800

Sex was never something I fully enjoyed. My first time ever having it was in a roller-skating rink bathroom, and it felt way more titillating than it did pleasurable. (Neither of us were out to our parents, and a public bathroom was the only viable place for two 15-year-old budding queers to do it.)

There were more encounters after that, of course - a sneaky hookup at summer camp, sex among the school theatre department's props - but the sex always felt like a chore. I was just having it merely to gain notoriety and fit the pop stereotype of a promiscuous gay man. After all, as a queer in Virginia, my only visible role models were on TV, and they were usually sashaying, sex-addicted party monsters like Jack from "Will and Grace."

I felt I needed to emulate guys like Jack to reach his level of acceptance among straight peers, so that's what I did. I never stopped to consider that sex could be enjoyable; I just thought it was something I was supposed to be having frequently.

Because of this, by the end of high school, I had a lot of unfulfilled needs - one of those needs being a desire for true intimacy. And when I couldn't find any sort of love that felt genuine, this destroyed my relationship with myself, pushing me toward depression.

I needed an escape. So, when I had my first drink at 17, I slipped and fell down an endless, gaping chasm of alcoholism. Drinking became my release from my troubles, and my journey of self-destruction began.

Sex quickly became an escape from my insecurities and a guaranteed source of validation. If I couldn't love myself, I could at least find temporary love - or some version of it - from a closeted finance bro in my bed. The problem, however, was that I could never remember the sex. Every sexual encounter I had was in the midst of a brownout or blackout. If I did enjoy the sex, I wouldn't have known I did.

Despite never quite deciding if I had liked sex or not, I continued to have it. I needed intimacy and human connection, and sex felt like the closest thing to real connection that I could get. But it ultimately didn't give me the connection I was seeking, and it was easier to get hammered and pretend like I was just a normal, horny queer, and not someone in dire need of a friend.

"It was easier to get hammered and pretend like I was just a normal, horny queer, and not someone in dire need of a friend."

Even after college, as I began to realize that my alcoholism was an issue, I refused to stop. But there were only so many times that I could wake up on a street corner before realizing that I didn't love myself anymore. So, I quit drinking - or tried to, anyway. I quit drinking in 2013 and again in 20I5. But finally, when I went sober once and for all in 2017, at age 28, I realized another thing: I'd just gone 11 years without once having sober sex.

The prospect of sober sex was daunting. So daunting, in fact, that I waited a whole year after going sober to try it. Yes, I had done the therapy and the work, but now that I was sober, I was worried that I wouldn't know what I was doing. What if I was actually bad at sex, and I'd only felt like a sex god because I had booze impairing my judgement? What if I still had some unexplored sex-related insecurities that would only come up in the moment?

But I couldn't wait forever, so finally, I downloaded Grindr. I decided that there must be something good about this whole sex thing, and I wanted to see if I could enjoy it now that I'd worked through some of my insecurity issues. I also felt that if I didn't have sober sex for the first time as an adult, then I'd never have it at all.

So, I hooked up with a guy from Grindr. And little did I know, I was in for the most memorable sex of my life.

The coordination part was easy: only an hour passed between my first message to Peter* and my eventual decision to invite him over. I wanted to keep this as casual as possible so that I wouldn't freak him out. He didn't need to know how much this meant to me.

When Peter entered my apartment, he had no inclination of how nervous I felt. Still, after he told me about his work (real estate broker) and his favorite movie ("My Best Friend's Wedding"), I swiftly leaned in to kiss him. Perhaps it was my anxiety leading me to act hastily, but I'd decided I wanted to be in control and initiate only the things I felt comfortable with.

Then, he started to go down on me. I could feel his tongue exploring every inch of my penis. I was starting to like what I was feeling, so I wanted to fully take advantage of the opportunity and go all the way and explore every aspect of sex. I decided to bottom.

I let him inside me - slowly, at first, and then with more abandon. And while I felt some initial pain and discomfort, I quickly realized how much I was enjoying myself. I could feel every sensation: every shift of his penis, every infinitesimal moment of new skin-on-skin contact. I could tell him, firmly and consciously, what I wanted - something I had never felt when I wasn't sober.

For the first time, I felt in control. I was fully present, basking in every individual sensation and savoring everything he did to my body. Every feeling, both physical and emotional, had been amplified, leading to what I consider to be one of the best sexual experiences of my life.

Of course, I went on to have more sober sexual experiences after Peter, but no other experience matched the same level of awe, novelty, and discovery as that first time. Fortunately since then, sober sex has improved in other ways. I've learned how to find a good rhythm in bed, and I can now appreciate the nuances of each new person's body - something beautiful I was never able to experience when I was drinking.

I unfortunately don't know where Peter is, but I often think of him. He still has no idea what he did for me, as he ghosted me shortly after. But it's not likely that I'll ever forget the most memorable sex of my life. And yes, I'm still sober - for myself and the sex.

*Names have been changed

Sober Dating May Help You Find Love More Easily - Here's What to Know

Maggie Ryan — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:02 -0800

Sober dating (also known as dry dating) is the newest thing you've likely already seen mentioned on dating apps. As the name suggests, it's what happens when people date completely sober. Sure, it makes sense for people who can't or choose not to drink as a lifestyle, but for those of you who do enjoy the casual cocktail or glass of wine, especially to ease any nerves, shyness, or social anxiety, dating without the crutch of alcohol is a tough sell.

Interest in dry dating has been gaining steam for years, though. In 2022, Bumble linked it to a larger COVID-related shift, reporting that 25 percent of Americans said they drank less after the pandemic. "This shift has affected dating, with 34 percent of folks using the Bumble app saying that they're more likely to go on a 'dry date' now than pre-COVID," Bumble noted.

Therapist and dating coach Jessica Engle, LMFT, director of the Social Anxiety Support Center and Bay Area Dating Coach, agrees that the pandemic is the most likely cause behind the shift in drinking-while-dating habits. "We've had a lot of calls from people who [said], 'Look, I need to work on my dating life, because I realized that I want a life partner,'" she explains. "I think that people are, in some cases, getting more serious about finding their partner, and they want to do it in a way that is healthy and very clear-eyed."

Convinced? Not so convinced? We talked to Engle about the ins and outs of sober dating, how to know if it's right for you, and some anxiety-coping mechanisms that could replace your usual drinks.

What Is Sober Dating?

Coined as "dry dating," sober dating is dating without any type of substance (including drugs, alcohol, and more), Engle says. Since dating culture so often revolves around casually meeting up for drinks, you're not alone if the thought of dating sans alcohol feels daunting - especially if you've come to rely on alcohol to loosen up over an awkward first date. Despite all this, Engle says dry dating does offer some substantial benefits:

It allows you to be fully yourself and develop a genuine connection. Staying sober can help you keep a clear mind on a date. "You're really seeing the person across from you clearly," Engle says, and you are better able to judge how deep your connection really is. "If we have a substance in our systems, we're not our perhaps truest self," she explains. "We don't actually get to use that experience to gauge whether we're a good fit with the other person." Staying sober might help you be more authentic.

Being honest and vulnerable about your nerves can actually make you more attractive. If you usually drink on or before a date to quiet your nerves, consider being honest about your feelings instead. It's possible those anxious feelings you want to numb could actually open the door to a deeper connection. Try saying something like, "Wow, I don't know about you, but I had some butterflies getting ready today," to break the ice and see how they respond.

You'll get better at dry dating over time. One of the main tenets of social-anxiety treatment, Engle says, is that "we have to give our nervous systems a chance to have an experience and process it sober, in order to get used to it." Adding a substance into the mix "buffers" the experience of the date and doesn't allow you to truly get used to the person or even the situation of being on a date. "If you're not giving yourself that sober space to ease in with [your date], it's hard to have a very strong foundation," Engle says.

All of this said, dry dating also comes with some challenges. For one, you may notice a lack of confidence, since drinking lowers our inhibitions and often makes us feel more sexy and self-assured. You might find that it's also awkward to explain why you're not drinking to your date. "That can be challenging for some people. It can feel like, 'Oh, I'm rocking the boat,'" Engle explains. But it's worth nothing that someone who hassles you for not drinking probably isn't worth the date anyway.

While these aren't necessarily meant to discourage you from sober dating, it's worth noting where you might have some difficulty so it won't feel like a surprise attack when some social anxiety pops up or an awkward situation arises.

Is Sober Dating For You?

As with most things surrounding dating, whether you drink or not is a personal choice. Given the benefits we talked about above, it's likely that most of us could benefit from a bit of dry dating, but it could be particularly helpful for people who are truly looking for their life partner, Engle says. "They're going to want to be as clear-eyed and mindful as possible on those dates to make sure that the alcohol is not making the person look more attractive or clouding their vision," she explains.

Of course, it's normal to feel a bit unsure about actually trying dry dating, especially if you tend to lean on alcohol or other substances to help you relax or relieve anxiety. Luckily, Engle says, "there are a lot of other ways to relax, and there are so many practices that can allow us to be present and grounded with another person." It might take more effort, she says, but "it does set us up for more relational success in the long run."

How to Not Be Nervous on a Date

Here are a few things you can do to calm your nerves if you decide to skip the drinks:

Take a deep breath to relax in the moment. "Deep breathing is one of the most powerful, most portable, most invisible tools we have for managing our state [of mind]," Engle says. Take one big deep breath to clear your mind, and try to exhale for a little longer than you inhale to really relax. You can also excuse yourself for a couple minutes or go to the bathroom if you need a longer reset period.

Exercise before your date to sweat out some stress. Pre-date exercise can help you work off some of your excess energy, which allows you to feel less nervous and calmer. Plus, that rush of endorphins can help you feel more positive - research has shown that even one 30-minute workout can improve body image, which might boost your confidence.

Start a meditation practice. Meditating before a date can be a great way to loosen up and calm down, but Engle also recommends starting a regular meditation practice. "Your nervous system, your brain starts to learn what it's like to go into that calm state when you want to," she explains.

Try therapy if your anxiety is preventing you from opening up. "If you're at the level where you can't think of things to say, you're completely freezing up, blanking, that's a level of social anxiety that I think is best to actually address with therapy," Engle says. "The truth is, if you are that shy or socially anxious at the beginning of the relationship, and that's not attended to, it's going to come up later in the relationship in some way." You might consider looking for a therapist who specializes in social anxiety, dating, relationships, or whatever specific needs you have.