Saturday, 31 July 2021

Your most Googled orgasm questions, answered by a sexpert

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Here's every question you've ever wanted to know about The Big O, answered

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It’s fair to say that the majority of your love lives have had a rough old ride this past year – and not the good kind. But, fun fact: never a nation to be deterred, it actually turns out that questions about orgasms have experienced a helluva spike during the pandemic.

*Drops £800 on a state of the art vibrator.*

Now that lockdown restrictions are easing and the summer of love is in full swing, some may be feeling a little apprehensive about how to be intimate, so we’ve enlisted the help of Dr Elesha Vooght to answer all your questions about why orgasms feel so good, whether such thing as a super orgasm exists, and whether sex toys are essential for better orgasms.

Plus, it’s National Orgasm Day, so we thought chatting to the Kandid sex expert – a fresh-thinking sex toy shop on a mission to normalise self-pleasure as a wellness tool – was the best way to celebrate and get a true insight into the most common orgasm-related queries.

So without further ado, these are the internet’s most asked questions about orgasms, answered by someone who knows what’s up. While you’re here, do read our guides to bondage for beginners, Kamasutra sex positions and tantric sex, too – one of the most spiritual ways to spice things up in the bedroom.

Your 6 most Googled orgasm questions, answered

What is an orgasm? 

An orgasm, according to Dr Vooght, is the release of sexual tension characterised by muscle contractions in the pelvis, a sense of euphoria and a flooding of endorphins into our bloodstream. Sounds about right.

Though it can be associated with a reproductive function, such as ejaculation, Dr Vooght reveals that experts still don’t know the actual reason why you have them. As long as they continue to feel as good, we won’t be asking anymore questions…

Why can’t I orgasm? 

According to Dr Vooght, there are tonnes of reasons why some individuals can’t orgasm. Some actually even require a higher level of stimulation than can be produced by a human, meaning toys can make an excellent alternative (scroll our favourite sex toys for couples, here).

In other cases, some people just haven’t yet figured what works for them. Dr Vooght warns anyone whose concerned not to let anyone else think that good orgasms take any less than time and patience to figure out how you work. “Give yourself permission to explore your body through solo-sex and find the things that bring you ultimate pleasure,” she shares.

Health issues, medications and stress can also inhibit orgasms. If you think any of these issues may be affecting your sex life, do speak to your doctor. Your GP or a sexual health clinic are good places to start for further personalised advice.

top questions about orgasms answered

How can I orgasm during penetrative sex? 

This, as indicated by Dr Vooght, is where solo-sex well truly comes into use.

“Think about what gets you off. Are you a clitoral orgasmer or a g-spot orgasmer?”, Dr Vooght says. “Both or neither or really anything at all are also suitable responses. Focus on the motions and intensity that you enjoy.”

Got it? “Now, combine that with your partners assets and apply it to partnered sex. It does require you to be a little bit brave and have a candid conversation with your partner, but sex is about mutual pleasure, so I promise they want to know.”

How long does the female orgasm last? 

On average, a female orgasm lasts 6 to 20 seconds. But don’t be surprised if it feels longer.

What happens when a woman orgasms? 

To understand what happens during an orgasm, Dr Vooght says you have to understand what happens to the your body during the process.

“When you first become exposed to a sexual stimuli, you begin to get aroused. Your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate all increase and you get a large flow of blood to the genitals, making them much-more sensitive,” she explains.

As you start stimulating our erogenous zones, your pelvic floor muscles then apparently begin rhythmically twitching, as the clitoris and nipples become erect and the vagina becomes increasingly lubricated. Dr Vooght says that some individuals can even become ‘flushed’ due to the increased blood flow, giving the labia a darker appearance.

She adds: “It’s believed once these contractions of the pelvic floor muscles become a certain frequency, there is an explosion of endorphins and happy hormones giving you the tingly, euphoric feeling.”

Is there such thing as a super orgasm?

Short answer: yes, but to read the science behind why and to hear an experts take on it, you’ll have to head over to our guide to super orgasms.

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Friday, 30 July 2021

Dating for the first time since lockdown? 11 ideas for what to talk about on a first date

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As search for what to discuss on a first date rises by 600% year on year.

What to talk about on a first date: A shot of a couple's feet as they lean up to kiss each other

Did you know? There’s been an 600% increase in search year-on-year for what to talk about on a first date.

And understandably so. Knowing what to talk about on a first date can seem daunting at the best of times – pair that with an ongoing global pandemic and sixteen months of lockdowns across the UK and it’s not surprise if your dating game feels a little off kilter.

“Feeling apprehensive about stepping out into the big, bad world and meeting new people? Don’t. The great thing is, everyone likely feels equally as clueless and overexcited to be in new places and doing things again – you could quite easily bond over being socially awkward, in a social, sweet way,” shares Emma Clark, co-founder of new video-only dating app, Qemistry.

“Nerves before a first date are natural – try to think of it as spending some time with another human being and seeing if you connect”, continues Qemistry co-founder Sachin Karia. “If you don’t, don’t worry about it. Bad happenings make good stories.”

We’ve asked three relationship experts to share their top tips and ten fail-safe conversation points that’ll make any first date stress-free. Don’t miss our guides to the best dating sites, sex apps and sex toys, while you’re here.

What to talk about on a first date: 11 fail-safe topics

So, you want to know what to talk about on a first date. First things first, a date shouldn’t feel like an interview, shares Clark.

“Once your date opens up, try and stick to that topic for a while – explore it, rather than running through a list of rapid fire questions or talking over them when they answer. Remember to listen,” she advises.

Struggling to get a date at all? Our guide to how to make your online dating profile stand out might just help.

What to talk about on a first date: Smiling couple whispering at bar

1. Find out what their philosophy on life is

Sounds simple, isn’t – but will be a good starting point for establishing whether you have enough in common to book a second date in, share the experts.

“I’ve never really been one for small talk, and after this year in isolation we’re all looking for real connection. So your first port of call should be to finding out what their philosophy on life is – asking them what their beliefs are, what their passions are, how they enjoy spending their time, and how they see themselves,” shares Karia.

2. Get the unpopular Covid conversation out of the way

For some of us, Covid conversations are essential – yet, for others, it’ll be the very last thing they want to talk about, shares relationship expert Charly Lester.

But fear not. “Nearly 1 in 5 people (18%) recently surveyed by dating app Inner Circle* said that discussions about Covid safety are a must before meeting up, and almost half (47%) say they’re happy to chat about this, if it makes their date more comfortable,” she explains.

So: to ask before or after the first meet up? “I’d suggest broaching the subject beforehand, so you know where you stand. If it’s playing on your mind, at the very least it’s a good idea to establish if your date spot is outdoors and if you’ll both be taking tests.”

3. Ask about where they grew up

And where they live. Do they love the area, do they have dreams of moving abroad or living elsewhere?

4. Ask about their family

Do they have a big or small family? Are they in touch and are they close? You might be surprised by common ground here, or even open up the conversation to discuss your family dynamic, too.

5. Ask about their friends

Similarly, asking in about their close friendships might be a good conversation starter. You never know, you may even uncover some friends in common.

What to talk about on a first date: Young happy black couple on picnic in the park.

6. Ask about their job

“What did – and do – they want to do when they grow up?,” asks Clark. While a job doesn’t always give away much about a person, it can be a good insight into their aspirations.

7. Ask about their house, and their living situation

Do they live with friends or family? Are they close to you location wise, and are they planning on moving soon? Don’t bombard them with questions, but it’s good to get a feel for where they’d like to spend their life.

8. Ask about their hobbies

And try to find common ground here. Do they love sport – are they into running, cycling or weight training? Do they like live music, theatre shows or art exhibitions?

You’ll likely have something in common here, and even if you don’t, hearing someone speak passionately about a hobby is always quite interesting.

9. Ask about how their last year has been 

Recent stats from Inner Circle found that over half of the single people they surveyed feel that their flirting game has taken a hit because of the pandemic.

“Many may feel their social skills are rusty or their confidence has nosedived – so expecting yourself to effortlessly turn on the charm may be a tall order,” Lester continues.

10. And check in on how they’re feeling – honestly

This one’s important. “Get real with each other,” recommends Lester. “Perhaps you’re not feeling your best self at the moment – and you may not be alone there,” she says.

If you are feeling anxious on your date, the relationship expert recommends being open about it. “Worried you’ve forgotten how to flirt? Tell them,” she advises. “It doesn’t have to be a heavy chat – but it could help break the ice and enable you to build a more honest connection. If the stats are anything to go by, your date may be feeling the same way,”

11. When the conversation isn’t flowing? Find an activity

Finally, give yourself some credit – first dates can be nerve-wracking at the best of times. So, afirst date after sixteen months of isolation and global chaos? “Flirty banter may not flow so effortlessly,” shares Lester. “We’ve been interacting behind screens for so long, it may take some time to get your groove back IRL.”

That in mind, she recommends finding an activity for your dates. She reckons it’ll take the pressure off the conversation and add some variety so that those sparks can fly. Why not read our guides to the best rooftop bars in Londonoutdoor swimming pools, or best hiking routes in the UK? Fun dates if you ask us.

What to talk about on a first date never looked so simple.

Most importantly – don’t worry if it doesn’t go to plan

Things not going so well? Don’t sweat it. “Chances are, you’ll be able to fill the silence on a first date purely by picking up on something they’ve said, relating it to an anecdote or commenting on it in some way,” shares Karia.

Also important to note here – there’s no shame in ending a date early, they stress. “If you run out of things to say and you’re not clicking, chances are they’re probably feeling the same. Bow out early and politely – you don’t even need to create a made up pet and some kind of emergency,” stresses Clark.

They advise this: when they offer to get the next round simply say ‘thank you, but I think I’m good… shall we get the bill?’. Anyone worth their salt should get the message, they share.

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Nikita Mehta: 'Women bring compassion to leadership which is exactly what our planet needs'

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Next in our Women Who Win series is Nikita Mehta, the visionary behind Fable & Mane...

Fable & Mane

You may not know the name Nikita Mehta just yet, but the chances are you have her creations in your bathroom.

She is of course the visionary behind Fable & Mane.

The vegan and cruelty free haircare brand was launched just over a year ago by sister-brother duo, Nikita and Akash Mehta. And while starting a business over the coronavirus pandemic sounds like an uphill battle, their HoliRoots products have become beauty staples.

Rooted in Nikita and Akash’s heritage, Fable & Mane is inspired by the Indian tradition of hair oiling, telling fables while restoring damaged hair with massage and plant oils.

Bringing their experiences and beauty secrets to the world, their beautiful products range from hair oils and masks to tiger tea and shampoos, all bursting with natural ingredients from Ashwagandha and Dashmool to coconut, banana and Tiger herb

Features Editor Jenny Proudfoot sat down with Nikita Mehta to find out more about Fable & Mane, its creation and the day to day of the woman behind it…

Take me back to the beginning of your business…

Fable & Mane was a journey going back to my own roots starting with my hair roots. During a time of hair loss I was reminded of the power of the Indian tradition of hair oiling. I recalled a time when my grandmother would come from India and massage my head with handcrafted blends of plant oils which is so effective for the long, thick and lustrous hair of Indian women. It was a hair care experience unlike any other. During hair oiling, there was a particular focus on the crown chakra to alleviate stress and tension from the roots together with the fantastic fables about India’s rich plant and animal kingdom my grandmother would tell. It was a hair and mind oil, and it was bliss – it took three years to find the perfect formula. I teamed up with my brother and we created Fable & Mane as a homage to our roots, blending ancient wisdom with modern science. In essence, we saw a gap in the market for Indian beauty secrets and a cultural, clean and conscious brand. Our mission is to offer every consumer a delightful trip to India within their shower, from routine to ritual.

How has the pandemic affected business?

We launched during the pandemic – a year in business and of course we had to change our marketing strategy from events and head massage experiences to at-home self-care. On the positive side, people had more time to invest in rituals and take care of their hair.

What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

I conquered my own fears and limitations – pitching to investors, sticking to my business plan when it was just me and motivating myself every morning to stay true to the brand vision

.

Have you ever felt discriminated against as a female founder?

I have felt not taken seriously from my past experience in board meetings at big corporates. It was all men, and I was in my early 20s but there was no point taking it personally. Times are changing now and I believe women bring compassion to leadership which is exactly what our planet needs

.

Do you have a favourite Fable & Mane product?

The Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Mask is my favourite. It smells divine and is literal hair food – like a coconut cream, mango and banana whipped pudding, need I say more?

How can you achieve the right work/ personal life balance?

Rituals! I prioritise inner peace before I sleep with stretching, journaling and a good head massage. I also love spending time with my dogs in nature which is very grounding and a good book centres me.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

Know your why. I learnt that from my mentor and it has helped me tremendously in business. And don’t take life so seriously, from my mum.

What has been your proudest moment?

Selling out three times in Sephora US – just to see our brand there amongst some of my personal favourites is a huge blessing and pinch me moment – the US Sephora is my beauty candy store.

How can we all ask for more?

Know your worth and stand up for yourself. Once you believe from within, you are limitless and things will automatically start manifesting for you. You just have to remove all the boundaries, past blockages and destructive patterns from within

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What is your superpower?

Inner Peace.

How do you celebrate success?

I dance. Everyday life is a celebration.

What will you never compromise on in business?

Authenticity, our values and quality.

What is the biggest mistake you’ve made?

Not putting myself first at times and not having boundaries.

Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Mask

What is your mantra?

Live and let live

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What would you like to change for women?

To run the world in every profession. I would want women leaders for every country.

What could we all achieve if we supported each other?

Nirvana! Harmony for ourselves, the planet – joy and peace.

Visit the Fable & Mane website to find out more about the brand.

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Baby Lilibet Diana has just received some very exciting news

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines last month as they announced the news that they had welcomed their baby daughter.

‘It is with great joy that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, welcome their daughter, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, to the world,’ read a statement from the now family of four.

‘On June 4, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili,’ the Sussex couple announced in a personal statement on their Archewell website. ‘She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe.

‘Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.’

Since the announcement of Lili’s arrival, the royal family appears to have extended an olive branch to the Sussex couple, posting messages and reportedly sending gifts.

This week, Lilibet made news as she was officially added to the line of succession.

The newborn baby was added to the line of succession this week, with the royal family updating its website to include her.

Lilibet is now eighth in line to the throne, sitting just below her brother Archie who is seventh in line.

Well, that’s lovely.

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Kate Middleton reportedly felt ‘isolated and abandoned’ after jokes by William’s friends

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are the definition of a happily married couple, celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary earlier this summer. The past ten years have seen the young couple turn into a family of five, welcoming their three little ones, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

It’s hard to imagine a time when Kate and William weren’t associated with marital bliss, but there was a time, however, when their future was a lot less certain.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met at university where they were both studying at St. Andrews, and according to Prince William the attraction was pretty instant. ‘When I first met Kate I knew there was something very special about her’, he explained.

It was the start of their relationship that made headlines recently as sources recalled that Kate’s mother was made the subject of jokes by William’s friends, something that reportedly left Kate feeling ‘isolated and abandoned’.

Explaining how the jibes were often about Carole’s former career as a flight attendant, the Mirror reported at the time: ‘William’s upper-crust friends would ridicule Carole’s former career by sneeringly whispering “doors to manual” when Kate was out of earshot. And courtiers claimed the brunette was unsuitable for William as her mum did not speak in a posh enough way.’

This is something that reportedly left Kate feeling ‘isolated’ and ‘helped sink her relationship’ with William before their brief separation.

Years later, both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have spoken out about their break up.

‘We were both very young’, William said of his decision. ‘We were finding ourselves. It was very much trying to find our own way and we were growing up.’

‘I, at the time, wasn’t very happy about it’, explained Kate. ‘But actually it made me a stronger person.’

Luckily for everyone, they came to their senses, getting back together and going on a romantic holiday to the Seychelles, where they apparently made a secret pact to get married.

It wasn’t made official until 2010, when on 16th November the couple announced their long-awaited engagement and all was right in the world again.

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It seems the Queen is partly responsible for Kate Middleton’s royal popularity

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Kate Middleton is one of the most talked about women in the world, making viral news with everything from her fashion statements (hello Kate Middleton effect) to her public appearances.

From breaking down barriers and speaking candidly about motherhood struggles on Giovanna Fletcher’s podcast, Happy Mum, Happy Baby, to her role elevation over the coronavirus pandemic, Kate has risen to be one of the most essential (and popular) members of the royal family.

The past year in particular has seen the Duchess develop a particularly close relationship with the Queen, even given her own direct line t0 speak to the monarch whenever she wants.

Recently, it was the special bond between the two royal women that made news as royal experts shared what The Queen has taught Kate Middleton about royal life.

As part of Channel 5 documentary, Kate: Our Queen in Waiting, experts analysed what Kate has learnt from the monarch, with the narrator David Riley explaining: ‘Since marrying into the Royal Family, Kate has taken the opportunity to study senior royals up close. This is especially true when it comes to the Queen.’

He continued: ‘Following her example has allowed Kate to lay the foundations for her own style of duty and diplomacy. She has won plaudits and silenced critics.’

Russell Myers, Royal Editor at the Daily Mirror added: ‘I think quite early on she realised this could be a job for life where she could make real change to people’s lives. This is something that will have generational change. That notion of it being a marathon and not a sprint is something that she has really grasped. It will really stand her in fantastic stead for the future.’

Well, that’s that.

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There are extremely strict rules on how royal women are allowed to go down stairs

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Does anyone else feel like Mia Thermopolis?

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Being a royal entitles you to certain privileges – a designer wardrobe, personal chefs and if you’re the Queen, staff members employed to break in your shoes.

But it doesn’t come without its downsides, subjecting members to a life of obligation and rules, with an extremely large royal rulebook to follow.

From when Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis should start bowing to the Queen to a ban on talking politics and no shellfish while on royal tours, there are too many to keep track of.

It’s hardly surprising therefore that Meghan Markle reportedly had to undergo ‘princess lessons’ to learn everything from how royals hold tea cups to understanding the table settings – throwback to that famous Pretty Woman scene.

This week, it was a different royal rule that got everyone talking – and it’s all about descending staircases.

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Yes, this is not a drill. Along with not wearing trousers and sitting at a certain regal angle, royal women must also perfect the way they walk down stairs, taught to descend a staircase gracefully.

According to reports, male royal family members must give their wives a helping hand as they descend staircases, as the female royals must not bow their heads, instead instructed to keep their chins parallel to the ground, pointing their toes as they walk.

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And what about their hands? Well, it there’s a banister, they may apparently rest their hand on it, but in the absence of a banister, they must keep their hands at their sides.

This sounds impossible – yet another reason we couldn’t be royals!

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Thursday, 29 July 2021

The truth about Tiktok’s manifestation myths - plus, how proper manifesting could benefit you

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Manifestation is currently booming across social media - but to what avail?

How to manifest: A middle-aged woman in white jeans and a yellow sweater sitting on the bed in a yoga pose in front of a laptop and a cup of coffee

Fun fact: there are 5.3 million posts tagged #manifestation on Instagram and, within the last year, Google searches for ‘how to manifest’ have hit record highs.

On TikTok alone, there have been 8.7 billion views for videos tagged #manifestation, 4.1 billion views for videos tagged #manifest, and 37.6 million views for videos tagged #howtomanifest.

According to mindset experts Pam Lidford and Sandra Stocks, authors of 16 Seconds – Debunking The Myths Surrounding Manifestation, thanks to platforms like TikTok, false information regarding how to manifest is spreading – and fast.

“Lots of the TikTok content says that visualisation is enough, for example – yet Gabriele Oettingen, an academic and psychologist who has spent her career researching positive thinking, maintains that the more people fantasise or dream about their success, the less well they do if there’s no plan of action to make it happen,” explains Lidford.

That’s just one of the many incorrect claims being made by manifestation bloggers at current. Keen to find out how to – properly – manifest, or what the spiritual practice actually entails? Then keep reading. We’ve picked the expert’s brains about how to manifest properly, to arm you with the simplest day-to-day manifesting techniques.

How to manifest: your complete guide

What is manifestation? 

In its simplest form, manifestation is a way of bringing your goals to life – some may call it the practice of thinking aspirational thoughts with the purpose of making them real, or so shares Stocks.

Lidford and Stocks’ problem with the the form on manifestation trending on TikTok is that it focused largely on spiritual manifestation.

“One blogger expressed it as ‘the theory that through regular meditation and positive thoughts, you can make your dreams and desires become reality. Spiritual manifestation holds that if you really want something and truly believe it’s possible, it will happen,'”, shares Lidford.

But Stocks argues that while this spreads the word about the concept of manifesting, it doesn’t teach users the more practical and actionable side of manifesting that is so essential for making sure what you’re manifesting comes true.

How to manifest: Midsection of businesswoman writing on diary in train

Why is manifesting so popular RN? 

Interestingly, the spike in interest coincides with the UK lockdowns and global coronavirus outbreaks. From late March to mid July, Google searches for the term have skyrocketed 669%, share the experts.

But why? Well, research has found that during periods of high or chronic stress, communities lean towards a reliance on ‘magical thinking’ compared to periods of low stress. “People are looking for the something that’s missing in their life at that time,” explains Lidford.

Take the past year or so – people have understandably felt out of control and so may be looking for alternative ways to make sense of things.

How is TikTok spreading manifestation myths?

Good question. Both experts share that, by oversimplifying and over-focusing on the spiritual side of manifestation – aka, by saying something repeatedly to the universe, you make it happen – you miss the whole practical side of manifesting which can truly make the practice work.

“Just because you visualise you won’t get Covid, doesn’t mean you won’t get – and spread – it,” explains Stocks. “Just like visualising and affirming losing weight won’t happen if you continue to practise unhealthy habits,” she continues.

There are a whole load of methods bouncing around on the social media app that Lidford and Stocks don’t necessary endorse. Take the 33 method, for example. “Bloggers say that al you have to do is write down what you want 33 times a day,” explains Lidford. “There’s even the three, six, nine method of writing down what you want three times in the morning, six times in the afternoon and nine times in the evening,” she shares.

While these can offer short term feel good benefits, they can actually be harmful in the long term, they warn. “They don’t take into account the realities and challenges you may face along the way,” both experts share.

Plus, manifesting is about much more than wanting something and actioning it – it’s about the alignment of your desire, emotions, and beliefs around the desire, they share.

How to manifest: Low section of woman writing diary while sitting on bed

Common manifestation myths

1. It’s a sign

“I keep seeing this topic pop up,” shares Stocks. “No, it’s not a sign. Tik Tok and the Internet are doing the maths, and by engaging with particular videos, you’re telling the app you want to see more of this!,” she explains.

2. Think positively, and that’ll enough

“This often translates negatively – people think they don’t need to study for exams or exercise to be healthy, for example. Positive thinking is a good thing, but not if it becomes delusional or isn’t followed up by action,” Lidford shares.

How to manifest: your simple how-to

According to Lidford and Stocks, the following is this is a tried and tested way to get what you want.

“Our concern is if there are too many Covid era manifestation myths put out into the world that don’t work, manifestation will get a bad name, lose its appeal and leave a lot of good people feeling disappointed, becoming disbelievers and with their fingers burnt, never knowing or feeling the joy of creating their own reality,” they share.

Ready?

1. Know what you want

Then visualise and feel it, shares Stocks.

2. Know why you want it

This will correspond with your values and beliefs, explains Lidford.

3. Feel good about what you want

Don’t allow the brain to immediately kick in with negative, limiting thoughts as to why you can’t have it, they share.

4. Set a goal

Simple, but important. “It’s tangible and involves a plan,” shares Lidford. “Make sure you break that goal down into bite-sized pieces,” says Stocks. “This makes it realistic and will build your confidence, too.”

5. Feel good about the goal

Feeling good matches how you will feel when you achieve what you want and so you are more of a vibrational match to it, explain the pair.

“Feeling good also creates a positive mental attitude towards the goal and supports you to handle any challenges or uphill struggles along the way, building both your strength and resilience,” Stocks shares.

Our self care ideas round up and guide to the meaning of self love may help here.

How to manifest: a woman looking at the sky

6. Be flexible

In life, things change, right? The better you arm yourself to handle that fact, the easier the movement towards your goal will be, explains Lidford.

7. Challenge limiting beliefs

You know that pesky negative internal chatter you sometimes notice? Well, it can interfere with your goals, so try and identify them when they arise and stay focused on thoughts that support and serve you.

8. Take action

One of the most important aspects of manifesting. “Do proactive things that feel good and take inspired action,” shares Lidford.

9. Have fun

Last but by no means least – remember to enjoy the journey.

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Here's everything to know about Emily in Paris season two

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Ooh la la!

emily in paris
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Emily in Paris first burst onto our screens in 2020 and the reception was divisive to say the least.

The US comedy drama sees loveable Chicago marketing executive Emily Cooper relocate to the French capital to offer an American perspective at a Parisien marketing firm.

Think every Paris cliché – croissants, berets, macarons, Champagne heiresses, handsome chefs, midnight walks under the Eiffel Tower – all packaged into 10 picture-perfect episodes starring Lily Collins.

It was a resounding success and despite some backlash (particularly when it picked up two Golden Globe nominations), even those who claimed to hate the show have admitted to secretly being addicted.

No one was remotely surprised therefore when Emily in Paris season two was confirmed.

So, what can we expect from part deux? Here’s what we know so far…

Emily in Paris season two announcement

Netflix announced that Emily in Paris was coming back for a second season in November 2020 with a hilarious post. The streaming site announced the news as a funny email by Emily’s company Savoir, breaking the bad news that she has been forced to stay in Paris a little longer.

‘We are writing to regrettably inform you that Emily Cooper will need to remain in Paris for an extended period of time,’ read the memo from Emily’s boss, Sylvie. ‘Despite her overconfident manner and lack of prior experience in luxury goods marketing, she has nonetheless managed to charm some of our hard-to-impress clients during her short time at Savoir. Call it bonne chance, or American ingenuity – I’m leaning towards the former – her results are impressive. We hope that by extending her time in Paris, Emily will further the relationships she has already made, delve deeper into our culture, and perhaps pick up a few words of basic French.’

Emily in Paris season two trailer

The Emily in Paris season two trailer has not been released yet but the cast did create their own video to tease the next instalment, with the tagline, ‘Deux is always better than un’.

Emily in Paris season one trailer

Emily in Paris season two release date

There is not yet an official release date for the second instalment of Emily in Paris, but seeing as it has already started filming, it is expected to drop sometime in Spring 2022.

Emily in Paris season two cast

The whole main cast is returning for season two. Lily Collins will of course be stepping back into Emily’s colourful Louboutins, joined by Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Ashley Park as Mindy, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel and Camille Razat as Camille. Also returning are Samuel Arnold as Julien, Bruno Gouery as Luc and William Abadie as Antoine.

 

Emily in Paris season two guest stars

While the old cast will be returning for the show’s second instalment, there will also be some brand news faces joining the Emily in Paris team.

Lucien Laviscount will be joining the cast as Alfie, ‘a 30-year-old, London-born, sarcastic charmer who refuses to immerse himself in French culture and instead prefers a pint at an English-speaking pub,’ as per Entertainment Weekly. Also coming onboard are French actor Arnaud Binard as Laurent G, a nightclub owner, and Jeremy O. Harris who is set to play fashion designer Gregory Elliott Dupree.

Emily in Paris season two plot

With plenty of loose ends to tie up – namely the love triangle between Emily, Gabriel and Camille, we can safely make a few assumptions regarding season two’s plot. Plus, luckily for everyone, show creator Darren Star spoke about his plans for season two before the show was renewed for a second instalment.

‘In season 2, she’s going to be more of a part of the fabric of the world she’s living in,’ he explained to OprahMag.com. ‘She’ll be more of a resident of the city. She’ll have her feet on the ground a little more. She’s making a life there.’

Lily Collins added, via E! News: ‘I don’t know about season two yet, but I think Emily has some surprising tough choices. The show’s so much about the culture undermining her expectations of how things are and how things seem. And everything will not be as it seems. It’s always about challenging her American worldview. We certainly have a lot of forks in the road and a lot of places to go.’

Emily in Paris season two fashion

The fashion in Emily in Paris has unsurprisingly been one of its biggest talking points, with legendary costume designer Patricia Field taking the wheel. Having previously worked on Sex and the City, it is easy to see how people saw the Carrie Bradshaw inspiration in Emily’s colourful couture wardrobe. It has been revealed however that the designer was chiefly inspired by the 1951 film, An American in Paris.

 

Where was Emily in Paris shot?

Emily in Paris season one was filmed entirely in Paris, with a few scenes shot in the Loire Valley nearby, the location for Camille’s family chateau. Season two is in production and according to reports the filming will take place in Paris and Saint-Tropez.

How do you pronounce Emily in Paris?

A viral tweet from Netflix last year informed us all that we had been mispronouncing ‘Emily in Paris’. Taking to social media, the streaming platform tweeted: ‘Friendly reminder Emily in Paris is supposed to be pronounced with a French accent so “Emily” and “Paris” rhyme.’

Emily in Paris award nominations

Emily in Paris picked up multiple nominations over award season, something that prompted backlash. Most notably, the controversy surrounded the show’s nomination for a Golden Globe when I May Destroy You and Insecure – two pieces of critically acclaimed black art – were snubbed in the same category.

 

So far Emily in Paris has been nominated for two Golden Globes (best actress and best television series), a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding comedy series, four MTV Movie awards and a Critics’ Choice Television Award.

We will continue to update this article.

À bientôt!

The post Here's everything to know about Emily in Paris season two appeared first on Marie Claire.



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