Living

I joined multiple cults to cope with poor mental health. Here’s how I got hooked in, how I eventually got out, and what I learned along the way. I’ve been in five cults. It was three too many. My first cult was in Spain, and it left me itching for more. I helped start the second cult while I was in college. Next was an abusive relationship cult-of-two, a dangerously restrictive vegan cult, and finally—a culty meditation retreat. The late UC Berkeley psychology professor Dr. Margaret Singer...
The new “De-Influencing” Trend on TikTok calls for more honesty in social media advertisements, but is it just influencing rebranded? When you’re drowning in a sea of massive fashion hauls and “must-have” lists, it’s clear that the push to buy things you don’t really need is stronger than ever. In the last several years, social media influencers have told us what’s in, what’s out, what to buy, and what to splurge on. But people aren’t feeling it anymore. Influencers that reigned supreme, like The Kardishan-Jenner Clan, and...
It's not a wonder why werewolf romance books are always the most sought, and considered as the comfort zone of some readers. They are simply unique and appalling to the human mind, the more intriguing werewolf books get, the more we crave them. What's more stimulating than a bunch of literary works having the ability to create a portal where everything is magical and supernatural? Because werewolf alpha mates romance books exist, we get to witness and be inside the ideal world of werewolves beneath...
Despite all the numerous places that cater to LGBTQIA+ men, the number of sapphic-specific places pales in comparison. In 1987, there were at least 200 lesbian bars throughout the United States. As of 2023, there are only 14 left.  The Lesbian Bar Project, which is a documentary and LGBTQIA+ collective created by Elina Street and Erica Rose, reported the following in 2020: compared to approximately 1,000 US bars centered around cisgendered homosexual men, there were less than 20 exclusively-lesbian spaces in the country.  Lesbian bars had a...
Hexahydrocannabinol, also known as HHC, is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, a few smaller studies found much milder intoxicating effects in HHC. It is also believed to have potential therapeutic benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. While research on HHC is still in its early stages, it is gaining attention within the medical community for its potential to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. With the legalization of...
As a travel content creator and travel nurse, I have had the opportunity to explore various parts of the world, but my recent trip to Romania was a unique and unforgettable experience. Many of my friends and family were puzzled when I told them about my plans to travel to Romania, and some even expressed concern for my safety. However, I was determined to look beyond the surface level and explore this country with an open mind. In this article, I share my experiences traveling...
From growing my own tea garden to harvesting and drying my herbs and flowers (which I document on my Instagram @bigfamilyliving)  I’m deeply connected to the herbal tea I drink. Each blend offers something different for the senses, and depending on the ingredients, benefits my health or mood. When life happens, I reach for the jars in my tea cabinet to keep me on my path, mixing and matching herbs to help myself heal, whether I’m dealing with anxiety, a sore throat, an aching head, or...
  Mark's Art, one of London's premier contemporary art galleries, recently hosted a show featuring the works of the mysterious street artist D-Wizz. All pieces were sold out on the night in a matter of minutes, with each selling for over £150,000. It's clear to see why this artist is quickly becoming the next big thing. The D-Wizz collection was made up of 12 unique pieces, with vibrant colors and intricate details that brought each work to life. From abstract shapes and figures to stunning landscapes, the...
As the days start to get longer and the sun stays out later, it's time to make the switch to daylight savings time. While this may seem like a minor adjustment, the effects of losing an hour of sleep can have a significant impact on your body and mind. It's important to prepare yourself for this change in advance so that you can smoothly transition into the new schedule. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily adjust to daylight savings time and...
Texas is a state known for its big personalities, big cities, and big cuisine. From the classic Tex-Mex favorites such as nachos and fajitas to the iconic breakfast tacos, it’s no wonder that many of the most iconic and beloved food and drink items have their roots in the Lone Star State. From the sweet and spicy combination of Dr. Pepper to the savory and delicious taste of chicken-fried steak, Texas has been home to the invention of a plethora of food and drink items...