Latest news with #Lora
Cosmopolitan
2 days ago
- Cosmopolitan
Eat your way around Barcelona! 11 of the city's must-visit eateries, from bocadillos to pintxos
Going to Spain for a long weekend won't solve all of your problems (it's giving pain without the 's', vibes), but that didn't stop me and my best girlfriend, nor you, if you're reading this, from booking a trip to Barcelona on a random Tuesday. Yep, that long-awaited sun-soaked city break has finally arrived, and I'm here to prepare you with an abundance of hotel, activity and food recommendations that'll have you 90 per cent pain-free* – tried and tested by your average 20-something-year-old sangria-fuelled girlie. You can thank me later... *The remaining 10 per cent of post-holiday agony will be down to European Monzo transactions, FYI. When it comes to choosing where to stay in Barcelona, you've got options galore; Airbnbs that feel like home and hotels that offer a slice of luxury. But if you're looking to elevate your trip, I experienced the following three-night stay that truly stood out. Seeking a stylish and indulgent escape (Aren't we all...)? Well, SLS Barcelona is the city's newest five-star hotspot that offers a chic waterfront retreat, seamlessly blending Mediterranean vibes and culinary excellence with Miami design and a luxury flair. Basically, if this hotel were a Hinge date, I'd no doubt swipe right. Situated at Port Fòrum, the hotel boasts 471 rooms and suites, many featuring private balconies with views of the marina or Mediterranean Sea. Interiors by Rockwell Group combine sleek materials like Venetian mirrors and sculptural lighting, creating a sophisticated ambience. Rooms aside, with six dining spots, SLS Barcelona is a foodie's dream. Lora serves up Mediterranean dishes cooked over a wood and coal grill, while L'Anxova Divina offers tapas with a Gaudí-inspired twist. And coming soon, they have Kyara, a cocktail bar exploring mixology as an art form, and Cosmico, a rooftop pool bar and club with floating sushi boats and Ibiza-worthy vibes. Oh, and they're not short of amenities, either. Guests can unwind at one of the three pools, including rooftop options with panoramic city views, or enjoy exclusive access to Coral, the guest-only pool bar. Plus, with a 24/7 fitness centre, complimentary bikes, and a forthcoming subterranean spa, SLS Barcelona provides a luxurious base for exploring the city's vibrant culture and nightlife. Basically, if you don't want to leave the hotel, you don't have to! But if you do want to explore the city, I've got you covered... Book now Whether you're looking to indulge in retail therapy at chic boutiques or immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and culture, Barcelona has a number of specialities waiting for you. Park Güell is Gaudí's signature, whimsical masterpiece – think pastel-coloured mosaics, curvy stone benches, and panoramic city views that are the epitome of "Instagrammable." It's the perfect spot for a chill day of exploring, snapping pics, and soaking in the surrealist vibes. But be warned: Book in advance and head early to beat the crowds. For vintage treasures and gourmet street eats (away from tourist traps), Mercat dels Encants is Barcelona's must-visit flea market, blending vintage treasures with modern finds. From retro furniture to quirky fashion, it's a treasure hunt that's both eco-friendly and totally unique. Don't miss the live auctions for some extra thrill. Spiral through ancient laneways, spot the Cathedral, and cosy up in hidden plazas with a morning trip to the Gothic Quarter. It's packed with hidden squares, independent cafés, and historic landmarks that make you feel like you're stepping back in time. You can't visit Barcelona without going to El Born (no, seriously, it's pretty unavoidable...). El Born is Barcelona's artsy, boho neighbourhood. Prepare for indie boutiques, art galleries, and street art that give the area its creative edge. It's the perfect place to get lost and discover something new around every corner. If Parc Güell is a lil out of your budget, or you just don't have the time to spend a day there, some of Gaudí's most renowned architectural genius is on full display around the city – including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. These buildings are like living art – curvy facades, colourful tiles, and designs that defy convention. Ocaña is a cultural hotspot in Plaça Reial, offering a mix of art, food, and nightlife. Don't forget to snap a quirky photobooth pic to remember your night out in one of Barcelona's most iconic squares. Whether you're lounging by a rooftop pool or catching rays at Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona's got your chill time covered. Grab a drink, soak up the sun, and vibe out to the sounds of the city and sea. The SLS Barcelona pool (and its bar) is the place to be. Barcelona's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, offering everything from traditional tapas to innovative Mediterranean cuisine and world-class wine bars. These spots are basically Barcelona's best mix of iconic, artsy and outright delicious. The OG tapas spot where you're basically time-travelling back to 1929. Get ready to elbow in beside locals, chug that homemade cava, and snack on anchovies and tortilla like a true Borneño. It's a classic, total vibe. Enter: Picasso's hangout turned artsy café. Gats has got that vintage Modernisme look plus major Bohemian energy – basically peak Insta meets art history IRL. (The patatas bravas are the best I've ever had, BTW...) Okay, slight mix-up: you've got Boadas, the slickest cocktail bar since 1933 just off La Rambla. Think mint‑tux bartenders, daiquiris inspired by Havana, and interesting history in every glass. To brunch with style, La Papa in Eixample is a mood: pastel‑tone interiors, avocado-toast glow‑ups, vegan croissants, açai bowls, and sustainable coffee that's actually worth the queue. Mercat de la Boqueria is a total bucket‑list foodie destination. The historic Modernista market (dating back to 1217!) is like walking into a sensory overload of vibrant produce, top‑tier seafood, and legendary cured hams under a stunning iron-and-glass canopy. Benzina in Sant Antoni is a breath of fresh air from the usual Spanish tapas circuit – it's that perfect blend of Italian soul meets rock‑and‑roll swagger. The vibe? Once a mechanic's garage, now a sleek industrial-chic space with vinyl tunes from The Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin. Oh, and the food? Well, each dish flips Italian classics in fun, unexpected ways – spaghetti carbonara, eggplant parmigiana with parmesan ice cream, lobster‑avocado linguine and a viral "sferamisu" that doubles as dessert art. A speakeasy behind a random bazaar? You bet. Push past the groceries into this moody, neo‑Gothic cocktail cathedral where drinks are art and the vibe hits different, like the sister‑bar to Paradiso, but moodier and more immersive. I've never been one to fall victim to a restaurant hotel, but Volta is an exception. The setting is the verdant, plant-filled ground floor of Borneta (one of the city's coolest new boutique hotels) beneath the iconic 19th-century arches of Passeig de Picasso, but the menu is even better. Executive Chef Andrea De Benedictis's pan‑Mediterranean dishes (think fire‑grilled tagliolini with clams, cheesy tempura zucchini blossoms, and juicy ossobuco) are as fresh as they come, made with local farm-to-table ingredients and served in a chill space that's cosy but still feels bougie. Famous for its "cloud sandwiches" on challah, fluffy croissants, avocado‑feta toasts, and top-tier barista coffee, brekkie at Flying Monkey is a failsafe start to any Barca day. Plus, the natural wine selection makes it a go-to for evening aperitivo, too. Minute‑by‑minute fresh and massive sandwiches, Bo D Be is a hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop that overloads the perfect baguette with your meat/veggie of choice, plus endless toppings (feta, lentils, pesto, tzatziki – no skimps), making each bocadillo feel straight-up custom and enormous. The best bit? It's super affordable; we're talking full meal vibes for €4–6 – sandwiches, bravas, salads. Pet Nat specialises in "pétillant-naturel" (ancestral method) sparkling wines, bottled mid-fermentation to lock in that natural fizz, turning every glass into a flavourful, lightly effervescent surprise. Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she's an expert in recognising the season's next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You'll usually find her putting TikTok's recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it's true). Find her also on LinkedIn.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Genius McDonald's Drive-Thru Hack We Wish We'd Known About Sooner
The Genius McDonald's Drive-Thru Hack We Wish We'd Known About Sooner originally appeared on Parade. These days, a quick zip through the drive-thru can easily run you $30, especially if you've got a kid or two in tow. But beyond that, if you're eating on the go, there's a whole other problem to contend with—the mess. Napkins slide between seats, fries fall into unreachable crevices, and someone always ends up with ketchup on their shirt or the door handle. So when I saw content creator Lora (@lorafied) share her McDonald's drive-thru hacks for eating on the road without turning your car into a disaster zone, I was in. As someone who practically lives in the car between errands, work and chauffeuring kids, I needed these tips! But one really stood out to me because it's a genius way to eat some of your favorite fast food items without juggling everything on your lap. It's so easy, I can't believe more people don't know about it. Related: 😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter. 🍳🍔 In the video, Lora says she eats on the run at least once a week, and her kids are munching in the backseat almost daily. If you can relate (I know I can), her hack is going to be a lifesaver. Lora's most genius fast food trick, which she credits to her daughter, balances convenience with practicality, especially when it comes to eating nuggets on the go. In her video, she takes the McDonald's nugget container and places it right on top of her drink cup, threading the straw through the slot in the nugget box lid. It fits perfectly, holding the container steady while giving her one-handed access to the nuggets inside. No more juggling food in your lap or trying to unwrap things while steering—this method keeps your meal in place and your focus on the road. It's such a small detail, but it solves a major drive-thru pain point. The nugget box doesn't slide around, your sauce stays nearby, and the whole setup becomes its own little fast food tray right in your cupholder. This trick turns any car into a functional (and far less messy) dining space. As Lora proves, a little clever thinking goes a long way in making everyday chaos just a bit more manageable. Related: Another clever fast food hack Lora shared in the video involves swapping out some serving containers. When you're ordering, instead of getting fries and/or nuggets in the standard boxes, ask if they can be served in a large cup. Instead of figuring out where to balance the nugget box or the fry container, all you have to do is put the cups in the cupholder, making it safer and easier to eat on the go. Plus, it saves you from having to dig through a bag or worrying about your food tipping over. The cup contains everything in one neat space, and because it's deep, nothing spills out. Nuggets and fries stay upright, crispy and within arm's reach. With Lora's method, your car stays cleaner, your food stays more manageable and your sanity stays intact. Whether you're grabbing a burger between meetings or passing out Happy Meals to a car full of kids, Lora's drive-thru hacks are one of those small, smart ideas that make a huge difference. They keep things clean and simple, and once you try them, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. Up Next: The Genius McDonald's Drive-Thru Hack We Wish We'd Known About Sooner first appeared on Parade on Jul 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Business Wire
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. Announces Appointment of New Board Member
LADERA RANCH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. ('SmartStop') (NYSE: SMA), an internally managed real estate investment trust and a premier owner and operator of self-storage facilities in the United States and Canada, announced the appointment of Lora Gotcheva as an independent director of the Company, effective July 10, 2025. Ms. Gotcheva has more than 25 years of financial management and investment experience with several firms in the financial services industry. From July 2010 until April 2025, Ms. Gotcheva served in various roles at CPP Investments, one of the largest pension fund managers in Canada, which invests the funds of the Canada Pension Plan. Most recently, Ms. Gotcheva served as a Managing Director, specializing in private real estate investments, joint ventures, and public REIT investments. Ms. Gotcheva earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. 'I would like to welcome Lora to the SmartStop family,' said H. Michael Schwartz, Chairman and CEO of SmartStop. 'With her deep real estate investment experience, specifically in publicly traded REITs both in the United States and Canada, Lora will bring valuable perspectives and skill sets that will serve SmartStop well as a newly listed REIT. Importantly, her background will complement our current members of the Board. I would also like to thank our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for its work and diligence during this process.' About SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SmartStop): SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. ('SmartStop') (NYSE: SMA) is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of more than 600 self-storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop® Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through its indirect subsidiary SmartStop REIT Advisors, LLC, also sponsors other self-storage programs. As of July 7, 2025, SmartStop has an owned or managed portfolio of 229 operating properties in 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, comprising approximately 164,300 units and 18.4 million rentable square feet. SmartStop and its affiliates own or manage 43 operating self-storage properties in Canada, which total approximately 36,400 units and 3.7 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at
India.com
05-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
More tensions for Pakistan as India set to make big deal with this country, this weapon can target Karachi, Rawalpindi within...
More tensions for Pakistan as India set to make big deal with this country, this weapon can target Karachi, Rawalpindi within… New Delhi: Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire agreement after 12 days of conflict, but the war can start anytime. India has also started strengthening its armed forces after the conflict with Pakistan, as these conflicts have showcased that future wars will be fought by drones and precision missiles. In view of this, India is going to add a powerful missile to its arsenal, which has the capability to target areas from Karachi to Rawalpindi. New Delhi will soon make a big deal with Israel for the LORA missile. What Makes Lora Missile Different From Other Missiles? The major this is Lora missile's cost which is less than any other missiles in the around the world. As per a report by Forbes, the cost of one Lora missile is less than USD1 million (less than Rs 8.50 crore). But this doesn't mean that the missile striking power is less than others. Even Lora missile's striking power is much more than many supersonic ballistic missiles out there. What Do Experts Say? According to experts, if this missile inducted in the Indian Air Force, then the strength of the IAF will increase tremendously. Notably, an agreement has already been signed between BEL and Israel Aerospace Industries to make this missile in India. During Aero India 2023, India had signed a deal with the Israeli company to make the Air Lora missile here. Bharat Electronics was the part of the major deal. Under the deal, an agreement was also made between BEL and IAI to manufacture Lora together in the country itself. It is worth noting that, the Indian Navy has already included this missile in its fleet. What Is Special About Lora Missile? The missile has 400-km range and weighs 1600 kgs. Undetectable by enemy jammers, it is designed for high precision targeting. Key feature is its deep-penetration warhead, capable of destroying targets hidden in bunkers. The missile is compatible with Su-30 MKI fighter jet, with a capacity of 4 missiles per aircraft. This allows for targeting of multiple locations from a significant distance. How Much Does Lora Missile Cost? As per reports, Air Lora missile costs less than other comparable weapons systems. As the official price remains undisclosed, it is estimated that the missile costs below USD1 million (approx Rs8 crore). If we compare its price with BrahMos, a fraction of the BrahMos missile's cost Rs 34 crore. This is also cheaper than Agni 5 (estimated at Rs50 crore).
Scottish Sun
25-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I never wore suncream as a teenager – my skin looked like leather & I looked 50 in my 20s – now I've reversed the damage
SUN WARNING I never wore suncream as a teenager – my skin looked like leather & I looked 50 in my 20s – now I've reversed the damage Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE SUMMER season has well and truly arrived and now it's more important than ever to look after your skin. But while millions of beauty buffs kickstart their day by applying SPF, there are still plenty of those who skip the crucial step. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Lora, now 44, admitted to skipping sunscreen as a teenager - which later resulted in premature ageing Credit: tiktok/@loracroftcheck 2 The mum has since managed to reverse some of the visible damage - and looks better than ever Credit: tiktok/@loracroftcheck Now, one woman has revealed the shocking damage of her ''leather'' skin after she gave suncream a miss as a teenager - and how she now looks totally different. Mum Lora Croftcheck left TikTok users gobsmacked after she shared snaps of herself after skipping sunscreen in high school. Lora, who graduated in 1999, told fellow social media users she never bothered with sun protection. Sun safety should be non-negotiable and there are plenty of reasons to not skip this step, such as avoiding sunburn, minimising the risk of melanoma and premature ageing. Sun damage, also known as photoaging, is skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun without SPF protection. There have been plenty of studies that show that skipping sunscreen can lead to premature ageing, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Sun damage is a significant concern because it can cause both cosmetic issues and serious health problem, experts have warned. However, it wasn't until later that Lora began to notice the true extent of the damage - and in her 30s, looked like she was in her 50s, she bravely shared in a now-viral video. Uploading selfies, the mum said ''the sun damage and bags were awful'' and admitted to always hiding behind cakey make-up to cover the spots and uneven skin tine. But as she approached her ''upper 30s'', Lora decided to start focusing on skincare - and the results have left people with their jaws on the floor. I let my kid start wearing make-up aged 3 - I've spent £1.5K on her 200 products & her skincare regime has 9 steps The mum, now looking more radiant than ever at 44, wrote: ''For the past seven years, I have worn sunscreen every single day, and I have never missed a day using skincare. ''I have used multiple brands over the years, and this is not a sales speech. ''It is just meant to motivate you to stay consistent, because it is truly key,'' said Lora who's also admitted to getting ''fillers and lasers'' on top of using the viral Korean skincare. The Importance of SPF WITH summer finally here, here's everything you need to know about SPF. 1. Protects Against UV Radiation: SPF shields your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, specifically UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. 2. Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer: Regular use of SPF can significantly lower the risk of developing various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. 3. Prevents Premature Aging: UV exposure accelerates the aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. SPF helps maintain youthful skin by blocking these aging effects. 4. Maintains Even Skin Tone: Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Using SPF regularly can help prevent these issues, leading to a more even and radiant complexion. 5. Essential for All Skin Types: Regardless of skin type or tone, everyone is susceptible to UV damage. SPF is crucial for all skin types to maintain healthy skin and prevent damage. 6. Everyday Necessity: UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, making daily SPF application essential, even on cloudy days or when indoors. While it's not possible to completely reverse sun damage, you can significantly improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin through various treatments and skincare practices. These methods, especially introducing SPF to your beauty routine, can help reduce wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, and boost collagen production. Regular sunscreen use can minimise the formation of new sunspots and wrinkles and help repair some of the visible signs of aging caused by the sun. Other skincare buys worth investing in include retinol, retinoids, vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants and chemical peels, explained the experts at Cleveland Clinic. 'You de-aged 20 years' The jaw-dropping video, posted under the username @loracroftcheck, has since taken the platform by storm, amassing over 4million views. Close to 2,000 people flooded to comments in total shock, with one viewer writing: ''Australian here (so I know about sun damage) and finished high school in 1990. ''The difference between people who wear sunscreen and people who didn't is staggering at my age.'' Another was stunned by the epic glow-up, commenting: ''you de-aged 20 years, great job girl.'' Someone else said: ''I've been using sunscreen everyday since I was 21 I am now 65 and skin is really good with no wrinkles.'' ''Class of 2001! Tanning beds and now hiding my face from the sun!'' a beauty buff chimed in.
