María Cristina Lalonde: Writer & Journalist

A lover, fighter, and freelance writer, María Cristina covers topics related to health and the human experience. Ever in pursuit of romance and Malört parties, she’s lived everywhere from Chicago to Mexico City to Medellín to Lisbon to Bali — but Austin, Texas will always be home. Get in touch via this form or by scheduling a chat.

Travel + Leisure •

Brazil’s Dreamiest Coastal Road Trip Winds Through Rainforests, Pristine Islands, and Colorful Beach Towns

I was inspired (or, if you believe in such things, divinely mandated) to road trip through Brazil during a spiritual ceremony. The idea came from my shaman, herself born and raised in the state of São Paulo. As entheogenic effects subsided, the digital-age healer pulled out her iPhone and showed me photos from her recent trip home. She explained how easy it was to rent a car and bounce from one beach town to the next, talking me through an oceanside route dotted with beach towns. We watched TikT...
Chron •

‘Cowboys literally exist!’ Scottish comedian Daniel Sloss on why he loves Texas crowds

Comedian Daniel Sloss hasn’t reached the level of celebrity at which he’s recognized on the streets of Houston — yet. But whether or not Texans can identify the 31-year-old Scotsman from his critically acclaimed standup specials “X,” “Dark” and “Jigsaw,” his double-digit appearances on Conan O’Brien’s talk show or his hundreds of performances around the U.S. and worldwide, they tend to be delighted to meet Sloss, anyway. Mostly because of his accent.
Howdy •

Why ‘The City Of Eternal Spring’ Deserves A Long Weekend

Decades after the death of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar, it's still hard to talk about Medellín without acknowledging its tumultuous past. Colombia's second city has come a long way in the last 30 years, transforming from the war-torn epicenter of a cocaine empire to a modern, progressive metropolis and travel hot spot — instrumental in Colombia’s recent tourism boom and hailed as one of the World's Greatest Places by TIME in 2023.
Popsugar •

I Wouldn't Wish ProLon's 5-Day Fast-Mimicking Diet on My Worst Enemy

Before starting the ProLon 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), I called my mother. I was excited about the diet's purported benefits (which include boosted metabolism, increased energy and improved mental clarity, to name a few). Like any good daughter, I wanted my mom's blessing."Basically, you eat almost no food to trick your body into thinking it has eaten no food," I explained. "It sounds like torture," she responded, concerned. "You don't understand," I insisted. "It improves longevity." Pe...
Popsugar •

I Was Skeptical About Virtual Shamanic Healing — Then I Tried It

I've long considered myself far too rational to try something like shamanic healing (or chakra balancing or vaginal steaming or reading "The Secret," for that matter). After all, I am the daughter of two scientists. ("My problem with psychedelic therapy is the purity and composition is variable and often not tested in controlled clinical trials," my father recently said to me.) I support my local public radio station. I subscribe to The Washington Post.
Giddy •

If Hookup Culture Is Empowering, Why Am I Miserable?

After swapping a handful of messages via OkCupid, Ted*, 31, and I met for a drink on the string light-lit back patio of a cocktail bar in East Austin. He was a tall, well-dressed software developer who'd taught himself to code after dropping out of architect school. Despite his blue-collar, conservative upbringing in Fort Worth, Texas, he voted Democrat and listened to Lord Huron and Neon Indian and Cardi B.

Even though he made it a point to not pay for my drinks, I agreed to go on a second dat...
Giddy •

Meet Emily Meade, the Actor Who Changed On-Screen Sex Forever

When Emily Meade was offered a role on "Dead Ringers," a modern iteration of director David Cronenberg's 1988 psychological thriller available to stream on Prime Video on April 21, she accepted—eagerly.

However, it wasn't the star-studded cast—which includes Rachel Weisz in a dual role as identical twin gynecologists—or even the all-female writers' room that drew the actor to the project. Rather, Meade said it was the fact that her character, Susan, keeps her clothes on for the entire show.

Sh...
Howdy •

Why ‘The City Of Eternal Spring’ Deserves A Long Weekend

Decades after the death of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar, it's still hard to talk about Medellín without acknowledging its tumultuous past. Colombia's second city has come a long way in the last 30 years, transforming from the war-torn epicenter of a cocaine empire to a modern, progressive metropolis and travel hot spot — instrumental in Colombia’s recent tourism boom and hailed as one of the World's Greatest Places by TIME in 2023.
Popsugar •

I Went on a 3-Day Ayahuasca Retreat Expecting Transformation — Here's What I Got Instead

I am cold, cranky, and covered in leaves. It's nearing 10 p.m. on a Friday in November, and I'm lying outside on the ground in a flimsy sleeping bag. Around me, people are wailing and throwing up into mini plastic trash cans. One woman dances in front of the fire and beats a hand drum. They're feeling the effects of ayahuasca, a potent, plant-based psychedelic tea. But despite me having drank two cups of the foul-tasting, muddy brew, I feel nothing.
EverydayHealth.com •

12 Best Water Bottles Brands We Tested in 2024

The best water bottle is one that you’ll actually use — one that matches your daily activities and preferences. We tested more than a dozen water bottles, looking at temperature retention, leakage, durability, material, and other key elements. After four weeks of research (and drinking gallons of water; you’re welcome), we identified the top water bottle performers from brands like Stanley, Owala, and Hydro Flask.
EverydayHealth.com •

5 Best Portable Cold Plunge Tubs for Small Spaces

Cold plunges may improve your mood, but the practice isn't without risks. Here are some tips from our experts on cold plunging safely.

Do: Build Your Way Up to Cold Plunges

"Begin with cold showers and cold water swimming," recommends Erik Milosevich, a certified Wim Hof instructor in Bastrop, Texas.

Once you're ready to graduate to ice baths, stick to short dips and listen to your body," says Raj Dasgupta, MD, a quadruple-board certified physician and clinical researcher in Los Angeles. "Con
The Real Deal by RetailMeNot •

Top Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

The journey from Cusco, Peru, down to the Lake Tititcaca-side town of Puno takes about eight hours by bus. Travelers en route to Puno or the nearby Isla del Sol often take the overnight sleeper bus to arrive early the next day.

Nevertheless, I was one of only a handful of passengers riding the Puno-bound night bus on a chilly morning in 2011. It was me, a few families and a group of chatty 20-something guys from Brazil.
US News & World Report •

10 Travel Destinations to Check Out During Shoulder Season

As tourism wanes, flight, cruise and hotel prices plummet. The combination of lower prices and lighter crowds makes shoulder season one of the best times to travel. If you're able to sneak away, you can score deals on flights and hotels to dream destinations. To help you plan your autumn getaway for less, we've included 10 of the more affordable shoulder season destinations below.

1. Hawaii. During the fall, Hawaiian hotel rates fall to their lowest prices of the year. After Labor Day, tourists
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