Picking out the right sectional sofa really shapes not just how comfy you’ll be, but also the vibe of your living room.
There are endless options out there—some gorgeous, some not so much—so it’s worth figuring out which ones actually deliver both style and a seat you’ll want to sink into.
Let’s stop wasting time and jump right into it.
1) Eureka
Eureka from DreamSofa lets you get picky—in a good way. You can customize the exact size, fabric, and firmness, so whether you’re squeezing into a studio or filling a big family room, you’re covered. Everything’s up for grabs: wood finish, leg style, all the little details.
The seating is upright but still cozy, so it works for folks who like support and those who want to sprawl. High seats are handy for taller people, and the structure helps with posture (which, honestly, is AMAZING after a long day). Removable cushions make it easy to keep things fresh—just flip or rotate them, and cleaning isn’t a hassle.
There’s a wild number of fabric choices, too—hundreds, in every color and texture you can imagine. You can even go for down-filled cushions or add a sleeper if you want guests to crash in comfort. The online design process is simple, and they deliver pretty quickly. It’s built to last, not just look good for a season.
2) Hamilton
The Hamilton sectional has that crisp, tailored look that just fits with modern spaces. You can play around with the size, layout, and fabric, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal.
Its supportive seat cushions and solid hardwood frame mean you get both comfort and something that’ll survive years of use. The seats are firm but not stiff—kind of the sweet spot for daily lounging.
There are plenty of configurations to choose from, and upholstery runs the gamut from performance fabrics to classic linens. The wide, low arms and clean lines keep things balanced and unfussy. Hamilton’s all about stability and giving you a place to actually unwind after work or on weekends.
3) Cologne
Last, but certainly not least, is the Cologne custom sectional sofa.
This bold but artistic sofa is classy and the perfect accompaniment to any room.
Upholstery options include tough polyester blends and soft performance fabrics. Each piece snaps together securely, so you can rearrange it if your needs change (or you just get bored with your layout).
Benefits of Choosing Custom Sectional Sofas
Custom sectionals let you dial in both comfort and fit for your living room—no more settling for “almost right.” You get to pick the design, size, and setup that actually work for your daily life.
Ergonomic Design and Personalized Comfort
Want a deeper seat? Higher backrest? Cushions that aren’t too squishy? You can set all that up, so your back, hips, and neck get the support they actually need. It’s not just about looks—comfort gets a front seat.
Material choices go from soft, cozy fabrics to durable leather, so you can match your style and how much work you want to put into cleaning. Adjustable headrests and moveable chaise sections let you tweak things even more.
Some brands throw in extras like built-in lumbar support, armrest width options, or even reclining seats. It’s about making the sofa yours, not just another piece of furniture.
Flexible Configurations for Modern Spaces
Custom sectionals come in all sorts of shapes—L, U, even semi-circular. Whether you’ve got a sprawling open floor plan or a compact apartment, you can find something that fits.
Mix and match with modular bits like armless chairs, corners, or chaises. Switch them up when you want, or when life changes. Some sectionals let you move or swap pieces around, which is handy if you like to shake things up or host guests.
That flexibility is a game-changer for multi-use spaces. Built-in storage or sleeper sections can make life a little easier, too.
Key features of custom configurations:
Feature
Benefit
Modular sections
Adaptable arrangements
Variety of shapes
Fits different room layouts
Built-in options
Adds storage or sleep space
How to Select the Right Sectional for Your Lifestyle
Finding a sectional that fits your life means thinking about materials, how much effort you want to put into cleaning, and whether it’ll actually hold up. A little planning now saves headaches later.
Material and Upholstery Considerations
The fabric or material you pick changes everything. Leather looks sharp and shrugs off most spills, but it can feel chilly. Cotton or linen blends are warmer and softer, though they might stain if you’re not careful.
If you’ve got kids or pets, microfiber or performance fabrics are a safer bet—they’re tough and clean up easily.
Go with what feels good to you and matches how you actually live—sometimes a little practicality beats style, but hey, you can usually find both if you look.
Maintenance & Making Things Last
It doesn’t take a lot of care to keep your custom sectional sofa in good shape and lasting a long time.
If you opt for a fabric sofa, vacuuming one or twice per week is a good idea, deep cleaning with suitable fabric cleaner as necessary.
Leather sectionals also benefit from regular vacuuming, but are a bit easier to clean with leather sofa wipes.
In terms of thinking long term, make sure to clean any deep stains quickly and address any scratches or breaks right away.
In today’s fast-moving environment, it is crucial for companies to prioritize the effective integration of new team members. Implementing onboarding systems is key to facilitating transitions for personnel, ultimately leading to increased efficiency. Through the automation of procedures and the provision of tools, these systems have the potential to enhance both employee satisfaction and overall organizational performance.
Understanding Onboarding Systems
An online onboarding system is created to assist in the integration of recruits into a company’s workforce environment. These platforms streamline processes and tasks for human resource teams by providing procedures. Typically encompassing document handling capabilities along with training modules and communication tools, these systems enable organizations to establish an onboarding experience that familiarizes employees with the company’s values and norms.
Improving Productivity with Automation
Onboarding systems offer an advantage through automation by streamlining processes and saving time on administrative duties, allowing HR professionals to focus on more meaningful tasks instead. For example, digital forms and e-signatures replace paperwork to minimize mistakes and delays. Moreover, automated reminders help ensure that all crucial steps are completed promptly during the onboarding process to keep things moving smoothly.
Enhancing the Workplace Environment
Starting a job on the foot is crucial for how long an employee will stick around with the company in the long run. Making sure new hires have everything they need from the get-go through onboarding programs helps them feel like they belong away. The training sessions are designed to cater to individual learning preferences and needs by offering modules tailored to styles of learning.
Consistent Practices Throughout the Company
Consistency plays a role in employee orientation programs as they strive to maintain uniformity across different departments through the provision of standardized information and procedures. This uniformity boosts new employees’ confidence in their positions by minimizing confusion. It also aids organizations in upholding quality standards and adheres to industry regulations to mitigate potential risks.
Nurturing Participation and Loyalty
The beginning phase of employment is crucial as it greatly affects how long employees stay in a company in the future. The processes used for introducing new hires help get employees involved by providing chances to interact with mentors, take part in team events, and stay updated with company updates. Workers who are actively engaged are inclined to stick around with a company, resulting in turnover rates and a positive overall atmosphere.
Improving Communication Efficiencies
Good communication plays a role in making onboarding successful by utilizing tools to facilitate interaction between new employees and current staff members, such as chat features and video calls that help foster connections and trust among all parties involved in the process.
Achieving Goals and Striving for Growth
Tracking the efficiency of employee orientation programs is made possible through the use of tools like the ones mentioned here. Systems for introducing hires come equipped with tools for analyzing data and generating reports to help companies keep tabs on how things are going and spot areas where they can make things better. By looking at the data collected from these systems and making sense of it all through analysis and review processes, companies can tweak their approaches to ensure that the onboarding journey keeps getting better over time.
Embracing the Hurdles of Working from Home
Remote work has revolutionized the way companies welcome employees on board in today’s world, where teams are spread out in places. Having employees in locations poses hurdles for organizations when it comes to integrating fresh faces into the team. Onboarding processes tackle these obstacles by providing tools that connect people across distances. From training sessions and online introductions to teamwork platforms, new team members get to interact with their co-workers and understand the company culture no matter where they are located.
Economic Allocation of Resources
Introducing an onboarding system can be an investment in the future of any organization. It helps to cut down on work and make operations smoother, enabling companies to manage their resources. Time saved from dealing with paperwork and administrative tasks can lead to productivity and lower operational expenses. Additionally, enhanced employee retention rates mean recruiting costs result in a return on investment in the long term.
In Summary
In short, onboarding systems are crucial for making employee integration smoother. Enhancing efficiency and improving experiences while fostering engagement are ways these digital tools greatly contribute to the success of organizations. Incorporating technology into onboarding not only helps employees but also enhances the overall company culture and performance. As businesses progress, investing in onboarding solutions is key for long-term growth and progress.
Does Cigna Insurance Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment?
What Affects My Cigna Insurance Coverage?
How to Verify Your Cigna Insurance Coverage?
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, finding the right rehab is a big step—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The good news? If you have Cigna insurance, you may have access to top drug rehabs that take Cigna insurance in Arizona without the stress of massive out-of-pocket costs.
From detox to inpatient and outpatient care, Cigna covers a range of substance abuse treatment options to help you get back on track. Understanding your insurance benefits and choosing the right treatment facility can make all the difference, and we’re here to help you navigate the process.
Does Cigna Insurance Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment?
Yes, Cigna insurance covers drug and alcohol rehab treatment, but the extent of coverage depends on your specific insurance plan. Cigna typically provides coverage for inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, detox services, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and therapy sessions.
Your coverage may vary based on factors such as whether the rehab center is in-network, the type of treatment needed, and any co-pays or deductibles associated with your plan. To determine your exact benefits, it’s best to verify coverage with Cigna or consult a rehab center that accepts Cigna insurance.
Types of Addiction Treatment Covered by Cigna Insurance
Cigna provides substance abuse treatment coverage for various levels of care, ensuring you receive the appropriate type of treatment for your recovery.
1. Inpatient Rehab
A residential treatment facility where patients receive 24/7 medical care, therapy, and structured support. This is ideal for those with severe addiction requiring a high level of care.
2. Outpatient Treatment
Cigna outpatient rehab coverage allows patients to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions. This option is best for individuals who need flexible treatment options while maintaining daily responsibilities.
Understanding your Cigna insurance coverage helps you find the best rehab facility for your needs.
What Affects My Cigna Insurance Coverage?
Your insurance benefits depend on a few key factors:
Your specific Cigna plan – Different plans offer different levels of coverage.
In-network vs. out-of-network facilities – In-network facilities usually cost less.
Medical necessity – Some treatments require a doctor’s recommendation.
Deductibles and co-pays – You may have some out-of-pocket costs.
Checking with your insurance company or speaking with an admissions navigator at a rehab center can help clarify your benefits.
Detox Services Coverage
Detox is a crucial first step in the recovery process, as it helps individuals safely manage withdrawal symptoms before starting formal rehab treatment. Cigna often provides coverage for drug or alcohol detox services, ensuring that patients receive proper medical supervision.
Detox programs vary in length and intensity based on the substance involved and the severity of the addiction. With Cigna coverage, individuals can access safe and effective detox services, reducing the risks associated with withdrawal.
If you or a loved one needs detox before rehab, checking your Cigna insurance benefits can help you find a covered facility that provides this essential service.
Coverage for Specific Substance Use Disorders
Cigna provides insurance coverage for a wide range of substance use disorders, helping individuals receive specialized treatment for their addiction.
Below are some of the common conditions covered by Cigna rehab insurance.
Alcohol rehab: For those struggling with alcohol addiction, Cigna covers treatment programs designed to help individuals achieve long-term sobriety.
Recovery programs for stimulants: Cigna provides coverage for addiction to substances like methamphetamine and cocaine, ensuring comprehensive care for stimulant abuse.
Support for sedative addiction: This includes benzodiazepines and sleep medications, which require specialized detox and therapy.
By offering coverage for multiple types of substance abuse, Cigna helps individuals access the treatment necessary for lasting recovery..
Types of Rehabs That Take Cigna Insurance
Choosing the right treatment center is crucial for successful recovery. Here are the types of rehab centers that accept Cigna insurance:
Inpatient Rehab Treatment Centers
These facilities provide intensive, round-the-clock care in a structured environment. Patients receive medical supervision, therapy, and support to address their substance abuse disorders.
Rehab Outpatient Centers
Outpatient rehab allows individuals to receive treatment while living at home. This type of care is ideal for those with mild to moderate addiction who need flexibility for work, school, or family obligations.
Luxury Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers
Luxury rehab centers offer top-tier addiction treatment with personalized care and premium amenities. At HART Rehab, we provide expert care in a comfortable, supportive setting to ensure lasting recovery.
Many highly rated rehab centers in California accept Cigna insurance, providing world-class treatment services in a serene and healing environment.
Benefits of Choosing a Rehab That Accepts Cigna Insurance
Selecting a rehab center that accepts Cigna insurance ensures you receive quality care while reducing financial stress. Here’s how Cigna coverage can support your recovery:
Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs
Cigna’s insurance coverage helps minimize financial burdens, making treatment more accessible and affordable. With lower deductibles and copays, more people can get the help they need without excessive financial strain.
Access to High-Quality Treatment Services
Rehab centers that accept Cigna insurance offer evidence-based therapies, experienced medical staff, and comprehensive treatment services. This ensures that individuals receive personalized care tailored to their recovery needs.
Confidentiality in Treatment
All rehab programs comply with privacy laws to ensure that your treatment remains confidential and protected. This allows individuals to focus on their recovery without concerns about personal or professional repercussions.
By choosing a Cigna-approved rehab center, you gain access to the best treatment options while keeping costs manageable. Start your journey to recovery today with the support of Cigna insurance coverage.
How to Verify Your Cigna Insurance Coverage
Before starting rehab, it’s essential to understand what your insurance will cover. Verifying your Cigna insurance benefits can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure you get the care you need. Here’s how you can check your coverage:
Call Cigna Directly – Ask about your benefits and get a list of in-network rehabs.
Contact the Rehab Center – Many centers have staff who can verify your benefits for you.
Check Legal Coverage Requirements – The Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures insurance covers mental health and substance abuse treatment at the same level as physical health care.
By confirming your coverage in advance, you can focus on your recovery without financial stress.
Find the Right Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Arizona
Choosing the drug rehabs that take Cigna insurance near is a crucial step in your recovery journey. Whether you’re searching for rehabs in Arizona that accept Cigna insurance or considering other options, here are some factors to keep in mind:
What type of treatment you need – Inpatient, outpatient, IOPs, or PHPs.
Location and amenities – Choose a rehab where you feel comfortable.
Insurance verification – Work with an admissions navigator to confirm coverage.
Finding the right rehab doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By considering these factors, you can choose a facility that aligns with your needs and maximizes your insurance benefits.
At Hart Rehab, we make the process easier by offering personalized, evidence-based treatment in a supportive environment. Contact us today to verify your insurance and take the next step toward recovery.
Start Your Recovery with Cigna-Covered Rehab Today
If you’re struggling with addiction, know that you don’t have to do this alone. Recovery is possible, and with Cigna insurance, getting the help you need can be more affordable than you think. The first step? Verifying your benefits and finding a rehab that truly understands what you’re going through.
At Hart Rehab, a leading rehab in Arizona that takes Cigna insurance, we offer compassionate, evidence-based treatment to help you regain control of your life. Whether you need inpatient care, outpatient support, or something in between, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait—your future is worth fighting for. Call Hart Rehab today at (480) 351-5146, email us at contact@thehopehouse.com, or visit HartRehab.com to start your journey to a healthier, happier life.
It’s been at least a decade since Car Seat Headrest achieved a critical breakthrough, yet they’ve hardly shed their reputation as a college band. Look at it one way, and The Scholars is yet another audacious experiment from the Will Toledo-led project after the ambitious electronics and insular narrative of 2020’s Making a Door Less Open, an embrace of the rock opera as a natural fit, and extension of, their evolving inclinations as a band. Look at it another way, and it’s a chance to age into their indie rock cred and channel their communal spirit in the form of a concept album about a fictional university, playing with a cast of characters as they split songwriting duties yet uniting over the album’s most pervasive themes – illness, legacy, rebellion. Though it meanders and wears the listener out in its final stretch, it rewards those who are patient and studious enough to dive into the narrative. Even if you find yourself losing interest, it’s hard not to leave convinced this is the scale and territory they should be working with.
1. CCF (I’m Gonna Stay With You)
This being a track-by-track review, it’s tempting to use the format to unpack the lore surrounding The Scholars the way a diehard fan would, attempting to make sense of its puzzling narrative by digging through the lyric sheet. But I’m more interested in how much a more casual – if still devoted – fan can get out of the album by focusing on the music itself. That said, a little context is still useful to get your foot in the door with this record. ‘CCF (I’m Gonna Stay With You)’ dives headfirst into the world of Parnassus University by introducing us to Beolco, a student who seems to believe himself a kind of spiritual descendant of its founder, a playwright named the Scop. It’s his most unsound thoughts that teeter on the profound: “There was a line that my idols crossed that I could not cross/ On the other side is love and right here is loss,” Toledo sings.
As an eight-minute epic, the song is a testament to how well the band can pull off a suite, piling one great hook on top another. You don’t have to decipher the lines Toledo spins over and over again to be delighted by the melody; not when the singer himself sounds so carefree. “Remember I told you, you in the air, everything that you ever wanted to feel, take a look at everything waiting around you,” he sings to draw the song to a close; you’re not even sure who’s speaking to who, but it hits.
2. Devereaux
The question of lineage carries over into the second track, which centers on the “son of a backwaters religious conservative” trying his luck at the nearby Clown College. In desperation, he prays not to the college’s founder but the grandfather who shares his name: “In the space between here and you/ There’s a kid who don’t know what to do/ He waits in the silence to hear.” (In the previous song, it is “the Silent Whisper” that delivers the chorus.) There’s less catharsis in this song, but it’s CSH at their most classically indie rock, which almost distracts from its thematic connection to the opener.
3. Lady Gay Approximately
Here’s a song where the background does more work than the actual music: “Malory joins the ‘birds of paradise,’” we learn, “a community based on beautification through the feather-and-fur modification, extensive costumery, prosthetics, and the like. After a year without contact with his parents, he shows up on Christmas night unadorned and silent, for a tense dinner with his mother.” Though that story should stand strong outside the context of the album, the tension barely shines through, mostly just simmering. Yet it makes sense that it’s here.
4. The Catastrophe (Good Luck With That, Man)
The band ramps things up quickly with ‘The Catastrophe (Good Luck With That, Man)’, which is buoyant and fiery in a way familiar to even the most casual CSH fans. We once again hear through the perspective of the Chanticleer, which is also when the songs naturally feel more personal, if not straight-up autobiographical. The song is about a troupe of clown troubadours, but it’s hard not to read into it as meta-commentary on touring: “I’ve driven through the desert of irony/ Driven all around and I’ve seen a great many/ Bones, dry bones in American towns.” It feels sincere and lived-in, communal and cathartic. The Wall and Ziggy Stardust are touchstones for this record, certainly, but the pop-punk grandiosity and self-reflection align it with American Idiot, too. It works better than you’d expect.
5. Equals
Here’s where things get a little muddled, plot-wise – or thrilling, depending on how invested you are in the story. Described as “a frantic late-night conversation” between Bealco and a college professor accused of stealing the skull of a college bard, and doubling as commentary on cancel culture, ‘Equals’ has little to offer beyond the record’s esoteric framework; at least it doesn’t drag out.
6. Gethsemane
As a testing ground for The Scholars’ knotty ambitions, ‘Gethsemane’ knocks it out of the park. Its 11 minutes reward the listener even if they can’t separate the different perspectives of the song, whose serpentine arrangement and heavy philosophizing come to life thanks to an especially potent vocal performance from Toledo. Besides, the story of Rosa, a medical student at the university who can absorb the pain of her patients, might be the album’s most captivating. “There’s nothing left to offer to restore what has been taken,” our narrator proclaims. “Your body is a temple, but your holy wounds are aching.” It cuts to the bone, leaving you dazed and hungry for context. Luckily, The Scholars offers plenty.
7. Reality
We learn that Chanticleer has apparently fallen victim to “madness or an early death,” blurring the line between the two. Attempting to reach through, Chanticleer’s ghost sings to his bandmates: “Well if you can take me when the mountains break/ And the sea swallows up the sky/ You can ride on me, I’ll take you beyond belief/ I will show you the reason why.” It should be the album’s most moving song, but at 11 minutes, its sentimentality feels outstretched and somewhat forced. It’s refreshing to hear guitarist Ethan Ives sing co-leads, but with Toledo having previously voiced the character of Artemis, the story only becomes harder to follow for the listener, making what should be the most cathartic point in its arc feel slightly redundant.
8. Planet Desperation
The Scholars’ towering climax is a towering space-prog odyssey that marks the band’s longest song to date, clocking in at nearly 19 minutes. We follow Hyacinth, the dean of Parnassus’s Liberal Arts school, who has been poisoned by the rival Clown College and bears witness to scenes of destruction at his campus. He even gives a shoutout to Ziggy Stardust, which seems obligatory given just how closely it hews back to that particular concept album. But it isn’t the kind of multi-part, hook-filled suite that CSH have perfected; there are several movements, but they serve the theatrical format rather than driving the momentum of the song. Yet it gives Toledo the space to deliver some of his most pointed and soaring lyrics on the album: “’Til the kids grow up all right/ Until hearts don’t break anymore/ Until we don’t spend the rest of our lives fixing everything that happened before.” It’s bolstered by the return of the record’s strongest refrain, “You can love again/ If you try again” and ‘Gethsemane’, as if to say: believe, even if you die trying.
9. True/False Lover
Surprise! Chanticleer has been alive this whole time, so the record comes to a close with its shortest and most effortlessly upbeat song. After more than half an hour of risky experimentation and classic rock opera worship, ‘True/False Lover’ serves as a reminder of Car Seat Headrest’s natural impulses as an ambitious indie rock band for the playlist era. “Home forever, out the backdoor, one more time/ Fields are planted, waiting for the summertime,” Toledo sings. No matter how many pivots they make, their music can’t help but ultimately feel like a homecoming.
The evocative series “It bugs me” (2022) by emerging photographer Tes Berge presents a striking blend of surrealism and intimate reflection. Eclipse, Drift, and Pulse serving as centrepieces, Tes Berge constructs a visual narrative that marries intricate detail with profound allegory. Her work stands at the nexus of contemporary photography, inviting comparisons to other rising stars in the artistic world. Yet, Tes’s unique perspective ensures her place in the limelight, with “It bugs me” capturing an exceptional discourse on vulnerability, metamorphosis, and resilience.
Reframing the Familiar: The Art of Subversion
Tes Berge’s approach to her subjects — insects, magnified and recontextualised — imbues her photography with a duality of discomfort and fascination. The series serves as an invitation to look closer, not only at the physical intricacies of her subjects but also at their symbolic weight. In Eclipse, for instance, the precise rendering of textures and patterns conveys the uncanny beauty of the insect world.
It bugs me series, Eclipse, 2022
What sets Berge apart from her contemporaries is her ability to manipulate lighting and composition to mimic a painterly effect. One might recall the works of Maisie Wilton, whose photography often blends the mundane with the extraordinary. Yet, while Wilton’s lens leans into ethereal portraiture, Tes ventures into a realm of scientific curiosity, drawing parallels with the inquisitive artistry of Carl Warner’s macro explorations. Berge bridges technical precision with a poetic sensibility, ensuring her photographs remain more than just documentation — they are acts of storytelling.
Metamorphosis as a Theme of the Times
In Drift, the insect’s posture — juxtaposed against an almost clinical backdrop — echoes themes of fragility. Transformation becomes a recurring motif, not unlike the artistic trajectory of Charlotte Marshall, whose sculptural works often interrogate human frailty. Tes, however, situates this fragility in a non-human subject, drawing parallels to ecological instability and the vulnerability of lesser-seen species.
It bugs me series, Drift, 2022
Tes Berge’s ability to distil transformation into a series of still frames recalls the precision of Eadweard Muybridge’s motion studies, though her execution is distinctively modern. By leaning into the grotesque, she explores the boundaries of discomfort, forcing the audience to confront their biases. Her work compels viewers to consider: What does it mean to truly see the ‘other,’ especially when the other exists on the periphery of human attention?
Tes Berge Amongst Her Peers: A New Vanguard
The rise of Tes Berge comes amid a renaissance in conceptual photography, spearheaded by figures such as Albie Kavanagh and Eva Moreno. Kavanagh’s exploration of light as an emotional conduit and Moreno’s interrogation of memory through blurred landscapes both resonate with audiences seeking depth in the visual medium. However, Tes Berge’s niche focus — the intersection of the natural and the surreal — allows her to carve a unique space within this burgeoning community.
By Maria Bregman, writer, art critic, curator, and cultural producer. She has authored critical articles for publications such as ELLE,, Esquire, Creativitys.UK, Life Magazine London, and London Post, and curated art exhibitions, including Zurab Tsereteli’s solo exhibitions. As a presenter for CultFM and creator of a cultural project for Culture TV, she has broadened public engagement with the arts. Her achievements include organising international art and music festivals in the UK, Tunisia, Israel, and Russia, serving on the jury for the Vasily Kandinsky Art Prize, and the National Academy of Arts.
Butterfly tattoos are one of the most popular and meaningful body art choices. With their graceful wings and colorful patterns, they are not only visually stunning but also carry profound symbolism.
Whether you’re drawn to their beauty or the messages they convey, butterfly temporary tattoos can represent many personal milestones. In this post, we’ll explore the meaning behind these designs and why TemporaryTattoos.com is the best place to shop for your next fake tattoo.
The Symbolism of Butterfly-Inspired Designs
1. Transformation and Rebirth
The life cycle of the butterfly—from caterpillar to cocoon and finally to butterfly—symbolizes transformation. This process is often used as a metaphor for personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and embracing new beginnings. Many individuals choose these designs to mark significant changes or fresh starts in their lives.
2. Freedom and Independence
Known for their free-spirited nature, butterflies are frequently linked to the idea of freedom. Their effortless flight embodies independence, representing the ability to roam freely and explore new territories. A butterfly-themed tattoo can symbolize the wearer’s desire for autonomy and their journey toward personal freedom.
3. Beauty and Grace
Butterflies are often seen as nature’s epitome of beauty and elegance. Their delicate wings and smooth flight inspire admiration, making them a symbol of grace. These designs can reflect your appreciation for beauty in both nature and life, often symbolizing how you value the aesthetic elements of the world around you.
4. Love and Relationships
In various cultures, butterflies represent love and the beauty of relationships. The idea of two butterflies intertwined often symbolizes the bond between two individuals. Some may choose these designs as a tribute to love, while others may use them to honor a relationship or the memory of a loved one.
5. Spirituality
In many traditions, butterflies symbolize the soul or spiritual presence, often bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds. For some, choosing this design is a way to express their connection to something greater, representing an ongoing spiritual journey.
Why These Designs Are So Popular
The enduring popularity of butterfly-inspired tattoos can be attributed to several factors:
1. Versatility in Style
Whether you prefer a minimalist design or a colorful, detailed piece, butterfly tattoos can be adapted to suit any style. From small, subtle symbols to large, intricate pieces, there are endless possibilities. The flexibility of these tattoos makes them suitable for various aesthetic preferences.
2. Wide Appeal
These designs have universal appeal, loved by both men and women alike. Whether you’re looking for something delicate or bold, a butterfly motif can be tailored to match your unique personality and vision.
3. Perfect for Different Placements
From the wrist to the shoulder, butterfly art is versatile in placement. The design can be adapted for various areas of the body, allowing you to choose whether to make a bold statement or keep it more subtle.
Why Choose TemporaryTattoos.com for Your Design?
If you’re looking to try out a butterfly tattoo design without committing to something permanent, TemporaryTattoos.com is your ideal destination. Here’s why:
Variety of Designs: At TemporaryTattoos.com, you can find an extensive selection of butterfly designs, including simple outlines, watercolor art, and more detailed options. Whether you’re after a temporary butterfly tattoo or a playful, artistic design, there’s something for everyone.
High-Quality, Realistic Alternatives: Their fake tattoos are crafted to look as lifelike as possible, giving you the appearance of a real tattoo without the permanence. You can experience the beauty of butterfly designs without the long-term commitment, thanks to their realistic temporary options.
Cost-Effective and Low-Risk: Unlike permanent tattoos, temporary tattoos allow you to experiment with different styles and placements for a fraction of the price. You can try out a design and change your mind later without any risk or regret.
Easy Application: Applying a temporary butterfly design is easy with clear instructions, and you don’t need a professional to help. Simply follow the steps, and your tattoo will look amazing in no time.
Skin Safe and Gentle: All tattoos from TemporaryTattoos.com are made with non-toxic, skin-safe materials, so you can confidently apply them to your skin without irritation or discomfort.
Conclusion
Butterfly-inspired tattoos are not just beautiful art—they carry deep meanings of transformation, freedom, love, and spirituality. If you’re seeking a temporary butterfly tattoo that captures these qualities, TemporaryTattoos.com offers high-quality, realistic designs to suit your style. Whether you’re exploring body art for the first time or simply want to try out a new look, their affordable options and easy application make them the perfect choice for your next tattoo.
In the past few decades, technology has redefined nearly every aspect of our lives, including how we entertain ourselves. What once required physical presence, fixed environments or restricted viewing has gradually turned into a global, 360-degree, bespoke experience. From games to videos, music, and movies technology has changed the face of entertainment furnishing with innovations that entertain in ways that are unique and interactive. Here in the article, we will try to understand how technology has changed the principles of playing and watching, as well as listening – welcome to Entertainment 2. 0.
Playing: The Evolution of Gaming
Gaming has always been a popular form of entertainment, but technology has taken it to new heights, making it more accessible and diverse. A notable improvement that has been experienced in games is the development of online gaming platforms, especially online casinos, which have brought traditional games like slots into the digital age. Online slots, particularly those with progressive jackpots have turned out to be one of the biggest attractions for the players. These slots offer the possibility of winning big rewards, with jackpots that grow larger as more players participate. Progressive Jackpot Slots have become a favorite of online gaming because people can enjoy the excitement of slot games. It is however crucial to be responsible with slots and only wager what you can afford to lose as there is no guarantee of winning.
Apart from online slots, one feature has revolutionized gaming and that is virtual reality (VR). VR technology makes it possible for a player to be one with the game. Whether it’s exploring fantastical worlds, engaging in realistic simulations, or enjoying interactive narratives, VR has expanded the possibilities of what gaming can be.
Mobile gaming has also greatly contributed to the expansion of gaming since people are now able to play on the go. As smartphone devices become more and more widespread, people have access to a huge variety of games starting from simple puzzles and ending up with strategic ones and all that having no need to be stationary. Mobile gaming has shifted the scope of gaming to one that targets groups of people who would not have been interested in gaming. It has also helped renew development with mobile, giving developers the ability to make games that work in short bursts, ideal for people on the move.
Watching: The Streaming Revolution
On-demand services have revolutionized the method that people consume videos or subscribe to videos. Gone are the days when viewers were limited to scheduled broadcasts or physical media. Currently, with key players like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney +, people have access to endless content that they can consume whenever they want. This has fundamentally changed viewing habits, offering seemingly unlimited freedom in the choice of what to watch and when to watch it.
The impact of technology on video entertainment doesn’t stop at streaming services. AR, VR, and other similar enclosed media experiences are starting to enter the ways of watching videos. Although the technology of AR and VR is still not fully developed, using this technology allows turning passive vision into active one. For instance, VR can position viewers into a particular movie or show giving them a chance to navigate the context and characters in a way that flat screens cannot provide. AR, in contrast, can place digital content on top of the physical environment and hence provides for an entirely new experience as far as fictional narratives are concerned.
Listening: The Evolution of Audio Entertainment
Another area that has been revolutionized through technology is music and audio entertainment. Spotify and Apple Music have provided easier ways of accessing more music than one can imagine. It is now possible to search for new musicians, build a playlist, and listen to music at any time. The days of purchasing individual albums or songs are largely behind us, as streaming services offer a more convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy music.
Podcasts have also come out as another important trend in audio-based entertainment. Podcasts have been established to be effective forms of advertising since they allow the hosts to target a specific audience or discuss a subject matter of interest within a short period.
Additional aids like smart speakers and smart headphones with incorporated artificial intelligence stepped the listening to a higher level. Some of these devices also support the facility for individualized audio through adaptive streaming, voice-activated music and podcasts, live news, or weather updates. This brings audio entertainment closer to the consumer and makes it very personalized depending on the consumer’s preference.
The Continuous Evolution of Entertainment
The impact of technology on entertainment is undeniable. It has redefined how we play, how we watch, and even how we listen and has made entertainment more mainstream, more interactive, and more individual. Social casino games and mostly Progressive Jackpot Slots have adapted the casino experience to our devices while VR and mobile games have taken the idea of what a game can be to the next level. Video streaming services emerged and changed the way people consume content and deliver new forms of interaction through AR and VR. Music subscriptions, podcasting, and the use of smart devices continue to define people’s means of listening to audio content and have made it quite easy to access and customize the available audio content. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways we entertain ourselves. The future holds even more innovation with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, 5G, and other technologies poised to further enhance the entertainment landscape.
There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Friday, May 9, 2025.
Miley Cyrus – ‘More to Lose’
Miley Cyrus is back with the fourth single from her upcoming album Something Beautiful. Previous offerings have featured Cole Haden of Model/Actriz, Foxygen’s Jonathan Rado, and members of Alvvays, and ‘More to Lose’, a vulnerable piano ballad, was co-produced with Jonathan Rado, Michael Pollack, Shawn Everett, BJ Burton, and Autumn Rowe.
Midwife – ‘Signs’
Midwife only released her latest album, No Depression in Heaven, last September, but man, does it feel like a long time. Midwife songs normally last a few minutes, but they can feel like an eternity, too, in the best way. Grief can feel like an eternity, and you never stop making sense of it, which is precisely what ‘Signs’, a mesmerizing B-side from that album, attempts to grasp at. It’s shorter than five minutes, but you wish it lasted longer, like so many things. It comes with a music video created by the artist Marah Herreid.
Trace Mountains – ‘The Line’
Trace Mountains’ new song, ‘The Line’, is a collaboration with Hand Habits’ Meg Duffy. It was released during the same period as Dave Benton’s latest LP Into the Burning Blue, but recorded after the album was released. “‘The Line’ is a song about the distance between two people — how sometimes that distance isn’t measured in miles, but in memories, in mistakes,” Benton said of the driving, aching single. “There’s a restless heart in it, one that keeps moving just to outrun the ache. And underneath all the motion, there’s a deep, stubborn kind of longing — the kind that makes you draw a line in the sand just so you won’t cross it again, even if you already know you will.”
Halsey and Amy Lee – ‘Hand That Feeds’
Halsey and Evanescence’s Amy Lee have joined forces for a new song, ‘Hand That Feeds’. They recorded it for the upcoming John Wick spinoff movie Ballerina, and though you may wish it sounded a bit more like the Nine Inch Nails song – it’s not like Halsey didn’t make a whole album with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross – it’s serviceably haunting.
Tyla – ‘Bliss’
Tyla has dropped a new single, ‘Bliss’, which she debuted at Coachella last month. An escapist pop anthem, the track was produced by Nolan Lambroza, Dylan Wiggins, and NovaWav.
LSDXOXO – ‘Satisfy’ [feat. Shygirl]
LSDXOXO has teamed up with Shygril for ‘Satisfy’, a razor-sharp banger from the upcoming mixtape DGTL ANML. The record also boasts Cobrah, VTSS, Boys Noize, Kilo Kish, River Moon, and Izzy Spears.
The Weeknd – Timeless Remix [feat. Playboi Carti & Doechii]
Doechii has joined the Weeknd on the remix of his Playboi Carti collab ‘Timeless’. Her verse includes lines like “I been legit since I came out the swamp/ Miss TPA and the Birkin’s a croc'” and “It’s a wrap like lettuce and cheese.”
Lord Huron – ‘Looking Back’
Lord Huron has announced a new album, The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1, which arrives July 18 on Mercury. Today, he’s shared the reflective, quietly ominous album opener, ‘Looking Back’. “The weight of your past can distort your present and future, the way massive celestial objects warp the fabric of the universe like a bowling ball on a trampoline,” Ben Schneider shared. “This song wonders if it’s possible to let go, or if looking back is a fundamental law of existence.”
Maruja – ‘Look Down on Us’
Experimental UK outfit Maruja have announced their debut album, Pain to Power. Out September 12, it was produced by Samuel W Jones, with whom the band worked on their three EPs. Lead single ‘Look Down on Us’ is an urgent and frenetic ten minutes. “’Look Down On Us’ is a reflection of the times we live in,” frontman Harry Wilkinson explained. “The first half of the song paints a grotesque and vivid picture of the super wealthy, and the impact they have on our culture. The second half is about the need to come together in solidarity and embrace love as a wider community, especially in times of oppression. The song ends full circle, arching back to where it began as a reminder to the listener of the struggle from which it came, and the struggle that still remains.”
Elbow – ‘Sober’
Elbow have released a groovy new song, ‘Sober’. It’s taken from their upcoming EP Audio Vertigo Echo, a companion to their 2024 album Audio Vertigo. “We are having more fun in the studio than ever before,” Guy Garvey said. “Craig’s on fire as a producer, Pete and Alex are the coolest rhythm section working and Pot’s unpredictable rhythm guitar has started working its way into such a soulful and accomplished place. The words are all stories from my past, sometimes joyful, often dark, but all of it exciting and mostly true. It feels like we’re having another go on the Waltzers after hours.”
M.U.T.T. – ‘Runnin’ With The Devil’
M.U.T.T. have announced a new album that they recorded with Jack Shirley; Toughest Street in Town drops on June 20. “I don’t fear my neighborhood, I am inspired by it,” frontman John Jr. clarified. “I find myself thriving in the mayhem. I walk around the blocks at night ’cause I know I can take care of myself. You gotta have a tough presence and a tough mind in order to survive in this part of the city. Some of you couldn’t last a week on my street. Maybe that’s why I love it so much.”
CVCHE – ‘Bitcoin Takes a Hit’
CVCHE – a band that features members of Broken Social Scene, Kings of Leon, Metric, and Leisure Cruise – have dropped a new track called ‘Bitcoin Takes a Hit’. They’ve even launched their very own memecoin, $FLUFFY, to accompany the release. “Born during a brutal Bitcoin faceplant, this track charts the emotional candlestick of a true dump ‘n’ pump—starting in the red, ending in the green,” they remarked. “Whether you’re diamond-handing through the dip or rage-selling your bags for ramen, this one’s for the degenerates, the chart-watchers, and the meme lords. Throw it on during your next leverage play and let the sock dancing commence.” I’m not sure how many layers of irony are involved in this, but the track itself is quite engaging.
Racing Mount Pleasant – ‘Racing Mount Pleasant’
Racing Mount Pleasant (formerly Kingfisher) have followed up their debut single, ‘Call It Easy’, with a self-titled track. Bands like String Machine, caroline, and Black Country, New Road spring to mind, though there’s a blurriness to the band’s approach that’s hard to place. ‘Racing Mount Pleasant’ is wondrous and expansive, promising great things to come.
Mei Semones is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She began taking piano lessons at a young age before switching to guitar and playing in jazz combos in high school. Having graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2022, Semonse moved to Brooklyn, started working at a Japanese preschool, and released her first EP, Tsukino. Two years later, she signed to Bayonet Records and dropped her impressive Kabutomushi EP, which featured Noah Leong on viola, Claudius Agrippa on violin, Jaden Raso on bass, and Ransom McCafferty on drums. Nearly the same backing band – now with Noam Tanzer on bass – joined Semones to record her recently released debut LP, Animaru, with co-producer Charles Dahlke.The record deepens Semones’ seamless blend of dreamy bossa nova and jazz-inflected indie rock, maintaining a gorgeous atmosphere while dynamically maneuvering from one odd feeling to another. There’s so much heart and charm in it, though, that no part of its eclectism feels alienating. “There’s something I like about it,” she sings of the ‘Dumb Feeling’ that opens the album, then spends the rest of it elaborating in her own musical language.
We caught up with Mei Semones for the latest edition of our Artist Spotlight series to talk about the journey to her debut album, her compositional process, dumb feelings, and more.
One childhood memory you bring up on the album is catching crayfish with your sister. I was wondering if you could start by telling me more about the environment and the animals that come to mind when you think about your upbringing.
For that song specifically, when me and my sister were little, we would go to this creek behind our house in Michigan, which was in the woods, and catch crayfish – go and play in the creek and look for fish. In terms of other animals, at least where I grew up in Michigan, there was a lot of deer, a lot of squirrels, rabbits, just normal forest animals, at least for the Midwest. That’s the main wildlife that I saw when I was younger. I also grew up with dogs, which is not wildlife, but that’s another type of animal that I really love.
Were you curious about them in any way?
I’ve always really loved animals, watching them and interacting with them if I can. I also had some hamsters growing up. I do still like animals and will watch YouTube videos about them and stuff like that. [laughs]
Family is important to your art in general. Your mom has made all of your artwork, including the one for Animaru. How would you trace your creative relationship? Was art something you connected over before you started making music?
With my mom specifically, we had never really worked together in this way before at all. I didn’t really start asking her to make artwork for me until after I started releasing music and needing designs for posters and stuff, so it’s not really something that we talked about before. In terms of connecting about music and stuff, my parents had me and my sister start taking piano lessons when we were really little, so that was a thing that we would do, and she would sometimes help us when we were little, just practicing piano. We weren’t at an age where we could do it by ourselves – we were, like, five. I feel like my mom would show me manga, Japanese comic books, but we didn’t necessarily talk about art necessarily that much.
When did music become a passion that had a social aspect to it?
I started playing in bands and stuff in middle school, so at that point it was something I started doing with other people. And then in high school, I started performing in front of people more and playing in different jazz combos. And then I kept doing that into college and now.
I feel like Animaru is the kind of debut album that also charts your transition into pursuing music. Did it also make you think about what it means to pursue music, or when that became important for you, in a different way?
I feel like music has always been the focus in my life. Since I was in high school, it’s the only thing that I’ve been interested in doing and what I spend most of my time doing and thinking about. I don’t think the album really was me becoming more serious or anything. But I guess in terms of the timeline of the album, when I was working on it is when I was able to stop working a day job and completely do music full time. So in that sense, it was like it was a time where I could really focus on music and put all my attention towards it and not have to be working a different job during the day and then doing music at night. I was able to just put all of my time towards music – obviously, aside from the logistics of being an artist and social media and answering emails, all the other stuff that comes along with being an artist. I do that, obviously, but then was able to focus more on music too.
The album title made me wonder if your affinity for animals and your love of music were connected in any tangible way; there’s a purity in both.
That totally makes sense. In terms of my songwriting process and my process for making music in general, I usually don’t really have any sort of preconceived concept or, like, “This is what this is gonna mean when it comes out.” So it wasn’t planned out in that way, but I do think that looking back at the songs, there’s definitely consistent themes throughout; a few different songs have different animal themes in them, and that wasn’t really something I was thinking about as I was writing it. But then at the end, I would realize this is a theme throughout the album.I appreciate you saying the word purity, and maybe it feels that way because it’s just naturally what’s coming out as opposed to something planned and then made.
People may project this idea of meticulous planning when it comes to your arrangements. Does what you said about writing lyrics apply to the music?
It definitely takes a lot of time to arrange all the parts. Even just writing a song, it can take a while to figure out all the chords and exactly how it’s gonna go and the structure and the dynamics and the melody. In that sense, I feel like it was planned out pretty meticulously. And then when we go into the studio, we’re basically just trying to get the best take possible of our arrangement, to capture the way that we play the song in the best way possible. It’s not like we’re making stuff up on the spot in the studio. It’s what we’ve been practicing probably for a few weeks before, and then we go and try to get the best take possible. But in terms of things that happen in the studio that were not necessarily planned out, that would be more like getting specific guitar tones or maybe adding some textures that we weren’t planning on doing; more like stuff that’s augmenting the music, whereas the core of the songs are pretty much set before we go into studio. We just do that and then add other stuff on if we want to.
The songs on Animaru that feature acoustic guitar more prominently tend to be nostalgic in a way, while those lyrically feel more raw and present sound more explosive and electric. I wonder at which stage of the process you tend to set the dynamics of a song.
I would say the dynamics are usually set during the songwriting process. When I’m writing alone, I’ve probably already decided the dynamics of the song for the most part. And then in terms of actually executing it, obviously that comes with talking to my band and, as we’re practicing it, conveying to them, “I really think this part should be really loud and this probably should get really quiet.” And then in the studio, adding electric guitar for the parts that I think should really full and loud or whatever. But the dynamics are pretty much determined when I write this song. Executing it comes with talking to my band and adding the different layers, although even when I’m playing the song by myself, I’m still playing those dynamics.
A great example of those dynamics playing out from one song to the next is ‘Norwegian Shag’ bleeding into ‘Rat With Wings’.
The way that I wrote the songs, it was meant to be one goes straight into the other. I think I wrote them in a similar time period; I don’t remember if it was the exact order that I wrote them in, but when I was writing ‘Rat with Wings’, I had just been playing the song ‘Norwegian Shag’ and then went into Rat with Wings’. I started writing ‘Rat with Wings’ with the idea that it was going to come directly out of ‘Norwegian Shag’.
Do you feel like the latter was adding to or moving past the yearning in the previous song?
I think my feelings in both the songs were existing at the same time, so for me, it wasn’t really a progression from one song to the other. It was just expressing different feelings that were happening maybe at the same time.
You’ve been singing and writing lyrics in both English and Japanese since your first single. How has your relationship to this mode of writing deepened or changed since then?
The main thing that comes to mind is that when I first started writing lyrics in both English and Japanese, it was pretty defined in terms of, like, where it would switch. Normally,it would be section by section. But gradually over time, it’s becom a little more fluid and it’ll be within the same section – sometimes even within the same sentence, I’ll switch between languages. So I feel like it’s become more more free in the way that I switch as I’ve realized more and more that I don’t think it matters what language I’m singing in, because for me, it’s more about the feeling and the music. I care about the lyrics and everything, but I’m not trying to organize it in any specific way, more so just trying to make sure that it feels good for the music and fits well and is conveying the feeling that I am trying to convey.
There’s a moment where you switch to Japanese to sing “my guitar” right before this really intense guitar line in ‘Tora Moyo’.
I knew I wanted to say “my guitar” because that’s what the song is about, or what the lyrics happening right before that are about, so I kinda wanted to say it outright at the end. And I think the syllables “my guitar” didn’t fit with the melody that I had in mind because it has more notes – I would have to sing three notes on the word “my,” so then it made more sense to do it in Japanese because “boku no” has three syllables so it fits with the melody better.
The first time that an animal is brought up, it’s to remember the feeling of being a fly stuck to the wall. How would you describe that numbness, that dumb feeling?
That dumb feeling is actually a good feeling. I’m happy to be a fly on the wall – I’m happy to just be, like, chilling. One of the lyrics is “I don’t need to get my word in,” and I guess the point of that is just, I don’t need to be the focus, I don’t feel the need to be in the center of things or have people paying attention. I’m just gonna be doing whatever I wanna be doing, making music and whatever. I’m not necessarily worried about whether other people are listening to it. I hope people are listening to it, I hope people like it, but first and foremost, I’m happy to be doing it because I like music.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Halsey and Evanescence’s Amy Lee have joined forces for a new song, ‘Hand That Feeds’, which they announced earlier this week. The expectedly dramatic ballad is taken from the upcoming John Wick spinoff movie Ballerina. Though Halsey collaborated with Nine Inch Nails‘ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross on a whole album, she and Amy Lee recorded ‘Hand That Feeds’ with producer and co-writer Jordan Fish. Check it out below.
