When you're often the life of the party and happen to be partnered up and in your 30s, you'll instantly turn heads when you say no to booze. I can personally attest to the difficulty of this. As someone who loves happy hour and has a particular affinity for lemon drop shotsin totally inappropriate settings, there was no way I could get away with *not* drinking without inviting questioning looks.
Before I give you the guide to fake drinking when you're secretly pregnant, let me take this moment to make a PSA. If you see that a female friend of yours isn't drinking and she usually does, try not to ask her if she's expecting in front of everyone. She might be secretly pregnant, taking fertility drugs that can't be combined with alcohol, just trying to lower her dosage of alcohol with the hope that it helps her get pregnant. There's also the chance she might just be…not drinking. Be as it may, no one wants to be bombarded with pregnancy questions.
Of course, not everyone is going to take my PSA seriously, so I've got some tips and tricks for all you pre-reveal preggos. These same tips apply to gals who are not drinking because they are trying to conceive. I was personally in this non-drinking camp for about five months before getting pregnant.
And how's this for proof? I organized and attended a bachelorette party for two of my very best friends with about eight of my other besties present — and no one had ANY idea I was pregnant. So, trust me — I'm a bona fide pro at fake drinking.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
This was one of my earliest discoveries in the world of fake drinking. No one can see your drink when it's in a can. You might read that and think, yeah so? Well, take that can with you to the other can, and dump it out in the sink. Fill it up with water and no one will be the wiser. In fact, they'll think — wow, she's really blasting through those Coors Lights. Pro tip: Be sure to wipe any water drips off the can before you leave the bathroom, and rinse the sink so there's no errant beer foam floating around.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
If you have to order a real drink, choose a clear cocktail. This is the classic move. You creep over to the bar when no one else is around, and order a club soda with lime. Think of it as a mocktail. Be sure to ask the bartender to serve it to you in a cocktail glass — a giant water glass or plastic cup is a dead giveaway.
If it's impossible to get alone time at the bar, order a vodka soda (or gin and tonic). Then take it to the bathroom, dump out the liquid (use a straw to keep the ice and any garnishes in the cup), then fill it with water instead. Complain about the soda or tonic being flat if anyone questions your drink's lack of tiny bubbles.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Make friends with bartenders. At first, bartenders give you a bit of side-eye when you ask for a club soda in a cocktail glass. They won't ask you what the deal is, but you can let them assume what they like — especially when you order that second or third club soda in a cocktailglass.
If you're feeling cavalier, and you and the bartender have really hit your stride, you can even say, “I'll take anything non-alcoholic that looks like a cocktail." I actually made SUCH good friends with a bartender at a wedding where I was fake drinking that every time I came over to the bar, he immediately winked at me and gave me “my regular." My friends guffawed at the fact that I was already friends with the bartender. Pro.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Allude to a possible tannin allergy. Wine is the toughest thing to fake, so don't even try. Tell your friends about how, out of nowhere, you've started to get headaches immediately after drinking a glass of wine. When they're like, “Is it just when you drink red?" reply with a frustrated sigh, “No, both red and white make me feel crappy — maybe it's a tannin thing?" Then get your faux canned beer or clear mocktail, and call it a day.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Ginger ale is a GREAT substitute for Champagne. Ginger ale looks like Champagne, it smells kind of like Champagne, and if your friends are tipsy enough and take a sip, they'll actually believe that it IS Champagne. Don't overdo this one though — too much sugary soda is not a good thing for you and your secret babe!
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Pretend to be getting over a cold (so no one asks for a sip). After all, it's sick season! [Insert fake coughs here]
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Always be the one to order or serve a round of shots. Shots are one of the toughest things to fake. Like, really difficult. And you might be thinking, who still takes shots anyway? Well, the answer is: I do. Or rather, I did. It would have been impossible to be at my two besties' bachelorette party without at least one round of shots. So what's a preggo to do? Serve 'em up, of course.
Because shots are best served as a surprise to inspire a second wind in any given party, you can creep into the kitchen to set things up. Pour all but one, and fill that one with a substitute. Ideally, it looks like what you're serving, and if that's not possible, make 3-5 of them vodka shots including yours, which is actually… water! If ordering shots at a bar, you're probably already friends with the bartender, so just ask him to make yours a fake one and to put a napkin or coaster under it on the tray that comes out.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Keep a drink in your hand at all times. This is an obvious one, but it's worth mentioning. If you don't have a drink on hand, someone will either hand you one or give you a hard time for not drinking. DO NOT give them that opportunity ;)
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Never leave your drink unattended. Hopefully, you already have this rule in your wheelhouse from your college days. In this case, the key here is avoiding two things: friendly refills and someone accidentally picking up your drink and finding out it's phony.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Avoid being the first one to hit the hay. If you've already been squirreling around on the beverage front, the next clear sign that you might be secretly pregnant is when you're the first one to go to bed. So don't do that. Don't go to bed. Ever! Okay, at some point you'll need to go to bed because you need a TON of sleep in your first trimester, but avoid being the first party pooper at all costs.
And don't use getting up early “for a run" or “to do some work" as an excuse for going to bed — friends that know you will see right through that.
And there you have it, all you need to know about being a fake party animal when you're in the very early stages of expecting. Cheers! (But fake cheers, obvs.)
What are your best fake drinking tips? Share them with us @BritandCo!
TikTok sensations Barlow & Bear are no stranger to the spotlight. Besides the fact their Unofficial Bridgerton Musical won a Grammy (and basically broke the internet), popstar Abigail Barlow has millions of streams of her own, while Emily Bear performed in places like the White House and Carnegie Hall before turning 10.
So, it’s safe to say these two know what they’re doing. But one thing they never saw coming? Composing a Disney movie — or becoming the first female duo to do so. But that’s exactly what happened when they booked Moana 2.
“We have such a sacred sisterhood!” Abigail tells me over email. “We met and found musical soulmates in one another. It’s more than just special. It’s a once in a lifetime connection that laid an incredibly strong foundation for creation.”
“Most of my life I’ve been the only girl in the room writing with much older people,” Emily adds. “Honestly because Abigail and I are like sisters, it creates such a safe place to be vulnerable together and create without restraint. When writing for Moana 2, we leaned on that emotional connection to explore the complexities of the story and how much we see ourselves in Moana!”
And the empowering message of the film, which follows Moana’s journey through Oceania, actually influenced their art. “Every day that I worked on Moana, I was empowered to continuously choose who I wanted to be,” Abigail says. “A leader, a listener, and a learner. In being tasked to write for this movie, I was being asked to go past my comfort zones. I think by being completely open hearted to this experience, it allowed me clarity when crafting the lyric and melody with Emily.”
“Moana 2 is a story about finding strength through vulnerability, and that message became a huge theme in the music,” Emily says. “All our characters’ journeys reminded us to embrace our imperfections and trust the process of growth — no matter how painful it may seem in the moment. Moana is THAT girl. No one defines her but herself and writing for such an inspiring heroine FOR SURE inspired us right back.”
Walt Disney Studios
But considering the fact these two women are huge Disney fans (Abigail tells me her favorite Disney movies are The Little Mermaid and Frozen, while Emily loves Hercules and Mulan), one of the most inspiring details about their involvement is the fact that Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear’s Moana 2 score marks the first time a female duo has composed a Disney movie — and it’s a moment they don’t take for granted.
“I hope this shows [young girls] that their voices matter,” Emily says. “Growing up, I barely saw people who looked like me in roles like this, so being here now feels surreal. I want girls and women to know that their stories are powerful and deserve to be told. I really hope that Abigail and I can continue to open doors for more female creatives in film and music.”
And Abigail agrees. “I hope our story encourages young girls and women to forge their own path, and to never let anyone tell them they can’t do something.”
But this unbelievable experience didn’t come without its challenges. “Imposter syndrome is so real and a part of life for every single creative, and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying,” Emily says.
“I’m just trying to enjoy the ride, trust the fall, and be so grateful for the opportunity to be a role model for any little girl who might have a song in her heart,” Abigail says. “It’s an absolute honor and privilege to show her that anything — even magic — is possible.”
And according to Emily, the challenge of imposter syndrome actually propels her forward. “I do feel like that little voice of self-doubt pushes me to do the best work I possibly can do…I zoom out and focus on the bigger picture: the little girls watching this movie and realizing they, too, can dream as big as they want.”
One friendly face that provided a soft place to land was actually the original movie’s composer, Lin Manuel-Miranda! To no one’s surprise, theIn The Heights and Hamilton writer had some wonderful advice for Barlow and Bear.
“He was such a wonderful resource especially at the inception of the project when we were just setting sail,” Emily jokes. “He urged us to lean into our heroes for inspiration!”
“He gave me a stack of books I needed to buy,” Abigail adds. “Finishing the Hat by Stephen Sondheim, LYRICS by Oscar Hammerstein, Lyrics on Several Occasions by Ira Gershwin to name a few. He empowered me to study the craft of musical theatre storytelling in a way I never had before.”
And thanks to Barlow and Bear, a whole new generation of young women will dream about musical theatre storytelling now too!
Check out Moana 2 in theaters November 27, 2024. Check out the latest news on the Live-Action Moana too!
Short party dresses or skirts aren't abnormal during winter, but you may want to participate in the trend without sacrificing on modesty. Or, you might want to bypass that for an outfit that keeps everything 90-95% covered. Winter is the one of the seasons where I like to keep it modest because I like protecting my limbs from frostbite. It's not fun to freeze — nor is speeding up flu symptoms — but more power to y'all who can still rock those looks in these temps!
If you're stuck in a winter style rut and need a few stylish ideas, I have 8 modest ideas you'll love recreating at home!
Jasmine Williams
Finding a modest outfit combination that works during winter feels like finding a needle in a haystack sometimes, but there are fail-proof options! For example, wearing a turtleneck sweater with a pair of wide-leg jeans is something anyone can pull off. Both cover all parts of your body save your hands and feet, plus you can drape a winter coat over your shoulders!
Brit + Co
A classic button-up shirt add a naturally polished appeal to any outfit because they can be dressed up or down. Though this outfit features a 'white top and jeans' combo with black loafers, the short teddy coat gives it a casual feel. It's great for anyone who doesn't have time to change after work to meet up with friends for dinner and drinks!
Jasmine Williams
Despite its seemingly plunging neckline, a v-neck sweater is for all the girls who love modest outfits. You can easily opt for a hemline that rests at the bottom of your waist, but the oversized or tunic look works too! Pair it with cute cargo pants and a pair of ankle boots, and you have an awesome outfit on your hands!
Brit + Co
There's no need to force yourself to like the mini bubble skirt trend just because it's included in a few holiday new arrivals. You can stick to a midi denim skirt, tights, and a lightweight coat if that feels more comfortable. As far as I'm concerned, it's a low-fuss outfit idea that can take you from family holiday pictures to date night.
Brit + Co
A smocked top can still be worn during winter, but you just need to make sure you have a nice trench coat to go over your entire outfit. Also, check to make sure the sleeves are flouncy enough to peek through for a modern renaissance moment!
Jasmine Williams
Let's address the elephant in the room: I don't recommend that you wear strappy heels during winter if you're going to be walking through snow. But, you can absolutely wear a rib knit top under a bandeau dress. Just makes sure it's a longline option so your outfit remains modest!
Jasmine Williams
I love a good denim jumpsuit, especially if it has a similar features of cargo pants. However, that's not a requirement for anyone. The goal is to wear something that still speaks to your personal style as long as it's long-sleeved and doesn't have any cut-out action going on!
Jasmine Williams
Lastly, a Barbie pink coat and a pair of straight leg jeans is one of the easiest modest outfit combinations you'll love wearing this winter. The only thing I recommend wearing is a sleek rib knit or cotton sweater with them so nothing feels bulky.
Looking for more outfit inspo? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Sure, savory muffins, taco pancakes, and avocado toast are delicious ways to start the day, but you're overlooking an oft-forgotten breakfast staple. English muffins are the perfect foundation for a filling meal, whether it's as a replacement for brioche in a French toast recipe or as the vehicle to deliver a mouth-watering egg sandwich. Keep scrolling for 22 recipes that will make you realize that English muffins are worthy of the spotlight and more than just breakfast.
The Comfort of Cooking
Switch up the most basic of brunch dishes with this recipe that swaps brioche for English muffins to make a French toast that’s just begging for extra maple syrup and butter.
Aberdeen's Kitchen
This breakfast sandwich is so much more sophisticated than your standard Egg McMuffin. Bell pepper scrambled eggs, bacon, and a creamy chipotle sauce make this a morning meal you can feel proud of.
I Wash You Dry
Juicy grilled shrimp burgers are way better than your standard barbecue fare. And once you’ve had a burger on an English muffin bun, you’ll never look back.
Ease and Carrot
The next time you have a party, ditch the frozen snacks. These mini English muffin Hawaiian pizzas are perfect finger food.
Baker Bettie
If making hollandaise sauce last minute is a little too stressful for your mornings, look to this casserole. It has all the eggs Benedict flavor you love, but is easily made ahead of time.
Cook Nourish Bliss
The best part about baking is you can customize your favorite dishes. This recipe gives plain English muffins a hearty makeover with the addition of dried cranberries and walnuts.
Unicorn's in the Kitchen
Skip the take-out pizza and opt for this simple recipe that’s just as tasty as the real thing, with the added bonus of homemade flavor.
Spicy Southern Kitchen
When topped with crab meat and cheese, English muffins make for a mean canapé too.
Culinary Hill
Sometimes brunch just isn’t brunch-y enough — everything tastes too much like either breakfast or lunch. Not so with this mealtime fusion, combining a breakfast favorite with a barbecue classic.
Jenni Field's Fearless in the Kitchen
Making your own English muffins is great for two reasons. They taste better than anything store-bought, and any recipe using the homemade version becomes a million times tastier.
Cook Nourish Bliss
If you’ve never had English muffin in bread form, you’re in for a treat. It’s super-moist, toasts like a dream, and makes every sandwich taste just a little more special.
The Big Man's World
English muffins in the microwave may sound strange, but trust. This version is gluten-free, vegan, oil-free, and sugar-free, but still gets nice and toasty, making them a great allergy-friendly option.
Food Fanatic
Sometimes the best part of baking is how it makes your house smell. These English muffins will fill your home with the scent of cinnamon, raisins, and baking bread.
Running to the Kitchen
Quick breakfast recipes are essential to have on hand. This two-minute Paleo pumpkin English muffin is made in the microwave, so you can have a tasty breakfast even on busy mornings.
Well Plated
Hey, sometimes we all just want an excuse to have a burger for breakfast. This one is made with a turkey patty, bacon, and cheese, for a breakfast that will really fill you up.
Salt and Lavender
Nothing hits the spot on the weekend like a brunch sandwich. This one, made on an English muffin and stuffed with a poached egg, prosciutto, and lemon garlic mayo, will make you glad it’s the weekend.
No. 2 Pencil
Finding the perfect dish for a brunch party can feel like a chore — you don’t want to have to do a bunch of cooking after your guests arrive. This recipe for English muffin bacon, egg, and cheese cups solves that problem.
The PKP Way
Fruit-filled breakfasts always feel like a special treat. These English muffins, topped with baked rosemary peaches and cream cheese, will make you feel like a queen.
Julie's Eats & Treats
A fast breakfast doesn’t have to mean an apple or granola bar on the go. These make-ahead English muffins ensure that you can eat a hot and cheesy meal, even on busy mornings.
Brit + Co
While ordering multiple kinds of pies can get pricey really fast, our mini English muffin pizzas are an all-around win. From tangy Buffalo chicken to a meatless Margherita, these healthier budget-friendly mini pies will be a hit with everyone - just start with a base of sauce, cheese, and muffin and then try one of these variations. Click for the more recipe details!
Pepperoni:
(serves 6)
Buffalo Chicken:
(serves 6)
Pesto Chicken:
(serves 6)
Veggie Lover’s:
(serves 6)
Margherita Inspired:
(serves 6)
Greek Inspired:
(serves 6)
Thomas Breads
Made with pork shoulder, try this slightly sweet Asian-style recipe from the classic English muffin brand.
With Salt and Wit
Baked French toast is always a breakfast favorite. This recipe ups the ante, swapping bread for English Muffins and adding macadamia nuts and fresh cherries for flavor.
Hope you found an english muffin recipe to inspire your next craving! Share your recipe pics with us @BritandCo and find more inspiration in our baking courses on B+C Classes!
This post was updated.
