10 Accessory Combos That Are Better Than PB+J

We all love to create, whether that’s deciding what to wear in the morning, what recipes to prepare at night or how we decorate our homes. That’s why we decided that our next chapter would be a permanent retail space where we connect, inspire and CREATE in real life with you!

Makeshop, located just outside of San Francisco in Mill Valley, CA, is a new type of retail experience designed by all of us here at Brit + Co where you can both make and shop, all under one roof.

With themes that change every couple of months (this month's theme: School's in Session), you can find colorful, creative and innovative products curated (or created) by Brit and her team, as well as a Make Station where you can sit down to make your own free creative project to take home. In our first rotating collection of goodies from our favorite designers, we're excited to represent our friends from Esselle, ilootpaperie, Wanderwild, Maika, Hooray Socks, and Society6. We're also offering some of our own Brit + Co products, including customizable planners, pins, patches, sticker sheets, DIY kits, books and more.

Whether you live in the Bay Area or you’re here on vacay, come on over to the recently renovated (and so darling!) Mill Valley Lumbar Yard, grab lunch at one of our fave local eateries Flour & Craft Bakery and hang out with us to make, shop or just say hello. We can’t wait to meet you!

Makeshop

129 Miller Ave.

Mill Valley, CA

To stay up to date on all things Brit + Co, be sure to follow #britstagram on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

​When is Mars Retrograde?

Mars retrograde will begin on Friday, December 6, 2024, and ends its backspin on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The warrior planet will reign in the sign of Leo from December 6 to January 6 and then proceed to the sign of Cancer from January 6 to February 23, 2025.

What does Mars mean in astrology?

To understand how Mars retrograde works, let's learn about Mars and its planetary influence. Mars represents our drive, passion, and our approach to sex. This planet powers up your motivation and keeps you alive and thriving. When unbalanced, we can be impulsive, accident-prone, and argumentative.

As Mars moves through all the 12 signs and phases over positions in your birth chart, it also energizes you to make bold moves toward your desired goals. Mars transits feel succinct and are empowering overall. This planet fires up your energy and body while helping you get things done. Nothing can stand in the way of your momentum when tuning into the fiery planet. Often, if one has a series of Mars transits in their birth chart, it can be an impactful time to push through for projects. However, mindfulness is crucial during these periods. It can lead to misjudged decisions, and in these cases, carefully tread through integrating a reflective outlook.

​What is Mars Retrograde?

When the action planet goes retrograde, it’s time to hit the brakes and recalibrate your energy and processes. If you scroll on Instagram or TikTok, you may have seen retrograde as a misnomer for a "doom-and gloom" time. I stand and continue to debunk this misconception. Retrogrades are a blessing in disguise as they allow us to experience rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. If you understand the planets' flow and rhythms, you'll be set up for success and be content. Mars retrograde will enable you to transmute your anger better and respond intentionally to conflict. Picture this retrograde as an opportunity to create a sacred practice and to be more in tune with your energy.

Know that when planets go retrograde, each one emanates a frequency and intensity in its effect. With Mars back spinning, we will feel its impact as it begins in the fire sign Leo in its early degrees and then proceeds to the dynamic sign Cancer. We will evaluate approaches regarding self-image, pride, inner security, and domestic life with these two signs.

​Any Mars Retrograde Power Days?

On January 3, 2025, Mars will face off against Pluto, the planet of rebirth and power. These two planets will reveal a lesson or revelation involving your stance and views toward passion and success. It's about looking at the bigger picture instead of competing for self-centered reasons. Focus on pursuing happiness while preserving integrity for the greater good.

​The Zodiac Signs Most Affected During This 2024-2025 Mars Retrograde

This Mars retrograde from December 6, 2024, to February 23, 2025, will impact those who have their sun or other astrological placements within 0 to 6 degrees of the fixed signs – Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. The cardinal signs between 17 and 29 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn will experience their ultimate glow-up even more than the fixed signs.

​Your Mars Retrograde 2024-2025 Horoscope

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Mars retrograde begins in your fifth house, slowing down your creative or romantic pursuits and urging you to reassess your passions and how you express them. For these next few weeks, take this opportunity to review your desires and focus on what truly lights you up—we believe in you! As the retrograde advances, the action planet takes over your fourth house of home, giving you the space to become more introspective and invest in your emotional needs while reviewing your closest relationships. Overall, it's not an ideal time to push past your limits in your relationships, it will be a pivotal time to take stock in what truly matters for your wellbeing.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

These next several weeks may be challenging involving home or with family as the Mars retrograde impacts your emotional security and living situation. With the war planet taking place in your fourth house of family and domestic life, avoid sweeping issues under the rug and confront unresolved matters with tact. Talk it out and find a solution as retrograde proceeds with Mars in your third house of communication. Observe your social connections and see if your skills need fine tuning through advanced study. It can be an excellent time to refresh your memory and perfect or teach others what you know.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

The motivation planet will shake up your third house, and these next several weeks will test your ability to convey messages, as this retrograde may bring delays or misunderstandings in your communication. To work with this, reflect before speaking. The wonderful part about this Mars retrograde is that you can slow down and methodically express your ideas and energy to others. You'll feel more energized as you discern. Mars then backs into your second house of finances and income, and it would be in your best interests to fine tune your approach to money and budgeting. Avoid impulsive spending and big purchases.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

This Mars retrograde may stir up financial uncertainties in the next few months as it takes residence in your second house. Don't worry. You can power up your self-worth and stance with money by reassessing your values and spending habits. Analyze how you manage your resources and make adjustments that align with your long-term security. Mars backspins and then powers up your sign in the first house, revealing how you emit energy. The lesson here is not to force your desired results. Slow down, let go, and rest.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

The Mars retrograde in your sign may stir up personal insecurities in the next few months. Don't worry. You can power up your self-worth and stance by taking small steps toward your goals or keeping your ideas on the back burner. It's a time to percolate and rebuild your self-esteem by celebrating small wins and practicing gratitude. Mars will then enter your twelfth house of subconscious realms, stimulating your dreams while giving you an extra boost of intuition. Listen intently, and you'll know what to do once Mars goes direct.

Virgo (August 23 – September 21)

You're about to enter your wildest dreams in 2025, but it begins by clearing out the cobwebs to step into your desired path. Mars retrograde in your twelfth house will help you slow down and confront your unwanted subconscious patterns, hidden fears, and past wounds that impact your sense of self. Clear out and consolidate your best interests. Once Mars backspins into your eleventh house of friendship circles and social life, it will reveal truths regarding your connections and who you vibe with the most.

Libra (September 22 – October 22)

There will be a slight snag in the next several weeks as Mars retrogrades in your eleventh house of networks, encouraging you to reflect on your social circles or revamp your social media profile. Permit yourself to take the backseat and note how you feel about the groups or information you have been aligning with. Analyze your energy. Mars will then proceed into your tenth house of career and public life, highlighting what you have built in your journey. This retrograde will help you cross-analyze whether you desire to stay in your current position or make your mark.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Over the next several weeks, the Mars retrograde in your tenth house will help you slow down and observe your professional path and public image. The dreams you placed on the back burner will reappear, and you'll face a choice to take it or leave it. Then, the warrior planet backspins into your ninth house of travels and philosophies, granting you the space to understand the big picture and your place in the world. It's time to understand your role and what you truly desire— power up your personal beliefs.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

The Mars retrograde in your ninth house these next several weeks will put your magic to the test as it prompts you to rethink your personal beliefs and long-term vision. It’s a time to reflect on what truly resonates with your values and worldview. Remember that life is a continuous journey filled with valuable lessons. Later, as Mars enters your eighth house of emotional needs and shared resources, it will shake up your views towards comfort and reframe what it means in your intimate relationships.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

The driven planet Mars retrograde in your eighth house of the hidden realms these next few weeks will shed light on your shared resources, intimate connections, and emotional boundaries. It will be a testy time with financial issues or lingering power dynamics. Confront these matters by expressing your concerns with your S.O. or being truthful. Vulnerability and humility will be your best friends during this retrograde. Then Mars retrogrades in the seventh house of commitment and partnerships, shedding light on your genuine connections and approach to negotiation.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

With Mars retrograde in your seventh house of relationships, your connection or progression will slow down and feel like a slow pressure cooker. Avoid signing contracts or agreements and review them later. Reflect on your current one-on-one relationships (personal or professional) and analyze how you navigate conflicts. Mars then reveals your approach to daily routine and wellness as it backspins into your sixth house. It may be challenging to start up new regimens or habits. Streamline what matters to you most to ensure success and a sound mind.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)