It’s time for our favorite holiday that celebrates accordingly with chocolate, hearts and the color pink: Galentine's Day! The love between gal pals is undeniable and totally worth celebrating. During this stage of life that we so lovingly call “adulthood,” we rely on our girls to support us through our jobs, the modern and scary world of online dating and any and all quarter-life crises. Let’s face it: We love and need our girlfriends. That’s why a day like Galentine’s Day is quite possibly the best day of the year!
Today we’re teaming up with Studio Ink to show you how to host the most epic Galentine’s Day brunch. We’ve got everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine card writing stations. Studio Ink has an awesome collection of cards that are the perfect mix of sweet, sentimental, funny and cute. It’s not truly Galentine’s Day unless you send your besties Valentines… I mean, Galentines! Alright, let’s dive in.
What does Galentine mean?
Galentines are like Valentines, but for the girls! Though you may have a lover in your life, this holiday is all about celebrating your platonic friendships with your girl friends and just having fun with it! The holiday is slated for Feburary 13, the day before Valentine's Day, so you can have all the time to cherish your gal pals. Funnily enough, the day was coined by none other than the iconic Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation.
What food is eaten on Galentine's Day?
Your Galentine's Day grub is really up to you and the girls, but the most popular bites include dips and chips, stuffed peppers, veggie skewers, waffles, cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, deviled eggs, bruschettas and charcuterie snacks. Finger foods are always a good way to go for any gathering.
What do you bring to a Galentine's Day brunch?
For a Galentine's brunch, you can bring food items like cute snacks, desserts (topped with heart sprinkles, of course), healthy meals, drink mixers or mocktails. You can also bring handmade cards or gifts for each of your friends, and of course you have to bring your love!
The Spread
First, let’s talk about the food. It’s not brunch without a fabulous array of treats. For our Galentine’s Day brunch, the perfect setup includes: berry parfaits, donut skewers, mini muffins, bellinis and a red velvet waffle bar, displayed under a simple backdrop of letter balloons, paper hearts and tassels.
Decorate your table with a few gold bottles and single flower stems. You don’t want your table to be too cluttered, because you’ll want to also have space for all the card writing you’ll do!
Galentine’s Day Card Mailboxes
All your Galentine’s Day cards now have a home.
Add some stickers to your mailbox for extra cute flair. You can download these Studio Ink Galentine’s Day stickers here. Just print on sticker paper and cut them out!
You’ve got mail!
I see more mail in the future. <3
Check out how cute these cards are!
I don’t know about you… but all this card writing is getting me hungry. Which brings me to….
Galentine's Brunch Foods
These red velvet waffles were a hit when we tested the recipe at the Brit + Co kitchen, and they certainly will be a hit on your Galentine’s Day brunch table.
Red Velvet Heart Waffles With Cream Cheese Glaze
Make these waffles with your favorite mix or from your go-to cookbook. Place the waffles on a platter along with the glaze and other toppings. We’re using heart-shaped sprinkles, obviously.
Drizzle the glaze on your waffles with a spoon or with a pitcher. No matter how you do that drizz, your waffles will be delicious!
Mmm, delightful!
Okay, I already know I want seconds. What better way to wash down your second (and maybe third) helping of waffles than with a bellini? Check out this downloadable signature recipe here!
Brunch babes!
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This post has been updated.
In honor of International Women's Day (and month!), we're finding ways to celebrate and inspire all of the leading ladies in our life. That's why we've teamed up with Cambria Estate Winery, a female-led and operated winery leading the way toward empowering women in their industry. From sparking meaningful conversation to serving an amazing bottle of wine, we'll help you prep for hosting an outdoor get-together, in-person soirée, or Zoom call that will leave everyone feeling confident, energized, and empowered. Ready?
Celebrate International Women's Day With These Fun Ideas
Tip 1: Build a group playlist of your all-time favorite feminist anthems.
Good tunes can make or break the mood of a get-together, but there's no need to play DJ all night. The best hosts do a little work up front to make sure they can join in once the good conversation starts! Before you Zoom or have a few pod friends over, set up a shared playlist and ask each of your attendees to add their go-to empowering female artists to the musical line-up. You'll end the night with the knowledge of new songs and feel accomplished knowing that you all contributed to the party. Here's our Female Empowerment Playlist to get the evening started.
Tip 2: Invite everyone to bring a book that has impacted their year and inspired them to take action. Share + swap for good measure.
With 2023 in full swing, everyone is already itching to see what the year has in store. Your best gals have amazing taste and will know just what to recommend to motivate one another to make a difference. Allow each friend a moment to share about their newest book and make the trades. Bonus points if you have a take-home goodie to give, like this mouth-watering english toffee!
Tip 3: Treat your ladies to a bottle from a female-operated winery.
Everybody knows that the best conversations happen over a nice bottle of wine. This get-together is no exception. You'll want to stock up on our go-tos: Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir and Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay. Don't forget to mention to your pals that by sipping, they're also supporting a winery that recognizes and inspires female leaders. Unlike many others in the industry, Cambria Winery is women-owned and operated from top to bottom! Sounds like a win-win.
Tip 4: Serving a Pinot Noir? Pair it with a simple chicken recipe, like this Cheesy Mustard Chicken.
The hearty flavor of the chicken will pair well with the flavor notes in a red wine, like Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir. See the full recipe in our chicken breast recipe roundup and get ready to impress your guests!
Tip 5: For a Chardonnay, whip up some smoked salmon deviled eggs.
These picnic apps are a modern twist on a classic recipe (move over, paprika!) and will complement a tropically lush white wine, like Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay. You'll score extra kudos for serving a dish that is low-carb too! Get the full recipe here.
Tip 6: Use ice breakers that will prompt purposeful discussion.
When you’re surrounded by smart and interesting women, there’s no need to default to chit-chat about the weather.Help your guests skip the small talk in favor of some more stimulating dialogue by posing a few conversation starters throughout the evening:
What women inspire you and why?
What qualities make a great female leader?
How are we teaching the young girls in our lives to be strong women?
How do you want to make an impact this year?
Leave room to hear each unique perspective by separating into smaller conversations or going around the room in a group setting.
Tip 7: Most importantly: Remind your pals why you value their friendship and take time to encourage them.
Use the evening as an opportunity to lift up the women in your life for their strengths and courage. After all, your ultimate goal for the night is that everyone will leave feeling appreciated and inspired to continue to grow and lead!
Will you host an outdoor get-together or Zoom for your fave ladies? Share your International Women's Day plans with us on Twitter by tagging @BritandCo and @CambriaWines.
(Photos via Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co)
This post has been updated from a previous post.
We usually associate temper tantrums with toddlers or kids who can't get their way. While that may be true to a degree, I've since learned they can also be the result of kids having a hard time processing their emotions. So, what if I told you some adults don't know how to do that either? It seems there's reasons why having your own meltdown isn't such a bad thing, according to licensed psychotherapist Madeleine Phelan, LMSW of Madison Square Psychotherapand licensed clinical social worker + therapist Michelle Hession of Key Counseling Group.
Hession actually utilizes Internal Family Systems (IFS) at her private practice which doesn't look at adult tantrums in a negative way. Instead, it's often "judged by other models," according to her. "From an Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective, adult tantrums can be a healthy way to release built-up stress when done mindfully," she says. She adds, "These outbursts are often a sign that parts of us feel overwhelmed, unheard, or unseen. When we express that energy — whether through yelling into a pillow, stomping our feet, or shaking it out — it can instantly reduce stress and help reset our nervous system."
From discussing the benefits of having one to outlining safe ways you can openly express your emotions, they have all the helpful details about giving yourself permission to emote.
Learn why adult tantrums don't have to be a bad thing!
1. Have something go seriously wrong at work? A quick (& private) adult tantrum can help you express those emotions.
Even if you're one of the lucky people who love their job, nothing indicates things will go smooth sailing every day. Some times projects fall through because of miscommunication, misunderstandings, or a vindictive co-worker who looks to throw you under the bus every chance they get. Either way, it's sure to stir up big feelings that you may not know how to properly deal with.
As much as you may be trying to avoid this, having an adult 'tantrum' may be the very thing you need to do. Phelan says, "A tantrum can be a quick way to release pent-up frustration or anger."
2. Saw something crazy on your drive to Target? Adult tantrums actually help reduce cortisol in the body!
We've all had a front row seat to another driver's reckless behavior in traffic that's left us feeling rattled. We may have begun to grip our steering wheels even tighter despite developing sweaty palms. By the time we make it to our destination, we're likely on edge and in fight-or-flight mode. But instead of holding that energy in, Phelan suggests releasing it. "Releasing emotions and moving energy helps to regulate the nervous system and alleviate tension in the body," she says.
3. Journaling not your thing? Adult tantrums totally count as another way to express what's on your mind.
if you're not a fan of utilizing journal prompts or checking in with yourself, you may not know why you feel so upset about something. This can cause you to feel sad one minute and agitated the next. However, allowing yourself to have meltdowns can help you figure out what's bothering you so much.
Phelan says, "They can help clarify underlying emotional needs or frustrations." Not only that, but she says there's a reason why tantrums happen in the first place. "When we reach the point of having a tantrum, things have often been bubbling under the surface for some time, so reaching this breaking point can be a sign that something internal is needed our attention or to be expressed."
4. Did your partner make another passive-aggressive comment? An adult tantrum can help you figure out why you haven't talked to them about how that hurts your feelings!
While this is just an example of a way that you need to set boundaries, it's still a valid one that some people can unfortunately relate to. I'm currently saying a silent prayer for my 19-year-old self who dealt with a passive-aggressive partner.
But, are there healthy ways to have an adult tantrum?
According to Phelan, yes! I know this contradicts everything we've been taught in our communities about tantrums, but they don't have to look like the outbursts we've seen on social media. In her honest opinion, here are 5 ways to express yourself:
- In Private: Choose a safe, quiet place to express emotions.
- Physical Movement: Engage in activities like stomping, shaking, or throwing a pillow to physically move the stagnant, stuck energy.
- Breathing & Grounding: Use deep breathing or grounding exercises to manage intensity and release pent up emotions.
- Vocal Release: Scream into a pillow or use sound for catharsis.
- Journaling: Write down the intense emotions to release them without acting out.
Similar to Phelan's suggestions, Michelle also shares her top tips for having a "productive" tanrum:
- Find a private, judgment-free space.
- Use physical movement like stomping or shaking.
- Let emotions out vocally, but intentionally (a sigh or growl works better than a scream).
- Set a timer for just a few minutes.
- Reflect afterward: What does that part of you need?
In Michelle’s words:
"Set a timer, yell into a pillow, and ask yourself: What does this part of me need? (Just don’t scare your kids or get fired from your job!)”
Just because tantrums aren't horrific doesn't mean we're giving you a pass to be rude to others or have them whenever you want. Phelan warns, "They're inappropriate in certain settings, such as work environments and public places. They are also of course inappropriate if they involve harming yourself or others in any way." Hession says something similar in that she wants you to "avoid tantrums in public, around children, or at work" because "they can cause misunderstandings or even harm." It goes without saying, but violence is never the answer!
Also, Phelan and Hession want you to pay attention to how often you're using this as a way to calm down. "If tantrums become a consistent occurrence, healthier coping strategies are needed and therapy is a great place to start learning them," she suggests. Hessions feels that recurrent tantrums "may indicate unresolved trauma that's worth exploring in therapy."
Basically, therapy is always a great idea!
The final verdict? The occasional adult tantrum is okay, but don't rely it as you go-to method of regulation and expression every time you're struggling with your emotions!
Be sure to visit more self-care articles on Brit + Co!
If you follow along on B+C, you’ve seen and admired our canine model, Turkey Temple (one of my favorite pet names, TBH). He is definitely a turkey by trade but clearly not by species. It seems like an obvious choice, but this was Turkey’s first time dressing up as a turkey for Halloween. Spooky season might be over, but it's *always* a good idea to dress your dog up for Thanksgiving if they don't mind!!
Keep reading for the cutest and easiest DIY dog turkey costume!
I’ve been making a lot of pet costumes this year, but this one has been high on my list for a long time. With some felt and One-Wrap Velcro, we created this pet costume in no time at all. Does your pet have a goofy name? Try dressing them up as their name, and make sure you snap photos and share them with us on Instagram! Oh, and don't forget to check out our 46 Cute Dogs Guaranteed To Make You Smile, too!
How To Make A Dog Turkey Costume
Tools And Materials:
- red, orange, yellow and white felt
- cardboard
- One-Wrap Velcro
- pen
- fabric scissors
- hot glue gun
Instructions:
1. Draw large, long oval feathers on your yellow felt. Stack the yellow felt on top of the orange felt and cut them both out. Next, draw a curved rectangular shape on the white felt and cut it out.
2. Hot glue the white rectangular shapes to the feathers, then glue the feathers to one another to create a fan shape.
3. Glue a horizontal strip of cardboard to the back of the feathers to help them stand upright.
4. Hot glue a piece of felt to each edge of the feathers and attach a strip of One-Wrap Velcro that is long enough to wrap around your dog’s belly.
5. Cut out a gobble from red felt and attach some One-Wrap Velcro.
Draw 12 long feathers on your yellow felt. Stack the yellow felt on top of the orange felt and cut out your feathers. Cut 12 white curved rectangular pieces to accent the feathers.
Glue the white pieces to the feathers and then glue the feathers to one another into a fan shape.
Attach a long strip of cardboard to the back of the feathers to help them stand up straight once the dog turkey costume is assembled.
Hot glue a piece of felt to each edge of the feathers and attach a strip of One-Wrap Velcro that is long enough to wrap around your dog’s belly.
Draw a gobble onto a piece of red felt, cut it out and glue it to a small piece of One-Wrap Velcro.
Hey Turkey — here’s your turkey costume!
Attach the gobble to your dog by wrapping the One-Wrap Velcro around the collar.
Cutest turkey I ever did see!
Follow us on Pinterest for more cute DIYs like this dog turkey costume!
This post has been updated.