Sadly, the days of Trapper Keepers and gel pens are gone. If you want to start the school year off right, using the latest tech gear is becoming more and more essential. As much as we love to use these tech toys for more frivolous endeavors like social media and games, these products can also be incredibly useful as learning aids, helping students get their projects done faster and in more innovative ways. Put your best foot forward this semester by investing in some of these cutting-edge tech tools.
Picking the perfect name for your baby can feel like a mix of excitement (it's a big deal!) and pressure. You want something you love that feels unique and also has some meaning — but you haven’t even met the little person whose name it will be for the rest of their life?! Plus, you and your partner have to agree on a name, which can make the whole process feel daunting.
Before we even knew we were having a girl, my partner and I struggled to agree on boy names. But naming my daughter was surprisingly easy. That was settled on our first date — Matilda was a name he had always loved and I came to love it too.
If you’re still on the hunt for the one, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are 75+ baby names set to trend in 2025. According to Baby Center, this year’s big inspirations come from pop culture, sports, and celestial themes. Music-inspired picks like Chappell and Kendrick are climbing the charts, while sports stars Caitlin and Travis are making waves as top contenders in the babe department too. Ready for some fresh baby name ideas? Let’s dive in!The Top Trending Baby Names
Andie
This cute name, from the Greek name Andreas, means "strong" or "manly" but I also think it makes a great feminine name (Andie MacDowell, anyone?).
Apple
Apple Martin's debut in Paris may have sparked baby name buzz inspired by the symbol of love, beauty, and wisdom.
Arlette
This combo of French words meaning "lion" and "of God" conveys something fierce, as well as divine protection.
Arthur
Arthur has multiple meanings, including "bear-like" (cute), "of honor," and "strong man."
Aurora
This mystical name means "dawn" in Latin. It also has Sleeping Beauty vibes.
Beckam
"Beck" means "brook" while "ham" means "home." Either way, it's a strong name from soccer + Spice Girls fame.
Billie
Billie Holiday or Billie Eilish, you've got good role models covered. This British and German name means "protection," and it's short for William or Wilhelmina.
Boden
Bode comes from the Old Saxon word bodo meaning "messenger."
Bodhi
This very spiritual name means "final enlightenment," or your way to Nirvaṇa.
Caitlin
This popular name, thanks to WNBA player Caitlin Clark, is derived from the Gaelic term caith, meaning "pure."
Carmen
Wine lovers? This name means "garden" or "vineyard."
Casey
"Brave" and "vigilant" are words that make up the gender-neutral name Casey.
Chappell
Chappell was an Old English name meaning “one who works at the chapel," but it can also mean a safe space for friends and family.
Circe
For those who loved the book Circe, the origins of this name make sense: a feminine name of Greek origin meaning "to secure with rings" and a symbol of feminine strength and individuality.
Cove
This sensory name can mean "bold" and "courageous." It's a great one for coastal lovers!
Crew
The name Crew signifies unity and collective strength.
Edgar
Edgar comes from the Anglo-Saxon words meaning "rich or prosperous" and "spear."
Eclipse
Astrology lovers might lean into this name that signifies seeking change and ushering in evolution.
Elodie
This French name means "wealthy" or "riches."
Emir
Emir comes from an Arabic word for "commander" or "prince."
Emrys
This gender-neutral Welsh name means "immortal."
George/Georgia
These classic names comes from the Greek word georgos, or earth worker, and are inspired by the dragon-slaying knight Saint George.
Goldie
Goldie means "gold" and cues visions of the lovable actress Goldie Hawn.
Hallie
A variant of the name "Hayley," this actually ancient name is short for the word "Hallelujah."
Hazel
In Celtic lore, Hazel is associated with "wisdom" and "inspiration."
Holden
This Anglo-Saxon name means "deep valley," and may have originated from places with the same name around England.
Hollis
This gender-neutral name from medieval England translates to "near the holly" or "one who lives by the holly tree." Might be fun to plant a holly tree when they're born!
Hugo
This Germanic name means "mind," "intellect," "thought," and "heart." All good things.
Isaiah
This masculine Hebrew name means "salvation of the Lord."
Ivy
A simple three-letter name, this name implies fidelity (so v. loyal) and eternal life because of the plant's gorgeous green color.
Johanna
This name has origins in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin and means "God is gracious."
Jolie
This sweet French names comes from the word joli, which means “pretty” or “agreeable.”
Juniper
Juniper, or Juni for short, represents "hope" and "warmth."
Juno
Hailing from the Latins, Juno means "queen of the gods" and "youthful," and was the inspiration for naming the month of June. Due date, anyone?
Kai
In Hawaiian, Kai means "sea."
Kendrick
From Old English words meaning "bold" or "brave", Kendrick can mean "bold ruler."
Kira
The feminine form of the name Kir, means "mistress" or "ruler" and the masculine form means "a beam of light."
Kit
Kit actually derives from the names Christopher and Katherine and means “bearing Christ,” or "pure."
Lorelai
Gilmore Girls fans will love this Germanic name meaning "alluring" and "enchantress" or "sorceress."
Lottie
This English name means "free."
Louise/Louis
The name Louise means "famous warrior" and is the feminine version of the name Louis.
Luna
Meaning "moon" in Spanish, Luna is often associated with mystery, beauty, and femininity.
Margot
Inspired by our favorite Barbie, this French name means "pearl."
Mateo
This Spanish name, a version of the English Matthew, means "gift of God."
Miller
Miller means someone who grinds grain and operates a mill, but it's also very cute.
Nash
I also love Dash, but this name of English origin means "by the ash tree."
Nova
Inspired by the astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright light, this name can mean "new" star.
Opal
This gem is a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.
Otis
Music lovers, this masculine name means "wealthy" and can be associated with prosperity.
Otto
Otto is a masculine name of German origin that means "wealth" or "prosperity."
Ozzy
Ozzy is a shortened version of names like Oswald or Osborne, and has a connection to a deity or divine entity.
Palmer
Palmer is a name meaning palm bearer or pilgrim, inspired by Christian pilgrims who traditionally carried the palms.
Paloma
The Spanish word for dove, Paloma is associated with peace, love, and spirituality.
Raphael
This classic name of Hebrew origin means "God has healed."
Rain
Rain can mean life, growth, and renewal, but it can also represent sadness, loss, and despair. Let's go with the positive association.;)
Remi
Meaning "rower" derived from Latin, this name can also mean "God comforts me."
Riley
"Courageous and "valiant" are words that come to mind for Riley.
Ripley
For The Talented Mr. Ripley (AKA Jude Law) fans, this gender-neutral name means "meadow" or "clearing" and it goes back as far as the 12th century!
Rocky
Cue the Rocky theme song, this name is often associated with strength, resilience, and a steadfast nature.
Sabrina
The Celtic word "saber" means "water," which may be the origin of this name.
Saoirse (pronounced "SEER-shə" or "SUR-shə")
Made popular in places other than Ireland by Saoirse Ronan, the Irish female name means "freedom" or "liberty".
Santiago
This name combines the Spanish words santo, meaning "saint", and Iago, a variation of the name James.
Scottie
This Scottish name literally means "from Scotland" or "Gaelic speaker".
Sol/Soleil
Sol is the Spanish word for "sun," as is Soleil in French.
Stone
Cool, calm, and collected (like a rock) is the essence of this British name.
Tate
Happy baby! This English name means "cheerful" and it's gender-neutral.
Teddy
This masculine name of French origin means "wealthy protector" or "God's gift." (I'm seeing a trend here.)
Travis
Our girl's favorite guy is getting baby-name popular with this Old French word meaning "to traverse" or "to cross".
Van
From the Old Dutch word van, this cool baby name means "from the marsh."
Veda
This girl's name of Sanskrit origin means "knowledge" or "wisdom".
Viviana
This Italian name means "alive" or "full of life." Vivi for short!
Warren
Warren can mean "to protect" or "guard."
Walton
This masculine name of English origin means "town of walls" or "city of streams or wood."
Wesley
This English name means "western meadow".
Wilder
Wild child? This name means "untamed" or "wild," and also eager or enthusiastic. I can totally picture Wilder climbing everything!
Zaida
This Arabic name, generally for girls, means "fortunate," "prosperous," and "abundant."
Zara
This pretty name means "blooming flower" or "radiance."
Zephyr
This gender-neutral name comes from the Greek word zephyros, which means "gentle breeze".
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While the '90s offered so many wonderful things, and I really do mean so many (y'all remember those iconic '90s toys?!), the decade also offered some major film flops. Considering I was born in ‘98, it may seem like I don’t have a leg to stand on here, but trust me on this one.
Here are the 10 worst 90s movies that, simply, should not have been made.
1. The Waterboy (1998)
Touchstone Pictures
I have so much, yet simultaneously nothing, to say about Adam Sandler’s The Waterboy. Sandler unwittingly (as far as I know) mocks a stutter and it seems as though they wanted that to be the film’s funny bone, and when that didn’t succeed, there wasn’t much else holding this movie up. That’s probably why it has a 34 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Jim Carrey notoriously has a few poorly-rated films under his belt, but Ace Ventura: Pet Detective may take the cake. One of the reasons fans love Carrey is certainly for his range of facial expressions, but it has a time and place, and this film needed more than some quirky facial expressions to save it. The dialogue simply couldn’t be saved by a big Carrey grin, and for that reason, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is one of the worst films to come out of the 90s. And the movie’s 47 percent RT score isn’t doing it any favors.
3. Major Payne (1995)
Universal Pictures
Probably one of the most infamously bad movies of the decade, Major Payne (which has a 29 percent Rotten Tomatoes score) released in 1995 and we’ve never looked back… literally. I don’t know much about comedy, but I do know that delivery is everything, and Damon Wayans did not deliver.
4. Batman Forever (1995)
Warner Bros. Pictures
If there’s one thing the 2000s got right, it's the Batman franchise and universe. Unfortunately, the 90s missed the mark. Batman Forever leaned too heavily on over-the-top humor and campiness that it lacked any ounce of character development – something that is very needed in Batman movies, to say the least — which explains its 41 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.
5. Wild Wild West (1999)
Warner Bros. Pictures
A diminished homage to the 1965 Wild Wild West show, the 1999 version failed to live up to the original’s tongue-in-cheek dialogue, developed characters, and the western of it all. Its campy tone didn’t win over new audiences and betrayed fans of the original series. All in all, Wild Wild West was a huge misfire, and only earned a 16 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.
6. Hook (1991)
TriStar Pictures
I remember being so excited to watch this when I was a young lass, only to have my young self be very disappointed. Hook played far too much on creating a sentimental and nostalgic film that it neglected a plot line. It relied too heavily on honing in on references to the original tale that resulted in a messy plot that was, at the end of the day, confusing. Hook was sadly anything but magical, as is its 29 percent RT score.
7. RoboCop 3 (1993)
Orion Pictures International
RoboCop 3 completely deviated from what fans loved best in its original iteration. As most third installments do, RoboCop 3 was as much of a failure as it was a cash grab. It could’ve had something to do with swapping out and replacing the main actor for the protagonist, RoboCop, but what do I know? (The 9 percent Rotten Tomatoes score. That’s what I know.)
8. Mr. Wrong (1996)
Touchstone Pictures
Bill Pullman’s character isn’t the only thing wrong in Mr. Wrong, which has a 7 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. While rom coms usually, and obviously, consist of romance and comedy, this film’s plot points appeared manufactured and entirely unrealistic.It’s historically bad, so much so that Ellen DeGeneres (who stars in the movie) has joked about it being a “horrible flop that should have a sequel.” I get the joke, Ellen, I really do, but let’s hope there’s not a shred of seriousness in there.
9. Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)
20th Century
You’d think Speed 2: Cruise Control would set an example as to why sequels of great, standalone films should not be made, but alas we’re going to be plagued by them for years to come. This second installment lacked everything the first had to offer; the high-octane intensity, the action, the non-stop suspense, none of it was there in the sequel, leading to a film that lacked a real premise and any substance — and that got a 4 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.
10. Barb Wire (1996)
Gramercy/Universal Pictures
I really didn’t want to put this one on the list because I love Pamela Anderson, but it’s only fair, and I cannot be biased. Barb Wire was, and remains, a hot mess with only a 28 percent RT score. There was no real trajectory of any aspects in this film, but particularly the aimless script. Thankfully, Anderson is having a redemption arc with her newest and upcoming film, The Last Showgirl and I’m loving it.
Did we miss one of your worst 90s movies? Check out our list of The Worst Movies of 2024 — and The Best Movies Of 2024!
Blake Lively is as multifaceted as they come. She's an actress who has starred in titles like Gossip Girl, A Simple Favor, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (plus It Ends With Us). She's the founder of Betty Buzz, which has a variety of non-alcoholic mixers that taste just as good on their own as they do with liquor. And, she's also a mom. Lively has been outspoken about protecting her children from the paparazzi, making rare public appearances with them for events like her husband Ryan Reynolds' Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremonyandcozy date nights.
When Lively and Reynolds seemingly announced the birth of their fourth child last year, we melted. Here's everything you need to know about Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids.
Is Taylor Swift friends with Blake Lively's kids?
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Yes, Taylor Swift loves Blake Lively's kids! The family has shown up to the Eras Tour multiple times, and most recently supported the popstar at her concert in New Orleans, Louisiana. Blake and Ryan were joined by oldest daughter James (who looked amazing in a Reputation-inspired 'fit), and I can't believe how much James and Blake look alike! She's truly her mini-me! At the Philadelphia show of the Eras Tour, which Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively attended, Taylor said hello from the stage.
One funny detail about Ryan Reynolds' kids that I love is when he mentioned the girls finally realized Taylor Swift was a popstar. "I think what's most exciting for them is that for the longest time they just thought Taylor's just like an aunt, like a friend of Mommy and Daddy that's very, very close, almost family," he tellsThe Jess Cagle Show. "And then they went to a concert one day and were like, 'Ohhhhh, this isn't a hobby.'"
For Super Bowl Sunday in 2024, Blake Lively joined Taylor Swift to support beau (and KC Chiefs tight end) Travis Kelce. "Last week I left my kids for the first time ever," she says on Instagram. "I took pictures upside down and had no clue. I treated a friendship bracelet like a Flat Stanley for my husband like I didn’t realize it wasn’t ‘07. I borrowed more jewelry than the skeleton in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. And I went clubbing. Now I know what my episode of TheTwilight Zone would look like."
How do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively prioritize their kids?
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors
At the end of September, Ryan Reynolds revealed how different parenting seems to be now than when he was a kid. "Parents today are so different. We're so soft," he said at HubSpot’s INBOUND tech conference (via People). "I don't yell. I grew up with like — it was nuts, it was an improvised militia.”
“Now it's like, I can go look at all my resources for parenting and remind myself how to be perfectly compassionate,” he continued. "Something I love about [conflict resolution], and I know this is not very fancy, but what I love about it is that you can meet somebody where they are, and you don't have to be right or wrong...You can disagree and still connect."
Blake Lively recently joined an episode of her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' costar Amber Tamblyn's Further Adoand revealed the one unbreakable rule she made with Ryan Reynolds.
“When Ryan and I got together, we made a rule not to work at the same time,” she says. “So that we could always prioritize our personal life...That takes working really hard when we're not. Just like financial planning and sustaining that; it takes balance.”
I love that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are serious about their family life, and that they have identified what works for them and are sticking with it.
What is the name of Blake Lively's 4th baby?
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' fourth baby is named Olin, which he revealed during the July 22 premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine!
Before Ryan chose to reveal the name, he appeared on the Today show and made a cheeky joke about it after the hosts urged him to spill the beans. He said, "We always wait for Taylor to tell us what the child's name will be. We'll say this: we're still waiting."
What are Blake Lively kids ages?
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors
Blake Lively's kids are all under 10. James is 9 (turning 10 on December 16), Inez is 7 (turning 8 on September 30), Betty is 4 (turning 5 on October 4), and Olin turned 1 in February.
What gender is Ryan and Blake's fourth child?
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
On July 26, Ryan Reynolds confirmed that he and Blake Lively's fourth baby, born in February 2023, is a boy in an Instagram video supporting mental health charity Walking 4 Hope. Speaking with founder John Bell, who struggled with suicidal ideation after the 2020 loss of his son Jake, Reynolds says, “I want to share with you that I, too, have a son...Boy, John, if I love him one-tenth as much as you love Jake, I’ll feel like I’ve done a pretty d—mn good job.”
Considering how adorable James, Inez, and Betty are, I can only imagine how cute Blake Lively's son is!
How many children do Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have?
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have four kids. They welcomed their third daughter in 2019, making this new addition to the family their fourth child.
Did Blake Lively have a 4th baby?
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for American Cinematheque
Blake Lively posted a pic on Super Bowl Sunday in 2023 showing what appears to be a post-baby body with the caption "Been busy."
Lively confirmed her fourth pregnancy in September 2022 when she arrived at her Forbes event in NYC cradling a baby bump and by posting her own personal photos on Instagramhoping that "the 11 guys waiting outside [her] home for a 🦄 sighting will leave [her] alone."
How old was Blake Lively when she had her first child?
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Michael Kors
Blake Lively was 27 when she gave birth to her first daughter, James, in December of 2014.
Why did Blake Lively name her daughter James?
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
The couple decided to name their daughter James after Reynolds' late father. While the name connects both James and Reynolds to his father, it also gives Lively the chance to bond with her daughter over having historically male names. "I liked having a boy's name," Lively said on Good Morning Americain 2015. "I thought I'd pass it on."
Their third daughter Betty's name is a tribute to Lively's late father. We didn't know the name of the couple's third baby until Taylor Swift used all three names in her 2020 album folklore. Swift also used James' voice at the beginning of her 2017 track "Gorgeous"! Does that mean we'll hear one of Ryan Reynolds' children in Reputation (Taylor's Version)? I hope so!
What has Ryan Reynolds said about raising their kids?
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
In a conversation with Hugh Jackman ahead of Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds opened up about how his family has helped his anxiety. "I think it makes it better because your focus is less on yourself and more on your kids," he says (via People). "I love that I've had anxiety because when I see my kids experiencing some of that, which is probably genetic, I know how to address it in a way that is compassionate, that actually allows them to feel seen. I know that I can't just fix it. And I can communicate all that stuff to them and with them. I'm always grateful for it."
Per People, Ryan Reynolds has also made it clear he and Blake are wholly invested in the kids' daily lives. The doting husband and father enjoys the moments of "walking them to school and walking them back" as it deepens their bond. More than anything, Ryan and Blake's main goal is to make sure they teach their kids how to be introspective with Ryan saying "the thing we sort of hang our hat on the most is self-awareness with our kids."
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
However, that doesn't mean Blake and Ryan don't absolutely love being parents. "We're very excited [and] we wouldn't do this four times if we didn't love it," he says in an interview with CNBC's Power Lunch. "Everybody's doing great. Everybody's actually doing fantastic. I think if we hadn't figured it out by now, I think we'd be in deep, deep trouble."
"It's a zoo over here," he jokes. "This is my office here, this is where I'll probably — to be honest, I'll probably spend the rest of my life in here."
We love how much energy Ryan and Blake are pouring into their kids. It's always beautiful when parents are able to be present with their kids and teach them how to be present with themselves. Ryan Reynolds has also mentioned how having daughters "has been such a ride." Since he comes from a family of all boys, having daughters is something that was beyond his wildest dreams! “I love being a girl dad,” Ryan tells Access in 2020. “I have three daughters, which I never in a million years would imagine.”
He mentioned his newest child in June of 2023, when he announced his new series Bedtime Stories. "The idea for a show made to help everyone fall asleep was born the same day as my fourth child," he says on Instagram.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
The Deadpool actor also offered some parenting advice on Amanda Hirsch’s hit podcastNot Skinny But Not Fat. "Embrace the chaos,” he tells Hirsch. "[Blake] always says, ‘They're all under our roof right now. The whole family's under our roof right now. We have them all.’ And that is a fleeting thing. Not an infinite resource, you know?”
While Reynolds understands firsthand how overwhelming parenting can feel, he also doesn't wish away this time with four young kids: “Just say, ‘Think about what you would give in 40 years or 30 years to come back and enjoy this one moment.’"
Besides this, Ryan knows their kids' childhoods don't mirror his or Blake's. However, he's not trying to place a huge emphasis on that because he wants them to have "as normal a life as possible" (via Page Six).
"I try not to impose upon them the difference in their childhood to my childhood or my wife’s childhood," he said (via The Hollywood Reporter). "We both grew up very working class, and I remember when they were very young, I used to say or think, like, ‘Oh God, I would never have had a gift like this when I was a kid,’ or, ‘I never would’ve had this luxury of getting takeout,’ or whatever."
In his eyes, he doesn't feel like it's the kids' responsibility or "bag of rocks to carry" because they're full of "gratitude" and "have a strong sense of empathy." That's how he knows he and Blake are "doing an OK job" as parents.
How has motherhood affected Blake Lively?
Dimitrios Kambouris/Staff/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images;Art by Claire Shadomy/B+C
Blake Lively opened up about how Ryan Reynolds and she monitor screen safety for their kids, which is definitely something top-of-mind in 2024. “This is not an ad. I get nothing out of this. I just love @tappityapp,” she said of the STEM-focused educational app. “It’s engaging, informative, fun and they care about safety."
She also jokes that she's learning new things right along with her kids! But, no matter how educational or fun an app is, Blake Lively also emphasizes the importance of engaging with her kids' devices: "I’m always triple checking any kids app constantly for safety because that’s my responsibility not an app’s, but I do LOVE this one.”
Despite its fun and funny moments, the actress has admitted being a mom is hard, but she did it with her signature dry sense of humor. “BettyBooze at your service," she wrote in an Instagram Story announcing the new brand. "These are recipes I’ve been making for loved ones for years. But I have 4 kids now. And I’m tired. So here they are. In a can."
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for American Cinematheque
However, Blake Lively absolutely loves motherhood, and says in a 2022 interview with Forbes that having children has made her feel more comfortable in her own skin. "Once I had children, that just became even more profound because my time was even more precious, but also I think having children for me made me feel so much more in my skin," she says. "I never felt more myself or at ease in my own body or more confident — not to say that there aren't a bevy of insecurities coming at me a million times a day, but I just feel incredibly settled."
Speaking with People in 2021, Lively also explains how important it is that her children see her accomplish things outside the home. "I want to be as present of a mother as humanly possible and I want them to feel my presence, but I also think the best way to be the best mother is to show them that you can have a life and have a passion and have an identity outside of just being a mother," Lively says.
While she acknowledges that motherhood is all-encompassing, and it looks different for everyone, she knows that having your own identity is very important. "Teaching them that they can maintain themselves and that everything is possible [is crucial]," she adds.
When did Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have their daughters?
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation
Blake Lively's children were all born in the last 10 years. Blake Lively's daughters are James, Inez, Betty, and her fourth child is named Olin! Their fourth baby's name was announced during the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine. Blake gave birth to James in 2014, while Inez was born in 2016. Lively gave birth to Betty in 2019 and Olin in February of 2023.
Do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids have nannies?
Jamie McCarthy / Staff
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' children don't have a nanny. "I feel like I could sometimes have a bit of a short fuse, but there's just been this weirdly endless supply of patience," Ryan told GQ in 2015. "I have no problem waking up five times in the middle of the night and changing diapers, and as exhausted as you get, I have this stupid grin on my face all the time."
Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids!
This story has been updated.
January 29, 2025, the Year of the Snake, kicks off the Lunar New Year — which is also the perfect time to feng shui your home. Feng shui is the ancient Chinese philosophy that teaches you how to arrange your space to create balance and tap into good energies. Lunar New Year happens during the first new moon of the year, making it the perfect time to refresh your home and prepare for new beginnings. I recently chatted with Laura Morris and Anjie Cho, renowned feng shui experts, founders of Mindful Design School, and authors of Mindful Living: A Guide to the Everyday Magic of Feng Shui about setting intentions and planting the seeds for growth in the year ahead. Here's what I learned during our session.
Scroll down for 5 easy ways to incorporate feng shui into your home in 2025!
Wallshoppe
1. Color Can Work In Your Favor
The colors you wear and use in your home are energetically connected to you and your own personal qi, or what is defined as your lifeforce energy. Black, navy and charcoal with a mix of whites and grays were particularly good colors for my zodiac animal (the rat), which is funny because my home is predominantly those colors.
While every zodiac animal has favorable colors, Cho and Morris discovered a combo of two colors to be the best colors for everyone in the Year of the Snake. "We think a vermillion persimmon color, a really fiery color that's connected to the wood snake, will be the best color for everyone for the Year of the Snake," says Cho. I happen to love this Persimmon Birds wallpaper by Nathan Turner and both Cho and Morris encouraged me to bring in this complementary color to all my blues and neutrals.
Of course, this doesn't mean you have to paint your space an orange or fiery red or buy a pricey sofa in that color. Maybe you always use a pen or notebook in that color or wear something in the vermillion persimmon family and start to notice how it makes you feel this year.
2. Crystals Can Impact Your Goals
Apparently, I have a lot of water in my Chinese zodiac, which can mean I’m very creative and intuitive. The crystal that's connected to all that water is labradorite, which has a bluish, watery quality to it. It’s also said to be supportive of wisdom and intellect. "Water is considered an element with a lot of depth," says Cho. "When you think about the ocean, there's so much life happening underneath. Water is really a connector, a communicator, and with a lot of depth of wisdom." That's the kind of energy I'm cultivating? I'll take it!
3. Know Your Bagua
Bagua in feng shui is like a grid or a mandala that you can overlay on your home. It can reveal obstacles and patterns in your home that you might want to unlock or rearrange. You place this grid over your bed or starting at your entry and it shows things like Abundance, Wisdom, Growth, etc. Morris and Cho overlayed the bagua over my bed and shared where I can place the labradorite to activate my career, communication and connection this year.
Mindful Living offers five floor plans to teach you how to read your mandala's home layout.
4. Plants Can Enhance Your Qi
Plant choice and placement can impact your home's qi too. For example, jade succulents are best placed in your Wisdom bagua area while the snake plant, which cuts through negative energy and signifies strength, is best placed in your Alignment area.
5. Timing Is Everything
There are auspicious hours/days/months and more challenging hours/days/months in the lunar new year. My best months are January, April, and August, while my challenging months are June and July. My best hours are 7AM to 9:00 AM to 3PM to 5:00 PM and 1AM to 3:00 AM, as well as a slew of days where I can make sure to align with important meetings, or plan an event, or even talk to someone about a difficult topic. I can be strategic with this time.
"My most challenging months are always the months that I overwork and I'm totally burnt out," says Cho. "So I look ahead and I definitely say no to the things that aren't the most important in those months."
Turns out, January 8th is a really great day for zodiac rats, so I'll be putting my labradorite stone underneath my bed then with the intention that I'm bringing in more wisdom, more resources, more support for my career and for my communication and connecting to others.
This is where your zodiac animal plays a part too. “Snakes have this magnetism and this charm and there's an attractive quality about them, but they're also really wise and thoughtful and clever, and that's actually a good thing for the rat,” says Morris. Those born in the year of the Tiger and Pig may find the 2025 lunar year more challenging, but that doesn't mean it's going to be a terrible year. (My challenging year is coming up in 2026, the Year of the Horse).
"It's not the year to push yourself," adds Cho. "It's the year to take care of yourself. It's the year to say no when you're going to be stretched thin. And it also reminds us you can't have your left side of your body without your right side of your body. There's a natural shift to things, and it reminds us there's times to be quieter. There's times to be more internal, and there's times where we'll have more challenges, but with the greatest challenge also comes the greatest rewards."
Amazon
Mindful Living: A Guide to the Everyday Magic of Feng Shui
Learn more about your monthly forecast for 2025 and mindful rituals to get you through the year in peace and harmony in Mindful Living: A Guide to the Everyday Magic of Feng Shui!
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New Year's Eve is drawing closer, which means it's finally time for all things sparkly, celebratory, and of course, boozy. Whether you're planning to go dancing with your squad for the night, or rather want to stay in watching all the cheesy TV specials, we have the perfect New Year's cocktails for you.
You can enjoy these New Year's Eve cocktail recipes for a pregame or a chilled-out home hang — the choice is yours! We know that not everyone wants to drop hundreds of dollars on overpriced bar drinks, which is exactly why these NYE drinks are perfect.
Craft one of these delicious drinks, create your own DIY confetti poppers, draw up a menu for an impressive charcuterie, and start planning the best New Year's Eve function. If you're not down for alcoholic drinks, we got you covered on tons of tasty mocktails to celebrate with.
47 New Year's Eve Cocktail Recipes We'll Be Sipping Into 2025
Prosecco Martini
Brit + Co
Let the deliciousness of this festive cocktail bubble over during your New Year's Eve celebrations. Vodka, lemon juice, and Prosecco come together for this can't-miss drink. (via Brit + Co)
Speak Now Spritz
Brit + Co
Toss together some plum liqueur, Prosecco, tonic water to craft this stunning New year's Eve cocktail. The cherry on top, of course, is adding the edible glitter for the glitz + glam factor! (via Brit + Co)
Spicy Fireball Winter Mule
Brit + Co
Delight guests with this New Year's Eve cocktail recipe that leverages a few of our favorite ingredients, like spicy Fireball whiskey and ginger beer. (via Brit + Co)
Lemon Drop
Brit + Co
To us, the ultimate Lemon Drop martini is equal parts sweet and sour, but you can play with the ratios in this recipe to reach your desired flavor balance. (via Brit + Co)
Butterscotch Bourbon Milk Punch
Brit + Co
This creamy and boozy beverage will expand your holiday cocktail repertoire, and is the perfect drink to sip in front of a fireplace. It also includes a homemade butterscotch syrup recipe that'll please your sweet tooth cravings. Yum! (via Brit + Co)
Mocha Martini
Brit + Co
This New Year's Eve cocktail can thankfully double as a chocolate dessert to satiate all the sweet tooth-ers at your party. It's only four ingredients, so you won't be stuck at the bar all night long. (via Brit + Co)
Bananas Foster
Brit + Co
To make this totally NYE-ready drink, shake up 1.5 oz Eggo Brunch in a Jar Sippin’ Cream, 1 oz Banana Pudding Sippin' Cream, and 1.5 oz your milk of choice for a super creamy result. The best part about this recipe is you can whip it up post-New Year's, too, for an approachable brunch cocktail. (via Brit + Co)
Hot Toddy
Brit + Co
For the pals that tend to lean cold, a hot cocktail like this Hot Toddy will do wonderfully. This one only requires three entire ingredients for maximum sipping. (via Brit + Co)
Spicy Sweet Holiday Storm Cocktail
Half Baked Harvest
Drops of jalapeño honey keep this New Year's Eve drink interesting on the flavor side. Indulge in this complex, fizzy cocktail on those cold AF winter nights. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Negroni
The Endless Meal
You'll need Campari, gin, sweet vermouth and orange peels to craft this strong drink. Enjoy it slowly throughout the night to truly savor it! (via The Endless Meal)
Apple Cider Habanero
Dos Equis
This New Year's Eve cocktail is super juicy with a boozy finish. To make it, you'll first make your own infused habanero apple cider by soaking habanero peppers in a gallon of apple cider for up to 24 hours. Once that's done, stir 3 oz of the cider with .5 oz lime juice and 1 oz tequila reposado. Then, top everything off with Dos Equis Ambar Especialand some apple slices! (via Dos Equis)
Champagne Life
Photo by Madelynne Boykin / @BitesandBevsMedia
This sipper is crafted with gluten-free and vegan vodka, so you can serve it to your friends that may have different dietary needs. To make it, shake 1.5 oz YoCo vodka, .5 oz passion fruit syrup, and .5 oz lemon juice over ice, then strain into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. (via YoCo Vodka)
Manhattan Beach
Happenstance Whiskey
For the whiskey gals, this Manhattan Beach cocktail will be perfect for NYE. To make it, stir 2 oz Happenstance Bourbon, 1 oz Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, 3 drops of Angostura bitters, and 3 drops of orange bitters over ice. Garnish with a cherry and orange peel for an extra touch of elegance. (via Happenstance Whiskey)
Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Cocktail
Pizzazzerie
To guarantee that your guests are awake and wide-eyed when the ball drops, offering a hit of caffeine in cocktail form is as brilliant as it gets. (via Pizzazzerie)
Apple Cider Mimosa
The Endless Meal
Apple cider, bourbon and cinnamon notes swirl together in this amazing sip. (via The Endless Meal)
Frosted Mistletoe Margarita
Half Baked Harvest
Your guests won't be able to resist this delicious margarita recipe that gets a holiday twist. Not only does this drink look gorgeous topped with sugared cranberries, it tastes amazing, too. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Aperol Spritz
Culinary Hill
You can truly never go wrong with an Aperol Spritz. Though we love them for any occasion, this recipe is sure to be a big hit at your holiday parties. (via Culinary Hill)
Spiced Chai-tini
Chef Bai
Move aside, espresso martinis. We're simply swooning over this sweet chai cocktail! (via Chef Bai)
French Pear Martini
Freut Cake
This chic cocktail boasts sophistication. With chilled Champagne, pear vodka and elderflower liqueur, this effervescent drink will make it impossible to enjoy a classic dirty martini ever again. (via Freut Cake)
A Floral Affair
United Sodas of America
Pour half a glass of United Sodas Pear Elderflower, then add 1/4 glass vodka, 1/4 glass St. Germain, and garnish with a lemon twist! (via United Sodas of America)
Citrus Pomegranate Champagne Twist
Half Baked Harvest
Pomegranate and citrus notes couldn't be a better combo for celebrating the holidays and new year. Plus, we could never say no to the champagne! (viaHalf Baked Harvest)
Sparkling Pomegranate Cranberry Sangria
Justine Celina
Here you’ll find major inspo from wintry flavors, New Year’s Eve bubbly and Gatsby glam. This classy sangria offers fruity flavors and gingery notes — and the addition of Grand Marnier sends it right over the top. (via Justine Celina)
Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned
Half Baked Harvest
This boozy, spicy drink will warm you right up in the middle of winter. Try out this drink to practice your at-home bartending skills. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Vanilla Plum Shrub
The Modern Proper
One swig of this concoction, and visions of vanilla plum shrubs will be dancing in your head. Though a shrub takes a little extra work to create, it’s totally worth it. (via The Modern Proper)
Cinnamon and Cranberry Bourbon Spritzers
Cooking and Beer
Cinnamon, cranberries and bourbon — oh my! With the addition of fizzy ginger ale, this cocktail recipe takes on a whole new level of flavor that will wow your guests and have them passing on the bubbly. (via Cooking and Beer)
Sparkling Cranberry-Orange Champagne Punch
Boulder Locavore
Champagne alone is the perfect way to bid a fancy farewell to the last year. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t jazz up that Champagne. Cranberry juice and Grand Marnier do just that in this ruby-hued beauty. (via Boulder Locavore)
Blood Orange Champagne Mule
Half Baked Harvest
Forget your classic Moscow mule, and try out this recipe made with blood oranges instead. This sip is light and refreshing, and sure to keep the party going. (via Half Baked Harvest)
The Last Word Cocktail
Pinch and Swirl
Fresh lime juice and a maraschino liqueur are blended together to create some seriously bright flavors in this potent elixir. You’ll want to go easy on this cocktail, but if you can’t get enough of that awesome flavor, the amount of alcohol can be reduced. You’ll thank yourself in the morning. (via Pinch and Swirl)
Roasted Cranberry Gin Cocktail
Signature Concoctions
Kicking off the new year has never been better with this cranberry-forward New Year's Eve cocktail. Roasted cranberries add tons of depth to its flavor. (via Signature Concoctions)
Kir Royale
Culinary Hill
This unique cocktail leverages blackcurrant liquor and champagne. Super easy to pour for every guest! (via Culinary Hill)
Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
A Spicy Perspective
This ever-so-boozy sipper will is the perfect pick for a classy night in on NYE. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Coconut Vanilla Mint Lemon Drop
Chef Bai
Take this deliciously fresh mocktail recipe to the party by adding your alcohol of choice. (via Chef Bai)
Persimmon Cocktail
Salt & Lavender
This cocktail, perfect for New Year's celebrations, comes together with just four ingredients. Bet your friends have never tried this one! (via Salt & Lavender)
Rosemary 75 Champagne Cocktail
Goodie Godmother
Thrill your guests with this magical cocktail that changes color right before your very eyes! Gin and sparkling wine pair wonderfully, and welcome the addition of rosemary for a unique and herbaceous flair. (via Goodie Godmother)
Vanilla, Pepper and Thyme Martini
What Should I Make For...
Black and pink peppercorns kick this dazzling cocktail up a few notches, making it an awesome contender for your NYE party. If you want to impress your guests, this awe-inspiring cocktail is the way to go. (via What Should I Make For…)
St. Germain Kumquat Cocktail
Talia Bunting
This low-cal drink is full of citrusy flavor and is incredibly refreshing. Fresh kumquats are joined by elderflower liqueur to create a blend that is classy and downright delish. (via Talia Bunting)
Green Chartreuse and Pear Brandy Cocktail
House of Hipsters
This pretty-in-pink cocktail possesses an old-school feel with a modern spin. Notes of pear will liven up your tastebuds along with citrus and bitters. This may look like a dainty drink at first glance, but it’s a potent one — so sit back and sip easy. (via House of Hipsters)
Classic Moscow Mule
Culinary Hill
The freshness of a classic Moscow mule cocktail will keep NYE guests sipping all night long. (via Culinary Hill)
Cranberry Moscow Mule with Homemade Cranberry Simple Syrup
Boulder Locavore
Throw a splash of holiday cheer into the traditional Moscow mule with cranberries. If you’re afraid to mess with a good thing, worry not — this baby is still fizzy and it will still warm your heart with its gingery spice. (via Boulder Locavore)
Pomegranate Cranberry Champagne Punch
Chef Savvy
When you think of holiday fruits, pomegranate and cranberries are the first that come to mind — and that’s why you need this festive punch in your life this holiday season! Pop the Champagne and pour it over a fresh cranberry reduction and pomegranate juice for the perfect boozy refreshment. (via Chef Savvy)
Cranberry Whiskey Sour
Cilantro Parsley
Indulge in even more seasonal flavors with a tart cranberry sour that's sure to please the party. (via Cilantro Parsley)
Sprinkletini
Salt & Lavender
NYE is all about the glitz and glam, and this cocktail doesn't disappoint in that department. (via Salt & Lavender)
Spicy Tequila Soda
Cilantro Parsley
This feels like a vacation in a drink, transporting you past the wintery vibes of New Year's and straight to summer. (via Cilantro Parsley)
Lemonade Sangria
Amanda Wilens
For a super simple cocktail that tastes light and refreshing, this lemonade sangria can't be beaten. (via Amanda Wilens)
Dirty Shirley
Culinary Hill
This is a fun grown-up version of the classic drink you loved to order as a kid! (via Culinary Hill)
Peach Bellinis
Barley & Sage
This fruity New Year's Eve cocktail tastes like a peaches and cream cupcake in a drink. Who wouldn't want that to ring in the new year? (via Barley & Sage)
Pomegranate & Persimmon Winter Sangria
Salt & Lavender
This refreshing punch is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. (via Salt & Lavender)
Follow us on Pinterest for more festive + classy New Year’s recipes!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations. This post has been updated.