Here Is the Sweetest Gift You Can Give This Holiday

Nov 17, 2015

Finding the perfect holiday gift can be a TOUGH mission. It’s easy to feel like James Bond while maneuvering your car and searching for a parking spot at the mall, and it’s easy to become distrustful of Amazon… like, will your package really get there in time? Let those fears subside, because we have a better idea! Some of the best gifts you can give this holiday season are homemade treats and baked sweets. We teamed up with Angie of Bakerella and Scotch® Brand for tips on creating homemade candies + cake pops, and how to best ship these suckers ;)

Hop on over to Angie’s blog for a step-by-step recipe on how to make the most delicious cake pops of ALL TIME. Seriously, y’all… these guys almost look too cute to eat. Almost.

Bakerella will also show you how to use Scotch® Brand products to pack up your homemade desserts. We especially love the Scotch® Expressions Glitter Tape — so perfect for the holiday season!

There you have it! An easy holiday present that doesn’t require you to leave your kitchen! Except maybe to walk to the mailbox… For more holiday gift wraps tips, visit here!

Also, Enter the Scotch® Most Gifted Wrapper™ Contest for the opportunity to win $10,000! Enter at: MostGiftedWrapper.com between November 2 and December 9. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE U.S. and D.C. (excluding AZ, CO, NE, MD, NJ, ND, TN and VT) who are 18 (19 in AL and 21 in MS) and older. Ends 12/9/15. To enter and for Official Rules (including prize descriptions), visit mostgiftedwrapper.com. Void where prohibited.

What’s your favorite gift to give during the holiday season? Let us know in the comments below!

This post is in partnership with Scotch® Brand.

Collaboration Hacks Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Verizon

verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Earthy Neutrals Are The Secret To Creating A Cozy Home

If neutrals aren’t your thing — or you’re ready to refresh your space — earthy accents are the perfect way to bring warmth and character into your home. Colors like chocolate and caramel, earthy greens, Bordeaux, and burgundy are making our neutral rooms a little richer and less monotone. Here’s how to create a modern earthy-neutral aesthetic that feels fresh, grounded, and cozy for a new season.

How To Create An Earthy-Neutral Aesthetic

Design: Allprace | Photography by Michael P.H. Clifford

Layer textures: Mix natural materials like woven jute, natural fiber linens, and rustic ceramics to create a cozy, layered look. The more textures, the richer the effect!
Choose warm neutrals: Instead of stark whites or cool grays, go for warm tones like sandy beige, terracotta, and clay that give you an organic, lived-in feel.
Add greenery: Everything is better with plants. Bring in indoor trees, succulents, and hanging plants to accentuate that earthy vibe.
Mix in wood and stone: These materials instantly ground a space. Think raw wood furniture or stone accents to capture an earthy, timeless vibe.
Use earth-toned accents: From throw pillows to wall art, shop for decor in muted browns, greens, and rusty reds that echo the colors of nature.

Schoolhouse

Schoolhouse x Clare V. Felix Shag Wool Rug

This collab between two of our favorite brands created a cozy graphic rug for the living room or dining room in the season's earthy palette. Love!

Quince

Quince European Linen Duvet Cover Set

Available in a mix of colors, this European flax linen duvet cover is pre-washed so it's super soft for a more lived-in vibe.

Etsy

Etsy Terra Cotta Flatwoven Kilim Rug

Clay colors are having a moment this season, and this 100% cotton kilim rug is the perfect accent to your fall decor.

Anthroplogie

Anthropologie Cozy Cocoon Fringed Throw Blanket

Prepare to drape yourself in plaid this fall and winter with this wooly throw.

Etsy

Etsy Ceramic Table Lamp With Plaid Shade

I am swooning over this handmade brown ceramic lamp with darling plaid shade, such a unique piece for your fall decor.

CB2

CB2 Mongolian Sheepskin Fur Throw Pillow with Insert

Sink into these 100% Mongolian natural sheepskin pillows in the season's loveliest colors.

Joss & Main

Eleanne Coffee Table

Bring in woody accents like this modern and elegant round coffee table.

Wayfair

Howlan Natural Stoneware Vase

A stone vase elevates your room's decor, whether it sits on a mantel, bookshelf, or your dining table.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Scallop Edge Pinch Bowls, Set of 3

These scalloped edge bowls are perfect for meal prep and serving dips and spreads.

Wayfair

Solace Upholstered Barrel Chair

This barrel chair is versatile and timeless in a faux lambs wool and sleek shape.

Ruggable

Ruggable Cyrus Rose Gold Tufted Rug

This European-inspired rug has a distressed feel with a hint of rose gold and rich brown. It's water- and stain-resistant, machine-washable, and will instantly warm up your neutral decor.

Urban Outfitters

UO Palma Fringe Light Blocking Window Curtain

The mini tassels on this fringe-trimmed window curtain add a bit of whimsy and texture to your room.

Wayfair

Kelly Clarkson Home Side Chair, Set of 2

With an S shape inspired by 20th-century Danish design, this wicker duo gives both modern and cottage-core vibes.

Target

Studio McGee x Threshold Oval Table Lamp with Pleated Shade

This subtly textured table lamp comes with dimmable settings so you can set the mood just right. It makes the perfect statement piece to your neutral decor!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more home decor inspiration!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

home decor trends home decor inspiration home decor

How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon

verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

audio books digital ready program entrepreneurs mindset online business podcast unexpected challenges verizon sponsorship women in business social media work money marketing career sponsored entrepreneur

Arconiacs Rejoice! All Episodes Of 'Only Murders In The Building' Season 4 Are Now Streaming.

Our favorite murder mystery is returning for another season! Only Murders in the Building, which stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, is Hulu's most-watched original comedy — and season three was the platform's most-streamed original project this year. It looks like Arconiacs really DO want more because Only Murders in the Building season 4 is here — and that finale is CRAZY. Here's everything we know about the upcoming installment of the show, and don't forget to read our interview with costumer Dana Covarrubias! After you've rewatched seasons 1-3 (again), check out The Best New TV Shows Coming In 2024for more!

What happened at the end of Only Murders in the Building season 4?

Patrick Harbron/Disney

After learning Marshall is Sazz's killer, Mabel, Charles, and Oliver are almost his next victims before Jan shoots him in the back from the empty apartment across the courtyard. But the season 4 finale isn't all drama! Oliver and Loretta finally tie the knot, and Oliver decides to stay in NYC while Loretta has to film in New Zealand. But in the final moments of the episode, we see that Lester is our next murder victim. HOW COULD YOU HULU?!

Tune into Only Murders season 5 to unmask the killer!

Does Selena Gomez like Steve Martin and Martin Short?

Selena Gomez/Instagram

Yes, Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short are all close! While presenting the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Selena Gomez and Martin Short had a moment onstage that totally reminded me of Oliver and Mabel. While making their way to the mic, Selena had to jog to keep up with Martin and Steve (she was wearing a stunning Ralph Lauren dress, after all). And when she expresses some nerves about tripping, Martin grabs her arm and says, "I got you baby." The sweetest!!

And Selena shows just as much love to her iconic costars. "I want to thank @stevemartinreally and Marty (who hates social media) for truly being the most kind, gentle, warm and powerful influences in my life," Selena Gomez says on Instagram. "You have shown me a level of class, intellect and humor that doesn’t seem to be easy to find anymore. You guys are truly best friends to me forever." I love this trio so much!

When is the next season of Only Murders in the Building coming out?

Image via Selena Gomez/Instagram

Only Murders in the Building season 4 is coming to Hulu Tuesday August 27, 2024. That means we're getting the Olympics, Bridgerton, The Bear, Emily in Paris, and House of the Dragon all in one summer. WOW.

Selena Gomez posted a screenshot on March 1 announcing that filming had begun! In honor of Day 1, Martin Short and Steve Martin sent her a bouquet of flowers with a note that reads, "We're so happy to be back with you, love, Steve and Marty." Okay cute!!

What is the Only Murders In The Building Season 4 filming like?

Image via Only Murders/Instagram

The official Only Murders in the Building Instagram account shared the first shot from set, and we couldn't be happier to see our favorite trio! "The besties are back," the post reads. "Season 4 🎥." And it looks like the costume color palette is still shades of green, blue, and red like in previous seasons, with Steve Martin's Charles wearing blue slacks and green shoes, and Martin Short's Oliver wearing rust-colored pants. Selena Gomez' Mabel is sticking to neutrals for now, but I'm sure we'll see plenty of color in her wardrobe in the weeks to come!

Selena Gomez also revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that shooting season 4 was a blast. "This is our most exciting season yet. That’s what I would definitely say with confidence, because it was far too fun," she says. "It’s going to be, to date, probably my favorite season."

But Only Murders in the Building season 4 also came with its own challenges. "We used to shoot everything in order, and that would help me a lot," she continues, "but because we had so many different things that were happening, and we wanted to make sure everybody was comfortable and we could adjust to people’s schedules, it jumped all over the place [this season]."