I love hosting and making my guests feel at home. And living in a tourist destination (Sonoma wine country) means I get a lot of them — especially as the weather warms up. Over time, I’ve learned that creating a warm, welcoming space doesn’t have to mean stress or all-day prep. Guests only seem to notice a few key things, not whether you color-coded your bookshelf or spring cleaned your closets. Whether it’s a casual dinner party or an overnight stay, these simple steps make a big difference before guests arrive.
You don’t need to deep-clean — just focus on visible clutter. Clear off countertops, coffee tables, and entryways. Short on time? Just toss items into a basket and tuck them away in a closet.
Set the mood with a seasonal or favorite scent, like vanilla, amber, or something citrusy. It instantly makes your space feel warm and inviting. I like to put one in the guest bathroom too for a little surprise.
Have a little time? You can also simmer citrus and your favorite herbs on the stove.
You’ll Need:
Steps:
Nothing makes guests feel more "ick" than a dirty or messy bathroom so prioritize this space. Wipe down the sink and toilet, put out a fresh hand towel, and make sure there’s enough toilet paper.
I make sure to switch off all the overheads (not a fan of this harsh lighting) and turn on table lamps for a cozy vibe. Then cue up a Spotify "dinner party" playlist that matches the energy — something mellow and upbeat is usually a safe bet.
Photo by Tatiana Syrikova
A long-distance friend of mine would always leave me a basket of toiletries for my overnight stays and it's something I always remember fondly. On their bedside table, you can leave them a pitcher of water, their favorite snacks, flowers or herbs, and/or a book or magazine. Little details make people feel instantly loved.
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Nothing ruins the party vibe like a smelly garbage can. Empty it before anyone arrives, and consider adding a fresh liner with a drop of essential oil or baking soda to keep things smelling fresh and clean.
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The spring goodies at Trader Joe’s just keep on coming! The latest addition to the grocer’s seasonal lineup is none other than their famed sheet cake – reimagined in a classic spring flavor. Trader Joe’s fans are already scrambling to find this $6 dessert at their local stores because it’s “soooo yummy” and simply “the best.” It’s also a stunning option for celebrating Easter or sharing sweets with your loved ones just because!
That’s right, Trader Joe’s sheet cake fans: the Carrot Mini Sheet Cake has officially hit shelves – just in time for all the best spring festivities. This returning product boasts a “moist, flavorful” carrot cake base topped with plenty of cream cheese frosting. This traditional combo truly can’t be beat!
Trader Joe’s
The Carrot Mini Sheet Cake joins Trader Joe’s existing sheet cake lineup that is entirely too yummy. Their current flavors include mainstays like Dark Chocolate Ganache and Chantilly Cream Vanilla Bean, alongside the newer (and gluten-free!) Yellow Cake. TJ’s tends to launch new flavors for their sheet cakes around each season – they’ve even had a Pumpkin Spice version in the past!
One Trader Joe’s fan on Reddit happily announced when the Carrot Mini Sheet Cakes came back to shelves, and plenty of other users chimed in on the excitement.
“I can’t wait,” one person said.
“BRB, about to cause a carrot cake shortage in the New York Metro Area,” another Redditor commented.
More customers raved about the returning spring dessert on another thread under r/TraderJoe’s:
“I went yesterday and have 5 in my freezer for now…” one person said. “I will continue to buy single ones but now have a stash in case they sell out for the season. It is by far my favorite of the mini sheet cakes.”
Another user noted that the Carrot Mini Sheet Cake is “moist, and the frosting is fantastic, not too sweet.”
Trader Joe’s fan account @trader_joes_treasure_hunt also shared the new find with their followers, with countless shoppers expressing their excitement:
“These cakes any flavor are so good!” one person wrote.
“Best carrot cake I ever had in my life,” another said.
“Holy sheet I love some sheet cake,” someone else commented.
The smooth cream cheese frosting makes it an excellent blank canvas to add Easter-themed sprinkles or even small chocolate eggs for the holiday, though it’ll still taste like heaven if you eat it plain. The size of this sheet cake is perfect for sharing with a small group – or just keeping all to yourself this spring!
The Trader Joe’s Carrot Mini Sheet Cake is currently in stores now for $5.99 each. It’s only available for a limited time, so you’ll definitely want to hurry to try it before it’s gone!
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Targetis always full of fun surprises, and their current lineup of under-$15 finds is seriously stunning. From chic home decor pieces to trendy fashion picks and affordable beauty essentials, these budget-friendly hidden gems prove you really don’t have to spend big to give your space, wardrobe, or daily routine a lil’ refresh. If you love a good deal (same here!), get ready to add some of these affordable must-haves from Target to your cart.
Target
The internet's favorite body lotion scent is now available in a dreamy body wash format! With standout notes of vanilla and cashmere and a creamy concoction of shea butter, cocoa butter, and argan butter to keep your skin feelin' nourished as ever, this $10 bottle is a shower must-have.
Target
Swarmed in LoveShackFancy’s signature floral prints, this $10 mini brush is the perfect piece to keep in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups. The collection, shoppable at Target, also includes everything from regular-sized brushes to hair curling sets and cute claw clips!
Target
Versed's new makeup collection has been living in our heads rent-free, especially because we love their skincare goodies so much. Of course, they whipped up a wonderfully smooth $15 blush stick to add to the glow. The lightweight formula is super easy to build up depending on your mood, plus each stick is packed full of jojoba seed oil and fatty acids to help hydrate your complexion!
Target
Moving onto the grocery aisle, this brand-new creamer flavor from Chobani is sure to infuse your mornings with utter joy. Aside from the cheery packaging, this $5 birthday cake-flavored coffee creamer adds some really nice sweetness, whether you splash some into a mug of hot coffee or add a bit to your iced lattes. It's a limited-edition flavor, so make sure to try it before it's gone from shelves!
Target
We're huge suckers for anything checkered. This $15 planter is such a cutie, add will most certainly bring some major springtime energy to your windowsill, bookshelf, or dining room table!
Target
Two words: mushroom lamp. Yep – Target's selling this baby for just $14 (was $20), and the best part is that it's cordless, so you can move it around your space as you please for a trendy home decor touch.
Target
When it comes to spring basics, tube tops should be at the top of your list. They're easy to put on and even easier to wear, plus this solid black number makes putting together a comfy outfit unbelievably seamless! You can snag this top for just $6 (was $8), along with three more solid shades that fit the season.
Target
Oh, it's giving Anthro vibes, for sure. This $15 pair of flower-shaped candle holders will add some cheer and color to your springtime table spreads, and what's more is they're also perfect for sunny Easter celebrations!
Target
For a nice boost in hydration, hyaluronic acid is where it's at. This $12 bottle from Good Molecules truly packs a punch and boosts the performance of your traditional moisturizer!
Target
This ever-so-trendy tank top boasts an asymmetrical cinched hem for a fun touch. Right now, it's on sale for just $8 (was $12)! It also comes in pink, green, and blue if you're seeking a bright pop of color.
Target
We're seeing this puffy pattern everywhere these days, from bags to jackets. Target put it on an adorable little pillow, and we're obsessed! Snag this $7 cutie for an inexpensive living room or bedroom upgrade.
Target
Two vases for just $10?! Count us in. These playful designs work well together, though you could easily disperse them throughout your home to host all the blooms of spring!
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Greta Gerwig's Narnia has generated some buzzy casting rumors over the last few months. Charli XCX, Daniel Craig, and even Joseph Quinn have all been a part of the rumor mill (but considering I've been waiting for news on this adaptation since it was acquired by Netflix in 2018, I'm not mad about all the chatter!). And the latest Narnia casting rumor has cause more conversation on the internet than anything else. Meryl Streep might be voicing Aslan.
Meryl Streep is reportedly in talks to voice Aslan in Greta Gerwig's Narnia movies. The casting rumor first broke on March 31, leading some people to wonder if it was an early April Fool's Day joke, until Deadlineconfirmed the rumor on April 3. Fans of the book have called the choice everything from "interesting" to "cruel," and the conversation revolves around one particular question: are they making Aslan female?
A lot of Narnia fans were taken aback by the rumor about Meryl Streep because of the fact Aslan is an allegory for Jesus (referred to in the Bible as the Lion of Judah) — especially since Aslan's mane is such an integral part of the series, and lioness' typically don't have manes.
When the White Witch sacrifices Aslan on the Stone Table in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, she shaves off his mane in an attempt to shame him and strip away his identity as King of Narnia. Lucy Pevensie hiding her face in his mane in Prince Caspian plays a huge role in bolstering her courage and faith, and the mane even comes into play during The Last Battle before (spoiler alert) Narnia gets destroyed.
The most iconic visual of the Narnia series, arguably more than the wardrobe or the lamppost, is Aslan's mane. "If it’s true that Aslan has been changed to a female lion in the upcoming film, it’s deeply troubling that the filmmakers would make the choice to visually distance itself from The Chronicles of Narnia as it has always been known to its fans and the public imagination," one Narnia fan wrote on NarniaWeb. "It would be hard to look at a decision like that and not think that they were deliberately disassociating from the Narnia canon."
Another fan on NarniaWeb points out that having Meryl potentially voice a male Aslan "would be a fine way to convey the genderless nature of the soul. Aslan transcends all of that and was never bound by the idea of duality in the way that the ‘fallen’ believe they are."
@bereckerwentviral for his claim that fans who are upset about the casting simply "hate women" (yes, some of the backlash to Meryl's casting rumor has been atrocious). "I would like to officially say that if I die, I would be more than honored if Meryl Streep were to play me in my biopic, she’s the greatest to ever do it," he said in the comments.
"Meryl was hired based on merit. She’s the best," another Instagram user said in the comments.
Disney/Walden Media
Let the record show that, as of writing this story on April 7, Netflix hasn't actually confirmed anything about the movie outside Greta as director and Atonement cinematographer Seamus McGarvey as Director of Photography. Whether the film is a The Magician's Nephew adaptation, whether Daniel Craig is playing Uncle Andrew, and whether Meryl Streep is actually voicing Aslan are speculation at this point.
As one viral tweet puts it, "Increasingly convinced Greta either has no idea what she wants to do with this movie or has a vision so incredible nobody else can see it." Stay tuned for official casting announcements!
What do you think about the Netflix Narnia casting rumors so far? Let us know on Facebook.
TV is a wild place right now. We've got crazy White Lotus theories, Netflix extended Nicole Kidman's once-limited The Perfect Couple into an anthology series, and Simone Ashley teased our favorite characters are reuniting for Bridgerton season 4.
And we're in for even more news and crazy viral moments because these April TV shows are some of the best yet. And don't worry if you haven't finished all those March shows yet; they're not going anywhere ;).
Anna Kooris/Netflix
3rd year resident Danny Simms gets thrown into leadership when Chief Resident Xander Phillips is suspended, and a hurricane sends the hospital into lockdown. Now the ER is simply trying to get through the storm — and all the secrets about Danny and Xander's relationship aren't making things easier.
Pulse premieres April 3 and stars Willia Fitzgerald, Colin Woodell, Justina Machado, Jack Bannon, Jessie T. Usher, Jessy Yates, Chelsea Muirhead, Daniela Nieves, Néstor Carbonell, Jessica Rothe, Santiago Segura, Ash Santos, and Arturo Del Puerto.
George Kraychyk/Hulu
The Handmaid's Tale season 6 promises "something big is about to happen" in its first look as June works to take down Gilead. And I totally believe it since June finally reunited with Serena and Noah at the end of season 5.
The The Handmaid's Tale season 6 premieres April 8 and stars Elisabeth Moss, Bradley Whitford, Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenle, Samira Wiley, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, and Sam Jaeger.
Jake Giles Netter/Max
Hacks season 4 finds Ava and Deborah at odds — and threatening to spill some serious tea to get what they want. But that's showbiz, baby.
Hacks season 4 premieres April 10 and stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder.
Apple TV
Hedge fund manager Andrew Cooper is dealing with his divorce and losing his job when he decides to steal from his wealthy neighbors. Only then does he realize just how dangerous their secrets really are.
Your Friends & Neighbors premieres April 11 and stars Jon Hamm, Olivia Munn, Amanda Peet, Mark Tallman, Hoon Lee, Lena Hall and Aimee Carrero.
Disney+
Doctor Who is back for another set of adventures as the Doctor works to get Belinda Chandra back to earth — and fight the mysterious force keeping the TARDIS from returning home.
Doctor Who premieres April 12 and stars Ncuti Gatwa, Varada Sethu, Millie Gibson, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Christopher Chung, Rylan Clark, Alan Cumming, Anita Dobson, Freddie Fox, Michelle Greenidge, Jonah Hauer-King, Ruth Madeley, Jemma Redgrave, and Susan Twist.
Liane Hentscher/HBO
Five years after the events of The Last of Us season 1, Ellie and Joel are safe in Jackson — but secrets from their past and a ruthless new threat could ruin everything. Not to mention all the infected.
The Last of Us season 2 premieres April 13 and stars Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Jeffrey Wright, and Catherine O’Hara.
Apple TV
This comedy series follows the dreamy Chamber family in 1969, whose world gets turned upside down when Hampton Chambers returns home from prison.
Government Cheese premieres April 16 and stars David Oyelowo, Simone Missick, Bokeem Woodbine, Adam Beach, and Sunita Mani.
Virginia Sherwood/Peacock
This offshoot of Law & Order follows the beloved Elliot Stabler and the Organized Crime Control Bureau as they handle the most intense dealings in New York City.
Law & Order: Organized Crime season 5 stars Christopher Meloni, Danielle Moné Truitt, Ainsley Seiger, Rick Gonzalez, Dean Norris, and Jason Patric.
Anna Kooris/Netflix
Yellowstone fans will love this Netflix show, which follows three ranching families in Texas as they wrestle with destiny, secrets, and crime.
Ransom Canyon premieres April 17 and stars Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Marianly Tejada, Jack Schumacher, Garrett Wareing, Andrew Liner, Jennifer Ens, Niko Guardado, Casey W. Johnson, Philip Winchester, Kate Burton, Brett Cullen, Tatanka Means, Jaren Robledo, Justin Johnson Cortez, and Kenneth Miller.
Lucasfilm LTD
Cassian is now playing a vital role in the Rebel Alliance's plans to take down the Empire. This Rogue One prequel is sure to break our hearts with its final installment.
Andor season 2 premieres April 22 and stars Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Alan Tudyk, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, Ben Mendelsohn, and Forest Whitaker.
Philippe Antonello/Prime Video
Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino's new show Etoilé takes place in the high-stakes world of ballet. When two world-famous companies in New York and Paris run into trouble, they decide to swap their best dancers — and everyone's in for a world of drama. Here's the first look!
Etoilé premieres April and stars Luke Kirby, Charlotte Gainsburg, Lou de Laâge, Gideon Glick, David Alvarez, Ivan du Pontavice, Taïs Vinolo, David Haig, Simon Callow, Kelly Bishop, and Yanic Truesdale.
Clifton Prescod/Netflix
Joe is back for one last season of You — and this time, he's looking at, well, you. And in the official trailer, he promises it "is the last time" he's going to be tested by love. I'm scared!
You season 5 premieres April 24 and stars Penn Badgley, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Charlotte Richie, and Griffin Matthews.
Check out Jenny Han Just Teased A "Surprise" End To The Summer I Turned Pretty for even more TV hot takes.
This post has been updated.
