It’s Time to PAR-DIY: Announcing the Brit Co-Op

Cecelia Cox
Apr 30, 2013

First thing is first: DIY parties are seriously the new book clubs.

At Brit + Co, we spend our days dreaming of ways to give you all the tools you need to create beautiful things. Brit Kits were our first step, and if you are a loyal Brit Kits subscriber, we want to thank you. If you aren’t a Brit Kits subscriber…well, you’re missing out! You can sign up here to get your monthly creative juices flowing.

Throughout the last few months of hearing from you guys, we’ve repeatedly received one message loud and clear: the only thing better than DIY is DIY’ing together. It’s such a fun way to hang out with friends while using up some creative energy. (Especially if wine is involved.) That’s why we started a new program called the Brit Co-Op.

The Brit Co-Op is a a group of handpicked hostesses selected by Brit + Co. These gals (and sadly, no gents yet!) are some of the coolest and raddest Brit + Co. fans who are willing to host 10 of their friends for a free (yes, free!) DIY party each month. This past month, we sent a total of 11 Brit Kits to each Co-Op member’s door: one for them and one for each of their lucky invitees. We also included a huge box of party supplies and yummy snacks to make SURE they were the hostess with the mostest.

Our Co-Op members threw their first parties in April, and as you can see, they were a smashing success! We teamed up with Kettle Chips for the grub and Party City for the complementary party decor. And of course, we included our Chalkboard Kits for everyone to DIY together.

Sound pretty rad? Want to host your own DIY parties with your girlfriends?

To join the Brit Co-Op, just fill out this application. If you’re selected, we’ll reach out to you with next steps. We’re currently taking applications for our June parties. If you aren’t selected for June, have no fear, we’ll be adding new Co-Op members to the program each month!

Can you believe how great these photos are?! We love them. Thanks again to all of our Co-Op members who hosted an April party and hope to see the rest of you throwing your own par-DIYs very soon!

The Next Big Trend in Housing Is a Real-Life Episode of Friends

We’ve all probably had a post-college roommate at some point or another (you can even use this app to help you find one) — especially those of us living in more metropolitan areas.

But what if we could take it back to your cozily decorated college dorm life and live in a whole community of people, Friends style (cause what WOULD happen if Friends took place in 2016 or beyond)?

That’s exactly what the next big trend in housing, co-living, aims to find out.

Just what is co-living? Basically, it’s college 2.0 — a (mostly) cheap, modest space with all the essentials that you could ever need, such as Wi-Fi, utilities and housekeeping. Its main draw, however, is its built-in sense of camaraderie. With so many built-in friends, you can rest assured that you’ll always be able to borrow a cup of sugar, should you need it — you might even find your next committed Netflix partner!

NYC was one of the first to jump on the bandwagon, with facilities such as Pure House (“a global community of creative misfits and digital nomads”) and Common, along with Los Angeles — its PodShare model (advertised as a “social network with a physical address”) goes as far as to put its residents in the same room with what look like straight up bunk beds — a littttttle close for comfort if you ask us!

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Thursday night #cincodewhat #hangout #artsdistrict

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The trend has even made its way overseas, with London opening The Collective, unique in the sense that it uses a personality test to match up neighbors to like-minded people.

So is co-living for you? Well, according to PodShare, this type of living situation is best suited for “travelers, transitioners and temps” — probably not so much for those looking to settle down.

One thing’s for sure: It’d definitely be an adventure!

Would you consider co-living? Let us know over @BritandCo!

(h/t Hello Giggles, photos via Getty and @podshare)

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Starbucks' Red Cup Day Is Back – Here's How To Get Your Freebie

The holidays at Starbucks are here, people! Peppermint Mocha season returned on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Red Cup Day 2024 was just officially announced – here's everything you need to know about the annual event.

Scroll on for details on Starbucks Red Cup Day for 2024!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ seasonal drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

November 14, 2024 is officially Red Cup Day!

Red Cup Day typically lands on the third Thursday of November, though this year's event hits on the second Thursday. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16.

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

The Starbucks red cups for Red Cup Day 2024 are here! The design features a very candy cane-like illustration with a white lid. The reusable cup holds 16 ounces and is made from 95% recycled materials.

How can I get a red cup?

Starbucks

The Starbucks red cups are available however you order, including in-store, drive-thru, and through the Starbucks app and delivery via Uber Eats, Door Dash and GrubHub. Customers who order delivery through the Starbucks app can even have their reusable red cup delivered with a $0 delivery fee! Red Cup Day typically limits one cup per customer.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the eligible drinks (including icons from the Starbucks holiday menu)for Red Cup Day 2024:

  • Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai Tea Latte
  • Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
  • Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
  • Caramel Brulée Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Cran-Merry Orange Refresher
  • Cran-Merry Lemonade Refresher
  • Cran-Merry Drink
  • Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte
  • Peppermint Hot Chocolate
  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
  • Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
  • Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • White Hot Chocolate

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

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This post has been updated.

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Enter to Win Adorable Holiday Leggings Kits for Your Kids!

Old Navy
None

The holidays are in full swing and we’re spending more and more time staying cozy and warm indoors. Instead of running around playing in the snow, we’re baking up a holiday storm, decking the halls and wrapping the perfect presents, all in our comfiest threads.

This holiday season, we’ve teamed up with Old Navy to put a festive DIY spin on cotton leggings for kids. Members of the B+C Co-Op recently threw some crafty parties and added some of their own festive spirit to this comfy lounge wear. Now, we’re giving YOU the chance to host your own Par-DIY with five of your friends! Enter below for your chance to win + check out a few of our favorite snaps from the Co-Op Par-DIYs.

sorry, this contest is now closed.

We sent out decorating kits to over 250 makers, who came up with some seriously festive and adorable designs to celebrate the season.

For this Par-DIY, each host received 6 kits (one for her plus 5 for friends) containing the following:

  • Old Navy Kids’ Leggings
  • Fabric Paint
  • Foam Sheets
  • Stamping Block
  • Fabric Marker
  • Painter’s Tape

Even the tiniest of makers had a blast decorating their leggings. They just couldn’t wait to show them off. We even invited some of our favorite folks for a Par-DIY of our own at the Brit + Co Holiday Shop.

With yummy holiday treats, a hot cocoa bar and all the necessary decorating tools, these little DIY’ers really got into the festive spirit. We loved seeing all the creative designs they came up with.

The cutest leggings you ever did see! Shout out to all the fabulous members of our Co-Op and to Old Navyfor making this all possible. Check out more of the Par-DIY fun on Instagram here AND don’t forget to enter to win your own Par-DIY for you and five of your friends!

Show us your holiday DIYs by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!

This post is a collaboration with Old Navy.

(Photos via @ashley2tylers, @mauressentials, @mackidsnoqualm! Check out more photos HERE.)

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Make These Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes As A Thanksgiving Appetizer (Or Side!)

Have you figured out your Thanksgiving menu yet? Whether you're serving up a turkey, vegan options, or all of the above, you probably want some super delicious sides and appetizers to complement your other Thanksgiving recipes! These bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes are so versatile, you can serve them before your meal, on the side, or even for breakfast on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. Delicious and Paleo-approved, they really have no downsides. Plus, bacon!

Get the recipe for bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes below!

Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes

Sarah Anderson

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
  • 20 slices of bacon
  • 1/4 teaspoon pink salt
  • Freshly ground pepper

Directions for Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes

Sarah Anderson

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with some parchment paper.
  3. Cut your sweet potatoes into thick-cut wedges or fry shapes.
  4. Wrap each sweet potato piece with a slice of bacon, slightly overlapping the bacon on itself as it goes around the sweet potato.
  5. Place the sweet potatoes in a single layer onto the baking sheet, leaving an inch or two in between each one. Do this in two batches, if needed. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top before baking.
  6. Bake the bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes for 35 minutes. The potatoes should be tender and the bacon should be crispy.
  7. Serve the wedges with your choice of ketchup, ranch, or aioli – or all of the above! Enjoy!

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Recipe by Sarah Anderson.

This post has been updated.

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Sorry Jiara Fans, This One Moment In 'Outer Banks' Proved [Redacted] Was Always Going To Die

Major Outer Banks season 4 spoilers ahead.

If you're like me, you've been crying about the Outer Banks season 4 ending since part 2 dropped on November 7 — and there's a good chance you can't stop watching those edits to "White Ferrari" by Frank Ocean. ICYMI, Outer Banks season 4 killed off beloved Pogue JJ at the hands of his high-key sociopathic father Chandler Groff. Some fans are so heartbroken they don't plan on watching season 5, but if you ask me, this one JJ and Kiara moment at the beginning of season 4 actually teased we were always going to say goodbye to him.

There was one Outer Banks season 4 moment that told me JJ was going to die.

  • Outer Banks fans are heartbroken the show killed off fan favorite JJ Maybank (Rudy Pankow).
  • Some fans are too heartbroken to watch the show again knowing how JJ's fate plays out.
  • But there's one moment in the first episode that teased something bad was coming.

    The JJ x Kiara moment you might have missed...

    Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

    In the Outer Banks season 4 premiere, JJ and the rest of the Pogues create a whole new life for themselves after finding the gold. They start a business, build a home together, and in a scene that delighted OBX fans everywhere, JJ starts doing a crazy dance on the dock when he realizes they finally achieved their dream. When Sarah asks if he's okay, Kiara points out how he's never had a home, and that he's happy. Growing up with an abusive father figure like Luke could have erased all of JJ's joy, but knowing he has a soft place to land makes him more joyful than ever.

    Jiara shares a super sweet moment as they relish in the fact they somehow managed to make their dreams come true. With their arms around each other, Kiara tells JJ she loves him before they share a kiss — but he doesn't say it back.

    I immediately clocked this as a potential tragedy waiting to happen. After all, is there anything more upsetting than the "I never said it back" trope?! You know, where one person confesses their love but the other is too shy or afraid to say it back, then something horrible happens and they regret it for the rest of their life. Well, thankfully, JJ got to tell Kiara he loved her one last time before he DIED — Chandler Groff when I find you it's on sight!!

    And the one that brought their characters full circle

    Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

    While JJ and Kiara talk about what they'd wish from the Blue Crown (an artifact that, according to legend, grants wishes), JJ seems to look at Kiara's left hand before refusing to answer on the grounds that, if she knows the wish, it won't come true. Paired with the fact he stole a ring from the jewelry store during his episode 6 crash out, fans are convinced he was planning to propose.

    But when Chandler stabs JJ and leaves him for dead, JJ tells Kiara he loves her, and that he doesn't need to wish on the crown because he already got everything he ever wanted. I CRIED. It's such a beautiful and heartbreaking moment that brings the character's arc full circle after he told John B. in season 1 he was convinced he'd never get another chance with Kie. Madelyn Cline was right — JJ was absolutely the heart of the show, and although he's the most rough-around-the-edges, seeing him wear his heart on his sleeve in his final moments was the perfect way to say goodbye. Even if his 7-minute memories made me cry even harder.

    What did you think about JJ's death in Outer Banks? Well, This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.

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