17 DIY Ways to Upgrade a Brown Bag

Aug 16, 2014

Ah, yes, the iconic brown bag. It’s faithfully held millions of American lunches for decades now, but we’re here to breathe new life into this oft overlooked art supply. That’s right. The seemingly dull brown bag can be used to create something sort of stunning. For those of you out there who still brown bag it daily, this is how you reallyupgrade your office lunch.

1. Clip On Picnic Utensils: Put this free printable on your little one’s bag and you’ll prove what all the other moms suspected all along: You’re the cool mom. (via Oh Happy Day)

2. Free Printables: This brown bag hack is pretty straight forward. Print and cut out a design or simple banner, paste it on and then add some washi tape for more patterned fun! (via Hostess With the Mostess)

3. Pom Pom Gift Bags: These crinkled and pom-pom’ed gift bags will make adorable party favor bags for your kiddies’ next birthday party! We especially love how the handwritten manila tags add a personal touch. (via This Little Street)

4. Manila-Tagged Gift Bag: This DIY bag proves that simple is chic. All you’ll need is a hole punch, a hangtag and some twine to turn a brown paper bag into an elegant yet understated gift bag. (via The Party Studio Blog)

5. DIY Baskets: Imagine carrying around some fresh produce in this adorable DIY paper bag basket! (via Health Beauty Life)

6. Printable Geometric Gift Bags: These rad geo print bags couldn’t be any easier to make. Just print out the bag template, and you’re on your way! (via Oh Happy Day)

7. Flamingo Favor Bag: These adorable flamingo bags will make an awesome addition to your next noontime meal. They’ll have your coworkers raving about your DIY skills, for sure! (via Oh Happy Day)

8. DIY Muppet Bag: These muppet-inspired bags are minimal, yet bold and totally chic. Can you guess which two characters these two bags represent??? (via The Chic Party)

9. Colorful Cutouts: Here’s another brown bag hack that makes a statement thanks to its minimal design and bold color! (via Studio DIY)

10. Blackboard Lunchbag: Uhhh, this reusable lunchbag is SUPER cool. We’re about to go buy some chalk cloth ASAP! (via Instructables)

11. Dotted Brown Bags: The bright design of these dotted brown bags caught our attention immediately. Just draw a grid and start stickin’ on those stickers! (via Parent)

12. Dressed Up Brown Bags: These Father’s Day dad bags are hilariously adorable. Imagine what you could do for a Mother’s Day brown bag! (via PBS Parents)

13. Cupid’s Arrow: Yeah, you kind of adore those little love bugs. Remind them with this adorable little Cupid’s arrow. (via Creature Comforts)

14. Print-On Brown Paper Bags: Get creative in Adobe Illustrator to make these bad boys! All you’ll need is a brown bag, a printer and some masking tape. (via Oh Happy Day)

15. Valentine Printable: Use your laser printer to print off these super sweet Valentine’s Day bags. After all, the more hearts the merrier! (via Little Monster)

16. Circus Bags: With all those kids trading their PB+Js for fruit snacks and what not, that lunchroom can quickly become a three-ring circus. Pay tribute with these free printables. (via Lindy Cottage Hill)

17. Woodland Creatures: Alright, everyone can just go home. This bag just won the prize for the cutest brown bag. If you’re not into raccoons, there are also instructions on how to make a fox and a hedgehog. (via Lines Across)

Have a brown bag hack you’d like to share? Post a link to it in the comments below!

6 Easy Coffee Hacks That Make Your At-Home Drinks Taste Like Starbucks

As much as I adore coffee, you could not convince me to drink it black. I like my drinks sweet (but not too sweet) and creamy (but not too creamy), with plenty of flavor that doesn’t drown out the actual coffee notes. But sometimes, the classic coffee-creamer combo gets old and I need a way to spice up my morning joe. Luckily, there are endless ways to upgrade coffee that take your brew from boring to beautiful.

I polled my inner circle (we’re all coffee snobs to a degree) about their #1 favorite add-in that truly makes their coffee shine. These 6 simple coffee upgrades are all affordable, easy, and compatible with all kinds of brewing methods. Next time your pick-me-up needs a pick-me-up, try out one of these hacks!

Brigitte Tohm / PEXELS

1. Lavender

Lavender in a latte is sheer heaven. I’ve DIY’ed my own lavender syrup before (it’s too easy), but you can also buy it ready-made! Any sort of syrup makes for an easy coffee upgrade, really. Brands like Jordan's Skinny Mixes and Torani are my go-to’s, and they sell a vast array of flavors to suit any taste!

Lisa Fotios / PEXELS

2. Cinnamon

I’m convinced cinnamon belongs in everything. I put it in my protein pancakes, yogurt bowls, and cookies, but it’s also a supreme add-in for coffee and even matcha lattes! The warm flavor notes of cinnamon are also perfect for cozying up in the fall and winter.

Julissa Helmuth / PEXELS

3. Honey

Cinnamon in coffee gets even better when you put honey in the mix with cinnamon. It’s one of my pal’s absolute go-to’s in lattes (hot or iced), but it also works just as well in hot drip coffees or cold brews.

Andrea Davis / PEXELS

4. Oat milk

Oat milk (or milk of any kind) is a perfect coffee hack for those who can’t stand black coffee. It helps cut the sharpness and acidity of the brew, adding some creaminess and color to each sip. I find that oat milk is the best pairing for breakfast time!

Amazon

5. Protein shake

In place of milk, I also really like adding a splash of a protein shake to my coffee for a dose of creaminess and flavor. The protein is just an added bonus!

I really love Koia’s protein shakes since they sell a lot of different flavors, from Cinnamon Cereal to Pumpkin Spice.

JaYoung Choi / PEXELS

6. Brown sugar

I’ve used brown sugar many times to make a Starbucks copycat brown sugar shaken espresso right at home. I’ll simply add equal parts instant coffee and brown sugar to a mason jar with ice, shake it up, and top it off with cinnamon and milk.

If you prefer sipping on something a little less fancy, adding a spoonful to a plain hot coffee could be really delightful, too!

Target

7. Cold foam

The final (and tastiest) coffee hack I drink on the regular is cold foam! Target sells a good range of cold foam cans in various flavors, but I’ve really come to love the salted caramel iteration. It’s perfect for topping of iced coffees for a nice mid-day treat!

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

24 Cozy 'Gilmore Girls' Gifts For Anyone Who'd Rather Be In Stars Hollow

If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"

Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.

Etsy

Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book

For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.

Favorite Child

Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag

Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.

Amazon

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember

Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.

Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!

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.

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30 Cozy Vegetarian Slow-Cooker + Crock Pot Recipes For Busy Days

Post-work exhaustion is something we don't talk about enough. After a long day, wouldn't it be nice to come home to a dinner that's already made and ready to eat — say, like one of your favorite vegetarian recipes? That's where the slow-cooker shines.

Slow-cooker and Crock Pot meals are not only delicious, but they also basically cook themselves. That way, there's no grumpy arguments with your partner over who's cooking dinner tonight! 😉

If you're looking for something easy and healthy, we found 30 delicious vegetarian Crock Pot recipes for Meatless Monday... or really, any other day of the week. Ahead, find our unique vegetarian slow-cooker recipes that form the tastiest menu lineup. From slow-cooker mac and cheese to Indian lentils, and creamy wild rice soup to spaghetti squash, keep scrolling to discover the deliciousness.

Slow Cooker Marry Me Chickpea Soup

This slow cooker Marry Me Chickpea Soup is the perfect combo of cozy and nutritious. It's swoon-worthy!

Give Recipe

Black Bean Lentil Soup

It's soup season! Try this meatless soup flavored with celery, carrot, garlic and lemon for your next slow cooker fix. It's low calorie, high-protein and fiber so it will keep you satisfied through the day. (via Give Recipe)

Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin is the perfect ingredient for fall and wintertime comfort. Cook it into your next chili using the slow-cooker, and witness the culinary magic for yourself! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Slow-Cooker Enchilada Casserole

This enchilada casserole stacks layers of cheese, beans, corn, and fresh veggies for a lovely differentiation of flavors. (via Damn Delicious)

Slow-Cooker Creamy Wild Rice Soup with Roasted Buttered Mushrooms

Anyone who dubs quinoa as “boring” needs a wakeup call — this cheesy, Italian-seasoned bowl full of quinoa, mushrooms, and peppers ought to do the trick. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vegan Italian Wedding Soup

Even though this soup has meatballs in it, they're all vegan. The flavors in this bowl are simply unforgettable. (via The Edgy Veg)

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin season calls for a velvety slow cooker pumpkin soup. This one's so easy you'll have a warm bowl of delicious soup in just two steps: chop and blend! (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Slow-Cooker Chana Masala

You'll get a really nice dose of protein from the chickpeas in this vegetarian slow-cooker recipe. Make a big batch so you can feast on the leftovers all week long! (via Brit + Co.)

Vegan Corned Beef (Jackfruit) And Cabbage Soup

Slow cook this easy plant-based meal for a hearty meal on a chilly day.

Slow-Cooker Mac & Cheese Recipe

When a comfort food craving hits — mac & cheese is our forever go-to to deliver a bite of happiness. In this dish, Velveeta, cheddar cheese, butter, milk, and shell pasta bubble together for 2-ish hours to form a truly delish one-pot mac. (via Brit + Co.)

Slow-Cooker Marsala Veggie Grain Bowls

This vegetarian slow-cooker recipe combines quinoa, sweet potato, and black beans for a hearty and flavorful bowl. Everyone in your household will be craving more once you make it! (via Brit + Co.)

Crock Pot White Queso Dip

This white queso dip is so delicious and versatile that you can dip into it as a game day snack with chips and veggies, or drizzle it over tacos or nachos! (via Barley & Sage)

Slow Cooker Potato Curry

This Slow Cooker Potato Curry features slow-cooked potatoes and veggies in a fragrant and delicious coconut curry sauce recipe that hails from Trinidad & Tobago.

Slow-Cooker Enchilada Quinoa

Be sure to add this vegetarian slow-cooker recipe to your weekly rotation – it only calls for 15 minutes of prep! If you can handle minimal chopping and a little can opening in the morning, you’re so golden. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Photo by Jenny Mavmir / PEXELS

Slow-Cooker Vegetables

The slow-cooker is a star when it comes to whipping up vegetarian side dishes. You can easily season some of your favorite veggies then toss 'em in for a tender, tasty side for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike! (via Brit + Co.)

Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup

French onion soup is the epitome of comfort food, and luckily, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure you have some crusty bread on-hand for delightful dipping! (via Brit + Co.)

Slow-Cooker Indian Butter Lentils

Life is good when you can throw fewer than 10 ingredients into a slow-cooker, let them hang out for 6 to 8 hours, and come home to the smell of a rich and buttery Indian classic. If you've never tried your hand at making Indian cuisine at home, this is the perfect starter recipe to feed your craving. (via Host The Toast)

Slow-Cooker Minestrone Soup

A hot bowl of soup is what chilly weather is all about. Whether you’re enduring a hectic week or relishing in a lazy Sunday, this protein-packed vegan spin on minestrone soup is a very tasty way to nourish your bod. (via Little Spice Jar)

Buffalo Crock Pot Mac & Cheese

Not all vegetarian meals are focused on veggies – indulging in this divine buffalo mac will prove that. Ease your hesitant family into Meatless Monday with this delicious bad boy. (via Whitney Bond)

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chickpeas

Traditional BBQ flavors make this plant-based chickpea sandwich a dinner win. We love how unique this slow-cooker vegetarian recipe is! (via Real Food Whole Life)

Vegan Mushroom “Bone” Broth

Some days (AKA sick days), you just want to curl up to a piping hot mug of broth. This nutritious blend features shiitake mushrooms, seaweed, and chickpeas. Though it’s made in a pressure cooker, you could absolutely go the slow-cooker route and cook this on low for 6 to 8 hours. (via Simply Quinoa)

Crock Pot Lentil Bolognese

If you’re hankering for a Bolognese sauce, but could do without the heft and greasiness, lentils will do the trick! This slow-cooked sauce is a healthy and substantial option. You may never consider a classic Bolognese again! (via Simply Whisked)

Quinoa Black Bean Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers

The best way to enjoy bell peppers? Stuffed and and utterly overflowing with vegetarian goodies. (via Pinch of Yum)

Slow-Cooker Bean Soup

If you’re going to dig into a bowl of bean soup, you have to go big or go home. Start with a bag of 15-bean mix (yes, it’s a real thing), and let the slow cooker do the hard work. (via The Seasoned Mom)

Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash Dal

If you've been toying with the idea of incorporating more squash into your life, this Indian dal dish is a fab place to start. (The Girl on Bloor)

Slow-Cooker Spinach Ricotta Lasagna

If you’re not quite ready to ditch the lasagna noodles for eggplant or zucchini, worry not! There are ample vegetarian lasagnas out there that cater to plant-based diets, and this spinach and ricotta lasagna will make sure you don’t miss out on the meatiness. (via Kristine’s Kitchen)

Slow-Cooker Vegetable Ratatouille

This belly-warming blend of eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes just might end up on your weekly slow-cooker menu. (via Eating Bird Food)

Crock Pot Spaghetti Squash

Once your gourd is cooked until tender, serve it up with plenty of Parmesan, olive oil, and parsley for a low-frills dinner that always satisfies. (via Well Plated)

Slow-Cooker Vegetable Curry with Chickpeas

Top this vegetarian slow-cooker recipe off with crunchy cashews, and allow yourself to sink into a state of pure bliss. (via The Lemon Bowl)

Crock Pot Low-Carb Lasagna

Comfort food is all about the cheesy and the saucy. Sadly, with that usually comes the carb-y and the heavy, but not in this case! This meatless slow-cooker lasagna replaces noodles with eggplant, and it's kind of the best thing ever. (via Well Plated)

Loving these vegetarian crock pot recipes? Get more recipe ideas from our weekend scroll!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Lead image via Two Peas & Their Pod.

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Angelina Jolie Finally Opened Up About Her "Extremely Private" Kids & Motherhood

Angelina Jolie has always been mother — but she's also a literal mother to six kids whom she clearly cares about fiercely. Since she first adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax to giving birth to Vivienne and Knox, it's always been evident that her children are her entire world. While she rarely talks about her children (especially given her highly contested divorce at the moment), Angelina shared a little slice of her feelings on motherhood, insights on her children, and more with Good Morning America.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

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- YouTube

Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.

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New Mom Shares Exactly How Much It Cost To Have A Baby In 2024 – Spoiler Alert, It’s A LOT

Just how expensive is it to have a baby in 2024? One woman sharing her experience on social media has sparked a much-needed conversation about financial transparency when it comes to starting (or growing) a family.

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A post shared by Josephine Anderson (@fosterthevalley)

Josephine Anderson, who posted a video on her Instagram @fosterthevalley, outlined the costs of her uncomplicated vaginal birth, and TBH, it was shocking.

The financial breakdown of her experience (with Cigna for insurance):

Routine office visits (including 2 ultrasounds): $1,266
Labs: $3,440.81
NIPT genetic testing: $15,319.36
Anatomy scan: $1,270
RhoGam: $360
Hospital for mom: $23,722.10
Hospital for baby: $7,402.80
OBGYN for delivery: $5,000
Epidural: $5,720
Breastfeeding support: $2,589.78
Pediatrician: $209

That all racks up to a whopping total of $66,299.85. After insurance was factored in (her deductible was $3,000 while her max out-of-pocket for in-network expenses was $11,000), the total cost for her uncomplicated vaginal birth was $4,788.98. Forbes Advisor reports the average cost of having a baby in 2024 is $2,854.

Instagram

Josephine’s video warranted thousands of comments, most of which were appalled by the costs of her experience:

“This needs to be shared in SexEd classes,” one commenter wrote.

“The US medical system is BROKEN,” another said.

“And people are still confused why more women are choosing to remain child free… we literally can’t afford it,” another user commented.

Mart Production / PEXELS

Brit + Co spoke with Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC and CEO/Founder of BOOBIE Superfoods to gauge if Josephine’s costs were typical for the care she received. Colson has significant insight into how insurance works not only from an employer’s perspective, but from personal experience as a patient with breast cancer.

“The $4,788.98 net amount she mentions is realistic given that her deductible was $3,000. If she had chosen a plan with a $1,000 deductible – which is a common ceiling for good coverage – the same scenario would have cost her around $2,789,” Colson said. “The video highlights the importance of understanding what you're getting with an insurance plan, especially when you anticipate major life events like childbirth.”

Sarah Chai / PEXELS

Colson primarily attributes unanticipated costs for medical care (like in Josephine’s case) to patients that choose their insurance plans with, well, no real plan.

“Many [people] opt for the [plan] with the lowest paycheck deductions without fully evaluating the benefits,” Colson said.

There’s often a tradeoff between paying less per paycheck and receiving your desired benefits: for example, if you elect to contribute less money towards your insurance per paycheck, you may end up paying more out of pocket for things like doctor’s office visits and prescriptions.

“Making an informed choice is key to saving money in the long run,” Colson continued. “In short, it's crucial to consider both the immediate costs (like paycheck deductions) and the potential future costs (like deductibles and copays) when choosing an insurance plan.”

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Another major cost Josephine mentions in her video was 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which cost her a total of $18,000 (in lost income).

Per the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, moms have a legal right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities, accommodate the legitimate interests of employers, and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.

Matilda Wormwood / PEXELS

It all sounds great until you realize the time off is indeed unpaid, which doesn't really aid in the amount of money parents end up owing after all is said and done in the pregnancy and childbirth processes.

Only 13 states plus the District of Columbia offer paid maternity leave. When you compare the United States’ laws to that of other industrialized nations, they don’t exactly measure up.

Colson says Sweden’s maternity leave policy is “one of the most generous,” offering 390 days of paid parental leave (shared between parents) and 80% of wages covered for a significant portion of the leave. In Germany, mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave plus a tax-free, income-based allowance straight from their insurance provider.

Jonathan Borba / PEXELS

Though it’s likely that US laws will never be that generous in terms of paid maternity leave, there are a few things you can do to make the blow of medical costs hurt a little less, says Colson.

“My advice is to be your own advocate,” she says. “If you’re planning to have a baby, start by understanding what your state provides in terms of paid leave to avoid surprises after delivery.”

To keep the cost of having your baby (if you’re planning to have one) transparent and free of surprises, Colson recommends:

Asking your physician’s office for a detailed breakdown of insurance billing codes, including:
- Office visits
- Lab work
- Epidural (and the anesthesiologist’s separate fee)
- Hospital admissions
- Specialist consultations during admission
- Optional procedures like circumcision, if desired
Email the insurance billing codes to your insurance provider, who can help calculate your out-of-pocket costs and deductible

“Having a baby is priceless,” Colson says. “By planning ahead – understanding your insurance options, healthcare costs, and available benefits – you can ensure peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: your growing family.”

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