Whether you just graduated, moved out, or had a baby, circumstances beyond your control may have made money tight. You’re certainly not alone, but now it’s time to reign it in on the takeout and toughen your food allowance. Thankfully, there are plenty of budget-friendly meals and tricks that’ll allow you to continue eating healthy without sacrificing flavor and quality. Yes, you can still have pizza, but you might have to budget for it later in the week. Settle in and read through the following eight life-changing tips while you clip those coupons.
I’ve triedtons of different food trends in my day. From dumping chili oil on ice cream to concocting my very own Sleepy Girl Mocktail, nothing I’ve eaten measures up to the sheer weirdness we saw go viral on social media this year (major side eye to Dua Lipa’s pickle Diet Coke).
These are the top 5 most ridiculous TikTok-viral food trends of 2024 that left us questioning whether they really should’ve gone viral in the first place.
@claudiaeatsgood chamoy pickles are so good😋😩❤️ @Bussin Snacks #chamoypickle#chamoy#chamoypicklekit#bussinsnacks#takis#fruitrollup#mukbang#asmr#asmrmukbang#chamoypicklemukbang#juicy#pickle#mexicancandy♬ original sound - Claudia💕
1. Chamoy Pickles
People couldn't quit it with the chamoy pickles (AKA chickles) this year. I never would've guessed that chamoy, a condiment made from dried fruits, chilies, sugar, and lime juice, would be slathered atop the sourest pickles money can buy.
But the food trend didn't stop at just chamoy – many snackers stuffed their pickles with everything from the likes of Hot Cheetos, Takis, and Fruit Roll-Ups. What?!
This insanely sour, tangy treat kickstarted what the internet's coined as the 'Red 40 Diet', which certainly cannot be medically advised.
If you care for your GI tract, this food trend is 100% worth skipping and leaving behind in 2024.
@dualipaofficial What do we call her?
♬ original sound - Dua Lipa
2. Pickle + Jalapeño-Infused Diet Coke
Diet Coke, pickle juice, and jalapeño juice = all the ingredients needed to concoct Dua Lipa's controversial 2024 drink. She loves it, but I on the other hand, do not.
Now, don't get me wrong: I love a good unexpected flavor combo, but gulping down a simultaneous dose of both pickle juice and jalapeño juice was not tasty to me whatsoever.
This trend even sparked a slew of Sonic diners to start ordering their soft drinks with pickles – but as divisive as this trend can be ("Don’t knock it till you try it," TikToker Mississippi Memaw told Food and Wine), it's just flat out weird.
@logagm New cucumber recipe 🚨
♬ original sound - Logan
3. Cucumber Salad
If you bought a mandolin slicer recently, you might as well admit you're a victim of the TikTok-viral cucumber salad trend that made its rounds this year.
"Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber," TikTok user @logagmsounds off in the intro of every single one of his cucumber salad videos. And thus, the food trend was born.
It felt like I couldn't go a day on TikTok without seeing at least 5 recipes for a damn cucumber salad. When it comes down to it, I can appreciate the novelty (and taste) of this trend, but not the oversaturation. I'm gonna eat an entire cucumber one day, and get so tired of it the next. New innovations in 2025, please!
@kylekruegerr Would you try these?😂 #foodreview#seagrapes#food#review#tastetest#weirdfood♬ original sound - Kyle Krueger
4. Sea Grapes
It was like people wanted to eat the weirdest, grossest things in 2024. I can't blame 'em, especially if it's for clicks and views. But this food trend in particular literally made me want to gag – and I was only watching people eat through a screen (any fellow ASMR fans out there?).
They don't look like they're supposed to be crunchy, but they are. Sea grapes grow from aquatic plants and are filled with essentially what is a "salty liquid." They burst in the mouth when you eat them (one TikToker called them 'edible Orbeez'). Yuck.
@julieta.asmr I figured it out!! Blooper at the end 🥴 #asmr#asmrcommunity#asmrtiktoks#asmrvideo#asmrsounds#asmreating#asmrfood#asmrfyp#asmrmukbang#mukbang#asmreatingsounds♬ original sound - Julieta ASMR 🍒
5. Exploding Candies
The final (and especially weird) food trend I propose we leave behind in 2024 is these dang exploding jelly candies. They also made their rounds on ASMR TikTok, and I truly cannot stand to watch a single video featuring them.
First off, they look so annoying to consume. The fruit-shaped jellies are contained in a thin layer of plastic that's meant to burst open when you sink your teeth into it, prompting you to slurp out the sweetness inside. But what irks me the most is the fact that many people trying them can't even break the seal.
I'd rather watch someone make a simple PB&J than go to town on these microplastic-infused candies.
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Adam Brody and Leighton Meester (who, you know, played The OC's Seth Cohen and Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf) made our teen drama dreams come true when they tied the knot in 2014. And after The Oranges and Adam's appearance on Single Parents, we're FINALLY seeing them onscreen together again in 2025. Leighton's new series Good Cop/Bad Cop premieres on the CW this winter and I can already tell it's going to be one of my favorite new TV shows of 2025.
Here's everything you need to know about Leighton Meester's Good Cop/Bad Cop — and Adam Brody's appearance!
What is Good Cop/Bad Cop about?
In the CW's newest series, Leighton Meester stars as detective Lou, working for her dad in their community's local police force. She's thrilled to finally get a partner — until she realizes it's her little brother Henry (Luke Cook). It looks like it's all in the family with this comedy drama.
When does Good Cop/Bad Cop come out?
The Good Cop/Bad Cop release date is coming up! The new series premieres at 9 PM EST on the CW starting February 19, 2025, and each episode will be one hour long.
Who else in the Good Cop/Bad Cop cast?
Good Cop/Bad Cop stars Leighton Meester, Luke Cook, and Clancy Brown. And in addition to a variety of additional actors, we'll be seeing Adam Brody make an appearance too! In the new trailer, we get a brief glimpse of his character during one of Lou and Henry's investigations — and it looks like he's playing a glasses-wearing cowboy. Yeehaw!
Are you excited to see Leighton Meester and Adam Brody onscreen again? I think they're both hilarious and can't wait to see their banter. Keep your eyes peeled for the latest Good Cop/Bad Cop news and read up on the other February TV shows premiering in 2025.
Party plans at the 11th hour? We've got you covered with last-minute Halloween snacks that are easy to throw together! Spooky Halloween cookies call for tons of creativity, while make-ahead recipes require actually knowing that you're going to a party in the first place. While finding a last-minute costume that doesn't make your plan to stay in and watchHalloween movies alone in your jammies too obvious, cooking or baking a mysterious masterpiece seems out of the question – but it's not! Ahead, find some of the best last-minute Halloween snacks that are JUST the right amount of spooky.
Brit + Co
Monster Avocado Toasts
If you want to celebrate Halloween without eating a ton of junk, try our avocado toast faces. It's the perfect start to Halloween morning — before the Halloween partyprep begins! (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Deviled Egg Brains
These savory snack bites totally give us the creepy crawlies! Trust us, they're still yummy, though. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Spider Halloween Cookies
These sweet spideys should only take you about 40 minutes to finish! Once they're cooled, you'll be all set for your Halloween get-together. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Mummy Pizzas
These mummified pizza pies are made easy with store-bought ciabatta bread and some hearty toppings. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
The decorated pumpkin faces on these seasonal-flavored cookies provide the perfect amount of spooky! (via Brit + Co.)
Half Baked Harvest
Roasted Pumpkin Seed Hummus
Homemade hummus is SO much better than the store-bought stuff — and it's easy to make. In less than 30 minutes, you'll be ready to rock with a bright orange Halloween hummus. (Half Baked Harvest)
Chelsea's Messy Apron
Mummy Milanos
When you're in a pinch, there's nothing wrong with ripping open a bag of cookies and adding your own spooky twist. This recipe turns Milanos into mummies with the help of some melted white chocolate. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)
Chopstick Chronicles
Sushi Balls, Halloween Style
We know what you're thinking — sushi isn't exactly easy to create — but hear us out. These eerie sushi balls are way easier to put together than sushi rolls and require a lot less skill and equipment. It's also mess-free! (via Chopstick Chronicles)
Gimme Some Oven
Brownie Spiders
These little cuties are the perfect last-minute snack to put together if you're less into gory-ness and more into adorably-ness. Feeling iffy over the commitment of baking? Don't sweat it — these are done in 35 minutes. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Simply Sated
Witch Finger Pretzels
As far as quick and simple snacks go, you can't compete with dipping already delicious pretzels into already delicious chocolate. The best part of these treats is that they come out look gruesome and amazing. (via Simply Sated)
A Spicy Perspective
Halloween Fruit Skewers
A healthy-ish treat, these fruit skewers get a little bit of Halloween when a few pieces of candy are in the mix. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Food Fanatic
Deviled Egg Eyeballs
Deviled eggs sound perfect for Halloween on their own. When you add a healthy helping of beet puree to the mix, this wholesome snack hits a whole new level of creepy, or take a different route by making spider web deviled eggs. (via Food Fanatic)
Well Plated
Graveyard Chocolate Cheesecake Dip
Having to whip up a themed snack at the last minute is a grave situation. It's a good thing THIS grave, topped with crunchy cookie dirt, only takes 20 minutes to put together. (via Well Plated)
Mitzy At Home
White Chocolate Ghosts and Mummies
It's hard to find anything cuter than ghost-themed desserts; it's those little eyes. These sweet boos are easy to make and need to chill for 30 minutes, so you can place them in the fridge while you get ready. (Mitzy At Home)
Baking Beauty
Pumpkin Cheese Ball
The flavors of cream cheese and sharp cheddar are scary good together. Also, you basically get to dunk chips into chips, so it's near impossible to disappoint a crowd with a snack like this. Did we mention it only takes 20 minutes to make? (via Baking Beauty)
Damn Delicious
Mummy Hot Dogs
Hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls are fantastic any time of the year, but we're especially in love with them on Halloween. Wrapped up to look like mummies, these bites are great for adult and kid parties alike. (via Damn Delicious)
The Miniature Moose
Sweet and Salty Halloween Snack Mix
With no cooking required, this halloween snack is all ease and no fuss; just toss some sweet and savory snacks together and you're good to go. The frightening part is that they're incredibly addicting, so beware. (via The Miniature Moose)
A Zesty Bite
Oreo Spider Web Cookies
We're confident that Oreos are loved universally, so there is no way to go wrong with this snack because it is SO right. The best way to wash these spiders out? A tall glass of cold milk, of course. (via A Zesty Bite)
Stacey Homemaker
Halloween Graveyard Pizza
When doom hits, nothing saves the day quite like pizza; pizza fixes everything. In under 30 minutes, you too can save the day with this cheesy pizza — complete with eyeballs and tongues. (via Stacey Homemaker)
Chelsea's Messy Apron
Easy Spider Oreo Balls
If you're after that beloved Oreo flavor, but want to jazz things up in a most spine-chilling way, these spider Oreo balls will do the trick. In 30 minutes you can have these sweet and spooky critters on a platter, ready to go. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)
Half Baked Harvest
Black Widow Peanut Butter Bars
Salty, sweet, and easier than you'd think, these peanut butter bars are made with pantry staples and candy. (via Half Baked Harvest)
A Spicy Perspective
Halloween Popcorn Mix
Coat dry, salted popcorn with a purple melted candy coating and add sprinkles and your favorite Halloween candy to make this snack mix. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Amanda Wilens
Halloween Rice Krispy Treats
Rice Krispy treats get a Halloween twist when you add festive sprinkles and a few eyeballs to mix. (via Amanda Wilens)
Salt & Lavender
Halloween Puppy Chow
Chocolate, peanut butter, and plenty of Halloween sprinkles give new life to Chex cereal, and it only takes 15 minutes to make. (via Salt & Lavender)
Halloween snacks are not only tasty, but they're fun to make, share and eat! With Halloween just around the corner, we're sure these spooky snacks will win over every guest at your Halloween bash!
For more spooky Halloween snack ideas + treats, check us out on Pinterest!
This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
As much as I've written about Reese Witherspoon's book club, you'd think I was on a first name basis with her (wishful thinking)! But, the truth is that it's the reason I rediscovered reading for fun. As informational as books can be, there's also joy, anguish, fear — and even spicy romance — to lose ourselves in. I'm become a firm believer in holding on to things that bring us joy so if your book stash is overflowing, you're going to love Reese's January pick for 2025.
Learn about Reese Witherspoon's Book Club pick for January 2025!
Amazon
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (New Release)
Cate Kay's a literary genius who's cracked the code of keeping readers engaged in her written work. She's also secured a film franchise that's made fans go wild. But, no one's ever seen Cate Kay or talked to her. She's an enigma on purpose.
You see, 'Cate Kay' and her bestie Amanda made plans to live lavish lives in California. They were so sure everything would work out until something awful happens that forces 'Cate Kay' to leave her real identity behind.
It's not until something forces her to make peace with where she comes from that 'Cate Kay' decides it's time to stop running from who she is.
Reese's Book Club
Here's What Reese Witherspoon Had To Say About The Three Lives of Cate Kay
Reese Witherspoon never shies away from telling her adoring fans why she chose a book and this month is no different. On her book club's official Instagram page, she wrote: "Have you ever felt like you were living more than one life? That’s exactly what Cate Kay is grappling with in our January pick, The Three Lives of Cate Kay by @KateFagan3. She’s a literary sensation, the face behind a blockbuster film trilogy, but her life isn’t what it seems. This story swept me away with its big dreams, love, and unexpected twists."
Visit our storefront to check out more of our top book picks!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Pamela Anderson Just Gave The Most Relatable Reason For No-Makeup Life: "Saved A Lot Of Time"
Jan 09, 2025
After spending decades in the entertainment industry, some celebs like Pamela Anderson have opted for a makeup-free look. No one can forget when she stunned photographers right before Paris Fashion Week's Vivienne Westwood show last year by rocking a bare face. She told Vogue France, she wasn't thinking about not "wearing any makeup." However, she didn't want to "compete with the clothes" she was wearing. She felt "freedom" from not trying to "be the prettiest girl in the room" which speaks volumes to us!
Now, Pamela continues to embrace the no-makeup life — and not only does she look gorgeous, but she seems SO happy! The star shared recently how this lifestyle change impacts her day-to-day, and it's honestly incredibly relatable. Here's what she had to say!
Here's what Pamela Anderson just said about adopting a no-makeup life!
1. It saves her a lot of time.
Pamela Anderson stopped by the Live with Kelly and Markshow to talk about filming The Last Showgirl, her childhood, and how not wearing makeup has been beneficial for her. While her makeup-free clip from the episode isn't available on YouTube, PEOPLE reports hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos asking her how her decision has changed her life.
Ripa started with, "You don't travel with a glam squad. How liberating is that for you," while Consuelos followed with, "And how much time have you gotten back?"
The former Baywatch star said she's "saved a lot of time" and admitted that her sons "used to say that I spent half my life in a makeup chair."
2. She feels more focused in general.
Pamela Anderson also admitted things feel easier for her in general. "I feel like I could focus better when I did the film, too." And her life outside of that? She said she's "gotten out of wearing makeup and it's been fun."
It's interesting because Kelly Ripa shared she's been inspired by Pamela Anderson's makeup-free choice. She remembers not wearing makeup for a short while and said to herself, "'Pamela Anderson is a genius." Kelly even thought for a moment, "This is the way to live." We're so here for it!
3. She lives for a glam moment, but appreciates simplicity now.
Pamela's all for being makeup-free now, but she's not bashing glam moments. She actually "loved it" because "it's fun when you're new in the business and you get all this attention." She's just at a point where she's "done that" and wants to "simplify and keep it low key."
She really does "love being elegant, sophisticated" but has found what "works best" for her.
Is Pamela Anderson inspiring you to embrace a no-makeup life too? Let us know on Facebook!