Why Buying Bright and Colorful Things Can Make You Happier

Nov 18, 2018

Do you feel a twinge of jealousy every time you see someone with colorful clothing, a creative mani, or a bold electronic device? Maybe you secretly lament that you chose another all-black thing or passed up a statement piece that gave you heart eyes. At the time, your decision might have seemed sensible, but a new study from USC Marshall shows that while consumers most often buy “safe” colors, people who purchase vibrant stuff like it more — and like it for a longer time, leading to increased overall happiness.

In the study, researchers divided products into two groups based on arousal or excitement. The first group of high-arousal products all featured bold hues and busy patterns; the second group of products, labeled as low-arousal, featured solid colors such as silver, beige, and black. Next, researchers conducted a number of tests to figure out how participants felt about each product before using it. Finally, each person was allowed to use the product repeatedly for a set amount of time.

What the researchers uncovered is fascinating: Participants wrongly guessed how much they’d like the bright and colorful products that were grouped into the high-arousal designs category. Even more, they underestimated how much satisfaction they’d get from using a high-arousal product more than once.

So why do we choose neutrals, time and time again? The research suggests that we may feel like our choices are safer, or simply more practical: “Consumers likely find motivation in selecting low-arousal designs, be it because it makes matching different designs easier (clothes), because these designs are less likely to go out of style over time (furniture), or because the designs are more versatile over time (household items).”

Lead researcher Dr. Eva Buechel is an expert in future feeling and forecasting satisfaction. According to her, the study’s findings are important for buyers, designers and marketer because encouraging different aesthetic choices — like buying “exciting” stuff — can scientifically help improve self-expression and satisfaction.

Armed with this factual information, you don’t need to feel stuck when waffling between a bright dress or yet another classic choice. Living colorfully IS living happily. Dare to be bold and bright!

How do you shop? Tell us what kind of stuff you buy time and time again on Twitter @BritandCo!

(Photo via Getty)

We Found The Perfect Bold Wallpaper Collection For Color Lovers

Ashley Basnight of @smashingdiy is a designer (you might recognize her from HGTV’s Battle of the Beach series), carpenter, and engineer who isn’t afraid of bold colors and patterns. She DIYs the most gorgeous spaces, mixing patterns and luxe materials to creating warm and inviting spaces. Now she's collab’d with Chasing Paper to create a six-style wallpaper collection that is modern, colorful, and totally unique.

Chasing Paper

Everlast - Black

“I want this collection to showcase the ability to bring bold personality into a space and still make it feel like home,” Ashley says. “This collection was created with eye-catching patterns and daring colors to push the envelope and inspire others to make the extraordinary, ordinary.” The collection comes in traditional, peel-and-stick, vinyl and faux grasscloth options, starting at $45/panel. Check it out!

Chasing Paper

Everlast - Green

The Everlast series is a tribal-inspired print with a modern vibe, making it perfect for accent walls. Find it in black, green, and purple!

Chasing Paper

Endless End - Green

The Endless collection is a series of simple wavy lines that can be used in pretty much any room.

Chasing Paper

Endless End - Brown

This brown color is perfect for "autumn" homes that embrace nature-inspired colors like oranges, reds, and greens.

Chasing Paper

Endless Ends - Blue

The blue options looks great in a kid's bedroom or playroom!

Chasing Paper

Endless Ends - Tan

There's a neutral option too that would look elegant in an office or dining room.

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Pink

This geometric print combines stunning vivid colors that make an impact in any room.

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Aqua

This aqua option is soothing for quieter spaces...

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Red

...while this bold red paper is a maximalist's dream.

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Blue

The blue offers a totally different look with a rich, earthy vibe.

Chasing Paper

Medallion - Purple

This 70’s-inspired print showcases a geometric design and bold colors in aqua, blue, and purple (shown above).

Chasing Paper

Medallion - Blue

The blue colorway is a perfect pop of pattern for small spaces like a kitchen or laundry room.

Chasing Paper

Medallion - Aqua

Aqua lovers will find happiness on a wall with this variety.

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Multi

This maze-like design is an example of Ashley’s love for combining patterns, shapes and color together to create harmony. It's daring but also the perfect start to beautiful decor. Start with this multi-colored print as your palette for the rest of the room and home.

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Pink

Each style in the collection has a bit of a modern-retro vibe. This pink one is super fun!

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Blue

The blue colorway in the same style looks dramatically different.

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Neutral

This neutral is anything but boring. Paired with browns and blacks it brings a room together in perfect harmony.

Chasing Paper

Tropicka - Magenta

The best for last: This tropical-inspired print features symmetrical florals and greenery for a bold botanical accent wall.

Chasing Paper

Tropicka - Magenta

The green variety would look amazing in a tropical-inspired powder room. There's a gorgeous blue too.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more decorating and design inspo!

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

Images via Chasing Paper

Upgrade Your Thanksgiving With A Crescent-Roll Cornucopia

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

The easiest and most delicious Thanksgiving crescent roll cornucopia recipe.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

1 roll of tin foil
2 packages of crescent rolls
1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

holidays thanksgiving thanksgiving desserts thanksgiving recipes food

These Froot Loops-Scented Polishes Are Pure Nostalgia For Your Nails

I’m calling it now – blueberry milk nailsare out, and cereal milk nails are in. The Nails.INC x Froot Loops collab has landed at the perfect time, ready to adorn your nails with the vibrant colors of the nostalgic cereal (forever standing out from the too-light blue nail trend).

Why I’m *totally* sold on the new 7-piece collection? When the polishes dry, they smell exactly like Froot Loops. If that’s not setting your flip phone lip gloss-loving, Claire’s-shopping, body glitter-fanatic inner child’s heart aglow right now, I don’t know what to tell you.

About The Froot Loops Nail Polishes from Nails.INC

The shades included in the collaborative drop embrace all things neon, recalling the color-covered days of my youth. It makes me want to pour out a bowl of cerealand dig in!

Each one is formulated for long-wear, so your electric mani lasts you all week. For those accustomed to painting with a wide brush for quick and easy application, these bottles have it all.

Whether you’re sporting the coral-y pink to a picnic in the park, or layering on the head-turning green for a chaotic (yet fun) night out, the Nails.INC x Froot Loops collection is the absolute best way to end your summer.

#FollowYourNose ($8)

This neon pink undoubtedly channels all of the Barbie hype this season.

Feeling Fruity ($8)

This yellow shade might not be your normal go-to, but the fruity scent will draw you into its supercharged summer energy!

Toucan Sam Approved ($8)

This vibrant turquoise blue hue pairs well with a fruity drink.

Toucan Play At That Game ($8)

A neon orange that plays at coral pink is *def* getting added to my cart.

Ce-real Talk ($8)

Green is just that girl, and this brightened-up pick is sure to catch some attention.

Scented Nail Polish Duo ($15)

This pink-and-green duo does it all – multicolor mani, anyone?

Sign up for our newsletter for more new beauty products and launches!

Header photo by Caleb Minear / PEXELS + Image via Nails.INC

The 'Freakier Friday' Writer Just Spilled On The Pink Slip Reunion

We're getting closer and closer to seeing a Freaky Friday2. The cat's out of the bag that the sequel treatment is confirmed and actually happening, and movie stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan have been increasingly vocal about the upcoming movie's plot. The dynamic duo, who you can see in 2024's Borderlands and Irish Wish, respectively, are expected to return as Tess and Anna, the mother and daughter that wake up one titular freaky Friday in swapped bodies.

Filming for Freakier Friday finally began on June 24, and we finally have an official release date for the film! Here's everything we know about Freaky Friday 2 so far.

Is the band Pink Slip going to be in Freaky Friday 2?

Carlo Allegri / Getty Images

Anna's pop-rock teen band, Pink Slip, is undoubtedly integral to the plot of the original Freaky Friday, and thankfully, we'll see the band again in Freakier Friday! (Can we get some performances of “Take Me Away” and “Ultimate"?!). "Pink Slip is back together, the band. Yes!” Lindsay Lohan told Jimmy Fallon. “We just finished [filming] in August. It’s just been such a labor of love to make happen. And Jamie [Lee Curtis] and I, even at the table read, we were just smiling so big. I don’t think we were acting well, because we were so happy. But the movie’s funny, it’s really funny.”

"I may or may not have gotten to go to set and been around some pink slip energy," writer Jordan Weiss told me while promoting Sweethearts. "It may or may not have excited my inner child beyond belief because I was a super fan. I was 10 years old when the first movie came out. So 20 years later to get to work on the sequel as part of that team was a dream and, you know, don't meet your heroes unless your heroes are Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, In which case they're amazing. Meet your heroes."

Before the confirmation, a fewFreaky Friday crew members spilled on whether or not we'll actually see the angsty band in the sequel in an interview with Cosmopolitan.

Screenwriter Heather Hach clearly agreed that the soundtrack played a huge part in the movie's plot. "You take out the band element and I don’t think Freaky Friday would be as popular as it is," she said. "It didn’t feel like a derpy Disney movie. The music was actually really good."

Jaclyn Pearson, PHD, the drummer for the band Lash (who wrote the ever-iconic song "Take Me Away"), teased that Freaky Friday 2 might revisit their discography. "We contacted our record label because we heard there might be a sequel," she said. "We’ve got this whole back catalog. Maybe they could use another song for the film."

Producer Andrew Gunn seemed to suggest the same thing: "We got a draft of a script for the sequel right before the writers’ strike, and it was really good. A writer came up with the most brilliant idea. It uses music and the band in a great way."

When is Freakier Friday coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

Freakier Friday Release Date

Freaky Friday 2 is coming to theaters on August 8, 2025. This is definitely one of our most-anticipated movies of 2025 now!

Is Chad Michael Murray in Freaky Friday 2?

Presley Ann / Getty Images for Netflix

Freakier Friday Cast

Yes, Chad Michael Murray is returning for the sequel!

"How great would it be to bring Jake back?" he teased during the Mother of the Bride premiere in May 2024. "If Jake's invited back, Jake will be there." Thank goodness they invited him back!

Freaky Friday 2 also stars Mark Harmon, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Lucille Soong, Stephen Tobolowsky, Rosalind Chao, Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan.

What is Freakier Friday going to be about?

Carlo Allegri / Getty Images

Freakier Friday Plot

Freaky Friday 2 sees Anna with a family of her own, including a daughter and a future stepdaughter. According to a press release from Disney, "As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might indeed strike twice."

"It's going to be a really freaky Friday," Lindsay Lohan told Good Morning America on June 27, 2024. "Much freakier than you would expect."

"[There's] a lot of love, a lot of fun, a lot of laughs," she continues.

Check Out The First Freakier Friday Set Leaks

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by BitchBeWithYou (@bitchbewithyou)

The first set leaks from Freakier Friday are totally dreamy — and they also prove Anna's just like us, because who didn't go from emo-teen to boho-chic? Jamie Lee Curtis' Tess has published a brand new book, and based on her author photo, she's a lot more carefree than the last time we saw her! We also get a look at new cast member Julia Butters (who might be playing Anna's daughter?) and the internet's newest boyfriend, Manny Jacinto.

Glen Wilson/Disney

Disney posted this sneak-peek screen cap that we can only assume is from the movie. We truly can't wait to watch this sequel!

Are they making a Freaky Friday 2?

John Nacion / Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

Lindsay Lohan said on Andy Cohen's Sirius XM show that Freaky Friday 2 is really and truly happening! However, "I don’t want to say too much,” she said about the potential timeline.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the cast could be on set as early as summer 2024. In addition to Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis reprising their roles, Andrew Gunn and Kristin Burr will produce the movie, Elyse Hollander will write the script, and Ann Marie Sanderlin will executive produce. Nisha Ganatra will direct.

While Lindsay is looking forward to the story, she's “just excited to work with Jamie [Lee Curtis] again and see how much further we can take it," she tells PEOPLE. “We talk almost every other day in general, so I think we're going to have a lot of fun with this."

Are Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan friends?

Jamie Lee Curtis / Instagram

Yes, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are definitely still friends! In November 2023, Curtis shared an adorable Instagram selfie with Lohan, teasing the upcoming project. And after the writers' and actors' strikes ended, project promotion is slowly returning to light.

"YOU GREW UP and SO BEAUTIFULLY!" the caption reads. "Well, it's Friday, and the strike is over so hopefully, we can switch places again in the near future!" She also tagged Lohan and Disney, which teased the iconic ‘03 comedy in a fun way.

What has Jamie Lee Curtis said about Freaky Friday?

Allyson Riggs

Curtis — coming off some serious cinematic hits, Everything Everywhere All At Once and Halloween Ends — still retains a strong bond with Lohan, and hasn’t exactly been shy about her excitement towards circling back to Freaky Friday. Landing the original role and moving through production was undoubtedly significant to the actress: she cites her own success with Tess after taking on the job at the last minute, despite being booked and busy elsewhere.

“Had I had all the time in the world to prepare, I don’t think it would’ve been so good,” Curtis told the New York Times. “I just had to be in my body. I was also newly sober and I was able to have a community within the movie-work world. That was a big deal for me.”

What has Lindsay Lohan said about Freaky Friday?

Scott Everett White / Netflix

Lohan told the New York Times that she was ready and raring to tackle 2003’s Freaky Fridayback in the day after rocking a dual-role in 1998's The Parent Trap.

“I threw myself into everything: accents, green screens, playing two people,” said Lohan. “So I felt comfortable after that. Freaky Friday felt different because I was going through all of the phases of a 16-year-old [but playing a character who was a year younger]. This was the era of Avril Lavigne and punk, and I wanted to experience it. We did white stripes in my hair.”

The fame Lohan endured at a young age didn’t always leave a positive effect, and it’s been a hot second since we’ve seen her fully emerge back into the spotlight. The star’s been busy since – she moved to Dubai, manages her overseas businesses, got married, and recently welcomed motherhood. After all that, Lohan remains eager to act again – and thankfully in a second Freaky Friday.

“Jamie and I are both open to that, so we’re leaving it in the hands that be,” Lohan told NYT. “We would only make something that people would absolutely adore.”

It sounds like Curtis is ready, too. "As I went around the world with Halloween Ends, people wanted to know if there was going to be another 'Freaky Friday.' Something really touched a chord. When I came back, I called my friends at Disney and said, 'It feels like there’s a movie to be made.'"

Who's writing Freaky Friday 2?

Disney

Freakier Friday was written by Jordan Weiss.

Who is directing Freaky Friday 2?

Jamie Lee Curtis / Instagram

Nisha Ganatra is directing Freaky Friday 2. She’s directed TV episodes on shows like The Mindy Project, Shameless, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Dear White People. Ganatra has also done directorial work in movies like The Hunters, Late Night, and The High Note.

Disney will be distributing the Freaky Friday sequel.

Sign up for our newsletter for more entertainment news, and check out how Chad Michael Murray's Role In The Freaky Friday Cast Almost Went To Jared Padalecki!

This post has been updated.

best reads entertainment evergreen pop culture movies

Get Ready for Cyber Monday's TikTok-Famous Products You'll Love

Get ahead of the game this Cyber Monday with TikTok-famous products that are taking the internet by storm! From viral beauty must-haves to genius gadgets and trendy home essentials, these top picks have earned their hype for a reason. Whether you're upgrading your routine or checking off your holiday gift list, these TikTok-approved finds are guaranteed to impress. Keep reading to discover the deals you won’t want to miss.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

These Sunglasses Are A Summer Essential

Amazon

Chic meets retro with these Sunglasses that are a statement piece that you can rock all season long. These large frames and tortoise designs add a bold look to your summer outfits, making you stand out in any crowd. Beyond style, these glasses prioritize your eye protection, boasting lenses that shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. They have a comfortable fit and will be a go-to for the season.

Why Buying Bright and Colorful Things Can Make You Happier

The easiest and most delicious Thanksgiving crescent roll cornucopia recipe.

Materials + Tools:

Instructions:

About The Froot Loops Nail Polishes from Nails.INC

#FollowYourNose ($8)

Feeling Fruity ($8)

Toucan Sam Approved ($8)

Toucan Play At That Game ($8)

Ce-real Talk ($8)

Scented Nail Polish Duo ($15)

Filming for Freakier Friday finally began on June 24, and we finally have an official release date for the film! Here's everything we know about Freaky Friday 2 so far.

Is the band Pink Slip going to be in Freaky Friday 2?

When is Freakier Friday coming out?

Freakier Friday Release Date

Is Chad Michael Murray in Freaky Friday 2?

Freakier Friday Cast

What is Freakier Friday going to be about?

Freakier Friday Plot

Check Out The First Freakier Friday Set Leaks

Are they making a Freaky Friday 2?

Are Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan friends?

What has Jamie Lee Curtis said about Freaky Friday?

What has Lindsay Lohan said about Freaky Friday?

Who's writing Freaky Friday 2?

Who is directing Freaky Friday 2?

These Sunglasses Are A Summer Essential

This Leave-in Conditioner Is a Hair-Care Must-Have

This Oil Dispenser For Just The Right Amout

Have Hot Meals Anywhere with This Electric Lunch Box

This Light Therapy Lamp For Mood Enhancement

This Hair Brush Works on All Hair Types

This Electric Lighter Lights Candles Without Using a Flame

This #1 Best-Selling Blender

These Wine Wands Remove Histamines and Sulfites

This Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker Turns Anything Into a Refreshing Treat

Drift Off Faster with These Sleep Headphones

OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub for Ultra Smooth & Moisturized Skin

This 3-In-1 Charging Station Charges All of Your Gadgets Simultaneously

A Lap Desk That Makes Working From Home as Comfortable as Possible

This Digital Paintbrush is Compatible With Smartphones and Touchscreens

Ensure Your Fur Babies Are Hydrated with This Pet Fountain

This Innovative Skincare Device Has a Starter Kit

A Veggie Chopper That Makes Food Prep a Breeze

This Car Cleaning Gel Makes It Easy to Keep Your Car Fresh

These Satin Pillowcases Keep Your Hair Smooth and Frizz-Free

Refresh Your Clothes and Furniture With This Fabric Shaver

The Coziest Fleece Blanket for Staying Warm All Winter

...Oh, And One More Thing, Get Happy Nuts...

This Facial Serum Can Brighten the Skin

These Crop Tops Aren’t Just for Summer Anymore

A Mug Warmer for the Coffee Connoisseurs

OUAI Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo

This Inkless Drawing Board Helps You Achieve a Focused Mind

This Must-Have Volumizing Hair Iron for Extra Oomph

This Deodorant Can Be Used Everywhere

These Slippers Keep You Smiling

A Heatless Hair Curler Set for Damage-Free, Beautiful Curls

This Cleansing Brush Achieves a Deeper Clean

This Shark Blanket Onesie to Cuddle Up In

Plan Ahead with This Convenient Planner

This Oversized Sweatshirt For a Lazy Day

This Makeup Mirror Has LED Lights for Precision

This Sleepwear Set For the Sweetest Dreams

Experience Movie Nights with This Mini Projector

These Gel Patches Treat Dark Circles, Puffiness, & Aging

A Pair of Friendship Lamps That Helps You Stay Connected

This Skin Care Set For the Clearest Skin

Put Them In the Holiday Mood With This Candle

This Charming Tote Elevates Your Style

Illuminate Readings in Bed with this USB Rechargeable Book Light

This Hyaluronic Acid Serum To Add To Your Skincare Routine

This Lipstick Lasts All Day & Night

This Expandable Luggage Set For Your Adventures

This All-Natural Headache Relief Cap For Relief