10 Cheap Items to Upgrade Your Car for Your Next Road Trip

Road trip season is here, which means you and your car will be spending a LOT more time together. While we would all love for Xzibit to pimp our ride, we can easily settle for a small (and affordable) makeover that we will love just as much. Here are some rad car accessories that will upgrade your ride and bring it to a whole other level, all for under $50.

1. Dash Table Planter ($48): Instead of putting a cup in the cup holder (so 2014!), place a baby planter to add some greenery and some much-needed plant life to your automobile.

2. Colored Rim Sunglasses ($26): Every car needs a set of easily accessible sunglasses. And with glasses as colorful as these, who needs double rainbows anyways?

3. Car Scent Diffuser ($10): While fast food might be tasty, let’s not forget the not-so-yummy smell that lingers afterwards. Use this car diffuser to get rid of any unwanted smells from your vehicle with a nice scent that won’t be too overpowering.

4. Gilded Portable Charger ($40): No matter what kind of device you’re sportin’, this charger is a must for your long rides across town.

5. A Travel Guide Card Set ($5): Make your car ride an adventure by following these travel instructions from Magda Lipka Falck’s travel guide. It’ll turn your boring ride into a drive you won’t soon forget.

6. Dottie Umbrella ($28): When the weather is fickle and you don’t want to get caught in wet conditions, put this beauty in the back seat of your car for a stylish, rainstorm-fighting ‘brella.

7. Seat Pak Organizer ($28): Why have your car be a complete mess when you can have everything tucked away in its own special place? Buy this handy case for your car to keep everything so fresh and so clean AND organized.

8. Car Caddy ($20): Don’t lose your cellphone ever again with this cute caddy. While texting and driving is a no-no in our books, it’s good to know where your phone is for those emergencies you just can’t avoid.

9. DJ Jazzy Jeff Air Freshener ($5): Keep it funky fresh with this air freshener. With its coconut scent, every day will be summa summa summatime.

10. Knit Photo Frame ($22): Place this guy near your speedometer to always get a quick glimpse of your loved ones while you are on the road.

How would you upgrade your car? Tell us in the comments below!

As fun as Trader Joe’s snacks and desserts are, there’s one aisle you definitely should not skip – and that’s their plant section. Trader Joe’s is constantly stocking up on blooms like orchids and monsteras, all of which are easy to take care of once they make it home from the store.

Any houseplant lover knows the easiest of all easy houseplants is the famed pothos. I can water mine (I have about 5 pothos plants) once every two weeks, and they will. not. die. Right now, Trader Joe’s is selling pothos for cheap – but not just any pothos. They currently come along with a stunning hanging pot that you’ll instantly want to put up in your home.

Scroll on to discover more about this unique Trader Joe’s plant find!

@traderjoesobsessed

That’s right – Trader Joe’s shelves now include disco ball hanging planters. I repeat: disco ball hanging planters! The sphere-shaped pot is covered in reflective disco tiles that’ll certainly make your living room feel like a dance club. The best part is that pothos plants naturally look amazing when they’re grown hanging, so you can watch this baby flourish all year long.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed recently spotted the disco ball hanging planters at their local Trader Joe’s and shared the new find with their Instagram followers. Tons of them chimed in about their excitement for the product in the comments!

“I need this now😍,” one person commented.

“The way I gasped when I saw this 😍🪩,” another said.

“I bought one today and totally love it👍,” someone else commented.

“I suddenly need to buy more plants,” one more person wrote.

Several shoppers in the comment section noted that they were able to track down the disco ball hanging planters pretty easily, while others reported that they haven’t seen them in their stores quite yet. This is your sign to keep an eye out on your next TJ’s trip!

Reddit

@traderjoesobsessed reports that the disco ball hanging planters go for $12.99 in stores. Their affordable price makes them such a great gift for yourself or a loved one, plus the sparkles on the disco ball are perfect for livening up your space for a New Year’s refresh.

Run to TJ’s soon – I know I will!

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Studio McGee has spent the last decade inspiring us with a blend of accessible and elevated designs, creating beautiful and totally livable spaces. In her 2025 Home Decor Trends report, Shea McGee emphasizes that home decor trends evolve gradually over time, and I couldn’t agree more. Unlike the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends shift every season, these design moves develop organically over time, and that's good for your wallet and taking your time to create a space you love. Get inspired to refresh your home in 2025 with a few new accents, from embellishments like fringe to maybe a little western or seaside art.

Here are Studio McGee's 2025 Home Decor Trend Predictions, with a few surprises!

Photo: Shade Degges | Design: Studio Mountain

Romantic Silhouettes

Take Romantic Silhouettes, for example. This is a trend we've seen steadily gain traction over the past few years. Think curvy furniture, delicate floral prints, and soft blush hues — when curated thoughtfully, these elements can become timeless staples in your home.

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- YouTube

Watch Shea's take on designing your home for 2025!

Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford | Design: A1000XBetter

Western Cowboy

This is a design trend that totally surprised me, but I'm so happy to see it in the mix. Elements like leather furniture, rustic accessories, equestrian art, even wood walls, shown in this office designed by A1000XBetter, are making an impact in 2025 and beyond. But Shea notes that you can take this trend literally or just be inspired by the look. You can also mix it with other styles to personalize it for you. Add romantic pillows or ruffled tablecloths like McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Gardenia Ruffle Border Tablecloth – things you love that make it yours vs. based solely on one trend.

Gavin Carter| Design: House of Rolison

Saturated Colors

Shea predicts that rich hues like deep browns, oxblood red, and earthy greens will continue to dominate home decor colors going into 2025. House of Rolison's bathroom brown is an excellent example of this beautiful trend.

courtesy of Stewart-Schafer

Pattern Drenching

Embracing a single pattern and drenching an entire room in it — from walls to pillows, headboards, and curtains — is a surprise trend for 2025. This maximalist approach, which has been quietly gaining traction, draws inspiration from Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and has been in and out of vogue since the Victorian era.

McGee & Co.

Embellishments

This is a trend you can easily DIY to add an extra layer of charm to your decor. Think playful details like fringe accents —beautifully shown in McGee & Co.'s Philippa Settee — along with tassels, pleats, ruffles, and rope. It’s all about embracing texture and whimsy, so have fun with it!

McGee & Co.

Seaside Inspiration

Coastal decor has long been an influence in design and you can be inspired by it in many forms, from shell accents to beach-inspired artwork like McGee & Co.'s Distant Coastline art to textured seagrass baskets and jute rugs. Even the soothing hues of the sea — think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and gentle greens — can inspire your 2025 spaces.

Check out the full list of Studio McGee 2025 Design Trends!

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

While most Utah-bound visitors might make a beeline toward Zion or Arches, Bryce Canyon National Park evokes a very rare and mystical spirit I’d argue you can’t find anywhere else.

That’s not to denounce the absolutely breathtaking beauty of the other four parks under The Mighty 5, but I experienced some truly unexplainable magic on my recent adventure to Bryce Canyon. Every twist and turn left me at a loss for words.

If you happen to stumble upon it in your travels, you’ll also be caught by surprise. Between the blue, hoodoo-dotted skyline, rocks with a sprawling spectrum of colors, and the smooth canyon walls, you really can’t help but be in awe.

Aside from hitting the trails and snapping hundreds of photos in Bryce Canyon National Park’s vastness, there’s a lot more to explore in the surrounding area. Keep reading to discover everything you can get up to in this incredibly impressive region of Utah!

Meredith Holser

Hiking Queen's Garden trail in Bryce Canyon National Park

1. There are endless outdoor opportunities.

Bryce Canyon country offers all kinds of opportunities for outdoor adventure: hiking, camping, canyoneering, ATV touring, horseback riding, and more.

Meredith Holser

Inside a slot canyon near Escalante, Utah

Hit some stunning viewpoints and experience the wild rock formations through a hike in Bryce Canyon (Queen’s Garden and Mossy Cave are two great beginner-friendly options), go off the beaten path and catch some serious scenery with with Grand Staircase ATV Tours, or dare to go deep into the region’s slot canyons, guided by the playful experts at Excursions of Escalante.

Meredith Holser

Vista near Escalante, Utah

If you’re not one for hiking, nearby Scenic Byway 12 offers a 122-mile stretch worth of views to soak up without ever having to get out of your car (though, if you ask me, being immersed in it is so much better).

No matter your appetite for adventure, there’s always something to get up to!

Meredith Holser

Looking up from Queen's Garden trail in Bryce Canyon National Park

2. The natural beauty will leave you stunned.

Being in Bryce Canyon literally feels like you’re on another planet. As a native Texan-turned-Colorado girl, I was constantly gawking at the towering hoodoos, striated sandstone surfaces, and intense blue skies that I simply don’t see at home.

Meredith Holser

Rock formations surrounding Kiva Koffeehouse in Escalante, Utah

Every feature there is so vast, reminding you just how small of a piece you are in the world’s grand puzzle. I felt humbled in the most satisfying way possible.

Meredith Holser

Rainbow sighting at Ofland Escalante

My late August visit landed in the middle of southern Utah’s monsoon season, so I also got to witness rich bands of fog and torrential mid-day downpours – both equally as beautiful as the clear weather. Rainbows almost always rolled in after each rainfall, capturing every onlooker’s attention and encouraging an undeniable sense of calm.

Meredith Holser

Looking down into the Bryce Amphitheater

3. The area has a really rich history.

Bryce Canyon has seen many indigenous cultures throughout history, from Fremont, Anasazi, Pueblo, and Paiute. Tribes relied heavily on the region’s bounties as early as 1200 A.D., using native plants and animals to survive and thrive. It’s important to acknowledge that Bryce Canyon country’s indigenous roots are still undeniably present today.

The area’s founding is most commonly accredited to Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon pioneer for whom Bryce Canyon was nicknamed around 1874. It officially became a national park in 1928.

Zooming out by 75 million years or so, dinosaurs roamed the surrounding Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Sixteen new species of dinosaurs have been discovered in the area since 1999 in addition to hundreds of animal and plant fossils mapped in Bryce Canyon itself.

Whether you seek out the canyon’s history for yourself or gather fun facts from the locals, you’ll surely learn a lot on your travels here!

Meredith Holser

Lil Dipper dome at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

4. There are plenty of places to stay, whatever your vibe is.

From glamping to camping, there’s a nice range of options when it comes to finding accommodations in Bryce Canyon country. My top recommendations?

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon sits about 15 miles southeast (~20 minute drive) from Bryce Canyon in Cannonville, Utah. Nestled in a mellow canyon, Clear Sky’s unique windowed domes (suitable for couples or groups up to 8 people) offer unparalleled views of the stars while supplying modern comforts like air conditioning, showers, and wifi.

Meredith Holser

Looking out from a Lil Dipper dome at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

There’s even an on-site restaurant and bar with such friendly staff members that really make the stay memorable. Coming back to your fully outfitted dome after a day-long adventure will be extremely satisfying!

Meredith Holser

Fire pit and accessible cabins at Ofland Escalante

Ofland Escalante is located in Escalante, Utah, about 46.5 miles (~1 hour drive) from Bryce Canyon. This polished accommodation surely taps into the heart of glamping, but still feels quite grounded in the surrounding nature. Ofland is fitted with a pool, a hot tub, a food truck, a lobby stocked with grab-and-go snacks and drinks, and a playful drive-in movie theater.

Meredith Holser

Inside a Deluxe Cabin at Ofland Escalante

There’s also an epic outdoor lodge to enjoy – sit around the fire pit while you sip a local brew, play a few hands of Uno, or cozy up with a book. You can book a deluxe or tiny cabin, a decked-out Airstream trailer, or set up at your very own campsite here. There are also custom-designed accessible cabins that boast extra floor space and ADA compliant details for a super cozy stay!

Meredith Holser

Overlooking formations near Escalante, Utah

If you’re looking to camp in Bryce Canyon National Park, you can certainly pitch your tent inside the park’s North and Sunset campgrounds. The Sunset campground is closed in the winter, and both locations are first come, first served, so it can be a little chaotic to land even a single-night stay.

To avoid the frantic search for a campground inside the park, you can opt for locations outside of it, like Red Canyon Campground in Dixie National Forest (about 6 miles from Bryce Canyon) or campgrounds in Kodakchrome State Park (about 15 miles from Bryce Canyon), which still provide wonderful scenery and a comfortable place to lay your head.

Meredith Holser

Brisket sandwich with mac n' cheese at i.d.k. Barbecue

5. The food is scrumptious.

Fear not, outdoorsy foodies. Bryce Canyon country has quite a few spots to get your grub on between adventures! Sink your teeth into a hefty BBQ sandwich at i.d.k. Barbecue (Tropic, UT) or grab an insanely tasty slice at family-owned The Pizza Place (Tropic).

Meredith Holser

The exterior of Kiva Koffeehouse

Down a local beer alongside your very American dinner at 4th West Pub (Escalante, UT) or sip on some ethically-sourced caffeine with your choice of Southwestern fare from Kiva Koffeehouse’s rotating menu (Escalante).

Meredith Holser

Sipping Kiitos' Blackberry Sour at Ofland Escalante

The food is grand, but the drinks are worth mentioning, too. Despite Utah’s unusual liquor laws, there are numerous breweries and distilleries creating delectable beers, IPAs, ciders, gins, whiskies, and more. Uinta, Kiitos, and Wasatch are the big names when it comes to breweries, but Utah’s distilleries are more concentrated near Salt Lake City, so you’ll find the source of stronger spirits there.

Meredith Holser

Striated rock formations near Bryce Canyon National Park

More Must-Knows

  • Best time to visit: For the best (and warmest) weather, the summer months of June through August are ideal to visit Bryce Canyon, though the park tends to see more crowds during that time. Spring and fall (April-May and September-October) may be chillier in terms of temperature, but you’ll likely catch spring blooms or fall foliage, depending on when you decide to visit. Plus, the crowds die down in these shoulder seasons. The winter months are colder than cold and bring on unpredictable weather, though the show lays out good grounds for skiing and snowshoeing, if that’s your jam.
  • How to get there: If you’re aiming to fly to get to Bryce Canyon country, your best bet is to route to either Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. From either location, the drive to Bryce Canyon is about 4 hours, offering exceptional sights as you go.
  • Cost for the park: You can enter Bryce Canyon with a standard pass, annual pass, or America the Beautiful pass. A standard park pass costs $20-$35, an annual park pass costs $70, and an America the Beautiful pass costs $80. You can learn more about what pass is right for your visit here!
  • Trip essentials: Having sturdy hiking boots, high-quality socks (I love my Smartwoolpairs), SPF, warm layers for chilly nights, and a hydration pack (this insulated one from Brümate is so worth it) on-hand proved to be the most helpful items I packed for my adventure to Bryce Canyon. Prepare to pack comfy clothes and toiletries, plus snacks and camping items if you plan to pitch a tent.

For more information about Bryce Canyon Country, visit brycecanyoncountry.com.

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

Dunkin’s winter menu for 2025 is lookin’ pretty sweet. Seriously – 3 out of 5 new drinks on the menu are inspired by cake. Since there’s little I love more than a good, decadent dessert (other than coffee, of course), I’m especially excited about this new lineup!

The Dunkin’ winter menu also has one sweet snack and an iced espresso drink that are both hauntingly similar to what Starbucks has to offer. Is the competition heating up, or is it just me?

The Dunkin’ winter menu dropped on December 31, just ahead of the new year. Dunkin's holiday menu dropped on November 1.

Let’s officially get into it. Here’s everything on the Dunkin’ menu this December to start 2025 off just right!

Drinks On The Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Signature Latte

Lava Cake Swirl flavoring, whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and hot chocolate powder. Now that's a mouthful! That's exactly how this new drink is built – with tons and tons of chocolate. If you've got a strong sweet tooth, this one's for you.

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Coffee

Dunkin' is also featuring the new Lava Cake Swirl flavoring in this creamy coffee. It'll be available to order hot or iced!

@snackolator

Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso

Um, Starbucks dupe, anyone?! Dunkin's version of the famed Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso looks like it follows a very similar recipe to the Starbies way: espresso (shaken until frothy), brown sugar syrup, and oat milk. I can't wait to try this one and see how it measures up to my routine Starbucks order. It even got a co-sign from Sabrina Carpenter.

Dunkin'

Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte

Dunkin' will offer two new in-app exclusive drinks this season, the first being the Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte. It's like your average iced matcha latte, amped up with some brown sugar syrup and oat milk. Yum.

@snackolator

Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee

The second in-app exclusive drink on theDunkin' winter menu is the Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee, which features a dose of Lava Cake Swirl alongside a raspberry flavor shot and cream. You'll be able to order this one hot or iced.

Food On The Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut

Now, onto the good stuff. The Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut features a halved glazed chocolate cake donut that's filled with vanilla whipped buttercreme icing and topped with a cute lil' buttercreme rosette.

Dunkin'

Iced Lemon Loaf Cake

Okay, yet another Starbucks similarity! This zesty-sweet snack returns on December 31. Dunkin's Iced Lemon Loaf Cake is moist as can be, and is topped with a thick layer of lemon icing.

More Dunkin' Menu Items To Come In 2025

Dunkin'

Dunkin' Valentine's Donuts

Speculation around the Dunkin' winter menu for 2025 also dropped some hints about the chain's Valentine's Day offerings.

According to the buzz, the Brownie Batter (pictured above) and Cupid's Choice donuts will return on January 29. What's even more exciting is that a new iteration of Dunkin's Munchkins will be available, too!

The new Valentine's Munchkins will reportedly be made from glazed chocolate donut holes coated in Valentine's-esque sprinkles. I'm craving them already!

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This post has been updated.

If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.

The 14 Best New Year's Eve Shots To Throw Back For 2025!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Bakes

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Feast + West

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Dine and Dish

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

A Year of Cocktails

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Holly's Cheat Day

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Bubbly Nation Creations

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Broma Bakery

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

The First Year

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cookin' Canuck

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Tablespoon

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Something Swanky

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.