Get That Pizza Fix Minus the Carbs With This Chicken Pepperoni Casserole

Is it possible to overload on pizza? Our hearts say no but our bellies say yes. Sometimes we just need to walk away from the dough (so definitely don't look at these 16 frozen dough recipes). Let's make that walk a little easier with this pepperoni chicken casserole made with creamy homemade pizza sauce and bubbling melty cheese.

You can keep it light with a dressed green salad, add more toppings (we love bell peppers and chili flakes) or just bring those carbs right back in again and serve with garlic bread and fries. It's the most versatile dinner you'll have had in a long time. Even the leftovers make a great lunchtime salad — serve it up in one of these fab adult lunchboxes!

Ingredients:

Serves 4

— 3 Tablespoons olive oil

— 1 medium brown onion, peeled and chopped

— 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

— 1/2 teaspoon salt

— 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

— (2) 14-ounce cans chopped tomatoes

— 1 teaspoon dried oregano

— 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar

— 1 heaped Tablespoon tomato puree or paste

— 3 Tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature

— 4 large boneless chicken breasts

— 1 1/4 packed cups strong cheddar cheese

— 1 cup shredded mozzarella

— 10-12 pepperoni slices

— small bunch fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat one tablespoon of the oil in a skillet. Add the onion and fry for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, salt and pepper and fry for a further minute. Add the cans of chopped tomatoes, oregano, sugar and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring every so often until reduced by half. Turn off the heat. Leave to cool for five minutes, then stir in the cream cheese.

2. Meanwhile, slice the chicken breasts in half width-ways (so you have eight thin chicken “steaks”). Place in a large baking dish in a single layer, then drizzle on the remaining oil and and season with salt and pepper. Cook in the oven for 10 minutes until lightly browned.

3. Take the chicken out of the oven. Spread the sauce all over the chicken with a spoon. Sprinkle on the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then arrange the pepperoni on top. Place back in the oven for another 15-18 minutes until the cheese is lightly golden and melted and the whole dish is bubbling. Take out of the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Serve with a green salad and some garlic bread if you’d like. Let’s take a closer look at that perfectly cooked pepperoni…

Would you go healthier and serve with salad? Or bring on the fries and garlic bread? We'd love to hear. Tweet us @BritandCoand check out our camping foods recipe roundup for more inspo!

Kickstart your mornings with minimal effort and maximum flavor by making these easy breakfast meal prep recipes! Imagine waking up to a fridge stocked with grab-and-go options like overnight oats layered with fresh fruit, or perfectly-portioned egg cups. These breakfast meal prep recipes not only save you precious time during the morning rush, but also ensure that you never have to sacrifice a nutritious, delicious breakfast to work toward your health goals. Say 'goodbye' to skipping the most important meal of the day and 'hello' to a week of stress-free, tasty mornings with these 18 ideas!

Brit + Co

Parfait Breakfast Popsicles

This breakfast-dessert hybrid is nutritious as can be. It's made with a protein-rich Greek yogurt base, and from there, you can customize the flavor with any medley of diced fruits. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cinnamon Pear Baked Oatmeal

This big dish of baked oatmeal will last you the whole week. It's filled with delicious notes of pear and cinnamon to usher in the fall season seamlessly. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Easy Sheet Pan Pancakes

Shoutout to the genius that came up with sheet pan pancakes! Prepping your pancakes on a sheet pan and baking them in the oven not only saves you time in the long run, but saves you from doing an endless pile of dishes. Top these with your favorite inclusions then dig in. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vikalinka

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

For a savory breakfast meal prep option, make sure to bookmark this hearty casserole. It'll fill you up well, too, since it's packed with protein from eggs and meat. (via Vikalinka)

The Girl on Bloor

High Protein Oatmeal

Your typical bowl o' oatmeal gets a nice boost from protein powder to keep you fuller for longer, and supply you with enough energy to make it to lunchtime. The best part about this recipe is you can section it out into individual meal prep containers to keep in the fridge until you're ready to chow down. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Completely Delicious

Whole Wheat Cheddar Biscuits

Nothing is better than a warm biscuit in the morning. With this dish, you can bake them, then store them in either the fridge or freezer for safe keeping. When breakfast rolls around, simply heat one or two up in the toaster oven. (via Completely Delicious)

Hello Little Home

Vegetarian Breakfast Enchiladas

Breakfast enchiladas sound so good right about now. As opposed to your traditional enchilada build, these are stuffed with eggs and black beans for a vegetarian protein fix. (via Hello Little Home)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Brownie Baked Oatmeal

Mmm, chocolate. Start your day off with this equally nutritious and delicious baked oatmeal! After you make it, you'll be left with plenty of leftovers to devour all week long. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Vanilla and Bean

Vegan Breakfast Banana Nut Muffins

Banana nut muffins make the perfect pairing with your morning coffee. Bake 'em once, then you'll have an entire dozen to stow away in the fridge. (via Vanilla and Bean)

The First Mess

Zucchini Baked Oatmeal Cups with Chocolate

These chocolatey oatmeal cups have some hidden nutrients in them, thanks to the addition of zucchini. You'd never guess it, though – each component blends together super seamlessly. (via The First Mess)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos

Meal prep these veggie-filled breakfast burritos, wrap them in foil, then keep them in the freezer so they'll last. You can easily heat them up before you leave the house in the microwave or air fryer for just a few minutes! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Feel Good Foodie

Broccoli and Cheese Quiche

Quiches rock. This one is prepped with pieces of broccoli and cheese, and will always taste fresh the entire week long. For a longer-lasting dish, store the leftovers in your freezer. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Pumpkin season is upon us! Usher in fall time with these pumpkin-y overnight oats for a nice breakfast meal prep sesh. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

The Fast Recipe

Spinach & Feta Muffins

These egg muffins taste similar to Starbucks' famous Spinach Feta Wrap, but you won't have to hit the drive-thru to indulge. (via The Fast Recipe)

Bowl of Delicious

Make-Ahead Breakfast Tacos

Like breakfast burritos, breakfast tacos are equally easy to meal prep. Pack some tortillas full of your favorite toppings like eggs, cheese, bacon, or sausage, and boom, breakfast for a week is ready! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Half Baked Harvest

Blueberry Yogurt Granola Bars

If you've never made your own granola bars, now's the time. These delicious grab-and-go bites are ideal for busy school mornings as well as afternoon snacking! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Earthly Provisions

Banana Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats

Banana and chocolate make the most heavenly flavor combo. Mix the two into a cup of overnight oats, and it'll feel like you're literally eating dessert for breakfast. (via Earthly Provisions)

Cozy Cravings

Green Goddess Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich

This is one stacked breakfast sandwich. Egg, bacon, and cheese are layered in between a tasty bun with some green goddess spread. Prep a dozen sammies to keep in the freezer to feed you and your fam all week. (via Cozy Cravings)

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Trader Joe’s, though very tempting with their vast array of sweet treats, is truly a secret weapon for eating healthy and sustaining a healthy diet. TJ’s aisles are packed full of nutritious (yet delicious) options, all of which are often easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Whether you’re focusing on fueling your workouts with protein, cutting back on sugar, or simply eating more whole foods in 2025, Trader Joe’s has plenty of affordable, wholesome finds to keep your diet inspired.

Below, find the best Trader Joe’s products that make sticking to your 2025 resolutions a breeze!

Trader Joe's

Creamy Dreamy Hummus

Hummus is an instant snack hack if you're trying to eat a high-protein diet – this $3 one from TJ's boasts a "thick, rich, and exquisitely creamy" texture. Slap it on a wrap or dip in some veggie sticks to give your meal a nice boost.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Root Chips

These veggie root chips make a deliciously healthy swap for your traditional potato chips as they're packed with fiber and plenty of color to enjoy!

Trader Joe's

Organic Super Bread

Though you might not guess it at first glance, this loaf contains whole wheat flour, organic rye flour, organic rolled oats, organic millet, organic pumpkin seeds, organic flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic carrots, organic dried apple, and organic dried banana – that's a mouthful! If your 2025 goal is to eat more whole foods without sacrificing a ton of familiar foods, this is the bread for you!

Trader Joe's

Cut Sweet Potatoes

These 'taters come already cut, so all you gotta do is toss 'em in some olive oil and spices, bake on a sheet pan, pair it with a protein, and voila! Dinner is served.

Trader Joe's

Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices

These mango slices make a great healthy snack to enjoy on the go. They taste just like candy, except without all the excess processed sugar.

Trader Joe's

Solid White Albacore Tuna

Protein fiends already know what's up with canned tuna. It's the perfect base for tuna salads, wraps, and bakes. Plus, one can goes for just $2 at TJ's – stock up!

Trader Joe's

Caesar Broccoli Bake Kit

This pre-made kit makes getting a side dish on the table super easy and healthy. It comes with all the fixings, like Caesar dressing, crouton crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

Trader Joe's

10 Minute Farro

Traditionally, farro takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to fully cook. This bag of Trader Joe's farro defies all tradition and is ready in just 10 minutes! The whole grain is really rich in protein and fiber, so you know you'll be eating healthy when you choose to chow down.

Trader Joe's

Vanilla Bean Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is *the* breakfast hack to rule all breakfast hacks. It's high in protein, plus is typically packed with plenty of probiotics to keep your gut real healthy. Enjoy a heaping scoop with some fresh (or frozen) fruit, granola, and honey to get a tasty start to the day.

Trader Joe's

Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars

Healthy snacks can be really hard to track down at TJ's, especially since they have so many sinful goodies on their shelves. Luckily, these trail mix bars exist, bringing a yummy medley of oats, nuts, raisins, and chocolatey bits to satisfy that sweet tooth without weighing you down during the day!

Trader Joe's

Carb Savvy Tortillas

If you're set on watching your intake of carbs, these tortillas are a must-have. They contain 21% of your daily recommended value of fiber (6 grams each) according to TJ's, and make an excellent addition to wraps, quesadillas, or just as a snack.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice Cake Thins

These rice cakes may be thinner than most, but they still boast an enjoyably dense texture, perfect for layering on some peanut butter and banana for an easy, fulfilling snack.

Trader Joe's

Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde

This fully-cooked chicken is ideal for people seeking a convenient, time-saving meal. The salsa verde flavoring instantly qualifies them for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos – the list goes on! Just pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes, and boom – time to eat!

Trader Joe's

Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar

This protein bar is called the Perfect Bar because it's literally perfect. The sweetness is at just the right level, the texture is so satisfying, and the high protein content (17 grams) fills you up easily if you're seeking a substantial mid-day snack.

Trader Joe's

Classic Greek Salad

With this ready-made salad kit, you won't have to think too hard at all about what you're having for a healthy lunch. Feel free to grab 5 at a time, because you will be hooked. Add some chicken or salmon on top to bulk it up with extra protein!

Trader Joe's

Stir Fry Veggie Blend

Why pick up 5 or more individual ingredients for stir fry when you can just grab this $3 bag, cook it, and call it a day? We highly recommend cheffing this up with TJ's Soyaki sauce and your protein of choice.

Trader Joe's

High Protein Organic Tofu

One serving of this tofu contains 14 grams of protein, which is higher than what you can typically find elsewhere. Plus, it's certifiably organic, so it's always gonna be clean eating-friendly.

Trader Joe's

Organic Tricolor Quinoa

Quinoa makes an impressive grain base for bowls and salads. This one boasts a healthy mix of white, red, and black quinoa for some good variety!

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

These 100% vegan bites are the ultimate movie snack and are way healthier than your average bag of theater popcorn. They're made with lentil flour and potato starch for a superb texture every time.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta

This organic, gluten-free pasta delivers 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making each meal nutritious as ever.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more of the best Trader Joe's products!

No summer weekend is complete without a backyard BBQ. But sometimes running around trying to get everything prepared and decorated can quickly turn into a hassle, and by the time dinner's ready, you'd rather go to bed. Well, not anymore! These 31 delicious make-ahead BBQ recipes are exhaustion-proof and will ensure that you *actually* get to enjoy the seasonal festivities, all while looking like a total badass in the kitchen.

Spicy Sriracha Dip

Brit + Co

Whip up this spicy-hot dip for a snack that guests (and you!) won't be able to get enough of. (via Brit + Co)

Homemade Southern Biscuits

Brit + Co

Sink your teeth into the flaky goodness of these Southern-inspired biscuits. They're easy to prep ahead of time, and they can be enjoyed with layers of fried chicken and honey *just* as good as on their own. (via Brit + Co)

Rosemary Watermelonade

Brit + Co

Whether you like your lemonade spiked or prefer to go the traditional route, a big batch of this refreshing sipper will be delish either way. (via Brit + Co)

California Black Bean Burgers

Brit + Co

These veggie patties beg for just 15 minutes of prep time. From there, you can keep them locked-and-loaded in the fridge to be cooked at a later time for your barbecue party! (via Brit + Co)

Bacon Chive Dip

Brit + Co

Any reason to indulge in a big batch of creamy bacon dip is a good one, and when it's this easy, there is never an excuse not to. File this under your go-to make-ahead barbecue recipes for big crowds. (via Brit + Co)

Gooey Banana Boat S'mores

Brit + Co

With this easy dessert, just bundle up your fave s'mores accessories with a banana into some foil. These are an exceptional choice to make if you're already grilling, because all they need to be done is a few minutes over the coals! Prep them and keep them safe in the fridge until your sweet tooth calls. (via Brit + Co)

Taco Dip

Brit + Co

Once you've got an abundance of veggies on-hand, build your taco dip within 10 minutes to be devoured the next day! (via Brit + Co)

Easy Cheezy Soft Pretzel Bites

Half Baked Harvest

Top these pretzel bites with the cheese of your choice – we promise anything will go well with this pick. Serve alongside some burgers and hot dogs, and your barbecue function is all set! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Asian Meatballs

My Foodbook

Serve up an unexpected twist on the typical BBQ fare with these Asian-inspired meatballs served in crispy lettuce cups and drizzled with a sweet chili soy sauce. (via My Foodbook)

Vegan Grilled Peaches and Pimento Pizza

The Edgy Veg

This vegan pie is so full of freshness. Top your crust with summer peaches, arugula, onion, vegan cheese, and more, and toss it on the grill for a BBQ-worthy bite. (via The Edgy Veg)

Slow Cooker Mini BBQ Pork Sliders

Table For Two

The slow cooker is *the* holy grail appliance when it comes to make-ahead barbecue meals. Throw all your ingredients in, and you can forget about your barbecue dish for the next six hours. From there, just shred and serve! (via Table For Two)

Caprese Sticks

Wholefully

There's a reason why some flavor combinations just keep coming back, and mozzarella, tomatoes and basil are one of them. Keep it nice and simple with this easy skewered appetizer. (via Wholefully)

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

The Girl On Bloor

Wings are *so* much easier to make with an air fryer. These easy bites get tossed in a thick, spicy sauce that'll get cooled down by a creamy blue cheese dip! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Love & Lemons

Grab that can of garbanzo beans hiding in the back of your cabinet and make them the star of the show. These are so good, that you might just want to save them all for yourself. (via Love & Lemons)

These Make-Ahead BBQ Recipes Are Too Good To Pass Up

Mushroom Puff Pastry Bites

Well Plated

Store-bought puff pastry sheets make this appetizer a cinch to put together. Their grab-and-go size also ensures that your guests will be able to socialize instead of waiting forever in line. (via Well Plated)

Coleslaw Pasta Salad

This Wife Cooks

This colorful pasta pick will stay good in the fridge for a few days, so you can totally make it ahead of time! Crunchy veg meets a creamy coleslaw flavor that'll help you beat the summer heat. (via This Wife Cooks)

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

No. 2 Pencil

Make these mashed potatoes up to two days in advance and pop them in the oven the day of the BBQ. Your guests will think you spent all morning slaving over the hot stove. Don't worry, though — your culinary secret is safe with us. (via No. 2 Pencil)

Pesto Turkey Meatball Sliders

The Yummy Life

Make some meatball patties in advance and store them in your fridge for three days – or the freezer for up to two weeks. Then, you can just top them with cheese and heat everything up 30 minutes before serving. (via The Yummy Life)

Easy Grilled Chicken for a Crowd

Cook The Story

Standing over a hot grill all summer afternoon is no way to enjoy your day. Pre-cook your chicken in the oven the night before, and it'll only need a quick reheat on the grill the day of. (via Cook The Story)

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Pink Owl Kitchen

It's really not a real barbecue feast if you don't have a cheesy mac to go on the side. This one takes notes from traditional soul food methods, adding in three, yes three different types of cheeses for texture and taste. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Make-Ahead Frozen Fruit Daiquiris

The Yummy Life

Whip up a big batch of frozen daiquiris the day before, and you'll get to enjoy them instead of being tied to the blender all barbecue long. (via The Yummy Life)

Mini Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Home Made Interest

Mini sandwiches FTW! These buffalo beauties are made with pre-cooked deli wings, so they'll be ready before you even know it. (via Home Made Interest)

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

The Fast Recipe

This cheese ball is a big dill to us. Generously coated in pickle pieces, sesame seeds, and cheese, each scoop you take will fulfill the salty cravings. (via The Fast Recipe)

Saucy Sesame Noodles

Tadka Pasta

Another take on traditional pasta salad, this one is covered in a delicious sesame-peanut sauce and topped with peanuts and fresh cucumber right before serving for a fresh crunch. (via Tadka Pasta)

Muffaletta Dip

Southern Spicy Kitchen

This dip might have a lot of ingredients, but it comes together in an instant with just a little choppin' and droppin'. (via Southern Spicy Kitchen)

Make-Ahead BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Sliders

Cozy Cravings

Eliminate the need for a long prep time with this easy BBQ-friendly recipe! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is the star of the show here, covering tender slider buns in juicy texture. Take the rest of the toppings as a choose-your-own-adventure job! (via Cozy Cravings)

Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes

Family Fresh Meals

Trying to cook enough potatoes for everyone in the oven would take all day, not to mention your house would turn into a sauna. Cool off and let your crock pot do the work. Did we convince you to buy one yet? (via Family Fresh Meals)

Green Bean Casserole Cups

Let's Dish

In less than 30 minutes you can have the perfect easy-to-eat appetizer thanks to a package of frozen phyllo shells. You can thank us later. (via Let's Dish)

Summer Panzanella Salad

Chef Bai

Panzanella provides the perfect balance between carbs and veggies. This well-seasoned one is constructed from only *the best* produce. (via Chef Bai)

Mini Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pies

Barley & Sage

Why make a big, heaping batch of chicken pot pie, when you could playfully serve it up personal-sized? These pockets get prepped ahead of time, enveloping a veggie medley in tender puff pastry. After that, just bake them golden brown, according to the recipe! (via Barley & Sage)

Spicy Watermelon Salad

Amanda Wilens

BBQ goes super well with fresh watermelon. This recipe pick makes a spicy twist on your regular fruit salad, adding some zing to your outdoor dining game. (via Amanda Wilens)

What tips do you have for planning a backyard BBQ? Will any of these recipes make the cut? Let us know @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

So, you've found your 2025 word of the year and are ready for the biggest reset of your life. Now all you have to do is map out how you're going to get there. You could opt for vague ideas that live only in your head, but when has that motivated you to achieve your goals in the past?

If you think we're putting you on the spot, we're not! We're here to encourage you to dream boldly by being detailed about what you actually want. Of course, we have the perfect list of deep questions and journal prompts so you can tap into the life you want to live.

Here are 25 deep questions to ask yourself and journal about to guide you toward your 2025 vision of personal growth and self-improvement:

Marcus Aurelius

Questions About Your Daily Routine

Please don't throw eggs at us! We know you don't want to feel governed by a schedule like you're in grade school, but there are benefits to having something to guide you daily. According to Northwestern Medicine, you can "reduce stress" and even "get better rest" by having a routine.

If you've been promising yourself to improve in these areas, here are 5 questions to ask yourself:

  • How many of hours of sleep do I typically get per night?
  • What distractions can I eliminate before bed so I'm not groggy in the morning? (i.e., no more binge watching my favorite TV shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok)?
  • Do I have a morning routine or do I rush through taking a shower, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast?
  • How do I usually feel when I get to work?
  • Am I okay with setting a reminder for myself to take a break during the work day so I can stretch my legs, eat lunch, or go for a quick walk?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Self-Care

Making time for your self-care is a part of your daily routine, but we want to dig deeper by sharing questions that'll help you reflect on how you treat yourself.

  • How do I want to feel about myself in 2025?
  • Did I have moments I looked in the mirror and didn't like the way my skin or body looked this year?
  • Have I been prioritizing my mental health?
  • Did I make space for exercising (i.e. walking, yoga, running, etc.)?
  • Did I create healthy boundaries with family, friends, or someone I'm dating?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Career

We almost said, "Here comes the fun part," but that would be unfair for people who consider other areas of their lives more important to chasing a career. If you are focused on pursuing something you're passionate about or simply want to earn a new promotion, here's what you can ask yourself:

  • What are my biggest career accomplishments this year?
  • What skills do I need to sharpen that align with the position I want?
  • How do I respond to constructive criticism?
  • What is my usual response to change or tight deadlines?
  • Do I ask for help when I don't understand a project or concept?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Home

Your home is anywhere that you live even if you're renting or living with your parents for the time being.

  • How did the energy in my home feel?
  • Did I do anything to make it feel like me?
  • How can I create a relaxing environment in my room that promotes rest and relaxation?
  • Do I want to have a certain aesthetic for my living room, office, etc.?
  • What does having a clean and organized home mean to me?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Relationships

Have you been making excuses for toxic friends or ignoring red flags? If it's okay, we're going to sit by you and gently suggest it's time for a change. The kind of life you want to live can't be weighed down by old habits of yours or some of the people you've been spending time with, especially if you've been feeling uncomfortable.

  • What kind of friendships do I want to have in 2025?
  • Do I have a reliable support system?
  • What did I love about my romantic relationship this year?
  • Are there certain conversations I need to have with family members, friends, or my partner that I've been avoiding?
  • Do I need to change the way I show up in my platonic or romantic relationships?

Get a jumpstart on transforming your space for 2025 with easy feng shui tips!

The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

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1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

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2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

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3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

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4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

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5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

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7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

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8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

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9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!