This Cranberry Mint Mimosa Is What Your Brunch Is Missing

Dec 18, 2015

Menu in need of some extra zing at your next winter brunch soiree? B+C to the rescue! We paired up with Barefoot Wines to bring you a much-needed update to our favorite AM cocktail: the trusty mimosa. Made with Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvée, muddled cranberries, mint and a lil’ orange zest, this bad boy is super quick to whip up, but will definitely impress the guests. Check out the video below to see *just* how simple this tasty ‘tail is to make.

Ingredients:

— Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvée
— cranberries
— orange slice
— orange zest
— mint
— cotton candy (optional)

Tools:

— zester

— muddler

First up: Drop cranberries, fresh orange zest and mint into your glass. Muddle, muddle, muddle until your cranberries have split and the ingredients are slightly combined.
What’s with the mug, you ask? We say, why NOT prep your mimosa in a mug? It is the morning, after all :)
Add some fresh, unsmashed cranberries to the glass, then top off with Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvée.
Looking for some Instagram gold? Add a slice of orange, more fresh mint and, yep, COTTON CANDY to your cran mint ‘mosa. The cotton candy will melt on contact and work as a sweetener for your drink. How rad is that?

Last step: Say “Cheers!” with your squad! Brunches are just better with bubbly, you know?

This post is a collaboration with Barefoot Bubbly.

Video Production + Styling: Kristin Brewer, Katie Booker, Michael Sullivan + Alonna Morrison
Photo Styling: Madeline Bachelder + Anita Yung
Photography: Chris Andre

Collaboration Hacks Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Verizon

verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

business advice business course business program business tips career collaborations digital ready program small business small business tips unexpected challenges verizon sponsorship women in business sponsored entrepreneurship

10 Gorgeous Headboards To Immediately Cozy Up Your Bedroom

Our bedrooms should feel like a luxe getaway from the daily stresses of work and life commitments. But sometimes a whole overhaul isn't in the budget cards. Simply adding or swapping a new headboard can instantly change and elevate the look of your room. Headboards are generally less expensive than full bed frames, making them a budget-friendly option, plus they take up less floor space if you're tight on square footage. They're easier to install too than a whole bed, and when it's time to move, they're easy to take along. If you're not up for DIYing a new headboard, here are 10 gorgeous headboards to instantly refresh your space, based on your decor aesthetic.

Regency

GreenRow

GreenRow Merida Upholstered Headboard

This very demure, very mindful headboard is giving Regency vibes with a dreamy floral motif and scroll shape. Made In 100% cotton with an FSC-certified solid wood frame, it's the feminine upgrade your bedroom's been missing!

Earthy

The Citizenry Hanging Leather Headboard

Give your earthy decor a luxury look with this minimal headboard made in ethically-sourced leather from Portugal. Made in a fair trade environment, the headboard is lightweight and easy-to-install and look gorgeous in any modern space.

Mid-Century Modern

Article

Article Rolph Queen Velvet Headboard

This cozy headboard upholstered in a soft green velvet is a standout piece for your midcentury decor.

Art Deco

Urban Outfitters

UO Noah Headboard

This swoon-worthy headboard with wavy top adds a hint of Art Deco to your space.

Quiet Luxury

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel Arden Camel Brown Upholstered Headboard

Quiet luxury in headboard form: this elegant wingback shape upholstered in faux mohair is stunning in our favorite classic color: camel brown. But there are plenty of hues and fabrics to choose from in this custom piece.

Cottagecore + Farmhouse

Lulu and Georgia

Lulu and Georgia Adara Headboard

Whether you're feeling farmhouse modern or cottagecore, this gingham headboard with a subtle wing will elevate your space. It comes in a variety of prints too. Here's a budget version too!

Boho

Wayfair

Sarratt Headboard

Made in Indonesia, this natural rattan headboard is giving tropical vibes but fits right into your boho decor too with its organic aesthetic. No assembly required *and* it stands on its own so mounting required!

Scandinavian

Etsy

The Big Carolina Headboard

Minimalist friends, this fluted solid wood headboard with floating shelves solves your space issues and is functional too.

Eclectic

Urban Outfitters

UO Noah Striped Headboard

Cabana stripes will forever feel like a summer escape. Add a punch of yellow to your decor with this fun and playful headboard design.

Coastal

Wayfair

Hoya Headboard

This dreamy seashell-shaped design in handwoven rattan will cheer up your coastal decor and may even inspire your next trip!

Check out our online newsletter for more bedroom decor inspo!

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

bedroom decor home decor trends home decor inspiration interior design home decor

How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon

verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

audio books digital ready program entrepreneurs mindset online business podcast unexpected challenges verizon sponsorship women in business social media work money marketing career sponsored entrepreneur

Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds Get Cozy In Adorable Date Night Selfie

There are a lot of celebrity couples we love (Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce! Katy Perry & Orlando Bloom!), but if you ask me, nobody handles having a relationship in the spotlight like Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. This hilarious duo protects their kids, but they're also always down for a good time.

The couple first met in 2010 while filming Green Lantern, which has quickly become regarded as Ryan Reynolds' worst movie (the actor said he'd "genuinely rather watch just a f—ing 24-hour marathon of PAW Patrol). But, in addition to the fact I didn't think the movie was all that bad, it also gave the world the gift of Ryan & Blake's relationship. The couple quickly fell in love, tying the knot in 2010. Since then, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have had four children (James, Inez, Betty, and Olin), launched a variety of brands like Betty Buzz, Aviation Gin, and Blake Brown Beauty, and given Hollywood some of its most iconic movies — all while supporting and praising one another. Keep reading for their full relationship timeline.

Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds' Full Relationship Timeline

François Duhamel/DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

How did Blake and Ryan meet?

2010 — Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Meet While Filming Green Lantern

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds met on the Green Lantern set. After they filmed the movie, they ended up going out with other people, but hitting it off with each other.

"We were buddies for a long time, which I think is the best way to have a relationship, to start as friends," Ryan Reynolds said in an interview with SiriusXM's Entertainment Weekly Radio in 2016. "About a year after Green Lantern had come and gone and we were both single, we went on a double date — she was on a date with another guy, and I was on a date with another girl — and it was like the most awkward date for the respective parties because we were just like fireworks coming across."

Their relationship quickly evolved to the one we know and love today!

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

October 22, 2011 — Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Reportedly Start Dating

After Blake and Ryan (along with their dogs) were spotted outside a Boston apartment, a source told People: “They are very much a couple. They’re really happy together.”

Blake Lively revealed that at the start of their relationship, Ryan gave her a bouquet every single week. "When my husband and I first got together, he would send me a bouquet of flowers every week, but he would always send a card and it would just be a sentence of something that had happened that week," the actress tells People. "Something funny or emotional that one of us said."

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

September 9, 2012 — Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Get Married

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds said "I do" in September of 2012. The wedding had a children's choir & a Florence Welch performance, paper lanterns, and a sour cream wedding cake with peach-apricot preserves, according to People. But the planning didn't go as smoothly as one might hope.

"Our wedding was becoming a disaster, and we didn't know what to do, so we called Martha!" BlakeLively told Vogue in 2014. "She said, 'Don't worry. I'll handle it.' She sent her team down to save us."

The wedding took place at Boone Hall Plantation, a former slave plantation in South Carolina, a location the couple is "unreservedly sorry for," Reynolds told Fast Company in 2020.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

May 5, 2014 — Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Make Their Red Carpet Debut

At the 2014 "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" Met Gala, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds looked glamorous and sophisticated with Blake's Gucci Première gown with rose gold details and Ryan's dark blue velvet tux.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation

December 16, 2014 — Blake Lively Gives Birth To Her First Child

Blake first announced her pregnancy on her since-closed website Preserve. She told Vogue in July 2014 how excited she was to start a family with Ryan. “He’s going to be a great father and leader and patriarch—he’s so meant to be all of those things," she said. "The fact that he lived so much before we got together, he’s the exact realized person that he should be.”

"They are absolutely ecstatic and just so ready for this. It is the perfect time in their lives to start this new chapter; they are so in love and are going to be amazing parents," a Peoplesource said at the time.

Ryan Reynolds confirmed their first daughter James' birthday on December 16, 2015, when he tweeted, "Happy birthday to my baby girl! Sad I lost my virginity. But thankful I have a daughter."

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Target

September 30, 2016 — Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Welcome Their Second Child

Two years after giving birth to James, US Weekly confirmed Blake Lively (who was filming The Shallows at the time) was pregnant with baby number 2! “Blake is absolutely thrilled and so is Ryan,” the source told People.

Blake Lively gave birth to Inez on September 30, 2016.

Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

May 2, 2019 — Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Walk Detective Pikachu Red Carpet, And Announce Baby Number 3

At the New York premiere for Detective Pikachu, Blake Lively surprised fans by showing off a baby bump and announcing her third pregnancy! Their daughter Betty was born on October 4, 2019.

Ryan Reynolds confirmed the baby was a girl in an October 16 tweet, while Taylor Swift revealed the baby's name in "Betty" from her 2020 album Folklore.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

May 2, 2022 — Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Stun At The 2022 Met Gala

As Met Gala co-chairs, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds pulled out all the stops for their iconic looks. Blake's art deco gown was the perfect nod to New York, and represented Grand Central Station and the Statue of Liberty. Ryan looked very handsome in a black velvet tux.

Blake Lively/Instagram

February 2023 — Blake Lively Gives Birth To Her Fourth Child With Ryan Reynolds

After showing up to the 10th Annual Forbes Power Women's Summit with a baby bump in September, Blake unofficially announced the birth of their fourth baby (whom we now know is named Olin) with an Instagram post that shows the actress without a baby bump.

"Puppy Bowl Sunday 2023🥘 🍲 🥧 been busy," she says in the February 12 post.

Blake Lively/Instagram

July 26, 2024 — Blake Lively And Her Kids Make A Deadpool 3 Cameo

After fan speculation that Deadpool & Wolverine would either include Blake Lively or Taylor Swift, we were over the moon to see Blake make a (masked) cameo, along with Inez and Olin!

"In 2010, @robliefeld drew an unmasked Lady Deadpool for the first time," she says on Instagram. "@deadpoolmovie wasn’t real. And Rob had no idea I was working with @vancityreynolds. 12 years later I read Rob’s post. A year after that, @deadpoolmovie 3 was filmed. And today it’s in theaters. The universe has such a magical sense of humor sometimes."

Blake Lively & BFF Gigi Hadid also revealed that Ryan Reynolds loves a girls' night, which is information I didn't know I needed.

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

August 6, 2024 — Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Attends It Ends With Us Premiere

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds love to support each other at their movie premieres, but it goes way deeper than that. "He works on everything I do, I work on everything he does. So his wins, his celebrations are mine and mine are his," Blake told E! News. "The iconic rooftop scene [in It Ends With Us], my husband actually wrote it."

At the New York premiere for the new Blake Lively movie, Blake and Ryan shared a moment that proves they belong together. While heading to talk to People on the carpet, Blake Lively leans over and grabs Ryan Reynolds' butt. And the funniest part is that Ryan doesn't even turn around.

"He didn’t even react because It happens so often," one user jokes in the comments, while another says, "I love the respect that they have for each other - with love! Yes that her man!"

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images For Entertainment Weekly

September 9, 2024 — Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Celebrate Their 12th Wedding Anniversary

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have been married for 14 years as of September 9, 2024. And the couple remains closer than ever. "Blake and Ryan are a great team when it comes to both their family and work," a source told People. "They're super supportive of each other. He's very proud of her. They have a great marriage and love to celebrate everything they created together."

& Juliet On Broadway

October 23, 2024 — Blake Lively Celebrates Ryan Reynolds' Birthday

Ryan Reynolds turned 48 on October 23, and to celebrate, Blake took him and the kids to see a matinee showing of & Juliet! "I don't know what to get him for his birthday? What do you get him for his birthday? I know he loves musicals, I love musicals, the kids love musicals. So it felt like the right choice!" Blake told the cast, according to a People source. "They were just raving about how good it was."

Bringing Ryan and the kids to the show (which features songs like Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time"), just proves how much Blake knows her family!

Ryan Reynolds/Instagram

October 31, 2024 — Ryan Reynolds Celebrates Eras Tour Date Night With Blake Lively

After attending another Eras Tour show (this time in New Orleans), Ryan Reynolds celebrated the "cultural phenomenon" with a super sweet post. And of course, it includes a super sweet selfie with Blake Lively. Blake went full Reputation with a black tank and snake-like necklace (and plenty of friendship bracelets, of course), while Ryan wore a button down.

"I’ll still be talking about seeing this show in New Orleans [when I'm 95]. Not just because it’s one of the best things I’ve seen/heard/felt," he says on Instagram. "The main reason I’ll never forget this show is because it brings people together in so many ways. And in 2024, (where that feeling is scarce as h—ll) it’s a special and incredibly rare thing. I’ve shot movies in New Orleans most of my career. It’s a special place on a normal day — but this weekend, felt like Super Bowl or Mardi Gras had a baby with music."

"I don’t understand the unimaginable work, care, talent and discipline @taylorswift generates to create an experience like this because I’m not a scientist," he continues. "It’s an athletic event and a collective cultural phenomenon. It’s gigantic but intimate. The only bummer is she can’t be in the audience to experience what everyone else sees and feels. To watch herself up there is something I wish she could know. But that isn’t physically possible and even if it were, you can’t just get tickets last minute."

What is the age difference between Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds?

Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images

Blake Lively was born on August 25, 1987, meaning she just turned 37. Ryan Reynolds, who was born on October 23, 1976, is 47. They have a 9-year age gap.

Was Blake Lively married before Ryan Reynolds?

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds is Blake Lively's first husband, but before they got married, the actress dated her Gossip Girl costar Penn Badgley and also reportedly dated Leonardo DiCaprio. Ryan Reynolds was married to MCU & Jurassic World: Rebirth star Scarlett Johansson from 2008 to 2010.

Is Blake Lively in any of Ryan Reynolds' movies?

Paramount Pictures

Yes, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have been in the same movies! After meeting during the production of Green Lantern, Blake Lively has a role as an imaginary friend in Ryan Reynolds' IF. This spring movie follows Ryan Reynolds' character and his neighbor Bea, who set out to save all the imaginary friends. The movie also stars director John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, Alan Kim, Liza Colón-Zayas, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell.

Blake Lively, Inez, and Olin also had roles in Deadpool & Wolverine as Ladypool, Kidpool, and Babypool. Blake's appearance in the movie had been a fan theory for such a long time, and I was so excited to see it come to life!

Who is Blake Lively's half sister?

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for People's Choice Awards

Blake Lively's half-sister is Robyn Lively. Robyn also works in Hollywood, just like Blake's brother Eric Lively and brother-in-law Bart Johnson. Robyn and Blake have also acted together — Robyn made a cameo in It Ends With Us during one of the opening scenes!

Check back here for the latest news on this lovable celebrity couple. Check out Blake Lively's Daughters Had The Cutest Reaction To Taylor Swift Singing Their Names Onstage for more.

Lead image via Cindy Ord/Getty Images

pop culture relationships blake lively celebrity

20 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes To Get The Party Started

When you're planning the menu for your Thanksgiving or holiday party, appetizers can often fall by the wayside. Somewhere between the main course and dessert, you forgot about the little bites that really get the party started! Have no fear — here are 20 easy Thanksgiving appetizer recipes that are sure to impress your guests while you finish cooking up the main meal. Just remind everyone to save room for turkey and pie!

Wonky Wonderful

Sweet Potato Casserole Bites

Turn a favorite side dish into an appetizer with just sweet potatoes, marshmallows and pecans! Now you'll never worry about the potato-to-marshmallow ratio in your casserole ever again. (via Wonky Wonderful)

The View from Great Island

Baked Brie with Roasted Maple Cranberries

You can never go wrong with baked brie. Creamy, sweet and savory all at once, no one will believe it only took four ingredients. (via The View from Great Island)

Host the Toast

Easy Cranberry Chipotle Cocktail Meatballs

A seasonal take on the Pinterest-famous jelly meatballs, these have just the right amount of spice for those who can’t stomach too much heat, while still staying tart and sweet. (via Host the Toast)

The Kitchn

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Customize some leftover mashed potatoes with your favorite flavors: curry, Italian seasonings, or even spinach and goat cheese! These bite-sized appetizers are warm and creamy inside and crispy on the outside. It doesn’t get any better than that! (via The Kitchn)

Crowded Kitchen

Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

Crunchy, spicy, and creamy all at the same time, these vegan jalapeño poppers are easy to prep with minimal ingredients. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Well Plated

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Presenting the ultimate make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer recipe: these bites can be assembled and frozen — either baked or unbaked — weeks before a party. Oh, and they’re delicious. (via Well Plated)

Half Baked Harvest

Cranberry, Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, + Brie Skillet Nachos

One dish is all you need for these fancy nachos. Caramelize your veggies, add your spices to balance the sweetness, add cranberries (because fall) and then add the brie for the creamy, nacho-y goodness. Pretty simple, yet pretty awesome! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Averie Cooks

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

For the brine lovers out there, this pickle-flavored cheese ball delivers all the best flavors. Serve with crackers for a total Thanksgiving snack win. (via Averie Cooks)

Half Baked Harvest

Spicy Fontina Spinach, Artichoke + Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms

As the love child of Mexican food and spinach and artichoke dip, these mushrooms are very addictive. You can stuff the 'shrooms in advance and just bake them before serving, leaving you free to socialize with your guests and pour another glass of bubbly! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Whitney Bond

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

food recipes roundups thanksgiving recipes appetizer recipes