How to Find Creativity Anytime and Anywhere

Whether you’re stalking boards for fashion inspo, recipe ideas, or workout tips, we all know how real Pinterest envy can be — and in no area is it more intense, perhaps, than interior design. For the creatives among us (and aren’t we all creatives?), the beautifully appointed workspaces and retreats pictured on social media are an envy-inducing category unto themselves. As much as we’d all like to have a Pinterest-perfect room in our homes dedicated to creative projects and pursuits, space and money is often limited, so those dreamy retreat spaces stay confined to our imaginations.

We spoke to creativity expert Lynn Newman, and her thoughts on creative retreats will give you hope. The good news? A truly effective creative retreat doesn’t have to take up a literal room in your home.

“You don’t actually need a physical space — or you can have one if you want to,” she says. “I see it as a creative inner space, which can be done anywhere and at any time. It’s the intention to take time out of yourself to play.”

This advice may rob you of an excuse to redecorate (sorry!), but it will also empower you to be your most creative self, even if you don’t have an art studio or craft room. What makes a creative retreat? According to Newman, that special inner space (or physical space, if you have it) is all about getting out of the stress of the everyday world, developing a relationship with yourself, finding clarity on how you relate to others, letting people know you’re taking time off, and doing what you need to do to have the retreat experience.

“I find people can spend too much time designing their space and less time creating in it,” Newman says. “It can be a distraction in a way, and I find far too often that once the energy has been spent to set it up, people then don’t use it.”

Newman notes that her own creative retreat is simple: a painting board screwed into a wall in her living room, with paints and brushes always laid out. “Even though I’m busy throughout the day, I may find myself doing a stroke here or there, or adding color,” she says. “Over time, small minute intervals there add up.”

To create a retreat in the spirit of Newman’s advice — and without taking out a loan to renovate your house — stick to the basics. First, make sure you’re setting aside the time to be creative. Figure out the circumstances in which you find yourself feeling inspired. Do you like music or quiet? Do you need a certain period away from social media to get into a creative mindset? How can you eliminate distractions? Once you understand those things, it will be easier for you to figure out — in time! — how you can build a simple retreat that will make you want to work on creative projects.

Where are you most creative? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

It’s the countdown to party time and that means it's time for *all* the Christmas party food! You’ve been baking different cookie recipes for weeks in advance, coming up with the perfect holiday mocktails, and prepping your Christmas appetizers.

Now all you need is to work out the rest of your holiday menu — something your peeps can grab and go while they mingle, dance and gift swap with festive abandon. Well, we’ve got you covered!

Here are 30 party foods that are sweet to look at and easy to eat!

Brit + Co

Mac + Cheese Donuts

Nothing helps warm you up in wintry weather like comfort food, especially cheesy macaroni. For party season, put it in handheld form with our donut-shaped recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Leslie Grow

Breakfast Sandwiches

If you're having a breakfast or brunch party (coffee! pastries! pj's!), then definitely add these mini sandwiches to the menu. They're savory, sweet, and literally so delicious. (via Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Easy Christmas Cookies

Every party needs some sweets, and these Christmas cookies are as festive as they come. They look amazing, and they're actually super easy to put together, which makes us love them even more. (via Brit + Co)

Cabot Creamery

Butter Candles

Upgrade your usual bread and butter spread with this TikTok food trend that will leave your guests in awe. Make a savory butter candle, a sweet one, or one of each! (via Brit + Co)

Sinful Kitchen

Red Velvet Cheesecake

This cheesecake will taste amazing no matter how you serve it. Grab some festive plates or make a variety of tiny cheesecakes with a muffin tin. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

Chocolate-Pecan Treat

This dessert doesn't just have to be for Thanksgiving. The sweet flavors definitely work all winter long, but we wouldn't say no to some candy cane pieces on top ;). (via Brit + Co)

Leslie Grow

Sweet Chai Latte Cupcakes

If we're honest, anything that's reminiscent of our favorite winter drinks is a Christmas party food in our books. Chai spice mix *and* a bag of chai tea really bring out the flavors of this recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Rachael Ray / Home Chef

Cheesy Crushed Potatoes

This recipe from Rachael Ray can be served with pork chops or on their own as a Christmas party food. Baking your Yukon potatoes and then smashing 'em with a glass creates an elevated look without any extra effort. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Dish out these soups in tiny bowls to make them crowd-friendly. Don't forget a piece of bread for each bowl too! And cheese...you definitely don't want to forget the cheese. (via Brit + Co)

Everyone Will Want To Try These Christmas Party Foods

Sweet Cayenne

Ranch Pretzel Bites

Take your favorite sourdough pretzels and bake them in a tangy ranch coating for this delicious crowd-pleaser. Pretzel bites are a party staple any day of the year, but the seasoning makes these a special occasion all their own. (via Sweet Cayenne)

Eclectic Everyday

Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread With Marinara Dipping Sauce

This pull-apart bread is savory, not sweet — each little ball of dough is stuffed with cheese. It’s like biting into little heavenly pillows of doughy goodness. (via Eclectic Everyday)

Number 2 Pencil

Snowman Cheese Ball

Instead of a corn-cob pipe and a button nose, this snowman has a carrot nose and peppercorn buttons! He'll pairs well with your favorite crackers or chips. (via Number 2 Pencil)

Small Town Woman

Toasted Ravioli

Crispy and crunchy on the outside and meaty and tender on the inside, toasted ravioli is basically faux-fried food at its finest. (via Small Town Woman)

Averie Cooks

Reindeer Chow

Ever wonder what Santa feeds Rudolph? Look no further than this festive take on "muddy buddies." (via Averie Cooks)

Food Lovin' Family

Shrimp Dip

A cheesy seafood favorite for parties, this dip is simple to make with just a few ingredients. Pair it with thick sourdough bread and enjoy! (via Food Lovin' Family)

Connoisseurus Veg

Cheesy Vegan Mashed Potato Pancakes

Now this is how to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes for the party season. They go especially well with some sliced avocado or cashew cream. (via Connoisseurus Veg)

Joyful Healthy Eats

Pomegranate Honey Ricotta Toast

So, toast may be a bit of an undertaking for party noshing, but your guests will be wowed by this sweetly delicate combination. It's cheesy, it's rich, it's fluffy — the end. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)

Cooking Classy

Lasagna Zucchini Boats

This appetizer has all the delicious flavors of veggie lasagna, but you can serve them up without utensils. Finger foods for the win! (via Cooking Classy)

You Don't Want To Miss These Christmas Party Recipes

Girl Carnivore

Deep Fried Macaroni and Cheese

A classic take on deep-fried snacks, these macaroni and cheese balls are breaded, warm, and gooey. Those are all the best parts of a party food if you ask us. (via Girl Carnivore)

Give It Some Thyme

French Onion Smashed Potato Bites

If you're wondering what the difference is between a smashed potato and a mashed one, you're not alone. These gently squished baby potatoes serve as a base for all that melty cheesy and caramelized onion. (via Give It Some Thyme)

Kitchen Sanctuary

Cranberry & Brie Bites

These little phyllo bites could not be easier to make. But better prepare a double batch, because your peeps are going to make like starved animals the minute you pop these out of the oven. (via Kitchen Sanctuary)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Baked Brie en Croute

Cheese is such a crowd-pleaser, and even better when the cheese is pungent melted brie. (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Simply Delicious

Bacon & Cheese Potato Croquettes

There’s something magical that happens when yummy mashed potato batter meets crispy bacon and sharp mature cheddar. Bet you’re salivating just thinking about it... (via Simply Delicious)

Give It Some Thyme

Roasted Butternut Squash Flatbread with Goat Cheese

Nothing shares better at a party than a flatbread. This one is your one-slice-pleases-all for winter flavors your guests will love. (via Give It Some Thyme)

Jamie Geller

Latke Sliders

Latkes? Check. Endless filling combinations for every night of Hanukkah and then some? Check. A holiday recipe that's sure to have something for everyone? Check check check! (via Jamie Geller)

Half Baked Harvest

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Browned Butter Buttercream

Cute gingerbread Christmas cupcakes are an absolute must at your party! The warmth of each bite will fill your guests with delight. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Completely Delicious

Citrus Spice Glazed Ham

A fun and festive Christmas party calls for a delicious ham — kudos if it has a citrus spice glaze drizzled over it. (via Completely Delicious)

These Christmas Party Food Ideas Will Be A Hit!

Pink Owl Kitchen

Southern Smothered Chicken

Smothered chicken is one of the South's staples, but we know this recipe will be a hit no matter where you throw your Christmas party. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Two Peas & Their Pod

One Pot Sausage Pasta

Don't discount the wonderful way that pasta can be a part of your meal spread. It's a one-pot dinner recipe you'll reach for well after the holidays. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

The Bossy Kitchen

Sea Salt Chocolate Fudge

Biting into sea salt chocolate fudge on Christmas sounds like sheer heaven. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

Find more recipes like these on our Pinterestand check out our email newsletter for more Christmas party food inspiration!

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

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Sally Jonesand Chloe Williams.

Taylor Swift fans everywhere were shocked to discover The Tortured Poets Department wasn't exclusively about Joe Alwyn — it actually featured a ton of songs that seem to be about Matty Healy, from "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" to "loml" and "Guilty As Sin?" Despite the fact the ex-couple met in 2014, and Taylor even wore 1975 merch during her 1989 era, they've never actually been featured on each other's albums (aside from one Midnights song that got scrapped). But it looks like that could all change because one anonymous source claims Taylor Swift will actually be on Matty's new album!

Here's everything you need to know about those Taylor Swift & Matty Healy album rumors.

  • Taylor Swift & Matty Healy have talked about each other since 2014, but were romantically linked over the summer of 2023.
  • Multiple songs on The Tortured Poets Department appear to be about The 1975 frontman, who says he doesn't want to write music about "casual" relationships.
  • However one DeuxMoi source says we could be seeing a Taylor Swift feature soon.

Is Taylor Swift on Matty Healy's new album?

Fans immediately went into a spiral when Matty shared "Downtown Lights" by Annie Lennox on his Instagram story. After all, that's the song Taylor Swift mentions in "Guilty as Sin?", one of the songs that appear to be about The 1975 front man. In the song, Taylor sings about feeling trapped in a relationship, while another person sends her Annie's song.

"Drowning in the Blue Nile / He sent me 'Downtown Lights' / I hadn't heard it in a while / My boredom's bone deep / This cage was once just fine / Am I allowed to cry?"

One source told DeuxMoi that they'd seen Matty's new tracklist, and the song choice was an Easter egg for Taylor's feature! Consider me gagged.

Will Matty Healy's new album feature songs about Taylor?

No, it looks like Matty won't write songs about his relationship Taylor Swift after he told People he didn't want to write about "casual" relationships. "I think that a lot of artists, they become very interested in their lore, or they become interested in the things that have happened outside of their art that people know about, and they want to address that," he says.

But Matty doesn't want to write about his relationships just because they're getting attention from the public. "I would kind of just be lying if I made a record about, I don’t know, all the stuff that was said about me or my casual romantic liaisons or whatever it may be that I’ve kind of become known for, just because I was famous," he says.

"The idea of making a record about something that personally happened to me," he continues, "that by the time I put it out is gonna be like two years old, I see people doing that as well, and it’s not interesting." Yikes.

But we could see songs about his fiancée Gabbriette Bechtel, and I'm hoping we do!

Is there a new 1975 album coming?

Yes, Matty Healy revealed during a performance that we're getting a new album soon! “We’re working on a new record now,” he said while sitting at the piano. He shared a snippet from a new song before telling the audience, "It’s a line actually, what is it…‘I take a minute when I think I won’t die from stopping.’”

“And that’s really how I’ve felt for a long time,” he continues. “We really appreciate you guys and thank you so much. We’re going to go away and hopefully make you a good new album. I just don’t know what to do in the meantime, really.”

Is Taylor Swift releasing a new album?

While a second source claims Taylor is releasing a new album December 6 and record stores have been notified, another user says the opposite, commenting, "As someone with multiple very close record store connections, I assure you, record stores have not be alerted of anything." December 6 kicks off the final Eras Tour weekend, so we'll have to see what kinds of tricks Taylor has up her sleeve!

What do you think about this Taylor Swift & Matty Healy rumors? Would you want to see them collab? Let us know in the comments and read up on The Taylor Swift Boyfriends You Love & The Ones You Didn't Know She Dated.

Life has a way of testing couples at every stage of their lives — just ask John Mulaney and Olivia Munn. From meeting a wedding to becoming parents together, they've almost seen it all. But, nothing is scarier than watching your partner fight a breast cancer diagnosis and doing your best to support them.

However, their story isn't just comprised of hard moments — the couple just shared they welcomed their second child together via surrogate! Here's everything to know about their relationship, including their brand new bundle of joy!

See John Mulaney & Olivia Munn's Complete Dating History Here!

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

2013 — Olivia Munn Remembers Meeting John Mulaney

Olivia Munn and John Mulaney's story began in 2013 when they met for the first time. "We were at a wedding and I was like, 'Oh my gosh, do you and your fiancé want to go have dinner or something and hang out," she told HuffPost Live. But, she thought she may have gone overboard because her email to the comedian never got a response. "I might've got the wrong email...That's what I tell myself."

December 2020 — Olivia Munn Offers Support As John Mulaney Checks Into Rehab

After that, John Mulaney married his then-fiancé, Anna Marie Tendler (via TODAY) while Olivia Munn dated Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers (via US Magazine). After Munn and Rodgers split, she then went on to date Álex Gonzàlez and Philadelphia Fusion president Tucker Rodgers.

Olivia Munn and John Mulaney didn't have any contact until the end of 2020 when the Mulaney experienced a relapse. It was clear Olivia hadn't forgotten about him because she reportedly tweeted, "Sending SO MUCH love and support to John Mulaney" before adding, "You got this," (via Vanity Fair).

Eric Charbonneau/Netflix

May 10, 2021 — John Mulaney Divorces From Anna Marie Tendler

John must've gained a lot of clarity during his time in rehab — he decided to divorce from Anna Marie Tendler once he came home. Though a spokesperson told Page Six, "John will not have any further comment as he continues to focus on his recovery and getting back to work," Anna chose to acknowledge how "heartbroken" she was.

Netflix

May 13, 2021 — John Mulaney And Olivia Munn Reportedly Start Dating

Olivia Munn and John Mulaney were rumored to be an item days after the latter's divorce news became public. A close source said to PEOPLE, "This is very new, they're taking it slowly." 👀

June 2021 — Olivia Munn And John Mulaney's First Public Outing

The new couple didn't issue a public statement about their relationship, but they were seen together at Rick's Drive In & Out after speculations about them were shared. A source who spotted the couple told PEOPLE, "They were having a great time during lunch, laughing and talking...enjoying each other's company."

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

September 2021 — John Speaks About Olivia's Pregnancy

When John Mulaney sat on the Late Night with Seth Myers couch, he talked about how life was going and shared some pretty big news with Seth Myers. "I went to rehab in September, I got out in October, I moved out of my home from my ex-wife … Then in the spring I went to Los Angeles and met and started to date a wonderful woman named Olivia," he said. Then he dropped the happy bombshell. "And we're having a baby together..." A source couldn't wait to reveal to PEOPLE how "extremely excited" they were to be having their first child together.

September 22, 2021 — Olivia Munn Talks Openly About Her Pregnancy

Olivia opened up about her pregnancy and even made a joke or two about how it was going at the time. "I've been getting a lot of rest and eating the right foods," she told PEOPLE. She also mentioned how her friends were responsible for her being "sane" during this time!

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

November 2021 — Olivia Munn Shares How She Feels About Public Scrutiny Of Her Relationship With John Mulaney

It seems we weren't the only ones interested in the details of Olivia and John's relationship because other people were making speculations about it. "It's definitely not foreign for me to have people speculate incorrectly about things and to have rumors run rampant in one way," she said to the Los Angeles Times. She went on to mention how people were clueless about "what any of his relationships were."

November 24, 2021 — John Mulaney And Olivia Munn Welcome Their First Baby

Not long after Olivia told everyone to mind their business, she and John welcomed their first son, Malcolm Hiệp Mulaney (via PEOPLE) on November 24, 2021. However, the couple didn't share him with the world until the following month. They shared separated Instagramphotos about their son's arrival — and the posts were nothing short of precious.

John wrote, "Meet Malcolm Hiệp Mulaney. He has his whole life ahead of him. He hasn't even tried seltzer yet. I'm very in love with him and his whole deal. Happy Holidays" on his caption while Olivia wrote, "My Golden Ox baby. Malcolm Hiệp Mulaney. Happy Holidays."

Netflix

February 2022 — John Mulaney Happily Talks About His Son While Hosting SNL

John took his time to gush about his family while hostingSNL a few months later. Stating that "Life is a lot better," he said his son was "pretty cool" and even joked about seeing the first few remnants of little Malcom's personality. While his son was on the warmer in the hospital, John could see "...he was annoyed." All he could think to himself was, "'That's my son.' A polite man in an uncomfortable situation..."

March 2022 — Olivia Munn Shares BTS Moments Of John Mulaney And Baby Malcolm

Olivia captured sweet BTS moments of John Mulaney and baby Malcolm on the set of SNL. She wrote, "Malcolm visited SNL Thursday afternoon. Here he is looking like your uncle being carried out of a wedding because he went too hard" as her funny caption.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Vogue

August 27, 2022 — John Mulaney Celebrates Turning 40

John Mulaney celebrated his 40th birthday on an empty stage surrounded by balloons, streamers, and baby Malcom. "There is truly no better way to turn 40," his caption reads. Unfortunately, some of the comments didn't focus on the sweet moment of a father holding his son, but they didn't get a response from John so we hope they were worth it!

October 11, 2022 — Malcolm Says His First Word

Most moms can relate to the fact their child's first word usually isn't mama. In true kiddo form, baby Malcolm's "first word was Daddy/Dada," according to this cute video clip Olivia Munn posted. In it, you can hear little one saying a couple of more words to the amusement of his parents.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

November 24, 2022 — Baby Malcom Turns One

The couple celebrated Baby Malcom's first birthday a little over a month after he spoke his first word and we wish someone would gift us a yummy chocolate cake based on how much fun it seems he had.

Olivia's Instagram caption reads, "Just got back from celebrating ONE YEAR of the most joyful baby being in this world and in our lives. My son, my joy. Happiest Birthday Malcolm Hiệp! I love you so so so much."

January 9, 2024 — Olivia And John Make It Red Carpet Official

The couple showed up on the red carpet together for the first time and they looked stunning! They attended the Governors Awards in L.A. and couldn't stop making heart eyes at each other.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

March 13, 2024 — Olivia Munn Shares A Shocking Diagnosis

Unfortunately, Olivia Munn revealed she'd been quietly navigating a breast cancer diagnosis on Instagram. She shared a carousel of photos that detailed her journey from discovery to treatment and was met with support of actresses like Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon.

"I'm so thankful to my friends and family for loving me through this. I'm so thankful to John for the nights he spent researching what every operation and medication meant and what side effects and recovery I could expect," she wrote.

July 10, 2024 — John Mulaney And Olivia Munn Tie The Knot

The couple took their relationship further by getting married earlier this summer. Their ceremony wasn't over-the-top nor did it involve a lot of people, according to PEOPLE. Olivia Munn's The Newsroom co-star, Sam Waterston was their officiant while Baby Malcolm and an onlooker witnessed the couple dedicate their lives to each other.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

September 14, 2024: John Mulaney and Olivia Munn's Second Baby Is Born

Shocking everyone, the couple announced the birth of their daughter Méi June Mulaney on Instagram. Welcomed via surrogate, Olivia revealed how she felt about this part of her and John's journey as parents. "I had so many profound emotions about not being able to carry my daughter. When I first met our gestational surrogate we spoke mother to mother. She showed me so much grace and understanding, I knew I had found a real-life angel," she wrote in her caption.

October 24, 2025: John Mulaney Praises Olivia Munn In Moving Speech

As evidenced by his passionate speech at InStyle's inaugural Imagemaker Award, John's no stranger to expressing his love for his wife. Olivia received the Woman of Impact award which seeks to celebrate a celebrity who's used their platform to shed light on something they genuinely care about (via PEOPLE). John used the time he presented the award to Olivia to talk about the breast cancer diagnosis that rocked their worlds.

"About a year [after learning of her diagnosis], Olivia shared her story," he began. "This was a cancer that was not detected from a BRCA gene test, it was not detected by a mammogram. It was detected because she took a heretofore not-that-known test called the lifetime breast cancer risk assessment test and they found that she had a 37 percent chance of breast cancer. And about a month later, she was having a double mastectomy. She shared her story to help anyone she could. According to the National Cancer Institute, in the week after Olivia shared the story of her breast cancer journey, there was a 4,000 percent increase in women visiting the breast cancer risk assessment. That was the first week. Olivia saving lives by speaking her truth is not surprising to me."

We love to see how John has been standing by her side throughout each stage of their relationship and wish them all the best!

November 12, 2024: John Mulaney Reveals Why Olivia Munn Drug Tested Him While Pregnant

In an article for GQ, John Mulaney and Olivia Munn got radically vulnerable about his recovery process. Olivia describes John's post-rehab self — and early on in their relationship, at that — as really unsteady and unsure of his sobriety. She says, "It was like watching a man in a tsunami. I was watching someone newly sober, at the edge of a cliff, and I didn’t know him well enough to help him."

John told her he was afraid of relapsing, but Olivia also explains that her pregnancy didn't seem to be what scared him or fueled his relapse fears. She says, “That’s the one thing that made him seem light and happy. I remember he was really excited to tell his parents.”

Still, Olivia wanted to be an active participant in John's recovery, so she started drug testing him randomly — all while she was six months pregnant. According to John, this was "a relief," and it's a habit they still have today. He says, “I like to be able to not even have that be a question in her or anyone else’s mind. Something about peeing in that cup is like, I’m walking this walk. It gives me confidence.”

@oliviamunn/Instagram

November 24, 2024: Olivia Munn Writes Sweet Post About Her And John Mulaney's Son, Malcolm

John Mulaney and Olivia Munn's son Malcolm has entered the next phase of being a toddler! According to PEOPLE, the little cutie turned 3 years old November 24, 2024 and received the sweetest shoutout from his mom on Instagram. "Magic Malc turns 3 today 🥹 🎂 This photo was taken last year just around the time I found out I had breast cancer. I remember this time fondly all because of this little boy. He’s made me stronger and softer in ways I never knew I could be. Happiest Birthday my sweet boy. You cracked my heart wide open," she wrote as her caption.

Brb, sobbing!

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This post has been updated.