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With warmer weather heading our way, showing off more skin is inevitable. And what better way to make your spring debut than with a stylish new ankle tattoo? Be it a dot-work sun, shaded waves, or even a simple smiley face, ahead you’ll find 7 tiny tattoo ideas to consider for your next ink sesh.
Image via Anna Tarazevich/Pexels
Single Star Tattoo
Solidify your spot as the star in your life by getting a star tattooed on one of your ankles. Just think — you can debut it while wearing one of your new going out tops this spring!
Image via Anna Keibalo/Unsplash
Bunny Tattoo
Getting a bunny tattoo during spring somehow feels seasonally appropriate. It doesn't matter that Easter is gone either. All you need to convince you that your dainty ankle tattoo is the thought that you're happily hopping from one chapter of your life to the next.
Image via Elif Dörtdoğan/Pexels
A Nod to Youth
Get this cute nostalgic tattoo to remind you to enjoy your life in the midst of crushing your goals! No seriously — get out and enjoy the sun!
Image via nappy/Pexels
What's My Age Again?
Blink-182 made the most nostalgic song in the early 2000s that works well for an ankle tattoo that displays the year you were born. If you're super committed to being a millennial or a part of Gen Z, this idea is perfect for you.
Image via Jessica Alves/Unsplash
Shine a Spotlight On Playing
Can you tell we're encouraging you to spend more time playing again? It may be fun to make money from your side hustle, but we dare you to fall in love with playing just because it's fun.
Image via Brit + Co
Karmic Cycles
Need a reminder that "what goes around, comes around?" Look no further than a small ankle tattoo that hints at karmic cycles.
Image via Nathan J Hilton/Pexels
Light as a Feather
Lastly, make it a point to be light as feather! We're not talking about how you walk either.
It's time to start breaking up with the way you let stress overwhelm you this spring.
RELATED: How to Find the Best Small Tattoo for You
This post has been updated.
Lead image via Jessica Alves/Unsplash
Party on! Game nights are the best nights, at least in our opinions. Seriously, what's more fun than sitting around the table playing a game, drinking a cocktail or two and laughing with friends?! We'd totally take that over a night sweating (and very awkwardly dancing) at the club.
We know you've made it through that Cards Against Humanity deck too many times to count, so refresh your adult game night stash with some of the best new party games around.
Game of Phones
This techy card game prompts you and your friends to compete in smartphone-based tasks. With assignments ranging from “Find your best #selfie” to “Create an emoji masterpiece,” you’re guaranteed belly laughs and conversation starters galore. Just like with Cards Against Humanity, each round has a judge that picks the winner, so get your phone stacked with game changers now.
hella awk-ward Card Game
If you want to spark real conversations with your guests, this is the game for you. By the end of this game, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of new pals. Play by drawing a card and answering the prompt to get to know friends and strangers alike on a deeper level.
What Do You Meme?
Amazon
This is the perfect game for anyone who has spent way too much time on the internet. Match funny captions with well-known internet memes (a rotating judge picks the best one) to create an afternoon or evening of hilarity.
Exploding Kittens Party Card Game
Amazon
My Ex [A Deck of Conversation Starters]
Amazon
Gather your closest BFFs and spend the night with some good ol’ trash talking (therapeutically, of course). You’ll definitely find out who had the craziest ex. Gather friends that are down for the drama and start by pulling a card. Some of the topics you’ll fill-in-the-blank include: 1. The biggest red flag. 2. What is your ex up to now? 3. The worst rebound.
WHAT DO YOU MEME? for The Girls
Shopify
Grab your girlfriends and stir the pot with this hilarious card game. To play, whoever has the most Instagram followers goes first and rolls the die. “Whichever side of the die lands face-up, take the top card from the corresponding color deck. Read it aloud to the group & perform whatever action is on the card,” the instructions read. “Some cards involve just that player, some require the whole group. The player to their left then rolls the die & the game continues like this. Every winning card gets you a point. 1 Card = 1 Point. The player with the most cards at the end wins!”
Say Anything
Walmart
If you’re looking to reeeally get to know your friends, this is the game for you and your group (um, and maybe an invite to the new person you’ve been dating is in order). By reading questions and providing answers, you’ll quickly and creatively get inside the mind of all your party guests fast.
BAD CHOICES - The Have You Ever? Game + After Dark Edition Set
Amazon
You’ll really get to know the other party guests with this game. This might not be one to play with your new coworkers or mother-in-law!
To play, each player will draw six cards. “When it's your turn, choose one of your six question cards, then ask it to the player you think is most likely to answer YES. If they say YES, you get to discard your card. If they say NO you have to keep the card and try to use it again later,” the instructions read. With Skip Cards, Draw +1, Draw +2, and ALL PLAY cards, there's a surprising amount of strategy. The player who discards all of their cards first becomes the winner.
The Game of Things
Amazon
This provocative game will leave your jaw on the floor from the hilarious, creative and outrageous things your friends say. Simply by drawing topic cards like “Things a chimp thinks about when he sees you at the zoo,” responses are sure to be out of this world. After everyone writes down a response, and the best part starts — you all guess who said what. Let the finger pointing begin.
What’s Yours Like?
Walmart
Tell it like it is and you’ll excel at this one. Players have to guess words based off of creative word clues after asking the question, “What’s yours like?” Seriously, we wanna know.If You Know You Know IYKYK - The Question Card Game
Amazon
Who knows each other best? This card game will (literally) put everyone’s cards on the table.
Getting started and playing this card game is super simple. A rotating judge asks the group a question about themselves from each of the three levels (indicated on the chosen card). Then, everyone chooses their answer. If you guess the judge's answer correctly, you get a point. The player with the most points wins.
That’s What She Said
Amazon
Are you basically Michael Scott from The Office? Any sucker for jokes and innuendos will love this saucy game.
Bananagrams
This one is fun to do with the kids or you can spice it up with an adults-only game. Like speed scrabble, the game comes in a convenient banana-shaped pouch making it great to play on the go.
Never Have I Ever
Amazon
Secret Confessions Game- Adult Version
Amazon
Get ready to laugh the night away with this far too funny game. Each group member will take turns reading the cards’ prompts. With each prompt, every player will answer “yes” or “no.”
The Voting Game
Amazon
In this game, instead of voting for the funniest answer, you vote for the player each card seems to describe. Talk about finding out who your real friends are.Drawing Without Dignity
It’s part Cards Against Humanity, part Pictionary. If you have friends who are particularly good artists (or even if they’re not), this game will bring you hours of fun.
Catan Strategy Board Game
Target
Like a medieval monopoly, full of knights, peasants, robbers and everything prehistoric. This game is focused around building settlements and protecting your land.Relative Insanity
Walmart
Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, this game is based around familial interactions gone wrong with a Cards Against Humanity style of playing.
Influencers in the Wild
Amazon
If you follow the popular Instagram account, then you can probably guess the basics of this board game. Go places, gain followers and get famous to win this pop culture game.
We hope you've enjoyed this round-up of our favorite adult card games, and even if Cards Against Humanity is now somehow worth $500 Million your memories from these nights will always be priceless!
Keep you party going with Brit + Co.
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.There’s a lot of conflicting information about tattoo aftercare and healing out there. Considering there are only seven states in which artists are required by law to provide aftercare instructions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or left in the dark about what exactly to do after your appointment. The tattoo healing process depends on how big the piece is, how intricate it is, and your body’s response to the ink – but all complications can be avoided with proper aftercare procedures to reduce the risk of infection, scarring, fading, or drying out.
The first step to tattoo aftercare actually comes before the needle even touches your skin – picking a reputable, professional tattoo artist ensures you’re getting the very best care and advice, so you can be on your way to rockin’ some cool body art.
Disclaimer: I am by no means a professional, so approach aftercare at your own discretion, taking this information (as well as your tattoo artist’s) with a grain of salt.
1. Keep the second-skin (medical-grade adhesive) on for several days, or however long your artist recommends.
Your artist will likely place a second-skin material over your tattoo after it’s finished. It works as a barrier to keep bacteria out while the tattoo is in its freshest stage, only meant to stay on a few days.
When it’s time to take it off, be patient and go slow to avoid damage to the skin. Before doing this, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and dry them with a paper towel to avoid additional germs and bacteria that could harvest in a normal hand towel.
Blood and plasma fluid coming out from the second-skin is normal, but if you notice any out-of-the-ordinary excretions or sensations, contact your tattoo artist ASAP.
2. Wash your tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free, unscented, antimicrobial soap.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS
After removing the second skin, the next step in aftercare is to wash off the tatted area. Using a gentle soap ensures that your tattoo doesn’t get any further irritation that could cause unfavorable healing.
When it’s time to wash, move gently, as the area can be tender. You’ll want to start with clean hands and wash with lukewarm water as well, to avoid burning the exposed skin. These are the soaps most commonly used for tattoo aftercare:
3. Moisturize after pat-drying your skin with a paper towel.
Image via People Of Substance
Though petroleum jellies (like Vaseline) can be moisturizing on the lips, it’s no longer widely recommended for tattoo aftercare. Too much of it can create a thick, non-breathable layer on top of your tattoo – less air-flow means slower healing and the potential for ink bleeding. Look to opt for light ointments and balms. Here are a few widely-loved ones:
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($16)
- People Of Substance All-Natural Tattoo Balm Stick ($15)
- Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream ($22)
- Lubriderm Daily Moisture Hydrating Unscented Body Lotion ($11, was $13)
- Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm Stick ($12)
Bandages or other tight skin coverings are not necessary once you’ve washed off your tattoo. A seal created by these barriers could restrict air-flow, too.
After a week or so, it’s safe to move away from ointments and balms, and onto gentle lotions like the Eucerin Unscented Advanced Repair Body LotionAdvanced Repair Body Lotion ($11, was $13).
4. Avoid *too* hot of showers + no physical activity for at least 48 hours after your appointment.
Heat caused by external factors (weather, hot water, etc) and sweating can increase the risk for the ink on your tattoo to bleed. Plus, moving around too suddenly (like how you would during a workout) causes your skin to stretch, potentially altering your tat’s shape. Not to mention, there’s a very real risk of infection from that grimy gym equipment!
5. Stay out of direct sun for at least 2 weeks.
Photo by Angela Roma / PEXELS
Sun can further damage your ink, so it’s not a good thing for tattoo aftercare. If you have to be out, your first line of defense should be a physical barrier like some loose clothing, then a light layer of mineral zinc oxide-based sunscreen to protect your tat.
6. No underwater activity for at least 2 weeks.
The risk for bacterial infection from the water in pools, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean is high. That’s why people prefer to get tatted in the winter, where they won’t have to actively avoid swimming and the subsequent FOMO of not diving in.
7. Stay hydrated!
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva / PEXELS
Hydrating your body hydrates your skin – and having hydrated skin means your tattoo is ready to heal as best as it can. Drinking water throughout the day (don’t go too crazy) certifies that your body can handle the ink. You also might want to avoid alcohol for a bit. It can cause bouts of dehydration and thin your blood, causing excess bleeding from the tattoo’s wound.
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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Lead photo by Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS
The holidays are here! Well, kind of. Thanksgiving isn’t until November 28 but as far as I’m concerned, November 1 is the day the festivities can begin. I’m pulling out my holiday candles, Christmas PJ’s, and even my How the Grinch Stole Christmas vinyl to make the dreary seasonal blues a little more cheerful. And a huge part of getting into the spirit is stacking up the perfect holiday movie marathon. Thankfully Netflix already has a bunch of holiday titles coming out over the next few weeks. Here are the best (new!!) holiday movies and specials coming to Netflix starting November 1.
Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition — On Netflix Now Until December 10
Adam Rose/Netflix
Nothing says the holidays like tons of delicious meals, and Chef David Chang is cooking some amazing food for his celebrity friends — and he's doing it all live. (Because, a lot of TV cooking uses swaps and stylists to make it look better than it actually is). I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition is hosted by David Chang.
Meet Me Next Christmas — On Netflix November 6
Sophie Giraud/Netflix
Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience, and Layla's looking for her own fairytale romance this holiday season. And believe it or not, the ticket to finding her one true love is getting into the Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.
Meet Me Next Christmas streams November 6 and stars Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, Kalen Allen, Nikki Duval, and Wesley French.
Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13
Petr Maur/Netflix
Nobody puts me in the holiday spirit like seeing Lacey Chabert onscreen, and this year, she's playing Kathy, a widow who happens to bring a handsome snowman to life. (I don't remember this in the "Frosty the Snowman" lyrics!). He helps Kathy reconnect with her emotions as they begin to fall for each other — and as he begins to melt.
Hot Frosty will stream on Netflix beginning November 13 and stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly, and Chrishell Stause.
Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas — On Netflix November 19
Petr Maur/Netflix
It's almost time for Virgin River season 6, which means we're getting closer to the ultimate cozy TV show. I mean, just look at those twinkly lights and pine trees in this preview image! It gives me the same exact feeling as drinking a mug of hot cocoa. This year, we're getting closer to Mel and Jack’s wedding, and confronting some serious secrets and drama along the way. This might not count as a Netflix holiday movie but I couldn't NOT include it!!!
Virgin River season 6 hits Netflix November 19 and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, John Allen Nelson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, Jessica Rothe, and Callum Kerr.
The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20
Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix
Remember that One Tree Hill episode where the Ravens take part in the "Boy Toy" charity auction? Complete with a shirtless fashion show? Consider this the Netflix holiday movie response. When former dancer Ashley learns her parents' performing venue is in danger, she puts together the ultimate Christmas-themed show to raise money. Shirts not included.
The Merry Gentlemen hits Netflix November 20 and stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel
Spellbound — On Netflix November 22
Skydance Animation/Netflix
Okay, this fantasy movie might not technically be a Christmas movie, but it has everything I need in my Netflix holiday movies: family, hope, and love. After her parents are turned into monsters, princess Ellian must go on the ultimate quest to put everything right.
Spellbound hits Netflix November 22 and stars Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.
Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27
Bob Mahoney/Netflix
If EXmas taught us anything, it's that spending the holidays with your ex is anything but calm. And in Lindsay Lohan's new movie, she finds herself at the same Christmas celebration as her ex when they realize their new SO's are siblings. No, that's not awkward at all.
Our Little Secret hits Netflix November 27 stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.
Is It Cake? Holidays — On Netflix November 28
Netflix
The only thing more enjoyable than eating delicious food is watching master bakers create beautiful food. This holiday special features edible ice skates, nutcrackers, and reindeer that will change the way you look at baking forever. Watch it in one sitting and it definitely counts as a holiday movie ;).
Is It Cake? Holidays hits Netflix November 28 and stars Jonny Manganello, Andrew Fuller, April Julian, Elizabeth Rowe, Miko Kaw Hok Uy, Danya Smith, Henderson Gonzalez, Grace Pak, and Jujhar Mann, with judges Rachel Bloom, Hannah Berner, Tiffany Haddish, Devon Walker, James Austin Johnson, Chris Witaske, Sasheer Zamata, Terry Crews, Punkie Johnson, and Randall Park.
The Snow Sister — On Netflix November 29
Netflix
Julian's turning 11 on Christmas Eve, and even though it's usually the best day ever, this year is overshadowed by the death of his older sister. A newfound friendship with Hedwig helps him heal, but he can't help but feel like Hedwig's house — and the old man that's always around — are hiding secrets.
The Snow Sister hits Netflix November 29 and stars Mudit Gupta, Celina Meyer Hovland, Ole Steinkjer Øyen, Jan Sælid, Samsaya, Gunnar Eiriksson, and Advika.
Which Netflix holiday movie are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!
This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.
Chris Andre
Materials + Tools:
- 1 roll of tin foil
- 2 packages of crescent rolls
- 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional
Chris Andre
Instructions:
Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.
Chris Andre
Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.Chris Andre
Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.Chris Andre
Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.Chris Andre
Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.Chris Andre
Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.Chris Andre
Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chris Andre
Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.Chris Andre
Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.Chris Andre
Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.Chris Andre
Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.Chris Andre
Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.Chris Andre
Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!Chris Andre
A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!
DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried
Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.
This post has been updated.