Your Diet Soda Addiction May Have This Negative Effect on Your Health

Sometimes it feels like staying healthy is a full-time job. Whether you’re reading labels to steer clear of the scary ingredients hiding in your food, dry brushing to detox or finding new summer activities to get your heart rate up, there’s always something new to avoid, try or amplify to live your best life. But wait, there’s more. While we already know that using artificial sweeteners in your drinks while pregnant can cause your baby to have an above-average body mass index (BMI), a new study says that drinking diet soft drinks can actually cause you to eat more — basically sabotaging any cals you thought you might be cutting by not sipping on that real sugar.

The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism and conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, found that both fruit flies and mice ate A LOT more after prolonged exposure to the artificial sweetener sucralose. In fact, the animals consumed up to a whopping 30 percent more calories than when they were given only naturally sweetened food.

This is the first study to ever draw a connection between artificial sweetener and a stimulated appetite. Which is really important, since artificial sweeteners are often prescribed to combat obesity, even though this study shows they may make it even harder to lose weight. The researchers also discovered an entire neurological network that tells an animal it doesn’t have enough energy in response to consuming fake sugar. Yikes!

Lead researcher Greg Neely says, “We found that inside the brain’s reward centers, sweet sensation is integrated with energy content. When sweetness versus energy is out of balance for a period of time, the brain recalibrates and increases total calories consumed.” The fake sugar also heightens the sweetness of natural sugar found in fruits and veggies, so that even when the animals were getting enough calories, the presence of sucralose told them they hadn’t consumed enough energy (calories).

The team also found that chronic artificial sugar consumption led to insomnia, hyperactivity and decreased sleep quality — three symptoms of mild starvation! Of course, for so many of us, a Diet Coke or a handful of sugar-free candy is a (seemingly) guiltless mid-afternoon treat, but those sucralose-infused eats could just be making you pile up on the pasta later in the night.

Will you switch to sugar after reading this study? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know!

(Photo via Getty)

We all pine for soup season, despite the bone-chilling weather that comes with it. Curling up with a steamy bowl of feel-good makes trudging through the snow seem worth it. (Almost.) Sadly, such weather can also result in the sniffles, aches and that dreaded tickle in the throat. Hot and boozy drinks are a surefire way to warm your insides at night, but you need to nourish that bod too. Though some swear that chicken noodle soup is meant to heal the soul, we’ve got 30 broth-y concoctions that will warm you up in the chill and make you feel better when you're under the weather.

Lemony Garlic Chicken and Orzo Soup

Caramelized garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, kale, and chicken broth all make up this tasty, warming soup. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Minestrone Soup

This plant-based soup is loaded with nutritious and colorful vegetables, beans, pasta, and seasonings. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Miso Cabbage Soup

This miso soup with cabbage is a flavorful and nourishing Japanese-inspired dish. (via The Edgy Veg)

White Bean Soup

This Blue Zone-inspired soup is loaded with antioxidant-rich beans. (via Clean Cuisine)

Oyster Mushroom Soup

This super flavorful soup is made with vegetables, herbs and pasta. (via Give Recipe)

Old Fashioned Beef Stew

The beef in this stew is fall-apart tender, making this hearty soup perfect for lunch or dinner. (via Averie Cooks)

Potato Leek Soup with Italian Sausage

Warm up your week with a satisfying potato leek soup with Italian sausage. (via Completely Delicious)

Ribollita Soup with Greens & Butter Beans

This Tuscan-inspired soup made with a rich tomato broth, lots of veggies and greens, butter beans for protein, and cozy cheese is perfect with a side of toasty bread. (via The Original Dish)

Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

Busy week? Brown some beef and pop all of the ingredients for this delicious soup in the slow cooker! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Chicken and Dumpling Soup

This southern-inspired is the perfect recipe for those cozy, chilly days! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Soup du Jour

This soup recipe teaches you how to make any satisfying soup with the ingredients you have on hand. (via Live Eat Learn)

Brothy Beans

This comforting and delicious soup is so easy to make with creamy white beans braised with garlic, onions, fresh herbs, and a parmesan rind, yum! (via Cozy Cravings)

Easy 10-Minute Wonton Soup

This easy 10-minute Wonton soup uses cilantro chicken wontons from Trader Joe’s! (via RachL Mansfield)

Spicy Mushroom Noodle Soup

This miso soup and ramen hybrid takes spicy miso broth, adds edamame, tofu, ginger, and garlic, and pours it over tasty soba noodles. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Kielbasa Soup

Comfort food at its finest: sausage, vegetables, and potatoes! (via Salt & Lavender)

French Onion Soup

This easy French Onion Soup is perfect for the Francophile in you. (via Culinary Hill)

Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup

If you’re staying true to your grandmother’s convictions about chicken soup when feeling under the weather, we got you. This hearty bowl provides you with the essence of chicken soup, but amps it up with salsa verde, chili powder and cumin. (via One Lovely Life)

Spiralized Zucchini Chicken Noodle Soup Jars

This is the perfect low-carb meal prep idea - just add boiling water, microwave and enjoy! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Quick and Easy Pasta e Fagiole Soup

The words “quick” and “easy” sound pretty good when you’re on the down and out. This no-fuss bowl of wholesome goodies will fill you up and warm your belly, leaving you feeling nourished and satisfied. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Winter Vegetable and Oat Soup

When you think of finding comfort in food throughout the chilly months, two things come to mind: hot soups and hearty bowls of oatmeal. Imagine the two together! This is exactly what you get with this big serving of contentment. (via Coffee and Crayons)

Vegetable Miso Soup With Soba Noodles

With a cook time of only 30 minutes, this smooth umami-filled miso soup sure beats trekking out in the cold to get take-out. It’s a cinch to make and it stores well, so be sure to make extra for future indulgence. (via 8th and Lake)

Dill Pickle Soup

This soup is a total *dream* for dill pickle lovers everywhere. Naturally GF and vegan, this bowl of briny goodness can be made in just 20 minutes; no slaving over a stove required. (via Pure Ella)

Whole Grain Chicken Noodle Soup

Sometimes you can’t help but crave a classic. Though this chicken noodle soup brings us back to the basics, it’s anything but standard. Tender chunks of chicken and whole wheat noodles create a bowl that is both delicious and satisfying. (via Simply Sissom)

Vegan Barley and Lentil Soup

This simple and delish bowl of soup is full of healthful ingredients and might just become a winter staple in your home — and you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy it. It only calls for a few ingredients, most of which are probably in your pantry right now. (via Vibrant Plate)

Healthy Turkey Wild Rice Soup

One of the best ways to use up leftover turkey is to throw it into a robust soup. This meal will have you glowing with its abundance of tender shredded turkey, nutritious beans and substantial rice. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Italian Wedding Soup

This simple and quick American-Italian classic is always guaranteed to satisfy. Filled with leafy spinach, orzo and tender meatballs, this soup will cozy you up after a single spoonful. (via Jo Cooks)

Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup

This glorious flavor-packed jumble lets you set it and forget it — no effort required. Just place all of your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it take care of the rest. Your home will be filled with the comforting aroma of curry and veggies until you can finally dig in. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Stuffed Pepper Soup

With fresh herbs and spices, this deconstructed stuffed pepper soup can be tangy and invigorating and comforting. (via Vikalinka)

Red Curry Noodle Soup

This Thai soup is rich and fragrant and comes together in just 15 minutes! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Butternut Squash, Kale and White Bean Soup

This adaptable vegetarian soup can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese. It’s replenishing, herbaceous and loaded with nutrients. It’s the perfect cure for those wintry chills. (via A Nerd Cooks)

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy + comforting soup ideas.

Now that fall is officially in full swing, there’s a lot of seasonal traditions to look forward to, like apple picking, enjoying pumpkin spice lattes, or perfecting Taylor Swift’s famous chai sugar cookie recipe. But in recent years, a new Halloween trend has taken social media by storm – boo baskets. Whether you’re planning on crafting the perfect basket for a loved one, or you have no idea where to start, here is a guide that will help you get on the right track.

What Are Boo Baskets?

Reine Jalloul

Boo baskets are Halloween or fall-themed gift baskets typically filled with candy, seasonal decorations, and fun crafts that you can surprise your significant other with to celebrate the season. While videos of this trend usually show people giving their baskets to their “boo” (pun intended), it’s not limited to just your partner. You can also make one for your friends, your parents, your kids, or even your pets if you wanted to!

What Do You Put In a Boo Basket?

Sarah Barna

Just about anything can go in a boo basket! If you’re creating a basket that’s specific to your loved one’s interests, the possibilities of what you can include are endless. But based on countless TikTok videos and Instagram reels posted about this trend, the general formula for a basket that I’ve noticed includes a cozy item, a mug, a fall-themed drink mix, snacks or candy, a stuffed animal, and (of course) a basket big enough to fit everything!

First, The Basket

Amazon

Technically, any big basket or container could be used to hold your boo basket items. However, if you’re the kind of person that likes to go all out when gift-giving, I would recommend a Halloween-themed basket like the Andemie Halloween Collapsible Organizer from Amazon. Not only does this basket come in multiple colors and patterns, you can easily flatten the basket and store it anywhere you want, so you can reuse it next fall.

Candles, Body Care, Sweaters & More … A Cozy Girl’s Galore!

Cora Pursley

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to getting all relaxed and comfortable, especially on a chilly, rainy fall day. Personally, there are three essential elements to my lazy days – an oversized sweater, some gourmand scented body care, and a candle that makes my entire apartment smell like walking into a bakery. If this sounds like you, here are some of my favorites.

Etsy

This sweater from the LoveStitchesCo shop on Etsy has quickly become a staple to my “lounging around” outfits this season, and for a good reason. For only $26, this sweater is made out of 100 percent cotton, has a wide size range available (S to 3XL), and can be customized to whatever color you’d like. Plus, the embroidered design is absolutely adorable; who doesn’t love ghost kittens?

Sol de Janeiro

As the weather gets colder, many people (like myself) opt to swap their perfumes and scented lotions from fruity and tropical notes to warm and edible notes like vanilla, caramel, honey and chocolate. If you’re looking to spoil your boo basket recipient who likes these kinds of scents, Sol de Janeiro recently released a limited edition body cream in one of their best-sellers, Cheirosa 71. Fragrance notes of caramelized vanilla, white chocolate and toasted macadamia nut will have you smelling like a snack (literally), while moisturizing ingredients like macadamia seed oil and tucumã butter will keep your skin feeling silky smooth.

Bath & Body Works

If you’re a candle lover, then you already know that the best place to find candles for every season is at none other than Bath & Body Works. Sure, there are plenty of pumpkin scented candles to try, but if you’re looking to include something in a boo basket that screams fall, Autumn Chai is the perfect option. This three-wick candle has notes of cinnamon chai, French vanilla, and caramel – a great combination if you’re looking for something cozy, but not too overwhelming.

Drink Mixes

Target

Hot chocolate is one of the quintessential cold weather beverages, but if you want to be more creative with your drink choice, Target’s Favorite Day brand has a spooky-themed hot cocoa mix that would be a great addition to your boo basket. One box comes with two cocoa mixes and a marshmallow confetti mix shaped like beakers you can find in a science laboratory, and when combined with warm milk, changes to an orange or green color. How cool is that?

And Of Course, A Mug To Match

Target

You got the perfect fall drink for your boo, but what mug would go with it the best? At this stage, I think this is where you get something that is the most personable to your boo basket recipient. You could include a mug that matches their career or their favorite hobbies and interests. If you want to play it safe and stick with a Halloween theme, this 15 oz ghost mug from Target is spook-tacular!

Plushies Make Everything Better

Warmies

Who says that stuffed animals are just for kids? Not only are they fluffy and come in all shapes and sizes, giving a stuffed animal to your loved one is one of the best ways to show that you care about them. As a plushie connoisseur, my go-to pick for a boo basket would be any plush, like this pink llama from Warmies. Each cuddly buddy is lavender-scented and also serves as a microwaveable heating pad that can be used to relieve stress or soothe muscle aches and pains.

Don’t Forget the Candy

Target

No Halloween basket would be complete without candy! From chocolates to gummy worms and sour WarHeads, there are so many options to choose from that it can seem overwhelming to pick just one. And if your boo basket recipient has any dietary restrictions, it can be even more difficult to find something that fits that person’s needs. My twin sister has been vegan for almost five years, and before we both moved out from our parents’ house, these dark chocolate coconut bars from Unreal were a staple snack for the whole family. Not only are these bars certified vegan and gluten-free, each bar only contains three grams of sugar and three ingredients – coconut, cassava syrup and dark chocolate. As someone who isn’t vegan, trust me when I say that when you try these, you won’t want to go back to the name-brand chocolate.

Looking for more fun Halloween trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!

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

This article has been updated.

Matzo (also spelled matzah or matza) is an unleavened flatbread made with just flour and water and can be used in everything from matzo ball soup to kugels, casseroles, and even desserts. It's an excellent swap for pizza dough, crackers, or as a binding agent in recipes. Whether you’re using matzo to avoid leavened bread or just because, these 20 matzo recipes definitely prove that the ingredient is equally scrumptious in and out of the soup bowl, whether we’re talking cakes, breakfast sammies or even fried chicken. Enjoy cooking your way through this collection of classic and refreshed culinary delights for your next feast.

Roasted Red Pepper and Arugula Matzo Pizza

These flatbead pizzas are elegant enough to add to your holiday menu, but easy enough to throw together for a quick meal on busy nights. (via Joy of Kosher)

Savory and Tender Matzo Meatballs

These meatballs feature a decidedly un-Kosher combo of meat and cheese, but it’s a delicious one if your dietary restrictions allow it. Roasted in the oven until golden brown on the outside, they’re practically hassle-free. (via Bake and Baste)

Matzo Farfel Stuffing

Dates add an unexpected sweetness to this comforting tray of matzo pieces, mushrooms, and aromatic veggies. (via Jamie Geller)

Northern Fried Chicken

A dip in honey is the perfect way to cut through the spiciness of this matzo-crusted fried chicken. (via Leite’s Culinaria)

Deep Fried Matzo Balls With Wasabi Cream Sauce

Turn up your next batch of matzo balls with a little fryer action in lieu of broth. Served with a spicy wasabi-based sauce instead of the expected horseradish, this combo is anything but bland. (via What Jew Wanna Eat)

Boomwelloh Breakfast Sammie

Using mini boomwellohs (AKA matzo brei) in place of bread is a genius way to serve up these breakfast sandwiches filled with eggs, garlicky kale and cheese. (via I Will Not Eat Oysters)

Matzo Brei

A cross between French toast and pancakes, it’s no wonder matzo brei is such a comfort food classic. (via Kosher Camembert)

5-Ingredient Matzo Chocolate Bars

Have the kids in the family make these crunchy-chewy chocolate bars. The recipe is a simple matter of layering, sprinkling, and drizzling, so it can't go too awry. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Mamouras (Matzo Lasagna)

Swap your lasagna pasta for matzo with onions, tomatoes and your favorite vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or eggplant. (via Manischewitz/Kosher.com)

Matzo Apple Tea Cakes

Enjoy these petite cakes with your morning cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack. (via Food Network)

Matzo Chocolate-Mint Ice Cream Cake

Mint and chocolate are a solid flavor duo for this ganache and matzo no-bake cake, but feel free to swap in a couple of your favorites instead. (via Martha Stewart)

Matzah Kugel

This traditional dish is similar to a casserole, but uses matzah instead of noodles or potatoes as the base. Make it savory with potatoes or sweet with apples like shown here. (via B+C Guides)

Matzo Toffee With Fleur de Sel

Salted chocolate plus toffee makes this crunchy bark a total delight. Just add a (Kosher) ‘mallow to transform them into irresistible s’mores. (via Whisks and Whimsy)

Apple Matzo Cake

You’ll love the light texture that matzo meal gives this fabulous fruit cake. Don’t be surprised if there are fights over the final slice. (via Martha Stewart)

Dark Chocolate Coconut Banana Matzo Brei

Wanna know a secret? The matzo is soaked in wine before it’s mixed with mashed bananas, coconut oil, cinnamon and vanilla. A final drizzle of melted chocolate after cooking takes things to a whole ‘nother indulgent level. (via What Jew Wanna Eat)

Matzo Almond Fruit Crumble

You don’t need to wait for summer berries or fall apples to make this crumble. It puts frozen fruit to good use, so it’s delicious all year long. (via The Little Ferraro Kitchen)

Peanut Butter and Jelly Matzo Bark

If you are looking for something delicious to make for Passover, you’ll love this homemade matzo bark. It has a peanut butter and jelly twist to it with a delicious chocolate topping. And it is incredibly hard to resist. (via RachL Mansfield)

Easy No-Bake Chocolate Matzo Cake

It really doesn’t get any easier than this three-ingredient, no-bake cake. (via Tori Avey)

Passover Chocolate Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Trust us; the gem of chocolate in the center isn’t the only good thing these nutty shortbread cookies have going for them. (via The Nerdy Chef)

Matzo Ball Potato Chowder

While we love matzo ball soup, this creamy, cheesy vegetarian chowder is comforting on a cold day. Every slurp is sure to take the chill out of your bones and put a smile on your face at the same time. (via What Jew Wanna Eat)

Subscribe to our newsletter for more recipe inspiration!

We're officially one week into Scorpio season — are you feeling it? Is your intuition heightened? Are you super sensitive and a bit more introverted? It’s a good time to slow down, feel your feelings, and tap into the inner wisdom of your soul. Scorpio is often misinterpreted, perhaps because this season coincides with Halloween, the decreasing daylight in the northern hemisphere, or simply Scorpio’s intensity and power. A key word for Scorpio is transformation, which is never easy.

Think of the caterpillar’s metamorphosis — its time in the cramped and dark cocoon. That primordial, gooey existence is anything but comfortable. Transformation requires time, a willingness to experience discomfort, and patience before emerging as a beautiful butterfly.

Ajaila Walker

Scorpio is one of the healing signs in the zodiac, and while the Sun is in Scorpio, we can make great strides toward healing ourselves and helping others. There’s nothing superficial about Scorpio — it demands depth, wanting to uncover layers and expose what’s hiding. That’s why it’s a great time to focus on your inner world and subconscious mind. All forms of therapy are beneficial during Scorpio season, but psychotherapy is especially powerful if that's an option for you.

Eager to know what this transformational energy has to offer? Read on for your weekly horoscope to understand how this can impact your sun and rising sign!

​Astrological Overview For Your Weekly Horoscope

Eugene Lisyuk

The New Moon in Scorpio occurs on November 1 at 9 degrees of Scorpio. You'll want to check your birth chart to see where 9 degrees of Scorpio falls — this is the area of your life where you can experience transformation and growth. New Moons are powerful times to plant seeds for future growth, to dream and plan for the coming month. Take time to reflect on what truly matters during this period of darkness and inward focus.

Yuliia Tretynychenko

Mars, the planet of action and determination, has been opposite Pluto, the planet of transformation, for months. Both Mars and Pluto co-rule Scorpio, creating an intense and volatile energy. This opposition becomes exact again on November 3 and 4. Use this energy to propel yourself in a new direction and honor your true self. Strength and focus can harness this intensity for personal breakthroughs, but be cautious in making impulsive decisions during this time — on the global stage, tensions may rise, and there could be heightened aggression.

Sam Lion

Adding to this turbulent energy, Mercury, the planet of communication and learning, leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius on November 2. As Mercury exits Scorpio, it forms a beneficial trine to Mars and a sextile to Pluto. This is a powerful opportunity for words to contribute to healing, so take care in how you communicate. Be mindful of the power your words hold, especially as Sagittarius can be blunt and outspoken. While Mercury is in Sagittarius until January 9, focus on expanding your consciousness, learning new skills, and broadening your horizons.

Key Dates For Your Weekly Horoscope

Ashley Singerling

  • November 1 — New Moon in Scorpio
  • November 2 — Mercury enters Sagittarius
  • November 3-4 — Mars and Pluto opposition becomes exact

Read Your Horoscope Based on Your Sun and Rising Signs

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

You’re being asked to dig deep into your subconscious this week. Keep your eyes and ears open for messages from dreams or moments of creativity. Meditation or solitude may reveal powerful realizations. If you feel the need to make a major life change, be sure your decisions come from the heart. You’re on the cusp of a creative breakthrough, but make sure your actions are driven by authenticity.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 22 – May 21)

Relationships are in focus for you. This is a great week for couples therapy or deep, transformative conversations with your partner. Be willing to make changes that benefit your relationships, home, and career. Your sensitivity may be heightened, so incorporate self-care and self-love into any changes you make. Don’t shy away from this potential for growth — there’s tremendous opportunity for profound shifts.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Good fortune and harmony are possible, but luck won’t just fall into your lap — you need to be proactive. This could show up in your relationships with others or in your relationship with yourself. Kindness, equality, and fairness are key to success. Be cautious around people exhibiting aggressive behavior. You’ll receive back what you give out, so practice kindness and ensure you’re approaching things with fairness and balance.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

You prefer to avoid conflict, but this week you’ll have the chance to step out of your comfort zone. You don’t have to be confrontational, but a bit of assertiveness will help you move toward your goals. The seeds you plant during this New Moon will grow stronger if you add passion and creativity. Follow your intuition, especially when making important decisions. Your dreams need a touch of energy and action.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

The Mars-Pluto opposition has likely stirred up some drama in your life. Have you mustered the courage to start something new? If not, this week offers an opportunity to fully step into your authentic self and begin a new chapter. Don’t hold back, but be prepared for uncharted territory. Your relationships, particularly with yourself, may need a refresh. Self-love and self-care are essential as you embark on these transformations. You might even consider sprucing up your home or making a move.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Career growth is in focus this week, but you’ll need to find a balance between your home life and work life. You may feel the urge to do more in both areas, but it’s crucial to stay grounded. Pay attention to details and avoid overindulgence. A balance between home and work will lead to the best results — be sure to tend to both areas without letting one consume the other.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Your finances and values are the focus this week. Now is the perfect time to ensure your financial life is in order. Meet with a financial planner or make sure your will is up to date. This planning will give you peace of mind and reduce future stress. Once Mercury moves into Sagittarius on November 2, you’ll feel freer to have fun and pursue adventure, knowing that your financial security is taken care of.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Your power and determination will only grow as the week progresses. Use this time to tap into your inner authority and work toward concrete goals. There’s likely to be movement in your career, but it won’t happen overnight. Patience and sustained effort are required. Cultivate joy and focus on long-term goals — there’s no rush, but steady progress will lead to great results.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Mercury entering your sign on November 2 invites expansion and learning. If you’ve been waiting to start a new project, learn a new skill, or expand your understanding of the universe, now is the time. Subjects like spirituality and philosophy will be easier to grasp during this time. Be mindful, though — your blunt communication style could come off as caustic, so take a breath before you speak.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Mental well-being should be a priority. Use this time to focus on learning and honing your skills. Your approach to life and work is inspiring to others. If you’ve been dealing with self-doubt, discard any negative self-talk and practice self-compassion. You have a natural ability to teach others, so don’t hesitate to share your knowledge with those who might be facing something similar to your experiences.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

This week focuses on your community and your relationship with like-minded people. Group learning and activities will be more impactful than solo efforts. Mercury in Sagittarius from November 2 will encourage you to learn through travel and adventure. Something exciting and transformative is on the horizon — seize the opportunity for growth through connection with others.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

It’s time to focus on your physical health. The energy of this week will make it easier to start a health regimen and stick to it. While you may become more serious about your health, don’t push yourself too hard. Take small, steady steps to make lasting changes. As the week progresses, you’ll feel more confident and enthusiastic about these positive changes to your well-being.

Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!

Sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!

If you haven't yet seen the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things, first of all, whaaat? And second of all, head to Netflix right now (after reading this post I mean) for a serious binge. Stranger Things is amazing for so many reasons. It's not only suspenseful and exciting, but it's also perfectly cast with the sweetest child actors and is wonderfully nostalgic.

Despite the fact we're waiting for Stranger Things 5 (and potentially Eddie Munson) to arrive on Netflix, the first season will always have a special place in our hearts. There is something that's iconic, nostalgic, and classic about it and we just cannot get enough. If you feel the same way, add this Stranger Things costume to your Halloween costume rotation!

Eleven 'Stranger Things' Costume

Brit + Co

Of all the outfits, I was most nervous about Eleven’s pink dress. I really lucked out finding this one at my local thrift store. I tucked a white collared shirt I found from the Brit + Co closet underneath.

Brit + Co

The striped crew socks were from Uniqlo (alternate here) and former visual designer Rosee brought her own sneakers and jean jacket. I tried putting a bald cap on Rosee, but instead of looking mysterious like Eleven, it just looked awkward. We decided to put a blonde wig on her and kept it looking messy and fake to perfectly encapsulate Eleven's faux hair.

Brit + Co

Leggo my Eggo.

Brit + Co

“No.”

Mike Wheeler Costume

Brit + Co

I got Mike’s vintage polo shirt and jacket at a thrift store. Former UI Designer/Engineer Scott brought his own jeans and sneakers. To convince people of your Mike-ness, grab a PARTY ZONE Short Black Wig from Amazon.

Brit + Co

Meet Mike Wheeler. He’s the type of person who would go to the Upside Down for his friend. Plus, he toasts the best Eggos ever.

Lucas Sinclair Costume

Brit + Co

I dressed former VP of Strategy, Baldwin, in a vintage striped polo and a maroon jacket, both of which I found at a thrift store, and in a black backpack. Baldwin brought his own jeans, boots and modeling chops. I didn’t add Lucas’s camo headband this time, but you can easily find a scrap of camo fabric at any fabric store to tie around your forehead.

Brit + Co

Meet Lucas Sinclair. He’s a skeptical but fiercely loyal friend. He also has great tree-climbing and binocular skills.

Dustin Henderson 'Stranger Things' Costume

Brit + Co

Dustin’s vintage t-shirt and jacket were awesome thrift store finds. I bought former Editor Trevor a Curly Wig and Mesh Trucker Hat on Amazon. Trevor brought his own sneakers and shoes. We struggled a little with creating Dustin’s missing teeth, but in the end, we stuck some black construction paper over Trevor’s front teeth. The construction paper lasted for the photoshoot, but for a long Halloween night, you may want to try something else. If you find a great way to black-out front teeth, let me know!

Brit + Co

Meet Dustin. He’s known for his expert compass reading and sweet toothless grin.

Brit + Co

Stop fighting guys!!!

Brit + Co

Friends don’t lie.

Barb and Nancy Costume

Brit + Co

Oh, Barb… she may be one of the most tragic characters in Stranger Things. For the most part, it seemed like she only had Nancy looking out for her. Though flawed, Barb and Nancy’s friendship was super strong, and you can tell that they really cared for each other.

Barb Holland Costume

Brit + Co

Amazingly, Barb’s costume was the trickiest to put together. I went to three different stores before finding these high-waisted jeans at Ross. I bought Barb’s ruffled pink button-down from a thrift store and you can grab a red RicHyun Natural Layered PixieWig and Dollger Clear Lens Non Prescription Eyewear from Amazon. Former Planner Micaela brought her own white sneakers and Barb-ness.

Brit + Co

“Nance, seriously, you’re going to be so cool it’s ridiculous.”

Nancy Wheeler Costume

Brit + Co

Nancy has a lot of variation in her wardrobe, but for this costume, I decided to go with the outfit we see her wear to school in the first episode. I found Nancy’s striped sweater, skirt, and white tights at Forever 21. I got the black flats from a thrift store. Former Beauty Editor Misty pinned back former Associate Creative Director Roxy’s bangs and gave her rosy cheeks and berry lips to complete Nancy’s sweetheart look.

Brit + Co

“Barb? Barb?”

Brit + Co

“Ooh, all my boys are here.”

Steve Harrington Costume

Brit + Co

At the beginning of Stranger Things, I was put off by Steve Harrington. I was like, “Nancy, he’s a tool!” But as the show progressed, Steve grew on me more and more. For his costume, I just bought this blue crew-neck sweater from a thrift store. Our model Johnny brought his own jeans, sneakers, and coiffed hair.

Brit + Co

“You’re an idiot, Steve Harrington.” “You’re beautiful, Nancy Wheeler.”

Brit + Co

Hey, who’s the guy taking pictures of us?

Jonathan Byers Costume

Brit + Co

For Jonathan’s broody look, you can use the same PARTY ZONE Short Black Wig from Mike's costume. Misty added oil to the wig and trimmed parts of it to make it look greasy and emo. I also bought a t-shirt and dark sherpa jacket from a thrift store. Former Channel Marketing Associate Sean brought his own sneakers and jeans.

Brit + Co

“I don’t like most people…”

Brit + Co

“Well I was just starting to think you were okay…”

Brit + Co

Team Steve or Team Jonathan?

Group 'Stranger Things' Halloween Costume

Brit + Co

Let’s get the whole gang together!

Brit + Co

The demogorgon!!!

Brit + Co

Eggos on Eggos on Eggos.

Brit + Co

How will you and your gang dress up for Halloween? Tag us with you Stranger Things costumes on Instagram and check out our Pop Culture Halloween Costumes, TV Halloween Costumes, and other Group Costumes on our Halloween page!

Netflix

DIY Production + Styling: Irene Lee

Makeup: Misty Spinney and Micaela Friedman

Photography: Kurt Andre

Models: Rosee Canfield, Scott Gamble, Baldwin Cunningham, Trevor Tillman, Johnny Walker, Roxy Taghavian, Sean Griffis, and Micaela Friedman

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.