7 Adorable DIY Baby and Toddler Gifts for Summer

Ariel Garneau
Jun 22, 2018

Summer babies mean summer baby showers and toddler birthday parties galore. You ready? Instead of gifting the remaining $30 diaper cream and thermometer from the registry or wrapping up the same old book-and-stuffed-animal combo, why not make something a little more personal? This list will give you some serious inspiration for DIY gifts that both mom and baby/kiddo will love.

1. DIY Waterproof Diaper Clutch: The beach, pool, and lake are all places where having waterproof gear would be incredibly useful. Your mom friends will thank you a million times over for this one, especially given how trendy the print is. (via A Beautiful Mess)

2. DIY Bandana Bibs: There’s drool (so much drool!), especially during teething. These summer prints will coordinate with the cutest of baby rompers and swimsuits. (via Hello, Wonderful)

3. DIY Harem Bloomers: Were you prepared for how expensive kids clothes are? Given that they only wear them for a few weeks at a time, save yourself the pain at the register and make a few pairs of harem pants. (via Lovely Indeed)

4. DIY Duffel Bag: It’s probably too big for a diaper bag, but it’s the right size for an overnight baby bag. It can hold every single toy, onesie, and diaper needed for 24 hours. (via Brit + Co)

5. DIY Baby Swing: You could blow your gifting competition out of the water with this DIY swing. It’s ideal for toddlers who need to be contained while mom does some gardening. (via The Makerista)

6. DIY Stenciled Overalls: For a serious jolt of color and pattern, stencil clothes as a gift. These overalls are nice for late summer and fall, but you can easily do the same for a sundress or romper. (via Handmade Charlotte)

7. DIY Colorful Wooden Pacifier Clip: You cannot imagine the panic and ensuing search when someone realizes their kid’s soother is missing while out on a walk. Help them avoid the entire scenario with a pacifier clip. (via Sisters, What!)

What do you plan on making? Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!

I Turned My Birthday Into A Gratitude Practice — And I've Never Been Happier

The running joke the editorial team and I have is that millennials are tired of living during unprecedented times. From the pandemic to all the other massive moments the last few decades, I've felt like I've been living in a weird vortex for the...majority of my life.

Despite — and maybe sometimes because of — it all, it wasn't until my recent birthday that I realized I've grown a lot. I thought the things I learned in my 20s were clues I'd 'arrived' as a 30-something-year-old, but it turns out I still hadn't fully accepted that learning hard truths isn't always bad in the long run.

I do this weird thing where I tend to focus on things I feel have to be done instead of focusing on how far I've come, but that changed when I turned 33. For the first time, I didn't have a huge celebration that ended in anxiety on my birthday. I relaxed at home with a ton of comfort food, scary movies, and a list of 33 things I have to be grateful for. So, how did I get here?

Let's go back to the beginning of the year, shall we?

I Intentionally Dubbed 2024 My Personal Victory Year

Viridiana Rivera

I, like so many others, woke up on January 1st and decided it would be my year. I set intentional resolutions, goals, and even made sure to be specific about them. Similar to how I write in-depth articles, I broke them into the following sections:

  • Motherhood
  • Relationships
  • Career
  • Wellbeing
  • Spiritual

It's the first year I decided to listen to my heart's desires in order to capture a screenshot of the life I want to live. I even prayed over my resolutions and goals, asking to be guided as I accomplished things or were led to them. As February rolled around, I didn't really think twice about the impact of what I'd done because life started to fall into a familiar hum that becomes mundane after a while.

I guess I needed to be reminded of the intentional goals I'd written down because things got painfully interesting after this.

My First Adult Car Was Totaled

Gustavo Fring

Car accidents are never fun as I've been on the receiving end of one before, but this wasn't like before. This time I was emotionally hurt to learn the first car I'd assumed total responsibility for was no longer going to be mine. Though I knew I was lucky no one was seriously harmed, all I could think about is the morning I paid it off. I had every reason to spend the nice bonus I received from my last job, but I decided paying off my car mattered more in that moment.

This is the car that took me from my parents' home to living on my own, trips out of town, and days spent buckling a newborn into his carseat. For 8 years, this car and I were locked in like besties. It truly felt like we'd grown up together so to have it ripped away so suddenly was heartbreaking.

Even though the SUV I got was aligned with everything my fiancé and I were talking about, I couldn't appreciate it for a while because I all could see what was what I had.

I Took A Chance On A Full-Time Creative Career

George Milton

Once I started making peace with having a new vehicle, I started feeling the urge to leave my first adult job behind. I'd spent 10 years there, but it was becoming obvious that it was time to leave the nest. Similar to my first car, my co-workers watched me go from a wide-eyed college student to a confident adult. Though I learned so much there, I knew it wasn't where I wanted to be forever.

Deciding to leave what felt familiar was one of the scariest things I'd ever done and I spent days wondering if I'd made the right choice. It's not that writing wasn't lucrative, but I had to learn how to navigate a remote job that's been unlike any role I've had before. My imposter syndrome was in overdrive because I was waiting for the shoe to drop off my other foot.

Thoughts like "What if I'm not good enough" or "What if my co-workers hate me," plagued my mind because I couldn't believe I'd taken a chance on myself that seemed like it was working in my favor. That only happens in movies, right? In this case, wrong.

The same month I truly decided to focus on my writing career is when I interviewed Whoopi Goldberg. Since then, I've gone on to talk to different authors and even moderated my first book event in Atlanta. But, it still took a while for me to truly be grateful for the amazing things that's happened this year.

The Day I Turned 33 Put Everything Into Perspective

KoolShooters

PMS plagued me for the better part of last week, so I decided to listen to my body and not do anything for my birthday. I kept waiting for myself to feel disappointed for not getting dressed up, but the feeling never came. The sad part is I almost wanted it to because who doesn't want to celebrate their birthday?

It turns out that I did celebrate, even if it wasn't in the typical 'party and dinner' way.

Deciding to focus on feeling peaceful in my new space, I opened my journal and started writing 33 things I'm grateful for. I didn't think I could find that many things, but it got easier to start being appreciative of life instead of focusing on everything I'd even thought went wrong.

In between bites of pizza and cheesy bread, I dropped all expectations and started writing. The more I wrote, the happier I felt which makes me wonder why I didn't do this before. So, without further ado, here is everything I realized during my gratitude practice this year!

The Things I'm Most Grateful For Right Now: 

Brit + Co

"I'm grateful for quiet moments where I can hit the reset button when I need to."

Brit + Co

"I’m grateful for moments I’ve accepted accountability for my actions."

Brit + Co

"I’m grateful for having a supportive family and fiancé."

Brit + Co

"I'm grateful for forgiveness and chances to start over."

Brit + Co

"I’m grateful for the beauty and joy of reading."

Jade Rideout

  • I'm grateful for home-cooked meals.
  • I'm grateful for praying grandmothers.
  • I'm grateful for older siblings I get along with.
  • I'm grateful for reminders I'm not alone.
  • I'm grateful for the gift of writing.
  • I'm grateful for time spent in nature.
  • I'm grateful for having friends in my life who feel like family.
  • I'm grateful for my mom introducing me to therapy before my 20s.
  • I'm grateful for every day I wake up with air in my lungs.
  • I'm grateful for moments that cause me to slow down and think before acting.
  • I'm grateful for multiple seasons of growth.
  • I'm grateful for my first full-time writing job.
  • I'm grateful I work with one of the best teams ever.
  • I'm grateful for having access to food, shelter, and a transportation.
  • I'm grateful for having an active imagination.
  • I'm grateful for being able to watch my son grow.
  • I'm grateful for learning about the ins and outs of postpartum so I can help other new moms!
  • I'm grateful for having a new place to live that's cozy.
  • I'm grateful for watching the seasons change.
  • I'm grateful I get to learn what it means to have a healthy romantic relationship.
  • I'm grateful for boundaries.
  • I'm grateful for understanding my parents betters.
  • I'm grateful I'm still in tune with my inner kid.
  • I'm grateful for book clubs.
  • I'm grateful for the amazing authors I've come across.
  • I'm grateful for funny memes on social media.
  • I'm grateful for hot chocolate — yes, I'm serious.
  • I'm grateful for LIFE itself.

Ironically, some of the things I'm grateful for can serve as inspirational fall quotes — which is perfect since my birthday is days after the Autumn Equinox! Aside from that realization, I can genuinely say writing down what I'm grateful for made my birthday better than it's been in years.

I've been focusing on everything that can go right instead of comparing my life to other people and it's a welcomed change. Maybe this is just one of the perks of getting older. If so, sign me up for more birthdays like this!

Looking for more moments of inspiration? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get them right in your inbox!

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Blake Lively Celebrated Ryan Reynolds' Birthday With The Sweetest Surprise

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!

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

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From Road Trips To Glamping: 14 Birthday Trip Ideas For Every Age

I've decided this is the year I'm finally going to make a list of birthday trip ideas to ring in my — gulp — 33rd birthday. I'm not really afraid of getting older, but 2012 still feels like it was yesterday...minus the fact I don't recover from hangovers as quickly as I used to. Regardless, your annual trip around the sun is the perfect time to celebrate yourself by getting out and exploring the world around you. So here are the best birthday trip ideas for every major birthday milestone. Happy travels!

Birthday Trip Ideas When You're Turning 21

Image via Photo by Leah Newhouse/Pexels

Go On A Road Trip

Turning 21 is one of the first big milestones of adulthood. It's the age you finally become legal and it seems to cement the fact that you're officially out of your teens. One of the best birthday trip ideas I think makes this age so special is taking a road trip with your besties.

I have a few fond memories of traveling to Panama City Beach, FL with one of my best friends during my early twenties that stick out more than our random club nights. You get to cement your bond with a fun early 2000s playlistfull of everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Gwen Stefani!

Image via Photo by 左 轮/Pexels

Go Glamping Over A Long Weekend

What do you get when you mix a little glam with camping; glamping. This works if you want to be close to nature without feeling like you've a part of a lost episode of Fear Factor. Instead, you'll have the option of lodging in airstreams, barns, cabins, and more.

When you're not relaxing in your cute little airstream or cabin, you have the option of canoeing, experiencing an ATV excursion, bonding around a campfire, going hiking, or even trying your hand at fly-fishing (here's looking at you Sandy Cheeks from Spongebob Squarepants).

The best part about it is that you get to wear your cute floral pajamas at night!

Image via Photo by Craig Adderley/Pexels

Run Wild At Disney World

You may be turning 21 but you can still let your inner child run free with a trip to Disney World — especially if you've never been. You can spend time in the air on the Avatar Flight of Passage ride or Meet Princess Tiana from The Princess & The Frog. You can even enjoy Cirque du Soleil's immersive experience!

Image via Katya Wolf/Pexels

Visit NYC For The First Time

I didn't go to NYC for the first time until I was 23, but it's still a core memory that I love to revisit. I definitely a typical tourist taking in all the sights and amazing food, but it was so much fun. I initially stayed in Manhattan the first time I went, but later visited Queens, SoHo, and Brooklyn.

Honestly, there's so many things to do in NYC that it's impossible to fit everything in one weekend. Brit + Co's Content Editor Haley Sprankle suggests going to East Village or Williamsburg for the first time. For brunch, take a trip to Balthazar on Spring Street and Rezdôra for dinner.

P.S. If you're looking for authentic Italian, she also suggests Il Mulino for dinner!

Birthday Trip Ideas When You're Turning 30

Image via Leeloo The First/Pexels

Spend Time In Barcelona With Your S.O.

Turning 30 is another milestone that's worth celebrating because you're a decade older! Ease your way into a chapter by visiting Barcelona with your S.O. You can stop by Badiani 1932 to get Italian Gelato before heading to La Sagrada Família (Church of the Sacred Family) or walking around the Barri Gòtic.

You'll get your 10,000 steps in while making memories with your love in Spain.

Image via Oleg Savca/Pexels

Celebrate Your Birthday In London

Going to London is another one of those birthday trip ideas that everyone should experience at least once. I know visiting Big Ben is definitely on your list, but there's one thing I think is worth splurging on — the Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Luxury Transport From London! It usually sells out so you'll have to be quick if you're thinking about buying tickets!

You can also embark on the Windsor Castle Half Day Trip from London to see everything from Queen Mary's doll house to the beautiful gardens found on the property.

Image via Grape Things/Pexels

Spend Time At A Vineyard

If you're tired of hangovers and want to actually remember the things you're doing, it's time to embrace drinking wine. Step into this new chapter by taking a trip to the vineyard where you'll be able to enjoy beautiful scenery while sipping new delectable wines.

Martha's Vineyard and Napa Valley are one of the more popular choices, but you can also see if there are local vineyards where you live!

Image via Photo by Diana Titenko/Pexels

Travel To Paris With Your Bestie

Ready to have your own Emily in Paris moment with your best friend? Well, book a trip to Paris! Besides indulging in flavorful foods that your taste buds will fall in love with, you can enjoy a trip to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and have fun on a Seine River Dinner Cruise.

Be sure to take lots of pictures and BTS videos so you can relive your time in the beautiful capital of France.

Birthday Trip Ideas When You're Turning 40

Image via Yan Krukau/Pexels

Solo Trip To Greece

If you've never had time to catch your breath between being married, raising kids, or thriving in your career, it's time to become a solo traveler as you enter your 40s. Visit the Acropolis Museum or take advantage of Athens Half-Day Sight-Seeing Tour. The tour is a little over three hours and will introduce you to sights like Parthenon temple and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Image via Photo by Nadin Sh/Pexels

Relax On A Cruise

Not into the idea of traveling solo? That's totally okay! You can always relax on a nice cruise that takes you across the Caribbean. From eating delicious foods while looking casually out at the ocean to meeting new friends during Bingo night, you'll be able to move around on your own accord.

And you won't forget the unforgettable music and parties that are onboard!

Image via Yaroslav Shuraev/Pexels

Get Cozy In A Log Cabin

Now this sounds like my kind of party! Take a break from the outside world by renting a log cabin somewhere like Camp Connell, CA or Woodland Park, CO. You can spend time next to a firepit outdoors or you can take a hike nearby. If you're up for it, bring your bicycle to get even more exercise in.

P.S. Don't forget your TBR pile if you plan to stay for a few days!

Birthday Trip Ideas When You're Turning 50 & 60

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Splurge On A Trip To The Maldives

It's time to celebrate all of your accomplishments in life with a trip to the Maldives for your 50th or 60th birthday! You'll be mesmerized by the Indian ocean and you'll enjoy seeing relaxing on the beach. If you're looking to romanticize your life, you can start checking things off your bucket list like going snorkeling or swimming with manta rays.

Image via Cristina Lemos/Pexels

Set Your Sights On Edinburgh, Scotland

Visiting Edinburgh, Scotland is another birthday trip idea that I'm extremely biased about. There's something absolutely charming about Scotland that I'd love to see one day; hence why I think it's a great place to visit for your 50th or 60th birthday.

You can go on the Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour or visit the Edinburgh Castle! If your millennial kids enjoyed the Harry Potter franchise, you can also sit comfortable on the Hogwarts Express Tourand snap pics of the scenery around you for their amusement.

Image via Photo by Kampus Production/Pexels

Venture To The Countryside

And if you're looking to do something that doesn't require you to leave the country, take a trip to the countryside to spend time away from the city. My grandma used to consistently talk about how relaxing it felt to sit on the front porch of a family member's house while helping them prep fresh vegetables for dinner. She also enjoyed gardening and loved trips that included simple moments like these.

No matter what your birthday trip ideas consist of, the goal is for you to have fun celebrating being a year older. You deserve it 😉.

Feeling the wanderlust? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter for even more travel inspo!

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A Shirtless Chad Michael Murray In 'The Merry Gentlemen' Trailer Is All We Need For Christmas

Channing Tatum may have to hang up his sexy dancing skills because it looks like Chad Michael Murray is the new reigning champ in his new film, The Merry Gentlemen. You can tell it's going to be a Christmas movie, but we're not talking about Home Alone or Jingle All the Way here. This spicy film feels more like Magic Mike going on a sexy and romantic journey through a small town — which sounds like something we'd watch more than once.

We love watching Chad Michael Murray in Sullivan's Crossing, but we're excited we get to see him prance around our screens without a shirt in the new trailer for The Merry Gentlemen, TBH. Here's everything we know about the upcoming film and what we can expect to see!

What's 'The Merry Gentlemen' about?

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Written by Marla Sokoloff, The Merry Gentlemen is set to follow one former dancer's (Ashley played by Britt Robertson) journey to making sure the Rhythm Room — a "performing arts venue" — doesn't go defunct. It's owned by her parents, so she has personal ties to this small-town source of entertainment, coming up with the bright idea to surprise the community with an "all-male Christmas-theme revue."

Who's starring in 'The Merry Gentlemen'?

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

According to Netflix, The Merry Gentlemenwill feature a host of other faces! We'll see the following:

  • Chad Michael Murray as Luke
  • Britt Robertson as Ashley
  • Michael Gross as Stan
  • Marla Sokoloff as Marie
  • Maxwell Caulfield as Danny
  • Beth Broderick as Lily
  • Marc Anthony Samuel as Roger
  • Hector Rivera, Jr. as Ricky
  • Colt Prattes as Troy

When can we watch 'The Merry Gentlemen' on Netflix?

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

We'll be able to see Chad Michael Murray and more sexy shirtless men give us a show on November 20. We're not sure what it is, but there's nothing like watching Christmas movies right before Thanksgiving to get us in the winter spirit.

What have Chad Michael Murray and Britt Robertson said about starring in 'The Merry Gentlemen?'

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

We didn't think it was possible, but Chad Michael Murray was a little nervous about playing Luke. "I'd never danced professionally or trained by any means," he said (via PEOPLE). Though he has a thing for "going out and dancing," he's never done anything "to this level."

As to why he chose this role, Chad seems to enjoy a challenge. "When I see something and it scares the crap out of me, something in me says, 'Alright, well let's see what we can do.'" He has two thoughts — "'I'm going to fall flat on my face or have a lot of fun doing.'" If you ask us, that's the right spirit to have for a fun Christmas movie.

Britt Robertson was immediately drawn to the script and her role as Ashley. "When I read the script, I was like, ‘This is my kind of Christmas movie,'" she said (via Netflix). She also teased why she can't get enough of the cowboy appeal in the movie. "...I'm Southern...the hats, the boots. There's so much you can work with."

Watch The Full Trailer For 'The Merry Gentlemen'

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We're slightly ashamed to say how many times we've watched this funny and sexy trailer for The Merry Gentlemen. We've always thought Chad Michael Murray was everything a dream boyfriend should be, but now we have proof he's raising the bar!

In the meantime, follow us on Facebook to make sure you don't miss updates about this sexy Christmas movie!

This post has been updated.

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OMG Jennifer Lawrence & Her Adorable Baby Bump Just Made Their First Red Carpet Appearance

Jennifer Lawrence announced she's pregnant, and we couldn't be happier for her! Though she and her husband, Cooke Maroney, aren't known for being in the public eye too much, it seems like this is one piece of news they don't mind sharing! Sorry, but we haven't been this excited about baby news since Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson became parents — excuse us while we celebrate!

Here's everything we know about baby number 2 so far.

Has Jennifer Lawrence debuted her baby bump yet?

Anna Webber/Getty Images for AFI

YES! Jennifer Lawrence's baby bump was the star of the Zurawski v Texas premiere (via PEOPLE). She wore a structured white dress with a black belt around her waist that accentuated her cute baby bump and appeared to be glowing.

According to Deadline, she's one of the executive producers of Zurawski v Texas, a documentary that sheds light on the "restrictive abortion laws" that put women's lives in danger in Texas. Alongside producers Hilary and Chelsea Clinton, Jennifer's involvement in the documentary as a pregnant woman makes a pivotal statement during a time where mothers' mortalities aren't always considered during their pregnancies.

When did Jennifer Lawrence announce her second pregnancy?

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Leave it to Vogue to get the exclusive scoop about Jennifer being pregnant again! According to the publication, an official "representative for the actor confirmed" the news yesterday, October 20. So exciting!

When is Jennifer Lawrence's second baby due?

Kevin Mazur

Jennifer Lawrence hasn't announced her due date yet, so we can't be quite sure! However, if she's out of her first trimester, Jennifer could have her baby around April 2025!

What have Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney said about their family?

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It seems Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney were open to the idea of having another baby as recently as this summer! An unknown source told Entertainment Tonight, "Jennifer and Cooke are doing very well and are super in love. They make each other laugh and have the best time parenting together. They would love to have another kid and expand their family."

When was Jennifer Lawrence's first baby born?

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Jennifer and Cooke's firstborn son, Cy, was born February 2022, which means he's almost three years old!

The actress later explored her feeling about becoming a mom in another Vogueinterview. "It’s so scary to talk about motherhood. Only because it’s so different for everybody. If I say, It was amazing from the start, some people will think, 'It wasn’t amazing for me at first,' and feel bad. Fortunately I have so many girlfriends who were honest. Who were like, It’s scary," she said.

What has Jennifer Lawrence said about being a mom?

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It seems like Jennifer found her stride because she's apparently embraced being a mom. She hasn't said anything recently, but she did speak with Entertainment Tonight last year during the promotion of No Hard Feelings about her parenting habits. "Of course, the urge to stop anything from ever hurting or negatively affecting your baby..." she said.

However, co-star Andrew Barth Feldman had nothing but positive words to share about Jennifer as a mom. "Jen is an amazing mother, for real. That was kind of one of the incredible things about doing this with you is seeing just how much of a priority being a mother is for you and how deeply you care about that over everything," he said.

We can't wait to see how Jennifer's second pregnancy develops and hope she's willing to give us a little sneak peek of how she's prepping to have two young kids!

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