30 Brilliant DIY Balloon Projects

Today is a day that’s all about celebration. It’s Thanksgiving, the first day of Hanukkah, and guess what else it is? My 30th birthday! And what better way to celebrate than by rounding up 30 brilliant balloon projects perfect for birthdays, holiday parties, weddings, and more?

DIY Donut Balloons

We’re pretty into donuts of all shapes and sizes, but have never seen such awesome balloons before. The perfectly placed sprinkles really seal the deal. (via Studio DIY)

Balloon Chandelier Table Numbers

For an unconventional take on table numbers, create a floating “chandelier” out of balloons and hang numbers from the balloons! You could include pictures of guests, you or your significant other with the guest, or simply photos of the two of you. (via Wedding Chicks)

Ice Cream Balloons

Balloons continue to masquerade as dessert in this clever DIY project. Great for an ice cream social type party or pretty much any birthday get-together. (via Prudent Baby)

Balloon-Dipped Mason Jars

This has become a go-to decor basic here at Brit HQ, from Halloween to the holidays. Best of all, the dip is totally temporary so makes a great hack for a last minute cocktail party. (via Brit + Co.)

Pom Pom Balloons

Pom poms on balloons? Our party planning minds just exploded. (via Design Improvised)

Confetti-Dipped Balloons

The season of confetti is here, and these gold-dipped balloons are a great place to start. (via Studio DIY)

Fruit Balloon Garland

We will never stop giggling over this genius DIY project. (via Oh Happy Day)

Balloon Bud Vases

Another one of our last minute decor hacks, you can wrap small tumblers or shot glasses in a balloon, with the opening of the balloon acting as an opening for a flower or two. (via Brit + Co.)

Balloon Backdrop

For a super affordable backdrop, cover an entire wall with balloons! If you don’t feel like going the helium route, simply blow up and stick on the wall. So fun! (via Lil Sugar)

Balloon Wall

For something a little more minimal, we love this idea for adorning the wall behind a makeshift bar or dessert table. (via Honey and Fitz)

Put a Party Hat on Your Balloon

When in doubt, you can always put a party hat on it ;) (via Brit + Co.)

Gold Splatter Paint Balloons

Remember making splatter paint art projects in elementary school? This elevated take on the splatter technique is great for New Year’s Eve decor. (via Studio DIY)

Macrame Balloons

No time for a run to Party City for helium? Whip up these simple macrame balloon holders and your party will stay afloat. (via You Are My Fave)

LED Balloons

Fun fact about this project? It inspired our very first Brit Kit, more than one year ago. It will instantly light up any party, pun intended. (via Brit + Co.)

Polka Dot Balloons

The trick with these darlings? Silver polka dot stickers that you can totally reuse on another batch of balloons once these deflate. (via A Subtle Revelry)

Last Minute Gift Ribbons

As part of our 12 Days of Wrapping series, we got crafty with colorful odds and ends found around the house. Turns out balloon animal balloons double as ribbon! (via Brit + Co.)

Kids Hot Air Balloon Photo Booth

This might be one of the cutest photo booth backdrops we’ve ever seen. All you need is a basket, a jumbo balloon, and a few decor accessories to recreate your own hot air balloon scene. (via Oh Happy Day)

I Am Thankful For…

Today is a rather appropriate day for a balloon like this one! It would be cute to write this, then deflate, and gift to your guests at Thanksgiving. (via Studio DIY)

Balloon Stemware

If you’re looking to add a quick pop of color and festive spirit to your basic wine glasses, add balloons. (via Brit + Co.)

Fortune Balloon Garland

Fill balloons with fortunes and invite guests to pop ’em! (via Oh Happy Day)

Birthday Wreath

Whoa. Now that is a LOT of color! We’d love to see a less rainbow-inspired version of this with white, gold, and silver balloons for the holidays. (via How Does She?)

Holly Balloon Garland

Speaking of the holidays, how cute are these holly balloons?! (via Hellobee)

Color Blocked Balloon Garlands

Another way of keeping your balloons afloat without help from helium, string them into color-blocked garlands and hang from the ceiling. (via A Girl and a Boy)

Flying Wedding Couple

Created for a wedding, these flying folks are oh-so-whimsical. (via Brooklyn Bride)

Giant Balloon Heart

How sweet is this? (via Studio DIY)

Save the Date

For my save the date video, we used number balloons to share our date! (via Anjelika on Vimeo)

Balloon Ice Packs

We know that cooler season is very much behind us, so bookmark this one for summer. They’re freezer packs that turn into water balloons as they melt. Just be sure you wait until the ice has fully melted. (via Brit + Co.)

Gold Foil Confetti Balloons

Another take on the confetti balloon, these take giant gold confetti foil circles and attach them to balloons for a chic adornment. (via Alex and Alexa)

Lollipop Balloons

And finally, a scene right out of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory… or a Katy Perry music video. (via The House that Lars Built)

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!

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John Snow was really on to something when he said, "Winter is coming" — especially when it comes to winter hair colors! I can talk about cute haircuts and hairstyles all day, but what I'm even more interested in are hair colors right now. This time last year, I started playing around with caramel and chocolate balayage to see how I liked it, but I didn't expect to fall in love with those shades! They seemed to add a cozy warm glow to my face that coincided with the season, and I've yet to look back!

Still, I haven't decided if I'm ready to take the plunge to dye my natural hair because I'm not sure if I want to cut it or not. Since that's another story, I decided to do what I do best when I have burning hair questions — talk to celebrity hairstylists!

As luck would have it, I talked to three experts who have a stellar clientele and knowledge about receiving a color service:

Similar to fall, Edson Ibarra says winter is about "embracing warmth and depth." He feels like "chestnut brown, caramel balayage, and copper hues" are going to "play beautifully" with the winter sun. "Subtle reds like auburn and soft cinnamon are also making a strong comeback, adding a little spice to classic looks," he adds.

The Best Trending Winter Hair Colors For 2024-2025

1. Chestnut Brown

Filipa Matos

This rich brown color is always going to be a staple no matter which season we're in. Kim Kimble feels like this is the time where colors like this will "complement the season's cozy feel." She personally feels the shade "Bold & Bright 40 Brown Sugar [by Clairol]" is "a soft, natural brown that will "bring incredible warmth to any look."

Whether you're getting a silk press or new hair color, a consultation is often recommended by stylists. Keith Shore says the reason is that "the consultation is a vital part of the color service." This gives him the chance to "assess the current condition of the hair" instead of diving straight into the process. Kimble also says, "The stylist will ask what you are looking for and if you have any color in your hair already or if it's virgin, etc. They may also do a patch or strand test to check how the hair will react to color being applied.

Once it's determined that your hair is healthy enough for the service, an appointment is usually scheduled for the big day! There are things you need to avoid doing, however. Kimble says the worst things clients can do is "irritate their scalp, scratch it aggressively, or apply really hard manipulation to it" before their color service. Keep this in mind if you're interested in trying one of the popular winter hair colors!

2. Teddy Bear Brown

Instagram/MarkMena

Kimble also swears by Clairol's Teddy Bear Brown for a a softer shade if you're afraid of going too dark. Once your color service appointment is complete, it's important to maintain your new style.

Maintaining your hair's health after receiving a color service is crucial because of the process it often goes through. Shore says, "My essential maintenance tip is hydration, which is crucial after a color treatment. I love It’s a 10 Leave-In Conditioner; it sprays in easily, prepares the hair for styling, and is perfect for clients short on time. I also recommend K18 for blondes wanting to maintain their brightness."

Kimble and Ibarra both recommend that you use sulfate-free shampoos. "You want to reach for very light, mild hydrating shampoos and conditioners. Those are important to maintain the hair color. Also, a great conditioning mask as well," says Kimble." She doesn't want you to use alcohol-based products though.

Ibarra personally recommends that you use "leave-in conditioners with UV protection to guard against sun damage, which can dull the color." He doesn't want you to skip deep-conditioning "once a week" because it "keeps the hair hydrated and shiny." And if you have a "cool-toned" color in your hair? Ibarra says, "I suggest a purple shampoo to maintain brightness and neutralize brassiness."

P.S. Kimble suggests scheduling an appointment every 2-3 months to help maintain your hair's health and color!

3. Caramel Balayage

Jasmine Williams

If you're thinking about getting a color service but are afraid to take the leap, Shore and Ibarra have the best words of encouragement for you! One thing they all agree on is taking baby steps. Shore says, "The best advice I can offer is to start small — consider adding pops of color with balayage or lowlights. This is a great way to test the waters without making a drastic change to your look."

Caramel balayage is always my go-to shade when I want a little change during this time because it's captures the essence of fall and winter beautifully. It also seems to add an extra glow because of how the the balayage is layered.

"I often suggest a gloss treatment or subtle highlights as a way to ease into change — it adds dimension without being too drastic. You can also try Overtones Color Depositing Treatment Masks or clip-in extensions to experiment with different shades," suggests Ibarra. Mainly, he doesn't want you to overthink it. "The most important thing is to have fun with it! Hair color isn’t permanent, and it’s such a great way to express yourself and explore new sides of your style."

4. Cashmere Blonde

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

What about blonde you ask? It's not impossible! "Interestingly enough, there are some blonde tones that work well on brown skin as well but it depends on which tone of blonde. I recommend tones that are warmer and not too brassy. Think neutral tones," Kimble expounds.

You can also try the blonde hair color Gigi wore during Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Shore, "This time we went with a cashmere blonde for Gigi Hadid, which combines lowlights and glosses with strategically placed pops of color to enhance and highlight her natural tones," he says.

Based on his experience, he's noticed a trend among the other VS models. He says, "Alongside cashmere blonde, I’m noticing a shift towards more natural, tone-on-tone colors across all shades. Many of the Victoria’s Secret models are opting for less contrasting, more muted yet dimensional colors."

5. Gorgeous Copper

Kaylee Blackman

Celebrity hairstylist David Stanwell has managed to capture copper hair in all of its glory. Like Ibarra said earlier, this is one of those winter hair colors that the sun will love bouncing off of.

Both Ibarra and Kimble like to take a collaborative approach when servicing clients which makes appointments more enjoyable IMO. "It’s really a co-creation process. I start by understanding the client’s lifestyle, personality, and desired maintenance level — because hair color should enhance their life, not complicate it," says Ibarra.

Kimble says something similar in that she feels "choosing the right shade is all about enhancing natural beauty." She takes into consideration a client's skin tone and eye color to help figure out the perfect color that will "bring out those unique features." Without hesitating, she gave the perfect illustration. "For example, a subtle honey blonde like Nice 'n' Easy 8G Medium Golden Blonde can really brighten up warmer skin tones!"

Ibarra has a similar process in that he likes to look at clients' "skin undertones and natural hair color to identify shades that complement them." He also says, "I always encourage clients to bring inspiration photos, which helps us align on a vision. My goal is to help them leave feeling confident and like the best version of themselves."

6. Black

Dominique Goncalves

Like red lipstick or an acne-friendly foundation, winter hair colors aren't going to look the same on everyone. This is especially true if you have brown skin. Kimble says, "Black, chocolate browns, wine tone colors in the burgundy family and auburn all look great on brown skin."

IMO, you can never go wrong with this color because it looks amazing on everyone. Look at how well it complements Keke Palmer's gorgeous brown skin!

7. Silver Tones

Haley Sprankle

Kimble says that you can always try silver if you're not afraid and even offered shed light on the different dye processes that can used to achieve it. "Non-permanent is temporary because you wash it and it fades quicker. However, semi-permanent has a little bit of peroxide in it so delivers a deeper color deposit," she says. But, there's something you should know about semi-permanent. Kimble says "You can only deposit color" with it, but "you cannot lift."

If you want something that has an even lower chance of fading, you'll want to consider a permanent color. Kimble says, "...the color stays — reds and blondes fade, but they won't come off — and you can lift with them."

Subscribe to our newsletter for more winter beauty inspo!

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

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

Image via Asad Photo Maldives/Pexels

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!

Lead image viaOleg Savca/Pexels

Give a girl 7 Christmas makeup ideas to choose from and she can change the world — or at least slay her holiday pictures. So what if you only plan to be in your living room this year? There's no harm in getting dolled up to celebrate one of the best days of the year. After all, you've basically survived everything 2024 has thrown at you from dealing with toxic friends to wondering if it's too late to participate in the winter arc trend (it's not!). So let's get into these lovely Christmas makeup looks!

7 Christmas makeup ideas to recreate at home

1. Red-Tinted Lipgloss 

Jasmine Williams

"I love the simplicity of this look because it takes less than 10 minutes to complete. I prepped my skin with e.l.f. Cosmetics' Power Grip Primer before applying Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation and Sephora's Best Skin Ever Concealer, a touch of One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder, and Ami Colé's Hydrating Lip Oil Treatment in the shade Romance (cranberry color)! IMO, the subtle pop of lip color is great for someone who doesn't want to overdo it on Christmas." — Jasmine Williams, Brit + Co's Writer.

2. Icy Blue Eye Makeup  

Chloe Williams

"When I want to try something different than my classic gold lid, I love breaking out an ice blue or periwinkle shadow. ColourPop is my favorite brand to get eyeshadows from just because of how pigmented they are, and I went crazy with this LAV_ISH palette. More is more in this case, y'all! I layered Mood Boost, Escapism, Serenity, and Virtual Love all together until it was just right. I've also found that skipping eyeliner for this look helps it feel a little more carefree instead of polished, which is always fun." — Chloe Williams, Brit + Co's Entertainment Editor

3.Sunset Eyeshadow 

Kenilev Terku

While it's easy for bronze looks to sway into the skin-like neutral territory, this cute Christmas makeup idea is more festive. The difference has everything to do with adding brown, gold, or even pink shimmer towards the inner corner and middle of your eyelids.

Our recommendations: Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette or Urban Decay Naked Mini Eyeshadow Palette

4. Glittery Purple Eyeshadow

Chloe Williams

Go big or go home with a Christmas makeup look that's as bold as your holiday decor. It doesn't hold anything back with its glittery purple eyeshadow and crimson lipstick! It's going to show up in all your pictures without an issue. As an added bonus, let your nails match your eyeshadow! We have plenty of Christmas naildesigns that'll help you narrow down the right polish or press-on nails to go with this.

Our recommendation: Revolution Beauty Forever Flawless Eyeshadow Palette

5. Pink Shimmery Eyeshadow 

Chloe Williams

"I love the femininity of the sugar plum fairy, which makes this all-pink look one of my favorites! I've been loving the glowy look of the L'oreal true match nude serum foundation along with peachy blush. For the eye, I use the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette I got in high school along with the Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick in Well-being. And to finish off the look, I don't go anywhere without my L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Sugar Plum (fitting!). This is my third tube and it's literally like my lips but better." — Chloe Williams, Brit + Co's Entertainment Editor

6. White Gold Shimmery Eyeshadow + Nude Lip Combo

Jasmine Williams

"This is probably my favorite Christmas makeup look I've worn because I decided to be adventurous with my eyes by adding white gold glitter to them. I didn't want to go overboard so I kept it light by using the shade * from Too Faced's * palette. For my lips, I used Maybelline's SuperStay Matte Lipstick in the shade Seductress and their Lifter Lipgloss in Stone on my lips. It's a great look for anyone who plans to wear statement outfits on Christmas!" — Jasmine Williams, Brit + Co's Writer

7. Sugar Plum Ice Princess 

Kayla Walden

As much as we love intricate designs and makeup looks, we know the best ones don't involve a lot of things. Kayla Walden, one of Brit + Co's Staff Writers and in-house Content Creator, knows how to create stunning looks that only involve a few products. All she did was add a sparkly white eyeshadow all over her eyelids while lining her bottom waterline with a white eyeliner.

Watch Kayla's Christmas Makeup Tutorial Here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

And just like that, you'll have the perfect makeup this holiday season!

Which Christmas makeup idea will you be wearing in your holiday pictures? Let us know and subscribe to our newsletter for more last-minute ideas!

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

Yellowstone might be coming to an end, but good news! There are plenty of TV shows you can binge watch before the new Yellowstone spinoff, and they all have the drama and relationship dynamics you love about the OG show. Here are the best series to press play on after you finish the Yellowstone finale! (Although fair warning: they don't have Bella Hadid ;)).

Here are 17 shows to watch if you're a Yellowstone fan.

1. 1883 — Stream on Paramount+

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

You didn't think I could start this list without the Yellowstone prequels did you? This gripping and emotional TV show follows the Duttons in the year 1883 as they move from Texas to Montana.

Stream 1883 on Paramount+. The show stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, Marc Rissmann, Audie Rick, Eric Nelsen, and James Landry Hébert.

2. 1923 — Stream on Paramount+

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

The second Yellowstone prequel finds the next generation of Duttons scattered around the world — and 1923 season 2 (coming February 23, 2025) will see Spencer and Alex fighting to get back home.

1923 is on Paramount+ and stars Julia Schlaepfer, Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Brandon Sklenar, Michelle Randolph, Darren Mann, Jerome Flynn, Aminah Nieves, and Isabel May.

3. Godless — Stream on Netflix

Ursula Coyote/Netflix

Godless is a super cool show because it takes the cowboy narrative so many of us grew up on and flips it on its head. When a gang of outlaws tracks a supposed traitor named Roy to La Belle, they realize the town is governed mainly by women...and they're notorious.

Godless is on Netflix and stars Jack O'Connell, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

4. Landman — Stream on Paramount+

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

This TV show takes us down south, to West Texas. Tommy Norris, a crisis exec, tries to secure his company's spot in the oil business during a fuel boom in this addicting show.

Landman is on Paramount+ and stars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland, Kayla Wallace, James Jordan, Mark Collie, Paulina Chávez, Demi Moore, Jon Hamm, Andy Garcia, and Michael Peña.

5. Succession — Stream on Max

Claudette Barius/HBO

If you can't get enough of the family drama, then you'll definitely want to start Succession. This Emmy-winning series follows Logan Roy as he (and his four kids) tries to figure out what the heck to do with the future of his company. Trust me, you'll want to binge watch this one.

Succession is on Max. The show stars Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Brain Cox, Kieran Culkin, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Mcfadyen, Alan Ruck, and J. Smith-Cameron.

6. Lawmen: Bass Reeves — Stream on Paramount+

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Another Paramount pick! Lawmen: Bass Reeves follows the titular Bass, who was one of the first Black deputy U.S. marshals on the west side of the Mississippi.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is Paramount+ and stars David Oyelowo, Barry Pepper, Demi Singleton, Dennis Quaid, Donald Sutherland, Forrest Goodluck, and Lauren E. Banks.

7. Billy The Kid — Stream on MGM+

Chris Large/EPIX Entertainment LLC.

Billy The Kid is definitely for the Yellowstone fans who love the Western vibes of it all. This show follows a younger Billy as he falls in love, experiences different kinds of heartbreak, and becomes the outlaw we know all too well.

Stream Billy The Kid on MGM+ and see Tom Blyth, Eileen O'Higgins, Daniel Webber, and Alex Roe.

8. Hatfields & McCoys — On Amazon Prime

Chris Large/History Channel

This series is also a great option for any history buff, and revolves around the true feud between the Hatfield family and the McCoys in Kentucky and West Virginia, respectively. To think it (almost) all started because of a stolen pig...

Hatfields & McCoys is on Amazon Prime and stars Kevin Costner. Bill Paxton, Tom Berenger, Mare Winningham, Jena Malone, Boyd Holbrook, and Powers Boothe.

9. The English — Stream on Prime Video

Diego Lopez Calvin/Prime Video

Need even more girl power? Turn on The English, which sees Emily Blunt's character out for revenge on the man she blames for her son's death.

The English is on Prime Video and stars Emily Blunt, Chaske Spencer, and Stephen Rea.

10. Ozark — Stream on Netflix

Netflix

This family drama follows the Byrdes, who hightail it to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme gone wrong sends a Mexican drug lord after them.

Ozark is on Netflix and stars Jason Bateman, Julia Garner, Laura Linney, Skylar Gaertner, and Charlie Tahan.

11. Longmire — Stream on Netflix

Lewis Jacobs/Netflix

Longmire is another modern Western like Yellowstone, and follows Walt Longmire, a widowed sheriff trying to put his life back together and protect Absaroka County at the same time.

Longmire is on Netflix. The show stars Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Cassidy Freeman, and Adam Bartley.

12. Peaky Blinders — Stream on Netflix

Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions

If you love the Yellowstone drama more than the aesthetic, swap the West for Ireland with Peaky Blinders, which follows Tommy Shelby as he leads a 20th Century gangster family.

13. Outer Range — Stream on Prime Video

Prime Video

Outer Range combines Western storytelling with sci-fi elements so while this is technically a Western, it's definitely something you've never seen before. The story follows the Abbotts, who are trying to deal with their daughter-in-law's disappearance and protecting their ranch...then a black void appears.

Outer Range is on Prime Video and stars Josh Brolin, Lili Taylor, Noah Reid, and Imogen Poots.

14. Sons of Anarchy — Stream on Hulu

FX

Tensions run high in this TV show for Yellowstone fans, which follows a biker who can't reconcile his new role as a father with his place in an outlaw motorcycle club.

Sons of Anarchy is on Hulu and stars Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Kim Coates, Mark Boone Junior, and Tommy Flanagan.

15. The Ranch — Stream on Netflix

Greg Gayne/Netflix

If you need a laugh, turn on The Ranch, which offers a different (read: fun!) perspective on ranch life. Listen, I get it — sometimes dramas can get you down!

The Ranch is on Netflix and stars Ashton Kutcher, Sam Elliott, and Debra Winger.

16. Bloodline — Stream on Netflix

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Family secrets are everywhere in this show, which deals with the fallout of the family's "black sheep" finally returning home.

Bloodline is on Netflix and stars Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini, Sissy Spacek, Norbert Leo Butz, and Jacinda Barrett.

17. Deadwood — Stream on Max

HBO

Want to keep up the drama after the Yellowstone finale? Tune into Deadwood, which takes place at the end of the 1800s and examines all the lawless corruption going on in Deadwood, South Dakota. (Spoiler: there's a lot).

Deadwood is on Max and stars Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, and Brad Dourif.

Which TV show like Yellowstone is your fave? Let us know on Facebook!