12 DIY Garden Projects for Indoors, Tiny Patios, and Beyond

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Once you've got your red, white and blue ice cream, Pinterest-perfect decorations and all your best buddies, the only thing your Fourth of July BBQ needs is a solid selection of lawn games. If you grew up playing horseshoes, corn-hole and bocce ball, bring back those childhood faves with a modern twist!

As you're prepping your Independence Day activities, spruce up an old board game with a psychedelic paint job, or turn an old classic into a giant-sized adventure that kids of *all ages* will love. Once you're done, it's game time (after you Instagram it, of course)! Keep reading for 15 fun DIY games that will make your Fourth of July party the hottest bash on the block!

DIY Lawn Dominoes

Iron & Twine

Dominoes aren’t just for the card table anymore. Paint a set of wooden blocks with a splash of color that *screams* summertime, and you’ve got a weekend hit. (via Iron & Twine)

Giant Jenga

A Beautiful Mess

Because everything is more fun when it's giant-sized. Paint the outer edge of the blocks with a few coats of colorful house paint to make the tower extra pretty, and get ready for a bit of fun competition among friends, fam, and kids. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Giant Scrabble

Consider The Peel

A traditional game of Scrabble has 100 tiles (eek!), so you might want to consider cutting down on that a bit – unless you live for the game. Stock up on some wood tiles at your local hardware store, then use paint and stencils to get the letters on each tile. And don’t forget the points in the lower right corner! (viaConsider The Peel)

DIY Horse Shoes

Mr. Kate

Embroidery thread isn’t just for friendship bracelets — it’s also for making the *cutest* set of horseshoes you ever did see. Start by spray painting the horseshoes and the stake, and then wrap them in a thread for a colorful, boho-chic look. (via Mr. Kate)

Flamingo Ring Toss Lawn Game

Sugar & Cloth

This game could totally double as yard decor after the holiday weekend is over. If you have a nice grassy area available and you’re short on time (or are sticking to a budget), skip the pots and just stick the flamingos straight into the ground! Otherwise, fill some mini planters with sand or soil to keep your fun-loving flamingos upright. (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Lawn Checkers

Jessie Daye

Just... ignore the funny looks the hardware guys give you when you stock up on a cartful of bucket lids. Spray paint half of them black for a traditional color palette, or shock your uncle with a snazzy set of pink and orange checker pieces. (via Jessie Daye)

DIY Color Block Games

Brit + Co

Make sure there’s a game station for *all* ages and interests at your party. While the rest of the crew is battling it out at the corn hole game, set up a couple of these rad color-dipped board games to keep everyone entertained. (via Brit + Co.)

DIY Lawn Matching Game

Studio DIY

This game is perf for the backyard — it’s made with cork tiles, so it’s totally reusable and light enough for the little ones to carry around. There are printables for all these symbols so you can have a summertime themed set, but feel free to get creative and come up with your own stencils. (via Studio DIY)

Yard Yahtzee

Style Me Pretty

Supersize this old-school game, and let the good times roll with these giant dice. This DIY even includes a free printable scorecard so you can refresh your memory on a winning strategy. (viaStyle Me Pretty)

Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe

Better Homes & Garden

The traditional version might not be cool enough for the kids, but give them a giant version, and they’ll be all over it. This game actually takes a lot of skill to get the frisbees to land *exactly* right. (via Better Homes & Gardens)

DIY Cactus Ring Toss Lawn Game

Brit + Co

Ring toss just got a very trendy upgrade. If you'd rather spend your budget on tasty snacks and cocktails, you'll love that this yard game is made out of nothing more than cardboard boxes and paint. Bonus: You can use these adorable cacti as home decor later on! (via Brit + Co.)

DIY Bocce Balls

Brit + Co

When it comes time to bust out the bocce balls, make sure your color scheme is *on point* and in full patriotic form. Spruce up an old set of bocce balls with a starry makeover and a fresh coat of paint. (via Brit + Co.)

DIY Star-Spangled Yard

Better Homes & Gardens

Give your lawn the star-spangled treatment for Fourth of July weekend. And don't panic: it's not *actual* paint. Cut a star shape from a piece of cardboard, spray the grass lightly with water, and use a flour sifter to fill the shape with flour. The stars should last until your sprinklers wash them away. (via Better Homes & Gardens)

4th Of July Tic-Tac-Toe

Hey, Let's Make Stuff

Bring along this little game to your neighborhood block party, and get ready for it to be an instant hit. You can use any sized letters for this DIY, but the bigger the letters are, the more fun (and photogenic) it will be. (via Hey, Let's Make Stuff!)

Custom Cornhole Game

Brit + Co

This game is practically a requirement at all summer festivities. You can totally DIY it from scratch, or you can try this simple makeover for your very own custom set. (via Brit + Co.)

Did we get your favorite yard game? If you're looking for more fun DIY ideas for Fourth of July weekend, make sure you follow us on Pinterest!

Lead image viaBetter Homes & Gardens

This article has been updated.

If there's anything Lorelai Gilmore loves in this world, it's coffee, coffee, coffee! The Gilmore Girls character literally always has a cup o' Joe in-hand, and even jokes at one time or another that she'd like to have the drink in an IV. (I wonder if that's what would finally cure my Monday morning slump?). Well, in honor of Gilmore Girls fall, one Starbucks location created their own drink to honor the Coffee Queen — but it didn't go exactly like they planned.

  • On September 26, an Odessa, Texas Starbucks advertised a "Lorelai Gilmore" recipe.
  • Gilmore Girls fans quickly pointed out Lorelai would be "a black dark roast girlie."
  • The location also offers an Emily Gilmore drink and a Rory Gilmore drink.

On September 26, the Instagram account for a Starbucks in Odessa, Texas advertised free samples of the drink they named The Lorelai Gilmore. The drink is made up of blonde roast coffee, oat milk, pumpkin sauce, cinnamon dolce cold foam, and cinnamon powder.

But despite how delicious the drink sounds (and the fact Lorelai would support any and every coffee lover snagging a cup), Gilmore Girls fans quickly took to the comments to point out one glaring detail: she definitely drinks her coffee black.

"Real ones know [Rory and Lorelai Gilmore] both drank coffee black no cream no sugar," one user says, while another agrees Lorelai would be "a black dark roast girlie."

A third suggests she'd order "a coffee with a whisper of peppermint," which totally has me thinking about her iconic "I smell snow" moments! And now I'm craving a peppermint mocha...

Starbucks

But if you're a PSL fan, don't worry. Latte lovers in the comments also pulled through, promising the drink tastes just as good as it sounds. "Kudos to whoever came up with this!!" one user adds. "Tried it yesterday and then again today, found the perfect pumpkin ratio for me✨✨✨ ready to embrace pumpkin szn like NEVER BEFORE 👀"

The Odessa Starbucks also featured a Rory Gilmore drink (iced chai with white mocha, pumpkin foam, caramel drizzle, and cinnamon dolce topping) and an Emily Gilmore drink (London fog with oat milk and honey).

BRB while I go whip up these drinks for myself!

Check out these Starbucks holiday menu leaks for more!

There’s always been a sort of DIY element to the IKEA brand, from building the furniture yourself to IKEA hacks to their bolts of Scandinavian-inspired fabrics to make everything from pillows to accessories. Now IKEA stores are blowing it up with Tyg, a new collection of home textiles that inspires us to get creative with fabric.

The pre-cut fabrics come in 3-meter cuts, or a little more than 3 yards each – just enough to get creative with canvas covers, bags, fashion and accessories. Choose from 20 cheerful, vibrant, and nature-inspired patterns that reflect Scandinavian modern design to transform and personalize your space. Look out for the collection in stores this July 2024!

In the meantime, here’s some inspiration for turning them into something you love! Make sure to bookmark it!

Pencil Skirt

IKEA

"Our collections are a homage to the rich Scandinavian design identity that we cherish and aim to preserve," says a rep from IKEA Sweden. There are also some vintage prints in the mix. Try our easy pencil skirt pattern for a fun summer skirt.

No Sew Belted Tote

IKEA

Storage hack: Use these bold prints to cover boring cardboard boxes and add a leather handle for a chic and practical use.

Low-Sew Ottoman Cover

IKEA

Learn how to reupholster an ottoman and pick fun IKEA fabrics to create a statement piece.

Tote Bag

IKEA

You can never have too many tote bags, right? This floral pattern would make for a cute and colorful market tote!

Hugs + Kisses Pillows

IKEA

Try this animal print in our most adorable hugs and kisses pillows. New to sewing? Try our sewing class!

Overall Dress

IKEA

Practice your sewing skills by making a simple overalls dress! This fabric would be perfect.

Box Covers

IKEA

Wrap them like gift wrap around shoe boxes using a staple gun for another easy storage hack.

No Sew Pencil Pouch

IKEA

A small print like this black and white check is great for small projects like a pencil pouch.

Pillowcases

IKEA

Colorful stripes are perfect for a pillowcase pattern (via PurlSoho), where you just stitch two rectangles of fabric together (standard size is 20 by 26 inches) right sides together. Then hem the opening!

Wall Organizer

IKEA

This wall organizer is another easy DIY, where you can sew the rectangle around the dowel, or iron the edges with no-sew hem tape. Hand-sew or machine stitch the pockets, making sure to fold under the edges for a cleaner look!

Planter

IKEA

This drawstring planter cover is a cute idea for covering ho-hum planters or vases.

Kids Travel Pillow

IKEA

Traveling with a kiddo? Keep them comfy with this sweet travel pillow pattern from Joann's.

Summer Crop Top

IKEA

A great first sewing project is this crop top in this fun purple check!

No Sew Covered Canvas

IKEA

Probably the easiest way to use this fabric is by staple-gunning it around a canvas for an easy and creative art piece!

Laptop Case

IKEA

Protect your laptops with a fabric case in a bold striped pattern. This fabric would also make a great curtain!

Pet Bed

IKEA

OMG, how cute! Make your pet a bed (via Joann's) in a playful print you'll both love.

Seat Cushion

IKEA

Learning the straight stitch on your sewing machine will get you very far. New seat cushions in every room!

Tasseled Pillows

IKEA

I never met a tassel I didn't love. Add bright colored tassels to this B&W print.

Travel Bag

IKEA

Toss your toiletries in something handmade with thistravel bag pattern.

Pocket Patch

IKEA

Pocket patterns are great for adding to furniture and clothes. This top-stitched one is handy for holding the remote, emergency snack bag, or a small book.

Look out for the IKEA Tyg collection in stores this July 2024!

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Images via IKEA

Brie Larson takes wellness very seriously. And considering she's saved the universe as Captain Marvel and fought alongside King Kong in Kong: Skull Island, prioritizing her health only makes sense. I got up close and personal with the Oscar-winning actress at Thorne's Mocktail Club in New York City on October 8, where she told me that in the pursuit of wellness, she's "always" seeking to feel "happy and safe in my body."

  • Brie Larson tells Brit + Co that movement, breathing techniques, and temperature changes help her feel "happy and safe in my body."
  • When it comes to her work, she says she chooses stories with messages she'll "be able to live with for the rest of my life."
  • She also reveals the best piece of advice she's received, and says keeping it in mind "makes things easier."

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

But even Larson has days she feels off, saying she knows that feeling "very well," and whether it's seasonal blues or mental health days, she knows routine is where she thrives — and seasonal affective disorder lamps. "Light is a big game changer for me because I grew up in California," she says.

To engage her other senses, she relies on movement, breathing techniques, and temperature changes to keep in touch with her body. "A hot bath, a cold shower, both — anything that sort of wakes your brain up and kind of jolts it," she says. "I have a pretty demanding schedule and I truly don't have room to not feel like I'm present in my life. And so you come up with ways to figure out how to do that."

That includes everything from drinking plenty of water and prioritizing sleep to packing foam rollers and bands in her carry on. "It looks like a clown bag!" she says. "I always do [those exercises] every morning because even if I don't want to do it, which I always don't want to do it, I feel a lot better after I do it."

Thorne

Admittedly, that's exactly how I feel some days about making breakfast — but a powerhouse like Larson knows how important fueling our bodies is. "Pretty consistently I'm having an egg, like a breakfast sandwich, egg on toast first thing in the morning," she says. "I can't think beyond that for breakfast because I wake up so early. It's like there's no creativity happening in the morning. I'm sorry. No."

And while her mornings are all about wellness, her evenings are all about getting cozy, and she tells me her dream night in includes playing a new video game, wearing Gelato Pique sweatpants, and ordering Thai food. But when she's in the kitchen? "I've been making pasta and sausage quite a bit and I make tacos quite a bit. I mean, I kind of just do like protein and veggies and a little bit of a carb," she says.

Walt Disney Studios / Marvel Studios

Cozy nights in wouldn't be the same without a movie, and there's a very good chance you've seen Larson on your screen recently, whether you're rewatching Captain Marvel, 13 Going on 30, or Lessons in Chemistry. But how does the actress consistently choose such beautiful, inspiring pieces to work on? She equates the feeling to having a crush.

"When I feel like [a story] hits something that lives so truthfully in me that I just want to know if it's true to other people," she says. "I just know that we all have more that's the same than different...Film and television, it lives in a way that is beyond me physically. So I'm here talking to you, but anybody can be watching whatever they want. And so I try my best to think through what the pieces are saying so that they go out in the world and I don't get to be at the end of it and explain it or tell people what to feel or what to take from it. It lives a life outside of me. So I try and make sure that it has a complete message in it that I feel like I'll be able to live with for the rest of my life."

Apple TV+

Just like Carol Danvers and Elizabeth Zott empower so many viewers, Brie Larson says she feels empowered by her own Hollywood heroes. "Earlier in my career, like when I was trying to visualize what kind of career I wanted, it was Toni Colette and she's still a hero of mine, but she was truly the one that I was like, 'I want to disappear into characters the way she does.'"

"There's so many incredible [actors]," she continues. "Some of them are people that are more my age and some are older than me. But that's the fun part of my job is that there's so many good people and so many things that are getting made. And so it just feels like we're constantly kind of maneuvering, and when they take on certain roles and represent certain things, it frees up for other people to do other things. And so we kind of all work as a unit."

One movie on the horizon that I'm excited for is Mattel's new American Girl movie. Like many 80s and 90s kids, Brie Larson loved American Girl dolls — and borrowed her stage name from pioneer Kirsten Larson! And just like the rest of us AG kids, she tells me she can't wait for the movie. "I've also seen that there's going to be adult Halloween costumes, which I'm also very excited about," she says. Will she be grabbing a Kirsten one for herself? "I just might!"

Q+A With Brie Larson

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

What's the first thing you did after you won your Oscar?

I probably drank champagne...I drank champagne and I put sneakers on, and then I went to the airport.

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

"When I think I know, I miss so much." We all get stuck in these things — I think an easy one to think about is like, you're in a fight with your sibling or your partner, and you are just so right in how angry you are. And then maybe the next day you wake up and you're like, "Maybe there was another side to that." And so we miss things when we're in a space where we believe that we know. Having an openness to what something can be or that things can be different than what you think makes things easier.

Thorne

What's on your holiday bucket list?

I love the holidays. Because I'm in California, I really am looking forward to this year having a chilly winter. I love a cold winter, cozy winter. I love Christmas markets, so I'll definitely hit things like that. All the little holiday markets pop up around, yeah, it's just like a rare time when everybody is resting at the same time.

What are you watching, reading and listening to right now?

Okay. I am reading a book called Patricia Wants To Cuddle. I am watching Love is Blind season 7 because I am not silly. And listening to Chappell Roan, obviously.

Read Hilarie Burton Just Spilled Some Serious One Tree Hill Teafor more fun celeb insights!

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

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The age-old Halloween dilemma (for some of us): Your funny sense of humor is dying to go with a Halloween costume that produces laughter, but another part of you wants to look sexy. Well, you’re in luck, girl, because funny *is* the new sexy. That said, we get what you’re actually going for, so we’ve brought you 33 Halloween costumes that prove you can get freaky (in a weird yet sexy way) and still wear those fishnets on Halloween.

Brit + Co

Daria & Jane

Daria and Jane were the two best friends I admired growing up so it would make so completely happy to see someone dress up as for them for Halloween. They were proof anyone can be sexy with the right attitude, and these two have ‘tude in spades.

Brit + Co

Party Animals

Puns for days! You can hit a double whammy and be a sexy mouse (insert Mean Girls quote), but the choice is yours.

Brit + Co

Cher & Dionne

You can pretend to be Clueless all evening, but the joke’s on them. Plus, real fans of the movie knew Cher and Dionne were actually smart underneath their Valley girl personas.

Brit + Co

Bun In the Oven

Pregnant mamas can find funny and sexy Halloween costumes to wear too. While this one errs on the side of a joke about having a bun in the oven, at least you'll have someone to store your keys and phone while you're out!

Brit + Co

The Simple Life

In honor of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie reuniting for The Simple Life, get your denim overalls and flared miniskirt in order, because it’s about to be #hot out. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Misty

Catch all the admirable stares and candy while wearing this cute Misty Halloween costume. You may even catch all the cuties at the party.

Brit + Co

Netflix & Chill

This is on the sexy Halloween costumes that may actually lead to a little bun in the oven if you know what I mean. It literally takes the cake for couples who are looking for a different Netflix subscription package.

Brit + Co

Super Bowl Katy Perry

The real humor lies in what the shark on your left side does all night. That poor guy has no clue what he’s doing, does he?

Brit + Co

Mean Girls

Do you wear pink on Wednesdays? Do you have Kälteen bars in your purse? Excellent, the squad is ready to roll out.

Halloween Costumes

Monsters Inc. Celia Costume

Dress as funny man, er monster, Mike Wazowski's girlfriend this Halloween. Heads won't stop turning to get a better look at your costume!

Halloween Costumes

Zookeeper Costume

Who knew zookeepers could be this smart and sexy? Apparently this costume had this idea in mind when they created this tailored jumpsuit.

Halloween Costumes

Mad Hatter Costume

The Mad Hatter may be known for coming up with silly yet intriguing sentences, but this costume adds an irresistible appeal to a hilarious persona.

Halloween Costumes

Karen Smith from Mean Girls Mouse Costume

"I'm a mouse, duh" is one line from Mean Girls we find ourselves quoting. It only makes sense we add the infamous costume to the list!

Halloween Costumes

Harley Quinn Costume

You won't be able to resist saying, "I may be twisted but at least I make it interesting" once you slip into this funny, sexy costume.

Halloween Costumes

Tweedle Dee Costume

Only this costume could bring out Tweedle Dee's charm. Put your own sexy spin on it and keep the fun going.

Halloween Costumes

Lola Bunny Costume

Turns out Lola Bunny had sex appeal and stellar basketball skills in Space Jam. Even if you don't plan on hitting the court to score points in this costume, you'll at least look the part.

Halloween Costumes

Sexy Pirate Costume

Pirates haven't always been known for their immense sex appeal but Captain Jack Sparrow changed that. Invoke his swagger and witty sense of humor with this Halloween costume.

Halloween Costumes

Sexy Cheshire Cat Costume

The cheshire cat from Alice In Wonderland proved to be mysteriously alluring with a dose of humor that we came to love. Wear this costume to see if a bit of his charisma rubs off on you.

Halloween Costumes

Sassy Scarecrow Costume

Channel your inner scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz with this fun costume.

Halloween Costumes

80's Workout Costume

Get physical with this fun Halloween costume that reminds us of Jane Fonda during her VHS workout tapes era.

Halloween Costumes

Galactic Alien Costume

I love science fiction movies that involve aliens, but this galactic costume makes them seem less scary. Of course you're free to be as funny as you want, but you'll still look great while speaking your own special language.

Halloween Costumes

Britney Spears Costume

Britney Spears is having the last laugh with the release of her new memoir and we're here for it - hence this fun costume.

Halloween Costumes

Plus Size Popcorn Costume

This costume is for everyone who's ever giggled while listening to popcorn kernels popping in the microwave. Your secret is safe with us and this popcorn costume.

Halloween Costumes

Mushroom Costume

People won't be able to stop saying, "Aw, look at the cute mushroom" when they see you in this costume.

Halloween Costumes

Candy Maker Costume

Make Willy Wonka proud by leading the candy brigade this Halloween. Who wouldn't want to follow you once they see this sexy Halloween costume?

Do you have any silly and yet fabulously sexy costumes to share with us? Show us on Pinterest!

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

With prior reporting by Ariel Garneau and Jessica Ourisman.

This post has been updated.