DIY Low-Cal Vodka Popsicles Recipe (for When You Can’t Make a Costco Run)

Ah, summer. It’s that time of year that boozy popsicles have taken over our social media feeds. From the 100-calorie Costco version to Instagram-worthy push pops, spiked popsicles are everywhere this sweltering season. Luckily for you, we’ve come up with an easy DIY version that uses vodka (but really any clear spirit will do!) and a bottled mixer. Freeze these up for your next summer party, and watch them fly out of the cooler. The best part? If you use a sugar-free, zero-calorie drink, these pops can be as low as 50 calories a piece.

One shot of vodka contains one and a half ounces, and each pop has just under one ounce of vodka. That low amount is intentional, because, as you might know, vodka doesn’t freeze. If you use too much, the pops will remain liquid-y — and we don’t want that.

Vodka Popsicles RECIPE

Recipe Notes: We tested this recipe with a few different mixer options and found Sparkling ICE to be the best-tasting zero-calorie, no-sugar option. Use these proportions and experiment with your favorite juices and/or clear spirits.

(Makes 5 [4-ounce] popsicles)

Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces low-calorie mixer like Sparkling ICE (if carbonated, leave bottles open overnight to make them go flat)
  • 4 ounces vodka (you’ll be able to taste the alcohol in the popsicles, so use a vodka you like the flavor of)

Equipment:

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients together in a cocktail shaker.

2. Distribute mixture into zip-top disposable ice molds with the help of a funnel or liquid measuring cup. Securely close each bag.

3. Place in the freezer for about 12 hours or until frozen.

For more summer-ready recipes, check out Brit + Co on Pinterest!

Like this cocktail? Check out our Summer Cocktail Roundup for more recipes and inspo!

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

(Photos and recipe via Rachel Bshero/Brit + Co)

Vision boards are one of the most effective tools that you can use to build your business, your life, and your hobbies and I'm so excited to get my 2025 vision board going! Thoughtfully done, this process brings shape to dreams and emotions you're aiming for in the weeks and months ahead. Simply going through the process can bring clarity to your thinking, focus to your plans, and can leave you with a curated visual + tangible reminder of the life you want to build. But not only is the finished product fun to look at — the process is fun to make!

Here's how to get started to create your own vision board for 2025.

SUPPLIES

Brit + Co

Surface

I love white or black foam core board for creating vision boards. There are LOADS of sizes and options for this, so have fun picking the right one for you.

Adhesive

Glue sticks, Washi tape or pushpins work equally well. I prefer something non-permanent so I can revise my board as the year moves along.

Cutting tools

X-acto knife, ruler, scissors or a paper cutter are all great tools to have on hand.

Images

Magazines, old books, photographs all work well.

Set the vibe

A good playlist to inspire creative vibes, a big work area (floors work great for this!) and light some candles to keep it dreamy and inspiring.

Nosh and nourish

A cheese board, some wine, and good chocolate. All things are better with chocolate, right?

GET TO MAKING

Brit + Co

Set an intention. Or many.

I like to make one vision board for my entire world — work, family, love, hobbies, wellness, travel. Others prefer to have a separate vision board for each area of their life, or to only focus on one for the entire year. Let your intuition guide you here and decide the best approach for you. Really think about what you want to accomplish in the coming year. What emotions do you want to feel more of? Less of? How do you want to live?

You might find it best to journal about this prior to starting the image-gathering process to really bring clarity to mind. This intentional thinking will be important as you select images for your 2025 vision board. Try some Winter Journal Prompts For Improving Your Relationship or go for Emma Watson's Daily Journal Prompts!

Brit + Co

Curate images.

Find images that support your intention, and the life you want to build in the year ahead. Images should not just portray the WHAT of what you want, but also the EMOTION. The colors, people, and objects that show up on your final board should bring a smile to your face. I collect LOTS of images in a Pinterest board when I'm in the intention setting phase to have an abundance to choose from as I start my planning. Great resources for images are favorite blogs, Pinterest, Instagram, and Unsplash — really any image that speaks to you is vision board worthy.

Brit + Co

Build your 2025 vision board.

A reminder, this board is JUST FOR YOU so arrange the images in a way that speaks to your soul. You could organize each area by focus (work or home, for example.) Or let the colors of the images guide you in how they are arranged. There is no right or wrong way to do this — so just arrange and rearrange until you find what works for you. Stick the images to your surface once you've found a layout that you love.

Brit + Co

Find a home for your board.

Pick a spot in your home or workspace that you'll see your board regularly. The magic of this work comes in not just the building, but the visual reminder it gives you to give your time, energy, and resources to the things that support the life you want to build.

Brit + Co

Review often.

I'm a big fan of viewing these boards as evolving pieces of work. Take time to review it often and rearrange, add, or remove as needed to keep it as aspirational and inspiring as you need to move you toward your goals.

Giving yourself space, time, and a creative outlet to dream about your future is such a gift. One that can bring more positivity, intention, and purpose to your year ahead.

Follow us on Pinterest for more 2025 vision board ideas and check out our online classes for tons of inspo!

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Jill Elliott is a creative consultant, strategist, and thinker constantly seeking inspiration and balance. As a writer, artist, and founder of The Color Kindshe seeks to inspire others to live creatively every day. She can often be found making art and messes alongside her daughter and Goldendoodle puppy.

Do you hear wedding bells? Because after Tom Holland and Zendaya's engagement, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's engagement, and those Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson marriage rumors, it appears Hollywood does. And after all those Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift engagement rumors, Travis just spilled on his ideal wedding timeline — that's right, it appears our favorite IRL rom-com couple could be thinking about tying the knot!

Here's what Travis Kelce had to say about his least favorite time of year to get married.

Travis Kelce wants to avoid THIS wedding season for one reason.

@britandco#greenscreen do you think any of these will come true?! #taylorswift#traviskelce#tayvis#travistaylor#thealchemy#prpredictions♬ the alchemy ts sped up - Swiftie_Jean-Alex 😁✨

On a new episode of the New Heights podcast he hosts with brother Jason, Travis Kelce revealed he would like to avoid an autumn wedding day. And the reason is literally so on brand it makes me laugh.

After a listener revealed over the phone that his girlfriend wants to schedule their wedding during football season, Travis admits that "I actually don't know people who've gotten married in the fall."

"My friends always do it in the summer," he says. "I've seen weddings everywhere but the fall. So, I'm not sure if the fall is a good wedding season."

The weather of an autumn wedding (not to mention the incredible aesthetic of the wedding photos!!) have always made it seem so dreamy. Plus, I've attended more than one summer wedding (some on the beach!) and it can get toasty under the summer sun. Spring then, Travis?

Travis' comments come after he responded to rumors that he'd pop the question to girlfriend Taylor Swift. During the June 1 Big Slick Celebrity Weekend's onstage comedy sketch, Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis asked Travis about a potential engagement. "Hey Travis, real talk, OK, just the guys here," Jason says. "When are you going to make an honest woman out of her?"

"Guys," Travis says, "you're really pushing it." It's a pretty kind way to say back off!! I'm excited for whenever Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tell us they're engaged — should they choose to share at all.

Check out the latest news on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship!

'Tis the season... for giving and getting things you (and your giftees) might not really need. With sustainability becoming a paramount concern for many and the drawbacks of overconsumption entering our collective consciousness, the idea of gifting thoughtful, handmade, and possibly even zero-waste gifts is becoming ever more appealing. The only problem? We're not all as handy as we might like to be. Don't worry though — you don't need to be an expert maker to craft these DIY Christmas gifts! From beginner to advanced, there's a homemade Christmas gift idea for giver and giftee alike.

1. Edible DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

Brit + Co

If you know your way around a kitchen, don't sleep on the opportunity to give your loved ones an edible gift. You know it'll get used (AKA eaten), and it's essentially a zero-waste gift-giving strategy.

We love making pretty desserts that work well as gifts, like this matcha yogurt bark, this peppermint bark, these super easy Christmas cookie recipes, and these edible gift ideas. Package them up with these creative gift wrapping techniques, or forego paper altogether and wrap them with a cute kitchen towel for a zero-waste approach.

2. DIY Craft Kits To Gift

Etsy

If you're a complete beginner to DIY and handmade Christmas gifts, it might be smart to start out with a kit. A DIY kit allows you to fashion a thoughtful gift that shows your recipient just how much time and effort you put into giving them something special.

This DIY permanent jewelry kit is perfect for someone who wants to give their bestie a one-of-a-kind present this year. You can also DIY Christmas-scented candles, grow your loved one's birth month flower, or construct a super-cute tiny house to be displayed as kitschy decor.

3. Handmade Christmas Gifts

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

We love a good DIY. Our favorite presents are handmade Christmas gifts, and we've shared a ton of homemade gift ideas in our time.

A cute winter terrarium is perfect for the quirky decor lover in your life, while nothing brings the hygge vibes more than a hand-knit blanket. Give your favorite houseplant lover some gorgeous flora in one of these DIY cement planters, or embroider a pillow that'll add a cute touch of color to your bestie's home!

4. DIY Home Decor

Brit + Co

Speaking of your bestie's home, we've got plenty of ideas for DIY Christmas gifts you can give in the home decor category.

Spruce up a simple IKEA desk to give your work wife a WFH chair that's cute and from the heart. Make magazine wall art in your giftee's favorite colors to add a homemade, kitschy touch to their space. This Anthro-inspired DIY chandelier is another great option for artsy decor lovers.

A friend who loves hostessing will appreciate this pineapple cutting board, and someone who's into the beauty of organization will swoon over this DIY wall organizer.

DIY Jewelry

Brit + Co

Many of us adore jewelry, so why not give someone in your life a cute and colorful accessory this holiday season? These acrylic earrings are super colorful and adorable, while this DIY choker is '90s inspired and totally on-trend. We also love this geode statement necklace and this cute necklace made out of old tee shirts. Talk about sustainable style!

Love these DIY Christmas gift ideas? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for gift guides, recipes, and other holiday inspo!

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

This post has been updated.

Ah, a new year – the perfect time to reevaluate and refresh your routine, diet, home, and of course, your closet! I always try to take the time at the top of a new year to clean out the pieces that don’t serve me anymore, and the one thing I tend to comb through the most is my shoe collection. From sneakers to sandals and boots to clogs, I typically come across several outdated pairs that make me wonder why I even wore them in the first place!

In the vein of going all-in on a brand-new beginning for your shoe collection in 2025, you’re gonna want to know these 5 outdated winter shoe trends to start the year off right – and in style.

These are the top 5 outdated winter shoe trends for 2025, plus the best styles to wear instead.

Ugg

UGG Classic Tall Boots

1. Tall UGG boots

Tall UGG boots are so 2010. They can be clunky, annoyingly warm on the feet, and tend to make your body proportions look… funky.

Nordstrom

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boots

Instead, opt for the UGGs all the cool girls are wearing well into winter 2025: the Classic Mini. These boots don’t rise nearly as high on your legs, lengthening and flattering your figure.

Nordstrom

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boots

UGG even sells a shorter style called the Ultra Mini, which you can also snag in a platform silhouette.

UGGs are undoubtedly winter-ready since they’re lined with shearling on the inside to keep your toes warm. If you’re worried about snow or ice getting to them, you can get an UGG boot guard or spray your pair down in waterproof and stain-proof protectant.

Amazon

Circus NY Nellie Mary Janes

2. Platform shoes

I hate to say it, but platform shoes seem to be on their way out for 2025. And I get it – platform shoes like Mary Janes and loafers can be impractical, especially if you have to commute in treacherous winter conditions like snow.

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Matilda Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Instead, the fashion world is blowing up with lower-profile shoe designs, meaning they don’t have as much height to them.

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Denise Penny Loafer

Opt for low-lying ballet flats, loafers, and Mary Janes to keep your shoe game subtle, yet stylish in 2025.

Nordstrom

AGL The Chunky Biker Lug Sole Leather Boots

3. Round-toe boots

We’re going to be seeing less and less round-toe boots (and round-toe shoes in general) this coming year. They were definitely popular at a point in time, but a lot of fashion fiends nowadays are wearing the more eye-catching, and even more sultry shoe designs that include square or pointed toes.

Free People

Jeffrey Campbell Lights Out Moto Boots

Try out these square-toe boots to instantly elevate your outfits in 2025.

Nordstrom

Dolce Vita Shadie Waterproof Pointed Toe Chelsea Boots

Pointed-toe boots are also undeniably chic.

Nordstrom

Moon Boot Classic Low 2 Water Repellent Nylon Boots

4. Moon boots

It could just be me living near a ton of mountain towns, but Moon boots are a winter shoe trend I’m simply tired of seeing. They stick out like a sore thumb when it comes to snow boots, plus even though they have a hefty price tag, they don’t necessarily stand out from other similar snow boots, other than the fact that they have a big logo stamped across them for curb appeal.

Moon boots have gotta go. Try other warm (and less obnoxious) snow boot styles, like the ones below.

Nordstrom

Sorel Tivoli V Faux Fur Lined Waterproof Boots

These cozy, lined boots are way less bulky but still provide great traction and protection against snowy weather.

Nordstrom

Hunter Amble Booties

These insulated booties ensure you stay comfy, warm, and dry this season – all while looking stylish!

DSW

Fila Disruptor II Sneakers

5. Chunky sneakers

I fear chunky sneakers – like the ever-popular Fila Disruptors – are simply out of style. They’ve been done over and over again, and instead, the fashion girls are showing off in something entirely brand-new.

In case you didn’t know, sleek platform sneakers – most notably the Adidas Gazelles or Handball Spezials – are so in. They’re practically the “It” girl shoes that keep on giving.

Shop my fave styles below.

Adidas

Adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes

The stacked soles on these shoes are everything.

Free People

Ash Mae Buckle Hi Top Sneakers

This familiar shoe style is elevated even more with an edgy buckle design.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more style advice!

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

If there's one thing I love to see, it's celebrities going makeup-free. And I'll celebrate it every single time! In addition to Drew Barrymore taking her makeup off on live TV (and throwing her extensions on the ground) and Millie Bobby Brown showing off her acne in selfies, Lady Gaga loves to go makeup-free. Remember when she performed at the Oscars with no makeup and ripped jeans?! Well the actress and singer just posted another adorable selfie without a stitch of makeup.

Here's what Lady Gaga had to say about "Die With A Smile" alongside her no-makeup selfie.

Lady Gaga is "so grateful" the song is #1.

To celebrate "Die With A Smile" (her song with Bruno Mars) hitting number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Lady Gaga posted a photo of her laying in the grass with a huge grin on her face — and without any makeup.

"Thank you to all of the monsters and hooligans for helping make 'Die With A Smile' #1 on the Billboard Hot 100! We love you and are so grateful," she says in the post. "Having multiple songs of mine hit #1 across three decades feels surreal, and I am overwhelmed by the love and support you have shown me from the beginning. I have so much more in store for you and can’t wait to share it."

Friends and fans flooded the comments with everyone from Noah Cyrus saying, "you’re so gorgeous," to a fan account adding, "Thank you for your art! So proud of you and Bruno. You deserve this!"

And she loved recording it with Bruno Mars!

The song was released on August 16, and in a statement to Page Six, Lady Gaga praised Bruno Mars as a collaborator. “Bruno and I have a lot of mutual respect for each other and were talking about collaborating,” she says. “I was finishing up my own album in Malibu, and one night after a long day he asked me to come to his studio to hear something he was working on...It was around midnight when I got there, and I was blown away when I heard what he had started making.”

After revealing they "stayed up all night” to finish both writing and recording it, Lady Gaga continues, “Bruno’s talent is beyond explanation. His musicianship and vision is next level. There’s no one like him." There's no one like you either Gaga!

Has "Die With A Smile" been on repeat for you? Let us know your favorite Lady Gaga song on Instagram!