How to Make a DIY Running Belt for Stashing Your Phone

B+C readers — I’m not going to lie and say that I am a runner, because I am not. However, I am into having my hands free when walking or hiking. For this post, I turned to all the little birdies around the office who told me about the countless number of black running bands that are forced upon them at running expos. With this new knowledge, I decided to give running belts a B+C DIY do-over and make them super colorful! The key to making these bands stay up while running is quality wide velcro — tons of surface area means tons of area for Velcro to lock into place!

Materials:

  • — 1/4 yard jersey fabric
  • — 1/4 yard lycra fabric
  • — 1 1/2 inches sewing Velcro
  • — 1/2-inch grommet
  • — 9-inch zipper

Tools:

— sewing machine

— hammer

— sewing pins

— measuring tape

— marker

— fabric scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut a 12 x 12-inch square out of your jersey fabric.

2. Fold two ends of the fabric to meet in the middle and then fold the edges of those pieces back in the opposite direction about an inch to create a clean hem. Pin the hem in place.

3. Pin the zipper to the hem and sew both sides.

4. Measure the width of the zipper pouch and your waist. Cut a rectangle of lyrca fabric that measures two times the width of the zipper pouch by the length of your waist (minus about six inches).

5. Fold the lycra in half and sew to create a long tube. Then turn it right side out.

6. Tuck the raw edges of the lyrca under and fit the zippered pouch into the lyrca opening. Pin and sew through all layers.

7. Cut a small hole in your pouch and attach your grommet.

8. Flip the band over and cut down the middle of the lyrca to open up the loop. Hem the edges.

9. Cut a six-inch piece of Velcro, pin and then sew onto the band.

  1. Grab your jersey fabric and cut out a 12 x 12-inch square. When choosing your fabric, go with a heavier weight.

  2. Fold opposite ends of the fabric to meet at the center and then fold them back an inch to create a clean hem. Don’t worry about it being directly in the center — since it’s a loop, you can adjust the placement of the zipper later on in the tutorial.

  3. Pin the zipper face down and sew both sides. Unzip the zipper when sewing to make it a whole lot easier ;)

  4. Measure the width of your zipper pouch. Depending on the size of the hem, it will be around 5-6 inches wide.

  5. Grab your measuring tape and jot down the length of your waist. Cut a long rectangle out of your lycra fabric that measures double the width of your pouch by the length of your waist minus six inches.

  6. Fold the lycra in half lengthwise and sew to create a long tube. Remember to keep in mind the good and bad sides of fabric when sewing.

  7. Turn right side out. We love the way this fabric shines!

  8. Tuck the raw edges of the lycra under and then fit the zippered jersey pouch inside the opening of the lyrca. Pin and then sew. Don’t be nervous, and sew through all layers of the pouch. This will create a barrier for your goodies so they don’t roll around inside your belt. This is also the time to choose where you want your zipper to be. Feel free to rotate the zipper closer to the top to fit your needs.

  9. Cut a small hole and attach your grommet. Pound away! You can put your headphone cord through the grommet while you’re out on your run listening to jams.

  10. Cut down the middle of the lycra band, fold the edges under and hem.

  11. Cut a six-inch piece of Velcro, pin and sew into place.

  12. Stuff your phone, keys, credit card and transit pass in place and get ready to run!

  13. We couldn’t help but make two different bands. These are on point. One for me and one for you :)

These two chicas were ready to take these running bands for a test drive. Thanks girls!

Ashley and Alicia gave us the tip to wear these packs on your back while running for maximum comfort.

Ready, set, race ya!

Make sure to follow us on Instagram! Share what you’ve made with us by using the hashtag #iamcreative.

Olivia Munn bared it all in her latest SKIMS ad, proving you don't have to hide your scars. The actress posed in a campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, supporting Susan G. Komen®and highlighting her own journey with the disease. She looked absolutely stunning in every photo, but the most gorgeous moment was the way Munn didn't shy away from showing her mastectomy scars. She spoke to TODAY about her experience during the shoot, and why she ultimately decided to ditch her insecurities. Here's what she had to say!

SKIMS

Munn shared with TODAYthat she didn't initially plan to show her scars on the set. The campaign was focused on her recovery post-breast cancer diagnosis, but the makeup artist had a hard time covering up the scars throughout the shoot. She explained that she took a look in the mirror and thought, "I’m done being insecure about my scars." From there, she took the idea to show them off to the SKIMS team — and the rest is history.

SKIMS

And while she was scared to be so vulnerable on camera, this was ultimately a really empowering move for Munn. She elaborated that there are "so many women that have these same scars" who feel just as insecure as she did about them — and she really hopes those women see this ad. "Skims is so iconic and associated with beauty and sex appeal, and cancer really doesn't have that same connotation," she said. "So I just really hope that other women who have gone through my same path feel a little better after seeing it."

SKIMS

The star also took to Instagram to give a behind-the-scenes explanation of her experience. She reiterated that she was "done being insecure" about her scars. "Every mark life has left behind on my body is proof of how hard I fought," she wrote. "I hope other women who have been self-conscious about their scars see these photos and feel all the love I’m sending."

She also shared that SKIMS will donate 10% of their bra sales (except bralettes) to Susan G. Komen® — a charity dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer — from October 23-31 in stores and online. "It’s really meaningful to be part of an initiative that supports research and helps countless individuals impacted by breast cancer," she said.

SKIMS

All of this comes on the heels of Munn's announcement earlier this year that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She revealed the diagnosis came after recently tested negatively for well-known breast cancer genes and had normal results from her annual mammogram — but her doctor to check her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score. The test showed Munn had a 37% risk of breast cancer, so she pushed for more answers that eventually lead to her diagnosis.

Since then, Munn shared with PEOPLE that she had 4 surgeries in 10 months and underwent medically-induced menopause — all the while juggling being a new mom with husband John Mulaney. She shared, "I'm lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day."

SKIMS

After that March announcement, it's clear Munn is dedicated to raising awareness for women's health — and particularly their options. While chatting about the SKIMS campaign, Munn told TODAY, "You've got to go your doctor and you inundate them with information and you don't stop until they give you the test you need."

If you want to test your own risk for breast cancer, the National Institute of Health has resources here.

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When I moved into my home in the spring, the windows hadn’t been replaced in over 40 years! With a hot summer and rainy winter approaching, I was worried I’d be dealing with more than just a draft — so I swapped them out for double-pane, energy-efficient ones. Living in sunny California, solar panels were also a no-brainer. But making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to mean major investments. Here are a few simple, budget-friendly ways to cut down on energy use without spending a fortune. Bonus: You'll save money on your energy bill too!


Here are low-cost ways to make your home more energy efficient.


Photo by cottonbro studio

1. Seal Drafty Doors and Windows

Use weatherstripping, caulk, or even a good old-fashioned draft stopper to prevent warm or cool air from escaping. It’s one of the quickest, cheapest ways to improve energy efficiency

Quince

2. Hang Thermal Curtains

Affordable and easy to install, thermal or blackout curtains help keep heat in during winter and block out the sun in summer, easing the load on your HVAC and reducing your heating and cooling costs. Plus, they add cozy style to a room!

Shutterstock

3. Swap in LED Bulbs

LEDs use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs and last way longer. They’re a small investment that pays off quickly— especially if you swap them out room by room.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

4. Use Smart Power Strips

Even when turned off, devices like TVs and computers draw power. Smart power strips cut that “phantom energy” without you needing to remember to unplug anything.

Kaboompics.com

5. Install Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucet Aerators

Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators are inexpensive, easy to install, and reduce water and energy use (since you’re heating less water).

Shutterstock

6. Clean (or Replace) Air Filters Regularly

Dirty filters make your heating and cooling systems work harder, using more energy. Replace filters every 3-6 months for peak efficiency.

Shutterstock

7. Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Most detergents are designed to work just as well in cold water, and heating water accounts for a big chunk of your washer’s energy use. Bonus: it’s gentler on your clothes, too so they'll look like new longer!

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The early 2000s were true teen drama royalty like we'll never see again, and One Tree Hill's Hilarie Burton (who played Peyton Sawyer for the first 6 seasons) loved shows likeGilmore Girls and The OC as much as you did. But as she remembers it, One Tree Hill didn't always feel as beloved as it is now.

"We were the nerds," she jokes. "Like, you would see every other chick get beauty campaigns and things, and we were just kind of the stepchild."

Warner Bros. Television

Despite the fact One Tree Hill might not have been considered the golden child at the time, the series has garnered a cult following since its on-air days, drawing fans to Wilmington, North Carolina for its anniversary celebration, and nearly breaking the internet when news of a sequel series leaked online.

"It's very, very early development," Burton says. "And so what has been really cool for us? And when I say us, I mean the entire cast, like everybody and our old crew, they're all really proud of the work that we did back then too. And so to see the public support this little show we made 20 years later, that's so special and it's so rare. And I love that, even though that news was leaked, Netflix gets to see that public outpouring of support. That's cool. So, fingers crossed we'll make it to the next step."

Warner Bros. Television

Burton was in her twenties for the majority of OTH, and while she (alongside other female cast members of the show) have since vocalized the mistreatment they experienced from showrunner Mark Schwahn, the challenges of her twenties don't overshadow the accomplishments.

"I was not afraid to say difficult things in my twenties," she says. "And what I can tell other people in their twenties is that the long game will pay off. If you say the difficult thing and you say the truth, and you don't mask and you don't make up an alternative narrative, people will eventually realize that you were right."

Although the people pleaser in all of us might not want to rock the boat, she praises young people who refuse to accept toxicity: "We definitely have a feistier generation coming up than what I grew up in."

Getty Images for Netflix

With her fiery attitude and sharp sense of humor, I have no problem believing Burton was one of the feistiest women of her generation, and she now finds herself advocating for a new phase in her own life: perimenopause. The actress is currently partnering with OLLY for their new Mellow Menopause supplements, bringing awareness to a conversation that should have been happening all along.

Burton never really had a menstrual cycle until she started birth control, which messed with her hormones and led to a Xanax prescription she never needed. And as she aged, she moved from having pain during her period to having it during ovulation. "I felt like there was something really wrong with me because no one had explained that could happen," she says. "So the more we can throw out what the symptoms are, I think the calmer people will be in their exploration of their own bodies."

Knowledge and education are power, and Burton firmly believes the more you understand your body, your hormones, and your emotions, the safer you'll feel. But that's only one silver lining she's found.

Hilarie Burton/Instagram

"I've talked about the feminine rage that I feel like I've earned," she says. "That Kesha song 'Joyride' came out this summer. She says, 'I've earned the right to be like this.' And I was like, 'Yeah, of course.' I think we spend our twenties experimenting. We spend our thirties kind of, like, establishing our careers and what our goals are. And then our forties are about knowing who we are and owning it. And if biology wants to come out swinging, I think we're in a place where we can control that and we can handle it."

That isn't to say perimenopause hasn't come without its unexpected moments, like having to convince others she really was experiencing perimenopause, despite being "too young." "The more research I did, and then in talking to my doctor, my instinct was right," she reveals. "I was beginning the [menopause] journey, and rather than try to hide it or treat it like a deficit, I get to own it. Now I get to treat it and I get to help other women navigate it. And that feels so much better when you're going through a bad thing, but you know that you're helping someone else through it. It doesn't feel as scary."

Mat Hayward/Getty Images for Ketel One

But while it's important to be vocal about our experiences, I also can't help but point out how it feels like men never have to talk about aging — they just get to do it and no one bats an eye. "Yeah, I think it's important to act like a man," Burton jokes. She remembers when her husband (actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan) embraced his natural gray hair, no one in the industry considered him too old for Hollywood.

"In fact, people thought he was hotter," she says. "So I wanted to act like a man in that journey [and embrace my own gray hair]. And so the different reaction I had was a little bit startling, but also made me laugh...I want to treat this chapter of my life as my expertise chapter. I know what I'm doing. I've been training for 20 years, 25, it's been a lot and I wanted to acknowledge that I know what I'm doing and when I talk about my body, I want to know exactly what I'm talking about."

And part of that expertise is knowing herself inside and out. On the days Burton doesn't feel like herself, whether because of hormones or mental health, she emphasizes how important it is to actually communicate those feelings. "It has been vital for me to communicate, not just with my husband, but with my teenage son," she says. "I want him to grow up to be the kind of man that's supportive of the women in his workplace and the women in his life. You know, we all talk about how we need to educate our daughters, but we also need to educate our sons."

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

And looking back on her own teenage years, Burton reveals her experience with perimenopause has actually reinforced the values she identified during that period in her life. "I think being a teenager and seeing these people who were gods [in the industry], seeing how insecure and unhappy some of them were really tipped me off right away," she says. "Success is being okay in your little bubble, being okay in your bedroom at night when you're alone by yourself. And so my goals have always kind of centered on, 'Do I feel okay when I'm all by myself?' and menopause is one of those things that can rattle that safety for people."

"It's about knowing who you are so much that no one else can take it away from you," she continues. "And whether it's your work or a sh—ty boyfriend or whatever, you have to know yourself so well that no one can take it away, and menopause can mess with that sometimes. And I'm gonna fight like hell to keep who I am."

Loveall things OTH? Check out This One Moment Proves Brooke Davis Is The Best Character On One Tree Hill.

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The White Lotus season 3 wrapped up April 6 (leaving us all in tears with that ending), but don't worry Mike White fans. The White Lotus season 4 is officially coming our way! HBO confirmed the news on January 22, announcing that production on the new season would hopefully begin in 2026. So we can rest easy as we rewatch season 3; we don't have to worry about a cancellation & (too many) unresolved cliffhangers! And after you finish season 3, you can check out the The 6 Best TV Shows To Watch On Max This Month.

Here's everything we know about The White Lotus season 4, coming to HBO and Max soon.

Is there a season 4 of The White Lotus?

Max

Yes, we're officially getting a The White Lotus season 4! It was confirmed near the end of January 2025, ahead of the season 3 release, and I couldn't be happier. Varietyconfirmed that HBO is hoping to start filming in 2026.

"Good news travels fast," the official social media announcement reads. "#TheWhiteLotus is excited to welcome you to a new destination."

Where is the next White Lotus set season 4?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

There's no word on where The White Lotus season 4 will take place, but creator Mike White already has some ideas. "For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the 'crashing waves of rocks' vernacular but there’s always more room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels," Mike said in an "Inside Episode 8" feature.

HBO programming exec Francesca Oris told Deadline in February that "I can’t really say where we’re going to land but chances are somewhere in Europe."

One X user tweeted that, "We need a winter themed season," and I can't agree more. The only thing messier than summer vacation drama? Drama in Aspen. (Or Norway, considering Mike White reportedly reached out to the Norwegian Film Institute for a filming grant). But producer David Bernad told THR that Mike "hates" the cold, so who knows!

Okay so who's in the White Lotus season 4 cast?

Max

If you're a White Lotus fan, you know we get a new characters every season, and fans are already dreaming up the next cast list. Names like Pedro Pascal, Regina Hall, Pamela Anderson, and Nicola Coughlan have been thrown around, to which I say HECK YES. I'm still holding out for Madelyn Cline too!

When is The White Lotus season 4 coming out?

HBO

We don't have an official release date yet, but considering The White Lotus season 2 was filmed and released in 2022, there's a very good chance that if they begin production on The White Lotus season 4 in early 2026, we'll see episodes that same year!

How does The White Lotus season 3 end?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

We finally figured out who the White Lotus killer is — and who didn't make it out of season 3 alive. When Rick ends up enacting revenge on Jim for the horrible things he said, he ends up shooting Jim in the chest (then learning he was Rick's father).

When Rick and Jim's bodyguards end up in a shootout, Chelsea gets hit by a stray bullet and dies. Rick tries to carry her body away but gets shot by Gaitok, resulting in his death too. Laurie, Jaclyn, and Kate comfort each other after the shooting, Belinda and Zion leave the White Lotus on a private boat while the Ratliffs return to North Carolina, with Timothy promising they'll get through their future trouble as a family.

Is White Lotus supposed to be the Four Seasons?

Jean Paul Montanaro/Pexels

The White Lotus filmed at different Four Seasons locations, and is comparable to a resort like the Four Seasons. I wonder if the Four Seasons baby could be a guest star next year?!

Are you excited for The White Lotus season 4? Dreaming of a vacation? Check out How Much It Actually Costs To Stay At The White Lotus Season 3 Resort.

This post has been updated.

Some of us know that feeling of a post-lunch stomachache all too well, but many of us are still in the dark about how what we’re eating impacts our digestive systems! Some of the most common foods in your daily routine could be the reason behind your bloating, cramps, or general tummy discomfort. These 6 foods might be messing with your gut – here’s how they can trigger pains, aches, indigestion, and more.

P.S. If you're experiencing frequent stomach pain, it might be helpful to keep a food diary and note when any symptoms occur to help you identify specific triggers. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional is a good idea.

Scroll on for 6 foods that commonly cause stomach discomfort.

Mark Stebnicki / PEXELS

1. Hot peppers

Hot peppers like jalapeños, serranos, habaneros, and more contain capsaicin, which lends them their spicy heat. Though capsaicin can totally enhance the flavors of certain dishes, it can also irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, causing pains, cramps, upset bowel movements, acid reflux, or heartburn.

Shantanu Pal / PEXELS

2. Curry spices

Many common curry spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder tend to stimulate stomach acid production. While they can aid digestion when eaten in small amounts, they can be harmful if you're simply sensitive to them or eat ‘em in large doses. If you have a sensitive stomach, you could experience indigestion, bloating, or a burning sensation from certain spices.

Charlotte May / PEXELS

3. Milk

Ah, yes – the ol’ lactose intolerance! Milk obviously contains lactose, which is commonly hard to digest. If you’re lactose intolerant or have a sensitive stomach, consuming milk can lead to gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea as undigested lactose ferments in the gut.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

4. Cheese

Just like milk, cheese contains lactose – though typically in smaller amounts. Nonetheless, it can trigger plenty of tummy problems. Aged cheese in particular can also be high in fat, slowing digestion.

Eyad Tariq / PEXELS

5. Coffee

Coffee is not only naturally acidic on its own, but it also encourages the stomach to produce more acid. This can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to acid reflux, heartburn, or gastritis (AKA inflammation of the stomach lining). On the contrary, it can also speed up digestion, leading to cramping or less-than-ideal bowel movements.

Pixabay / PEXELS

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another naturally acidic food and can trigger acid reflux or heartburn easily. These symptoms are especially prevalent in people with sensitive stomachs or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The acidity can also irritate the esophagus and cause a burning sensation or indigestion after eating.

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