Whether you want to tap into some holiday nostalgia, or find a fun DIY to do with your kiddos, this simple snow globe craft offers both! Together with Camp by Walmart, we built a customizable crafting journey so you can execute this decor upgrade based on your style preferences and the supplies you have around the house. For this project, you'll need to decide if you want your snow globe to be inside of a mason jar or glass orb, what type of snow you want (hello, glitter!), and what holiday scene should go inside. With 16 possible outcomes, we can't wait to see what you come up with. Check it out by watching the winter wonderland snow globe tutorial now!
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In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward.
In this segment, Paige Wiese, founder & CEO of Tree Ring Digital in Denver, CO, walks us through some of the ways she encourages clients to double down on marketing when business is slow. Paige built her business as a solopreneur graphic designer to a team of 15, helping clients with SEO, online ads, and social media management. Here’s her Take 5, plus more tips for surviving the business lulls below!
What's a recent small win for you and your business?
Paige: A recent small win has been just seeing business pick up again. I am seeing businesses start to engage with their marketing efforts and really trying to get to the root of why their website might be underperforming. We look at what they can be doing to see their money actually go to a place that it should be going.
What's a big piece of advice that you give to your clients?
Paige: A lot of them want to back off anytime there's a little bit of scarcity. I really think that's the time to double down, whether it be your digital presence, your website, or just adjusting how you're spending your money. But instead of just saying, ‘Hey, we're going to stop [investing in marketing],’ ask ‘How do we double down in the correct way and make sure we're seeing measurable results out of it?’ I do it myself anytime business is a little slow. I think we have to either change or we need to be doubling down. A lot of clients come to us when the pipeline is already dry and money is tight and they’re hoping for a quick fix. Marketing, unfortunately, isn't a quick fix.
See more tips for surviving business lulls below!
What's an unexpected business challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
Paige: I think one of the bigger challenges that we've run into has been more on the employee side, some of the retention or the hiccups that come along the way and then just learning from them. So how can we be a better, stronger company coming out of this and how do we use it as a growing opportunity?
How has the Verizon Small Business program helped propel your business forward?
Paige: I learned about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). It's a free resource that’s self-paced and very digestible. The variety of topics it covers is a large gamut for any size business. The Selling with Storytelling course, especially, was really valuable to me, just really getting your messaging out there. I laugh that I sometimes enjoy the marketing ones a little bit more just because it is a refresher or another take on how we do this.
Thanks Paige!
Here Are More B+C Tips For Surviving The Small Business Lulls
Photo by Kampus Production
- Refine Your Strategy
- Review your business plan and goals. Are you on track? What can be improved?
- Analyze customer feedback and sales data to spot trends and areas where you can grow.
- Boost Your Marketing Efforts
- Refresh your website or social media profiles. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready’s free Put Your Website to Work course will help you get started with best practices for building your business website.
- Create engaging content through blogs, videos, and newsletters. Verizon’s free Creating Compelling Content course can help you create consistent, quality content for your target customers.
- Offer promotions or limited-time discounts to attract new customers.
- Invest in Learning
- Take an online course related to your industry, like Verizon’s free Planning for the Unexpected course for building resiliency in your business.
- Stay updated on industry trends and innovations.
- Engage with customers too. Send personalized emails to loyal customers or clients. Ask for reviews!
- Improve Your Processes
- Streamline operations or explore new tools to increase your efficiency.
- Organize your workspace and declutter your digital files.
- Self-Care and Rest
- Take advantage of the slower pace to recharge. A refreshed mindset is exactly what you need to bring forth fresh ideas!
Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Tree Ring Digital.
Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces.
It’s pretty common for celebrities to go by a stage name or a different moniker entirely when they’re trying to break into showbiz. Take musicians for example. Before the world knew her as Rihanna, everyone in her life simply knew as Robyn Rihanna Fenty. And the same goes for actors as well. Did you know that The Office alum Mindy Kaling was born Vera Mindy Chokalingam?(Yeah, I was today years old when I learned that.) Even certain members of the British royal family have chosen not to go by their first name, given their high profile status. What if I told you Kate Middleton’s full name is Catherine Elizabeth Middleton? I know right, shocker!
Keep reading to learn more about the 22 celebrities who don’t actually go by their real name — and the reason why.
1. Emma Stone
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Real Name: Emily Jean Stone
Back when Easy A alum Emma Stone was trying to break into the industry as an actress, she chose to go by a different name because there was already a person with the same moniker in the SAG.
So, in a 2017 interview with W Magazine, the Poor Things star shared that she wanted to go by Emily J. Stone, but decided against it. “So to ask a 16-year-old to pick a new name is really an interesting process, because I was like, ‘I’m going to be Riley’... And so my name was Riley Stone for about six months,” she told the publication at the time. “I changed it to Emma because you know it’s closer to Emily, but most people call me ‘M,’ that know me well.” Honestly, I think you could've pulled off the J, Emma.
2. Lady Gaga
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Real Name: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta
Turns out, the Bad Romance singer wasn’t gaga for her real name when she decided to break into Hollywood. Before entering the music industry, Germanotta chose her stage name “Lady Gaga” after she was apparently inspired by the 1984 Queen single “Radio Gaga.” Huh, who would’ve thought?
3. The Weeknd
Wagner Meier/Getty Images for Live Nation
Real Name: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
Years before the world knew him as “The Weeknd,” Tesfaye chose his professional name when he left home at a young age. During a Reddit Ask Me Anything segment, the singer revealed, "I left home when I was about 17 dropped out of high school and convinced [my friend] Lamar to do the same.”
He continued, “We grabbed our mattresses from our parents threw it in our friends sh—ty van and left one weekend and never came back home. It was gonna be the title of HOB [House of Balloons]. I hated my name at the time though so I tried it as a stage name. It sounded cool. I took out the “e” because there was already a Canadian band named the weekend (copyright issues).”
4. Gigi Hadid
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Real Name: Jelena Hadid
In case you didn’t know, the proud mom went by “Gigi” early on in her childhood. (FYI: Gigi was also her mom’s childhood nickname too.) But in a 2015 interview with Vogue, Hadid shared that everyone started calling her “Gigi” once she started grad school.
“In first or second grade, there was a girl named Helena and it got confusing with the teacher who had to call out our names, and so the teacher asked my mom, ‘If I needed to call Jelena a nickname, what would it be?’ And my mom was like, ‘I call her Gigi sometimes,’ and the name stuck,” the supermodel explained at the time.
5. Millie Bobby Brown
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Real Name: Millie Bonnie Brown (Bongiovi ;))
Millie Bobby Brown revealed in a The Electric State interview that her name is actually Millie Bonnie Brown, and that she created the stage name for "sh—ts and giggles."
"It's not Bobby," she says. "It's Millie Bonnie Brown...I've never told anyone that."
6. Brad Pitt
Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images
Real Name: William Bradley Pitt
Apparently, Brad Pitt is another celebrity who likes going by his middle name. But, according to Page Six, the longtime actor actually prefers introducing himself by his first name when he’s flirting with women.
7. Marilyn Monroe
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Real Name: Norma Jeane Mortenson
We're throwing it back with this celebrity name! Fun fact: Mortenson took the name Dougherty after her first marriage. But how did she come up with the name we're all so familiar with? Per Time, the beloved actress chose to say goodbye to her last name after a 20th Century Fox studio executive thought that there would be too many mispronunciations with her last name. So, she decided to drop her last name in exchange for her mom’s maiden name: Monroe. In addition, the exec gave her the name “Marilyn” because she reminded him of a 1920s Broadway star named Marilyn Miller.
8. Natalie Portman
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Real Name: Neta-Lee Hershlag
Originally, Portman was given a traditional Hebrew name before immigrating to the United States in 1984, where her family changed their surname to Portman. Then, the actress’s first name, Neta-Lee (which was her maternal grandmother’s maiden name) later became Natalie.
9. Cardi B
Catherine Powell/Getty Images for MTV
Real Name: Belcalis Almanzar
Though everyone knows her as Cardi B, her diehard fans can attest to the fact she was given a different name at birth. Born Belcalis Almanzar, her stage name is actually short for Bacardi (you know, like the rum). While appearing on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the rapper shared the origin of her pseudonym.
“My sister's name is Hennessy,” the rapper told Fallon. “So everyone used to call me Bacardi, and I started calling myself Bacardi, which eventually was shortened to Cardi B.”
10. Chloe Bennet
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
Real Name: Chloe Wong
While promoting her new show Interior Chinatown, Chloe Bennet sat down with Brit + Co and shared why she felt the need to go by a different name than what she was given at birth, which is Chloe Wong. “Early on in my career, my mixed race seemed to be so much more of a thing than I ever understood it as growing up,” the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D alum explained. “I come from a very diverse household and my dad is Chinese. I think I felt more Chinese than what the world perceived me as and that was a weird concept for me.”
The 32-year-old actress went on to share how she changed her surname to Bennet (aka her father’s name) on her resume and she started booking more roles. “I am still not Chloe Bennet. I am Chloe Wong,” she says in the interview.
11. Kit Harington
Amy Sussman/Getty Images for AFI
Real Name: Christopher Catesby Harington
Many of us are taught how to pronounce our given name from a very young age. But for Kit Harington, the Game of Thrones star wasn’t told his first name until he was 11 years old. In a 2014 interview with Glamour, the British actor explained how his parents refrained from telling his real name because “they could see that I wanted to be Kit, but Christopher was a bit of a tradition.”
He continued, "My brother’s name is Jack, but his real name is John. Kit is traditionally an offshoot of Christopher, it’s just not used that often. My middle name is Catesby.”
12. Jamie Foxx
Joe Maher/Getty Images
Real Name: Eric Marlon Bishop
Did you know Eric Marlon Bishop chose his stage name “Jamie Foxx” when he first started doing stand up? Back in 2015, Foxx sat down with David Letterman and explained how he tried aiming for a “unisex name” when it came time for him to choose a professional alias.
“I noticed that like 1,000 guys showed up and only three girls, but the three girls would always get a spot,” the singer and actor revealed when recounting the time he signed up for a slot in the standup lineup. “So I went to the list and wrote down a unisex name…Jamie Foxx.” And it looks like the name just stuck.
13. Lana Del Ray
Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Real Name: Elizabeth Woolridge Grant
Until the age of 25, Lizzy (aka Elizabeth) Grant reinvented herself and took on a new name when she tried breaking into the music biz—and that’s how Lana Del Rey came to be. According to The Guardian, she not only changed her name, but her entire persona and image. #Iconic
14. Bruno Mars
Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive
Real Name: Peter Gene Hernandez
Before he caught a grenade for us, the Finesse singer was called Bruno by his family because, when he was a baby, he resembled the professional wrestler Bruno Sammartino. But when it came to his last name, the Hawaiian-born musician thought it would be best to drop it and adopt the Mars surname. “Your last name’s Hernandez, maybe you should do this Latin music, this Spanish music...Enrique's so hot right now,” he jokes in a 2013 interview with GQ.
15. Demi Moore
Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Paramount+
Real Name: Demetria Guynes
Long before she starred in The Substance, the longtime actress (born Demetria Guynes) tied the knot with rock star Freddy Moore at the age of 17 and took his last name. Though the marriage ended after four-and-a-half years, she’s been known as Demi Moore ever since.
16. John Legend
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Real Name: John Roger Stephens
Tonight’s the night that…you’re going to learn how John Legend got his stage name! In a 2008 interview with MTV News (via People), the EGOT winner shared the story behind how he came up with his professional name. “John Legend is a nickname that some friends started calling me, and it kind of grew into my stage name,” he said at the time. “‘Legend’ is something that I never would have chosen for myself originally. It grew to the point where more people in my circle would know me by that name than by my real name.”
17. Miley Cyrus
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Real Name: Destiny Hope Cyrus
Don’t worry, Destiny Hope Cyrus can buy herself flowers! As it turns out, the Grammy-award winner’s stage name dates back to her childhood, when her family would call her “Smiley,” which ultimately turned into “Miley.” And the rest is history.
18. Halsey
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Real Name: Ashley Frangipane
Turns out, Halsey’s stage name is not anagram of her first name, Ashley. Back in 2015, the singer sat down with VEVO and revealed that she was inspired by Halsey Street in Brooklyn, where she would spend weekends making music with her friend.
19. Meg Ryan
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Real Name: Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra
Apparently "Meg Ryan Fall" isn't a totally accurate moniker because Meg's real name is Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra! Meg is a common nickname for Margaret, but she got Ryan from her maternal grandmother's maiden name.
20. Nina Dobrev
Francois Durand/Getty Images
Real Name: Nikolina Kamenova Dobreva
Originally born Nikolina in Bulgaria, our favorite Vampire Diaries star (and recent fiancée!) adopted "Nina" for her stage name because she reportedly figured it would be easier for fans to remember.
21. Reese Witherspoon
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Real Name: Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon
Speaking of Jeane's, did you know Reese Witherspoon's name is actually Laura Jeanne? Yup, according to Vogue, the Legally Blonde star took on her mom’s maiden name early on in her career and the moniker Reese Witherspoon was born. It's also why she only calls Big Little Lies costar Laura Dern "Dern."
22. Lucy Hale
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
Real Name: Karen Lucille Hale
Lucy Hale has a secret…her full name is Karen Lucille Hale. As it turns out, the Pretty Little Liarsalum decided to ditch her first name and go by the nickname of her middle name: Lucy.
23. Meghan Markle
Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
Real Name: Rachel Meghan Markle
Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Markle simply went by her first name: Rachel. But now, she goes by her middle name professionally. Markle is rarely addressed by her first name in public. However, an exception was made in 2018 when The Sun reported that the late Queen Elizabeth II blessed Markle’s marriage with now husband Prince Harry and addressed the duchess by her full name.
Which celebrity surprised you the most on this list? Are there any celebrities that we might’ve missed? Let us know on Instagram and read up on the latest celebrity news on Brit + Co!
This post has been updated.
Whether you're celebrating with your significant other for the first time or the tenth, you've probably already given some thought to your Valentine's Day dinner ideas. You'll be hungry by the time the sun sets, whether you've spent the whole day together, or you've just come back from the best date night ever. These recipes are perfect for ending the night on a delicious note or they can serve as your date night — cooking together is a super fun way to spend your time.
You can show your favorite valentine love with DIY Valentine's gifts, pink cocktails, fruit salad, or you can whip up a fancy-schmancy (and romantic) dinner. You can try the same recipe until it's just right, or experiment with a different pick every night of February. No matter what your favorite cuisine is, there's something for everyone.
Here are our favorite Valentine's Day dinner ideas for a date night meal to remember.
What is a good Valentine's Day dinner?
A good Valentine's Day dinner is anything that is delicious and romantic, and that will change for every couple (or if you're alone!). V Day is always a good excuse to cook up a steak if you and your partner eat meat, but pasta or seafood are also great ideas. Or go for a surf and turf dinner that incorporates all of them. You can also add aphrodisiacs into the menu, but whatever you pick, don't forget dessert!
What is the Valentine's Day menu?
Your Valentine's Day menu is totally up to you and your partners' tastes. You can check out what's local to your area if you want to have a menu that reflects this time of year in your state. In terms of courses, you can opt for dinner and dessert or go all out with an appetizer, entrée, drinks, and dessert.
What to make for a romantic dinner at home?
Here are some popular Valentine's Day foods you can consider making:
- Steak
- Seafood
- Chocolate
- Pasta
- Sushi
- Wine
- Fish
- Crème brûlée
- Strawberries
Sous Vide Steak
Prepare to swoon over this simple sous vide steak. Pair it with a baked potato and steamed veg. (via Brit + Co)
Coffee Rubbed Steak With Chili Lime Butter
Nothing says high class quite like a well-cooked steak. Take it from the pros and cook it medium-rare for the most intense flavor. We love the classic steak and baked potato combo, but feel free to shake things up with a different side. (via Brit + Co)
Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka
Image via Half Baked Harvest
You know we love vodka cocktails, so we are all about some vodka pasta! It's a 30-minute recipe topped with basil pesto and loads of your favorite cheese and you can add some red pepper flakes for some extra spice if you want. Swap the vodka for broth or water if you don't want to cook with alcohol. It'll taste just as good! (via Brit + Co)
Smoked Salmon Poke Bites
For charcuterie board fans or those of us who'd rather much on apps than have a full-blown dinner, these poke bites are cute, delicious, and have us dreaming of summer. Pickled ginger, avocado, and red onion take this recipe to a new level. Yum! (via Brit + Co)
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
A soup that's delicious *and* features veggies, cheese, and pasta all in one? Count us in. Just put everything in your slow cooker and let it come together while you finish getting ready. (via Brit + Co)
Roasted Salmon Nicoise
This one-pot wonder is great for any day of the week. Salmon, potatoes, olives, and green beans (along with some other delicious ingredients) come together to create a flavorful combo that you'll daydream about until you can eat it again. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Butternut Squash
A healthy, colorful dish like this butternut squash recipe makes for a great dinner recipe for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Plus it makes for an awesome winter comfort food. (via Brit + Co)
Air Fryer Salmon
Air fryer salmon is a great Valentine's Day dinner idea for anyone who works long hours and doesn't want to spend hours upon hours in the kitchen. Plus it's healthier than your other frying options! Not a fan of salmon? Try chicken or potatoes for other yummy options. (via Brit + Co)
Apple-Onion Pork Chops And Cheesy Crushed Potatoes
This recipe from Rachael Ray has some of the most interesting and captivating flavors we've tasted in a long time, and with meat, fruit, dairy, and starches, you're eating a lot of the food groups. (via Brit + Co)
Red Sauce Rigatoni Recipe
All you need for this delicious date night recipe is sausage, canned tomatoes, and pasta. And don't forget your favorite cheese, of course. This is a great option for having a fancy dinner at the dining table or curling up on the couch for a romantic movie. (via Brit + Co)
Charcuterie Board
Image via SocietySocial and QueenBrieCLT/Photography Demi Mabry
There's something so sophisticated and stylish about having a charcuterie board anytime of year, but especially on Valentine's Day. You can make it a red, pink, and white color scheme with fruit, dried flowers, and cheese, or try your hand at a breakfast-for-dinner board with heart-shaped pancakes, berries, and chocolate. (Via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken
Quick, easy, and delicious, what's not to love about this chicken recipe?! Tomato-y, buttery chicken goes great with flavorful naan and white rice. Sprinkle with cilantro before you serve. (via Brit + Co)
Zucchini Noodles
If you're avoiding regular pasta, try zucchini noodles instead of regular for a healthy take on your favorite dishes. Serve with pesto, olive oil and vinegar dressing, or Alfredo sauce to make a creamy pasta. (via Brit + Co)
Cauliflower And Burrata Valentine's Day Recipe
Photo via Half Baked Harvest
This dish might be geared for summer picnics, but it will also make a great option for your winter nights in. Change up the spices and seasonings depending on what your favorite flavors are, or make a couple different mixes and try them all! (via Brit + Co)
Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts
Photo via Half Baked Harvest
Okay so donuts don't technically count as an option for dinner but you can definitely make them for dessert! (Especially if you've already had your fill of lobster tails or pasta). You can even add some espresso to the chocolate glaze for a mocha taste. (via Brit + Co)
Cauliflower Rice Sushi
Not only does sushi make for a yummy Valentine's Day dinner for you and your S.O. but the actual construction of the sushi sounds just as great! Swap regular rice for some DIY cauliflower rice but feel free to keep your favorite fillings and sauces. (via Brit + Co)
Stuffed Avocado
Another great option for a smaller, finger food dinner, stuffed avocados make for a tasty and filling dish. You can also leave out the shrimp to make this an easy meat-free recipe. (via Brit + Co)
Crock-Pot Crispy Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup with Curry Roasted Acorn Squash
We're huge fans of ramen noodle meals and know this is one Valentine's Day dinner idea that can't be topped. Call us biased, but you'll find it hard not to be once you get a taste of this caramelized blend of pork, open face-egg, and jalapenos. (via Brit + Co)
Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce
Get your hands messy with this appetizing and flavorful recipe! With ingredients like tomato paste, garlic cloves, and red wine, your taste buds will be satiated. (via Brit + Co)
Creamy Cajun Mushroom Pasta
Looking for Valentine's Day dinner ideas that are healthy and won't put a dent in your budget? Try your hand at this creamy Cajun mushroom pasta! (via Brit + Co)
Puff Pastry Breakfast Egg Tarts
Eating breakfast for dinner seems to stir up our inner little girl, so we're sharing this delish recipe with you! (via Brit + Co)
Chicken Piccata
Chicken is always a pretty safe option when cooking dinner, but this recipe dresses it up into something extra delicious. (via Culinary Hill)
Duck Confit Salad
Make your Valentine something extra fancy with this confit salad. Not only is this Valentine's Day dinner elegant but it also features pomegranates and avocados, so we can't say no. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Strawberry & Cream Croissant French Toast
Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest
Whether you're making brunch or having brunch for dinner, this is a great French toast-croissant hybrid. Swap the drizzle of maple with a chocolate drizzle to make it extra Valentine-esque. Serve with white wine or champagne. (via Brit + Co)
Crispy Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs
Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork
With classic Cuban flavors, this mouthwatering pork recipe is juicy and moist. Pro tips: Spring for a high-quality meat source from your local butcher or farmers’ market, and marinate the pork overnight to make this top-notch recipe even tastier. (via The Food Charlatan)
Shrimp and Gnocchi With Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
If you’re both eating garlic, then you won’t have to worry about dreaded “garlic breath” after. Shrimp and gnocchi are already amazing on their own, but put them together for a powerhouse meal that everyone will want. You'll want to grab some red wine to go with this one. (via Damn Delicious)
Beef And Lamb Shwarma Wraps
If you prefer something a little more casual (or just love handheld food), try out these amazing wraps. Make your own tzatziki if you're feeling adventurous. (via Forks and Foliage)
Soul-Warming French Onion Pot Roast
Strawberry Ravioli With Balsamic and Basil
These naturally pink ravioli are packed with decadent flavors and topped with a balsamic reduction for a sweet and savory combo. Plus considering it's Valentine's Day, we'll take all the pink food that we can get our hands on. (via A Beautiful Mess)
One-Pan Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Valentine's Day Dinner Idea
Slow-Cooker Cassoulet
Spinach and Three Cheese Manicotti
Pasta dishes have a certain sensuousness to them, and this indulgent, cheesy manicotti dish cries out for a cozy and lovey-dovey night in. Feel free to use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own. Bring on all the bread and garlic butter. (via The Cooking Jar)
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
Creamy Masala Mussels
Mussels are delicate, fleshy, and delicious and lend a hand to any full-bodied sauce. The beer base will require all the bread to sop up every last drop of goodness. (via Drizzle and Dip)
Fettuccine Alfredo Valentine's Day Dinner Idea
Butter Candles
Add a little bit of ~mood lighting~ with these candles that are literally made out of butter. They make the perfect addition to any dinner and are like 2023's version of butter boards. (via Brit + Co)
Galentine's Day Sweet Treat Board
If you're celebrating Valentine's Day with your girlfriends, or even going stag, make this colorful and sweet dessert board. You might spoil your dinner but honestly, it's worth it. (via Amanda Wilens)
Paleo Pot Roast
This healthful, Whole30-approved pot roast doesn't skimp on yum factor even though it's made with completely clean ingredients. (via Noshtastic)
Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry
Creamy Vegan Tomato Sauce
This plant-based tomato sauce blends cashews, roasted tomatoes, and onions. It is so good, the non-vegans in your life won't mind eating it too. (via Fit Foodie Finds)
Raspberry Almond Crumb Cake
Let this moist raspberry almond crumb cake help set the tone for sexy activities after dinner. It's full of ooey-gooey goodness that'll leave you and your date's mouths watering. (via Cozy Cravings)
For more Valentine's Day dinner ideas follow us on Pinterest and check out our online cooking classes!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This article has been updated from a previous post.
Additional reporting by Chloe Williams and Jasmine Williams.
Yikes! Apparently Jennifer Lopez Is “Furious” About Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner Being So Close
Mar 07, 2025
As rumors about Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner continue to swirl, Jennifer Lopez is apparently "furious." Sources spoke to Page Sixabout the "Lets Get Loud" singer's true feelings on this potential rekindling, and they're...not great. Here's what the rom-com queen reportedly feels about it all — plus, what's next for her, Ben or no Ben!
Scroll to find out how Jennifer Lopezreally feels about Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner right now...
According to Page Six, Jennifer Lopez is "not happy with constantly seeing photos" of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck together lately. The source explained that the photos are like “salt in the wound," and that she's honestly "furious" about them.
The source elaborated that the whole situation is “completely messing with her head” — and like, I get it! If My ex who split up with me went back to his other ex who he was with for over a decade, I would have all the feelings...and then some! Especially if I felt like we were "The Greatest Love Story Never Told."
These comments come after Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were spotted out together during a family paintball outing. While they've spent plenty of time together since the holiday season, this week the rumors that they may rekindle continue to pick up even more speed.
Still, another source told Page Six, “I doubt she has even seen these stories as she is consumed with the film. She has been fully concentrating on her life, her growth, and her happiness.”
Right now, Jennifer Lopez is working on an upcoming Netflix rom-com, Office Romance. Jenny from the Block is starring alongside Brett Goldstein in this exciting new movie, and TBH it makes sense that she'd channel all her energy into her work. This Leo has got to shine!
Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!
Severanceturns office culture on its head with it's eery sci-fi vibes, but I can't stop watching it. With only a few episodes left, I've been searching for similar books to read because I need more tales of looming conspiracy theories. It's the one thing that's keep me from doomscrolling so I'll gladly take fictionalized depictions of wild occurrences at the moment. Not to mention it's just fun reading different authors' ideas of secretive policies gone wrong and their effects on the people they're designed to keep in line.
Sounds like fun, right?
Here's the best books like Severance that are full of mind-bending conspiracy theories
Amazon
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Editorial assistant Nella Rogers has been longing to see a familiar face at Wagner Books because she's the only Black girl there. When she's not feeling lonely, she tries to ignore the sweeping passive-aggressive comments she often hears. In her mind, all her frustration would be erased if she had another black girl to relate to. Surprisingly, Nella's wish comes true when Hazel joins the Wagner Books team and they strike up a fun friendship.
But just as soon as Nella gets comfortable, Hazel becomes the new token girl and overshadows her. While trying to stomach that, Nella soon starts to receive threatening messages that make her fearful. Is her life in danger or is it all in Nella's head?
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The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
Sara's been looking forward to going back home, but her anticipating is cut short when she's intercepted by the Risk Assessment Administration. According to them, she's on their watch list because her dreams alerted them of a future crime she'll be at the center at. To make sure she's not a real threat, they inform her she'll be watched for a little less than a month and then she'll be released.
Left with no other choice, Sara joins other women who have are begin held and she finds it odd how many of them haven't done anything wrong yet. What's worse is that the retention center keeps changing its policies which leaves the women imprisoned longer than they were led to believe. Their only hope? A rogue resident who's not afraid to ask questions and cause mayhem.
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I Who Have Never Known Menby Jacqueline Harpman
Similar to The Dream Hotel, I Who Have Never Known Men focuses on more imprisoned women. But this time the women are housed in an underground cage with no recollection of what's going on. It seems they're all suffering from the same case of amnesia and aren't even aware of the days or months. While the other women accept their conditions and try to adjust to them, one young prisoner isolates herself from them. They don't know it yet, but she'll be the one to free them all.
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Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter
Cassie's role at a Silicon Valley start-up company is one she's come to dread. It's a cyclical incubus of overtime, supervisors without boundaries, and tasks she'd rather not do. Also, she's noticed that some of her other other colleagues' burnout causes them to commit suicide as they succumb to the weight of always be "on" for their jobs. The only thing that seems to keep Cassie company is an internal void that seems to feed off her emotions.
Between her unplanned pregnancy and harmful work environment, she'll have to decide if chasing the glittering promise of success is more important than her sanity.
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Tokyo Doesn't Love Us Anymore by Ray Loriga
In the future lives a drug dealer who specializes in things that erases his clients' memories. The company he works for knows that people are caught up in the throes of capitalism and leans on the expectation they'd liked to eventual forget the harsh world around them. As for the dealer, he moves aimlessly from country to country and engages in fruitless encounters with people he doesn't care about. Though he uses humor to as self-deflection, readers will be able to see the stark reality he lives in by the end of the books.
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All Her Secrets by Wanda M. Morris
Ellice Littlejohn is a hotshot attorney in Atlanta who's earned her place in the law world. She even enjoys a friends-with-benefits situation with her supervisor, but that changes when he's found murdered in his office. Instead of attaching herself to the situation, she decides to fade into the background because her previous life would complicate things for her.
Miraculously, she receives a promotion that puts her in her former supervisor's shoes and it unnerves her. From discovering illegal deals to facing the biggest conspiracy theory of her career, Ellice will be forced to make decisions that have intense consequences.
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Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Jason Dessen awakens after a stranger asks him a pivotal question about his life, but he can't remember what happened right before that. All he knows is that he's being observed by people in hazmat suits who seem to know more about him than he does.
It doesn't take long for Jason to understand the life he had before seemingly doesn't exist where he is now. That he's somehow not the man he remembers himself being. Now he's left to uncover if he's still dreaming or if this reality is one he created.
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Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke
Gerald's mind is now attached to his PR firm's Slack channels which has somehow made him more productive than before. This comes at the time where employees are allowed to work remotely which makes some of his co-workers believe he's taking advantage of his job. For Gerald, this is alarming because he doesn't know how to get back to his body.
From a major PR disaster to the reality something's off in the office, Several People Are Typing explores a different side of hybrid and work-from-home life.
Amazon
The Circle by Dave Eggers
Mae Holland's just been hired by the Circle and feels thrilled because it's one of the most prominent internet companies. It works to create a continuous link between users emails and the rest of their lives so they don't have to assume different identities on the world wide web.
Having access to this modern company makes Mae feel like she's made it so she willingly partakes in the perks her job offers. From company parties to cute clubs, what could go wrong?
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Company by Max Barry
New hire Stephen Jones has just started his job at Zephyr Holdings and willingly accepts his place as another worker in the grand company. However things look from the outside isn't how they are behind closed doors because everyone from the receptionist to the sales reps partake in unusual behavior. Plus, the CEO still hasn't made an appearance. For Jones, this seems like an absurd reality that's hard to escape from.
But, what will he discover the longer he remains employed at Zephyr Holdings?
Amazon
Jennifer Government by Max Barry
Does author Max Barry know something we don't? Based on Jennifer Government, it seems like he does because he highlights the effects of having a private government.
Readers will learn what happens when employees take the last name of the job they're employed at which chains them to it like never before. However Merchandising Officer Hack Nike is put in an odd situation where he has to take lives in order to bolster interest in expensive sneakers. He doesn't realize this, but he's sealed his fate when Jennifer Government notices him.
Facing her own problems, she's sure he's the perfect mark that'll place her in the position she covets the most.
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#FashionVictimby Amina Akhtar
Anya St. Clair's a fashion editor who's crafting a life anyone would kill to have. She may know a thing or two about that because she's left several people behind in order to position herself to have success. The only person standing in her way now is Sarah Taft, the person Anya wishes she could naturally be.
The only way she'll be able to solve her problem is by pretending to be Sarah's friend and going in for the kill when the latter least expects it.
Amazon
Happy For You by Claire Stanford
Evelyn Kominsky Humamoto knows she should be excited about getting married soon, but all she can do is worry about her future contribution to the world. She doesn't even know if she's ready to embrace family life, but everyone around her seems fulfilled with the choices they're making.
Deciding to place her academic focuses on the back burner, Evelyn lands a job at an internet company that's developing a happiness app. But it's clear she struggles to fit in with Silicon Valley's bros or the demographic social media praises the most.
Just when she's at her wits' end, an interesting situation pushes her to decide what being happy looks like for her.
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Glass Houses by Madeline Ashby
When the staff of company crash land on an island amidst a well-deserved celebration, strange things begin to occur. It's not that the island is destitute because it's not. It's the perfect form of paradise and includes amenities that keep them satisfied.
However, chief emotional manager Kristen is having a hard time trying to stabilize her co-workers' emotions as they realize they're truly cut off from the world. Though she's usually great at her job, this remote island with it's glossy technology may prove to be deadlier than she and her co-workers imagined.
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