Jordan here, saying hi from Oh Happy Day! I love having the long break to get organized. Something about the new year makes me want to start fresh. We’ve partnered with Ziploc Brand to share our favorite craft area organization tips. One universal truth I’ve learned is that if you do projects, things never stay organized for long. We make things a lot in our craft studio and it’s a constant struggle to maintain it. Here are a few tips we’ve learned through the years to keep it tidy.
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. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.
What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?
I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.
What's a recent small win for your business?
Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.
How did you start to collaborate with external partners?
Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.
Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?
I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.
How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?
All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.
Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.
Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces
So long, pumpkin spice season: Starbucks’ holiday menu is on the way, and per menu leaks, it reportedly brings back a ton of seasonal favorites starting next week.
From a classic Peppermint Mocha to the beloved Caramel Brûlée Latte, the recent menu rumors say a new Refresher flavor, 6 unique cold foams, and 4 new bakery items are on the way as the holidays draw near – including many items we predicted! The speculated lineup is honestly wild. Starbucks teased that the holiday menu will hit stores on November 7.
If you just can’t wait to order off the Starbucks holiday menu, here’s every offering reportedly coming to your closest cafe!
When will the Starbucks holiday drinks for 2024 come out?
Starbucks
According to an Instagram post from Starbucks, new holiday drinks and snacks will come out on November 7, 2024.
Will there be holiday cups?
Starbucks
We do anticipate that the Starbucks holiday menu will include some new holiday cup designs! Though we don't know what they'll look like just yet, previous holiday menus over the years have featured vibrant reds, greens, and pinks, plus stars, sparkles, Christmas trees, swirls, and stripes. Typically, Starbucks' holiday cups span across hot and iced drinks. Additionally, a new lineup of reusable cups and mugs should become available!
What's missing from this year's rumored Starbucks holiday menu?
Starbucks
Per rumors around the Starbucks holiday menu, the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread Loaf won't be returning to cafes for 2024. We're especially sad to see the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha not included, though the official menu lineup has yet to be released!
When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2024?
Starbucks
Though there's no official word out about Red Cup Day for 2024, our best guess – based on the Red Cup Days of years past – is it'll return mid-November. In 2023, Red Cup Day fell on November 16. In 2022, the coffee chain held the event on November 17. Both dates landed on the third Thursday of November, so we predict it to hit on November 21 for 2024. Red Cup Day is when Starbucks customers can get a free reusable red cup when they order a seasonal drink off the holiday menu.
Drinks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024
NEW! Cran-Merry Orange Refresher
The Starbucks holiday menu leak reported that this brand-new Refresher is packed with sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spice. It also has cranberry inclusions and is order-able mixed with water, lemonade or coconut milk.
Starbucks
Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
Chai is a totally underrated holiday flavor in our opinion. This iced drink is crafted with warm chai spices and creamy oat milk, then gets topped with even more frothed oat milk infused with gingerbread-flavored syrup and a sprinkling of spice.
Starbucks
Peppermint Mocha
You know it, and you love it! The Peppermint Mocha has hit Starbucks menus year after year, making it a total statement sip for the holiday season. This drink (available hot or iced) combines peppermint syrup, mocha sauce, and your milk of choice with espresso for a festive feel. It's traditionally topped with whipped cream and tasty chocolate curls.
Starbucks
Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
Similar to the classic Peppermint Mocha, this bev swaps chocolate for white chocolate sauce.
Starbucks
Caramel Brûlée Latte
This rumored Starbucks holiday menu drink is very rich. The sweet caramel brûlée sauce totally completes the sip, along with plenty of whipped cream and crunchy lil' brûlée bits for textural variety.
Starbucks
Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
Literally like a sugar cookie in liquid form, this super-sweet latte is handcrafted with blonde espresso (it's sweeter and lighter than Starbucks' traditional espresso shots), sugar cookie syrup, and almond milk for a little bit of a lighter effect. It's finished off with red and green sprinkles to up the seasonal vibes even more!
Starbucks
Chestnut Praline Latte
This nutty latte – rumored to return for 2024 – brings on notes of chestnut and praline, which is a nice, flavorful departure from the very expected peppermint you'll see everywhere come holiday time.
Starbucks
Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
Initially introduced for fall 2024, it appears as though the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew will stay on the Starbucks menu well into winter. The salted, pecan-flavored cold foam offers that classic sweet n' salty twist you'd enjoy on fall snacks like trail mix or dipped pretzels. The best part is you can now also order the cold foam in non-dairy form!
Starbucks
Holiday Cold Foams
Per the menu leak, Starbs will be bringing back four beloved holiday-flavored cold foamsand two new options for 2024. They're the perfect drink customization to add to your iced coffees and cold brews if you don't want to order an all-out holiday drink. See all the predicted flavors below:
- NEW! Gingerbread
- NEW! Salted Pecan
- Peppermint Chocolate
- Sugar Cookie
- Chestnut Praline
- Caramel Brûlée
Snacks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024
NEW! Dark Toffee Bundt
Per the menu leak, this sweet toffee-flavored bundt will be topped with holly- and berry-shaped sprinkles. How perfect for the holiday season!
NEW! Turkey Sage Danish
This savory snack reportedly includes "turkey sausage with creamy béchamel sauce in a pastry." It sounds like Thanksgiving in a single treat, and we can't wait to try it!
NEW! Penguin Cookie
This cutie sugar cookie is decorated like a lil' penguin bundled up for the cold.
Starbucks
Snowman Cake Pop
Starbucks' classic vanilla cake pop gets a wintry twist with an adorable snowman face – this sweet really makes us crave the holiday season!
Starbucks
Sugar Plum Cheese Danish
This cream cheese-filled danish is topped with a slightly-spiced sugar plum jam. It's been one of our go-to's over the past few holiday seasons at Starbucks!
Starbucks
Cranberry Bliss Bar
The Cranberry Bliss Bar has become an absolute staple on the Starbucks holiday menu, and for good reason! This blondie treat is smothered in a delicious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with orange zest and dried cranberries for added seasonal enjoyment.
What People Are Saying About The Leaked Starbucks Holiday Menu
Though most commenters on @markie_devo's Starbucks holiday menu leak post seemed to be excited for the upcoming rumored menu items, some Starbs fans noticed a few things missing from the leaked lineup.
"Still missing eggnog 😢," someone noted.
"Where is the toasted white chocolate mocha 😢😢😢😢," another questioned.
"ALLLLLL these cold foams, and not the one people want: Irish Cream," one more commenter said.
"Ugh still no gingerbread loaf 😭," a disappointed user wrote. "Everything else looks bomb though!"
Despite the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread loaf not being part of this year's menu predictions, the holiday season is our favorite time of year at Starbucks. Many more users shared the same sentiment:
"So excited for all chestnut praline shaken espressos & cranberry bliss bars 🎄🎄🎄🎄," someone wrote.
"Oh hell yess all the chestnut praline offerings," another rejoiced.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay posted on the latest Starbucks news, including when the official holiday menu lineup drops!
This post has been updated.
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. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.
What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?
The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.
What's a recent small win for your business?
For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.
Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?
I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.
Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?
I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.
How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?
There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.
Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.
Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces
Since cooking a Thanksgiving dinner takes a hot minute, it's not a bad idea to have some appetizerson-hand to serve your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving guests. Of course, you don’t want to have to spend a ton of time making snacks when you’re also preparing a feast – but that’s where these last-minute bites come in! These Thanksgiving appetizers will keep your guests satisfied until dinner, and they’re so easy to make, you won’t have to deal with any extra kitchen drama.
Without further ado, let's dive into these quick and easy Thanksgiving appetizers!
Sarah Anderson
Easy Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are such a reliable crowd-pleaser when it comes to Thanksgiving appetizer, or starters for any occasion, really! These 'shrooms in particular take inspiration from Greek cuisine and include tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, feta cheese, and salami. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)
Plant Provisions
Italian Savory Hand Pies
These hand pies are 100% vegan, so you can confidently serve them to a party of all diets. They're meaty, cheesy, herby, and definitely filling if you need to prep a decent snack ahead of your fancy Thanksgiving feast. (via Plant Provisions for Brit + Co)
Parmigiano Reggiano
Chocolate-Covered Cheese Bites
Chocolate and cheese work surprisingly well together, and these creative dipped bites will certainly have all the foodies at the function buzzing. (via Parmigiano Reggiano for Brit + Co)
Snixy Kitchen
Butternut Squash and Bacon Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are such a classic snack, but they can easily become yummy Thanksgiving appetizers when you add butternut squash and bacon to the centers! (via Snixy Kitchen)
The Pioneer Woman
Perfect Fall Cheese Board
Transform your famous charcuterie board with fall accents to make a Thanksgivingappetizer that'll hit all the right taste buds. (via The Pioneer Woman)
Nutmeg Nanny
Sausage, Spinach and Mushroom Phyllo Cups
Don't you just love a bite-sized snack that's super quick to make? (via Nutmeg Nanny)
The Home Cook's Kitchen
Mushroom Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Should your guests craves something that's creamy and crunchy, serve them these bready Thanksgiving appetizers. (via The Home Cook's Kitchen)
Half Baked Harvest
Baked French Onion Meatballs
What do you get when you combine the savory flavors of French onion soup and meatballs? We'll give you a hint — it has something to do with being irresistible. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Half Baked Harvest
Cheesy Bacon Holiday Crack
Warning: biting into these sweet, spicy, crispy, and cheesy chips is the point of no return, but it's so worth it. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Savory Tooth
Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Two-ingredient appetizers are always a winner in our book, and this one is extra hearty. (via Savory Tooth)
Pizzazzerie
Candied Walnut Bruschetta
Candied walnuts are excellent on their own, so imagine how they taste with pears and goat cheese on toast. (via Pizzazzerie)
The Blond Cook
Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Little Smokies
Soy sauce and brown sugar coat these mini hot dogs, and a touch of Sriracha makes them even more spice-tastic. (via The Blond Cook)
Sunkissed Kitchen
Roasted Carrot Hummus
Carrots and cinnamon are blended with classic hummus ingredients for a healthy dip to pair with pita chips. The pomegranate and pumpkin seed garnish really ups the presentation of this Thanksgiving appetizer. (via Sunkissed Kitchen)
Recipe Tin Eats
Caesar Salad Wonton Cups
Keep a package of wonton wrappers in the fridge, and you’ll never have to worry about what snacks to prep next for your party guests! This recipe stuffs the wraps with Caesar salad fixings, but the options are endless. (via Recipe Tin Eats)
The Real Food Dietitians
Chili and Rosemary Roasted Nuts
Even if you don’t have a ton of time, you can easily roast up a batch of these smoky mixed nuts before your guests arrive. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Tara's Multicultural Table
French Onion Soup Toasts
Turn French onion soup into a convenient appetizer with crusty bread, sautéed onions, and smoky cheese! Yummm. (via Tara's Multicultural Table)
The Recipe Critic
Raspberry Baked Brie
Smooth goat cheese and tart raspberry preserves are a match made in snack heaven. The crispy puff pastry layer makes it all worth it. (via The Recipe Critic)
Lavender and Lovage
Smoked Cheese and Onion Straws
If you have cheese lingering in your deli drawer, it’s the beginning of a tasty appetizer. Sprinkle it into some puff pastry for a twisty "straw" you'll reach for again and again. (via Lavender and Lovage)
The Seasoned Mom
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
The combo of chicken, bacon, and barbecue sauce results in a Thanksgiving appetizer that's almost impossible to stop eating. (via The Seasoned Mom)
Savory Tooth
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Bacon and Cheddar
Smokey bacon and salty, nutty cheddar top some earthy mushrooms for a new version of this classic stuffed app. (via Savory Tooth)
The Baking Fairy
Garlic-Stuffed Olives-in-a-Blanket
If you have vegetarian guests coming to your party, you’ll want to have a tasty option for them. These olives in a "blanket" do the trick nicely! As a bonus, most store-bought crescent roll dough is vegan. (via The Baking Fairy)
The Cookie Rookie
Best Cheese Ball
There's a reason why sharp cheddar cheese balls are a classic Thanksgiving appetizer. Serve them with buttery Ritz crackers to reach total snack nirvana. (via The Cookie Rookie)
Half Baked Harvest
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates
Sweet and savory, this goat cheese dip is perfect for dipping crostini and vegetables in. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Live Eat Learn
Savory Roasted Cranberry Salsa
Top a cracker with sour cream (or brie or goat cheese) and spread on this cranberry salsa for a light, yet spicy-sweet bite. (via Live Eat Learn)
Amanda Wilens
Pear and Gouda Puff Pastry
Pear really finds its life's purpose when it's tucked into a square of puff pastry and topped with salty gouda cheese. (via Amanda Wilens)
Get more ideas and inspiration for your Thanksgiving appetizers and other festive holiday entertaining tips by following us on Pinterest or joining our newsletter.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Sara Cagle,Jasmine Williams, and Meredith Holser.
It seems Thanksgiving is barely a week away by the time we start thinking about the menu. But while ovens all over the country will be working overtime this year, don't forget your secret weapon — the crock pot! Kitchen strategy is key when you're trying to factor various cook and prep times for both oven and stovetop dishes. There just never seems to be enough time (or counter space).
Whether you're already finalizing your menu for the day or are just in charge of a few side dishes, we've scoured the web and found 18 Thanksgiving crock pot recipes that are perfect for any gathering.
Creamed Corn
Damn Delicious
Cornis a standard side dish for most Thanksgiving meals, but this recipe is a total game-changer. Five simple ingredients go in your crock pot, and three hours later you’re greeted by corn that is so creamy and delicious, you’ll never be able to eat the canned stuff again.
Wheat Bread Stuffing
Recipe Runner
Free up some room in your oven and cook the stuffing right on the counter this year. Crusty whole wheat bread, celery, onions and chicken broth will have you going back for seconds. Once it’s cooked, turn the heat to low and it will be ready whenever you are.
Brussels Sprouts
Damn Delicious
These aren’t Grandma’s Brussels sprouts. Covered in a brown sugar balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, these sprouts will have you converted after just one bite.
Sweet Potatoes
The Magical Slow Cooker
This one takes minimal effort, but packs maximum flavor. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes before wrapping them in tinfoil and piling into the crock pot. Cook on high for six hours, and resist the urge to open the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. Serve with butter, brown sugar and mini marshmallows.
Apple Cider
Damn Delicious
Your guests are going to need something to sip on. Made 100% from scratch, this apple cider recipe will definitely steal the show: Combine apples, cinnamon sticks and spices and cover with water, and drink in the delicious smell while it simmers in the slow cooker.
Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
Creme de la Crumb
Okay, so this does require a little oven time, but it’ll be the last thing you heat up before you can dig in (and it’s totally worth it). Peel and chop 5lbs of sweet potatoes and let your slow cooker do all the work for the next four hours. Transfer to a casserole dish, spread a layer of pecans over the sweet potato mixture then bake for 20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch before adding the mini marshmallows. Bake for five more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown) and dig in.
Caramel Fondue
Creme de la Crumb
From apple slices to pretzels, there’s no wrong way to dunk with this dip, made from only three ingredients — caramels, heavy cream and marshmallows. Say hello to your new post-Thanksgiving party trick.
Garlic Ranch Potatoes
The Cookie Rookie
Tender red potatoes are a great alternative to the typical mashed variety. Top the wedges with ranch seasoning, chives and garlic for a fresh side dish that no one will believe you made entirely in the crock pot.
Cranberry Sauce Crock Pot Recipe
Gimme Some Oven
This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss in the ingredients and come back in three hours for cranberry sauce that is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Add a splash of vanilla extract right before serving.
Cinnamon Apples
A Spicy Perspective
The best side dishes double as dessert. Cover thinly sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon and bourbon, then simmer for four hours. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is — they’re delicious either way.
Cranberry Meatballs
Spicy Southern Kitchen
Trade out the usual jar of grape jelly in your famous meatball recipe for cranberry sauce to give it a holiday update. The sweet and tangy flavor will keep you coming back for more. In fact, you better double the recipe.
Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix
Averie Cooks
This tasty party snack is perfect for clearing out your cabinets: cereal, peanuts, pretzels, dried fruit and graham crackers all come together in a salty sweet crunch. Drench the mix in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices before testing your willpower for the next two hours.
Apple Pie Oatmeal
The Healthy Maven
Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day (especially on Thanksgiving), but this oatmeal couldn’t be easier: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to the aroma of nutmeg and maple syrup.
Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creme de la Crumb
A pile of fresh herbs, butter and garlic make these mashed potatoes stand out on the buffet table. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for a rustic flair that not only adds a ton of flavor, it also saves you some work.
Spinach + Artichoke Dip
Damn Delicious
Keep your guests from getting hangry while they wait for dinner: Serve this creamy spinach and artichoke dip with bread, pretzels or pita for a Thanksgiving staple made super easy, thanks to your crock pot.
Butternut Squash Soup
Life Made Sweeter
Combine coconut milk with chunks of butternut squash and sweet potato, then cook in the crockpot for four hours. Once everything is fork tender, break out your immersion blender to make the texture velvety smooth. Top with extra coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds before devouring.
Pumpkin Cobbler
The Gunny Sack
Trade in your standard pumpkin pie for a cobbler that is made in the crock pot from start to finish. Pro tip: place a paper towel underneath the lid to keep the condensation off the food and ensure a crispy crust. Top the plated perfection with a dollop of whipped cream and caramel syrup.
Dinner Rolls
Lil Luna
The slow cooker might be the last place you'd think to bake dinner rolls, but trust us on this one. This trick comes in handy year-round, especially on hot summer days when you don't feel like blasting that oven. Genius.
Don't miss out on knocking out a dish or two this year with these Thanksgiving crock pot recipes and if you need more inspiration, join our newsletter or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes.