13 Rainy Day DIYs to Upgrade Your Umbrella (Ella, Ella)

Dana Raidt
May 12, 2015

The humble umbrella can be truly unremarkable (with some exceptions, of course). Luckily, their blank-canvas-like quality makes them easily customizable and the perfect rainy-day DIY. Get ready to make a big splash with one of these genius upgrades for plain umbrellas. And if your ‘ella has bitten the dust, we’ve also included a few hacks (ahem, DIY selfie stick!) for broken ones.

1. Fruit Slice Umbrella: Show the world your love of watermelon, citrus or kiwi every time it rains. (via Studio DIY)

2. DIY Polka Dot Umbrella: Transform a boring old solid-color umbrella into polka-dot perfection. (via Refinery29)

3. Ombrella: Geometric pattern, ombre and neon? Sign us up. (via Brit + Co)

4. Raindrop Umbrella Caddy: You’re one hardware store trip away from this adorable caddy becoming the centerpiece of your entryway. It would make a great canvas for leftover wallpaper too. (via Design*Sponge)

5. Umbrella Handle Hook: Got sanding skills? Put them to use on a wooden umbrella handle. Just add copper brackets for a genius storage option for your fab DIY tote collection. (via Upstyler)

6. DIY Polka Dot Umbrella: A circle sponge makes this a super easy rainy-day project. (via Hello Natural)

7. DIY Selfie Stick: Hope your friends are ready for you to blow up their feeds. This smartphone extender — made from an old umbrella — will step up your selfie game on the cheap. (via Grey Luster Girl)

8. Rainy Day Umbrella: This raindrop-painted project is pretty enough, but add a little rainy-day cash and it becomes basically the most thoughtful — and practical — gift ever. (via This Little Street)

9. Striped Umbrella: Classic B&W stripes go with everything, but pastel or neon fabric paint would look equally awesome. (via What I Wore)

10. Umbrella Toy Bag: Harvest the waterproof fabric from a broken umbrella to make a sturdy bag you can use to store LEGOs or bring to the beach. (via Upstyler)

11. DIY Heart Umbrella: Paint only the inside of your umbrella for a more subtle, but just-as-cute upgrade. (via Whimsy Darling)

12. Cinder Block Umbrella Caddy: They’re good for so much more than dorm-room bookshelves. (via BuildDirect)

13. Geometric Print Umbrella: Waterproof paint and a few homemade stencils are all you need to be totally on trend in the umbrella department. (via Design for Mankind)

What umbrella project are you psyched to try as your next rainy-day project? Let us know in the comments below!

14 Unbelievable, Edible Ways to Upcycle Food Scraps

Before you toss those food scraps on the compost pile (or in the trash bin), take a peek at all of the clever ways that they can be repurposed. From peels to cores, poultry to produce and everything in between, these 14 awesome upcycled food recipes help you make the most out of your groceries and make your meals feelbrand new. It's a smart move that's just as good for the Earth as it is for your wallet. Oh yeah, and they taste great too!

Upcycled Food Recipes To Make In 2024

Bacon Fat: The crisp slices may be the real star, but the bacon fat is nothing to just discard. (Plus, tossing it down the drain or in the trash can't be good for your home's plumbing or the environment, right?). It adds a subtle smokiness to this yummy bacon jam, but you can also use it as a popcorn topping!. (via Brit + Co)

Citrus Peels: Turn your favorite peels into marmalade with this easy recipe. Spread it on toast for breakfast or use it in a dessert — it's just that versatile. (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Seeds: We can hardly keep track of all the ways pumpkin seeds and guts can be repurposed. Stirring them into puppy chow is a great option for those who enjoy theirs a little sweeter. (via Brit + Co)

Apple Peels: You'll love sipping on homemade apple peel bourbonas a spicy, warming alternative to the usual flavored vodka and “fiery" store-bought selections. The sweet, autumnal notes mean it's just as good enjoyed neat or in a hot toddy. (via Food52)

Leftover Bones: Whip up a batch of brodo or this delicious creamy chicken, mushroom and green chile soup the next time you roast a chicken and pick it clean. (via Kitchen Sanctuary)

Chard Stems: Yeah, we can pickle chard stems for a sour afternoon pick-me-up. Not feeling something so puckery? Toss them on the grill instead. (via Bon Appétit)

Broccoli Stalks: Use the florets in your next stir fry, then transform the stalks into tasty baked fries like these broccoli stem fries. Dip 'em in chimichurri tahini for the ultimate snack. (via What's Cooking Good Looking)

Carrot Tops: If you buy fresh carrots with their tops, don't let them lop them off at the register. Instead, transform the fronds into a lovely pesto for roasted carrot soup. (via Cravings in Amsterdam)

Potato Peels: Crispy potato skins get an apeeling makeover when roasted, especially when sprinkled with cheese and scallions. (via The Kitchn)

Fennel Fronds: A pinch of fennel frond salt adds a subtle anise flavor anywhere it's sprinkled. (via Chew Town)

Apple Cores: Simmer apple cores and peels with a little sugar in a big pot of water to make an easy, no-waste apple juice. (via Inspiration Kitchen)

Papaya Seeds: You'll enjoy the interesting peppery taste papaya seeds lend this sweet and spicy watermelon blueberry salsa. Consider this the ultimate addition to the Memorial Day picnic. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Kale Stems: Kale stems are pretty tough to chew, but blending them in your next post-workout smoothie takes care of that issue, no sweat. Plus, when whirled with strawberries and banana, you'll hardly even know they're there. (via The Roasted Root)

Almond Pulp: If you make your own homemadealmond milk, it probably pains you a bit to just toss all the pulp you get after straining. Happily, it can be used to make grain-free cinnamon and peanut butter almond pulp crackers/cereal and more. (via The Edible Perspective)

What are some of your favorite hacks for turning trash into treasure, edible or not? Share your earth-friendly ideas (about upcycled food and more) with us on Twitter and follow us on Pinterest for more food inspo!

This post has been updated.

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7 New Trader Joe’s Items Under $5 You Need To Try In January

Trader Joe’s loves to keep us on our toes when it comes to their new arrivals. We’re constantly monitoring the aisles to discover all the new TJ’s sweet treats and savory snacks they launch – and these 7 new picks for January 2025 are not to be missed! All of these Trader Joe’s products will run you less than $5, which only makes sealing the deal on your grocery bill easier.

From delicious dips to a very enticing new frozen meal, these are the 7 best new Trader Joe’s finds you absolutely need to try in January 2025.

Trader Joe's

1. Teensy Candy Bars

These tiny little candy bar bites ($2.99) resemble Snickers in the best way possible: layers of nougat, caramel, and peanuts are enveloped in a delicious chocolate coating for maximum snackage. We're gonna have to resist eating the whole bag! TJ's even suggests using these bits as decoration for other desserts, like sprinkling some on a scoop of ice cream or baking them into some cookies.

Trader Joe's

2. Olive Tapenade Hummus

Trader Joe's array of dips is simply too good to resist, and this newcomer hummus ($3.49) is no exception! It's a tub of "smooth and nutty" hummus topped with a tapenade comprised of black olives, manzanilla olives, capers, and olive oil to give it a salty effect. It's gonna taste so great as a dip for crackers or as a spread on a Mediterranean pita wrap.

Trader Joe's

3. Organic Concord Grape Jelly

This squeezable grape jelly ($3.49) is nothing short of nostalgic. Trader Joe's says it's "super smooth, joyously juicy, and potently purple," which immediately has us sold on making PB&Js every day now.

Trader Joe's

4. Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Oh, yeah. Bring on the spice with these spicy nuggs ($3.99) that make the perfect easy meal no matter the time of day! Made from all-natural chicken breast and rib meat, breaded with wheat, rice and corn flours, then covered in hot sauce and lightly fried, TJ's has their texture down to a tee. You can easily cook 'em in the air fryer, oven, or microwave before chowing down!

Trader Joe's

5. Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos

These halved and fried frozen tacos ($4.99) will totally crush your Taco Bell cravings, since they come together super quickly and contain flavors with mind-blowing authenticity! Each taco is filled with a blend of seasoned mashed potatoes and some "ever-so- slightly spicy" poblano peppers that'll work so well with any dipping sauce, from TJ's salsa to their creamy Jalapeño Sauce.

Trader Joe's

6. Strawberry Mini Hold The Cone!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Trader Joe's is debuting a new flavor ($3.99) of their classic Hold The Cone! frozen dessert: strawberry! These tiny, chocolate-covered cones are lined with even more "rich" chocolate on the inside, then packed with strawberry ice cream, which TJ's says is crafted with plenty of strawberry purée.

Trader Joe's

7. Caesar Salad Dip

Trader Joe's shoppers have said this new Caesar Salad Dip ($3.69) makes a perfect girl dinner addition– which, if you get it, you get it! The tub starts with a "creamy" base that's then loaded up with Caesar-seasoned sour cream, mayo, anchovy paste, Parmesan, and finely shredded Romaine for the crunch. It's best enjoyed with crackers or veggie sticks to dip, but you could also smatter fried chicken or seared steak in it for some ahh-mazing flavor!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more of the best Trader Joe's new items!

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25 DIYs You Need for Your First Apartment

If you're moving into your first apartment, it can be a bit intimidating. It's time to become an adult. Wait, what?! Dining, activities and exploration look a bit different right now and we're spending more time than ever in our spaces. The best way to get comfortable in a new city is to make your house feel like home. In this apartment 101 guide, we'll walk you through the basic steps to setting up a home of your own. Best part is, all of these DIY projects can be done on the cheap.

A Statement Wall

Spray a hula hoop, cut some ribbon, and print off some of your favorite pics for a cheap but stylish backdrop for your desk. (viaBrit + Co)

A Fresh Coat of Paint

This DIY can get pricey since paint and supplies come at a cost. If you want to keep the expenses down, opt to just paint one wall for statement. (via Brit + Co)

Black and White Memories

Listen to this — you can get large black and white prints for super cheap thanks to architects! Embrace the grainy effect by printing your favorite old memories. These large prints will be costly to frame, so we suggest sticking to washi frames. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Washi Tape Your Wall

You can add color instantly to your walls and remove it without your landlord getting mad. Score! Try shapes, patterns, diagonals, the sky's the limit! (via Brit + Co)

Accent Your Furniture

Use your leftover wall washi tape to create colorful accents on your furniture. (viaCarnet Deco)

Touch Up an Old Paint Job

Paint can do amazing things to IKEA furniture andcan boost the appeal of something cheap in an instant. (via Erin Spain)

A Chair Makeover

This DIY requires some thrift-store and garage-sale scouring. Once you've found the piece, add some patterns with fabric paint. Think about stripes, polka dots, plaid, floral, the list goes on. (via Sugar & Cloth)

A One-Of-A-Kind Bookcase

Update some crates with spray paint, and drill them together for a DIY bookcase to store all your odds and ends. (viaBrit + Co)

A New Bar Cart

This might look intimidating, but it is actually very doable. Transform an old dresser into a beautiful tiered rack to display all of your alcohol and cocktail glasses. (via Brit + Co)

Woven Wool Art

The key to adding instant warmth to your home is texture! Weavings are all the rage and can be made on the cheap. It will take some time but we promise it's worth it. (via Brit + Co)

Macrame Wall Decor

Don't have enough time for a wall weaving? We understand. Try a macrame wall hanging. You can add the same colors and warmth to your room in half the time needed for a weaving. (via Brit + Co)

A Colorful Wine Rack

A home isn't a home without a wine rack. Just kidding! But if you do feel compelled to show off your bottles, create this geometric wood display for your beautiful bottles. (via Brit + Co)

A DIY Quilt

Purchase some colorful, chunky wool yarn and start a quilt from scratch that's woven by your own two hands! (via Brit + Co)

Mermaid Curtains

You don't need a headboard for your bed — make a colorful curtain backdrop instead. (via Brit + Co)

A Painted Headboard

If you do buy a standard headboard but want to personalize it, grab some paint and give it a whole new look! (via Brit + Co)

A Pom Pom Duvet

Add some whimsical poofs to your duvet for an instant update. (via Brit + Co)

Personalized Pillows

Use iron-on transfers to update pillows with your favorite phrase. This DIY, plus many others, can be found in our book Homemakers. (via Brit + Co)

Cactus Pillows

Succulents will always win us over. Create this quirky DIY to add some whimsy to your decor. Don't worry — this DIY comes with a free printable to get the perfect cactus shape. (via Brit + Co)

Sequin Mermaid Pillows

Not a master at sewing? Take our sewing online class, then you'll be equipped to make these trendy pillows. (via Brit + Co)

Stamped Pillows

This is the perfect way to add patterns to your life. You'll never believe how easy it is to create your own stamps! (via Brit + Co)

Geometric Pillows

These pillows are great for couches, and they also double as floor pillows for lounging. Play with shapes, colors, and sizes and create a look that's all your own. (via Brit + Co)

A Leather Pendant Lamp

White leather mixed with a bright colored cord? We're swooning! We couldn't be more excited about this kit and can't wait to add this piece to our own space. (via Brit + Co)

Colorful Origami Lamps

Step up your paper-folding skills with this origami pendant lamp. Pro tip: These lights aren't meant to be used as your main light source. We recommend turning them on for reading or as a mood light. (via Brit + Co)

A Neon Light

Turn light into art with this hack that hits all the right marks. (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration!

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The Internet's Convinced Dua Lipa & Callum Turner Are Engaged

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner spent New Years Eve together, and based on the giant ring Dua's wearing on THAT finger, it looks like they could be spending the rest of their lives together too! This celebrity couple were first spotted together in January 2024, and immediately became my favorite couple, like, ever. Engagement rumors were flying by the end of the year, and thanks to Dua Lipa's latest Instagram posts, the internet is more convinced than ever that these two will be headed down the aisle soon.

Here's everything we know about those Dua Lipa and Callum Turner engagement rumors.

Dua Lipa's been wearing a gorgeous ring on THAT finger since Christmas.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DUA LIPA (@dualipa)

In a post celebrating the holidays, Dua Lipa posted a roundup of photos — led by a shot of her wearing a sherpa jacket and reindeer antlers. But as fun as her outfit is, the internet immediately focused on another detail: her new ring. It appears to be a diamond on a chunky gold band, and if you ask me, the ring's modern, glam look is the perfect vibe for the "Houdini" singer.

"THE RING," one user commented, while another user said, "ENGAGED VIBESSSSSSSSSS," under another end-of-year post.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DUA LIPA (@dualipa)

And when Dua Lipa finally posted photos from her epic New Year's Eve celebration on January 3, a third user commented, "We all still waiting to see the 💍." TLDR; the singer's fans really want to know if she's engaged! But if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that this couple won't tell us unless they want to. And I'm here for it!

And Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are totally "mad about each other."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DUA LIPA (@dualipa)

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner keep their relationship pretty private (aside from some very cute walks), but according to one Page Six source, they've been "mad about each other" from the start. And it's clear because these two can't keep their hands off each other!

"Dua and Callum are so in love and know this is forever," a source told The Sun in December 2024. “They are engaged and couldn’t be happier. Dua has had one of the best years of her career professionally and this is the cherry on the cake."

"Callum is such a solid support for Dua and they make a wonderful couple," the source continues. "Their family and friends are so happy. It’s been an amazing Christmas for them.”

Stay tuned for the latest news on Dua Lipa and Callum Turner's potential engagement, and read up on Tom Holland and Zendaya's engagement!

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11 New February Movies You Definitely Don't Want To Miss

Hot cocoa and a fuzzy blanket are the perfect companions for a night in, especially when you're having a winter movie night! The new movies coming in February make for the best Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day plans — even if you'd rather go to a rage room than sit down for a romantic dinner. No matter what your stance on February 14 is (or your relationship status) there's a movie for everyone. And check out the new February TV shows coming your way!

Here are the 11 most-anticipated new movies coming in February 2025.

Kinda Pregnant — On Netflix February 5, 2025

Scott Yamano/Netflix

Lainy's excited for her best friend's pregnancy, but she's also insanely jealous...which leads her to wear a fake bump and convince everyone in her life she's pregnant. That sounds complicated as-is, but things get even crazier when she meets her dream man. Kinda Pregnant already sounds hilarious, but with Amy Schumer and Brianne Howey, I know we're gonna be laughing out loud.

Kinda Pregnant premieres February 5 and stars Amy Schumer, Jillian Bell, Will Forte, Damon Wayans Jr., Brianne Howey, Alex Moffat, Joel David Moore, Lizze Broadway, Urzila Carlson, Francis Benhamou.

Love Hurts — In Theaters February 7, 2025

Allen Fraser/Universal Pictures

Marvin Gable's traded a life of crime for a career as a realtor in Wisconsin. But when his ex-partner Rose ropes him back into the world he's tried so hard to escape, Marvin realizes you can't escape your past. Or your murders brother.

Love Hurts hits theaters February 7 and stars Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Sean Astin, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, Marshawn Lynch, and André Eriksen.

Heart Eyes — In Theaters February 7, 2025

Spyglass/Sony Pictures Releasing

If you're missing Slasher Summer, you'll definitely want to see this new movie when it premieres on February 7. A murderer who goes by Heart Eyes targets couples every Valentine's Day — and Ally and her date might be next.

Heart Eyes premieres February 7 and stars Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy — On Peacock February 13, 2025

Jay Maidment/Universal Pictures

We're finally getting a new Bridget Jones movie, and it's coming oh so soon! Bridget, now a single mom, finds herself drawn to the young and handsome Roxster, but she also can't stop running into Mr. Wallaker. I can't wait to see how this one unfolds.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy drops on February 13 and stars Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, and Gemma Jones.

Captain America: Brave New World — In Theaters February 14, 2025

Eli Adé/Marvel Studios/Disney

Marvel fans, we are so back! After a slew of movies and TV shows that contributed to superhero fatigue for all of us, the MCU is getting back to its roots with Captain America: Brave New World. Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle of Captain America but is constantly compared to Steve Rogers — especially when the government finds itself on the brink of a worldwide crisis.

Captain America: Brave New World premieres February 14 and stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Harrison Ford, and Liv Tyler.

Paddington in Peru — In Theaters February 14, 2025

Peter Mountain/StudioCanal/Sony Pictures

Paddington is off on a tropical adventure when his quest to find Aunt Lucy takes him (and the whole family) to the Amazon rain forest. Hopefully he has plenty of marmalade sandwiches!

Paddington in Peru premieres February 14 and stars Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Carla Tous, Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman, and Madeleine Harris.

The Unbreakable Boy — In Theaters February 21, 2025

Lionsgate

In this new movie, Jacob Laval is a joyful boy with autism and brittle bone disease who makes everything around him more beautiful. This is the perfect encouraging movie to see with the family this winter, but you might want to bring some tissues!

The Unbreakable Boy premieres February 21 and stars Austin LeRette, Meghann Fahy, Zachary Levi, Patricia Heaton, and Gavin Warren.

Cleaner — In Theaters February 21, 2025

Quiver Distribution

When a group of radical activists take over an energy company's gala (and take 300 hostages), their mission takes a turn for the worse when one member takes things to the extreme. Now it's up to a soldier-turned-window cleaner literally hanging out outside the building to save everyone inside.

Cleaners hits theaters February 21 and stars Daisy Ridley, Taz Skylar, and Clive Owen.

Old Guy — In Theaters February 21

The Avenue

An older hitman is not happy about training a younger guy to take his place, but when they learn their employer set them up, they wind up becoming allies instead.

Old Guy premieres February 21 and stars Christoph Waltz, Cooper Hoffman, Lucy Liu, Ryan McParland, Ann Akinjirin, Jason Done, Tony Hirst, Kate Katzman, Conor Mullen, and Rory Mullen.

The Monkey — In Theaters February 21, 2025

Neon

Twins Hal and Bill grew apart after they found an old monkey toy that belonged to their father and people around them started dying. But now that the deaths have begun again, they reunite to protect their loved ones and destroy the monkey once and for all.

The Monkey hits theaters February 21 and stars Osgood Perkins, Theo James, Elijah Wood, James Wan, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Laura Mennell, and Sarah Levy.

Last Breath — In Theaters February 28, 2025

Focus FeaturesLast Breath — In Theaters February 28, 2025

When diver Chris Lemons becomes untethered 100 meters underwater, Duncon Allcock and David Yuasa have to figure out how to rescue him — if they can even find him. Yep, I'm getting anxious just thinking about this!

Last Breath premieres February 28 and stars stars Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, Cliff Curtis and Djimon Hounsou.

Which new movie will you be watching this February? Don't forget to catch up on the best January movies too!

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