How a Graphic Designer Teaches His Two-Year Old the ABCs

When you were learning the ABCs you probably watched some Sesame Street, maybe even had some of those snazzy magnetic letters for the fridge. But we’re betting you didn’t have a graphic designer father who turned your foray into the world of letters into an edible typography project for you. But Zoë Perez does. Designer-turned-stay-at-home-dad Tommy Perez is teaching two-year old Zoë her ABCs with her favorite foods and some creativity. How’s that for tactile stimulation, for ya?

Look through his creations and you’ll find a Q traced into the negative space of a spread of quinoa or an F sculpted out of frosting. Now we aren’t slamming Cookie Monster, cause you know we love us some C is for cookie, but we love that Zoë’s favorite letters have been the healthier options, including eggs, kale, hummus, macaroni noodles, olives and sunflower seeds (which Zoë calls “flower seeds”). Adorable.

A little bit about the kid. Zoë has always been more eclectic than your typical two year old, enjoying playing pirate as much as princess. She’s a singer, dancer and chatterbox, and she loves helping Dad with his work. So when Perez transitioned to freelance work and stay-at-home daddying, he wanted a way to use his passion to bring him and Zoë together, as well as to make her feel included and to give her a project that is just her own. Zoë hasn’t just been learning her ABCs, she’s learned creativity, the ability to follow a project through, the importance of good design and some patience (she has to wait to eat while Dad takes the photos). Pretty good for a two year old.

Lucky for you, Zoë’s journey isn’t yet complete. You can check some of Perez’s other projects on his website, or follow along with Zoë on his Instagram. We can’t wait to see how Perez teaches Zoë to read.

Comment and tell us the coolest Instagram project you’ve seen! (hint hint: instagram/britandco)

(h/t Co.Design, images via t_rez)

We recently partnered with Bounty to support emerging artists and designers in a national design competition. The ask? Design a graphic for a new Brit + Co and Bounty paper towel collection themed A Clean Fresh Start, which launches this month. In this creator spotlight series, we are featuring the winners of that competition to learn more about their inspirations, their design process, and their winning Bounty design. Read on to meet…

Sarah Ziegler, @sarahziegler, Minneapolis, MN

What are your design inspirations? I get lots of inspiration from fellow creatives. I am very lucky to have so many talented and creative people in my life — I am always inspired by and learn from them. I am also inspired by goofy, younger me, always learning and creating. That quirky, playfulness still comes across in my work and I’m glad she is still a part of me.

Tell us about your design process: The first thing I do when starting a new design is explore different color palettes. Bold color is such a huge part of my work and I like to let that dictate the direction a piece will go. I then use my favorite tool, my sketchbook, to try out different layouts and designs. Once I land on a sketch I’m happy with, I use my tablet to digitize it. I got my first Wacom tablet a few years ago and it totally changed the game for my illustrations. My tablet, and now iPad, make it so easy to create and share my artwork. Instagram and Dribble are my favorite platforms to share and gain inspiration from.

How did you get into illustration? I have been drawing ever since I was a little kid in my first art class. I was mainly a fine artist growing up, which was a really good foundation for when I went to college for graphic design. I began focusing more on my illustrations when I started working on children’s books for I See Me! I got to start working with so many talented illustrators and it really pushed me to start creating more of my own illustrations.

What are three IG accounts you love?

@womenoftype - Features beautiful lettering by women & non-binary creatives

@peopleiveloved - Browse when you’re feeling confused and alone

@asahinagata - Very fun vintage/retro design and illustration

How do you know when a piece of art, including your Bounty Paper Towel design, is “finished”? I really try not to overthink this. I definitely believe that done is better than perfect when it comes to my art. In general, I’ll feel a piece is finished when everything I do to it makes it look worse. If I feel the piece is communicating what I want it to, I don’t really worry if it’s “perfectly finished” or not.

What will it be like for you to see your design on a Bounty Paper Towel at your local store? Seeing my designs on Bounty paper towels will be such a big accomplishment. My work has never been showcased on a scale like this, so I could not be more excited for these to hit the shelf!

Be sure to look out for Sarah’s winning design wherever Bounty Paper Towels are sold!

After reports started circulating that Taylor Swift was distancing herself from Blake Lively amid the It Ends With Us drama (namely Blake calling in Taylor as backup in a meeting with Justin Baldoni, and then referring to the singer as one of her "dragons" in a text), sources promised things were good as gold between the two famous BFFs. But new reports are suggesting Taylor "feels used" by Blake (and her cringy Game of Thrones text).

Here's the latest update on the Taylor Swift and Blake Lively feud rumors.

Taylor Swift reportedly "feels used" by Blake Lively.

A source told Page Six that Tay “can’t help but feel used” by Blake Lively as her legal battle with Justin Baldoni rages on, and that she “doesn’t appreciate being referred to as one of Blake’s dragons.”

"If you ever get around to watching Game of Thrones, you'll appreciate that I'm Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have a few dragons," Blake allegedly said in a text message to Justin after their meeting with Taylor and Ryan Reynolds. "For better or worse, but usually for better. Because my dragons also protect those I fight for. So really we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. you will too, I can promise you."

TMZ reports that Taylor had no idea Justin would even be there, and didn't appreciate feeling weaponized. "It's weird to say that about a friend," an insider says of the text. And apparently, things are feeling strained. All in all, with somewhat conflicting reports, no one really knows how things stand between Blake and Taylor at the moment. But this alleged tension could impact who Taylor Swift brings with her to the Super Bowl.

And apparently, Blake might not get a Super Bowl invite this year.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Rumors were circulating that Blake already had an invite to the Big Game, but a source tells Daily Mailthat "Blake is not attending the Super Bowl with her. Blake has not left the house since this started practically. Taylor wants nothing to do with this trial and court case."

Another source told the US Sun that "Taylor would like to have some of her close friends and family all together and be there to show love and support her man" at the Super Bowl, but only time will tell who will spend the evening with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

And even if Taylor doesn't want anything to do with the legal battle, Justin Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freeman has already said there's a possibility she could be deposed for their March 2026 trial. "I don’t know that we’re going to depose Taylor Swift. I think that that’s going to be probably a game time decision. I don’t know that that decision has been made,” he said on TMZ's Two Angry Men podcast. “But, I can tell you this, anyone that reasonably has information that can provide evidence in this case is going to be deposed.”

Oy. Stay tuned for the latest update on Taylor Swift and Blake Lively's celebrity friendship.

If you're totally confused by this whole Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively legal battle, here's A Definitive Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's It Ends With Us Feud to help you straighten things out.

Those with a creative eye know firsthand that inspiration is all around us. Whether you're energized by the earth tones of nature, a color-filled walk through a local farmer's market, or even by a quick scroll through Instagram, you never know what might spark a new creative project.

In the spirit of inspiring your next masterpiece, we're excited to partner with Bounty to fuel the next generation of artists and designers forward by launching a national design competition. We're calling on graphic designers to apply for a chance to see their work featured on a new Brit + Co and Bounty paper towel collection, set to launch in 2022.

Aside from the incredible exposure of having your illustrations on paper towels that'll be in stores across America next year, you'll also receive $5,000 for your art; a scholarship for Selfmade, our 10-week entrepreneurship accelerator to take your design career to the next level (valued at $2,000); and a stand alone feature on Brit + Co spotlighting your artistry as a creator.

The Creatively You Design Competition launches Friday, May 21, 2021 and will be accepting submissions through Monday, June 7, 2021.

APPLY NOW

Who Should Apply: Women-identifying graphic designers and illustrators. (Due to medium limitations, we're not currently accepting design submissions from photographers or painters.)

What We're Looking For: Digital print and pattern designs that reflect your design aesthetic. Think optimistic, hopeful, bright — something you'd want to see inside your home.

How To Enter:Apply here, where you'll be asked to submit 2x original design files you own the rights to for consideration. Acceptable file formats include: .PNG, .JPG, .GIF, .SVG, .PSD, and .TIFF. Max file size 5GB. We'll also ask about your design inspiration and your personal info so we can keep in touch.

Artist Selection Process: Panelists from Brit + Co and P&G Bounty's creative teams will judge the submissions and select 50 finalists on June 11, 2021 who will receive a Selfmade scholarship for our summer 2021 session. Then, up to 8 artists will be selected from the finalists and notified on June 18, 2021. The chosen designers will be announced publicly in 2022 ahead of the product launch.

For any outstanding contest Qs, please see our main competition page. Good luck & happy creating!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 18 years of age and older. Void where prohibited. Contest begins 5/21/21 and ends 6/7/21. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, click here. Sponsor: The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, One P&G Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Costco just restocked a very famous Starbucks drink, so if you’re a big fan of their Refreshers, you’re going to want to make a beeline to your nearest store ASAP.

Scroll on for all the details about shopping the Starbucks Pink Drink at Costco!

Costco

That’s right – Costco just added the bottled version of Starbucks’ Pink Drink to their shelves! This ready-to-drink version has the same “fruity and refreshing” effect you’d expect from the cafe favorite, as it’s made with the chain’s Strawberry Acai Refresher base and accented with coconut milk.

Costco

Each 8-ounce bottle is dairy-free, vegan, and has only 90 calories. The pack Costco is selling comes complete with 12 bottles, so you can easily stock your fridge with a fun little sip.

Starbucks

Costco fan account @costcobuys shared the newly-restocked Pink Drink with their Instagram followers and highlighted that their Costco location had the item listed for $16.99.

However, Costco’s website lists the 12-pack for $19.99, so the exact price may vary based on where you live.

Starbucks

Regardless, that puts each bottle of the Starbucks drink at around $2 each, which is significantly less money than what you’d spend for a freshly-made bev at a Starbucks location.

The Starbucks Pink Drink typically goes for around $5, plus tax. If you want to save on your Starbies habit, this new Costco find is a must!

Costco

Costco also carries many more Starbucks items in bulk like instant coffee, whole coffee beans, Nespresso pods, and even hot cocoa mix.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more Costco + Starbucks news!

It's that time of year again. The snow has softly collected on sleeping cedars, swirls across your walkways, and grows into mounds on the sides of the roads. The winter can be harsh, but don't let the frozen blues get you down. From cozy must-haves to survival dad-approved necessities, we've compiled a list of items to help you survive through yet another tundra season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Stay Warm Wrapped in This White Throw Blanket

Amazon

This super soft white throw blanket is just what you need to stay warm this winter. The striped fleece comes in many different colors to choose from and is lightweight. Guaranteed to keep you warm when wrapped up, enjoy this fuzzy fleece blanket as soon as it arrives.

See it on Amazon

Take Extra Warmth to Any Room You Visit With This Portable Electric Heater.

Amazon

Bring some much-needed warmth into your spaces this winter with the help of this portable electric heater. It comes ready to go with a child lock and a tip sensor, so you don't have to worry about it running if it gets knocked over. Set it to a heat range anywhere from 41-95 degrees, and be amazed at how quietly the heater runs to warm up your room. Take it by the handle and control it with a remote to make your room extra toasty this winter.

See it on Amazon

Warm Your Toes In These Boot Socks For Women

Amazon

These low-cut boot socks for women are just what your toes have in mind for staying warm this winter. Whether you're outside enjoying the snow or inside curled on the couch, these socks will keep your feet snug and warm from the winter freeze.

See it on Amazon

Heat Up Your Hands With This Warmer Variety Pack

Amazon

This warmer variety pack has warmers for your hands, feet, and body. Place or hold the back anywhere you want to warm up, and within fifteen minutes, you'll begin to feel the heating effects of these amazing warming pouches. Each bag has approximately 214 hours worth of warming. Stay extra warm when out and about with the help of these warming pouches.

See it on Amazon

This Balaclava Will Keep Your Face and Neck Extra Warm

Amazon

Whether you're hitting the slopes or just taking the dog out for a walk, this balaclava is just what you need to stay warm on any outdoor winter excursion. It's wind-resistant and yet breathable to prevent fogging. It's cozy, warm, and extra soft, too. Be sure to add this balaclava to your winter wardrobe soon.

See it on Amazon

This Roof Snow Removal Tool Is Perfect for Homeowners

Amazon

Time to get the snow off your roof with the help of this roof snow removal tool. They don't call it the Avalanche 500 for nothing! With an extension pole of up to fifteen and a half feet long, you'll be able to clear your roof easily from the ground. The foot-long plastic slide allows the snow to easily slide off of your roof. Don't let the snow weigh you down; get this tool today.

See it on Amazon

Feel Warm on The Inside With This Assorted Specialty Tea Box

Amazon

Whether you're heading outside to tackle the winter or finally coming back in and ready to warm up and relax, this assorted specialty tea box should be ready at all times. Stay warm with the perfect cup of tea in a thermos while going for a stroll outside. Or pour it into a mug and curl up on the couch. With eight different options to choose from and forty-eight bags altogether, this tea box is just what you need to stay warm inside and out this winter.

See it on Amazon

These Fingerless Texting Wool Gloves Will Keep Your Hands Nice and Warm

Amazon

Keep your hands warm outside and your friends informed of your activities with these fingerless texting wool gloves. Lightweight yet fairly thick and heavy-duty, these fingerless gloves have a little mitten flap to cover your fingers once you're done posting a snap. Keep your hands nice and warm with the help of these gloves.

See it on Amazon

Keep Your Boots Dry With The Boot Dryer

Amazon

This boot dryer is perfect for drying out your wet boots or shoes after a slushy winter excursion. It heats the air inside of your boot up to 140 degrees and can make your boot nice and dry between one and two hours. Great for gloves and shoes, too, this boot dryer will keep all of your outdoor gear dry and ready to use.

See it on Amazon

Let This Extendable Snow Brush Clear The Snow Off Your Car

Amazon

No need to dance around your car, getting all of the snow off of all the areas of your car. This extendable snow brush has thick bristles, a strong scraper, and can extend to 47 inches, reaching across even the widest of windshields. You can easily clear off the roof of your car with the help of the thick bristles on the brush, too.

See it on Amazon

Stay Warm and In Touch With These Winter Waterproof Ski Gloves

Amazon

That's right! These winter waterproof ski gloves are the next addition to your winter wardrobe to help keep your hands nice and toasty and keep you in touch with the outside world. The outer fabric is waterproof, and the inside is a soft fleece. The palms have an anti-slick micro leather for grip, and the fingers offer a sensitive touchscreen tip to help you navigate your phone without taking your gloves off.

See it on Amazon

This Insulated Active Jacket From Carhartt Will Keep You Warm

Amazon

Stay warm, guaranteed, outside with this insulated active jacket from Carhartt. With a thick outside shell that'll keep you dry and warm, this jacket is great for any outdoor activity in the winter. It even comes with a hood to keep your head warm and dry, too.

See it on Amazon

Keep Your Feet Warm With These Wool Hiking Socks

Amazon

Made from a blend of wool and nylon, these wool-dominant wool hiking socks will keep your feet warm and dry on any winter hike. Ultra-comfortable and itch-free, these socks were designed to keep your feet warm and dry during any outdoor winter adventure.

See it on Amazon

Rechargeable Hand Warmers to Stay Warm Outdoors

Amazon

Like hand warmers, but don't like the continued waste? Well, these rechargeable hand warmers may be just what your winter gear needs. These smart hand warmers can be set from anywhere between 104 and 122 degrees to keep your hands nice and toasty. These hand warmers are able to heat up in one second and stay hot for twenty hours, and they are exactly what your hands need to stay warm this winter.

See it on Amazon

Make Car Trips Extra Warm With This Heated Car Blanket

Amazon

This heated car blanket easily plugs into the cigarette lighter and has a 96-inch cord, long enough to extend even to a third-row back seat. With several different patterns to choose from, this fleece blanket is just what you need to stay nice and warm on long car rides to the slopes.

See it on Amazon

This Classic Outdoor Propane Heater Will Keep The Patio Warm

Amazon

Enjoy your patio through all four seasons with the help of this outdoor propane heater. Guaranteed to spread heat from underneath its hot umbrella canopy, this heater will keep you and your loved ones warm all winter long.

See it on Amazon

Leave Your Boots on This All-Seasons Doormat

Amazon

Don't go another year without this all-seasons doormat in front of your door or your vestibule. This waterproof mat is the place to leave your cold, wet, and salt-speckled boots. Don't track puddles through your living room again with the help of this great door mat.

See it on Amazon

Don't Be Caught Without These Mylar Emergency Blankets

Amazon

Keep these emergency blankets in your car at all times. You never know when you may be stranded out in the cold in the winter. These lightweight blankets are incredibly weatherproof, built to retain 90 percent of your body heat, and were designed for NASA-inspired survival. So yeah, they work all right.

See it on Amazon

This 4.3 Amp Battery Charger Should Live In Your Car

Amazon

Don't let the winter cold kill another battery and leave you stranded ever again! Keep this 4.3-amp battery charger in your car at all times for worry-free winter traveling. It's splash, dust, spark, shock, and short-circuit proof! Easily hook up and bring your battery back to life.

See it on Amazon

Beat The Cold in These Defender Bib Overalls

Amazon

These defender bib overalls from Arctix are just what you need to stay warm and dry outside this winter, guaranteed. Good for weather all the way down to negative twenty-five degrees, these bibs are here to keep you dry, warm, and ready to be outside for as long as you please.

See it on Amazon

Keep Your Eyes Safe With These Sport Sunglasses

Amazon

Don't let the harsh glare of the sun on the snow keep your eyes squinting all winter long. Let these sport sunglasses help keep the sun out of your eyes this winter. Good for all sorts of outdoor activities, these water and scratch-proof sunglasses are just what you need to keep you going out in the snow.

See it on Amazon

Get Cozy With These Hot Chocolate Sticks

Amazon

Once you're finally inside from a long day out in the snow, what's better than a hot chocolate? Well, perhaps these fun hot chocolate sticks can bring an added breath of excitement to a winter classic. Get your warm milk ready and dip and swirl these sticks to make a fun, classic winter drink.

See it on Amazon

Stay Extra Warm in This Heated Jacket for Men

Amazon

This heated jacket for men has five heating zones inside to keep your core and arms extra warm when traveling about outside. The waterproof shell and breathable materials make this jacket super comfortable to wear in the colder seasons.

See it on Amazon

Keep Warm With This Winter Scarf

Amazon

Let this stylish winter scarf keep you warm all season long. With a cashmere-like feel and wrinkle-free materials, this scarf is long, light, and warm. There are several different colors to choose from, allowing this scarf to go with any wardrobe you choose.

See it on Amazon

This Oil Filled Radiator Heater Will Keep You Nice and Warm

Amazon

Keep Your spaces heated with this energy-efficient oil-filled radiator heater. Easily roll it from room to room. Its slot design allows for it to easily heat the room while maintaining a low physical temperature to the touch. Don't let a drafty room go cold this winter, and roll this radiator in for some backup.

See it on Amazon

Keep Your Skin Moist With CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Amazon

Winter is notorious for keeping your skin dry and brittle. The only way to keep your skin moist is with a solid daily moisturizing routine. That's where CeraVe daily moisturizing lotion can help. This lotion is absorbed quickly and never feels oily. Perfect for these dry winter months.

See it on Amazon

This Light Therapy Lamp Will Bring The Rays You Need

Amazon

The sun may slowly be coming back, but the days are still too short. Not to worry as this light therapy lamp will bring the power of the sun to you just when you need it the most. This lamp offers four different time settings to bask in and is UV-free. Get the rays your body needs today.

See it on Amazon

This Moloa Slipper Is Perfect for Lounging Around

Amazon

Keep your toes warm in this amazing Maloa slipper this winter. Its nubuck leather outside and fluffy shearling inside make for the perfect slipper combination. The back even drops down to allow you to either slide your feet right in or lift the back for shoe-like support. These slippers are just what you wanted for around the house indoor winter living.

See it on Amazon

These Bandless Ear Warmers Will Keep Your Ears Warm

Amazon

Don't let your ears get chilly with these bandless ear warmers. They're ear muffs but without the strap. They are made to snap right over your ear and keep your ear nice and cozy. They're perfect for any cold outdoor activity and come in many color options to choose from. Don't let your ears go another day in the cold.

See it on Amazon

Stay Warm While Listening to Music With These Bluetooth Earmuffs

Amazon

Don't let cold ears prevent you from listening to your favorite tunes outside. That's right, these Bluetooth earmuffs will keep the beat going and keep your ears warm all at the same time. Their thick, plush material is extra soft and warm and keeps the sound going with the HiFi speakers.

See it on Amazon

Nothing Says Winter Like a New Cocktail Set

Amazon

What's more winter-like than staying in and making yourself a nice cocktail while the snow slowly falls outside? With this new cocktail set, you, too, could be living in this dream. This fifteen-piece shaker set even comes with a beautiful wooden stand on which to place all of your items.

See it on Amazon

This Smokeless Fire Pit Is Perfect for a Patio

Amazon

Stay warm around this smokeless fire pit. This pit is easily transportable and even has a removable ash-catching tray. Enjoy the warmth of a bonfire without the teary eyes that accompany smoke with this cool fire pit.

See it on Amazon

Bring This Small Table Fireplace Inside

Amazon

This lovely small table fireplace is perfect to bring the enchantment of a fire into your living room. Wish you had a fireplace? Well, wish no longer. This indoor fireplace can burn for an hour or more, depending on how much fuel you add. With no ash, soot, or smoke, this small portable fireplace is perfect to set the mood indoors.

See it on Amazon

Stay Active Outside With This Deluxe Hockey Set

Amazon

Enjoy the frozen outdoors with the speed of ice hockey. Let this deluxe hockey set usher in your dreams of sport this winter. Featuring two sticks, a mesh goal, and a ball. This set is just what you wanted for some outdoor winter fun.

See it on Amazon

Craft The Perfect Snowball With This Snowball Maker

Amazon

Don't let another snowball fight pass you by without this fun snowball maker. A great mold set of four different molds, including the classic snowball. Great for kids or kids at heart to enjoy the snow during the winter.

See it on Amazon

Blast Downhill on This Heavy-Duty Snow Tube

Amazon

This heavy-duty snow tube is good for kids and adults. Able to carry weights up to 250 pounds and endure temperatures as low as negative 40, this tube is just what you need to go blasting down a hill at high speeds of laughter. Get one for everyone in your family, and love winter again.

See it on Amazon

Keep Your Head Warm in This Knit Cuffed Beanie

Amazon

This knit cuffed beanie from Carhartt has many different colors to choose from and is guaranteed to keep your head warm during winter. It's soft and warm and always looks great. This classic hat is a winter essential.

See it on Amazon

Keep Warm While You Drink With The Original Knit Can Koozie

Amazon

Don't let your hands freeze to your booze ever again with the help of the original knit can koozie. Silly, stylish, bold, and warm. This koozie is perfect for hanging out outside and drinking a cold one with your friends. Keeping your hands warm while you put down a beer has never been easier.

See it on Amazon

Enjoy A Snowy Hike With These Aluminum Snow Shoes

Amazon

These aluminum snow shoes are a great introduction to snowshoeing and getting on a nice outdoor snowy hike during the winter. They're made out of a strong aluminum base and have sharp crampons to keep you safe and grip well to ice and snow. They even come with adjustable walking poles for extra support and mobility. Hit the snowy trail today with these snow shoes.

See it on Amazon

Destroy Ice With Ice-Off Windshield Spray

Amazon

Don't let a thin layer over keyholes worry you. Are you spending an hour scraping away at an iced-over windshield? This easy-to-use ice-off windshield spray melts ice or snow instantly on contact. Perfect for sub-zero weather, keep one in your car and one at home to keep the ice at bay today.

See it on Amazon

Stay Fishing In This Portable Ice Fishing Shelter

Amazon

Don't let the winter take away your love for fishing. Get this portable ice fishing shelter today. It's big enough to fit three to four fully grown fishing fanatics. Easy to set up and take down, so you don't have to be tied down to a single lodge location all winter long. Enjoy this 34-square-foot fishing space on the ice today with your best buds.

See it on Amazon