One of the deep questions I asked myself on January 1 was, "How do you want to feel as a stay-at-home mom who's also a part of the WFH crew?" The first word that popped into my mind wasn't a full sentence; it was 'ease.'
I've spent the greater part of my life as a people pleaser who also has a Type A personality when inspired during work hours. There's nothing wrong with being ambitious, but I don't always know when to turn it off which leads to burnout. Does this sound like you?
If so, we're not doing this anymore bestie. This year we're changing the way we approach work so we're not on a first-name basis with stress 10 months out of the year. I've got tips from the following bada** ladies who know how imperative it is to not let work drain us:
We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.
"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.
Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."
This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.
One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"
"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.
Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."
You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.
Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:
Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."
According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.
Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"
They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?
Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."
I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.
"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:
I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.
Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.
Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."
As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.
And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:
Visit more of our work-life articles when you need career advice or how to learn to part ways with burnout for good.
I can't stop thinking about Nosferatu, and I know why. Robert Eggers obviously created a cinematic masterpiece, but it's the gothic horror theme that I appreciate more than anything. Some of my favorite films in this genre are Bram Stoker's Dracula, Sleepy Hollow, Candyman, and 2010's The Wolfman. But it's not movies that made me fall in love with them; it's books.
I wish I would've embraced being a 'weird' Black girl who loved cutesy things as much as she enjoyed reading about monstrous creatures, but there's always now. If you're a proud fan of supernatural, morally gray characters, and psychological warfare, I have more than a few surprises for you. Here are all the gothic horror books you should pick up ASAP!
Amazon
Lenore has been married to the successful steel magnate Henry for a decade, but there doesn't seem to be anymore love between them. Still, they put on a united front to travel to the moorlands and that's when it happens — tragedy.
One accident unites the couple with Carmilla, an intriguing woman who's appearance changes depending on the time of day. The longer she's in their lives, the more Lenore feels inexplicably drawn to her. But, the timing of Carmilla's presence coincides with young girls developing insatiable appetites accompanied with a perplexing illness.
Also, Lenore doesn't feel like herself anymore. Rather, she's questioning if she's been honest about who she is all along. She thinks she wants to rekindle the passion in her marriage, but she can't ignore Carmilla's influence on her...
Amazon
Kidan Adane's an heiress who's trying to outrun the fate of living among vampires, but is drawn back in when her sister June vanishes. Kidan decides accepting her place as a student at Uxlay University is the only way to seek revenge against the house vampire she 'knows' took June — Susenyos Sagad.
He's as dangerous as he is enchanting, but Kidan will quickly discover that he's not the most dangerous being she needs to worry about. In fact, she'll confront the morally ambiguous students, faculty, and families that are tied to Uxlay as she searches for answers about June's whereabouts.
However, there'll be no turning back once she discovers the truth.
Amazon
Patricia Campbell is a housewife who was certain she was going to have an amazing life with her husband and kids, but they're too busy for her. The only things that are consistently present are her volatile mother-in-law, her never-ending checklist, and the true crime book club she's a part of.
Life begins to imitate art when Patricia is left scarred after a terrifying attack by a neighbor lands her in the hospital. Shortly after, she meets James Harris and begins to welcome his presence. As soon as she lets her guard down, she can't help but feel alarmed at news of young Black children going missing.
And the night she sees something so terrible no one will believer her is when she Patricia decides to take matters into her own hands.
Amazon
The disappearance of a young boy creates a suspicion in Mears considering nothing like that has ever happened in the small town he lives in. Before long, people he once knew begin to change into darker versions of themselves and he rushes to create a group of survivors/hunters to stop this unnatural takeover. But he'll have to find the source first and it just make take everything he's ever held dear.
Amazon
When a young girl is discovered brutally murdered in the town of Hemlock Grove, PA, whispers about what's truly going on begin to stir since she was found near what's left of the Godfrey Steel mill. There's also rumors that someone could've escaped from the biotech building that the Godfreys are also in charge of.
On the other side of suspicions about them lie accusations that a young Gypsy named Peter Rumancek is responsible. After all, he's been telling people he's a werewolf. It doesn't come as a shock when he and Roman Godfrey become best friends as they try to uncover what happened.
But fate has something different planned for them and it'll change who they thought they were.
Amazon
Life for Nena and Néstor is full of grief in 1840s Mexico. With threats of Mexican land being taken over by settlers, Nena's seen it all. Plus, she's been attacked by an evil spirit before.
At some point, she and Néstor are separated without any contact. The latter believes his love has been lost and has been trying to drown himself in vices to forget what he thinks could've happened to her.
So when they finally see each other a few years later, their meeting is anything but pleasant. One's running from possibly marrying someone she doesn't love while the other is trying to reconcile his habits.
But nothing is more troubling than the fact the evil spirit is still out there and is looking to wreak more havoc on anyone who's unfortunate to cross its path.
Amazon
Thirst breaks from tradition by attempting to humanize a female vampire and her desire to live despite her nature. Escaping from Europe, she takes up residence in Buenos Aires and assimilates into its culture.
Years later, another young woman finds herself coming to terms with what motherhood means to her now that she's watching her own mother's life slip away. When she and the female vampire from long ago connect, something sparks between them and their lives take on a new meaning.
Amazon
And lastly, Louis remembers what it was like to love Armand but feel unable to cope with knowing he did nothing to stop his band of vampires from seeking their own private justice against those he loved.
Amazon
All Marion Shaw's ever known is what it feels like to be poor. Though she's dreamt of finding somewhere else to start over, she lacks the motivation to do so until she discovers an opening for a bloodmaid.
She's not sure what it means but she ventures to the House of Hunger anyway. There she becomes indoctrined in a new way of life that's led by the charming and horrifying Countess Lisavet. Somehow, Marion's caught her eye and they develop a consensual mistress-servant relationship.
But there's much more to the House of Hunger than Marion knew about and she'll have to use all of her wits to pay attention or she'll never be able to leave.
Amazon
Jemma Baker decides to leave Chicago to pursue a job working for the Duchon family in New Orleans. It feels like an answered pray until she realizes how colorist they are.
Despite being Black, the Duchons have no problem feeling like they're superior because of their wealth and lighter skin. Jemma doesn't understand why they act the way they do until she realizes they're a cursed family who's relying onher to free them.
Soon, Jemma will have to use her gift to unlock secrets about the Duchons but she'll discover something dark that seeks to threaten her life if she's not careful.
Amazon
Suddenly, Francine's forced to realize the Thwaites weren't always so kind and have a sinister past that she may not be able to escape.
Amazon
In the 1970s, young women who dare to have sex before marriage and get pregnant are sent to Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida. It's a way for families to hide their shame and pretend like 'sinful' stains no longer exist.
When young Fern is sent there to contend with Miss Wellwood, she realizes there are other girls who's situations mirror her own. While their backgrounds differ, their pregnant bellies and controlled reality do not.
The girls are given a chance to rewrite the rules when Fern receives an occult book that introduces them to witchcraft. As they being casting spells and realizing how powerful they are, a growing realization that there's a price to learn for increased knowledge dawns on them.
Amazon
Clem's worst fears come true when she rushes to her daughter Erin's hospital bedside after a hiking trip went wrong. What's even scarier is that Erin refuses to believe that's her name and has no recollection of Clem being her mother.
Resolved to get to the bottom of things, Clem ventures to the Orkneys where her daughter was before the accident took place. She encounters tales of someone being tied to a murder and witchcraft long before she or Erin were born.
The deeper she digs, the more Clem questions what's capable of being true in a world that doesn't always believe in the occult.
Amazon
Amazon
In 1929, Lenora Hope's family were found murdered and everyone was sure she did it. Yet, she goes free when there's not enough evidence to convict her. As such, she's remained tucked away behind the walls of Hope's End.
When health aide Kit McDeere is assigned to assist Lenora in 1983, she's not sure what to expect since the previous nurse abruptly left. What Kit finds is an older mute woman who's only form of communication involves a typewriter.
Soon, Lenora surprises Kit by telling her she's ready to recount what happened the night her family was murdered. Insisting she wasn't responsible for her family's death, Kit helps Lenora document what happened.
The more Kit writes, the more she realizes Lenora may not be a victim after all.
Amazon
Gaspar and his father are still grieving the death of both mother and wife when they decide to journey to the home tied to her ancestry. Their mission is to understand the origins of the Order which is the family she left behind.
They quickly realize this cult is menacing and tied to Gaspar's fate. Choosing to run from them, Gaspar and his father try their hardest to avoid something terrible coming to past.
Alternating between the present and the future, readers will come to understand how the Order was created and if Gaspar is destined to join them.
Amazon
Belle's known for prioritizing her skin's health and spends time creating skincare content. However, she's forced to deal with her mother Noelle's death and travels to Southern California to confront what happened to her.
When Belle sees a woman wearing red at her mother's funeral, she's confused about who she is. Her confusion deepens when the woman alludes to what may have happened to her mother and somehow leads Belle to La Maison de Méduse, a cult-like spa Noelle frequented.
Once there, Belle realizes there's a reason she and her mom shared the same obsession with looking at themselves in the mirror because there's more behind the glass than she bargained for.
Amazon
While at the Brookhants School for Girls in 1902, Flo and Clara develop an obsessive bond with each other as well as Mary MacLane. The latter's written a moving bestseller that details her life and leads the young girls to create the Plain Bad Heroine Society.
After meeting at an apple orchard, Flo and Clara are discovered murdered by yellow jackets while holding copies of Mary MacLane's work. Soon, the Brookhants School for Girls shuts down after more people die while there.
Years later, writer Merritt Emmons has written a book about the history of Brookhants that's set to be adapted into a horror movie. With lesbian actress Harper Harper set to play Flo and Audrey Wells starring as Clara, production gets the green light to arrive at the school.
However, it's hard to tell where the past ends and the present begins when Merritt, Harper, and Clara arrive. What is clear is that history has a way of repeating itself.
Are you in need of more shocking twists and turns? Check out the thriller books we've already pre-ordered!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Break out your wallets because I have the best sweaters you should be wearing this fall and winter! If I sound overly confident it's because I genuinely love to shop and have every knit style you can think of in my closet. From cardigans to the dreaded — but stylish! — turtleneck options, I could become a sweater connoisseur.
Since I'm not willing to give up my day job for that title just yet, here's the best no-fail trends that look good on everyone. Plus I added a few shoppable options for anyone who doesn't have time to find the best picks for each trend.
Jasmine Williams
I know it's fall when I start seeing cable knit sweaters appear online and in-store. I sound like a broken record, but they're a classic staple that everyone should have in their closets because they're:
You can always go for the oversized When Harry Met Sally look, or you can opt for a sleeker fit. The choice is always yours, but here's a little inspo if you're not sure which cable knit sweaters to get:
Amazon
The burgundy trend is alive and practically running fall — hence this beautiful cable knit sweater. Aside from the color, it falls in line with the oversized option I was talking about. This makes it a versatile piece that be styled with a mini pleated skirt, a cute satin number, or even leather leggings.
MANGO
Bypass the color and opt for a cream sweater that's really going to give you that late '80s, early '90s fall style appeal. Since it's neutral, you'll be able to wear underneath a gorgeous burgundy or hunter green coat without compromising the detailed braided pattern on it.
GAP
Do we hear Mariah Carey trilling beautifully in her "All I Want For Christmas" song or is this sweater deceiving us? How about this: two things can be true at once. And, you get to look cute while putting up holiday decorations because I know you've been looking for a red sweater.
We're in our grandma eras because we love wearing cardigans, right? I'd argue and say that's not true, but some of us don't mind the foxy grandma style we've adopted.
Cardigans are always going to be top-tier because you can wear them on the days it's cool in the morning and warm in the afternoons. The thickness of their fabric will determine how much you're able to layer with it, but it's not hard to pick the perfect one based on the weather.
Don't believe me? Look at these picks!
Target
Sometimes all a girl really needs is a cute cardigan that she can wear as many times as her heart desires. Lucky for you, I saw this adorable one while looking for table lamps on Target...clears throat.
Amazon
Cardigans don't have to be boring, especially when your style isn't! This one's specifically for anyone who lives a colorful life and likes for their outfits to follow suit.
BloomChic
I promise I'm not rushing Christmas, but look at this cardigan! It has cute little reindeer and snowflakes all over it! How could I ignore someone's chance at having the greatest holiday sweater? Clearly I couldn't because you're probably looking at this and smiling too.
If you want that naturally preppy fall look, a striped sweater is your best option. It's one of the easiest pieces to style because it serves as the main focal point of an outfit. Here's a few Thanksgiving outfit ideas that you can pull off wearing this trend:
Amazon
The fun thing about striped sweaters is that they come in a variety of sizes. The thicker lines create a new dimension that works great for the oversized look IMO. You can take this sweater and wear it over a unitard, or you tuck the front into a pair of skinny jeans.
Target
This pullover sweater has 'from the office to happy hour' vibes and I really like that. It's a great universal piece that isn't confined to one environment or event...AKA you need a striped sweater that's as adaptable as you are.
GAP
Again, this is strictly for my girls who love the color pink. At my core, I can't stay away from this color so I don't try anymore. Though it's vibrant, this sweater still feels preppy enough to be worn to your work or your company's country club gathering.
Show me a v-neck sweater that doesn't love all body types so I can have a word with it, please. I like this universal style because sometimes you want a different neckline outside of the usual 'crew' option some sweaters have.
J.Crew
Look, grey isn't boring. I thought it was, but it has great potential if you're willing to work with it. Like cream or black, this sweater can be used as a neutral component of your outfit. Think black military coat and knee high boots. Bubblegum pink wool outerwear and silver shoes. Do you see where I'm going with this?
Target
You can always err on the side of caution and go for a taupe v-neck sweater that doesn't cause a lot of commotion. I love how this almost seems like it could've been a cropped top, but instead sits right at the waist. This makes it easier to pair with bootcut jeans.
Quince
When it comes to sweaters, who doesn't want a little cashmere in their closet? Unfortunately cashmere can be prohibitively expensive, BUT Quince has great — and quality — options at a much lower price point. I love this oversized look for those chilly days when you just wanna bundle up into something comfortable, but stylish.
Jasmine Williams
I have a love/hate relationship with turtleneck sweaters that stem from childhood. For the oddest reason, I used to think they were choking me and would give my mom the meanest side eye each time she'd make me wear one. However, I willingly wear them as an adult. Do I appreciate the snug feeling around my neck? No, but they look amazing when paired with leather pants or skirts.
Here are some of my faves right now!
ModCloth
Taps microphone...The best time to wear a striped sweater really is all the time! Spongebob may have ignored his fry cook duties to sing this line, but he didn't lie. Striped sweaters are gifts that keep giving because they seem festive no matter their colorways! However, this particular sweater has Christmas stitched into every seam and we love it!
BloomChic
Can't stand the idea of a turtleneck sweater hugging your neck like it's obsessed with you? Here's a sweater that doesn't feel so restrictive!
H&M
Here's another neck-friendly sweater that's as cute as it's breathable. It's like the faux version of what we're used to because no one wants to yank at their neckline every five minutes.
Target
But if you've embraced the dark side of turtlenecks, this pullover sweater won't make you gasp every time you take a breath. I'm serious, you'll love wearing it...I think.
Follow us on Pinterest to see more cozy fall and winter styles!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
As much as I love Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day is actually my favorite February holiday! There's nothing I adore more than getting together with my girlfriends and celebrating each other with drinks and games — and gifts — galore. This year, the bestie basket is the best (and easiest) way to show your girls how much you care about them! These adorable gifts are super easy to make — you just have to pick a cute basket, fill it with your BFF's favorite things, and voila! You've got a perfect, thoughtful, last-minute gift!
Don't know what you need to get started? I've got you covered!
Target
Obviously the first piece you need for your bestie basket is an actual basket. This pink rope basket from Target is cute, big enough to hold plenty of goodies, and is only $6!
Target
But if you're looking for something a little more cutesy — and a little smaller — this heart basket will do the trick, too! Plus, the handle makes your gift way easier to transport to your BFF.
Target
You can totally just put your gifts right into the basket, but a little tissue paper adds an extra zhuzh to your gift as well! And look at how pretty this heart paper is!
Target
Whether your bestie is a coffee addict á la Lorelai Gilmore, loves a hot cuppa tea, or can't resist a decadent hot chocolate, a cute mug is a must-have in your basket. I love, love, love the pink and red stripes on this one!
Target
However, if your BFF is more of an iced-coffee kinda gal, she may be more into this sweet little heart-shaped tumbler!
Target
It's no secret the gals are into Stanley cups — so why not grab some pink and red straws to make everyone's favorite hand accessory even cuter?
Target
This little pink pouch is another perfect addition to your emotional support water bottle, too! You can toss your phone, credit cards, lip balm, or whatever else you need on your hot girl errands in here!
Target
Cozy socks are a definitely must in your bestie basket! These are super on-theme — and super soft!
Target
I seriously love LOOPS masks! Grab this for your girlfriends, and maybe even throw 'em on while you grab some wine and gab during your Galentine's Day celebration!
Target
Winter is doing a number on everyone's skin right now, so a body scrub is a nice little luxury to gift your girlfriends right now. Revive your skin — and smell good doing it!
Target
A little nail care is a total hallmark of a good girls night! Grab this sweet shade of red for the perfect at-home mani for you bestie!
Target
Are people over bows? IDK, but I'm sure not. These are coquette and cute and so going in your bestie baskets this year!
Target
Bestie baskets absolutely need candy — it's a non-negotiable. Nerds gummy clusters are super viral right now, and for good reason! They're chewy, crunchy, and totally delicious.
Target
If your friends aren't into gummy candy, classic Dove dark chocolate hearts are a solid way to go as well!
Target
And if dark chocolate is too bitter, then these sweet little milk chocolate truffles are also amazing!
Looking for more fun seasonal recs? Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
