Free Printable Friday: NYE Crowns for Your Whole Squad

Congrats! You’re in the holiday homestretch, and now it’s time to sip Champs, toss confetti and ring in 2017 the right way — with your girl squad, wearing crowns like the dope queens you are. To get you ready for the big night, we’ve got you and all your ladies covered with free printable crowns from our Free Printable Friday series. Once you’ve all got your patterned crowns ready to rock, it’s time to paint the town pink like the royalty you are!

Get ready to make these in time for the fireworks! Keep scrolling for detailed instructions.

Materials + Tools:

  • 8.5 x 11-inch cardstock paper
  • Brit + Co’s NYE crown template
  • X-ACTO knife
  • cutting mat
  • tape
  • ruler
  • optional: glitter, gems, ribbon, bows, glitter, glitter, glitter

Instructions:

Print out the templates on thick cardstock. Then use the X-ACTO knife to cut out the crown.

Be sure to use a ruler to get clean lines on the crown tips. Round your crown and measure to your head before taping.

Once your crown is taped you are ready to shine! It’s really as simple as that — add optional glitter or bow flair to really take your crown to the next Queen Bey level.

Now you’re ready to dance the night away and ring in 2017 like the boss babes you are! Happy New Year!

We want to see your crowned squad! Share the finished result with us on Instagram by tagging us and using the hashtag #iamcreative. And check out our other awesome Free Printable Friday finds here.

Designs: Yising Chou

Photo Styling: Katie Bond

DIY production: Katie Bond and Lesley Chen

Modeling: Lesley Chen, Beth Wischnia, Cassidy Miller and Lindsay Saito

Photography: Kurt Andre

It's time for apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice desserts to take a backseat – Christmas desserts with peppermint and spiked sweets are here to shine. Festive food gets us in even more of a holiday mood than we're already in, and you really can't decorate your space or watch a holiday movie marathon without some sweet treats, can you? Get ready to yank your baking supplies out of the pantry at least once or twice this holiday season.

Here are 60 festive Christmas desserts for a magical holiday!

Vanilla and Bean

Apple and Cranberry Cobbler

This egg-free Apple Cranberry Cobbler recipe is infused with vanilla, star anise, and optional bourbon, and served well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Vikalinka

White Christmas Truffle Cake

Turn this fluffy sponge cake with white chocolate truffle topping into a stunning dessert centerpiece with edible pearls and a sweet pine decoration.(via Vikalinka)

Crowded Kitchen

Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies

These homemade slice and bake Christmas cookies are surprisingly easy to make, taste better than the ones in the tube, and are customizable so you can choose your favorite holiday shapes! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Give Recipe

Chocolate Beet Cake

For a healthier spin on Christmas dessert, try this unique Chocolate Beet Cake. It's so moist and delicious, your guests won’t even know you used beets! (via Give Recipe)

The Girl on Bloor

Skinny Peppermint Mocha

Try a low-calorie version of this Starbucks favorite you can make at home! (via The Girl on Bloor)

The Original Dish

Spiced Mascarpone Cranberry Cake

In charge of dessert this year? This stunning spiced cake will wow your guests in terms of taste and looks. It makes a delicious breakfast too! (via The Original Dish)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Christmas Frosting Board

What a fun idea! Swap your charcuterie for a dessert board where guests can pick and dip! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

The First Mess

Vegan Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

This no-bake cheesecake, made with cashew and coconut, is so delicious and stunning they won't believe there's actually no cheese. (via The First Mess)

Brit + Co

Vegan Mini Chocolate Pies with Pecan Caramel

Mini pies are the perfect Christmas dessert because they're hand-held and bite-sized, plus these feature chocolate, pecan, and caramel flavors! They're also vegan, which just makes us love them even more. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

The Best Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are so good, they don't really need any embellishments, but would it really be a Christmas party without reindeer cookies?! Save a few to leave out for Santa, too. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Peppermint Macarons with White Chocolate Ganache

Find a new way to enjoy the minty flavor of peppermint with this macarons recipe. Covered in white chocolate, it's a nod to the traditional French pastry. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Chocolate Pumpkin Tart with Gingersnap Crust

Move over white chocolate ganache, because this pumpkintart is ready for its turn in the spotlight. We love that the gingersnap crust helps balance the rich taste of dark chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Puff Pastry Apple Roses

These roses look good enough to eat – because they are indeed edible! It's the one time you'll enjoy stopping to smell the roses. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sweet Chai Latte Cupcakes

Turn your favorite morning beverage into a sweet treat with these cupcakes. The flavors and spices make for the perfect holiday season dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Paleo Christmas Cookies

Cookies will never be totally healthy, but there are definitely ways that you can make them healthier. Check out this easy Christmas dessert that's paleo-friendly. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Vegan Apple Cake

If puff pastry apple roses feel like too much of a lite dessert, you'll want to keep this vegan apple cake recipe handy. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts

We have a *major* sweet tooth for anything that involves gooey chocolate, so combining our love of doughnuts and hot chocolate sounds like a dream come true. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Eggnog with Sugared Rosemary

Who says desserts have to be food? This sweet drink is a classic Christmas dessert, whether you're decorating the tree or curling up for a movie night. Our favorite detail is definitely the sugared rosemary. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Oreo Red Velvet Cheesecake

If you love red velvet cake and you love cheesecake, then this is the dessert for you. The crust, cheesecake filling, and whipped cream come together beautifully so that every bite you take is better than the last! Plus, the Oreos on top are the perfect finishing touch. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups

Take a break from traditional Christmas desserts and make candy recipes instead! Who knows, someone may request that you make frozen chocolate peanut butter yogurt cups for their birthday next year. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes

If regular slices of cheesecake are too rich for you, try these mini bite-sized options for your next get-together. They're a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and just the right amount of creamy. (via Brit + Co)

Even Santa Will Want A Bite Of These Christmas Desserts!

Sugar and Cloth

Peppermint Bark Cannoli

You just can’t get through the snowy season without indulging in some sweet and cool peppermint bark. No surprise, it's amazing in cannolis. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Mott's

Mott's Gingerbread Cups

These lil cups are a fun, festive, and fabulous treat to make with and for your little ones — or for anyone else, frankly! Just look how cute they are! (via Mott's)

Liv for Cake

Rum and Eggnog Bundt Cake

We like big bundts and we cannot lie; a slice of this, we can't deny! Flavored with rum and eggnog, this luscious cake is slathered with a generous coating of eggnog cream cheese icing that will make your tastebuds sing. (via Liv for Cake)

Veggie Society

Vegan Christmas Cookies Recipe

Packed with nutty almonds and made without butter, eggs or oil, these gluten-free cookies are actually delicious and easy to make. Powdered sugar for the win! (via Veggie Society)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Chocolate Molasses Crinkle Cookies

Serve up a plate of melt-in-your-mouth crinkle cookies with a rich chocolate flavor.(via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Woman Scribbles

Black Forest Trifle Cake

Get creative with this trifle cake made with Black Forest layers. (via Woman Scribbles)

The Fast Recipe

Coconut Balls

Make it snow with these easy and delicious coconut balls! (via The Fast Recipe)

A Cookie Named Desire

Eggnog Cheesecake Brownies

With creamy eggnog cheesecake swirling into fudgy goodness, these brownies will make even eggnog naysayers fall in love with the soft and chewy bites. (via A Cookie Named Desire)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake

We know you’re thinking it because we’re thinking it — be still, my heart! This rich, minty, and chocolatey cake is dripping with glaze and topped with crushed candy canes. Can you say flavor bomb? (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Sugar and Cloth

Champagne Donuts With White Chocolate Glaze

One of the best things about donuts is they can be enjoyed as both a dessert *and* as a sweet breakfast option. The Champagne-infused dough and white chocolate glaze create the ultimate holiday treat. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Domestic Gothess

Apple and Mincemeat Filo Wreath

This swoon-worthy recipe stuffs crisp apples and mincemeat into a flaky filo pastry, resulting in complete dessert heaven. Adorned with cranberries and drizzled with custard, this treat is guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday party. (via Domestic Gothess)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Mexican Wedding Cookies

These tiny snowballs are slightly salty, nutty, buttery, and downright delish. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Pinch of Yum

Cranberry Dark Chocolate Biscotti

We hope you’re ready for additional caffeine, because you’ll be brewing an extra cup a day just for an excuse to dip and devour these beauties. Totally addicting, these munchies are packed with nuts and cranberries and drizzled with chocolate. (via Pinch of Yum)

The Real Food Dietitians

Homemade Marshmallows

Storebought marshmallows will never taste the same after you make these. Dip them in chocolate or add them to your hot cocoa for a truly decadent treat. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Sprinkle Bakes

Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce

Silky smooth panna cotta may seem like a summery dessert, but when made with eggnog and topped with orange liqueur-spiked cranberry sauce, it's completely festive. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

You Won't Want To Share These Delicious Christmas Desserts

How Sweet Eats

White Christmas Sparkle Cake

If you prefer snowflakes and twinkly lights to bright red and green decorations, you'll love this fluffy vanilla almond cake with cream cheese frosting. (via How Sweet Eats)

You Won't Believe How Tasty These Christmas Desserts Are

Sprinkle Bakes

Meringue Christmas Wreath Cake

But if you do love colorful decorations, opt for this wreath cake, decked out with nonpareils and candy canes. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Averie Cooks

Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Instead of rolling out dough to make individual cookies, bake up these bars, and have fun making your own sprinkle design on top. (via Averie Cooks)

The View From Great Island

Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies

It truly isn’t the holidays without some jam-filled thumbprint cookies to munch on. Though a berry jam is most commonly used, the choice of this orange jam is brilliant. (via The View From Great Island)

My Life Cookbook

Christmas Tree Mousse Cups

You don't have to be an artist to make an adorable tree-shaped dollop of mousse in these chocolate cups. (via My Life Cookbook)

Best Friends for Frosting

Peppermint Cream Puffs

Bite-size cream puffs are the ideal treat, and with a light peppermint ganache and festive sprinkles, they're holiday-ready. (via Best Friends for Frosting)

Feel Good Foodie

Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

We love how fluffy mousse is, and this Christmas dessert (which only needs four ingredients, FYI!!) mixes in peppermint extract for the perfect seasonal flavor. Add some crushed candy canes on top for an extra cute detail. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Passion for Savings

Funfetti Christmas Cake Roll

Don't be intimidated by the cylindrical shape; this colorful cake is both easy to bake and easy to roll up while hot. (via Passion for Savings)

Just a Little Bit of Bacon

Italian Pear Cranberry Tart

If the cranberry sauce at your Thanksgiving dinner didn’t satisfy your cranberry needs, this festive tart will. Fresh cranberries are piled into a shortbread crust over a luscious layer of almond cream, and it’s kind of the best thing ever. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)

Leite's Culinaria

Viennese Crescent Cookies

Popular in Austria, these melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies are a simple blend of hazelnuts, butter, and powdered sugar. (via Leite's Culinaria)

We'd Recommend These Christmas Desserts To Everyone

Domestic Gothess

Mincemeat, Marzipan, and Apple Bread Wreath

Filled with mincemeat, marzipan, and apricot jam, this impressive buttery wreath is packed with flavor. And since it's fruity, you can get away with eating it for breakfast. (via Domestic Gothess)

Half Baked Harvest

Sugar Cookie Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Have more Christmas cookies than you know what to do with? Use them to top these velvety, chocolate-rich crème brûlées. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The View From Great Island

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

If you want to get real fancy, haul out your bundt cake pan and try this recipe. The patterned cake looks even more impressive when laden with a shiny glaze. (via The View From Great Island)

Crowded Kitchen

Slice and Bake Heart Cookies

These heart-shaped cookies are so much easier to make than you'd think. Impress your Christmas guests with a bout of sugar cookies! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Brit + Co

Easy Puppy Chow Recipe

You probably already have everything you need for this DIY dessert recipe: peanut butter (or another nut butter), chocolate chips, Chex cereal, butter, and powdered sugar. The red and green candies are just a bonus! (via Brit + Co)

Forks and Foliage

Tahini Brownies

If you can't handle full-on sweetness, try these brownies that mix in some tahini for a nutty flavor addition. The flaky salt on top adds an edge that you do not want to miss out on. (via Forks and Foliage)

Rachel Mansfield

Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms

Is there a better duo than chocolate and peanut butter? These blossoms feature creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate chips for a rich, smooth take on the classic combo. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Averie Cooks

Olive Oil Orange Cake

This citrusy, just slightly olive-oily cake will brighten up your winter diet, and the touch of Grand Marnier makes it taste extra-elegant. (via Averie Cooks)

Vanilla and Bean

Hazelnut Shortbread with Salted Ganache Sandwich Cookies

Okay, regular Oreos. We raise you one with these uniquely delicious (and super festive!) homemade sandwich cookies! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

Sugar Dusted Donut Christmas Tree by Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

For this delicious Christmas dessert, roll 60 (3lbs) white donut holes in 2.25oz green sugar sprinkles, then cover a 5.5 x 13.5-inch foam cone in plastic wrap. Insert your toothpicks (you'll need 60) into the foam, then push donut hole on the toothpick. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Add 1/2 cup peanut M&M’s to fill holes to resemble Christmas ornaments. Top with gold star cupcake topper. Cover with saran wrap until ready to use. Make up to 3 days ahead of time!

Clean Cuisine

Cookies and Milk Shot Glass Dessert

Made in a shot glass, you can make this cookie dessert boozy or kid-friendly. It's play on Santa's milk and cookies, and a cute way to share with friends. (via Clean Cuisine)

Hello Little Home

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Chocolate bark makes the perfect gift for everyone on your list. (via Hello Little Home)

This Wife Cooks

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Try this peppermint twist on the Hershey's Kiss thumbprint cookies. (via This Wife Cooks)

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our online baking classes for more festive Christmas desserts!

This article has been updated with additional reporting by Justina Huddleston, Dana Sandonato, Meredith Holser, and Chloe Williams.

First loves are TOUGH — especially when you start to see all the red flags you missed along the way once it's over. If you've been dissecting your own early love stories by reading Reddit threads or chatting with your girlfriends about their own relationship experiences, just know this: you're not alone! The entire Brit + Co staff even found ourselves discussing the first person we ever fell in love with...and the recounts did not disappoint. From realizing 19 seemed to be a common age for our all-time worst relationships to understanding how our first love was probably not as ideal as we originally thought, it made us wonder why we couldn't pinpoint red flags back then.

Licensed Psychotherapist Prerna Menon, founder of Boundless, LCSW-PLLC and Licensed marriage and family therapist Joseph Cavins, LMFT have a few thoughts that have helped us decode the precarious time in our lives.

Here's why some of us ignored how awful our first love might've been

1. We thought our first love was perfect and would argue with anyone who wanted us to take things slow with them.

Savannah Dematteo

I'll never forget the first time I fell in love at 19. I thought my ex was the "wind beneath my wings" because he had a great sense of humor and was creative like me. I told myself he was the person I was going to marry so I was offended when my parents didn't think he was mature enough to be in a serious relationship. If this sounds familiar, pull up a chair because Menon explains why we tend to idealize our first love.

"Your first love is your first experience with romantic love too, hence you typically see it with rose-colored glasses. The overwhelming emotion is often infatuation, which tends to overshadow the more critical and analytical part of our brain," she says. Sadly, this sounds like something my parents told me before but I couldn't fathom how true it was as a teen.

As the Clinical Director at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, Cavins has seen this play out before too. He says, "In your first relationship, there is a tendency to put your partner on a pedestal. The excitement of new love can create a powerful emotional fog that makes it hard to see flaws clearly."

Essentially, this "excitement of having a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner supersedes" our ability to questions things we normally wouldn't put up with, according to Menon.

2. We tried to ignore the how many times our first loves disagreed with our values or goals.

Keira Burton

While some couples are able to make their relationship work despite having a different outlook on life, sometimes it can be a sign that things aren't going to work long-term. Cavins says, "One major red flag is disregarding differences in values or goals for the future. For instance, you wish to become a parent someday while your spouse swears this will never happen— or vice versa. Early on, you might dismiss these differences, believing love will conquer all. However, these mismatched priorities can lead to resentment and challenges over time."

Honestly, I probably should've ran whenever my ex would mock my belief in God only for us to have to attend his mother and stepfather's church whenever I visited. There was so much confusion there, but I tried to dismiss it as something he needed time to work out.

Menon adds, "If this relationship makes you feel like you'e standing in quick sand - where you are trying to move forward but often feel held back in your individual aspirations, it may not be the right fit for you."

3. We thought it was 'cute' when our first loves made suggestions about which friends to avoid or what clothes to wear.

Luis Zambrano

Cavins says, "Excessively possessive behaviors are another red flag that people often ignore easily when they fall in love for the first time. People tend to justify such behaviors by citing that it's due to love or protective instincts." I'm all for being in a relationship where your partner's able to see different sides of a picture, but controlling behavior shouldn't come with that. What might that look like?

Cavins says, "Your partner may frequently check in on you, offer opinions on who you should spend time with, or subtly pressure you into making choices that suit them." For example, your partner could start off making suggestions about your style that slowly morph into them controlling everything you wear. Somehow I went from being a self-professed 'girly-girl' to trying to emulate the style of 'sneakerheads' in a short amount of time. Though I love wearing everything from New Balance to Niké sneakers now, it's in a way that feels cohesive with my style.

You may have brushed this kind of behavior off because, again, you thought it meant your first love wanted the best for you. "It is understandable that such behavior hypothetically may come off as pleasant or affirming; however, they often signal an unhealthy dynamic of control rather than mutual respect," says

4. We always gave in when our first loves forced us to be affectionate.

Adely

*Sigh* I'm shaking my head for my younger self because there were many times I didn't advocate for myself in my first romantic relationship. I'd often give in to affectionate or intimate moments despite wanting personal space so I wouldn't be seen as 'boring' or uninterested in my ex. Menon says, "Given the infatuation, your first relationship can feel all-consuming and often is codependent. Hence, this may result in you overlooking that your partner does not respect your boundaries or desire for personal space."

Partly because the excitement of the relationship makes you want to spend all of your time together, until you don't. And then, it is often too late to correct a maladaptive historical pattern.

4. We always made excuses for why our partners would shower us with affection only to ignore us days later.

Pavel Danilyuk

Let's be clear, 'love bombing' feels confusing and awful. No one should make you feel like you're the center of their universe only to ignore your calls or texts days later. But, this probably happened while you were with your first love. Cavins says, "There's a tendency for people to brush off their first love's emotional unavailability. When, for example, a partner is not responsive and not engaging in intimate discussions or does not express their feelings, some may rationalize this as them being 'just not ready.'" If that were the case, this person wouldn't have made you feel like being with you is something they truly wanted.

Of that, Cavins believes "it's important to recognize these behaviors early" because "they can result in a one-side emotional investment that leaves one party feeling unfulfilled in the long run." Sadly, my first love would have days where he was super sweet to me only to feel like I was smothering him with attention. This is also the same person who begged me to remain in our romantic relationship when he went to basic training although I felt it would be better if we chose to be friends. Imagine my surprise (and hurt) when he told me we should have an open relationship months after getting stationed for the first time.

I should've known better because he was never 100% on board with the idea of marriage until after he graduated from basic training. Cavins calls this "emotional disconnectedness." His further explanation is this is "when the initial chemistry between the partners subsides that emotional attachment matters." To avoid this, he feels "identifying and addressing any of these is critical in a case where you are looking to create a strong and healthy bond."

5. We ignored the ways our former partner blamed us whenever they got in trouble with their parents or an authority figure.

Ketut Subiyanto

Did your first love have a hard time taking responsibility for things that went wrong by gaslighting you to absorb the blow of their mistakes? If you've furiously nodding, we should start a support group. Cavins says, "A key sign is a lack of personal or relational growth. Healthy relationships encourage mutual development, but if one partner stays stuck in old patterns while the other grows, it can create frustration and distance."

At no point should you be the reason why your first love got in trouble after answering their parents' house phone late at night after telling you to call at a certain time. It's situations like this that should've alerted us to awful behavior, but I can see how easy it is to dismiss things.

What if I'm in love for the first time and recognize these signs?

Andrea Piacquadio

First, my heart goes out to you for being in a relationship that doesn't feel healthy. It hurts when we realize the person we thought was so great is anything but. The road to letting go of idealization may be long, but you can and will get better. Cavins says, "In the process of self-healing and recovery, the first step that must be taken is self-reflection. Ask yourself all of the necessary questions that arise, such as what this relationship means for you, what your boundaries are, and what this partnership has revealed about you as an individual."

I keep saying this, but relying on journal prompts can help you unpack a lot of things and, thankfully, Cavins agrees. He says, "You could always opt to talk to a specialist or being journaling in order to find some closure and draw meaning from the experience." Also, he wants you to start "making new memories." But, don't be passive about it.

"You will have to engage yourself in activities that will help redirect the focus of your thoughts. This could include joining a new class, engaging in a hobby, or traveling that involves some independence. These experiences can help shift your mindset from loss to growth and reinforce your identity outside of the relationship," says Cavins.

Another important thing you can do is "solicit help from others," according to him. "Calling on people you trust, like friends and family, to talk about these feelings can significantly help in healing," he says. This also helped me navigate life outside of my first real romantic relationship, reminding me that I still had a lot of love in my life that didn't begin or end with my ex.

Here are Menon's tips:

  • Let yourself grieve — Let this loss run its course. If you need to feel angry, sad, distraught, nostalgic. Allow yourself the full breadth of this experience. If I ask you right now "don't think a out a yellow monkey", I can bet you just thought of a yellow monkey. We call this "the imp of the mind". When you reject feelings, or thoughts, they come back 10 times more fiercely. To move the feeling along, we must let ourselves experience it.
  • Rediscover your identity (So important) — Your first love is often intertwined with self-discovery, and identity formation. Reconsider your goals, interests, values, friendships and hobbies and try to build your own sense of identity and individuality.

Anastasia Nagibina

I saw my first love again and it feels like we're falling in love all over. Can we have a happy and healthy relationship?

I'm not going to tell you to run even though I told my ex I never wanted to speak or talk to him again. You could easily reconnect with the first person you fell in love with and realize that you're both in a place where you can have something beautiful. However, Cavins and Menon want you to be mindful if you're in this position.

"Reconnection is possible," begins Menon, "if both parties can objectively claim that they have grown emotionally and resolved the issues that held their relationship back." But, "if the reconnection is built on one person growing and the other not, it is likely to fail," she alerts. You'll need to "proceed with caution," she says because "your first love was a nostalgic era in your life that can cloud your judgement." To put it more clearly, she doesn't want you confuse "the fuzzies" with a "true knowing that the two of you can make it work."

Cavins says, "Reconnecting with a first love can trigger a strong wave of emotions, but it is important that such a decision is made with caution and a strong sense of pragmatism. Personal growth is a primary factor. Each party in the relationship must ask themselves how they have grown and evolved as individuals over time. If past patterns of conflict, immaturity, or unhealthy dynamics remain unaddressed, the same issues could resurface."

He wants you to consider these things:

  • Are there any active relationships or past engagements that would make it rather difficult? That's because the feelings that come with reigniting old flames are very strong and can alter a person’s life, making it essential to start thinking from all angles before going ahead with it.
  • Address previous challenges that caused the breakup in the first place. If the reasons behind the breakup have been resolved or do not exist anymore, then yes, meeting again has its prospects. However, keep in mind that, at times, memories can be selective and unfavorably distort the truth by overplaying the good qualities while avoiding the negative ones.
  • Only rekindle things if both individuals are in a healthy emotional state and the decision is grounded in practical, mutual considerations—not just sentimentality or romanticized memories. Clear and honest discussions and an understanding of purpose are vital in ascertaining if rekindling the relationship will be worthwhile for both parties or if it will simply be an act of revisiting unresolved emotions.

Menon's final piece of advice is similar in that she encourages you to be "self-critical, self-aware, and self-nourishing." She doesn't want you to be afraid to be "clear and transparent about your expectations for the relationship" either. Though we weren't a fan of the outcomes of our first real romantic relationships, they've made us wiser. So, shout out to our first loves for being the worst because they've become our best learning lessons.

That's not all! We have even more helpful articles about relationships & family if you're looking for everything from celebrity couples to navigating hard conversations during the holidays.

It seems like Christmas cookie recipes take center stage around the holidays, but they’re not the only sweet treat you can indulge in this year. Sure, there’s some adorable desserts you can make with the kiddos and there’s always no-bake options for the lazy hostess (no shame!), but why not swap the cookies for some candy? You could easily resort to the ever-versatile candy cane, but there’s more to it than that. These easy Christmas candy recipes will leave your guests licking their lips and wondering how you found the time to put together such fabulous homemade treats.

Peppermint & Candy Cane Christmas Candy Recipes

Amanda Wilens

White Cupcakes with Peppermint Buttercream Frosting

Don't settle for regular buttercream frosting this year. Spice things up with this peppermint buttercream frosting that'll be perfect for the cupcakes you plan to serve for dessert. (via Amanda Wilens)

Sugar Apron

Peppermint Bark

Get into those good peppermint mocha feels with this easy holiday bark! (via Sugar Apron)

The Endless Meal

Peppermint Bark Brownies

If you know your family can't get enough of peppermint bark, consider making this chocolate dessert as a backup. (via The Endless Meal)

Barley & Sage

Peppermint Macarons with White Chocolate Ganache

This sophisticated twist on one of the most beloved French pastries is genius! (via Barley & Sage)

Princess Pinky Girl

Peppermint Candy Spoons

These spoons are ready to stir! When you want a fun treat for your hot chocolate or coffee, these spoons hit the spot. (via Princess Pinky Girl)

Cakescottage

Candy Cane Oreo Truffles

You’ll love how easy it is to make these little gems. With just four ingredients, they’ll be perfect for any and all parties this time of year. (via Cakescottage)

Barley & Sage

Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti

Let the warm and sweet smells of chocolate peppermint biscotti fill your home on Christmas Eve. (via Barley & Sage)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Chocolate Chunk Peppermint Skillet Blondie

Did you know you could make a mouth-watering peppermint blondie in a skillet? Well, now you do. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Two Peas & Their Pod

White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels

Peppermint pretzels you say? Count our taste buds in! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Recipes

Chef Bai

Raw Chocolate Truffles

All they had to say was 'chocolate'. Pop the ingredients in a food processor and watch all the magic happen. (via Chef Bai)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Mini Oreo Cheesecakes

Make this bite-sized Christmas candy recipe as a teaser to the main event after dinner. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Brown Eyed Baker

Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles

Is there anything peanut butter can’t do? PB takes these truffles from great to absolutely decadent. (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Chocolate With Grace

Buckeyes (Peanut Butter Balls)

If you’re in Ohio during the holidays, you’ll see these sweet Buckeyes all over the place (the Buckeye is the state tree of Ohio and its nuts look like these treats). This dessert will be delicious, no matter where you are celebrating this season. (via Chocolate With Grace)

One Little Project

Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Trees

These trees are so cute, you’ll want your own little forest of them. Plus, they take minimal prep and you can put them together with the little ones. (via One Little Project)

Half Baked Harvest

Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups

This is one of those Christmas candy recipes that'll make you wonder if we have an obsession with peanut butter. Hint: the answer is yes! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Healthy Green Kitchen

Swiss Meringue Kisses

Almost better than the real thing, these crumbly, airy and melt-in-your-mouth kisses are something everyone will love. Make a double or triple batch, though, because they’ll go fast. (via Healthy Green Kitchen)

How Sweet Eats

Mallo Cups

Chocolate, marshmallow and coconut couldn’t possibly make a better combo. These little cups are dreamy any time of year, but are especially yummy around the holidays. (via How Sweet Eats)

Tablespoon

Green Ombre Christmas Fudge

This stylish fudge will look fab on your dessert table during the holidays. (via Tablespoon)

Chef in Training

Almond Rocca

Rocca rocks, for sure! Almonds, chocolate and a toffee-like crunch are ideal for serving or giving as gifts. (via Chef in Training)

Grab A Plate

Chocolate Bark With Pistachios and Sea Salt

This treat couldn’t be easier to make, and it’s perfect for gift giving. Pro tip: try it with different nuts or crushed candy canes for a twist. (via Grab A Plate)

Christmas Candy Recipes with a Twist

A Spicy Perspective

Easy Ginger Candy

These candies bring a spicy yet sweet bite. Try this crystallized ginger recipe to snack on this winter. (via A Spicy Perspective)

The Cookie Writer

Candied Citrus Peels

Fruity and fabulous is how we describe these citrus-based sweets. They’re simple and definitely scrumptious. (via The Cookie Writer)

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Cream Cheese Mints

This candy is super easy to make and only needs a few ingredients. That’s totally welcome during this busy time of year, isn’t it? (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Tablespoon

Icicle Candy

If all icicles were this sweet and colorful, you might not mind the harsh winter weather. Even if you’re living in a warmer state (lucky you!), you’ll appreciate these pretty candies. (via Tablespoon)

Bakerella

Goodie Goodie Gumpdrops

You’ll really mean it when you say 'goodie' gumdrops. These colorful, chewy treats will take you straight back to Grandma’s house. (via Bakerella)

Amanda Wilens

Christmas Tree Meringues

We are obsessed with these cute bites! Customize this recipe with your fave colors and toppings. (via Amanda Wilens)

A Spicy Perspective

Fluffy Divinity

This classic southern treat is an amazing addition to any holiday snack tray. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Smitten Kitchen

Springy Fluffy Marshmallows

Can you imagine homemade marshmallows floating in your boozy hot chocolate? Spruce up your regular hot drink and top with these sweet bites. (via Smitten Kitchen)

Caramel Recipes

Salt & Lavender

Homemade Caramels

These sweet candies are ultra-satisfying when you make them at home. (via Salt & Lavender)

Garnish and Glaze

Polar Bear Paws

Reminiscent of Payday candies, this easy, cheap version will leave you with more cash for buying gifts. Now that’s something we can get behind. (via Garnish and Glaze)

We've got you covered on all things holiday entertaining – check out our newsletter for more festive recipe ideas and hosting tips!

This article has been updated.

No matter how many times I rewatch The Vampire Diaries, there's nothing like seeing a cast reunion — and the weekend of December 6, we finally got to see our three favorite Mystic Falls gals together again! Nina Dobrev, Kat Graham, and Candice King were just some of The Vampire Diaries cast members who reunited for Epic Con to chat all things Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline...but things took a turn in the middle of the interview when one of the backdrops almost fell on Nina!

Keep reading to see what happened during The Vampire Diaries cast reunion with Nina Dobrev, Kat Graham, and Candice King.

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Even after all these years, Bonnie and Caroline are still saving Elena #tvd #thevampirediaries #ninadobrev #candiceking #katgraham #elanagilbert #carolineforbes #bonniebennett #epiccons

As someone who's done plenty of interviews myself, I know how fast a situation can spiral — and this interview accident is crazy. While talking on stage about the show, one of the backdrops begins to lean forward, and right before it falls on top of Nina, Candice and Kat quickly move to push it in the opposite direction.

"I don't want to see any 'Bonnie saves the day' memes," Kat jokes, referencing the fandom's love for Bonnie consistently helping the group throughout the show's eight-season run. "I don't want to see it, I don't want to hear it!" You can also see a relieved Nina hug Candice before revealing she thought it was a spider!

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In addition to this "Bonnie saves the day" moment (sorry, Kat, I couldn't help it!), the internet went crazy when Nina posted a video of her, Candice, and Kat recreating a photo they took during season 1 — especially after rumors have circulated for years that Kat Graham was mistreated on The Vampire Diaries set.

While these rumors have never been outright confirmed, fans have paid very special attention to what Kat has said...especially when she confirmedshe was the lowest-paid cast member and cried over her natural hair after revealing she wasn't really allowed to have an afro while filming.

"Love you girls so much!!!!!! 🥹❤️❤️❤️❤️" Kat commented on Nina's post, while a fan added, "And now the rumors can definitely be ended 🫶🏼❤️." These women are so powerful and clearly love each other so much, and I will take any and every cast reunion we can get!

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- YouTube

When Brit + Co caught up with Ian Somerhalder, he also expressed how much he loved filming The Vampire Diaries. "Every single day it was a laugh," he says. "I mean we had to be serious, you're running from ghosts and vampires and stuff, and you know, someone makes a fart joke and a 130 people erupt in laughter, there's only so much you can run for your life."

And thank goodness, Ian confirms just how much fun the cast had! "We laughed, that's how we kept each other sane," he says. "I spent 8 years on the show and now it's [been] 15 years. It's my longest relationship."

"I cannot believe it's been 15 years," he continues. "And so everyone who's seen the show, watched the show, supported us — and me — in any way, shape, and form regarding the show, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

What would your dream The Vampire Diaries reunion look like? Let us know on Facebook!

Brown butter pasta. Wedge salads. Espresso martinis. Actual martinis. What do these foods and bevs all have in common? They make me fancy as ever when I’m chowing down on them.

But there’s one flavor in particular that goes above and beyond in the way of fancy foods, and it just so happens to be featured in one of Trader Joe’s tasty new dips.

Trader Joe's

I’m talkin’ truffle, baby! Not one, but two types of the earthy, richly-umami fungus stars in Trader Joe’s Truffle Dip, and TJ’s fans can’t get enough.

Trader Joe’s Truffle Dip boasts an “exceptionally creamy” base made up of ricotta, parmesan, and cream cheese. Most importantly, it earns its super sophisticated flavor from a blend of black truffle paste and white truffle-infused olive oil. Yeah, I’m obsessed.

@traderjoesobsessed

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed recently shared all the truffle goodness on their page, with truffle-infused favorites like Truffle Burrata, Truffle Brie, andTruffle Oil joining the ranks. Their followers truly blew up the comment section with lots of love for the famed Truffle Dip

“Come through truffle!!!!🔥❤️,” one person wrote.

“I use this as a pasta 🍝 sauce,” another commenter said. “It's amazing!!”

“I think it’s soooo good with the brioche toasts,” someone else said.

“I buy one every week,” another person commented. “I'm obsessed!”

The Trader Joe’s Truffle Dip is shoppable in stores for just $5.49 for 7.5 ounces of the creamy, dreamy product. It’s the perfect addition to slather on lunch wraps and sandwiches and will definitely make your holiday charcuterie spread shine this year.

No matter how you enjoy it, you’re sure to become absolutely obsessed, too.

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