This Former Line Cook Created the Go-To Apron for Celebrity Chefs

If you’re a foodie who spends her time downloading food-focused podcasts and scrolling Instagram for cute AF food tattoos, tune in to this week’s How to Quit Your Day Job with former cook-turned-apron pro Ellen Bennett. Bennett, while working as a line cook at Bäco Mercat and two-Michelin-starred Providence in Los Angeles, knew that the flimsy cook’s apron she was wearing needed a major upgrade. She didn’t know how to sew or run her own business, but she balanced her line cook job while researching how to redesign and revolutionize the chef’s apron and waiter attire. In time, Hedley & Bennett was born, and the company now sells chef gear to restaurants such as Ink, Momofuko, and Shake Shack, and boasts notables like Martha Stewart and Mario Batali as fans.

Meet the Chef Gear Pro: Ellen Bennett

In the company’s 17,000-square-foot apron factory in downtown LA, Bennett can be found checking on orders and enthusiastically examining designs with her team of Hedley & Bennett employees. Before she became the CEO of a multi-million dollar business, Bennett took her very first order for 48 aprons while she was working as a cook. She knew that aprons could be more functional, more fashionable, and better quality, so she asked her head chef if she could make new ones. “I could’ve lost my job. I took a risk every step of the way. You have to embrace risks with a smile and make them happen,” says Bennett.

Brit + Co: What’s your morning routine?

Ellen Bennett: Exercise at 7am, when I can do it. I always get up and feed Oliver, my pet pig, before anything. And then my fiance Casey and I take turns feeding our pet chickens. Brush my teeth, squeeze in a morning huddle with Casey before we get ready to go. He has his own company and we talk about what we’re going to do that day. Once I’m in the car, I jump on the phone with my assistant, Liv, to go through my day.

B+C: What inspired you to start your company?

EB: What inspired me was the power of decisions. For example, when I was younger and decided to run a marathon, I got a badass outfit and the day I put it on was the day I decided I could run the NY Marathon. It all started internally. The idea that I could give that same sort of feeling or empowerment to anyone in the kitchen and beyond the kitchen was something that lit a fire within me. I said, “I’m going to change the way people feel in the culinary world.”

B+C: How do you challenge yourself as an entrepreneur?

EB: I challenge myself by constantly signing up to do things that are out of our comfort zone. Like, earlier this year, we decided to throw a day-long conference called the School of Hustle, where we invited hundreds of entrepreneurs around the country to join us at the Apron Factory, alongside Instagram. We’re not in the business of conferences, yet it was such a fun and neat challenge to do. On occasion, I’ll sign up for a ridiculous, crazy, over-the-top physical challenge, like a 300-mile bike ride, or a triathlon or marathon — all things that have happened in the last few years! Extreme sports push you so significantly past your comfort zone that you prove to yourself that you can do it, beyond the point that you think you can. I apply that way of thinking to business, because when you’re at a point where you think you can’t go any more and all hell is breaking loose, [you] can still keep in the back of [your] head that it will work.

B+C: Tell us about how your family and friends help support your business.

EB: I’d say I’ve built a strong group of people around me who are: a) not a**holes, b) are super positive, and c) don’t bring me or other people down. I think it’s super important to remove negative people from your life. Additionally, have people around you that push you, who motivate you, and who you admire, and make you want to do more in the world.

B+C: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

EB: To always say, “Please,” “Thank you,” and “What do you think?” Three very basic things, but they help make people feel heard, feel like they’re appreciated, and it’s a sign of respect for other people.

B+C: What do you love about your job?

EB: I love that, while our company may sell aprons and workwear for the culinary space and now tons of other industries as well, what we’re really selling is so special: We’re selling confidence and dignity and a sense of pride for anyone and everyone who’s working to make their dreams come true. And if every person who wears Hedley & Bennett can raise their head up a little higher, do a better job, and have more trust in themselves, backed up with incredible action, that’s so much better than doing business just to do business. It makes it so that I have Hedley & Bennett with a purpose. Not just to have it.

B+C: Name two female heroes who you think should get a shout-out.

EB: Martha Stewart. Whether you like her or not, she’s been literally forging a path in the world of entrepreneurship way before it was cool to be an entrepreneur and even before it was acceptable to be a female entrepreneur. She’s one of those people who has done so much for so many men and women, as far as inspiration goes.

Eleanor Roosevelt. She was super controversial for her time, in a good way. She had a big stance on racial issues, she was super involved with civil rights, she had a ton of chutzpah, and she’s one of those women who was a pioneer of speaking out and taking action. I even named one of my chickens after her!

B+C: If you could tell aspiring creative women anything, what would it would be?

EB: I think too many times I’ve seen an almost unconscious level of shame from women to talk about what they’re doing or to stand up and ask for what they have the rights to have. Or even just talking about what they’re working on. There’s a shamelessness that I see with men where they’ll tell the world what they’re working on and then we watch them become great and successful at it as they go. As women, we have to embrace our accomplishments and unapologetically go about wanting to be successful. It’s okay to be shameful and apologetic about stealing or hurting people, but not about getting out into the world and pushing your own mental boundaries and becoming successful. It’s natural for people to think that going out and doing something that others aren’t doing would be perceived by some as odd. Which is why you should always be passionate about what you’re doing, because if you’re not, you’re f***ed! If you’re only doing it because 20 other people are doing it, that’s not forging your own path. Figure out what you’re good at and become the best at it! Turn that into your gift to the world. Don’t worry about becoming the best at being someone else. Become the best you.

What’s your dream career? Tweet us @BritandCo to let us know, and we could feature it in the next column!

(Bennett portraits via Lily Glass)

Landing your dream job after crying over bowls of ice cream and a few cocktails feels like hitting the fulfillment lottery. Suddenly, those many nights spent wondering if your career goals would ever materialize seem like a thing of the past. I sympathize with you because I've been there and know what how it feels to wonder if your dreams will ever come true.

I'm also the first to let you know it's possible to give too much to your dream job because you're excited and think, "Doing what I love will never feel like work." Easy misconception aside, you'll hit a home run that leads right into a burnout hole.

How do you avoid getting burnt out from your dream job? Just refer to life and career coach Sally Anne Carroll, PCC of Whole Life Strategies!

What makes landing a dream job so exciting?

Alexander Suhorucov/Pexels

The moment you go from thinking about your dream job to actually landing it feels euphoric. You feel a mixture of "I FINALLY did it" and "I can't wait to get started" because you've wanted it for so long. Carroll offers a better explanation though.

"A dream job is often one that marries our strengths, values, and interests — so it feels meaningful and purposeful as well as presenting opportunities to grow and develop in ways that feel exciting," she says.

This doesn't mean all dream jobs are created equal. Carroll says, "Everyone’s definition of a dream job is a little different, but the idea of showing up every day to do work that feels personally impactful, challenging and fulfilling is really motivating for many of us."

What are some harmful ways people approach daily tasks within their dream role?

ThisIsEngineering/Pexels

I'm ambitious which isn't bad, but I've been known to be so laser-focused that I forget to take care of my basic needs. It's my way of trying to convince myself that I have to accomplish 2-3 things on my to-do list before giving something else my attention.

"It’s natural to want to succeed in a dream role, but there can be a number of pitfalls to watch out for as you try to prove yourself in the role and work at a demanding pace. It’s just as important to manage your energy and your workload as it is to manage your time," Carroll reminds.

Here's some of the harmful things she says you can do without realizing:

  • Piling too much on your plate each day without a coherent plan to focus and prioritize on priorities
  • Always saying yes to additional workload or meetings without assessing your other commitments
  • Working too many hours, especially without breaks or adequate downtime to recharge, or feeling a need to be “on” 24-7
  • Placing your work to-do list ahead of your self care, sleep or other needs
  • Not communicating clearly about expectations, demands, feedback and needs with managers and co-workers

How can people recognize when they're overexerting themselves at work?

RDNE Stock project/Pexels

I'm beginning to think a lot of us are more introspective than we let on, but we may need help figuring out how to redirect ourselves. Carroll says, "Most clients I have worked with know on some level that they’re overdoing it. They feel the stress, and they may know that they need help in coping with it in healthier ways. But they often haven’t figured out how to unwind the situation that’s been created."

She suggests practicing self-reflection, priority and boundary setting, and often, self compassion and grace for yourself. I probably sound like a broken record, but I wholeheartedly believe we could be kinder to ourselves. Sometimes we place so much expectations on ourselves based on what society, family, or even our friends think.

Artem Podrez/Pexels

Carroll says, "Burnout isn’t always a situation of overexertion, however. Sometimes it’s a mismatch between the role and our values, ethics or needs, or toxic workplace situations that can feed burnout as well. And in those cases, you might not recognize it at first."

Unfortunately, toxic workplaces are far more common than any of us like and can add to the stress we place on ourselves to perform our duties well. This can cause us to lose sight of what's truly important to us at our core. Carroll says, "It’s important to identify your core stressors so that you can address those. Burnout is not always about being busy."

What are signs someone is experience burnout?

Mizuno K/Pexels

Knowing that doesn't mean you're still able to understand if you're experiencing burnout or not though. "Burnout can look many ways — you might find yourself feeling stressed more often or less able to deal with your stressors," Carroll says. "There may be tiredness leading to exhaustion, brain fog, not thinking clearly, or a feeling of running on fumes."

That's always my first sign that I'm feeling burned out. I prioritize sleep because it helps me function the way I'm supposed to, but being sleepy is different from feeling tired on a soul level. There have been times where my alarm has gone off in the morning before work and it feels like I have to drag myself out of bed.

Another indicator that could be experiencing burnout is by losing enthusiasm at your dream job. "You might also be losing interest in the work, feeling like you can’t keep up or that the effort is futile. Often I hear 'I just don’t feel like myself. I’m not usually like this,'" Carroll says.

What happens when burnout completely overwhelms someone even if they love their job?

energepic.com/Pexels

This is the part that makes working at your dream job so difficult IMO. I've talked to people who love what they do, but can't find the motivation to keep performing at the high level everyone expects them to.

"Being in full burnout is a physical and mental crisis point. You may feel depressed, lost, numb, exhausted. Your physical and mental health suffers, as well as your joy and often this has an impact on your wider relationships," Carroll indicates.

There's nothing worse than snapping at the people you love because you're stressed and don't know how to communicate that it's because of your dream job. It can take a lot to admit things are tough because you may not want to feel like you're complaining about something you've always wanted.

How can someone have a healthy relationship with work while prioritizing their mental health?

Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

Burnout is real, it doesn't have to be a permanent thing. One of The Sims 4 characters I was playing developed the 'workaholic' trait and it got to the point where even she came home with the burnout moodlet.

She only had 24 hours to change it before it started affecting the quality of her work so I had to find ways to help her relax. The only thing that truly helped was taking PTO and allowing her to unwind at a spa, spend time with her loved ones, and indulge in hobbies that had nothing to do with work. Eventually, I helped her get rid of the workaholic trait because it was causing more harm than good.

Though that's a simulation game, I can imagine this happens to people. We have to decide we're willing to change how we approach our dream jobs so we're able to still function in our daily lives.

olia danilevich/Pexels

Carroll says, "Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries — with ourselves and with others — is a key point. Even when it’s your dream job, even when it’s demanding, your work is still one part of the larger picture of your life. Start with what is firmly in your control and make changes there first — there may be workplace changes to consider, but that comes second."

She says this can look like:

  • Placing limits on working after hours
  • Setting technology boundaries
  • Being transparent about workload and priorities
  • Learning to say no
  • Reorganizing or blocking out parts of your schedule and potentially initiating new conversations with your leaders and colleagues where needed

What emotions might someone feel if they realize their dream job isn't what they expected?

Christina Morillo/Pexels

It's disappointing when certain things we thought we wanted aren't what we need or even like. It doesn't matter whether we're learning how to get over a crush or feel like our dream job has become a nightmare.

"When our dream job turns out to be less a dream than expected, it’s natural to feel disappointed, sad, disillusioned or even grief. Depending on the situation, there may be resentment and anger as well if the job was misrepresented, or self doubt and questioning yourself and your decisions," Carroll says.

It doesn't always feel good, but letting yourself feel whatever emotion or thought comes up will help you get through the breakdown of having a dream job that's not what you expected it to be. Carroll says, "It’s important that you allow yourself time and space to understand what you’re feeling and to process that before deciding what to do next. There may be ways to job craft a more fulfilling experience, or you might decide to look at alternatives."

How can someone pivot towards something different if they want to leave their dream job?

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Thinking about stepping away from your dream job in favor of telling burnout to take a hike? This is a judgement-free zone so just know you're able to do that if it makes sense to pivot in a different direction. However, Carroll does advise you to be mindful before making a potentially life-changing decision.

"The first step I always advise clients who want to step away from their role — dream job or not — is to assess the situation from a bigger picture before acting," she says.

  • Take the time to understand what you’ve appreciated most about the role, what you didn’t and what you’re complete with/longing for at this stage of your career. Take stock of what’s most important to you and what is fueling your desire for change.
  • Assess your strengths, skillsets, interests, and career values. A career coach can be a valuable ally to understand how you might you lean into these more as you decide where to pivot.
  • Activate your future by exploring new career roles that build on the foundation you have, but stretch you in the ways you desire and meet your larger life goals. Then do your homework. Go out and explore potential roles through research, networking, job shadowing and interviewing. Testing out your ideas helps you move forward with clarity and confidence before investing in a job search or retraining.

Your dream job doesn't have to end in detriment, but it's still important to know that burnout can happen no matter how much you love what you do. You're not incapable of doing your job just because you get tired and aren't able to do the job of 5 people every single day.

What matters is how well you're able to take care of yourself so you can show up in different areas of your life. And if you still want to give that dream job a chance or step away after you've taken time to catch your breath? That's okay.

Looking for more career advice? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

Header image via olia danilevich/Pexels

Now that fall is officially in full swing, there’s a lot of seasonal traditions to look forward to, like apple picking, enjoying pumpkin spice lattes, or perfecting Taylor Swift’s famous chai sugar cookie recipe. But in recent years, a new Halloween trend has taken social media by storm – boo baskets. Whether you’re planning on crafting the perfect basket for a loved one, or you have no idea where to start, here is a guide that will help you get on the right track.

What Are Boo Baskets?

Reine Jalloul

Boo baskets are Halloween or fall-themed gift baskets typically filled with candy, seasonal decorations, and fun crafts that you can surprise your significant other with to celebrate the season. While videos of this trend usually show people giving their baskets to their “boo” (pun intended), it’s not limited to just your partner. You can also make one for your friends, your parents, your kids, or even your pets if you wanted to!

What Do You Put In a Boo Basket?

Sarah Barna

Just about anything can go in a boo basket! If you’re creating a basket that’s specific to your loved one’s interests, the possibilities of what you can include are endless. But based on countless TikTok videos and Instagram reels posted about this trend, the general formula for a basket that I’ve noticed includes a cozy item, a mug, a fall-themed drink mix, snacks or candy, a stuffed animal, and (of course) a basket big enough to fit everything!

First, The Basket

Amazon

Technically, any big basket or container could be used to hold your boo basket items. However, if you’re the kind of person that likes to go all out when gift-giving, I would recommend a Halloween-themed basket like the Andemie Halloween Collapsible Organizer from Amazon. Not only does this basket come in multiple colors and patterns, you can easily flatten the basket and store it anywhere you want, so you can reuse it next fall.

Candles, Body Care, Sweaters & More … A Cozy Girl’s Galore!

Cora Pursley

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to getting all relaxed and comfortable, especially on a chilly, rainy fall day. Personally, there are three essential elements to my lazy days – an oversized sweater, some gourmand scented body care, and a candle that makes my entire apartment smell like walking into a bakery. If this sounds like you, here are some of my favorites.

Etsy

This sweater from the LoveStitchesCo shop on Etsy has quickly become a staple to my “lounging around” outfits this season, and for a good reason. For only $26, this sweater is made out of 100 percent cotton, has a wide size range available (S to 3XL), and can be customized to whatever color you’d like. Plus, the embroidered design is absolutely adorable; who doesn’t love ghost kittens?

Sol de Janeiro

As the weather gets colder, many people (like myself) opt to swap their perfumes and scented lotions from fruity and tropical notes to warm and edible notes like vanilla, caramel, honey and chocolate. If you’re looking to spoil your boo basket recipient who likes these kinds of scents, Sol de Janeiro recently released a limited edition body cream in one of their best-sellers, Cheirosa 71. Fragrance notes of caramelized vanilla, white chocolate and toasted macadamia nut will have you smelling like a snack (literally), while moisturizing ingredients like macadamia seed oil and tucumã butter will keep your skin feeling silky smooth.

Bath & Body Works

If you’re a candle lover, then you already know that the best place to find candles for every season is at none other than Bath & Body Works. Sure, there are plenty of pumpkin scented candles to try, but if you’re looking to include something in a boo basket that screams fall, Autumn Chai is the perfect option. This three-wick candle has notes of cinnamon chai, French vanilla, and caramel – a great combination if you’re looking for something cozy, but not too overwhelming.

Drink Mixes

Target

Hot chocolate is one of the quintessential cold weather beverages, but if you want to be more creative with your drink choice, Target’s Favorite Day brand has a spooky-themed hot cocoa mix that would be a great addition to your boo basket. One box comes with two cocoa mixes and a marshmallow confetti mix shaped like beakers you can find in a science laboratory, and when combined with warm milk, changes to an orange or green color. How cool is that?

And Of Course, A Mug To Match

Target

You got the perfect fall drink for your boo, but what mug would go with it the best? At this stage, I think this is where you get something that is the most personable to your boo basket recipient. You could include a mug that matches their career or their favorite hobbies and interests. If you want to play it safe and stick with a Halloween theme, this 15 oz ghost mug from Target is spook-tacular!

Plushies Make Everything Better

Warmies

Who says that stuffed animals are just for kids? Not only are they fluffy and come in all shapes and sizes, giving a stuffed animal to your loved one is one of the best ways to show that you care about them. As a plushie connoisseur, my go-to pick for a boo basket would be any plush, like this pink llama from Warmies. Each cuddly buddy is lavender-scented and also serves as a microwaveable heating pad that can be used to relieve stress or soothe muscle aches and pains.

Don’t Forget the Candy

Target

No Halloween basket would be complete without candy! From chocolates to gummy worms and sour WarHeads, there are so many options to choose from that it can seem overwhelming to pick just one. And if your boo basket recipient has any dietary restrictions, it can be even more difficult to find something that fits that person’s needs. My twin sister has been vegan for almost five years, and before we both moved out from our parents’ house, these dark chocolate coconut bars from Unreal were a staple snack for the whole family. Not only are these bars certified vegan and gluten-free, each bar only contains three grams of sugar and three ingredients – coconut, cassava syrup and dark chocolate. As someone who isn’t vegan, trust me when I say that when you try these, you won’t want to go back to the name-brand chocolate.

Looking for more fun Halloween trends? 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.

This article has been updated.

Over the past few decades, Carrie Bradshaw became famous for her sense of style and her illustrious dating life, but her career? Not so much. Carrie's career never got the love and recognition it deserved, despite the fact that when most Gen X and millennial women think of New York writers, an image of Carrie at her laptop comes to mind.

Gone are the days where college grads would get their first job, rise the corporate ranks, and stay for half a decade (or more) — only to pivot to an adjacent company and continue their safe, yet predictable career paths. For better or worse, the job market has changed, and the trajectory of our collective careers have changed along with it.

As a fellow blonde New Yorker with an unconventional career path, I've always admired Carrie's professional pursuits. Watching (and rewatching) Sex and the City gives me so many sage pieces of advice that remain invaluable as I pave my own way, whether that was the writers' intention or not. Keep reading for the job and career advice from Carrie Bradshaw that every recent grad and corporate girly should read.

Careers are not linear, and that's OK!

Max

Rather than feeling like a failure for not living up to our parents’ outdated idea of success, I’ve taken some wisdom from Carrie, who had this all figured out back in the '90s. She started as a columnist for a newspaper, then authored several successful books, before becoming a podcast host. In between, she also wrote for Vogue and headlined a speaker series on dating in New York City.

The moral of the story? It’s OK to change directions and to switch up your path if what you’ve been doing no longer brings you joy (or, if the industry shifts and you need to pay rent). You don’t need to cling to a decision just because you spent a long time making it.

You can make the freelance & gig economy work for you.

HBO

Carrie was a freelance writer before it was cool, but she was also an early adapter to the gig economy (see: all those Learning Annex lessons). Manhattan is expensive, and when I was laid off at the start of the pandemic, I turned to freelance work to make ends meet. I had to get really scrappy and learn some new skills on the fly, but like Carrie, it all worked out in the end (and I had some cash left over for shoes, too!)

Fake it 'til you make it!

Max

Sure, Carrie is a member of the press, but she’s a sex columnist at a D-list publication. No shade to a fellow writer, but I love how Carrie didn’t let this stand in her way. She attended fashion week and befriended Vogue editors and talked up her accomplishments enough to get into any door she wanted (except for that LA premiere, but we'll forgive it). One thing I’ve learned is that you’re your own best advocate, and no one else is going to do the work for you — it’s up to you to make things happen for yourself.

Know your worth, and don't settle for less.

HBO

When Carrie decided to buy her condo, but she didn't have enough cash saved (a different story for a different day), she proclaimed that she was offered "$4 a word at Vogue — most people get $2." Now, even in the '90s/early millennium this was seriously delulu, but Carrie believed in herself, went after what she wanted, and earned what she was worth. In-universe, this is double what the average Vogue writer was earning, which is a major win.

Don't let the fear of making a mistake stop you from thinking big and taking calculated risks!

HBO

When Carrie is approached to write a book based on her column, she's in shock and even considers turning down the opportunity. She decides to take a meeting, but it doesn't go well and she questions whether she should be writing a book at all. Luckily, Carrie pushes through these moments of self-doubt and completes her book, which becomes a huge success and the first of many. The lesson here is that self-doubt is normal, but letting those thoughts take over will hold you back from your full potential.

Remember to trust the process, because good things won't happen overnight!

Max

One of my favorite things about Carrie is that she's a flawed character and forever a work-in-progress, from her love life to her career path. When we first meet Carrie, she's writing a weekly column for a local newspaper. We see her writing the column every day (for six seasons!), which may seem insignificant, but she's laying the groundwork and putting in the hours for her next career move, whatever that may be. Little by little, we see Carrie start to take on bigger projects, and she ends the series as a Vogue writer, a best-selling author, and a highly respected figure in NYC society. TV and movies can present success as an overnight sensation, but in real life — and in Carrie's case — it's more often a marathon than a sprint. Remember to give yourself grace and trust the process.

Looking for more career advice? Sex and the City? Whatever you need, be sure to follow us Facebook!

Header image via HBO

We're officially one week into Scorpio season — are you feeling it? Is your intuition heightened? Are you super sensitive and a bit more introverted? It’s a good time to slow down, feel your feelings, and tap into the inner wisdom of your soul. Scorpio is often misinterpreted, perhaps because this season coincides with Halloween, the decreasing daylight in the northern hemisphere, or simply Scorpio’s intensity and power. A key word for Scorpio is transformation, which is never easy.

Think of the caterpillar’s metamorphosis — its time in the cramped and dark cocoon. That primordial, gooey existence is anything but comfortable. Transformation requires time, a willingness to experience discomfort, and patience before emerging as a beautiful butterfly.

Ajaila Walker

Scorpio is one of the healing signs in the zodiac, and while the Sun is in Scorpio, we can make great strides toward healing ourselves and helping others. There’s nothing superficial about Scorpio — it demands depth, wanting to uncover layers and expose what’s hiding. That’s why it’s a great time to focus on your inner world and subconscious mind. All forms of therapy are beneficial during Scorpio season, but psychotherapy is especially powerful if that's an option for you.

Eager to know what this transformational energy has to offer? Read on for your weekly horoscope to understand how this can impact your sun and rising sign!

​Astrological Overview For Your Weekly Horoscope

Eugene Lisyuk

The New Moon in Scorpio occurs on November 1 at 9 degrees of Scorpio. You'll want to check your birth chart to see where 9 degrees of Scorpio falls — this is the area of your life where you can experience transformation and growth. New Moons are powerful times to plant seeds for future growth, to dream and plan for the coming month. Take time to reflect on what truly matters during this period of darkness and inward focus.

Yuliia Tretynychenko

Mars, the planet of action and determination, has been opposite Pluto, the planet of transformation, for months. Both Mars and Pluto co-rule Scorpio, creating an intense and volatile energy. This opposition becomes exact again on November 3 and 4. Use this energy to propel yourself in a new direction and honor your true self. Strength and focus can harness this intensity for personal breakthroughs, but be cautious in making impulsive decisions during this time — on the global stage, tensions may rise, and there could be heightened aggression.

Sam Lion

Adding to this turbulent energy, Mercury, the planet of communication and learning, leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius on November 2. As Mercury exits Scorpio, it forms a beneficial trine to Mars and a sextile to Pluto. This is a powerful opportunity for words to contribute to healing, so take care in how you communicate. Be mindful of the power your words hold, especially as Sagittarius can be blunt and outspoken. While Mercury is in Sagittarius until January 9, focus on expanding your consciousness, learning new skills, and broadening your horizons.

Key Dates For Your Weekly Horoscope

Ashley Singerling

  • November 1 — New Moon in Scorpio
  • November 2 — Mercury enters Sagittarius
  • November 3-4 — Mars and Pluto opposition becomes exact

Read Your Horoscope Based on Your Sun and Rising Signs

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

You’re being asked to dig deep into your subconscious this week. Keep your eyes and ears open for messages from dreams or moments of creativity. Meditation or solitude may reveal powerful realizations. If you feel the need to make a major life change, be sure your decisions come from the heart. You’re on the cusp of a creative breakthrough, but make sure your actions are driven by authenticity.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 22 – May 21)

Relationships are in focus for you. This is a great week for couples therapy or deep, transformative conversations with your partner. Be willing to make changes that benefit your relationships, home, and career. Your sensitivity may be heightened, so incorporate self-care and self-love into any changes you make. Don’t shy away from this potential for growth — there’s tremendous opportunity for profound shifts.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Good fortune and harmony are possible, but luck won’t just fall into your lap — you need to be proactive. This could show up in your relationships with others or in your relationship with yourself. Kindness, equality, and fairness are key to success. Be cautious around people exhibiting aggressive behavior. You’ll receive back what you give out, so practice kindness and ensure you’re approaching things with fairness and balance.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

You prefer to avoid conflict, but this week you’ll have the chance to step out of your comfort zone. You don’t have to be confrontational, but a bit of assertiveness will help you move toward your goals. The seeds you plant during this New Moon will grow stronger if you add passion and creativity. Follow your intuition, especially when making important decisions. Your dreams need a touch of energy and action.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

The Mars-Pluto opposition has likely stirred up some drama in your life. Have you mustered the courage to start something new? If not, this week offers an opportunity to fully step into your authentic self and begin a new chapter. Don’t hold back, but be prepared for uncharted territory. Your relationships, particularly with yourself, may need a refresh. Self-love and self-care are essential as you embark on these transformations. You might even consider sprucing up your home or making a move.

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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Career growth is in focus this week, but you’ll need to find a balance between your home life and work life. You may feel the urge to do more in both areas, but it’s crucial to stay grounded. Pay attention to details and avoid overindulgence. A balance between home and work will lead to the best results — be sure to tend to both areas without letting one consume the other.

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Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Your finances and values are the focus this week. Now is the perfect time to ensure your financial life is in order. Meet with a financial planner or make sure your will is up to date. This planning will give you peace of mind and reduce future stress. Once Mercury moves into Sagittarius on November 2, you’ll feel freer to have fun and pursue adventure, knowing that your financial security is taken care of.

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Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Your power and determination will only grow as the week progresses. Use this time to tap into your inner authority and work toward concrete goals. There’s likely to be movement in your career, but it won’t happen overnight. Patience and sustained effort are required. Cultivate joy and focus on long-term goals — there’s no rush, but steady progress will lead to great results.

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Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Mercury entering your sign on November 2 invites expansion and learning. If you’ve been waiting to start a new project, learn a new skill, or expand your understanding of the universe, now is the time. Subjects like spirituality and philosophy will be easier to grasp during this time. Be mindful, though — your blunt communication style could come off as caustic, so take a breath before you speak.

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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Mental well-being should be a priority. Use this time to focus on learning and honing your skills. Your approach to life and work is inspiring to others. If you’ve been dealing with self-doubt, discard any negative self-talk and practice self-compassion. You have a natural ability to teach others, so don’t hesitate to share your knowledge with those who might be facing something similar to your experiences.

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Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

This week focuses on your community and your relationship with like-minded people. Group learning and activities will be more impactful than solo efforts. Mercury in Sagittarius from November 2 will encourage you to learn through travel and adventure. Something exciting and transformative is on the horizon — seize the opportunity for growth through connection with others.

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Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

It’s time to focus on your physical health. The energy of this week will make it easier to start a health regimen and stick to it. While you may become more serious about your health, don’t push yourself too hard. Take small, steady steps to make lasting changes. As the week progresses, you’ll feel more confident and enthusiastic about these positive changes to your well-being.

Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!

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With Halloweenon the horizon, we have to ask the question: Have your toddlers made up their minds about what they want to be for Halloween? If not, there's still plenty of time to put together one of these DIY Halloween costumes inspired by their favorite characters/animals/foods/things. Just choose from any one of these 31 DIY kids costumes that you can whip up in a flash. No tricks here!

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Toy Story

A quick trip to Target will sort you out for everything you need to make all of the add-ons.

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Sesame Street

You can DIY the whole duo's ensemble with your faux fur stash to whip up these muppety, feather-filled family and kids Halloween costumes.

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Top Gun

All flight crew on deck! Code 9! Code 9!

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Super Girl

With just one yard of fabric, you can turn your toddler into the most stylish superhero in town.

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Little Lana Del Rey

Your little sunshine needs cute kids Halloween costumes to choose from! Simply grab a summer dress and add a dramatic and colorful flower crown.

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Constellation Costume

Dig deep into the closet for the snazzy party outfit, and add some cardstock cutout stars to your little space lover.

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Morton Salt Girl

All you need for this one is a trip to the grocery store for a cheap umbrella and some salt.

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Usher and Popcorn Bucket Costume

This cute DIY idea is so easy you'll be tempted to decorate your baby carrier for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Who knew kids Halloween costumes could be so functional?

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg Costume

"She's an icon. She's a legend. She is the moment" best describes this cute DIY baby costume!

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Lightning and Thunder Cloud Costume

Your little baby will look adorable in their cloud onesie! To go the extra mile, attach

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Winnie The Pooh Costumes

These fun DIY costumes are great for the entire family! Your little one is sure to get a kick out of dressing up as piglet.

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Finding Dory

Bust through that supply of leftover crafting felt, and add big blue eyes and some fins to a well-used T-shirt.

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Sandy + John

Put this at the top of your kids Halloween costumes list if you're looking to match your little man while you hit the 'hood going door to door? Jeans and Converse will save the day, and the jacket is likely needed anyway.

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Beetlejuice

Family costumes = the best costumes. Rope your kid into this seasonal fave.

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Cat in the Hat + Goldfish

Bring this literary classic to life with a little prep time and some orange fabric.

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Saved By the Bell

Thank goodness you saved the tropical shirts from your last vacation, because now everyone can get in on the look.

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Dinosaur

This is the kind of costume that will become a playroom staple, so you might as well do it and save yourself the time later.

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Trolls

It's time to raid your club kid friends' wig collections.

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Rosie the Riveter

Yes she can! #girlpower

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Amelia Earhart

Surely you can find some goggles and a hat at the last minute.

Lovely Indeed

Baby Astronaut

While the jumpsuit totally makes the look, a good jumper will do the trick. For the patches? Amazon for the win.

Studio DIY

Donut

You can transform into your favorite sweet treat with an inner tube and foam hair curlers (genius, we know!). If sprinkles aren’t your thing, you can always go with chocolate glazed.

Oh Happy Day

Snail

There’s no fussing with masks or itchy wigs. This costume is basically just a backpack and should help keep complaints to a minimum (hopefully). Just try not to leave a snail trail on your way through the neighborhood.

Oh Happy Day

Cloud

If you’re looking for a totally original costume, this is about as unique as it gets. Chances are you probably won’t see another cloud walking around on Halloween.

Oh Happy Day

Moonrise Kingdom

These getups look great on their own, but paired together they are complete perfection.

Delia Creates

Pineapple

Show your love for the sweet tropical fruit with this simple no-sew costume.

Oh Happy Day

Mr. Rogers

Accessorize with a few hand puppets or splurge on vintage ones from Etsy.

Studio DIY

School Supplies Family Costume

Any onesie can be pink with some dye packets, and a permanent marker will cover the rest.

Week99er

Finding Nemo

The best part about this one is that it has the option of being gender neutral. The tutu is between you and the kid.

The House That Lars Built

Three Blind Mice

HOLD. THE. PHONE. There is no better group ensemble for the gang from your birthing group. The concept works as they got older as well.

The House That Lars Built

The Giving Tree

With five mins left before they head off to school, throw some overalls on them and whip up this sign.

Share your Halloween DIYs with us @BritandCo!

This article has been updated.