Look Out, IKEA! You’ve Got Some Major Competition

Imagine if IKEA allowed you to design your own furniture at a higher quality, but still kept that great low price. Yup, it’s true. There’s a new build-it-yourself online retailer in town, and it’s called Hem.

Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE ourselves some IKEA, but Fab’s new brand, Hem, is more than just Fab-ulous.

You may know Fab as a design-focused online retailer that sells a bunch of really cool products, from home furnishings to killer accessories. But now, they are concentrating on selling their own products, and they just announced their new spin-off business for private label furnishings, Hem. With it, users can customize their own home decor, which will arrive to their doorstep, ready to build (no tools required). You know what that means… it’s affordable!

The Hem portal will allow anyone to work directly with European factories to ensure quality craftsmanship at lower prices. The site will have an online customization tool, so even those who claim they’re not artists can take part in the designing fun. Just head over to Hem, customize your exclusive piece of furniture and they’ll send it directly to you (from the factory). All you’ve got to do is assemble. And if you’ve purchased anything from IKEA, you know very well what that’s all about.

Unfortunately, Hem is still pre-launch. But come September, it will be up and running in over 30 countries in North America and Europe, including the U.S.

Will you be a Hem user when it launches? Sound off in the comments!

Sweater season is nearly here and we're (almost) ready for it, especially the decorating and hosting part (festive fall cocktails by the fire, anyone?). IKEA just dropped its new fall and Halloween collections filled with entertaining essentials and fun ghost-and-goblin decor, which means now's the time to get your fall decor haul with a Scandi twist. IKEA's also releasing its MITTZON office collection, which we previewed last spring. Check out more home decor news coming from IKEA this month before you make the trek this season.

Shop New IKEA Fall Decor Here!

IKEA

HÖSTAGILLE

The HÖSTAGILLE collection, available August 1, features home textiles in warm autumnal colors, affordable seasonal home decor like scented candles, and elevated kitchen essentials perfect for your next fall gathering. This pie plate is just $13. Score two of the orange dish towels for $4!

IKEA

This pumpkin bowl in brown glass is perfect for holding small things like your favorite Halloween candy.

IKEA

A $5 cushion cover and a cotton throw turns your summer home into a warm and cozy fall retreat instantly.

IKEA

IKEA tealights get a Halloween makeover for a spooky table setting.

IKEA

What's a scary Halloween without a dramatic candlebra?

IKEA

Serve up your best recipes in style in a large baking dish, ideal for gratins and roasts.

IKEA

My daughter is obsessed with bats and will love this bat cushion cover!

IKEA

KUSTFRYR Collection

Celebrate the spookiest time of the year with a Scandi vibe. Find festive lighting and decor, affordable trick-or-treat bags, and modern serving pieces in the new KUSTFRYR collection.

IKEA

Get in the Halloween mood with these B&W festive pillows.

IKEA

Light up your home during shorter days with LED string lights and forest-scene tealight holder.

IKEA

MITTZON Collection

MITTZON, an 85-piece office collection, is perfect for the small business or WFHer. It's designed to keep the office quiet with products that absorb and block sound, keep distractions at bay, and offer much-needed privacy. Find foldable desks, adjustable standing desks, acoustic screens, and more.

IKEA

HATTÅSEN Bedside Table

Find colorful pieces too for the home this fall, like this decorative side table in playful pink. It's compact, lightweight and you can move around the house for different uses.

IKEA

IKEA PS 1995 clock

Also, check out the IKEA PS 1995 clock, which can hang on the wall or sit on a shelf. Open the front and store small trinket. Kids will love it!

IKEA

IKEA PS 2014 Pendant lamp

The IKEA PS 2014 pendant lamp won the international design competition's Red Dot Award. You can change its shape and intensity of light by simply pulling its strings.

BADRING Smart Sensors Collection

Finally, the BADRING smart sensors collection is available now so you can have a smart home on a budget. This include the Badring Water Leak Sensor, which will let you know if you have, well, a water leak before it's too late.

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Lead image via IKEA

Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson are two of my favorite people in Hollywood because of the fact they do literally whatever they want, and they don’t care what you think about it. I aspire to be this confident and unbothered!! They've both had pretty big years — Dakota led both Madame Web and Daddio, while Jennifer announced she's pregnant with her second child at the end of October, and when I saw they hung out together, I knew this was one celebrity friendship I'd LOVE.

Are Jennifer Lawrence & Dakota Johnson friends?

Yes, Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson are friends! The actresses were recently spotted on a stroll in Los Angeles, beverages in hand. Jennifer wore a tee and blue hoodie that showed off her growing baby bump while Dakota kept things chic with a black-on-black coat and v-neck sweater over a white tee shirt. They both looked super cozy! And, let's face it, beverages are basically an accessory at this point, and their drinks of choice prove they love little treats as much as we do!

And this isn't the first moment Jennifer Lawrence BFF moment that's made us fangirl this year! At the Oscars in March, Jennifer introduced Emma Stone, who ended up winning Best Actress for her role as Bella in Poor Things. Emma cried, Jennifer couldn't stop smiling, and it was an adorable moment for girls' girls everywhere.

Did Jennifer Lawrence date Chris Martin?

Not only are they two of Hollywood's "It" girls, but they also share an overlap in their dating history. Jennifer Lawrence (who's now married to Cooke Maroney) dated Dakota Johnson’s current beau Chris Martin between 2014 and 2015. Dakota started dating him just two years later.

Rumors started circulating in August that Dakota and Chris had called it quits, but thankfully, Dakota proved they were just rumors when her rep told Page Sixthe couple is still "happily together." The Social Network actress also told Bustle that when it comes to Chris' kids (whom he shares with ex Gwyneth Paltrow), she loves them "like my life depends on it. With all my heart." I'm simply obsessed.

Stay tuned for all the best Jennifer Lawrence & Dakota Johnson friendship moments, and read up on why Dakota Johnson's Book Club Isn't Your Average Celebrity Reading List.

As an admirer of clean Scandi design, I love to mix IKEA items with more treasured pieces to make my home look more authentically me. My aesthetic is minimal, but also warm and colorful and happy and inviting. I'm a firm believer a home can be all of these things, and they are hallmarks of modern Scandinavian design, seen especially as you stroll the floors of IKEA.

From hooks to storage to furniture to food – the designers at IKEA think of everything. Literally, everything. And their price points are pretty remarkable too. On my last trip, I started to feel like I may be evolving out of the IKEA furniture phase that lasted through my 20s and 30s, but there are still some tried-and-true products that I will always shop for, and that still exist in my home. Here are my IKEA favorites, plus a few items I avoid for reasons I'll share below. Happy decorating!

IKEA

RIBBA Frame

IKEA is a steal for frames compared to other frame or custom frame shops. I have been using the Ribba frame for years for large-scale prints, gallery walls, and photo-sized frames. Mix them with vintage frames and trinkets like above to add character and a little soul to your space.

IKEA

FLÅDIS Basket

I use these seagrass baskets everywhere to store and hide unsightly things like laundry supplies, my daughter's toys, and even to cover planters. They're collapsible and under $10!

IKEA

TORNVIKEN Kitchen Island

I was searching for a kitchen island forever until I came upon this oak one and I love it! I get compliments on it all the time from guests who are surprised it's from IKEA. There's roomy storage on the shelves on one side and legroom on the other side for bar stools. I chose Serena & Lily barstools to give the look an upgrade.

IKEA

BLANDA MATT Bamboo Serving Bowl

This bamboo bowl and serving set is perfect for serving big salads while entertaining.

IKEA

HILDEGUN Dish towel

I grab a few of these every time I visit IKEA. They have a French country vibe and work as dish towels or dinner napkins. The 79 cents is kind of an insane price too.

IKEA

ULLERSLEV Sheepskin

This real sheepskin is the soft texture every cozy home needs. I have one draped over my daughter's desk chair, but they also look great on a dining bench or in a reading nook.

IKEA

BERGPALM Duvet Cover and Pillowcases

These striped duvet cover sets are a great cotton canvas for guest, kid, and master beds. I love that they come with two shams, and I'll top them with a printed quilt from Coyuchi or patterned pillows from Coterie Brooklyn to elevate the look.

IKEA

FJÄLLARNIKA Duvet Insert

IKEA is also great for duvet inserts. I say go with a mid- to higher-range here for one that has some weight and comfort.

IKEA

IVRIG Glass

Stemless wine glasses, which is what I use these for, are also ideal for water and juice!

IKEA

STOCKHOLM Mirror

Mirrors can be so expensive! Why?! I use this walnut veneer mirror in my bedroom, just above a walnut dresser. Love the 24-inch size.

IKEA

JÄMLIK Scented Tealight

I bring a few of these out for dinner parties. The sweet vanilla scent isn't overpowering and the candles give just enough light to make it feel like a cozy and intimate occasion.

IKEA

LAGKAPTEN Tabletop

I've been using this tabletop for more than 10 years! It started as a sewing table with MITTBACK trestle legs and now works as my WFH desk, holding my printer on one of the trestle legs. My daughter has an IKEA desk too that we swapped with HILVER bamboo cone-shaped legs for a modern look.

IKEA

LACK Wall Shelf

I've used these floating shelves for forever too. For kitchen shelves in my junior one bedroom in San Francisco a decade ago and now in my daughter's playroom to hold all of her Legos.;)

IKEA

MÅLERÅS Picture Ledge

I use these picture ledges in the kitchen to hold my IKEA wine glasses, a beautiful paddle cutting board from Crate & Barrel, and a small plant.

IKEA

ÄNDLIG 3-piece knife set

These IKEA knives, also a long-term purchase, stay sharp, are comfortable to use, and are great for everyday use!

IKEA

BUMERANG Hanger

Finally, these IKEA hangers are affordable and look great to streamline your closet decor. No wire hangers here!

IKEA Items I Avoid

IKEA

I tend to avoid the more popular items from IKEA, such as the best-selling POÄNG Armchair. If you have one, no judgement! It's a great chair. I have a kid's one in my daughter's playroom that we inherited. But I've slowly invested in more quality pieces that feel unique and bring my joy when I walk into my main spaces.

Here are a few items I avoid:

IKEA has a lot of great mattresses, but a $100 mattress doesn't quite feel like a hundred bucks. I purchased the ÅSVANG Foam Mattress for my daughter's IKEA bunk bed, and maybe because of the slats below, it is SO uncomfortable. We use it to hold her stuffies for now and plan to add an extra foam cushion above.

I've never liked IKEA's fleece-like throw blankets made of recycled polyester. They just don't have a lot of substance and the material doesn't feel as good quality as I'd like it too.

Finally, a $10 floor lamp is going to look like a $10 floor lamp (home snob, here, sorry!). The BARLAST Floor lamp or similar is a no-go in my decor book.

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Lead image via IKEA

So long, pumpkin spice season: Starbucks’ holiday menu is on the way, and per menu leaks, it reportedly brings back a ton of seasonal favorites starting next week.

From a classic Peppermint Mocha to the beloved Caramel Brûlée Latte, the recent menu rumors say a new Refresher flavor, 6 unique cold foams, and 4 new bakery items are on the way as the holidays draw near – including many items we predicted! The speculated lineup is honestly wild. Starbucks teased that the holiday menu will hit stores on November 7.

If you just can’t wait to order off the Starbucks holiday menu, here’s every offering reportedly coming to your closest cafe!

When will the Starbucks holiday drinks for 2024 come out?

Starbucks

According to an Instagram post from Starbucks, new holiday drinks and snacks will come out on November 7, 2024.

Will there be holiday cups?

Starbucks

We do anticipate that the Starbucks holiday menu will include some new holiday cup designs! Though we don't know what they'll look like just yet, previous holiday menus over the years have featured vibrant reds, greens, and pinks, plus stars, sparkles, Christmas trees, swirls, and stripes. Typically, Starbucks' holiday cups span across hot and iced drinks. Additionally, a new lineup of reusable cups and mugs should become available!

What's missing from this year's rumored Starbucks holiday menu?

Starbucks

Per rumors around the Starbucks holiday menu, the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread Loaf won't be returning to cafes for 2024. We're especially sad to see the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha not included, though the official menu lineup has yet to be released!

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Though there's no official word out about Red Cup Day for 2024, our best guess – based on the Red Cup Days of years past – is it'll return mid-November. In 2023, Red Cup Day fell on November 16. In 2022, the coffee chain held the event on November 17. Both dates landed on the third Thursday of November, so we predict it to hit on November 21 for 2024. Red Cup Day is when Starbucks customers can get a free reusable red cup when they order a seasonal drink off the holiday menu.

Drinks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Cran-Merry Orange Refresher

The Starbucks holiday menu leak reported that this brand-new Refresher is packed with sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spice. It also has cranberry inclusions and is order-able mixed with water, lemonade or coconut milk.

Starbucks

Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

Chai is a totally underrated holiday flavor in our opinion. This iced drink is crafted with warm chai spices and creamy oat milk, then gets topped with even more frothed oat milk infused with gingerbread-flavored syrup and a sprinkling of spice.

Starbucks

Peppermint Mocha

You know it, and you love it! The Peppermint Mocha has hit Starbucks menus year after year, making it a total statement sip for the holiday season. This drink (available hot or iced) combines peppermint syrup, mocha sauce, and your milk of choice with espresso for a festive feel. It's traditionally topped with whipped cream and tasty chocolate curls.

Starbucks

Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha

Similar to the classic Peppermint Mocha, this bev swaps chocolate for white chocolate sauce.

Starbucks

Caramel Brûlée Latte

This rumored Starbucks holiday menu drink is very rich. The sweet caramel brûlée sauce totally completes the sip, along with plenty of whipped cream and crunchy lil' brûlée bits for textural variety.

Starbucks

Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

Literally like a sugar cookie in liquid form, this super-sweet latte is handcrafted with blonde espresso (it's sweeter and lighter than Starbucks' traditional espresso shots), sugar cookie syrup, and almond milk for a little bit of a lighter effect. It's finished off with red and green sprinkles to up the seasonal vibes even more!

Starbucks

Chestnut Praline Latte

This nutty latte – rumored to return for 2024 – brings on notes of chestnut and praline, which is a nice, flavorful departure from the very expected peppermint you'll see everywhere come holiday time.

Starbucks

Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew

Initially introduced for fall 2024, it appears as though the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew will stay on the Starbucks menu well into winter. The salted, pecan-flavored cold foam offers that classic sweet n' salty twist you'd enjoy on fall snacks like trail mix or dipped pretzels. The best part is you can now also order the cold foam in non-dairy form!

Starbucks

Holiday Cold Foams

Per the menu leak, Starbs will be bringing back four beloved holiday-flavored cold foamsand two new options for 2024. They're the perfect drink customization to add to your iced coffees and cold brews if you don't want to order an all-out holiday drink. See all the predicted flavors below:

  • NEW! Gingerbread
  • NEW! Salted Pecan
  • Peppermint Chocolate
  • Sugar Cookie
  • Chestnut Praline
  • Caramel Brûlée

Snacks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Dark Toffee Bundt

Per the menu leak, this sweet toffee-flavored bundt will be topped with holly- and berry-shaped sprinkles. How perfect for the holiday season!

@markie_devo

NEW! Turkey Sage Danish

This savory snack reportedly includes "turkey sausage with creamy béchamel sauce in a pastry." It sounds like Thanksgiving in a single treat, and we can't wait to try it!

@markie_devo

NEW! Penguin Cookie

This cutie sugar cookie is decorated like a lil' penguin bundled up for the cold.

Starbucks

Snowman Cake Pop

Starbucks' classic vanilla cake pop gets a wintry twist with an adorable snowman face – this sweet really makes us crave the holiday season!

Starbucks

Sugar Plum Cheese Danish

This cream cheese-filled danish is topped with a slightly-spiced sugar plum jam. It's been one of our go-to's over the past few holiday seasons at Starbucks!

Starbucks

Cranberry Bliss Bar

The Cranberry Bliss Bar has become an absolute staple on the Starbucks holiday menu, and for good reason! This blondie treat is smothered in a delicious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with orange zest and dried cranberries for added seasonal enjoyment.

What People Are Saying About The Leaked Starbucks Holiday Menu

Though most commenters on @markie_devo's Starbucks holiday menu leak post seemed to be excited for the upcoming rumored menu items, some Starbs fans noticed a few things missing from the leaked lineup.

"Still missing eggnog 😢," someone noted.

"Where is the toasted white chocolate mocha 😢😢😢😢," another questioned.

"ALLLLLL these cold foams, and not the one people want: Irish Cream," one more commenter said.

"Ugh still no gingerbread loaf 😭," a disappointed user wrote. "Everything else looks bomb though!"

Despite the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread loaf not being part of this year's menu predictions, the holiday season is our favorite time of year at Starbucks. Many more users shared the same sentiment:

"So excited for all chestnut praline shaken espressos & cranberry bliss bars 🎄🎄🎄🎄," someone wrote.

"Oh hell yess all the chestnut praline offerings," another rejoiced.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay posted on the latest Starbucks news, including when the official holiday menu lineup drops!

This post has been updated.

It seems Thanksgiving is barely a week away by the time we start thinking about the menu. But while ovens all over the country will be working overtime this year, don't forget your secret weapon — the crock pot! Kitchen strategy is key when you're trying to factor various cook and prep times for both oven and stovetop dishes. There just never seems to be enough time (or counter space).

Whether you're already finalizing your menu for the day or are just in charge of a few side dishes, we've scoured the web and found 18 Thanksgiving crock pot recipes that are perfect for any gathering.

Creamed Corn

Damn Delicious

Cornis a standard side dish for most Thanksgiving meals, but this recipe is a total game-changer. Five simple ingredients go in your crock pot, and three hours later you’re greeted by corn that is so creamy and delicious, you’ll never be able to eat the canned stuff again.

Wheat Bread Stuffing

Recipe Runner

Free up some room in your oven and cook the stuffing right on the counter this year. Crusty whole wheat bread, celery, onions and chicken broth will have you going back for seconds. Once it’s cooked, turn the heat to low and it will be ready whenever you are.

Brussels Sprouts

Damn Delicious

These aren’t Grandma’s Brussels sprouts. Covered in a brown sugar balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, these sprouts will have you converted after just one bite.

Sweet Potatoes

The Magical Slow Cooker

This one takes minimal effort, but packs maximum flavor. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes before wrapping them in tinfoil and piling into the crock pot. Cook on high for six hours, and resist the urge to open the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. Serve with butter, brown sugar and mini marshmallows.

Apple Cider

Damn Delicious

Your guests are going to need something to sip on. Made 100% from scratch, this apple cider recipe will definitely steal the show: Combine apples, cinnamon sticks and spices and cover with water, and drink in the delicious smell while it simmers in the slow cooker.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Creme de la Crumb

Okay, so this does require a little oven time, but it’ll be the last thing you heat up before you can dig in (and it’s totally worth it). Peel and chop 5lbs of sweet potatoes and let your slow cooker do all the work for the next four hours. Transfer to a casserole dish, spread a layer of pecans over the sweet potato mixture then bake for 20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch before adding the mini marshmallows. Bake for five more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown) and dig in.

Caramel Fondue

Creme de la Crumb

From apple slices to pretzels, there’s no wrong way to dunk with this dip, made from only three ingredients — caramels, heavy cream and marshmallows. Say hello to your new post-Thanksgiving party trick.

Garlic Ranch Potatoes

The Cookie Rookie

Tender red potatoes are a great alternative to the typical mashed variety. Top the wedges with ranch seasoning, chives and garlic for a fresh side dish that no one will believe you made entirely in the crock pot.

Cranberry Sauce Crock Pot Recipe

Gimme Some Oven

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss in the ingredients and come back in three hours for cranberry sauce that is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Add a splash of vanilla extract right before serving.

Cinnamon Apples

A Spicy Perspective

The best side dishes double as dessert. Cover thinly sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon and bourbon, then simmer for four hours. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is — they’re delicious either way.

Cranberry Meatballs

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Trade out the usual jar of grape jelly in your famous meatball recipe for cranberry sauce to give it a holiday update. The sweet and tangy flavor will keep you coming back for more. In fact, you better double the recipe.

Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix

Averie Cooks

This tasty party snack is perfect for clearing out your cabinets: cereal, peanuts, pretzels, dried fruit and graham crackers all come together in a salty sweet crunch. Drench the mix in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices before testing your willpower for the next two hours.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

The Healthy Maven

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day (especially on Thanksgiving), but this oatmeal couldn’t be easier: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to the aroma of nutmeg and maple syrup.

Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creme de la Crumb

A pile of fresh herbs, butter and garlic make these mashed potatoes stand out on the buffet table. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for a rustic flair that not only adds a ton of flavor, it also saves you some work.

Spinach + Artichoke Dip

Damn Delicious

Keep your guests from getting hangry while they wait for dinner: Serve this creamy spinach and artichoke dip with bread, pretzels or pita for a Thanksgiving staple made super easy, thanks to your crock pot.

Butternut Squash Soup

Life Made Sweeter

Combine coconut milk with chunks of butternut squash and sweet potato, then cook in the crockpot for four hours. Once everything is fork tender, break out your immersion blender to make the texture velvety smooth. Top with extra coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds before devouring.

Pumpkin Cobbler

The Gunny Sack

Trade in your standard pumpkin pie for a cobbler that is made in the crock pot from start to finish. Pro tip: place a paper towel underneath the lid to keep the condensation off the food and ensure a crispy crust. Top the plated perfection with a dollop of whipped cream and caramel syrup.

Dinner Rolls

Lil Luna

The slow cooker might be the last place you'd think to bake dinner rolls, but trust us on this one. This trick comes in handy year-round, especially on hot summer days when you don't feel like blasting that oven. Genius.

Don't miss out on knocking out a dish or two this year with these Thanksgiving crock pot recipes and if you need more inspiration, join our newsletter or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes.