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If you know me, you know how much I love Taylor Swift. Something about hearing music written by someone while they experience the same life stages feels so personal, and there's a good chance that almost every emotion I feel can be summed up by a Taylor Swift song. In short: I just love her.
Taylor frequently drops merchandise when a holiday rolls around and for Valentine's Dayin 2022, she released a collection inspired by her 2019 album Lover. I fell in love with a pair of fuzzy dice inspired by her hit song "Cruel Summer," and apparently so did everyone else because the next time I visited the website, they were sold out! So, I decided to make a simplified version of them with my sewing machine for a fun V-Day activity and to add some extra pink to my space. Check out our online sewing class to brush up on your skills and keep reading for a low stakes tutorial on how to make your own!
Here's how to make your own Taylor Swift "Cruel Summer"-inspired dice for Valentine's Day.
Supplies For Your Own "Cruel Summer" Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice:
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
- Sewing machine
- Pink fleece fabric
- Pink thread
- Pink felt
- Scissors
- Blue rope/cord (I took mine off a loofah)
- Needle + pins
- A copy of Lover to listen to while you sew ;)
- Poly-Fil Stuffing (not pictured)
- Ruler (optional)
- Glue gun + glue gun sticks (optional, use it to touch up your seams if you need)
Instructions:
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Start by marking your fleece with the measurements for your squares. Since the size of the dice on Taylor's official website was listed as 3.5", I marked them just above 3.5" so I could leave room for a hem. You'll need 12 squares total.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Next, cut out your squares. I used the first square as a template for the others, then went back in and cleaned up the edges where necessary.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
The first image I made was a sun, and I started by drawing a circle on my felt. I used the rim of my thread spool to make sure I had a perfect circle but you can also free hand if you want the circle to be a different size.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Pin your felt to the center of a fleece square.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Sew the circle to the fleece using a regular straight stitch.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Next, move your sewing machine from a straight stitch to a zigzag stitch and decrease your stitch length to a lower number like 0 or 1. This will allow your art to have more of a filled-in border, instead of a messier, chevron finish.
Go back over the rim of your circle with the zigzag stitch to give it that embroidered look. I did this with the fabric right side up, then I did it again with the fabric flipped upside down just to be extra thorough.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
After your circle is complete, it's time for the sun rays! Use the same zigzag stitch and 0 stitch length to move from the circle outward. This is where you'll want to add another element: stitch width.
To give the sun rays their triangular shape, adjust your stitch width as you move out from the heart of the sun. While the stitch length ensures your sewing won't have empty spaces, the width will let you move from a wider sunbeam base to a thinner point. I just decreased the width every few stitches as I went along.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Your finished sun will look something like this! I went back in with a needle to clean up loose threads by hand. I waited to trim them until I had threaded them to the back so that the front image had a more polished look.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Repeat the above steps for your devil and angel hearts. There are only a few differences between these and the sun; you'll cut the felt into hearts instead of circles, and to fill in the horns and the wings, I used a straight stitch to give it a colored-in look, reserving the zigzag stitching for the borders.
I know the original dice had "Cruel Summer" lyrics stitched onto these squares, but I ended up leaving them off. It makes the design more minimal and easier to work with.
One thing to note about this step: beware of bunched fabric! Filling in the angel wings brought the edges of the squares in a bit, but I wasn't too upset about it. I think flaws give a craft some personality!
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
The "Lover" stitching got a little more complicated than the images. I first traced the word with my pen so that I would have some guide as to what the word should look like. Move the stitch width back down to one of the lower settings.
Then instead of just moving the fabric in a circle like I did for the sun, I moved it all around to follow the word I had written in marker. Repeat this a few times until you're satisfied with the thickness. I definitely tried this step a couple different times so don't worry if you don't get it on the first go!
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
For my final embroidered square, I did a simple "TS," which of course stands for "Taylor Swift."
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Before you can sew your squares together, line the edges up and pin them. I used my ruler to mark how far I wanted my hem to go (I did 1/4" at every edge) for a sewing guideline.
I pinned the squares one at a time, checking at each step that they were pinned the right way (especially after I sewed two together incorrectly and had to pick out the stitches. Oops.)
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Arrange the images in a similar way to the official dice, or change it up however you'd like! I chose to arrange the squares so that there was a blank in between the images.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Pin and sew your remaining three squares around the middle square so that you end up with a cross.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
I continued pinning and sewing the edges to one another until I had an inside-out cube. Here's a tutorial to help you better understand which edges should be sewn together.
I did one square at a time, making sure to focus on the corners and going back in to tighten them up once I was done. You only want one gap, which is where you'll flip the cube inside out and then stuff it.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Once you have a cube, flip the fabric inside out. I used my pen to make sure all the corners and edges were good to go.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Next, stuff your cube with whatever filling you prefer. I didn't stuff it super full because I didn't want it to have a rounded look when I was done.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Ta-da! A little wonky but very cute :)
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
When you have both dice, cut a small hole in the top for your cord. Knot the ends and stuff them into the holes, then use your needle and thread to attach the cord and the fleece together.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Voilà!
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
They're soft, fuzzy, and pink. What could be better than that?!
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
If you don't want to hang these in your car, they also make excellent Valentine's (or Galentine's) decor.
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
If you need me, I'll be blasting "Cruel Summer" for the rest of the month.
Loving these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice? Follow us on Pinterest and TikTok for more entertainment inspo, and don't forget to check out The Latest On Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce's Relationship!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
Numerous rumors about potentially-contaminated Girl Scout cookies have been floating around, and Girl Scouts of the USA is finally addressing them.
Sources reported the presence of toxic metals and glyphosate in the popular cookies and noted that it poses “profound ethical and public health concerns.” Here’s what Girl Scouts had to say.
Scroll on to learn more about what’s going on with the latest Girl Scout cookie contamination news.
Girl Scouts of the USA
The idea that Girl Scout cookies might be contaminated first arose in December 2024 when GMOScience and Moms Across America released a joint-commissioned reporttitled “Danger in the Dough: Unveiling the Toxic Contaminants in Girl Scout Cookies.”
The report found that 100% of the Girl Scout cookie samples they tested were positive for glyphosate and toxic metals and 88% of samples were positive for all 5 toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury), with significant percentages of the samples testing positive for cadmium and lead.
Girl Scouts of the USA
In the report, both groups said that the continual sale of Girl Scout cookies poses “profound ethical and public health concerns,” and slightly called out Girl Scouts of the USA for not allocating more money towards “better ingredients."
The GMOScience and Moms Across America report also cited a lack of government oversight when it comes to food safety and that entities like the FDA and EPA “have not fulfilled their commitment.”
Girl Scouts of the USA
Despite the reports about contamination, Girl Scouts of the USA says Girl Scout Cookies are “safe to consume.” In an official statement, they assured the public that their cookies comply with FDA and EPA food safety standards. They also noted that heavy metals are not purposefully added to their cookies.
Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts of the USA made sure to note that “environmental contaminants” like heavy metals and glyphosate can occur naturally in soil, though in very small, trace amounts.
The FDA verified this, saying naturally-occurring heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury are just a “reality about our food supply.”
Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts of the USA highlighted that their cookie suppliers “continue to ensure the integrity of [their] recipes and the safety of all Girl Scout Cookie products in accordance with federal regulations and Global Food Safety initiative standards.”
Girl Scouts of the USA
The real issue at hand is not just Girl Scout cookies – it’s that our frameworks for food safety have plenty of wiggle room for toxic metals and chemicals to be present in our food.
In fact, it’s become so common that we tend to forget all about it – likely why cookie lovers were up in arms about the contamination news.
Girl Scouts of the USA
GMOScience and Moms Across America echoed this exact sentiment in their report, calling for the development of organic and regenerative farming to eradicate potential contamination altogether.
They also called on Girl Scouts of the USA to play a larger role in “transforming our food and farming system.”
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Lighting can make or break a space. Overhead lights are convenient to switch on but can feel too harsh, while the right mix of lighting can create a warm, inviting aesthetic. The secret? Layering — think floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, and more. To help you achieve that cozy, designer-worthy look, we’ve rounded up 18 affordable Target finds that look way more expensive than they are!
Target's "rich-looking" lamp collection will brighten up your space
FLOOR LAMPS
Target
Wavy Shade Collection with Ceramic Base Floor Lamp
With its playful wavy shade and three-way light setting, this floor lamp lets you customize the brightness to suit any moment—whether you're reading, catching up with friends, or settling in for a movie night.
Target
Gooseneck Floor Lamp with Natural Shade
This gooseneck floor lamp, featuring a rattan shade, looks so elegant and natural and offers adjustable lighting.
Target
Traditional Oil Rubbed Swing Arm Floor Lamp
This bronze floor lamp features a classic swing-arm design, so you can direct light wherever you need it most, such as in your workspace or living area.
Target
Cantilever Drop Pendant Swing Arm Floor Lamp
I've owned Target's most popular floor lamp for about a decade and it still looks and works as well as it did back then. It's a keeper!
Target
Oak Wood Tripod Floor Lamp
This oak wood tripod lamp looks great in your modern space with natural decor.
Table + Desk Lamps
Target
Threshold x Studio McGee Woven Table Lamp
This charming design lamp designed with Studio McGee has adorable scalloped edges and looks sweet on a nightstand or desk.
Target
Threshold x Studio McGee Task Lamp
This retro metal task lamp features a flexible neck to focus the light where you need it the most.
Target
Mini Printed Ceramic Base Table Lamp with Pleated Shade
Love the blue Pollock-like print on this ceramic mini lamp. It's great for teen and dorm rooms!
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Brass Accent Table Lamp with Plaid Shade
Plaid is always in style in Magnolia's design playbook. This accent table lamp is a stylish addition to your office or side table.
Target
Assembled Ceramic Table Lamp
This blue and white abstract pattern adds a bit of texture to your overall design. Pair two on each side of your bed.
Target
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Ceramic Table Lamp with Marble Base
This fluted design is very hot right now and looks elegant solo or in pairs.
Target
Threshold x Studio McGee Round Faux Wood Lamp Base
Give your living space some mood lighting while also adding a cute decorative pattern with a checkered shade.
Target
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Metal Rechargeable Library Table Lamp
Give your bookshelf a dose of classic elegance with Magnolia's fluted rechargeable library lamp.
SCONCES
Target
Hearth & Hand Magnolia Milk Glass Striped Wall Sconce
Milk glass is always in style for any vintage-inspired decor. These would look great in a kitchen for a modern-retro vibe.
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Ceramic Sconce
Here's the fluted lamp in a sconce variety. Matching lamp styles is actually a great way to create cohesion in your design.
Target
Threshold x Studio McGee Metal Sconce Wall Light
Add metallic appeal to your home with this Studio McGee sconce that gives off a warm golden hue.
Target
Threshold x Studio McGee Wall Sconce with Plaid Shade
An affordable sconce with a unique shade is a great way to add personality to your space while saving space too!
Subscribe to our newsletter for more home decor ideas!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a Super Bowl tough loss on February 9, 2025, and there's one major thing on everyone's mind now — is Travis Kelce retiring? The subject's come up multiple times throughout the 2024-2025 NFL season, but much like his brother Jason the previous year, Travis hasn't given a definitive answer on the matter. Amid everything from Taylor Swift wedding rumors to starring TV roles (anyone else watch Grotequerie?!), the Chiefs tight end definitely has a lot going on right now. Could all this — plus an overall great football season, sans the Super Bowl loss — add up to the end of his NFL career? Here's what we know so far.
Scroll to find out everything we know about if Travis Kelce's retiring.
On February 12, 2025, Travis Kelce opened up about his potential retirement on the New Heights podcast. "I know everybody wants to know whether or not I'm playing next year, and right now, I'm just kicking everything down the road," he said. "I'm not making any crazy decisions."
Travis shared that the Super Bowl loss a "tough pill to swallow" and a "tough reality," but also noted that the Chiefs team is focused on "being there" for each other in the aftermath.
"I'm gonna take some time to figure it out. And, I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back, it's a wholehearted decision," he said. "I'm not half-a--ing it, and I'm fully here for them."
During the 2025 Super Bowl, Travis only made four catches, resulting in a gain of 39 yards — his "lowest postseason output since 2019" according to The Athletic. Still, USA Todayreported that he broke Jerry Rice's record of 35 career Super Bowl catches. However, it was pretty clear that even a record-breaking performance wasn't enough to bolster Travis's mood.
The football star didn't hold a larger post-game conference, but he noted that they "haven't played that bad all year" and said that the Chiefs "couldn’t get it going offensively" to a few reporters. He acknowledged, "You don't lose like that without everything going bad," before leaving for the night.
Still, Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes was asked about what comes next for Travis's career. "I'll let Travis make that decision on his own," Patrick said. "He's given so much to this team and to the NFL, and he's been such a joy, not only for me to work with, but for people to watch."
Mahomes notes Travis "still has a lot of football left in him" and that he "always makes plays in the biggest moments." He said, "But I know he still has a love for the game, and he’ll get to spend some time with his family and make that decision on his own."
Patrick reassured everyone, "He knows he’ll come back here with open arms. We love that guy not only for the football player, but for who he is every single day."
Travis made his way to the suite with Taylor and his family after the tough Chiefs loss. It was a stark contrast from his "fight for your right to party" vibes of last year, so we hope we was able to find some comfort among his loved ones. And as for if Travis is actually retiring, we'll definitely keep an eye out for what he says and does next. 👀
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We can always count on our favorite streamers to give us the best content, like, ever. In addition to The Best New TV Shows Coming To Netflix In February, there are some truly stellar titles on Max this month — including a few you can already watch! We might have to wait a few more months for The Last of Us season 2, but these new TV shows make that wait a little easier.
Here are the 8 best TV shows on Max in February 2025.
1. The White Lotus Season 3 — Stream on Max February 16, 2025
Fabio Lovino/HBO
Start your spring break early by joining the new White Lotus cast in Thailand. This season, which debuts new episodes every week at 9PM EST, explores all things pleasure and pain, and trust me: you'll be on the edge of your seat the whole time.
The White Lotus season 3 stars Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Blackpink’s Lisa Manobal.
2. Eyes on the Prize III: We Who Believe In Freedom Cannot Rest — Stream on Max February 25, 2025
Daily Express/Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images
This 6-episode docuseries tells the story of the racial justice communities and leaders working today, following the birth of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
3.The Pitt — Stream new episodes on Max every Thursday
Warrick Page/Max
This entire 15-episode drama takes place over the course of a single shift at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital’s emergency room, broken down into 15 one-hour segments. I'm hooked!
The Pitt stars Noah Wyle, Tracey Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez, and Katherine LaNasa.
4. Baylen Out Loud — Stream new episodes on Max every Monday
TLC
This new TV show follows Baylen Dupree, who's making her way through love and life in West Virginia with extreme Tourette Syndrome.
Baylen Out Loud stars Baylen Dupree.
5. 90 Day: The Last Resort — Stream all episodes on Max now
TLC
These 90 Day duos are facing reality while at a group couples retreat — and they have to figure out if they're going to continue their happily ever after or go home on their own.
90 Day: The Last Resort stars Ed Brown, Yara Zaya, Angela Deem, Jovi Dufren, and Kalani Faagata.
6. The Takedown: American Aryans — Stream all episodes on Max now
Max
This documentary show follows the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas over the last 20+ years — and the murder of a young woman that changes everything.
The Takedown: American Aryans is directed and produced by Neil Rawles.
7. The Fall of Diddy — Stream all episodes on Max now
Max/ID
True crime fans will want to tune into this series, which examines the allegations against rapper and executive Sean Combs.
8. The West Wing — Stream on Max now
NBC
Get your old school TV kick with the OG political drama, which follows the lives of the people working inside the White House.
The West Wing stars Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, Janel Moloney, and Richard Schiff.
Tag us with your current streaming faves on Instagram!