Take Note! This Is How to Make a DIY Notebook

Whether you like to sketch, journal, write down your grocery list, or capture your dreams on paper, a blank notebook is a great item to have in your purse, on your nightstand, or at your desk. Today for our #31DaysofDIY project we are making adorable notebooks, and we’re including three printable covers with some fun Brit + Co patterns!

DIY-Notebook-Main

No idea what #31DaysofDIY is? It’s a brand new tradition here at Brit + Co that’s all about kicking off the new year right. We’ve challenged ourselves to make or learn something new every single day for the month of January, and we’re inviting all of you along for the ride. From DIY basics like Sewing 101 to learning to design and laser cut our own stencils, we hope this month of making inspires you to get creative all year long.

Materials:

– Brit + Co printable covers (download here)

– printer paper

– card stock

– embroidery floss

Tools:

– cutting mat

– box cutter

– embroidery needle

– awl

– straight edge

Instructions:

First prepare your paper. Take seven pieces of printer paper (or heavier paper if you want to write or draw in your notebook with markers) and fold them in half. With such a thick pile, you might need to fold them individually and then stack them, lining up the folds so that they’re spooning ;). Next, print your patterned Brit + Co printables and fold them in half. One is for the cover and the other can be a secret fun page inside.

  1. Count seven pieces of printer paper and fold them in half. You might need to fold them separately and then stack them together.
  2. Print your Brit + Co printable patterns and fold them in half. Insert one into the middle of your stack of white paper, and use the other one as the cover of your notebook.
  3. Poke five evenly spaced holes along the spine of your notebook.
  4. Thread your needle, tie a knot at the end, and then bring it through the first hole starting from the inside of the notebook.
  5. Bring the needle through the second hole and then out through the third.
  6. Poke the needle down through the second hole again and then bring it through the fourth. Repeat this stitch until you have the needle on the inside of the notebook (it will have just come through the fourth hole).
  7. Tie the end to the loose thread at the other end of your knot.
  8. Place your journal on your cutting mat, and then using your straight edge and box cutter, slice off the uneven edges of paper. Do this to the top, bottom and side of your notebook.

Now take your awl and poke five equidistant holes through your notebook. This will make stitching much easier.

Following the photos above, weave your embroidery floss through the holes.

When you get to the end, tie the end of your embroidery floss to the loose piece on the other end of your knot.

At this point you will notice that your edges are not lined up. Take your box cutter (or an X-acto knife) and straight edge, and cut through the notebook, creating an even edge. Do the top and bottom as well as the side. That’s it!

Time to get creative.

Or you can make a few more and give them to your friends.

Throw this cutie in your purse and take it to a coffee shop for a writing sesh.

How do you use notebooks? Share with us on Instagram.

The Super Bowl is cool and all, but there's another Super Sunday that we mark on our calendars every year: The Oscars. Whether you're mixing up winning cocktails for the big night or DIYing Oscars party decor, we have the element it's missing — this pretty Oscars Bingo printable, designed by Brit + Co designers Rosee Canfield and Claire Shadomy. There are so many celebs that we can't wait to see, and we're hoping to check off more than a few boxes throughout the night.

Here's what you'll need:

  • our printable Oscars Bingo template — download all three versions here!
  • card stock if you have it (you might want to print out a couple extra of these for guests to take home — they're that pretty)
  • scissors
  • colorful pens and/or small candy

Instructions:

1. Print out Bingo game cards (enough for you and your Oscar party crew).

2. Watch the show and mark your card with pen, candy, or other marker.

Rules: This is juuuust like Bingo, yo. When someone gets a complete row, either straight across or diagonally, they yell “Bingo" and win. Prizes? That's up to you, bbs. Happy watching!!

After you print out your bingo cards, don't forget to check out all of the Oscars fun with Brit + Co's Instagram and email newsletter!

Design: Rosee Canfield + Claire Shadomy

This post has been updated.

To no one’s surprise, Trader Joe’s is keeping all the good stuff coming this season. As Easter approaches and everyone’s dreaming about summer vibes (definitely us), TJ’s has been placing only the coolest finds on their shelves to embrace the season! From irresistible sweets to stunning charcuterie board additions, these are the 8 best new items from Trader Joe’s any and every TJ’s fan needs to try in April!

Scroll on to discover the most exciting Trader Joe’s finds you can’t miss in April!

Trader Joe's

1. Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches

These ice cream sammies (limited-time item!) basically combine the two best desserts into one: macarons and ice cream! They're stacked with chocolate on chocolate, so any sweet tooth with an affinity for cocoa will go crazy for 'em. You can snag a box of 2 for $5 at a Trader Joe's near you.

Trader Joe's

2. Easter Joe-Joe's

Ah, yes! All the Easter goodies at TJ's are so cute and tasty. These new Easter-themed Joe-Joe's (Trader Joe's version of Oreos) are generously coated in milk chocolate and white chocolate before they're decorated with festive sprinkles. They're downright perfect for adding to any Easter basket or even topping Easter cakes or cupcakes! The box of 4 cookies goes for $4 – but it's a limited-time item, so make sure you grab it sooner than later.

Trader Joe's

3. Lemon Poppy Seed Buns

Lemon + poppy seed = a match made in heaven! These limited-time Danish pastry buns are sure to fly off Trader Joe's shelves, thanks to not only the tender baked bun, but the fact that it's filled with a delightfully lemony filling and topped with a crunchy mix of sugar and poppy seeds. The box of 2 pastries is on sale at TJ's right now for $4.

Trader Joe's

4. Chocolate Chip Energy Bar

All the walks, hikes, road trips, and picnics you're about to embark on this spring and summer are gonna get a whole lot tastier, thanks to this new energy bar from Trader Joe's! Made with a minimal ingredient list (oats, soy protein, brown rice and tapioca syrups, and chocolate chips), each $1 bar – yes, $1! – delivers 10 grams of protein and 260 calories to keep you fueled up for hours. Anyone that's constantly on the go will adore this convenient new TJ's item.

Trader Joe's

5. Blood Orange Mochi

These ice cream-filled mochi bites may have hit shelves earlier this month, but they're definitely still getting tons of love from Trader Joe's fans – us included! Boasting a unique, citrusy flavor profile derived from real blood oranges, these bite-size desserts are filled with refreshing springtime energy. Plus, they just look stunning once you take 'em out of the package. A set of 6 mochi bites is $5 for a limited time!

Reddit

6. Tom Yum Seasoned Snack Mix

Spotted by a Trader Joe's fanatic on Reddit, this brand-new savory snack mix is inspired by the insanely flavorful Thai dish known as Tom Yum soup, which is typically spicy, lemongrass-y, a little bit creamy, and sour-ish. So good! This snackin' medley is filled with cashews, fava beans, sticky rice bits, and peas for a nice bite. The product isn't yet listed on Trader Joe's site, so we can't verify its exact price.

Trader Joe's

7. Spanish Inspired Charcutería

Charcuterie fans, rise up! Trader joe's just dropped this yummy charcutería that contains three different kinds of cured meat to, well, cure your charcuterie cravings. In this new $6 product, you'll find thinly-sliced serrano ham, salchichon, and uncured chorizo, all of which bring on the salty, spicy, peppery, and smoky flavors needed to complement the other components of your snack spread, like cheeses and crackers.

Trader Joe's

8. Seville Orange Marmalade Fruit Spread

Ooh, how summery! This new $3 Trader Joe's marmalade (limited-time item!) embraces the spirit of summertime by employing Seville oranges, which bring a "sweet, citric, and properly proportioned" flavor to the forefront. They're naturally a bit more bitter than your average orange, but TJ's has totally perfected the ratio of fruit:sugar in this jar. Use it for toasts, bagels, yogurts, cakes, and more!

Subscribe to our newsletter to uncover more hidden gems from Trader Joe's!

In our new food series Foodie Fundamentals, we walk you through the basics on kitchen essentials like how to fry an egg and roast veggies in a snap.

Never sure how long to roast your veggies? Tend to toss everything together and then get frustrated when your broccoli and asparagus are all mushy and your potatoes are barely cooked? Same. Helpful gals that we are, we created a printable guide to make all of your roasted veggie dreams come true.

Inspired by a chart from our book Homemakers, this guide to roasting veggies is not only handy but also happens to be printable. With our printable templates, you can create wall art and a tea towel. Follow the easy steps below to see how to turn this guide into two perfect pieces of kitchen decor.

Veggie Roasting Guide

  • veggie roasting guide printable: 11 x 17-inch or 8 1/2 x 11-inch
  • frame
  • tea towel
  • iron-on photo transfer paper

Equipment:

  • iron

Directions:

1. For the wall art option, print out our 11 x 17-inch printable on high-quality paper. To add color, we layered a piece of patterned yellow fabric underneath our printed guide and framed it right up.

2. For the tea towel option, print out our 8 1/2 x 11-inch printable on iron-on transfer paper. Use an iron to iron it onto a white linen kitchen towel.

Find more easy recipes by following Brit + Co on Pinterest.

(Photos and illustrations via Brit + Co)

Amazon’s Big Spring Saleis officially here, and it’s packed with endless deals on everything from fashion to home furnishings. Of course, we’re starting our sale search with the beauty aisle – so many of our go-to skincare goodies and makeup faves are all under a mere $10 right now, and we just have to share ‘em so you can shop ‘em!

Scroll on to shop our top 10 deals on Amazon beauty finds you can’t miss before the sale’s over!

Amazon

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

This is by far the best drugstore eyeliner out there. Designed with a convenient retractable (no-sharpen!) tip, it's super easy to take on the go for any touch-ups. Plus, the color payoff and wearability of each shade is insanely impressive.

Amazon

If you're looking for an eyeliner that, no matter the circumstances, does not budge, this $5 is the perfect pick-me-up. You can find it in a handful of different colors to suit your makeup needs.

Promising review: "I can’t believe I’ve been trying to make felt tipped eyeliners work for so long. Usually I put on felt tipped eye liner and it barely shows up, maybe my eye lids are watery or oily. So naturally within a hour or two it doesn’t even look like I’ve put on eye liner. This is not the case with this elf eye cream retractable liner. It actually shows up right away, it also lasts for hours. Even after 8 hours there was still some on my eyes, although I did need to re apply in some spots. It also didn’t smudge. For it to last at all and not smudge is amazing for me."

Amazon

Nivea Body, Face, & Hand Moisturizing Cream

Though some people may see this $10 tinned cream as truly "old school,"many others still hold it near and dear for its ability to moisturize and heal dry skin in need of nourishment.

Amazon

The thick, non-greasy formula is chockfull of provitamin B5 that really sinks deep into the skin. The best part is it's really gentle, so you can use it on your face, body, and hands.

Promising review: "Nivea is a great product. My parents always had a tin of it around. I've continued the tradition. It is a wonderful thick cream that moisturizes well. Great value for the price, as a little goes a long way. Softens rough skin."

Amazon

TONYMOLY Petit Bunny Lip Gloss

This adorable bunny-shaped lip gloss is enriched with vitamin E for soft lips and a pinch of pigment so your pout gets a nice wash of color. It comes in a convenient stick form that's super easy to travel with!

Amazon

Right now, 6 different shades of this gloss are on sale for $6 (originally $8). Snag one before the sale's over!

Promising review: "I am really happy with this product. The tint is very pretty, and not too pigmented. I am very picky about the texture of my lip glosses and lip balms and this one is lovely."

Amazon

Versed Sweet Relief Night Mask + Face Balm

B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, truly cannot get enough of this stuff from Versed. It's a thick, moisturizing face balm that really nails down the 'slugging' skincare trend without totally swamping your skin. It is fairly oily and shiny after one application, so she recommends using it only at night – and you'll wake up with a glowy complexion!

Amazon

Its $10 (was $18) formula is loaded up with bacuri and kokum butters and apricot kernel oil that are all dedicated to protecting the skin barrier. Though these ingredients may sound intimidating, the product is still wonderfully gentle overall for any skin type.

Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin and LOVE this as an overnight moisturizer. It's thick but a little goes a long way. The winter where I live is very dry. I use it every night before bed, my skin feels great in the morning! It's neutral smelling but I prefer that."

Amazon

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

This $7 (was $10) shampoo will set all your hair growth goals so right. It's made with rosemary and mint essential oils that help stimulate the scalp for better growth, along with biotin that ensures your locks don't lose moisture during the washing process. Snag the coordinating conditioner to get the full benefits (read an editor's review here)!

Promising review: "This shampoo is my favorite. It has a nice smell and gives my thinning hair a lot of volume and softness. Lathers well. Packaged well, no leaks. Hair loss has slowed down some. I will definitely continue to use."

Amazon

e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain

This $6 (yes, $6!) lip stain is unlike most lip stains in the way that it boasts a fun, glossy formula. Where some leave-on lip stains may dry up and make your lips look crusty AF (hate that), this one nourishes your pout, all the while leaving a nice wash of color behind.

Amazon

This e.l.f. product stole the heart of B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, for its natural look, comfortable wear, and undeniable affordability. Its low price of $6 makes it so easy to try out the lip stain trend without going all-in! There are also so many shades to pick from, so you're sure to find one that suits you perfectly.

Promising review: "This was the first time buying any thing that was being called a lip stain. I didn’t want to spend a lot since I wasn’t sure if I would like them or if they worked the way people said they did. This goes on very easy and I have only used it a few times now, but it did last for a number of hours and did not come off when I ate or drink anything. I have thinner lips, but I like at this at least helps them show up more and when I don’t want to wear a lot of color, this is a soft neutral."

Amazon

Method Pure Peace Body Wash

This $8 body wash smells like heaven, truly. With notes of peony, rose water, and pink sea salt, it's perfectly feminine and clean and feels like a total treat in the shower or bath. Though fragranced, it's still gentle on the skin and provides a good amount of moisture after each use!

Amazon

This body wash from Method also boasts a unique biodegradable formula made with plant-based cleansers that contains zero parabens or phthalates to ensure healthy skin 24/7.

Promising review: "I was hesitant to buy this as I was not sure about how the scent would be. I am pleasantly surprised.
It has a simple rose smell, but it's mild and lacks that perfumey, cloying sort of smell that can happen with floral scents. Very simple, like I'm rubbing roses on myself. Not super strong, it lingers but doesn't feel like it's following you around all day either."

Amazon

Essence Lash Princess Mascara

This $5 mascara definitely doesn't feel like it's $5. It undeniably volumizes and lengthens your lashes in a few simple swipes, all without those pesky clumps you might expect from a more affordable product.

Amazon

The brush itself features an easy-to-use conic shape that lets you access the entirety of your lashes for a cohesive look, too!

Promising review: "What a little hidden gem this is. I first saw this on a you tube video and decided to try it. The bottle is adorable, but the contents will blow you away. It's probably the best mascara or one of the best that I have ever used. It was very inexpensive so even though the woman on the you tube video was saying how great it was, I wasn't expecting it to be all that great, but was still curious. I'm really glad I bought it, because it is the best mascara from a company no one probably even knows of because it is not mainstream. Buy it! I think you will love it!!"

Amazon

Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick

Infused with caffeinated matcha, this one-of-a-kind $9 moisture stick is perfect for combatting everything from dry lips to tried under eyes. Its formula is 100% vegan and super gentle on the skin, so people of any skin type can try it out.

Amazon

The wide shape of this balm-like moisture stick allows you to cover a good amount of real estate on your face or any dry patches elsewhere. It has a very slight matcha-y scent, too, for all you matcha fiends out there!

Promising review: "I have used these moisturizing sticks since I was pregnant with my son 7 years ago. I used them all over my face in the harsh winter months working at a ski resort and now under my eyes as a sleepy mama to a toddler. Great for preventing windburn and easy for kids to use. I can throw this in my son’s book bag for school when he plays outside in -30 degree weather and don’t have to worry about it getting all over his hands or leaking. No funky ingredients. No synthetic fragrances. We love it."

Amazon

Wet Brush Original Detangler Hair Brush

The Wet Brush is a team favorite around here. It's gentle, lightweight, and oftentimes comes in the cutest colors and patterns to make our hair care routines more fun.

Amazon

If you're still using your old, ratty hair brush, the flexible bristles on the Wet Brush will feel like a total treat on your head. They help minimize breakage while still effectively detangling your locks. We're simply obsessed with this $7 rainbow colorway, too!

Promising review: "It glides through my hair effortlessly, detangling without pulling or causing breakage. The bristles are gentle yet effective, making it perfect for both wet and dry hair. Plus, the color is so pretty! If you struggle with knots or just want a great everyday brush, this one is a must-have!"

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more stunning Amazon deals – and find our absolute favorite products easily through out Amazon storefront!

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.

We just found the perfectdress for spring and summer, and not only does it come in a super trendy cut, it’s miraculously on sale at Target right now! We’re truly obsessed with this gem of a fashion find because it gives "quiet luxury” vibes for way less, is undeniably flattering, and can pair with practically anything.

Scroll on to discover the Target dress that’s a must-have for your spring and summer looks!

Target

Meet Wild Fable’s Drop Waist Mini Sundress: a sleeveless mini with a high neckline, low-cut back, and a drop waist (!), fit with some adorable buttons running down the front and cut from a lightweight, breathable rayon-linen fabric blend.

Target

This Target dress is truly nothing short of flattering. The high neckline, while considerably modest, is met with a low-cut back detail that balances your look out. Plus, the drop waist serves to elongate your torso for a stunning feminine effect.

Target

The mini length of this dress, combined with the breezy rayon-linen fabric blend it’s made of, makes it so suitable for the spring and summer months, where dressing for comfort should be the #1 priority – but, of course, this dress proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style for practically.

Target

The Wild Fable Drop Waist Mini Sundress is currently shoppable in three wonderful colorways: white, butter yellow, and blue gingham. All of the colors are simply so adorable for spring and summertime, since they can easily pair with other neutral accents or bolder pops of color! The sizing for the dress ranges from XXS to 4X, though several sizes are currently sold out online in certain colors.

Target

The Wild Fable Drop Waist Mini Sundress has earned 3.9 out of 5 stars from shoppers, where the feedback is a bit mixed. While some Target fans adore the dress, a few others note that the sizing is inconsistent. Here are some standout reviews to give you a glance at the bigger picture:

  • “I was so pleasantly surprised when I tried this on. I love the uniqueness of the style and pattern. I won’t even need to wear a bra with this but will probably opt for shorts underneath.”
  • “I got the dress in both extra small and double extra small (I'm 5'1" and 110 pounds) to see which fit better. The extra small was way too big, but the double extra small fit, though a little loose. Still, I really like the fit and the material—it’s great quality and the white isn’t see-through. Super cute overall!”
  • “This dress is very cute and comfy but the sizing is so inconsistent. I have the yellow one, which I got in store, in a small and it fits loosely but the white in a small was too tight. (I returned it and have the gingham one coming in a medium but I have a feeling it’s going to run too large like the yellow.) This is definitely a piece you’ll want to try on in stores.”

Target

Wild Fable Drop Waist Mini Sundress

We are still obsessed nonetheless, especially given the price of this dress. Typically sold for $30, it’s now on sale for Target Circle Week for just $21!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more stunning Target fashion finds!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.