How to Make This $228 Anthropologie Accessory for Only $15

When it comes to DIY jewelry, we’ve got you covered in the bracelet and ring departments. And now? We’ve got your back for the in-between. This tutorial shows you how to make the latest celebrity style trend — a hand chain, perfect for dressing up your wrist in an unconventional way. It’s especially useful for those days when traditional jewelry just isn’t doing it for you. A few months ago, Anthro was selling one swoon-worthy hand chain for $228. (Like, what?!?!?) Rather than spending all of our extra cash on the little treasure, we thought, “Let’s hack that.” To make one for yourself, you’ll need basic jewelry making skills and just a few supplies. Plus, you’ll be able to use leftover beads from any previous projects, meaning this project is going to set you back less than $15.

Materials:
— chain

— beads

— eye pins

— 7mm jump rings

— 4mm jump rings

— jewelry clasp

Tools:

— jewelry pliers

Instructions:
1. Add one bead to an eye pin. Trim the pin, leaving about 1/4 inch.

2. Using the round-nosed ends of the pliers, bend it into a loop.

3. Attach another eye pin to the first one. Add a bead and trim.

4. Bend into a loop once again. This is great practice for creating connectors!

5. Repeat until you create 3 inches’ worth of beaded chain.

6. Take a 2-inch strand of chain and connect the ends together with a 7mm jump ring.

7. Attach two 3-inch chains and the beaded chain to the same jump ring.

8. Connect all three to a chain that’s long enough to fit around your wrist. Add the jewelry clasps, and you’re good to go.

The size and type of your beads will determine how many you use. For this hand chain, we used 4mm bicone Swarovski crystal beads for some added sparkle. Try beads in different shapes, like triangles or tubes. You can even use beads made of various materials, such as wood or metal. Dig through your stash and see what you have!

It helps to lay out your project on a flat surface after each step. This way, you can make sure the chains don’t get tangled together.

Once you’re ready to rock your chain, take note of this tip: Put the ring portion on first, then clasp the bracelet part around your wrist. This is the easiest way to put a hand chain on — we promise!

What kind of beads would you use for your hand chain? Share your thoughts below!

(Styled photos by Haruka Sakaguchi of The Denizen Co.)

When I was working barista shifts at Starbucks over the winter, we'd get Medicine Ball orders every single hour. And not going to lie, I really hated them. Let me get this straight — I didn't hate the drink, but I more so disliked the fact that the customers ordering them almost always demanded their tea between a swarm of thick coughs and countless small sniffles. Yuck.

It truly felt like I was on the fence of getting sick pretty much every time someone stepped up to the register. But, I remained strong and I did what I had to do as a service worker, which in this case, was to pour the peachy-citrus tea into a pool of honey syrup, then top it with steamed lemonade. Coughs and sniffles aside, I often questioned why someone would order the Medicine Ball, based on the cost of the drink alone (up to $6, and that gets expensive when you're ordering it all the time).

Popular during sick season, the Starbucks Medicine Ball (AKA the Honey Citrus Mint Tea) may be good, but it's not good enough to cure you of that semi-flu, or whatever other pathogens might have been floating around in my café. It's also not worth putting someone else's health in jeopardy. Turns out, you can make the Medicine Ball at home — which saves money and effort (and spares others' safety) in the long run.

Scroll on to find out how simple making the Starbucks Medicine Ball really is!

@k.ard Medicine Ball for only $1.69 each! #medicineball#fluseason#coldseason#starbucksdupe#budgettok#SephoraConcealers#DrPepperTuitionContest#halloween#fall2022♬ Halloween - KenZie DarkStar

TikTok always makes recipes look effortless. So, I took this trusty tutorial into our own hands to compare how good an at-home Medicine Ball could really be against the real one from Starbucks.

Ingredients for the Starbucks Medicine Ball Drink

Starbucks

How can I make a Medicine Ball at home?

Anna Pou / PEXELS

Making a Starbucks Medicine Ball at home is pretty straightforward:
  1. Heat 1 cup of lemonade in the microwave for 45 seconds to a minute.
  2. Add 1 cup of hot water and stir in 1 tablespoon honey.
  3. Add one bag of Peach Tranquility and one bag of Jade Citrus Mint, then steep for a few minutes.
  4. Enjoy your Medicine Ball!

How I Made The Starbucks Medicine Ball At Home

Meredith Holser

First, I embarked on an ever-iconic Target run to gather my copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe ingredients. Since they were out of the exact Teavana teas I needed to replicate the TikTok recipe, I picked up two similar ones: first, the Good & Gather Organic Peach Honey Tea, and the Good & Gather Organic Mint Tea. I also picked up a jug of lemonade, and planned to use the honey I already had at home. All together, the three ingredients I needed ended up costing me about $9.50.

Step 1: Heat Lemonade

Tara Winstead / PEXELS

I measured a cup of lemonade, and just popped my Starbucks mug in the microwave for a minute.

Step 2: Add Water and Honey

Roman Odinstov / PEXELS

While the lemonade was in the microwave, I set some water on in my electric kettle. Once both liquids were heated up, I measured a cup of water and combined it in the mug with a tablespoon of honey. Yum!

Step 3: Steep Tea Bags

Anna Pou / PEXELS

Then, I put the two teabags in the mixture to steep. The tea wasn't overly hot either, and I steeped them for about 3 minutes before giving my homemade Medicine Ball recipe a lil' sip.

Is the homemade version of the Medicine Ball as good as the one from Starbucks?

Meredith Holser

To my surprise, my homemade Medicine Ball recipe was extremely delicious, and it mimicked the Starbucks one so closely. Before tasting, I gave my tea a sniff, and the smell was pretty much identical to the drink made in stores. The flavor hit the exact same mark.

Overall, I rate my homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball a 4.7/5.

The only detracting factors are the temperature of the drink – Starbucks steams their lemonade to make the drink super hot, and mine wasn't nearly as piping. Of course, this is just personal preference, and next time, I can heat the lemonade for a longer duration, or reheat the drink altogether. Another reason for the minimal point deduction is the drink wasn't as sweet as I expected it to be. Again, this is a personal preference, and you can add as little or as much sweetener you desire!

All of this goes to say, that a homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball is just as yummy as the one you can get at a Starbucks cafe. By following the steps above, you can make a copycat recipe that's going to satisfy your hankering for a citrusy, hot tea!

Looking for more at-home copycat recipes like this Medicine Ball from Starbucks? Browse our site for more DIYs!

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.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

From more minimalist designs to bold statement pieces, there's an Amazon accessory for everyone. Today, we're diving into Amazon necklaces under $50, so you can keep your latest looks shining without ever breaking the bank. Scroll on for our 11 favorite Amazon necklace designs that wear well with everything from gold hoop earrings to your go-to shoes.

Amazon

Pavoi 14K Gold-Plated Freshwater Pearl Necklace

This $35 necklace is dotted with tiny freshwater pearls that lend your look such an elegant feel. The chain itself is more on the choker side, measuring around 14 inches long. This pick looks gorgeous alone, but it's also super easy to layer up with if you have a go-to necklace stack.

Amazon

KissYan Bubble Letter Necklace

Bubble letter necklaces are very trendy at the moment. Everyone's loving their playful shape, especially in the wake of summertime! This $14 take is placed on a cute beaded chain that comes with a 2-inch extender for finding your perfect fit. This Amazon necklace also makes a fun gift for the ladies in your life since it can be personalized with any letter of the alphabet.

Amazon

Barzel 18K Gold-Plated Multi Stone Crystal Baguette Necklace

Give us all the color! This $15 chain necklace is crafted with high-shine materials and a variety of little artificial gems for incorporating the entire rainbow into your look. It's available in different chain lengths (16, 18, 20 and 24 inches), plus you can find it in a more pastel color theme if this vibrant one doesn't quite resonate with your personal style.

Amazon

Nuzon 2-Tone Interlocking Heart Pendant Necklace

The thick chain on this $15 gold piece makes an elegant statement, so much so that you may not have to layer any more chains to complete your outfit. The heart-shaped pendant is fitted with an eye-catching green agate stone, plus this pick flaunts a unique bar clasp that closes up front.

Amazon

Miabella Bee Medallion Pendant Necklace

This $44 mixed-metal necklace lands around 18 inches, making it a great layering necklace if you like to rock both silver and gold. It's crafted from Italian sterling silver with a thin coating of 18K yellow gold for durability. The subtle hexagonal frame that surrounds the bee medallion hangs from a chic, thin chain.

Amazon

Funeia 14K Gold-Plated Birthstone Necklace

The dainty charm on this gold-plated pick is so femme, providing a small pop of color. It also has the perfect amount of personal flair, since you can shop it in all 12 birthstones based on your birth month. The box chain part of this design is crafted without nickel or lead, so it's conveniently hypoallergenic for the sensitive skin-havers out there! Layered or not, you'll be reaching for this $10 Amazon necklace every single day.

Amazon

Lydow Starfish Charm Necklace

This $13 Amazon necklace is beachy AF, and truly an unexpected affordable find. It flaunts charms of starfish, shells, conchs, suns, and turtles to really channel the summer energy! It's made with an adjustable paperclip chain with a 3-inch allowance, so you can play with adding more necklaces to your look.

Amazon

Foxgirl Gold Initial Necklace

When it comes to looking expensive, a tiny charm is gonna do it every time. This $14 necklace measures around 16 inches with 2-inch extension, making it instantly layer-able. The whole piece, including the sleek, skinny chain, is made from hypoallergenic materials – mainly brass and a 14K gold plate layer for durability.

Amazon

Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace

A classic Kendra Scott design, the Elisa Pendant Necklace, is now on sale for $48 (was $55). There are tons of colors and materials to shop on Amazon, too! This pick measures around 15 inches long with a 2-inch extender. Plus, it arrives in a luxe gift box and soft jewelry bag, so it can be prepped and ready for gifting purposes.

Amazon

Mauzew Dainty Chain Necklace

Someone might mistake this dainty $11 (was $13) chain for a Catbird or Mejuri design, but it's actually much more affordable. The best part is it still gives the same fancy look! Whether you wear it alone or tack on your favorite charm, this 14-inch, tarnish-resistant piece will become an everyday must-have.

Amazon

Skqir Teardrop Initial Letter Necklace

The teardrop-shaped pendant on this tiny $10 necklace is everything. You can pick the initial letter based on your first or last name, which makes personalizing it so fun. This pick measures 16 inches with a 5-inch extender chain that closes with a lobster clasp. it might be best to avoid moisture of any kind when you wear this necklace to maintain its shine. The shower or pool, or even perfumes may be a no-go.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more accessories, and make sure to check out our Amazon storefront for our top product recommendations for fashion, home, and more!

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

Images on Amazon.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.