8 Sweet Ways To Romanticize Your Life This Summer

romanticize your summer

Spring was a nice preview of warmer weather and lovely activities, but now it's time to set your heart on learning how to romanticize your summer. Despite the occasional rainy days, you'll have plenty of time to check off your personal summer bucket list. I'm personally looking at doing more summer reading and finding a new yummy scent, but there's so much more you can do!

Here's a short and sweet list that'll make you feel like the world is your oyster this summer!

Embrace Al Fresco Dining

Photo by Regina Zwirchmaier/Dupe

If you’ve been looking for a sign to make your breakfast, lunch, or dinner meals more exciting, this is it. Whether you’ve got a taste for making satisfying breakfast smoothie recipes, you’re ready to make your own Blue Zone diet recipes (think Cava-style bowls), or you're just wanting a glass of wine at your fave restaurant with your girls, your body will readily thank you for the welcomed change of pace. Outdoor dining for the win!

Shake Up Your Fave Drink at Home

Photo by Cora Pursley/Dupe

“If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain…” will have nothing on your recreation of juicy watermelon cocktails. We’re big on sipping on pretty drinks that taste as refreshing and yummy as they look so we think you should try whipping up your own recipe.

Prefer something that tastes slightly different? Shuffle through more summer cocktail recipes to find something you can easily make at home!

Date Yourself

Photo by Cora Pursley/Dupe

Instead of waiting for prince (or princess) charming to compliment us, buy us flowers, or take us on the fairytale picnic of our dreams — I think it's time we do this for ourselves. If there's a particular bouquet of flowers you can't stop dreaming about, buy them and place them in the prettiest vase you own. Similarly, craft the charcuterie board that rivals your favorite influencer's, and create a picnic spread that the Bridgerton ladies wouldn't mind indulging in.

Find Your Summer Scent

Image via Ron Lach/Pexels

I found my signature scent — warm gourmand — early on, and haven’t strayed from it since. But, all perfumes aren’t created equal, and that’s something Moodeaux has taught me. The top and bottom notes of a fragrance have the magical ability to change the overall vibe of a scent so it’s important to ask yourself what tickles your fancy.

Do you feel a tingle in your spine when you smell something citrusy? Try Chanel's COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum. Need to smell like a walking version of paradise? Join the warm gourmands crew by spraying yourself with Moodeaux's Worthy IntenScenual Eau De Parfum Fragrance! Love the delicate and dainty smell of fresh flowers? You’re a floral girl all the way and need Gucci's Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum in your life.

Thrift a Vintage Sun Hat

Image via Nadin Nadin/Pexels

It’s not everyday that you find a cute sun hat to wear. Either they’re too big, or they're much too flimsy to be practical, leaving you turned off by the idea of wearing one. But, I have a solution for this!

Scope out the nearest vintage store so you can thrift a sun hat you won't mind wearing all summer! While you generally have to be patient when sifting through various racks, the sun hat you're looking for could jump out at you when you least expect it!

Dress in Summer Brights

Image via Ogo Johnson/Pexels

Did you think your meals are the only things that are allowed to be colorful this summer? Whew, please think again! You’re allowed to (and should!) wear as much color as you please.

Minimalist lovers can add a pop of color to their wardrobes by wearing a kitschy hair clip or hand bag. Those who live by the motto “more is more” can find the cutest jewel-tone slip dresses to shimmy into, or the frilliest going-out tops to cause a scene in.

Enjoy A Beach Read

Photo by Rebekah Lelli/Dupe

Reading books on the beach just hit DIFFERENT. Right now, I'm sooooo into The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren, but there are TONS of other beach reads you can choose from!

Are you looking for a classic enemies-to-lovers trope? Try How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang. Want something that makes you believe in second chances? Read Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan. In the mood for a novel that reads like a K-Drama mixed with ancient folklore? Get ready to sink your teeth into The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim because it hit shelves next week!

Scope Out the Best Sunset Viewpoint

Image via Riccardo/Pexels

Perhaps my favorite thing to do during summer is watch as many sunsets as I can. If you’re fortunate to have an apartment that has a balcony, I highly recommend lounging on it while lazily reading your preferred summer read.

As the sun starts going down, you’ll be able to catch the glorious rays light up the sky with hints of coral and yellow before it allows the moon to get its nightly shine.

How To Romanticize Your Summer

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The beautiful thing about love is that it comes in many forms, so it's time for you to start thinking about a few friend date ideas to spend with your besties this summer. You know, the ones who've seen you cry after a bad breakup or cheered you on as you took a leap of faith to pursue your career goals.

Chances are that you've done the same for them and more — because friendships are layered — so why not celebrate each other? I mean romantic love is great, but it's okay to nurture your besties too!

Need a few friend date ideas to go on this summer? We've got your back with 8 things you'll love bringing up in your friend group chat!

Cayla Evans

Visit A Local Fair

When's the last time you and your friends visited a local fair? If you have to think about it, that means it's been a while and that's expected when your schedules are super busy. But, we think it's time to go back to the basics and let your inner kids play.

Whether you throw your hands in the hair as the ferris wheel goes around or decide to stuff your face with fair foods like funnel cake or smoked turkey legs, you're guaranteed to have a great time.

cottonbro studio/Pexels

Go Thrift Shopping

Instead of going to a crowded mall this summer, plan a friend date at one of your local thrift stores. There's always hidden gems if you're willing to look for them and all the eclectic pieces you find can make for fun stories.

Also, you may be able to find cute decor that ranges from kitschy to boho without having to spend over $100 (IYKYK).

Anna Shvets/Pexels

Take A Dance Class Together

Have you and your friends been looking for a fun way to work out after your Pilates class mishap? Tray taking a dance class together!

It's one of the best ways to stretch your muscles and move your body. Plus, there's music involved! We're a little biased, but we think dance classes tend to have the best tunes. If you're lucky, your dance class instructor may share some inspo for your at-home workout playlist!

Alexandra Zihlmann

Try A New Brunch Spot

If you and your friends are mad because your favorite brunch spot has started watering down its bottomless mimosas, it's time to search for a new one! Honestly, this is one of the best friend date ideas you can do this summer because food and tasty drinks always opens the door for amazing conversations.

We don't make the rules, but we sure live by them!

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Have A Fun Photoshoot For Your Friend's Birthday

There's always that one friend in the group who swears they don't care about doing anything big for their birthday. You can respect their wishes by keeping things low key with a planned photoshoot that includes your closest friends!

You can go to a studio if you choose, but you can also set up a backdrop in your living room or backyard!

As for the friend who's celebrating their birthday, they'll cherish the fun photos you take.

Jordan Hunter

Enjoy A Concert In The Park

We just had to include an outdoor concert on our list of friend date ideas because they're the key to making core memories. Watching over people literally bond over music — from non-stop singing or dancing — is something we'll never get over TBH.

Casey Lawler

Explore A New Part Of Town

This is one of those friend date ideas where you don't have to spend money if you don't want to. It's more about finding new places to explore if you've grown tired of sticking to one side of town.

There's always new vintage spots, food trucks, shopping plazas, and bookstores to be found if you're willing to do a little hunting.

cottonbro studio/Pexels

Host Sip And Paint Party At Home

Not in the mood to be around people you don't know? Grab some art supplies and wine, call your friends up, and host your very own sip and paint party at your apartment.

It doesn't have to be a competition, just you and your friends laughing uncontrollably as you try to recreate an image.

Don't forget to romanticize your summer in between trying these friend date ideas!

Lead image via Madison Milliken

30 years after "Run, Forrest, run!" entered the cultural consciousness, we're getting an unofficial Forrest Gump reunion! Robin Wright and Tom Hanks' new film, titled Here, brings the actors together with Forrest Gump director Robert Zemeckis. The movie is a sweeping look at life across hundreds of years, anchored in the same cozy living room. And if we're already emotional just from watching the trailer, we'll definitely need to bring tissues to the theater! Here's everything you need to know about the movie.

What is the new movie Here about?

CTMG/Sony Pictures

Based on the graphic novel by Richard McGuire, Here follows the story of multiple families across time, and explores the places — and homes — they inhabit. "The story travels through generations, capturing the most relatable of human experiences," according to an official synopsis of the movie, which is "a tale of love, loss, laughter and life, all of which happen right Here."

When is Here coming out?

CTMG/Sony Pictures

Here comes to movie theaters on November 15, 2024. With so much emphasis on family and home, this is going to be the perfect pre-holiday movie to watch with the people you love the most. Check out the rest of this year's Fall Movies to see what else is coming this year!

Who's in the cast of Here?

CTMG/Sony Pictures

Here stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly, and Michelle Dockery.

Where is Here filmed?

CTMG/Sony Pictures

Here began filming at the end of 2022 in London, and director Robert Zemeckis revealed the camera stays in exactly the same place throughout the entire movie. “The single perspective never changes, but everything around it does,” he tells Vanity Fair. “It’s actually never been done before."

Check out the other 2024 movies coming out this year — and let us know your favorite Robin Wright & Tom Hanks movies on Facebook!

Lead image via CTMG/Sony Pictures

For most people Las Vegas is a one-stop shop for all things drinking and gambling. However, for those who don’t drink, it might seem like there’s not much to do — but that’s actually not the case at all! There are lots of shows, restaurants, and attractions to visit to make the most of your time in the entertainment capital of the world. I’ve gathered a list of what to do in Las Vegas if you don’t drink so you can still join in on the fun whether you’re in town for a bachelorette party, birthday trip, or family reunion.

RuPaul's Drag Race Live/Instagram

Go See RuPaul’s Drag Race Live

Since Las Vegas is known for its entertainment offerings, you’ll want to snag a ticket to RuPaul’s Drag Race Live at The Flamingo. This 90-minute show brings fan-favorite queens from the hit TV show to the big stage to perform and lip-sync in an epic battle for the crown. From death drops to duck walks, you’ll never know what’s next at RPDR Live. Plus, the queens switch roughly every six weeks so the cast is ever changing so you’ll never see the same show twice! After the show, head on over to the gift shop which is themed after the Werk Room where you can purchase t-shirts, magnets, umbrellas, and other souvenirs to remember your time in Sin City.

Ocean Prime

Eat At A Fancy Restaurant

Foodies, listen up! Las Vegas has tons of top-rated restaurants with highly-trained chefs from all over the world. If you’re craving fish or steak, then head on over to Ocean Prime Steakhouse for a delicious meal and top-tier service located next to the Crystal Shops. I tried the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli and French Onion soup, and I’m still thinking about them both a week later. Not only was the food excellent, but our server essentially put on a show for us with his lively personality and in-depth recommendations.

Another great restaurant is Top of the World at The STRAT Hotel which provides 360-degree views of Las Vegas with its rotating dining room located 800 feet in the air. While you dine, you’ll be captivated by the stunning views and even some bungee jumpers coming from two floors above. Be sure to ask your server about the butter cake for dessert because it’s one of the best sweet treats in LV.

Greetings Tour

Visit The Las Vegas Arts District

After eating at Top of the World, take a walk over to the arts district which is home to the viral $10 tattoo shops, antique stores, and delicious restaurants. Stop by the Antique Alley Mall and browse through 65+ vendors that have vintage clothing, furniture, home decor, and more available for purchase. Disney enthusiasts will find tons of old-school Mickey Mouse plush toys and retro snow globes that’ll bring back some nostalgia too.

Aside from antique pieces, you’ll also find colorful murals on the walls of buildings in the arts district. The popular "Greetings from Las Vegas" mural can be found there alongside other colorful installations that make for the perfect picture spots. Your Insta-feed will thank you, trust me.

Dimitri Baret/Pexels

Take Photos On The Strip

Not looking to spend a lot? Taking photos on the strip is free, and luckily there are tons of landmarks and statues to pose next to. For example, snap a picture in front of the Bellagio fountains or next to the Statue of Liberty at the New York, New York Hotel. Other popular photo spots include inside The Venetian, at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and outside the Las Vegas Eiffel Tower Experience. A good idea is to walk the strip and look at each of the hotels because you’ll find installations, murals, and architecture that serve as the perfect backdrop for photos.

The Venetian

Go Resort Hopping

As you take photos along the strip, you’ll need a much needed break from the sun — that’s when you want to go resort hopping. Whether you want to check out the pool at The Vdara Hotel & Spa, the food court at The Aria, or the gondolas at The Venetian, there is something for everyone at the resorts. Keep in mind that the resorts can be crowded as people are not only staying there, but many people also hop around the strip to see what each location has to offer.

Hello Kitty Cafe

Visit The Hello Kitty Cafe

Channel your inner kid at heart by taking a trip to the Hello Kitty Cafe. There’s a more formal location at Fashion Show Las Vegas and a food truck located closer to the heart of the strip at The Park MGM. Regardless of the location you choose, you’ll find a menu filled with sweet treats inspired by Hello Kitty and her friends. Plus, there’s a selection of merchandise available at the cafe to choose from including plush toys, pins, and pillows.

V Theater + Sax Theater

See A Magic Show

Interested in magic? Nathan Burton has the number one afternoon magic show in Las Vegas for people of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of card tricks or illusions, get a ticket for Burton’s magic show which combines everything together in a 90-minute production filled with confetti and showgirls. If you’re close enough to the front, you might even be asked to participate in a trick or two too.

Cirque Du Soleil

Watch a Cirque Du Soleil

Las Vegas is filled with lively nighttime entertainment from concerts to cirque du soleils. End your trip with a bang by snagging a ticket to one of LV’s top-tier cirque performances such as Ka, Mad Apple, or “O”. You’ll be blown away by top tier acrobats, dancers, actors, and stage performers that tell stories in a breathtaking way through movement and action.

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Header image by Greetings Tour

Black Panther remains one of the most iconic Marvel movies, and continues to stand apart from the rest of the superhero genre. We were over the moon when Black Panther: Wakanda Forever reunited Shuri, Okoye, Nakia, and Queen Ramonda in 2022, and ever since the credits rolled, we've been eagerly anticipating their return. Well, thanks to actress Letitia Wright, it looks like we could be seeing more of Shuri (and hopefully the rest of the cast) soon.

During an appearance on The View on June 26, Letitia Wright expressed just how much the character of Shuri means to her. “Let’s just say I would like to continue with Shuri,” she says. “She’s one of my favorite characters. Such a blessing, honestly. I kid you not, I’m so grateful for her.”

While MCU movies like an unnamed fifth Avengers movie (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) are coming up, fans are also hoping to see Letitia return as Shuri in a third Black Panther movie. When The View's Sunny Hostin asks the actress about Black Panther 3, Letitia responds, “There’s a lot to, a lot to — a lot coming up.”

Annette Brown/Marvel Studios/Disney

The cast of Black Panther 2 faced some challenges while making the movie. Lead actor Chadwick Boseman passed away from a private battle with colon cancer in 2020, and even after production on the film started, Letitia Wright faced an injury that delayed production for a few months.

Letitia says that remembering Chadwick helped her through recovery. “I thought a lot about his perseverance and his relentlessness just to keep going no matter what life was throwing at him," she says. "I just thought, like, ‘If my brother could make it, you know, I can get back on set and finish the job.’ So, I just carried that panther spirit with me.”

Are you excited to see Letitia Wright (and Shuri) return to the MCU? Check out 14 Female Superheroes We Love To Watch Save The World for more!

Lead image via Marvel Studios/Disney

With bills to pay, project deadlines and a growing to-do list, it can be hard to keep your house in order. But research shows that cluttered environments are tied to higher levels of stress. Luckily, there are simple ways to make your home feel more zen without a ton of effort. From stylish ways to clear clutter to embracing organic materials, check out these 15 mindful decorating tips for creating a space where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Purge Once. Edit Often.

Photo by Charlotte May

There’s a reason why Marie Kondo's KonMari method was such a huge hit — because it works. To create a mindful space, you need to master the magic of tidying. Surround yourself with things that you love and get rid of non-essentials that are cluttering your space. The result: a cozy, comfortable home you love.

Focus On Negative Space With Low Furniture

CB2

If something about one of your minimalistic rooms feels off or cramped, you might need to focus on the proportions of your furniture. Tables, a sofa or a bed that are just a few inches too high can greatly disrupt a room’s visual flow. The design trick: Buy low furniture like this gorgeous CB2 Cantar Ivory Velvet Upholstered Bedfor a cozy and simple look.

Stick With A Neutral Or Soft Color Palette

Dacotah Studio

When decorating a minimalist interior, it’s all about creating a clean base. Clean light walls can open up a space and make it feel airy, like this stunning kitchen by LA-based Dacotah Studio(see our full feature here). Soft, nature-toned pieces in beige, tan and green are also soothing and easy on the eyes. Decorating within a neutral color palette also gives your home that instant, pulled-together look. That plus calming vibes? It’s a win-win.

Add Minimal Texture

Design: Urbanology Designs | Photo: Matti Gresham

To keep a room from feeling cold or bland, add texture. Shop for soft throws, throw a sheepskin over your desk chair and lay down a fluffy wool rug. Your space will look put-together and cozier than ever.

Get Rid Of Most Mirrors

Joshua Smith Design | Photo: Lance Gerber

In feng shui, mirrors are said to bounce off energy, which can cause you to feel restless. There have even been studies that show mirrors could trigger stress and anxiety. While we love how a mirror can make a space look larger, it’s probably best to remove them from your bedroom, living room and kitchen. Instead place mirrors behind closet doors or limit them to the bathroom.

Choose Natural Materials

Design: Urbanology Designs | Photo: Mike Davello

While minimalism is all about perfecting the “less is more” approach, there’s a chance your interiors might feel cold and sterile. Invest in pieces of natural or raw materials such as wood, marble, hides, clay and cork. The uniqueness of earthy materials adds character and warmth to your abode.

Embrace Natural Light

Photo + Design: Klein Agency

A simple mindfulness exercise is to wake up when it’s light out and sleep when it’s dark out to maintain a healthy sleep rhythm. Get rid of curtains and tear down walls that block windows to maximize the amount of light that comes in. Letting natural light fill your home brings the outside in and allows you to get the best rest possible.

Let Your Space Speak For Itself

Photo by Gül Işık

There are so many ways to decorate a home, but before you begin drilling and filling up the shelves, really take time to understand and appreciate your space. Whether your home has traditional molding, modern kitchen cabinets or a quirky layout, your home’s bones are the foundation for building upon. You might find that many of your physical possessions don’t complement your space. Work with what you have (and not against it) to create a home that is unified.

Keep Surfaces Clear And Tidy

Design: Arterberry Cooke

This is where being mindful isn’t just about aesthetics. De-cluttering a messy surface looks amazing and feels amazing too — think of it as a mind and spirit detox. Clear and tidy desks, tables and kitchen countertops on a daily basis so you can start every day fresh with clarity.

Use Stylish Storage

Design: Bungalowe | Photo by Gavin Cater

We know. It’s hard to get rid of all of your clutter. Paper, art supplies, makeup brushes, laundry — the list of stuff that accumulates (and you can’t always get rid of) goes on. Consider getting rid of trash cans entirely in rooms that don’t absolutely need them. Or, use pull-out and built-in garbage and recycling bins to free up floor space. Keep office and cleaning supplies organized with pretty baskets and containers, and find creative ways to store your hair and beauty products. With so much stuff, stylish storage is key to making your home organized and tidy. We love how LA-based design team Bungalowe created custom storage with shelving in this bedroom (see the full feature here).

Keep Cords Out Of Sight

Photo + Design: Klein Agency

To make your home (and mind) feel clear, hide everyday eyesores like power strips, routers and laptop chargers by thinking vertically. Manage your electrical cords by purchasing desks with shelves for power strips, attach cords to the back or bottom of your desk with these Blue Key World Cable Clips ($7) or create a charging station drawer. There are so many ways to hide cords, and you can get as creative as you like!

Set The Tone With Soft Lighting

CB2

In addition to installing dimmer switches to set a relaxing mood, task lighting (your table and floor lamps) should be warm and atmospheric. Layer the light with wall sconces like CB2's lovely and affordable Astr White Onyx Wall Sconce and some candles, and your space will feel extra intimate and cozy.

Make Your Bed Every Morning

Design: Arterberry Cooke

As tempting as it is to rush out the door in the morning, leaving your bed unkempt can set the tone for the day. Making your bed forces you to slow down and set a healthy pace for the day. For more style, splurge on beautiful linen sheets that’ll motivate you to tidy your bed every morning.

Treat Yourself To Quality Towels

Piglet In Bed

Consistency in fabrics like your sheets and towels can make a room look instantly pulled together. Refresh your bathroom with 100% cotton, OEKO-TEX-certified towels like these striped ones from Sand Shell Pembroke Stripe Cotton Towels from Piglet In Bed that have a cool vintage vibe.

Let The Outdoors In With Florals And Plants

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya

With clean, minimalist style, it’s even more important to bring a little bit of life into your space. Think of caring for a plant as a daily exercise in mindfulness. Bonus: Florals and plants instantly create an inviting atmosphere too.

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Header image courtesy of CB2