This Instagram Account Perfectly Sums Up Everyday Adulting Struggles

While older generations depict millennials as lazy and totally unmotivated, there are so MANY studies that prove just the opposite. That’s right: Not only are millennials working longer hours than any previous generation, but we’re also super determined to land our dream careers — even when resources are few and far between.

So it’s no big surprise that while we’re trying to score an awesome job in a not-so-awesome economy, we may fall a tad behind on other skills (or, at least, we’re documenting our #fails more on social media). From learning how to *actually* clean our mattresses to broadening our cooking skills beyond boxed mac ‘n’ cheese, millennials are proudly showcasing their #adulting lessons online. And we freakin’ love it.

“These social outlets are making it very easy to voice our opinions and to talk about these changes with others, whereas other generations didn’t have that mass voice,” says Cristina Vanko, a designer and illustrator. In fact, Vanko fell in love with the #adulting social media craze so much that she decided to use her illustrative talents to showcase all the small ways she feels like an actual grown up.

Thus, @100daysofadulting was born. The IG account offers a hilarious take on all the nuances of the adulting struggle by simply completing the phrase, “You know you’re an adult when…”

Instead of being bitter about aging, Vanko is choosing to celebrate all the little moments that come with getting older. She’s even written a new interactive adulting journal called Adult-ish ($15). Young-ish folks can document all the itty-bitty milestones of growing up — from writing a detailed list of all the times you’ve said “I’m never drinking again” to creating a sketch of your very first piece of furniture.

Vanko’s favorite page in the book? The one that asks you to record the first coffee you enjoyed networking, reuniting with an old friend, meeting a new friend, or on a date. “It’s funny to me how adults are all about ‘grabbing coffee’,” she says. “Now that I’ve been out for many coffees, they’ve taken on so many different meanings!”

Whether you’re on the #adulting journey or simply looking for a cool graduation present for the soon-to-be grown up in your life, we definitely suggest checking out Vanko’s work. As the #girlboss says, “It’s always weird to me when people tell me ‘we’re so old!’ in a negative way. It’s part of life and we’re all moving forward. So let’s make the best of it!”

Are you sharing your #adulting struggles online? Tweet us @BritandCo!

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(Featured photo via @100daysofadulting)

Nothing sets your week up for success more than a productive Sunday. By taking a few hours out of your weekend to get everything ready for the workdays ahead, you can set yourself up for success in every area of your life. Trying toeat healthier? Working toward some career goals? Trying to reduce stress in your life? All of these goals can be more easily accomplished by laying the proper groundwork for each week as it starts. Here are a few of the habits you should try to cultivate on Sundays for a more productive workweek.

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

1. Meal prep. First and foremost, meal prepping makes eating healthy throughout the week significantly easier. This is especially true if you work full time. Meal prepping doesn’t have to be a multi-hour, day-long process either. Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks for keeping it quick:

  • Meal-prep your breakfasts by creating ready-to-go smoothies. Slice up whatever fruit and veggies you like to use and place them, along with any other mix-ins, into a ziplock bag. Store in the freezer. Each morning, all you need to do is add the contents of the bag along with water or milk to your blender and hit go.
  • Batch-cook your proteins for the week by laying 5-6 servings of meat on a baking sheet. Cook in the oven and store in the fridge, and then reheat throughout the week.
  • Cook a huge batch of rice or quinoa as a base for convenient, ready-to-go healthy sides.
  • Pre-slice any veggies you use tend to use often so you don't have to slice them up as you cook throughout the week. Common combos include mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery), sofrito (onion, garlic, tomato, bell pepper), and the Cajun “holy trinity" (onion, bell pepper, celery).
Photo by STIL on Unsplash

2. Organize your planner. Whether you use a day planner or a bullet journal, take 30 minutes or so to get everything organized for the week. Write in any appointments, plans, or projects you have on the horizon, and section off as much time as you'll need to get everything done. You can also use your planner to make grocery lists, track habits you want to accomplish each day, and schedule relaxation time.

3. Set goals. While you're working in your planner, set some goals for the week. Make sure they are timely things you can actually accomplish before the following Sunday: When you set unattainable goals, you only stress yourself out. In your planner, break down concrete steps and actions to take to ensure you achieve those weekly goals.

Photo by Lee Campbell on Unsplash

4. Clean out your bag. Too many of us start the week with last weekend's receipts, wrappers, scraps, movie tickets, and god-knows-what-else in our bags. Give yourself an organized start to the week and stay ahead of the mess by cleaning out your purse.

5. Pick out your outfits. Take a glance at the weather forecast, and use it to inform what outfits you want to wear on each day of the week. Even if you're WFH these days, having outfits all picked out will keep you feeling both comfy and ready to crush the day each day. You can either fold each outfit and arrange them side by side, our plan the outfits in an app like Stylebook.

6. Call an accountability partner. Pick a person — be it your mom, your best friend, or your SO — who will be an uplifting force in your life and help you stay focused as the week goes on. Agree to check in on each other mid-week to see how each other is doing and help gently remind each other of the goals you both want to accomplish. This should be a person who can also lend a friendly ear if you need to vent about your passion project, your coworker, or your creative blocks.

What productivity hacks do you use to prepare for the week? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know, and sign up for our newsletter to get more tips delivered straight to your inbox!

"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!

Finally getting time off during your holiday break is the perfect time to relax and catch up on your favorite Netflix series. From heartfelt comedies to dramas that keep us on the edge of our seats, there's just something magical about falling in love with a cast of characters and getting lost in a story. If you're looking for something new to start this December, watch the Netflix original that matches your Myers-Briggs personality type, then go back and watch the rest!

ISTJ — "Ginny & Georgia"

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Ginny & Georgia | Official Trailer | Netflix

15-year-old Ginny moves to New England with her mom Georgia and her brother Austin after the death of her stepfather. The fact that she often feels like the most mature person in her family frustrates her, but as Ginny navigates love, friendship, and life as a teenager, she realizes there might be more to her mother, and her stepfather's death, then meets the eye. The strong mother-daughter bond in this show will appeal to ISTJs' loyalty and dedication to family.

ISTP — "The Queen's Gambit"

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THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT Trailer (2020)

As Beth falls in love with playing chess, she also develops an addiction to the daily tranquilizer pills given out by her orphanage. Her success in the game and her addiction intertwine as she becomes one of the most famous players in the world. Independent ISTPs will love Beth's hands-on nature and her ferocity.

ISFJ — "Sweet Magnolias"

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SWEET MAGNOLIAS | Official Trailer | Netflix

Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue have been friends since high school, and when they decide to open a spa in their town of Serenity, South Carolina, both their personal and love lives get very complicated. ISFJs, and their kind, responsible natures will fall in love with this warm-hearted Netflix series.

ISFP — "Virgin River"

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Virgin River | Official Trailer | Netflix

Mel moves to Virgin River after she sees an ad looking for a midwife nurse practitioner. She thinks it will be the perfect fresh start until she realizes that living in a small town is not as drama-free as she hoped. Because ISFPs can be easy-going and sensitive, they'll resonate with the journey Mel goes on to find healing and make a home in Virgin River.

INFJ — "Anne With An E"

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Anne | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Siblings Mathew and Marilla think they've adopted a boy until they discover red-haired Anne instead. With a temper that matches her hair, Anne always seems to be getting into trouble, but her kindness, imagination, and loyalty quickly win the town over. INFJs will relate to Anne's complexity, creativity, and her love for all things beautiful.

INFP — "Bridgerton"

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Bridgerton | Official Trailer | Netflix

In a story that's a little bit Jane Austen, a little bit Gossip Girl, Daphne has one thing on her mind during her debut season: a suitor. When Daphne and the Duke fake a courtship to make her look desirable and him unavailable, they begin to develop real feelings. The idealistic and creative nature of INFPs will love this drama's colorful details and high stakes.

INTJ — "Never Have I Ever"

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Never Have I Ever | Official Trailer | Netflix

After dealing with her father's passing and being in a wheelchair for three months, Devi decides to change her social status. However her grief, Indian identity, and complicated relationships make it more difficult than she anticipated. INTJs are analytical, logical, and creative, which is why they'll relate to Devi's drive and passion.

INTP — "Shadow and Bone"

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​Shadow and Bone | Official Trailer | Netflix

When Alina saves her friend Mal while inside the Fold (a physical darkness splitting her country in two), she accidentally releases a power she didn't know she possessed. Everyone quickly realizes she's the Sun Summoner they've been waiting for and Alina gets swept into a world of power, intrigue, and magic that will certainly appeal to INTPs.

ESTP — "Girlboss"

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GIRLBOSS Trailer (2017) Britt Robertson Netflix Series HD

Sophia begins to flip clothing online after discovering a passion for fashion. When her business plans snag, she decides to start her own company, but realizes that being her own boss is harder than she thought. Sophia's outgoing nature and attention to detail will appeal to ESTPs who value the same things.

ESTJ — "The Chair"

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The Chair | Official Trailer | Netflix

Pembroke University appoints Ji-Yoon as the chair of the English department. As the first woman and woman of color in the position, she navigates love and parenting, while also realizing that the issues in the department run much deeper than she realized. ESTJs can be logical and assertive, and will relate to Ji-Yoon's take-charge nature.

ESFP — "Family Reunion"

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FAMILY REUNION Official Trailer (HD) Netflix Family Series

The McKellans decide to move to Georgia from Seattle after attending their family reunion. While they expect life in a small town to be simpler, it leaves them feeling out of place instead. Spontaneous, outgoing ESFPs will love this heartfelt family sitcom.

ESFJ — "Emily In Paris"

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Watch Emily in Paris | Netflix Official Site

Vibrant Emily becomes the American representative at a Parisian marketing firm in this fun, flirty show that can definitely be described as brain candy. Both Emily and ESFJs are outgoing and encourage others to be their best selves, making them the perfect match.

ENFP — "Julie and the Phantoms"

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Julie and the Phantoms NEW Series Trailer | Netflix Futures

Julie hasn't played the piano since her mom's death, but with the help of a boy band that's been dead for 25 years (yes, you read that right), she rediscovers her passion for music. This Netflix series is so fun, creative, and oh-so heartfelt that ENFPs of all ages will love it. Plus it's got a great soundtrack.

ENFJ — "The Babysitter's Club"

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The Baby-Sitters Club Official Trailer | Netflix Futures

Five best friends start a babysitting business in their Connecticut small town, and must deal with bullies, school, and crushes. Don't be fooled by the the fact that this show is about middle schoolers: The issues they face definitely speak to ones faced by people of all ages today and the girls are confident, social, and able to pick up on the needs of the people around them, just like ENFJs.

ENTJ — "Tiny Pretty Things"

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Tiny Pretty Things | Official Trailer | Netflix

When Cassie, the star dancer at a Chicago ballet school, is attacked, Neveah must take her place, but is unprepared for the cutthroat competition that awaits her there. The characters' focus on success is perfect for ENTJs and their no-nonsense, hardworking nature.

ENTP — "Stranger Things"

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Stranger Things | Official Final Trailer | Netflix

When Will goes missing from his Indiana small town, the search to find him uncovers a mysterious girl and a string of government experiments. The more Will's friends and family discover, the more they wonder why the authorities are so interested in his disappearance. ENTPs' innovation and idea-oriented nature will love this unique, creative Netflix series.

Let us know on Instagram what your favorite Netflix series is and subscribe to our email newsletter for more holiday break ideas!

Featured image via Roger Do Minh/Netflix

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.