This Weird Japanese Blanket Table Wants to Give You the Best Nap EVER

Chill in the air means Netflix and chill, right? (But like, actually catching up on Mad Men and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt). If you’re in the market for a piece of furniture for your full-on winter hibernation, listen up: The Japanese have perfected the art of not leaving the house with these amazing oki-gotatsu blankets from Belle Maison.

Here’s the gist: It’s a blanket wedged between a tabletop and table legs with a heat source beneath it. The concept goes back to ancient times when it was called a kotatsu, or cooking hearth, around the 14th century. You’d stick your feet under the blanket and the heat would rise through the opening in your traditional Japanese garb, warming you from the bottom up.

Apparently most Japanese houses have extremely poor insulation, making these crazy-looking blankets an actual, functional necessity. Now, entire families in Japan gather around the oki-gotatsu and talk, play games, eat and more. It’s a totally worthy investment for the bonding time itself. The jury’s out on whether or not they ship outside of Japan (the website for Belle Maison is in Japanese — and looks like a Japanese Ikea!), but one can dream.

Let us know if you have one of these and how it works in the comments!

(h/t Bored Panda)

I'd consider myself a hot chocolate connoisseur. I've sipped rich and decadent drinks at Colonial Williamsburg, whipped up a homemade recipe for Christmas parties, and sampled my fair share of instant hot cocoa packets. So I was shocked when the Whole Foods Hot Chocolate ended up being one of my favorite cocoa options of all time — for only $2 a cup! The hot chocolate offers a smoother, richer taste than other instant cocoas I've tried, and it really offers a bang for your buck.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about the delicious Whole Foods Hot Chocolate.

The delicious Whole Foods hot chocolate is only $2 a cup.

Whole Foods

The Whole Foods hot chocolate (officially named Organic Milk Chocolate Flavor Mix Hot Cocoa Mix. Fancy!) is from the 365 by Whole Foods Market brand, and features 10 packets in a single box. Not only does that mean it's $2 a cup, but it's also easier than ever to whip up a late night beverage. My favorite thing ever is curling up with hot cocoa and a book or TV show in bed!

Instead of a pot or saucepan, all you need is a mug and a microwave. Just heat up your water or milk and mix a packet in! I'm pretty bougie when it comes to hot chocolate, and use equal parts water and soy milk, then add a splash of eggnog. Trust me, it makes the cocoa even richer and more flavorful than it was before.

The hot cocoa packets include organic cane sugar, organic nonfat dry milk, organic cocoa powder, and some sea salt among other ingredients.

Amazon

You can enter your zip code to find the Whole Foods hot chocolate near you, but you can also order it on Amazon for a quick delivery. And if you're not a fan of the packets, opt for a 12 oz container instead!

One Amazon reviewer says this product is "such a treat," and that it "dissolves without any issue," which is a huge challenge when talking about instant cocoa. "You can control how much of the flavor you want which we like since you just scoop it into your cup from the container," they continue. "Good size for the price. Container seems to last a while too."

"I'm a REALLY PICKY hot chocolate lover," another Amazon review says. "This is good stuff. It blends perfectly and tastes rich. I blend it 50/50 with 365 coffee and a hot cup of milk. Some reviews say it's expensive compared to Swiss Miss. I just checked and this is $6.79 for 12 servings - Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa's cheapest prices is $7.33 for 8 servings. This is a good buy."

"I like it because I can adjust the amount that I use, for myself I use less than is suggested because it is so rich and chocolatey," a third review says. "Price is on point. And product is consistent."

And if you mix it into your morning cup of coffee? Well, that's a mocha for way cheaper than you can find at Starbucks ;).

Check out the $4 Trader Joe’s Holiday Cookies With An Insane Cult Following so you have something to dip in your Whole Foods Hot Chocolate!

Planning a bathroom renovation? You're in luck because you haven’t committed to any trends that are headed for a 2025 exit. Home design trends typically have a shelf life of about a decade, which aligns perfectly with the timeline for refreshing your space — especially if you're planning to upgrade for resale value. In 2025, staples like white subway tile, black-and-white farmhouse vibes, and ultra-modern frameless mirrors are making their grand exit, and good riddance. Taking their place are organic, earthy shapes and tones, bringing a warm, natural touch to modern bathroom design.

Scroll to see 12 outdated bathroom trends to ditch in 2025!

Terry Magallanes

1. Black & White Farmhouse

What to do instead: Over the past decade, this stark look dominated bathrooms, but it’s time to bring in some warmth and personality. The latest bathroom trends focus on natural materials like wood, stone, and linen, paired with earthy tones such as rich browns, deep greens, and soft rosy hues to create a cozy, inviting space. If you’re still drawn to the modern farmhouse aesthetic, give it a fresh update by incorporating vintage art and unfinished brass accents — subtle nods to the past with a modern, elevated twist.

Quark Studio

2. Frameless Mirrors

What to do instead: Framed mirrors add character and tie into your bathroom's aesthetic. Organic oval shapes, art deco-inspired curves, and frames made from materials like wood and brass, even blending the frame color into the wall's paint color, are becoming popular choices.

Vecislavas Popa

3. Carrara White Marble

What to do instead: This overdone material can look overly sterile, especially when it takes over a bathroom like this one. Instead, add earthy elements like artisanal zellige-style tiles from places like Zia Tile and Fireclay Tile, as well as unique marbles in jewel tones like red jasper.

Cottonbro Studio

4. Ornate Fixtures

What to do instead: An antique piece or two can add character and charm to a bathroom. This space feels overwhelmed by too many vintage elements and lacks sophistication. Instead, opt for clean-lined fixtures in matte black or brushed brass, pair them with natural stone countertops, and select a mirror and lighting with a more refined, architectural design.

Curtis Adams

5. Jacuzzi Tubs (And This Glass Block Window)

What to do instead: Freestanding tubs or spacious showers with a steam feature offer a more elegant and modern alternative to bulky jacuzzi tubs, which not only hog space but are also notoriously difficult to clean. The glass block window dates the bathroom's design even more. For a fresher, more open feel, enjoy the view and bring in natural light with a clear glass window if privacy isn’t a concern.

William LeMond

6. Tile Explosion

What to do instead: Give your bathroom a breather with some bare walls for a modern look. Combine tiles you love with painted walls, wood paneling, or textured finishes, and use them strategically, like in the shower or as a backsplash.

Sanibell BV

7. Vessel Sinks

What to do instead: Vessel sinks are leaving the trend sphere in 2025. (I'm also not a fan of pedestal sinks). Instead, opt for integrated sinks in stone or concrete for a seamless look, or choose under-mount sinks with a quartz or earth-toned marble countertop.

Phil Hearing

8. Generic Overhead Lighting

What to do instead: The classic "boob lights" and generic ceiling mounts often seen in rentals are overstaying their welcome. Instead, elevate your space with softer, layered lighting or modern sconces that provide a warm, flattering glow.

99.films

9. Traditional Bath Mats

What to do instead: Washable rugs made from natural wool or cotton are emerging as decor statement in bathrooms, offering unique colors and eye-catching prints. If you're partial to a traditional bathmat, consider keeping it tucked away until you need it, rather than displaying it, to keep your bath from feeling outdated.

Jon Stebbe

10. White Subway Tile

What to do instead: White subway tile in traditional brick or herringbone patterns are on their way out. They're overdone and a bit sterile. Shades like sage green, dusty pink, warm clay, or earthy tones can make the space feel more welcoming.

Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd.

11. Faux Wood Tile

What to do instead: Anything pretending to be what it's not is out for 2025. Faux wood tile or vinyl can make your home look cheap and outdated. Instead, choose natural stones, porcelain, and cement tiles, or go for an actual wood flooring that is protected for moisture.

Jean van der Meulen

12. Overly Themed

What to do instead: Avoid being too gimmicky in your bathroom decor with a theme like beach, western, or industrial. Draw inspiration from nature, use organic materials like natural stone, and incorporate greenery with potted plants. Here's inspiration for a coastal home if you're into the beach vibes!

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

It feels like every conversation I have these days involves a complaint about the sun setting super early. It’s me – I’m complaining.

I’m a notorious summer girl, so when daylight savings hit this fall, it literally felt like my energy (and general sense of self) was entirely depleted. I’m truly no stranger to the feeling. As someone with a genetic predisposition to depression, I’ve become familiar with the more intense seasonal depression (AKA seasonal affect disorder, or SAD) that sets in once the sun dips around 4pm, nights get longer, and temperatures get ridiculously colder.

An estimated 10 million Americans experience SAD. Plus, women are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than men. SAD can generally manifest in symptoms like having little to no energy for daily tasks, lost motivation for work or hobbies, trouble sleeping (and waking up), and weight gain.

Seasonal depression does not feel good – it’s impacted my relationships, quality of work, and physique – so this year, I decided to do something about it. As opposed to years prior, I came into ‘winter blues’ season with an intention to better my mindset, mental health, and physical wellbeing.

If you’re deep in the blues, too, I’m sharing 8 things I do regularly to feel like a real human being and combat seasonal depression, despite the bleakness of it all.

Meredith Holser

1. Get outside for at least 20 minutes everyday.

My seasonal depression is definitely perpetuated by my work setup – I work remotely full-time, which means a big chunk of my days are spent inside in isolation.

Knowing that being in nature can soothe the tension caused by not only locking in on work tasks for hours at a time, but sitting in the same place for just as long, I’ve been prioritizing getting outside for at least 20 minutes a day. Even just sipping in a breath of fresh air can provide a nice restart to a not-so-great day.

Whether it’s going for a walk, coffee run, or to let your dog out, getting outside for a change of scenery can absolutely improve your mental health.

Meredith Holser

2. Engage in exercise that feels good.

I’m lucky to have found a combination of workouts that feel good to my body and mind. Climbing, hot yoga, and outdoor walks have truly kept me sane this far in the season!

Exercising (of any kind) releases dopamine and serotonin, which arecommonly linked to treating depression. It can also improve neuroplasticity, learning, and memory in the long-term, which, to me, sounds like a win-win for everyone.

The key for committing to an exercise routine in the depths of seasonal depression (and beyond) is only engaging in workouts that bring you joy – exercise should not serve as punishment, nor does it have to be painful.

Meredith Holser

3. Delete social media when I know it’s impacting my mental health.

This one is huge. I could talk for hours – heck, even days – about how hurtful social media can be for my mental health. To make a long story short, social media (Instagram in particular) degrades my attention span, sense of reality, and self-confidence.

There was a period of time where I had screen time limits on apps like Instagram and TikTok, but I would override them 99% of the time. Now, I'm making an actual conscious effort to delete the apps off my phone entirely when I feel the doomscrolling has gone too far. It’s helped so much: I don’t feel a constant sense of FOMO (which is a massive challenge when 69% of adults use social media), pressure to buy unnecessary things, or distracted from the present moment.

Of course, I’ll still download the apps every once in a while to check in – there’s a delicate balance between wanting to feel simultaneously connected and disconnected – but the biggest part of this is maintaining the boundaries I set for myself.

If you feel like deleting social media apps cold-turkey isn’t quite the step you need to take at the moment, I suggest making use of screen time limits and sticking to them, so you can live and be present in your (real) life!

Meredith Holser

4. Prioritize seeing my friends in person.

As I mentioned, working from home is quite isolating. I know many of my friends feel isolated this time of year, even if they work in-person jobs. I don't have any family members that live very close to me, so my besties have truly become my chosen family.

Speaking from experience, having a friend group (or even just a golden best friend) to turn to in those quiet moments after the workday is the ultimate cure for loneliness, boredom, and depression. In fact,studies like this onehave shown that a positive sense of community is associated with reduced reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

So, gather your pals for a movie, craft night, potluck, or even just time to rot on the couch together. A lot of times, your friends may be feeling the exact same way you are.

Meredith Holser

5. Cook nourishing and rewarding meals.

Winter time is comfort👏 food👏 central👏, so there’s no excuse to not whip up a delectable soup or casserole fit for the season. Seasonal depression most certainly takes a toll on my executive function, though, so finding (or rather, making) the time and motivation to cook something for myself can be rough. Don’t even get me started on going to the grocery store.

That’s why I like to turn to recipes that yield big ol’ batches of food, so I can eat on leftovers for a week or so rather than cook something new every single day. Bonus points if the dish is healthy! Maybe the meal preppers are onto something…

You can find tons of delicious, easy, healthy, meal prep-friendly recipes here!

Meredith Holser

6. Be cognizant of my water intake.

As important as eating healthy is, it doesn’t mean much if you’re not hydrated. Drinking adequate amounts of water every day simply sets me right – I notice I have so much more energy than the days my water bottle’s not tied to my hip.

Experts recommend that women drink roughly 11 cups of water daily in order to benefit the body, from your immune system to your mood. I’ve been making the ritual even more enjoyable with a fun water bottle, customized with stickers and all.

Meredith Holser

7. Journal regularly.

Journaling can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hostility, as well as encourage self-awareness and resilience against the daily grind, which is why I aim to commit a tiny slice of my day to writing (or drawing). Even if there’s nothing “bad” or dramatic going on in my life, journaling about the mundane is super helpful in simply getting to know myself.

To incorporate journaling into your routine, I suggest writing right before bed, right before you wake up, or on a quick break during the day. Even just 5 minutes alone with your thoughts and your pen can transform your mindset.

You can find some really helpful journal prompts for improving your mental health here!

Meredith Holser

8. Go to therapy regularly.

Seeing a therapist on a regular basis has been a huge game-changer for me. When I started to go several years ago, I denounced therapy as a whole, but I started to really love it after a few months worth of sessions.

A good therapist can help you manage depression, stress, anxiety, and other mental health struggles, plus provide effective methods for self regulation, self awareness, communication, problem solving, and a whole lot more.

I’ve found my favorite part about therapy is having a third party to talk to about certain situations in my life – it’s been super beneficial when I want to talk through things I can’t (or don't necessarily want to) tell my close friends or family. Seeing a therapist regularly also helps me keep myself in check in terms of life, mental health, physical health, work, creative goals, and more.

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Though known for its massive bulk buys, there are plenty of amazing bite-sized snacks between the aisles at Costco. One thing is for certain: you’ll always have choices to cull through at Costco, even if you’re doing your grocery shopping for a more specific diet or eating style, like vegetarian.

Whether you need a bite for on-the-go or are building your at-home snack stockpile, these vegetarian Costco finds make snacking so much more delightful – and easier on your wallet!

Scroll on for the tastiest vegetarian Costco finds that’ll save your cravings and your budget!

Costco

Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Minis

These delicious (but healthy!) chocolate candies taste just like Almond Joy. You can get this bag of 29 bars for just $13, and it's perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to you or your kiddo's lunchbox or even filling up your candy jar at home.

Costco

Kirkland Signature Soft & Chewy Granola Bars

A mere $13 gets you 64 of these soft and chewy granola bars. They're packed with a classic chocolate + oats combo, which truly no one can resist come snack time. The whole fam will be taken care of for weeks.

Costco

Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Mixed Salted Nuts

These days, $15 for a whopping 2.5 pounds of nuts is a pretty great deal. Make your own trail mix with this medley or simply snack on it as-is.

Costco

Quaker Instant Oatmeal Variety Pack

Though oatmeal isn't the most traditional of snacks, these small packs still make a dependable source of nutrition since they're loaded with fiber and whole grains! Whether you eat 'em for breakfast or a midnight snack, you're still going to feel fulfilled. Just $12 at Costco gets you this wonderful 52-count box!

Costco

Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

Oof, peanut butter pretzels are so good. Spend $12 and get this massive 55-ounce jar for all your last-minute snacking needs, from school and work days to hikes and road trips.

Costco

Bobo's PB&Js Oat Sandwich Bars

These PB&J-flavored oat bars are truly addictive. Get 20 bars for $19 at Costco, and prepare to have your mind blown come snack time.

Costco

Kirkland Signature Organic Applesauce

Apple sauce – it's a classic. Just $13 gets you 24 packets to stuff into lunchboxes or throw straight into the fridge.

Costco

Garden Veggie Straws

These crunchy veggie straws will always hit the spot, and the best part is they offer the same saltiness and texture that regular ol' potato chips do – but are way healthier for you. This box only costs $17 for 42 snack-sized bags. Wow.

Costco

Kirkland Signature Milk Chocolate Almonds

When the chocolate cravings start, they can be very hard to stop. This 3-pound jar will help you fix that. It goes for a surprising $23 at Costco!

Costco

Nature's Garden Probiotic Strawberry Yoggies

This $14 Costco deal comes with 30 individually-wrapped servings of these delicious yogurt-covered fruit pieces. With probiotics, fiber, and no artificial ingredients, they'll cure your aching sweet tooth without bogging your body down.

Costco

Simply Protein Crispy Bar Variety Pack

Protein bars can get expensive real quick, but this box of 15 bars (hello, variety!) is just $21, making each bar roughly $1.40 each.

Costco

GoGo SqueeZ YogurtZ Variety Pack

These lil' packs include a blend of low-fat yogurt and real fruit to power your day with calcium and vitamin D. Spend just $11 for 20 packs!

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Jeremy Allen White is set to star in a developing Netflix limited series based on the André Aciman novel, Enigma Variations.

The title comes from the same author as Call Me by Your Name, which was adapted for film in 2017 and starred Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer with critical acclaim.

Enigma Variations, like Call Me by Your Name, explores romance and attraction through a queer lens, and White would depict a bisexual man if the project moves forward. We’ve never seen him in a queer role before, so this news is super exciting!

Scroll on for everything we know about Jeremy Allen White’s latest project, Enigma Variations.


FX

According to "exclusive" sources that spoke to Variety, the limited series based on André Aciman’s Enigma Variations is currently in development at Netflix.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Jeremy Allen White will not only star in the series, but will also serve as an executive producer.

Amazon

Enigma Variations, the namesake novel, is described as “a passionate portrait of love's contradictory power, in five illuminating stories.”

The book follows Paul and charts his experiences with several “consuming and covetous” loves. The story ultimately highlights the “transient” nature of Paul’s relationship with love, romance, and attraction while revealing his path to self-discovery.

Paul Archuleta / Getty Images

Author of Enigma Variations André Aciman will executive produce alongside White. Aciman was involved in the film adaptation of his other title, Call Me by Your Name, which received impressive critical acclaim and even won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 90th Academy Awards.

FX

Per Variety, Enigma Variations is “currently in development” at Netflix, so it may be a while before we know the exact timeline for the series’ filming and release dates. Jeremy Allen White is the only actor attached to the project at the moment, but we can’t wait to see who else gets cast for the story.

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