16 Ways to Freshen Your Home + Beauty Routine With Lavender

Raven Ishak
Apr 16, 2015

Now that spring has finally settled in for good (hello, skirts!), it’s time to introduce the outside elements into our homes. No, we’re not talking about bugs — we’re talking about lavender. This impressive flower has a crazy number of natural properties to save you in any situation, plus it smells oh-so good. Scroll on to see how you can use lavender in your everyday life.

1. Home Freshener : Lavender not only smells good, but it will calm your nerves as well. Create a spa-like treatment in your house with these candles, or DIY an air freshener with natural ingredients. (via Brit + Co)

2. Lavender Centerpiece: Need to give your room some life? Add some lavender to a floral arrangement on your coffee table or bedside table for some I-love-nature decor. Not only will it look pretty, but it will smell amazing too. (via KT Merry)

3. Lavender Household Cleaner: Make your house smell like a garden by DIYing a kid-safe, lavender-infused vinegar solution as an all-purpose cleaner. Because of its anti-bacterial qualities, it will disinfect your home without all those awful chemical smells. #GROSS (via Little Green Dot)

4. Lavender Bath Soak: Using lavender is a great way to de-stress at the end of the night (besides drinking wine, of course ;). It has antiseptic qualities to reduce any skin irritations and aches. If you want the ultimate experience, just combine oatmeal and Epsom salt to give your body some extra lovin’. (via The Everygirl)

4. Dandruff Treatment: If you are having a hard time dealing with the after-effects of the winter months, try using lavender to get rid of dandruff. With its anti-fungal properties, it should take care of a dry, flaky scalp after a couple of uses.

5. Coffee and Food Enhancer: Taste a bit of spring by making your own infused simple syrup to freshen up your drinks. Mix it in with your coffee and say goodbye to Starbucks. (via Offbeat and Inspired)

7. Hair Growth Treatment: Because lavender helps regulate blood circulation, it’s a great remedy for hair loss. Massage the essential oil into your scalp, and incorporate coconut or jojoba oil for extra benefits. Soon your selfies will always include #wokeuplikethis because of your amazing hair. (via Beauty High)

8. Hangover Cure: This powerful flower can relieve nausea, making it a great remedy for those apocalyptic hangovers. Eat or drink lavender-infused edible treats to help with the spinning and the regrets. (via Wallflower Girl)

9. Ice Cubes: If you’re one of the lucky ones living in a city already feeling the hot temperatures, cool off by adding lavender ice cubes to your cup. It’ll make that ordinary glass of water feel extra fancy. (via Biaty Kredens)

10. Insect Repellent: Lavender has been used as a bug repellent for centuries, since it prevents bug bites and deters the spread of infections from bug bites. It also nourishes your skin when you spray it on. You can’t beat this two-for-one combo. (via Hello Natural)

11. Insomnia Remedy: Add a few droplets of lavender essential oils to your pillows or tuck a satchel full of the stuff under your pillow for a relaxing night’s sleep. You’ll feel more energized at the start of your day. (via 100 Layer Cake)

12. Lavender Lemonade: Create this drink for cooling off during the warmer months. If you and the girls want to take it up a notch, add some vodka for an adult-approved drink. (via InnBrooklyn)

13. Burn Treatment: Massage lavender lotion into your skin to help treat eczema, acne and psoriasis. If you have a burn or sunburn, rubbing this body butter over your skin will help heal the damaged area faster. (via Lia Griffith)

14. Lavender Sugar: Ever wanted to try something new in your teas and sweets? Give this recipe a go by adding lavender to your sugar for a flowery finish. Your tastebuds won’t get enough! (via Brit + Co)

15. Snack Cravings Cure: Top off cookies with dried flowers for an easy and gorgeous snack to serve at your next brunch. Your BFFs will be so impressed. (via Babble)

16. Wrinkle Prevention: Lavender is a circulatory stimulant that can help moisturize and prevent wrinkles on your face. Skip the pricy skin lotions and DIY your own — your bank account will thank you. (via Hello Natural)

Know any other cool ways to use lavender in your home? Tell us in the comments below!

Kate Hudson's New Netflix Show Is Coming Back For Season 2!

10 Things I Hate About You and The Office fans listen up: you can watch a brand new project from Kate Hudson and Mindy Kalingon Netflix, and the best news is we're getting a season 2! Just like the best female-led TV shows, Running Point is empowering, hilarious, and just a lot of fun. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the new TV show.

Here's everything you need to know about Running Point on Netflix!

Will there be a season 2 of Running Point?

Netflix

Yes, we're getting a Running Point season 2! The show's been in Netflix's Top 10 for two weeks (and is currently sitting in Netflix's #1 spot thanks to its 12 million views).

And the renewal doesn't come as a surprise, considering how much fans love it. "finished running point last night," one X user tweeted. "Netflix keep it up… nobody wants this was a 10/10 and now running point 10/10 and they both getting a s2. yea Netflix keep this up and yall will keep getting my money."

What is Running Point about?

Netflix

This new TV show follows Isla Gordon (played by Kate Hudson), who becomes President of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team after a scandal means her brother has to retire. In the male-dominated world of sports, Isla will have to prove to everyone around her — her brothers, the board, and the fans — that she can balance work AND play.

Is Running Point on Netflix?

Netflix

Yes, the first season of Running Point (which consists of 10 episodes) premiered on Netflix on February 27, 2025.

Who's in the Running Point cast?

Netflix

The Running Point cast includes:

  • Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon, the Los Angeles Waves' new President.
  • Drew Tarver as Sandy Gordon, Isla's younger half-brother and the Waves' CFO
  • Scott MacArthur as Ness Gordon, Isla's big brother who serves as the Waves' general manager.
  • Brenda Song as Ali Lee, Isla's BFF and chief of staff for the Los Angeles Waves.
  • Fabrizio Guido as Jackie Moreno, the Gordons' recently-discovered younger half-brother.
  • Chet Hanks as Travis Bugg, the Waves' point guard.
  • Toby Sandeman as Marcus Winfield, the star Waves player.

What are the Running Point episodes?

Netflix

There are 10 episodes of Running Point so far, and they're all available to stream on Netflix now. The full episode list includes:

  1. Pilot
  2. Joe Pesci
  3. The Travis Bugg Affair
  4. Doljanchi
  5. Beshert
  6. The Yips
  7. A Special Place in Hell
  8. The Streak
  9. The Playoffs
  10. Game Seven

I am so excited to see another show written by Mindy Kaling, especially one that stars Brenda Song and Kate Hudson! Let us know what you're currently binge watching on Facebook.

This post has been updated.

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12 New April Shows We’ve Been Waiting All Year For

TV is a wild place right now. We've got "horrifying" Severance season 2 theories, Netflix extended Nicole Kidman's once-limited The Perfect Couple into an anthology series, and Simone Ashley teased our favorite characters are reuniting for Bridgerton season 4.

And we're in for even more news and crazy viral moments because these April TV shows are some of the best yet. And don't worry if you haven't finished all those March shows yet; they're not going anywhere ;).

Here are the best 12 TV shows you can stream in April 2025.

Pulse — Stream on Netflix April 3, 2025

Anna Kooris/Netflix

3rd year resident Danny Simms gets thrown into leadership when Chief Resident Xander Phillips is suspended, and a hurricane sends the hospital into lockdown. Now the ER is simply trying to get through the storm — and all the secrets about Danny and Xander's relationship aren't making things easier.

Pulse premieres April 3 and stars Willia Fitzgerald, Colin Woodell, Justina Machado, Jack Bannon, Jessie T. Usher, Jessy Yates, Chelsea Muirhead, Daniela Nieves, Néstor Carbonell, Jessica Rothe, Santiago Segura, Ash Santos, and Arturo Del Puerto.

The Handmaid's Tale season 6 — Stream on Hulu April 8, 2025

George Kraychyk/Hulu

The Handmaid's Tale season 6 promises "something big is about to happen" in its first look as June works to take down Gilead. And I totally believe it since June finally reunited with Serena and Noah at the end of season 5.

The The Handmaid's Tale season 6 premieres April 8 and stars Elisabeth Moss, Bradley Whitford, Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenle, Samira Wiley, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, and Sam Jaeger.

Hacks Season 4 — Stream on Max April 10, 2025

Jake Giles Netter/Max

Hacks season 4 finds Ava and Deborah at odds — and threatening to spill some serious tea to get what they want. But that's showbiz, baby.

Hacks season 4 premieres April 10 and stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder.

Your Friends & Neighbors — Stream on Apple TV April 11, 2025

Apple TV

Hedge fund manager Andrew Cooper is dealing with his divorce and losing his job when he decides to steal from his wealthy neighbors. Only then does he realize just how dangerous their secrets really are.

Your Friends & Neighbors premieres April 11 and stars Jon Hamm, Olivia Munn, Amanda Peet, Mark Tallman, Hoon Lee, Lena Hall and Aimee Carrero.

Doctor Who — Stream on Disney+ April 12, 2025

Disney+

Doctor Who is back for another set of adventures as the Doctor works to get Belinda Chandra back to earth — and fight the mysterious force keeping the TARDIS from returning home.

Doctor Who premieres April 12 and stars Ncuti Gatwa, Varada Sethu, Millie Gibson, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Christopher Chung, Rylan Clark, Alan Cumming, Anita Dobson, Freddie Fox, Michelle Greenidge, Jonah Hauer-King, Ruth Madeley, Jemma Redgrave, and Susan Twist.

The Last of Us season 2 — Stream on HBO and Max April 13, 2025

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Five years after the events of The Last of Us season 1, Ellie and Joel are safe in Jackson — but secrets from their past and a ruthless new threat could ruin everything. Not to mention all the infected.

The Last of Us season 2 premieres April 13 and stars Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Jeffrey Wright, and Catherine O’Hara.

Government Cheese — Stream on Apple TV April 16, 2025

Apple TV

This comedy series follows the dreamy Chamber family in 1969, whose world gets turned upside down when Hampton Chambers returns home from prison.

Government Cheese premieres April 16 and stars David Oyelowo, Simone Missick, Bokeem Woodbine, Adam Beach, and Sunita Mani.

Law & Order: Organized Crime season 5 — Stream on April 17, 2025

Virginia Sherwood/Peacock

This offshoot of Law & Order follows the beloved Elliot Stabler and the Organized Crime Control Bureau as they handle the most intense dealings in New York City.

Law & Order: Organized Crime season 5 stars Christopher Meloni, Danielle Moné Truitt, Ainsley Seiger, Rick Gonzalez, Dean Norris, and Jason Patric.

Ransom Canyon — Stream on Netflix April 17, 2025

Anna Kooris/Netflix

Yellowstone fans will love this Netflix show, which follows three ranching families in Texas as they wrestle with destiny, secrets, and crime.

Ransom Canyon premieres April 17 and stars Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Marianly Tejada, Jack Schumacher, Garrett Wareing, Andrew Liner, Jennifer Ens, Niko Guardado, Casey W. Johnson, Philip Winchester, Kate Burton, Brett Cullen, Tatanka Means, Jaren Robledo, Justin Johnson Cortez, and Kenneth Miller.

Andor season 2 — Stream on Disney+ April 22, 2025

Lucasfilm LTD

Cassian is now playing a vital role in the Rebel Alliance's plans to take down the Empire. This Rogue One prequel is sure to break our hearts with its final installment.

Andor season 2 premieres April 22 and stars Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Alan Tudyk, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, Ben Mendelsohn, and Forest Whitaker.

Étoile — Stream on Prime Video April 24, 2025

Philippe Antonello/Prime Video

Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino's new show Etoilé takes place in the high-stakes world of ballet. When two world-famous companies in New York and Paris run into trouble, they decide to swap their best dancers — and everyone's in for a world of drama. Here's the first look!

Etoilé premieres April and stars Luke Kirby, Charlotte Gainsburg, Lou de Laâge, Gideon Glick, David Alvarez, Ivan du Pontavice, Taïs Vinolo, David Haig, Simon Callow, Kelly Bishop, and Yanic Truesdale.

You season 5 — Stream on Netflix April 24, 2025

Clifton Prescod/Netflix

Joe is back for one last season of You — and this time, he's looking at, well, you. And in the official trailer, he promises it "is the last time" he's going to be tested by love. I'm scared!

You season 5 premieres April 24 and stars Penn Badgley, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Charlotte Richie, and Griffin Matthews.

Check out This 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Theory Teases Who Belly Ends Up With — & It Would Change EVERYTHING for even more TV hot takes.

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12 Easy Matcha Drink Recipes That Rival Your Fave Starbucks Order

Psst, I have new hobby for you to try — and it has everything to do with visiting Trader Joe's for ingredients to make homemade matcha latte recipes! But first, you'll want to trade your doom scrolling habits for browsing different TikTok recreations to see what matcha drinks you're in the mood for. Your tastebuds could be craving something similar to Starbucks' spring menu, so I've explored the internet for the easiest drinks you can make at home. Plus, you'll even find a tasty cocktail recipe that'll replace your usual glass of red wine.

Discover the best matcha drink recipes you'll want to make every week!

Munching With Mariyah

Iced Matcha Latte

Yasmeen Ali considers herself a "self-proclaimed matcha addict/expert," so you can trust this matcha drink recipe tastes perfect. She gives a thorough breakdown of how to make sure you're able to create it's stress-free and smooth texture, plus you'll be surprised to find it only takes 5 minutes to make! (via Munching With Mariyah)

Earthly Provisions

Vanilla Matcha Latte

This matcha latte tastes like it was intentionally created for people who love all things vanilla or caramel. Not only does the recipe teach you how to make homemade vanilla syrup, it also gives a detailed explanation of how to effortlessly combine it with matcha. (via Earthly Provisions)

The First Mess

Vegan Iced Vanilla Oat Matcha Latte

Still on the oat milk train? You'll love recreating this matcha recipe at home because it features it along with maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Doesn't that sound like something you'll love shaking in your cup? (via The First Mess)

Half Baked Harvest

Iced Strawberry Milk Matcha Latte

If you love strawberries and matcha separately, you'll love them mixed together in this tasty recipe! It takes 10 minutes to blend milk, strawberry jam, vanilla extract, matcha powder, water, and lavender together for a drink you won't forget. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Feel Good Foodie

Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte

Want something that tastes like summer in a cup? Feast your eyes on this strawberry matcha latte! It does take 10 minutes to make, but you'll enjoy every second as you watch how beautifully the matcha, strawberry, and milk of your choice fuse together to make a visually appealing drink. (via Feel Good Foodie)

More Matcha Drinks 

Mixop

Matcha Green Bubble Tea

Make your own bubble tea at home with this easy recipe that only needs 5 minutes of your time. You'll absolutely get to use tapioca pearls, but you'll also add in ingredients like brown sugar and matcha for a sweet drink you can sip any time of day. (via Mixop)

Takes Two Eggs

Blueberry Matcha

This is probably the longest matcha drink recipe you'll make, but the end results will make you appreciate your hard work. Also, the color payoff looks like something you'd drink while eating your "girl dinner!" (via Takes Two Eggs)

The Girl on Bloor

Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink (Starbucks Copycat)

You're not seeing things; pineapple is included in this matcha drink that's as refreshing as it's perplexing. You'll need pineapple ginger syrup, matcha green tea powder, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and patience. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Chef Bai

Golden Strawberry Matcha

There's a few things this recipe promises you experience. Not only is it naturally sweet, it's also quick to make and includes antioxidants your body will love. Why? It has everything from cinnamon to cardamom in it! My only wish is that you snap a few pictures before drinking it because it's gorgeous to look at. (via Chef Bai)

A Virtual Vegan

Matcha Lemonade

Tired of drinking the same old lemonade? Recreate A Virtual Vegan's matcha-infused recipe for a quick pick-me-up! It is a little tart, but you can add a little more cane sugar to sweeten it if desired. Otherwise, roll up your sleeves and get acquainted with the lemons you'll be squeezing. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Vanilla and Bean

Ginger-Orange Matcha Green Tea Smoothie

If you're looking for something to completely replace your morning lattes, this ginger-orange matcha green tea smoothie is for you! It'll become your new "green drink" that kickstarts the wellness goals you're finally starting. No worries — I'm not judging you! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Tito's Vodka

Tito's Matcha Martini

If you want a nightcap drink, you'll love making Tito's matcha martini! You only need four ingredients for this recipe — Tito's handmade vodka, cold brew liqueur, matcha, and milk! According to Tito's, they recommend you drink this during brunch or the summer and fall seasons! (via Tito's Vodka)

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