7 Edible Ways to “Get Lucky” This New Year!

Michelle Swift
Dec 29, 2013

New Year’s Day is a universal day of symbolism for new beginnings and fresh outlooks. Globally, on this day, people take auspicious measures to assure prosperity, good fortune, happiness, love and success. Depending upon who you are and where you are from, these measures may also determine what you eat. Even if fate is stronger than a bowl of Hoppin’ John, at least you’ll have a happy belly right?

Any kind of pork will do—be it, suckling pig, carnitas, or ham hocks. Pork is a sign of progress and moving forward. (Fowl are unlucky because they scratch backwards, signifying setbacks.)

1. Sweet Potato Pork Belly Hash: Try this hash any time of day to fulfill your New Year wish. (via Bon Appètit)

Beans, lentils, peas and basically anything circular are lucky because of their resemblance to coins (aka financial prosperity). Brazilians eat black beans, wear white, and hop on their right foot into the New Year.

2. Feijoada: Turn to Rio de Janeiro’s national dish to get your legume fix this New Year. (via Simply Recipes)

Cabbage, kale, collards, and sauerkraut all represent folded green cash. Southerners in the USA get a triple dose of luck in a bowl of Hoppin’ John involving pork, greens, and black-eyed peas.

3. Hoppin’ John: Try this vegetarian version, and get your double dose of luck. (via Food and Wine)

Do not cut or break your noodles—slurp them! This is crucial. Noodles signify long life. Cut them, and your life is shortened. It is customary to slurp noodles with gusto in Japan.

4. Ramen Noodle Soup: Don’t cut your life short, turn to Momofuku‘s infamous dish, to ensure a steaming bowl of slurp-worthy noodles. (via Foodie Buddah)

Go forth and multiply! Fish are symbolic of fertility, abundance, and moving forward. Germans and Poles always have pickled herring at New Year’s.

5. Pickled Herring 3-Ways: Third time’s a charm! Try your luck at one of these abundant herring recipes to move forward this New Year. (via The New York Times)

Popular in Spain and Portugal, 12 grapes are eaten—one for each month of the year. If grape number six tastes a bit sour, expect a shaky month.

6. Strawberry and Grappa Ruta Cocktail: No sour grapes for you this year — ¡Salud! to the New Year with this lucky cocktail. (via Dave DeGroff)

Baking cakes with a hidden good luck charm or coin is traditional on New Year’s, especially in Greece. The lucky one who bites into the piece with the charm or coin is bestowed good fortune.

7. Greek Vasilopita Cake: Don’t forget to insert coin for GOOD LUCK! (via Epicurious)

Here’s to getting lucky in 2014!

The GAP x Cult Gaia Fall Collection Is SO Good — 10 Things I’m Shopping Before They Sell Out

Sound the fashion alarms because the GAP x Cult Gaia collection is here! I haven't been this excited to shop since H&M dropped their sold-out fall collection — I'm still heartbroken over that TBH, but it's okay! So you don't end up missing out on all the hottest pieces, I picked my top 10 GAP x Cult Gaia items that are begging to be added to your wardrobe. But a little warning: don't wait too long because it looks like all the fashion girls are snatching this collection up without a second thought!

GAP

Asymmetrical Denim Maxi Skirt

There are only a few sizes left of this peek-a-book denim maxi skirt, and I can see why. It's an elevated take on the traditional maxi skirt that's sure to give your fall look a sexy, stylish edge. Pair it with a thin turtleneck sweater or a tailored white button-up shirt along with a pair of cute Steve Madden boots!

GAP

Cargo Barrel Pants

Anyone who knows me understands I have an affinity for wearing oversized cargo pants. This pair has the semi-grunge appeal I love because it can be dressed up or down depending on your preference. It goes without saying, but they deserve some boot action to truly set them off!

GAP

Wool Mini Dress

The GAP x Cult Gaia collection wouldn't be complete this fall without something wool, so they added this cute mini dress for good measure. You can wear it over a cream knit sweater and pair it with a pair of leopard print flats to create a look that feels trendy.

GAP

Leather Jacket

This spicy leather jacket is for the gal who isn't afraid of a little cold because they know the hotness factor of their fall outfit will make up for their bare belly. All jokes aside, I don't have much to say about this one except I need it ASAP.

GAP

Leather Pants

While I'm thinking about it, I should probably buy these sexy leather pants for a cute monochromatic moment! I think I have the perfect wool coat to go with them too!

GAP

Cutout Maxi Dress

This is the date night dress the GAP x Cult Gaia fall collection knows you've been waiting for. It's going to hug every curve you have while giving a little cutout action that will make your beau's breath get caught in their chest.

GAP

Vegan Fur Coat

Vegan fur coats are IN, according to GAP and Cult Gaia! I can't say that I blame them because this will make any casual outfit look cute.

GAP

Backless Classic Shirt

This is one of those "business in the front, party in the back" shirts, and I LOVE IT. Beautiful, give me 10 more!

GAP

Cropped Cardigan

This cropped red cardigan is sure to complete my "I'm turning into a sexy bibliophile" look and I'm not mad at it. I can see myself wearing this while curled up with a good book in my office, or while I'm out to grab lunch with a friend.

GAP

Sheer Wool Sweater

You and I can't go wrong with a wool sweater, especially if it's a little sheer. I'm in my spicy era, so I think a little see-through moment can't hurt anyone — especially when paired with some dark indigo jeans on a chilly night out.

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Taylor Swift's Best Kansas City Chiefs Game Day Outfits, Ranked

We've been truly blessed with the amount of Taylor Swift sightings we've gotten as of late — and we can certainly thank Travis Kelce and all his Kansas City Chiefs games for that! In the past year, Swift pulled out so many iconic looks for each game, scoring fashion touchdown after touchdown.

Since I cannot get enough of her game day style, I thought I'd rate some of Taylor Swift's best Chiefs outfits from the past year! Plus, I've added how you can shop the look for less (since not all of us can be decked out in Vivienne Westwood head-to-toe). You're welcome! 😘

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

1. Kansas City Chiefs vs. New Orleans Saints

Everyone say, "Thank you Travis," because I'm so grateful to see this relationship-glow and get blessed with this incredible look all at once! This is Taylor's most recent outfit she pulled out in Kansas City, and it's honestly everything. Taylor sported glitter freckles that are the cutest thing ever, along with an all Vivienne Westwood fit — CHIC.

Vivienne has been her go-to designer for events lately, but she also sneaks in some daily wear looks, too. I'm loving this fashion match — I think the silhouettes were made for Taylor, and totally fits in with her new Reputation vibe she's been in, with leaving more grunge-y than normal. If you want to achieve this look then you can consider shopping these pieces:

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

2. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens

Next up, we have this absolutely jaw-dropping denim on denim look — truly one of her most flattering outfits. When I saw this, my jaw literally dropped! It's that good, from the ultimately sexy thigh high red boots to the denim corset and Louis Vuitton bag. Shop the look for less here:

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

3. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens (AFC Championship Version)

How could we ever forget this iconic red sweater when Taylor met Travis on the field after the Chiefs' AFC Championship win? This is my favorite pic of her of ALL time. She's giving happy, elated, loved, and just all-around amazing vibes. The exact red sweater is $700 and from Guest in Residence (her BFF Gigi Hadid's brand). This red looks amazing on her, so I had to link a few of my favorites that are pretty similar:

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

4. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Green Bay Packers

Winter is quickly approaching, and it's time to stock up on some heavy duty coats — especially if you're in colder climates. This look of Taylor's is one of my favorites from last year! This shade of red is so chic on her, and the matching WAGS make it even better! Here are some similars to the coat:

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

5. Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Jets

Taylor's really leaned into a '90s grunge aesthetic as a football WAG, and it suits her so well. This casual denim and leather look was another top contender that I loved from her, styled to perfection with her signature red lip. Check out these items for a similar look:

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

6. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Santa's coming to town, and he's bringing his sister T-Swift. Here we have Taylor dressed in the most Red look ever with her brother at the Chiefs vs. Raiders game last year. This is a top contender for me because of how indie and tumblr-esque it is. With the plaid skirt and shearling jacket, it is the quintessential fall and winter look that I will be replicating with these items:

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

7. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals

I love when Taylor does a theme, and boy does she do it well! Her thematic dressing has really come out with her WAG era, which has to be in my top three eras of hers in general. This oversized shirt with the thigh high boots are giving everything. Not to mention another stunning choice of bag with the Louis Vuitton, once again! Here's some similar outfit options for your next game day fit:

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

8. Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl Version)

And lastly, her ever-iconic Super Bowl 2024 look that we could never forget. We got so much Tayvis content — and so much love between their friends and family! I just remember obsessively stalking Tiktok for updates instead of watching the game... but don't tell my husband!

This corset look is so good, because not only does she look amazing, but also because she paired it with these insane bedazzled jeans that are to die for. While the original jeans are $700, you can get the look for less here:

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24 Craveable Chocolate Cake Recipes For Every Occasion

How is your day going? We bet a bit of chocolate cake would make it better — like, way better. And if a bit makes it better, then for good measure, let’s up the stakes to 24 different and divine chocolate cakes and just have a ball. From classic layered numbers to waffle cake masterpieces, we’ve got all your chocolate cake dreams covered. Tie back your hair, and let’s get to baking!

Sarah Anderson

Red Wine Pear Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This chocolate cake has a tinge of red wine to really complement all the flavors. It's the perfect delicacy for dinner parties or even a lil' Valentine's celebration! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Miso Chocolate Cake

The umami notes of miso work surprisingly well with chocolate. Bake up the power duo in this delicious (and easy!) sheet cake. (via Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Fudgy Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pretzel Cake

When you get a bite of both the creamy ice cream and fudgy chocolate layers in this cake, you will experience absolute heaven. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Star-Studded Dark Chocolate Cake Bites

You need to make these festive chocolate-covered cake bites adorned with adorable star sprinkles. Since no slicing is involved, this is a great dessert to serve at parties or picnics. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Black & White Tuxedo Cake

Get pumped for Halloween with our beautiful, bugged out chocolate cake recipe! (via Brit + Co)

A Virtual Vegan

Vegan Chocolate Guinness Cake

Guinness cake?! Oh, we're so in. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Completely Delicious

Chocolate Sour Cream Cake

This chocolate cake is made with sour cream, which transforms each bite to be super tender and soft. (via Completely Delicious)

No Eggs Or Ham

Personal Chocolate Olive Oil Cakes

These single-serve chocolate cakes are topped with cinnamon-espresso whipped cream and cayenne dust to create an otherworldly tasting experience. You'll be surprised at just how well the spice works with this recipe's sweetness. (via No Eggs Or Ham)

Earthly Provisions

Single Layer Blueberry Chocolate Cake

Just look at that beautiful blueberry icing! (via Earthly Provisions)

Vikalinka

Chocolate Cake Truffles

Once a chocolate cake recipe turns bite-sized, our cravings run wild. These truffles are easy to make and even easier to customize with toppings of your choice depending on the occasion! (via Vikalinka)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Peppermint Flourless Chocolate Cake

Your next Christmas dessert awaits! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Feel Good Foodie

Chocolate Mug Cake

We are absolute fiends for mug cakes! This one is nothing but chocolatey, thanks to the easy chocolate batter dotted with many more chocolate chips. (via Feel Good Foodie)

The First Mess

Vegan Chocolate Orange Cakes

These rich mini cakes combine orange juice and orange zest to provide a little bit of a lighter end note to the dark chocolate glaze. (via The First Mess)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Midnight Dark Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

This chocolate cake slathered in peanut butter frosting earns its "midnight" nickname from the rich black cocoa powder that's worked into the decadent batter. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

The Original Dish

Molten Chocolate Cakes with Coffee & Rose

Coffee and rose are a match made in heaven when you add in a bit of chocolate. (via The Original Dish)

Foolproof Living

Dark Chocolate Waffle Cake

The perfect excuse to break out that waffle maker — and eat cake for breakfast. This pick layers dark chocolate waffles with a mascarpone filling for a unique twist on layer cake. (via Foolproof Living)

How Sweet Eats

Chocolate Frosted Cake Donuts

Homemade cake donuts – chocolate-frosted and sprinkled to perfection – are what we dream about before that alarm goes off in the AM. (via How Sweet Eats)

The Healthy Foodie

Paleo Zucchini Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe is packed with healthy goodness, but trust: you won’t miss any of the decadence. Zucchini, coconut oil and avocado stand in for unhealthy fats to give this recipe its richness. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Averie Cooks

Chocolate Cake Batter Milkshake

Sometimes a girl just needs a giant bowl of cake batter all to herself. This batter-inspired smoothie recipe has all the chocolate flavor you crave. (via Averie Cooks)

Sweetapolita

Six-Layer Malted Chocolate Toasted Marshmallow Cake

Stacks of rich chocolate cake layered between malted Belgian-chocolate frosting and toasted marshmallow filling, this sky-scraping piece of campfire-inspired heaven is truly a masterpiece. (via Sweetapolita)

Style Me Pretty

Chocolate Pansy Cake

With beauty and braun, this pansy-covered chocolate layer cake would be absolutely precious at a tea party or ladies’ lunch. (via Style Me Pretty)

Smitten Kitchen

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Since it has “banana bread” in the title, you have full permission to have this one for breakfast. (via Smitten Kitchen)

Green Kitchen Stories

Banana Almond Chocolate Cake

This simple, wholesome bundt cake has less than 10 ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free, with no refined sugar or dairy. (via Green Kitchen Stories)

My Baking Addiction

Chocolate Raspberry Cake

This pick shares the secret to a perfectly pink, fluffy raspberry buttercream to slather on your cake (and eat by the spoonful). (via My Baking Addiction)

Which chocolate cake recipes will you be making? Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more delicious desserts!

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

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