Dreams Do Come True — You CAN Own (and Make!) a Confetti Cannon

Remember when parties meant games, candy and new toys?! Before your celebratory sugar intake of choice came in a cocktail and gifts still came in a huge wrapped box? Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, promotion, engagement or other life event (large or small), grown-ups deserve some fun too! We teamed up with Studio INK to bring a little bit of that festive magic back to adult life and make this specific wish come true: We’ll show you how to make your very own confetti cannon!

Who knew your house (and recycling bin) held the perfect confetti cannon making supplies?! We’re already scheming up all sorts of occasions to use this bad boy. New job? CONFETTI! End to a bad relationship? Good riddance confetti! Roommate not a morning person? Rise and shine confetti! This handy little cannon makes everything better (or at least more entertaining ;) Scroll on to get the full lowdown on how we put ours together.

Materials:

Tools:

Instructions:

  • empty paper towel roll
  • card stock paper
  • tissue paper confetti
  • embroidery thread
  • 2 plastic bottle caps
  • needle
  • tape
  • nail
  • spring

  • hot glue gun
  • hole punch
  • hammer

1. Tape cardstock in the pattern or color of your choice onto your paper roll. Fold the edges of the cardstock into the roll and repeat to add additional strips of color.

2. Nail four holes into the top of one of your plastic bottle caps and string two long pieces of embroidery thread through the holes so that they cross in the middle and leave a long strand coming out of each of the four holes.

3. Hot glue each end of the spring onto a bottle cap so that the cap with the embroidery thread is facing outwards and the plain cap is facing inwards.

4. Punch a hole into either side of your paper roll near the end, place your glued spring into the roll thread-side first and pull two threads through either hole. Hot glue the outer bottle cap into the paper roll and tie all four threads together in a knot.

5. When your hot glue is totally cool, fill the open end of the cannon with confetti, pull back on the string and let go for a confetti explosion!

Tape cardstock in the pattern or color of your choice onto your paper roll. Fold the edges of the cardstock into the roll and repeat to add additional strips of color.

Nail four holes into the top of one of your plastic bottle caps and string two long pieces of embroidery thread through the holes so that they cross in the middle and leave a long strand coming out of each of the four holes.

Hot glue each end of the spring onto a bottle cap so that the cap with the embroidery thread is facing outwards and the plain cap is facing inwards.

Punch a hole into either side of your paper roll near the end, place your glued spring into the roll thread-side first and pull two of the four threads through one hole and the two leftover threads through the other hole. Hot glue the outer bottle cap into the paper roll and tie all four threads together in a knot.

When your hot glue is totally cool, fill the open end of the cannon with confetti.

Pull back on the string and let go for a confetti explosion!

#iamcreative

@BritandCo.

Some men may not like posting their significant others on social media, butAaron Taylor-Johnson definitely isn't one of them. He recently celebrated his wife, Sam Taylor-Johnson's birthday, highlighting what he finds so special about her in his eyes on Instagram. They may have a controversial age-gap relationship, but their marriage is beyond a PR stunt. Frankly, they could give some of us a much-needed lesson in the ways of maintaining a long-term relationship... 👀

Anyway! Here's what Aaron Taylor-Johnson had to say about Sam Taylor-Johnson in his loving birthday tribute!

See the sweet and spicy way Aaron Taylor-Johnson celebrated Sam Taylor-Johnson's birthday!

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Sam Taylor-Johnson's nearing her golden years as she turned 58 this week! We're sure all birthdays are a big deal, but we especially appreciate the way Aaron Taylor-Johnson praised his wife on Instagram. His caption reads: "💕Happy Birthday gorgeous! ❤️ Love spending every moment with you 💚💛"

Instead of choosing his favorite picture of her, Aaron posted a lengthy carousel of his wife. Pictures include Sam doing an impressive split (we're jealous!), taking photos on a yacht, enjoying a steamy smooch with him, and being highlighted by the sun's golden rays. Aaron even made sure to throw in the classic "sunglasses on vacation" photo that's almost feels mandatory for couples to pose in.

It didn't take long to find Sam's response to Aaron's beautiful PDA post in his comments. "❤️❤️I love you ❤️❤️," is short, sweet, and to the point as she seems to know how cherished she is.

Aside from her husband's grand gesture, Sam has been reposting more "happy birthday" posts on Instagram stories so we think she's happily soaking up all the genuine love in her life. We can only hope our friends and families will commemorate our birthdays in a similar way this year!

Follow us on Facebook for more breaking news about celebrity couples, new TV shows, book-to-film adaptions, and more!

Everyone's favorite social satire series, The White Lotus, has returned for a new season on HBO. Set in Thailand, Season 3 is taking viewers on another dramatic (and sometimes uncomfortable) journey with a fresh group of affluent travelers.

Well, the cast does have two returning stars: Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey and Jon Gries as Greg. Then some of the newcomers include Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, Sam Nivola, Walton Goggins, Lisa Manobal, and Charlotte Le Bon.

One more star, Aimee Lou Wood, has especially stood out to fans. She plays Chelsea and has delivered a captivating performance thus far as Rick's younger girlfriend. Aside from her intriguing portrayal, many viewers have also been fascinated by her unique look — more specifically, her teeth. Aimee, who is British, has confirmed that her teeth are real, and her unique smile is actually something that's affected her career in Hollywood.

Scroll to see what The White Lotus star, Aimee Lou Wood said about all THOSE teeth comments...

The actress, who's 30 years old, detailed how, when it came to theater auditions, she always felt confident. Yet, she'd be "shocked" to get a call back after auditioning for a TV role.

It wasn't until 2009, when Georgia May Jagger, who also has a distinct smile with a gap, became the face of Rimmel London, that Aimee felt more secure in her look.

"All of a sudden, it went from me being goofy to, 'Oh, you're a bit of a model, aren't you?' So I want to thank Georgia May Jagger for representing the buck teeth," she shared with Stylist back in 2020.

Aimee has maintained her British accent on The White Lotus, which makes sense, given the show's premise is about entitled world travelers who encounter dark circumstances or fates. Interestingly, though, she recently discussed her belief that she wouldn't be able to convincingly portray an American character due to her teeth.

"It's the teeth. Like, no Americans have my teeth. They just don't. I'd have to get veneers. Because... I think that genuinely is like one of the things," she revealed to On Demand Entertainment.

But while many celebs have already gone the veneer route, Aimee is proud that she hasn't. It makes her feel "a bit rebellious." Plus, ever since landing her latest role on the show, she's reportedly received "hundreds of messages" from fans who've appreciated seeing unique smiles like theirs on-screen.

"People going, 'Oh my god, you've got teeth like mine. Now I go to school, and people think I'm cool because I look like Aimee.' Instead of it being 'Bugs Bunny' or whatever," Aimee explained.

So, while she battled insecurities about her teeth during childhood, she's definitely become a representation icon for girls and women everywhere.

To see what happens to Aimee's character next, as well as the rest of the cast, you can catch new episodes of The White Lotus on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and stream on Max.

Looking for more celebrity & entertainment news? Follow us on Facebook for more!

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward.


In this segment, Paige Wiese, founder & CEO of Tree Ring Digital in Denver, CO, walks us through some of the ways she encourages clients to double down on marketing when business is slow. Paige built her business as a solopreneur graphic designer to a team of 15, helping clients with SEO, online ads, and social media management. Here’s her Take 5, plus more tips for surviving the business lulls below!

What's a recent small win for you and your business?

Paige: A recent small win has been just seeing business pick up again. I am seeing businesses start to engage with their marketing efforts and really trying to get to the root of why their website might be underperforming. We look at what they can be doing to see their money actually go to a place that it should be going.

What's a big piece of advice that you give to your clients?

Paige: A lot of them want to back off anytime there's a little bit of scarcity. I really think that's the time to double down, whether it be your digital presence, your website, or just adjusting how you're spending your money. But instead of just saying, ‘Hey, we're going to stop [investing in marketing],’ ask ‘How do we double down in the correct way and make sure we're seeing measurable results out of it?’ I do it myself anytime business is a little slow. I think we have to either change or we need to be doubling down. A lot of clients come to us when the pipeline is already dry and money is tight and they’re hoping for a quick fix. Marketing, unfortunately, isn't a quick fix.

See more tips for surviving business lulls below!

What's an unexpected business challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

Paige: I think one of the bigger challenges that we've run into has been more on the employee side, some of the retention or the hiccups that come along the way and then just learning from them. So how can we be a better, stronger company coming out of this and how do we use it as a growing opportunity?

How has the Verizon Small Business program helped propel your business forward?

Paige: I learned about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). It's a free resource that’s self-paced and very digestible. The variety of topics it covers is a large gamut for any size business. The Selling with Storytelling course, especially, was really valuable to me, just really getting your messaging out there. I laugh that I sometimes enjoy the marketing ones a little bit more just because it is a refresher or another take on how we do this.

Thanks Paige!

Here Are More B+C Tips For Surviving The Small Business Lulls

Photo by Kampus Production

  1. Refine Your Strategy
    • Review your business plan and goals. Are you on track? What can be improved?
    • Analyze customer feedback and sales data to spot trends and areas where you can grow.
  2. Boost Your Marketing Efforts
    • Refresh your website or social media profiles. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready’s free Put Your Website to Work course will help you get started with best practices for building your business website.
    • Create engaging content through blogs, videos, and newsletters. Verizon’s free Creating Compelling Content course can help you create consistent, quality content for your target customers.
    • Offer promotions or limited-time discounts to attract new customers.
  3. Invest in Learning
    • Take an online course related to your industry, like Verizon’s free Planning for the Unexpected course for building resiliency in your business.
    • Stay updated on industry trends and innovations.
    • Engage with customers too. Send personalized emails to loyal customers or clients. Ask for reviews!
  4. Improve Your Processes
    • Streamline operations or explore new tools to increase your efficiency.
    • Organize your workspace and declutter your digital files.
  5. Self-Care and Rest
    • Take advantage of the slower pace to recharge. A refreshed mindset is exactly what you need to bring forth fresh ideas!

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Tree Ring Digital.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces.

Every year on March 17, people around the globe celebrate St. Patrick's Day with festive parades, lively music, and, obviously, plenty of green. But beyond the usual partying, this holiday is also steeped in traditions that are believed to bring good fortune.

Whether you want to attract prosperity, ward off bad energy, or simply embrace the spirit of the holiday, here are some St. Patrick's Day traditions that might just bring a little extra luck your way.

Scroll to see the all the lucky St. Patrick's Day traditions that manifest a little extra fortune!

1. Wearing Green (And Pinching Those Who Aren't)

RDNE Stock project

One of the easiest ways to cash in on the luck of St. Patrick's Day is by wearing green. This hue has deep ties to Ireland, which is often called the "Emerald Isle" due to its lush, rolling landscapes. Beyond its natural beauty, green also carries historical significance and symbolizes Irish nationalism and cultural pride.

The best part? There's a mischievous side to this fun and festive tradition. More specifically, those who forget to wear the color might find themselves on the receiving end of a pinch.

This playful custom is more common in the U.S. than in Ireland and stems from the idea that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who are known for their trickster ways. So, to avoid being "spotted" (or pinched), make sure you add a splash of green to your outfit.

2. Drowning A Shamrock In Whiskey

Jill Wellington

In Ireland, a well-known tradition is "drowning the shamrock," and it's believed to bring good luck. The shamrock has long been linked with Irish heritage and fortune. It's said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.

So, on March 17, many celebrate by dropping a fresh shamrock into a glass of whiskey, drinking the beverage, and then tossing the shamrock over their left shoulder for good luck.

3. Doing An Irish Jig

Darlene Alderson

Get into the spirit of the holiday by learning an Irish jig! This energetic dance is a staple of Irish celebrations and is often performed in parades or festivals. It features quick footwork, pointed toes, and rhythmic hopping.

The Irish jig has deep roots in Celtic culture, possibly evolving from ancient clan marching tunes or early Celtic circle dances. Traditionally, Celts danced clockwise for joyous occasions and counterclockwise for mourning.

You can take a dance class, join in at a local event, or just work on some jig steps at home!

4. Searching For Four-Leaf Clovers

MH Shan

Hunting for a four-leaf clover is a classic St. Patty's Day pastime, and if you manage to find one, you should consider yourself super lucky.

While shamrocks typically have three leaves, the rare four-leaf clover is actually a genetic mutation, making it a real symbol of good fortune. In fact, experts estimate that only one in every 10,000 clovers has four leaves!

Test your luck this holiday by scanning a patch of clover quickly. Our brains are surprisingly good at spotting irregular patterns.

5. Release The "Devil" From Your Irish Soda Bread

Bijoux and Bits

Did you know that cutting a cross on top of Irish soda bread isn't just for aesthetics? According to Irish folklore, scoring a cross into the dough "lets the devil out" and ensures good luck and protection for your household.

This superstition, rooted in both Christian and pagan beliefs, was thought to ward off evil spirits. It also serves a practical purpose by allowing steam to escape, thus helping the bread bake evenly.

6. Run In A St. Patrick's Day Dash

Brett Sayles

Running a race might not be the first thing that comes to mind for March 17, but it's become a really fun tradition. St. Patrick's Day dashes can range from quick 5Ks to half marathons, with plenty of family-friendly walks for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.

Participants dress up in green, wear shamrocks, and sometimes even race while sporting leprechaun hats! It's a great way to stay active and possibly run your way into some good luck.

7. Chow Down On Corned Beef And Cabbage

Brit + Co

It's just not St. Patrick's Day without a plate of corned beef and cabbage. Even though many associated this dish with Ireland, it actually has Irish-American roots.

When Irish immigrants arrived in the U.S., they found corned beef to be a more affordable alternative to traditional bacon. Paired with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, it became a comforting and flavorful meal that stuck as a holiday staple.

8. Kiss Someone Who Is Irish

RDNE Stock project

Finally, you've definitely seen the phrase "Kiss me, I'm Irish" on T-shirts before. This fun saying is tied to the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, an act that's said to bring good luck.

However, not all of us have the ability to visit the Blarney Stone. So, kissing an Irish person is another way to honor the custom in the spirit of good fortune.

Looking for more fun lifestyle tips? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

I already knew Freakier Friday would be even crazier than the first movie (because the only thing that would make me panic more than switching bodies with my mom is having it happen twice), but Anna (Lindsay Lohan) and Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) are in for one wild ride in Freaky Friday 2. Because not only are they experiencing a switch, but Anna's daughter and soon-to-be daughter are caught up in it too. Freaky, indeed.

Here's the hilarious Freakier Friday trailer, starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis — and featuring Chappell Roan's "HOTTOGO"!

The 'Freakier Friday' trailer is seeing double.

In the Freakier Friday trailer, we see Anna and Tess get their palms read — and when the palm reader sees their life lines have intersected before, and starts teasing they could be in for another adventure, this mother-daughter duo IMMEDIATELY leaves...and then wakes up the next morning in other bodies.

But while the first Freaky Friday saw Anna and Tess switch bodies with one another, this time Anna finds herself trapped in her own daughter's (Julia Butters) body, while Tess and Anna's soon-to-be stepdaughter (Sophia Hammons) swap as well. Talk about complicated!

I was almost more excited to hear Chappell Roan's "HOTTOGO" than I was about anything else. A perfect song choice if you ask me!

And 'Freakier Friday' sees a lot of familiar faces return.

We also get to see Pink Slip reunite in the Freakier Friday trailer! Screenwriter Jordan Weiss teased the band's reunion in our interview for the 2024 rom-com Sweethearts, telling Brit + Co that "I may or may not have gotten to go to set and been around some pink slip energy."

"It may or may not have excited my inner child beyond belief because I was a super fan. I was 10 years old when the first movie came out," she continued. "So 20 years later to get to work on the sequel as part of that team was a dream and, you know, don't meet your heroes unless your heroes are Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, In which case they're amazing. Meet your heroes."

We also see a glimpse of Manny Jancinto and Chad Michael Murray's Jake pull up for a "sexy grand entrance" on his motorcycle. We'll have to watch Freakier Friday when it hits theaters on August 8, 2025 to see how these ladies will work it out!

Are you excited for Freakier Friday? Let us know what you're most excited to see in the sequel on TikTok! And read up on how Chad Michael Murray's Freaky Friday Role Almost Went To Jared Padalecki.