Serve Your Squad Mermaid Pasta to Fulfill Everyone’s Mermaid Dreams

Kelly Bryden
Jul 25, 2016

We’re back at it again with our food hybrids, and this time, we created a treat to serve at your Ariel-approved 30th birthday party. This pasta dish includes wine, fun colors and garlic bread — pretty much the answer to all of my dinner wants and needs :) Alternatively, leave out the wine and serve this dish for your little one’s birthday party. The kiddos will love pasta that is fit for a mermaid.

Ingredients:

— spaghetti

— wine

— butter

— garlic

— Parmesan cheese

— sliced bread

— food coloring: teal, pink, purple

— edible glitter

— seashell cookie cutters

Instructions:

1. Mix equal parts wine and water and bring to a boil. Cook 1/3 package of spaghetti, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook 1/3 spaghetti in pink water and the last third of the spaghetti in teal or purple water.

3. Cut out seashell shapes from sliced bread and cover with garlic and butter.

4. Place in a 425-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 minutes.

5. Mix all the colors of pasta together and top with Parmesan cheese and edible glitter.

We followed Francesca’s tutorial on how to make wine pasta. Mix equal parts wine and water together to cook 1/3 of the package of spaghetti.

Clean your pot and then make 1/3 of the pasta in teal water and the last third in pink water.

Check out these colors! Any mermaid would be proud.

Pair your mermaid spaghetti with seashell garlic bread. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from sliced bread.

Mince garlic and stir into room temperature butter. Spread onto the seashells and place in a 425-degree oven for 10 minutes.

Top with Parmesan cheese, edible glitter and a few seashells.

“Look at this stuff… Isn’t it neat!”

Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative!

DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
 Photography: Brittany Griffin

This DIY Flower Backdrop Wall Is *Perfect* for Spring Parties

You can never have too many flowers. Crowns, cakes, even a wardrobe staple — it doesn’t matter; we love ’em all. This DIY bloom backdrop is no exception to that. Below, find all the steps you need to turn your fave florals into a stunning statement piece. (We’re thinking backdrop for a Prosecco bar or a standalone photo wall!) Scroll below to get the details.

What You'll Need:

  • metal hooks
  • clear fishing line
  • flowers

Instructions:

  1. Screw the hook into your ceiling.
  2. Hang fishing line over the hook. Tie a knot against the hook to secure it.
  3. Tie a knot around the back of each flower head and stem, allowing them to hang a couple of inches apart
  4. Voila! Display your flower wall against a white wall, or a wall in a color that contrasts with the flowers to make them pop.

If you make this DIY flower wall, show us! Just tag us @BritandCo, and while you're at it, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter!

This article has been updated.

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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This Concrete Candle Holder DIY Was Made for Your Patio

You've been dreaming of the perfect way to up your patio game this spring. Well, we found it with these DIY candles in concrete candle holders. These gems are your ticket to making your space feel festive and LIT for all of your outdoor entertainingahead. Scroll through to see how you can create 'em in time for your next dinner party.

You'll need:

  • concrete mix
  • water
  • mold for candle holder (like a plastic cup)
  • placeholder (smaller plastic cup) & rocks to weigh it down
  • candles
  • x-acto knife
  • mixing bowl
  • painter's tape
  • paintbrush
  • paint or spray paint
Instructions: Choose your mold (like soap bottles, water bottles, or even yogurt containers) then select a placeholder that's slightly smaller in diameter than your candle mold.
Mix the concrete in a separate bowl (see packaging for how much water to add) and fill the mold with it.
Put the placeholder in the mold. (Pro tip: Spray the exterior of your placeholder with PAM cooking spray to make removing it easier). Add weights, like rocks, to make sure it stays in place.
Tap lightly until the concrete is settled and even and let it sit for approximately four hours. You’ll want to wait until the concrete feels firm enough to hold on its own without the placeholder.
Remove the placeholder from the concrete mold. Clean up the sides if necessary. Allow to dry for 24 more hours.
Once dry, cut from the bottom and peel away the mold.
Place the candle inside the concrete holder.
Optional: To add more flair, spruce it up with some paint. Use painters' tape to cover your candle and the area of the concrete you’d like to keep natural. Hand-paint or add spray paint for a fun pattern.
Let the paint dry and get ready to enjoy the stylish pop of ambiance they provide.

Are you planning on making DIY candles this spring? Let us know at @BritandCo!

(Photos via Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

diy projectseasy diyshome decorpatiosummer decortrending diy tutorialsdiy

Whoa, Paul Mescal Is Already Talking About 'Gladiator 3'

Gladiator 2 isn't even in theaters yet (mark your calendars for November 22!) and star Paul Mescal is already thinking about doing a threequel. Although, after raving about director Ridley Scott, and sharing the screen with Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and Joseph Quinn, who could blame him?! So if you're wondering 'Is there going to be a Gladiator 3?' then you've come to the right place.

Keep reading for all the latest Gladiator 3 news — and to see what Paul Mescal and Ridley Scott have said about returning.

Is there going to be a Gladiator 3?

Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures hasn't confirmed whether we're getting a Gladiator 3 quite yet, but director Ridley Scott is definitely on board. "I’ve already got eight pages. I’ve got the beginning of a very good footprint," he says. But he also mentions he'd like to make one huge change from the first two movies. "If there’s a Gladiator 3, I don’t think you’d ever go back into the arena. But I had to go back into the arena…"

And as for whether Paul Mescal would return? Well that's a resounding yes. “If there's going to be a Gladiator III, I hope I'm in it," he told Peopleat the LA premiere of Gladiator 2 on November 18, while adding to Variety that he'd be “massively down” for a third movie.

“I don’t think it will be [24] years — but I have no idea when it will be.”

www.tiktok.com

But Paul's comments on a Gladiator 3 weren't the only reason he made headlines last night! He brought GF Gracie Abrams (who just broke the internet in her own right when she performed with Taylor Swift). And while they didn't make a red carpet appearance together, it seems like Gladiator's official TikTok account just hard launched their relationship.

"THEY HIT THE PENTAGON," one user commented, while another said, "I just fell to my knees." If you can't tell from the drama, fans are going crazy. (It's me, I'm fans).

Is Russell Crowe in the new Gladiator?

No, sadly, Russell Crowe doesn't make an appearance in Gladiator 2 (well, apart from Gladiator flashbacks, that is). And if you're wondering 'Is Maximus alive in Gladiator 2?' you'll just have to watch the first one!

Do you want to see Paul Mescal return for Gladiator 3? Check out the 10 New November Movies We've Been Waiting All Year For before the month ends!

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30 Adorable Gifts For People Who Work From Home

Working from home is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it's great that you can get sh*t done virtually anywhere with WiFi, but on the other, you're constantly summoned to your couch (or in more severe cases, your bed) to take a "break" (a nap) that can impact your productivity. Having cute desk accessories and organization solutions on deck at all times is a must for anyone seeking to dial in and simply feel good about the whole 'working from home' thing. Whether you know the beauty of WFH life or not, these gifts for people who work from home will certainly liven up any workspace.

Our fave WFH gifts in this post:

Scroll on for more of the best WFH gifts to give in 2024!

Papier

1. Papier Joy Weekly Desk Planner

Seeing every to-do item in one place (that's not a computer screen) is a major game-changer for staying on-task, and the ultimate hack is this structured notepad.

Amazon

2. Personalized Acrylic Name Plate

This custom, made-to-order name plate would make any WFH-er feel more dignified.

Amazon

3. Rossie Home Premium Acacia Wood Lap Desk

This way, they can take their work anywhere, whether it be the sofa or bed. The finished wood gives this lap desk an upscale feel that means business!

Amazon

4. Cute Duck LED Lamp

This cute, squishy desk-sized lamp is sure to alleviate The Horrors (work stress).

Amazon

5. Kawaii Animals Erasable Gel Pen Set

These top-rated animal pens are the perfect little workday cheerleaders when they hang out at anyone's desk.

Uncommon Goods

6. Tech Taffy Desk Duster

This gooey glob helps get the grime (like dust and dirt) out from in between their keyboard, mouse, and headphones.

Amazon

7. Bose Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones

We're convinced that noise-cancelling headphones are a product directly from heaven. This pair does an excellent job at drowning out sonic distractions.

Amazon

8. Quartet Desktop Glass Monitor Riser for Computer with Dry-Erase Board

This desk riser with an attached dry-erase board helps eliminate papers from piling up on their desk. It's the perfect vehicle for meeting reminders, brainstorms, and other important work items.

Amazon

9. Aesthetic Highlighters

A highlighter in hand = instant productivity.

Amazon

10. Waterproof Desk Mat

This desk mat can handle it all – keyboards, notebooks, cold drinks, and basically everything else needed for the 9 to 5 grind.

Amazon

11. Ergonomic Computer Mouse Pad

Having an ergonomic setup can help prevent that infamous WFH-induced back pain. Start small with this soothing mouse pad!

Amazon

12. 12-Sided Fidget Toy

If your working-from-home gift recipient is on the anxious side, a fidget cube can be a real game-changer when it comes to letting out stress and pent-up energy.

Urban Outfitters

13. Little Glass Table Lamp

Shed some light on their daily work routine with an adorable tiny lamp, shoppable in a variety of playful colors and patterns.

Amazon

14. Colorful Sticky Notes

For helping them jot down genius ideas, look no further than gifting a hearty pack of sticky notes. The colors in this set will make working a lot more fun.

Amazon

15. Speks Crags Ferrite Putty

This super-satisfying stress ball alternative will keep their anxious hands busy during meetings and email sweeps.

Amazon

16. Electric Coffee Mug Warmer

Coffee is life, so make sure their caffeinated cup stays fresh all morning long. This gift is especially thoughtful if you know they're a slow sipper!

Loam Candles

17. Loam Harvest Basket Candle

Having a cute candle lit during the workday instantly improves morale. We don't make the rules.

Amazon

18. Ergonomic Laptop Riser

For the on-the-go worker, a laptop without a laptop riser is criminal. This easy-to-set up one has almost 12,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, most notable for its durability.

Umbra

19. Umbra Montage Wall Shelf

This lightweight, design-forward wall shelf is perfect for stowing away joy-inspiring knick-knacks and work necessities alike.

Amazon

20. Line Friends Cable Management Holder

Let these cutie little bears take the reins – er, rather, the cords – and create more space for a clear head.

Amazon

21. Moleskine Classic Hard Cover Notebook

This bound notebook will withstand any weather, plus it's the perfect place to write down great ideas!

ban.do

22. ban.do Sticker Book

This lively, colorful sticker book will make those long meetings much more entertaining. These would pair super well with the notebook above for a cutie gift set.

Amazon

23. Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Don't let them fry their eyes all day – these blue light glasses work to filter out the harmful effects of [dun-dun-dunnn] computer screens.

Target

24. Owala Stainless Steel Tumbler

Hydration helps fuel a healthy mind, and that noggin is needed for making great things happen at work. This 40oz insulated tumbler keeps drinks ice-cold all throughout the day!

Urban Outfitters

25. Chromoeye Working From Home Art Print

This poster says what we're all thinking about WFH.

Amazon

26. Pomodoro Timer

The Pomodoro technique is a killer method for staying tuned-in. With this timer, the work time versus rest time is left up to the user.

Uncommon Goods

27. The Work Wellness Deck

This box o' cards comes ready with 60 different prompts that help your local worker at home destress and recharge before, during, or after the workday.

Day Designer

28. Day Designer 2025 Daily Planner

A planner is going to help facilitate the utmost organization and productivity for your giftee that works from home.

Uncommon Goods

29. Stay Cool Adjustable Laptop Desk

This lap desk makes it easy for them to slouch on the couch (we're guilty!) or laze in bed while still getting sh*t done while they work.

ban.do

30. Hot Stuff Ceramic Mug Book Person

If it's not being used for coffee, consider this the cutest catch-all for miscellaneous desk junk.

Sign up for our newsletter for more holiday gifts you just can't resist!

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

This post has been updated.

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