Whether loopy and prim, boxy and precise or doctor-status illegible, our handwriting is as much a part of who we are as our fingerprints. (Fun fact: Your handwriting is actually an indicator of your personality!) When it comes to self-love, appreciating your own handwriting isn’t exactly difficult. While we could ogle the perfect penmanship of our fave calligrapher crushes any day of the year, one day in particular is extra special. For 24 hours, those in the know will be celebrating all things calligraphic, from favored writing utensils to graphic tees to childhood chicken-scratch and everything in between. Dot your i’s and cross your t’s, y’all, ’cause it’s National Handwriting Day!
It's no secret that you have a crush on calligraphy, and we can't blame you. There's just something about hand-lettering that makes wedding details a little more personal (and a lot more pretty). Just the image of your guests each receiving that hand-written envelope is enough to fulfill all of your bridal dreams. For all the best inspo, check out these 15 wedding calligraphy gurus on Instagram. Your feed is about to have you double-tapping all day long.
1. @whimsydesignstudio: This feed is filled with some seriously pretty photos. Specializing in wedding signage, Meagan of Whimsy Design Studio is a calligraphy pro. There isn’t a surface that she hasn’t touched with her gorgeous handwriting.
View this post on Instagramhand painted + pink + watercolor = 👌🏼
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2. @lauren.saylor: Watercolor and calligraphy are a bride's best friend. These sophisticated stationery and styling 'grams will have you scrolling for inspiration for hours.
3. @shannonkirsten: Shannon’s unique take on illustration and hand-lettering will make your wedding invites pop. As a bonus, she turns her illustrations into gift wrap — perfect for all the parties you get invited to as newlyweds.
4. @partysally: If you're in need of chic place cards with a personalized flair, then Katherine is your girl. She puts an elegant spin on Southern class and will help make your wedding day oh-so-pretty!
View this post on InstagramFlowery welcome sign 🌸🍃...see more of the process on my snapchat (I'm sugarandchic over there 🙂).
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5. @sugarandchicshop: Everything from mirrors and chalkboards to pumpkins and stamps can be adorned with handwritten calligraphy for customized wedding decor. Just pick a surface and Sugar + Chic has decorated it! Follow this Insta for inspo on ways to take calligraphy even beyond your invites.
6. @annerobincallig: Bright details, gorgeous lettering and swoon-worthy events are just a few things that Anne shows off. You’ll instantly fall in love with the pops of color that pepper her feed.
7. @fleurdeletters: This LA-based artist makes calligraphy look easy. Scroll through to find hand-lettered wedding details, inspirational quotes and a seriously cute baby bump.
8. @missmultee: Tina’s love for paper and ink barely scratches the surface of her design talents. Follow her to find photos of awesome drawings, wedding decor and her adorable dog, Izzy.
9. @laurenessl: If you're as obsessed with color as we are, then this account is a must-follow. You can even take her calligraphy class to learn how to make your own custom cards!
10. @lhcalligraphy: All hail the queen of calligraphy. You won’t be able to stop staring at Laura’s gorgeous work as you double tap every photo she posts.
11. @castcalligraphy: Handwritten lettering adds a personal flair to your wedding invites — especially if they are embossed. Cast Calligraphy knows exactly how to make an invitation suite look like a million bucks.
12. @meanttobedc: The world is your oyster when you have Michele to inspire your wedding calligraphy. Add a whole lot of meaning to your big day with custom decor that your guests will love.
13. @openinkstand: Your wedding just got a whole lot prettier. With intricate and elaborate calligraphy, Schin Loong’s account will inspire you to make your menus, invitational suites and wedding signage look extra fancy.
14. @writtenwordcalligraphy: Pretty pastels fill this feed of destination wedding invitations. Follow Karla Lim to daydream about faraway places and fairy-tale love stories.
15. @layersofloveliness: Every last wedding detail is covered in this swoon-worthy feed of calligraphy and wedding decor. The gorgeous illustrations and photographed close-ups make this Instagram feed an easy favorite.
Check out all things Brit + Co Weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for more beautiful and creative wedding inspo.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Now that fall is officially in full swing, there’s a lot of seasonal traditions to look forward to, like apple picking, enjoying pumpkin spice lattes, or perfecting Taylor Swift’s famous chai sugar cookie recipe. But in recent years, a new Halloween trend has taken social media by storm – boo baskets. Whether you’re planning on crafting the perfect basket for a loved one, or you have no idea where to start, here is a guide that will help you get on the right track.
What Are Boo Baskets?
Reine Jalloul
Boo baskets are Halloween or fall-themed gift baskets typically filled with candy, seasonal decorations, and fun crafts that you can surprise your significant other with to celebrate the season. While videos of this trend usually show people giving their baskets to their “boo” (pun intended), it’s not limited to just your partner. You can also make one for your friends, your parents, your kids, or even your pets if you wanted to!
What Do You Put In a Boo Basket?
Sarah Barna
Just about anything can go in a boo basket! If you’re creating a basket that’s specific to your loved one’s interests, the possibilities of what you can include are endless. But based on countless TikTok videos and Instagram reels posted about this trend, the general formula for a basket that I’ve noticed includes a cozy item, a mug, a fall-themed drink mix, snacks or candy, a stuffed animal, and (of course) a basket big enough to fit everything!
First, The Basket
Amazon
Technically, any big basket or container could be used to hold your boo basket items. However, if you’re the kind of person that likes to go all out when gift-giving, I would recommend a Halloween-themed basket like the Andemie Halloween Collapsible Organizer from Amazon. Not only does this basket come in multiple colors and patterns, you can easily flatten the basket and store it anywhere you want, so you can reuse it next fall.
Candles, Body Care, Sweaters & More … A Cozy Girl’s Galore!
Cora Pursley
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to getting all relaxed and comfortable, especially on a chilly, rainy fall day. Personally, there are three essential elements to my lazy days – an oversized sweater, some gourmand scented body care, and a candle that makes my entire apartment smell like walking into a bakery. If this sounds like you, here are some of my favorites.
Etsy
This sweater from the LoveStitchesCo shop on Etsy has quickly become a staple to my “lounging around” outfits this season, and for a good reason. For only $26, this sweater is made out of 100 percent cotton, has a wide size range available (S to 3XL), and can be customized to whatever color you’d like. Plus, the embroidered design is absolutely adorable; who doesn’t love ghost kittens?
Sol de Janeiro
As the weather gets colder, many people (like myself) opt to swap their perfumes and scented lotions from fruity and tropical notes to warm and edible notes like vanilla, caramel, honey and chocolate. If you’re looking to spoil your boo basket recipient who likes these kinds of scents, Sol de Janeiro recently released a limited edition body cream in one of their best-sellers, Cheirosa 71. Fragrance notes of caramelized vanilla, white chocolate and toasted macadamia nut will have you smelling like a snack (literally), while moisturizing ingredients like macadamia seed oil and tucumã butter will keep your skin feeling silky smooth.
Bath & Body Works
If you’re a candle lover, then you already know that the best place to find candles for every season is at none other than Bath & Body Works. Sure, there are plenty of pumpkin scented candles to try, but if you’re looking to include something in a boo basket that screams fall, Autumn Chai is the perfect option. This three-wick candle has notes of cinnamon chai, French vanilla, and caramel – a great combination if you’re looking for something cozy, but not too overwhelming.
Drink Mixes
Target
Hot chocolate is one of the quintessential cold weather beverages, but if you want to be more creative with your drink choice, Target’s Favorite Day brand has a spooky-themed hot cocoa mix that would be a great addition to your boo basket. One box comes with two cocoa mixes and a marshmallow confetti mix shaped like beakers you can find in a science laboratory, and when combined with warm milk, changes to an orange or green color. How cool is that?
And Of Course, A Mug To Match
Target
You got the perfect fall drink for your boo, but what mug would go with it the best? At this stage, I think this is where you get something that is the most personable to your boo basket recipient. You could include a mug that matches their career or their favorite hobbies and interests. If you want to play it safe and stick with a Halloween theme, this 15 oz ghost mug from Target is spook-tacular!
Plushies Make Everything Better
Warmies
Who says that stuffed animals are just for kids? Not only are they fluffy and come in all shapes and sizes, giving a stuffed animal to your loved one is one of the best ways to show that you care about them. As a plushie connoisseur, my go-to pick for a boo basket would be any plush, like this pink llama from Warmies. Each cuddly buddy is lavender-scented and also serves as a microwaveable heating pad that can be used to relieve stress or soothe muscle aches and pains.
Don’t Forget the Candy
Target
No Halloween basket would be complete without candy! From chocolates to gummy worms and sour WarHeads, there are so many options to choose from that it can seem overwhelming to pick just one. And if your boo basket recipient has any dietary restrictions, it can be even more difficult to find something that fits that person’s needs. My twin sister has been vegan for almost five years, and before we both moved out from our parents’ house, these dark chocolate coconut bars from Unreal were a staple snack for the whole family. Not only are these bars certified vegan and gluten-free, each bar only contains three grams of sugar and three ingredients – coconut, cassava syrup and dark chocolate. As someone who isn’t vegan, trust me when I say that when you try these, you won’t want to go back to the name-brand chocolate.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This article has been updated.
You know what this year could use? Some holiday cheer! And we're more than happy to swoop in and deliver just that with our new and improved class experience — coming at you with a major discount. Not only did our online classes get a huge facelift this year, but in the spirit of helping you DIY your holiday gifts and flex your creative muscles, we're offering one month free to try any and all of our 120+ classes. That's unlimited creativity, y'all!
To redeem this special offer, use code CLOROXCARES at checkout to get your first month free. Learn how to decorate cakes in time for your hosting duties, or dive into the basics of hand-lettering and watercolor painting to make truly unique holiday cards this season. There are also plenty of courses to help you up your professional skills like Adobe Photoshop, web design, and more. And don't forget that in addition to all of our amazing classes, you can also enroll into money expert Nicole Lapin's finance masterclasses directly from our course page. These special classes aren't part of our free month trial, but can be a wonderful investment if you want to head into 2021 with your money sitch in order.
After taking advantage of this limited time offer, be sure to head over to @britandco and let us know what courses you're most excited about taking this fall!
We're officially one week into Scorpio season — are you feeling it? Is your intuition heightened? Are you super sensitive and a bit more introverted? It’s a good time to slow down, feel your feelings, and tap into the inner wisdom of your soul. Scorpio is often misinterpreted, perhaps because this season coincides with Halloween, the decreasing daylight in the northern hemisphere, or simply Scorpio’s intensity and power. A key word for Scorpio is transformation, which is never easy.
Think of the caterpillar’s metamorphosis — its time in the cramped and dark cocoon. That primordial, gooey existence is anything but comfortable. Transformation requires time, a willingness to experience discomfort, and patience before emerging as a beautiful butterfly.
Scorpio is one of the healing signs in the zodiac, and while the Sun is in Scorpio, we can make great strides toward healing ourselves and helping others. There’s nothing superficial about Scorpio — it demands depth, wanting to uncover layers and expose what’s hiding. That’s why it’s a great time to focus on your inner world and subconscious mind. All forms of therapy are beneficial during Scorpio season, but psychotherapy is especially powerful if that's an option for you.
Eager to know what this transformational energy has to offer? Read on for your weekly horoscope to understand how this can impact your sun and rising sign!
Astrological Overview For Your Weekly Horoscope
The New Moon in Scorpio occurs on November 1 at 9 degrees of Scorpio. You'll want to check your birth chart to see where 9 degrees of Scorpio falls — this is the area of your life where you can experience transformation and growth. New Moons are powerful times to plant seeds for future growth, to dream and plan for the coming month. Take time to reflect on what truly matters during this period of darkness and inward focus.
Mars, the planet of action and determination, has been opposite Pluto, the planet of transformation, for months. Both Mars and Pluto co-rule Scorpio, creating an intense and volatile energy. This opposition becomes exact again on November 3 and 4. Use this energy to propel yourself in a new direction and honor your true self. Strength and focus can harness this intensity for personal breakthroughs, but be cautious in making impulsive decisions during this time — on the global stage, tensions may rise, and there could be heightened aggression.
Adding to this turbulent energy, Mercury, the planet of communication and learning, leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius on November 2. As Mercury exits Scorpio, it forms a beneficial trine to Mars and a sextile to Pluto. This is a powerful opportunity for words to contribute to healing, so take care in how you communicate. Be mindful of the power your words hold, especially as Sagittarius can be blunt and outspoken. While Mercury is in Sagittarius until January 9, focus on expanding your consciousness, learning new skills, and broadening your horizons.
Key Dates For Your Weekly Horoscope
- November 1 — New Moon in Scorpio
- November 2 — Mercury enters Sagittarius
- November 3-4 — Mars and Pluto opposition becomes exact
Read Your Horoscope Based on Your Sun and Rising Signs
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Aries (March 21 – April 20)
You’re being asked to dig deep into your subconscious this week. Keep your eyes and ears open for messages from dreams or moments of creativity. Meditation or solitude may reveal powerful realizations. If you feel the need to make a major life change, be sure your decisions come from the heart. You’re on the cusp of a creative breakthrough, but make sure your actions are driven by authenticity.
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Taurus (April 22 – May 21)
Relationships are in focus for you. This is a great week for couples therapy or deep, transformative conversations with your partner. Be willing to make changes that benefit your relationships, home, and career. Your sensitivity may be heightened, so incorporate self-care and self-love into any changes you make. Don’t shy away from this potential for growth — there’s tremendous opportunity for profound shifts.
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Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
Good fortune and harmony are possible, but luck won’t just fall into your lap — you need to be proactive. This could show up in your relationships with others or in your relationship with yourself. Kindness, equality, and fairness are key to success. Be cautious around people exhibiting aggressive behavior. You’ll receive back what you give out, so practice kindness and ensure you’re approaching things with fairness and balance.
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Cancer (June 22 – July 22)
You prefer to avoid conflict, but this week you’ll have the chance to step out of your comfort zone. You don’t have to be confrontational, but a bit of assertiveness will help you move toward your goals. The seeds you plant during this New Moon will grow stronger if you add passion and creativity. Follow your intuition, especially when making important decisions. Your dreams need a touch of energy and action.
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Leo (July 23 – August 22)
The Mars-Pluto opposition has likely stirred up some drama in your life. Have you mustered the courage to start something new? If not, this week offers an opportunity to fully step into your authentic self and begin a new chapter. Don’t hold back, but be prepared for uncharted territory. Your relationships, particularly with yourself, may need a refresh. Self-love and self-care are essential as you embark on these transformations. You might even consider sprucing up your home or making a move.
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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Career growth is in focus this week, but you’ll need to find a balance between your home life and work life. You may feel the urge to do more in both areas, but it’s crucial to stay grounded. Pay attention to details and avoid overindulgence. A balance between home and work will lead to the best results — be sure to tend to both areas without letting one consume the other.
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Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Your finances and values are the focus this week. Now is the perfect time to ensure your financial life is in order. Meet with a financial planner or make sure your will is up to date. This planning will give you peace of mind and reduce future stress. Once Mercury moves into Sagittarius on November 2, you’ll feel freer to have fun and pursue adventure, knowing that your financial security is taken care of.
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Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Your power and determination will only grow as the week progresses. Use this time to tap into your inner authority and work toward concrete goals. There’s likely to be movement in your career, but it won’t happen overnight. Patience and sustained effort are required. Cultivate joy and focus on long-term goals — there’s no rush, but steady progress will lead to great results.
Brit + Co
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Mercury entering your sign on November 2 invites expansion and learning. If you’ve been waiting to start a new project, learn a new skill, or expand your understanding of the universe, now is the time. Subjects like spirituality and philosophy will be easier to grasp during this time. Be mindful, though — your blunt communication style could come off as caustic, so take a breath before you speak.
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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Mental well-being should be a priority. Use this time to focus on learning and honing your skills. Your approach to life and work is inspiring to others. If you’ve been dealing with self-doubt, discard any negative self-talk and practice self-compassion. You have a natural ability to teach others, so don’t hesitate to share your knowledge with those who might be facing something similar to your experiences.
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Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)
This week focuses on your community and your relationship with like-minded people. Group learning and activities will be more impactful than solo efforts. Mercury in Sagittarius from November 2 will encourage you to learn through travel and adventure. Something exciting and transformative is on the horizon — seize the opportunity for growth through connection with others.
Brit + Co
Pisces (February 20 – March 21)
It’s time to focus on your physical health. The energy of this week will make it easier to start a health regimen and stick to it. While you may become more serious about your health, don’t push yourself too hard. Take small, steady steps to make lasting changes. As the week progresses, you’ll feel more confident and enthusiastic about these positive changes to your well-being.
Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!
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If you haven't yet seen the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things, first of all, whaaat? And second of all, head to Netflix right now (after reading this post I mean) for a serious binge. Stranger Things is amazing for so many reasons. It's not only suspenseful and exciting, but it's also perfectly cast with the sweetest child actors and is wonderfully nostalgic.
Despite the fact we're waiting for Stranger Things 5 (and potentially Eddie Munson) to arrive on Netflix, the first season will always have a special place in our hearts. There is something that's iconic, nostalgic, and classic about it and we just cannot get enough. If you feel the same way, add this Stranger Things costume to your Halloween costume rotation!
Eleven 'Stranger Things' Costume
Brit + Co
Of all the outfits, I was most nervous about Eleven’s pink dress. I really lucked out finding this one at my local thrift store. I tucked a white collared shirt I found from the Brit + Co closet underneath.
Brit + Co
The striped crew socks were from Uniqlo (alternate here) and former visual designer Rosee brought her own sneakers and jean jacket. I tried putting a bald cap on Rosee, but instead of looking mysterious like Eleven, it just looked awkward. We decided to put a blonde wig on her and kept it looking messy and fake to perfectly encapsulate Eleven's faux hair.
Brit + Co
Leggo my Eggo.
Brit + Co
“No.”
Mike Wheeler Costume
Brit + Co
I got Mike’s vintage polo shirt and jacket at a thrift store. Former UI Designer/Engineer Scott brought his own jeans and sneakers. To convince people of your Mike-ness, grab a PARTY ZONE Short Black Wig from Amazon.
Brit + Co
Meet Mike Wheeler. He’s the type of person who would go to the Upside Down for his friend. Plus, he toasts the best Eggos ever.
Lucas Sinclair Costume
Brit + Co
I dressed former VP of Strategy, Baldwin, in a vintage striped polo and a maroon jacket, both of which I found at a thrift store, and in a black backpack. Baldwin brought his own jeans, boots and modeling chops. I didn’t add Lucas’s camo headband this time, but you can easily find a scrap of camo fabric at any fabric store to tie around your forehead.
Brit + Co
Meet Lucas Sinclair. He’s a skeptical but fiercely loyal friend. He also has great tree-climbing and binocular skills.
Dustin Henderson 'Stranger Things' Costume
Brit + Co
Dustin’s vintage t-shirt and jacket were awesome thrift store finds. I bought former Editor Trevor a Curly Wig and Mesh Trucker Hat on Amazon. Trevor brought his own sneakers and shoes. We struggled a little with creating Dustin’s missing teeth, but in the end, we stuck some black construction paper over Trevor’s front teeth. The construction paper lasted for the photoshoot, but for a long Halloween night, you may want to try something else. If you find a great way to black-out front teeth, let me know!
Brit + Co
Meet Dustin. He’s known for his expert compass reading and sweet toothless grin.
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Stop fighting guys!!!
Brit + Co
Friends don’t lie.
Barb and Nancy Costume
Brit + Co
Oh, Barb… she may be one of the most tragic characters in Stranger Things. For the most part, it seemed like she only had Nancy looking out for her. Though flawed, Barb and Nancy’s friendship was super strong, and you can tell that they really cared for each other.
Barb Holland Costume
Brit + Co
Amazingly, Barb’s costume was the trickiest to put together. I went to three different stores before finding these high-waisted jeans at Ross. I bought Barb’s ruffled pink button-down from a thrift store and you can grab a red RicHyun Natural Layered PixieWig and Dollger Clear Lens Non Prescription Eyewear from Amazon. Former Planner Micaela brought her own white sneakers and Barb-ness.
Brit + Co
“Nance, seriously, you’re going to be so cool it’s ridiculous.”
Nancy Wheeler Costume
Brit + Co
Nancy has a lot of variation in her wardrobe, but for this costume, I decided to go with the outfit we see her wear to school in the first episode. I found Nancy’s striped sweater, skirt, and white tights at Forever 21. I got the black flats from a thrift store. Former Beauty Editor Misty pinned back former Associate Creative Director Roxy’s bangs and gave her rosy cheeks and berry lips to complete Nancy’s sweetheart look.
Brit + Co
“Barb? Barb?”
Brit + Co
“Ooh, all my boys are here.”
Steve Harrington Costume
Brit + Co
At the beginning of Stranger Things, I was put off by Steve Harrington. I was like, “Nancy, he’s a tool!” But as the show progressed, Steve grew on me more and more. For his costume, I just bought this blue crew-neck sweater from a thrift store. Our model Johnny brought his own jeans, sneakers, and coiffed hair.
Brit + Co
“You’re an idiot, Steve Harrington.” “You’re beautiful, Nancy Wheeler.”
Brit + Co
Hey, who’s the guy taking pictures of us?
Jonathan Byers Costume
Brit + Co
For Jonathan’s broody look, you can use the same PARTY ZONE Short Black Wig from Mike's costume. Misty added oil to the wig and trimmed parts of it to make it look greasy and emo. I also bought a t-shirt and dark sherpa jacket from a thrift store. Former Channel Marketing Associate Sean brought his own sneakers and jeans.
Brit + Co
“I don’t like most people…”
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“Well I was just starting to think you were okay…”
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Team Steve or Team Jonathan?
Group 'Stranger Things' Halloween Costume
Brit + Co
Let’s get the whole gang together!
Brit + Co
The demogorgon!!!
Brit + Co
Eggos on Eggos on Eggos.
Brit + Co
How will you and your gang dress up for Halloween? Tag us with you Stranger Things costumes on Instagram and check out our Pop Culture Halloween Costumes, TV Halloween Costumes, and other Group Costumes on our Halloween page!
Netflix
DIY Production + Styling: Irene Lee
Makeup: Misty Spinney and Micaela Friedman
Photography: Kurt Andre
Models: Rosee Canfield, Scott Gamble, Baldwin Cunningham, Trevor Tillman, Johnny Walker, Roxy Taghavian, Sean Griffis, and Micaela Friedman
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.