Pack These No-Bake Gluten-Free Granola Bars for Festival Season

Apr 19, 2017

Pack your favorite swimsuit and call the girls — festival season is upon us, amigos! While you already know what bands you’ll see or what outfits you’ll wear, your three-day festival extravaganza will come to a halt if your hunger makes an appearance. Solution? These no-bake granola bars, duh. With a healthy amount of peanut butter, gluten-free oats, craisins, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate, you honestly can’t go wrong. To make your festival weekend really the bee’s knees (kids still say that, right?), eat these granola bars and fuel your inner boho goddess.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 Tablespoon honey
1/4 cup dried craisins
1/2 dark chocolate bar (broken into pieces)
2 cups gluten-free oats
1 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Pour two cups of gluten-free oats in a large container.

2. In the same bowl, add the pumpkin seeds, craisins, dark chocolate, and peanut butter.

3. Add the honey and mix all the ingredients together until everything is combined. Pro tip: If you’re having a hard time mixing the ingredients, place the mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds to soften the peanut butter. Be careful not to overcook it.

4. Once everything has been mixed, pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch pan that’s lined with parchment paper. With your hands or a smooth, hard glass, carefully press the mixture into the pan. The harder you press the granola mix together, the better it will stay together.

5. Place in the freezer for an hour or more so the granola mixture sticks together.

6. Once time is up, take the granola mixture out of the freezer and pull it away from the parchment paper. Cut the mixture into rectangles.

7. Wrap them with parchment paper and twine, and place back in the refrigerator so they last longer.

Pour two cups of gluten-free oats in a large container.

In the same bowl, add the pumpkin seeds, craisins, dark chocolate, and peanut butter.

Add the honey and mix all the ingredients together until everything is combined. Pro tip: If you’re having a hard time mixing the ingredients, place the mixture into the microwave for about 30 seconds to soften the peanut butter. Be careful not to overcook it.

Once everything has been mixed, pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch pan that’s lined with parchment paper. With your hands or a smooth, hard glass, carefully press the mixture into the pan. The harder you press the granola mix together, the better it will stay together. Place in the freezer for an hour or more so the granola mixture sticks together.

Once time is up, take the granola mixture out of the freezer and pull it away from the parchment paper. Cut the mixture into rectangles.

Wrap them with parchment paper and twine, and your granola bars are ready for traveling!

Pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, craisins — yum!

Show us your no-bake granola bars on Instagram with #iamcreative, and follow us on Pinterest for more fun recipes!

9 "Surprising" Foods That Taste Better (And Last Longer) Outside The Fridge

Lately, I’ve been paying closer attention to my grocery receipts. It’s not just the price of eggs — everything feels more expensive, and it's made me think more intentionally about how to make my food last longer. I’ve always hated wasting food. Not only is it tough on the planet, it’s tough on my budget, too. Americans toss out about 38 percent of our food — that’s the equivalent of 145 billion meals ending up in landfills (yikes!). Sure, a big chunk of that comes from restaurants, but even at home, being mindful of waste feels like a win for both the environment and my wallet.

So, instead of putting my groceries away haphazardly, I want to make sure I'm storing everything exactly how — and where — it should go. Luckily, I've learned there are some foods that actually last longer outside of the fridge. And they might surprise you!

Scroll to see the foods you don't need to refrigerate after all...

Alena Darmel

1. Cucumbers

I have never left cucumbers outside the fridge, but it turns out that this can cause them to become too watery. Instead, find an airtight containerand store them in your pantry or countertop. Then toss them in this colorful Greek Salad!

Rens D

2. Bell Peppers

Stashing bell peppers in the fridge can actually make them lose their crunch (who knew?). For peak crispness, keep them at room temperature and enjoy within one to two days. If you're not planning to eat them that quickly, pop them in the fridge to help prevent them from going soft too soon.

Elle Hughes

3. Basil

Store your basil as you would a fresh bouquet of flowers, in a jar with water. Cold temps can cause basil leaves to turn black, so it’s better off out of the fridge.

Shutterstock

4. Butter (And Peanut Butter!)

According to the USDA, butter is best used within a day or two at room temperature to preserve its flavor. When I lived in San Francisco, I could leave it out on the counter year-round without worrying about it melting. Now that I’m in a hotter climate, I keep it out most of the year — just not during the peak of summer. Peanut butter also does well at room temperature, staying smooth and spreadable for up to three months (after which you'll need to refrigerate it).

Pixabay

5. Tomatoes

I grew tomatoes in my garden for the first time last year, and nothing beats the taste of one plucked straight from the vine. To keep that juicy , sun-ripened flavor going, store your tomatoes at room temperature on the counter — not in the fridge. Cold temps can dull their flavor and texture. Try making a simple Tomato Confit recipe to drizzle over bread or pasta, yum!

Gil Ndjouwou

6. Avocados

A friend and I were debating whether avocados belong in the fridge — turns out, they don’t. At least, not until they’re ripe. I eat one almost every day, so I go through them fast, but once they ripen, I pop them in the fridge to slow down the over-ripening. If you’re craving Avocado Toast, stash them in a paper bag to speed things up, or just let them ripen naturally in an open container on the counter.

Natalia Olivera

7. Fresh Bread

If you want to get the most flavor (and life) out of your fresh bread, skip the fridge. Refrigeration actually speeds up staling. Instead, store it in a bread box or basket — somewhere that blocks light but still lets it breathe. Planning to eat it the same day? Leaving it uncovered at room temperature works just fine. Otherwise, a paper bag or the freezer are your best options.

Eric Prouzet

8. Potatoes (Sweet or Otherwise)

I like to keep my potatoes and onions tucked away in the pantry where it’s cool and dark. Storing them in a paper bag at room temperature helps preserve their texture and flavor. The fridge might seem like a good idea, but it can actually do more harm than good — the moisture makes potatoes overly sweet and kind of gritty, and the humidity can cause them to mold more quickly.

Kaboompics.com

9. Onions & Garlic

Onions, shallots, and garlic can become moldy when exposed to the high humidity of the refrigerator. Store them in a relatively cool, dry place in your pantry or a cabinet that’s not exposed to light. Your onions will remain fresh and ready to use whenever you need them for recipes like this Spring Veggie Galette that I make every year!

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10 Outdated (& Absolute Worst) Fashion Trends By Decade

Fashion is like a time capsule that reflects the cultural, social, and artistic influences of each era. But for every timeless classic that we've gotten from decades past, there are also plenty of missteps that left us scratching our heads.

From strangely small hats to paisley prints and peplum tops, each decade has had its fair share of fashion fails. Whether you suffered through these trends or just want to cringe, get ready to laugh at some of history's most questionable style choices.

Scroll to see the outdated & absolute worst trends of every decade...

1. 1920s: Cloche Hats

The Vermont Country Store

Cloche hats were all the rage in the 1920s, but they were never the most flattering accessory for anyone. They were bell-shaped, fit snugly over your head, and often covered your eyebrows. So, wearers wound up looking more like swaddled babies in a bonnet.

Not to mention, this style was typically paired with shorter bob hairstyles and had a way of swallowing up the face, almost like a swim cap. You can still get this more old-fashioned style from The Vermont Country Store, or you can try a more modern take from Anthropologie...if you dare!

2. 1930s: Beach Dresses

Etsy

While itty-bitty bikinis are a common sight at beaches today, women took a more modest approach to swimwear during the 1930s. There's nothing wrong with leaving some things up to the imagination, either, but beach dresses took the trend too far.

Typically adorned with ruffles and other decorative details, these garments were supposed to make you look chic as you lounged seaside. But they were really just impractical since, obviously, sand, water, and layers of fabric don't exactly mix well.

3. 1940s: Mini Bowler Hats

Amazon

More than 80 years later, we're still confused about the rise of miniature bowler hats. These tiny pieces were perched awkwardly on wearers' heads and looked more like props from a costume party or play.

Mini bowler hats were simply too small to be practical yet too formal to be fun. And honestly, they were flat-out unflattering for most people.

4. 1950s: Poodle Skirts

Amazon

Along with sock hops came poodle skirts, another fashion faux pas. These oversized, felt circle skirts feature applique poodles or other kitschy designs and were a hit with teenagers.

They were twirl-friendly, making them great for dancing, but the overly literal embellishments were more childish than anything. The silhouette might work for some outfits today, but the poodles can stay in the past.

5. 1960s: Paisley Print

Ann Taylor

It's no secret that 1960s fashion embraced bold, psychedelic patterns. Regardless, paisley print (like this dress), especially in loud and clashing colors, was one of the cringier choices.

The swirling designs were just overwhelming and made wearers look more like dated wallpaper. Plus, when people paired paisley dresses, tops, or pants with equally loud accessories, the result was visual chaos.

6. 1970s: Sweater Vests

Macy's

We can thank the 1970s for groovy trends like tie-dye and bell bottoms, but sweater vests were more baffling. They weren't warm enough to be functional or stylish enough to be a statement piece.

So, these sleeveless knits toed an awkward line between preppy and pointless. Today, they've sort of made a comeback in baggier, more chic variations. But the classic fitted sweater vest can stay in the '70s.

7. 1980s: Sweatbands & Leg Warmers

Free People

In 2025, most people hit the gym in typical leggings or shorts with an oversized T-shirt or tank top. Back in the 1980s, workout classes looked more like overstimulating neon fashion shows.

Sweatbands and leg warmers are probably the worst offenders. They were meant to add flair to workout gear but were more about aesthetics than functionality.

Sure, a sweatband might be helpful, but leg warmers? Unless gyms in the '80s were equipped with crazy powerful air conditioning, it's hard to imagine anyone's calves were getting cold.

8. 1990s: Parachute Pants

Free People

Parachute pants were made from shiny, swishy nylon that, shocker, was the same material used for actual parachutes. These baggy bottoms typically came in neon colors or wild patterns, making them anything but subtle.

Aside from nylon not being very breathable, the style of parachute pants was just too loud and didn't really flatter silhouettes.

9. 2000s: Trucker Hats

ASOS

During the 2000s, trucker hats with air-brushed fronts and mesh backs somehow became a must-have accessory.

Brands like Ed Hardy and Von Dutch really popularized this look among teens and young adults, who paired them with low-rise jeans or graphic tees. While they helped complete the ultimate Y2K aesthetic at the time, trucker hats have been replaced with more neutral baseball caps.

10. 2010s: Peplum Tops

Nordstrom

Finally, peplum tops (like this striped one) are one of the most perplexing trends of the 2010s. They featured flared, ruffled hems that shot out from the waist and added more volume as opposed to defining someone's figure.

If you were a teen or college student during this regrettable era, you probably showed up to class or even parties wearing these tops. In hindsight, they weren't fun, flirty, or flattering.

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

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11 Easy Anti-Inflammatory Snacks You Can Make At Home

Snacking on an anti-inflammatory diet means avoiding processed foods at all costs, even though grab-and-go options may look really good. Your best bet for curing your hunger is to whip up some anti-inflammatory snacks at home, so you know exactly what’s going into it – ingredients that won’t trigger any tummy problems.

Luckily, there’s a ton of options that don’t require a lot of time or effort. These 11 anti-inflammatory snacks are downright delicious, nourishing, and so simple.

From sweet treats to savory bites, see our top anti-inflammatory snacks below!

Kurt Andre

Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is an especially refreshing snack come summertime. Make sure yours is packed with berries for all those good antioxidants! (via Francesca Bean for Brit + Co)

Melanie Burke

Easy Green Smoothie

Leafy greens should be a go-to if you're eating to fight inflammation. This easy smoothie recipe makes eating more spinach super simple. Plus, it's boosted with protein powder to keep you feelin' full! (via Brit + Co)

Antoni Shkraba

Homemade Hummus

Both olive oil and turmeric are anti-inflammatory, and this hummus contains plenty of each. This quick recipe shapes up to be the tastiest dip for chips and veggie sticks, which come in handy if you're craving a savory snack. (via Brit + Co)

Justina Huddleston

Simple Trail Mix

High in high in healthy fats and antioxidants, nuts like walnuts and almonds are great for eating on an anti-inflammatory diet – but sometimes eating a plain handful of 'em gets pretty boring. Mix up your very own trail mix for a reliable option! (via Justina Huddleston for Brit + Co)

Shameel Mukkath

3-Ingredient Tzatziki Sauce

Who knew some non-fat Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice could turn into the tastiest anti-inflammatory snack?! Plus, it's high in protein, thanks to the yogurt. Dip it or spread it, you'll want a batch of this sauce in your fridge 24/7. (via Chloe Williams for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Almond Butter Fruit Stacks

Simple ingredients can truly make the best snacks. For this one, use minimally-processed almond butter and some low-sugar chocolate chips to take it easy on your tum. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sweet Potato & Chickpea Toast

This hearty helping of sweet potato and chickpeas makes a great pick-me-up with zero processed ingredients. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Greek Yogurt Dip

This Greek yogurt dip recipe comes with three fun ways to customize your bite, so you have options. (via Brit + Co)

Gabi Conti

Raspberry Cacao Chia Seed Pudding

Berries, cacao, and chia – oh my! This semi-sweet chia pudding bowl is made up of nothing but whole foods to keep any extra inflammation at bay. (via Gabi Conti for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Feta Avocado Toast with Balsamic

Avocados are abundant in healthy fats that can be beneficial for an anti-inflammatory diet, so avo toast is the perfect snack! We highly recommend smothering this recipe on sourdough bread and topping your toast with feta and tomatoes. (via Brit + Co)

Munching with Mariyah

Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

Using refined sugar-free chocolate and all-natural peanut butter (or any other kind of nut butter you love) lets you snack on these Reese's-inspired treats without worrying about a flare-up. Score! (via Munching with Mariyah)

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'The White Lotus' Characters, Ranked By How Likely They Are To Survive The Finale

Every season of The White Lotus, viewers are presented with a (nearly entirely) brand-new cast of privileged and snobby characters to pick apart. And from the very first episode of season 3, you've probably begun drawing fresh conclusions, casting judgments, and trying to figure out which vacationers or hotel staff members will end up perishing in the finale this time around.

But while the dark comedy is definitely skilled at creating hateable characters that most fans wouldn't be sad about saying goodbye to, there are some people who manage to either exhibit slightly worse character traits or morals than the rest of the gang, or redeem themselves in some way as the show goes on.

So, now that we are waiting with bated breath for episode 8, there are actually certain characters we've begun rooting for. Here's our ranking of seven different The White Lotus characters we want to see live this season. Beware of spoilers!

Scroll to see which characters from The White Lotus we think will actually make it out alive after the finale...

1. Belinda

HBO

Belinda isn't like the other cast members. She's a hardworking mother with strong values who keeps finding herself in unfortunate situations.

First, her dreams of starting a business with Tanya came crashing down in Season 2. And now, after participating in a wellness exchange at ahotel in Thailand, she's stuck dealing with Tanya's possibly murderous ex, Gary/Greg.

But while we commend her morals and want her to live, Belinda should've just taken that $100,000 bribe and saved herself when she had the chance. Now, her fate hangs in the balance despite being one of the most upstanding characters.

2. Chelsea

HBO

At first, I thought Chelsea was just another young girl dating an older, rich man for the perks of a luxurious lifestyle. And hey, more power to her!

But as season 3 of The White Lotus has continued to unfold, I think we've all realized that she's much more caring than self-absorbed. She genuinely feels for Rick and sticks by him, even as he's so blatantly struggling with his own mental health and disregarding her in the process.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea will actually survive, but I'm definitely pulling for her to make it out of Thailand alive.

3. Laurie

HBO

Like everyone, Laurie has her own flaws, but out of the three women on vacation together (her, Jaclyn, and Kate), she's definitely the most likable.

We feel bad about how Jaclyn slept with Valentin, and even worse because, after Laurie finally told her "friends" off and tried to spend the night with Aleksei, he wound up asking her for $10,000 to help move his mother to Thailand. Plus, she was forced to climb out of his window when his angry girlfriend showed up!

Laurie has had a tough run in Thailand, but she's by far the most real one in her friend group. If one of the girls ends up living, we hope it's her.

4. Rick

HBO

It's no secret that Rick has some issues. Starting in the first episode, when all of The White Lotus characters were supposed to be happy and soaking up their arrival at the glamorous resort, he was immediately sour and clearly grappling with something.

We've since learned that "something" was the supposed murder of his father by Jim Hollinger, and because Rick wanted to get revenge, you might not be super willing to give him any brownie points. But hear us out.

Rick might've wanted to kill Jim, but in episode 7, he showed that he had the ability to rein in his emotions. He brought a gun, but all he wound up doing was shoving Jim's chair over. Rick couldn't bring himself to harm an old man, and that shows he has at least some moral compass.

5. Piper

HBO

Out of the whole Ratliff family, Piper is the most relatable. She's over her family's surface-level interests and wants to find something to live for that's more meaningful than money and appearances.

We give her major props for lying about her so-called "thesis" in order to get her whole family on a trip to Thailand so she could scope out a Thai monastery. She's probably just as manipulative as the rest of her relatives, but at least she's using her skills to gain an insightful experience.

6. Gaitok

HBO

Gaitok and Mook would make an adorable couple. That's if Gaitok lives long enough to survive this round of vacationers at The White Lotus. He's a nice guy, but he's not the best at his job.

He managed to get his gun stolen by Timothy Ratliff, and thankfully, he got it back. But Gaitok's character has been so central to the growing tension among the security staff that we think he's bound to get involved in some sort of violence by the finale's end. Whether he perishes or survives remains to be seen.

7. Timothy Ratliff

HBO

Speaking of Timothy, our hope for his life to continue might come as a shock. I mean, he's the patriarch of a pretty insufferable family and committed serious white-collar crimes that could cause the Ratliffs to lose everything.

Nonetheless, after watching his mental state totally deteriorate over the last few episodes, it's hard not to have empathy for him. Timothy has been tranquilizing himself with his wife Victoria's lorazepam, stole Gaitok's gun, fantasized about taking his own life, and then even considered the possibility of killing both Victoria and his son Saxon to prevent them from living a life without their luxuries.

It's a blessing that Gaitok managed to get his gun back. Timothy may deserve to face the consequences of his actions back home, but he also needs some serious mental health intervention.

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The 6 Best TV Shows To Watch On Max This Month

TV is so back and this month, these new Max shows are here for all your binge watch evenings. I found the streamer's best April shows so you can spend more time watching and less time searching. And when you're done with these series, check out The 9 Best TV Shows To Watch On Netflix This Month!

Here are the 9 best shows on Max in April 2025.

1. Hacks Season 4 — Stream on Max April 10, 2025

Jake Giles Netter/Max

In Hacks season 4, Ava and Deborah are at odds — and to get what they want, they're threatening to spill some serious tea...even if it comes at a serious cost. That's showbiz, baby!

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

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

Liane Hentscher/HBO

It's been 5 years since The Last of Us season 1 ended, and even though Ellie and Joel are safe in Jackson, secrets from their past threaten to upend their home. Throw in a ruthless new threat and all the infected and we're in for one heck of a show.

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.

3. The Rehearsal Season 2 — Stream on Max April 20, 2025

HBO

What would you do if you could rehearse for life's biggest, unexpected moments? That's what The Rehearsal wants to explore.

The Rehearsal season 2 stars Nathan Fielder.

4. The White Lotus Season 3 — Stream on Max

Fabio Lovino/HBO

After The White Lotus season finale answers all our questions, it's time to immediately restart the whole season. Poisonous fruit, monkey, Thailand resorts, dramatic girls' trips...this is a season to remember.

The White Lotus season 3 stars Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Blackpink’s Lisa Manobal.

5. The Pitt — Stream on Max

Warrick Page/Max

This month's Max shows also include The Pitt season finale, which brings the most intense ER shift of all time to an end. Dr. Robbie needs a nap and a treat, for real.

The Pitt stars Noah Wyle, Tracey Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez, and Katherine LaNasa.

6. The Righteous Gemstones Season 4 — Stream on Max

Jake Giles Netter/HBO

The final season of this hit Max show, which follows the family as they gear up for the future, is exactly the kind of weekend pick-me-up we need.

The Righteous Gemstones stars Danny McBride, Adam Devine, John Goodman, Edi Patterson, Cassidy Freeman, Tim Baltz, Tony Cavalero, Greg Alan Williams, Skyler Gisondo, Walton Goggins, Jennifer Nettles, James DuMont, Jody Hill, Troy Hogan, Valyn Hall, Kelton DuMont, Gavin Munn, Megan Mullally, Arden Myrin, and Seann William Scott.

Tell us all your favorite new Max shows on Facebook!

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