Whiteboard Calendars, Trays, and More Organization DIYs to Tackle in 2018

For many of us, 2017 was a doozy, but we here at Brit + Co are ready to hit refresh in 2018! Follow our Hit Refresh series through January for new ideas, hacks, and skills that will help you achieve (and maintain!) those New Year’s resolutions.

For many of us, 2017 was a doozy, but we here at Brit + Co are ready to hit refresh in 2018! Follow our Hit Refresh series through January for new ideas, hacks, and skills that will help you achieve (and maintain!) those New Year’s resolutions.


Show us your last DIY organization projects by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!

If you’re a pasta lover, it’s a great time to be alive. The pasta aisle is filled with alternatives to traditional semolina and whole-wheat varieties, from red lentil penne to edamame spaghetti. In addition to being gluten-free, these pastas are also surprisingly high in protein, making your quick pasta dinner of spaghetti and marinara or vegan mac and cheese a bit more filling (and well-balanced).

Aside from homemade pasta, these bean and legume pastas are pretty much the greatest thing ever. They cook quickly and eliminate the need to prep a separate protein to go with your meal, meaning they’re perfect for 15-minute dinner recipes.

Some are easier to cook than others (and, frankly, a couple of them don’t taste great), so we’re sharing cooking tips for the most popular types of bean pastas, along with simple ideas for dinners that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s Red Lentil Sedanini

Why We Like It: This is, hands-down, the best legume pasta out there. The Trader Joe’s version has quickly become a best-seller, and for good reason. There’s no bean-y flavor, it cooks to a perfect al dente texture, and it pairs well with both creamy and tomato sauces. Red lentil pasta stays firm even after being refrigerated, so you’ll have no more mushy leftovers! Plus, it boasts 13 grams of protein per serving.

Cooking Tip: Use this one for your baked pasta dishes, like baked ziti. On busy nights, simply toss with jarred sauce and Parmesan cheese. (If you have a few extra minutes, sauté fresh garlic in a bit of olive oil, along with oregano, fennel seeds, and crushed red pepper to make your store-bought sauce feel fancier.)

Pair It With: Your favorite pasta sauce. The short pasta can handle chunky sauces, and it soaks up thin and creamy sauces too. There’s no sauce that red lentil pasta can’t handle!

Whole Foods

Modern Table Lentil Elbows

Why We Like It: Like the red lentil pasta above, these lentil elbows have a neutral flavor and cook up without much guesswork on the timing. (We’ve tried a few brands.) They’re also the perfect swap in your favorite mac and cheese recipe. Each serving contains a whopping 20 grams of protein.

Cooking Tip: Use a thick or darker sauce to fool picky eaters and mask the slight green color. (Try pesto!)

Pair It With: Toss hot pasta with two cloves of minced garlic, plus plenty of olive oil or butter, and Parmesan for a quick weeknight dinner. Garnish with black pepper and crushed red pepper.

Amazon

Banza Chickpea Shells

Why We Like It:Chickpea pasta is one of the best protein pastas. This pasta looks and tastes surprisingly like the real deal, with a bit more texture (like a whole-wheat pasta). It cooks quickly and doesn’t fall apart if you forget to set a timer and let it go a couple of extra minutes. (It’s worth buying in bulk!) Also, did you see the 20 grams of protein per serving?

Cooking Tip: Garbanzo bean pasta is tasty chilled too, so use it in your favorite pasta salad recipes. Make a quick lunch by mixing chickpea shells with hummus, chopped olives, and roasted red peppers. Serve over arugula.

Pair It With: Toss hot pasta with tahini (thinned with water and lemon juice), then salt to taste. Serve with steamed broccoli.

Whole Foods

Explore Cuisine Green Lentil Lasagne

Why We Like It: You don’t need to parboil these noodles, and they cook up perfectly. They’re a dream come true with 11 grams of protein per serving. (While you can find plenty of no-cook wheat lasagna noodles, the protein content in this variety keeps your Sunday supper from putting you into a carb coma.)

Cooking Tip: Keep a box of these awesome noodles on hand for all your lasagna cravings. Get creative by turning other favorite pasta dishes into layered feasts. Try roasted butternut squash rings with ricotta, gorgonzola, dried cranberries, and sage, then top with a simple tomato or Alfredo sauce (seasoned with rosemary and black pepper).

Pair It With: Your grandmother’s lasagna recipe. No one will know you’ve swapped the noodles!

Amazon

Explore Cuisine Edamame Spaghetti

Why We Like It: This pasta cooks quickly and is a tasty alternative to rice when stir-fry is on the menu.

Cooking Tip: Set a timer, and don’t walk away. Any thin, long legume pasta like this one needs to be stirred often and not overcooked. If you overcook it, you’ll end up with a congealed blob.

Pair It With: Asian-inspired sauces like sesame ginger or traditional noodle dishes like Korean japchae.

Amazon

Trader Joe’s Black Bean Rotini

Why We Like It: Unfortunately, we don’t, even with its 14 grams of protein per serving. Every brand we’ve tried needs far longer than the recommended cook time to reach al dente, and we experienced some, um, bean-y side effects every time we ate this one. Since black beans take longer to cook from dried than the other legumes listed here, we suspect that’s why black bean rotini was a fail. Black bean spaghetti did fare slightly better, but it’s still not worth the price.

Cooking Tip: Skip this one, or stock up on the Beano.

Want more meal-planning help? Follow us on Pinterest.

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.

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.

Ajaila Walker

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

Eugene Lisyuk

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.

Yuliia Tretynychenko

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.

Sam Lion

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

Ashley Singerling

  • 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

Brit + Co

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.

Brit + Co

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.

Brit + Co

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.

Brit + Co

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.

Brit + Co

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.

Brit + Co

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.

Brit + Co

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.

Brit + Co

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.

Brit + Co

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.

Brit + Co

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!

Sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!

Whenever our kitchens are a mess — it tends to feel like a metaphor for our life also being somewhat of a mess. You know the scene: When there are baking dishes and leftovers all over the place, mismatched Tupperware pieces spilling out of your cabinets, restocked pantry goods haphazardly stuffed into the wrong spots... It can be hard to deal when our kitchens are out of sorts.

If you're looking to declutter your kitchen, then you've come to the right place because we rounded up some of the coolest kitchen cabinet organizers and organization inspiration for your own kitchen in 2023. These babies save space without sacrificing style, which will make whipping up those one pot spring dinners way more fun. Keep reading for everything you need to know about how to organize kitchen cabinets.

How To Organize Kitchen Cabinets

Photo by RDNE Stock project

The most important thing to focus on when organizing your kitchen cabinets is maximizing space. That just means making the most of the space that you have, because no matter how big your cabinets are, if they're filled to the brim with items that don't have a dedicated spot, it's going to feel cluttered.

Focus on keeping similar items together, using up vertical space by stacking where you're able (like with bowls or glasses) and making sure that every object has a dedicated space.

Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas

Brit + Co

Use your cabinets to hold more than just kitchenware — display books and plants to bring some personality into your kitchen. You don't have to save all the fun for your bedroom and living room!

Image via Beazy/Unsplash.

If you live in a small apartment, or just don't have cabinets, you can still take part in the fun. Use the space above your sink or your countertop to add your own shelves. This is a great option because when you're doing it yourself, you can customize the storage to your needs.

PMQ For Two

If you don't want to stack your plates (or you don't have the room for all the designs to have their own stacks), set them upright instead with a DIY plate rack. (via PMQ For Two)

Brit + Co

Okay, so this one isn't technically cabinet organization, but it will definitely save you room in your cabinets. DIY this wine rack that will move your wine bottles from your cabinets onto the wall and add color to your room at the same time.

The Home Edit's organization tips are totally inspiring thanks to their efficiency and their color. Grabbing bins from somewhere like The Container Store or Target can help you contain your products so they don't end up spread across your shelf, and they also make it easier to stack your items since they won't fall over.

Don't underestimate the power of labels. When you buy your bins, tubs, and other organizers, write what you intend to store inside on all the containers and make sure that the corresponding product is always inside. That way, you'll have one bin of flour instead of multiple half-empty bags. Plus, it just looks prettier!

Image via roam in color/Unsplash.

For a quick update on the system you already have, stack your plates so that like plates are together, with the biggest plates are on the bottom — this will ensure they sit together in a way that takes up the least amount of room.

Make sure all the rims of your glasses are touching when storing them in your cabinets, and when you're organizing mugs, face the handles toward each other so there's less empty space and more room for new mugs. Because let's be honest, we can always buy new mugs.

A Beautiful Mess

Don't forget to use up the space on top of your cabinets too! Grab some baskets to organize new bottles of olive oil, bags of coffee, or cleaning supplies that you get from the store. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Kitchen Cabinet Organizers

If you love to stay hydrated (ie: you have nine water bottles in your cabinet), then you should grab a product like this YouCopia UpSpace Bottle Organizer ($25+). It'll keep all your water bottle snug together so that you have more room for all your mugs. Speaking of...

The great thing about these Better Houseware Undershelf Cup & Mug Hooks ($10 for two) is that since they hook around the top of a shelf, they don't take up any room at the base.

One way to make sure you save room is to use up vertical space instead of horizontal space. That's why we love the Chrome Roll-Out Bakeware Organizer ($66), which stacks all your muffin tins and cookie sheets on their end. Trust us: this will save you tons of room.

Your fruit deserves a comfy spot to hang out in, so grab a Macrame Fruit Hammock ($30) that will keep fruit off the counter. Cute!

The great thing about a container like the Everything Organ Cabinet Depth Pantry Bin ($101+) is that it's clear because you know what you have at all times. You won't have to pull out the bins to see what's inside!

Use an Expandable Countertop Organizer ($38) in your cabinets — or use it on your counter to clear out your cabinets). We love that this pick's expandable because that means you can move it around to different areas, no matter how big the area is.

A pot organizer like this one from MUDEELA ($22) will keep all your pots and pans together, and you won't have to put up with the noise of when they're stacked on top of each other.

You can't forget about the spices! A rack like this Spice Rack($25) will keep all your spices together and make accessing them a whole lot easier.

Some mDesign Metal Pull-Out Baskets ($21) will create organization within your cabinet the way that cubes do. It's like a two-in-one storage space!

Check out our email newsletter for more kitchen cabinet organization ideas, and more cleaning tips and tricks.

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

I turn to Instagram for mainly two things: hilariously adorable pet videos to share with my daughter before bedtime — a nightly ritual we started a year back — and a steady stream of home decor inspiration. Having studied interior design and spent years writing about stunning spaces, my love for beautiful interiors runs deep. The home decor bloggers I follow offer a mix of styles and experiences, from cozy vintage vibes to refined and sophisticated homes and rooms. Whether you’re looking to refresh your space for the season or simply find joy in nesting at home, there’s a little something from everyone here to inspire you. Happy decorating!

PrettyOnFridays

PrettyOnFridays

Writer Deema Tabbara Lopez's Friday newsletter, Merci Ktir, offers a glimpse into all the pretty things bringing her joy each week. Her home is so cozy, filled with vintage charm and lovely DIYs and how-tos (and stunning paint colors!). You'll want to dive into her feed for all the inspiration this fall.

ThisHouse5000

ThisHouse5000

Home decor enthusiast Elena Lohse and her handyman husband have been renovating their 1935 home in Toronto’s west end, the Junction, for the past 4+ years. Her style is clean, fresh, and never boring. I love her DIY videos, and her blog follows their travels too through a unique design lens.

Erin Conway Kismet House

Kismet House

For a masters in warm, cozy traditional spaces, follow Erin and Matthew of Kismet House who share tips and tricks for creating homes that feel unique and full of character.

Michael P.H. Clifford

a1000xBetter

Designer Kirsten Blazek creates rooms that are authentic, stylish, and so comfortable. She really thinks about spaces you want to live in. I'm still swooning over this kitchen of hers that we featured. Her first book A1000xBetter: A Rebel By Designshowcases her eclectic interiors and love of vintage treasures along with her design inspirations and tips.

Banda Property

𝗦𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗮̂𝗰𝗲

Principal designer Ithabeleng Mothabeng has such a talent for creating stunning interiors. She blends a timeless elegance with modern touches and the result is always gorgeous and sophisticated.

Sam Arneson

Sam Arneson Home

Sam Arneson, an LA-based realtor, brings a thoughtful approach to design with a focus on sustainability and slow living. Her soulful feed is full of inspiration, from mid-century modern gems to cozy woodsy cabins.

OEZLEM OEZSOY

OEZLEM OEZSOY

This Hamburg, Germany-based photographer and home decor enthusiast is known for her sophisticated eye for vintage and mid-century decor, creating beautifully curated neutral spaces.

LEMIEUX ET CIE

The Organic Bubble Vase, Théophile Candle Holder, and Cadoret Bowl

Christiane Lemieux

NYC-based Christiane Lemieux is an author, designer, entrepreneur and the founder of LEMIEUX ET CIE, a luxury home furnishings brand. If you're looking for elevated interiors with a smidge of fantasy and the unexpected, her feed is the place to be. She was also the co-host and a judge on Ellen’s Design Challenge on HGTV and is a regular guest on MSNBC.

Some other favorites to look out for:

Subscribe to our newsletter for more home decor inspiration!

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

With Halloweenon the horizon, we have to ask the question: Have your toddlers made up their minds about what they want to be for Halloween? If not, there's still plenty of time to put together one of these DIY Halloween costumes inspired by their favorite characters/animals/foods/things. Just choose from any one of these 31 DIY kids costumes that you can whip up in a flash. No tricks here!

Brit + Co

Toy Story

A quick trip to Target will sort you out for everything you need to make all of the add-ons.

Brit + Co

Sesame Street

You can DIY the whole duo's ensemble with your faux fur stash to whip up these muppety, feather-filled family and kids Halloween costumes.

Brit + Co

Top Gun

All flight crew on deck! Code 9! Code 9!

Brit + Co

Super Girl

With just one yard of fabric, you can turn your toddler into the most stylish superhero in town.

Brit + Co

Little Lana Del Rey

Your little sunshine needs cute kids Halloween costumes to choose from! Simply grab a summer dress and add a dramatic and colorful flower crown.

Brit + Co

Constellation Costume

Dig deep into the closet for the snazzy party outfit, and add some cardstock cutout stars to your little space lover.

Brit + Co

Morton Salt Girl

All you need for this one is a trip to the grocery store for a cheap umbrella and some salt.

Brit + Co

Usher and Popcorn Bucket Costume

This cute DIY idea is so easy you'll be tempted to decorate your baby carrier for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Who knew kids Halloween costumes could be so functional?

Brit + Co

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Costume

"She's an icon. She's a legend. She is the moment" best describes this cute DIY baby costume!

Brit + Co

Lightning and Thunder Cloud Costume

Your little baby will look adorable in their cloud onesie! To go the extra mile, attach

Brit + Co

Winnie The Pooh Costumes

These fun DIY costumes are great for the entire family! Your little one is sure to get a kick out of dressing up as piglet.

Brit + Co

Finding Dory

Bust through that supply of leftover crafting felt, and add big blue eyes and some fins to a well-used T-shirt.

Brit + Co

Sandy + John

Put this at the top of your kids Halloween costumes list if you're looking to match your little man while you hit the 'hood going door to door? Jeans and Converse will save the day, and the jacket is likely needed anyway.

Brit + Co

Beetlejuice

Family costumes = the best costumes. Rope your kid into this seasonal fave.

Brit + Co

Cat in the Hat + Goldfish

Bring this literary classic to life with a little prep time and some orange fabric.

Brit + Co

Saved By the Bell

Thank goodness you saved the tropical shirts from your last vacation, because now everyone can get in on the look.

Brit + Co

Dinosaur

This is the kind of costume that will become a playroom staple, so you might as well do it and save yourself the time later.

Brit + Co

Trolls

It's time to raid your club kid friends' wig collections.

Brit + Co

Rosie the Riveter

Yes she can! #girlpower

Brit + Co

Amelia Earhart

Surely you can find some goggles and a hat at the last minute.

Lovely Indeed

Baby Astronaut

While the jumpsuit totally makes the look, a good jumper will do the trick. For the patches? Amazon for the win.

Studio DIY

Donut

You can transform into your favorite sweet treat with an inner tube and foam hair curlers (genius, we know!). If sprinkles aren’t your thing, you can always go with chocolate glazed.

Oh Happy Day

Snail

There’s no fussing with masks or itchy wigs. This costume is basically just a backpack and should help keep complaints to a minimum (hopefully). Just try not to leave a snail trail on your way through the neighborhood.

Oh Happy Day

Cloud

If you’re looking for a totally original costume, this is about as unique as it gets. Chances are you probably won’t see another cloud walking around on Halloween.

Oh Happy Day

Moonrise Kingdom

These getups look great on their own, but paired together they are complete perfection.

Delia Creates

Pineapple

Show your love for the sweet tropical fruit with this simple no-sew costume.

Oh Happy Day

Mr. Rogers

Accessorize with a few hand puppets or splurge on vintage ones from Etsy.

Studio DIY

School Supplies Family Costume

Any onesie can be pink with some dye packets, and a permanent marker will cover the rest.

Week99er

Finding Nemo

The best part about this one is that it has the option of being gender neutral. The tutu is between you and the kid.

The House That Lars Built

Three Blind Mice

HOLD. THE. PHONE. There is no better group ensemble for the gang from your birthing group. The concept works as they got older as well.

The House That Lars Built

The Giving Tree

With five mins left before they head off to school, throw some overalls on them and whip up this sign.

Share your Halloween DIYs with us @BritandCo!

This article has been updated.