Your Perfect Pumpkin Spice Treat, According to Your Zodiac Sign

@claudiaeatsgood chamoy pickles are so good😋😩❤️ @Bussin Snacks #chamoypickle#chamoy#chamoypicklekit#bussinsnacks#takis#fruitrollup#mukbang#asmr#asmrmukbang#chamoypicklemukbang#juicy#pickle#mexicancandy♬ original sound - Claudia💕

1. Chamoy Pickles

People couldn't quit it with the chamoy pickles (AKA chickles) this year. I never would've guessed that chamoy, a condiment made from dried fruits, chilies, sugar, and lime juice, would be slathered atop the sourest pickles money can buy.

But the food trend didn't stop at just chamoy – many snackers stuffed their pickles with everything from the likes of Hot Cheetos, Takis, and Fruit Roll-Ups. What?!

This insanely sour, tangy treat kickstarted what the internet's coined as the 'Red 40 Diet', which certainly cannot be medically advised.

If you care for your GI tract, this food trend is 100% worth skipping and leaving behind in 2024.

@dualipaofficial

What do we call her?

♬ original sound - Dua Lipa

2. Pickle + Jalapeño-Infused Diet Coke

Diet Coke, pickle juice, and jalapeño juice = all the ingredients needed to concoct Dua Lipa's controversial 2024 drink. She loves it, but I on the other hand, do not.

Now, don't get me wrong: I love a good unexpected flavor combo, but gulping down a simultaneous dose of both pickle juice and jalapeño juice was not tasty to me whatsoever.

This trend even sparked a slew of Sonic diners to start ordering their soft drinks with pickles – but as divisive as this trend can be ("Don’t knock it till you try it," TikToker Mississippi Memaw told Food and Wine), it's just flat out weird.

@logagm

New cucumber recipe 🚨

♬ original sound - Logan

3. Cucumber Salad

If you bought a mandolin slicer recently, you might as well admit you're a victim of the TikTok-viral cucumber salad trend that made its rounds this year.

"Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber," TikTok user @logagmsounds off in the intro of every single one of his cucumber salad videos. And thus, the food trend was born.

It felt like I couldn't go a day on TikTok without seeing at least 5 recipes for a damn cucumber salad. When it comes down to it, I can appreciate the novelty (and taste) of this trend, but not the oversaturation. I'm gonna eat an entire cucumber one day, and get so tired of it the next. New innovations in 2025, please!

@kylekruegerr Would you try these?😂 #foodreview#seagrapes#food#review#tastetest#weirdfood♬ original sound - Kyle Krueger

4. Sea Grapes

It was like people wanted to eat the weirdest, grossest things in 2024. I can't blame 'em, especially if it's for clicks and views. But this food trend in particular literally made me want to gag – and I was only watching people eat through a screen (any fellow ASMR fans out there?).

They don't look like they're supposed to be crunchy, but they are. Sea grapes grow from aquatic plants and are filled with essentially what is a "salty liquid." They burst in the mouth when you eat them (one TikToker called them 'edible Orbeez'). Yuck.

@julieta.asmr I figured it out!! Blooper at the end 🥴 #asmr#asmrcommunity#asmrtiktoks#asmrvideo#asmrsounds#asmreating#asmrfood#asmrfyp#asmrmukbang#mukbang#asmreatingsounds♬ original sound - Julieta ASMR 🍒

5. Exploding Candies

The final (and especially weird) food trend I propose we leave behind in 2024 is these dang exploding jelly candies. They also made their rounds on ASMR TikTok, and I truly cannot stand to watch a single video featuring them.

First off, they look so annoying to consume. The fruit-shaped jellies are contained in a thin layer of plastic that's meant to burst open when you sink your teeth into it, prompting you to slurp out the sweetness inside. But what irks me the most is the fact that many people trying them can't even break the seal.

I'd rather watch someone make a simple PB&J than go to town on these microplastic-infused candies.

What's happening astrologically during the week of December 9-15, 2024?

We are given an opportunity to heal parts of ourselves that are usually hidden or otherwise inaccessible when the Sun trines Chiron on December 10. Extroverts can use this creative time to shine, display their talents, and take leadership roles in their communities. More reserved introverts are encouraged to share their time helping others. For all of us, this generosity toward others serves as a way to heal our wounds. Charitable acts will be deeply rewarding.

Working toward a creative goal that pushes us beyond our comfort zone aligns perfectly with the energy when Venus opposes Mars on December 12. Romantic gestures will help deepen our relationships. If you are not in an intimate partnership, consider how you can blend and honor both your feminine and masculine energies. Tap into the friendly vibe of Mercury sextile Venus, exact on December 13, to create fun-loving, enjoyable exchanges with everyone you interact with. We can all practice being charming, good-natured, and affectionate while seeking reciprocity in our relationships. This uplifting energy can help resolve conflicts positively for everyone involved.

Mercury stations direct on December 15, alleviating any mishaps that may have occurred over the past couple of weeks and paving the way for more effortless progress. If you used the retrograde period to reevaluate and recuperate, you will feel energized and able to focus on the plans you made. Mars is still retrograde and will be until February 24, 2025, so it’s still advised to take it easy and not move too quickly. Pace yourself and move with purpose toward any goals you’ve been dreaming about.

The full moon on December 15 is a great time to connect your mind, body, and spirit. Engage in rituals that affirm this internal union. Celebrate the joyousness of the season in a light-hearted way. Mars opposes Pluto which is conjunct Venus during this full Moon, and we will find motivation and inspiration to achieve our goals, both large and small. We will all have profound feelings around what we love and value.

In all activities, maintain a flexible willingness to go with the flow and open yourself to serendipity.

​Read Your Weekly Horoscope For Your Sun & Rising Signs!

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

This is a great week to be creative, but not in an ordinary way. Express yourself from the depths of your soul. Tap into your subconscious and create something that ignites your inner feminine wisdom. Use your art, in whatever form it manifests, to blend and harmonize your whole being. If you find yourself uninspired, slow down and allow yourself to daydream and stare at the stars or the clouds for gentle inspiration. After all, art can truly come from any and everywhere!

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Focus on your family, your home, and your inner child. What do you feel, and how can you express your care and love? This energy is tender, and if you are honest with yourself, you can create the love you need. One way is to tend to your home and express your love to your loved ones. Another way is to practice self-care. While there is nothing wrong with going to the salon to get a new haircut or manicure, the opportunity for profound healing goes much deeper.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

You must communicate your deepest truth this week. Leading up to the full moon on December 15th, take time to write in your journal or speak into your voice memos about what lies at the core of your being. Use your words to clarify your deepest desires. As the year winds down, use this week to reflect on and appreciate how far you have come and how much you have grown. The act of writing or speaking will allow you to access your inner authenticity. Share what you learn with trusted allies or keep it to yourself. Inner clarity is what matters.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Act on whatever makes you feel secure and stable. Use this week to understand what you value and how to achieve peace of mind. Use your money wisely, but be generous with your loved ones. Express your love in ways that demonstrate the profound connection you share with others. This could take many forms, but heartfelt gifts that signify your deepest love will be most meaningful for both you and the recipient of your kind magnanimity. Anyone in your sphere is so lucky to have the many gifts you bring to the table at the end of the day!

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Use your energy wisely this week. You'll likely feel braver and more willing to change whatever needs changing. Pace yourself, but don’t hold back. This creative energy can be harnessed for positive actions. What do you truly desire? At every opportunity, clarify your personal ambitions and realize you have the power to create your best reality. Be sure not to isolate yourself too much as you focus on your goals and aspirations. Breakthroughs are likely to happen. This is warrior energy, so your successes will be amplified if you have allies by your side. We're always stronger together, aren't we?

Virgo (August 23 – September 21)

If you find yourself repressing or holding back feelings of anger and frustration, devise healthy ways to release the energy. Move your body purposefully and energetically, but do not push yourself too hard. Write in your journal or talk with a trusted friend or therapist. Shed light on anything you might be hiding from or unconsciously carrying with you. Use Sagittarius’ truth-seeking energy to uncover what might be hidden. You may be surprised what you end up finding!

Libra (September 22 – October 22)

It's a super playful time for you right now — which is especially great if you have children! Even if you don't, lean into that energy; be creative, make holiday crafts, and bake cookies. Let the play be free-form and try not to be controlling or judgmental. It’s okay if the ornaments are not symmetrical or if the cookies are decorated haphazardly. Joy and fun are most important. If you don’t have kids around, use this time to play and be creative for yourself. Take pride in your abilities and follow through on hunches or impulses. Slow down and enjoy simple pleasures.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Take a break from work, or at least allow yourself to slow down a little more. Use this time to reflect on what needs to change in your career. You will likely face some decisions about how you want to refocus your efforts. You will make better decisions if you are rested and clear-eyed. Make long-term plans for how you’d like to reformulate your work. Reflect on the year and see how far you’ve come and how much you’ve grown. Take what you learn and allow yourself to dream about a more fulfilling approach in the future.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Your imagination is on fire, and you’ll find yourself dreaming about your next big adventure or learning a new skill. You may feel restless and a little impatient. Try to temper your enthusiasm and refrain from being overly opinionated. Use the excess energy available to finish what you’re working on before starting something new. Be sure to move your body in a joyful way, but don’t push yourself too hard physically. Be careful around aggressive people, and like an Aikido master, let any combative energy pass by in the name of peace. You've got this!

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

You might be feeling serious and a bit out of sync with all the joyfulness around you. Allow yourself to go inward and be truthful about what you are experiencing. It’s likely that the transformations brewing inside you relate to a need for security or safety. While you might be tempted to retreat for the long haul, it’s important to balance your time alone with time spent with loved ones. The warmth of human interaction will serve to remind you that this is a passing phase. Recognize that you need others for support. And I have a pretty good feeling the people around you would love nothing more than to welcome you with open arms.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

As much as you might like to rise above uncomfortable interactions, this is a really good time to work on relationships. You might have been experiencing conflicts that cloud your judgment. Reach out to a counselor to work through any differences, if you need a little extra help or added perspective. A skilled and unbiased third-party advisor will be able to identify the issues quickly and help you develop resolutions and reconciliations. Make sure your goals are harmonious and reciprocal. It may feel fraught now, but this work is so worth it!

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

The stress of the holidays may push you into overdrive, but don’t lose balance. Rest, and don’t overextend yourself. Listen to the subtle cues your body gives you. Stick to your exercise routine, but take it easy this week. Make sure you’re taking care of your health so you don’t get sick. Tune in to your pets and children. They are likely to pick up on your energy, and if you’re tense and anxious, they’ll reflect that back to you. Most simply put: find ways to find your zen as much as possible this week — you'll need it!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

For the cookies:

• 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
• 6 tablespoons raw honey
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

• 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
• 1/4 cup cacao butter
• 1-2 tablespoons honey
• Plant-based food coloring
• Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!