The 3 Most Relaxing Colors for Your Bedroom

So many people think their bedrooms are unimportant, yet it’s where we spend about a third of our lives. Shouldn’t it be as comfortable as possible? All too often, we see bedrooms with cluttered walls, floors and disheveled beds. It’s time to rectify this! We’re not saying your bedroom has to be as pristine as a five-star hotel room, but it should most definitely be the calmest and most relaxing room in the home.

One easy way to make this happen is by picking the right wall color. In our book, Homemakers, we share the three wall colors we believe to be the best for maximum relaxation: Blue, Lavender and Green. Here are a few photos of swoon-worthy bedrooms that put these colors to the test.

BLUE

Blue is definitely the most soothing color on the wheel. It has a meditative quality that is hard to pinpoint, in part due to its association with the sea and sky.

Arguably the calmest of the colors, lavender as a wall color has the bonus of evoking the calming effects of the lavender plant.

LAVENDER

The green room is where the magic happens, after all ;)

GREEN

In our new food series Foodie Fundamentals, we walk you through the basics on kitchen essentials like how to fry an egg and roast veggies in a snap.

Never sure how long to roast your veggies? Tend to toss everything together and then get frustrated when your broccoli and asparagus are all mushy and your potatoes are barely cooked? Same. Helpful gals that we are, we created a printable guide to make all of your roasted veggie dreams come true.

Inspired by a chart from our book Homemakers, this guide to roasting veggies is not only handy but also happens to be printable. With our printable templates, you can create wall art and a tea towel. Follow the easy steps below to see how to turn this guide into two perfect pieces of kitchen decor.

Veggie Roasting Guide

  • veggie roasting guide printable: 11 x 17-inch or 8 1/2 x 11-inch
  • frame
  • tea towel
  • iron-on photo transfer paper

Equipment:

  • iron

Directions:

1. For the wall art option, print out our 11 x 17-inch printable on high-quality paper. To add color, we layered a piece of patterned yellow fabric underneath our printed guide and framed it right up.

2. For the tea towel option, print out our 8 1/2 x 11-inch printable on iron-on transfer paper. Use an iron to iron it onto a white linen kitchen towel.

Find more easy recipes by following Brit + Co on Pinterest.

(Photos and illustrations via Brit + Co)

Last night I realized I was pregnant during the height of the pandemic and the 2020 election cycle, but I didn't have any self-care practices in sight. I was chronically stressed and spent way too much time on social media when I should've been finding ways to ground myself. After a tough four years of navigating everything from motherhood to starting my career, I've finally started utilizing gratitude journaling as a tool to get through tough days.

I don't know how you may be feeling today, but I've created journal prompts you can refer to when you're scared, anxious, unsure of the future, and more. They're not meant to replace meditation or seeking therapy, but they are here for moments you need to check in with yourself.

A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Worried About The Future

Arina Krasnikova

Write Down 5 Things You're Grateful You Can See, Touch, Hear, And Smell

This is actually a practice I picked up in therapy to help redirect my anxious thoughts. It's something I often refer to when I'm fixated on the future and things that might happen. Any time you feel yourself not being present because you're worried about what's next, focus on things that are immediately in front of you or around you.

For example, here's what's reminding me to be present:

  • I can hear one of my favorite gospel songs playing and the subtle humming I'm doing.
  • I can see two lime green books on my desk.
  • I can smell the clean laundry my fiancé took out of the dryer.
  • I'm touching the keys on my keyboard as I type this.
Although they seem small, I'm grateful they're helping to keep me rooted in the present moment. So, what are you grateful you can see, touch, hear, and smell today?

Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Experiencing Sadness

Darina Belonogova

Write Down 3 Things You're Grateful For Today

Practicing gratitude when you're sad isn't so you can pretend the sadness doesn't exist. It's a very real emotion that calls for us to be curious about why we're feeling that way. However, if you feel like you're 'stuck' in your sadness, you can try writing down 3 things you're grateful for right now. Again, they don't have to be grandiose. They just have to make sense to you.

You could be grateful for:

  • Eating a delicious meal
  • Having a good night's sleep
  • Hearing your favorite song at the right moment
  • Morning snuggles with your pet or toddler
  • Having access to binge watch your favorite TV show when you need to escape reality for a bit

Antoni Shkraba

Write Down The People You're Grateful You Can Rely On

My hope is that everyone has at least one person they can rely on during difficult moments in life. I know everyone doesn't have huge villages for different reasons, but I'd rather focus on who is there.

This gratitude journaling idea doesn't require you to go in depth about why you're grateful for the people in your corner unless you want to. You can simply write their names down if that's all you have the bandwidth for.

Pavel Danilyuk

Recount A Memory That Always Makes You Smile

When in doubt, think about a moment that was hilarious or filled you with joy. It can be from your childhood, first year in college, or even your wedding day! The one memory that always makes me smile is from an interesting moment I told one of my uncles he looked like Santa Claus. I was around 5 or 6 years old, so it was a super innocent comment, but still it was hilarious nonetheless. No one in my family has let my uncle or me forget that moment. It's small, but it's one of the memories I'm grateful I can remember when I'm feeling sad.

A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You Feel You're Not Doing Enough

Antoni Shkraba

Write Down 1 Thing You've Grateful You've Accomplished

I know some journal prompts ask you to list multiple things you've recently accomplished, but I've found that makes me a little more anxious that necessary. If this sounds like you, I see you and think it's just as impactful to be grateful for one thing you've done that you're proud of. It could be as simple as:

  • "I had the strength to get out of bed today after wanting to do nothing more than hide under the covers."
  • "I did laundry and put everything away."
  • "I made myself a meal instead of ordering lunch like I usually do."
  • "I stuck to my budget this week."
  • "My presentation at work or school went really well."
  • "I made that scary phone call I've been putting off."
  • "I went for a walk around my neighborhood or local park."

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When making the transition from dorm decor to an adult abode, you ought to have a grown-up aesthetic to go with it. But figuring out what you need when you’ve been living off of ramen and solo cups can be quite the struggle. Rather than guess your way to sophisticated style, let our decor finds be your guiding light. From bookshelves to bar carts, these home style solutions are everything you need to take adulthood by storm.

1. A Well-Stocked Bar Cart: You’re not a college drinker anymore. No, no. Now you’re a sophisticated adult(!), and there’s nothing like a beautiful bar cart to show just how good at being a grown up you’ve become. (via Gingersnaps)

2. Organized Bookshelves: A carefully curated bookshelf is an understated decor essential that can round out a room gorgeously. Plus, everyone will know how well-read and knowledgeable you are, without you having to say a word. (via The Fashion Eaters)

3. Candles: Candles are an easy accessory you can mix, match and change up on a whim. And in addition to looking and smelling nice, they’re awesome vibe-makers for a night in. Pick up this Paddywax Small Concrete Candle ($14) to really take your decor to the next level.

4. A Carafe: Otherwise known as a fancy pitcher, a carafe looks great in all its practical utility. Impress your friends with your grown-up hosting skills by busting out one of these at your next dinner party. (via Tasty Yummies)

5. Champagne Glasses: Every celebration is better with Champagne. So step up your celebration game with a matching set of Champagne glasses and toast to adulthood! You earned it. (via Brit + Co)

6. Coasters: The last thing you want to do is mess up your furniture with all that celebrating. Protect your tables in style with a nice set of matching coasters. (via Brit + Co)

7. A Beautifully Styled Coffee Table: The coffee table is the centerpiece of most living rooms, so you want yours to shine. Style it with books and fresh flowers to create a sophisticated yet homey vibe.

8. Stylish Curtains: If you’ve been staring at the blinds that came with your apartment, it’s time for a change. This gorgeous set of Anthropologie Keila Curtains ($68+) will lighten up your space while punctuating your aesthetic.

9. Dining Area: You don’t need to give up meals in front of Netflix, but you can still pretend you do. A separate dining area, even if your space is small, will give your place a more layered, well-rounded look. (via Becki Owens)

10. A Statement Chair: If you plan on having anyone over at any point for any reason, extra seating is a must. The Urban Outfitters Andy Shaggy Chair ($498) is just what you need to leave your cramped dorm days behind you. Now your guests’ can luxuriate on some comfortable seats.

11. Fresh Flowers: Fresh flowers are among the easiest and best decor accents out there. Just make sure you have a proper vase to display your bouquet the way it deserves. (via 100 Layer Cake-let)

12. YA Curated Gallery Wall: Put your favorite prints, posters and photos in frames for a polished appearance with a ton of design possibilities. A gallery wall is a wonderful way to spice up a blank space. (via Brika)

13. Headboard: Few pleasures rival curling up after a long day in a beautiful bed. Take your mattress off the floor and cop a stylish headboard like the grown up that you are. (via Lindsay Marcella)

14. Jewelry Storage: Ever wanted to pull your hair out after trying to detangle a ball of necklaces? Put those troubles behind you for good with an equally stylish and practical jewelry organizer. Pick up this Urban Outfitters Sawyer Marble Jewelry Stand ($39) to start that organized life.

15. Area Rug: Now that you’re older, you know how to keep things nice… right? That means it’s time to invest in an area rug. Take off your shoes and step onto the next chapter of your life. (via Domino)

16. DIY Storage Jars: Putting essential food items in canisters is a small chore that makes a big difference. The more designated places you have to put things, the less chaos you’ll have in your space (and your brain). (via The Lovely Drawer)

17. Light Fixtures: Get rid of the decades-old light fixture that came with your apartment and replace it with a dazzling fixture or modern chandelier. The transformative powers a nice pendant light brings are very, very real. (via Apartment Therapy)

18. Statement Mirrors: Copping a nice wall mirror or two will make any room look larger while adding depth to your design. The Urban Outfitters Avery Circle Mirror ($19+) is a simple and easy way to dress up a wall that could use a little more lovin’.

19. DIY Modern Planter Upgrades: It’s time, friends. It’s time to breathe new life into your space with indoor plants. You won’t kill them this time because you’re an adult now,remember? You got this. (via In Honor of Design)

20. A Nice Set of Sheets: Quality linen sheets are one of life’s little luxuries. Don’t deprive yourself of it by hanging onto the cheap stuff you used in college. Check out the Linen Tales USA Ashes of Roses Linen Bed Set ($225) and get ready for the best (and prettiest) sleep of your life.

21. A Non-IKEA Couch: Futon, be gone! An investment in a quality comfortable couch is an investment in your future. Case in point? This Urban Outfitters Spencer Microfiber Sofa ($1,098).

22. A Legit Shower Curtain: If you’re still workin’ with an old plastic curtain, change it up. This Intelligent Design Nadia Shower Curtain ($66) will help you get fresh in style.

23. A Real Soap Dispenser: A soap dispenser is an effortless, economical decor touch that can improve the look of your bathroom exponentially. In other words, go get you one. This Urban Outfitters Lily Soap Dispenser ($24) is a good place to start.

24. Statement Art: A nice piece of statement art is the gift that keeps on giving. Leave the generic prints and posters behind with your college self and indulge in something a little more fancy, like this Kimberley Dhollander Dreamy Houses Print ($19-$399).

25. DIY Rope Basket: Adequate storage is the unsung hero of a sophisticated abode. Storage baskets come in a wide range of clever designs and make cleaning up and decluttering a cinch. (via iheartorganizing)

26. Storage Boxes: Storage baskets are great for blankets and throws, and storage boxes are great for everything else. Clean up chaos in any corner with a pretty Kate Spade Storage Box Set ($54).

27. Matching Plate Set: As you get older, more and more blow-out bashes become sit-down dinner parties. And a dinner party without matching dishes is like a frat party without solo cups. This Macy’s Le Creuset ($330, 16-piece set) set is serious #entertaining goals.

28. Quality Throw Blankets: A nice throw blanket offers cozy comfort at the same time as it provides aesthetic warmth. And with so many different textures, styles and colors to choose from, there’s a perfect one — like this Urban Outfitters Faux Lamb Throw Blanket ($179) — waiting to call your place home, no matter your style sensibility.

29. Throw Pillows: If you’re going to invest in a quality couch and a quality blanket, you need to have quality throws to go with ’em. It’s the rule. (via The Everygirl)

30. Pretty Towels: Drying your hair with an old beach towel? Have a hodge-podge of different towels of unknown origin? Pitch ’em and put a nice clean set of matching towels in their place. It’s the mature thing to do. Check out the Anthropologie Drye Hunee Towel ($78) to get started.

Looking for more ways to step up your adult game? Follow us on Pinterest!

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

In all honestly, all I look forward to during the holidays (other than my fam) is the pie. There's pumpkin pie. Apple pie. Chocolate pie. Sweet potato pie. But more than any other dessert, pecan piejust gets me. I'm salivating as I'm thinking about it!

Anywho... making an entire pecan pie can become a whole ordeal very quickly. That's where these delicious pecan pie bars from Chahinez with Lifestyle of a Foodiestep in. They're simple to make, plus provide the ideal eating experience – pecan pie bars easily qualify under finger foods, and they are downright addictive.

Let's get into the recipe!

Ingredients For Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

For the shortbread crust:

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch

For the pecan pie filling:

  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 & ½ cup pecans chopped

How To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 F, then line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, add in the flour, salt, cornstarch, and mix. Add in the cold butter and work it into the dough with your hand or a pastry cutter until cookie dough forms. Press it onto the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. In a separate large bowl, mix the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until combined. Stir in the pecan pieces.
  4. Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan pie filling on top of the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges will brown a little, and the center will be barely jiggly.
  5. Remove from the oven, and let cool completely before transferring to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Slice the bars and serve.

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Recipe + photography by Lifestyle of a Foodie.

This post has been updated.

The rush of the holidays and planning the perfect holiday feast is no joke — finding the best Thanksgiving cocktails, roasting a delicious turkey and, of course, getting creative with leftovers — it all makes it hard to kick back and relax. We think you should find a moment for yourself (or with a few pals) and celebrate the wonderful flavors we love so much this time of year.

Instead of going for the tired pumpkin spice latte, think more along the lines of a boozyfall cocktail. Picture bourbon cocktails with cinnamon, caramel, apple… you know, all the autumn classics. We don't recommend sampling these Thanksgiving cocktails all in one night, but let's just say it'll be difficult to only choose one. We can't wait to try these Thanksgiving cocktails!

Brit + Co

Nespresso White Russian

Combining booze with coffee makes it somewhat more acceptable to knock one back during that late-morning, gathering-before-dinner time period, no? We love any excuse to get cozy with Nespresso, and this White Russian concoction will have you feeling all the warm, Thanksgiving-y vibes.

Brit + Co

S'moretini

Whether it's too cold to sit outside and snack on some s'mores, or you don't have a fire pit to roast marshmallows (although Gilmore Girlsdid show us how to use our stovetops...), this Thanksgiving cocktail is a great alternative to the sticky dessert. The chocolate andgraham cracker coating on the rim is just the cherry on top!

Brit + Co

Rum Toddy

This cocktail recipe is great because there's a good chance you already have the majority of the ingredients in your kitchen! Just put everything you need in a thermos, stir it up, and you're good to go. Not only will toddies keep you warm on cold days, but they're good for sore throats and fighting the chills if you're feeling a lil' under the weather.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Pear Ginger Fizz

Swap your cranberry sauce for a cranberry cocktail complete with ginger beer, pears, and limes. Make sure you keep some whole cranberries and rosemary sprigs for the finishing touch. Even if you've never made cocktails before, this drink is so easy that anyone can make it!

Brit + Co

Clementine Whiskey Smash

Sweet clementine juice and rich whiskey are the perfect match in this fun Thanksgiving drink, plus you can adjust the amount of whiskey that goes in depending on how strong you'd like the drink. Go easy for a fresh taste or add a bit more if you want something warmer.

Brit + Co

Wild Turkey Cocktails

Now, we know what you're thinking: "there is no way I'm drinking a cocktail that has turkey in it." But you don't have to worry because the 'wild turkey' in this recipe actually comes from Wild Turkey American Honey! Make one for an afternoon apéritif or an evening drink once the kids have gone to bed. Now the only question is, who let the (wild) turkeys out?!

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

We're suckers for all things pumpkin spice, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to indulge in a little PSL-inspired boozy bevvy. This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is super easy to make — and even easier to devour.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Is The New Black Cocktail

From cranberry sauce to cranberry garlands, this red berry is definitely a holiday season staple – and now you can add it to yourbar cart! Think of this drink as an upgraded vodka cranberry, with a more sophisticated look. If you're not able to get black vodka, just sub black food coloring to achieve the same finished product.

Brit + Co

Chai Hot Toddy

If you're not a huge pumpkin person, then you have to try this spiced, creamy Thanksgiving cocktail while you wait for eggnog season. Your classic chai gets a makeover with some spiced rum and cinnamon-infused milk (YUM!) that give it a whole new holiday edge. You can also experiment with different spices and adding in a shot of espresso to change things up.

Brit + Co

Apple Cide-car Cocktail

As far as we're concerned, apple cider season should last all winter long. This easy cocktail only has four ingredients (apple cider, brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice) which means there's no excuse to not have this on your Thanksgiving menu! Need a simple alternative for the under-21 crew? Nix the alcohol, but keep the glasses for an upscale apple cider mocktail.

Brit + Co

Convergent Opera Cake Cocktail

This cold brew concoction is perfect for getting you buzzed in more than one way. It's the perfect after-dinner dose of caffeine you need to avoid a food coma, but it'll also give you all the Thanksgiving feels.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Zinger Jam Jar Cocktail

We love jam and we love cocktails, so why not put them together? This cranberry zinger (which is basically the queen of mixed Thanksgiving cocktails) will certainly make you feel all kinds of bubbly. All you gotta do is pour your favorite gin and cranberry juice over ice, and then top with a spoonful of your go-to jam. Top it off with ginger ale, and you're done!

Brit + Co

Pomegranate Ginger Beer Cocktail

Ginger has just the right amount of warmth to keep you toasty during holiday gatherings. This delicious ginger beer concoction will be a total crowd pleaser at all your Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving gatherings.

Wholefully

Two Ingredient Apple Cider Mimosas

If mimosas (especially apple cider mimosas) don't scream fall brunch, we don't know what does. Since it's only two ingredients, you don't have to worry about trying to put together a complex Thanksgiving cocktail recipe while also preparing dinner. Sounds like a win-win.

Dos Hombres Mezcal

Dos Hombres Hot Cider

Add 1 gallon apple cider, 1 tbsp whole allspice, 1 tbsp whole cloves, 1 sliced orange, 1-inch sliced fresh ginger, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 4 star anise to a pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes before adding 1.5 cups of Dos Hombres Mezcal to spike the sip!

Home & Plate

Salted Caramel Apple Martini

Martinis make us feel sophisticated and mysterious, but there's one thing that's no mystery: cocktail hour will never be the same after you serve this sweet, tart drink to your family and friends. All you *really* need is a little caramel vodka and apple cider, and you're good to go. Don't forget to chill your martini glasses beforehand to keep things cool.

JoLynn Shane

Apple Cider Mojito Recipe

Mojitos might usually be a summer drink for you, but the addition of apple cider makes this one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails you could sip on. The cinnamon simple syrup in this recipe is totally worth the extra prep time. This drink is also loaded with fresh mint and cinnamon sticks for a fall flavor combo you can't miss.

Joyful Healthy Eats

Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Everyone knows that what makes a Moscow mule a true mule is the ginger beer. Well, with this easy Thanksgiving cocktail, what makes it is the hard apple cider instead of the regular kind.

Inspired by Charm

Apple Pie Sangria

Apple desserts are a must-have during the holiday season, and this apple pie-inspired sangria might just become our top pick. This is the *perfect* Thanksgiving cocktail to put out in a big pitcher and sip on during dinner, while watching the football game, or even when you're stuck cleaning up dishes.

Baked by Rachel

Apple Cider Whiskey Smash

This is an ahh-mazing seasonal twist on a traditional whiskey drink. With just three quick ingredients (whiskey, lemon juice, and apple cider) you can even make a big batch of this Thanksgiving-y drink *before* the holiday whirlwind begins.

Cookie + Kate

Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

We consider November 1 to be the official start of maple season. Even if whiskey isn't your thing, it might be after sampling this cup of Thanksgiving goodness. A little maple syrup goes a long way when you're working with this recipe!

Dos Hombres Mezcal

Dos Hombres Naughty Toddy

Mix together 1 oz Dos Hombres Mezcal, .5 oz fresh lemon juice, .25 oz honey, 1 oz whiskey, and 2 oz natural apple juice together before heating it up on the stove to make this Thanksgiving cocktail. Garnsih with a lemon wheel, and prepare to be warm AF.

Gimme Some Oven

Cranberry Margaritas

Cranberries might be reminiscent of Christmas, but cranberry sauce is basically a Thanksgiving delicacy… which is why we had to give this seasonal margarita our stamp of approval. The squeeze of lime and the salted rim puts this cocktail over the (very delicious) edge, and if you want to get extra fancy with it, there's also a recipe to make your own homemade cranberry juice.

Holly & Flora

Bourbon + Spiced Pear Cocktail

With herbs like sage and thyme topped off with allspice and cinnamon, we're totally in love with this unique Thanksgiving cocktail. Not only does the ginger liqueur give this drink a little kick, but including agave means that it's totally sugar-free.

Baker by Nature

Cranberry + Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

If you're really craving some sweetness, this is the exact drink you should go for. It calls for two cups of cranberries on top of two cups of sugar to yield four cocktails. It's safe to say you'll be perked up after just a few sips.

The Sweetest Occasion

Salted Caramel White Russian

This cocktail is creamy, sweet, and totally dessert-like, which makes it a great addition to post-dinner conversation. You could literally forget the pies and cobblers (but what's Thanksgiving without some pie?) and just drink this instead. Don't worry if you're dairy-free – just swap the caramel sauce for a coconut-based caramel instead.

Slow Cooker Spiced Wine

Okayyy – this warm drink gives us all the fall feels. Red wine and brandy warmed in a crockpot with spices and orange sounds like total heaven to us. Not to mention that you can leave this to simmer throughout the day, so your guests can help themselves and you don't have to worry about it! (viaWell Plated)

Domesticate Me

Spiced Cider Margaritas

For many, the lime margarita is a staple on Taco Tuesday, but maybe it's time to mix it up? We think YES. Cozy up by the fire with a glass of this spiced cider that's spiked with tequila and garnished with cinnamon sticks and apples. That — and the cinnamon sugar rim — sounds right up our alley.

Want more mouthwatering holiday recipes and Thanksgiving cocktails? Follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter for more inspiration!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.