Manage Those New Year’s Resolutions With This Easy Ombre DIY

Alright folks, it’s the end of January. You know what that means: It’s resolution-ditching season. Remember when you went a little overboard around the end of December and felt like “becoming a brain surgeon” was an attainable goal for 2016? It’s okay, we all think that sometimes. But for the remaining resolutions, the ones that actually feel tangible (like upgrading your digs), we’ve got a DIY that will help you manage all of that self-growth: a resolution wheel!

It’s just like a chore wheel minus the dish washing (unless that was a resolution of yours). We’re all about time management here at Brit + Co, and we like the idea of focusing on a single resolution each day instead of overwhelming yourself with all that ambition.

Materials:

— clock blank

— acrylic paint

— craft foam sheet

— paintbrush

— painter’s tape

— 2-inch screw

— gold paint pen

— scissors

— ruler

Instructions:

1. Evenly divide your wheel according to the number of resolutions.

2. Carefully tape off your first section and paint with a color of your choice.

3. Allow the paint to dry for at least 30 minutes, then carefully remove the masking tape.

4. Re-apply a new piece of masking tape along the edge of the first panel so the two colors will have a nice, clean edge.

5. Tape off the other side of the next panel.

6. Add a few drops of white to the original solid color and paint the panel with your newly mixed hue.

7. Repeat these steps until your wheel is completely painted.

8. Using the paint pen, write an individual resolution in each panel.

9. Draw and cut out an arrow shape of your choice from the foam sheet.

10. Trim a few pieces of foam sheet and glue them onto the back of the wheel. Allow the glue to dry for about 30 minutes.

11. Drill your wheel directly into your wall and leave about half of the screw out.

12. Glue your arrow onto the screw head.

Get your materials together and let’s get started!

Divide your wheel evenly using your pencil and ruler. We chose to divide our wheel into six equal panels for six resolutions.

Carefully tape off your first section and paint with a color of your choice. In order to achieve an ombre effect, you till incrementally add drops of white to your original. Allow the paint to dry for at least 30 minutes, then carefully remove the masking tape. Reapply a new piece of masking tape along the edge of the first panel so the two colors will have a nice, clean edge.

Tape off the other side of the next panel. Add a few drops of white to the original solid color and paint the panel with your newly mixed hue. Repeat these steps until your wheel is completely painted.

Your painted wheel should result in an ombre effect.

Using the paint pen, write an individual resolution in each panel. Have fun with hand lettering and graphic details!

We made sure to put down resolutions that felt achievable in one day.

Next, draw and cut out an arrow shape from the foam sheet. Make sure it’s large enough to hide the screw you’re using.

Trim a few pieces of foam sheet and glue them onto the back of the wheel. This will help keep the wheel from scuffing the wall. Allow the glue to dry for about 30 minutes.

Drill your wheel directly into the wall, but don’t drive the screw all the way in. Leave about half of the screw out.

Give your wheel a few test spins to make sure you left enough of the screw out of the wall.

And the last detail, of course, is to glue your arrow onto the screw head!

This is a great project to hang up by the entryway. Give it a spin and set your intention for the day before you head out the door!

The most effective way to accomplish anything is to divide and conquer, right? ;) Cheers to an improved (and more balanced) you!

What are some creative ways you’re using to stick to your resolutions? Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram and using the hashtag #iamcreative!

DIY Production and Styling: Marianne Koo
Photography: Brittany Griffin

The running joke the editorial team and I have is that millennials are tired of living during unprecedented times. From the pandemic to all the other massive moments the last few decades, I've felt like I've been living in a weird vortex for the...majority of my life.

Despite — and maybe sometimes because of — it all, it wasn't until my recent birthday that I realized I've grown a lot. I thought the things I learned in my 20s were clues I'd 'arrived' as a 30-something-year-old, but it turns out I still hadn't fully accepted that learning hard truths isn't always bad in the long run.

I do this weird thing where I tend to focus on things I feel have to be done instead of focusing on how far I've come, but that changed when I turned 33. For the first time, I didn't have a huge celebration that ended in anxiety on my birthday. I relaxed at home with a ton of comfort food, scary movies, and a list of 33 things I have to be grateful for. So, how did I get here?

Let's go back to the beginning of the year, shall we?

I Intentionally Dubbed 2024 My Personal Victory Year

Viridiana Rivera

I, like so many others, woke up on January 1st and decided it would be my year. I set intentional resolutions, goals, and even made sure to be specific about them. Similar to how I write in-depth articles, I broke them into the following sections:

  • Motherhood
  • Relationships
  • Career
  • Wellbeing
  • Spiritual

It's the first year I decided to listen to my heart's desires in order to capture a screenshot of the life I want to live. I even prayed over my resolutions and goals, asking to be guided as I accomplished things or were led to them. As February rolled around, I didn't really think twice about the impact of what I'd done because life started to fall into a familiar hum that becomes mundane after a while.

I guess I needed to be reminded of the intentional goals I'd written down because things got painfully interesting after this.

My First Adult Car Was Totaled

Gustavo Fring

Car accidents are never fun as I've been on the receiving end of one before, but this wasn't like before. This time I was emotionally hurt to learn the first car I'd assumed total responsibility for was no longer going to be mine. Though I knew I was lucky no one was seriously harmed, all I could think about is the morning I paid it off. I had every reason to spend the nice bonus I received from my last job, but I decided paying off my car mattered more in that moment.

This is the car that took me from my parents' home to living on my own, trips out of town, and days spent buckling a newborn into his carseat. For 8 years, this car and I were locked in like besties. It truly felt like we'd grown up together so to have it ripped away so suddenly was heartbreaking.

Even though the SUV I got was aligned with everything my fiancé and I were talking about, I couldn't appreciate it for a while because I all could see what was what I had.

I Took A Chance On A Full-Time Creative Career

George Milton

Once I started making peace with having a new vehicle, I started feeling the urge to leave my first adult job behind. I'd spent 10 years there, but it was becoming obvious that it was time to leave the nest. Similar to my first car, my co-workers watched me go from a wide-eyed college student to a confident adult. Though I learned so much there, I knew it wasn't where I wanted to be forever.

Deciding to leave what felt familiar was one of the scariest things I'd ever done and I spent days wondering if I'd made the right choice. It's not that writing wasn't lucrative, but I had to learn how to navigate a remote job that's been unlike any role I've had before. My imposter syndrome was in overdrive because I was waiting for the shoe to drop off my other foot.

Thoughts like "What if I'm not good enough" or "What if my co-workers hate me," plagued my mind because I couldn't believe I'd taken a chance on myself that seemed like it was working in my favor. That only happens in movies, right? In this case, wrong.

The same month I truly decided to focus on my writing career is when I interviewed Whoopi Goldberg. Since then, I've gone on to talk to different authors and even moderated my first book event in Atlanta. But, it still took a while for me to truly be grateful for the amazing things that's happened this year.

The Day I Turned 33 Put Everything Into Perspective

KoolShooters

PMS plagued me for the better part of last week, so I decided to listen to my body and not do anything for my birthday. I kept waiting for myself to feel disappointed for not getting dressed up, but the feeling never came. The sad part is I almost wanted it to because who doesn't want to celebrate their birthday?

It turns out that I did celebrate, even if it wasn't in the typical 'party and dinner' way.

Deciding to focus on feeling peaceful in my new space, I opened my journal and started writing 33 things I'm grateful for. I didn't think I could find that many things, but it got easier to start being appreciative of life instead of focusing on everything I'd even thought went wrong.

In between bites of pizza and cheesy bread, I dropped all expectations and started writing. The more I wrote, the happier I felt which makes me wonder why I didn't do this before. So, without further ado, here is everything I realized during my gratitude practice this year!

The Things I'm Most Grateful For Right Now: 

Brit + Co

"I'm grateful for quiet moments where I can hit the reset button when I need to."

Brit + Co

"I’m grateful for moments I’ve accepted accountability for my actions."

Brit + Co

"I’m grateful for having a supportive family and fiancé."

Brit + Co

"I'm grateful for forgiveness and chances to start over."

Brit + Co

"I’m grateful for the beauty and joy of reading."

Jade Rideout

  • I'm grateful for home-cooked meals.
  • I'm grateful for praying grandmothers.
  • I'm grateful for older siblings I get along with.
  • I'm grateful for reminders I'm not alone.
  • I'm grateful for the gift of writing.
  • I'm grateful for time spent in nature.
  • I'm grateful for having friends in my life who feel like family.
  • I'm grateful for my mom introducing me to therapy before my 20s.
  • I'm grateful for every day I wake up with air in my lungs.
  • I'm grateful for moments that cause me to slow down and think before acting.
  • I'm grateful for multiple seasons of growth.
  • I'm grateful for my first full-time writing job.
  • I'm grateful I work with one of the best teams ever.
  • I'm grateful for having access to food, shelter, and a transportation.
  • I'm grateful for having an active imagination.
  • I'm grateful for being able to watch my son grow.
  • I'm grateful for learning about the ins and outs of postpartum so I can help other new moms!
  • I'm grateful for having a new place to live that's cozy.
  • I'm grateful for watching the seasons change.
  • I'm grateful I get to learn what it means to have a healthy romantic relationship.
  • I'm grateful for boundaries.
  • I'm grateful for understanding my parents betters.
  • I'm grateful I'm still in tune with my inner kid.
  • I'm grateful for book clubs.
  • I'm grateful for the amazing authors I've come across.
  • I'm grateful for funny memes on social media.
  • I'm grateful for hot chocolate — yes, I'm serious.
  • I'm grateful for LIFE itself.

Ironically, some of the things I'm grateful for can serve as inspirational fall quotes — which is perfect since my birthday is days after the Autumn Equinox! Aside from that realization, I can genuinely say writing down what I'm grateful for made my birthday better than it's been in years.

I've been focusing on everything that can go right instead of comparing my life to other people and it's a welcomed change. Maybe this is just one of the perks of getting older. If so, sign me up for more birthdays like this!

Looking for more moments of inspiration? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get them right in your inbox!

“Amen,” all the Starbucks-frequenting vegans, lactose intolerants, and anti-dairy people said in unison. Starbucks is no longer charging extra for non-dairy milk customizations! Starting November 7, 2024, the coffee giant saidthey’re nixing the up-charge on alternative milks like soy, coconut, almond, and oat.

Starbucks

“At the heart of the Starbucks Experience has, and always will be, the ability to customize beverages and our baristas’ expertise in helping you find, and craft your Starbucks beverage,” a Starbucks announcement reads. “Substituting non-dairy milk in a handcrafted beverage is the second most requested customization from our customers, behind adding a shot of espresso.”

The chain reported that almost half of U.S. customers that pay for non-dairy milk could see a price reduction of more than 10%. The news comes amidst the company's recent 6% drop in sales, along with customer complaints that Starbucks is simply charging too much for their goodies – something the newly-appointed Starbucks CEO, Brian Niccol, seems to be addressing.

Starbucks

How much savings are we really talking about with this menu update? Most Starbucks stores charge $0.70 to customize your drink with soy, coconut, almond, and oat milks. Some locations in hotspots like New York City even see an up to $0.90 upcharge.

A regular Caffé Latte in my area (Denver, CO) costs $5.25, and if I were to customize it with an alternative milk, it brings the price up to $5.95 ($6.43 total with tax). That's around a 13% increase that I luckily won't be seeing anymore once the new non-dairy changes go into effect.

Starbucks also announced the pricing update on their Instagram page. Many commenters seem elated to hear the news.

“FINALLY!!!!!!” one user wrote.

“People should never have been getting charged because of allergies or dietary restrictions,” another person said. “It’s [about] time 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻”

“Good call as long as nothing else goes up,” someone else noted. “Prices are getting way [too] high even for a simple, non fancy coffee.”

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Between work commitments, grocery runs, and coffee dates, it feels like we barely have time to even make it to the gym. So when we do actually get our gear and go amid all these responsibilities (hello, 2024 New Year’s resolution), who can blame us for simply wanting to skip straight to cardio, burn as many calories as we can in 30 minutes, and then bounce? Unfortunately, this is a super ill-advised way to exercise, because it means you’re skimping on an essential part of the workout routine: stretching. Although adding a warmupmight mean tacking an extra 20 minutes onto your workout (you can do it!), the numerous benefits should make integrating stretching into your gym time a no-brainer. Nichole Tipps — lead trainer for V Shred, a virtual fitness training program — offers us some insight about the importance of stretching.


Everything You Need To Know About Stretching During A Workout

1. Why to Stretch: It’s not just for gym rats. According to Tipps, all of us, no matter how athletically inclined, should be incorporating stretching into our schedules.

“Many people ignore stretching when working out or just as a daily routine,” she says. “Stretching has an array of health benefits that serve as building blocks for longevity and physical well-being.”

Stretching increases flexibility, which improves range of motion in addition to improving workouts, and it delays the effects of atrophy later in life. It also aids posture and relieves stress. In terms of exercising, stretching has advantages both pre- and post-workout.

“Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles and improves your circulation,” explains Tipps. Because of this, failing to stretch beforehand can result in injury, and neglecting to do it afterward can lead to enhanced soreness and a longer recovery period. You’re also making yourself more susceptible to pain, inflammation, and tension in general, Tipps warns.

2. When to Stretch: Most people are at least vaguely aware of the benefits of stretching, but a lot of confusion surrounds when to actually do it during a workout. Contrary to popular belief, the heavy-duty stretching should be reserved for when you’ve finished exercising.

“After your workout is a better time to stretch with more dedication,” Tipps confirms. “Your muscles are tense, and they are tired and stressed in a good way. So stretching can help relieve that tension and reduce the soreness that results from working a muscle.”

Allot 10-15 minutes for these post-sweat stretches. Before your workout, simply stretch lightly, keeping the time to less than 10 minutes.

“Ease your muscles into the idea that you will be challenging them to perform,” Tipps instructs.

3. What to Stretch: Both of these stretch seshes should always address your arms, legs, and back, regardless of what areas that workout focuses on.

“There are different parts to each of these areas, so concentrate on those that your workout calls for that day, but don’t neglect everything else altogether either,” advises Tipps. “Remember, a lot of workout routines include compound exercises, which are multi-joint movements that work several muscles at one time.”

Although stretching might initially seem like yet another chore to add to your to-do list, its benefits are invaluable enough to no longer ignore. As Tipps encourages, “Stretch regularly, and over time you will reap the benefits and maintain your mobility.”

How do you stretch when working out?

There are quite a few stretches you can do when working out depending on what your body needs. No matter what you end up going with, remember not to force it — stretching should, well, stretch your muscles, but it shouldn't be painful! Check out these Pro Tips To Reach Your 2024 Fitness Goals, The Best At-Home Workouts, and 9 Easy Stretches You Can Do To Exercise At Your Desk for more ideas!

Is it better to stretch during or after a workout?

Nichole Tipps recommends saving your more intense stretches for after a workout. But don't be afraid to do a few easy stretches beforehand!

What’s your favorite stretch during a workout? Let us know on social media!

This article has been updated.

All images via Brit + Co

NYT bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid is officially back from her hiatus, and she's announced her brand new book! While we continue to dish about her book-turned-TV-series Daisy Jones & The Six, Reid's written so many other incredible, page-turning books. And now that she's back with something new for eager readers, we're sure this title will easily become a bestseller too! Here are all the exciting details we know about Reid's new read!

TL;DR

  • Taylor Jenkins Reid announced her new book, Atmosphere, on Instagram October 30, 2024.
  • The book follows a physics and astronomy professor who joins the NASA Space Shuttle program — only to find love, potentially change her whole life, and juggle a massive mission.
  • Atmosphere comes out on June 3, 2025

When did Taylor Jenkins Reid announce her new book?

Instagram/tjenkinsreid

On October 30, 2024, Taylor Jenkins Reid announced her upcoming book on Instagram! The post reads:

"Taylor is so excited to announce her next book ATMOSPHERE, releasing June 3, 2025. Huge, huge thanks to Vogue US and British Vogue for helping us celebrate today."

The caption continues, "From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six comes an epic new novel set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program and the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits."

After digging into the plot — more on that soon! — Taylor's team shares, "Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, with complex protagonists, telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love, this time among the stars."

What is 'Atmosphere' about?

Amazon

Per Taylor Jenkins Reid's official website, Atmoshpere is set in the 80s and tells the tale of one woman's journey through space.

Joan Goodwin's love for space has led her to a lovely role as a physics and astronomy professor at Rice University. She splits her time between teaching and bonding with her niece Frances — two things that bring her great joy. But her interested is piqued when she discovers she can possibly join NASA's Space Shuttle program.

Somehow Joan is selected to join and begins building relationships with the other chosen candidates at Houston's Johnson Space Center. Though mostly everyone is kind, mission specialist Lydia Danes isn't interested in rolling out the welcome mat to anyone. Still, this doesn't cause too much friction as they continue training in the program. Joan even finds love in an unlikely place and wonders if she can go back to the life she had before.

Just when the trainees think they've found a nice rhythm, mission STS-LR9 provides the biggest shock no one saw coming.

When does 'Atmosphere' by Taylor Jenkins Reid come out?

Readers will have to revisit Reid's other titles because Atmosphere won't hit shelves until June 3, 2025!

How many books has Taylor Jenkins Reid written?

Amazon

She's written a total of 9 books, including Atmosphere. Here's every Taylor Jenkins Reid book, in order:

What are Taylor's most popular books?

Amazon

While we flipped through each Taylor Jenkins Reid book faster than the next, her most popular reads are:

Pre-Order 'Atmosphere' By Taylor Jenkins Reid Here!

Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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‘Tis the season for cold temperatures, so if you’ve gotta bundle up, you might as well do it in style. Of course, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice warmth for the look – which is exactly where these trusty wintercoats come in! The winter coat trends on schedule for 2024 truly have range – they vary widely in length, material, and texture, but all look so chic no matter what layers you throw on. These are the winter coat trends you need to know to guide your next cold-weather shopping spree. Betweenbarn jackets and shaggy faux furs, you’re sure to find a style that speaks to you.

Trench + Longline Coats

Reformation

Reformation Matteo Trench

Trench coats definitely give you the most coverage, which is perfect for those extra-cold days. More than anything, they supply major main character energy to any look you plan to wear this season. The longline cut brings the drama!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Classic Long Trench Coat

This green trench hosts all the classic details: a double-breasted collar, side pockets, and a tie waist. It's timeless as can be, so you can wear it year after year in endless ways.

J.Crew

J.Crew Wrap Trench Coat

If you dare to make a statement, this bold red trench coat is the piece for you. The thick wool-blend fabric will also keep you super snug.

Barn Coats

Free People

We The Free Denim Barn Coat

Also called barn jackets or chore coats, barn coats bring a sense of utility to your outfits. They're definitely very trendy at the moment, but I think they're worth wearing past this season alone since you can easily layer up or down depending on the weather.

Reformation

Reformation Harrison Utility Jacket

Snag a barn coat in a neutral colorway like this, and you've got yourself an absolute wardrobe staple that wears well with any of the colors in your closet. I'd layer this piece up with a sweater, wide leg jeans, and cowboy boots for a chic tomboy-ish look.

Nordstrom

1.STATE Oversize Cotton Twill Barn Jacket

This barn coat is intentionally oversized, so it'll be perfect for topping off the multiple layers you've gotta rock for those colder-than-cold days. The sleek buttons and contrasting collar spice this clean-cut style up the perfect amount.

Exaggerated Puffers

Urban Outfitters

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

When it comes to puffer coats, try taking them a step further by finding styles like this that really emphasize the puffiness. The stitching adds eye-catching textures and patterns that'll supply your outfits with extra oomph. This puffer in particular expertly insulates your body heat with 700 down fill – even snow days are no match for its comfort.

Gap

Gap Oversized Denim Puffer Jacket

I've never seen a denim puffer coat before, but now that I've stumbled upon this style from Gap, I need one ASAP. The boxy fit is ideal for piling more layers on, but the silhouette won't entirely drown your figure out.

Free People

Free People Solid Cotton Candy Puffer

This "puffy to the max" coat makes a statement with dramatic balloon sleeves and a stand collar that's perfect for cozying up to when the wind chill is just too much.

Leather Bomber Jackets

Target

Wild Fable Faux Leather Oversized Bomber Jacket

Bomber jackets made in a leather (or in this case, faux leather) fabrication feel much more polished and mature than the polyester ones of days past. They toe the line between dressed-up and casual, which is perfect for when you don't want to think too hard about your winter 'fits.

Free People

We The Free Buckle Up Vegan Leather Jacket

This pick is perfectly oversized to accomodate more warming garments like sweaters, long sleeve tees, and flannels. Layer up!

Anthropologie

Pilcro Oversized Washed Faux-Leather Jacket

This is an undeniable statement coat you can wear on repeat with dresses, skirts, jeans, trousers, and more!

Shaggy + Sherpa Jackets

Mango

Mango Jacket with Shearling-Effect Lining

For a fun play on texture, sherpa-lined and shaggy coats are the way to go. This one is also weighted heavy enough that you won't need many extra layers to keep warm while you're out and about!

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Faux Shearling Short Jacket

You'll fall in love with just how soft this coat is. It pairs well with more formal party 'fits as well as casual errand get-ups.

Gap

Gap Recycled Faux Fur Coat

No matter what you're wearing underneath, this longline faux fur coat will turn heads. I think it'd look simply iconic with some leather pants and chunky black boots!

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