How to Turn a Bucket into a Colorful Easter Basket

Anjelika Temple
Mar 20, 2015

That’s right. Hardware is getting a super colorful makeover, yet again. We’ve teamed up with Ghirardelli to turn a basic metal bucket into a cheerful, springy Easter basket filled with tons of yummy treats for all the sweet little bunnies in your life.


– metal buckets or pails

– white rope

– hot pink paracord

– blue paracord

– pom pom trim

– paper flowers (see the tutorial here)

– Ghirardelli® Spring Impressions Squares

Tools:
– hot glue gun

– scissors

The instructions for each are a little bit different, so scroll on to see how to make your favorite style basket.

You can change up the color palette however you like. We skipped the pastel scene and went for richer versions of classic Easter colors.

And we stocked up on plenty of Ghirardelli® Spring Impressions Squares to fill our baskets with.

First things first: Use rope to transform the vibe and texture of your bucket. Start on the bottom by gluing one end of your white rope to the bucket. Wrap your rope around the bucket and keep wrapping until you’ve covered one to two inches of your bucket. Cut off the white rope and glue the end. Then start wrapping with your next color. And then, the next color! Seal each end with glue and your bucket will be totally transformed.

Striped Color Block Basket

Plain old metal bucket? Totally gone.

We filled ours up with Ghirardelli® Spring Impressions Squares and a handmade paper flower.

Speaking of paper flowers, this next basket is all about them! Start by wrapping a metal bucket in white rope. Then, make a whole bunch of crepe paper flowers (the tutorial’s right here) in as many colors as you like. Use hot glue to attach a trio of flowers to the top of your basket, almost like a boutonniere :)

Paper Flower Basket

How festive is that?

For this basket, we’re assembling a scene for someone with a serious sweet tooth.

Next up, you can also use textured trims to add a custom touch to your basket. After wrapping your entire bucket in white rope, add a string of pom pom trim to the top of your basket.

Pom Pom Basket

We love the springy vibe this pom pom trim evokes.

Once again, fill your basket with a Ghirardelli® Spring Impressions Square in every flavor you can find.

There they all are, but we’ve got one more in store for you.

This basket’s got all three customization options in one! Wrap a large bucket with rope in color blocked stripes. Then, add pom pom trim in between each color change. Then, attach a flower to the top of the whole thing. Done and done!

Stripes, Flowers *and* Pom Poms in One

Now that’s better — you can fit way more sweets in this extra larger bucket ;)

Time to plan an Easter egg hunt!

Check out some of the adorable baskets and cards our guests made at the Ghirardelli event.

How cool is that spiral!

We love how vibrant and colorful this bucket turned out.

Gotta love a chocolate surprise inside a card!

5 Pro Tips for Surviving The Small Business Lulls

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program
verizon small business program

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward.


In this segment, Paige Wiese, founder & CEO of Tree Ring Digital in Denver, CO, walks us through some of the ways she encourages clients to double down on marketing when business is slow. Paige built her business as a solopreneur graphic designer to a team of 15, helping clients with SEO, online ads, and social media management. Here’s her Take 5, plus more tips for surviving the business lulls below!

What's a recent small win for you and your business?

Paige: A recent small win has been just seeing business pick up again. I am seeing businesses start to engage with their marketing efforts and really trying to get to the root of why their website might be underperforming. We look at what they can be doing to see their money actually go to a place that it should be going.

What's a big piece of advice that you give to your clients?

Paige: A lot of them want to back off anytime there's a little bit of scarcity. I really think that's the time to double down, whether it be your digital presence, your website, or just adjusting how you're spending your money. But instead of just saying, ‘Hey, we're going to stop [investing in marketing],’ ask ‘How do we double down in the correct way and make sure we're seeing measurable results out of it?’ I do it myself anytime business is a little slow. I think we have to either change or we need to be doubling down. A lot of clients come to us when the pipeline is already dry and money is tight and they’re hoping for a quick fix. Marketing, unfortunately, isn't a quick fix.

See more tips for surviving business lulls below!

What's an unexpected business challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

Paige: I think one of the bigger challenges that we've run into has been more on the employee side, some of the retention or the hiccups that come along the way and then just learning from them. So how can we be a better, stronger company coming out of this and how do we use it as a growing opportunity?

How has the Verizon Small Business program helped propel your business forward?

Paige: I learned about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). It's a free resource that’s self-paced and very digestible. The variety of topics it covers is a large gamut for any size business. The Selling with Storytelling course, especially, was really valuable to me, just really getting your messaging out there. I laugh that I sometimes enjoy the marketing ones a little bit more just because it is a refresher or another take on how we do this.

Thanks Paige!

Here Are More B+C Tips For Surviving The Small Business Lulls

Photo by Kampus Production

  1. Refine Your Strategy
    • Review your business plan and goals. Are you on track? What can be improved?
    • Analyze customer feedback and sales data to spot trends and areas where you can grow.
  2. Boost Your Marketing Efforts
    • Refresh your website or social media profiles. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready’s free Put Your Website to Work course will help you get started with best practices for building your business website.
    • Create engaging content through blogs, videos, and newsletters. Verizon’s free Creating Compelling Content course can help you create consistent, quality content for your target customers.
    • Offer promotions or limited-time discounts to attract new customers.
  3. Invest in Learning
    • Take an online course related to your industry, like Verizon’s free Planning for the Unexpected course for building resiliency in your business.
    • Stay updated on industry trends and innovations.
    • Engage with customers too. Send personalized emails to loyal customers or clients. Ask for reviews!
  4. Improve Your Processes
    • Streamline operations or explore new tools to increase your efficiency.
    • Organize your workspace and declutter your digital files.
  5. Self-Care and Rest
    • Take advantage of the slower pace to recharge. A refreshed mindset is exactly what you need to bring forth fresh ideas!

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Tree Ring Digital.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces.

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8 "Adventurous" Zodiac Signs Most Likely to Be World Travelers

Traveling has the power to open our minds and transform the way we view the world. From experiencing different cultures and traditions to meeting new people from other walks of life, every trip you take offers an opportunity to broaden your perspective.

Now, people can have different driving forces behind their wanderlust, whether it's wanting to connect with others or simply enjoying the thrill of adventure. Even so, the zodiac might play a role in shaping our travel tendencies.

Certain signs are naturally more curious and love to explore new horizons. That's why there are eight zodiac signs most likely to be world travelers.

Scroll to see which zodiac signs are most likely to travel!

Brit + Co

1. Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

There's no doubt that Sagittarians are the ultimate world travelers. They're free spirits with an insatiable curiosity and a constant desire to go beyond their familiar surroundings.

Since this sign is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of growth, it makes sense why Sagittarians thrive when they're experiencing new things. Travel isn't just about the destination for them, either. They truly enjoy the journey and love diving into the unknown.

Brit + Co

2. Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Another travel-hungry zodiac sign is Gemini. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of intellectual pursuits, Geminis are curious, appreciate variety, and are constantly on the lookout for new experiences.

Travel affords them the perfect opportunity to learn about fresh ideas. Plus, this sign is flexible and adaptable, meaning Geminis can easily immerse themselves in different environments.

Brit + Co

3. Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarians are known for having progressive mindsets and a deep desire to explore new ways of thinking. So, this sign tends to be drawn to destinations that challenge their point of view.

As an air sign, Aquarians also adore connection and will often seek out meaningful interactions with locals while traveling. They like to learn and find inspiration in unique corners of the world that others may overlook.

Brit + Co

4. Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Pisces are fueled by their imagination and emotional depth, so they seek out destinations that nurture their creativity and offer a sense of peace.

For this sign, which takes a more spiritual approach, travel is a way to escape the mundane to recharge and dream. Whether they opt to visit a quiet coastline or a remote forest, Pisces are inspired by nature and reflection.

Brit + Co

5. Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Aries view traveling in a much different light. Because they're ruled by Mars, they relish excitement and action, like thrill-seekers.

This sign loves trips that get their energy pumping and gives them an adrenaline rush, ranging from skydiving and cliff-jumping to mountain climbing. Aries are independent and spontaneous and appreciate adventures that push them both mentally and physically.

Brit + Co

6. Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Next up is Cancer, a water sign that takes a more sentimental approach to traveling. They like familiarity and forging deep emotional connections, so they are drawn to destinations that hold some form of personal significance.

Cancers prefer to bond as opposed to explore, whether that's by visiting extended family or learning more about their heritage roots.

Brit + Co

7. Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leos, who love to live their lives in the spotlight, are a different story. They're all about luxury, which extends to their travel style.

This sign looks for places that match their high energy, like cities or high-end resorts. Since Leos have an eye for glamour, their trips usually revolve around fashion, art, or overall indulgence.

So, one thing is certain: going on a vacation with a Leo will be anything but boring.

Brit + Co

8. Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Finally, despite Capricorns being known for their ambitious nature, they enjoy traveling (when it works alongside their drive for success).

This sign prefers to visit destinations that are steeped in culture or history as a way to enhance their personal and professional lives. Capricorns also value a balance of leisure and productivity, so they may create itineraries to get the most out of their time away from home.

Looking for more astrology advice? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

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5 Reasons Why Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs Love Selling on Whatnot

Whatnot
live selling platform

There are so many ways you can reach customers today, from online marketplaces to social media platforms, websites and beyond. But which is right for you? To keep up with the fast-paced world of online selling, you want to explore ways to stand out in your market and create new revenue streams. A unique way that’s proven to be fun and actually effective for many small businesses? Live selling.

What exactly is live selling? Think of it as your own online show, where you invite new and loyal customers to chat and join in a livestreamed auction of whatever you’re selling. Entrepreneurs sell everything from trading cards, comic books, and memorabilia to fashion, beauty, electronics, and even live plants on Whatnot’s livestream platform. They share product details in real-time, chatting directly with potential buyers, and selling to the highest bidder.

Here are five reasons why small business owners are loving Whatnot to build their business, grow their online community, and connect with their customers.

1. Create new revenue streams

As a small business owner, you want to look for additional ways to boost your income or diversify your revenue streams. With Whatnot, you can tap into the rapidly growing livestream shopping market and boost your bottom line. In fact, according to Whatnot’s State of Livestream Selling Report, 66 percent of Whatnot sellers earn more than $10,000 per month through livestream selling, and one in four sellers report making over $300,000 each year! That’s a pretty sweet side hustle, andyou may even find it’s your favorite way to sell.

2. Build your community

Whatnot isn’t just a sales platform; it’s a space where you can build a strong community. Through livestream selling, you can connect with customers in real-time, build meaningful relationships, and host dynamic auctions or flash sales – turning sales into engaging experiences that drive loyalty and repeat business.

3. Reach a wider audience

Finding the right customers is critical, and your odds are better when you can reach a broader audience instantly. Whatnot’s interactive format lets you share your product or service with millions of users. Livestreaming offers a way to reach potential customers who may not have discovered your business through traditional channels.

4. Make selling and buying more fun!

Whatnot takes e-commerce to the next level by making sales more interactive and fun. Livestream selling turns ordinary sales into exciting events, with real-time auctions, flash sales, and engaging chats. This approach not only boosts sales but also creates memorable experiences that keep customers coming back for more.

5. Stay competitive

By offering a platform that blends community and commerce, Whatnot empowers small business owners to scale faster, adapt to market changes, and stay competitive. The sense of community is an element that makes the sale less transactional and more relational. And that’s good for business!

Learn how to become a seller on Whatnot today – it’s a total game changer!

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Meghan Markle’s “Controversial” Netflix Show Just Got Renewed For Season 2

Love it or hate it, Meghan Markle's With Love, Meghan series has been renewed for Season 2. It's the talk of the internet with fans and critics alike chiming in with their opinions about seeing her embrace a "soft girl" era. But before we dive into what people have been saying about the new Netflix show, we're dishing out what's to come once everyone gets their season 1 fix.

P.s. We're also dishing about her controversial name change 👀.

Keep scrolling to learn about Season 2 of With Love, Meghan — and what you might've missed during Season 1!

Is 'With Love, Meghan' really renewed for Season 2?

Jenna Peffley/Netflix

This is not a drill. With Love, Meghan has been greenlit for Season 2 at Netflix with the media giant confirming the news themselves. The host of the show also shared the huge news on Instagram just mere hours ago.

Her caption reads: "Oh, how I love ASMR! If you’re loving Season 1, just wait until you see the fun we cooked up on Season 2! Thanks for joining the party, and an endless thanks to the amazing team and crew who helped bring it all to life! @netflix."

Has a release date been shared?

Courtesy of Netflix

The news is still fresh so we'll have to wait longer to see when Meghan will be back with more feel-good tips about how to romanticize your life.

Who's made an appearance on 'With Love, Meghan' Season 1?

Courtesy of Netflix

Guests like Mindy Kaling, Daniel Martin, Abigail Spencer, and Alice Waters have appeared on the show. From engaging in fun conversations to making memorable recipes together, Meghan and her guests seemed like they enjoying each other's company.

What's up with Meghan's name change?

Justin Coit/Netflix

During a segment where Meghan and Mindy Kaling were talking, the latter appeared "shocked" when something she said was corrected. She kept calling Meghan by her former name to which the latter said, "It's so funny, too, that you keep saying, 'Meghan Markle.' You know, I'm Sussex now."

As reported by E! News, Mindy hasn't thought twice about the moment. "You know, I had a great time...We were making sandwiches and then they’ll push in on my face on TikTok and they’ll be like, ‘Look at this emotion you felt,'" she said during an appearance on The View. She added, "...and I honestly didn’t even remember it because we shot it like nine months ago."

How do people feel about 'With Love, Meghan?'

Courtesy of Netflix

Some people are thrilled about With Love, Meghan while others feel the Sussex isn't relatable. A Screen Rant article begins by saying, "...the series comes across as a wealthy socialite playing house, while the world is forced to stand by and watch how the other half lives."

However, Glamour thinks otherwise. "What’s not to love about the Montecito landscape, or the ASMR-inducing scene when Markle and her beekeeper are filmed double-straining their freshly harvested golden honey dripping indulgently down into a bowl, or the soothing sounds of Markle’s voice as she walks you through her favorite ways to make a houseguest feel spoiled and special."

No matter where you stand, Meghan's not giving up on sharing recipes and what she considers to be fun conversations.

Follow us on Facebook for more fun entertainment news!

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12 At-Home Latte Recipes For An Easy (& Tasty!) Morning Pick-Me-Up

On today's episode of "TikTok Made Me Do It," we'll be talking about my latest obsession: at-home latte recipes! It would be funny if I weren't joking because the running joke is social media influences people to do too much. But, there are healthy things to pick up from like spending less money at Starbucks because you've become your own barista.

With the help of my Ninja Espresso machine, I've whipped up everything from a cinnamon sugar to a matcha latte, and they've been frighteningly good coming from someone who rarely drinks coffee.

Scroll to find your next at-home latte obsession aka discover the best latte recipes that'll make you place an Instacart order tonight

Jasmine Williams

Iced Caramel & Cinnamon Sugar Latte

This was my first successful attempt at making an at-home latte recipe and it's easily become my favorite thing to drink in the morning. A ton of trial and error was involved, but I've perfected the amount of ingredients I like to use so it's super easy to make.

Ingredients:

3 Teaspoons Cinnamon Sugar

2-3 Teaspoons of Nescafé Gold Espresso Blonde, Instant Coffee

Ghiradelli Premium Caramel Sauce

Caramel Syrup (any brand works!)

Unsweetened Original Almond Milk (I Prefer Silk)

A mini hand frother (if you don't have an espresso machine at home)

Ice

Steps:

  1. Drizzle caramel sauce in your glass of choice and add ice to it.
  2. Using a separate, smaller cup, scoop in cinnamon sugar and Nescafe' Gold Espresso Blonde. Pour in a small amount of unsweetened almond milk and use a handheld frother to mix them together. Set aside once done.
  3. Take the same unsweetened almond milk and pour in a few oz. to the glass you drizzled caramel sauce in.
  4. Pour your cinnamon sugar, milk and, Nescafé Gold Espresso Blonde mixture into it.
  5. Enjoy!

Jasmine Williams

Strawberry & Caramel Latte

Does strawberry and caramel really go together? If you ask this delicious latte, they do! I actually used the same ingredients from my Caramel & Cinnamon Sugar Latte outside of using strawberry syrup instead of caramel! The only tip I have is to avoid being heavy-handed with how much you use because it can be unbearable sweet if you're not eyeing it. Two pumps at the most should do the trick!

Half Baked Harvest

Iced Peach Lemonade Matcha Latte

Summer's only a few months away so it's time to start thinking about easy-going latte recipes that don't feel like you're preparing for a long, harsh winter. This recipe is perfect because it features two unlikely components — peach and lemonade — that sweeten its overall deal! Yum! (via Half Baked Harvest)

The Girl on Bloor

Homemade Nutella Mocha Latte

Your eyes aren't deceiving you — nutella is one of the ingredients in this yummy latte. It's almost replaced my love for hot chocolate which says a lot because no chocolatey drinks ever tasted this good to me before. Plus, the coconut whipped cream really completes the flavor profile! (via The Girl on Bloor)

P.S. It's a sweet drink so make sure you're prepared!

Averie Cooks

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Who am I to tell you pumpkin spice season is over? It's your kitchen so you get to make the rules and if that means you want to make this latte for the rest of 2025, I won't judge you. Don't be surprised if your roommates or partner ask if they get a cup because this easy recipe is delicious, and only takes 5 minutes to make! (via Averie Cooks)

Earthly Provisions

Iced Lavender Matcha Latte

You can never make too many matcha recipes because there's so many ways to have fun with them! For example, this one calls for lavender syrup which blends together with the oat milk and matcha powder you'll also be mixing together. (via Earthly Provisions)

Feel Good Foodie

Golden Milk Turmeric Latte

I highly recommend that you drink this latte recipe during golden hour in the morning. You'll love feeling the soothing milk turmeric as it gently warms your insides. (via Feel Good Foodie)

P.S. You may think you don't need to add cinnamon on top, but it adds an extra layer of warmth that's sometimes needed to prepare you for the day.

The Edgy Veg

Biscoff Latte

Cookie lattes are trending on TikTok, but I can see why. They're comforting without making you feel like you're drinking something seasonal. For instance, this vegan Biscoff Latte calls for actual biscoff spread or any cookie butter of your choosing. As fancy as that sounds, it only takes five minutes to make this tasty drink! (via The Edgy Veg)

The Endless Meal

Coconut Turmeric Latte

Not only is flu season still here, now we're moving into allergy territory. But you know what combats both? This yummy coconut turmeric drink I didn't expect to like. It has all the makings of a typical latte, but the addition of black pepper kicks things up a notch. (via The Endless Meal)

Rachl Mansfield

Magical No-Coffee Cacao Collagen Latte

This recipe's for anyone who's not the biggest fan of coffee. I've since learned that you don't actually need it to make a great latte which may be surprising. All you need is a little blend, hot water, cacao powder, collagen peptides, and dates. Yes, the fruit. (via Rachl Mansfield)

Munching with Mariyah

Homemade Iced Chai Latte

Look, it's another chai latte recipe! It seems like there's only one way to make it, but it's not! You can make a "hot" one or opt for a iced version like this! IMO it's much lighter than other lattes I've drank and doesn't have a weird aftertaste. (via Munching with Mariyah)

Half Baked Harvest

Gingerbread Chai Brûlée Latte

This recipe has Christmas drizzled and mixed all over it, but I don't mind. Like my mom loves to tell me, everyday's a gift so we should treat it like one.

It's the perfect drink to lift your spirits if you've been having a rough work week because the maple syrup, ginger, star anise, and chai tea will instantly put a smile on your face. If you think I'm bluffing, make it at home one time and tell me if you don't chuckle at least once! (via Half Baked Harvest)

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