6 Ways to Majorly Upgrade Your Afternoon Snack Break

Unexpected pairings are kind of our jam. Salty and sweet, dark and mysterious, painterly and patterned — these combos are some of our favorites. And the snack department is no exception. I don’t know about you, but right around 3pm I definitely need a pick-me-up — and a glass of water and bag of chips just doesn’t do the job. That’s why we were thrilled to pair up (pun very much intended) with Curate to create a collection of six bar and beverage pairings that will seriously upgrade your next afternoon snack break.

Before we get to these yummy combos, a little more about our partner, Curate: This new snack brand takes a unique approach to the art of a delicious, healthy and filling bar. They curate wholesome ingredients, like orange zest, balsamic vinegar, quinoa and chia seeds, and combine them every way under the sun until they find the best and tastiest combo. But it’s not just about flavors here — Curate bars are non-GMO and gluten-free, they have no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors and each bar has less than 200 calories. For real. Pick up your own box of bars in person at Kroger or Target.

We love that you can actually see the ingredients that go into each bar, and that they’re not gummy or tough to chew. They *really* taste homemade. As soon as we got our hands on a few of these bars, we were immediately inspired to create six unexpectedly delicious drink pairings to go with each flavor.

Follow along to check out each recipe!

BASIL COCONUT SMOOTHIE + IRRESISTIBLE DARK CHOCOLATE BAR

Ready to transport yourself to a beachy locale? Us too. Inspired by the combo of dark chocolate, pistachios and strawberries, we created an herbaceous smoothie designed to pair perfectly with the Irresistible Dark Chocolate bar.

Ingredients:
— 3 cups pineapple chunks

— 1 cup basil leaves

— 1 cup spinach leaves

— 1 Tablespoons hemp seeds

— 1 can coconut milk

— 2 Tablespoons lime juice

— coconut flakes for garnish

Instructions:
1. Place all the ingredients (except coconut flakes) into a blender, then blend until combined.

2. Pour into a glass and garnish with coconut flakes.

Place pineapple chunks, basil leaves, spinach leaves, hemp seeds, coconut milk and lime juice into a blender.

Blend!

Pour into a glass and garnish with coconut flakes. You can also toss in a basil leaf if you want a little extra green.

Now that’s a snack scene we can definitely get behind.

LAVENDER EARL GREY TEA LATTE + SALTED DECADENCE BAR

Lavender Earl Grey Tea Latte — say that five times fast! The ingredients list alone makes our mouths water, especially paired with the Salted Decadence bar, which features hemp seeds, Marcona almonds, quinoa, dark chocolate and sea salt.

Ingredients:
— 1 Tablespoon loose leaf Earl Grey tea

— 3 1/2 Tablespoons culinary lavender buds

— 2 cups water

— 1 cup sugar

— ½ cup milk

— ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. First, make a lavender simple syrup by combining 3 Tablespoons lavender, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, then strain and set aside to cool.

2. Add 1 Tablespoon loose leaf Earl Grey tea and ½ Tablespoon lavender buds to a tea infuser over hot water, and let steep to your liking.

3. While the tea is steeping, add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to ½ cup milk and steam it.

4. Once your tea has steeped, add 1 Tablespoon lavender simple syrup to the tea.

5. Pour into a mug and top with your vanilla steamed milk, then garnish with lavender buds.

First, make a lavender simple syrup by combining three Tablespoons lavender, one cup sugar and one cup water in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat for five minutes, then strain and set aside to cool.

Add one Tablespoon loose leaf Earl Grey tea and ½ Tablespoon lavender buds to a tea infuser over hot water, and let steep to your liking.

While the tea is steeping, add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to ½ cup milk and steam it.

Once your tea has steeped, add one Tablespoon lavender simple syrup to the tea.

Pour into a mug and top with your vanilla steamed milk, then garnish with lavender buds.

Also how cute is this mug? Learn to make your own tissue paper tea set right here.

MINT ICED COFFEE + INDULGENT BAR

Need a real pick-me-up? Then a little jolt of caffeine is just what the doctor ordered. The Indulgent bar has a rich combo of dark chocolate, vanilla, almonds and hazelnuts. Yum.

Ingredients:

— coffee

— 1 cup sugar

— 1 cup water

— 1 bunch fresh mint

— half + half

— ice

Instructions:

1. Make mint simple syrup by adding together 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and 1 bunch of mint leaves in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, then strain out the mint and let cool.

2. Add coffee to a glass of ice, then add half + half to taste. Add about a Tablespoon of mint simple syrup.

3. Garnish with mint leaves and enjoy!

Start by whipping up a batch of mint simple syrup. Combine one cup sugar, one cup water and one bunch of mint leaves in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat for five minutes, then strain out the mint and let cool.

Add coffee to a glass of ice, then add half + half to taste. Add about a Tablespoon of mint simple syrup.

Add a sprig of mint leaves for the finishing touch.

Enjoy!

ALMOND MILK HORCHATA + HARMONIOUS BLEND BAR

This combo’s all about those grains. The fruity flavors of apricot and lemon complement a glass of dessert-like horchata beautifully. The Harmonious Blend bar also features Marcona almonds and quinoa, giving it a robust flavor that satisfies even the hungriest of moments.

Ingredients:
— 1 cup white rice

— 4 cups water

— 2 cinnamon sticks

— 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

— 1 cup almond milk

— ⅓ cup brown sugar

— 1 ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

— ice

Instructions:
1. Wash and drain the rice, then combine with cinnamon sticks in water. Let soak overnight in the fridge.

2. Discard the cinnamon sticks and add rice and water into a blender. Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and blend on low for 5 minutes until combined.

3. Pour the blended rice mixture through a fine mesh sieve. If there are still rice bits present, pour the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter.

4. Pour your rice mixture into a pitcher, then add milk, vanilla and brown sugar. Stir well.

5. Pour over a glass of ice, add cinnamon and enjoy!

First, wash and drain the rice, then combine with cinnamon sticks in water. Let soak overnight in the fridge.

After you’ve let the rice mix soak, discard the cinnamon sticks and add rice and water into a blender. Add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon and blend on low for five minutes until combined.

Pour the blended rice mixture through a fine mesh sieve. If there are still rice bits present, pour the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter.

Pour your rice mixture into a pitcher, then add milk, vanilla and brown sugar. Stir well.

When you’re ready to serve, pour over a glass of ice, add cinnamon and voila. C’est magnifique!

This one doubles as dessert ;)

ORANGE ICED TEA + DARK & TEMPTING BAR

This decadent combo evokes the flavors of fall with a refreshing combo of Mission figs and citrus. In addition to Mission figs, the Dark & Tempting bar is made up of balsamic vinegar, hazelnuts and orange zest.

Ingredients
— ½ gallon water

— 2 cold brew tea bags

— 1 cup sugar

— ½ orange

— ½ lemon

— 2 Tablespoon honey

— orange + lemon slices for garnish

— ice

Instructions
1. Combine the juice of half an orange and half a lemon.

2. Add the juice mixture, honey and sugar to the half gallon of water and stir.

3. Add the cold brew tea bags and let steep for 3 minutes.

4. Remove the tea bags and pour over ice.

Start by squeezing the juice of half an orange and half a lemon. Combine.

Add the juice mixture, honey and sugar to the half gallon of water and stir.

Add cold brew tea bags and let steep for three minutes.

Don’t you love that ombre vibe in the pitcher? So citrusy!

Delightful.

MATCHA GREEN TEA COCONUT MILK LATTE + SWEET & TART BAR

This is easily the most colorful drink and snack combo we’ve ever seen. The Sweet & Tart bar includes berries, almonds, chia seeds, quinoa and flax seeds, and it packs a serious punch.

Ingredients:
— 1 teaspoon matcha

— ¼ cup hot water

— ¼ cup coconut milk, warmed

— 1 Tablespoon honey

Instructions:
1. Sift the matcha powder to get rid of lumps.

2. Add the sifted matcha, 1 Tablespoon honey and ¼ cup hot water to the warm coconut milk and whisk until fully combined.

3. Pour into a mug and serve!

Start out by sifting the matcha powder to get rid of lumps. Add the sifted matcha, one Tablespoon honey and ¼ cup hot water to the warm coconut milk and whisk until fully combined.

Pour into a mug and serve!

Done and done.

No more hangry afternoons! :)

Making any of these recipes? If so, we want to see the results! Share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #iamcreative and #TasteCurate so we can take a look.

This post is a collaboration with Curate.

Authored by: Maddie Bachelder
Recipe Development + Food Styling: Maddie Bachelder, Anita Yung
Photography: Kurt Andre

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. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces


Emily in Paris season 4 was the buzziest season yet, and for good reason. Emily's in Rome, Camille was never pregnant, and Gabriel's hair went from très hot to tragique. In addition to the viral response to Gabriel's new hair, season 4 left me pretty sad because after four years of waiting for Emily and Gabriel to get together, they almost immediately break up — and actor Lucas Bravo is just as confused as we are.

Carole Bethuel/Netflix

“The ‘sexy chef’ was very much part of me in Season 1 and we grew apart season after season because of the choices he makes and because of the direction they make him take,” Lucas Bravo told IndieWire while promoting Mélanie Laurent’s Freedom. “As they made him kind of unaware of his surroundings, of the dynamic, always victimizing and always being completely lost in translation and oblivious to anything that is happening around him and being manipulated by everyone, it kind of became not fun for me to shoot or to see a character I love so much and brought me so much, being slowly turned into guacamole. I really grew apart from him.”

Honestly it makes me really sad that a character we all love so much is becoming unrecognizable. But at the same time, it makes me feel a little bit better, because we're not the only ones who feel like Gabriel has changed. And while Lucas has done what he can to bring those early-series aspects of Gabriel back, he says "there is only so much I can do in the limits of a script.”

Netflix

“I tried for seasons to bring nuances but we don’t have much liberty on set," he continues. “It makes me question if I want to be part of Season 5…because my contract ends at Season 4. I really want to see if Gabriel gets back to his fun, cheeky, playful, alive self. Because three seasons playing melancholic, sad, depressed, and lost is not fun anymore. It’s a comedy, everybody is having fun around me, everybody is jumping around, and I’m just slowly sinking into god knows what.”

Say what now?! If Lucas Bravo leaves Emily in Paris, I truly don't know what I'd do. Gabriel is my favorite character on the show! (Or at least, early Gabriel was.) Seeing him move from 30, flirty, and thriving to someone who's consistently in the middle of an existential crisis doesn't make sense within the world of the show. And even though Lucas thinks the show has a "lack of risk," he still loves everyone involved.

“I love the show. It started everything for me. I love the show and the people in it," he says. "With saying that, I feel like I am not being nice or grateful, but when you love something you want it to be…you want the best version of it. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been frustrated with the direction by character is taking. But we’ll see where it goes. The show is not over.”

Just like the show's iconic costumes are all about expression and fun, here's hoping Emily in Paris is able to bring some life back into our favorite chef. Because if not, it sounds like we could be nearing the end of the show's most popular would-they-won't-they relationship. Fix this Netflix, I beg you!

What do you think of Lucas Bravo's dilemma? Do you miss season 1 Gabriel? Let us know in the comments and check out the latest Emily in Paris season 5 news.

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. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie created reality TV gold when The Simple Life debuted in 2003. Their antics were outlandish, but we couldn't help repeating their iconic phrases like "That's hot" or "Sanasa" during random moments in our own lives.

It's no secret the two didn't really act that way, but their 'characters' left a huge mark on a generation of millennials. "I knew what I was doing but the whole world didn’t, so it was kind of frustrating to me to be perceived in that way because it’s not who I am at all," Paris told People.

Even though she may have felt judged, it seems that Paris Hilton realizes how many people actually loved The Simple Life because she and Nicole Richie are teaming up to film a reunion special that'll debut on Peacock as we speak! Here's everything we know so far!

When did speculations about 'The Simple Life' reboot begin?

NBCUniversal Media

Peacock first shared a video clip on Instagram that hinted something special involving Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie is coming in May. A nostalgic TV set with a black and white screen can be seen while our favorite duo's voices can be hearing saying, "Sanasa, Sanasa."

Peacock captioned the post, "New Era. Same Besties. Coming soon to Peacock," and fans could barely contain their excitement. Even celebs like Naomi Campbell and Katy Perry commented on these hot vibes.

Bravo

Then Paris Hilton took to her own Instagram to share more about what fans could expect. She said, "As some of you may know, we are doing a reunion special to celebrate 20 years of our show The Simple Life and it's been so much fun."

Actress Selma Blair shared how much she's looking forward to this by commenting that she's "living for this."

So are we!

What was 'The Simple Life' about?

The Simple Life/20th Century Fox

The Simple Life showed Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as they basically traded their wealthy lifestyles for 'everyday' living. Cameras followed them from fast food jobs to dealing with getting out of sticky situations they'd supposedly never experienced. Needless to say, it was hilarious, iconic, and instant reality TV gold.

How long was 'The Simple Life' on air?

Peter Kramer/Getty Images

The Simple Life was on air from 2003 to 2007 with five successful seasons. It seemed like it wasn't going to be hit at first, but it defied expectations. By how much you ask?

According to reporting from The Cut, somewhere around 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's oddball take on daily life. That's a pretty huge deal if you ask us!

When will 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' debut?

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Paris & Nicole: The Encore will premiere on Peacock December 12! The two were previously seen at a Sonic drive-thru yesterday so it can be assumed filming is underway (via People)!

Sporting partial Sonic uniforms, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie added accent pieces that match their signature flairs. Paris wore a pair of reflective sunglasses, silver sequin heels, and added a pink flip phone to front of her blue apron. Nicole wore gold hoops and a pair of slingback pumps alongside her hotdog mascot costume. That's hot (dog).

How does Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie feel about reuniting for a reunion special?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Paris Hilton has expressed how much she loves to be sharing the screen with Nicole Richie again. "I'm so excited to be doing this with Nicole on Peacock. Nicole has been my best friend since we're 2 years old, every memory that I have is with her," (via E! News).

Nicole also posted a few throwback moments from The Simple Life on her Instagram, but the most notable one is the video mashup of them singing "Sanasa, Sanasa" over and over. "20 years ago, not only did we become television stars… we became song writers. Happy Anniversary Sill @parishilton#TheSimpleLife#sannnasaaaaa" she wrote in the caption.

What have Paris and Nicole said about their reunion special?

Peacock

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie sat down with W Magazine to let the world know the Paris & Nicole: The Encore show is on its way! Not only that, but fans can expect to see an Opera version of the show they fell in love with two decades ago. Paris said, "The idea of the opera was unexpected" while Nicole chimed in with, "What people need, even though they don't know it yet, is for 'Sanasa' to be an opera.'"

The two besties came up with the idea via a series of texts that started off as ideas between them. Nicole said everything "came up organically" for the two and we can only imagine the memories this brought up for them. OG influencer Paris even talked about how The Simple Life was an "important show in pop culture history" and we couldn't agree more!

Nicole truly wants people to enjoy themselves while watching Paris & Nicole: The Encore and "find the same joy" she had while filming it. According to Paris, she feels what they have is "magic" because "there's just so much history behind it."

It's not every day that you can get to have fun with your best friend while coming up with long-lasting memories that contribute to pop culture, but Paris and Nicole have always danced to the beat of their own drums. Now we'll get to see them in action again!

Watch The Trailer For 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore'

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

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This post has been updated.

Friendsgiving season is coming folks! And if you have one on the books, but have no idea what to cook, we have you covered. From deliciously cheesy veggies to a healthy take on everyone's favorite spuds, we're rounding-up easy recipes to make that won't weigh heavy on your pocketbook. Take a look through to see the yummy ensembles you should be whipping up!

Brit + Co

Drop Biscuits

Because everyone needs a carb to soup all those juicy drippings on your plate. This 'The Final Table' winning recipe does the job.

Brit + Co

Smashed Brussel Sprouts

Not crazy about veggies? These greens will change your mind. Topped with cheese, chives, and a nice crisp topping, they're extra yummy (and keto-friendly!)

Brit + Co

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas

Sure this one is a bit non-traditional, but your vegetarian friends will love it. Plus they make the perfect topping to nearly any dish (who needs croutons when you have these anyways?!).

Brit + Co

Roasted Broccoli

Puts some greens on your plate with this holy-grail recipe. Trust us: It's sooo easy!

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Polenta

Dust off the ole' Instant Pot will this delectable fall polenta. Filled with butternut squash and lots of parmesan you (and your besties!) will quickly fall in *love*.

Brit + Co

Roasted Sweet Potato

Just when you thought you knew how to roast sweet potatoes, this recipe came along. And boy are we taking notes!

Brit + Co

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Be the friend that brings the booze. This autumn-themed mulled wine drink will warm everyone's spirits.

Brit + Co

Fall Quinoa Salad

If you're designated salad duty, take a twist on it by packing it full-on quinia, pomegranate, and a tangy dressing. Yum!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Pasta Bake

When the temperatures drop, your friends will be extra thankful for this soul-warming, cheesy pasta.

Brit + Co

Spinach + Mushroom Gnocchi Casserole

No time? No worries! This freezer-friendly pasta bake complete with pillowy gnocchi, creamy mushrooms and spinach is super easy to create ahead of time, without taking away from any day-of deliciousness.

Brit + Co

Cheddar, Jalapeno, and Chive Biscuits

Upgrade your biscuits with "addicting" flavors of cheddar, chives, and jalapeños. Pro tip: Double the batch to ensure you have more than one for everyone!

Brit + Co

Keto Cheese Ball

Your hostess will thank you extra for showing up with an app to tide guests over until the main meal is served. Packed with yummy baked potato fixings, it's got an extra "kick" to make it comparable to store bought options. Plus it's keto-friendly... you can't go wrong with that!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Keto Asparagus

Keep the keto ideas coming, am I right?! Make this popular Pinterest vegetable dish loaded with garlic and extra cheese. Yes please!

Brit + Co

Yogurt Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Pack a 'lil extra protein into your mashed spuds (with the bonus of making them extra creamy!). Who knew yogurt would soon become your go-to secret ingredient?

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Spice Toffee

And let's not forget about the sweets! Make a batch of this pumpkin spice-flavored treat as a great take-home option for overstuffed guests! (Just be sure to save some extra for yourself!)

Follow us on Pinterest for more tasty Thanksgiving recipes!

This post has been updated.