10 Spring Cleaning Essentials for a Solo Purge Party

Nicole Briese
Mar 17, 2021
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Ah, spring cleaning — the golden ritual that gives our homes and lives a MAJOR post-winter pick-me-up. We know we'll feel incredible when all of the scrubbing and decluttering is done, but getting motivated to take on the task is no simple feat. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, why not turn on the tunes or your favorite Netflix rom-com, pour a drink, and enjoy yourself? These 10 tips and tricks are all you'll need to tidy like a pro in no time.

DIY All-Natural Disinfectant Spray

You'll obvi need some #greengoddess-approved supplies to clean with, and we love the idea of an all-natural disinfectant. With just four natural ingredients, it's a cinch to make and safe enough for family members with sensitive skin. (via A Real-Life Housewife)

DIY Cleaning Wipes

For larger areas, such as the floor, you can make these natural cleaning wipes that double as Swiffer pads. The only thing standing between you and the shiniest floors you've ever seen are some colorful washcloths (the brighter, the better) and a few basic ingredients. (via Live Simply)

DIY Color Dipped Clothes Pins

Don't just hang your favorite clothes on any old clothes pins. These dip-dyed cuties will give your line a little flair and make hanging laundry a touch more fun. (via Things Dee Loves)

10-Minute Apron

You don't want to end your day covered in dirt and grime, so keep your outfit looking fresh with an adorable apron that'll also come in handy during cookie baking season! (via Paper & Stitch)

DIY Watercolor Headband

No lady on a mission has time for hair to get in her way. Pull it back and look haute in these watercolor headbands as you get down to business. (via Bespoke Bride)

DIY Easy Daisy Cookies

When it's time for a yummy, afternoon snack, much on these adorable, springy AF cookies. (via Easybaked)

DIY Clothesline Photo Display

Nifty pieces like this are perf for getting those piles of papers off of your desk, but keeping them in plain sight. String up your favorite Polaroids or last month's Galentine's cards for a fun display. (via )

DIY Fabric Covered Broom

No boring brooms here! You'll be able to whistle while you work thanks to this eye-popping, fabric-covered corn brush. (via Earnest Home Company)

https://fave.co/3rHTIa7

Scrubbing just got a whole lot more stylish with some pastel, non-slip gloves.

Lemon Drop Cocktail

End the day and keep spirits high with some yummy lemon drop spirits, or, as recipe author Kathy of Lemon Blossomscalls it, “sunshine in a glass." Pro tip? Sugar your rim for an extra classy touch. Is it break time yet? (via Lemon Blossoms)

Let us know what's on your spring cleaning checklist @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

6 Easy Ways To Make Your Home Smell Amazing

My favorite part about spring is finally being able to open the windows and let the fresh air in. The sound of birds chirping and the scent of jasmine drifting inside instantly lifts my mood. It’s not just in my head too — studies show that scent, emotion, and memory are deeply intertwined. A familiar fragrance can bring back happy memories and boost your mood, while unpleasant odors can do the opposite. If you're craving that same fresh feeling all year round, here are a few easy ways to infuse your home with your favorite scents without a lot of effort.

Here are six easy ways to make your home smell amazing.

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1. Simmer Your Scent

Toss sliced oranges, lemons, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a sprig of rosemary into a pot of water. Let it gently simmer on the stove, and your home will smell like a cozy spa-meets-bakery hybrid. Try different combos like apple + star anise or lavender + lemon.

Homecourt

2. Clean With Scented, Sustainable Cleaners

Start with a clean, fresh canvas for spring by giving your home a good scrub. I'm in love with Homecourt scents (Courtney Cox's brand of cleaners), including the Neroli Leaf and Cipres Mint, all made with sustainable ingredients.

Or try this DIY citrus + herb air spray. In a spray bottle, combine:

  • 1 cup distilled water
  • 1 tbsp witch hazel (to help disperse oils)
  • 10–15 drops of essential oils (like lemon, grapefruit, or eucalyptus)
  • Optional: a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint

Shake well and spritz around the house for a burst of freshness.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

3. Bake!

Nothing beats the smell of fresh-baked cookies and breads. Here's an even easier way to trick your nose: warm a teaspoon of vanilla extract in the oven at 300°F for 15–20 minutes. It gives off a sweet, bakery-like scent with zero effort.

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4. DIY A Scented Carpet Refresher

Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 10–15 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, or cedarwood work well). Sprinkle over rugs or carpets, let sit for 20 minutes, then vacuum. It lifts odors and leaves behind a soft, lingering scent.

Anthropologie

5. Use Candles Or Diffuse Essential Oils

Choose essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, or sweet orange for a clean, soothing scent. No diffuser? Add a few drops to a bowl of steaming water. These top-rated candles from Anthropologie are also a great way to set the mood and infuse the air with a friendly scent.

Bouqs

6. Bring in Fresh Flowers and Herbs

It's spring! Treat yourself to a flower subscription or grab a bouquet at Trader Joe's. Houseplants, bundles of eucalyptus in the shower, or even a vase of fresh basil on the kitchen counter can lightly scent your space while adding a touch of life and color.

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

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'The Breakfast Club' Cast Just Reunited For The First Time In 40 Years: "Very Emotional"

If you've been rewatching The Breakfast Club since 1985, then there's a good chance you've been waiting for a full cast reunion. Well, in honor of the film's 40th anniversary on February 15, 2025, the five Breakfast Club stars (Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, and Anthony Michael Hall) just reunited for the first time since the '80s! The cast spoke on how special it was to be together — and Emilio finally revealed why he's never been a part of the reunions before. Let's get into it!

Here's what happened at The Breakfast Club cast reunion with Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, and Anthony Michael Hall.

'The Breakfast Club' cast reunion was "emotional."

@c2e2official

We're HONORED to have the first-ever full cast reunion of The Breakfast Club with Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estèvez, and Anthony Michael Hall here in Chicago at C2E2! ❤️

♬ 2 Phút Hơn Funk - 𝟑𝟎𝟑 𝐗𝐈𝐎𝐍𖤐

The Breakfast Club cast reunited at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo on April 12 for a panel conversation.

“I feel really, very emotional and moved to have us all together,” Molly Ringwald said (via Today). “This is the first time that Emilio has joined us. We don’t have to use the cardboard cutout anymore because he’s here.”

Emilio never joined the other cast reunions (like appearing at the 2010 Oscars), and finally revealed why during the conversation. "I skipped all of my high school reunions, so this just was something that finally I felt I needed to do just for myself," he told moderator Josh Horowitz. "Somebody told me that Molly said, 'Well, does Emilio just not like us?' And that broke my heart. I thought, 'No, of course, I love all of them.' And this just made sense, so here I am."

Two stars from the movie (Emilio Estevez and Ally Sheedy) appeared in Andrew McCarthy's Hulu documentary Brats in 2024, which explores the effects of an infamous 1985 New York Magazine article dubbing the group of young actors (which also included Andrew, Demi Moore, and Rob Lowe) the "Brat Pack."

But considering this is the first time the full Breakfast Club cast has been together since the 1980s, the reunion felt like a homecoming. "This [reunion] felt special," Emilio continued. "It’s here in Chicago, where we made the film, and obviously the 40th anniversary, and it just felt like it was time."

You can stream The Breakfast Club on Netflix, and check out The 12 Most Relatable Coming-Of-Age Movies.

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13 Affordable St. Patrick’s Day Decorations You Can Get On Amazon

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to deck out your home in all things green and gold. Lucky for you, Amazon has a ton of decorations to help you do that! I sorted through endless pages of Amazon St. Patrick’s Day decorations to find only the cutest ones you can put out for the season! Whether you’re hosting a full-blown St. Paddy’s party or just chilling at home to make some festive desserts, these finds will have your home looking celebration-ready in no time.

Scroll on to shop 13 super cute St. Patrick's Day decorations from Amazon!

Amazon

Happy St. Patty's Day Banner

This banner's got it all, from rainbows to shamrocks and even some shimmery glitter – perfect for a party!

Amazon

St. Patrick's Day Pillow Covers

Cozy up your couch with some more St. Paddy's vibes using these adorable pillow covers!

Amazon

St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Napkins

These shamrock-shaped napkins are almost too cute to use!

Amazon

100-Count St. Patrick's Day Paper Straws

If some St. Patrick's Day cocktails are part of your plans, snag this pack of decorative paper straws to give your guests who sip!

Amazon

St. Patrick's Day Drinking Glasses

These cutie drinking glasses can be used all St. Paddy's season long for iced coffees, teas, or even fun green drinks!

Amazon

Lucky Foil Balloon Banner

This foil balloon banner screams 'festive'! Hang it in your dining room for a potluck party or put it up around your entryway for a DIY photo booth!

Amazon

Folkulture Table Runner

This chic table runner may boast the perfect color palette for St. Patrick's Day, but its stylish scalloped design can easily be displayed year-round!

Amazon

St. Patrick's Day Natural Coir Doormat

Make your guests feel welcome this St. Paddy's by snagging this adorable shamrock-speckled doormat!

Amazon

St. Patrick's Day Wood Sign

Yeah, what the sign says! Pucker up!

Amazon

Lucky Clovers Pillow Cover

This rustic shamrock pillow cover design is simple, but it's so pleasing to look at. Since it's pretty minimal, it'll go with any and every interior design style!

Amazon

Green Plaid Table Runner

This electric green table runner is sure to amp up the St. Patrick's Day energy in whatever room you put it in.

Amazon

Ribbed Green Glass Vase

Ideal for festive floral arrangements, you can also repurpose this green glass vase all year long!

Amazon

Burlap Shamrock Garland

This burlap garland is just rustic enough, but still has a tailored feel to make your space look put-together. Whether you hang it above your fireplace or in the kitchen, this buy is perfect for a subtle touch of green!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more of the best holiday decor pieces throughout the year!

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

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Aldi Shoppers Are Obsessed With This New Starbucks Cold Foam Dupe (Only $4!)

As fun as going on a coffee run is, it can end up being super costly if you’re hitting up your local shop or closest Starbucks on the regular. This is especially true if you can’t resist a little coffee customization here and there – from syrups to cold foam toppings, asking for the “fun stuff” in your bev can easily rack up extra dollars!

If you’re embracing the at-home barista life in favor of spending more at the coffee counter, you need to make a beeline to Aldi ASAP! The grocer just started stocking a canned cold foam that rivals that of Starbucks, and shoppers are totally hooked.

Scroll on for the details on Aldi’s $4 cold foam dupe that’ll help you save on your coffee bill without sacrificing flavor!

Aldi

Meet the Barissimo cold foam, currently sold at Aldi for just $4! It comes in two delicious flavors – Sweet Vanilla and Caramel Macchiato – to top off your iced coffee with a creamy layer of subtle sweetness. While many other store-bought cold foams are packed with various ingredients, this one is made simply from real cream while being powered by real and artificial sweeteners.

Reddit

One Aldi fan on Reddit shared their drink creation using the Barissimo Caramel Macchiato cold foam, noting that it “would probably cost $8 at Starbucks.”

Another fan chimed in, saying “that stuff is so good I had to stop buying it lol.”

“I only buy coffee drinks outside of the house about once every couple of months,” one more person said. “This is such a nice treat for much cheaper.”

A few more Aldi shoppers described the cold foam as ”like whipped cream that got melty” and that the topping “wasn't overly sweet.”

Reddit

Seeing that adding cold foam to a drink at Starbucks costs $1.25 extra, this $4 can is a real bargain if you’re still seeking out a similar coffee experience at home that won’t cost you so much!

So far, Aldi shoppers have reported good experiences with all of Barissimo’s cold foam flavors, from vanilla and caramel to even pistachio. 👀 Time for an Aldi run!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing Aldi finds!

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Aimee Lou Wood Just Clapped Back At That "Mean And Unfunny" 'SNL' Sketch

The White Lotus season 3 totally took over the internet during its run, as did Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) — even before we learned she didn't make it out of the season finale alive. While the Sex Education actress, whose teeth have been the topic of online chatter (yes, you read that right), admitted it's been cool to see the reaction to her natural teeth, and that refusing veneers makes her feel "a bit rebellious," fans think a recent episode of SNL took the commentary too far — and Aimee agrees.

Here's what Aimee Lou Wood had to say about the SNLWhite Lotus sketch including a joke about her teeth.

Aimee Lou Wood says SNL making fun her teeth was "cheap."

SNL spoofed White Lotus with a sketch called "The White POTUS," replacing the Ratliffs with Donald Trump and Melania Trump, and Walton Goggins' character Rick with RFK Jr. However, Sarah Sherman did portray Chelsea from HBO's hit show in the "sharp and funny skit until it suddenly took a screeching turn into 1970’s misogyny," as one viewer said.

And Aimee admitted in her Instagram stories that “I did find the SNL thing mean and unfunny xo.”

“Such a shame [because] I had a great time watching it a couple weeks ago,” she continued (via THR). “Yes, take the piss for sure — that’s what the show is about — but there must be a [more clever], more nuanced, less cheap way?”

The "cheap" sketch includes Sarah Sherman saying a couple lines like "Fluoride, what’s that? Oh look, a monkey!”

“I am not thin skinned,” Aimee said. However, “the joke was about fluoride. I have big gap teeth not bad teeth."

“At least get the accent right, seriously," she said. "I respect accuracy, even if it’s mean." (The actress later revealed SNL has since apologized).

And she doubts she'd have to talk about her appearance so much if she was a man.

All in all, it's safe to say the conversations surrounding Aimee Lou Wood's teeth are getting excessive.

“It makes me really happy that it’s symbolizing rebellion and freedom, but there’s a limit,” she said in an interview with GQ. “The whole conversation is just about my teeth, and it makes me a bit sad because I’m not getting to talk about my work...I don’t know if it was a man would we be talking about it this much?”

What do you think about the SNL sketch about The White Lotus? Let us know on Facebook — and check out 8 TV Shows To Fill The White Lotus Void In Your Life.

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