Now that the formal holidays are behind us, we can move on to the best one of them all: Super Bowl Sunday. It’s the unofficial national holiday during which (almost) every red-blooded American indulges in as many football-themed things as possible (think football-shaped Super Bowl snacks and Super Bowl decorations) in front of TV screens across the country. And the one thing that’s just as about ubiquitous as the Super Bowl itself is the iconic game day party. Whether you’re hosting or attending, check out these 10 essentials for the ultimate Super Bowl party experience.
It's finally tailgate season! We're ready for don our team colors and crack open our favorite soda, and we've got three easy buffalo chicken appetizers that will win over any football fan. (Trust us, we got the seal of approval from three Seahawks fans, one Broncos fans, and a whole lotta 49ers fans in-house.) Let's get cooking!
The secret to a quick and easy Super Bowl spread? A rotisserie chicken and a bottle of Frank’s RedHot Wing Sauce.
Brit + Co
Easy Buffalo Chicken Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Wing Sauce
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix.
Super simple, right? Now let's make some Super Bowl appetizers!
We’re taking it back old school (aka 2012) with this one. You’ll be turning out a dozen petite pizza pies in no time, and your friends will thank you.
Brit + Co
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Ingredients:
– 14 ounce package store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
– 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Wing Sauce
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Brit + Co
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray a muffin pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix.
2. Using a rolling pin, roll the pizza dough out into a thin layer. Using either a round cookie cutter or a round glass, cut out circles of dough. Press the dough into the muffin cups.
3. Put a handful of grated cheddar in each muffin tin. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of shredded buffalo chicken and more cheddar cheese.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Enjoy!
Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray a muffin pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix. Using a rolling pin, roll the pizza dough out into a thin layer.
Brit + Co
Using either a round cookie cutter or a round glass, cut out circles of dough. Press the dough into the muffin cups.
Brit + Co
Now it’s time to assemble these pizzas! Put a handful of grated cheddar in each muffin tin. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of shredded buffalo chicken and more cheddar cheese.
Brit + Co
Bake for 20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Brit + Co
Best. Snack. Ever.
Who doesn’t love taquitos? No one. The answer is no one.
Brit + Co
Buffalo Chicken Taquito Ingredients:
– 8 flour tortillas, soft taco size
– 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Wing Sauce
– 1 cup monterey jack cheese, grated
– olive oil
Brit + Co
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 4oo degrees. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix.
2. Put 1-2 tablespoons of shredded chicken on each tortilla. Top with a handful of monterey jack cheese. Roll 'em up!
3. Place taquitos seam side down on a baking sheet. Brush each taquito with olive oil.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cut in half. Enjoy!
Preheat oven to 4oo degrees. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix. Put 1-2 tablespoons of shredded chicken on each tortilla. Top with a handful of monterey jack cheese. Roll 'em up!
Brit + Co
Place taquitos seam side down on a baking sheet. Brush each taquito with olive oil.
Brit + Co
Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Brit + Co
Cut your taquitos in half, and serve them up with some ranch dressing and hot sauce.
Go mini for the big game with sliders! Oh, and pretzel buns? So. Freaking. Good.
Brit + Co
Buffalo Chicken Slider Ingredients:
– Mini pretzel buns
– 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Wing Sauce
– 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
– ranch dressing
– lettuce
– tomatoes
Brit + Co
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix.
2. Cut the pretzel buns in half. Place the bottom half of each bun on a baking sheet. Top with shredded chicken and blue cheese.
3. Bake for 5-6 minutes, until cheese melts.
4. Spread ranch dressing on the top half of each bun. Finish off each slider with lettuce, tomato, and the top bun. Enjoy!
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix. Cut the pretzel buns in half. Place the bottom half of each bun on a baking sheet. Top with shredded chicken and blue cheese.
Brit + Co
Bake for 5-6 minutes, until cheese melts. Spread ranch dressing on the top half of each bun. Finish off each slider with lettuce, tomato, and the top bun.
Brit + Co
NOM.
Brit + Co
Let’s plate up these appetizers!
Brit + Co
Serve them alongside some carrots, celery, and ranch dressing. Oh, and a few pints of beer. Don’t forget the beer.
Brit + Co
Now THAT’S a party platter. Go team!
Follow us on Pinterest for more buffalo chicken recipe inspo and check out our online cooking classes for other ideas!
This post has been updated.
Header image via Brit + Co
In the midst of award show season, everything points to Oscar Sunday. The show, which celebrates achievement in film, is my most-important night of the year and my friends and I go all out. Themed snacks, ballots, and very loud celebrations when our favorite stars and movies win. But before the big day comes, we need to watch all the movies up for awards!
Here's where you can stream all the biggest movies of the year before the Oscars airs on March 2, 2025.
Dune: Part Two — Stream On Max
Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures
This sequel opens after Paul has joined the Fremen, and after he escaped the murderous Harkonnen family. Now he's out to avenge his father — and come to terms with his destiny as a savior.
Dune: Part Two is on Max and stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Lea Seydoux, and Christopher Walken.
Twisters — Stream on Peacock
Universal Pictures
Twisters follows former storm chaser Kate. When she's roped back into chasing by her friend Javi, Kate meets social media star Tyler, and comes face-to-face with the biggest storms ever.
Twisters is on Peacock and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Brandon Perea, Anthony Ramos, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane, Harry Hadden-Paton, David Corenswet, Daryl McCormack, Tunde Adebimpe, Katy O’Brian, Nik Dodani, Kiernan Shipka, and Paul Scheer.
Emilia Pérez — Stream On Netflix
Netflix
In this musical thriller, Cartel leader Emilia enlists the help of Rita, a lawyer, to help her retire from a life of crime and live out her truth.
Emilia Pérez is on Netflix and stars Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramírez.
Wicked — Rent On Amazon Prime
Universal Pictures
But this year's biggest musical is definitely Wicked. This alternative origin story for the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good follows the college roommates as they come of age in Oz, and learn the Wizard isn't all as he seems. I can't for Part 2 this year!
Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Marissa Bode.
The Substance — Stream On MUBI
MUBI
Elisabeth Sparkle gets fired from her own fitness TV show after she turns 50. But she seems to find a solution when she acquires The Substance...and creates a younger version of herself. The absolutely crazy thriller was one of the buzziest movies of the year — and won Demi Moore her first Golden Globe!
The Substance is on MUBI and stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.
Challengers — Stream On Prime Video
Amazon MGM Studios
In Challengers, former tennis star Tashi coaches her husband Art, but her job gets way more complicated when he ends up in a match against his former best friend (and her ex) Patrick.
Challengers is on Prime Video and MGM+ and stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor.
Inside Out 2 — Stream On Disney+
Walt Disney Studios
Riley's becoming a teenager in Inside Out 2, which means Joy, Sadness, Anger, Envy, Fear, and Disgust have to make way for new emotions like Anxiety and Envy. What could go wrong?
Inside Out 2 is on Disney+ and stars Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Hawke, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Kensington Tallman, Lilimar, Diane Lane, and Kyle MacLachlan.
Deadpool & Wolverine — Stream On Disney+
Marvel Studios
Deadpool teams up with the one and only Wolverine (well, after meeting dozens throughout the multiverse) after learning the TVA plans on destroying his timeline and his loved ones.
Deadpool & Wolverine is on Disney+ and stars Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Stefan Kapičić, Brianna Hildebrand, Shioli Kutsuna, Owen Wilson, Matthew Macfadyen, Emma Corrin, Jennifer Garner, Chris Evans, Wesley Snipes, Channing Tatum, Blake Lively, and Dafne Keen.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice — Stream On Max
Warner Bros.
Lydia Deetz and her daughter Astrid return to Winter River after a family tragedy, and wind up enlisting Beetlejuice's help (if you can even call it that) after Astrid opens a portal to the afterlife.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is on Max and stars Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Willem Dafoe, and Justin Theroux.
Gladiator 2 — Rent On Amazon Prime
Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures
After the death of his wife, Lucius becomes a gladiator with a mission: take revenge on the general responsible for her death.
Gladiator 2 is on Amazon Prime and stars Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Fred Hechinger, Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington.
Anora — Rent On Amazon Prime
Neon
When sex worker Anora and politician's son Vanya tie the knot so Vanya can get a green card and escape his father, their lives totally flip upside down — and not just because Vanya's family sets out to end the marriage.
Anora is on Amazon Prime and stars Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksei Serebryakov.
Conclave — Stream On Peacock
Focus Features
This movie takes place during a conclave to choose the next pope, and is totally unprepared for the scandals he uncovers along the way.
Conclave is on Peacock and stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.
A Real Pain — Rent On Amazon Prime
Searchlight Pictures
Two Jewish American cousins who reconnect and embark on a Holocaust tour in Poland after the death of their grandmother. This was one of my favorite movies of the year and I couldn't recommend it more!
A Real Pain is on Amazon Prime and stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, and Daniel Oreskes.
The Wild Robot — Rent On Amazon Prime
Universal Pictures
Robot Roz crashes on a deserted island and quickly adopts an orphaned gosling, teaching him to fly and prepping him for the annual migration. Prepare to cry, like, a lot!!
The Wild Robot is on Amazon Prime and stars Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Catherine O'Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, and Mark Hamill.
Alien: Romulus — Stream On Hulu
20th Century Studios
A group of young space colonizers are tasked with exploring an abandoned space station and must confront the most terrifying life form in the universe.
Alien: Romulus is on Hulu and stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.
Stay tuned for the official 2025 Oscar nominations and check out 25 New TV Shows You NEED To Watch In 2025!
Football season is upon us — and that means it's time for some epic tailgate food! Even if you don't have a team to cheer for, there's one thing all humans can agree on: tailgate recipes are an absolute touchdown in the grub world. Whether you're a fan of the NFL, college ball, or just drinking and eating in parking lots, these tailgate food recipes score big. This tailgate food roundup is loaded with finger foods, sandwiches, and plenty of buffalo chicken. Scroll on for tailgating recipes that will have you rooting for game day.
Brit + Co
Elote
You can't go wrong with this Mexican street food recipe: corn on the cob covered in cotija cheese, garlic, mayo, cilantro, and a big ol' squeeze of lime. (via Brit + Co.)
Salt & Lavender
Jalapeño Poppers
Who can resist jalapeños stuffed with bacon, cheddar, *and* cream cheese on game day? (via Salt & Lavender)
Half Baked Harvest
Everything Ranch Cheese Pretzel Snack Mix
Upgrade your Chex mix big time with this easy snack recipe made with pretzels, Cheez-Its (or Goldfish... or both), everything bagel mix, and ranch seasoning. (via Half Baked Harvest)
The Hopeless Housewife
Chicken + Waffle Skewers
Chicken and waffles can be enjoyed in a stadium parking lot by skewering the two on a stick. Make each bite spicy by using this Korean fried chicken recipe! (via The Hopeless Housewife)
Amanda's Cookout
Turkey + Pepper Jack Roll-Ups
Prep these guys before the game. Use crescent roll dough to wrap turkey and spicy pepper jack cheese into a no-fuss bite. (via Amanda's Cookin')
Serenity in the Storm
Potato Tacos
Here's a recipe for more of a morning tailgate. When the game is early, whip up some breakfast potatoes on the grill, then taco them up in a tortilla and fresh avocado. (via Serenity in the Storm)
Whole and Heavenly Oven
Grilled Cornbread with Jalapeño Honey Butter
This cornbread makes for an excellent side dish to tailgate chili or dip! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)
Cooking for Keeps
Sweet Potato Chips + Blue Cheese Dip
What could get better than this? Sweet potatoes, smokey, crispy bacon and tangy blue cheese combine together to master tailgate perfection! (via Cooking for Keeps)
Betty Crocker
Mini Buffalo Chicken Pies
If there's one food that's a staple of football season, it's buffalo chicken. Stuff it inside sweet pancake batter and bake in a muffin-sized tin for a perfectly balanced bite. (via Betty Crocker)
Culinary Hill
Mini Twice-Baked Potatoes
Potato skins turn bite-sized with this yummy tailgate food recipe that uses baby potatoes, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and scallions. (via Culinary Hill)
She Knows
Mini Chili Cheese Dogs
The tailgate smorgasbord is robust, so you don't want to get full on just one dish. Cut this chili dog recipe into bite-size pieces so you can eat your dog and keep going with the rest of the fare, too. (via She Knows)
Pink Owl Kitchen
Cheese Cajun Chicken + Sausage Dip
Your tailgate pals won't be able to get enough of this cheesy, spicy, Cajun-inspired dip. Pair with some beer, and you're golden. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
Spicy Southern Kitchen
Southern Cheese Fries
These fries are *so* good, you'll want to sneak them into the stadium with you. Crinkle-cut fries (the best type of fries) are topped with the south's finest lineup — pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and a homemade pimento cheese sauce. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Running to the Kitchen
Buffalo Chicken Cheddar Broccoli Bites
Told ya buffalo chicken was a tailgate staple! It's even found its way into these healthy broccoli and cheddar white rice puffs. Be sure to serve them with the delicious avocado dipping sauce! (via Running to the Kitchen)
Well Plated
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
This one is an instant crowd-pleaser. Just make a pie or two of the spicy and cheesy combo, and be prepped to feed the whole tailgate team! (via Well Plated)
A Spicy Perspective
Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs get a little something *extra* when pimento cheese is added to the filling. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Erica's Sweet Tooth
Cookie Dough Dip
Even the sweet stuff can get in on the tailgate food fun, especially when you transform this cookie dough dip into a sprinkle-coated football shape. Spread it on apple slices or pretzels to satisfy your sweet tooth before the game! (via Erica's Sweet Tooth)
Pizzazzerie
Football-Themed Pastry Sliders
Give your standard burgers a finger food spin by putting them between football-shaped puff pastry buns. Use cookie cutters to form your burger, cheese, and other toppings to match. (via Pizzazzerie)
A Classic Twist
Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites
Since you're tailgating in a parking lot, you won't have room for bowls of dip. Solve the problem by spooning hot buffalo dip into pastry cups, with a dollop of sour cream and chives on top. (via A Classic Twist)
Yummily Yours
Potato Chip Cups
Make these potato chip cups by using a muffin tin to shape strips of thinly sliced fresh potato. After they've baked and cooled, fill them with guac, salsa, or whatever your heart desires! (via Yummily Yours)
Averie Cooks
Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos
These topped nachos are hearty enough to feed a tailgate crowd – bring on the cheese! (via Averie Cooks)
Host the Toast
Pull-Apart Pretzel + Beer Cheese Dip
What's better than homemade soft pretzels? Pretzels that you can make in a skillet while simultaneously making the beer cheese dip to go with them. (via Host the Toast)
Barley & Sage
Brown Butter Turtle Brownies
Brown butter and homemade caramel make these blondies extra rich and delicious. (via Barley & Sage)
Half Baked Harvest
Mac n' Cheese-Stuffed Zucchini
It's cheesy and it's veggie loaded. Mac n' cheese is sandwiched between two slices of zucchini, then breaded and baked to tailgate food perfection. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Just a Taste
Focaccia Pizza
These pizza triangles, made on herby and thick focaccia bread, can be easily made in the oven or grill depending on where you tailgate. (via Just a Taste)
Most Hungry
Crispy Chickpeas
A little sweet, a little spicy, these crispy chickpeas can be eaten by the handful. (via Most Hungry)
Creole Contessa
Bacon Hot Dog Snack for Tailgating
As football season wears on, you'll grow tired of your standard hot dog. Call an audible and switch things up with this bacon and onion-topped dog. (via Creole Contessa)
Half Baked Harvest
Chipotle Cheddar + Corn Fritter Burgers
Here's your burger game plan: make a chipotle-spiced patty, smother it in fresh cheddar cheese, and top it with sweet corn fritters and guacamole for game time success. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Lifes Ambrosia
Garlic Parmesan Ranch Pretzels
You'll need all the energy you can get cheering on your team this season. Carb-load with these flavor-bursting pretzel bites! (via Life's Ambrosia)
Jenny Steffens
Football Whoopie Pies
Save room for dessert! You won't want to miss out on these football-shaped chocolate-filled whoopie pies. (via Jenny Steffens)
The Apple Crate
Mozzarella Cheese Balls
Mozzarella sticks morph into one-bite dippers that'll have you going back for seconds and thirds and fourths and… you get the gist. (via The Apple Crate)
The Galley Gourmet
Popcorn Shrimp Tailgate Recipe
We won't blame you if you miss the first quarter to finish off a basket of these lightly fried and super crispy shrimp. (via The Galley Gourmet)
Damn Delicious
Ham + Cheese Sliders
Who said all sliders had to have a burger patty between the bun? Use this soft poppy seed bun to sandwich melted cheese, tomato and ham instead. (via Damn Delicious)
Delicious by Dre
Spicy Macadamia Pretzels
Use store-bought pretzels, macadamia oil, and a homemade spice blend to make this crunchy, nutty, and spicy snack. (via Delicious by Dre)
Life's Ambrosia
Tailgate Fries
Made in a foil pouch, you can heat up these pockets filled with French fries, pulled pork, and coleslaw on your tailgate's grill. (via Life's Ambrosia)
Life Currents
Pizza Puffs Tailgate Appetizers
Make these pizza puffs with any toppings you desire — peppers, onions, mushrooms, or pepperoni. Any ingredient goes great in these mini-muffin sized bites! (via Life Currents)
The Right Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites
You won't want to pass the plate once you've dug into these bacon-wrapped spuds. (via The Right Recipe)
Life Currents
Mexican Potato Skins
Unlike standard potato skins, these guys aren't packed with bacon and cheese. Instead, they're loaded with Mexican flavors, like black beans, green chiles and enchilada sauce. (via Life Currents)
The Brewer & The Baker
Beer Caramelized Onion Dip
This onion dip puts all other dips to shame. It's made with sweet caramelized onions, hoppy beer, cream cheese, sour cream and smokey bacon for full flavor impact. (via The Brewer & The Baker)
The Kitchen Whisperer
Candied Sriracha Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings
This one is a three-for-one when it comes to bar food favorites. Crispy onion rings, smokey bacon and a spicy Sriracha glaze combine for one mouthwatering bite. (via The Kitchen Whisperer)
The Baker Mama
Touchdown Brownies
These brownies are everything you could want in a tailgate dessert — gooey chocolate bars loaded with sweet caramel, chocolate chips, salty pretzels and toasted pecans. (via The Baker Mama)
Culinary Hill
Mexican Tortilla Roll-Ups
A quick and easy recipe that serves a crowd, these roll-ups mix green chiles, black olives, and cheddar with sour cream and cream cheese along with plenty of spices. (via Culinary Hill)
Brown Sugar
Walking Taco Burger Sliders
Tacos meet burgers in these easily transportable sliders. You can chow down on the salsa and tortilla topped patties while you make friends with the tailgate next door. (via Brown Sugar)
Whatever You Do
Spicy Grilled Wings
No worries on how to get crispy and juicy wings in a parking lot. This recipe calls for making the smothered and spicy wings right on the grill. (via Or Whatever You Do)
What's your favorite tailgate food recipe? Follow us on Pinterest for more food content, join our newsletter, or check out our new online B+C cooking classes!
This post has been updated.
Header image via Pizzazzerie
One of the deep questions I asked myself on January 1 was, "How do you want to feel as a stay-at-home mom who's also a part of the WFH crew?" The first word that popped into my mind wasn't a full sentence; it was 'ease.'
I've spent the greater part of my life as a people pleaser who also has a Type A personality when inspired during work hours. There's nothing wrong with being ambitious, but I don't always know when to turn it off which leads to burnout. Does this sound like you?
If so, we're not doing this anymore bestie. This year we're changing the way we approach work so we're not on a first-name basis with stress 10 months out of the year. I've got tips from the following bada** ladies who know how imperative it is to not let work drain us:
- Kayla Baum, CEO & Founder of Twello (a workplace wellness company!)
- Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin, Founders at The Business Reboot
Keep scrolling for 8 expert-approved tips for how to make work less stressful — & trust me, you need these.
1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025
We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.
"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.
Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."
This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.
2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home
One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"
"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.
Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."
You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.
3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks
Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:
- What is the most effective use of my time right now?
"For instance, if you're preparing for a big presentation at work, concentrate on immediate needs rather than getting sidetracked by unrelated projects. This approach helps you conserve energy for what truly matters," they suggest.
4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard
Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."
According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.
5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them
Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"
They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?
Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."
6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours
I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.
"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:
- "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."
I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.
7. Please, log off from work when it's time.
Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.
Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."
As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.
8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed
And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:
- "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"
What this does is "frame the conversation as collaborative and proactive, encouraging your manager to work with you on a resolution," Frazier and Pepin observe.
Visit more of our work-life articles when you need career advice or how to learn to part ways with burnout for good.
Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.
Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!
Vegan Starbucks Drinks
Starbucks
1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado
This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.
Starbucks
2. Latte (Iced + Hot)
You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.
Starbucks
3. Americano (Iced + Hot)
Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.
Starbucks
4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)
Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!
Starbucks
5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!
Starbucks
6. Nitro Cold Brew
A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.
Starbucks
7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.
Starbucks
8. Starbucks Refreshers
All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.
Starbucks
9. Iced Black Tea
Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.
Starbucks
10. Iced Green Tea
If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.
Starbucks
11. Lemonade
You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!
Starbucks
12. Hot Teas
Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!
Vegan Starbucks Foods
Starbucks
1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.
Starbucks
2. Plain Bagel
Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.
Starbucks
3. Everything Bagel
The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.
Starbucks
4. Avocado Spread
Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!
Starbucks
5. Spicy Falafel Pocket
This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.
Starbucks
6. Chipotle Almond Dip
You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.
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