#TBT: Gold Medals, Golden Girls and Gold Scrunchies

What happens when you combine two of our favorite things? #TBT, GOLD edition, duh! For this bit of Throwback Thursday silliness, we’re going back to a truly golden decade time, filled with a good mix of scrunchies, gold diggers and, yes, Golden Girls.

1. The Spice Girls, in ALL GOLD: We’ll kick things off with a real life throwback — when the Spice Girls closed out the Olympics clad in all gold. So perfect.

2. Gold Digger: We know this isn’t that much of a throwback, but it takes us back to Kanye’s golden era.

3. The Golden Girls: Thank you for being a friend, a role model and the original cougar Ms. Devereaux.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/embed/6vwNcNOTVzY?feature=oembed&wmode=transparent expand=1]

5. Kerri Strug’s Gold Medal-Winning Ankle Injury: We’ll never forget the knight in shining armor that was Bela Karolyi after KStrug stuck the landing after what looked like a super painful ankle injury.

6. Gold Zippo Lighter ($24): There’s something ’90s about a lighter, right? Or was that just the questionable company I kept in the late ’90s…?

HYPERACTIVE Heeled Sandals

’90s style back with these shimmery nude platforms.

Street Fighter Necklace

’90s kids will understand.

With summer comes short sleeves, which means it’s time to show off some bracelets. There are so many styles out there that we love, but today we are focusing on cuffs. Not fisticuffs exactly… but these awesome jewels are worth fighting for ;) Here are 15 cool cuffs for you to rock.

1. House of Harlow Sun Flare Cuff ($58): Fashionable and basically badass. We can see this one having a great time at a Scorpions concert.

2. Volatus Leaf Cuff ($198): Put a leaf on it. A gold leaf that is. Your wrist will look dazzling with this great cuff from Anthropologie.

3. African Jasper Arc Bracelet ($90): Wearing minerals has never looked better.

Lucite Reversible Cuff

Solid Golddancers. Remember that show? Amazing.

5. Eye Dazzler Cuff ($187): We’ll never get sick of triangles, especially when they look this awesome and minty. This one comes from Azalea, a classy San Francisco store. You know how we love SF!

6. Chevron Cuff ($28): Same goes for chevrons. We’ll never get enough. This one comes in multiples colors. Of course we like the mint here, too :)

7. Arena Cuff ($32): Bold, chunky and hip all at the same time. You can thank Madewell for this piece. That store never fails to pull through with the best jewelry.

8. Bold Cutout Stripes Cuff ($7): We LOVE that this cuff gives the illusion of stripes on your arm. So cool. That’s seven bucks well spent.

Wwake Stick Bracelet

A Christmas Story and don’t poke your eye out.

10. Script Name Cuff ($180): Your name on your wrist, just in case you need a reminder. It’s like the Carrie necklace for your arm.

11. Red Lips Cuff ($585): The lip bone’s connected to the wrist bone in this case. And we like it. This one will cost you a pretty penny. But it’s sooo pretty…

12. Honeycomb Cuff ($720): Another beauty to wear on your wrist. It’s not made by bees, but this cuff will keep you buzzing. This bracelet is one of many incredible designs by the designer at MIRLO. Definitely check her out!

13. Adeline Cuff ($110): This one is so versatile, it goes with fancy attire or an old T-shirt.

14. Layered Sleek Cuff ($15): This one gives the bangled look but it’s just one cuff.

15. Glasses Bracelet ($78): Glasses are stylish, so why not wear some on your wrist? Your far-sighted wrist hairs will thank you.

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

Cheers to our first official gold week! From a gorgeous gold cake to a glitzy photo booth, we’ve had a blast glittering things up all around Brit HQ. To celebrate, we’re ushering you into the weekend with 40 of our favorite projects that are all about sparkle, shine and gold, gold, gold.

1. Gold Rosette Headband: Ever made a rosette out of mylar? It happens to be one of the most versatile DIY things you can make — use a few to bling out a headband, add them to drink stirrers or create an entire wall art installation out of larger ones!

2. Gold Animal Drink Stirrers: When in doubt, you can always turn to a gold animal toy… right? These are a fun and quick way to repurpose plastic toys and will most definitely be Instagrammed by all your friends.

3. Gold + White Candle Holders: We created this set of candle holders for the holidays last year, but they totally work year round. Assemble a bunch to create a DIY centerpiece, and sprinkle in some color to brighten things up.

4. Gold Patterned Cactus Planters: Dearest Spiky Cacti, you are the apple of my eye! Grab gold paint or a gold paint pen, and get to work on a plain ceramic planter to create our own take on this stylish piece of decor.

5. Gold Photo Booth Props: If you missed our gold photo booth popping up on the site throughout the week, then you don’t visit us often enough! All you need is a can of spray paint and leftover props from parties past to create a gorgeous gold theme.

6. Gold-Dipped Leather Feather Earrings: Say that five times fast! Inspired by the seemingly evergreen boho trend, we created a trio of leather feather-shaped earrings, dipped in gold.

7. Chic Gilded Pyramid Rings: Want to walk like an egyptian… on your hand? Okay, admittedly that made zero sense, but we had to figure out a way to incorporate The Bangles into this post. So, there you have it. Pyramid rings FTW.

8. Gold Hex Nut Bracelet: Got a hex nut or 20 taking up room in your junk drawer? Turn ’em into this fetching little bracelet!

9. Glitter-Dipped Mason Jar Mugs: What would make a mason jar mug even more Pinteresting? Dipping it in gold and glitter, of course.

10. Gold Animal Wine Stoppers: This little dino is here to keep your wine fresh and your guests entertained.

11. Gold Confetti Champagne Cake: What would a holiday (especially a made up one) be without an epic cake? ;)

12. Gilded iPhone Cases: Back when those ritzy gold iPhones came out, we took it upon ourselves to create copycat cases. They still look pretty glitzy to us!

13. Fancy Gold Bar Cart: Can’t afford a super fancy bar cart? Take an industrial one and spray paint it! Then feel free to cheers yourself after a job well done.

14. Gold Rosette Cake Topper: We meet again, mylar rosettes! This time, an adorable mini cake bunting is getting the golden treatment.

15. Gold Hair Cuffs: Hair cuffs are back, and they’re actually pretty easy to make! We particularly love the cutout pattern on the one of the right.

16. Gold-Tipped Ballet Flats: Warning: If you make these, you will immediately want to dance your face off upon wearing them.

17. Gold Light Bulb Chandelier: You know what’s extremely meta? Making a hanging light out of light bulbs. #lettherebelight

Clear Gold Chain Collar

You clearly need this.

Gold Dipped Ceramics

If you’ve got an addiction to fresh flowers, you need some vases to put them in! Grab a kit to make a whole bunch of bud vases over in the B+C shop!

20. Gold Star White Russian Cake Pops: White Russian in cake pop form? NOM.

Gold Glitter-Filled Tube Necklace

Inspired by the beautiful netted necklaces by Peppercotton, you can fill these tube necklaces with glitter, confetti, sprinkles or beads.

22. Gold Glitter Heels: These heels were made for dancin’ — as are any pair of kicks made by the ladies of Brit + Co.

23. Gold Desk Decor: More animals! You can use these to hold place cards for a wedding or dinner party or just as decor.

24. Glitter Mousepad: We love the idea of using a crazy sparkly mousepad like this in a super minimalist workspace.

25. Gold Thumbtack Wall Art: Thumbtacks + canvas = awesome textured wall art!

26. Gold-Dipped Bud Vases: For yet another take on the gold dipped vase, try using tall glass vases and wrapping them with yarn. We love this idea for a wedding or holiday party centerpiece. You could also try wrapping it a thick strip of patterned paper for a totally different look.

27. Gold and Green Chevron Bar Set: The green bottles of the world don’t all have to turn into sea glass — transform them into gilded glassware for a different take on the painted bottle.

28. Gilded Polar Bear Bookends: Equal parts morbid and cute, this was created by sawing a toy bear in half!

29. Gilded Pet Bowls: Brit + Co pup Mister Porter is very… luxe ;)

30. Gold Pop-Up Pencil Holder: Guess what we made this out of? An old school straw dispenser! Such a fun desktop throwback.

31. Gold Animal Vases: These vases are pretty absurd, but we still love them.

32. Gold Paint-Splattered Travel Case: Love carting around your essential makeup and accessories, but sick of having a million pouches swimming around in your weekender? DIY this cool case.

33. Gold Leaf Flower Pots: The natural pattern that is created when using gold leaf is what makes us love it — the uneven textures have a vintage vibe we dig.

34. Mylar Rosette Swizzle Sticks: What did we tell you about mylar? It’s SO good.

35. Luxe Gold Tray Table: Looking to try building your own furniture? This simple CB2-inspired DIY is a great place to start.

36. Gold Paper Strip Garland: Step 1. Cut paper strips. Step 2. Sew them in a row. Step 3. PARTY!

37. Gold-Dipped Tote: Add a chic edge to a floral fabric by “dipping” the bottom in gold leather.

38. 5-Minute Cement Coasters: We used a cookie pan to create this quick set of coasters!

39. Gold Studded Weekend Totes: The paint and stud combinations are endless with this one — these would make an awesome set of totes for bridesmaids or even favors for wedding guests.

40. Gold Laurel Wreath: And finally, a crown of laurels. Because you’re an Olympian like that ;)

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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