The BritList: The Karl Lagerfeld Barbie, Chocolate Toilets and More

What do cats wearing watermelon hats, nut-hugging bear cookies and a chocolate toilet have in common? Today’s Britlist, duhhhh! We’re going for full nostalgia today with not one but two nods to LEGOs and Barbie. Now, let’s get on with it.

1. Shut the Front Door Pencil Set ($8): Already back at school? Shut the front dooooor! ;) Though it’s probably been a while since you used a classic #2 pencil, these would make a great gift for the academic in your life.

LEGO Academics Twitter

Speaking of academics, our latest LEGO crush comes in the form of @LegoAcademics. This Twitter account is run by the female academics of the Lego Research Institute and depicts them taking on modern academia. So good.

3. Nut-Hugging Bear Cookies: What. Yes. This is real. Little itty bitty bear cookies baked to look like they are hugging almonds and cashews.

4. Cats Wearing Watermelon Hats: I know what you’re thinking. A cat wearing a watermelon or lime or fruit helmet is such old news. BUT, we beg to differ. What about three cats wearing watermelon hats in a simultaneously really boring and really amazing one-minute film? Yeah, that’s what we thought.

5. Karl Lagerfeld Barbie: Not a Lagerfeld Ken, but a Barbie. And so begins our newly reignited obsession with Mattel.

6. A Chocolate Toilet: Actually, not just a toilet. This image is from a whole bathroom suite made entirely out of Belgian Chocolate and priced at $133,000. But really, can you put a price on something like this? #ew!

Art Decor Wood Bangle

B+C Shop are a must as we head into fall fashion.

8. Birdhouse Bookshelf ($90): How cute is this? Use it to store books, sketchbooks or your favorite periodicals.

LEGO House

Yes — more LEGO! This time, it’s in the form of a building that is set to open in 2016 in Denmark and will be an “experience center” designed to provide creative learning activities to kids. (h/t Designboom)

10. Be a Barbie Girl: Lastly, a brand new way to BE Barbie has just been announced. Wildfox, Lord & Taylor and Forever 21 have all signed up to create collections inspired by Barbie in the ’50s, ’80s and ’90s. Yessss to the ’90s.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve seen online this week? Share it with us by giving a shout to @britandco on Twitter!

As an adult, the most common LEGO-related injury you have to deal with is probably a sore foot caused by a stray piece you stumbled on in the dark. But when kids are involved, you might be less worried about the injuries you can see and more concerned about them swallowing one of those plastic pieces — not least because it means spending the next few weeks taking careful note of everything else that comes out of them to make sure the LEGO emerges safely.

In the name of soothing those fears, a new study published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health set out to discover how long it takes for a LEGO head to pass through a digestive system and if any risks are involved. For insight on the research, we spoke to study co-author Dr. Tessa Davis, a consultant in pediatric emergency medicine at the Royal London Hospital, and co-founder of Don’t Forget the Bubbles, a website and conference dedicated to pediatric care whose team conducted the study. Warning: You might want to save this for later if you’re eating lunch (at least if you’re not munching on LEGO bricks).

The Background

Although the researchers applied scientific methodologies, the study itself is not your usual totally serious medical paper. “We were looking for a lighthearted study to do in the run-up to Christmas, but with a serious underlying message,” explains Davis. “Ingested foreign objects are a really common presentation to children’s emergency departments: I probably see around one child a day who has swallowed something they shouldn’t have.” As the authors note, previous research on the subject has mostly covered coins. They cite an earlier study which found that coins take 3.1 to 5.8 days to pass through a digestive system. However, that was from 1971, so it seemed like the time was ripe to revisit the issue with a toy that kids today are more likely to come into contact with.

The main point of the study, Davis tells us, was to set concerned parents’ minds at ease. “Parents often wonder when to worry and when not to bother. The reality is that most objects when swallowed don’t cause any harm — once they make it to your stomach, they will just pass out with no problems. If it gets stuck on the way down, then that’s a problem, or if you develop any symptoms of pain, vomiting, or constipation, that can suggest it’s causing a blockage. Most objects are fine, but something like button batteries or magnets can cause serious issues, and these will very likely need to be removed quickly — so parents must bring their kids to the emergency department.”

The Methodology

Using children as guinea pigs was obviously not an option, so six courageous adult participants stepped up to the task. In the study, the authors acknowledged the possibility that the results might be different in children, but added that “there is little evidence to support this” — if anything, the LEGO piece might make its way through a child quicker. The candidates all worked in pediatric hospital care, and were only considered eligible if they had not previously had gastrointestinal surgery… and were open to ingesting a LEGO head and then searching for it in the days afterward.

In the three days before swallowing the LEGO, each kept a diary monitoring their bowel movements, so the researchers could see if the quality and quantity would affect how long it took to pass the LEGO head. All participants swallowed their individual LEGO heads around the same time, between 7am and 9am, since time of day could affect digestion. They were then tasked with searching for it on its way out, using whatever method they chose. The main factor was how long it took the piece to reappear after swallowing it, a measurement the researchers called the Found and Retrieved Time (FART). (We know.)

It took an average of 1.71 days and an average of two bowel movements for the participants to recover their LEGO heads. The shortest time was 1.14 days (27 h 20 min), while the longest was 3.04 days (72 h 35 min). One unlucky participant had to continue with the experiment for two weeks before the researchers called off the search, assuming he would never find his LEGO head. “Either he missed it,” Davis notes, “or… it’s still up there.”

The Takeaway

As you can tell, the study was done in good humor, but the results do prove a useful point for parents and caretakers who have worried about a piece of LEGO that’s vanished into a kid’s mouth (and beyond). “The aim of the study was to reassure parents that most objects [when swallowed] are fine and that there is no point searching through your child’s poo to find them,” Davis reassures us. “If a respected academic pediatrician can’t find a LEGO head in his own stools, then who can?” That said, she emphasizes again that some objects and reactions are a cause for concern. “If your child swallows a button battery or a magnet, or has symptoms after swallowing an object, then please seek medical assessment.”

As for what’s next for the team, should they return to this subject, in the study, they suggest comparing coins and LEGO, preferably with some participants swallowing both at the same time, and also comparing different parts of LEGO figurines, including legs and bodies. “We’re considering upgrading to Duplo,” Davis adds.

In case you were worried, the brave participants who put their bodies on the line in the name of advancing our understanding of this important medical issue are doing fine. “We are all very proud of our involvement in this study,” says Davis, “and are glad it’s caused so many people to smile, as well as getting our message out there.”

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve known someone to swallow? Share your stories with us @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

Just like the perfect batch of cookies, the perfect TV show boils down to a fine-tuned recipe: a witty script, amazing producers, and a cast that might as well have been written in the stars. Well, even though we don't have much information about Apple TV's new limited series Lucky, we do know Anya Taylor-Joy and Drew Starkey will star in the project, with Reese Witherspoon at the helm. And TBH...that's all I need to know.

Here's everything we know about Reese Witherspoon's Lucky, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Drew Starkey.

See the first look at Drew Starkey and Anya Taylor-Joy in 'Lucky.'

Apple Studios

Drew Starkey and Anya Taylor-Joy are up close and personal in the first look at Lucky, and it looks like this show will be getting HOT.

Apple Studios

I can't get over how amazing Anya Taylor-Joy looks with red hair, especially with a sequin, sparkly dress. It definitely reminds me of The Queen's Gambit's Beth in a different font.

What is Lucky about?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Lucky, based on Marissa Stapley's book of the same name, is a Reese's Book Club pick that follows a young woman named Lucky (Anya Taylor-Joy) who said goodbye to the life of crime she'd always known. But when she's faced with her past, she has to turn back to her training one last time.

In addition to Anya (who's also executive producing), we'll see Drew Starkey as her onscreen husband Cary, as well as Annette Bening, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Timothy Olyphant. And the series will be brought to life by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine (which is behind The Morning Showand The Last Thing He Told Me).

What has the cast and crew said about the TV show?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

“Hello Sunshine continues to do a fantastic job of championing women’s voices and I’m thrilled to be joining the team alongside Jonathan, Cassie and Apple TV+ to bring Lucky to life,” Anya Taylor-Joy told Apple TV.

“Reese’s Book Club began with the goal of deepening connections — to the stories, to the storytellers and to the community we are building,” Reese Witherspoon added. “It is incredibly rewarding to be able to amplify these female-centric stories and their authors, see our community connect with them, then see them take on a whole new life on screen. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Apple TV+ and the incomparable Anya Taylor-Joy, plus our brilliant creator Jonathan Tropper and his wonderful co-showrunner Cassie Pappas, to bring this compelling series — based on Marissa Stapley’s fantastic novel — to audiences around the world.”

Where is Lucky being filmed?

David Vives/Pexels

Drew Starkey and Anya Taylor-Joy were spotted filmingLucky at a Las Vegas casino on February 24, and will film the rest of the show in Los Angeles.

Where can I watch Lucky TV show?

KoolShooters/Pexels

Lucky will be available to stream on Apple TV+.

We don't have a release date yet, but stay tuned for the latest news on Lucky!

This post has been updated.

When Maia Weinstock got the opportunity to design a unique Lego set through the LEGO Ideas program, she decided to create a kit based on one of her biggest passions. As a science writer and deputy editor of MIT News, Weinstock had a stockpile of research on outstanding women in science and engineering. Therefore, she decided to create a LEGO set that highlights several of NASA’s finest women in STEM. But instead of focusing on generic women of science, Weinstock chose to focus on real women who have greatly impacted the NASA program. “This is something I am passionate about,” Weinstock told Space, “which is bringing [science] personalities to light. It was a risk. I mean, nothing like this has ever been posted before, at least in terms of women.”

After Weinstock posted her idea to the LEGO Ideas platform and got picked up on social media by celebrities like Hidden Figures actress Janelle Monáe, the set quickly gained the 10,000 votes it needed to be considered by LEGO executives. With the full support of LEGO behind her, Weinstock’s project is finally ready to hit shelves just before the holiday toy craziness begins. As of November 1, the LEGO Ideas Women of NASA Set ($25) is available to purchase, featuring mini-figures of four famous women of NASA: NASA executive Nancy Grace Roman, computer scientist Margaret Hamilton, physicist Sally Ride, and engineer Mae Jamison. It immediately became the #1 bestselling toy on Amazon.

We love the idea of inspiring our kiddos to dream up grand interstellar goals in the STEM fields, especially considering the fact that the 2017 astronaut class included five awesome new female recruits. Here’s a sneak peek at the figures included in Lego’s new set.

1. Margaret Hamilton: This amazing gal is best known for popularizing the modern concept of software. Her LEGO set displays the iconic scene from 1969 where Hamilton and her team worked with NASA to develop the onboard flight software for the Apollo missions to the moon.

2. Nancy Grace Roman: Nancy Roman, warmly nicknamed the Mother of Hubble, was one of the first female executives at NASA. In her Lego scene, you’ll find her with a posable Hubble Space Telescope (which she is famous for her role in helping create and plan) and a projected image of a planetary nebula.

3. Sally Ride and Mae Jemison: In 1983, physicist Sally ride broke a major glass ceiling by being the first American woman in space onboard the Challenger for mission STS-7. In 1992, medical doctor Mae Jemison pushed the envelope further by becoming the first African-American woman in space for the STS-47 Spacelab-J mission on the Endeavour. In their Lego scene, both women stand near a launchpad with the Space Shuttle Challenger, which blasts off with three removable rocket stages.

Are you planning on picking up LEGO’s new Women of NASA kit? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.

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

(Photos via The LEGO Group)

It is that time again. Venus retrograde has arrived, and it has an essential message for those in love or on the quest to find it. The word "retrograde" may sound alarm bells for most people, but I would like to reassure you that it helps you pay attention and recognize what you need whenever a planetary retrograde occurs. With Venus retrograde happening from March 1 to April 12, it will shift the focus on how individualized we are in the realms of love and the way we project our leadership in relationships. The love planet begins its backward dance in the sign of Aries. Its revisitation in Pisces on March 27 will unearth past themes involving connections and the purity of connections in relationships. If retrograde is still a term that makes you nervous, let go of the fear; there's always a way to navigate these times with peace and awareness. Read on and learn more about this Venus retrograde 2025 and how the love planet will impact each astrological sign.

Scroll to find out what your zodiac sign can expect during the Venus retrograde.

What Happens During Venus Retrograde?

Emmanuel Torres

When a planet advances far ahead from its course in our orbit, the Sun pulls it back in line in space so it won't veer off track within the line-up of the other planets. Venus undergoes this backward spin every 18 months, and it actually forms a 5-petaled rose when seen from a geocentric perspective during this orbital dance! We can always count on Venus and its romantic touch.

From a general perspective, Venus in retrograde presents lessons about paying attention to our love life, values, and even how we radiate our inner and outer beauty. Retrogrades present a period of inner reflection, and when Venus is involved, it will involve our inner nature and how it clashes with vanity. It's also recommended to hold off on trying a dramatic hair transformation during this transit or scheduling cosmetic procedures. Although it can be tempting, it may lead to unexpected results. This Venus retrograde period will invoke a review regarding your standards inside and out.

The average time that Venus goes in between signs is about 20 days, but when a retrograde occurs, our love and our inner values will undergo a review within a 2-month range. This Venus in Aries retrograde will help you understand your individuality and name your relationship terms.

If you're single, this is your moment to reflect and celebrate you! This Venus retrograde will allow you to step into self-empowerment and set the stage to attract better relationship connections as you hold yourself on a pedestal. If you're in a relationship, you and your significant other will see each other in a different light, involving leadership and the need for progression. Expressing what you want while understanding the importance of initiating your desired changes will get things moving once Venus Direct occurs on April 13. Everything about yourself and the reasoning behind your connection will come to light.

Another thing to note is that you should look at what house Venus will reside in your birth chart while it retrogrades in the sign of Aries. This will reveal which area needs focus in your life.

What Is Happening During this 2025 Venus Retrograde?

Zyra Brown

Now to better understand how this retrograde will impact you, let’s take a closer look at Venus and its current filter. The love planet entered the Mars-ruled sign of Aries on February 4, and the overall tone will stir themes involving power play and aggression in love and relationships. The cardinal fire sign Aries rules the 1st house of self, identity, and initiation, and with Venus positioned in this house, we are likely feeling the pull to start things up or have the desire to be seen. Backtrack and begin reviewing your organization and paying attention to the details before starting anything. You will be better prepared and attract the desired results when Venus Direct happens. Generally, this energy can be translated as selfish, arrogant, and controlling. Become a leader based on the greater good. Controlling others to yield to your demands will only backfire.

Also, the balancing act beckons as tempers can run high, or you can feel discouraged when your ideas are not being received. The powerful flair of Venus in Aries can also lead to feelings of separation or selfishness. Negotiating and holding space to understand others will keep you balanced during this retrograde period. When Venus backspins into the Neptune-ruled sign of Pisces on March 27, expect to feel more introspective and begin to prioritize relaxation. The mutable sign Pisces rules the 12th house of dreams, subconscious realms, and isolation. It is not an ideal time to push through to make things happen, only inner reflection. Our dreams may get visceral, and our moods may heighten emotionally. Create art, listen to music, or work through any unresolved matters you may have overlooked. Peace follows as you clear out.

What are some things to avoid during this 2025 Venus Retrograde?

victoria harder

  • Beginning new relationships
  • Getting married/wedding planning
  • Major beauty transformations (hair, cosmetic procedures)
  • Initiate new business ventures or investments
  • Major purchases lead to overspending (car, furniture, art, house, business)

What are some things to do during Venus Retrograde?

Maryam Hanif

  • Reflect on your relationship
  • Talk to your ex if you need closure (don't rekindle...yet)
  • Review the state of your finances, investments, assets
  • Declutter your living surroundings and sell quality items for profit
  • Beauty and self-care rituals
  • Meditation
  • Journaling
  • Self-Care Routines
  • Energy Healing

How Venus Retrograde 2025 Will Impact the Zodiac Signs

Eleanor Lee

Anyone with cardinal sign positions such as the sun, moon, rising, or other astrological placements in Aries, Libra, Capricorn, and Cancer will experience the impact of this Venus retrograde more so than other signs. Also, when Venus ingresses into Pisces on March 27, the mutable signs Pisces, Virgo, Gemini, and Sagittarius will be impacted. Here is the general overview of what to expect during this 2025 Venus Retrograde. Read for your sun and rising sign for extended insight!

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

What do you see when you look into the mirror, Aries? Venus retrograde begins in your sign before retreating into your 12th house next month, and the love planet urges you to reflect on your self-worth, beauty, and past relationships. Nostalgia may pull your heartstrings, and hidden emotions resurface. Focus on self-care and healing rather than seeking external validation.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Observe your internal landscape as Venus retrograde unveils, inspires you to go through inner work, and prompts you to beautify your soul. When it progresses into your 11th house later this month, Venus will prompt you to pay attention to your friendships, support systems, and personal dreams. You may re-evaluate certain relationships, realizing who truly stands by your side. If past friendships resurface, reflect on whether they align with your growth. Avoid making impulsive social commitments, as clarity will come after April 12 when Venus moves forward again.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Your views will alter your feelings in your networks and friendship circles as Venus retrograde will help you see how far you are progressing with your goals and whether you are being given authentic support. Later this month, the love planet moves back into your 10th house, granting you focus on career matters. You may find yourself questioning your professional relationships or re-evaluating your public image. Avoid making major career decisions or committing to new collaborations until Venus moves direct on April 12.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Venus's retrograde encourages you to review your current situation in your career. It may prompt you to pick up on an old endeavor or reflect on who you want to be professionally. Later this month, the love planet will move back into your 9th house. It will help you stand still and observe your inner beliefs. You may question whether your current path aligns with your values. This is a time for internal reflection rather than drastic action, as Venus will move direct on April 12.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

As the prideful sign, Venus retrograde in your 9th house prompts you to look deeper and yet at all angles involving your passions before proceeding. Confidence is birthed as you open yourself to new approaches. Later this month, the love planet moves back into your 8th house, beckoning deep reflection on your intimate relationships and financial matters. Past connections may resurface, urging you to redefine trust and shared resources. Avoid making major financial commitments until Venus moves direct on April 12.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Venus retrograde shakes up your 8th house, granting you space to review your inner needs and views on intimate connections. When the love planet backspins into your 7th house later this month, past relationship dynamics may resurface, allowing you to review commitments and lingering issues. Avoid making long-term relationship decisions until Venus Direct on April 12.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Venus retrograde begins its backspin in your 7th house, and these next few weeks will inspire you to reflect on how balanced you are feeling lately between love and daily responsibilities. To restore your well-being, allow the people-pleasing to take the backseat. Later this month, Venus moves back into your 6th house, helping you rethink how much energy you dedicate to others versus yourself. Hold off on major relationship decisions until Venus Direct occurs on April 12.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Venus retrograde helps you recalibrate your mind, body, and spirit with its sluggish motion in your 6th house. You may feel a little run down, and the best anecdote is through mindfulness practices and continued self-care. Venus' lesson is to observe how much you spend your energy. Intention breathes preservation. When the love planet moves into your 5th house later this month, it inspires you to reflect on your creative pursuits, romantic connections, and personal passions. Past lovers or unfinished artistic projects may resurface. Avoid making major romantic decisions until Venus moves direct on April 12.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Love and the source of your joy grab your attention as Venus begins its backspin in your 5th house of romance and creativity. Your children will be the primary focus, and the love planet will show how you genuinely connect with them. It is also a period for inner child work or revisiting old projects. Later this month, Venus will move into your 4th house, encouraging you to beautify the home and hold off from scheduling renovations. Declutter your home and reorganize your living space.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

Venus begins its backward dance in your 4th house, prompting you to reconnect with your roots. Stability can be found as you are open to being vulnerable with your family. As the love planet moves into your 3rd house, it will bring up past matters involving communication and messages exchanged with siblings or close connections. Clear the air by revisiting what has not been resolved.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

It will be time to retrace your steps and observe how you articulate your messages as Venus retrograde slows down in your 3rd house of communication. You may feel overwhelmed and burnt out from brainstorming an endless stream of ideas. Your close connections may have difficulty keeping up, so have a journal handy to look back on when Venus Direct motion happens on April 12. When Venus moves into your 2nd house on March 27, avoid big purchases and focus on re-evaluating how you create stability through money and possessions.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Venus retrograde begins its slow dance in your 2nd house on March 1. Analyze your finances and spending habits. When filing for taxes, look closely at everything before submitting your information to your accountant. As Venus crosses back into your 1st house, luckily, this will be an opportune time to beautify your inner and outer beauty. Avoid booking cosmetic procedures or trying a new haircut. You may question your image or values—take this time to nurture your sense of self before Venus moves direct on April 12.

Want to learn the astrology basics and decode your birth chart? Take a look at Lumi's beginner's astrology workbook!

For more astrology advice, be sure to Ask Lumi here and follow the convo on Facebook!

Surprise proposals are always magical (hi, Benny Blanco & Selena Gomez!), but we've gotten picky about which engagement rings make us swoon these days. Some of our prior favorite trends have become outdated, and it would more sad if they weren't other gorgeous options on the market. Even so, it's not easy to narrow down which ones will overpower or age your hands. Thankfully we've solved the big mystery for you so you can flaunt your fiancée title with the best accessory!

Scroll for engagement rings that aren't worth adding to your "secret" Pinterest board!

Gabriel & Co.

1. Double Halo Engagement Rings: Gabriel & Co. 14K White Gold Double Halo Ring

Once upon a time, double halo engagement rings were widely popular and a good indicator that someone was willing to make your hand look extremely good. But that's not the case anymore! As coveted as this style used to be, it now comes across as gaudy and overpowering.

If you're dropping hints to your partner, perhaps leave this "outdated" style in your drafts!

Kay Jewelers

2. Princess Cut Engagement Rings: Kay Jewelers Lab Grown Princess-Cut Solitaire Ring

We were sure princess cut engagement rings meant we were going to embody the lives of our favorite Disney princesses — mainly Cinderella. We even told ourselves we'd be 100% okay with just a single diamond in the middle of a plain band. Now we know there's other options we can choose from. From cushion to emerald cut, none of us have to relegate ourselves to a style of the past!

Brilliant Earth

3. Thick Band Engagement Rings: Brilliant Earth Alden Ring

Did you just yelp or was that us? Maybe it was a collective sound heard around the world because wearing an engagement ring with a thick band seems like something our grandmothers would love. Though we don't always question their personal style, there's something "vintage" about this trend that doesn't make us feel great. Also, this ring will likely swallow your finger if your hand is on the slender side!

Shane Co.

4. Excessively Vintage Engagement Rings: Shane Co. Natasha Lab-Grown Engagement Ring

Hear us out — vintage rings are gorgeous and have the rare ability of being unique in a sea of familiar engagement choices. But reaching for something that feels like you can buy it from somewhere like Shein for way less than the market price shouldn't make anyone feel good.

Believe us when we say this trend is "outdated!"

Vrai

5. Rose Gold Engagement Rings: Vrai Side Cluster Cathedral Oval Engagement Ring

Rose gold engagement rings were an alternative to the general metals we're used to seeing (i.e., white gold, platinum or yellow gold), but we think they're losing their touch. We've also noticed that some jewelers have their own definition of how this trend looks so it's not as easy to tell what people consider to be "rose gold."

Your best bet is to try engagement rings on in person to see what looks best on your skin so your partner's able to make a more informed decision!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more trends you should and shouldn't invest in!

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