The baby name business has gotten a bit out of hand. While we love unique names, sometimes names like Toaster or Tree just donât have the same ring as, say, Leila or Patrick. But we totally get the desire to have a name that differs from the mainstream. After all, our names are Olivia Taylor and Jasmine WilliamsâŠwhich are very popular.
People are literally paying Baby Name Consultants, like TikToker Colleen, to generate a list of top names for their little bundle of joy.
This concept isnât all that new, but the idea of paying thousands of dollars for a list of names certainly is. The Wall Street Journal reported on the rise of baby name consultants and âthe art of âbrandingâ your newbornâ in 2007. With the boom in baby naming books circa early 2000s and the rise in funky celeb baby names like Apple Martin and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt (and todayâs celeb baby names like Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette, Pilot Inspektor and Exa Dark SiderĂŠl), baby-naming has become a source of stress and incredible importance. So stressful, in fact, that a few thousand dollars doesnât look so bad.
Don't worry though â we definitely wonât charge you $10k for your babyâs unique name. Instead, here are 16 baby names that are cute and unique, and might be the perfect fit for your little one.
Unique Baby Names for GirlsÂ
Photo by Daniel Thomas / Unsplash
- Aria â All we can think about is, "Here comes Queen Aria," whenever we see this name. Similar to Arielle's name from The Little Mermaid, Aria is synonymous with something melodic.
- Iris â Just like the iris of your eye, this name means your daughter will more than likely have a bright and colorful personality!
- Maia â Instead of the traditional spelling of Mya, this name has Latin roots and means "great."
- Ayla â Your daughter will have sturdy characteristics thanks to her Hebrew name!
- Asha â Let your little girl's name remind you that there's much to be hopeful about.
- Naomi â Take a cue from famed model Naomi Campbell and let your daughter's name introduce her beauty to the world.
Gender-Neutral Unique Baby Names
Image via kaushal mishra/Unsplash
- Campbell â This Scottish name means "beautiful field" so we're sure it means your son's being will be full of beautiful traits and perspectives .
- Reese â There's a reason why Reese Witherspoon has such a enthralling personality. Her name means "passion" and "enthusiasm."
- Greer â We can hear BeyoncĂ©'s song "Protector" playing when we say this name because it means "guardian."
- Lennon â There's a reason the world was so drawn to John Lennon's name. Lennon means "dear one" and we know that's how you'll feel about your newborn!
- Sterling â "Twinkle, Twinkle little star" has nothing on the name Sterling. On second thought, it could serve as your baby's unofficial theme song.
Unique Baby Names For Your Son
Photo by luis arias / Unsplash
- Lennox â Trade the 'n' in Lennon for an X to get this Scottish name. It rolls off the tongue, making it easier for others to pronounce.
- Adler â Your little eagle is sure to soar high under your watchful eye.
- Rowan â Have a cute baby that was born with a head full of red hair? Name him Rowan which means "little Red one." While you're at it, check out these lucky Irish baby names for more ideas!
- Banks â If you feel drawn to water during your pregnancy, there's a good chance there's a reason why. Banks translates to "edge of the river."
- Rigg âWhether you choose this as your baby's first or middle name, it'll be easy for others to remember it!
We know this process can be stressful, but donât worry. As a new parent, you have so many other things taking up space in your mind, and this shouldnât be one of them. Whatever baby name you go with, weâre sure it will be amazing.
Got any other unique baby name ideas? Share them with us in the comments!
We've got all your baby needs at Brit + Co.
This post has been updated.
Lead image via Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash
Last night I realized I was pregnant during the height of the pandemic and the 2020 election cycle, but I didn't have any self-care practices in sight. I was chronically stressed and spent way too much time on social media when I should've been finding ways to ground myself. After a tough four years of navigating everything from motherhood to starting my career, I've finally started utilizing gratitude journaling as a tool to get through tough days.
I don't know how you may be feeling today, but I've created journal prompts you can refer to when you're scared, anxious, unsure of the future, and more. They're not meant to replace meditation or seeking therapy, but they are here for moments you need to check in with yourself.
A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Worried About The Future
Write Down 5 Things You're Grateful You Can See, Touch, Hear, And Smell
This is actually a practice I picked up in therapy to help redirect my anxious thoughts. It's something I often refer to when I'm fixated on the future and things that might happen. Any time you feel yourself not being present because you're worried about what's next, focus on things that are immediately in front of you or around you.
For example, here's what's reminding me to be present:
- I can hear one of my favorite gospel songs playing and the subtle humming I'm doing.
- I can see two lime green books on my desk.
- I can smell the clean laundry my fiancé took out of the dryer.
- I'm touching the keys on my keyboard as I type this.
Although they seem small, I'm grateful they're helping to keep me rooted in the present moment. So, what are you grateful you can see, touch, hear, and smell today?
Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Experiencing Sadness
Write Down 3 Things You're Grateful For Today
Practicing gratitude when you're sad isn't so you can pretend the sadness doesn't exist. It's a very real emotion that calls for us to be curious about why we're feeling that way. However, if you feel like you're 'stuck' in your sadness, you can try writing down 3 things you're grateful for right now. Again, they don't have to be grandiose. They just have to make sense to you.
You could be grateful for:
- Eating a delicious meal
- Having a good night's sleep
- Hearing your favorite song at the right moment
- Morning snuggles with your pet or toddler
- Having access to binge watch your favorite TV show when you need to escape reality for a bit
Write Down The People You're Grateful You Can Rely On
My hope is that everyone has at least one person they can rely on during difficult moments in life. I know everyone doesn't have huge villages for different reasons, but I'd rather focus on who is there.
This gratitude journaling idea doesn't require you to go in depth about why you're grateful for the people in your corner unless you want to. You can simply write their names down if that's all you have the bandwidth for.
Recount A Memory That Always Makes You Smile
When in doubt, think about a moment that was hilarious or filled you with joy. It can be from your childhood, first year in college, or even your wedding day! The one memory that always makes me smile is from an interesting moment I told one of my uncles he looked like Santa Claus. I was around 5 or 6 years old, so it was a super innocent comment, but still it was hilarious nonetheless. No one in my family has let my uncle or me forget that moment. It's small, but it's one of the memories I'm grateful I can remember when I'm feeling sad.
A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You Feel You're Not Doing Enough
Write Down 1 Thing You've Grateful You've Accomplished
I know some journal prompts ask you to list multiple things you've recently accomplished, but I've found that makes me a little more anxious that necessary. If this sounds like you, I see you and think it's just as impactful to be grateful for one thing you've done that you're proud of. It could be as simple as:
- "I had the strength to get out of bed today after wanting to do nothing more than hide under the covers."
- "I did laundry and put everything away."
- "I made myself a meal instead of ordering lunch like I usually do."
- "I stuck to my budget this week."
- "My presentation at work or school went really well."
- "I made that scary phone call I've been putting off."
- "I went for a walk around my neighborhood or local park."
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Whether you're a new or seasoned parent, it seems like finding mom-approvedorganizationtips to help keep your space tidy feels like another never-ending task that may or may not get done. Even though we'd love to keep everything clean, I'm sure other moms will tell you that clutterwins more often than we'd like to admit. To be blunt, I've even given myself permission to stop feeling guilty when my apartmentdoesn't look presentable. Still, it doesn't hurt to be able to know where things are instead of accidentally leaving my keys in the refrigerator or having to run to the pantryto find a backup diaperduring blowout moments â *blank stare.*
Luckily, moms' prayers have been answered thanks to Ria Safford's new book The Organized Home for New Parents. Not only is Ria a certified organization queen, but she's also a wife and momof three. Arguably the best thing about Ria is her willingness to be honest about *not* always having it together. "I'm messy at heart. Like, I want people to understand that being a walking hot mess and being organized aren't mutually exclusive," she said.
It's the main reason she wrote The Organized Home for New Parents â she honestly gets how hard it is to navigate motherhood while caring for little people. Since I'm getting ready for the threenager stage (send help) of being a toddler mom, here are five mom-approved tips from The Organized Home for New Parents I've started putting into practice.
1. Change your approach and mindset to organizing.
Photo by The Organized Home for New Parents/Blue Star Press
Unless cleaning and organizing makes you feel absolutely giddy, chances are...you dread doing it. This isn't a call-out because I'm right there in the trenches with you. I went from loving being a part of the cleaning process to realizing my mom intended to spend half of Saturday morning doing *just* that. Although I maintained the understanding that cleaning my space is necessary, I was never thrilled about it.
However, Ria said it's important to shift the way we think about cleaning. "I think the biggest reasons my kids look forward to helping me keep different parts of our home clean is because I make things fun. We're a very competitive household, so I make up games like 'who can clean the fastest,' so it doesn't make them feel I'm taking away time they want to spend doing something else."
2. Ask yourself why it's important for you to get organized.
Photo by The Organized Home for New Parents/Blue Star Press
Raise your hand if you've ever asked yourself why you didn't remember something or uttered, "How could I be so stupid?" First, here's a virtual hand-to-heart moment because I've done the same. Second, know that being clear about your reasoning for having an organized space is necessary for you to get started. "Maybe you feel you can't function unless things are perfectly organized and experience discomfort when they aren't," Ria said.
Reading the book helped me personally identify my main goals for wanting an organized space and I realized two things:
- I want my apartment to feel peaceful.
- I don't want to feel like I never know where anything is when I need it.
It may look completely different for you and that's totally okay. Ria's organization tips are designed in a way that help you tailor them to your needs.
3. Involve your partner or supportive village in the organization process.
Photo by The Organized Home for New Parents/Blue Star Press
Ria and I both agreed that there are tons of books about how to prepare for your baby's arrival, but there aren't many that shed light on truly helpful organization tips in the midst of it. It can be overwhelming when you realize all of the gifts or clothes you received during your baby shower have to find a place to go in your home. On top of it all, you probably didn't even think about discussing with your partner or supportive village, or ask them to help lighten your housework's load.
"When my first daughter was born, I wanted to do everything myself," Ria said. While it's cool to have an independent nature, it can lead to feelings of burnout. The Organized Home for New Parents outlines how to have conversations with the people in your life so everyone is able to effectively work together to provide support that goes beyond feeding the baby while mom takes a nap.
"Labeling things and letting your support system know where they are so they feel adequately equipped to help is one of the things I was adamant about putting in the book," said Ria. The fact she doesn't gloss over this section in Chapter 2 is so helpful, and serves as a conversation starter for those at different stages of parenthood.
4. Be open to pivoting as your children grow.
Photo by The Organized Home for New Parents/Blue Star Press
Although Ria wanted to specifically make sure new parents felt seen with her book, she wrote it in a way she hopes feels timeless. "Organization is never over. There's always going to be constant editing that occurs over time. Look, my kids are 8, 6, and 4 so I had no choice but to pivot," she said.
If you don't have small kids, The Organized Home for New Parents is still helpful because it can help you think about how you want to approach organizing in the different seasons of your life. You might not have to organize your kids' diapers anymore, but they're still going to wear other clothes that need to be folded and put away. And let's not forget the mountain of toys kids tend to accumulate over the years...*side eye*
5. Don't be afraid to find ways to optimize small spaces.
Photo by The Organized Home for New Parents/Blue Star Press
Regardless of where you live â house, townhouse, apartment, or otherwise â you probably have a few small spaces that you haven't figured out how to organize. They could be your kitchen drawers, a corner in your living room or even the small space on the side of your toilet that's collected random Amazon boxes. Yes...I'm speaking from experience.
The Organized Home helps you reimagine those spaces so that you're able to collect your overflow in a more organized way. One of these ways is by making use of a three-tier rolling cart. Since I built one of my own over the weekend, it's helped to transform my bathroom so that other essentials are securely stored there. Surprisingly, my toddler thinks it looks "cool" and even helped me put back his Boogie Wipes that were on it.
My final verdict of "The Organized Home for New Parents"
Photo by The Organized Home for New Parents/Blue Star Press
I'll be honest â I'm pretty critical of books geared towards parents because some feel like you're having a ton of instructions thrown at you. Although The Organized Home for New Parents is filled to the brim with actionable steps you can take to get your home organized, they're easy to digest and break down step-by-step. Ria said, "The goal isn't to tackle everything at once. Do what you can a little at a time to help lessen the chance you feel overwhelmed."
Taking her advice, I chose three areas of my apartment to clean this weekend, and I was able to organize my pantry and my toddler's bathroom station without feeling discouraged. I also didn't do everything in one day. Ria's tips are helping this mom communicate better about the household things I need help with, and the areas I've gotten around to organizing feel damn good to look at and walk into.
Take it from me, The Organized Home for New Parents by Ria Safford is worth buying and isn't another pretty book that's going to collect dust on your coffee table. You'll probably bookmark and annotate sections throughout it for years to come. Plus, it makes for a great gift for other moms in your life!
Purchase a copy (or two) of "The Organized Home for New Parents"
Photo by The Organized Home for New Parents/Blue Star Press
The Organized Home for New Parents
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Lead image via The Organized Home for New Parents/Blue Star Press
In all honestly, all I look forward to during the holidays (other than my fam) is the pie. There's pumpkin pie. Apple pie. Chocolate pie. Sweet potato pie. But more than any other dessert, pecan piejust gets me. I'm salivating as I'm thinking about it!
Anywho... making an entire pecan pie can become a whole ordeal very quickly. That's where these delicious pecan pie bars from Chahinez with Lifestyle of a Foodiestep in. They're simple to make, plus provide the ideal eating experience â pecan pie bars easily qualify under finger foods, and they are downright addictive.
Let's get into the recipe!
Ingredients For Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Lifestyle of a Foodie
For the shortbread crust:
- œ cup butter
- Œ cup granulated sugar
- Œ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
For the pecan pie filling:
- 2 eggs
- Ÿ cup brown sugar
- œ cup light corn syrup
- Œ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- œ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 & œ cup pecans chopped
How To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Lifestyle of a Foodie
- Preheat the oven to 325 F, then line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add in the flour, salt, cornstarch, and mix. Add in the cold butter and work it into the dough with your hand or a pastry cutter until cookie dough forms. Press it onto the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until combined. Stir in the pecan pieces.
- Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan pie filling on top of the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges will brown a little, and the center will be barely jiggly.
- Remove from the oven, and let cool completely before transferring to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Slice the bars and serve.
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Recipe + photography by Lifestyle of a Foodie.
This post has been updated.
The rush of the holidays and planning the perfect holiday feast is no joke â finding the best Thanksgiving cocktails, roasting a delicious turkey and, of course, getting creative with leftovers â it all makes it hard to kick back and relax. We think you should find a moment for yourself (or with a few pals) and celebrate the wonderful flavors we love so much this time of year.
Instead of going for the tired pumpkin spice latte, think more along the lines of a boozyfall cocktail. Picture bourbon cocktails with cinnamon, caramel, apple⊠you know, all the autumn classics. We don't recommend sampling these Thanksgiving cocktails all in one night, but let's just say it'll be difficult to only choose one. We can't wait to try these Thanksgiving cocktails!
Brit + Co
Nespresso White Russian
Combining booze with coffee makes it somewhat more acceptable to knock one back during that late-morning, gathering-before-dinner time period, no? We love any excuse to get cozy with Nespresso, and this White Russian concoction will have you feeling all the warm, Thanksgiving-y vibes.
Brit + Co
S'moretini
Whether it's too cold to sit outside and snack on some s'mores, or you don't have a fire pit to roast marshmallows (although Gilmore Girlsdid show us how to use our stovetops...), this Thanksgiving cocktail is a great alternative to the sticky dessert. The chocolate andgraham cracker coating on the rim is just the cherry on top!
Brit + Co
Rum Toddy
This cocktail recipe is great because there's a good chance you already have the majority of the ingredients in your kitchen! Just put everything you need in a thermos, stir it up, and you're good to go. Not only will toddies keep you warm on cold days, but they're good for sore throats and fighting the chills if you're feeling a lil' under the weather.
Brit + Co
Cranberry Pear Ginger Fizz
Swap your cranberry sauce for a cranberry cocktail complete with ginger beer, pears, and limes. Make sure you keep some whole cranberries and rosemary sprigs for the finishing touch. Even if you've never made cocktails before, this drink is so easy that anyone can make it!
Brit + Co
Clementine Whiskey Smash
Sweet clementine juice and rich whiskey are the perfect match in this fun Thanksgiving drink, plus you can adjust the amount of whiskey that goes in depending on how strong you'd like the drink. Go easy for a fresh taste or add a bit more if you want something warmer.
Brit + Co
Wild Turkey Cocktails
Now, we know what you're thinking: "there is no way I'm drinking a cocktail that has turkey in it." But you don't have to worry because the 'wild turkey' in this recipe actually comes from Wild Turkey American Honey! Make one for an afternoon apéritif or an evening drink once the kids have gone to bed. Now the only question is, who let the (wild) turkeys out?!
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
We're suckers for all things pumpkin spice, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to indulge in a little PSL-inspired boozy bevvy. This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is super easy to make â and even easier to devour.
Brit + Co
Cranberry Is The New Black Cocktail
From cranberry sauce to cranberry garlands, this red berry is definitely a holiday season staple â and now you can add it to yourbar cart! Think of this drink as an upgraded vodka cranberry, with a more sophisticated look. If you're not able to get black vodka, just sub black food coloring to achieve the same finished product.
Brit + Co
Chai Hot Toddy
If you're not a huge pumpkin person, then you have to try this spiced, creamy Thanksgiving cocktail while you wait for eggnog season. Your classic chai gets a makeover with some spiced rum and cinnamon-infused milk (YUM!) that give it a whole new holiday edge. You can also experiment with different spices and adding in a shot of espresso to change things up.
Brit + Co
Apple Cide-car Cocktail
As far as we're concerned, apple cider season should last all winter long. This easy cocktail only has four ingredients (apple cider, brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice) which means there's no excuse to not have this on your Thanksgiving menu! Need a simple alternative for the under-21 crew? Nix the alcohol, but keep the glasses for an upscale apple cider mocktail.
Brit + Co
Convergent Opera Cake Cocktail
This cold brew concoction is perfect for getting you buzzed in more than one way. It's the perfect after-dinner dose of caffeine you need to avoid a food coma, but it'll also give you all the Thanksgiving feels.
Brit + Co
Cranberry Zinger Jam Jar Cocktail
We love jam and we love cocktails, so why not put them together? This cranberry zinger (which is basically the queen of mixed Thanksgiving cocktails) will certainly make you feel all kinds of bubbly. All you gotta do is pour your favorite gin and cranberry juice over ice, and then top with a spoonful of your go-to jam. Top it off with ginger ale, and you're done!
Brit + Co
Pomegranate Ginger Beer Cocktail
Ginger has just the right amount of warmth to keep you toasty during holiday gatherings. This delicious ginger beer concoction will be a total crowd pleaser at all your Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving gatherings.
Wholefully
Two Ingredient Apple Cider Mimosas
If mimosas (especially apple cider mimosas) don't scream fall brunch, we don't know what does. Since it's only two ingredients, you don't have to worry about trying to put together a complex Thanksgiving cocktail recipe while also preparing dinner. Sounds like a win-win.
Dos Hombres Mezcal
Dos Hombres Hot Cider
Add 1 gallon apple cider, 1 tbsp whole allspice, 1 tbsp whole cloves, 1 sliced orange, 1-inch sliced fresh ginger, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 4 star anise to a pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes before adding 1.5 cups of Dos Hombres Mezcal to spike the sip!
Home & Plate
Salted Caramel Apple Martini
Martinis make us feel sophisticated and mysterious, but there's one thing that's no mystery: cocktail hour will never be the same after you serve this sweet, tart drink to your family and friends. All you *really* need is a little caramel vodka and apple cider, and you're good to go. Don't forget to chill your martini glasses beforehand to keep things cool.
JoLynn Shane
Apple Cider Mojito Recipe
Mojitos might usually be a summer drink for you, but the addition of apple cider makes this one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails you could sip on. The cinnamon simple syrup in this recipe is totally worth the extra prep time. This drink is also loaded with fresh mint and cinnamon sticks for a fall flavor combo you can't miss.
Joyful Healthy Eats
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Everyone knows that what makes a Moscow mule a true mule is the ginger beer. Well, with this easy Thanksgiving cocktail, what makes it is the hard apple cider instead of the regular kind.
Inspired by Charm
Apple Pie Sangria
Apple desserts are a must-have during the holiday season, and this apple pie-inspired sangria might just become our top pick. This is the *perfect* Thanksgiving cocktail to put out in a big pitcher and sip on during dinner, while watching the football game, or even when you're stuck cleaning up dishes.
Baked by Rachel
Apple Cider Whiskey Smash
This is an ahh-mazing seasonal twist on a traditional whiskey drink. With just three quick ingredients (whiskey, lemon juice, and apple cider) you can even make a big batch of this Thanksgiving-y drink *before* the holiday whirlwind begins.
Cookie + Kate
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
We consider November 1 to be the official start of maple season. Even if whiskey isn't your thing, it might be after sampling this cup of Thanksgiving goodness. A little maple syrup goes a long way when you're working with this recipe!
Dos Hombres Mezcal
Dos Hombres Naughty Toddy
Mix together 1 oz Dos Hombres Mezcal, .5 oz fresh lemon juice, .25 oz honey, 1 oz whiskey, and 2 oz natural apple juice together before heating it up on the stove to make this Thanksgiving cocktail. Garnsih with a lemon wheel, and prepare to be warm AF.
Gimme Some Oven
Cranberry Margaritas
Cranberries might be reminiscent of Christmas, but cranberry sauce is basically a Thanksgiving delicacy⊠which is why we had to give this seasonal margarita our stamp of approval. The squeeze of lime and the salted rim puts this cocktail over the (very delicious) edge, and if you want to get extra fancy with it, there's also a recipe to make your own homemade cranberry juice.
Holly & Flora
Bourbon + Spiced Pear Cocktail
With herbs like sage and thyme topped off with allspice and cinnamon, we're totally in love with this unique Thanksgiving cocktail. Not only does the ginger liqueur give this drink a little kick, but including agave means that it's totally sugar-free.
Baker by Nature
Cranberry + Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
If you're really craving some sweetness, this is the exact drink you should go for. It calls for two cups of cranberries on top of two cups of sugar to yield four cocktails. It's safe to say you'll be perked up after just a few sips.
The Sweetest Occasion
Salted Caramel White Russian
This cocktail is creamy, sweet, and totally dessert-like, which makes it a great addition to post-dinner conversation. You could literally forget the pies and cobblers (but what's Thanksgiving without some pie?) and just drink this instead. Don't worry if you're dairy-free â just swap the caramel sauce for a coconut-based caramel instead.
Slow Cooker Spiced Wine
Okayyy â this warm drink gives us all the fall feels. Red wine and brandy warmed in a crockpot with spices and orange sounds like total heaven to us. Not to mention that you can leave this to simmer throughout the day, so your guests can help themselves and you don't have to worry about it! (viaWell Plated)
Domesticate Me
Spiced Cider Margaritas
For many, the lime margarita is a staple on Taco Tuesday, but maybe it's time to mix it up? We think YES. Cozy up by the fire with a glass of this spiced cider that's spiked with tequila and garnished with cinnamon sticks and apples. That â and the cinnamon sugar rim â sounds right up our alley.
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This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.