This Vegan Instagram Cooking Series Has Us Craving All the Veggies

Julia Malacoff
Dec 05, 2016

If you follow any vegan food bloggers on Instagram, you’re probably familiar with Lina Saber. The super gifted vegan nutritionist and chef is the creator of “nice cream,” a vegan ice cream that is just as good as it sounds. Lina just launched an Instagram video series (how cool?!) with a seriously awesome concept called Dine & Thrive, in collaboration with AT&T Hello Lab. In the series, Lina set out to create three delicious recipes to share with her fans: an appetizer, entree and dessert. But here’s the best part — she’s letting Instagram followers choose the main ingredient for each course. She’s debuting one recipe per week on her Instagram account, and the first two weeks have been totally mouth-watering. After she shares her recipe, she encourages followers to make their own creations with the ingredients, so if you check out the hashtag #hellolab, you’ll see even more yummy-looking recipes to try at home.

So why go about creating new recipes this way? “The idea was to create an authentic way to connect and interact with all my amazing fans and inspire them to create healthy and delicious dishes with their own creative twist using the same ingredient!” says Lina. We are totally inspired by this awesome idea and by Lina’s recipes in general, and we were lucky enough to get the inside scoop on what goes into Lina’s creative process.

B+C: Where do you get inspiration for your creations?

LS: I draw my inspiration from nature and traveling. Nature is abundantly full of so many fresh and exotic ingredients that inspire me to think out of the box. And while traveling, I get to see how different cultures take simple whole ingredients and turn them into something so delicious. For instance, when I was in Morocco, I learned how to cook with cardone, which is such a tough ingredient, but watching this amazing woman cook with it and turn it into such a tasty dish was an eye opener that I should experiment with different ingredients, even though they may not be the obvious choice.

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Maqui Bluebs Smoothie Bowls 🔮🍃👾✨💜🌴 this was today's delicious breakfast! Recipe: (Makes 1 bowl, serves 1) For the base: - 4 frozen bananas - 1 Tbsp. maqui powder Shred the frozen bananas first, then blend in a food processor until creamy. . For the Toppings: - Frozen blueberries - Coconut flakes - Homemade Rawnola (blended 1/2 cup dates, 1/4 cup of coconut shreds, 1tbsp maple syrup and handful of cashews), - Dried Apple blueberry clusters (locally bought) - Mini scoops of homemade coconut nicecream for extra creaminess, which I'll be sharing the deets for in the upcoming book. 🌟 Posting an official update and release date end of month. ✘ #radplantlife

A post shared by LINA SABER (@tropicallylina) on

B+C: How do you prepare when you know what you’re about to cook will be made with an unknown ingredient?

LS: I don’t prepare, that’s the fun of it and what makes this experience different. Luckily, I have a kitchen that is loaded with extra ingredients and spices, so as soon as I find out what the winning ingredient is I start recipe testing and tasting right away. I always think about what is the tastiest possible thing I could make with this one ingredient that would also be simple and healthy at the same time. It’s always fun, because when I’m recording the video, friends are usually over and they can let me know right away if the recipe testing was a success.

B+C: What would you say the biggest misconception about vegan cooking is?

LS: That it is boring or tastes bland! And there’s a misconception that if you go vegan, you won’t really find anything to eat that tastes just as delicious as your current non-vegan meals. But this is far from true! For instance, if one is worried that they are going to miss specific foods that they enjoy, like a burger, cheesy pizza or buttery pie, there is no need to worry. Luckily, we live in such an innovative world. In the market, you can find a vegan alternative to almost anything you like. Vegan butters, cheeses, vegan proteins to cook with, such as tofu and Beyond Meat which is 100 percent vegan. But generally speaking, with cooking (whether it’s vegan on or not), the beauty is all in the spices, different aroma oils, herbs, roasted nuts, etc. Not only are you benefiting your body by hopping over on the fully green side, but you’re also benefiting the environment in many amazing ways.

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BEET BURGER HEAVEN 🍃🍔💫❤️🙌🏼 Gluten free bread, spinach, vegenaise, thick beet bean patty, ridiculously delish chipotle sauce, crushed avocado, rocket, salt, cracked pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Too delish for words! ✘ #radplantlife

A post shared by LINA SABER (@tropicallylina) on

B+C: What are your top three favorite ingredients to cook with and why?

LS: This is a hard one! But if I had to choose, I would have to say all spices in general, because they create magic when combined right! A second one would be lemons. I find myself squeezing them over lots of dishes when cooking, and I think it’s because they add a zesty fragrant aroma, plus they are incredibly amazing for aiding digestion. Win, win. The third would have to be nutritional yeast. I love cooking with it, because not only is it so nutritious, but it also adds a “cheesy” textured flavor that tastes amazing. Especially on baked kale chips, it’s tasty!

Have you experimented with vegan cooking? Tell us about your experience @BritandCo!

(Featured photos via @linasaber)

This Winter, Stay Cozy With 23 Vegan Comfort Food Recipes

The chilly weather sparks serious comfort food cravings, and vegans don't have to be left out in the cold. With a slew of meat alternatives, convincing vegan cheese, and a lot of creativity from vegan cooks, eating a vegan meal can be every bit as satisfying as traditional comfort food fare. Whether you’re craving filling pot pie or rich mac and cheese, these 23 vegan comfort food recipes will deliver when you need something a little more indulgent.

Minimalist Baker

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Jackfruit is that magical produce that seems to perfectly replicate meat in almost any dish. Thanks to its growing popularity, it's become relatively easy to find in grocery stores. Just make sure you buy a young green jackfruit in water, not brine or syrup. This is the key to achieving proper flavor and texture. Then all you need to do is sauté and add A LOT of barbecue sauce. (via Minimalist Baker)

Natural Girl, Modern World

Mushroom Stroganoff

Balance cozy carbs with nourishing vegetables in this mushroom stroganoff and you get the best of both worlds.

Ela Vegan

Vegan Chickpea Curry

When you mix chickpeas with eggplant, coconut milk, Indian spices, and rice you'll end up with the most satisfying vegan curry. When spicing your curry, be sure to select a blend that incorporates fresh spices to give you the maximum amount of health benefits and flavor.

Nutritional Foodie

Vegan Sweet Potato Nachos

It can be difficult to cut back on carbs when you’re vegan (or for anybody, really). Thankfully, sweet potato tortilla chips are here to solve that problem. Things get serious when you coat them in vegan cheese sauce and then pile them high with your favorite nacho toppings.

Hot for Food

Roasted Corn Chowder

Calling all ambitious chefs with leftover corn on the cob: This corn chowder is a bit involved to make but the results are 100 percent worth it. Corn kernels thicken the chowder that's scented with smoked paprika and thyme for a soothing bite with every spoonful.

Vegan in the Freezer

Dairy-Free Herbed Scalloped Potatoes

Potatoes baked into a casserole that's covered in a creamy white sauce is comfort food at its best. All you need to do is sprinkle a few herbs on top for a little somethin' extra.

Pinch of Yum

Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea Glow Bowl

This spiced bowl will soon be your new go-to for an ultra comforting, super nutritious, plant-based meal. There's so much deliciousness packed into this recipe that it'll be hard to pick your favorite part. Moroccan-spiced chickpeas are simmered in a sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes and then spooned atop couscous that's cooked and fluffed to perfection. Oh yeah, and there’s cucumber salad, some lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs to the max.

Vegetarian Ventures

Creamy Vegetarian White Chili

By this point in winter you probably want soup for every meal, and that's where this white chili comes in. It’s warm, filling, tasty, and not average in any way. Pro tip: Add lots of toppings for a wide variety of texture in your bowl.

This Savory Vegan

Vegan White Mac and Cheese

If you dream about a mac and cheese without the taste of nutritional yeast, this recipe will make your dreams come true. It turns out that the answer is vegan cream cheese and a dash of hot sauce. Who knew?! Now that the secret is out, feel free to share — and don’t forget to make seconds!

Fooduzzi

Buffalo Chickpea Pizza

Buffalo sauce and chicken is a match made in heaven. Buffalo sauce with roasted chickpeas is pretty darn good too. With a buffalo hummus base that incorporates just the right amount of spice, and a crispy cheesy topping, this recipe is about to be your new obsession.

Lazy Cat Kitchen

Vegan Pad Thai

Pad Thai is one of the easiest dishes to veganize because it already comes layered with an array of crunchy vegetables and cubes of tofu. The tricky part is substituting the fish sauce, but this is actually easier than it seems. You can either buy a non-fish-based fish sauce, or simply prepare your own by infusing soy sauce (or tamari) with a bit of seaweed and dried mushrooms.

Feasting on Fruit

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recreate a comforting, nostalgic childhood favorite with these gluten-free, vegan treats. You may even find you like them better than the original.

Veggies Don't Bite

Vegan Pizza Burrito

You’ll thank us later when you realize that this vegan pizza burrito is pretty much heaven wrapped in a burrito and placed on a plate. It’s also handy to grab when you have to eat on the run.

Munaty Cooking

Baked Aloo Samosas

Indian food is great because so much of it is already vegan. And samosas might be the ultimate choice because they can be an appetizer, a finger food, or a meal. Plus, they're concocted with a host of spices and dipping sauces that will keep your taste buds intrigued and wanting more.

Minimalist Baker

Vegan Sloppy Joes

If you never had sloppy joes growing up, there's no time like the present to give them a try. This warm sandwich is sweet, smokey, and savory all at once, and it can be made with everyday pantry items. This vegan version uses lentils instead of beef and is no less satisfying for it.

The Fitchen

Vegan Pot Pies With Cornbread Crust

Creamy veggies hide beneath a crispy cornbread crust in this quintessential comfort food dish. There will be nothing more satisfying than breaking through the cornbread with a spoon to enjoy that perfect filling-to-crust ratio.

The Works of Life

General Tso’s Cauliflower

Just when you think that everyone and their mother is tired of cauliflower recipes, General Tso’s cauliflower is here to revive the obsession. The cauliflower is marinated and then dusted in cornstarch and sesame seeds to form that crispy crust we all love. Now vegans and carnivores alike can get in on some of that General Tso’s action.

No Recipes

Vegan Spinach Dip

A blend of soft tofu with raw cashew nuts creates a satiny texture that's complemented by the spinach for an appetizer that tastes indulgent but won't have you regretting your snack choices.

Peas & Crayons

Vegan Grilled Cheese

Something about that ooey-gooey yumminess of grilled cheese is simply unbeatable. But the best part of this sandwich isn't even the cheese; it's the ability to be a blank canvas onto which you can add an array of herbs, spices, chutneys, pickles, and jellies. The world is your oyster here — go wild!

Karissa's Vegan Kitchen

Vegan Meatball Subs

When you wrap chickpea meatballs in carbs, smother them with marinara sauce, and top with a sprinkle of vegan Parm, the result is irresistible. If you make a huge batch of meatballs and then freeze them, this recipe becomes so simple that there's a high probability it will become your fave Friday night staple.

Gluten-Free Vegan Pantry

Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese

There's almost nothing better than veganized mac and cheese. This cheesy delight is a hug in a bowl and the exact thing you require on those days when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.

Minimalist Baker

One-Hour Vegan Pot Pies

This blogger says it all: “Delicious, flaky, veggie-packed vegan pot pies in less than one hour. That’s all you need to know."

Ambitious Kitchen

Lemon Blueberry Pistachio Cupcakes

Comfort food includes cupcakes. Opt for a magical combination like lemon, blueberry, and pistachio and watch the sparks fly.

If you can't get enough vegan comfort food in your life, follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!

This post has been updated.

comfort food recipesrecipe roundupvegan recipeswinterfood

Paris Geller Is Actually The Best Gilmore Girl Of Them All

Ahhh…Paris Geller. Where does one even begin with the best Gilmore Girl whose name isn't actually Gilmore? The woman we all came to know and love. The purveyor of backhanded compliments, deadpan humor, the quickest wit one can imagine and an absolutely ungodly work ethic. The sole character of the series who I would 100% watch a spin-off of, and love every minute. Sure — she once said that everyone around her needed to be sterilized immediately. And that Rory’s boyfriend offers “nothing to women or the world in general.” And that she can “scare the stupid out of you. But the lazy runs deep.”

She may, in fact, be the only character whose absurdity warrants such unhinged comments, and I am so here for it. You may be reading this because you too believe that Paris Geller deserves way more praise than she receives. Or you hate her. Or perhaps you don’t even know who she is. Regardless, allow me to delight you with the many — shall I say — unique musings of my favorite Gilmore Girls character, and explain exactly why Paris was not only what the cult-classic show needed, but the feminist icon TV needed, too.

www.youtube.com

rory & paris (2)

So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.

The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”

www.youtube.com

rory & paris (92)

Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.

Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)

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rory & paris (146)

Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.

So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.

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rory & paris (175)

That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.

Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.

Image via WB

There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.

What's your take on Paris Geller? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for more pop culture musings!

Header image via Netflix, Warner Bros

This post has been updated.

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35 Easy Soup Recipes Perfect For A Rainy Day

It's raining and you forgot all of your umbrella. And your rain boots. And your rain jacket. (Hey, we've all been there). This evening you're going to need something warm and incredibly simple that you can whip up in less than half an hour so that you can get cozier faster than you can blink. Well, maybe not that fast.

The point is, we know the feeling so we've come up with amazing quick and easy soup recipesor a tasty dinner. From creamy chickendumpling to a light, lemony vegetable, the 35 soups below will comfort you from the inside out on the most blustery of days.

via The Real Food Dietitians

The Best Loaded Cauliflower Soup

Kick off your fall soup season with tender cauliflower, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and kale with this satisfying bowl of soup.

Image via Half Baked Harvest

30-Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen

Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, peanut butter, chicken, mushrooms, and bell peppers unite to create the most delicious base for this ramen soup.

via Averie Cooks

Sausage Tortellini Soup

Warm up on cool days with this easy Italian sausage tortellini soup made in one pot and ready in 30 minutes!

via The Girl on Bloor

Creamy Pumpkin Curry Soup

Add this easy recipe to your fall soup rotation with coconut milk, canned pumpkin and curry paste.

via Completely Delicious

Turkey and Dumplings Soup

Bookmark this recipe for your turkey leftovers! Fluffy buttermilk dumplings make this soup so comforting and delicious.

via The Original Dish

Creamy Tahini Carrot Soup

Flavored with peppers, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, tahini, and lime, this flavorful soup will keep you warm and cozy all week long.

via Kathryn's Kitchen

Easy French Onion Soup

Binge on Emily in Paris while slurping this delicious soup.

via Pink Owl Kitchen

Creamy Cajun Potato Soup

Add a touch of heat to your soup routine with this cheesy, creamy soup that combines tender russet potatoes, veggies, and sausage in a creamy, spicy broth.

Image via Brit + Co

Lemony Greens Soup

Plenty of lemon juice and fresh herbs take this simple, vegetable-forward soup to the next level.

via Bowl of Delicious

Stuffed Pepper Soup With Ground Beef And Rice

This one-pot, freezable meal also happens to be gluten free and dairy free. It's hearty and so tasty!

via Vanilla and Bean

Coconut Curried French Lentil Soup

Vegan recipe lovers will enjoy this rich, creamy soup with French lentils, coconut milk and warming curry spices.

Image via Brit + Co

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

If you’re looking for a soul-soothing recipe that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right place.

Image via Brit + Co

Chickpea and Lentil Soup

You can serve this immediately or let it simmer while you do other chores.

Image via Brit + Co

3-Ingredient Tortilla Soup

There is nothing better than one-pot dinners. We're always a fan of having just a couple of dishes to wash after we've fallen into a warm soup coma.

Image via Brit + Co

Roasted Tomato Soup

Way tastier than the canned stuff and almost as quick, this recipe is a twist on the classic tomato soup with roasted tomatoes and a grilled cheese on the side.

via Crowded Kitchen

Super Green Sheet Pan Soup

Satisfy your need for greens with this nutritious soup made with leeks, zucchini, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes and peas, topped with pesto grilled cheese croutons.

Image via Brit + Co

Ginger Butternut Squash Soup

Even if you’re the slowest chopper in the world, you can have this soup on the table in under 30 and feel pretty good about how healthy it is.

Image via Brit + Co

Chickpea Stew with Pesto

This weeknight stew will help you eat your vegetables.

Image via Brit + Co

Vegan Sriracha Chili

Yes, you can have a totally flavorful chili with one pot, and yes it will warm your soul.

Image via Brit + Co

Homemade Ramen Cup

This homemade version is the adult version of our dorm room favorite. Make it when you need something to mindlessly graze on while you come down from the day.

Image via Brit + Co

Chickpea and Lime Soup

Adding crispy, spiced chickpeas as a soup topper is any easy way to “beef” up this quick, simple, and delicious soup.

Image via Brit + Co

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Instead of waiting 40 minutes to bake a potato, whip up a bowl of this cheesy soup in half the time via your Instant Pot. Garnish it with bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, and whatever else your heart desires.

Image via Brit + Co

Easy Blender Pea Soup

If you're starting to feel guilty about those winter month calories, try this healthy pea soup. We definitely won't judge if you end up adding some garlic bread to the meal.

Image via Brit + Co

Spring Onion Soup

Get your greens and warm up at the same time with this creamy dish. It can be eaten warm or cold, which makes it the perfect recipe for unexpected spring weather.

Image via Culinary Hill

White Bean and Kale Soup

With just five ingredients, plus salt and pepper, you can whip up this healthy, warming soup in no time.

Image via Half Baked Harvest

30-Minute Creamy Chicken and Parmesan-Sage Dumplings

Parmesan and sage take the dumplings in this easy chicken soup to a whole other level.

Image via Salt and Lavender

Easy Black Bean Soup

Made with inexpensive ingredients like canned black beans, tomatoes, and green chiles, this soup is as easy as chopping one onion and two garlic gloves and tossing everything in a pot.

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Easy Taco Soup

Taco Tuesdays just got cozier with this easy taco soup recipe. All it takes is 28 minutes to cook this yummy blend of wholesome ingredients for a meal that'll hit the spot every time you cook it in your Instant Pot.

Image via The Edgy Veg

Easy Crock Pot Lasagna Soup

This easy crock pot soup recipe is for all my lasagna and baked ziti lovers. It's hearty and filled with flavors that'll make your taste buds tingle with excitement.

Image via Clean Cuisine

Sweet Potato Curry

For a different burst of flavor, cook this flavorful sweet potato curry soup. It has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the turmeric found in it so you'll get a tasty meal that's beneficial to your body.

via Feel Good Foodie

Vegan Broccoli Soup

Made with only four ingredients and perfect with frozen vegetables, this recipe comes from Sarah Copeland’s cookbook Instant Family Meals is perfect for busy weeknights.

Image via Give Recipe

Old-Fashioned Cabbage Soup

Just in time for fall, Give Recipe's take on the old-fashioned cabbage soup recipe is one worth making tonight. It's filled with Mediterranean flavors you won't be able to resist!

via Munching with Mariyah

Spicy Mushroom Noodle Soup

This healthy soup is a mix of spicy miso broth, packed with edamame, tofu, ginger, and garlic, poured over comforting soba noodles.

via Two Peas and Their Pod

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This is a delicious twist on chicken noodle soup and so easy to make!

Image via Vikalinka

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Looking for something that has a little kick to it? Try making this stuffed pepper soup!

Which easy soup recipe will you try tonight? Share with us @BritandCo!

This article has been updated.

Lead image via Vikalinka.

homemadesoup recipesrainy dayhealthy recipesfall recipesvegan recipesvegetarian recipesnoodle soupramencomfort food recipes

Lane Kim's Treatment On "Gilmore Girls" Is The Ultimate TV Tragedy

Gilmore Girlstakes up more of my brain space than I'd care to admit. The show is undeniably great. I mean, there's a reason it's become an absolute cultural phenomenon! The banter is witty and memorable, the Stars Hollow, Connecticut setting is warm and friendly, and the character dynamics feel natural and comforting. All of these elements combined create the perfect comfort show thatI personally rewatch again and again. However, despite having an overall positive opinion of the show, there is one bone I have to pick with it. This grievance makes my blood boil and keeps me tossing and turning at night.

While I can't pose my all-too-important question to the creators of the show, I will ask it to you, reader: Why in the world was Lane Kim's storyline such a travesty? Considering the show is not shy about uplifting and celebrating Rory (despite her many mistakes) it feels especially unfair how short of a stick Lane (played by Keiko Agena) truly got. Here are my unfiltered thoughts on the subject.

Lane deserved better after a life of seeking independence

Photo via WBLane Kim's Treatment On "Gilmore Girls" Is The Ultimate TV Tragedy

Throughout Lane's formative teenage years, she was forced to hide her true identity and interests in order to appease her mother. From hiding CDs in her floorboards and changing her clothes when she got to school, Lane was under a lot of pressure to keep her mom happy, while still trying to figure out who she was. Her mother even kicked her out after finding out about her "secret life," causing Lane to have to move into Rory's dorm. Rory, on the other hand, had a mother who supported her every dream and who she could be fully herself with.

I'm not sure why only one of these two besties got to live out their dreams, but if it did have to play out this way, it should have been Lane Kim. Given how difficult her upbringing was, couldn't the show have given her a win by having *her* be the one who gets to follow her dreams?

Lane's love life is lackluster

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Once again, the show propped up Rory and gave her not one, not two, but three love interests. Whether or not you love all three of them, we can all admit that each boyfriend was compatible with Rory in their own way, and helped her learn and grow. Lane, however, did not get this. Her first boyfriend, Dave, is great. He's kind and sweet and understanding of her family situation, but the show breaks them up because they can't handle being long-distance. (Technically, we know actor Adam Brody had to leave for The O.C. but where is the justice??!)

After Dave, it all goes downhill from there for poor Lane. She ends up with Zack, who isn't bad but isn't great. And, as soon as Lane is finally getting to pursue her passion by going on tour with her band, she finds out she and Zack are pregnant. Considering how long Lane dreamed of getting to be her authentic herself and openly express her interests, it feels cruel that this twist of fate took it away from her at this exact moment.

Lane made the best of her situation

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Despite Rory having almost every opportunity available to her, we find out in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life that she is making bad decisions (like, er, sleeping with an engaged man) and is struggling to find her way. Lane, on the other hand, has made the best out of the cards she's been dealt. She's still married to Zack, is taking care of her twins, and has even kept music in her life by joining a band. I can't help but think if Lane can forge ahead despite all of her unfortunate circumstances, how fantastic could her life have been if the writers had served her just a little bit more good fortune?

Lane could have served as the role model so many girls needed

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lane's experience mirrors many Asian-American girls' lives. She had a strict upbringing and struggled to strike a balance between fitting in with her American peers and forming her own identity, while still trying to manage her mother's expectations of who she should be. As an Asian-American, Lane's experiences mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful.

With the lack of representation at the time, it was even more important that Lane was dealt an ending that she and her viewers could be proud of. Instead of turning her into somewhat of a cautionary tale, her story could have been utilized to empower an audience of individuals who saw themselves in her. For that reason, Lane's treatment on Gilmore Girls will never quite sit right with me.

What do you think about Lane Kim's storyline on Gilmore Girls? Let us know in the comments and check out our guide to Where Is The Gilmore Girls Cast Now? to keep up with your favorite Stars Hollow residents (even if they're not in Stars Hollow anymore).

Lead image via Warner Bros

This post has been updated.

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6 Reasons 'Nobody Wants This' Wasn't Actually That Good

Okay let's just address the elephant in the room: no, I didn't love Nobody Wants This, despite the fact I'm a massive rom-com fan. (Don't worry, I absolutely still jumped on the Adam Brody Hot Rabbi train). After its premiere on September 26, 2024, the show racked up 10.3 million views in its first week, and quickly got renewed for season 2. But despite the insane popularity, I really didn't like it as much as I thought I would.

That's not to say I hated the show. There were definitely moments that gave me butterflies (hello INSANE first kiss!), and I enjoyed moments with Joanne and Morgan almost more than the rest of the series because they reminded me how much chaos my sister and I get into. Plus, as a victim of the abysmal online dating scene, I did appreciate the way the show emphasized how much dating can suck right now.

And that's the best thing about art — it's supposed to make you think and analyze and feel. And I definitely came away from Nobody Wants This with some interesting feelings.

Here's my very-subjective take on Nobody Wants This...and why I don't really get the hype.

1. ​I don't really see myself in Joanne.

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As someone who took solace in books and TV shows from an early age (a silver lining to the isolation of homeschooling), I've always felt drawn to characters that simultaneously make me feel seen and inspire me to be a better version of myself. But Kristin Bell's Joanne in Nobody Wants This left me feeling alienated rather than included.

I'm naturally quieter and more timid in large social situations so Joanne's brash, sharper edges caught me a little off guard — and honestly reminded me of past party environments I really didn't enjoy. "In my opinion Joanne is a generic, predictable character of a baddie who hides her insecurities behind the attitude," @niemownikomu says on Reddit.

But even though Joanne and I are so different, I was very touched by the contrast between her larger-than-life personality and her fear that romantic partners would be turned off by her independence. I definitely get that.

2. ​Teasing a romance between Morgan & Sasha is totally inappropriate.

Netflix

One detail that honestly pissed me off about Nobody Wants This was the will-they-won't-they between Morgan and Noah's married (!!!) brother Sasha. Romanticizing cheating on your spouse is never hot or spicy to me, and I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief when creator Erin Foster announced season 2 was ditching that would-be relationship.

3. ​It's way too early for Noah to be in a new relationship.

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

@the_yv_edit on TikTok made an entire video about Noah's red flags, revolving around the idea that a back & forth and up & down romance might be entertaining, but it'll drain you in the long run. And one opinion that kept coming up in the comments was that Noah shouldn't even be thinking about starting something with Joanne. "Him jumping into the relationship was the first and biggest red flag," one user says.

​4. Noah either doesn't do that much in 'Nobody Wants This'...

Netflix

One more thing that @the_yv_editpointed out was that Noah doesn't actually do anything that extraordinary for her. He walks her to her car after the dinner party in the pilot, and they have great communication (thank goodness, I'm all for romanticizing great communication), but that should be the bare minimum people!! Plus did we just gloss over the fact he literally hid her when she came to camp?!

5. Or he goes WAY overboard.

Netflix

And when Noah does ditch her at camp, and Joanne leaves for her work dinner, he winds up at the restaurant (sweet)"but then HE SHOULD HAVE LEFT. Not pulled out candles, commandeered a table, and done the Shabbat ritual in front of her CLIENTS," lizzardmuzic says on Reddit. "I was cringing the whole time and thought it would be an issue, but I guess it was supposed to be a huge romantic gesture? I'm pissed. Everyone in this sub thinks Noah is too perfect, but I don't like him much. If anything, I think they wrote Joanne too perfect."

6. The 'Nobody Wants This' ending left me more stressed than hopeful.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

This is probably my Type-A oldest daughter realism kicking in, but I can't stop thinking about the end of Nobody Wants This. Considering romantic chemistry only lasts a few years, giving up your life-long dreams to see if a relationship works out really stressed me out. "It was very enjoyable. I just think in reality when the heat cools down as it inevitably does in these kind of relationships somewhere in his life he would truly regret his choice!" Reddit user Artistic_Incident569 says.

But that's what Nobody Wants This is all about right? Taking huge risks and turning your life upside down for love. And I'll admit that that in and of itself is pretty romantic.

What did you think about Nobody Wants This? Let us know what you're excited to see in season 2 on Facebook and read up on 5 Shows That Are (Almost) As Good As Nobody Wants This for even more.

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