10 Ways To Shop Better & Avoid Option-Overwhelm At T.J. Maxx And Marshall's

tj maxx and marshalls shopping tips

I’m typically an easy person to shop with — I walk into a store, scan the racks, and if something pops out at me? I buy it. That worked well in my early 20s, when I would shop for last-minute brunch outfits and going out tops, but I like to be more intentional about my style these days. I don’t just wear things once for a picture anymore, and because my style and weight fluctuates by the season, it takes more time and effort to find something that I’ll want to wear again.

You can imagine that shopping at stores like T.J. Maxx is a little difficult for me. I’m so easily overwhelmed by the many options that I eventually forget what I’m looking for. I decided to get to the bottom of this and sat down with style experts at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls for their advice on how to shop around stores with more success and less stress. Besides just looking and feeling good, I’m ready to step into my personal style, and I’ll start by following these tips and tricks.

Shop the “track.”

The merchandise at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls is ever-changing, and their hot new styles tend to sell quickly. Representatives from the stores recommend, “shopping the ‘track’ — or the curated racks in the center of the store — to get a lay of the land before diving into the racks.” Every store is different, so every track will be different, but they’re ultimately there to save you time.

Best-sellers may come back, but don’t wait to grab them.

Popular products at both stores often sell quickly. “While it’s possible that a fan favorite may come back, our opportunistic buying practices mean we can’t promise that any item will be back once it’s sold,” the representatives say. So, if you find something you love, grab it while you can!

Shop clearance during “J” months.

If you’re looking for the best deals, shop clearance during the months that start with the letter J. “While there are great deals in store and online year-round, T.J.Maxx and Marshalls have their biggest clearance events in January and again during the end of June into July,” the store representatives say.

Pay attention to the price tag colors.

You can narrow down your options based on price point by paying attention to the markdown colors. Here’s how they breakdown:

  • White indicates a full priced item
  • Red indicates a clearance item
  • Yellow indicates the final clearance price.

If you love it, they’ll lug it!

Depending on where you go, T.J.Maxx or Marshalls may offer a home delivery option, which is particularly helpful for those larger items or gifts you want to take home, but don’t want to have to carry. “Keep your hands free to continue shopping and let the store handle the rest,” reps from the stores say. “Pricing varies based on location and distance, so be sure to ask your local store for details.”

Major designer savings are available online.

If you’re looking for a high end buy, T.J.Maxx’s Runway section carries designer labels for less, including handbags, women’s fashion, beauty, and more. If your local store doesn’t have a Runway department, you can find a great selection of designer steals online at T.J. Maxx’s Runway shop or Marshalls.com.

You can shop online to expand your options in general.

Both tjmaxx.com and marshalls.com are refreshed frequently with new finds across their sections. You can shop brand-name merchandise 24/7, have them shipped right to your door, and never even have to walk into the physical store with all its many, many racks. These sites also offer a different selection of products than stores, giving you even more quality merchandise to explore at a great value.

Explore specialty shops online to see what’s trending.

Get overwhelmed by all your options online or otherwise? Specialty online shops, such as The Occasion Shop or The Vacation Shop, can help narrow your search and score the season’s top trends in a more curated list. With summer right around the corner, be sure to check out The Summer Shop to stay on top of the freshest finds the brands have to offer.

Get free shipping on all orders over $89.

Want to save money while you shop? Hot tip: Use code “SHIP89” online to receive free shipping on all orders over $89 (terms and conditions apply).

Staying connected means you hear first.

If you want to call dibs on items as soon as they drop, you can sign up for T.J.Maxx and Marshalls emails to find out about new arrivals and exclusives faster. Also follow the brands on Instagram and TikTok to gather style inspiration and get a peek into the latest trends.

Alright T.J.Maxx/Marshalls Stans: Which one of these tips are you going to follow on your next shopping spree? Let us know in the comments!

Sign up for our email newsletter to get the latest style news!

Header image via Midjourney

Making matcha might seem like a fancy ritual, but it’s actually way easier than you think. All you need is the right items, techniques, and a little patience. Whether you prefer it hot and frothy or iced and refreshing, we've got the key to a smooth, vibrant cup of matcha. With just a few simple steps, you can bring a café-level matcha experience straight to your kitchen!

Scroll on to see how to make matcha – including our best tips and product recommendations.

1. Add your matcha powder.

Rocky's Matcha

Rocky's Matcha Oishi Ceremonial Blend Matcha

The perfect matcha latte undoubtedly starts with the right matcha powder. There are several different grades of matcha: ceremonial, premium, and culinary. Ceremonial grade matcha powder is typically more expensive, but it provides the best sweet, smooth, and umami-rich flavor.

Amazon

365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Matcha Powder

Premium grade matcha powder is slightly less sweet than ceremonial grade, but can be a great option if you consume matcha on the daily. It's also great for baking projects!

Jade Leaf

Jade Leaf Organic Culinary Matcha

Culinary grade matcha powder is widely known as the more budget-friendly option. It’s noticeably more bitter and you’ll notice that its color is less vibrant than ceremonial grade matcha powder.

To get started on your matcha, you'll want to sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into your matcha bowl. Sifting it through a fine mesh sieve ensures less clumps and better flavor.

2. Kettle

Great Jones

Great Jones x Fellow EKG Pro Kettle

To make matcha, you’ll need to heat up some water so that the powder mixes perfectly. The exact temperature of water is important there, though, so having a good kettle on-hand will make the process super easy.

Great Jones

We love this kettle from Great Jones x Fellow because it's aesthetically-pleasing, yet super functional. You can fine-tune the exact temperature using an easy dial, set timers, and pour with precision, thanks to the pour-over spout.

Printworks

Café Kitsuné x Printworks Matcha Tools

Some matcha purists insist on preheating their matcha bowls before adding any powder. You can do this by filling it with hot water and letting it sit for about a minute, discarding the water after.

To prep your matcha powder in the matcha bowl, you’ll want your water to be around 175°F – just below boiling. You don’t need too much of it. Pour just enough to cover the powder.

Next, mix the matcha and water together with your whisk for about 15-20 seconds, using a zig-zag motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and frothy.

3. Use a matcha bowl + whisk.

Free People

Ren Vois Blush Marble Matcha Table Set

A reliable matcha bowl and whisk set is crucial for preparing matcha the right way. Using these traditional tools ensures that your matcha powder is evenly mixed and doesn't come out clumpy.

DAVIDsTEA

DAVIDsTEA Bamboo Matcha Whisk

Plus, using a quality bamboo whisk gives your matcha that smooth, frothy texture you love and naturally aerates a bit of the bitterness out for a seamless sip.

4. Add your sweetener of choice.

Jordan's Skinny Mixes

Jordan's Skinny Mixes Sugar-Free Pistachio Syrup

After you’ve mixed your matcha is where the fun really kicks in. You can pair the matcha mixture with your favorite flavors, using syrups, purees, or natural sweeteners to jazz it up. Simply add your matcha to your desired amount of sweetener and gently mix to incorporate the flavors.

Amazon

365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Grade A Dark Maple Syrup

Other matcha lovers concoct their own syrups and purees, like strawberry, blueberry, and peach.

Using natural sweeteners like honey, agave, or maple syrup is also a stunning way to add some sweetness to your matcha latte!

5. Pour your milk.

Amazon

Minor Figures Organic Barista Oat Milk

Matcha lattes are typically served with milk for added creaminess and to break some of the natural bitterness from the powder. Generally, anywhere from 1 to 1 1 ½ cups of milk is the perfect ratio.

Amazon

The HomeFlow Co.Handheld Milk Frother

You can easily sip your homemade matcha iced or hot. For a hot drink, you can use a milk steamer, or for the less fancy, microwave it for a few minutes in a mug and froth with a handheld electric whisk.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's Organic Unsweetened Almond Beverage

Our favorite milks for matcha lattes include Minor Figures' Organic Barista Oat Milk, Trader Joe's Organic Unsweetened Almond Beverage, and Forager Project’s Organic Cashew Milk. Occasionally, we’ll add a tiny splash of Chobani Vanilla Dairy Creamerfor extra sweetness if we don’t have other sweeteners on-hand.

6. Serve in a cute glass!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass

A matcha latte truly isn’t complete without a cute cup or mug! In addition to mason jars and weck jars, these are the most adorable options we want in our kitchen ASAP.

Amazon

Wavy Drinking Glasses

These glasses are full of personality. You'll be hosting an at-home cafe in no time!

Amazon

Bluepolar Glass Tumbler

This glass is perfect for on-the-go matcha moments since it comes with a secure lid to prevent slips and spills.

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

If you're like us, then you're probably missing Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone — and you probably watched it for not only the plot, but also for the beautiful scenery. Well, the show takes place in Montana and has many people (myself included) wanting to take a trip out to the Big Sky Country. Sound familiar? We've gone ahead and came up with some hot spots you'll want to check out on your next trip whether you're looking to visit Billings, Whitefish, Kalispell, Missoula, Butte, or anywhere in between.

Scroll to find out how to visit Montana like your favorite Yellowstone characters!

Where to Stay in Montana

Larch House

Larch House

If you find yourself in Whitefish, then you'll want to book a stay at Larch House for your visit. This luxury boutique hotel has a variety of standard guest rooms and suites that have farmhouse-style decor and modern amenities. The property is spread across 10 buildings for a lodge-like feel and is home to a speakeasy and heated rooftop pool with views of beautiful mountains. This is the perfect hotel for a girls-trip, bachelorette party, or romantic getaway in the northern region of Montana.

Grouse Mountain Lodge

Grouse Mountain Lodge

Plan on staying in the Whitefish area in the winter? Grouse Mountain Lodge is another property that both skiers and snowboarders will love as it's right near Big Mountain and Glacier National Park. The rooms are cozy, quaint and comfortable giving that more home-like, rustic feel that gravitates people to the country region. At night, you can head to the downtown area that has a plethora of dining and shopping options and then go back to your room to rest up for the next day of adventures.

Paws Up

Paws Up Montana

Paws Up Montana is an all inclusive resort in Greenough, Montana that combines the fun of a ranch with the sophistication of a luxury property. It's great for families who want to explore the great outdoors in a controlled environment as there's over 70 activities to choose from such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking, canoeing and more.

What to do in Montana

VisitTheUSA.com

National Parks

Glacier National Park

A trip to Montana isn't complete with visiting a national park. Glacier National Park is home to over 700 miles of trails making it the perfect spot for those hikers looking to venture off the beaten path. You'll be able to see melting glaciers (hence the name) as you explore alongside lakes and valleys. If you enjoy backpacking, then you can do that at this national park but you'll need to get a permit in advance. Don't worry if you forget to file a permit because the Glacier Park Lodge is right next door and they have rooms and suites to keep you comfortable.

National Parks Service

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is the world's first national park — crazy, right? There's so much to do and see at Yellowstone it can be hard to find where to begin. Let's be clear — you probably won't see it all in one trip so that's just another reason to go back! For starters, take a visit to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. It runs for 20 miles and can be seen from various points in the park. It's a great location to take those picturesque photos for your Instagram feed — trust me. If you're a fan of hot springs, then you're in luck because there's no shortage of them here.

Glacier Raft Co.

Other Activities in Montana

Glacier Raft Co

Rafting in Montana is a popular activity because there's not only so much water, but also beautiful scenery to take in. Glacier Raft Co. has a selection of rafting excursions and guided experiences to choose from whether you're looking to go out on your own or join a group and explore.

The World Museum of Mining

World Museum of Mining

Located on an actual mine yard, the museum offers a unique experience to visitors to tour the steel headframe and even go on an underground tour of the Orphan Girl Mine. This is an educational and insightful activity to do if you don't want to be out in nature and instead open up your mind to new facts and information.

VisitMT.Com

Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

This park is home to 1000 hand-cast Buddha statues that are positioned around the central Great Mother figure. Located approximately 25 west of Missoula, this garden is the perfect place to venture off to for a peaceful and spiritual experience unlike any other.

Where to Eat in Montana

Lucca's Fine Italian

Lucca's Fine Italian

If you're craving delicious Italian food, then you'll want to make a reservation at Lucca's Fine Italian. This dinner-only restaurant serves up freshly made from scratch cuisine with everything ranging from pasta to poultry — don't miss out on the fisherman's spaghetti. There's no dress code and they encourage guests to come in whatever they feel most comfortable wearing.

Instagram/themontanaclub

The Montana Club

The Montana Club is touted as one of the best restaurants in Montana with its diverse menu filled with steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, seafood, sandwiches, burgers, pasta and salads. No matter where you are in Montana, you'll likely find a location close by as there are five throughout the state in Billings, Missoula, Butte, Kalispell and Great Falls.

Instram/themartbletablemt

The Marble Table

This family-owned restaurant in Billings, Montana is a hot spot for tourists and locals alike in the area. The menu is described as having an elevated twist on traditional comfort foods with menu items including mac and cheese, fried chicken and pork schnitzel. The family-friendly spot is closed on Sunday and Monday so you'll want to be sure to plan accordingly during your visit.

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When I was working barista shifts at Starbucks over the winter, we'd get Medicine Ball orders every single hour. And not going to lie, I really hated them. Let me get this straight — I didn't hate the drink, but I more so disliked the fact that the customers ordering them almost always demanded their tea between a swarm of thick coughs and countless small sniffles. Yuck.

It truly felt like I was on the fence of getting sick pretty much every time someone stepped up to the register. But, I remained strong and I did what I had to do as a service worker, which in this case, was to pour the peachy-citrus tea into a pool of honey syrup, then top it with steamed lemonade. Coughs and sniffles aside, I often questioned why someone would order the Medicine Ball, based on the cost of the drink alone (up to $6, and that gets expensive when you're ordering it all the time).

Popular during sick season, the Starbucks Medicine Ball (AKA the Honey Citrus Mint Tea) may be good, but it's not good enough to cure you of that semi-flu, or whatever other pathogens might have been floating around in my café. It's also not worth putting someone else's health in jeopardy. Turns out, you can make the Medicine Ball at home — which saves money and effort (and spares others' safety) in the long run.

Scroll on to find out how simple making the Starbucks Medicine Ball really is!

@k.ard Medicine Ball for only $1.69 each! #medicineball#fluseason#coldseason#starbucksdupe#budgettok#SephoraConcealers#DrPepperTuitionContest#halloween#fall2022♬ Halloween - KenZie DarkStar

TikTok always makes recipes look effortless. So, I took this trusty tutorial into our own hands to compare how good an at-home Medicine Ball could really be against the real one from Starbucks.

Ingredients for the Starbucks Medicine Ball Drink

Starbucks

How can I make a Medicine Ball at home?

Anna Pou / PEXELS

Making a Starbucks Medicine Ball at home is pretty straightforward:
  1. Heat 1 cup of lemonade in the microwave for 45 seconds to a minute.
  2. Add 1 cup of hot water and stir in 1 tablespoon honey.
  3. Add one bag of Peach Tranquility and one bag of Jade Citrus Mint, then steep for a few minutes.
  4. Enjoy your Medicine Ball!

How I Made The Starbucks Medicine Ball At Home

Meredith Holser

First, I embarked on an ever-iconic Target run to gather my copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe ingredients. Since they were out of the exact Teavana teas I needed to replicate the TikTok recipe, I picked up two similar ones: first, the Good & Gather Organic Peach Honey Tea, and the Good & Gather Organic Mint Tea. I also picked up a jug of lemonade, and planned to use the honey I already had at home. All together, the three ingredients I needed ended up costing me about $9.50.

Step 1: Heat Lemonade

Tara Winstead / PEXELS

I measured a cup of lemonade, and just popped my Starbucks mug in the microwave for a minute.

Step 2: Add Water and Honey

Roman Odinstov / PEXELS

While the lemonade was in the microwave, I set some water on in my electric kettle. Once both liquids were heated up, I measured a cup of water and combined it in the mug with a tablespoon of honey. Yum!

Step 3: Steep Tea Bags

Anna Pou / PEXELS

Then, I put the two teabags in the mixture to steep. The tea wasn't overly hot either, and I steeped them for about 3 minutes before giving my homemade Medicine Ball recipe a lil' sip.

Is the homemade version of the Medicine Ball as good as the one from Starbucks?

Meredith Holser

To my surprise, my homemade Medicine Ball recipe was extremely delicious, and it mimicked the Starbucks one so closely. Before tasting, I gave my tea a sniff, and the smell was pretty much identical to the drink made in stores. The flavor hit the exact same mark.

Overall, I rate my homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball a 4.7/5.

The only detracting factors are the temperature of the drink – Starbucks steams their lemonade to make the drink super hot, and mine wasn't nearly as piping. Of course, this is just personal preference, and next time, I can heat the lemonade for a longer duration, or reheat the drink altogether. Another reason for the minimal point deduction is the drink wasn't as sweet as I expected it to be. Again, this is a personal preference, and you can add as little or as much sweetener you desire!

All of this goes to say, that a homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball is just as yummy as the one you can get at a Starbucks cafe. By following the steps above, you can make a copycat recipe that's going to satisfy your hankering for a citrusy, hot tea!

Looking for more at-home copycat recipes like this Medicine Ball from Starbucks? Browse our site for more DIYs!

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

This post has been updated.

I've been on the edge of my seat for Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson's Verity (even before I saw It Ends With Us), and after hearing about the first look that aired at CinemaCon this week, the internet is even more locked in on the “gothic, psychosexual thriller” (as the film's described by director Mike Showalter) than they've ever been.

Here's what the Verity cast, including Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett, had to say about the new movie from Colleen Hoover.

What is Verity about?

Any Colleen Hoover fan knows the Verity movie revolves around Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson), who gets hired by Jeremy Crawford (Josh Hartnett) to finish his wife's novels. Renowned author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway) is no longer able to write after a tragic accident, but what begins as an exciting project takes a turn for the horrifying when Lowen discovers Verity is hiding a terrible secret.

Anne Hathaway promises 'Verity' is worth "waiting for."

At Amazon MGM's CinemaCon presentation, the Verity cast, Colleen Hoover, and Mike Showalter offered attendees a new look at the movie via video message.

“My character Verity Crawford is an accomplished author with a tragic past,” Anne said, while Dakota joked, “Or is she?”

Josh added, “My character, Jeremy Crawford, is a devoted husband who’s committed to protecting his wife’s legacy.”

“Or is he?” Dakota said again.

“One thing we can say for sure is that seeing Verity in theaters will give fans the shared experience they’ve been waiting for," Anne promised.

And everyone's losing it over the "wild" footage from CinemaCon!

The presentation also included the first trailer for the movie, which showed Verity and Jeremy meeting at a bar — which explains those iconic set leaks of Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnettrunning through the streets of New York! And when Jeremy's introduced to Lowen and brings her to their giant home, he tells her "she's the only writer who can do this"...and then they begin their own illicit affair. And as they have a hot make out sesh on the couch, Lowen realizes she's kissing Verity and not Jeremy. Wow.

"Just saw the first footage for VERITY starring Josh Hartnett, Anne Hathaway, and Dakota Johnson," @JoeySpielberg says on X. It looks like it’s gonna be good but I honestly couldn’t tell you the plot is but it’s definitely gonna be wild. Seems like a movie you just don’t know what happens next."

"The footage showcases a sexy, mind-bending thriller," @howatdk agrees.

We're sure to see many more shocks and surprises when Verity hits theaters May 15, 2026.

Check out the 10 Most-Anticipated Book-To-Film Adaptations We Can't Wait To See In 2025.

A new Trader Joe’s skincare find just hit shelves, and beauty fans are already reeling about its similarities to more luxury products! The night cream features a handful of ingredients that are commonly found in pricier skincare options, but this TJ’s pick costs a fraction of its suspected competitors.

As a Versed Sweet Relief overnight cream loyalist (I use it every single day without fail), I must say I'm thoroughly convinced to try this new Trader Joe’s item after reading shoppers’ reactions!

Scroll on to discover the all-new Trader Joe’s skincare product worth adding to your routine!

Reddit

Trader Joe’s Night Cream is a brand-new addition to their collection of skincare goodies. In fact, it’s so new that it’s not listed on their website quite yet. Despite its newcomer status, tons of shoppers are already buzzing about the Trader Joe’s Night Cream.

Reddit

One TJ’s fan on Reddit surfaced the new find on the r/TraderJoe’s subreddit, and skincare lovers were super quick to chime in.

Per the post, the Trader Joe’s Night Cream is formulated with Irish sea moss extract, a fermented mushroom complex, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate. It’s also unscented, which can be super beneficial for sensitive skin in need of moisture.

The TJ’s fan that found the night cream on shelves reported that it is “very thick but dry at the same time. I really had to work it into the skin,” they said. “Very odd consistency.”

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Another shopper that tried the Trader Joe’s Night Cream weighed in on their experience:

“Using it sparingly since I’m quite pregnant and don’t want to mess with sensitive skin but so far it’s quite nice!” they said. “Thick but not greasy in the slightest. I still feel it on my skin when I rinse my face in the AM which means it held up overnight in my dry altitude climate.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Several more users compared this new TJ’s formula to other products on the market, mentioning Asian beauty and even retinol for its anti-aging benefits.

“It’s interesting to see all the fermented ingredients in this!” one person commented. “I know that they have been very popular in Asian skincare for years, but I don’t see it that often in the States. I’m excited to try this! Thanks for sharing, I’m going to be on the lookout now.”

“Based on the ingredients list, I suspect this might be a Korean product,” another TJ’s shopper agreed.

“Irish Sea Moss is considered an excellent retinol alternative so if it agrees with one’s skin, not a bad option for those who can’t tolerate or don’t want harsh actives,” one more skincare fan noted.

MARA Beauty

One Redditor confirmed that a single 2-ounce jar of the Trader Joe’s Night Cream cost just $9. Similar moisturizers that leverage sea moss in their formulas (like Wildling’s Moonbounce 2% Bioretinol Irish Sea Moss Plumping Moisturizer and MARA's SeaDream Algae Crème) average around $73, which is insane.

KoolShooters / PEXELS

This TJ’s find could be a great way to try out the sea moss skincare wave without shelling out a fortune! Per episode 87 of The Inside Trader Joe's Podcast, it’s certifiably “high-quality” and “incredibly functional.”

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing Trader Joe's products!

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