What to Make This Weekend: Ugly Sweater Onesies, Funfetti House + More

How are the holiday preparations going? Are there enough ornaments on the tree? Figured out the perfect gift for your sister? Not yet? Then skip the long shopping lines and set aside a few minutes this weekend to DIY one of these rad projects. We’ve got every category covered, from funfetti treats and mulled wine to stylish pumps and *super* stylish onesies. Oh yeah, we’re classy like that.

1. Ugly Sweater Onesie: Ugly sweaters have actually gotten pretty hip, which is why you need to take things up a level if you want to win that party contest. A full onesie covered in holiday feels? It’s so ugly it’s cute. (via Brit + Co)

2. Funfetti Gingerbread House: Nix the traditional gingerbread and make a house out of something infinitely more delicious. Or make both. (via Studio DIY)

3. Confetti Christmas Trees: Raise your hand if you love untangling string lights. No hands? Leave those massive knots in their boxes and set up a collection of these candy-inspired trees instead. (via Sugar and Cloth)

4. DIY Batik Indigo Stockings: Goodbye red and green, hello lovely indigo. Spruce up your mantel with a brand new color this year and charm your loved ones with handmade stockings. (via Brit + Co)

5. Mulled Wine: It sounds super fancy, but mulled wine is easy to make and can be tweaked to your exact taste. Plus it smells delicious while it’s brewing away on the stove. (via A Beautiful Mess)

6. Wrapping Paper Wall Tree: Take the paper chain idea vertical with this super easy tree DIY. Seriously, if you can tape paper together, you can have this tree up in less time than it takes you to choose your favorite holiday song. (via Brit + Co)

7. Balloon Animal Ornament: True, they’d look great on a kid’s tree, but that’s no reason you can’t add a few of these awesome ornaments to the adult tree. Nothing says “mature adult” like a balloon animal or four. (via Little Inspiration)

8. Mindy Kaling’s Moschino Pumps: Stop trying to find the perfect pair of shoes to go with your holiday outfit and DIY a pair instead. (via Brit + Co)

9. DIY Tinsel Ornaments: Give those tinsel garlands a much-needed modern makeover and turn them into sparkling balls of joy. Hang them on the tree with colorful ribbon or string them together for some serious swag. (via Design Improvised)

10. Desktop Calendar: Got a friend that always remembers a birthday? Gift them this cheery desk calendar that goes from year to year without skipping a beat. (via Brit + Co)

11. Jingle Door Bell: Make those jingle bells rock with this bright + beautiful DIY. You’ll feel like you are back in grade school whipping up those coveted friendship bracelets in no time. (via Brit + Co)

What are you making this weekend? Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!

The best part of taking a shower, other than getting clean, of course, is all the delicious scents. From shampoo and conditioner to body scrubs, nothing truly compares to a good-smelling body wash. I recently discovered Lush’s amazing Sticky Dates shower gel, and I don’t think I can ever go back to bar soap now. These best-smelling body washes smell just as great in the shower as they do outside of it, and are sure to earn you tons and tons of compliments – all while treating your skin so nicely.

Check out our top picks for the best-smelling body wash below!

Lush

Lush Sticky Dates Shower Gel

This shower gel from Lush is undeniably sweet-smelling. I think it smells like straight-up dessert – I had to fight off the intrusive thoughts to eat it when I was in the store checking it out (don't judge, okay?). It lathers up luxuriously, and always feels nourishing and hydrating on my skin. It's formulated with organic date syrup, sandalwood oil, and orange juice to properly cleanse off your bod. I already know I'm going to buy a bigger bottle once my sample size one runs out!

Promising review: "The scent of this body wash is sooo mouthwatering. I love the light lather and the soft scent left on the skin after rinsing off. Definitely worth the hype!"

Target

Saltair Seascape Serum Body Wash

You won't be able to stop sniffing this heavenly body wash. It smells spot-on to a dreamy island getaway! I love this formula in particular because it's crafted with hyaluronic acid, which helps add even more moisture to the skin. Extra points to this body wash since the bottle's so cute!

Promising review: "Oh man. Boy do I love this scent. Reminds of the fresh smell of the sea when I visit the Carribbean Islands. Im just in a trance when I'm in the shower."

Amazon

OUAI St. Barts Body Cleanser

If there's one thing OUAI absolutely nails, it's their scents. From their hair oil to shampoo, I fall in love with the products over and over again after every use. Their body wash is no exception, especially this one in the scent St. Barts. You get a little bit of every note: floral dragonfruit, orange blossom, and tuberose, plus a nice gourmand dose of and Baltic amber that feels oh-so sophisticated. The formula is made with jojoba oil, which expertly hydrates the skin, deep down. Dreamy!

Promising review: "I’ve been using the OUAI Body Cleanser for a few weeks now, and it has become a staple in my shower routine. The first thing that drew me in was the scent—it’s light, fresh, and lingers subtly on the skin without being overpowering. It makes showering feel like a mini-spa experience."

Amazon

Nécessaire The Body Wash

For a fancy(ish) body wash that smells downright divine, reach for this one from Nécessaire. It's packed with eucalyptus, which is uber-refreshing for a nice wake up call in the AM! The body wash is boosted with plenty of lipid-rich oils and niacinamide, which can help strengthen the skin's natural barrier.

Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin but I also really like things that smell good! After reading reviews I decided to give this a try. My skin didn’t react to this at all (yay!!) and the smell is great! Super relaxing and perfect for after a long day. The bottle came well packed inside its own box - this was great because it didn’t leak or anything. The bottle is also really big so I think with cleaner ingredients & great smell it’s worth it!"

Target

Olay Cleansing & Firming Body Wash

If you're in love with clean scents, this body wash from Olay delivers. Not only does it smell so fresh and so clean, it's heavy on skincare benefits. The formula includes collagen and a vitamin B3 complex that nourishes for "beautiful, healthy-looking skin."

Promising review: "My new go-to body wash! I so love the smell! I felt so luxurious and soft after each use!"

Sephora

L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Shea Shower Oil

Though it's not technically a body wash, this shower oil still lathers up gorgeously to cleanse your skin. Its main ingredients are shea oil and shea butter, which nourish the skin like no other, leaving it as soft as can be. Dry skin-havers will fall in love with this one!

Promising review: "Ten stars. One of my absolute favorite shower indulgences. This smells amazing. A warm, soft musk scent that lingers long after your shower is over. It leaves my skin feeling brand new, so soft and super smooth. I absolutely love going to bed with this scent on my pajamas and even waking up the next day to get dressed and still feeling so soft and smelling pretty. Not a strong scent whatsoever. A very soft, musk like skin scent."

Amazon

Aesop A Rose by Any Other Name Body Cleanser

You've likely never smelled a body wash like this one before. It combines notes of rose petal, cardamom, and black pepper for a punchy, yet floral-heavy scent. The aroma can come off as super saturated upon first impression, so a little goes a long way.

Promising review: "I love the Aesop products because I have very dry skin and am allergic to perfume soaps. After many trials and errors with other products this was recommended and I love it ! Worth every penny. Wish it also came in travel size because the hotel soap bars don't measure up."

Target

Dove Shea Butter & Vanilla Pampering Body Wash

Forget all the frills and fancy stuff – sometimes a basic vanilla scent works the best! This gentle body wash is friendly on all skin types and boasts the perfect balance of shea butter and warm vanilla for an uplifting shower experience each time. Your skin will look instantly cleaner, fresher, and more moisturized!

Promising review: "My favorite body wash!! It smells amazing and is so affordable. The scent really lingers."

Amazon

Method Pure Peace Body Wash

If I had to compare this body wash to anything, it'd be Glossier's signature Glossier You perfume. It smells sooo good. The mix of floral peony and pungent pink salt just work together so well! The clean formula is gentle on the skin and always leaves it feeling noticeably soft and moisturized.

Promising review: "One of the standout aspects of this body wash is its formula. It’s paraben- and phthalate-free, which is reassuring for those with sensitive skin or anyone conscious about the ingredients in their skincare products. The wash lathers well, providing a luxurious feel while gently cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. My skin felt clean and hydrated after use, which is a big plus."

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more top-rated beauty products!

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

I lost track of how many romantasy books I read this year because I threw myself at as many fictionalized characters as I could. Reading became a wonderful form of fun, escapism that I absolutely needed after this year decided to play tennis with my emotions. And while I may have been a bit delulu to read as many romantasy books as I have, there were so many that I just couldn't put down. They sparked my imagination, they gave me something to look forward to, and no matter how bad things felt I always knew there was a rich fantasy land I could dig into page after page. So what were the books that drew me in the most? I'll gladly tell you!

All the best romantasy books that made my heart skip a beat this year!

Amazon

1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

How many times is too many to mention Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros? Wait, don't answer that question. Instead, let's focus on how genius this body of work is. It's our introduction to Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail, Xander Riorson, dragons, and evil schemes.

If you haven't read this book yet, make sure to start NOW because Onyx Storm releases next month!!! It's the third book in the Empyrean series and it's guaranteed to be a great read.

Amazon

2. Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

Morally gray characters? Check. Intoxicating vampires? Check. Secrets that alter reality? Also, check. Immortal Dark has everything you'd expect in a romantasy except you'll find yourself questioning what you've learned about protagonists and antagonists because even the 'good' people are compelled to commit terrible things.

Amazon

3. Deep Is The Fen by Lili Wilkinson

Deep Is The Fen scratched an itch I didn't know I had with it's tale of how dark magic and lies can harm everyone. Merry's convinced stopping her best friend Teddy from joining the Toadmen is her only mission, but she'll soon discover there's an ancient evil that's been calling the shots and isn't ready to give up its throne.

Amazon

4. The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim

If you want to laugh and cry, The God and the Gumiho is one of the romantasy books you should read. It trails Kim Hani, a powerful Gumiho, and Seoka, a god full of tricks and bitterness, as they reluctantly work together to stop an evil demon from destroying the city they now reside in. It's the perfect enemies-to-lovers troupe that breaks your heart in the end.

Amazon

5. The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

It starts off with a semi-botched robbery that leads to a world of magic, except skilled thief Kierse doesn't realize it until she's in the alleged monster's lair. In fact, he'd already sensed her presence long before she knew she was being watched. By then, it's too late and she finds herself immersed in an ancient feud that's about to reach its breaking point.

Amazon

6. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre might be High Fae now, but her troubles are far from over in A Court of Mist and Fury. For one, she's linked Mr. High Lord of the Night Court although she's supposed to be marrying Tamlin. The issue is that she's not 100% sure if that's the right choice even though she initially lived with the latter after the events of A Court of Thorns and Roses. She'll have to decide where she truly wants to be, but not before making yet another bargain that'll affect more people.

Amazon

7. Zodiac Rising by Katie Zao

What's not to love about an exclusive boarding school that harbors magical secrets? That's another question I'm not excited to answer because Zodiac Rising shaped up to be an intriguing read that also gives readers a history lesson. Since the loss of the 12 zodiacs, their Descendants they've been living in the shadows to protect their identities.

However, evil appears again when one of the most notable students at the boarding school loses their life. Now, four unlikely students will have to become uneasy allies in order to save the world as they know it.

Amazon

8. Curse of Shadows and Thornsby LJ Andrews

Elise Lysander may be the king's niece, but she's all about rebelling. From gambling to trying her hardest not get married, she'd rather do the opposite. However, her uncle knows how to get under her skin by reminding her how sick her dad is. Thus, she decides to see how life will look by Legion Grey's side. He's the most aggravating man she's ever know, but he also pushes all the right buttons. But the closer they get, the more danger they find themselves in.
When the throne is completed eradicated, Legion's shows his true identity and crushes Elise's heart in the process. With magic and lies looming in her future, she'll have to decide which path she'll take.

Amazon

9. Forged in Blood by Sadie Kincaid

Orphaned Ophelia Hart's passion for reading and making sure no one has to suffer the uneasy fate she has pushes her in the direction of becoming a social worker. She has no idea how that's going to happen, but she's determined to find a way to help other children.

When she's suddenly gifted with the chance to go to Montridge University, she gleefully accepts the offer. It sounds like a dream come true until she meets three of the Ruby Dragon Society's members who want to make her life miserable. They're also vampires which adds to their sinister nature.

She's never believed in fantasy before, but Ophelia changes her tune when the inevitable keeps happening. Also, she's pretty special too and it seems that Professor Alexandros Drakos knew it before she did.

Amazon

10. Court of Vines and Vipersby Emberly Ash

Veyka Pendrago is stuck with the knowledge her closest loved ones are scattered beyond her reach as evil closes in on Annwyn. Faced with the task of becoming queen of a kingdom who is ready to judge her at every turn, she must do all she can to prove she's worthy while keeping her power hidden deep within her.
It's another seductive read that leaves you wanting more.

Which romantasy books have you read this year? Let us know and visit our Amazon Storefront for our favorite 2024 reads!

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

What's your favorite The Summer I Turned Pretty episode? The series (which stars Lola Tung as Belly, Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah, and Christopher Briney as Conrad) has had standout moments since its premiere in 2022. And so far, my favorite scenes in both seasons 1 and 2 happened during episode 6.

Belly and Conrad's heartbreaking conversation on the dock against Billie Eilish's "When The Party's Over" instantly became my favorite scene of the show, only to be topped by their fight on the beach & the house party while Taylor Swift's "Snow on the Beach" plays during season 2. And it looks like every episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is going to be a favorite based on Jenny Han's latest update.

Here's what Jenny Han had to say about the new The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 episodes.

Every moment in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' season 3 will matter.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

After revealing season 3 will have 11 episodes, as opposed to 7 or 8 like the first two seasons, Jenny Han recently wrote on Instagram (via US Weekly), “One thing I’ll say about season 3 of [The Summer I Turned Pretty] … there are no filler episodes.”

The last decade of streaming has seen television seasons drop from around 22 episodes to 10 or under, resulting in the loss of those filler episodes. You know, where the characters are just hanging out and the audience gets to know more about their personalities. Do these episodes move the plot along? No. Are they valuable in helping to understand the characters? Absolutely!

However, there is something to be said for the idea that every moment should matter. One lesson I took away from my creative writing classes in college is that if you can remove a detail from a story and nothing changes, then it didn't need to be there! And it definitely sounds like every moment in the upcoming The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 episodes will have a purpose.

"I'm just very excited to be back with everyone and to be able to step back into Belly's shoes, I'm super excited," Lola Tung told Brit + Co in February.

'The Summer I Turned Pretty' season 3 might not be the final chapter.

We haven't gotten word on whether The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is going to be the final season of the Amazon Prime show (there are only three books), but it looks like we could be seeing more of our favorite characters either way!

“This show is going to continue to be a huge centerpiece for us," Vernon Sanders, Amazon and MGM Studios' head of television, told Deadline in September 2023. "We absolutely have plans to continue building it. Jenny’s got great vision for where she wants to go with all of it, but we’re already hard at work developing complementary pieces."

I would love to see a spinoff, whether it's about Belly after the third book ends, or about Taylor and Steven! "Jenny’s got some exciting surprises. So we’re thrilled about a Season 3, and she’s got a vision for more."

Vernon also spoke about how the show has become a intertwined with Taylor Swift's music, and even debuted a few unreleased Taylor Swift songs! "We have been so delighted and humbled by having had this relationship over the course of the last two seasons, and they have been incredibly lovely — and, believe it or not, incredibly easy to work with," he says. "Jenny credits Taylor Swift as the music she was listening to as she was writing these books. It’s just always been infused in how she’s thinking and feeling and what is authored into the show itself. So, to have Taylor’s music, and as you said, unreleased music in the show, I think is beyond incredible."

Check out 5 Details From The Summer I Turned Pretty Ending That Reveal Who Belly Ends Up With In Season 3 👀.