Treat Yourself to a Little Something Special With These Satin Pajamas

DIY valentine's day pajamas
The Valentine’s Day pajamas in Victoria’s Secret never fail to catch my eye. Every time I see them, I immediately think, “OMG I need that lace bodysuit RN!” Luckily, I don’t have anyone to wear the lace bodysuit for, so by the time I get to the end of the block I realize that I don’t actually need it. (The only true reason I would need it is when I dress up like Beyoncé.) To me, these lace lingerie pieces are super sexy, but not that practical — they’re “once in a blue moon” items that are most likely a hefty investment. So this year, I decided to take away my internal lacy bodysuit struggle and create a sultry satin PJ set that is wearable, sexy and enjoyable for any date night.


Materials and Tools:

  • 1 yard Lycra satin
  • 1/2 yard lace
  • 3/8 inch satin ribbon
  • fabric scissors
  • sewing pins
  • marker
  • sewing machine

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Pajama Shorts

Instructions:

  1. Fold your fabric in half, place edge of shorts on the fold side of the fabric and then trace around the shorts. Trace the front and backside of the shorts and then cut out.
  2. Pin the curves of opposite cutouts together — then sew.
  3. Pin the perpendicular area to the curve together and then sew.
  4. Hem the bottom edges of the shorts.
  5. Cut out small squares about three inches down from the top of the shorts and then sew a small square around the hole.
  6. Fold the first 1.5 inches of the shorts over, pin in place and then sew to create the waistband.
  7. Feed ribbon through the waistband.

My favorite way to make new clothing is to use old favorites as patterns for new pieces. Fold one short leg inside the other to create a tracing pattern. Fold your fabric in half, place the straight edge of the shorts along the fold of the fabric and then trace with a half-inch buffer. Trace and cut out two pieces to create your shorts.

Pin the curve of one cutout to the curve of the other cutout — then sew.

Match up the curves of the shorts and then pin and sew together the bottom edge.

Hem the bottom edge of the leg holes to give your shorts a polished and professional look.

Create two small holes in the front of the shorts, about three inches from the top edge. Sew around the holes and then fold the waistband down. Pin in place and then sew.

Use a safety pin to snake ribbon through the waistband.

Pajama Top

Instructions:

  1. Trace the front of your favorite tank onto your fabric with an extra half-inch buffer — then cut out.
  2. Draw in pleats on the edge of your tank. The pleat should be about one inch from the underarm and about three inches in length.
  3. Pin the pleat together and then sew.
  4. Hem the vertical edges of the tank.
  5. Trace the back of the tank top onto your lace fabric.
  6. Pin and sew the lace fabric to the satin fabric.
  7. Hem all edges of the tank top.

Lay your favorite tank on the backside of your fabric and trace with a half-inch buffer.

Ladies, we’ve got to add some pleats into this top to help fit our boobies. Follow these instructions for a size small — for a medium, multiply x2 and a large x4. Start your triangle about one inch from the armpit curve. The triangle should be about three inches in height. Draw an imaginary line from right before the armpit cut starts to curve — the point of the triangle should hit this line.

Cut out the front of your shirt, fold in half and make sure all curves and pleats match up.

Pin the pleat together and then sew.

Fold and hem the long edges of the tank top.

Trace the back of your tank top onto the lace fabric. Remember to add a half-inch buffer — then cut out.

Pin the front of the shirt to the lace and then sew.

Match up the straps of the shirt and then sew.

Hem all edges of the tank top.

Pretty in pink!

Dress up in these silky PJs this Valentine’s Day, and then feed your face with conversation hearts :)

Show us your latest DIY pajamas by tagging us on Instagram and subscribe to our email newsletter for more inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Modeling: Paige Weber
Photography: Brittany Griffin

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.

If you've been struggling to get enough sleep, new TikTok viral wellness trend — 'sleepmaxxing' — wants to help. We'd give anything to stop dealing with insomnia, middle-of-the-night wakeup calls, and overall sleep anxiety. But does this trend work? And more importantly, are all these social media tips safe for you to try?

Dr. Ankur Bindal, MD, MPH, FAPA, FAASM can tell you better than we can given his board certification in psychiatry, from American Board of Psychiatry & neurology. In addition to being the founder of the KAB Medical Group Inc. in San Diego, he's also a board certified sleep medicine practitioner who's seen firsthand how a lack of rest can affect our overall wellbeing.

TL;DR

  • Sleepmaxxing is a TikTok trend that's focused on setting yourself up for the best night of sleep possible.
  • While sleep masks and other tangible efforts to get comfortable in bed are great, you mainly want to make sure you're making healthy choices before bed like avoiding your phone.
  • Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
  • Eliminate too much light in your bedroom, avoid screen time, and establish consistent sleeping and waking times.

What is sleepmaxxing?

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

If you're confused about sleepmaxxing, you're not alone — it's really not a straightforward term. It reminds us of what Will Ferrell said in Blades of Glory: "No one knows what it means but it's provocative...gets the people going." However, it actually has a meaning, and Dr. Bindal succinctly breaks it down. "Sleepmaxxing is the art and science of optimizing one's sleep and achieving the best possible quality & quantity of sleep by addressing every factor that can disrupt sleep," he says. This can look like using ear plugs, sleep masks, establishing specific sleep rituals, or anything else that is soothing and helpful.

Mainly, if you actually want to maximize your sleep, then you need to focus on what you do before you go to bed. Unbeknownst to us at times, our bedtime habits can affect the kind of rest we get (or not) at night. Dr. Bindal says, "Optimal Sleep hygiene methodologies including limiting light and sound exposure to using the latest sleep gadgets so sleepmaxxing aims to enhance sleep quality to the fullest." Unfortunately this means our habit of binge watching shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok at night aren't helping us.

I mean, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 35% of those surveyed have their sleep interrupted by lights inside of their homes. That's just lights, sans repetitious social media sounds and compelling television plots. When you add those on top of it all...let's just say we really are not doing ourselves any favors.

How does getting the proper amount of rest aid in our overall wellbeing?

Ahmed ツ

Now that you have a better idea of what sleepmaxxing is, we have to talk about why it matters. Dr. Bindal says getting the "proper amount of sleep" helps support" the following "various bodily functions" including, but not limited to:

  • Brain health — Enhanced cognition in domains of learning, concentration and consolidating memory by promoting phenomenon of hippocampal plasticity
  • Immune system function — A production of essential immune cells, better equipped to fighting off infections
  • Hormone regulation — A regulation of mood and reduced stress and physical repair that promotes muscle recovery, tissue repair, and overall physical development

He further explains that hormone regulation eventually leads to "improved mood, concentration, energy levels, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes."

Basically, the health benefits of slowing down and going to sleep outweigh what society often pushes — staying up later, longer and hustling at all hours of the day and night.

On average, how many hours of sleep are recommended?

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How much rest are you truly getting at night? If you ask America's Health Rankings, 35% of adults are getting less than seven hours of sleep. Dr. Bindal says that while adults should sleep between seven and nine hours every night, and there are health risks for those who don't. "Research corroborates that adults who sleep less than seven hours a night may have more health issues than those who do," he explains. Johns Hopkins Medicinefound that sleep deprivation can lead to a "36% increased risk for colorectal cancer," propensity for developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and an overall lower immune system.

Saying "I'll sleep when I'm dead," may sound like a joke, but there's nothing funny about not letting your body get the rest it needs to function.

Should people with sleep difficulties try sleepmaxxing?

Marcus Aurelius

There are several reasons why your sleep could be negatively impacted right now. You may be dealing with insomnia due to stress, depression, or being a new parent. According to the American Psychological Association, 43% of people believe being stressed contributes to their lack of sleep. Furthermore, these same people have noticed their mood has shifted. The same reports shows that 45% of people who are getting less than the recommended hours of sleep have shared they feel on edge more than others while 52% have noticed they've been taking their frustrations out on those in their household.

Dr. Bindal agrees that sleepmaxxing can greatly benefit you if you're struggling because it can "enhance sleep quality to the fullest and emphasizes the importance of optimal sleep health."

How does sleepmaxxing benefit us?

Pavel Danilyuk

Clearly, you need a certain amount of sleep to function properly and achieve all those goals you've so intentionally set recently (hello, October Theory!). That's where sleepmaxxing can come in. Dr. Bindal says, "Improved sleep quality can lead to enhanced mental clarity and emotional stability, making it easier to navigate daily challenges."

If you're planning to change a few habits, you're going to need all the strength and focus you can access because change isn't always easy — even if you welcome it! So when you're implementing these new nighttime routines, be sure to stick to them. Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb, avoid the itch to scroll socials, and make sure you're able to properly relax. It can make all the difference in the world!

How can we incorporate sleepmaxxing in our bedtime routines?

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

If you don't know how to make sleepmaxxing work for you, Dr. Bindal has great suggestions! "Key techniques include optimizing your sleep environment, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, and managing stress and anxiety," he suggests.

One of the key ways you can make sure your room will promote a good night's sleep is by "adjusting the temperature" or "practicing a relaxation exercises before bed," he says. While meditation and mindfulness may be relaxation exercises that take practice over time, choosing the correct temperature is an easy way to set yourself up for success. Everyone's different, but he truly believes your room should be between 65 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit, too.

As Dr. Bindal mentioned before, eliminating sources of light can also aid in the rest you get. Personally, I can't sleep with the TV or lights on anymore because I just know it interrupts my sleep. My room is usually pitch black when it's time to go to sleep — to the point my three-year-old knows what it means when I turn everything off.

Besides these things, Dr. Bindal encourages you to maintain "consistent sleep and wake times" along with a "balanced diet and regular physical activity." Whether that means you start making your own Cava bowls inspired by the blue zone diet or doing workouts at home, they can aid in helping your body repair itself which then promotes the sleep you need.

Can we become too hyper-focused on our quality of sleep?

Kevin Malik

As with anything, too much of something can have adverse affects which rules out any benefits. Though sleepmaxxing can be a good thing for you, becoming fixated on it is likely going to make you even more stressed. "One of the primary concerns with sleepmaxxing is the development of orthosomnia, a condition caused by an obsession with tracking sleep metrics, with devices or apps, which increases anxiety and can further disrupt sleep, called paradoxical insomnia," Dr. Bindal warns.

If you become too obsessed with tracking every little thing, he says all this will do is "disrupt sleep cycles and limit the efficacy of insomnia treatments." But, he has an idea of what you can do to lessen the chance that'll happen. "Instead of over-analyzing how much sleep you’re getting, it’s important to understand that insomnia is a common and treatable condition, by incorporating healthy sleep hygiene routines organically and focusing on addressing the root causes of insomnia symptoms," he shares.

How can we optimize our sleep without getting sucked into wellness trends?

Niels from Slaapwijsheid.nl

Whether you want to call it sleepmaxxing or not, all you have to do is normalize the tips Dr. Bindal mentioned above. "Some of the ways can include established a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, managing light exposure, and limiting screen time before you want to go to sleep," he reiterates. Social media isn't going anywhere so don't let your FOMO convince you that potential scandals or tutorials are more important than getting seven to nine hours of sleep.

Also, don't forget to "maintain a comfortable sleep environment" while being aware of your "caffeine and alcohol intake throughout the day," Dr. Bindal points out. Something tells us that we're going to have to be intentional about breaking up with our daily coffee runs and desires to unwind with a nice glass of wine. But if it means we'll sleep better, we'll add that to our list of habits to change!

Need an extra dose of positivity in your life? We have even more lifestyle tips to share to help you end the year on a healthy and wholesome note!

Norman Mailer, I'm pregnant! This might be a memorable line from an equally memorable Gilmore Girls episode, but it's now also a reality for one of the show's stars because Milo Ventimiglia is expecting his first child! The actor married model and entrepreneur Jarah Mariano in the fall of 2023 at a tiny, private ceremony (a move that was very Jess Mariano of him), and on September 29, Jarah announced she's pregnant!

Milo Ventimiglia and Jarah Mariano just showed up at Brian Bowen Smith's ‘Joyride’ exhibit at Studio CT in California, and one source tells People Milo was “sweet and attentive to his wife throughout the whole event.” Duh!!

He “seemed very proud to be with her" while Jarah looked "radiant and glowing," as she always does. “Milo was kissing her and whispering into her ear," the source continues. "They were just genuinely lovely together.”

Is Jarah Mariano pregnant?

Jarah Mariano/Instagram

Yes, Jarah Mariano announced her pregnancy with an Instagram post featuring a surf session with Milo Ventimiglia. In the photos, Jarah is sitting on a surfboard wearing a brown bikini top, polka dot bikini bottoms, and a pink lei. "Baby on board!" she says in the caption.

After his time on Gilmore Girls, Milo played patriarch Jack Pearson on NBC's This Is Us, and told US Weekly in 2017 that "I think I’m built to want a strong family unit. “It will happen when it happens. I’m not out seeking it. It’s just kind of, I’m present in the space in my life that when it presents itself and it’s right, I’m sure it will work out.”

And it looks like it worked out at the exact right time.

Does Milo Ventimiglia have a wife?

Yes, Milo Ventimiglia & wife Jarah Mariano got married in the fall of 2023, and Jarah recently posted some new photos from the special day. "Last year I married my best friend," she says. "There aren’t enough words that exist to describe all the special qualities that make him who he is. AlI can say is that I am grateful for the life that we have together and the happiness that we have created🤍 Aloha wau iā 'oe my husband Milo."

"Things are good," Milo told Extra in February 2024. "We've had relationships that have come and have gone and then you get to a point where you kind of meet your match and meet someone that inspires you in a way different than anybody else...I'm grateful for her and I’m happy to have arrived in this moment, so married life is nice."

If you're loving the celeb baby news as much as we are, check out the latest news on Hilary Duff's Baby #4!

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are the first to admit how difficult parenting can be. The parents of four (James, Inez, Betty, and Olin) have talked about how "chaotic" their home is. "Our kids can’t even go to sleep unless they’re in our bed,” Reynolds told Amanda Hirsch during the July 30 episode of the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. “As much as I’d say I’d love to spread out and fall asleep normally," he adds, "I withhold that.”

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Co-sleeping, or sharing a bed with your kids, might be the talk of the town right now, but it's actually been around for centuries. "Families choose to [co-sleep] for multiple reasons, sometimes simply because they may only have one bed or one bedroom," says Dr. Chafen Hart, a fellowship-trained pediatric sleep specialist at National Jewish Health. "I think while co-sleeping has enjoyed increased discussion, which is important, it is likely the frequency of co-sleeping is the same as ever."

Co-sleeping is most common with younger children (which makes sense considering how strong separation anxiety is for children between 18 months and 3 years), and generally peters out as a child gets older. While some parents choose not to co-sleep because of the risk of SUIDs (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, which is more common in infants who share a bed with their parents), children can actually sleep better if they do so independently.

Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

"The parent provides a sleep association which prevents a younger child from effectively napping at daycare or an older child from attending camp or going to a sleepover," Dr. Hart says. "When the child wakes in the middle of the night, they require the parent nearby and touching them to fall back asleep because they have a strong sleep association with co-sleeping."

However, your sleeping arrangements will likely look different from your best friends' or your extended family's because all of your children are different — as are their needs. Sleep issues or significant health issues are just two instances where co-sleeping can actually be beneficial for a child. And if co-sleeping doesn't affect your child at all? Dr. Hart recommends just enjoying the snuggles.

"For families who are content with their arrangement and the child is doing well during the day and has managed to learn the skill of falling asleep independently, I absolutely think they should continue to co-sleep," she says.

Leah Newhouse/Pexels

If you're worried your child has become too dependent on co-sleeping as they've aged, or if they can't sleep in their own bed at all, Dr. Hart recommends visiting a sleep doctor, therapist, or psychologist.

"In general, treatment should be personalized for the family and my recommendations change based on the age of the child," she says. "For older children who are neurodevelopmentally typical, rewards and gradual extinction of parental presence can work. For younger children, we employ additional strategies like delayed bedtimes [and] sibling co-sleeping."

I slept in the same bed as my sister growing up, and I remember our late night conversations so fondly. Getting to know each other's personalities, fears, and senses of humor at such a young age only ended up strengthening our relationship!

William Fortunato/Pexels

Teaching your child to sleep well is vital for their brain and bodily health, but it's also important for parents to get sleep too! And if you're feeling overwhelmed and under-rested, know you're not alone. "Parents should know they are not alone and that co-sleeping should be a part of the conversation with their doctors," Dr. Hart says. "Pediatricians have heard it all! And some children naturally have a MUCH harder time than others learning the skill of sleeping."

Reynardo Etenia Wongso/Unsplash

Setting expectations, habits, and boundaries early (should you choose to do so) will take time and commitment on your part, but it'll teach your kids "the serious skill of falling asleep with confidence."

"Long term good sleep habits and skills mean the school-aged child will be confident, traveling without anxiety around sleep, falling asleep without serious power struggles which stress the whole family and allowing the parents much needed rest time as well," Dr. Hart says. All this talk is making me sleepy — I gotta try our 5 Best Ways To Beat Fatigue!

Read up on 14 Hilarious And True Quotes About Parenting Teens for some laughs.

Read the AAP's 2022 Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment for more.

Lead image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

We're always ready to go back to Hogwarts, whether we're making a Harry Potter cocktail for our September 1st celebration or hosting a movie night in our coziest PJs. And thanks to HBO, we'll be able to visit for the first time all over again. On April 12, 2023 Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed that an original Harry Potter series was coming to their Max streaming service.

The series will be released over the course of ten years (!!) and WBD promises that it'll feature a book authenticity and attention to detail that even the most knowledgable Potterhead will appreciate. Grab your Harry Potter house scarf and your pumpkin juice, and keep reading for everything you need to know about the new Harry Potter TV show!

Will there be a Harry Potter TV show?

Warner Bros.

Yes, we're getting a new Harry Potter TV show! The official video announcement features the Hogwarts candles we see in the first film coming together to create that classic golden, lit-from-within logo. It's totally magical and nostalgic, but has a new contemporary edge I can't wait to see in its full form.

Will the Harry Potter TV show follow the books?

Amazon

Yes, book fans will be happy to know the new series will definitely follow the plot of the books. And Channing Dungey, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group, finally gave us a tease during MIPCOM‘s C-Suite Conversations. "It’s an unbelievable dream, honestly, and as somebody who is a huge fan of books, the opportunity to get to explore them in maybe a little bit more in-depth than you can in just a two-hour film," she said (via THR). "That’s the whole reason we’re on this journey.”

Has HBO begun casting for the new Harry Potter series?

Warner Bros.

Dungey also revealed they've started looking for a new golden trio. “There’s not a lot to talk about at this moment," she says. "We’ve got our fantastic writing staff in place and they are doing what they need to do. And casting calls have opened up in the U.K. and Ireland, so the process is moving along. It’s going quite well.”

What else do I need to know?

Warner Bros./IMDb

“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” Casey Bloys, HBO & Max Content's Chairman and CEO, said in the press release. “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World.”

The series comes from Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television, with J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts serving as executive producers. Over the last few years, Rowling has made headlines for her conservative views and commentary on transgender identities, but at the time, Bloys didn't comment when asked whether her involvement could affect their ability to move forward.

On June 26, 2024 it was announced that Francesca Gardiner would write and serve as showrunner and Mark Mylod would executive produce and direct several episodes. Both worked on Succession.

"I'm truly thrilled to announce our director and writer, both of whom I interviewed as part of the production team," J.K. Rowling tweeted. "Both have a genuine passion for #HarryPotter, and having read Francesca's pilot script and heard Mark's vision, I'm certain the TV show will more than live up to expectations."

When is the HBO Harry Potter TV show release date?

Max/HBO/Warner Bros.

The new Harry Potter series is expected to hit Max in 2026, according to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav (via Deadline). That means we could start seeing cast lists and getting more specific plot details in 2025!

Who plays Harry Potter in the new series?

Warner Bros.

In an interview with Comicbook.com, Daniel Radcliffe makes it clear that even though he's very excited about the new show, he probably won't be included in the new cast of Harry Potter.

“I’m sure whoever is making [the series] will want to make their own mark on it and probably not want to have to figure out how to get old Harry to cameo in this somewhere,” he says. “So I’m definitely not seeking it out in any way. But I do wish them, obviously, all the luck in the world and I’m very excited to have that torch passed. But I don’t think it needs me to physically pass it.”

There's no word on whether any of the original cast will actually be returning, but after we cried while watching the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, we can only hope that Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, and Tom Felton will at least make cameo appearances. I'd love to see Daniel Radcliffe in the Ministry of Magic, or see Tom Felton walking around Diagon Alley. (However, I'm really hoping they're cast as some of the professors. Just imagine Emma as Professor McGonagall!)

Is Harry Potter on Netflix or Amazon Prime?

Warner Bros.

The Harry Potter series is currently available to stream on Max and Peacock. However, you can also rent the movies on Amazon Prime!

Are you excited for the new Harry Potter TV show? Let us know in the comments and check out our Harry Potter page for the latest updates on the film stars + this new Harry Potter TV show.

This post has been updated.

No matter if you're Team Jess or Team Logan, or you jump back and forth between the idea Emily and Richard were the best parents or the worst parents, there's something every Gilmore Girls fan agrees on: Christopher is the ultimate Gilmore Girls villain. He never truly pursues a relationship with Rory, he constantly causes chaos in Stars Hollow, and despite promising to be a consistent part of Lorelai and Rory's lives, he always leaves faster than you can say "coffee." And according to one Reddit post, there's one moment in Gilmore Girls season 3 when Richard finally realizes what every GG lover has known the whole time: he "isn’t sh—t."

Warner Bros. TV

One of the admittedly annoying aspects of Gilmore Girls was just how much Emily and Richard Gilmore loved Christopher. They almost always saw him on his best behavior (meaning they didn't really see the aforementioned Stars Hollow chaos or Chris' flakiness), and in their eyes, Lorelai and Christopher should have gotten married a long time ago. They surprise Lorelai by inviting him for Friday Night Dinners, and find opportunities to bring him up every chance they get.

But when Christopher doesn't show up for Rory's high school graduation at the end of season 3, and Lorelai isn't really surprised, Richard and Emily see his true colors — and you can literally see Richard processing the information in real time.

"Never paid this much attention to Richard’s face before, he looks absolutely disgusted and baffled by this," Reddit user @MoneyAd0618 says. "Meanwhile these people from Lorelai’s town are all there!"

"Wow! I never noticed the look on his face, it’s subtle, but it at the same time shows so much emotion," another user comments.

If you ask me, not showing up for a huge moment in Rory's life is disgusting behavior and just proves he has no desire in having a relationship with her. "[He's] more concerned about getting in Lorelai's pants than having a relationship with Rory," one Reddit user explains. "He told his daughter the best day of his life was Lorelai kissing him. Its no coincidence that once he had no romantic prospect with Lorelai, him and Rory have barely a relationship."

While it's totally on brand for Chris to miss a big event in Rory's life, there was actually a reason actor David Sutcliffe wasn't on set. Reportedly, creator Amy Sherman Palladino wasn't ready for Luke and Christopher to meet, have conversations, and share space — especially around Rory and Lorelai. And considering they have a huge argument during the season 5 episode "Wedding Bell Blues," that was probably a safe choice.

This fight is a huge moment between the two of them because they aren't really fighting over Lorelai — they're fighting over Rory. Throughout her childhood, Luke has always been the one giving her mashed potatoes when she had the chicken pox, making her birthday pancakes, and even moving her into college. Christopher wants the title of father without any of the responsibility or relationship — two things Luke is simply great at.

Have you checked out The Best Fall Gilmore Girls Episodes To Bookmark For Your Rewatch?