What to Make This Weekend: A Gilded Watercolor Cake, a Gumball Machine Pumpkin + More

With a busy weekend behind us and the promise of a chill weekend ahead, we vote you use your weekly down time to get making. With Halloween just two weeks away, it’s getting to be costume crunch time. Whether you’re in need of a clever costume idea or a fun element to add to your autumn dinner party, here are 10 weekend projects to make before Monday’s return.

1. Bat Flats: Here’s the perfect way to rock some Halloween spirit if you’re not into a full-blown costume. To make these little bats a temporary addition to your favorite pair of shoes, combine this tutorial with this one from Lovely Indeed. (via Damask Love)

2. Catwoman Costume 5 Ways: Whether you’re more into a vintage vibe or you’re looking for a super last-minute look, here are five ways to rock the classic cat girl costume. (via Brit + Co)

3. Magazine Rack: Get those old magazines off the floor with this quick project that’s perfect for beginning woodworkers. (via Passion Shake)

4. Stoop Cat Pumpkin: Skip the classic Jack-o-lantern this year and opt for this little kitty instead. (via Brit + Co)

5. Paper Bag Books: Grab the kiddos or your BFFs to make mini books from an old paper bag. Turn it into some flip art, a mini zine or basically anything you want. (via PBS)

6. Gilded Watercolor Cake: You guys, this is basically a work of art you can eat. With some fondant, gel food coloring and edible gold foil, you can totally copy this sweet stunner. (via Brit + Co)

7. Cement Handle Holders: Use one of those cheap, plastic mini pumpkins as a mold for these minimal yet festive pieces of decor. (via Oleander and Palm)

8. Balloon Menu: For this weekend’s soriée or dinner party, ditch the chalkboard sign and instead write the night’s menu on a balloon! (via The Merrythought)

9. Gumball Machine Pumpkin: Skip the carving this Halloween season and instead opt for a fun, less-messy option. If you want an idea that you can also snack on, follow this recipe that uses tape to attach gumballs to a mini pumpkin. (via Studio DIY)

10. Halloween Costumes for Redheads: Use that red hair to your advantage this year by channeling a few of our favorite people and characters who are sporting the same shade. (via Brit + Co)

Do you have any projects planned for the weekend? Share your ideas with us in the comments below.

Justin & Hailey Bieber have always been the cool kids on the block — and now they're the cool parents on the block! The couple welcomed their first baby, Jack Blues Bieber, over the summer of 2024, and have been enjoying life as a family of three ever since.

When they first brought him home from the hospital, Justin shared the cutest photo of Hailey holding their son's foot on Instagramwith the caption, "WELCOME HOME JACK BLUES BIEBER 🐻." (Hopefully that emoji means they've nicknamed him Bear!). And ahead of the holidays, Hailey gave us the best gift of all: a brand new selfie featuring Justin, Hailey, and Jack. And it's got me singing "Baby" by Justin Bieber, for real.

Here's everything you need to know about Justin & Hailey Bieber's baby Jack Blues Bieber!

The Latest News On Justin & Hailey Bieber's Baby

On August 23, Justin posted this first photo of Hailey and their brand new baby's cute little toes on Instagram. The whole world has been in love with this little ever since!

Hailey Bieber couldn't resist showing off another cute image of Baby Jack's feet on Instagram stories on October 31. It seems like he was seated in a baby carrier while wearing the cutest fuchsia onesie that had an 'I Voted' sticker on his foot. Hailey wrote, "Happy Halloween! Get out there and vote 👻," over the photo, letting us know she did her part on the spookiest day of the year!

In a post celebrating the month of November (which Hailey Bieber calls "the best month of the year"), the Rhode founder posted a photo of the Bieber family on a walk. Justin is wearing a fuzzy hoodie and jacket, while Hailey bundles up with a zip-up, a fur coat, and a baseball cap, along with Jack in a little baby carrier of course! Is there anything better than getting cozy with your fam in the fall? I genuinely don't think so.

Does Hailey Bieber have a child?

Yes, Hailey Bieber gave birth to Jack Blues Bieber on August 23, 2024. Congratulations, Mama!

What is Hailey Bieber's baby name?

Hailey & Justin Bieber's baby's name is Jack Blues Bieber. Although when Hailey posted on Instagram on May 25, 2024 dressed in red — with a strawberry pimple patch & cherry blossom nails to boot — fans thought she was teasing a different name. "Little cherry blossoms on my nails little cherry blossom in my belly," she captioned the post. Maybe they'll bookmark Blossom for the future? ;)

Why did Justin name his son Jack Blues?

Justin Bieber is definitely not the first celeb to give his child a unique name, and Jack Blues is as cute as it is memorable. It's also a special name because according to Page Six, Jack is Justin's dad's middle name too!

What has Hailey & Justin Bieber's family said about Jack?

After Jack was born (and the world knew about it), Justin's mom tweeted her excitement over being a grandma, saying, "CONGRATULATIONS @justinbieber & Hailey. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BABY JACK" and Hailey's dad, Stephen Baldwin shared his own congratulatory tweetthat says,"Congratulations to you and may God continue to bless our family."

Jack Blues Bieber is gonna be one cute kid. Check back here for the latest Justin & Hailey Bieber baby news! Read up on Milo Ventimiglia Is A "Sweet And Attentive" Father-To-Be, And Duh!!! for more!

'Tis the season for love — Hailee Steinfeldand Josh Allen are engaged! The 27-year-old actress (who you'll recognize from Pitch Perfect 2 and Hawkeye) and 28-year-old Buffalo Bills quarterback were first romantically linked in May of 2023, and "have been head over heels from the start," according to a People source. "Their families are thrilled."

This celebrity couple has the final word on romance if you ask me: trips to Paris, baby showers, and serious PDA (in Cabo no less). But nothing gets more romantic than Josh's proposal on November 22, 2024. An arch covered in roses and a grassy hill with flowers and vases filled with sand. When asked how it felt to play football as a fiancé, Josh said it "felt good. Felt free."

Keep scrolling to see Hailee Steinfeld & Josh Allen's oh-so-romantic engagement post — and some key moments that led to it.

  • Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen have been dating since May 2023, and took their relationship Instagram official in October 2024.
  • The couple got engaged on November 22, 2024 under a beautiful rose-filled arch.
  • Everyone from Travis Kelce to Chad Michael Murray is celebrating with them!

Did Josh Allen get engaged to Hailee Steinfeld?

Yes, Josh Allen & Hailee Steinfeld are engaged! The couple made a joint post to Instagram to celebrate, and Josh captioned the photo, "♾️ 11•22•24 ♾️." The Summer I Turned Pretty's Conrad and Belly have nothin' on Hailee Steinfeld & Josh Allen's eternal love! ;)

"The biggest congratulations ❤️," Hailee's Pitch Perfect costar Rebel Wilson commented. Chad Micheal Murray was also excited for the couple, commenting, "Congrats brother!"

Is Hailee Steinfeld in a relationship in 2024?

Yes, Hailee Steinfeld has been with Josh Allen since the summer of 2023. When they were first linked, a source told People that "it's new, but they are having fun."

And that fun clearly turned into something much more! Josh went Instagram official in October of 2024 (with photos from a Paris trip Hailee posted in April), and the comments flooded with fans and friends showering the couple in love. "Babe wake up, Joshy just hard launched Hailee," one user said, while another added, "thank you for making Hailee happy!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼."

In the October 18 edition of her Beau Society newsletter, Hailee joked that after she and Josh gifted each other the Miyabi Kaizen chef's knife last Christmas, "he told me there's an old wive's tale that if you gift your significant other a knife you have to pay for it, otherwise it signifies the severing of a relationship. So we exchanged quarters so we didn't have that bad omen." This just proves how well they know each other!

Are Taylor Swift and Hailee Steinfeld still friends?

Yes, Taylor Swift and Hailee Steinfeld are still friends. 9 years after Hailee starred in Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" music video, Taylor liked Hailee and Josh's Instagram post (which she doesn't do often), and her BF Travis Kelce commented, "Congratulations!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻."

When is Hailee Steinfeld getting married?

The couple hasn't told us their wedding date yet, but stay tuned for news on the big day — and wedding photos!

Congrats to the happy couple! Loving all the celeb love? Read up on Shaun White & Nina Dobrev's engagement, too!

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

If you’re feeling stumped on holiday gifts this year, rest assured that books are the timeless choice — especially for the reader that always has their nose in something new! Whether they're a Swiftie, a sports aficionado, or a true crime enthusiast, there's a perfect pick waiting for them here. So if you're looking for something to add to your cart for the literary-inclined on your list, we've definitely got your covered! Happy shopping — and reading!

Here are all the books you should totally gift the voracious reader in your life!

Amazon

For the Swiftie in your life: The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

A Swiftie-coded book full of romance, angst, and second chances. Riley Wynn became an overnight superstar on the heels of a hit single from her breakup album. When her ex-husband claims the song is about him, she calls someone she remembers all too well; her college boyfriend and inspiration for the song, Max. The former lovers haven’t spoken in a decade, but when Riley asks him to go public as her songwriting muse, he agrees under the condition that he joins her band on tour. Sparks fly as the two tour the country, but their rekindled relationship will either last forever or go down in flames.

Amazon

For your friend that’s been to too many weddings this year: The Good Bride by Jen Marie Wiggins

Ruth Brancof’s wedding is unlike any of the weddings you and your besties have been to this season. The wedding weekend is curated meticulously to promote the quaint Gulf Coast fishing village a year after a hurricane, while also welcoming Ruth’s estranged family back together. Secrets are exposed, accusations are made and the oceanfront rehearsal dinner ends with gunshots and one missing guest. It turns out everyone always has a secret to protect.

Amazon

For the host with most: Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

An intimate memoir that gives an inside look at the life full of both the milestones and misadventures of culinary figure Ina Garten. The Barefoot Contessa writes about escaping her difficult childhood, finding love, navigating boring jobs, landing a career beyond her dreams and offers life advice for everything in between. For those who have learned to cook with Ina over the years, this book offers a deep and personal look at the woman behind the apron.

Amazon

For the friend that decorated for Christmas in July: A Home for the Holidays by Taylor Hahn

Packed with holiday hallmarks, this Christmas romance is a gift for anyone who likes to keep the spirit alive all year. Christmas was always magic for wedding singer Mel Hart, thanks to her mom who always managed to make it special, despite her struggles with alcohol. But when Mel loses her mom two weeks before Christmas, she's introduced to an estranged best friend of her mother’s, Barb, who is committed to telling Mel a different story about her mom. Mel spends the holidays with Barb’s family and gets a glimpse into their complicated life, uncovers secrets and learns about her moms past, all while crushing on Barb’s not-yet-divorced son.

Amazon

For your jet-setting friend on a self-discovery journey: Immersion by Linda Murphy Marshall

A memoir that will captivate those with a hunger for adventure and personal growth. This memoir follows Linda Murphy Marshall’s life as she escapes an abusive family and discovers her talent for foreign languages. This love of language creates an entirely new life for her as a successful multi-linguist where she works on assignments for the US Federal Government around the world, experiencing time in active war zones and jaw dropping situations. Through these experiences, Linda unlocks pieces of her true self and learns how to build a sense of home within herself.

Amazon

For the history buff in your life: Echoes of Us by Joy Jordan-Lake

A story of dual timelines, spanning World War II to present day, following an unlikely friendship between a Tennessee farm boy, a Jewish Cambridge student, and a German POW. Now, everything the trio has fought for is at risk as their descendants fight for control of their corporation. Attempting to refresh the company image, event planner Hadley Jacks and her sister organize a family reunion on St. Simons Island, Georgia. The sisters uncover the story of a brave woman who links the three men together and the history of old wounds that will test the strength of their friendships.

Amazon

For your amateur baking bestie: A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley

A story baked with all the ingredients of a flirty romance. When August Hodge’s feminist rant about baking goes viral, he suddenly becomes the hottest bachelor in town. His best friend's sister and decades old teenage love, Sloane Dell, steps in to help keep the social media momentum going for the Sugar Blitz Cupcakes Bakery. The two vow to keep the past in the past, but it’s made clear their attraction still burns hot, forcing them to reconsider their risks and dreams.

Amazon

For your Disney obsessed cousin who loves spicy reads: Hexed by Emily McIntire

A steamy romance that mixes fairytales and mafia themes. Despite her beauty and charm, Venesa Andersen has never felt good enough. Raised by her mafia connected uncle, she understands the demands of loyalty and duty. But when her cousin introduces her to Enzo “Loverboy” Marino, wealthy businessman by day and mafia prince by night, her attraction to him will put into question her loyalty to duty. As the cousin of Enzo’s fiancé, Venesa is off limits, even though their chemistry is electric. The two are everything they ever dreamed of, but they’ll have to grapple with the consequences of choosing a forbidden love.

Amazon

For the rock music lover: The Lightning Bottles by Marissa Stapley

Jane Pyre is a former member of the famous rock ‘n’ roll duo, The Lighting Bottles, writing the songs that catapulted them to fame. For the last five years, Jane has been the target of public hatred since the disappearance of her bandmate and soulmate Elijah Hart. Now, after moving to the quiet German countryside, she is faced with a bombshell from a young superfan next door: Proof that Elijah is alive and has been leaving clues for Jane. A cross-continent road trip ensues as Jane and the fan search for the truth.

Amazon

For military family members: Out of Place by Mary E. McKnight

This story follows Mary, an army brat and middle sister of three as she navigates life in Cold War-era West Germany. Mary struggles with the militant expectation of her father, her relationships with her siblings and the societal pressure of gender roles during the rise of the feminist movement. Mary is on a journey of self-discovery and through the power of place, travel and people she eventually finds her purpose and her voice.

Amazon

For the your celebrity obsessed bestie: After the Red Carpet by Patricia Leavy

A red carpet proposal by actor Finn Forrester to philosopher Ella Sinclair catapults the couple into the public eye, marking them as a fairy-tale romance. As Ella moves into Finn’s Beverly Hills mansion, the two are challenged with finding a way to interlace their worlds. Finn is afraid of losing his fiancé and gets lost in perfectionism while Ella is dedicated to maintaining her own identity. Simultaneously, Ella is writing a treatise on love, exploring the question: when we love so deeply, where do we end and where does the other begin?

Amazon

For the sports aficionado in your life: The Early Days of ESPN by Peter Fox

A slam dunk read for any sports fan that has turned on ESPN. Chronicling the early days of the sports network, this is a story about how a conversation over martinis in 1978 revolutionized sports entertainment. Peter Fox, ESPN’s founding executive producer, tells the behind-the-scenes journey of how a group of Connecticut locals, inspired by the mania surrounding UConn men’s basketball, took a chance on their careers and founded ESPN. Full of stories of mistakes and embarrassing moments, this book chronicles the journey of an idea that grew into a broadcast empire.

Amazon

For the hopeless romantic: A Love Song For Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

Ricki Wilde, daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty, has never fully fit in with her socialite sisters. Determined to find the exciting life she knows awaits her, Ricki leaves everything she knows behind and moves to a Harlem brownstone where she realizes her dream of opening a flower shop. Of course, everything changes when she meets an alluring stranger one evening. The two lovers are forever linked as the story of two passionate lovers unfolds against the backdrop of New York.

Amazon

For the true crime junkie: Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown

A dark academia mystery that will keep any true crime lover unraveling every page. Maya is excited as she returns to Princeton for a nostalgic reunion and her sister Naomi’s graduation. But the celebration abruptly ends when Naomi is found dead, and Maya suspects the cause is much more sinister than an accident. As Maya investigates deeper, she learns all about her sister's secrets, including her involvement in the same exclusive campus social club she was once a part of, the Sterling Club. She fears that her own past at Princeton may play a role in her sister's death as every clue circles back to a long-held secret.

Amazon

For the corporate go getter: Mind Magic by James R. Doty, MD

A deep dive into the power of manifestation, beyond the widely stigmatized buzz word. Dr. James Doty provides a path for a kinder and better world through the possibilities of manifestation. He outlines a way to rewire the brain through attention, meditation, visualization, and compassion. His guide aims to provide people with clarity, agency, and the ability to realize their dreams, perfect for those looking for a reset.

Amazon

For the fantasy fanatic: The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo

A balance of myth and mystery set in Manchuria in 1908. When a courtesan's frozen body is found, rumors about shape shifting fox spirits arise and detective Bao is hired to find the dead woman’s identity. Meanwhile, a family cursed with the deaths of their eldest sons before they turn twenty four is met by a servant named Snow who has a past checkered with secrets. More than anything, Snow seeks revenge for her lost child. Traveling from China to Japan in search of a murderer, Bao and Snow are met with old friends, new foes, and even more death.

Amazon

For the young reader: The Jump by Brittney Morris

Jax, Yas, Spider and Han make up Team Jericho, the best scavenger hunting team in Seattle. But when an oil refinery threatens their homes, their communities, and their families, the team’s world is turned upside-down. Team Jericho stumbles upon the chance of a lifetime when The Order offers them a prize of influence if they complete a puzzle. Winning the game means protecting everyone they love, but with the competition not far behind, they will need to be creative.

Looking for more good reads? Be sure to check out our storefront!

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