Wine Down Fridays: Best Summer Wines for Under $30

Perri O. Blumberg
Jul 08, 2016

Oh summer, let us count the ways we love you. We can rock festival style every weekend. We can have no-heat beach waves without even trying. And it’s boho bridal shower and wedding season. What do all these things have in common? They’re better with friends. Oh, and food. And, yes, you guessed it: wine. Here are our favorite warm-weather picks for under $30. Eat, drink and cheers!

1. Dreaming Tree Sauvignon Blanc($15): This wine is the project of musician David Mathews (who also does the label work) and celebrated Sonoma winemaker Sean McKenzie. The brand represents something we can get behind: approachable and affordable wine with the intention of bringing people together. Vibrant and juicy, this wine is refreshing and balanced. Another cool note? Dreaming Tree Wines shows their commitment to sustainability with totally eco-friendly materials in the bottle, cork and label. Plus a portion of proceeds from every bottle sold goes to environmental organizations.

2. SIMI Sonoma County Dry Rosé ($18): This blush pink vintage, which features a gorgeous rosy hue, tastes better than some $50 bottles of vino. Wine connoisseurs will swoon over the delicate aromas of strawberry, tart cherry, fresh tarragon and a hint of white pepper, while newbies will enjoy how incredibly drinkable it is. The wine’s versatility pairs well with just about anything.

3. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon($14):Some people say you shouldn’t drink red in summer but this wine may prove them wrong. Aged in bourbon barrels, you’ll be enamored by its serious fruit-forward flavors like black cherry and blackberry. Those barrels are made of 100% American oak that has been charred to impart deep toasty flavors and hints of vanilla and brown sugar. This vintage is a thoughtful housewarming gift for the folks next door or a great accompaniment for your next barbecue!

4. Woodbridge By Robert Mondavi Chardonnay ($8): You had us at chardonnay. And then you REALLY had us at $8. No bargain basement-quality flavor here though. This wine is fruit-forward and elegantly balanced, boasting robust aromas (think green apple muddled with flowers) before diving into a rich oaky finish.

5. SIMI Sonoma County 2014 Sauvignon Blanc ($15):Classic never tasted better. Smooth? Check. Crisp? Check. This signature SIMI Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc doles out a beautiful tango of tropical mango notes and refined hints of pear and stone fruit. Porch chairs and patio vibes are optional.

Share a picture of your favorite summer sipping experience on Instagram and tag @britandco!

17 “Charming” Western Decor Ideas Beyond Cliché Horses & Cowboy Hats

I was a bit surprised when Shea McGee named "Western Cowboy" as one of her top home trend predictions for 2025 — but she wasn’t wrong. With earthy decor, natural materials, and country cottage kitchens already trending, the shift toward an American Western aesthetic feels like a natural evolution (I mean, look at the Grammy's AOTY). This style resurfaces in home decor, but this time, it’s less about cowboy clichés and more about refined rustic charm — think of it as the new boho with Southern charm.

Scroll for all our favorite western decor ideas to add a little "Yeehaw!" to your space!

Etsy

Etsy Vintage Cowgirls Pink Wallpaper

I'm in love with this charming Vintage Cowgirls Pink self-adhesive wallpaper, featuring vintage western scenes, cowboys on horses, and picturesque landscapes in soft pastel colors.

Decor Tip: Use earthy tones like warm browns, terracotta, beige, and soft whites as your foundation.

Crate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel Dalton Brown Suede Lamp by Jake Arnold

This desk lamp, inspired by the 1940s, with muted red-finished metal dome, burnished brass accents and suede-wrapped tube warms up your Western aesthetic with a rustic yet elevated vibe.

Decor Tip: Mix vintage Western pieces with sleek, modern decor.

Urban Outfitters

UO Vicki Collage Duvet Cover

This soft cotton duvet cover features rows of Western and floral icons for a more femme country vibe. Pair it with the Vicki Collage Sham Set.

Decor Tip: Have fun with it! Add pops of color and a touch of kitsch, but balance them with refined pieces to keep the look stylish and intentional.

Ruggable

Ruggable Lark Blue & Rose Rug

A modern (and washable!) rug with Southwestern geometrics brings a rustic refresh to your Western-inspired space.

Decor Tip: Layer in woven kilim patterns, Navajo-inspired throws, and fringed accents in earthy colors like dusty blue, sage green, rust, and shades of brown.

Urban Outfitters

UO Cowboy Boot Tufted Throw Pillow

Classic Western motifs like cowboy boots are on trend and perfect to incorporate in your home decor, just keep them tasteful and minimal. This black-and-white pillow is just the right amount of playfulness.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Bronze Horse & Marble Bookends

Cast in bronze on white marble, these sculptural horse head bookends are the touch of equestrian elegance your Western bookshelf needs.

Etsy

Etsy Vintage UFO Poster

This retro sci-fi art is a unique departure from typical western art you might see, and totally fun and futuristic.

Decor Tip: Vintage black-and-white ranch photos, abstract desert landscapes, or bold Western portraits make great statement pieces.

Gold Dogs

Good Luck Horseshoe Wall Hanging

These viral 'Good Luck' brass horseshoes are perfect little accents for walls, shelves, anywhere you want to give guests a little wink and nod.

Decor Tip: Swap out kitschy Western elements for more artful, curated pieces.

Pendleton

Pendleton Cowboy Hat Hooked Pillow

This hand-hooked wool image of a cowboy hat was designed in Vermont by Laura Megroz.

Decor Tip: Use layered textiles (sheepskin throws, handwoven blankets, and plush cushions) for a cozy, inviting feel.

Etsy

Etsy Stacked Cowboy Hats Print

Cowboy hats are iconic and a great statement piece for your western decor.

East Fork Pottery

East Fork Pottery Small Mug

These handmade mugs from Asheville, North Carolina are the perfect addition to your Western earthy decor, and just the right size to keep your coffee warm while you drink it.

Decor Tip: Mix in handmade, artisanal pieces.

Farmhouse Pottery

Farmhouse Pottery Reusable Bowl Covers

These linen bowl covers are perfect for bread making or covering a salad until you're ready to eat. Each set includes 3 different sizes.

Decor Tip: Incorporate soft, worn-in fabrics like linen and distressed leather.

McGee & Co.

McGee & Co. Plaid Tasseled Throw

Classic plaid patterns are a perfect fit for this aesthetic, while the tassels bring a playful, laid-back touch.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Stallion on Canvas Board

Add a little personality with this affordable 8" x 10" stallion in an antique gold frame.

Decor Tip: Decorate with meaningful Western finds, like thrifted treasures, antique prints, or family heirlooms.

Monike Hibbs

MH Dinner Bell

This solid brass dinner bell is the cutest thing I've seen on the Internet today. Dinner's ready!

Decor Tip: Add subtle nods to Western culture.

Rugs Direct

Loloi Grand Canyon Area Rug

This cruelty-free design is perfect for adding a little rustic decor to your space. But make this your only animal hide in the space to keep it from traveling into kitsch territory.

Tejas Country Club

Tejas Country Club Howdy Print

A little Southern Charm in the kitchen or entryway adds a warm, welcoming vibe to your decor.

Decor Tip: Use mid-century modern art and lighting for a fresh take.

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

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8 Trader Joe's Frozen Desserts Every Sweet Tooth Needs To Try

It’s no secret that Trader Joe’s absolutely kills it in the dessert department. I’m a massive fan of their Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupsand Chocolatey Coated Chocolate Chip Cookie Dunkers, but taking a gander down the frozendesserts aisle is an entirely different ballgame. From fruit-flavored mochi to decadent chocolate layered ice cream sammies, there’s something at Trader Joe’s for every kind of sweet tooth. Perfect for mid-day and midnight snacks alike, these are the 8 best Trader Joe’s frozen desserts that are worth every bite.

Scroll on for the 8 Trader Joe’s frozen desserts that belong in your next grocery haul!

Trader Joe's

1. Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones

These coffee-flavored, chocolate-covered, mini-sized ice cream cones are a total hoot. Their small size makes 'em unbelievably easy to snack on, though, so it may take some restraint to not eat the whole box in a single sitting (speaking from experience). You get a little bit of creaminess and crunch with each piece, which is insanely satisfying – and something you don't get too much of – from a frozen treat!

@traderjoesobsessed

2. Blood Orange Mochi Ice Cream

These addicting little pockets of blood orange-flavored ice cream wrapped in sweet mochi dough are super nostalgic, especially for someone like me who practically grew up on Flintstone's Push-Ups! They're the ideal finger food, and though you might assume eating each piece is messy, the snackin' experience is anything but. With just enough zing from the blood orange and plenty of sugary goodness, you're definitely going to want to buy at least three boxes at a time during your TJ's runs.

Trader Joe's

3. Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

These ice cream sammies are simply a modern take on a beloved classic. They're just like those popular treats you can pick up at the gas station, but with tons more chocolate chips. TJ's says they've perfected the best "crunchy-chewy ratio" possible for the duo of chocolate chip cookies involved, both of which hug a thick dollop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet summertime – or anytime, really – refreshment.

@traderjolene

4. Macaron Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches

This brand-new Trader Joe's frozen dessert already has fans going crazy, and I get it – it's basically two of the best desserts in one! Surrounded by a pair of "delicate" macaron shells, these chocolate ice cream sandwiches are totally chocolated out. I'm certain any fan of chocolate will adore them.

A TJ's fan on Reddit noted that the macaron component of this treat is "perfectly cooked, sweet and chewy," while the ice cream "tastes premium... and has a lot of chocolate flavor."

"It’s like they made these just for me," someone else chimed in on the thread. Same here!

Trader Joe's

5. Chocolate Croissants

If you didn't know Trader Joe's carries frozen croissants by now, you've truly been missing out. No more paying $5 per pastry at your local cafe! These bake-and-eat goodies are crafted with high-quality butter and semisweet Belgian chocolate for a deliciously sweet balance – all without having to laminate the dough yourself (amen)! I love treating myself to this box to enjoy on a lazy Sunday morning alongside some fresh coffee.

Trader Joe's

6. Lemon Bars

As fun as they are to make yourself, these frozen, ready-to-eat lemon bars erase the need for you to drag out all of your bakeware! Also – oven, who?! After thawing out at room temp a bit, these truly taste just as fresh as they would if you DIY'ed them. These are my go-to Trader Joe's frozen dessert if I'm attending a party and need to bring something to share... but don't necessarily have all the time in the world to whip something up.

Trader Joe's

7. Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream

Die-hard TJ's fanatics might already know the pure magic that is their Speculoos Cookie Butter, but not many know that the grocer's incorporated it into a deliciously creamy pint of ice cream! This frozen find is swirled with the famous butter and packed with pieces of cookie for extra Speculoos oomph. I like to add some chocolate chips to mine (like a total chocolate fiend), but I also think TJ's Teensy Candy Bars or crushed Chocolate Vanilla Creme Joe-Joe's would work wonderfully as toppings.

Trader Joe's

8. Brownie Crisp Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches

Chocolate and coffee is a top-tier food combo, and it's downright irresistible if it comes in a frozen form like this. While traditional ice cream sandwiches typically come with cookies as the top and bottom layers, this TJ's dessert comes complete with a duo of brownie crisps to provide a unique bite. Eat them on their own, or dare to go bold and try one affogato-style!

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8 "Classic" Italian Baby Names For Your Beautiful Bambino

One of the first (and most meaningful) decisions you'll make as a parent is selecting your little one's name. If you're drawn to rich cultural heritage, Italian baby names serve as stellar options that offer a blend of tradition, charm, and history.

So, whether you're of Italian descent or simply appreciate the beauty of the language, here are some Italian baby names that you can't go wrong with.

Scroll to see all the classic Italian baby names we can't get enough of in 2025!

1. Bianca

Yarenci Hdz

Bianca is a beautiful moniker for girls that means "white" or "pure." It's simple yet elegant, signifying innocence, freshness, and grace.

While it originated in Italy, this name has since become popular in numerous countries, including Brazil, Germany, and Romania. It also carries literary charm since it's linked to the character Bianca in Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.

2. Carlo

Helena Lopes

With both Italian and German roots, Carlo is a distinguished name that actually means "free man." It has traveled across Europe due to its popularity, showing up everywhere, from the streets of Naples to the mountains of Bavaria.

It has a regal sound that carries a sense of freedom and strength. That's why Carlo is a great choice for parents seeking a name that embodies heritage and an adventurous spirit.

3. Isabella

Gustavo Fring

With roots in the Hebrew name Elisheva and the English variation Elizabeth, Isabella carries a sense of grace and reverence. It means "devoted to God" and has remained popular for centuries as a favorite among royals and celebrities.

Plus, its connection to the Italian word "bella" makes it an even more fitting and timeless pick for a beautiful little girl.

4. Alessio

Jonny Pinto

This strong yet graceful Italian name means "defender" and encourages little boys to stand up for what they believe in. As a shorter form of Alessandro, it also has a melodic flow and a distinct, stylish sound.

Alessio's Italian roots make it a wonderful option for those who want to honor their heritage with a classic name that stands the test of time.

5. Francesca

Catalina Carvajal Herrera

Francesca has both German and Italian roots. It's likely derived from the Old Germanic word "franko," which means "Frenchman," but it also connects to the Italian name Francis and translates to "free."

This gives Francesca a sense of independence and individuality, encouraging self-expression and freedom. Moreover, it's associated with St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscans who embraced humility and love for all living things.

6. Lorenzo

Goda Morgan

With origins in Latin, Italian, and Spanish, this name means "from Laurentum" or "from the town of bay trees." Lorenzo has a connection to nature that's elegant and rich in historical significance.

As a variant of Laurence, it has been a beloved name in Southern Europe for centuries. Lorenzo's lasting appeal is partly thanks to its association with influential figures, such as Lorenzo de' Medici, the Florentine Renaissance prince, and the name's appearances in Shakespearean plays.

7. Luciana

Thomas Ronveaux

Luciana is a feminine name with Italian roots that means "light." It's derived from the Latin word "lux," which signifies brightness.

Naming your daughter Luciana is the perfect way to honor her as a shining presence in your life. This pick symbolizes warmth, joy, and hope while delivering a soft sound.

8. Matteo

Hanna Auramenka

Lastly, Matteo is a charming and masculine name with origins in both Italian and Hebrew, meaning "gift of God." As the Italian version of the classic Matthew, it carries a more romantic flair.

This name also has a lively, energetic vibe and offers the cute nickname option Teo. It's a timeless choice with meaningful symbolism that doesn't sacrifice modern style.

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