How to Do Laundry Without Ruining All of Your Clothes

Alli Hoff Kosik
Oct 28, 2017

We spend a lot of time worrying about whether or not we have the “right” clothes. Maybe you’re guilty of over-ordering from your favorite online boutique so you can try everything on in the privacy of your own home, or maybe you just spend a little more time than you’d like to admit browsing Pinterest for seasonal trends to make sure you’re following them without looking like you’re trying too hard. Even those of us who don’t cop to being “fashionable” have been at fashion’s mercy at least once in a while, and we have a closet full of clothes to show for it. (It may also be time to offload some of that clothing, but that’s a topic for another time.)

Once you go through the effort to collect that wardrobe, though, are you taking good care of it? Somewhat ironically, cleaning your clothes can often damage them. You may have mastered Laundry 101 somewhere around your sophomore year of high school, but the devil is most certainly in the details here, and everyone could use a refresher in the basics. Keep reading for tips on how you can successfully launder all those fab fashions without totally destroying them. You — and your wallet — will thank us!

  • Do I have to sort my laundry? To sort or not to sort is one of the most oft-debated questions in the world of laundry. What have we determined? You don’t need to, but doing so will reduce the likelihood of you bleaching out your clothes or damaging the fabric, because it will force you to use different water temperatures and cycles based on color and whether or not the pieces are delicates. But if you’re in a rush and willing to risk a less-than-perfect result, you can probably skip the sort.
  • When should I use different water temperatures? Use hot water for your whites and anything super dirty (you know exactly where those nasty gym clothes belong) and cold water for bright or dark colors that tend to bleed, as well as delicate fabrics. Warm water should be used for most other clothes: jeans, knits, synthetic fibers, and anything that falls somewhere between whites and darks on the color spectrum.
  • How much detergent do I really need? We know it seems like the more soap, the better, but the truth is thatexcess suds in your clothes can lead to bacteria buildup. Resist the urge to top out on detergent and instead follow the product’s recommendations for a standard load (an average load is between six and seven pounds). If you’re working with more clothes than that or if you have hard water, you can add a little extra detergent to the cap. Otherwise, practice moderation.
  • Is there a certain order I should use to fill my washer? Yes! First clothes, then water, then soap. Older detergent formulas included phosphates, which meant that clothes needed to be added at the end, but no more!
  • How should I use bleach? If your whites are starting to look a little gray and ragged, use approximately 1/2 cup of bleach on top of your normal detergent. Reserve specific loads for bleach, and do not mix these clothes with non-white items while you wash. Feel like your whites are constantly needing a little extra TLC? Studies have shown that bleach doesn’t speed up fabric deterioration, so you can use it regularly on your whites.

  • What makes something a delicate? Delicates include lingerie, washable silks, lace, cashmere, thin knits, and pieces with sequins. Anything labeled or tagged as “hand-wash only” or “delicate” also falls in this category (duh). 
  • Can I wash all of my delicates together? If you’re ambitious enough to take on the cleaning of your own delicates (most of us just send ’em out!), you should avoid the rookie mistake of throwing them all into the washing machine together. Sort by type or fabric to avoid damage. Combining lace and sequins in the same load, for example, can cause snagging. Generally speaking, the more you sort your items, the more likely they are to wind up in the correct water temperature and cycle.
  • Do I have to take dry-clean-only clothes to the dry cleaner? They say rules are made to be broken,but if you’re going to go wild and handle your dry-clean only clothes at home, you should definitely follow some insider tips. It’s risky, but you can try cleaning wool, silk, cotton, linen, and durable polyester at home. To do it safely, turn the items inside out, put them in a mesh bag, and use a mild detergent. Once you pull them out of the washing machine, do not put them in the dryer. Instead, lay them flat out to dry as soon as the wash cycle is finished. All that being said, though, your best bet with dry-clean-only clothes is still to take them to a trusty professional.
  • What fabrics should I never put in the washing machine? Suede, leather, velvet, taffeta, and rayon don’t belong in your at-home washing machine. You should also avoid washing anything made with fur or down.

Other random tips: Get ready for a lightning round of random laundry suggestions: Zip your zippers all the way to avoid snagging. Wash button-down shirts with the buttons undone. Put socks in the washer first so they don’t get tangled in other garments (say goodbye to hours of sock hunting).

Do you have any other suggestions for successful laundry? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

These Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs Will Blow Your Mind

Sure, chicken breastsare healthy and versatile, but let's be real: the thighs are the real winner. They're cheaper, juicier, and more flavorful, yet they're often overlooked. Why not give them the love they deserve?

Enter these crispy Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs with a yummy, easy pan sauce. Quick, easy, and involving a single skillet and everyday ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those who haven't yet learned their way around a thigh. The best part? They're super versatile. If you want a tangier flavor, add more lemon. If you prefer a more savory dish, ease up on the honey.

Serve with your favorite veggies, and you've got four meals full of crispy, finger-lickin' chicken deliciousness in less than 45 minutes. Say hello to your new weeknight favorite: Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs.


Ingredients for Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5-6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • juice of half of a lemon
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, stems removed and chopped

Directions for Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Pat chicken thighs dry, and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Drizzle olive oil over the skin sides.
  2. Set a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken thighs, skin-side down, until very browned and crispy, about 15 minutes. Readjust them about 5 minutes through so the fat touches the skillet and coats it with liquid.
  3. Remove the skillet from heat, and scatter garlic beside the chicken. Place the skillet in the oven until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  4. When the chicken is cooked through, set it on a separate plate, leaving the garlic and juices in the skillet. Add butter, lemon juice, and honey to the skillet, and stir, scraping off the browned bits, over low heat. When combined, replace the chicken, and spoon the sauce over the thighs. Garnish with parsley.

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Photos by Sara Cagle / Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

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Ryan Gosling Supports Eva Mendes "In All The Ways," And It Makes Us Love Him Even More

There are two things I know for sure: Ken loves Barbie, and Ryan Gosling loves Eva Mendes. The couple met on the movie set for The Place Beyond the Pines in 2011, and have created such a beautiful life together! Eva's just as excited for the Christmas remix of "I'm Just Ken" as we are, and Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes' constant support of one another is making us think back on all their cutest moments.

A Full Timeline Of Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes' Relationship

Images via Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

August 2011 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Meet During The Place Beyond The Pines

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes took a chance at romance after they played a couple in 2011's The Place Beyond The Pines. Once they were linked, they were seen walking around Disneyland "like a dating couple, [walking] very closely, holding hands and their arms touching side-by-side," according to a PEOPLE eyewitness.

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SXSW

November + December 2011 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Spend The Holidays Together

During Thanksgiving in 2011, Eva Mendes was filming Holly Motors in Paris, so Ryan Gosling took a trip to the City of Lights so they could spend the holiday together. They also ended up going on Funny or Die's Drunk History Christmas the next month to reenact a 21+ version of The Night Before Christmas *and* spent New Year's together!

Image via Sonia Recchia/Getty Images

September 7, 2012 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Attend The Toronto International Film Festival Together

To promote The Place Beyond the Pines, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes spent a lot of time together on the TIFF red carpet. Years later in 2019, when Kelly Clarkson pulled up the picture, Eva couldn't help but gush over Ryan — especially since they hadn't announced they were dating at the time. “Oh my God, that’s so old," she says of the photo. "That’s literally me going, ‘I’m not in love with him. What? I’m not in love.’ ‘Cause we were trying to be very professional."

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

May 2014 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Work Together On Lost River

Ryan and Eva reunited on a film set again for Lost River, which was both Ryan's directorial debut and served as a semi-autobiographical story for him. "For me, it was crucial to work in this intimate, low-budget, small way, with people I had worked with before, because I feel like in my experience that’s where everyone was at their best," Ryan tells Sunday Style (via Mangalorean). "They know what is at stake for you personally, and all the work that’s gone into getting there."

Eva also told her Instagram followers in a since-deleted postthat Lost River is the project she's most proud of. "There was one film I'm extra proud to be a part of," she said. "A dark fairy tale. A magical fantasy. To all the struggling single mothers, to all of us in cities that feel like they're burning down or flooding around us, to everyone fighting for the ones they love, this was a good one."

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

September 12, 2014 — Eva Mendes Gives Birth To Their First Child

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes welcomed Esmerelda Amada Gosling into the world in September of 2014. Eva later said that she didn't even want kids until she got together with Ryan. "I was lucky enough to work my bum off for 20 years," she tells Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa (via PEOPLE). "I never wanted babies before until I fell in love with Ryan, and it kind of worked out to where I was 40 and having my first baby. I think I was 42 for the second one, so it worked out in that way that I had a career and then I change my focus to my family."

Ryan also went on to tell GQ in 2023 that he was in a similar place before meeting Eva. "I wasn’t thinking about kids before I met her, but after I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he says. "And there were moments on The Place Beyond the Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore." I could cry!!

Image via Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

December 7, 2015 — Ryan Gosling Gives A Rare Interview About His Relationship

While Ryan and Eva have kept their relationship very private, he told Hello! that "I know that I'm with the person I'm supposed to be with" and that literally the only quality he looks for in a woman is "That she's Eva Mendes. There's nothing else I'm looking for." Swoon!

Image via Brad Barket/Getty Images

April 29, 2016 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Have Their Second Child

Eva Mendes gave birth to her and Ryan's second baby, a daughter named Amada Lee Gosling, in April 2016 — after keeping the pregnancy a secret until it was almost time to deliver! Amada is named after Eva's grandma.

Image via Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

January 8, 2017 — Ryan Gosling Dedicates His La La Land Golden Globe To Eva Mendes' Brother

While accepting his Golden Globe for Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Ryan Gosling made sure to let the world know just how much of a role Eva had played in the process. “I would like to try and thank one person properly, and say that while I was singing and dancing and playing piano,” he says in his speech, “my lady was raising our daughter, pregnant with our second and trying to help her brother with his battle with cancer.”

Eva's brother, Juan Carlos Mendes, had passed away the previous April and Ryan took the opportunity to dedicate the award to him.

Image via Dominique Charriau/Getty Images

February 12, 2020 — Eva Mendes Reveals Ryan Gosling Is A Great Cook

When an Instagram account asked what Eva and Ryan liked to cook, Eva revealed just how amazing Ryan is with food. "Ryan is an amazing chef AND baker," she says in her reply. "For reals. Incredible. No joke. I'm not sure that what I do is cooking. It's more like steaming veggies and juicing and making rice. He really cooks. I survive." Can I get Ryan Gosling to make me a meal sometime?

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

January 1, 2022 — Ryan Gosling Shares About Their Quarantine Life

“Time, in general, is something I think about a lot now. My kids are growing up so fast I need to keep an eye on the clock in a way I never used to,” Ryan Gosling tells GQ. “I feel like I need more time to process [how much the pandemic played into that]. But [Eva and I] have two kids, so we spend a lot of our time trying to keep them entertained.”

While they enjoyed their time together, Ryan's also candid about the effect of lockdown on their children: “Our kids were at a difficult age not to be able to see other kids and interact with people, even though Eva and I did our best.”

Image via Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros. Pictures.

June 2022 — Eva Mendes Embraces The Kenergy

When the world went crazy for every bit of Barbie news, so did Eva Mendes. "So. F. Funny," she says in an Instagram caption sharing the first look at Ryan Gosling's Ken. "So. F. Good. So F excited for you to see this…#Thatsmyken."

"It's a funny photo and he's trying to be funny, so it worked on all levels," she goes on to say on The Talk. "But when I saw it, when he sent it to me from work, I was like, 'Can I please have that underwear? Please, I never ask for anything'...So, anyway, I do have it. I'm wearing it right now."

Via Eva Mendes/Instagram

November 2022 — Eva Mendes Begins Dropping Hints She Married Ryan Gosling

When Eva showed off a new tattoo on her wrist in November of 2022 on Instagram, fans immediately began dissecting its meaning. The tattoo, which reads "de Gosling" (which is similar to Mrs. Gosling) could mean that Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are actually married! She went on to tell Today in Australia (via DailyMail) that "Everyone is so welcoming here and my husband Ryan is here, and we are having the best time." 👀

Image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM

August 9, 2023 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Love Family Time

In the midst of crazy release schedules and commitments (not to mention the actors' strike), Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes always prioritize their family life. "When they are not working, they are all about their girls," a source tells People. "Ryan is such a fun dad. He is goofy and his girls love it." The source continues by saying the family loves to go to the beach or the desert (same TBH).

Image via Warner Bros Pictures.

December 18, 2023 — Eva Mendes Can't Wait For The "I'm Just Ken" Christmas Remix

If the original version of "I'm Just Ken" wasn't good enough, Ryan Gosling is blessing us with a Christmas remix — and Eva Mendes is just as excited as we are. "Ken not wait for this," she says in an Instagram caption.

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros.

January 13, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Mentions His Family During His Acceptance Speech

At the 2024 Santa Barbra International Film Festival, Ryan Gosling won the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film — and he totally deserves it! With a career that includes iconic films like La La Land and Barbie, as well as The Notebook, Blade Runner 2049, and Crazy Stupid Love, all kinds of film lovers have gotten to see Ryan's work onscreen. During his acceptance speech, Ryan got choked up talking about how acting allowed him to meet "the girl of [his] dreams."

"I dreamed of one day making movies and now movies have made my life a dream," he says in his speech. "So the way I see it, there's no way I have contributed half as much to cinema as cinema's contributed to me."

Image via Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros. Entertainment

January 24, 2024 — Eva Mendes Celebrates Ryan Gosling's Oscar Nomination

After the Oscar nominations were announced January 23, Eva Mendes took to Instagram to celebrate Ryan Gosling's nomination for Best Supporting Actor. "So proud of my man. So much hate when he took on this role," she says alongside screenshots of the first (very negative) reviews of his casting. "So many people trying to shame him for doing it. Despite all the #Notmyken ridicule and articles written about him, he created this completely original, hilarious, heartbreaking, now iconic character and took it all the way to Oscars. So beyond proud to be this Ken’s Barbie."

Image via Caroline McCredie/Getty Image

February 22, 2014 - Eva Mendes Announces Upcoming Children's Book

Yesterday Eva Mendes shared with People that she's penned a children's book named Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries that'll debut September 17. It's all about a little girl who's always worried that her scary brain is the real monster she's afraid of at night. Through gentle reminders, Desi's mom helps her understand that being afraid is normal and teaches her how not to let scary thoughts control her.

Eva Mendes told People the books is like "a love letter to my kids and yours" because "...Learning how to train our brain to work for us and not against us is easier said than done!" Since we know racing thoughts doesn't just affect adults, we love that Eva is finding a way to share some of her parenting tips with other parents.

Pre-Order Eva Mendes' Children's Book:

Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worriesby Eva Mendes

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

March 10, 2024 — Eva Mendes Celebrates Ryan Gosling's Oscars Performance

Eva Mendes celebrated the Oscars on March 10 with a post highlighting Ryan Gosling's performance, and his entire run as Ken! "You took Ken all the way to the Oscar’s, RG," she says on Instagram. "Now come home, we need to put the kids to bed."

We love the way this couple can have fun with each other — and highlight how much teamwork parenthood requires!

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

March 13, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Details How Eva Mendes And Their Daughters Helped Him Prepare For His Oscars Performance

Leave it to Ryan Gosling not to take credit for his amazing Oscars performance. He gushed to People about how Eva Mendes and their daughters helped him make sure his Kenergy truly shined bright. "They are such a huge part of this for me...it was my girl's interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken that got me into this in the first place. It was beautiful to have them there at the end," he said.

As we all saw, the unmistakable Kenergy was in full force and effect during the Oscars.

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

March 26, 2024 — Eva Mendes Says It Was A "No Brainer" To Stay Home With Her Kids

Deciding how to maintain a work-home balance when you have kids is something every parent thinks about, and it turns out that extends to celebs, too! After starring with Ryan Gosling in The Place Beyond The Pines, Eva Mendes decided it was a "no brainer" to stay home with their family since acting can take you all over the world, which the actress revealed in a recent episode of The Today Show. “It was almost just like a non-verbal agreement that it was like, ‘Ok, he’s going to work and I’m going to work, I’m just going to work here,'” she says. She also says she's “so lucky” to “have this time with [their] children.”

“I have never experienced anything like [working with Ryan Gosling]. The way he works, his commitment to his craft, how he wants to make everything as best as it can be, and that means making his co-stars as best as they can be,” she continues. “But unfortunately — or fortunately — there is only one Ryan!"

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

April 1, 2024 — Eva Mendes Says Her Daughters Make Everything Better

After losing her brother in 2016, Eva Mendes says she has a "complicated relationship" with the month of April — but that her daughters make it infinitely more bearable. "[April 2] would have been my brother’s birthday," she says on Instagram. "In a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him…but then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more."

Image via Will Heath/NBC

April 13, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Hosts SNL

During his latest stint hosting SNL, Ryan Gosling did a hilarious sketch about a man who picks up a Cuban accent after getting married to a Cuban woman. Eva Mendes was all over it! "Coño! My Cuban Papi made this Cuban Mami so happy with this!!" Eva wrote on Instagram. "Years of hanging out with my Dad paid off."

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

May 1, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Is The Ultimate Support System For Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes is not here for the mom-shamers. She told People (in honor of its 2024 Beautiful Issue) that staying home to focus on Ryan Gosling and her kids was the "easiest decision I've ever made" because she wanted to be there for their formative childhood years.

"When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me," she says. "And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, 'Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s.' I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard."

"[Ryan supports me] in all the ways I need to be supported," she continues. "He's got me in all the ways."

Check back here for the latest news on Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, and don't forget to read up on Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce's Relationship and Tom Holland and Zendaya. :)

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This post has been updated.

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45 Cheap Dinner Ideas That'll Save You Money

If your takeout bill is nearing astronomical heights and the drive-thru isn't the healthy non-salads you want to be eating, cheap dinner ideas that you can eat at home are the way to go. There are plenty of ideas that will leave you feeling good but still incorporate delicious ingredients.

Even if you're not the biggest fan of cooking, making a tasty dinner doesn't have to be a chore. There are so many fantastic easy-on-the-wallet and 30-minute dinners out there that make for the perfect weeknight meal. Keep scrolling for the best cheap (and tastiest) recipes to make, whether you're getting ready for back to school season or you just want a tasty dinner-for-one.

What is the cheapest thing to make for dinner?

Image via Easy Pasta Sauces

Items like pasta and rice can become a cheap dinner. If you're looking for healthy dinner options, look for seasonal produce — it's usually cheaper than some of the other produce!

What can I cook for under $10?

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Aside from pasta and rice, look for canned foods like beans or corn. The price will also change depending on how many meals you get out of your meal prep. A $50 grocery bill means you can have five $10 meals.

What can feed a lot of people for cheap?

Our favorite meals for a lot of people are soups, casseroles, and large pasta dishes. They're filling, delicious, and there's a good chance you'll have leftovers.

Our Favorite Healthy And Cheap Dinner Ideas For 2023

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April Fools' Meatloaf Recipe

This savory cake is a funny and new take on a classic dinner dish. Don't worry, it still tastes just as good as your regular meatloaf recipe! (via Brit + Co)

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

The Perfect Al Dente Pasta

We love when we get the opportunity to make a simple dinner fancier, and pasta is always an affordable choice. Grab some veggies (in-season picks should be cheaper!) to add an extra healthy element. (via Brit + Co)

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Shrimp Fajitas Sheet Pan Recipe

Spice up your weeknight with a delicious and colorful recipe. Punchy peppers and spiced shrimp taste amazing together, especially when there's a squeeze of lime juice. (via Brit + Co)

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Basil and Brussel Sprout Mac and Cheese

We've shown you how to make smoked gouda mac in your microwave, adorably miniature mac and cheese muffins, and now it's time to make a more green take on this comfort food classic. After all, when is it not time for a return of the mac… and cheese? (via Brit + Co)

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Lemony Greens Soup

Veggielicious and full of flavor, this nutritious recipe is both delicious and budget-friendly for the win! It makes for a great soup when the weather gets cold, but the peas and the asparagus also make is perfect for summer. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Isabella Martinez-Funcke

Mini Slow-Cooker Lamb Tacos

This dinner may look like a million dollars, but really, this dish is very budget-friendly. Not only does it go easy on your wallet, but it also goes easy on your calendar; just throw it in the slow cooker while you finish work or chores. (via Fiestas: Tidbits, Margaritas & More/Brit + Co)

Image via America’s Test Kitchen

Oven-Roasted Fries

Simple, delicious, and very affordable — potatoes get us every time, especially when they're crispy and served with a creamy dipping sauce! The best part might just be that the oven roasting cuts down on your oil consumption. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Feel Good Foodie

Colorful Greek Salad Recipe

When it's hot outside, you really can't beat a summer salad. And when that summer salad is giving off major Mamma Mia vibes? That's just another green flag. (The onions + olives + peppers + cheese are also pretty great). (via Feel Good Foodie/Brit + Co)

Image via B+C

Simple Walnut-Crusted Salmon

We love this tender, pink fish more than most because it’s tasty and SO easy to make. This nutty recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple that pleases everyone, without breaking the bank. (via Brit + Co)

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Keto-Friendly Zucchini Lasagna

If you’re a zoodle lover than this recipe is for you. Swap in some mean green for the heavier pasta counterpart and you’ll be feeling leaner while your wallet gets fatter. BOOM. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Blue Apron

Chrissy Teigen’s Pork Bánh Mì

As if we needed another reason to love this woman! Learn how to make this quick and authentic Vietnamese sando and save some serious dough (while eating plenty of it, too!). (via Blue Apron/Brit + Co)

Image via B+C

Perfect Fried Rice

No more mushy rice and veggies, just straight fresh, delicious, cost-effective goodness. Bonus: This recipe makes great leftovers, too. Once you nail this recipe, switch up your veggies and meat for a new flavor every time you make it. (via Brit + Co)

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Garlicky Cheese Bread

Who says you shouldn’t eat bread for dinner? Um, nobody! Have a simple meal of deliciousness when you combo this recipe with your favorite Riesling. Truly, a match made in culinary heaven. (via Brit + Co)

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Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

This one-pot wonder pressure-cooks the pasta in a combo of milk and chicken stock. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish that you won't be able to stop talking about. (via Brit + Co)

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Vegan Cashew Cream Pasta

Ditch the dairy and try a silky, nut-based sauce instead! Cashew is oh-so-creamy and the perfect stand-in for cheese (and we LOVE cheese). Your skin and your stomach will thank you. (via Brit + Co)

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Beef Bulgogi Meatballs

This classic Korean recipe works perfectly as shish kebabs, sliders, or playful finger food. Choose your favorite, or make a buffet of options for the whole family. (via Brit + Co)

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Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowl

Who says healthy can’t mean a little bit of indulgence? Just prep your fave toppings, roast spaghetti squash, and you’ve got a fancy (and cheap) date night ahead of you.. (via Brit + Co)

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Green Shakshuka

This one-pan wonder takes the most basic ingredients — eggs, tomatillos, and onions — and transforms them into a hearty meal you’ll crave all day. Top with delicious crusty bread and dill. (via Brit + Co)

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Shepherd’s Pie

The crispy, golden mashed potato crust is the star of this dish. The recipe calls for ground lamb, but can just as easily be replaced with beef or turkey depending on your preference and what’s on sale. No matter what you make it with, you’ll enjoy every second of dinner tonight. (via Brit + Co)

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Holiday Leftover Breakfast Hash

Turn your leftovers into something incredible, like a breakfast-style hash with eggs, cherry tomatoes and yesterday’s ham and potatoes. Since the ham and potatoes are already cooked, half the work is done for you. Enjoy with a ton of cracked black pepper and strips of parsley. (via Brit + Co)

These Inexpensive Dinner Ideas Will Change Your Meal Plan

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Butternut Squash and Bacon Pizza

A warm slice of pizza is the ultimate in comfort food. And when you top the pizza with caramelized onions, thin slices of apple, roasted butternut squash, bacon and blue cheese, it’s hard to beat. Perfect for using up the extra produce hanging out in your fridge, this pizza can easily be customized to your liking. Skip the bacon and add crispy roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Image via Culinary Hill

Easy Goulash Recipe

With pasta, ground beef, cheese, garlic, and tomatoes (just to name a few), this is one cheap dinner idea that everyone is sure to love. (via Culinary Hill)

Image via Diethood

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Stick with this recipe and you’ll be chowing down on tender garlic shrimp and wild rice in just 20 minutes, using just a few simple ingredients. Besides the pot you used to boil water for the rice, the rest of the dish comes together in a single skillet, so you don’t have to worry about doing a ton of dishes after dinner. (via Diethood)

Image via Love Grows Wild

Biscuits and Gravy

It may be cold outside, but inside you’re bundled up and getting cozy with this classic breakfast-for-dinner meal. The thick fool-proof sausage gravy acts like a warm blanket on the flaky buttermilk biscuits. You’ll already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, but you can save yourself some time and grab a can of store-bought biscuits to make this a quick and easy weeknight staple. (via Love Grows Wild)

Image via The Endless Meal

Chicken Carnitas With Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa

A rotisserie chicken is an economical shortcut in this recipe. Shred the chicken (skin and all) and broil it for a quick 10 minutes, then pile it in a warm tortilla. Add in your favorite toppings like guacamole, a hint of lemon juice and the unforgettable sweet + spicy pineapple pomegranate salsa. Taco Tuesday will never be the same. (via The Endless Meal)

Image via The Whimsical Wife

Whole Roast Chicken

Roasting a whole chicken is not as scary as it seems. Designate a few hours every Sunday afternoon to watching the bird brown in your oven and you’ll never cook chicken another way again. Make sure to let the chicken rest on your counter after baking to give it time to reabsorb all the juices. Use the meat in your salads, quesadillas, and sandwiches for the next week. (via The Whimsical Wife)

Image via The Garlic Diaries

One Pot Mexican Skillet

Another one-pot meal that’s going to change the way you think about weeknight cooking, this recipe is the ideal combination of spicy and savory, and gets most of its flavor from inexpensive spices. Every element of this dish, from the chicken to the whole wheat pasta, is perfectly seasoned since it all cooks together in the same pan. This is one meal that’ll warm you up on the coldest winter nights. (via The Garlic Diaries)

Image via Love and Olive Oil

Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Seasonal without tasting like a pumpkin spice candle, this twist on traditional stuffed shells will have you hoarding cans of pumpkin puree. Enjoy with a small chopped salad and a good glass of wine and you’ll feel like you’re eating at a five-star restaurant instead of your kitchen table. (via Love and Olive Oil)

Image via Well Plated

Kale Pasta With Walnuts and Parmesan

If you’re craving a big bowl of carbs, throw in some kale to balance it out and make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs to power you through the first few days of 2016. The crunchy walnuts and olive oil dressing take this spaghetti to the next level. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese is the bow that ties it all together. (via Well Plated)

Image via Something New for Dinner

Black Bean Soup

Sometimes you just don’t feel like fussing with an intricate recipe and would rather have a simple, straight-forward meal to fill your hungry tummy. A food processor makes this soup come together in no time, but it can also be done with an immersion blender. Top the soup the same way you would a taco, with guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro. Crush a few tortillas chips and sprinkle over your soup for a crunchy alternative to crackers. (via Something New for Dinner)

Image via Spicy Southern Kitchen

Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe makes enough to feed a group of your hungriest friends, or you can make it for yourself and have enough left to last you the rest of the week. Using leftover rotisserie chicken and a bag of frozen veggies means you can have a meal that tastes like it took all day to make when really you were done in under 45 minutes. Your secret’s safe with us. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Image via Damn Delicious

Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders and Veggies

This kid-friendly recipe will please the pickiest eaters (and skinniest of wallets!). Coat the chicken in corn flakes to get a super crispy crust without frying. Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauces — honey mustard and peppercorn ranch would be delish! (via Damn Delicious)

Image via Love Grows Wild

Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta

This savory pumpkin pasta is just the kind of comforting meal you need after a long day. The creamy sauce completely engulfs whichever type of pasta you use (basically whatever is hanging out in your pantry). Just make sure you use canned pumpkin puree and not spiced pumpkin pie filling. (via Love Grows Wild)

Image via Little Broken

Lentil Chili

Hearty, chunky and good ’til the last bite, this lentil chili will have even the biggest carnivores coming back for a second helping. Transfer three cups of chili to your food processor and blend until smooth, then pour the pureed chili back into the original pot. This helps thicken up your chili without having to add cornstarch or flour, which can sometimes affect the taste. (via Little Broken)

Image via The Clever Carrot

Mediterranean Chicken + Pasta Bake

Go with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, as opposed to the breast, for this recipe. Not only is it a cheaper cut of meat, but it also won’t dry out in the oven. Adding a jar of artichoke hearts and chopped kalamata olives to the pasta will make you think you’re dining off the coast of Greece. (via The Clever Carrot)

Image via I Heart Naptime

Turkey Noodle Soup

Take leftover turkey and turn it to a steaming pot of comfort food at its finest. This basic recipe is like a magic cure-all elixir and will be one of your go-tos for years to come. There’s nothing a big bowl of turkey noodle soup can’t fix. (via I Heart Naptime)

Image via She Likes Food

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

This lentil and chickpea sloppy joes are packed with protein and are a great meatless Monday recipe. Make your own barbecue sauce or grab a bottle of your favorite one from the store. Either way, this is one meal the whole family will go crazy for but won’t break the bank. (via She Likes Food)

Image via Munching With Mariyah

Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

This hearty Tuscan white bean soup is one comfort food recipe you'll want to make every week. The shallots and fresh garlic add to the warm base of this dish, creating an unforgettable flavor profile. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Image via Takes Two Eggs

Easy 15 Minute Yaki Udon (Stir Fried Udon Noodles)

Here's another one-pot recipe you can whip up in 15 minutes or less! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Image via Pink Owl Kitchen

Creamy Cajun Mushroom Pasta

A creamy mushroom pasta with cajun flavor? Consider this dish worth adding to our pasta recipes list. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Image via Two Peas & Their Pod

Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This budget-friendly recipe takes the classic loaded baked potato recipe and flips it on its head. Using sweet potatoes instead of the russet version, you can easily create a sweet and savory meal that wins the hearts of all who are lucky enough to get a bite. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Image via The First Mess

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Smoky Almond Bits

This cheap dinner idea is so simple you'll wonder why you haven't thought about making it before. And get this - the smoky almond bits are vegan and topped with maple! (via The First Mess)

Image via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers

We know pizzais a simple dish to indulge in but did you know you could make pizza stuffed bell peppers? Try making this cheap dinner recipe tonight! (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Image via Cozy Cravings

Puff Pastry Breakfast Egg Tarts

Breakfast for dinner is always a great idea! (via Cozy Cravings)

Image via Salt & Lavender

Crockpot Ranch Chicken Tacos

This is yet another cheap dinner idea you can cook using your crockpot! (via Salt & Lavender)

Check out our online cooking classes and check out our email newsletter for all the newest healthy and cheap dinner ideas!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Jasmine Williams.


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A "Verity" Movie Is Officially On Its Way

Thanks to Challengers and The Watchers, I can already tell 2024 is going to be a year of shocking movies (and shockingly good movies), and that trend is going to continue thanks to Verity & Colleen Hoover. While It Ends With Us might be the most popular Colleen Hoover book, Verity is arguably the craziest, and The Hollywood Reporter just confirmed that a movie is officially in development! While we wait for more news, browse the Colleen Hoover merch you can wear to opening night ;).

Is there a movie about the book Verity?

Image via Amazon

Yes, a movie based on Colleen Hoover's Verity is officially on the way! The movie's in development at Amazon MGM Studios (the studio behind Florence Pugh's A Good Person and Zendaya's Challengers). Hillary Seitz is currently writing the script for the film, and Eat the Cat's Nick Antosca and Alex Hedlund are producing.

What is Verity about?

Image via Vlada Karpovich/Pexels

In Verity by Colleen Hoover, Lowen Ashleigh is a writer struggling to make ends meet. That is, until she's offered the job of a lifetime by Jeremy, husband to the ultimate it-girl author, Verity Crawford. The thriller writer is no longer able to finish the remaining books in her series, and Jeremy wants Lowen to pick up where she left off. While Lowen is over the moon to step in (both into the job and their huge family estate), a secret manuscript and family secrets lead Lowen to realize Verity's hiding a lot more than she's letting on. B+C editor Haley Sprankle says this is one of the craziest books she's ever read, and I know this is definitely going to be one of the craziest movies we've seen!

Who's in the Verity cast?

Image via Mike Coppola/Jon Kopaloff/Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Since the movie is just now in development, we don't have an official Verity cast list yet. But considering It Ends With Us is starring beloved actors like Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and Jenny Slate, I'm confident the cast of Verity will feature some incredible names.

Popular fancasts for Verity include You's Victoria Pedretti or The White Lotus' Alexandra Diddario as Lowen, Rosamund Pike or Margot Robbie as Verity, and Shia LaBeouf or Theo James as Jeremy. Without a doubt, the cast of Verity needs to be warm and welcoming at first glance, but also have an unexpected edge that reveals itself as we move through the story.

One Reddit user points out that the characters need to offer "just toxicity but also feigned innocence," and each of these actors do exactly that, which makes them incredible picks for the movie. If Blake wasn't already in It Ends With Us, I know she'd do a great job because she proved her thriller acting chops in A Simple Favor!

When did Verity come out?

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME

Colleen Hoover self-published Verity in 2018, and in 2021, the book was acquired by Grand Central Publishing. It sold more than one million copies in 2023, and has more than 340 thousand Amazon ratings and over two million Goodreads ratings. Talk about a hit!

What movie is similar to the book Verity?

Image via Lionsgate

If you love thriller books like Verity, then I'd recommend checking out other relationship-centric thrillers like Gone Girl, Rebecca, and A Simple Favor. For period drama fans, I cannot recommend Will Poulter and Lucy Boynton's Why Didn't They Ask Evans enough!

Follow us on TikTok and YouTube for the latest entertainment updates, and check back here for new info on Verity & Colleen Hoover's other books!

Lead image via Amazon.

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Your Perfect Pair Of New Balance Sneakers, Based On Your Vibes

Personal style is personal for a reason. Whatever you wear is a complete reflection of who you are, and this is especially true for what shoes you slip into every day. Everyone’s got their go-to sandals, but sneakers are an entirely different game, I tell ya.

If your fave footwear brand is New Balance and you just so happen to be in the market for some squeaky-clean sneaks, I’ve basically done all the research for you to help you find your perfect pair. This list of the most popular New Balance sneakers details not only each style’s practicality, but their personality, too.

Ahead, find your perfect New Balance sneakers – based on your vibes!

New Balance 9060: The ‘Fit Flexer

If you just can’t resist dressing to the nines every single day, the New Balance 9060s will fit right into your fashionista flair.

These “proudly futuristic” New Balance sneakers deliver on Y2K aesthetics beyond compare. The wider base is reminiscent of Nike Shox – very tech-y and otherworldly. The upper part is made from mesh and suede, supplying a super elevated vibe.

The white and cream white coloration is so easy to pair with most every ‘fit. They’ll match with cargo pants, vintage jeans, or even mini skirts and denim shorts.

Reviewers of the New Balance 9060 are glad they invested in this $150 shoe because it's so versatile.

One reviewer toted the 9060’s for fitting into “all aspects” of their lifestyle. Another said that the arch supports “unreal,” so though they’re more fashion-forward than other New Balance kicks, they’re still uber-comfortable for a range of activities.

New Balance 990: The Thrift Shopper

The New Balance 990s are straight-up dad sneakers to the core, so if you gravitate towards the thrift store (or all things vintage-y), you’ll find that they go swimmingly with most outfits and will stand up to long thrift trips.

While they were originally manufactured for running (and they still are), the 990s scream streetwear to me. They appear more elevated than your average athletic running shoe, thanks to the smooth pigskin and fine mesh.

The inside is fitted with a bouncy FuelCell midsole cushioning, and the shoe is available in 4 different widths. The range!

The New Balance 990s are very similar to the New Balance 993s, which is less performance-based.

New Balance 574 Core: The Weekend Warrior

Whether you're hitting the club or the farmer’s market on the weekends, you want to be comfortable (I mean, who doesn't?). The New Balance 574 Cores are made for the weekend warriors.

New Balance describes this signature shoe as “uncomplicated, rugged, durable, and comfortable.”

Though the 574s are pretty basic, they’re earned themselves icon status. You’re sure to see at least one pair when you go out.

The outer layer is made from suede and mesh materials dotted with 100% recycled polyester details.

New Balance 550: The Sneakerhead

These New Balance sneakers aren’t just black and white. They’re “sea salt” with “gray matter” and “magnet.” So yeah, if you consider yourself overly particular about your sneakers, the New Balance 550s are the shoe for you.

These were revived from the late 80’s and early 90’s then re-released full-time in 2021, and they’ve been a modern fan-favorite ever since.

The flatter soles on these sneaks mean they’re not as practical for running or walking long distances, but since they have a history with basketball, you might be able to rock ‘em on the court. More than anything, they definitely give basketball vibes, which is perfect for any streetwear ensemble.

The mixed materials and chunky approach to the classic New Balance logo give these an unmistakable air.

According to New Balance, these best fit people with an average arch height. The thick sole and cushy ankle padding work the hardest to support your feet, rather than an arched insole.

New Balance 530: The Gym-Goer

The New Balance 530s are giving Erewhon baddie. They’re giving I drink smoothies for breakfast. They’re giving I live and breathe pilates.

The stark white colorway of these sneakers reminds me of the clean girl aesthetic, and they’re so pretty, you may have a hard time getting them dirty.

Though very stylish on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts with the New Balance 530s. They’re fitted with an ample midsole section that cushions and compresses your step.

New Balance Fresh Foam: The 10K Steps A Day-er

For the more athletic among us (hello, hot girl walks!), the New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers are the way to go. They’re designed especially for walking and running, so you can count on them to be comfy.

They have an extra-soft cushioning for a cozy step, and every aspect of the footbed is intended to stabilize the foot.

This shoe especially supports walkers or runners with the tendency to step heel first, a bonus co-signed by the American Podiatric Medical Association – this pair received their Seal of Acceptance.

The upper part of the shoe is made of mesh, so it’s highly breathable, even on hot days. They’re great for high arches, too!

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Images via New Balance.
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