This DIY Easter Centerpiece Doubles As Favors for Your BFFs

Cheep cheep — it’s almost Easter! I always see these adorable pipe cleaner chicks at the dollar store this time of year, and I cannot resist them. Talk about cute. Luckily, this year I had a plan in mind: BFF Easter egg favors! Inspired by the classic “Best Friends” necklaces from childhood, the eggs can be filled with sweet treats and given to your best chicks as mini gifts this Easter. Plus, arrange them as the centerpiece of the table and they’ll double as decor for Easter brunch.

Materials and Tools:

Instructions:

  1. Rip newspaper into strips (about 1/2 inch wide by 2 inches long works well) and soak in warm water. In a bowl, mix one part white glue and one part water together. Inflate the balloons and apply the glue mixture onto a section with a paintbrush. Remove newspaper strips from the water (wiping off excess water) and place onto the glue-covered balloon. Apply more glue on top, and continue in this way until the whole balloon is covered with three layers of newspaper. Let dry completely.
  2. Once dry, draw a jagged crack down the center of the paper maché egg and cut along the line with a craft knife. Remove the popped balloon and glue a small piece of newspaper over the hole left by the balloon knot.
  3. Paint the egg shells! Make sure to keep the matching tops and bottoms together — they can be tricky to tell apart, if you’re not careful. Paint the inside and outside of the egg; it may take a few coats. Let dry.
  4. Write on your eggs with colored permanent marker. We wrote “best friends” like the classic necklaces, but other fun options are “BFFs” or “best chicks.”

Rip newspaper into strips (about 1/2 inch wide by two inches long works well) and soak in warm water. In a bowl, mix one part white glue and one part water together. Inflate the balloons and apply the glue mixture onto a section with a paintbrush. Remove newspaper strips from the water (wiping off excess water) and place onto the glue-covered balloon. Apply more glue on top, and continue in this way until the whole balloon is covered with three layers of newspaper. Let dry completely.

Once dry, draw a jagged crack down the center of the paper maché egg and cut along the line with a craft knife. Remove the popped balloon and glue a small piece of newspaper over the hole left by the balloon knot.

Paint the egg shells! Make sure to keep the matching tops and bottoms together — they can be tricky to tell apart, if you’re not careful. Paint the inside and outside of the egg; it may take a few coats. Let dry.

Write on your eggs with colored permanent marker. We wrote “best friends” like the classic necklaces, but other fun options are “BFFs” or “best chicks.”

Best chicks for life!

Are you hosting an Easter brunch this spring? Share your pretty pastel table settings with us on Instagram using hashtags #iamcreative and #britstagram, and follow us on Pinterest for more holiday DIY inspo!

If you've been invited to an Easter potluck but haven't made an Easter side dish yet, have no fear. These unexpected, vibrant dishes are here to steal the show! From creamy casseroles and dips to seasonal soups and refreshing salads, there's something on this list that everyone will want a bite of. Choose from 41 delightful Easter recipes that work as appetizers too and savor an Easter Sunday with a feast for family and friends.

Baked Artichokes With Honey Whipped Feta

Dip these baked Panko-coated artichokes into a sweet and creamy honey-whipped feta cheese for all your spring holidays. Everyone's going to love it! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Here us out on cabbage: when you bake this underrated veg with cheese and herbs, even kids will love it. (via The Edgy Veg)

Cream of Asparagus Soup

This perfect spring soup turns our favorite spring veg into the star of the show. It's full of fresh and vibrant flavors! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Roasted Golden Beet Salad With Farro

Roasted beets, farro, goat cheese, and crunchy almonds are a perfect side for a crowd and meal for everyday. (via Barley & Sage)

Toast with Oregano-Truffle Cream Cheese and Olive Oil Tossed Tomatoes

Inspired by breakfast in Barcelona, this simple recipe of toasted bread is topped with olive oil, tomato and oregano-truffle cream cheese is SO good. (via No Eggs And Ham)

Kale Stir Fry With Mushroom and Red Onion

Seasoned with balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, this simple and satisfying meal takes just 15 minutes. (via GastroPlant)

Cabbage And Peas

Add a pop of spring green to your table with this bright salad of cabbage and sweet peas. (via This Wife Cooks)

Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

If you're looking for classic, soul food on your Easter Sunday this creamy baked macaroni and cheese with a crusty top is the best! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Vegan Split Pea Soup

Creamy split green peas and golden potatoes made in a dutch oven is a delicious vegan meal.(via Veggie Society)

Cucumber Mint Yogurt Salad

This refreshing and creamy dish is super simple and requires just 5 minutes. Pair with toasty bread or crackers. (via Forks and Foliage)

Roasted Parmesan Potatoes

Crispy potatoes are always a crowd pleaser. These oven-roasted parmesan baby potatoes are a perfect as a side dish no matter what season. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Simple Charcuterie Board

Stand out from the potluck crowd with a gorgeous charcuterie board. Amanda Wilens shows you how to build one to impress. (via Amanda Wilens)

Focaccia Bread With Roasted Garlic And Olives

This focaccia has a rich olive oil flavor with sweet roasted garlic and kalamata olives to add briny contrast. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Korean Corn Cheese

Corn and mozzarella cheese makes for a delicious side that's also easy to make. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Grilled Peaches And Pimento Pizza

Bring the pizza party to the potluck with this seasonal dish you can grill or bake. (via The Edgy Veg)

Farro Salad With Peas And Feta

This light and delicious farro salad has peas, arugula, feta, and a juicy lemon dressing. (via Culinary Hill)

Zucchini Chips

Make chips for your favorite dip from zucchini and eggplant. (via Fancy Peasant)

Creamy Vegan Ricotta with Tofu

Spread this tofu-based ricotta dip on toast, in a pasta dish, as a dip, or even in a lasagna. It comes together in about 10 minutes! (via Simply Quinoa)

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Loaded with flavor and so much cheese, this hot spinach and artichoke dip gets the Easter party started. (via Salt & Lavender)

Lemony Spring Pasta Salad

Gluten-free noodles absorb liquid more than regular pasta so keep some extra lemony dressing on the side of this springy pasta dish. (via RachL Mansfield)

Big Bang Cauliflower

Spicy, sweet, and incredibly easy to make, these bite-sized cauliflower bit are so good tossed in a homemade bang bang sauce. (via The Endless Meal)

Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Pinwheels

This easy vegetarian appetizer recipe is made with creamy spinach, melty ricotta, salty parmesan, and earthy spinach wrapped up in flaky, buttery puff pastry. Sold! (via Cozy Cravings)

Truffle Beet Carpaccio With Pistachio And Capers

We never met a dish with capers we didn't like -- add sweet beets and arugula with the smokey marinade for a tastebud-satisfying treat. (via Chef Bai)

Vegan Caesar Salad

The vegan caesar dressing is made with tahini, lemon, and dijon mustard for a creamy, tangy, and refreshing salad. (via Two Spoons)

Mediterranean Layered Hummus Dip

Hummus topped with roasted pepper, chipotle, roasted garlic, and jalapeño cilantro is on a whole other level, so good! (via Live Eat Learn)

Prosciutto Ricotta Toast

Toasty bread topped with crispy prosciutto and creamy ricotta, lemon, honey, and basil is a side to add to your party rotation. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Find More Easter Side Dishes From Brit + Co:

Green Goddess Salad

If you're looking for a healthy side dish that still tastes amazing, then this Green Goddess salad is right up your alley. The dressing is full of lemon juice, cheese, rice vinegar, and garlic for a seriously tasty dish. (via Brit + Co)

Smoked Salmon Poke Bites

These bites work as a side dish to your entrée, or as an appetizer that you can snack on before the rest of the fam arrives for Easter dinner. You can totally customize these babies and remove or add any ingredients that you wish. (via Brit + Co)

Bite-Sized Eggs Benedicts

Even if you're not having an Easter brunch extravaganza, we're all about breakfast for dinner so we'll add these bites to our menu regardless. (via Brit + Co)

Crunchy Green Beans With Butter

Green beans might not seem like an exciting Easter side dish to bring to a potluck, but these will be a crowdpleaser. The original recipe makes enough for just four people, so adjust it accordingly. (via Brit + Co)

Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Pink Tahini Sauce

You can’t go wrong with crispy smashed taters, especially when they’re served with plenty of gooey brie cheese. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potatoes in a Blanket

Why serve crescent rolls solo, when you can stuff them with roasted sweet potato wedges, caramelized onion, and cheese? (via Brit + Co)

Roasted Broccoli

If you’re feeding a crowd of picky eaters with different dietary needs, this tasty Easter side dish is a must; it’s vegan, paleo, and Whole30-friendly. (via Brit + Co)

Steamed Artichoke With Garlic Butter

If someone in your crew claims that they aren’t into vegetables, the dreamy garlic butter that's used for dunking this steamed artichoke might just be a turning point for them. They'll thank you after they've devoured this whole Easter side dish. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Potato Salad

The herbs make found in this potato salad make it spring-ready. It's also a great option for all your spring picnics and summer barbecue get togethers. (via Brit + Co)

Portia's Green Soup

We've been dreaming about this Bridgerton-inspired recipe, and we're pretty sure you will be too. Avocado, cucumber, and chives give 'refreshing' a whole new meaning. (via The Unofficial Bridgerton Cookbook/Brit + Co)

Easter Side Dishes That Taste Good All Year Long:

Keto Cheesy Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

This hearty Easter side dish is as easy as it is delicious. After all, everything is better with bacon and plenty of cheese sauce. (via Brit + Co)

Greens & Citrus Salad With Tahini-Ginger Dressing

With plenty of veg and flavorful add-ins, this salad is clearly too legit; too legit to quit. (via Season: A Year of Wine Country Food, Farming, Family, & Friends/Brit + Co)

Mashed Cauliflower Purée

Cauliflower has become an Easter side dish fave, and this garlicky recipe only gives us reason to keep the momentum going. (via Brit + Co)

Cheesy, Garlic-Roasted Asparagus

Fact: No one is going to pass up a vegetable that tastes like garlic bread...or that's covered in cheese. (via Brit + Co)

Scallion and Greek Yogurt Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Despite its intricate, show-stopping appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to put together thanks to your slow-cooker. (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more Easter side dishes and spring recipes!

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This post has been updated.

George and Amal Clooney are one of the celebrity couples I’d personally be upset over if they ever break up. Like...my heart just wouldn’t be able to handle it because their love story is one for the books — not to mention all the power couple fashion moments we'd miss out on!

I was introduced to George Clooney’s work via Quentin Tarantino’s movieFrom Dusk ‘Til Dawn (thanks, dad) and have always found him to be a force of nature, but I didn’t take him for the ‘settling down’ type. Imagine my surprise when the man who once claimed he’d never get married eventually found himself smitten with Amal Alamuddin, an intelligent Human Rights Lawyer.

Since their fateful first meeting at George’s home years ago, the two have gone on to get married, have children, and even established the Clooney Foundation for Justice together. If you can’t get enough of their relationship either, here’s a full timeline of their love story!

George and Amal Clooney's Full Relationship Timeline

Image via Andrew Goodman/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night

July 2013: George And Amal Clooney’s First Introduction

In 2018, George sat down with David Letterman on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction to recount various moments from his life, including when he first met Amal. He remembers being at home at Lake Como when one of his friends asked if they could bring a plus one with them.

To make things even wilder, his own agent let him know his bachelor days would soon be over. “I got a call from my agent who called and said, ‘I met this woman who’s coming to your house who you’re gonna marry,’” he said.

Once he met Amal and began talking to her, it was apparent they had chemistry that resulted in them exchanging emails. George told The Hollywood Reporter, “I thought she was beautiful, and I thought she was funny and obviously smart…Then she sent some pictures from when she was here, and we were writing each other, emailing, talking, mostly about what was going on in each other’s lives, and over a period of time it became clear we were more than just friends.”

I’m being dramatic, but I think this dispels the idea that it’s impossible to find love if you don’t leave home.

Image via Cindy Ord/Getty Images

October 2013: George and Amal Have Their First Date

George also told The Hollywood Reporter about how their first official date came to be. He was in London overseeing the music for Monuments Men and decided to invite Amal for a visit. “Then we went for dinner…and when we came out, there were 50 paparazzi there. But she handled it like a champ. And pretty quickly, things escalated once I was in London,” he said

While they dated and got to know each other, they told CBS that they wrote each other letters. While they described that courtship, Amal added that some of the letters George wrote to her came from...his dog? Talk about bringing someone into your inner world! TBH, I'm more than here for it — let your sweet, goofy flag fly, George!

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner

April 2014: George and Amal Get Engaged

I always say there’s no denying when you’ve fallen in love with someone, and that couldn’t be more true for George and Amal Clooney who got engaged after six months of dating. Seriously, the way George proposed is something out of a romantic fairytale because he planned it. Not only that, but he cooked for her and sent her on a short scavenger hunt — except she didn’t know she was supposed to be looking for a ring.

He revealed even more details about the moment during his interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I did all the stuff, got down on my knee and did all the things you’re supposed to do. I had a playlist with my Rosemary [Clooney] songs on it, and I was waiting for this song, ‘Why Shouldn’t I,’” he said.

Needless to say, Amal happily accepted his proposal! Ironically,I’m starting to realize there’s not always a set timeline for people to get engaged or married after dating. Some people only date for a few months while others date for years before deciding to get married. It’s all very personal.

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI

September 2014: George And Amal Clooney Get Married

It wouldn’t be right if the couple didn’t get married in Italy, the country where they first met. Of course they were free to get married wherever they wanted, but leave it to the Clooneys to keep the romance going.

People reported the lovely couple wed at the Aman Canal Grande resort and guests like Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and John Krasinski were in attendance.

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images

January 2015: George and Amal Grace the Red Carpet Together

For the first time ever, George and Amal Clooney made an appearance on the red carpet at the beginning of 2015. They attended the Golden Globes together where George received the famed lifetime achievement award.

Towards the end of his speech, George praised Amal in only a way that a man truly in love with his wife could. He said, "You make every single day — every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday — feel as special as tonight..."

Image via Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images

Late 2016: George and Amal Found the Clooney Foundation for Justice

By 2016, George and Amal Clooney decided to found the Clooney Foundation for Justice — an organization that aims to shed light around social injustices found across the globe. They've prioritized spending their own money to help those in need without a second thought and have even donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Image via Clemens Bilan/Getty Images

February 2017: PEOPLE confirms George and Amal are expecting twins

Almost three years after getting married, a source close to George and Amal Clooney revealed the two were expecting a baby together. They told People, "They’re all very happy," referring to the couple's family.

George later revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he was shocked when he discovered the couple would actually become parents to twins. He recalled their experience in the ultrasound room. "He goes, 'Well, there's one.' And I said, 'Great.' And then he goes, 'And there's the second one.' And I was like, 'What?' We just sat there, staring at that piece of paper they give you, and I kept thinking there was a mistake," he said of the exchange between the doctor and the couple.

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

June 2017: George and Amal Clooney Welcome Their Twins

People also reported the birth of George and Amal Clooney's twins — Alexander and Ella — during the summer of 2017. "This morning Amal and George welcomed Ella and Alexander Clooney into their lives. Ella, Alexander and Amal are all healthy, happy and doing fine. George is sedated and should recover in a few days," they revealed in lighthearted joint statement.

September 2017: George and Amal Clooney Make Their First Appearance After Becoming Parents

Later that year, George and Amal Clooney graced the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival in support of George's film Suburbicon. George — an ever dapper gentleman — wore a classic black tuxedo while Amal wore a lilac Versace gown.

Image via Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool/Getty Images

May 2018: George and Amal attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding

Things were quiet for the couple until the spring of 2018. They attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's highly publicized wedding. They were just a few of the celebrities that were seen in the crowd.

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

February 2022: George and Amal accept the Catalyst Award together

A couple of years later, George and Amal Clooney were the proud recipients of the joint Catalyst Award from the Elevate Prize Foundation. The amazing work they'd been doing in connection with the Clooney Foundation for Justice hadn't gone unnoticed and they were praised for their amazing philanthropic work.

While accepting the award, George gave a moving speech about their foundation's purpose. "One of the Elevate Prize Foundation's core values is human safety and freedom...Our goal at the foundation is to free the innocent and punish the guilty. I think we're both inspired by the young people out there challenging injustice in their communities, a new generation that won't accept the status quo," he said.

Image via Joe Maher/Getty Images

September 2022: George and Amal attend London premiere of Ticket to Paradise

The couple then attended the London premiere of Ticket to Paradise where they looked refreshed and glowy. This is my attempt to be appropriate, but they truly looked smoking h-o-t!This time George wore a three-piece suit while Amal stunned in beautiful slip dress.

Image via Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

October 17, 2022: George and Amal attend Ticket to Paradise Los Angeles premiere

They then attended the L.A. premiere of Ticket to Paradise where George looked debonair in a grey suit. Amal wore a gorgeous Alexander McQueen number that was an appropriate nod to the film's paradise theme.

Image via Mike Coppola/Getty Images

December 3, 2022: George and Amal Attend The Kennedy Center Honors

George and Amal Clooney attended the Kennedy Center Honors where he, along with honorees, received a nod for lifetime achievements. They were a picture of perfection on the red carpet, especially Amal. She dazzled in a lovely Valentino gown that looked amazing on her frame.

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images


August 31, 2023: The Couple Attend The DVF Awards in Venice

While attending the DVF Awards in Venice, Amal received the DVF Leadership Award. During her acceptance speech, Amal thanked George for being by her side. People reports she said, "Venice is the place where almost nine years ago we were married. I just wanted to say, you, my love, like this city, take my breath away, and you make our lives magical. It is sometimes hard to believe you exist, so thank you for being the brightest light in my life.”

September 28, 2023: George and Amal host The Albies

Before the end of 2023, People reported George and Amal Clooney hosted their foundation's second annual Albies at the New York Public Library to continue highlighting the importance of securing human rights for all.

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Header image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Tasty seasonal produce, pastel color palettes, andoutdoor-entertaining weather make spring the ideal time of year to whip up creative desserts for Easter and beyond! It's no wonder that sweets like rainbow cakes and desserts made withEaster candyare some of our favorite Easter dessert ideas to make. From cakes to cookies to pies and even donuts, here are 51 show-stopping, party-worthy Easter dessert recipes(some are vegan and gluten-free, too!) for a blissfully sweet holiday.

Chick Sandwich Cookies

We didn't think we could love Easter cookies more than we already do, but these babies are too cute for words. They're festive, colorful, and delicious — what's not to love about Easter dessert ideas like this?! (via Brit + Co)

Gilded Watercolor Funfetti Easter Eggs

Small cake bites sound like our kind of Easter dessert recipe. An egg-shaped mold will help the cake keep its shape, and you can use a wet sponge to help get that watercolor design. The more colorful, the better! (via Brit + Co)

Rainbow Funfetti Ice Cream Cake

Every single part of this dessert is one of our favorite things. We are so on board! Put these sweets together for the ultimate Easter dessert recipe, birthday party, or summer barbecue treat. (via Brit + Co)

S’mores Peeps

Turn regular ol' s'mores into brightly colored sandwiches with chocolate-dipped graham crackers, sprinkles, and pastel-hued Peeps. It doesn't get much better than this. (via Brit + Co)

Mini Rainbow Donuts

Make your dessert as colorful as your dyed Easter eggs with some rainbow (!!!) donuts. Achieve the striped design by squirting a bit of different colored batter side by side in the donut molds. (via Brit + Co)

Pastel Peanut Butter Cups

Peanut butter cups get an Easter makeover with some white chocolate candy melts. See how many different pastels you can find to make this dessert as colorful as possible! (via Brit + Co)

Piña Colada Cake

There may not be a better dessert for an outdoor Easter party than this one. With dark rum and crushed pineapple, it's a tropical take on classic coconut cake. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Egg Truffles

Forget everything your parents said about not eating too much sugar. These cream egg truffles, wrapped in a chocolate-cookie mixture, are worth every bite. Just try not to eat them all before you can share them as an Easter dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Mini Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches

This carrot cake take on whoopie-pie comes together with two airy cookies sandwiched together by a yummy cream cheese frosting. (via Brit + Co)

Ube Coconut Cake

Coconut and ube are the best flavor combo for spring, and the light purple hue of this coconut cake only ups the ante when it comes to Easter desserts. (via Brit + Co)

Cherry-Chocolate Covered Donuts

We don't need Valentine's Day as an excuse to whip up a batch of these insanely tasty donuts. Just be sure to swap the heart decorations for flowers to hit your Easter desserts on the mark! (via Brit + Co)

Peeps Rice Krispies Eggs

Your Peeps-loving pals won't be able to get over how lovely these Peeps Rice Krispies eggs are! The mock-egg shells are made from melted white chocolate coated with a layer of glitter sprinkles, then adorned with real Peeps for an on-theme Easter treat. (via Brit + Co)

Peeps Skillet Dip

If you know someone who doesn't love Peeps, make this s'mores-like dip for them, and they'll definitely be a convert. Create a rainbow-like striped pattern or go crazy and mix up the colors all over the pan for this Easter dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Banana Bread Mug Cake

Chocolate chunks take this banana mug cake to a whole new level of delicious, but the true reason this Easter dessert is a winner is that it only takes five minutes to make. (via Brit + Co)

Creme Egg Rocky Road Bars

Milk chocolate, marshmallows, mini eggs, and crushed cookies make the most beautiful Easter-themed mess you've ever seen. (via Brit + Co)

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecakes

This Easter dessert is clearly a great option for anyone who loves strawberries, and is a great way to indulge in something sweet without committing to making a huge cheesecake. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Bunny Donuts

Finally, a socially-acceptable way to eat only chocolate for breakfast! If you don't have a donut pan handy, that's okay; you can make Easter bunny muffins instead! Just use a melon baller or small spoon to make room for the tiny candy eggs. (via Brit + Co)

Mini Cherry Pies

Hand pies are a gal's best friend, especially since you can fit one (or a couple) directly in your purse. Pick floral, egg, or rabbit cookie cutters to make the presentation more seasonal for Easter. (via Brit + Co)

Key Lime Pie Bars

Anything Easter-related deserves edible flowers. Not only is this Easter dessert recipe flavorful and cute, but it will also take you less than half an hour, which gives you more time for relaxing with the family. Yes, please! (via Brit + Co)

Vanilla Tiramisu Cake

Classic tiramisu features ladyfingers soaked in strong coffee, and this recipe gives that a bit of an update with coffee-soaked cake crumbs and a cocoa powder topping. Add some dark chocolate shavings and pastel sprinks on top if you're feeling really fancy. (via Brit + Co)

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

We know that Lucky Charms can be considered more of a St. Patrick's Day staple, but they make for an excellent year-round ice cream mix-in. Or you can just swap for your favorite cereal instead! (via Brit + Co)

Spring Pastel Confetti Cake

Even if your flowers aren't in full bloom yet, this colorful cake will compensate. Cutting into this beauty is like an explosion of springtime — and it's scrumptious to boot! (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Egg Nests

This fun-for-kids treat uses vermicelli noodles and chocolate to make adorable bird nests to hold all their Easter sweets. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Layered Banana Pudding Cake

Top Southern-style cake with creamy pudding, fresh bananas, whipped cream, and vanilla wafers for an Easter dessert that's sure to please everyone 'round the table. (viaA Spicy Perspective)

Vegan Cadbury Creme Eggs

Here's a plant-based version of your favorite chocolatey Easter eggs! It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free so those with allergies can enjoy!(via The Edgy Veg)

Easter Bunny Oreo Ice Cream Cake

This cake wins when it comes to Easter desserts. Use a store-bought ice cream cake so you can focus on homemade decorations, like a coconut-covered ice-cream bunny tush and carrots made of candy melts! (via The Suburban Soap Box)

Nut-Free Funfetti Protein Cookies

These fun-loving cookies are made with sunflower butter, but can also be made with peanut or almond butter, too. No matter which direction you take, they're sure to become one of the best Easter desserts you've ever made. Plus, they have a nice, healthy kick to 'em. (via The Girl on Bloor)

No-Bake Mango Cheesecake

This fresh, light no-bake cheesecake will satisfy your sweet tooth and give your oven a break between courses. The fruitiness definitely speaks to the spring season, and is super fitting for Easter desserts! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Schaum Torte

Whip up this German equivalent of a Pavlova topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or ice cream for a fresh take on those more classic Easter desserts. (via Culinary Hill)

Honey Lavender Cupcakes

These pretty purple cupcakes are infused with lavender flavor and topped with a sweet honey frosting for a seasonal taste. the light floral notes will complement spring with ease! (viaBarley & Sage)

Cardamom and Rose Palmiers

Make these floral pastries with a hint of spice using store-bought puff pastry sheets for a quick and easy Easter dessert! (via Signature Concoctions)

Vegan S'mores Cheesecake

Combine your two favorite desserts in vegan variety made with plant-based marshmallows, a Cocoa Pebbles crust, decadent chocolate filling, and crispy graham cracker swirls. (via No Eggs or Ham)

Fun Easter Dessert Ideas To Make This Year

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These carrot cake-inspired cookies are soft and delicious and made from carrot cake mix, so they're easy too! Easter desserts can be *just* as good when you use the store-bought stuff, we swear! (via Salt & Lavender)

Pie Bar

Amanda Wilens shares a host of pie recipes to choose from in these adorable ideas for a crowd!

Easter Basket Milkshake

Hollow chocolate bunnies can hold a surprisingly vast amount of liquid, which is convenient, since you'll want to slurp this vanilla Peeps milkshake out of one for eternity. This has gotta be one of the most unique Easter desserts we've ever seen! (via Salty Canary)

Flower Cupcake Bouquet

We know, we know — this Easter dessert is way too pretty to eat. Well, maybe we'll have just one. This makes for a great gift in addition to an Easter recipe! (via See Vanessa Craft)

Spring Confetti Bars

The more colorful you can make the toppings on these Easter-y confetti bars, the better. With a light vanilla flavor and tons of candy-coated sweetness, these bars are sure to please a crowd. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Egg-Shaped Sprinkle Cookies

Who doesn't love a sugar cookie? Use your fave recipe and a cookie cutter to shape these into eggs and add multicolored sprinkles to make them pop! (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Fresh Biscuit Strawberry Shortcake

This sweet Easter dessert recipe also works as a treat-filled breakfast for when you want some sugar in your life! (via Cozy Cravings)

Cream Cheese Swirled Coconut Tres Leches Cake

Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest

This bundt cake is proof that if you combine three delicious desserts into one, you're likely to end up with a winner. The coconut-y cream cheese running through the center, as well as the sweet coconut glaze, infuses each bite with extra moisture and richness. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The Whole Family Will Love These Easter Desserts

Bird’s Nest Cupcakes

Chirp, chirp! A nest of toasted coconut allows these homemade birdies to roost in sweet, sweet style. (via Cooking Classy)

Hummingbird Cupcakes

This Southern classic flavored with banana, pineapple, pecans, and warm spices is perfect Easter desserts. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Vegan + Gluten-Free Nutty Cookies

Made with walnuts or pecans, these nutty cookies pack a flavor punch with a little lemon, apricot jam, and powdered sugar. (via Veggie Society)

Vegan Samoa Macaroons

It's Samoa season! Serve up this delightful vegan version of your fave Girl Scout cookies. (via Munching with Mariyah)

Kataifi (Almond and Walnut Pastry)

Want to get creative with your Easter desserts? Try this crunchy and sweet Greek dessert made with drips of honey, sugar and lemon. (via Fancy Peasant)

Tahini Brownies

The nutty-flavored tahini gives these gooey, fudgey brownies a delightful twist, just in time for Easter. You could even go crazy and add some chocolate eggs for decor! (via Forks & Foliage)

Vegan Snickerdoodle Cake

Pair this vegan dessert with coffee or tea and, you have a sweet Easter breakfast, too! (via This Wife Cooks)

Easter Popcorn

Salty popcorn and pretzels are made addictively sweet with candy, white chocolate chips, and tons of sprinkles in this Easter dessert recipe. (via Home Made Lovely)

Healthier Copycat Reese's Eggs

Make this classic with dates, creamy peanut butter, coconut flour and dark chocolate for a delicious vegan and gluten-free version of the best Easter candy around. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Chocolate Easter Nests

These bird's nest cookies are made with dried chow mein noodles and chocolate... brilliant! (via The Endless Meal)

Sugar Cookie Easter Nests

A pinch of coconut on top of these cookies toasts up nicely in the oven, giving each one the appearance of Easter grass. Since their buttery flavor is so versatile, you can enjoy filling them with chocolate eggs and much more. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)

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This post has been updated.

Nails breaking constantly? Wishing you didn't have to rely on tips at the salon? Desperate for that long nail look? You’re not alone. Despite it being used as an annoying and vapid phrase women would say in TV shows, breaking a nail is very painful and can ruin a (usually expensive) manicure. But don’t fret — we’ve rounded up five simple ways to get your nails to grow longer and stronger.

What causes weak fingernails?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

But first, what causes unhealthy, brittle, breakable nails? A lot of factors that may not instantly come to mind. According to WebMD, these factors can contribute to weak nails:

  • Aging: As we get older, our nails get thinner and can crack or peel.
  • Harsh nail products: Both nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals that can damage and dry out your nails, leading them to break.
  • Wet nails: Consistently have your hands in water, maybe doing the dishes or bathtime for the kids? This could be drying out your nails.
  • Underlying health issues: Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and many other health issues could be the cause of nails breaking.

How can I strengthen my nails?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Dealing with some of these factors? While we can’t help you with the underlying health issues (please see a doctor if you think you may be dealing with something!), there are many easy things you can do to improve your nails and encourage growth.

  • Cuticle oil
  • Biotin
  • Diet
  • Nail protection
  • Avoid picking and peeling
Here's why each factor is important, plus how you can go about successfully achieving them.

Find a Cuticle Oil

You may only use cuticle oil when your manicurist applies it, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cuticle oils are an inexpensive and easy way to promote nail health and growth by keeping your nails hydrated. Cosmetically, cuticle oils encourage longer-lasting manis and leave your nails looking shiny and polished. But they do much more below the surface: cuticle oils create a healthier environment that allows strong growth for your nails.

Interested in adding cuticle oil to your beauty routine? Check our a few of my faves:

Photo via Cora Pursley/Dupe

Explore Biotin

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that helps our bodies turn food into energy. It’s also one of the top recommended supplements for hair and nail growth, and for good reason. Many scientists say a daily biotin supplement can improve nail strength in as little as a few weeks.

“Since it is water soluble, biotin (or vitamin B7) can’t be stored in the body and must be acquired from diet or through supplementation,” shared Rachel Kilroy, Director of Product Innovation at Solaray, the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness. Solaray has developed a new supplement that provides biotin in a unique way.

Solaray’s Timed Release Biotin strategically supports nail health with a powerful 5,000 mcg of this important nutrient, delivering half of the biotin rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of up to 8 hours for sustained support,” Kilroy continued. “With consistent use, this vegan formula—lab verified for purity and potency—can provide comprehensive support for longer, stronger nails.”

Supplements not your thing? Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, like cooked eggs, whole grains, soy and other beans, nuts and nut butters, salmon, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

Photo via Daniella Cappellari/Dupe

Eat A Nail Friendly Diet

Nails require a balanced, healthy diet for proper growth and strength. According to Medical News Today, making small tweaks to your diet can make a big impact on your nails. Adding in nutrients like more iron or calcium in your diet will have your nails growing long and strong.

Dieticians recommend a colorful diet for nail growth consisting of colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat, avocado, sweet potato, and whole grains.

Photo via Sash Gabriel/Dupe

Protect Your Nails While Wet

Constantly doing dishes, managing bath time, gardening, or swimming? The water may be the cause of your breakage.

Your nails are like sponges, constantly expanding and contracting when water goes in or out of the nail cells. This can strain your nails, causing them to weaken, peel, and then break.

When possible, grab a pair of rubber gloves to wear while cleaning to protect your nails from the water and make sure to fully dry your nails after they’re in water. Hand creams are also a win for your nails after water exposure.

Avoid Picking, Peeling or Biting

Bad habits that are addicting. While peeling off your gel manicure can be so satisfying, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your nails. Same with constantly picking or biting your nails. As someone who used to constantly bite her nails down, I can assure you my nails are much healthier and stronger after kicking that habit.

Want to quit that habit? Try a nail bite deterrent, like this one from ella+mia or this one from LONDONTOWN and watch your nails grow before your eyes.

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

Header image via Laura Walt/Dupe

I've got a thing for Reese Witherspoon's book club which is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on Yulin Kuang's debut novel How to End a Love Story. Chosen as Reese's Book Club's May Pick, it features a romance that almost shouldn't make sense. I mean, when's the last time you realized you trauma bonded with someone? Except Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's character arcs as well as the entire plot of How to End a Love Story doesn't even feel like that.

Instead, Yulin uncannily peels back the layers of what it means to be a layered human being who happens to be carrying trauma, talent, success, imposter syndrome, and burning desire in their hearts. Even that doesn't scratch the surface of who Helen and Grant are. Trying to capture their essence feels like I'm stumbling over my words which points to how great this novel is and that means Yulin's goal has been accomplished.

Though she loves perfectly executed rom-coms and is fortunate to be working on them in the filmmaking space, she doesn't consider How to End a Love Story as one. "...I was searching for something more aligned with the Brontë sensibility of romance in the writing of this book. Less warmth and charm, more id-level storytelling and unchecked carnal desire," she explains.

Yulin Kuang's Journey To "How To End A Love Story"

Image via Zach Wallnau

Some people seem to be born knowing they're destined to right, but some of us stumble into it and realize, "Hey, I'm pretty good at this." For Yulin, her journey to her debut novel How to End a Love Story takes the latter route. Her first dream, you make ask? To be an Olympic figure skater.

"...that didn't pan out so I turned to storytelling," Yulin admits. That pivot led her to set her sights on becoming an author as she began honing her creative writing skills via your classic marble composition notebooks. If you're still wondering if she kept some of them, the answer is yes!

The screenwriter and author then found herself drawn to other aspects of writing and film. She says, "I eventually fell in love with screenwriting and directing while in undergrad at Carnegie Mellon, and I spent my first decade post-grad concentrating on my filmmaking career."

Yulin Kuang's Approach To Filmmaking

It's a reason why her hard work and the stars aligned for her to adapt Emily Henry's Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

When I ask what helps her approach the book-to-film trajectory, she credits writing fan fiction. This feels similar to Christina Lauren's own experience, further proving that fan fiction deserves the utmost praise for helping some of the best literary and film minds who ultimately birth what I could only describe as masterpieces.

Yulin says, "Fan fiction is where I first learned you could play with characters originated by someone else to discover what you’d make them do in your own version." Although it would be easy for anyone to snap their fingers and have their first pitches accepted by everyone, she learned to lean on what writing fan fiction taught her.

"Early in my career, I would pitch on book-to-film adaptations and I’d be like, 'Change nothing, just shoot the book!' And I wouldn’t get those jobs, because I didn’t have a clear “take” and because you can’t actually just shoot a book – adaptation is an art form unto itself. So onceI started approaching adaptation with more of a fan fiction mindset – 'What is my take on these characters and this world?' – that helped me approach the book-to-screen trajectory more successfully," she proudly says.

However, this doesn't mean she never questioned if she could still find ways to create new ideas. "...in 2021, at a time when everything else I was working on was an adaptation, I found myself wondering if I had anything original left within me," she remembers.

It's natural for creatives to experience moments of doubt, but Yulin has been able to turn the tide and discover untapped ideas in her mind. Just don't expect her to set her own expectations about any adaptations she's working on.

She says, "Know that I am an avid reader of romance and a frequent consumer of this genre across mediums, and I will be bringing everything I know going into these adaptations. But more specifically to Beach Read, which I have more creative ownership over as the writer/director."

How Yulin Kuang Relates To Her Main Characters In "How To End A Love Story"

And since How to End a Love Story is truly Yulin's own creative body of work, it makes sense that main characters Helen and Grant have pieces of her personality as well as her characteristics.

"I gave Helen all my hopes and insecurities from high school and gave her the alternate universe path where I had pursued publishing instead of Hollywood. I examined what might have happened if I’d grown into certain qualities I’ve actively tried to grow away from," she says of Helen Zhang.

Right away, readers get the sense that Helen is a whip-smart and hardworking, but her penchant for being cautious about her success also peeks through. Though she's written highly successful YA (read: young adult) novels, Helen waits with bated breath for the moment people will call her bluff. She's relatable because many of us wonder if we're simply cosplaying as versions of ourselves who've reached any level of success.

On the other hand, there's Grant Shepard. He's seemingly this cool, calm, and collected screenwriter who has a complicated past with Helen. Yulin says, "I gave Grant a lot of the qualities I’m proud of and/or have coveted as a working screenwriter, and I certainly relate to many of his thoughts on screenwriting and the current state of our industry."

The more the reader learns about Helen and Grant, the more it becomes obvious that there's more to them than meets the eye. Sure, they are complicated...but who isn't?

"At their core, Helen and Grant are just two kids from Jersey trying to make it in Hollywood, and of course I relate deeply to that," she says.

Yulin Kuang's View Of Rom-Coms

Based on Yulin's genuine interest in romance novels and the fact she's well-versed in adapting them, she knows what it takes to make rom-coms flourish. Her first take? "Romantic tension is key to any romance – I always need to know why our couple can’t be together now. The second that tension is gone, so is audience interest," she points out.

This explains why we can't get enough of reading books about it, listening to albums dedicated to it, or watching films that depict all levels of romance. Still, there are some people who approach the genre with a side eye.

"There seems to be a natural human suspicion of things that make us feel too good – like, 'That can’t possibly be good for us, that’s just candy!' I wonder if it’s something evolutionary at work," she says before doubling down. "You can’t argue with the fact that people absolutely fucking love rom-coms, and I will die on the hill that a well-earned happily ever after is both harder to achieve and more narratively satisfying when it’s pulled off successfully."

She's the type of writer who really appreciates a big kiss that's handled correctly onscreen, but she's also not afraid to "groan every time it's fumbled." But, she knows everyone still won't see romance the way she and so many others view it, but she doesn't really care.

"Ultimately, I don’t concern myself too much with changing minds that don’t want to be changed.There are enough smart people who recognize the power and value of rom-coms, and I’d rather spend my precious time creating art to surprise and delight the people with good taste."

Need I say that this is yet another reason why How to End a Love Story works so well?

How Yulin Kuang Wishes The World Would Celebrate AAPI Month

As much as she's vocal about screenwriting and rom-coms, Yulin also has thoughts about the way society-at-large talks about BIPOC creative artists. "There’s a real, 'This is important, eat your vegetables,' vibe to things. And while that might be true, it’s not the most appealing way to market or discover art," she says.

She admits this could be due to how many diversity-in-film panels she's attended. As a Black woman, the conversations I see every year during Black History Month seem to have a certain "Let's check this box so everyone can be happy" vibe, so I can imagine attending panels about diversity and inclusion can start to sound repetitive after awhile.

Yulin doesn't hold back when she says, "I’m a little jaded when people ask me diversity questions at this point. I don’t want to attract the kind of readers who are only showing up to be supportive of my Asian-ness. It’s a bit like showing up to a date where someone says, 'I’m so excited that you’re Asian!!!'" This is an analogy I can so get behind because it makes a lot of sense!

It's one thing to have representation, but I like to think it's always obvious when people are approaching the conversation in a way that 'others' BIPOC people. We're literally not asking for a trophy, but more so an acknowledgement that we shouldn't be excluded from conversations, spaces, and careers or treated differently.

This sentiment is shared by Yulin who says, "That’s the thing about me that I didn’t do on purpose, and while I’m glad you’re excited, I hope there are things that I did do on purpose that you find exciting, too" and feels there is a way to be a genuine ally.

"...support AAPI creatives by all means, and perhaps begin by celebrating us as individual artists even after the designated month ends. And where applicable, talk about our work like it’s candy, not vegetables. I’d rather be irresistible than important," she states.

Take a page from Yulin Kuang's book and pick up a copy of How to End a Love Story today! You won't regret it!

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

Lead image via Amazon