12 DIY Ways to Pimp Your (Bike) Ride

We’ve covered awesome gadgets you can buy for your bike. We’ve even given you righteous ways to hang your ride. Oh, and then there was the time we featured bike lights that were anything but lame. And today? Today, our friends, we give you DIY ways to pimp your pedals. Ride on!

1. Porter Crate: At the farmers market, commuting to work, or just tied up to a light post, this easy add is sure to plaster smiles on faces wherever it goes. (via Design Sponge)

2. Flower Garland: We’ve covered baskets before. But they were all missing something: floral garlands. (via Very Merrry)

3. Paint Job: Here’s the scenario: You didn’t know you could customize your wheels, so you went ahead and bought a drab ride, and now, you have serious regrets. Stop regretting, and get on that DIY paint job. On the double! (via A Beautiful Mess)

4. Color Splashed Bike Bell: The splashy blocks of color on this bell cause plenty of reason for alarm. (via Idle Wife)

5. Color Wheel: Remember those kids who put playing cards in their spokes? They were badass. This hack is like that. Except prettier. And more colorful. And less noisy. OMG. Are we getting old? (via Daily Dose Of Imagery)

6. Paint Stir Stick Basket: While you’re at the paint store picking up those chips for your Color Wheel, grab some stir sticks. You’re going to make a basket too. (via Always Rooney)

7. Crochet Skirt Guard: There are a lot of needlework items for bikes out there that are just not so pretty, but spending $5 for this pattern is well worth the money and puts those other projects to shame. (via Ravelry)

8. Mini Bar: We couldn’t find a step-by-step for this must-have item, but if you know your way around a toolbox, we’d love to hear how you did it. Any takers? (via Sami Romansky)

9. Cardboard Box Wine Rack: Here’s another sip-worthy cycling item that’s just waiting to be hacked. Get on it, pedal pushers! (via Francesca Ghigo)

10. Polka Dot Frame: We 100 percent love Public Bike’s polka-dot frame, but it’s currently unavailable, and we don’t really love the price tag. This is a job for sticker dots or even the almighty Sharpie. (Public Bikes)

11. Washi Tape Frame: And here comes another one of our favorite products rolling down the street… and here’s your new washi-ed out ride. (via Hema)

12. Streamers: The wind blowing through your hair is just so much better when it’s accompanied by the sound of streamers, made by the one and only you. (via North Story)

What’s ringing your bike bell? Be a spokes-person in the comments below!

One of the hard facts of life is that sometimes you have to accept that your favorite Starbucks drink just doesn’t vibe with your wallet. But that doesn’t mean you have to swear off your coffee addiction altogether!

If you look hard enough, there’s actually a Starbucks hiding in your kitchen. Okay, not actually — that would be weird — but with a few ingredients, you can recreate your favorite treats with Starbucks hacks at home. From breakfast wraps to Frapps, here are the Starbucks copycat recipes you need to access all things Starbies at home.

Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

This Starbucks copycat recipe is still as gooey and sweet as the OG. Using all fresh ingredients to make these bars will make them even better than the drive-thru! (via Brit + Co)

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

This seasonal drink doesn't have to be just for the holidays anymore! Simply follow the copycat recipe and adjust the sweetness, type of milk, and garnishes how you like 'em. (via Brit + Co)

Starbucks Bacon & Gruyere Egg Bites

Starbucks' egg bites will always be famous. Recreate the best flavor at home with under 10 ingredients! (viaBrit + Co)

Starbucks Medicine Ball

The citrusy-sweet effect of this Starbucks copycat recipe will keep you company on sick days or cold winter nights. Plus, it's only 4 ingredients? Say less. (via Brit + Co)

Starbucks Lemon Loaf

There's no doubt that the lemon loaf is one of the best items on the Starbucks breakfast menu, but they can get pretty pricey once you start ordering them regularly. This copycat recipe yields a slice just as soft, sweet, and lemon-y! (via Brit + Co)

Starbucks Caramel Brûlée Latte

Now you can enjoy your go-to seasonal bev year-round! This caramel-infused Starbucks drink earns a dessert-y feel, which is perfect for pairing with bedtime. (via Brit + Co)

Starbucks Eggnog Latte

R.I.P. the original Eggnog Latte! Luckily, you can revive the now-discontinued drink right at home super easily with eggnog, espresso, and nutmeg. Add a splash of Baileys if you're feelin' fiesty! (via Brit + Co)

Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

Gotta love some shaken espresso for on-the-go! Start your mornings off strong with this intensely-caffeinated iced coffee that won't cost $6 each time you drink it.(via A Virtual Vegan)

Peach Green Tea

​One of our fave Starbucks hacks is asking for a splash of peach juice in our iced teas. As opposed to Starbucks' pre-made peach tea, this copycat recipe leverages ​fresh ​peaches for a ridiculously refreshing sip! (via Hello Little Home)

Starbucks Mushroom & Spinach Egg White Bites

The best thing about this Starbucks copycat recipe is that you can easily customize what goes into them. Instead of the expected mix of mushrooms and spinach, try adding bacon, sausage, cheese, peppers, and more. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Starbucks Iced Pistachio Latte

With this copycat cup, you'll first craft your very own pistachio syrup. It'll yield a ton of syrup that you can use for drinks in the future. It's a massive time-saver, plus it's tasty AF! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Make sure to brew an extra strong cup of espresso for this latte. The bitterness of the espresso strikes a not-too-sweet balance with the addition of brown sugar and cinnamon spice! It’s a more indulgent way to get your daily dose of caffeine. (via Diethood)

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These muffins are addictive! But, like anything you get from Starbucks, the money you spend will rack up quick. Opt to make an entire batch at home to last you and the fam weeks – instead of minutes. (via Averie Cooks)

Starbucks Petite Vanilla Scone

Use vanilla bean paste in this scone’s frosting for a punched-up dessert flavor. It’s one way to make your morning meal feel like a special treat! (viaCrazy For Crust)

Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

PSL season doesn't have to end in October! Keep all things pumpkin goin' past fall time with this easy copycat recipe. It uses pumpkin puree to keep the flavor fresh and authentic. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Healthy Homemade Strawberry Frappuccinos

You can have your strawberry Frappuccino and drink it too with this easy Starbucks copycat recipe. It’ll turn your post-gym smoothie into a healthy Frappuccino that only tastes like an indulgence! (via Desserts With Benefits)

Starbucks Copycat S’mores Frappuccino

This copycat S’mores Frappuccino recipe is like a quick camping trip... without all the bugs, dirt, and potentially inclement weather. Enjoy this chocolate-y drink in the comfort of your home, with ingredients you have in your pantry! (via Baking Beauty)

Pumpkin Scones

Not-too-sweet pumpkin scones get a double dose of vanilla icing in this Starbucks copycat recipe. One icing is plain and sweet, while the other packs a pumpkin-spiced punch. Now you can experience fall any time you want! (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Healthy Iced Coffee

This skinny vanilla iced coffee doesn’t require a trip to the store or Starbucks. It’s only three ingredients — coffee, your milk of choice, and vanilla extract. Yay, saving money! (via iFoodReal)

Copycat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade

The key to recreating passion tea lemonade in your home is Tazo Passion Tea bags. From there, all you need is lemonade and a dash of vanilla extract. (via Cincy Shopper)

Vanilla Iced Chai Latte

Jazzing up your chai with vanilla is such an easy idea. Plus, this make-at-home bev is only three ingredients and takes just over five minutes to make. Never wait for your name to be called out again. (via Mom Makes Dinner)

Starbucks Copycat Spinach Feta Wrap

Recreating this Starbucks wrap at home lets you add more ingredients that the original might lack. Add extra feta cheese or spinach to satisfy your morning cravings! Best of all, you can really taste the difference in freshness with this Starbucks copycat recipe. (via The Big Man’s World)

Oat Milk Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolates are classic – but there's no need to go spend $7 on a single drink when you have all you need to make one at home! Sugar, cocoa powder, water, salt, and oat milk make this sipper super easy. The marshmallows and shaved chocolate garnishes are optional, but we say go for it! (via Earthly Provisions)

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Lead image via Pink Owl Kitchen.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

What you eat can greatly affect your skin, causing different side effects, both good and bad. Luckily, there are so many foods that can revitalize your skin and get it back to feeling radiant and looking glowy from the inside out — and just in time for summer! If you don't know where to start, we've got you covered with expert advice on all the best foods for your skin, plus all those bites you might wanna avoid.

Best Foods For Your Skin

Photo by Olena Bohovyk/Unsplash

Grapes, Strawberries, Blood Oranges, and Watermelon

Elina Fedotova of Elina Organics, says that colorful fruit are key to achieving good skin! She says, "Colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, and healthy fats like butter or plant oils help improve skin immunity and protect against environmental UV damage. Liquid collagen is popular as a skin-rejuvenating food or supplement, but when you do that, make sure you are making the smoothie with collagen peptides. The collagen is broken into small pieces called peptides which absorb much better and signal your body to regenerate collagen." So clearly, collagen is vital if you want to have glowy skin.

Elina also says, "It is a scientifically proven fact that people who eat very high levels of antioxidant-rich diets with fruits and vegetables and anthocyanosides — they can stay in the sun without any protection much longer because their body can protect them naturally from UV damage." Her three rules for healthy skin?

  1. No processed foods.
  2. Eat tons of antioxidants.
  3. Use an SPF — preferably one that is a mineral Zinc Oxide based — alongside protective hats in the sun.

So not only can certain foods make your skin look radiant, they can also protecting you from the sun with proper precautions! We love to hear that!

Photo by Dose Juice/Unsplash

Leafy Greens, Broccoli, Asparagus, and Edamame

Leafy greens, broccoli, asparagus, and edamame are some of our favorite foods to eat that will give you that inside-out glow. Nutritionist and wellness expert Jessica Green says, "Silica rich foods are a great place to start — these include celery, asparagus, banana, cucumber, green beans to name my favorite. When you juice some of these, they can become more bio-available. Celery juice for instance is excellent at giving your skin a beautiful natural glow. Collagen rich foods can help improve skin elasticity — bone broth is my absolute favorite for not only its skin benefit but bone broth is also very calming for the gut."

Skin elasticity can easily be improved through these foods and can make you look 10 years younger! I definitely notice a significant difference in my skin when I regularly eat collagen-rich foods than when I don't!

Photo by Thought Catalog/Unsplash

Avocado and Olive Oil

Avocados and olive oil are really going to up your skin game, and giving you that gorgeous glow for summer we're really looking for. Kristen White, RDN, CLT, says, "Clean fats like olive oil, avocados, coconut oil, and tallow in our diet help replenish needed vitamins and fatty acids to help skin look its vibrant best." That's exactly what we want!

In regards to olive oil, it really is the must-have when it comes to achieving a glowy complexion. Jenny Jiles, a holistic nutritionist says, "Olive oil is the GOAT. We know why all of those women in the Mediterranean look so vibrant and sexy as they age, because olive oil is such a staple in their diet. Don’t be afraid of this healthy fat, it’s filled with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids which help protect your skin from free radicals to reduce those fine lines and help you glow from the inside out. Add olive oil to any and all of your meals, savory or sweet (yes, trust me on that)." So I guess the key to looking like an Italian goddess this summer (and always) is olive oil!

Photo by Maddi Bazzocco/Unsplash

Chia, Flax Seeds, and Sunflower Seeds

Many seeds and grains are going to be crucial in giving you radiant skin. Plus, they have so many healing properties that can help reduce redness and inflammation in the skin. Christine Glaser, CEO of DIY Skincare Business, says, "Chia and flax seeds are also helpful for all skin types and can aid in toxin removal." And sunflower seeds actually have antibacterial properties too that help get rid of toxins in order to keep your skin looking fresh and clear; thus the radiant skin we're trying to achieve here!

Photo by María Sainz Cabezalí/Unsplash

Red Bell Peppers, Carrot, and Tomatoes

You always want to have a variety of colors when eating fruits and vegetables because this will help you get the most out of your diet and achieve maximum radiance. A health expert and dietician, Chrissy Arsenault of Kori, says, "Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Choose 2-3 colors of fruits and veggies at every meal – fruits and veggies are rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E) that protect your skin from damage." And tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers are very rich in color so they will give you so many great nutritional benefits that will assist in giving you a perfect inside-out glow!

What foods should I avoid for my skin?

Photo by MART PRODUCTION/PEXELS

If you want radiant, clear, acne-free skin then you definitely want to avoid foods high in dairy or sugar. Jessica Green says, "When it comes to foods to avoid for radiant skin, sugar and dairy float to the top. Both are inflammatory. Sugar causes glycation which damages the skin's elasticity. Dairy (cow dairy specifically) tends to be one of the most common foods that cause reactions for people including acne and puffiness." I'm definitely taking note to try and cut our these foods now!

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Lead image via Pexels/Sora Shimazaki

Few things sound better on a hot summer day than your favorite ice-cold Starbucks drink. The only problem is that your wallet would highly disagree with that statement! Thankfully, there are plenty of Starbucks copycat recipes available for making your go-to beverages yourself.

We’re sharing 11 ways to hack your way around the Starbucks menu. Whether you're looking to recreate a seasonal sip or you just want to save a few bucks here and there, things are about to get *really* caffeinated. Keep reading to broaden your barista repertoire!

Matcha Lemonade

Matcha and lemonade are a match made in heaven. The earthiness of the matcha balances out the tartness of the lemonade to make for one really refreshing summer sip. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Iced White Mocha

The Iced White Mocha is a total classic when it comes to Starbucks summer drinks, especially if you crave beverages on the sweeter, milkier side. It's super easy to hack at home – just follow this recipe and make sure to serve up some fresh pastries to go with! (via Barley & Sage)

Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

Ever since this drink hit Starbucks menus, we've been obsessed. The BSSO combines sweetened shaken espresso shots with oat milk and cinnamon, and you'll be addicted, too, once you make it from the comfort of your home. Drive-thru who?!(via Hello Little Home)

Pink Drink

The Starbucks Pink Drink is our go-to order when it's sunny and warm outside. You can choose to omit the coconut milk or leave it in for creamy effect. P.S. this drink tastes even better at home when you use fresh strawberries as the garnish! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Oreo Frappuccino

Coffee + Oreos = maximum yum. This Oreo Frapp basically emulates the Mocha Cookie Crumble that you could find on menus a while back, and boy, is it delish! Make sure to save yourself a couple cookies for a snack! (via The Edgy Veg)

Iced Matcha Green Tea Frappuccinos

Vegan options at Starbucks have come a long way in the last few years, but it can still be a hassle to figure out what you can order if you eat a plant-based diet. This matcha Frapp dupe tastes just like the coffee shop’s option, but is totally vegan and sugar-free. (via Crazy Vegan Kitchen)

Iced Pistachio Latte

A sincere staple on the Starbucks winter menu by now, the Iced Pistachio Latte is definitely one you wanna know how to make yourself. The pistachio syrup is honestly too simple to be true, and it'll last you for tons of homemade coffee drinks. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Mango Dragonfruit Refresher

Fresh and fruity, this Starbucks Refreshers copycat recipe uses just 5 ingredients and a blender to create a slushy concoction that'll boost your mood and your energy levels! (via Clean Cuisine)

Copycat Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino

If you’re curious about how to make your favorite iced coffee order at home, simply stalk the barista as they’re making it! A pump of this and a scoop of that later, you’ll learn how to prepare anything, like this creamy Mocha Frappuccino. (via Cincy Shopper)

Copycat Birthday Cake Frappuccino

This popular limited-time Starbucks treat is a total throwback! If your cravings for the Birthday Cake Frappuccino have lingered (even though the drink is retired), this homemade version will undoubtedly satisfy. (via The Domestic Rebel)

Homemade Mocha Coconut Iced Coffee

If you can believe it, this iced mocha with coconut is better than the original. Why? Three words: coconut whipped cream. (via How Sweet Eats)

Copycat Caramel Waffle Cone Frappuccino

Nothing says summer quite like an ice cream cone. The only thing better would be Starbucks’ caffeinated sippable version, with actual pieces of waffle cone mixed in. Learn how to make your own version of this retired drink ASAP. (via Southern Couture)

Copycat Starbucks Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino

Remember the days when you weren’t sure how you felt about coffee, but you still wanted to feel cool and order something from Starbucks? We’ve all been there. On occasions when you want to feel a bit nostalgic, this glorified strawberry milkshake will make your day. (via Mom Foodie)

Copycat Smores Starbucks Frappuccino

Fans of this frozen drink wait all year to see if their summertime favorite will return to the menu. Now, you can be one of the few who are already making it in the comfort of their own home. (via Baking Beauty)

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Lead image via Crazy Vegan Kitchen.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

If there are two things you can count on, it's that I'm always thinking about Gilmore Girls and I'm always listening to Taylor Swift. As soon as I pressed play on The Tortured Poets Department, I could tell this album would resonate with so many experiences I had a child and a teenager. I've always been imaginative (and, admittedly, a bit spacey), and to this day, I never leave home without a book.

I've built thousands of imaginary worlds and crafted endless stories, but have always had difficulty keeping up with real-world relationships. So, needless to say, when I listened to Taylor Swift's new album and heard "I Hate It Here" and "The Bolter," I felt seen. I also realized these two songs would speak to Rory Gilmore in the same way!

Rory Gilmore Would Love "I Hate It Here" By Taylor Swift...

Image via Warner Bros. TV

"I Hate It Here" totally showcases Taylor Swift's ability to express raw emotions, and it also perfectly captures Rory Gilmore's struggles during certain periods of her life. The lyrics reflect frustration and dissatisfaction we can all feel sometimes (I know I've definitely felt them), and while Rory and Taylor's dreams in and of themselves are different, they both want to leave their small towns to achieve them. Whether it's feeling overwhelmed by expectations or facing setbacks in her career in Gilmore Girls season 5, Rory has moments throughout the series where she feels a bit trapped.

But even more than the physical meaning of the song is the imaginary one. Taylor sings about creating worlds in her mind and diving into books to escape the mundane. Rory reads more than any fictional character I've ever seen before because she also craves that escapism! The lyrics of "I Hate It Here" resonate with Rory when she wants to live different lives, and it encapsulates the moments when she struggles or questions her decisions — relatable!

...And She'd Feel Attacked By "The Bolter" By Taylor Swift

Image via Warner Bros. TV

TBH, I'm half convinced "The Bolter" is referencing Amy March (after all, Amy has been "reviled" by readers for hundreds of years, and she "almost drowned...in frigid water" like Taylor sings), which is just another literary reference Rory would pick up on.

In "The Bolter," Taylor Swift captures the essence of a woman constantly seeking adventure and change, just like Rory Gilmore, and it's all about the idea of a restless spirit. While the lyrics can be taken from a hypothetical standpoint (feeling trapped by relationships or other people's expectations), we can also talk about it literally considering Rory physically runs away from Jess.

Rory might desire love, but the idea of it also scares her — two facts that don't cancel each other out! Just like Taylor Swift, I think Rory's thrilled by the idea of escape simply because she's so risk averse in other areas of her life. Once again, I say, relatable!!

"The Bolter" and "I Hate It Here" are both incredibly engaging songs because they highlight just how complex we are as humans — both in the ways we relate to ourselves and other people. And they're just two Taylor Swift songs Rory would definitely add to her playlist.

Which Taylor Swift and Rory Gilmore parallels do you see? Follow us on Facebook for more pop culture musings!

Lead image via Warner Bros. TV

Bathroom decor is having a moment, becoming more than just a place to wipe and wash. Instead, they're turning into what some are calling spathrooms with big bathtubs, open showers, saunas, and spa-like amenities, according to 2024 design trend report by Cosentino. One trend putting the "room" in bathroom is the bathroom library, which fits right into the vintage, grandmillennial and cottagecore trends, with built-in shelves above vanities, around commodes, and front and center to warm up a bathroom vibe. Here's the skinny on these neat nooks and how you can make one yourself!

Design: De Rosee Salon | Photo: Astrid Templier

But some of us at here aren't so sure. What do you think? For me, I'm a bath lover and reader, so the combo is definitely appealing. However, I definitely would worry about moisture ruining my precious novels, or guests lingering in the bathroom too long, wrapped up in a good book. But those cons aside, I dig the idea of a book nook in my bathroom, especially for my kiddo who loves when I read to her in the bath, and is even now a voracious reader herself.

Photo by Levi T./Unsplash

If you're into the idea and want to start with a small library vs. splurging on some fancy built-ins, then here are some shelving ideas that are perfect for books in a bathroom.

Shop Book Nook Bathroom Decor Ideas Here!

Mason Curio Cabinet

Display your favorite books, trinkets and towels in this arc-shaped cabinet with glass door and five adjustable shelves.

Mayfair Wall Cabinet

This bathroom-rated cabinet is perfect for hiding literary treasures. Love the green stain inside!

Camylle Bookcase

Add a pop of pink to your paperbacks with this mid-century piece, perfect for larger baths.

PB Haven Arched Bookcase

Create a little book caddy with this arched bookcase made of mango wood.

IKEA Billy Bookcase

This is IKEA's best-selling cabinet and for good reason: glass doors keep your book collection dust-free but still visible and the sleek design is space-saving.

Ederra Accent Shelf

Hang this shelf vertically or horizontally and showcase your best reads to reflect your good taste in books and design.

Crate And Barrel White Oak Reversible Shelf Set

Make the most of your bathroom wall space with this modular piece that allows you to attach three shelves to a mounted panel — one flat and two reversibles that can be hung on top or underneath to give you lots of storage options.

Hefling Metal Wall Bathroom Cabinet

This vintage-inspired cabinet would look charming above a sink instead of a mirror.

Ajax Narrow Ladder Bookcase

Save space with this vertical stainless steel bookcase available in several eye-catching colors. Once filled, the floating shelves vanish, keeping your tower of literature clean and organized.

Etsy The Curious Shelf

Have fun with your library with these whimsical shelves available in mustard, sage, white, lilac and pink.

Babyletto Spruce Tree Bookcase

Encourage future bibliophiles with a little bathroom library of their favorite books. Each shelf on this pine wood tree holds 12 to15 books.

Oscar Bee Scalloped Shelves (set of 2)

Love the scallop design here. Mount a set of these near your bathtub so a great read is always within reach.

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Main Photo by Vlada Karpovich