'Tis the season for outdoor entertaining and colorful outdoor decor! A fresh makeover can lift your mood and make you *feel* like you're on vacay, even if the current situation keeps you close to home. Here are colorful accessories and furniture — all $100 and less — to give your yard, deck, balcony a style upgrade.
Add some fun color to your table with a variety of pastel plates and bowls.
Every evening get together needs some lighting! String lights (or fairy lightsif you prefer to call them that) are a great way to add a little bit of light to any space.
Whether you're birdwatching or delving into your favorite summer read, this is the perfect place to rest your feet.
Trade your somewhat uncomfortable outdoor seating with a hanging basket egg chair that will have you taking naps everyday of summer. Talk about cozy outdoor decor!
Brunch, baby showers, and family reunions deserve cute outdoor seating.
Throw pillows are one of our favorite ways to add some pizzazz to any space, and these fun picks are no exception.
We'll take any home decor that's a shade of pink. We love the way the baby pink softens the fun, modern design.
We're all smiles this summer, especially when this cute cat inflatable pool is involved!
We all need a reminder to soak up the sun so choose this cute doormat to brighten up your outdoor decor!
Fun colors, silhouettes, and details make this glassware a summery addition to any and every table.
If you ask us, it's more important for a lantern to look pretty than provide a ton of light. We're in love with these decorative ceramic ones!
Swap your plain napkins for some fun printed ones instead.
Floor cushions are a much better alternative to just sitting on the ground, and this fun print makes us love it even more.
Planters are always a good idea, and this bird one will add extra character to your window sill or table.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Additional reporting by Chloe Williams.
This post has been updated.
A 5K is a 3.12 mile race, and it's one of the most popular distances around the world for hobby joggers and elite athletes alike. Unlike a half marathon or full marathon, the 5K leaves you feeling tired, but able to actually walk afterwards — and with the same sense of accomplishment. Some seasoned runners may look down on the 5K, but I'm here to tell you that it's no small feat. In fact, in my 14 years of competitive running, the 5K was my main focus for 12 years.
If you're looking to run your first 5K and have no background in cardio or endurance sports, a simple google search for “beginner 5k workouts” will lead you to dozens of workout plans. While I have coached true beginners, my coaching specialty is with more intermedia runners, or runners trying to run their fastest 5K. You don't have to be a standout athlete or elite runner to set goals, and there are some simple steps everyone can take to get faster. Heres how to train for a 5K race, the Paxton way.
Photo by RF._.studio/PEXELS
The first step to bettering your 5K is to pick a race and sign up for it — most cities have a few 5K to choose from each weekend, so there should be plenty to choose from. Having a race on the calendar ensures you won’t skip out on your training. I recommend giving yourself 8-10 weeks to properly train.
The best 5K training plans, in my opinion, include 4-5 days of running a week. Every week should include:
You should never run hard or fast two days in a row — easy jogging and rest between speed workouts are both essential for rebuilding muscles damaged with hard workouts. Here's how each of the three main training workouts should go.
Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS
Every speed workout should begin with a 5-10 minute jogging warm up and a 5-10 minute jog/walk cooldown. This will help ensure you do not pull or strain any muscles.
The actual "speed" part of speed workouts can go one of two ways:
Easy jogs should be kept at a conversational pace, so this would be a good time to grab your girlfriend or hop on the phone if you want some company. The best jogs should be about 2-3 miles in length, or 20-35 minutes in duration.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/PEXELS
Long runs are arguably the most important workout of the week, and anyone trying to better their 5K time should make sure to include them in their training plan. Like the name suggests, a long run should be your longest run of the week. Your longest run can be anywhere from three miles at the beginning of the plan to 12 miles if you're an experienced and seasoned vet. I recommend starting with 3 miles at the beginning of your 8-10 week plan and working your way up to 5-8 miles by the end. You should do this by adding one half to a full mile each week. Although it may sound silly to run 8 miles in order to run a 3.1 mile race, this will help build your endurance more than any of your other weekly runs. Having endurance will make the race seem easier, and I can guarantee you'll pass people left and right in your final mile.
Note: You should also have at least 10 days between your longest long run and your 5k race so that you can feel as fresh as possible on race day.
Photo by Blue Bird/PEXELS
The most important thing to remember on race day is to not go out too fast. If you sprint the first mile, the rest of the race will be miserable. Race day adrenaline will make you jittery and willing to sprint at the start, but working on controlling that will ensure a better race experience. Try to make your second and third mile faster than your first and give it all in the last .1 mile. After you’re done, soak in the race day atmosphere and grab a free banana! Don’t forget that the post race pain is temporary and remember not to sign up for another race while on an endorphin high!
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Header image by Ashvin Praveen/Dupe
Whether you love to cook when you have time or prefer to avoid the kitchen at all costs, a quick and easy dinner is a must on a busy weeknight. If you've peeked into the frozen section at your grocery store recently, you may have noticed that frozen meals have come a long way since the TV trays of the past!
A variety of cuisines and cultures are now represented in the frozens aisle, and there are plenty of options for every dietary preference to choose from – all of which can help you maintain a healthy diet to fuel that busy schedule of yours. Ahead, find a few of our favorite frozen meals. Some work on their own and a few others just need a fresh appetizer or complementary ingredient to call it a complete meal.
Inspired by grilled Mexican street corn, this frozen elote bowl is a delightful mix of corn, chickpeas, red bell peppers, brown rice, and quinoa topped with a creamy lime sauce, pepitas, and vegan Parmesan cheese.
These frozen raviolis are stuffed with portobello mushrooms and three cheeses (goat, ricotta, and Romano cheese) and then topped with a creamy basil sauce as well as red peppers, spinach, and cremini mushrooms.
This vegan mac-and-cheese gets a dose of beneficial fiber from broccoli, and with gluten-free breadcrumbs, it has a nice, crispy top when cooked in the oven.
Fix these plant-based chicken strips with a side of asparagus, which you can bake at the same time or also steam in the microwave and add a squeeze of lemon or lime to compliment!
Make a burrito bowl at home with this easy meal starter you can prepare in the microwave for just a few minutes, then combine with some romaine lettuce and avocado slices!
Frozen dumplings are great for making homemade soup in no time. Heat them up with frozen veggies (like carrots and spinach) in broth all at once, whether in the microwave or on the stove.
Adding as many vegetables as possible to your favorite comfort foods is pretty much the secret to happiness and health. This cauliflower macaroni would get even better with a side of Brussels sprouts.
You just might think you ordered in with this wood-fired pizza and its prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella, as Provolone toppings as well as white garlic sauce.
Sometimes, the heart wants what the heart wants. If you're craving something salty, make sweet potato fries at home with a bowl of tomato soup for a meal adults and kids alike will love.
Satisfy your summer grilling cravings with these plant-based patties and top them off with whatever fresh toppings you have in the fridge. Need ideas? Here you go!
Ideal for anyone minding their carbs, this four-cheese pizza with a chickpea crust is also gluten-free with no added sugar.
With 21 grams of protein from eggs, potatoes, and plant-based sausage, this frozen vegetarian meal will keep you satiated well into your day.
These potstickers come equipped with a dipping sauce and quickly become crispy once you fry 'em up in a pan or wok.
This frozen meal tastes just like takeout, and has a good mix of veggies, tofu, and noodles.
Which frozen meals are your favorites? Follow us on Pinterest for more frozen meals + easy recipe ideas!
Image via Cristiano Pinto/Unsplash.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
We love to celebrate and support all different types of fabulous AAPI founders, and one way to do so is by shopping their incredible products! I know I'm not alone when I say I love coming across new brands, especially if they're BIPOC or women-owned. And while I'm sure you don't think you need a cute new slip dress or hand-poured candle, I'm confident you'll find something to snag from one of the below AAPI brands!
This cute slip dress is full of summer colors like flamenco and pale marigold that make it impossible to look away from. The pleated detail adds depth and dimension to the dress while the smart color blocking style gives it a versatile appeal. Have a cute summer soiree or daytime wedding to attend? This dress has your name on it.
Black dresses will always be trendy because of their chic factor. Misook's fit and flare dress has a button-front design that has exposed stitching on the front, but don't let that deter you. If anything, that's what helps this dress stand out from the crowd.
The other thing that I absolutely adore about it is that it features hidden side pockets. They may not be needed, but they're certainly welcomed here!
If you want to look like the ultimate "it girl" this summer, add this midi dress to your shopping cart ASAP!
Since we're on the subject of how the color black makes things look good, Maile's black canvas heels have stolen the heart of the fashionista that lives in a portion of my mind. They're the epitome of 90s style and will look good with Misook's midi black dress.
Since the heel height is under 4 inches, you'll feel comfortable sauntering from place to place.
Butter yellow is the color of the summer and Behno's tiny baguette basically confirms it. The exterior is designed with supple leather and it comes with a chain crossbody strap in case you get tired of holding it in your hand.
I happen to love that it comes in a dust bag to signal the luxurious quality of it. Although it's a mini bag, your cellphone, wallet, keys, a pair of sunglasses, and lip oils can fit inside without an issue!
There are a ton of earrings on the market, but this pair stands out with their orbital design. They're rhodium plated and recycled with cute multicolored resin objects that line the inside of them. Whether you want to wear them daily or reserve them for a special date night, these earrings are sure to be the center of attention wherever you go.
These earrings are sure to sell fast during AAPI month so make sure you order a pair today!
Haven't you heard? Tenniscore is in and we have the Challengers film to thank for that. I love that this necklace has featured on the TODAY show according to BONBONWHIMS' site and is 18K sterling silver-plated.
Those of us with sensitive skin know that we have to be careful when we wear certain jewelery because certain things trigger allergic reactions, but BONBONWHIMS isn't hearing any of that with this hypoallergenic necklace.
It's also available in different colors should you find that you're not a fan of the deep red color.
These 14K earrings are a perfect buy during AAPI Month due to their dainty design. Featuring cubic zirconia stones in the center of the dangly shapes, you won't lose the back of your earrings because they also have a click close design that makes putting and taking them off super easy.
I can safely wear statement necklaces again now that my son is almost four so I'm proud to say Notte's Amore Mio charm necklace is a bias pick.It has a thick gold-plated moon-cut chain and several charms that will make any outfit you wear feel stylish.
You can also customize one of the charms to feature your Zodiac sign and it's a handmade necklace.
In honor of AAPI Month, YENSA has curated a collection of their skincare staples! You'll find the brand's Super Glow Radiance Polishing Mask, Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Face Cream, and their Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Eye Creaminside of the kit.
This candle is so book-lovers coded because it's scent is described as 'sandalwood and old books.' It's meant to offer a grounding experience with a hint of romance whenever lit, making it the perfect companion to your new "romantansy" book. The full notes are:
You'll also get 50 hours of burn time without inhaling toxic fumes!
This coffee may make you breakup with Starbucks beyond AAPI Month. You can trust that you're getting 100% Vietnamese coffee that's a delicious blend of robusta and arabica, and is also sustainably sourced. The vanilla beans are very real and ground into absolute perfection so you can serve coffee however you want at home.
Want to make a cold brew or rely on your french press? Copper Cow Coffee makes it easy for you to follow your coffee-loving heart's desires.
Tired of relying on the same rotation of seasonings and flavorings when cooking? Well, it's time to introduce your kitchen to Potluck's combo set of Gochujang and Ssamjang! They're sweet and spicy Korean pastes that'll help you create an excellent marinade to use on whatever light lunchmeal you're eating.
There are no additional sugars, artificial flavors, or preservatives in these yummy tastes you'll be glad you discovered during AAPI month.
If you're not familiar with Fly By Jing yet, now really is the time to find your new fave sauce! Founded by Jing Gao, she sought to reclaim her original name — instead of going by Jenny like she had for years — and introduce the flavors of her hometown (Chengdu) to others. This viral condiment comes in six different flavors, with the Sichuan Chili Crisp being the most popular. The other options you have are:
What are your favorite AAPI brands to shop? Let us know in the comments!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Lead image via Copper Cow Coffee
