Go Under the Sea With This Little Mermaid-Inspired Boozy Brunch

It’s not far-fetched to say that Disney’sThe Little Mermaid started the whole mermaid trend. From mermaid toast to mermaid swimsuits, we’re always looking for ways to channel our inner Ariel, the original mermaid. She’s curious and hungry for adventure, and her flowy locks are major hairspiration. Here at Brit + Co, our mermaid love is strong, which is why today we’re showing you how to host an Ariel-inspired boozy brunch. Trust us: You’ll want this spread to be part of your world.

When putting together this brunch, we thought carefully about playing with color and texture. This sequin ombre tablecloth instantly added mermaid vibes to the spread, and after scattering pebbles and starfish, we really felt like we were under the sea!

The ocean terrarium centerpiece looks magical but only takes minutes to make. Grab a glass vase or fishbowl and fill the bottom with sand. Arrange faux coral, sea shells, starfish, and pebbles in the sand to create a dreamy sea floor scene.

Ariel’s Life Is the Bubbles Cocktail

We’ve got gadgets and gizmos aplenty, but our world wouldn’t be complete without this delightful, bubbly cocktail. Just grab a cocktail shaker and the ingredients below to get started!

Ingredients:

Makes 1 serving

  • 1 1/2 ounces blue curacao
  • 1/2 ounce Midori
  • 1 ounce lime juice
  • 4 ounces sparkling water
  • orange
  • lemon

Start off by pouring the blue curacao, Midori, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker. Squeeze in a slice of orange. Now, shake, shake, shake! Pour the lovely blue-green concoction into a cocktail glass. Top the glass off with some bubbly water and lemon slices. And there ya have it!

Life is the bubbles, under the sea!

Aren’t you in love with these mermaid waffles? Make your favorite waffle recipe and break them into fourths. Melt down white candy melts and add a couple drops of blue and purple food coloring. Stir once or twice to get a marble-y pattern and dip your waffle piece halfway in them. Sprinkle some candy pearls on top. For a more detailed tutorial on mermaid-ifying food, check out this mermaid cookie post.

We just had to pay homage to Ariel’s signature red hair. Place a seashell on top of a folded red napkin for each place setting. Remember to use your dinglehopper to eat, not to brush your hair!

Speaking of dinglehoppers, use little appetizer forks to hold starfish fruit. Use star cookie cutters to cut starfish out of melon and stack together.

Omg, how cute are these little clam shell cookies?! Squeeze a little frosting on a cookie and place another cookie diagonally on top. Place a sugar pearl in the middle and ta-da! A little clam cookie.

Look at this brunch? Isn’t it neat? Wouldn’t you think our menu’s complete?

Darling, it’s better… Down where it’s wetter… Take it from meeee!

How would you throw your Ariel-inspired brunch party? Share your photos on Instagram using #britstagram, and follow us on Pinterest for more DIY party inspo.

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

Author: Irene Lee

DIY Production and Styling: Karen Pham and Irene Lee

Photography: Brittany Griffin

Attention movie lovers: it's Oscar season! March 10th kicks off the 96th annual Academy Awards, which is just another reason to get your pals together for a fancy movie-inspired night in. Plan some small bites, make-ahead cocktails and pop in the popcorn for a night filled with glamorous style, inspiring speeches, favorite clips with laughter and tears thrown into the mix. In fact, we've done a little party planning of our own. Feel free to copy us and party it up Oscars style with these brilliant DIYs.

Invites

May we have the envelope, please? Every great party has to start with some glam invitations. (via Twig and Thistle)

Oscar Gold Backdrop

This backdrop takes about 5 minutes to get up but really makes an impact in any room or photo. (via Brit + Co)

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Channel 1940s Olympic swimmer turned movie star Esther Williams with these adorable swim caps. (via Brit + Co)

Ticket Roll Bowl

Yes, that really is just a roll of tickets. This is such an innovative way to make a fun movie-themed bowl. (via Buggie & Jellybean)

Gold Heart Piñata

Getting sick of commercial break after commercial break? Take a breather and take turns hitting this shiny beauty! We recommend filling it with some movie theater-esque treats for the ultimate themed party. (via Studio DIY)

Popcorn Bar

Though this awesome popcorn bar is more fit for an outdoor party, you could easily create your own on a decorated table indoors. While you're at it, check out some tasty popcorn hacks to add to your spread. (via Hostess With the Mostess)

Printable Popcorn Boxes

Printables are definitely a dream come true for any busy DIYer. These bright and colorful boxes would be a perfect addition to your popcorn bar! (via Design Eat Repeat)

Vintage Photo Booth Backdrop

A photo booth that's both vintage and movie-related? Yes, please! (PS: We're huge fans of the popcorn cones she's holding. Those would also be great for the popcorn bar.) (via Kelly Golightly)

Paper Oscar Statuettes

If you're going for a sophisticated viewing party, this elegant statuette will feel at home on your table. (via Twig & Thistle)

Glitter-Dipped Bottles

Glitter is always a welcome addition to any affair. Add some pizzazz to your drinks with these glitter-dipped bottles. Our super adaptable tutorial would work well for wine and Champagne glasses as well. (via Brit + Co)

Gold Star Garland

Are your walls looking bare? Sparkle them up with this festive garland. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

Balloon Awards

If you feel like the Oscar statuette is way overrated, give awards to your guests with these festive balloons instead! (via Studio DIY)

Film Reel Cupcakes

These tasty treats are perfect for those with a hankering for something sweet. (via Make Life Lovely)

Award Show Gift Printable

Make like the real thing and send all your guests home with a swag bag — these printable stickers are the perfect finishing touch. (via Elegance & Enchantment)

Oscars Bingo

Keep everyone focused on the ceremony no matter how long it drags on with these v. entertaining Bingo cards. (via Julie Blanner)

Awards Season Tablescape

For a swanky affair, set a stunning tablescape: Lots of gold and black silk are in order, and maybe some confetti. (via Pizzazzerie)

Oscars Viewing Cocktail

Keep the drink menu simple with a cocktail that you can make in batches. The gold sugar rim really drives the glam home! (via Blissfully Domestic)

Printable Temporary Tattoos

Add these to your gift bags, or stick 'em on your guests as they arrive! (via Squirelly Minds)

DIY Celeb Confetti

Little. Tiny. Celebrity. Faces. (via Sugar and Charm)

Planning your own red-carpet Oscar viewing party? Make sure to 'Gram it and tag us @BritandCo!

(Additional reporting by Ariel Garneau and Theresa Gonzalez)

This article has been updated.

I can give you two reasons why Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard's marriage sits high on my admiration list — Veronica Mars and Punk'd. I was in barely in middle school when these two stars graced my TV screen on their respective shows, but they've always stood out to me. Discovering they were dating just seemed to make sense in the grand scheme of good romantic pairings and — as we can see — it turns out Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard think so too.

From their first meet-cute that wasn't actually that cute to the ways they've loved each other through dark times, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard almost make being in love look easy. Here's a breakdown of some of the most important moments of their relationship timeline.

Kristen Bell And Dax Shepard's Relationship Timeline:

Image via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

2007: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Meet + Begin Dating

The couple haven't been shy about revealing their first time meeting was exactly love at first sight. Kristen Bell admitted during an Instagram Q&A in 2018 that they actually met at a party for producer Shauna Robertson. E! News recalled that the actress said, "2 weeks later I saw him at a hockey game and he asked for the gum in my mouth." Knowing Dax's personality, that actually checks out.

She also revealed his unconventional pickup line. "Truly, his first text to me was: ‘Hi. My name is Dax. I violated your privacy and got your number from Shauna. How do you feel about that,'' she remembered.

Though they did start dating, Kristen regularly trolls Dax about the time they briefly broke up. She told Popsugar, "He sat me down and said, 'I can't have this right now. I think you're wonderful, but I am still dating other people.' And then I, like, liquefied and fell to the ground, but I felt incredibly respected that he had the balls to tell me we weren't in the same place."

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

2009: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Work As Co-Stars During Filming Of When in Rome

Who can forget the hilarious rom-com movie When in Rome? Kristen starred as the 'unlucky in love' main character Beth who finds herself being pursued by a handful of romantic prospects after she picks up coins from a fountain that's supposed to grant love those who dare to take from it. Dax played the role of Gale, a model who was very into himself, and it was funny watching them interact on-screen.

According to People, the couple got engaged shortly after filming ended.

Image via Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

August 2012: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Work Together Again On Set Of Hit & Run

Written by Dax Shepard, Hit & Run revolved around a former getaway driver's attempt to flee his past while making sure his girlfriend makes it to her job interview on time. The couple reprised their romantic relationship onscreen and continued to prove that they work really well together.

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

November 2012: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Announce They're Expecting Baby No. 1

A source relayed the news to People in 2012 by sharing the following statement, "They’re so excited — they’re both ecstatic. They can’t wait to become parents." They also shared that Kristen had been dealing with a bit of morning sickness, but she started doing better as time passed.

March 28, 2013: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard's First Daughter Arrives

Several months later, Kristen gave birth birth to her and Dax's first daughter, Lincoln Bell Shepard.

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images

June 2013: Kristen Bell Pops The Question To Dax Shepard

In 2013, People shared that Kristen proposed to Dax Shepard after The Supreme Court overturned California's Prop 8 that was meant to ban same-sex marriage.

October 2013: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Tie The Knot

The couple celebrated their union by exchanging vows at a courthouse. Kristen previously told People they didn't want a grand celebration and they managed to keep their word.

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

June 2014: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Prepare For Baby No. 2's Arrival

The couple happily announced they were growing their family in 2014 via their rep's statement to People. "I can confirm that Kristen and Dax are expecting their second child and a sibling for Lincoln," the rep shared. They also touched on how much their family was looking forward to the arrival of a new bundle of joy.

December 2014: The Couple's Second Daughter Is Born

Finally, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Delta Bell Shepard, before Christmas in 2014.

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

2017: Dax Shepard And Kristen Bell Star in CHiPS

A couple who works together, stays together — at least that seems to apply Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. They starred together again in the movie CHiPS, but Kristen starred as Dax's ex-wife this time.

Image via Michael Buckner/Getty Images for FIJI Water

September 1, 2018: Kristen Bell And Dax Shepard Celebrate His Sobriety Journey

Dax Shepard has never been ashamed to talk about his sobriety journey and shared a personal moment with that made him question everything He appeared on Blake Griffin's podcast, The Pursuit of Healthiness to talk about his struggles in 2021. "What I would do is I would get sober for movies. I cared more about movies — it was the only thing I was more addicted to was being in movies — and so I would get sober for movies and then in between movies it was getting more and more dangerous," he recalled.

It wasn't until he caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror during a trip to Hawaii that he realized something was wrong. He remembered thinking, "I have every single thing I've ever wanted, and I'm at my lowest point emotionally and something has got to be very broken about that. If I have everything I said was going to make me feel good and I feel terrible, I've got to look at some other thing."

To celebrate her husband's commitment to remaining sober, Kristen wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram to encourage him to keep going. "I'm so proud that you have never been ashamed of your story, but instead shared it widely, with the hope it might inspire someone else to become the best version of themselves...I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone, and I want you to know, I see you. I see how hard you work," a portion of the lengthy message reads.

Addiction in any form is never easy to navigate so we admire how much Kristen's been supportive of Dax.

Image via John Sciulli:Getty Images for UNICEF

February 2019: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Launch A Baby Brand

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard decided to launch Hello Bello— a brand with everything from diapers to sun and bug protection — for several reasons. "I want something that's going to fill my soul. I want access to be able to give a lot of stuff away just as gifts, as a way of saying thank you for existing in this hard time called parenting," she told People in 2021.

Image via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

September 2023: Kristen Bell And Dax Share The Secret To Their Happy Marriage

It's no doubt that Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard have experienced a lot throughout their marriage, but they've managed to stay the course. Kristen actually shared some amazing advice for other couples during a conversation with Entertainment Tonight that we're thinking about applying to our own relationships. "Common goals, seek them out," she stressed.

The other thing she feels is crucial to making a relationship work is truly seeing and valuing your partner as a person. "Understanding that your partner used to be a little person is the best thing you can do. Sometimes if we're ever on the verge of a fight, one of us will say — it's usually Dax — 'I feel like 8-year-old Dax right now.' And I'm able to see him like I see my kids, which is in a very different way and go, 'Oh yeah, you're a little person that had trauma and triggers and it's not about me,'" she added.

That's powerful because it can be hard to remember that it's not just about you in a relationship. We don't think people intentionally mean to be selfish, but it can be happen and the key is to acknowledge it instead of doubling down on a particular stance that may not be helpful in the heat of an argument.

Wanna keep up with all your fave celeb couples? Follow us on Facebook for more!

Lead image via John Sciulli/Getty Images for UNICEF

If you're going to make margaritas at home, you might as well go big and trick out your bar with the brightest decor and tastiest margarita recipes you can find. What better way to pay homage to the sweet, salty and (occasionally) spicy cocktail that's best served with *all* of the guacamolerecipes? From a top-of-the-line blender to a festive rainbow tassel you'll want to hang at all of your parties, we've got 16 essentials for the perfect margarita bar. Fill your DIY piñatasand blow up your balloons, because your margarita Monday is about to get a lot more colorful.

Frozen Watermelon Mint Margaritas

f beating the heat is your aim, a frozen margarita is the obvious way to go. Refreshing ingredients like watermelon and mint turn up the cool factor so you can take the margarita bar outside. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Fruit Slice Balloons

With nothing but some tissue paper and spray adhesive, you can make some fruity balloons to mimic the fruit in your drinks. Foil balloons work best for this DIY, and you can have them filled with helium at the store if you don't have a tank at home. (via Balloon Time)

Spicy Grapefruit Margaritas

Infuse a bottle of tequila with jalapeños so adventurous guests can give their margarita a kick. Jalapeños go great with grapefruit, especially with an extra-salty rim. (via Fit Foodie Finds)

Uncommon Goods Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses

Once the margaritas start flowing, tequila shots are soon to follow. Ditch your old spring break shot glasses and invest in a classy set in a rose quartz hue. The best thing about these Himalayan salt glasses is that they're already salty, so you won't have to lick your hand.

Sriracha Salt

If you like to add a bit of spice wherever you can, try making some Sriracha salt. It adds a lovely color to your rim and a slight bite to any margarita. Set out several dishes with different infused salts and sugars for your guest to try with their drinks. (via Ladyface Blog)

Blood Orange Margaritas

If you're able to find blood oranges, you definitely need to try this margarita. It's sweet in comparison to the classic, but totally refreshing. This one is rimmed with vanilla-infused sugar. (via Eat Drink Love)

Mini Emoji Piñata

What situation doesn't require some sort of emoji? Express your innermost feelings with this fun DIY that will get everyone involved. Our vote is for the see-no-evil monkey emoji. (viaI Spy DIY)

Coconut Margarita

This creamy cross between a piña colada and a margarita will have you longing for the beach. Try freezing coconut water in ice trays to add to all of your margs — blended OR on the rocks. (via I Ate the Whole Thing)

Vitamix Pro 750 Blender

You need a heavy-duty blender when making pitcher after pitcher of frozen margaritas. Treat yo'self to one that will stand the test of time and look gorgeous while doing so.

Mini Cactus Piñatas

Margaritas are known for being a south-of-the-border cocktail. Celebrate their desert origins by making these mini cactus piñatas that are much easier to make than they look. Plus, they open with the pull of a string, so you can reuse them again and again. (via Oh Happy Day)

Cucumber Margarita

Stave off an unwanted hangover with this fresh, antioxidant-rich recipe. The anti-inflammatory nutrients in the cucumber help the liver metabolize alcohol quickly and flush the system. Win-win. (via Hello Glow)

DIY Tassel Bunting

This tassel garland is incredibly easy (and cheap) to make. You can customize the colors to match your theme and reuse it for many different types of parties. Hang on the wall behind your bar cart for a fun pop of color. (via Bloesem Design)

Target Falon Modern Glam Bar Cart

No margarita bar is complete without… well, a bar. This stylish gold cart is sleek and minimal, so your decor can be the center of attention. Dress your bar cart with cocktail fixings and cute accessories, and set out a bowl of chips and salsa so your guests can munch while they make their margs.

Crate & Barrel Miguel Margarita Glass

Sure, you can technically serve a margarita in any glass you want, but it's nice to have the option of serving them in traditional margarita glasses. Pick up a few of these beauties, made from recycled tequila bottles.

Crate & Barrel Ona Pitcher

If you're going to invest in a set of margarita glasses, you might as well a stylish pitcher to go with them. A pitcher with a thick rim and an off-center handle like this one will keep your drink cold while also looking beautiful.

Original Margarita

Some would argue that the original margarita must be shaken, rather than blended or made in a pitcher. However you prefer to enjoy yours, you should always have a classic margarita recipe in your arsenal. (via Kitchen Swagger)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas.

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.

Once summer rolls around, strawberries take center stage, which means strawberry desserts are the highlight of the season. From classics like strawberry shortcake to innovative creations like strawberry s’mores, these 32 strawberry desserts push the boundaries of that fruity, juicy flavor we all know and love. Get ready to indulge!

Strawberry Freakshakes

Think of this recipe as your traditional strawberry milkshake, but leveled-up beyond compare. The "freak" label for these decadent shakes is entirely accurate, as they get loaded with sugar, ice cream, donuts, whipped cream, and of course, rainbow sprinkles. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Donuts

These strawberry donuts earn a healthy (or well, healthier) edge by using whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and Greek yogurt. Don't worry though – they're still as sweet as ever, and they'll be super tasty alongside some coffee for a nice morning treat! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Tart

This tart looks impressive, but it's not all that hard to execute. Get your hands on just 5 ingredients – store-bought pastry dough and custard help expedite the process – and you'll be well on your way to strawberry, dessert-y goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Chia Oatmeal Cookies

Turns out, you can eat cookies for breakfast! These strawberry-filled lil' bites serve as a quick power-up with fruit, oats, and chia seeds. You can even pack a few in your lunchbox for a healthy mid-day snack sesh. (via Brit + Co)

Boozy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

These skewered strawberry desserts would make a fun Friday night activity to share with your boo! Simply soak some fresh berries in pink champagne overnight, then assemble them onto skewers before dipping them right into a dark chocolate bath and garnishing with more chocolate and crushed pistachios! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Lemon Cookies

Strawberries and lemons are a match made in flavor heaven, and these easy cookies (they only take 20 minutes) deliver a strawberry lemonade-type taste. Summer, here we come! (via The Edgy Veg)

Chocolate Strawberry Cake

We are salivating for this chocolatey cake! The cakey layers are quite simple to make, then you'll use fresh strawberries for the mid-layer and as a beautiful garnish. Don't you dare forget to add that creamy chocolate ganache! (via Give Recipes)

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is an absolute classic! This recipe makes a few simple swaps (like whole wheat flour instead of regular, and maple syrup instead of white sugar) to make each and every bite a tad bit lighter than your traditional take. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Dark Chocolate Strawberry S'mores

You haven't lived until you've tried putting fresh strawberries on your s'mores. Just look at that gooey goodness! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Peanut Butter Cake with Strawberry Frosting

Once you learn how to make this sweet strawberry frosting, you'll wanna put it on everything you make, from cupcakes to cookies. And yes, even this nutty peanut butter cake! Pile it on real high. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

The crunchy coating on these strawberry shortcake-inspired ice cream bars is exactly why you need to make them this summer. It's comprised of brown Rice Krispie pieces and freeze-dried strawberries to add some variety in texture, and wow, is it delicious! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Rhubarb makes an excellent partner to strawberries. Case in point: this no-frills, uber-fresh pie with an impressive lattice crust! (via Completely Delicious)

Strawberry Cocoa

This sip is like if you combined a strawberry shake and hot chocolate into one. It's so dreamy! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Chocolate Strawberry Hi-Hat Cupcakes

That cross-section, though! These rich chocolate cupcakes are piled high with strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream icing. Once they're iced, they're dipped in even more chocolate to form a satisfying outer shell. (via Butternut Bakery)

Strawberry Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff

These strawberry fudge bites are just perfect for a little Valentine's Day dessert. This recipe surely doesn't shy away from sugar! (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Matcha Madeleines

Matcha, chocolate, and strawberries?! We are totally swooning over these tiny strawberry desserts. While the madeleine cookies are soft and airy, the dark chocolate layer on the outside provides a nice crunch, contrasting the textures and flavors in each bite. (via The Original Dish)

Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies

Strawberry cake mix makes these strawberry desserts so much quicker, but they don't skimp on flavor at all. If you want to take things up a notch, try adding some fresh strawberries on top! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

These Rice Krispie treats would make our child selves go crazy. You'll only need four ingredients to make 'em: freeze-dried strawberries, cereal, marshmallows, and butter, so they're a good dessert to make if you don't have a lot of ingredients on-hand and don't feel up to baking! (via The Endless Meal)

Chocolate Strawberry Mock-tini

This non-alcoholic, dairy free martini is decadence at its finest. You'll create your very own chocolate coconut simple syrup before concocting a mix of cashew milk, strawberries, and swirls of melted chocolate. (via Chef Bai)

Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Strawberry Jam

We all need more brownie recipes in our life, right? These rich bars are instantly elevated by a homemade strawberry jam that you'll likely have leftovers of to put on toasts, sandwiches, and more strawberry desserts! (via Two Spoons)

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

Although this recipe's a bit more breakfast-y, it still qualifies as dessert in our minds because it's loaded to the brim with a super-sweet cream cheese filling and sweetened strawberries worthy of the dessert table. Plus, there's plenty of syrup to go around! (via Live Eat Learn)

Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

These strawberry desserts are snack-worthy in the morning, afternoon, and as a late night snack, of course! If you thought store-bought Pop Tarts were good, just wait 'til you make them for yourself with fresh strawberries. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns

The strawberry cheesecake filling stuffed into these airy buns is to die for! Prep a batch for a fun cafe-themed party, or keep the half-dozen all to yourself for morningtime bliss. (via Vikalinka)

Strawberry Banana Bread

Banana bread is a total lifesaver when it comes to using those overripe bananas sitting out on your counter, and it gets even better once strawberries enter the mix! This recipe is moist, sweet, and perfect as a little treat. (via Averie Cooks)

Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes

Looking for vegan strawberry desserts? Your search is over with these vegan strawberry cupcakes covered in vegan whipped cream. Add some more fresh berries for full effect! (via Earthly Provisions)

Strawberry Scones

Dare to make your local coffee shop jealous with these homemade scones using strawberries. Once you're done baking them, you'll cover each one with a delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting for maximum flavor. (via Most Hungry)

Strawberry Rhubarb Galette

Sweet galette recipes are our weakness. They're so sweet and shareable, plus this one in particular is a good way to start using all your farmer's market produce! (via Amanda Wilens)

2-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

Simply blend some frozen strawberries and bananas together, and you've got a sweet treat that can fulfill your cravings for creamy ice cream! For even more dessert vibes, top this recipe with sprinkles, Oreos, or chocolate syrup, Or all three. We'd do it, too. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Strawberry Chocolate Mint Smoothies

The addition of mint leaves takes this sweet sipper to a whole new level. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Strawberry Jelly No-Bake Cheesecake

Have you ever seen a cheesecake so beautiful?! Plus, this one requires zero baking, making it the perfect pick for hot summers. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Strawberry Macarons

If you're up to the challenge, making macarons yourself can be so rewarding. Each of these little sweet sandwiches is filled with strawberry jam and a cheesecake-inspired icing. (via Barley & Sage)

Vegan Fruity Pebble Cheesecake

Colorful, fruity, and sweet? Say no more. This Fruity Pebbles cheesecake just earned the top spot on our "to-bake" list!(via No Eggs or Ham)

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Lead image via The Endless Meal.

There are a number of TV shows in the running for best teen drama. I'm ready to press play on The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Tree Hill, and The Vampire Diaries at any given moment, but there is nothing like watching Friday Night Lights season 1. It might not be as glamorous as Gossip Girl, but that's exactly why it resonates so deeply when you watch it — FNL both highlights and honors viewers' real-world experiences because the characters are SO relatable. Instead of leaving you envious of a fictional life, Friday Night Lights welcomes you into a community you feel like you already know.


Image via NBC

Everyone in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas lives and breathes football, and Friday Night Lights season 1 opens just before the first game of the season. Right off the bat, we're introduced to characters that both evoke emotion and spark our curiosity, and we're told exactly where they are in their lives: new head coach Eric Taylor is struggling to win the town's confidence. Fullback Tim Riggins struggles both with motivation and against confident running back Smash Williams. All-American quarterback Jason Street has dreams of playing in the NFL while timid Matt Saracen takes care of his grandmother during the afternoon and serves as second-string quarterback at night.

Not to mention the fact that when I watched Friday Night Lights for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling and multi-dimensional the women are. Tami Taylor has the perfect blend of motherly love and the kind of Southern sass that puts you in your place. Minka Kelly's Lyla Garrity is one of my favorite TV characters of all time because she might be wealthy and popular, but she evades "The Curse of the Brunette" that seems to plague early 2000s leading ladies. Instead of turning into a manipulative mean girl like the high school versions of Blair Waldorf and Brooke Davis, Lyla is just kind. Does she still make insanely bad decisions (like kissing her boyfriend's best friend)? Yes, but aren't bad decisions a right of passage when you're 17?

The show's initial plots and character arcs revolve heavily around football, but the sport really just serves as a funnel for all the off-field drama. The tension between the characters makes their gameplay even more passionate — and when Street gets seriously injured during that first game of the season, the town rallies together in a way that highlights how strong a community can bond in the face of tragedy.

Image via NBC

Life in middle-class America can be tough, but it can also be really, really sweet. While I'm neither from Texas nor have attended the kind of football school Dillon High is, the contrast between the characters' responsibilities and the fun that comes with parties and joining your friends at the local burger joint resonates with me every time I rewatch.

Even the fact the show is named Friday Night Lights emphasizes that contrast because it shows just how much of a spotlight is on these kids, and how much weight is on their shoulders when they're truly just trying to survive their teenage years.

Rather than providing an escape from viewers' realities like Outer Banks does, Friday Night Lights season 1 emphasizes the realities of juggling multiple jobs, school, and family responsibility that a lot of viewers experience too. It allows you to understand the characters in a really personal way — and feel like you're a part of the community too. The world can seem so big and scary (now more than ever), which is why the simplicity of Friday Night Lights totally redefines comfort TV.

What's your standout moment from Friday Night Lights season 1? Check out why Gilmore Girls Season 7 Wasn't Supposed To Be The Final Chapter for even more TV show musings!

Lead image via NBC