Calling All Rebel Girls! This Virtual Event Is Perfect for Honoring International Day of the Girl

Theresa Gonzalez
Sep 30, 2020
Rebel Girls book

International Day of the Girl falls on Sunday, October 11th this year and we found a truly special way to celebrate with your girls beyond the adoring Instagram post. We're huge fans of the team behind the best-selling Rebel Girls books and now the girl-powered team will be hosting a virtual event with live performances, sing-alongs, dance parties, interactive art and inspiring cooking demos! Register here for the live event!

Hosted by 12-year-old Olympian and professional skateboarder/surfer Sky Brown, the event will bring together celebs, change-makers, thought-leaders and doers from different parts of the world, including Beyonce's dance captain Ashley Everett for a little dance partay, famous dad and daughter cheer duo The Pollard Family (above), Broadway superstar Kristin Chenoweth (we love her) and rock legend Joan Jett (so cool), among others.

These and many other women, including renowned chef Asma Khan, former and first female U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and THE Rihanna are featured in the Rebel Girls newest book, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World, releasing October 13. You can score a goodie bag with the new book in a super-cute rally tote too ($72). We can't wait for ours!

Happy International Day of the Girl! Will you be turning in? Share your experience with us @BritandCo!

How To RSVP “No” Gracefully To Any Wedding Or Event

TBH, it doesn’t matter who you’re RSVPing "no" to — it’s awkward. It can be difficult to say no to an invite when your reason boils down to “I just don’t want to,” but not wanting to do something optional (and/or low-stakes) is reason enough to not do it. Your time, energy, and money is valuable — you don’t have to dish it out at every opportunity. Obviously, some events (like those hosted by close family or friends) are important to go to, no matter how much you may not want to.

However, for those invites from not-so-close friends for relatively unremarkable events, it's perfectly fine to decline. Even weddings, arguably the most lavish event someone may throw in their lifetime, are declinable. Whether it’s too expensive, too far away, or you just need a weekend off, there are plenty of respectful ways to RSVP “no.”

Here are all the tips you need to diplomatically decline, and not feel bad about it.

1. RSVP "no" early

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

As soon as you receive an invitation, you probably have an idea of whether or not you can or want to attend. Decline ASAP so the host has an opportunity to invite someone else, get a refund on your seat, and plan accordingly. Plus, you don’t want to carry the burden of accepting and dreading the event for weeks. It’s way more emotionally draining, and confusing for the host.

If you do want to attend, but are unsure if you can, check your calendar and let the host know your circumstances. Perhaps your sister is expecting her first baby around the same time as your college roommate’s wedding. Reach out to your friend directly and let them know that you may be able to come, or would like to come, but it’s dependent on another important factor.

Chances are, the host will respect and appreciate your honesty. And remember: for big events like weddings, guests = money, so giving the hosts as much time as possible to make adjustments before their event is imperative.

2. You don't have to explain yourself

Photo by Getty/JLco - Julia Amaral

This is a bit contradictory to what we just said, but if it’s not an up-in-the-air type of situation, you can just say “no.” Plain and simple. Hosts don’t need a laundry list of reasons you can’t go, and you don’t need to share yours.

3. Declining is *actually* quite respectful

Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava/Pexels

Responding to someone, whether it’s an enthusiastic “yes” or a “no,” is way better than not responding at all – or worse, canceling at the last minute. It shows that you care enough about the person to give them an answer, and that your friendship allows for open communication. With anyone in your life, you should be allowed to ask for what you want, and what you need. If you can’t do this for yourself, do it for Future You.

4. Don't make up excuses

Photo by Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash

It’s just a no-no. If you fabricate an excuse, it can lead to way worse (and certainly more awkward) situations. For example, if you say you can’t go deep sea fishing this Saturday (when it’s really about not wanting to fish), the person might ask you to go with them another time, evidently putting you on the hook (pun VERY intended) for future excursions.

Alternatively, if you opt for blowing them off and they find out, they’ll probably feel worse and assume your response was personal to them. Whether or not that’s true is besides the point.

Being a bit more honest always goes a long way. Oh, and BTW, refusing an invitation isn’t that deep! Truly. It’s literally fine.

5. How to say "no"

Photo by KoolShooters/Pexels

Saying no is all about what you say and how you say it. Aim for a warm, neutral and matter-of-fact tone paired with a short, candid response. Don’t beg for forgiveness (and TBH if you have to do this, they’re probably not a great friend in the first place), give them a vague reason as to why you can’t go, or get defensive if they have questions. Repeat after us: saying no is normal!

BTW – by declining an invite you have to allow others to do the same. So if someone declines an invitation to your birthday party (which we know will be totally amazing), it’s OK.

And just remember – any response is better than no response.

Stay updated on all things party etiquette with Brit + Co. This post has been updated.

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9 Super Trendy Summer Nail Designs You Can DIY At Home

No vacation is complete without flowy maxi dresses, cute hairstyles, and allllll the summer nail designs. When it comes to summer vacation, you're in your relaxation era, and you deserve to feel good and look cute! But if you can't figure out which summer nail designs you should be paying attention to, take a deep breath! I found 10 adorable options that are stylish, yet practical so you can make your way over to the swim-up bar in style. Here's all the inspo that I'd take to the nail salon for your next appointment!

Image via abolfazl zarghami/Pexels

Short Abstract Acrylic Summer Nails

If you decide to get an acrylic or gel overlay for a couple of weeks, opt for a shorter style so that you don't have to worry about accidentally breaking them while you're dressed in tenniscore during your friendly pickleball match.

The burnt orange lines and outlines here perfectly complement the flashes of turquoise and brown in this abstract design, making it the perfect choice if you plan to spend your days lounging on Miami Beach. These nail sheets from Amazon are a great option for someone wanting to try this on a budget!

Image via Bellacures

Pops of Magenta Nail Designs

Do you live for a good surprise that's not overwhelming? Me too! It's one of the reasons why I think this summer nail design by Bellacures is the perfect for just that.

It features a light pastel pink nail polish base with two varying magenta dots near your cuticles. While you can easily achieve this look at the salon with a fresh set of acrylic nails, you also don't have to! You can DIY this at home with Olive and June's Rosy Tips as a base for your nails, and their Biggest Bow nail polish for the magenta dots!

Image via Kristina Paukshtite/Pexels

Be One with Nature Nail Designs

Summer nail designs don't have to be in-your-face to make a statement. All you need is one nail color that's associated with warmer days to truly speak to the upcoming season — like OPI's Peppermint Bark and Bite! It has a gorgeous metallic shine that'll truly make this gorgeous nail design sparkle.

Want to get the natural, earthy vibe from home? Try this Evergreen Tree Stickers nail art from Olive and June!

Image via Olive & June

Long Royal Blue French Nail Designs

Do you want your nails to do the talking for you? Opt for long, royal blue acrylic nails that are an updated version of acrylic nails. The color and length alone will make people pay attention to whatever you're saying and wearing. If that's the goal, ask your nail tech to use China Glaze's Simply Fa-Blue-Less Nail Lacquer! Want something quick and easy to achieve at home? Olive & June has a press on for that: Blue Metallic French Glue Press-OnsGlue Press-Ons

Image via Bellacures

Orange Sorbet with Sprinkles

While orange was never my favorite color growing up, I can't get enough of this colorful shade now! It's like all I can think about when I see this nail design is a yummy smoothie or sorbet popsicle that has a hint of mandarin orange in it.

If you plan to indulge in a ton of sorbet to keep cool during scorching days, it's only right that your nails match! For a less designed — but just as cute — option, try these Creamsicle Tab Press-Ons from Olive and June!

Image via Impress

Astrologically Correct

Are you the kind of person who relies on your weekly horoscope to plan your summer vacation or pick what you're gonna grab for dinner? These astrological nail designs are waiting for you.

They have a witchy vibe that guarantees they'll go with any outfit you plan to wear and that's what make them one of the best summer nail designs you can wear! While you can ask your nail tech to get creative with this at the salon, I love that imPRESS has some at-home options you can literally press on yourself!

Image via Bellacures

Short & Sweet Vibrant Nails

Keep it short and sweet with another version of a french manicure that features different colors at the top of each nail. You can go as vibrant as you want or you can opt for pastel colors! This gives you a little pop without overpowering your amazing summer vacation look I know you're slaying right now.

For a vertical, at-home take on this look, Olive and June have these Neon Lines Glue Press-Ons!

Image via Bellacures

Abstract Pastel Colors

Keep the pastel party going with another abstract idea! Bellacures nail salon suggests taking your otherwise neutral manicure to the next level by adding varying shades of pastel blues, pinks, purples, yellows, and greens to each nail. Need a press-on option as a girl on-the-go? Grab these Glamnetic Jelly Bean Short Oval Press-On Nails!

Image via Shae Devereaux/Pexels

Simple, Dreamy Vibes

Abstract summer nail designs clearly have a special place in my heart — but it's because they can be as simple or bold as you want! I like this nail set because it's great for attending summer cocktail parties, weddings, or work events without causing too much of a scene. All you need is a nice white nail polish that's not opaque (it matters) and you're all set! Don't have a steady hand? These press-ons from imPRESS will work just as well!

Which summer nail designs will you try at home or show to your nail tech during your next salon visit?

Subscribe to our newsletter for more fun summer beauty inspo!

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

Lead image via Bellacures

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Alone Together: How to Find Community Through Online Events

Practically overnight, "shelter in place" orders have canceled events, closed bars and restaurants, and emptied streets and public parks. It's a trying time for everyone — especially those in the service and events industry. All of us are feeling the emotional strain of being isolated from our coworkers, friends, and family. But humans have a fundamental need to connect, and social distancing doesn't have to mean social isolation.

Amidst the anxiety, uncertainty, and loneliness, a new way of gathering has started to emerge. Communities are carving out spaces to assemble and support one another online. In the era of TikTok and Instagram Live, we are perfectly positioned to weather a socially distanced storm together — and the people are showing up.

From artists live streaming Instagram concerts to guided meditations and yoga classes offered on Zoom, people are finding ways to reach out and create connections while staying at home. Eventbrite, a platform traditionally known for discovering in-person gatherings, is seeing a shift toward consumers choosing online experiences as a way to stay engaged, creative, and connected from the safety of their homes: The platform reports a 227% growth in virtual events in the past month alone, proving that people are coming up with innovative ways to stay connected with their communities.

Friendships don't need to take a hiatus because you're social distancing. Bolster connections with friends by inviting them along with you to your virtual events. After all, we need each other now more than ever. Whether you want to sharpen your knife skills or learn how to make pasta, break a sweat at a virtual dance class, or learn to adopt positive thinking and coping mechanisms, there's a place to connect and learn online — and there's something for everyone.

Here are some of our favorites:

For parents: Struggling to entertain quarantined children while trying to work from home? There's a plethora of online development classes around to keep kids busy. Everything from art classes and coding classes to comedy classes and fitness classes for kids have gone online.

For book nerds: There's no better time to start working your way through your bookshelf. Quarantine Book Club allows you to engage in spirited discussions with authors without leaving your home, while The Goddess Council is hosting monthly virtual book clubs and conversation.

For battling anxiety:There's no doubt that we're all feeling the emotional stress of this pandemic. Sit back and enjoy guided meditations, breathing exercises, and helpful discussions with Mind EQ and The Art of Living Foundation or just check in and make sure you're staying connected with Are You Ok?: a series of virtual gatherings.

For a good workout: Just because your gym is closed doesn't mean you have to give up your fitness regimen. In fact, staying energized and healthy is more important now than ever. Pop in for yoga with Jody Hahn, let loose at an invigorating virtual dance party, or get your heart pumping with Zumba with Melody. Workout from home with Grillz & Granola or run a virtual 5k for Aussie Wildlife Rescue. However you like to sweat, you can find it online.

For self-improvement: Being stuck at home is the perfect time to learn a new skill or sharpen your existing knowledge. Learn about wine from a certified sommelier, try your hand at cooking with The Cookery Club, or practice your Spanish skills no matter what your level with Easy Español's conversation workshops.

For fun: Catch a live concert with Keep Music Live or the Afro-Peruvian Sextet or laugh with Tara Henderson at Mommy Needs a Drink and with Laugh Factory during their daily free live comedy streaming. It's important to remember to carve out time for yourself to smile and enjoy the little things.

For a full range of unique online and virtual experiences, check out this collection.

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Your First Look At Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey In "The Last Of Us" Season 2

After a season of adventure, heartache, and lots of father-daughter bonding, we're ready to return to the world of HBO's The Last of Us. So is the rest of the internet apparently, considering "The Last of Us season 2" has almost six billion results on Google. Starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the show immediately started making headlines after its pilot episode, and had a viewership increase of 75 percent by the finale. The series also went on to score three Emmy nominations and a SAG Award for Pedro Pascal as Joel!

Season 2 is sure to be just as compelling as the original season, but only time will tell whether we'll see new plotlines and character arcs, or the timeline arranged in a different way. I know for sure that whatever Craig Mazin and the rest of the team decide to do will make me cry. If you have as many questions about the second season as we do, keep reading for everything you need to know before the series returns to HBO.

Your First Look At The Last Of Us Season 2

Image via HBO

The first look at Bella Ramsey as Ellie shows the teen still rocks her beanie + puffer combo, but you can tell she has much more grit and determination than we saw last season (which, TBH, is hard to believe).

Image via HBO

The first look at Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller already has fans crying because the framing and Joel's outfit look very similar to an emotional scene from the game. Plus, I think we're just ready to see our favorites onscreen again!

"Cries in long hair Joel Miller," one X user tweeted.

"All the set photos and officially released photos from The Last of Us Season 2 are making me so f-ckin happy, I can’t wait to get traumatized again," another said.

When will The Last of Us season 2 premiere?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

The Last of Us season 2 is set to begin filming in February 12, 2024, Craig Mazin tells Variety. HBO confirmed on Wednesday, May 15 that it would premiere in 2025.

Who's in The Last of Us season 2 cast?

Image via Hulu

The Last of Us will see Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal returning to our screens, but they'll also be joined by Kaitlyn Dever in the role of Abby. This is the one role fans have been waiting for — she plays a huge role in the second game and the fact that she's in the second season of the series shows that the action, drama, and suspense is only going to get crazier from here on out.

It was also announced that Isabela Merced will star as Dina and Young Mazino will star as Jesse. Argylle star Catherine O'Hara has reportedly been cast in a role created just for the TV show.

Will The Last of Us season 2 follow the plot of the game?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Showrunner Craig Mazin told EW that the new season "will be different just as this season was different [from the original game]."

Bella Ramsey also weighed in on the changes between The Last of Us season 2 and its first season, telling Vanity Fair that "it’s really a story about revenge and a continuation from the first season about the dangers of unconditional love." I know that The Last of Us: Part II is all about revenge, but we still don't know just how much of the game will be used in the show.

“I think that they’re always going to find ways to build on the incredible source material that they have, and surprise us with how they can use that material in a different format like a television show," Pedro Pascal tells Deadline. "But I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anybody, and the truth is, I don’t actually have all of the information as of [January 2024].”

Will the time jump between games play a role in the series? Will the end of season 2 line up with the beginning of the game? We'll have to wait and see!

Will there be season 2 of Last of Us?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, there will be a season 2 of The Last of Us. The show was renewed after only its second episode ever! Right now there are only two games, so we'll have to see if we end up getting a season 3.

What is The Last of Us about?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

The first season of The Last of Us follows Joel (played by Pedro Pascal), who lives in Boston 20 years after a fungal outbreak leads to the end of the world. When a plan to save his brother goes sideways, Joel finds himself smuggling teenager Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the country.

Where will The Last of Us season 2 film?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

After the first season filmed in places like Calgary, Alberta, Deadline announced on March 31 that The Last of Us season 2 will shoot in Vancouver.

Where can I watch The Last of Us?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

You can watch the first nine episodes of the show on Max. We're hoping we also get nine The Last of Us season 2 episodes — if not more!

Is Bella Ramsey in season 2?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, Bella will return as Ellie for The Last of Us season 2. "The only way we would ever, ever consider re-casting Bella is if [they] said, 'I don't want to work with you guys anymore,'" Neil Druckmann (the game's creator) tells EW. "And even then, we're not sure we would grant [them] that. We might still force [them] to come back to season 2."

How old is Ellie in The Last of Us 2?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Ellie is 19 years old in The Last of Us: Part II, so it's safe to assume she'll be 19 in The Last of Us season 2!

Why is Ellie immune?

Image via Shane Harvey/HBO

According to Firefly leader Marlene in the season one finale, they believe Ellie is immune because her mother was infected before she could cut the umbilical cord. So, Ellie has had cordyceps with her since birth — meaning her immune system overrides any potential infection.

Your First Look At The Last Of Us Season 2 Cast

Image via Zarak/Instagram

We got our first look at The Last of Us season 2 cast when they dined at Vancouver restaurant Zarak. "Us 🤝🏼 The Last of Us," the establishment says in an Instagram post on January 24. "It was our pleasure hosting you last night." While Pedro Pascal wasn't at dinner, Bella Ramsey, creator Craig Mazin, producer Jacqueline Lesko, and newcomers Isabela Merced and Young Mazino were in attendance! Since Bella's Ellie, Isabela's Dina, and Young's Jesse are all super close in the story, some pre-production bonding sounds like the perfect way to start off season 2.

Follow us on Twitter and TikTok for more pop culture, and check back here for more news on The Last of Us season 2.

Header image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

This post has been updated.

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Christina Lauren's "The Paradise Problem" Is The Sizzling Romance Novel You'll Cancel Plans To Read

If you're a classic romance girl who craves a little spice — I'm looking at you, Bridgerton fans — then Christina Lauren's The Paradise Problemis everything you need. I thought I was hooked on romantasy books, but I think this book has coaxed me right back over to the more traditional romance side — and I mean who can really have too much of either type of romance anyway, right?

But before I dig into all things The Paradise Problem, it's important to be clear up one thing: Christina Lauren isn't just one author like I initially thought. The two women responsible for bringing the world 30 romance novels are absolute powerhouses who also happen to be best friends: Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. I know — this news alone seems like it deserves it's own summer novel. Since they don't have plans to do that, we at least get to have their unified essence in the books they've written and in this lovely interview.

It goes without saying, but The Paradise Problem is the perfect way to celebrate Christina Lauren's successful romance empire. Of their newest title, Christina and Lauren feel great about it being in the world. "This one is really fun so it's like going out and just celebrating. We're not worried," Lauren says with a smile. Confidence; I love it!

Ahead, learn more about how they birthed Christina Lauren and created the characters you'll come to love in The Paradise Problem.

The Making of a Romance Novel Empire 

Image via Brystan Studios

Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings

I know besties when I see them, and this writing duo has all the makings of two friends whose bond has been deepened by more than time. Still, curiosity get's the best of me when I mention what certainly feels like an empire to me before asking, "How did you two meet?" Their knowing smile says it all — they've clearly been locked in for a while, and they remember the exact moment things clicked for them.

"In 2009 we were both writing fanfiction and reading each other's stories online. Then Lo (Lauren) was putting on a panel at San Diego Comic Con on fanworks and she invited me to be on it. So, I came out and we met for the first time, and we got along really well," says Christina.

From there, they wrote a one shot — quick fanfiction story — together, and eventually decided it was worth taking a chance on writing an entire book. The fact that both Christina and Lauren have experience writing fanfiction not only helped them prepare for their pivot into authorship, but it also got them accustomed to the honesty of online book reviews.

As far as people not knowing that Christina Lauren is actually two people, that's basically the point. "We want it [our books] to feel like they're written by one voice. We spend a lot of time editing to make sure it doesn't sound feel like two very distinct, combative voices in there," Lauren says while excitedly adding, "I mean everyday we get DM's that are like, 'I didn't know there were two of you!'"

Peeling Back the Layers of The Paradise Problem 

Warning: May contain some spoilers.

I have a deep appreciation for books that immediately call my imagination to the forefront and that's just one of the many things The Paradise Problem does as soon as you begin reading the first page. We're immediately introduced to Anna Green and "West" going their separate ways after choosing to amicably end their marriage. The kicker? See, they don't actually know each other.

How can two people essentially be strangers while they're married? Realistically, Anna and West's marriage was one of convenience. Each found themselves in a situation where their very survival relied on marriage, so they decided to become husband and wife solely on paper.

That seems pretty straightforward right? Wrong. Based on the first impressions of Anna and West, one has it together while the other is a hot mess. But, Christina Lauren is challenging us to rethink our approach to first impressions because they're not always everything. Once you start peeling back a person's layers, you can really start to understand their choices, reactions, family dynamics (and there are plenty of awkward encounters in this story on that front), and more.

Image via Jasmine Williams

Christina and Lauren knew what they wanted for these two characters in the end, but they had to figure out how to fully thread the needle for it to work — particularly when it came to West and his relationship to his family. They had his backstory, but they needed to figure out how to fully flesh out his world, parents and all. What they went with was jaw-dropping IMO, full of shady behavior, cocky attitudes, and beyond. But how does West's background and personality relate to Anna's?

"We always try to think about who's the perfect person for the characters — not who will complete them. Anna is very different. She does not come from a wealthy background, she's not super polished," says Lauren. But, there's more to her than meets the eye. She's a genuinely good person who has a loving heart that no amount of status can compete with once the layers are peeled back.

This is what begins winning West over, and the two soon begin to find there's some truth to the fictionalized relationship they have on display for West's family. Ultimately, The Paradise Problem begs readers to ask if opposites really do attract, confronting us — and our main characters — with this one scenario at a time.

Image via Jasmine Williams

In my humble opinion, The Paradise Problem feels like one of Christina Lauren's best books because it encompasses all the elements that fans of their work love. Christina says, "They love characters they either want to be or want to be friends with, heroes they want for their own, a lot of the settings..." She continues, saying, "The great thing about having a large catalogue of books is that there's something for everyone. Do you like funny books? We got you. Do you want super saucy books? We got you. Do you want something that's gonna rip your heart out? We got that too."

In case you have any doubts about that, check out all of the duo's books now and get your copy of The Paradise Problemtoday!

Be sure to watch our full interview with Christina and Lauren, officially known as Christina Lauren, on YouTube!

Lead image via Christina Lauren

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