3 Tasty and Healthy Cocktails Your Body Will Thank You For

Tone It Up
Mar 29, 2017

Karena and I love our weekly glass or two of wine. Cheers-ing with girlfriends over a beautiful meal is our idea of the perfect girls’ night out. But no one has time for a hangover the next day! We all have workouts to crush. When choosing your drink, it’s important to go for the less sugary options to help prevent hangovers and not derail your fitness goals. We’ve gotten pretty inventive by using fresh herbs, ripe fruit, and sparkling water paired with light alcohol or wine. And all of the cocktails are in line with our Tone It Up Nutrition Plan principles. Check out our three fave cocktails so that you can sip and not slip on your goals!

1. Get Lucky Cucumber Mint Cocktail: This is our take on a mojito, but we used vodka instead of rum. We like the lightness of vodka paired with fresh herbs and crunchy cucumber for a refreshing combo. And we love the natural debloating effects of mint. We originally created this drink in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s also perfect on a warm summer day while hangin’ out poolside.

Find it HERE!

2. Spicy Senorita Margarita: Spice up your typical margarita with some grapefruit juice and jalapeño slices. Jalapeño contains the compound capsaicin, which helps speed up your metabolism. It also adds just the right amount of spice, and the pink fruit juice makes for a super Insta-worthy drink.

Try it out HERE!

3. Bubbly Citrus Cocktail: Lookin’ to impress bae on date night? This is our go-to for a romantic night in or a festive evening out. Plus, the lemon juice delivers a punch of vitamin C that helps keep your skin looking smooth and beautiful by fighting off damaging free radicals. We’ll cheers to that!

Grab it HERE!

Want even more delish recipes that help you reach your fitness goals? Join the Tone It Up Nutrition Plan! It’s filled with thousands of totally yum recipes that will help you tone all over.

What’s your favorite healthy cocktails? Let us know @BritandCo and @ToneItUp.

(Photos via Tone It Up)

5 Self-Care Tips to Relax and Soothe Stress

An essential part of your healthy lifestyle is taking some time to unwind and relax. Self-care is not selfish — we always say that when you take care of yourself, you’re better able to care for everyone else in your life. You’re a better partner, friend, mother, leader, and coworker.

Today we’re sharing five tips to care for YOU, mind, body, and spirit. These will help you unwind, bust stress, and feel your best. You deserve it!

These tips are featured from your new Balanced and Beautifulbook! It’s the ultimate five-day guide to feel your most refreshed, motivated, inspired, energized, and relaxed. Every chapter is filled with workouts, recipes, girl talk, beauty tips, lifestyle advice, and mindfulness guides. Get your copy here!

1. Throw a Girls’ Night in. Relax with your girls! Pick up some wine or kombucha and ask your friends to each bring a dish or app they love. Then turn on one of your favorite movies — we always love Clueless, The Breakfast Club, or The Holiday. You can set the scene with dim lights and candles and fill the room with pillows and blankets to help everyone get comfy. And don’t forget the popcorn! We make our own healthy version on the stovetop and flavor it with 1 tsp. ground cinnamon and 1 tbsp. coconut sugar. So delicious!

2. Make a DIY face mask. Bring the spa home! We love this moisturizing avocado face mask:

1/2 ripe avocado

1 tsp. plain yogurt

1 tsp. honey

1. In a bowl, mix together all ingredients.

2. Apply to your face and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and a washcloth.

3. Get out for a stroll. If you’re having a stressful day, take a 10-minute walk on your lunch break or go for an evening walk with a girlfriend. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, which can combat anxiety. The sounds of nature will soothe you too. You can also take this opportunity to confide in your girlfriend or call your mom! Sharing your feelings is so therapeutic and will immediately help you feel more relaxed.

3. Namaste away stress. A yoga class always give us relaxed, happy vibes! Plus, research has linked yoga to decreased stress levels. Make a yoga and brunch date with a girlfriend or schedule one of the amazing yoga classes in your Studio Tone It Up app.

4. Watch the sunset. This sounds so simple, but watching the sunset can be a powerful way to unwind and connect with yourself. Make it a tradition and no matter what you’re doing, aim to power down your computer and put away your phone and be present in the moment. As you watch, take a minute to reflect on your day and everything you accomplished.

What are your favorite self-care ideas? Share them with us @BritandCo and @ToneItUp.

(Photos via Tone It Up)

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Gap's Dôen Collaboration Is Here & It's Bound To Sell Out

Iconic American brand Gap and sister-founded fashion house Dôen(which miss Taylor Swift wears a ton of) teamed up for something super chic – a perfectly summery collection that amplifies "iconic essentials and California classics." Championing the collaborative effort are fashion-forward sisters Lily and Ruby Aldridge, who are already influencing me to snag something from the capsule!

Shop our favorite pieces from the Gap and Dôen collection below!

Floral Mini Dress

I want to live in this dress all summer long! It has a super 90's vibe with the midi cut, femme cap sleeves, and contrasting lining along the neck. The tiny bow in the center makes it all the better. Worn with some ballet flats, you've got yourself a no-fail summer outfit!

High Rise Khaki Trousers

These insanely wide khaki trousers mean business. They flare out generously, so you can still feel breezy and free in the summer heat. They boast some subtle pleats that land along the waistline.

Pointelle Tank Top

This piece is like your classic white tank, except elevated with feminine vibes. The arm holes, neckline, and button front are all lined with lacy, scalloped trim that's timeless yet fresh. It looks exceptional alongside the rest of the Gap x Dôen collection!

Cropped Floral Cami

You can snag this cami to go with the collection's midi skirt, or sport it on its own. Either way, you'll look stunning in the best summer florals!

Linen-Blend Cardigan

I consider this piece the *perfect* summer cardi. It's made with a loose, breezy knit that'll keep you covered even in chilly evenings!

Organic Cotton Eyelet Big Shirt

This loose button-up with an eyelet-covered collar will follow your summer wardrobe into fall and winter with ease.

Ballet Flats

If you don't have a good pair of ballet flats by now, it's time to hop on the hype! They're one of the trendiest shoe silhouettes of the summer, but more importantly, they provide your feet the utmost comfort without beckoning too much sweat. This navy shade that's part of the new collection will work well with denim bottoms, khaki pants, maxi skirts, and beyond.

Eyelet Midi Dress

Did someone say dreamy? This square-neck white eyelet mini dress buttons all the way up to some darling ruched shoulder straps. The three-tier design flares out for a loose fit. Your nextwhite party outfitawaits with this whimsical white maxi. It comes complete with tons of tiny eyelets and ruffle trim to make your look feel magical.

High Rise Denim Trousers

Following the same shape as the khaki trousers in the Gap x Dôen collection, this denim number feels a touch more chic than your average pair of jeans. The off-center button closure and symmetrical pleat work supply something a lil' different for maximum style.

Floral Midi Skirt

Crafted in the same adorable florals, this maxi skirt is the ultimate compliment to any white tank or tee – especially for summertime. The bright red trim along the top and bottom amp up the visual interest even more, although you'll already be turning heads when you wear it.

Kids Logo Tote Bag

To commemorate the collaboration, Gap x Dôen are promoing a practical kids tote bag. This one's navy and cream colorway is sure to match with every one of your ensembles!

The Gap x Dôen collection launched Friday, May 17. It hosts 51 pieces for women and kids that marry Gap's classic denim and khaki fabrications with Dôen's feminine florals. The capsule's pricing ranges from $20 to $158.

The pieces are absolute wardrobe staples, but are also easily pair-able with other statement pieces you might already have in your closet!

The Gap x Dôen collection includes a white eyelet milkmaid dress, a gingham dress, a pinstripe button-down shirt, denim barn jacket, ultra-wide khaki pants, a dainty floral dress, baggy jeans, Mary Jane flats, a navy knit blouse, and so much more.

The sisters serving as the face of the new collaboration, Lily and Ruby Aldridge, were tapped by Dôen-founding Margaret and Katherine Kleveland for their shared love for Gap.

“Growing up, our mom was the quintessential Gap woman: Her classic style was formative in our own personal style and design ambitions from an early age,” Margaret told Vogue. “To be able to partner with an iconic brand that provides the same nostalgic feeling that we aim to create with our designs is truly surreal.”

“We’ve worn Gap since we were little,” Lily also told Vogue. “The quality and craftsmanship of this collaboration live up to the standard and it’s at Gap prices! We love Gap, and we love Gap prices!”

Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the new collection!

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

Images via Gap.

This post has been updated.

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This Booty Toning Workout Is Perfect for Summer Travels

Hey, gorgeous! As trainers, we’re often asked our top tips for staying fit while traveling. One of our absolute favorite ways to sculpt gorgeous muscles anytime, anywhere is with Booty Bands. We’ve broken out our Booty Bands for a quick workout in just about every place you can imagine. (We actually just took them with us to Europe last week.) You can travel with them, use them in the airport, your hotel room, or take them outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery! If you don’t have Booty Bands yet, you can grab them here.

Today we’re sharing some of our go-to moves you can do while traveling to target and tone your cute booty — plus your legs, arms, and abs too! You can find even more amazing sculpting workouts in your Studio Tone It Up app. The app is your perfect travel companion for access to a variety of workout classes that you can join every hour. You’ll find yoga, kickboxing, HIIT, and more. Get ready to feel your healthiest, strongest, and most confident yet!

For amazing results, go through 20 reps of each move for a total of three rounds.

1. Booty Band Shuffle

Tones your outer thighs and booty.

Begin standing with your booty band above your ankles. With a slight bend in your knees and hands on your hips, take two steps to the right, then two steps to the left while keeping your booty low.

Do 10 reps in each direction.

2. Standing Booty Kickback

Tones your hamstrings and booty.

Begin standing with the band just above your ankles. Lift your right leg back behind you just a few inches off the ground while keeping a slight bend in your standing leg. Return your right leg down to starting position and repeat, then switch legs.

Do 10 reps on each side.

3. Booty Band Squat Jacks

Sculpts your thighs and booty and boosts your heart rate.

Begin with the band just above your ankles and feet hip-width apart. Jump both feet out and lower into a squat position, then jump back to starting position.

Do 20 reps.

4. Booty Band Arm Tap Out

Tones your arms, shoulders, and entire core.

Begin in a plank position with the band placed just above your wrists. Lift your right hand and tap it to the outside of your mat before bringing it back to starting position. Repeat with your left hand.

Do 10 reps on each side.

6. Booty Band Plank Lift

Strengthens your core, legs, and booty.

Begin in a plank position with the band around your ankles. Lift your right leg six inches off the ground, then lower it back down. Repeat move with your left leg. Alternate sides with each rep.

Do 10 reps on each side.

What are your favorite booty exercises? Share them with us @BritandCo and @ToneItUp.

(Photos and GIFs via Tone It Up)

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

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A Definitive Ranking Of Emma Stone's Best Movies

There's only a month left before we can see Emma Stone's newest flick Kinds of Kindness (which also stars Joe Alwyn, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, and Jesse Plemons). That means the Emma Stone movie marathon starts now. Emma is one of the best actors around because you can tell she just opens herself up to whatever her role requires. She isn't afraid to do crazy things, or to make a fool out of herself, and her relentless dedication to each project she takes on means she makes an impression on everyone she comes in contact with — both on set and in theaters.
But she's also just an incredible person. Whether it's her friendship with any amount of beloved celebs (Ryan Gosling! Taylor Swift! Jennifer Lawrence!) or her relationship with her husband, if Emma Stone has one fan it's me. Before you go see the newest movie (which, fair warning, Emma describes as pretty "dark" in the movie's official press release), add these Emma Stone movies to your watchlist.

La La Land — Stream on Max

Image via Lionsgate

Okay, let's get this out of the way: we can all agree La La Land is the best Emma Stone movie, right?! This old school, critically acclaimed musical follows aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) when they cross paths in Los Angeles. The whole movie explores what it looks like to balance chasing your dreams with your relationships, as well as what you're willing to do to make your dreams happen. If you didn't cry the first time you saw this movie, you're lying!!

Crazy, Stupid, Love — Stream on Max

Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment

This Emma Stone movie single handedly proves just how good rom-coms can be. The actress plays plays Hannah, a young woman who feels torn between her loveless relationship and an exciting new guy she meets in a bar (played by none other than Ryan Gosling, thank goodness). It's heartwarming, it's hilarious, and it's relatable. What more could you want?!

Poor Things — Stream on Hulu

Image via Searchlight Pictures

We simply cannot have this list without mentioning Emma Stone's latest critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning movie. Poor Things focuses on Emma's Bella Baxter, who is brought back to life by a scientist before she's whisked away on an adventure full of secrets, new discoveries, and twists.

Easy A

Image via Sony

Speaking of rom-coms, Easy A is, without a doubt, a love letter to all the best classic '80s romantic movies. Olive (Emma Stone) is an intelligent high school student who accidentally convinces the whole school she'll sleep with anyone for money. The movie explores choice, agency, and romance in totally unexpected ways. Plus Penn Badgley and Emma Stone have INCREDIBLE chemistry.

Battle of the Sexes — Rent on Amazon Prime

Image via Fox/Searchlight Pictures

Before we got Challengers, Emma Stone wowed as Billie Jean King. She starred opposite The Office's Steve Carrell (who played Bobby Riggs) in the movie, which is loosely based on the 1973 tennis match between the two players. Like all of her roles, Emma totally disappears into Billie Jean, and was nominated for a Golden Globe and Critics Choice award.

The Help — Stream on Tubi

Image via Touchstone Pictures/DreamWorks

Not only is this one of my favorite Emma Stone movies, I think it's one of Jessica Chastain's best movies too! In this flick, we see Emma as aspiring writer Skeeter Phelan, who teams up with the African American maids working in 1963 Jackson, Mississippi to tell their stories. Skeeter sheds light on the injustices and discrimination these women face every day, while also learning about it herself. As much as I love this movie, I'm also ready for them to redo it, centering the "voices of the maids" — and Viola Davis is too.

Cruella — Stream on Disney+

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

Disney lovers can't get enough of our favorite characters' costumes, but Cruella takes this fashion obsession to a whole new level. This live-action prequel to 101 Dalmatians follows Emma Stone's Estella, a young woman in 1970s London who loves fashion. There's a little bit of a The Devil Wears Prada vibe as Estella climbs the ranks of the fashion world, enacting revenge on her enemies — and transforming into Cruella de Vil as she goes.

Zombieland — Rent on Amazon Prime

Image via Sony

Emma Stone is such a master as ridiculous comedy that Zombieland HAD to make this list. This post-apocalyptic horror-comedy, Emma Stone plays Wichita, a resourceful big sister (which means she automatically a survivor, thank you Eldest Daughter Syndrome) in a world that's been totally overrun by zombies. She's joined by Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), and her little sister Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) on a journey to find freedom and family.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 — Stream On Netflix

Image via Sony Pictures/Marvel

Now, I know this is controversial, but I consider Andrew Garfield to be MY Spider-Man. And I remember being totally wrecked by the second movie in his duology. Emma Stone shines as Gwen Stacy, and brings even more grit, spunk, and confidence to the role than she did in the first movie. Plus, Jamie Foxx's Electro is one of my favorite villains ever.

The House Bunny — Stream on Prime Video

Image via Sony

Emma Stone takes on a supporting role in this comedy as Natalie, an intellectual college student who gets a wholly unexpected education when former Playboy bunny Shelley (Anna Faris) becomes her sorority's house mother. Shelley teaches the women about confidence and self-acceptance, while they teach her that appearances aren't everything.

Which Emma Stone movie is your favorite? Follow us on Facebook for the latest movie news, and check out The Best Dakota Fanning Movies too!

Lead image via Lionsgate

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9 Insane "Outer Banks" Theories That Would Totally Change The Show

I'll admit out of the manyteen dramas that I've consumed, Outer Banks is one of the most ridiculous. But the insanity surrounding the plot is half the reason it's enjoyable! John B. wrestling an alligator with his bare hands? Kiara getting kidnapped then making a daring escape in her PJ's? John B. and Sarah getting married (kind of) by the power of "the sky, the stars, and the sea" after escaping the SBI? Be so for real. I took to Reddit to find the wildest Outer Bankshot takes and theories, and I was not disappointed. Keep reading to see if you agree with any!

Outer Banks Theories

Image via Netflix

JJ and Sarah Are Actually Siblings

My favorite fan theory for the future of Outer Banks is that Madelyn Cline's Sarah and Rudy Pankow's JJ are actually, secretly siblings. Considering we've never met either of their moms...and they're the same age...and they look similar, some fans are convinced that our two favorite blondes are half siblings.

One Reddit user is not a fan of this theory because "it just feels too forced and THEY'RE THE SAME AGE! meaning they would TWINS that were SEPARATED AT BIRTH?! that's insane even for obx."

Image via Netflix

JJ's Dad Will Return

As much as I hate JJ's dad in Outer Banks, I do love scenes he's in, just because he plays such a pivotal role in JJ's character arc. And I definitely think we'll see him again. "I can see him being a minor villain next season," one Reddit user agrees. "Every season seems to be revolved around a character. Maybe it’ll be JJ’s season?"

Image via Netflix

Outer Banks Has Always Been A Story From John B.

"Based on how much inspiration the show takes from the Uncharted video games, I think the final scene of the show will be John B and Sarah sitting down and telling the stories of their adventures to their daughter," one Reddit user says. "That's where John B's narration comes from."

I'm a sucker for a full circle moment, especially when it involves telling stories to the next generation (hello Jane the Virgin!). Considering John B. and Sarah have been endgame since the beginning, I would love to see them telling the whole Pogue story to their kids — and maybe JJ and Kiara's too?

Outer Banks Hot Takes

Image via Netflix

Pope Should Have Ditched The Treasure Hunt

One Reddit user is convinced that "Pope should’ve focused on his future in school instead of giving everything up to search for treasure." And TBH, I totally agree.

In season 1, Pope has a breakthrough about the hidden treasure in the middle of his scholarship interview. He ditches the scholarship committee to tell the rest of the Pogues, throwing away a crazy educational opportunity. Pope beats himself up for it, and his parents definitely aren't pleased, but at least it meant he got to stay in the show instead of leaving for college, which leads me to...

Image via Netflix

JJ and Kiara Never Should Have Happened

While JJ and Kiara is one of the most popular ships on the show, a lot of Outer Banks fans think the "no Pogue-on-Pogue macking" rule from the pilot should have stayed in effect. The individual romances between Kiara and JJ, John B., and Pope make the story really messy, and the fact the show writes Kiara to be with all three of them in the span of three years gives a lot of viewers the ick.

I'll be team #Jiara forever (and literally screamed when The Backseat Lovers' "Kilby Girl" started playing during the motorcycle ride in season 3), but I'll say it would incredibly compelling to see a friend group take care of each other as much as the Pogues do without ever crossing over into romantic territory. That's found family, after all!

Image via Netflix

Rafe Shouldn't Have Any Kind Of Redemption Arc In Outer Banks Season 4

Drew Starkey the man that you are. According to one Reddit user, "Rafe should not have a love interest or a redemption arc" like we see in season 3. We spent all of season 1 and season 2 establishing that Rafe (played by Drew) would do anything it took to get what he wanted (including one successful murder and two other attempts?!). He shows next to no remorse for his actions, and exploring his literal psychopathic tendencies would take the show to a whole new level.

Image via Netflix

Outer Banks Should Have Started With The Pogues In Their 20s

As one of the only people alive who loves the post-time jump One Tree Hill, I would have loved to see OBX start off with the characters in their 20s (although it looks like that's where Outer Banks season 4 will pick up!). This would eliminate SO MANY problems from the jump because the Pogues wouldn't have to worry about missing school, they'd be more self-sufficient, and instead of being the same old high school drama, it could have provided a commentary on figuring out life in your 20s the same way Friends did.

Image via Netflix

Big John Should Never Have Returned

John B.'s dad's disappearance is the catalyst for the Pogues' journey at the beginning of Outer Banks, and Big John's return means the story feels somewhat repetitive in the third season, and it undoes a lot of the growth we've seen from John B. Plus, Big John is just SO chaotic, selfish, and dramatic. If he had truly died in season 1, we could have seen John B. wrestle with that finality, and how to cope with loss in the face of finding the treasure and falling in love with Sarah.

Image via Netflix

And Finally, Outer Banks Should Have Ended After Season 1

Outer Banks season 1 was exactly what we needed at the height of the pandemic. It was escapist — both in terms of the beach vacation vibes, but also because the '00s aesthetic took us right back to simpler times — and it had such a wonderfully resolved finale that some fans think nothing has matched it.

What do you think about these Outer Banks opinions and theories? I'm such a romance fan, I don't know what I'd do if the show didn't have JJ & Kiara get together! Check out all the best New TV Shows and Summer TV Shows coming this year for more of your favorite series.

Lead image via Netflix

This post has been updated.

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