Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.
The Best Galentine's Day Ideas For 2024
Image via Brit + Co
Add Some Pink With These Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice
Pink is always a good idea when it comes to decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
DIY Galentine's Day Candy Boxes
Send your best friends home with adorable candy boxes that may or may not be used as trinket trays later on ;). (via Brit + Co)
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Have A Bachelor Marathon
Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from The Bachelor season 28 by hosting a marathon viewing party for your favorite rose ceremony show. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
DIY Galentine's Day Fort
Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)
Image viaA Beautiful Mess
Host A Nail Pampering Galentine's Day Party
Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party. Put out bottles of their favorite polish/color and create a fun playlist of your favorite love/empowerment songs. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Host A Galentine's Day Bake-off
BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen. (via Brit + Co)
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Make Conversation Heart Care Packages
For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Host a Galentine's Day Party Game Night
Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)
Image viaTaylor Simpson
Plan A Girl's Getaway
Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Take a Class Together
Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning/doing. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Host a Brunch
Our epic Galentine's brunch has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine card writing stations. This gem-inspired brunch is a fun idea too! (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Have A DIY Party With Planters
Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party. With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Shutterstock
Host a Cookie Party
Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)
Image via Element5 Digital
Go On A Road Trip With Your Gals
You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Have A Puppy-Love Play Date
Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds too.
Image via Aww Sam
Host A Mean Girls Movie Night
Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the new musical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)
Image viaSasha • Stories
Have A Beach Day Picnic
If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!
Image viaKelsey Chance
Have A Wine Tasting
You and your girls love your wine (the proof is in your Instagram reels!), so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.
Image via Brit + Co
Hit The Slopes
An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!
Image via Brit + Co
Have A Pool Party
If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.
Image via Brit + Co
Host A Parks & Rec Marathon
The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.
Image via Brit + Co
Host An Outdoor Dinner + Movie
Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.
Image via Shutterstock
Have A Karaoke Party
What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.
Image via Brit + Co
Go on A Hike
Keep up your 2024 health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.
Image viaNo Revisions
Book A Spa Day
What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.
Image via Brit + Co
Zoom With Surprise Takeout
Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh what a night!
More Galentine's Day Party Ideas
A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers ;).
Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "xoxo" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.
Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!
In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.
If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.
Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.
Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room so that's a win-win for us!
Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.
Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.
It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!
Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!
Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape. *Sigh.*
Galentine's Day Party Favor Ideas
Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.
Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.
If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.
Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.
Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.
Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.
Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.
A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!
Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.
Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!
Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!
We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!
Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas.
Additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez
This article has been updated from a previous post.
Lead image via Brit + Co.
I can't be the only one who dreads deal with TSA during security checkpoints, so it's important for me to find small rolling suitcases that make traveling 10x easier. I can't tell you how many times my items have been haphazardly ransacked during 'random' security checks only for me to curse my packing skills — ugh!
There's one bright side to my dilemma though: small rolling suitcases that have study exteriors and well-proportioned interiors. This is the key to making sure my travel essentials stay in one place. Tired of tripping over your suitcase because of its unstable wheels or fearing that you still won't do everything TSA agents ask? I've got 8 chic small rolling suitcases that'll help you navigate the airport without breaking a sweat in no time!
Shop Small Rolling Suitcases Here!
Herschel Heritage Hardshell Carryon Luggage (Ivy Green Topography)
One of the most important features of small rolling suitcases is their exterior. Since you'll likely be sprinting through the airport or jogging down escalators if they're not busy, you need something that can withstand being dragged. Herschel is known for creating luggage that's travel-tested
This carryon luggage is made with 70% recycled polycarbonate and it has silent wheels. It's like your travel companion that truly understands you have places to be and doesn't complain as you're navigating your busy airport.
CALPAK Ambeur Mini Carry-On Luggage (Rose Gold)
Here's your sign to get a rose gold rolling suitcase that can serve as your carryon item. It has 360-degree spinner wheels that'll work with you and not against you (IYKYK), plus the internal pockets make it easier for you to pack efficiently. You may want to check with the attendants on your flight, but this suitcase is designed to fit under your seat so you don't have to fight with an inconsiderate person for a space in the overhead storage bin.
Monos Terracotta Carryon
Sometimes you just want something cute and floral like this limited edition rolling suitcase. It's water-resistant and has an internal lining that's made from 100% recycled polyester! The internal features I like are the buckle straps that makes sure your clothes won't slide all over the place and the removable compression pad with zippered pockets to store flat items.
BÉIS The Carry On Roller (Atlas Pink)
We've all had experience with the dreaded TSA line that makes us question our sanity and age. But, BÉIS wants to eliminate your stress with their pink carry on rolling suitcase. It also have 360-degree wheels that'll happily go wherever you do and the interior? Well, let's just say you'll be able to find what you need when it's time to place everything on the conveyor belt.
Take that TSA agents!
OLOV 18” Underseat Carry-On Small Suitcase (Blue)
Embarking on a few quick getaways this summer and don't want to be weighed down by heavy luggage? You'll need to consider small rolling suitcases that are sturdy, yet lightweight. OLOV'S under seat carryon features an interior buckle to keep your items secured and allows you to pack the basics.
It also has a three digit combination lock in case someone decides to press their luck if you happen to fall asleep during your flight.
Vera Bradley Small Spinner Luggage (Fresh-Cut Floral Green)
In need of a portable rolling suitcase that can hold your clothes and serve as a charging dock for your phone? Vera Bradley already read your mind and has just the thing for you. The interior has two zippered sides that allow you to separate your necessities from each other based on function (clothes on one side and sandals on the other).
This spinner luggage also has an integrated lock that makes your time in TSA go a little smoother. If it's not obvious, we've had some rather unpleasant experiences with agents mishandling our items 😖.
Bric’s By Ulisse Carry-On Expandable Spinner with USB Port (MANGO)
If you thought we were done showing you chic and functional small rolling suitcases, you're almost right. Besides reminding us of the sunny weather we've been experiencing during spring, this carryon has a three stage telescopic handle that makes holding on a breeze!
From there, the interior has a pretty printed lining, full zipper section and mesh pocket, a stretchable strap to protect your items, and a shoe/laundry bag!
And just when you thought the features stop there, the carryon wants you to know it has a TSA-approved lock that comes with a universal key that only security can use to carefully inspect your items.
Sigh, we just love thoughtful designs!
BKYLN Tees Mint Gardenia Carry On Suitcase
Doesn't this cute mint green and floral suitcase seem like it was made to store all your vacation outfits? Designed in none other than Brooklyn, NY, this beauty is available in three sizes and is as functional as it's chic. It also has spinner wheels that make traveling a breeze and will look good no matter how it's stored.
Follow our storefront for more travel inspo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Lead image via Monos
If your new year is off to an interesting start in the dating department (or elsewhere), take time to indulge in some self-love this season. Just in time for the double whammy of Galentine's Day and Valentine's Day, we have the most thoughtful self-care gift ideas to share with you.
Love may be in the air, and it's not just about romantic gestures. It's about showering yourself with the kind of TLC that makes you feel like the best, most relaxed version of yourself. Whether you're celebrating solo, with your gal pals, or a special someone, these self-care goodies are your ticket to a blissful and rejuvenating experience all through 2024.
Picture this: you, indulging in a bath salt soak, letting your skincare work its magic, and sipping on a delightful cup of herbal tea. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, buckle up because our curated list is about to take your self-care game to a whole new level. From pampering skincare serums that'll make your skin sing with joy to cozy essentials that will wrap you up in a warm hug, we've left no stone unturned to bring you the crème de la crème of self-care gifts.
Scroll away as we share 40 self-care gifts that'll help you and your besties have a relaxing V-Day!
Beauty Self-Care Gifts
LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm
Laneige is known for their replenishing lip sleeping mask, but their glowy balm is equally amazing. It's moisturizing and will remind your bestie of summer as she hydrates her lips after her nighttime skincare routine.
Topicals Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks
Eye masks are mandatory when thinking about self-care gifts. They help treat and sooth dark undereye circles, making them a beauty staple your bestie will reach for countless times next month.
Kush Queen Soak In Love Bundle
If your bestie doesn't get the hint that she deserves to relax, surprise her with this self-care bath bundle for Galentine's Day.
Kate Mcleod The Full Body Set
Kate Mcleod's full body set knows that your bestie's at-home spa day deserves to be a soothing experience.
SpoiledChild A22 Biotin Boost Hair + Scalp Serum
Gone are the days of dull, thinning hair. This biotin hair and scalp serum spray works wonders and is TikTok famous for a reason.
Bonjout Beauty LE BALM Skin Savior Solid Serum
This multi-tasking serum can be used in eight soothing ways: As a serum, moisturizer, under-eye cream, night cream, treatment salve, lip care, primer, and overnight repairing mask. Consider this the essential product for a low maintenance but powerful beauty routine.
Pattern Beauty The Coily Starter Bundle
For natural hair beauties who have a tighter hair pattern, Pattern Beauty's coily starter bundle will soothe dry strands during winter.
Good Molecules Blemish & Discoloration Set
If your bestie's last menstrual cycle was a doozy and left behind some discoloration from painful acne, she'll love using Good Molecule's blemish & discoloration set.
P.S. It's well-worth the price!
Lather Gua Sha & Glow Hinoki Body Treatment
Tell your bestie to stimulate and massage her body with this Gua Sha and Hinoki treatment. Remember, her self-care gifts should be as fun as they are thoughtul!
Primally Pure Self Health Bundle
Self-care gifts should include something your bestie can pamper herself with. With this health bundle, she'll get a complimentary towel, body butter, and more!
Cratejoy TheraBox | Self Care Box
This box gets straight to the point by letting your bestie know it's dedicated to her self-care.
Colourpop Pressed Powder Eyeshadow Makeup Palette (Blush Baby)
Surprise your friend with this pressed powder eyeshadow palette before Galentine's Day so she can put together a stunning makeup look when the two of you head to brunch.
Kosas Plump + Juicy Vegan Collagen + Probiotic Spray-On Serum
If you love your bestie then you'll buy her this innovative self-care gift. It's meant to provide hydration while lifting the skin so your bestie will look glowy during winter.
Cozy Self-Care Gifts
Rebrilliant Bonadie Suction Bath Pillow
So your best gal has a bathtub caddy tray, but found that her neck is still uncomfortable while she's soaking in the tub. Have no fear because this suction bath pillow will support her neck and upper back as she peacefully relaxes.
NUUDS Satin Pajama Set
Once she's out of the shower or bathtub, she can slip into this beautiful satin pajama set. It'll make her feel sensational.
Eddie Bauer Lounge Set
If satin isn't her thing, she can slip into this grey marl lounge set. It's the kind of self-care gift idea we wouldn't mind buying our friends for Galentine's Day.
Kitsch Barbie x Kitsch Satin Pillowcase (Iconic)
If you have one friend who still hasn't changed their pillowcases, buy her this satin version that's reminiscent of Barbie. She'll love how cool it feels when she lays down to sleep at night.
Hatch Restore 2
No one likes to be woken abruptly, so gift someone in your crew this upgraded version of Hatch's beloved sleep sound and alarm machine. It's the kind of self-care gift that'll show you respect their deep appreciation of nap time.
Reading & Journaling Self-Care Gifts
How We Heal
How We Heal is a beautiful collection of stories and thoughtful insight by author Alexandra Elle. She's found a way to speak to readers in a soft way that inspires change.
Self-Care Habits for Busy Women
Chances are that you and your besties are always on the go for different reasons. Let Self-Care Habits for Busy Women guide how everyone approaches their days in the new year.
5 Minutes A Day The Mental Health Journal
This journal is a good starting point for the friend who wants to start journaling, but doesn't know where to start.
Papier Wellness Journal
This journal is for the seasoned writer who wants to develop a consistent routine with their wellness habit.
Intelligent Change Mindful Affirmations for Health & Wellbeing
If your friend is a self-proclaimed Affirmations Queen, she'll love reading one of these cards well after Galentine's Day.
Fragrance Self-Care Gifts
Threshold 3pk Diffuser Candles Room Spray Gift Set - Eucalyptus Lavender
This room spray gift set will infuse anyone's senses with the calming scents of lavender and eucalyptus.
West Elm Alura Homescent Collection - Warm Musk
If your best friend is looking for something a bit spicier, go for West Elm's warm musk set.
KEYS Sage + Oak Milk Votive Candle Set
Alicia Keys has a beautifully-smelling candle set that will take care of everyone in your besties crew.
Maison Margiela Replica Candle Set
Step it up a notch with Maison Margiela's glorious candle set. We'd take this self-care gift idea anyday.
Pura Coconut Calm Home Fragrance
This home fragrance will make your best friend's apartment smell like your girls trip.
Wellness Self-Care Gifts
Beast Mini Blender (Mist)
Now your friend can blend her own yummy smoothie recipes in this pretty blender.
Stanley 40 oz. Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler (Warm Serene Brushstrokes)
Even if you and your crew missed the coveted pink Stanley Tumblers at Target, you can still surprise them with this brushstrokes design.
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Oven Kettle
It's time to make the transition to using an electric kettle to warm tea and hot chocolate since Galentine's Day is still during winter.
Lululemon The Workout Mat 6mm
One can never have too much pink in their list of self-care goodies. At least this one will encourage your best friend to kickstart her fitness journey after Galentine's Day.
Fun & Indulgent Self-Care Gifts
Compartés Valentine's Day Signature Chocolate Collection Heart
This cute chocolate assortment has Galentine's Day written all over it with it's pink and red graphics. It comes in a evergreen crocodile heart-shaped box and makes for the perfect indulgent self-care gift.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera
This is one self-care gift idea that'll capture fun candid moments to relive whenever you and your crew wants!
Kennedy Claire Couture Galentines Day Shirts
Show your crew love with these fun Galentine's Day shirts.
FITORY Open Toe Slipper with Cozy Lining
These cozy slipper are perfect for the ultimate self-care queen in your friend group.
WHAT DO YOU MEME? for The Girls - The Ultimate Girls Night Party Game
Girls night won't be complete without this fun card game.
SmileBelle Best Friendship Bracelets
"It's the best friends forever" bracelet set! Although this isn't the true definition of a self-care gift idea, it signifies the bond you and your besties have. It's the most appropriate form of celebrating Galentine's Day that we've ever seen.
Which Galentine's Day self-care gift are you thinking about picking up for your besties? Let us know in the comments!
Brit + Cos may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Lead image via Etsy.
This post has been updated.
What you eat can greatly affect your skin, causing different side effects, both good and bad. Luckily, there are so many foods that can revitalize your skin and get it back to feeling radiant and looking glowy from the inside out — and just in time for summer! If you don't know where to start, we've got you covered with expert advice on all the best foods for your skin, plus all those bites you might wanna avoid.
Best Foods For Your Skin
Photo by Olena Bohovyk/Unsplash
Grapes, Strawberries, Blood Oranges, and Watermelon
Elina Fedotova of Elina Organics, says that colorful fruit are key to achieving good skin! She says, "Colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, and healthy fats like butter or plant oils help improve skin immunity and protect against environmental UV damage. Liquid collagen is popular as a skin-rejuvenating food or supplement, but when you do that, make sure you are making the smoothie with collagen peptides. The collagen is broken into small pieces called peptides which absorb much better and signal your body to regenerate collagen." So clearly, collagen is vital if you want to have glowy skin.
Elina also says, "It is a scientifically proven fact that people who eat very high levels of antioxidant-rich diets with fruits and vegetables and anthocyanosides — they can stay in the sun without any protection much longer because their body can protect them naturally from UV damage." Her three rules for healthy skin?
- No processed foods.
- Eat tons of antioxidants.
- Use an SPF — preferably one that is a mineral Zinc Oxide based — alongside protective hats in the sun.
So not only can certain foods make your skin look radiant, they can also protecting you from the sun with proper precautions! We love to hear that!
Photo by Dose Juice/Unsplash
Leafy Greens, Broccoli, Asparagus, and Edamame
Leafy greens, broccoli, asparagus, and edamame are some of our favorite foods to eat that will give you that inside-out glow. Nutritionist and wellness expert Jessica Green says, "Silica rich foods are a great place to start — these include celery, asparagus, banana, cucumber, green beans to name my favorite. When you juice some of these, they can become more bio-available. Celery juice for instance is excellent at giving your skin a beautiful natural glow. Collagen rich foods can help improve skin elasticity — bone broth is my absolute favorite for not only its skin benefit but bone broth is also very calming for the gut."
Skin elasticity can easily be improved through these foods and can make you look 10 years younger! I definitely notice a significant difference in my skin when I regularly eat collagen-rich foods than when I don't!
Photo by Thought Catalog/Unsplash
Avocado and Olive Oil
Avocados and olive oil are really going to up your skin game, and giving you that gorgeous glow for summer we're really looking for. Kristen White, RDN, CLT, says, "Clean fats like olive oil, avocados, coconut oil, and tallow in our diet help replenish needed vitamins and fatty acids to help skin look its vibrant best." That's exactly what we want!
In regards to olive oil, it really is the must-have when it comes to achieving a glowy complexion. Jenny Jiles, a holistic nutritionist says, "Olive oil is the GOAT. We know why all of those women in the Mediterranean look so vibrant and sexy as they age, because olive oil is such a staple in their diet. Don’t be afraid of this healthy fat, it’s filled with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids which help protect your skin from free radicals to reduce those fine lines and help you glow from the inside out. Add olive oil to any and all of your meals, savory or sweet (yes, trust me on that)." So I guess the key to looking like an Italian goddess this summer (and always) is olive oil!
Photo by Maddi Bazzocco/Unsplash
Chia, Flax Seeds, and Sunflower Seeds
Many seeds and grains are going to be crucial in giving you radiant skin. Plus, they have so many healing properties that can help reduce redness and inflammation in the skin. Christine Glaser, CEO of DIY Skincare Business, says, "Chia and flax seeds are also helpful for all skin types and can aid in toxin removal." And sunflower seeds actually have antibacterial properties too that help get rid of toxins in order to keep your skin looking fresh and clear; thus the radiant skin we're trying to achieve here!
Photo by María Sainz Cabezalí/Unsplash
Red Bell Peppers, Carrot, and Tomatoes
You always want to have a variety of colors when eating fruits and vegetables because this will help you get the most out of your diet and achieve maximum radiance. A health expert and dietician, Chrissy Arsenault of Kori, says, "Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Choose 2-3 colors of fruits and veggies at every meal – fruits and veggies are rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E) that protect your skin from damage." And tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers are very rich in color so they will give you so many great nutritional benefits that will assist in giving you a perfect inside-out glow!
What foods should I avoid for my skin?
Photo by MART PRODUCTION/PEXELS
If you want radiant, clear, acne-free skin then you definitely want to avoid foods high in dairy or sugar. Jessica Green says, "When it comes to foods to avoid for radiant skin, sugar and dairy float to the top. Both are inflammatory. Sugar causes glycation which damages the skin's elasticity. Dairy (cow dairy specifically) tends to be one of the most common foods that cause reactions for people including acne and puffiness." I'm definitely taking note to try and cut our these foods now!
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Lead image via Pexels/Sora Shimazaki
If there are two things you can count on, it's that I'm always thinking about Gilmore Girls and I'm always listening to Taylor Swift. As soon as I pressed play on The Tortured Poets Department, I could tell this album would resonate with so many experiences I had a child and a teenager. I've always been imaginative (and, admittedly, a bit spacey), and to this day, I never leave home without a book.
I've built thousands of imaginary worlds and crafted endless stories, but have always had difficulty keeping up with real-world relationships. So, needless to say, when I listened to Taylor Swift's new album and heard "I Hate It Here" and "The Bolter," I felt seen. I also realized these two songs would speak to Rory Gilmore in the same way!
Rory Gilmore Would Love "I Hate It Here" By Taylor Swift...
Image via Warner Bros. TV
"I Hate It Here" totally showcases Taylor Swift's ability to express raw emotions, and it also perfectly captures Rory Gilmore's struggles during certain periods of her life. The lyrics reflect frustration and dissatisfaction we can all feel sometimes (I know I've definitely felt them), and while Rory and Taylor's dreams in and of themselves are different, they both want to leave their small towns to achieve them. Whether it's feeling overwhelmed by expectations or facing setbacks in her career in Gilmore Girls season 5, Rory has moments throughout the series where she feels a bit trapped.
But even more than the physical meaning of the song is the imaginary one. Taylor sings about creating worlds in her mind and diving into books to escape the mundane. Rory reads more than any fictional character I've ever seen before because she also craves that escapism! The lyrics of "I Hate It Here" resonate with Rory when she wants to live different lives, and it encapsulates the moments when she struggles or questions her decisions — relatable!
...And She'd Feel Attacked By "The Bolter" By Taylor Swift
Image via Warner Bros. TV
TBH, I'm half convinced "The Bolter" is referencing Amy March (after all, Amy has been "reviled" by readers for hundreds of years, and she "almost drowned...in frigid water" like Taylor sings), which is just another literary reference Rory would pick up on.
In "The Bolter," Taylor Swift captures the essence of a woman constantly seeking adventure and change, just like Rory Gilmore, and it's all about the idea of a restless spirit. While the lyrics can be taken from a hypothetical standpoint (feeling trapped by relationships or other people's expectations), we can also talk about it literally considering Rory physically runs away from Jess.
Rory might desire love, but the idea of it also scares her — two facts that don't cancel each other out! Just like Taylor Swift, I think Rory's thrilled by the idea of escape simply because she's so risk averse in other areas of her life. Once again, I say, relatable!!
"The Bolter" and "I Hate It Here" are both incredibly engaging songs because they highlight just how complex we are as humans — both in the ways we relate to ourselves and other people. And they're just two Taylor Swift songs Rory would definitely add to her playlist.
Which Taylor Swift and Rory Gilmore parallels do you see? Follow us on Facebook for more pop culture musings!
Lead image via Warner Bros. TV