The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Own Marmalade

Apr 15, 2015

Have you ever thought that your morning Greek yogurt and toast was missing something? We’ve got just the cure for you — marmalade! We’re bringing you all the basics of marmalade-making, plus three delicious and zesty recipes. *And* we’re pairing this guide with one of our favorite things — free printables! Top off these homemade spreads with our downloadable labels to really seal the deal (canning pun totally intended). Each recipe has an optional boozy twist — a little bit of liqueur to balance out the sweetness. Scroll on for three of our favorite marmalade combos: Meyer Lemon and Limoncello, Blood Orange and Grand Marnier, and Cara Cara Orange and Campari.

What’s the difference between marmalade and jam, you ask? Marmalade uses the peel of the fruit as well as the pulp, so citrus is always involved. Are you ready for this jelly?

Whip up one of these fresh marmalades and your toast will go from flat to fabulous. Now, onto the marmalade-ing!

Tools:
– measuring cup

– cheesecloth

– kitchen twine

– knife

– cutting board

– ladle

– peeler

– large saucepan

– canning tools (you can find a comprehensive list of tools in our Canning 101 tutorial)

Citrus Marmalade Instructions (See More Recipes Below!)

1. Remove the zest from your citrus by peeling in a circle from the top. You’ll want to have large, ribbonlike pieces.

2. Lay out all the peels on the cutting board and slice into even smaller strips. Set the sliced peels aside. These peels are what makes this marmalade instead of jam.

3. Peel the rest of the thick white skin (AKA the albedo) of the citrus off and discard.

4. Separate the slices of the fruit and dice into small, triangular pieces.

5. While you’re dicing the citrus, remove and reserve the seeds. Citrus seeds have pectin, a preserving ingredient, in them.

6. Cut a piece of cheesecloth and fold it in half. Place the seeds in the center and roll the sides of the cheesecloth into a small sack. Tie off and seal with the kitchen twine.

7. Pour the peel slices and the pulp into a large saucepan. Pour the water into the pot and drop the seed sack into the pot as well.

8. Boil on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

9. Check on the saucepan after 30 minutes. The citrus peels should be translucent by now. If not, continue to boil them until they are.

10. Stir in the sugar and pectin with the diced citrus and peels.

11. After about 20 minutes, test the marmalade to see if it has reached the gel set. When marmalade is hot, it’s still a bit runny. The most surefire way to see if it has reached the gel set is to place a small spoonful on some wax paper and put it in the freezer. After a few minutes, take it out and poke the marmalade. If there’s a skin, you’ve reached gel set! If not, add a little more pectin and continue to boil and test periodically.

12. Once gel set has been reached, add alcohol and boil for another 2 minutes.

13. Ladle the finished marmalade into the canning jars.

Meyer Lemon + Limoncello

Ingredients:
– 12 Meyer lemons

– 2 tbsp Limoncello

– 4 cups sugar

– 3 cups water

– 4 tbsp Ball Real Fruit Classic Pectin (or any pectin will do)

– 3 whole clove seeds

Start by gathering your ingredients.

Remove the zest from the lemons by peeling vertically from the top. You’ll want to have large pieces to work with. Chop the zest into even smaller slices. Peel the rest of the thick white skin (AKA the albedo) of the citrus off and discard. Dice the citrus pulp into small triangular pieces and place in a bowl with the citrus peel slices. While you’re dicing the citrus pulp, set aside the seeds. Next, cut a piece of cheesecloth and fold it in half. Place the lemon and clove seeds in the center and roll the sides of the cheesecloth into a small sack. Tie off and seal with the kitchen twine. Dump the lemon peel slices, lemon pulp and seed sack into a large saucepan.

Pour the water into the pan. Boil on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Check on the saucepan with the citrus peels and pulp after 30 minutes. See if the citrus peels are translucent, or keep boiling until they are. Stir in the sugar and the pectin. After about 20 minutes, test the marmalade to see if it has reached the gel set. When marmalade is hot, its still a bit runny. A surefire way to see if it has reached gel set is to place a small spoonful on some wax paper or a small dish and put it in the freezer. After a few minutes, take it out and poke the marmalade. If there’s a skin, you’ve reached gel set! If not, add a little more pectin and continue to boil and test periodically.

Once gel set has been reached, add the Limoncello and boil for another two minutes. Remove from heat and ladle the marmalade into sterilized jars with the aid of a funnel. Leave at least ¼ inch of space at the top. Seal the jars tightly and place them into a hot water bath to seal. Boil in the hot water bath for about 10 minutes, then remove the jars from the bath. (Pssst: Want more info about proper canning techniques? Check out our Canning 101 tutorial.)

Blood Orange + Grand Marnier

Ingredients:
– 9 blood oranges (about 3 lbs)

– 2 tbsp Grand Marnier

– 2 meyer lemons

– 4 cups sugar

– 3 cups water

– 4 tbsp Ball RealFruit Classic Pectin (or any pectin will do)

Even the ingredients make our mouths water.

Remove the zest from the citrus by peeling in a circle from the top. You’ll want to have large, ribbonlike pieces. Chop the zest into even smaller slices. Peel the rest of the thick white skin (remember, this is called the albedo) of the citrus off and discard. Dice the citrus pulp into small triangular pieces and place in a bowl with the citrus peel slices. While you’re dicing the citrus pulp, set aside the seeds.

Cut a piece of cheesecloth and fold it in half. Place the seeds in the center and roll the sides of the cheesecloth into a small sack. Tie off and seal with the kitchen twine. Pour the citrus peel slices and the pulp into a large saucepan. Pour the water into the pot and drop the seed sack into the pot as well. Boil on medium heat and stir occasionally.

Check on the saucepan after 30 minutes. Check the citrus peels to see if they are translucent, or keep boiling until they are. Once the peels are translucent, stir in the sugar and the pectin with the diced citrus and peels. After 20 minutes, test the marmalade to see if it has reached gel set. Once gel set has been reached, add the Grand Marnier and boil for another two minutes. Check out how to properly can your marmalade in our Canning 101 tutorial.

Cara Cara Orange + Campari

Ingredients:
– 4 cara cara oranges (about 1 ½ lbs)

– 1 grapefruit

– 3 meyer lemons

– 2 tbsp Campari

– 4 cups sugar

– 3 cups water

– 4 tbsp Ball RealFruit Classic Pectin (or any pectin will do)

Cara Cara + Campari also sounds like a cocktail we need to make ;)

Remove the zest from the cara cara oranges, lemons and grapefruit. You’ll want to have large, ribbonlike pieces. Chop the zest into even smaller slices. Peel the rest of the thick white skin of the citrus fruits off and discard. Dice the citrus pulp into small triangular pieces and place in a bowl with the citrus peel slices. While you’re dicing the citrus pulp, set aside the seeds. Place the seeds in a makeshift cheesecloth sack, tying the sack off with kitchen twine. Pour the diced pulp, sliced peels and seed sack into the saucepan.

Pour the water into the pot and boil on medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check the peels to see if they’re translucent and add the sugar and pectin. After about 20 minutes, check for gel set. Once gel set is reached, add the Campari and boil for another two minutes. Ladle the finished marmalade into the jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Screw the lids of the jars on tightly and finish the canning process by boiling the jars in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. (Pssst: Want more info about proper canning techniques? Check out our Canning 101 tutorial.)

Top ‘Em Off With Some Printables!

Want to spread the love and give your marmalade away as gifts, or add a fun label to your jars? We’ve created free printable labels for each recipe. Your marmalade can be stored for up to two years, so be sure to write the canning date on each label.

Print the free printable labels out on a full sheet of sticker paper. Cut the label out using an X-Acto knife on a cutting mat and stick the sides of the label onto the smooth sides of the jar.

Voila! Your family, friends and neighbors will now call you Lady Marmalade! It’s perfect for adding some zest to morning toast or sweetening Greek yogurt. You can also spread some marmalade on shortbread cookies for a delicious tea-time treat.

Will you try out these recipes? If so, we’d love to see the results! Post photos of your marmalade creations with the hashtags #britstagram and #iamcreative so we can take a peek

17 Unique Flavor Combos To Upgrade Your Avocado Toast Recipes

To us, the avocado toast craze is still in full swing. We'd happily take our Instagram feeds flooded with aesthetically-pleasing pics of avo toast! The crunchy-yet-creamy combo is delicious, nutritious, and easy to make, but let’s keep it real: the classic version of avocado toast (crispy bread + smashed avocado + sea salt + olive oil + lemon juice) has become a little — dare we say, basic?

With the help of a few tasty toppings, you can upgrade your avocado toast game and give this foodie favorite quite the gourmet flair. The results will make your followers jealous, but your taste buds oh-so happy. Check out this list of avocado toast recipes to keep your meals inspired!

Avocado Egg Salad

Made with four ingredients, this mayo-free avocado + egg salad is a game changer. It’s a fabulous make-ahead lunch that will give your work day some extra excitement! (via The Roasted Root)

Autumn Avocado Toast

We’re confident this toasted avocado toast treat can be enjoyed all year long, especially on chilly days or nights when you’re craving something that's both sweet and savory. (via How Sweet Eats)

Cottage Cheese Avocado Toast

Cottage cheese is a super easy way to give your avocado toast recipes a boost of protein! Its cheesy, creamy consistency blends exceptionally well with mashed or sliced avocado, and in this delicious case, fresh tomatoes. (via The Fast Recipe)

Roasted Chickpea Avocado Toast

Same goes for chickpeas! They're a nice, cheap source of vegan protein that can make your avocado toast recipes more fulfilling. This recipe calls for you to pan-roast them, so they get crispy and flavorful. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Avocado Toast with Roasted Asparagus on Multigrain

This loaded toast is good for meals beyond just breakfast. The hearty roasted asparagus will warm you up from the inside out, all while incorporating tons of vitamins and minerals in each bite. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Avocado Toast with Brown Butter Sesame Seeds

The brown butter sesame seeds that adorn the top of this toast add a much-needed note of umami, balancing out the creamy avo in no time. (via The Original Dish)

Grilled Corn, Feta, + Egg in a Hole Avocado Toast

Bet you've never seen an avocado toast recipe like this before! This pick gets topped with grilled corn, feta cheese, egg, and if you feel like going gourmet with it, some fresh peach slices. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Avocado + Heirloom Tomato Toast

We can all agree that avocado toast is what dreams are made of. But when you add fresh, ripened tomatoes and drizzle some balsamic vinegar on top, it takes your avocado toast dreams to a whole new level. (via Blissful Basil)

Open-Faced Lemon Pepper Artichoke and Arugula Sandwich

Better known as fancy toast, this gourmet knife-and-fork meal tastes as good as it looks. With a stellar combo of white bean hummus, artichokes, lemon juice, baby arugula, and sweet balsamic glaze, this savory-yet-subtly sweet avocado toast will likely become your new favorite food. (via Veggie and the Beast)

Avocado Toast With Charred Tomatoes, Garlic Shrimp and Fried Egg

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late night snack, this flavorful and nutritious version of avo toast will have you thanking the food gods! (via Domesticate Me)

Avocado and Crab Crostini

Top your avocado toast with fresh, buttery crab and toasted baguette slices, then be prepared for your life to change — it’s that good. Serve these slices as an appetizer when hosting your next soirée, and your guests will be begging for the recipe. (via Confessions of a Chocoholic)

Green Goddess Toast

Roasted spring vegetables, tahini sauce, and avocado. Do we even need to say more? (via Feed Me Phoebe)

Vegan Hummus on Avocado Toast

If you’re getting a little bored with your avocado toast, but don’t want to put in a ton of effort to renew the meal, this recipe is for you! Slow-roasted tomatoes, hemp hearts, avocado, and hummus make for a winning combination. This also makes for the perfect post-workout snack! (via Oh She Glows)

Avocado Toast With Crisped Prosciutto

This take on avocado toast will make you hungry just thinking about it. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! (via Honest Cooking)

Spicy Steak and Avocado Toast

Don’t be afraid to step outside the box when it comes to your avocado toast recipes. Whether you’re headed to a summer potluck or making a meal for your boo, this filling steak dish will thrill even the pickiest eater. (via Heather Christo)

Smoked Salmon and Smashed Avocado Tartines

You’ll get a nutrient-rich dose of heart-healthy fats, vitamins, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids with these tasty avo-smothered tartines. (via Baker by Nature)

Spicy Maple Bacon and Scrambled Eggs on Avocado Toast

Are you just drooling reading the name of this dish? We are! Pair this crave-worthy comfort food with mimosas, and declare yourself the queen of brunch. (via Domesticate Me)

Which of these avocado toast recipes are you super excited to try? Let us know in the comments!

Lead image via Half Baked Harvest.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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Stop Throwing Away Overripe Bananas! Make These 6 Delicious Recipes Instead

Nothing's more irritating than having to throw out fresh fruit you just bought because it either ripened too fast or was already festering with mold. And what food is the biggest culprit? Usually, it’s bananas. Unless you're fitting bananas in your everyday meal routine, it’s difficult to keep up with how quickly they brown (which can be anywhere from 24 hours to five days, depending on how green they were at the store when you grabbed them).

The good news is that there’s actually a lot you can do with overripe bananas. We turned to chefs for top tips (both creative and delicious) that will prevent you from throwing speckled bananas in the trash!

What To Do With Overripe Bananas

Image via Butternut Bakery

Banana Bread, Obviously

One of the most widespread baking recipes to make with overripe bananas is banana bread. Why? Because it’s simple, delicious, and an automatic crowd-pleaser. Check out our one bowl gluten-free banana bread recipe, our chocolate banana pumpkin bread, or these 40 recipes of banana bread that you need to make this weekend (the options are endless!).

(Writer’s note: My go-to recipe is the chocolate chip banana bread from Butternut Bakery — but I use dark chocolate chips instead!)

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Freeze Them For Your Smoothies

When in doubt, put your overripe bananas in the freezer. Then you’ll at least have time to think on what to do with them—and you can throw them in your morning smoothies. Bananas last up to three months in the freezer ideally, and pair well with a variety of different flavor profiles, like caramel, blueberry, chocolate, or orange.

This strawberry-banana colada smoothie from Half Baked Harvest may just be your new fav, or the cloudy summer smoothie which doubles as an Erewhon smoothie dupe. Chef Chris Morgan of Joon restaurant in Washington D.C. advises using overripe bananas and other raw fruits for your children at home (he makes little smoothies for his 7-month old baby—pure genius!).

Image via Food Faith Fitness

Make Banana Cookies

Substitute the flour for bananas in your baking with some tasty cookie options. The plus side of banana cookies is that they are often automatically gluten-free and can easily become dairy-free (but always check first!). These easy peanut banana oatmeal cookies from Food Faith Fitness are a great option. If you’re looking to ditch the peanut butter, try out these 4-ingredient banana oat cookies from Livvin Media.

Image via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Ice Cream, Anyone?

There is nothing better than sorbet or ice cream in the summer months. All you really need is frozen ripe bananas, any other frozen fruit you prefer, milk (whichever kind you enjoy— almond, oat, etc.) and some sweeteners like honey or vanilla extract. To fit your health goals, you can even throw in protein powder. This strawberry nice cream from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog only has five ingredients!

Image via Butternut Bakery

Upgrade Your Breakfast

Pancakes, overnight oats, and muffins are all incredibly tasty options to use up those ripe bananas and upgrade your breakfast game. Try Butternut Bakery’sbanana nut muffins for a quick snack or these healthy chia banana pancakes from Half Baked Harvest for a savory morning bite. You can also sift through Brit + Co’s 17 overnight oats recipes — keep in mind that overnight oats only last a few days in the fridge, though!

Photo by Anna Tarazevich/PEXELS

Make Dog Treats

Don’t leave out your furry friends— they love bananas too! Making long-lasting dog treats “relieves the pressure on the idea of food waste, plus there is a bonus that your pets are spoiled, happy, and nutritiously rewarded,” says pastry chef Susan Bae of the critically-acclaimed restaurant, Moon Rabbit in Washington D.C. Check out her go-to dog treat recipe below:

Chef Susan Bae’s Dog Treat Recipe:

250g organic whole wheat flour

240g organic peanut butter

70g organic, unsweetened apple sauce

56g mashed overripe banana

113g organic plain bone broth

25g organic shredded cheddar cheese

25g freeze dried blueberries

Preheat oven to 350F.

1.) Mix to combine whole wheat flour, peanut butter, apple sauce, bone broth and banana. Until a dough is lightly formed.

2.) Fold in shredded cheese and dried blueberries to evenly distribute in dough.

3.) Roll dough out to 1/4” thickness and use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out treats.

4.) Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and bake dog treats until firm and dry to touch (this varies with each oven) Check at 45 minutes.

5.) Store at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container or in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Need more recipe inspo? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter for even more!

Header image via Half Baked Harvest

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19 Mother-In-Law Gifts To Impress Her This Mother's Day

Gifting is hard in itself, no matter who you're shopping for. Landing on the right product that'll tug at the recipient's heart strings and serve a practical purpose isn't always easy! This task is especially arduous for someone like your mother-in-law. My best advice is to snag her something that you would gift your own mom, and ensure it communicates your gratitude for her, no matter what stage your relationship is currently in.

I've rounded up 19 unique mother-in-law gifts that'll show her you care. They also happen to serve a practical use in her everyday life. Every mom deserves something special this Mother's Day (and beyond), so scroll on to find the perfect gift for your amazing MIL!

Glocusent Rechargeable Book Light

Every nocturnal book worm knows how crucial book lights are for flipping through chapter after chapter! This $16 model boasts a sturdy clamp, three different light levels and hues, and a long battery life to help your MIL reach her reading goals without disturbing the peace. It's super light, making it easy portable, plus it comes in 4 other fun colors!

Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

If you're searching for mother-in-law gifts that are a bit more elevated, this design-forward kettle (far superior to a traditional stovetop kettle) is sure to please any coffee or tea-loving gal. It can hold nearly 1 liter of liquid, though the most impressive feature is its ability to heat up to a specific temperature that you can set yourself. Once it's heated through, the base can keep the kettle contents steadily hot for up to 60 minutes.

The Stagg EKG Electric Kettle is currently available in 10 different colors for $195.

W&P Porter Bowl Lunch Container

For the mother-in-law who's always on the go – whether she's commuting to the office or embarking on a new hiking trail – this $17 lidded bowl from W&P will outshine every piece in her current Tupperware collection. It's made entirely free from BPA, has a roomy 1-liter capacity, and stylishly secures on top with a durable silicone strap.

The microwave- and dishwasher-safe plastic Porter Bowl comes in 6 colors, but you can also shop it in a ceramic material.

Laneige Peach Lip Glowy Balm

A lip balm restock is never unwelcome, and this tube from Laneige is nothing but a total treat for the lips! It's formulated with a rich mix of murumuru and shea butters that lock in moisture all day long, adding a cute, subtle orange tint with each application.

Smartwool Everyday Popcorn Cable Crew Socks

These Merino wool crew socks feel like slipping your feet into two soft, tiny little sweaters – the perfect gesture of care and comfort to gift your mother-in-law. This $27 pair boasts a moderate thickness, with the most cushion surrounding the soles, so they feel just as comfy without shoes as they do with 'em on. They come in 7 other colors, so you can find one that best fits your MIL's vibe.

Vacation Classic Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

She'll get a kick of nostalgia with this vintage-inspired sunscreen! It coats the skin evenly with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, leaving zero white cast behind. This spray's signature summery scent was crafted with the help of expert perfumers – it highlights natural notes like coconut, banana, pineapple, orange blossom, but also incorporates unique aromas such as pool water, pool toys, and swimsuit lycra to create a pleasurable SPF experience every time.

The Vacation Classic Sunscreen Spray is currently $19 at Free People. They also sell more SPF goodies like face mists, bronzing lotions, and tubes of mineral sunscreen.

Mejuri Puffy Charlotte Hoops

These timeless earrings will match practically any outfit! They boast the curved shape you'd expect from hoops, but with a bold "puffy" design. This $98 pair is crafted with a thick layer of 18K solid gold on top of some sterling silver (as opposed to traditional gold plating), extending its life. You can also snag 'em in pure sterling silver for $78.

Kitsch Satin Pillowcase for Hair & Skin

This soft pillowcase entirely redefines beauty sleep. Because it's made from soft, durable satin, it helps combat frizzy hair, dry skin, wrinkles, and blemishes all at once, while you're getting in some good shut-eye. Your MIL won't want to go back to a regular pillowcase ever again!

The Kitsch Satin Pillowcase goes for $16 for a queen size or $19 for a king size on Amazon. Use code SatinCover10 for 10% off!

Grace & Stella Dead Sea Mud Mask

Help your mother-in-law take her next at-home spa night up a notch with this soothing $20 mud mask! It's a rockstar at drawing out impurities and oil from pores quickly, creating a clearer complexion with regular use. The formulation is vegan, paraben-, and sulfate-free, using only the gentlest of ingredients to treat the skin.

Smoosh Silicone Body Scrubber + Bar Soap

Regular loofahs are a thing of the past with this unique body scrubber made from anti-microbial silicone – much more hygienic than your traditional sponge. The flower-shaped paddle boasts an embedded soap bar, helping eliminate waste. The scrubber itself is dishwasher-safe for when your MIL feels like it needs a good clean, plus once it's ran out of juice, she can easily send it back for recycling and earn a $5 gift card to spend on a new one!

The Smoosh Body Scrubber is $39 and comes ready to use with two uniquely-scented soap bars of your choosing.

Colorblock Glass Carafe & Cup Set

This space-saving carafe and cup set simply belongs on your mother-in-law's nightstand! The contrasting blue and green stacking pieces make for a super stylish decor piece that's also quite practical for holding water to sip on before bedtime. She can also serve juices, cocktails, and other bevs from this dynamic duo if she pleases.

The 2-piece set is $65 from the MoMA Design Store. It also comes in an amber and cobalt blue colorway for the same price.

Crocs Brooklyn Buckle Sandals

The thick platforms on these Crocs sandals are deceptively lightweight, filling each and every step with unbelievable comfort. The double straps are adjustable using an easy-to-use notch system (so much better than figuring out a real buckle) to help your MIL find her perfect fit. The soles are wonderfully cushy and foamy. These will become her go-to sandals for just about every occasion!

The Brooklyn Buckle Sandals also come in a light brown color for $60 and shoe sizes 4-11.

Brightland The Couplet Raw Honey Duo

Whether your mother-in-law is already putting honey in her coffee, tea, or on crispy toast, these specially-crafted honeys from Brightland will instantly help her elevate her morning ritual! This $42 duo comes with 9 oz glass jars of a citrusy California Orange Blossom Honey and a more floral Kauai Wildflower Honey, both sourced from small, family-run farms in the US.

Recess Optimist Pickleball Paddle

For the pickleballer MIL, any paddle from Recess is gonna make her smile! This grinning pick in particular feels fit for summertime games, but there are over fifty colorways and patterns to choose from. The paddle is made from a super-condensed foam and has a faux-leather grip on the handle that'll withstand heavy use and weathering with ease.

The Optimist Pickleball Paddle is $86, and a portion of the proceeds from each one sold will go to Project Healthy Minds, "a tech non-profit that is committed to destigmatizing mental health and expanding access to resources through a free digital marketplace of mental health services."

Madewell The Essential Mini Bucket Tote

Bucket bags are one of my fave trending purses at the moment, and they're a great bag to gift your mother-in-law (or any purse-head, TBH) since they're not very bulky, but can fit a lot of stuff thanks to their depth. This $138 black leather design from Madewell will quickly earn a spot on her shoulder every day! It features a secure magnetic closure, gold hardware, interior pockets, and an adjustable strap for personalized fit.

Bole Colorblock Glass Candlestick Holder

These gorgeous, color-drenched candle holders make a statement even if your mother-in-law is just using them as decor. They're equally awesome for setting the table ahead of dinner parties and family game nights! They're made in several different colorways and heights for mixing and matching to foster visual interest. The small size is $45, the medium size is $49, and the large size is $65. Just one or two will do for a stunning decorative gift!

Sonix Apple Watch Band

For the active mother-in-law, this $30 stretchy Apple Watch band will be a godsend. No fussing with buckles or clips here! It's made from a lightweight, breathable knit material that's ribbed for added style. It comes in several other colors like green, blue, and rose pink and is compatible with Apple Watch Series 1 through 7 (fits 38mm, 40mm and 41mm styles).

Dieux Auracle Eye Serum + Forever Eye Mask

Single-use eye patcheswho?! The Forever Eye Mask ($25) from Dieux eliminates the need for your MIL to ever buy another pair. They're made from a super lightweight material that holds skincare products close to the skin for maximum absorption. I recommend pairing the eye mask with the Auracle Eye Serum ($44) to help target the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and under eye puffiness.

Jot Spring Seasonal Coffee

This bottled coffee concentrate highlights a subtle sweetness alongside notes of stone fruits and florals for the ultimate morning (or mid-day) cup. Served hot or iced, it doesn't matter – Jot is one of those coffee brands that makes sipping so easy since there's no brewing involved. One $26 bottle supplies 14 servings!

Jot also comes in different flavors like Vanilla, Caramel, and Chocolate Hazelnut for the same price. You can also opt to gift your MIL a monthly subscription to save 25%.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more gift ideas for every occasion!

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

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Run A Business In California? This Free Loan Tool Can Help You Grow

CA Small Business Loan Match

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Are you a small business owner looking for a good loan to grow your business? California Small Business Loan Match makes it easier to find the right loan for you. Loan Match pre-vets mission-driven lenders and matches you with the best lender for your business, at no-cost. Get started in less than 10 minutes with a brief pre-application and no credit check required!

Loan Match is powered by IBank, a state government agency that helps to promote healthier economies and improve quality of life in California communities. All lenders are enrolled in IBank’s Loan Guarantee Program, which helps bridge the gap between responsible lenders and small businesses.

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Wondering if you're eligible? Any business operating in the state of California, with 1 to 750 employees, is eligible. You just need to be a business entity (Sole Proprietor, LLC, Cooperative, Corporation, Partnership, S-Corporation, or Not-For-Profit), and operate in an eligible industry according to the 2022 NAICS codes (read: a legit business).

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Fill out a short pre-application questionnaire that takes just minutes to complete. No credit check required!

Step 2: Based on your eligibility, they’ll match you with lenders who fit your needs.

Step 3: Review details about each lender, select the one you like, and they’ll connect you with them.

Step 4: The lender will reach out within three business days to complete the application process. (You’ll also get their contact info so you can follow up directly.)

Most California Small Business Loan Match lenders are certified as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which means they offer competitive rates but specialize in helping borrowers who don’t meet the rigid lending criteria of traditional banks — for example, small businesses that have a lower credit score, a prior defaulted loan, or no up-front collateral. CDFIs specialize in helping people in lower-income communities too, and offer a much more flexible and affordable repayment plan than online lenders or Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) loans.

Check them out to help you grow your business, meeting our mission to help you succeed! Good luck!

Hero photo by Amina Filkins

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TaylorNation Reportedly Says “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” Could Drop Next Week

I am the opposite of a casual Reputation fan. Four of my five most-listened-to songs on Spotify are from the 2017 album, I wore a Rep-inspired outfit to my Eras Tour show, and I am constantly analyzing (and talking about) its symbolism. I stand by the fact that this album, as misunderstood as it is, is actually the key to understanding Taylor Swift herself, which is why its rerelease is the one I've been most looking forward to. With TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit, it feels like there's a new theory every day about when we'll get Reputation (Taylor's Version), but I'm pretty sure Taylor's been telling us the announcement date the whole time.

When is Taylor Swift releasing Reputation (Taylor's Version)?

Image via Source Pictures & Taylor Swift Productions

The cappuccino Easter egg from the "Karma" music video.

We don't have an official Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date yet, but all signs were originally pointing to an announcement on February 16, 2024. When the music video for "Karma" from Midnights came out, featuring a shot of Taylor holding a cappuccino, Swifties immediately picked up on the symbolism. The blue nail (which represents 1989 (Taylor's Version)) lines up with the 8 on the clock, and the black nail lines up with the 2 on the clock. Taylor ended up announcing 1989 TV on August 9 — and then announced The Tortured Poets Department(also known as TS11) onstage at the 2024 Grammys in February!

TaylorNation just teased the Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date by hopping on the latest internet trend, which uses the "You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me" lyric from "Who's Afraid Of Little Old Me?" Their Instagram carousel features images that have sent Swifties spiraling in the past, but there are two pics I'm paying special attention to: the "five holes in the fence" image from the Lover era, and a "Bejeweled" music video still of Taylor Swift pressing 3 in an elevator. May 3 (5/3) comes two weeks after the TTPD release, and since Taylor has been emphasizing her lead single "Fortnight" with the "For a Fortnight" challenge, it looks like it could line up perfectly.

There are plenty of other potential summer release dates too! Swifties know Taylor Swift lives and breathes the number 13, and that she's been making her recent rerecording announcements at her Eras Tour shows.

Well, this summer, Taylor is heading to Milan for a show on Saturday, July 13. X user @roranotaurora points out that the symbol for Milan is a snake (it's also a symbol for Rep!) AND that on July 13, 1977, there was a blackout across New York City. When Taylor announced the original Reputation in 2017, the "Don't Blame Me" singer blacked out all her social media. If she announced the album in July, there's a good chance we'd get it just in time for autumn, chilly weather, and Daylight Savings Time, all three of which go perfectly with the Reputation aesthetic.

There's another 13 we need to pay attention to as well: December 13, which is also Taylor Swift's birthday. The popstar had the date front and center in her Tortured Poets Department pop-up installation. Since the date falls on a Friday, it's the perfect day to drop some new music...

Are there any other clues that Reputation (Taylor's Version) will come out next?

Image via Amy Sussman

Taylor Swift attends the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 07, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.

Recently, Taylor showed up to the 81st Golden Globe Awards in an all green ensemble, which is already so Reputation-coded to begin with. However, fans noticed one teeeeeeeny tiny detail about her look that really leans into all the theories that Rep (TV) is next. If you zoom in on her rings, one of them is a snake that's wrapped around her finger. 🐍

And after Taylor Swift released a video teasing her new album, Swifties are analyzing all the snakeskin patterns (on the curtains, the floor, and the green couch), as well as the dark visuals. While the video moves from the dark room to a bright one for TTPD, I'm convinced we'll be returning — or continuing down the hallway where you can see a dark picture frame waiting for us...

All the surprise songs at her Tokyo Eras Tour shows referenced falling apart, and a huge part of the Reputation era was related to a quote from Taylor that says "when she fell, she fell apart." Before playing "The Outside" as her piano surprise song on February 9, she made a joke that the song was 175 years old — which has Swifties thinking August 2 (175 days from February 9) could be the album's release date. Considering "The Outside" is off her first album, it's also possible we're getting Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) in August!

A recent Disney+ ad that paired the Eras Tour film and Disney Pixar's Cars went viral on Twitter because its tagline is "Getaway Car," one of the most beloved songs on Reputation (Taylor's Version)! No matter when the album drops, having Taylor Swift's final two re-recordings be her name and her reputation is literally so iconic and I can't wait to listen.

What Taylor Swift songs are on Reputation (Taylor's Version)?

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

We know that, based on previous re-recordings, Reputation (Taylor's Version) will have the original tracklist and an unknown number of vault tracks that Taylor wrote ahead of the Reputation era. PEOPLE also confirmed we'll be able to hear Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)" in the new docuseries for the New England Patriots! You can also hear a snippet in the trailer for Ashley Benson's Wilderness ;). Here's what you can expect on Taylor Swift's Reputation (Taylor's Version). I'm really hoping the vault tracks include "I Don't Want To Live Forever"!

"Ready For It? (Taylor's Version)"
"End Game (Taylor's Version)"
"I Did Something Bad (Taylor's Version)"
"Don't Blame Me (Taylor's Version)"
"Delicate (Taylor's Version)"
"Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)"
"So It Goes... (Taylor's Version)"
"Gorgeous (Taylor's Version)"
"Getaway Car (Taylor's Version)"
"King Of My Heart (Taylor's Version)"
"Dancing With Our Hands Tied (Taylor's Version)"
"Dress (Taylor's Version)"
"This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things (Taylor's Version)"
"Call It What You Want (Taylor's Version)"
"New Year's Day (Taylor's Version)"

What is Taylor Swift wearing to Grammys 2024?

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Taylor Swift showed up to the 2024 Grammys in a sculptural white gown from Schiaparelli Couture. I love how Taylor has hopped on the corset trend. This is my favorite neckline in recent years! Even though the dress is white instead of black or green — and ended up going along with the Tortured Poets Department (or TS 11) announcement — I think it's still a Reputation (Taylor's Version) Easter egg. White is, of course, the opposite of black, so I think it's a more unexpected reference to the album, with black accessories like gloves, shoes, and jewelry being a direct nod. Plus, the watch necklace pays homage to Midnights! At the 2022 VMAs, Taylor wore another Reputation-coded outfit before she announced Midnights, so I think it's definitely a pattern.

Is there gonna be a Reputation Taylor's Version?

Image Paul Kane/Getty Images

Taylor Swift performs at Optus Stadium on October 19, 2018 in Perth, Australia.

Yes, we're getting a Reputation (Taylor's Version)! Taylor Swift has been very vocal about the fact she's rerecording her first five albums. However, she's been less direct about the order or the release schedule, which is honestly more fun! The official Taylor Nation account added fuel to the fire when they posted a photo of Taylor rehearsing for The Eras Tour — because, like @nashs_mom on TikTok says, the pose doesn't match up with any of the songs. While all the photos they've previously posted match up with numbers like "Enchanted" or "Illicit Affairs," the new pose seems to match up with "I Did Something Bad" (which is both the last Reputation surprise song left AND the perfect song to announce the rerecording).

"Hear me out," another TikTok user commented. "['I Did Something Bad'] was not part of the set list in 2023 but what if the first night of the tour in 2024 she performs [it] and announces REP TV."

"I literally ratatatataed as soon as I saw it," another user says, referencing the iconic production at the beginning of the song. We have less than a month before the Eras Tour starts up again, so I'm excited to see when we'll finally get a Reputation (Taylor's Version) announcement!

What caused Taylor Swift to make Reputation?

Image via Def Jam/UMG

Cover art for Kanye West's The Life Of Pablo, which features "Famous."

The primary catalyst for Taylor Swift's Reputation era was a phone call with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. After Taylor said Kanye did not have her permission to say he "made that b-tch famous" in "Famous," a video leak from Kim seemed to show Taylor did actually give her permission (it was later revealed the video was edited, and Taylor gave her permission to be mentioned, NOT to be called a b-tch).

"#TaylorSwiftIsOverParty" began trending on Twitter, and everyone from the media to the general public began calling her a snake. So she disappeared from the public eye for over a year, and Reputation was born. The era was moody — and full of snake imagery. Taylor says in her TIME interview that the album came from "a goth-punk moment of female rage at being gaslit by an entire social structure," and told Rolling Stone in 2019 that Reputation was a "metaphor" and her "playing a character."

How old was Taylor when she wrote Reputation?

Image via Christopher Polk/Getty Images for TAS

Charli XCX, Camila Cabello and Taylor Swift perform onstage during opening night of Taylor Swift's 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour at University of Phoenix Stadium on May 8, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona.

Taylor began writing Reputation in 2016, when she was 27. However, the stories she's telling go back farther than that since "Dancing With Our Hands Tied" talks about a relationship from when she was 25.

Is Reputation a love album?

Image via Big Machine Records

Cover art for Taylor Swift's Reputation.

While Reputation is sassy, moody, and satirical, I stand by the idea that it's actually a love album at its core. While the general public talked most about "Ready for It?" and "Look What You Made Me Do," songs like "Delicate," "Call It What You Want," and "New Year's Day" are all about healing after the media turned against her. The message of the album is all about how she wants to spend the the ins and outs of life with people she loves, because they make the boring days beautiful, which is also the sentiment running throughout "Lover."

"I want your midnights, but I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year's Day" and "We can leave the Christmas lights up 'til January" are the same!!

What are the Reputation Taylor's Version vault tracks?

Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment

A Horcrux from Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part I

While we don't have the tracklist for Reputation (Taylor's Version) yet, she did mention in her TIME interview that the vault tracks will be "fire."

"I’m collecting horcruxes,” she says of the rerecordings. “I’m collecting infinity stones. Gandalf’s voice is in my head every time I put out a new one. For me, it is a movie now.”

I'm going to be real honest, this is the line that sent me into a tailspin because the idea that Taylor loves stories like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and the MCU as much as I do is too much!! But it makes sense because after all, she IS a storyteller.

Do you think we'll get Reputation (Taylor's Version) in February 2024? Check out our Facebook for the latest Taylor Swift news and browse ourUltimate Taylor Swift Gift Guide!

Lead image via Big Machine Records

This post has been updated.

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