Warm Up With DIY Pom Pom Ear Muffs

Winter is almost half way over, right? Well we hope so, but we might as well embrace the cold weather. For this#31DaysofDIY project, we challenged ourselves to make cozy, chic and playful pom pom ear muffs. Not only was it a total success, but it gave us yet another reason to bring Turkey Temple in for his latest modeling gig ;) Can we all agree that there is nothing cuter than a dog in ear muffs!?

No idea what #31DaysofDIY is? It’s a brand new tradition here at Brit + Co that’s all about kicking off the new year right. We’ve challenged ourselves to make or learn something new every single day for the month of January, and we’re inviting all of you along for the ride. From DIY basics like Sewing 101 to learning to design and laser cut our own stencils, we hope this month of making inspires you to get creative all year long.

Materials:

– headband

– wool yarn + regular yarn

– canvas fabric

Tools:

– hot glue gun

– scissors

– pen

Instructions:

1. Fold your fabric over and draw a circle on the seam. The circle should have around a 3-inch radius to be able to cover your ear. Cut out two.

2. Using the wool yarn, cover one side of the circle with a swirl. Start in the center and follow the curves until the whole canvas circle has been covered.

3. Time to make a pom pom! Wrap the wool yarn around your hand about 15-20 times. Slide it off and tie a knot in the center of the bundle. Cut the loops and fluff. Glue the pom pom on the connected circle.

4. Use the other skein of yarn to embellish your headband. We wrapped sections to create a striped effect.

5. Using glue, sandwich the headband in between the swirl and pom pom sides of the ear covering. Make sure you glue the swirled side to the inside of the headband and the pom pom side should face the outside. Done!

Fold your fabric in half and draw a circle with about a 3-inch radius. This will be the part that covers your ears, so make sure they’re big enough! When you unfold them they should look like a figure eight.

Create a swirl in the center of the circle using the wool yarn. This will be the area that touches your ear so make sure the swirl is tight yet fluffy.

Time to make a pom pom! Wrap the yarn around your hand, slip it off, and tie tightly in the center. Cut the loops to reveal the pom pom. Fluff it up for maximum poof.

Glue the pom pom onto the other loop of the figure eight. Fluff and trim to make the pom pom even. We found that the wool yarn works the best because the yarn separates well and creates a great looking poof.

Embellished bands make ear muffs that much better. Using the normal yarn, wrap the headband however you’d like. We created thick stripes by wrapping the yarn in evenly spaced tight bunches.

Sandwich the headband in between the pom pom and swirled yarn sections. Use the hot glue and really squeeze it tight.

Check it out! These ear muffs are totally legit and really warm.

Try creating different patterns with the yarn. On our second pair, we spaced out our wraps to create thinner stripes. These are perfect for you and your bestie.

Tahoe, here we come!

No words to describe the cuteness that is going on in this pic.

Cute to sassy in a matter of seconds. We love it though!

Turkey and Anj in matching ear muffs= outrageously adorable!

No question, bright citruses of all kinds are one of the stars of the winter produce scene. Oranges, lemons, grapefruit and limes dazzle the senses and give us a healthy dose of vitamin C that knows how to fight a cold naturally. This collection of 16 citrusy salads features the gem-toned fruits front and center and with selections for both breakfast and dinner, you can enjoy digging in all day long.

Kale Avocado Salad with Citrus, Pepitas, Dates & Sumac Vinaigrette

No more limp lettuce. Instead, crunchy kale blends with avocado, grapefruit, and pepitas for a yummy you'll love. The addition of juicy lemon and orange segments are a welcome one. (via Grilled Cheese Social)

Tomato, Onion, and Roasted Lemon Salad

Blanched and roasted lemons offer a sweet, fragrant twist to this juicy tomato salad. It’s a fun change of pace from the expected caprese. (via Bon Appetit)

Citrus Salad with Rosemary and Olives

Fried rosemary and olives, along with peppery arugula, offer an almost bitter counterpoint to the sweet, in-season fruit. (via The Tart Tart)

Roasted Beet, Avocado, and Orange Salad (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

A well-balanced mix of earthy, sweet and sour flavors feature heavily in this colorful salad. (via The Miniature Moose)

Pimm's Fruit Salad 

If all fruit salads tasted as good as this one — enhanced by a homemade Pimm’s syrup — we’d have no trouble getting our daily allotment. (via Daily Mail)

Fresh Citrus and Cranberry Salad 

Enjoy the sweet taste of sliced oranges and full cranberries that make this a citrus salad that's a perfect pre-cursor to spring! (via Better Homes and Gardens)

Chickpea & Sumac Onion Salad with Roasted Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

Did someone order a tasty meal filled with chickpeas and sumac onion with roasted lemon vinaigrette drizzled on top? (via My Weekend's Cooked)

Cranberry Orange Brussels Sprout Slaw

Slaw gets a winter-ready makeover with this recipe. Instead of the usual cabbage, shredded Brussels sprouts come out to play. (via Recipe Runner)

Lobster Salad with Grapefruit & Avocado

Lobster, crab and shrimp are all solid seafood choices for this tangy, fresh salad. (via Williams-Sonoma)

Orange, Avocado & Candied Pistachio Salad

Using a mix of oranges and avocado slices yields a lovely assortment of hues in mere minutes. You could stop there, but a finishing sprinkle of candied pistachios takes the dish to a whole other level. (via Every Last Bite)

Steak with Citrus and Avocados Salad 

Put slices of fresh or leftover steak to use in this citrus salad for a bright, healthy meal that’s ready in minutes. (via The Organic Kitchen)

Citrus Burrata Salad 

Between the crunch of pomegranate and arugula, you’ll get a ton of awesome texture in every bite of this citrus salad, no croutons required. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Israeli Salad of Oranges and Black Olives

If you’re looking for something more out of the ordinary, this is it. Featuring briny olives and spicy harissa, this is a citrus salad unlike any other. (via Joy of Kosher)

Citrus Salad 

A cinnamon-yogurt dressing is served on the side, making this a great make-ahead item for your next brunch. (via Green Kitchen Stories)

Tangy rounds of spicy, fried goat cheese work brilliantly with candied Meyer lemons and tender greens. An especially fab salad for the transition from winter to spring. (via How Sweet Eats)

How do you enjoy winter citrus most of all? Share your preferences and recipes below.

This post has been updated,

Header image via Every Last Bite

One detail that the covers of the new books coming in May have in common are shades of pink, blue, and green — perfect summer colors. You'll find your classic rom-com books, but there's also a little devious behavior and a touch of magic to look forward to. But, don't just take my word for it. Let your imagination get lost in our top 11 new books coming in May!

Mistakes We Never Made by Hannah Brown (May 7)

Emma Townsend and Finn Hughes are involved in a classic cat and mouse situationship that's turned incredibly sour. They went from inching their way towards several romantic turning points to deciding they actually don't like each other anymore. One can assume their hearts got tired of being shown that almost doesn't count.

However, they have to put on their adult undies to get through a wedding weekend where everyone's expected to be on their best behavior because of the joyous moment at hand. It sounds too good to be true and the pair quickly realizes it is when the bride-to-be vanishes.

Forced to race against an invisible winding clock, Emma and Finn embark on a momentous journey to figure out if this wedding can actually be saved. Somewhere along the lines, they begin to remember what it was like when their undeniable attraction towards each other led to much more. Maybe a weird wedding mystery is just the thing they needed to prove that it's time to make things official.

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (May 7)

The Ministry of Time is a the modern time travel book you didn't know you needed to read until now. It shines a light on a young woman — aka the "bridge" — who's new job comes with a hefty salary and more responsibility than she considered. She's meant to help an expat called "1847," or Commander Graham Gore, adjust to living in a modern world when all he remembers is what it was like to live in the 1840s.

The more 1847 adjusts to life around him with other expats and this young woman whose so different than what he's used to, the more the bridge crosses the lines and allows herself to become immersed in his world beyond what her profession calls for.

This isn't without consequences and it's up to the bridge to decide what it really means to live in the future.

The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen (May 7)

Ariel Cafferty was head over heels in love with a man she thought she knew until it feels like he ghosted her without an explanation. She thought she was beginning to move on, but a vague text from him (Drew) years later brings back emotions she's tried to forget.

Suddenly Ariel begins to piece together clues that something is seriously wrong. Not only that, she can't shake the feeling that the truth is still being kept from her. In order to possibly save her and her son's life, she'll have to work to understand what happened to Drew and how far the mystery surrounding his disappearance actually goes.

Alternate Endings by Ali Rosen (May 7)

Alternate Endings is one of the new books releasing in May that I immediately connected to because I can relate to some aspects of Beatrice Leal's life. She's a working mother who's as dedicated to her son as she is to her job, but the only difference between us is that she's dealing with a tough divorce. To make it even more complicated, her boss also gets divorced and decides she wants to live in Ireland full-time.

This means she's requiring the team — including Bea — to be there twice a month and this throws a huge monkey wrench in the custody plans she and her ex-husband Lucas have half-heartedly agreed on. Still, Bea loves her job and reluctantly makes the first trip to Ireland where she meets the new CTO at her job — the sexy Jack Sander who ghosted her while they were in high school.

Despite the two decades that have passed since they've seen each other, there's no denying that the two still have electric energy that they acknowledge during one of their trips to Ireland. But as time passes, the lie they keep telling themselves gives way to something more and Bea finds that she may just have to change her approach to everything in life — especially when it comes to love.

The Paradise Problem by Christine Lauren (May 14)

Is it obvious that my favorite new books I've read involve some form of love? Besides this amazing cover that caught my eye, The Paradise Problem offers a completely new approach to being married that I've seen in a book.

Anna Green is impulsive and makes decisions solely so she survive from day to day. It's the main reason she married Liam "West" Weston when she needed a place to stay. It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience between two strangers. So when she doesn't bother looking at the "divorce" papers he had her sign and is surprised to find out they're still married when he visits her years later, Anna's more than flustered.

See, West is set to inherit a large fortune attached to his family's name and has to prove that he's been enjoying married life with his wife Anna. The problem is that they don't really know anything about each other and his family is demanding to see her.

With no other choice, West convinces Anna to keep up the married act and prays she'll be able to impress his family. However, he begins to realize that maybe he's had it wrong all along. Maybe he's supposed to fall in love with this feisty, art-loving, impulsive woman that's stealing his heart. Maybe he's supposed to protect hers.

Lovers and Liars by Amanda Eyre Ward (May 14)

The Peacock sisters aren't as close as they used to be and they have time and a lot of heartache to blame for that. Of course, there's always the roles they played in the fallout of their familial relationship.

Sylvie Peacock finds herself facing marriage again after being widowed and she thinks it might be time to move on. Cleo Peacock is the successful sister who can do no wrong and has the cushy lifestyle to prove it. So when her sister Sylvie falls for the charming Simon Rampling, her criminal defense intuition starts ringing. And Emma Peacock? Well, she's hiding secrets that's turned her into a woman who lets silence lead her. At the center of the sisters is their less than stellar mother who's domineering presence makes it clear these sisters have cowered in her presence for far too long.

One weekend will change everything for the Peacock family and nothing will be the same. — good or bad.

The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields (May 14)

Marigold Claude is ever popular with the many men who want to court her, but she couldn't care less. Her freedom lies in the nature and she gladly revels in it. Things seem to get even better when her grandmother feels she's worthy to become a Honey Witch. But, she can never fall in love.

Deciding she's okay with this rule, she carries on merrily until she meets Lottie Burke, someone who doesn't think magic exists. Intending to prove Lottie wrong, Marigold starts doing things out that feel out of character for her. Soon, something must darker presents itself and Marigold finds that she may have to break multiple rules just to save what she cares about.

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware (May 21)

Lyla is experiencing one bad situation after the another. From research that's gone awry to a relationship that's gotten off track, she feels like she's almost at the end of her rope. Suddenly it seems like her prayers are answered when she and Nico are given a chance to be on the TV show One Perfect Couple to win a grand prize that could help them out financially.

They're pit against four other couples and being to sense that something is horribly wrong when disaster strikes the minute they set foot on the deserted island where they're meant to compete. One Perfect Couple becomes more than a reality show and involves whether people can actually survive or not.

Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel (May 21)

Ganga went from being a carefree goddess of the river to a mortal after she failed to control the godlings near her. With no other choice, she decides to become a queen after marrying King Shantanu so she can prove that she's worth of being a goddess again. While she is granted freedom, she can't bring the son she bore in her human form with her.

Once Prince Devavrata gets older and decides he doesn't want to take his father's place, he finds himself on a journey that puts him lock and step with his mother Ganga.

Swiped by L.M. Chilton (May 21)

What would you do if all of your dates from Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble ended up dead after you'd last seen them? Swiped helps Gwen Turner answer that very question when she's thrown into the wildest predicament of her life.

First thing's first — she's in a terrible rut and can't figure out how to put the pieces of her life back together again. She feels hopeless in the romantic department and has to contend with the fact that maybe leaving a great job to serve coffee might not have been the smartest decision.

So, she decides to download a dating app and goes on a series of dates that leave her more confused than ever. To make matters worse, they begin to turn up dead after she's been the last person to go on a date with them. This doesn't bode well with the police and she soon finds herself being carefully watched.

The more frequently things begin to happen, the more Gwen rushes to figure out who the date killer is. As she gets closer to finding out the truth, she'll find that she also has to contend with a dark secret that she thought no one else knew about.

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (May 21)

Not to be confused with Dolly Parton's "Jolene," I Hope This Finds You Well's main character of the same name finds herself in a work bind when HR sentences her to "sensitivity training." Her crime? Being exposed for sharing her negative opinions about co-workers. Restricted from certain interactions, Jolene decides to do whatever it takes to get through her training period.

So when an IT plunder allows her to see what everyone else has been privately talking about, Jolene feels conflicted about whether to report them or not. She even discovers that potential layoffs are about to affect her job so she does everything she can to make sure her role is secured.

Soon she'll have to decide what's more important: her job or the truth.

Which of the best new books coming in May are you looking forward to reading? Be sure to check out our storefront for even more reading recs!

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

This post has been updated.

Lead images via Amazon

Okay, so the worst has happened: it's cold outside, and you're hungrier than ever. You love a good turkey sandwich as much as the next person, but you're craving something a little more comforting. You know – something as hot and steamy as a bowl of soup, and just as filling as some mashed potatoes? This is exactly where these winter dinner ideas come in.

Incorporate some new flavors and a whole lot of coziness into your meal rotation by checking out these cold weather meals! Make them for a crowd, or save the leftovers for a delicious lunch. Allow these winter recipes guide you to the best cozy winter dinnersof the season!

What should I make for dinner when it's cold?

When it comes to colder temperatures, you’ll want to prepare a warm, hearty meal for dinner that will warm you up in no time. Cold weather recipes like soups, stews, curries, and pot roasts are all great options.

What's a good lazy dinner?

Soups, pastas, sandwiches and tacos are all great cold weather meals to make when you really don’t feel like cooking dinner.

What should you eat on winter days?

Soups, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes and stews are perfect meals for a winter day. Ensuring you still get fruits and vegetables from your winter dinner ideas will make you feel invincible!

What should I make for dinner in January?

Make some of the tasty winter dinner ideas we’ve listed! From chili, pot pie, and mac and cheese, to ramen, chicken, and stir fry, you won’t be left uninspired for any of your January mealtimes.

What not to eat in winter?

Cold dairy products, raw fruits and veggies, and fried foods may leave you feeling yucky this winter. Avoid these groups to combat sickness and feel your best!

Slow-Cooker Mac + Cheese

Load up your slow cooker with pasta, cheeses, butter, milk, and spices, and a few hours later, you'll be in comfort food heaven. Winter recipes with melty cheese have our hearts. (via Brit + Co)

Mini Slow-Cooker Lamb Tacos

Photo by Isabella Martinez-Funcke

Beer-drenched lamb is only improved by a tomatillo-apple salsa. We think the slow cooker is the absolute MVP of cold weather meals! (via Fiestas: Tidbits, Margaritas & More for Brit + Co)

Vegan “Cheesy” Bread with Chickpea Curry Dip

These comforting bread pockets will warm you right up, along with the spiced curry dip that they're served with. (via Brit + Co)

Matzo Ball Soup

Nothing cures the winter blues like a big bowl o' matzo. When it comes to cold weather meals, this light, savory offering is one of our faves. (via Brit + Co)

Spicy Pasta Alla Vodka

Any winter dinner ideas that have a spicy kick earn bonus points in our book. This hearty, cheesy pasta has a very nice bite with the help of vodka and red pepper flakes. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

The filling for these tacos brews in the slow cooker for hours on end, and by the time it's done, your home will practically smell like comfort food. (via Brit + Co)

One-Pot Roasted Tomato Soup

This classic cozy winter meal can only be made better with some gooey grilled cheese served on the side. You know you want some! (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Slow Cooker Chana Masala

This mix of spices, chickpeas, and savory sauce has an addicting aromatic effect that'll draw you in and warm you up on the coldest of days. Indian recipes like this one make the best winter recipes out there! (via Brit + Co)

Lasagna Soup

This soup is basically like one big deconstructed lasagna. It's one of the best winter dinner ideas to make in one pot when you're feeling too lazy to cook too much or clean up at all. (via Brit + Co)

Pesto Cheese Stuffed Shells

This winter dinner recipe is sure to be a meal-prepping hit! It's filled with scrumptious cheese, pesto, and some ground spicy Italian sausage. It's saucy, cheesy, meaty – what more could you want out of a cozy dish? (via Half Baked Harvest)

Mediterranean Chicken + Pasta Bake

You never knew you need to make a yummy chicken and pasta bake meal before today. This is the perfect cozy dish to warm your senses and satiate the tummy. (via The Clever Carrot)

Vegetarian Black Bean Chili

This meat-free meal is perfect for a cold winter's night. Add quinoa, black beans, bell pepper, onions, and crushed tomatoes for a flavorful base, and warm spices and jalapeño for just the right amount of kick. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie 

Let your slow cooker do all the hard work for you. This crock pot recipe takes only a few minutes to put together and is a wonderfully hearty meal to enjoy on a chilly night. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Mashed Potatoes

These easy-to-make mashed potatoes will become your new go-to side dish for all the winter dinner ideas you have. The magic is in the spices! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Another 30-minute meal, this lemon ricotta pasta is super versatile. Add easy grilled chicken or salmon, red pepper flakes for a little more heat, or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost. (via Barley & Sage)

Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry

Cook flank steak in a homemade teriyaki sauce, along with broccoli, onion, and sweet red bell pepper for the perfect winter meal that shakes things up. This one only takes about 30 minutes! (via Feel Good Foodie)

​Chicken Tetrazzini

Creamy béchamel sauce makes this tender chicken and pasta dish with crumb topping so tasty and comforting. Make this casserole dish in under an hour, or freeze it for the week! (via Culinary Hill)

Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs

This cold weather recipe is assembled in just one pot or skillet, so you don't have to worry about doing the dishes. Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a complete winter dinner! (via Cozy Cravings)

One-Pan Tofu Veggie Bowl

Another one-pan meal FTW! This plant-based bowl is packed with crispy tofu greens, and all the veggies you need to feel nourished this winter. (via The Edgy Veg)

Shepherd's Pie

A quick and easy winter dinner has never tasted better. Shepherd's Pie piles on all the veggies, potatoes, and meat to warm you up and satisfy the craving for cozy winter meals. (via Salt & Lavender)

Instant Pot Paleo Beef Stew

Immerse yourself in the deep, warm flavors of this Paleo pot roast stew. You'll be blown away by the depth! (via The Endless Meal)

Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie

Pot pie is the gift that keeps on giving. Prep this delicious comfort meal for leftovers you can enjoy all week long. Store-bought puff pastry is the ultimate hack for this winter dinner idea. (via Cozy Cravings)

Lemon Chicken Piccata

This dish looks impressive, but it's actually crazy simple to make for date nights and casual weeknights alike. (via Damn Delicious)

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

The only thing better than chicken parmesan or baked ziti is not having to decide between the two! This is comfort food at its finest. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Sesame Chicken Potstickers

These potstickers provide a fun group activity. Gather up your friends and make it a DIY dumpling party! (via Damn Delicious)

Classic Italian Meatballs

It's a delicate balance to make a meatball that's both tender and holds together while cooking, but this recipe does it. Make sure you use extra-soft bread in your meat mixture — it's the secret ingredient! (via Recipe Tin Eats)

Vegan Potato Leek Soup

All you need is 10 ingredients and about 30 minutes to whip up this healthy, easy soup for a winter dinner that's sure to keep you satisfied. (via Two Spoons)

Homemade Spicy Ramen with Tofu

If you're looking for something to soothe that winter cold, this ramen is savory, spicy, and as comforting as a warm blanket. Winter recipes would *not* be the same without some ramen! (via Pinch of Yum)

Garlic Sriracha Chicken

Garlic, sesame, and sriracha team up to make a powerful marinade and a zippy flavor profile in this winter dinner idea. (via Rasa Malaysia)

Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

The crock pot is a total lifesaver when it comes to winter dinner ideas. This classic chicken noodle soup is always dependable and always yummy thanks to hours-worth of simmering in some good, salty seasoning. You could even play around with the type of protein you use in the recipe, if you're just burnt out on chicken. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Asian Salmon in Foil

This yummy, easy dinner comes together in about 30 minutes and definitely beats out the winter dinner ideas that take any longer. (via Damn Delicious)

Spicy Vegan Lentil Soup

When you're looking for a little feel-good food, this vegan soup really hits the spot. It's comforting, hearty, and completely guilt-free. (via Cookie + Kate)

30-Minute Indian Butter Chicken

Make sure you have plenty of fresh naan on hand for this cozy winter meal. You'll want to soak up every last drop of the creamy tomato sauce. It's that good. (via Averie Cooks)

Roasted Carrot and Ginger Soup

Roasted veggies are a welcome change of pace when you've been indulging a little too much. This dish is definitely not lacking in the flavor department, and you'll love the garnish of fresh scallions and nuts for an added crunch. (via Show Me The Yummy)

White Chicken Chili

There's nothing like a hearty soup on a cold winter night! A little cream cheese and puréed cannellini beans are the secret to this seriously creamy chili. (via Cooking Classy)

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

This stir-fry comes together in 20 minutes, and it's insanely tasty. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion, if you have those on hand. Cold weather recipes don't get better (or easier) than that. (via Damn Delicious)

One-Pan Apricot and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast with Roasted Potatoes

This cold weather meal is firing on all cylinders. It's sweet, savory and creamy — *and* it all happens in one pan, so you can get through post-dinner cleanup faster. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Chicken Enchiladas

Mix things up with some Mexican fiesta influence. Enchiladas are classic comfort food and, if you're in the Southwest, put most winter dinner ideas to shame. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Pesto Bolognese Lasagna

This is the yummiest way to eat greens when you need a healthy boost from winter dinner ideas. This version of the traditional Italian soup is filled with leeks, peas, kale, and zucchini. And then… it's topped off with a flavorful basil pesto. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Rainbow Vegetarian Pad Thai with Peanuts and Basil

This classic takeout favorite gets a healthy makeover with brown rice noodles, fresh veggies, and handfuls of fresh herbs. (via Pinch of Yum)

Curried Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

This soup recipe is just a comfort meal in a bowl. You'll get a hearty bite full of curry spices, sweet squash and crunchy kale. (via Two Spoons)

BBQ Chicken Naan Pizza

It may be too cold to grill outdoors, but you can still get your fill of sweet-tangy-spicy barbecue with this flatbread pizza! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration and winter dinner ideas, join our newsletter, and check out our B+C cooking classes!

Lead image via Show Me the Yummy.

This post has been updated with previous reporting by Jessica Smith.


We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.

A getaway is always a good idea, especially when you can do it with your best friends. Traveling with friends is a fantastic way to bond, create memories, and explore new destinations together. Seeking adventure, relaxation, culture, or nightlife? We've got you. These U.S. cities offer the perfect setting for an unforgettable trip no matter what your travel goals. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday, upcoming nuptials, or an annual gathering of remote friends, look no further than these cities in the U.S.

New York City

shutterstock

In the words of Taylor Swift, “It's been waitin' for you!” New York City is a destination for the arts, nightlife, shopping and foodies, so there is an abundance of options for you and your crew to do, see and eat. Book a hotel, there is no shortage of them — but the PUBLIC Hotel, The Standard, High Line or Moxy NYC Chelsea are great ones — and hit the ground running.

Photo: Cynthia Ortega Espinosa

Frolic in Central Park, wander the Metropolitan Museum of Art, cycle along the Hudson River Greenway or window shop on Fifth Avenue. Theater fans will want to see what shows are playing on Broadway or queue for Marie’s Crisis, where you can belt out showtunes in the West Village.

Photo: Pastis

While in an empire state of mind, you’ll obviously want to wine and dine. The Nines, The Happiest Hour, The Blond, Oscar Wilde, the Broken Shaker and Nubeluz are among spots that should be on your list for drinks, along with the seasonal bar Grand Banks, which is a summer must. Satisfy your stomach with meals at Emilio's Ballato, Café Chelsea and Pastis, or if you need a quick bite, then a slice of Joe's Pizza or taco from Los Tacos No. 1 are just the ticket.

Photo: Jeffrey Czum

Depending on what time of year you’re planning to visit New York, you can check out different markets like the Bryant Park Winter Village during the holidays, or Smorgasburg during the warmer months. No matter the season, the Big Apple is ripe and waiting for you to take a bite out of it with your BFFs!

Miami-Ft. Lauderdale

shutterstock

Sunshine and good times await in South Florida. Apart from the obvious beaches and clubs, the cultural melting pot offers an arts and diverse food scene. But for visitors looking to soak up rays and read while listening to the waves, the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach and The Goodtime Hotel are both within walking distance to North Beach and South Beach, respectively.

Photo: EAST Miami

Of course, the nightlife isn't limited to just Miami Beach. Book a room at EAST Miami, home to Sugar rooftop, where you’ll be in the center of bustling Brickell near hot spots like Sexy Fish and Gekkō. Or stay in Coconut Grove at the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, which is close to a variety of shops, restaurants and bars, including Regatta Grove.

Photo: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Regardless of where you decide to rest your head at night, no BFF trip to Miami should be complete without a visit to Wynwood and Design District. Visit the galleries and snap pictures for the ‘gram in Wynwood and don’t forget to swing by Fireman Derek's Bake Shop for a sweet treat, before heading to Design District for shopping and later dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro — a Greek restaurant that’ll have you feeling like you’re in Mamma Mia!.

Photo: Little Hen

If brunch is on the itinerary, look no further than the Little Hen in Midtown Miami. With its Instagram-worthy decor, drinks and dishes, it’s one of the cutest spots to brunch at. Just note, you’ll want to make a reservation and adhere to the restaurant's “smart chic dress code.”

Photo by Irasema McAllister

While in the area, you can mosey on over to Lagniappe, a jazz club and wine garden that has live music every night.

Phoenix, AZ

Photo: Mike Glezos

If wellness or adventure is your journey, then Phoenix is the destination. Gather your spa-loving, adventurous or golf-playing crew and travel to the urban oasis in the Sonoran Desert.

Seeking an escape to nature? Go hiking at Pinnacle Peak Park, Papago Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park or Camelback Mountain. There’s also horseback riding in the Sonoran Desert. Cave Creek Trail Rides, established in 1999, offers guided trail rides, giving you a “true western experience!”

Photo:Tierra Luna Spa at Arizona Biltmore Resort

After being outdoors, retreat inside and unwind with a spa treatment. There are a number of spa resorts in the area, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Arizona Biltmore Resort, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia and the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, to name a few.

Golf buddies in Phoenix will find multiple courses to practice their swings. The city owns and operates five 18-hole championship courses and three nine-hole courses. Pending when you’re in town, fairway fans can try to score tickets to tournaments like the PGA TOUR Champions' Charles Schwab Cup Championship, or the PGA TOUR’s WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale.

Photo: Virtu Honest Craft

All the activity and, hey, even relaxation can make you work up an appetite. Satiate it at James Beard Award-winning Virtu Honest Craft, The Arrogant Butcher, Different Pointe of View and Vincent on Camelback.

Dallas-Ft. Worth

shutterstock

They say everything is bigger in Texas, so get ready for some Texas-sized fun. Between the shopping and the restaurants, there are plenty of reasons for you and your pals to pack your bags and flock to the Lone Star State. The Fairmont Dallas and the Thompson Dallas hotels are both in the heart of downtown, close to the Dallas Museum of Art for art lovers, and near the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for the history buffs.

Photo: Elizabeth ChambersBIRD Bakery

South of downtown you and your crew can explore the Bishop Arts District, an “eclectic neighborhood” with restaurants and shops. You can also engage in retail therapy at the Galleria Dallas and Highland Park Village, both of which are premier shopping destinations.The latter is also home to Elizabeth ChambersBIRD Bakery, a must for anyone with a sweet tooth–be sure to order a “southern red velvet” cupcake!

Photo: Sundown at Granada

Craving something savory? Head on over to Las Palmas Tex-Mex for Mexican cuisine, Pecan Lodge for BBQ or the farm-to-table restaurant Sundown at Granada. End your nights at the cozy cocktail bar Parliament or drop by the Midnight Rambler, a cocktail lounge inside of the Joule Hotel.

In need of a little R&R? You and your pals can splurge on a stay at Bowie House in Fort Worth. The luxury hotel is described as an “imaginative and bold urban retreat, where cowboys and cattle once roamed.” Indulge in self-care at the hotel’s full service spa, said to be inspired by the outdoors, or book one of the available experiences.

So, saddle up and plan your trip to Texas.

San Francisco

Photo: Juan Salamanca:

Turn your California dreaming into a reality! From nature to tech and a slew of attractions, the Bay Area has plenty to offer you and your BFFs, especially those who know and love Full House.

The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco is a historic hotel in the neighborhood of Nob Hill. Renting a car will make it easier to get around and check out sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, the "Painted Ladies" at Alamo Square (channel the Tanners, anyone?), Chinatown and Twin Peaks. Given the city’s proximity to wine country, you can also road trip to Napa for a day to visit wineries and enjoy a meal at the charming Acacia House.

Photo by Mylo Kaye

Back in SF, you and your friends can pay a visit to the famous Fisherman's Wharf, where you’ll find Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. Take a ferry to Alcatraz (the tour is actually fascinating) or Sausalito for waterside lunch at Bar Bocce, where you can join other guests in a game of bocce while you wait for your delicious pizzas and salads.

Grab your besties for a coastal hike along Land's End Trail for breathtaking views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Start at the old Cliff House and spot the famous Sutro Baths and end at the Palace of Legion of Honor. Or, reserve your spot at Muir Woods for an amazing hike through the redwoods.

Photo: b. patisserie

Grab breakfast or lunch at the James Beard Award-winning b. patisserie, or one of the best rooftop bars in the city Kaiyo for Peruvian bites.

Photo: Kaiyo

The San Francisco Playhouse is a great night out to the theatre with pals, or Cobb's Comedy Club for big laughs. With friends by your side, you’re sure to feel golden in the Golden State.

Main photo: Photo by KoolShooters

Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.


At this point in my life, I have what could be considered an encyclopedic knowledge ofGilmore Girls. I can discuss plot points, TV moments, and The Battle Of Rory's Boyfriends to academic extents — but there is always more to talk about! If you've also got Gilmore Girls on the brain, then keep scrolling for some of your top Gilmore Girls questions, answered.

Why is season 7 of Gilmore Girls so different?

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Gilmore Girls season 7 has a different tone to the rest of the show for one simple reason: creators and writers Dan & Amy Sherman-Palladino weren't involved in the production of the show. They were so heavily involved in previous seasons that it makes sense their absence would be felt!

What happens at the end of Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life?

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

After we said goodbye to Rory, Lorelai, and the rest of Stars Hollow, Netflix's Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life allowed us to see all our favorite characters again — and then shocked us with its final four words. In a full circle moment, the show ends with Lorelai and Rory sitting on the steps of the town gazebo with their coffees before Rory asks, "Mom?" "Yeah," Lorelai says. "I'm pregnant."

Is there going to be a season 2 of Gilmore Girls: A Year in a Life?

Image via Netflix

While there hasn't been an official confirmation for Gilmore Girls: A Year in a Life season 2, fans and cast members alike are hoping we'll return to Stars Hollow again. "If that came up again, I love that character so much and I love Amy," Lauren Graham tells Collider. "I will work with her, any time. It would just be a matter of responsibility to the fans and what we could give them that's deserving of their devotion."

Where can I rewatch Gilmore Girls?

Image via Netflix

You can stream Gilmore Girls on Netflix now. That means you can rewatch the show from the comfort of your own home (or bed), which is perfect!

Who did Lorelai Gilmore end up with?

Image via Robert Voets/Netflix

After years of feeling torn between Rory's father Christopher and her best friend Luke, Lorelai ended Gilmore Girls in a relationship with Luke. But if you ask me, the most important relationship is the one between Lorelai and Rory, which is still going strong by the end of the series!

What happened to Emily Gilmore?

Image via Netflix

While Emily Gilmore seems a little intimidating at the beginning of the series, she definitely has a heart of gold. When A Year In The Life opens, we learn her husband Richard has passed away, and Emily balances healing from her grief while also exploring the independence she's never had before.

Where can I buy Gilmore Girls gifts?

Image via Netflix

Whether you're hunting for a white cable knit sweater like Rory's iconic pullover or you're headed to the bookstore to try her reading list for yourself, you can find Gilmore Girls gifts everywhere from the Hallmark store to Amazon.

Where is the Gilmore Girls cast now?

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

The cast of Gilmore Girls has been busy since the show wrapped! You can see Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson on Sullivan's Crossing, while Lauren Graham recently published Have I Told You This Already? Alexis Bledel is in talks to star in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3, while Milo Ventimiglia just got married! I love seeing this cast thrive.

Why is Gilmore Girls season 5 controversial?

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

If there's one Gilmore Girls season that's gone down in infamy, it's Gilmore Girls season 5. There are a few (very controversial) reasons it strikes a cord with fans, including but not limited to, Rory dating a recently divorced Deanafter their affair in season 4, stealing a yacht with Logan, and deciding to drop out of Yale. This sounds like a quarter-life crisis if I've ever seen one.

Who is the father of Rory's baby?

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Gilmore Girlsleft us on a huge cliffhanger when Rory Gilmore revealed she was pregnant, and thanks to costume supervisor Valerie Campbell, we know that the father of Rory's baby is her college boyfriend Logan Huntzberger.

Where is Stars Hollow located in real life?

Featured image via Taryn Elliott/Pexels.

You can visit Stars Hollow IRL by taking a trip to Washington, Connecticut. The town made Amy Sherman-Palladino feel so at home that she used it as inspo for Gilmore Girls!

Does Lane Kim have a baby?

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Yes, Lane ends up having twins by the end of Gilmore Girls. Amy Sherman-Palladino actually revealed this was a plot point she didn't like from Gilmore Girls season 7. "I would’ve preferred that Lane not have kids, only because it would’ve given us more options," she tells TV Line. "The one thing you couldn’t do with Lane and Zack is have them be sh—tty parents. So them having kids sort of dictated them still living in Stars Hollow. It changed things ever so slightly. They’re still rock and rollers. They’re still the cool parents."

Did Paris Geller attend Harvard?

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

No, Paris Geller did not get into Harvard, which is a plot point that still divides fans. After all, Paris was brilliant, why wouldn't she have gotten in?! Paris and Rory both went to Yale, and actually ended up rooming together.

What happened to Rory Gilmore?

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

By the time we see Rory Gilmore in Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life, she's become a freelance journalist who travels around the world for work. After some encouragement from Jess, Rory also ends up writing a book about her life with Lorelai, titled Gilmore Girls.

Who was Rory Gilmore's best boyfriend?

Image via Netflix

This is the age-old question that will divide Gilmore Girls fans for the rest of time!! While everyone has a different answer (Logan! Jess! Dean! Actually..who picks Dean?), Matt Czuchry himself recently revealed that he thinks there's NO right answer. “I think [all three of Rory Gilmore's boyfriends have] strengths and weaknesses, like we all do,” he says on The Talk. “And I think that the fun of the show is that you’ve got these characters who are flawed and had these great pieces and everybody debates who’s best for Rory because they feel different about their strengths and weaknesses that might match up.”

What's your favorite season of Gilmore Girls? I'm a tried and true season 3 fan (because of Jess, of course), but I will always rewatch the pilot before I watch anything else. Follow us on Facebook for more pop culture news!

Lead image via WB/The CW