Kami Garcia’s Newest Novel Is About Fast Cars and Dangerous Love

Angela Velez
Jun 08, 2017

Fast cars, deadly secrets, and sizzling chemistry that’ll transport you back to the rush of young love: Kami Garcia’s The Lovely Recklesshas it all. The thrilling read centers on Frankie Devereux, the daughter of an undercover cop, and Marco Leone, the gorgeous — and dangerous — street car racer who has her heart. The romance is definitely swoon-worthy, but you’ll also become obsessed with Frankie’s new BFF, Cruz, who’s the lady racer we all wish we could be. (Seriously, why doesn’t Cruz have her own book!?) We caught up with Garcia and chatted about her heroes, her advice for creative ladies, and what she’s been reading lately. Scroll on to learn more from this brilliant writer!

Brit + Co: Describe your book in six words or less.

Kami Garcia: Fast-paced, romantic, fierce, empowered, friendship, dangerous.

B+C: Where/when do you do your best writing?

KG: I have a small couch in my office and an identical one in my bedroom. I generally write there with my sofa butler next to me (everyone needs one of these), my headphones, laptop, and as much sugar as possible. I’m not one of those writers who can sit down and write 5,000 words in a day. For me, sometimes writing is excruciating. But in the end, I fall in love with the characters and the story, so it’s worth it.

B+C: What’s your go-to cure for when you’re stuck in a creativity rut?

KG: Generally, I binge watch a new show or watch a lot of movies. I go back to my favorites — stories with a lot of heart and characters who have to dig deep and figure out who they are — like Star Wars, Rocky, The Breakfast Club, and Man on Fire. Sometimes when you’re at the movies or exercising, or doing something else that isn’t writing, your subconscious is actually working. When you return to your writing, all that subconscious work pours out onto the page. Stephen King calls this phenomenon “the boys in the basement,” and it’s “the boys in the basement” who do the work when you’re not home.

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Glad to be back at the #PHASummit. No one should play politics with our kids’ health. We owe them. Let’s make our voices heard.

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B+C: What two lady heroes do you turn to for inspiration, and why?

KG: My mom is a huge inspiration. She was a high school and college athlete and almost went to the Olympics when synchronized swimming first became an Olympic event. But she also loves art, poetry, and books. My parents split up when I was young, and I saw my dad every weekend — but for a long time, it really felt like my mom and me against the world. I also admire Michelle Obama, whose dedication to education, children, and humanitarian efforts is incredibly inspiring.

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B+C: What’s your latest Instagram obsession?

KG: Pumpkin the Raccoon (@pumpkintheracoon) and Tofu the Pomeranian (@i_am_tofu) are my latest Instagram obsessions. Pumpkin was rescued as a baby and raised by the family’s two dogs, and now he thinks he’s a dog. Watching him eat watermelon at the breakfast table always cheers me up on a bad day. Tofu is a Teacup Pomeranian with a teddy bear haircut like Boo. She has an impressive wardrobe, and while I’m not sure how I feel about dressing up your pets, she always looks fantastic.

B+C: What’s next on your to-read pile?

KG: I just read The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, which should be required reading for everyone. Some books stay with you. The Outsidersis also one of those books. I carried a battered copy in my bag for most of high school. That book taught me things. It reflected what I was feeling and it gave me a way to make sense of the world. The Hate U Give is that kind of book. I was a teacher for 17 years, and I know there are kids carrying around a battered copy of Angie’s book right now. (Editors Note: Check out our interview with Angie Thomas!)

B+C: What advice do you have for aspiring creative ladies?

KG: Define yourself. Don’t follow any “rules” about how to write your novel, start your blog, or write your music — whatever the thing is that you’re passionate about. As women, we’re often conditioned to take the safe route and try to please people. But when it comes to creative pursuits, you have to follow your gut and your heart and forge your own path.

Got an author you’d like to see interviewed? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know!

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(Featured photo via Vania Stoyanva)

PlantYou’s Food Hacks Can Save You Over $1K On Groceries

It's no secret that groceries feel more expensive than ever right now, and compounded by the fact the average American home throws away 322 cups of food a year, I'm determined to use up every bit of the food, sauces, and other cooking basics I buy. That's how I found Carleigh Bodrug. Her PlantYou page, and her Scrappy Cooking series (plus her new cookbook!), makes creating delicious recipes easier, and more fun, than ever.

What is scrappy cooking?

Image via SB Creative Studio

"Scrappy Cooking is the concept of transforming the world’s most commonly wasted foods into delicious recipes — and starting is as easy as chopping up a broccoli stem into a stir-fry," she tells me over email. "Seriously, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Look at the plants you have that you bring into your home every week, and see if there are ways to repurpose them."

With the help of Carleigh's Instagram page, I turned some broccoli stems into French fries and used up the last of my peanut butter for a noodle salad sauce. If you want to turn your groceries into a one-of-a-kind meal but aren't sure where to start, Carleigh recommends looking at every single aspect of the plant.

"Whenever I bring a plant into my home, I think about what part of the plant is discarded, and then I research whether or not it’s safe to consume (this part is important)!" she says. "Once I identify it’s edible, that’s where the fun begins. A great example of this is something like celery, which I buy often. I was discarding the celery leaves for years, only to find out they taste almost exactly like parsley and make a great base for a tabouleh style salad."

Is PlantYou vegan?

Image via SB Creative Studio

Yes, a lot of PlantYou's recipes are vegan, and they're all plant-based! Some of Carleigh's favorite recipes include mocha chocolate granola with spent coffee grounds, "chips" made out of beet greens, and pickle juice as a marinade (which is something I learned Chick-Fil-A does!). These recipes might sound intimidating or time-consuming, but that's exactly why Carleigh's PlantYou social media exists.

I can speak from experience that the videos are easy to both understand and put into practice. (Plus, the recipes are super versatile, because "when you’re cooking with just plants, if you screw something up, you can almost always fix it!"). But there are a few steps that always make these scrappy processes easier.

"The low hanging fruit to reducing food waste in your kitchen actually starts before you grocery shop," Carleigh says. "I always recommend people sit down for an hour one day a week, and make a really basic meal plan, outlining what they plan to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then, before they head to the store, shop their fridge and pantry to avoid duplicate buying. Now it’s time to compile a shopping list, and only buy what you have a plan for! Done right, this will take care of 80 percent of your food waste."

What can I buy to save money on food?

Image via SB Creative Studio

In addition to meal prepping (check out our favorite apps to reduce food waste, too!), the PlantYou chef + author recommends having a few recipes that use up a bunch of ingredients in one go. "It’s really important to lean on staple recipes that allow you to 'clean out the fridge,' which is really what my new Scrappy cookbook is about," Carleigh Bodrug says. "I wanted to arm people with great base recipes (like stews, curries and stir fries), where they can interchange the vegetables and produce items they have on hand every week to reduce waste and save money."

"By using up leftovers, repurposing ingredients, and being more mindful about the food you’re bringing into your home, you'll notice a decrease in your grocery bill," she continues. "The average American family of four wastes over $1700 worth of groceries per year — which is like a phone bill every month! Not only does being Scrappy benefit your wallet, but it also feels great knowing you're making healthier choices and contributing to a more sustainable planet."

Okay, so you know what you want to eat, and you've budgeted for groceries, what now? "I look for ingredients that are versatile and can be used in multiple recipes to minimize waste," Carleigh says. "Quality, longevity, and sustainability are key factors in my purchasing decisions."

What is the proper way to store food?

Image via B+C

After you've whipped up recipes like the Fiesta Fries below, it's important to store them properly to ensure they're fresh for as long as possible. "Use quality food storage and meal prep containers, and keep fruits and vegetables separate to prevent them from spoiling," Carleigh tells me. "Different types of food will require different conditions for optimum long-term storage. This applies to fresh produce, as well as dry and canned foods."

We all have days we don't want to cook (PlantYou's Carleigh Bodrug included), which is the perfect opportunity to support a local business. "On days when I don't feel like cooking, I usually rely on quick and easy options like smoothie bombs from my freezer, which are in my new cookbook," she says. "I also often have homemade soup ready to go that I’ve made in advance or have frozen in the freezer. Sometimes, my husband and I opt for ordering in from local restaurants in our small town in Ontario, especially on Friday nights after a long work week. It's a convenient way to support our favorite vegan small businesses while enjoying a hassle-free meal."

PlantYou's Fiesta Fries — Delicious Loaded Fries You Can Make Today!

Image via SB Creative Studio

Ingredients:

  • 6 medium-size Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced to desired size, around 1/2 to 3/4 inch recommended
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 cups Vegan Ground Beef or your favorite vegan ground beef substitute
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, pinto beans, or red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 yellow or red onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons water or extra-virgin olive oil

Suggested Toppings:

  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced Handful of fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower Cream Sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, and line a baking sheet with a reusable baking mat or parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine the sliced potatoes with the garlic powder and salt and toss until coated.
  3. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and roast for 35 minutes, or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
  4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, combine the ground “beef” with the black beans, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and the water. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the onion starts to turn translucent.
  5. Assemble on a serving platter with the fries on the bottom, topped with the ground beef mixture and your desired toppings.

Excerpted from PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking: 140+ Plant-Based Zero-Waste Recipes That Are Good for You, Your Wallet, and the Planet by Carleigh Bodrug. Copyright © 2024. Available from Hachette Go, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Carleigh Bodrug is the CEO and Founder of PlantYou, a New York Times Bestselling cookbook author and self-taught plant-based chef, famous for her simple take on low-waste and vegan recipes. Boasting over ten million followers between her social channels, Carleigh has gripped social media with her simple and delicious low-waste recipes that make plants the star of the show.

Her latest book, PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking: 140+ Plant-Based Zero-Waste Recipes That Are Good for You, Your Wallet, and the Planet, is out NOW!

Check out our Weekend Scroll for more delicious recipes!

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

Lead image via SB Creative Studio

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6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation

I'll admit it: while I don't miss school at all, I was wildly unprepared for what it would feel like to NOT get a summer vacation. Three whole months with nothing to do but read, watch movies, and play outside? I took it for granted! That's why I love watching nostalgic summer movies from the '90s and '00s because they give me that same vacation feeling — without any of the schoolwork that comes with being a kid. Here are 6 of the best nostalgic movies you can stream right now! Plus, our most-anticipated upcoming summer moviestoo.

​Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants — Rent On Amazon

Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is one of the best movies of all time, and I will stand by that statement for the rest of my life. The cast! The denim! "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield! The story follows best friends Tibby (Amber Tamblyn), Carmen (America Ferrera), Lena (Alexis Bledel), and Bridget (Blake Lively) as they spend their very first summer apart from one another. Tibby stays home to work (both at a minimart and on her documentary), Carmen visits her dad in South Carolina and learns he's started a whole new family, Lena's visit to Greece pokes at a decades-old family feud, and adventurous Bri bites off more than she can chew at soccer camp in Mexico.

There are so many relatable aspects of this nostalgic movie, and story doesn't shy away from how much growing up can suck. It taught me what it looks like to be there for my friends, how to navigate complicated relationships, how to build my confidence, and how to confront grief and anger. Plus, the movie takes you to four totally separate locations, and it's left me dreaming about Greece on more than one occasion.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is available to rent on Amazon Prime and stars America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn.

Aquamarine — Stream On Disney+

Image via 20th Century Fox

If you didn't have a mermaid phase as a child, did you really grow up in the 2000s? Aquamarine is just one nostalgic movie I can attribute that aquatic craze to, and the story follows BFFs Claire (Emma Roberts) and Hailey (JoJo) as they make the most out of the end of summer vacay. Hailey's mom is moving them to Australia, and when she prays to the ocean gods for a miracle, the girls find Aquamarine (Sara Paxton), a mermaid who's trying to escape an arranged marriage.

This is just another film that emphasizes how deep, selfless, and beautiful female friendships are. Hailey and Claire are willing to do whatever it takes to help Aquamarine, even when it puts them in danger. And for her part, Aquamarine teaches Hailey and Claire (not to mention me!) how to make the most out of spontaneous adventures. Plus, it gave us so many iconic fashion moments like A's seafoam dress. Thank goodness for that.

Aquamarine is available to stream on Disney+ and stars Emma Roberts, JoJo, and Sara Paxton.

The Cheetah Girls 2 — Stream On Disney+

Image via Disney Channel

At this point, The Cheetah Girls 2 is in the Disney Channel Original Movie hall of fame. The songs are catchy, the sets are gorgeous, and the cast is cheetah-licious! This nostalgic movie follows our favorite girl group: Galleria (Raven-Symoné), Chanel (Adrienne Bailon), Aqua (Kiely Williams), and Dorinda (Sabrina Bryan) as they swap New York City for Barcelona, Spain. They plan to win a local music festival...if the group doesn't fall apart first.

The most iconic part of this movie is definitely "Strut," and women from all over the world have recreated it on their own trips to Barcelona. Work it! Cheetah Girls 2 is the dreamiest summer vacation ever, but it also has so many messages about working hard to follow your dreams. The movie touches on honesty, sacrifice, and what it looks like to be bold, all of which are ideas I STILL need to be reminded of.

Stream The Cheetah Girls 2 on Disney+ now. The movie stars Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, and Sabrina Bryan.

Holiday in the Sun — Buy On Apple TV+

Image via Warner Home Video

It's always a good time to watch a Mary Kate and Ashley movie, and Holiday in the Sun is perfect for when you have summer vacation FOMO. Mary Kate and Ashley play Madison and Alex, sisters who are overjoyed when they realize their Atlantis Resort vacation comes with their own suite. But when their new friend Jordan is blamed for theft, the twins decide to figure out who's really behind the crime. If you ask me, it's not a Mary Kate and Ashley movie without a little sleuthing!

This nostalgic movie is also a comfort film thanks to MK and A (I was obsessed!). And nothing says summer like the beach — it doesn't matter whether you're laying in the sun or playing with dolphins. There's also just something so sweet about young love, and when those relationships are paired with the twins having to stand up to mean girl Brianna (Megan Fox), it's like the perfect recipe for a 00s movie. Plus One Tree Hill's Austin Nichols?! Say no more.

You can buy Holiday in the Sun on Apple TV+. The movie stars Mary-Kate Olsen as Madison, Ashley Olsen as Alex, Austin Nichols as Griffen, Ben Easter as Jordan, and Megan Fox as Brianna.

The Parent Trap — Stream On Disney+

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

Thanks to Lindsay Lohan movies like Irish Wish, our favorite redhead is back! And every time I think about my favorite Lindsay flicks, The Parent Trap tops the list. Lindsay plays both Hallie and Annie in this Nancy Meyers movie, twins separated at birth who accidentally cross paths at summer camp. Armed with sass, pierced ears, and photos of their parents, the gals decide to swap places and get their divorced parents to fall in love. No big deal.

Movies about sisters always make me a little weepy (I really love my sister, okay?) and I love the extent to which Annie and Hallie look out for each other...after their summer camp feud ends, of course. From rainy days in their cabin to Hallie's California home and Annie's London flat, this film gives me all kinds of wanderlust, but the best part is the cast of characters. Elizabeth and Nick, Chessy and Martin, even the sneaky Meredith all come together to make this nostalgic movie one of the best Disney films ever!

You can stream The Parent Trap on Disney+ now. The movie stars Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson as Elizabeth, Elaine Hendrix as Meredith, Lisa Ann Walter as Chessy, and Simon Kunz as Martin.

Blue Crush — Stream On Peacock

Image via Universal Pictures

I had SUCH a surfer phase in middle school, and watching Blue Crush is sure to bring that back to the surface ;). Best friends Anne Marie (Kate Bosworth), Eden (Michelle Rodriguez), and Lena (Sanoe Lake), plus Anne Marie's sister Penny (played by Mika Boorem) live together in a house on the North Shore. They all dream of becoming pro surfers, and when Anne Marie is invited to join a local competition, she has to face her fear of wiping out head-on.

There is so much to be said for how much these women take care of each other, both physically (they're all helping raise Penny), and emotionally. Plus, Anne Marie's biggest dream also being her biggest fear feels so personal as a viewer because that's exactly what happens in real life: the thing you want the most can also be the thing that scares the living daylights out of you. This summer movie also makes me think about the real-world female surfers who paved the way for the next generation — and I'm sure Blue Crush will be a nostalgic movie that inspires surfers for years to come.

Blue Crush is available on Peacock and stars Sanoe Lake, Michelle Rodriguez, Mika Boorem, and Kate Bosworth.

What's your go-to nostalgic movie? Check out all the 2024 Movies coming out this year!

Lead image via Warner Home Video

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Kim Kardashian Can’t Watch Herself On AHS: Delicate And The Reason Is So Relatable

Fans who were left on the edge of their seats after watching the first part of AHS: Delicate last year won't have to wait longer for part two! Emma Roberts and Kim Kardashian are gearing up to pick up where their characters left off, and sinister twists are about to get much darker. While we know the focus revolves around their interactions, we can't wait to see how Gilmore Girls star Matt Czuchry fits into what's sure to be a big reveal.

Read on for a mini recap of part one of AHS: Delicateand learn all the juicy details about part two!

Recap of Kim Kardashian's involvement in AHS: Delicate

Image via FX Networks

Kim Kardashian as 'Siobhan' in "American Horror Story: Delicate"

As good as Kim Kardashian is as the icy publicist Siobhan on AHS: Delicate, don't expect her to watch herself onscreen. She appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live yesterday and explained why she hasn't seen herself in clips of the show when Jimmy Kimmel played and unsettling one.

Her character can be seen intimidating a fertility doctor to do her bidding as she pierces the top of his neck with a long orange fingernail. She smiled before saying "It's so funny, I can't watch it back," and then added, "I get so nervous."

She even talked about the difference between filming for TV and working as an actual actress. She said, "I called my sisters and I go, 'Guys. You — not to say you'd ever want to get into acting — but you are so lucky you can wake up and just, we can sit in bed and film, and you don't have to get up...like there is no schedule."

However, it seems like the budding actress took her new schedule in stride because Star Trek actor and AHS co-star Zachary Quinto applauded Kardashian’s acting chops.

“I did a cameo on this season of ‘American Horror Story’ and I got to meet her,” the actor told People. “She was so lovely and warm and, really, I don’t think she needs my advice.” Quinto added, sharing that Kardashian, was “really in her element” on set and he was “really impressed by her spirit and her openness…I really look forward to seeing this season because I think she’s gonna do a wonderful job.”

Recap of AHS: Delicate Part 1

Image via FX Networks

The first part of AHS: Delicate premiered on FX September 20, 2023 and centered around actress Anna Victoria Alcott's desire to become a mother. Played by Emma Roberts, viewers watched as her husband Dexter Harding (played by Matt Czuchry) was supportive of her IVF procedure so the couple could conceive their first child. Despite the previous struggles, the procedure is a success and the happy couple learn they have a baby on the way.

However, things go horribly wrong when Anna starts being followed and eventually experiences a violent miscarriage during her first trimester. Somehow the baby actually survives, but Anna still experiences a series of strange hallucinations and events. From losing her hair to vomiting a foreign object, she starts to wonder if something is wrong with her baby. There's also the fact that she told her publicist Siobhan (played by Kim Kardashian) that she'd do anything to remain at the top of the her career.

What's revealed is that a baby cult does exist and Dexter's dead first wife knew all about it. However, the cult still looks at him as a threat so it's only a matter of time before they close in.

If you need a refresher, catch up on the first part of AHS: Delicate on Hulu and be sure to check out the eery trailer for a look at part two! Also, get your hands on a copy of Danielle Valentine’s novel Delicate Condition to see how the story truly unfolds.

Watch The Official Trailer For AHS: Delicate Part 2

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American Horror Story: Delicate Part Two | Official Trailer - Emma Roberts, Kim Kardashian | FX

We suspected Siobhan may have a darker role than Anna thinks and the trailer confirms it. As Anna gets further along in her pregnancy, it's hinted that her growing baby may not be 'normal' and there's nothing she'll be able to do about it.

We're crossing our fingers for Anna and Dexter, but the baby cult may have the final say in AHS: Delicate Part 2.

The first portion of AHS: Delicate Part 2 premiered on FX April 3, 2024, but the series will come to a close beginning April 24. All we can say is things are about to get extremely bumpy 👀.

What do you think will happen during the final moments of AHS: Delicate Part 2? Let us know in the comments!

Stay updated on the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

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Header image via FX Networks
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Striped Home Decor Is So In — Here Are 20 Pieces To Shop Right Now

"I feel like there can never be enough stripes, or fringe, or tassels in a house," Emma Roberts said in her Architectural Digestinterview. And same, Emma, same. It's the season for stripes, and they're blowing up in the best ways. Stunning color combos are turning this classic pattern into a modern must-have. I literally want to drape my house in all of them. But a little goes a long way when it comes to making an impact with bold stripes. Here are fun ways to bring them into your home decor this season.

Shop Stripes For Your Home Here!

IKEA SLÅNHÖSTMAL Comforter Set

IKEA's new comforter set is so cheerful – and affordable – there's nothing not to love.

Maeve by Anthropologie Striped Ruffle Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Ruffled stripes add a whimsical touch to your indoor or outdoor space.

Etsy Scalloped Stripy Matchstick Pot

Sometimes it's the little things...these scalloped matchstick holders are just about the cutest things I've ever seen.

UO Roma Sofa

Commit to your stripe obsession with this European-inspired wavy sofa in a dreamy butter yellow.

Piglet in Bed Pembroke Stripe Linen Sheets

Stripes aren't just for summer – these stonewashed French linen sheets have that earthy look for all seasons.

Avenie Fruit Salad Collection Stripes Removable Wallpaper

Try this playful pastel stripe in a bathroom or on an accent wall. It's easily removable so it works for rentals too!

Dusen Dusen Earth Stripe Bath Towel

These generously sized bath towels are your go-to summer beach towel too.

Damato Round Outdoor Pouf Ottoman

Place this adorable striped ottoman in your living room or on your deck and instantly upgrade your decor.

Dusen Dusen Oven Mitt

Bring stripes into the kitchen with these cool color combos.

H&M Tasseled Seat Cushion

These rectangular seat cushions in striped cotton fabric are a fun way to dress up your outdoor lounge chairs.

DUSEN DUSEN Striped Bathrobe

Walk out on your porch/patio/veranda in this charming cotton terry bathrobe, which is Oeko-Tex Standard 100% certified.

Etsy Linen Heart Shape Ruffled Cushion

You can personalize this sweet ruffle heart pillow (names, dates, phrases) with embroidery as the perfect handmade gift.

Amanda Jane Jones X Revival Navy Stripe Jute Rug

This classic color combo in a 100% jute rug is calling my name – omg, love.

Boho Beach Umbrella with Fringe

Protect your skin (it's UPF 50+) in style with this 6.5-foot tasseled umbrella with carry bag.

Etsy Painted Mugs

These cute mugs are handmade and hand-painted in a small workshop in Paris, and are dishwasher and microwave safe.

QUIET TOWN Ojai Towel Hike

Made in Portugal with 100% organic cotton, this bath-and-beach towel is inspired by vintage hotel towels with color-blocking on the other side.

Crate and Barrel Harriet Stripe Velvet Bolster Pillow

These velvety bolster pillows are part of C&B's kids collection, but they can add a pop of stripe to any bed or chair.

Meri Meri Striped Ruffled Fabric Napkins

Every table is a party table with these festive linen napkins. The sweetest!

Remember Storage Basket

Love the unique way these baskets show off their stripes. Use them for magazines, books, blankets and more.

Amalfi Stripe Linen Table Throw

Italian countryside meets your table with this 100% linen tablecloth in a sunny yellow stripe. Buon Viaggio!

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Kristen Bell And Dax Shepard Have The Sweetest Proposal Story

I can give you two reasons why Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard's marriage sits high on my admiration list — Veronica Mars and Punk'd. I was in barely in middle school when these two stars graced my TV screen on their respective shows, but they've always stood out to me. Discovering they were dating just seemed to make sense in the grand scheme of good romantic pairings and — as we can see — it turns out Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard think so too.

From their first meet-cute that wasn't actually that cute to the ways they've loved each other through dark times, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard almost make being in love look easy. Here's a breakdown of some of the most important moments of their relationship timeline.

Kristen Bell And Dax Shepard's Relationship Timeline:

Image via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

2007: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Meet + Begin Dating

The couple haven't been shy about revealing their first time meeting was exactly love at first sight. Kristen Bell admitted during an Instagram Q&A in 2018 that they actually met at a party for producer Shauna Robertson. E! News recalled that the actress said, "2 weeks later I saw him at a hockey game and he asked for the gum in my mouth." Knowing Dax's personality, that actually checks out.

She also revealed his unconventional pickup line. "Truly, his first text to me was: ‘Hi. My name is Dax. I violated your privacy and got your number from Shauna. How do you feel about that,'' she remembered.

Though they did start dating, Kristen regularly trolls Dax about the time they briefly broke up. She told Popsugar, "He sat me down and said, 'I can't have this right now. I think you're wonderful, but I am still dating other people.' And then I, like, liquefied and fell to the ground, but I felt incredibly respected that he had the balls to tell me we weren't in the same place."

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

2009: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Work As Co-Stars During Filming Of When in Rome

Who can forget the hilarious rom-com movie When in Rome? Kristen starred as the 'unlucky in love' main character Beth who finds herself being pursued by a handful of romantic prospects after she picks up coins from a fountain that's supposed to grant love those who dare to take from it. Dax played the role of Gale, a model who was very into himself, and it was funny watching them interact on-screen.

According to People, the couple got engaged shortly after filming ended.

Image via Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

August 2012: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Work Together Again On Set Of Hit & Run

Written by Dax Shepard, Hit & Run revolved around a former getaway driver's attempt to flee his past while making sure his girlfriend makes it to her job interview on time. The couple reprised their romantic relationship onscreen and continued to prove that they work really well together.

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November 2012: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Announce They're Expecting Baby No. 1

A source relayed the news to People in 2012 by sharing the following statement, "They’re so excited — they’re both ecstatic. They can’t wait to become parents." They also shared that Kristen had been dealing with a bit of morning sickness, but she started doing better as time passed.

March 28, 2013: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard's First Daughter Arrives

Several months later, Kristen gave birth birth to her and Dax's first daughter, Lincoln Bell Shepard.

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June 2013: Kristen Bell Pops The Question To Dax Shepard

In 2013, People shared that Kristen proposed to Dax Shepard after The Supreme Court overturned California's Prop 8 that was meant to ban same-sex marriage.

October 2013: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Tie The Knot

The couple celebrated their union by exchanging vows at a courthouse. Kristen previously told People they didn't want a grand celebration and they managed to keep their word.

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June 2014: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Prepare For Baby No. 2's Arrival

The couple happily announced they were growing their family in 2014 via their rep's statement to People. "I can confirm that Kristen and Dax are expecting their second child and a sibling for Lincoln," the rep shared. They also touched on how much their family was looking forward to the arrival of a new bundle of joy.

December 2014: The Couple's Second Daughter Is Born

Finally, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Delta Bell Shepard, before Christmas in 2014.

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2017: Dax Shepard And Kristen Bell Star in CHiPS

A couple who works together, stays together — at least that seems to apply Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. They starred together again in the movie CHiPS, but Kristen starred as Dax's ex-wife this time.

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September 1, 2018: Kristen Bell And Dax Shepard Celebrate His Sobriety Journey

Dax Shepard has never been ashamed to talk about his sobriety journey and shared a personal moment with that made him question everything He appeared on Blake Griffin's podcast, The Pursuit of Healthiness to talk about his struggles in 2021. "What I would do is I would get sober for movies. I cared more about movies — it was the only thing I was more addicted to was being in movies — and so I would get sober for movies and then in between movies it was getting more and more dangerous," he recalled.

It wasn't until he caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror during a trip to Hawaii that he realized something was wrong. He remembered thinking, "I have every single thing I've ever wanted, and I'm at my lowest point emotionally and something has got to be very broken about that. If I have everything I said was going to make me feel good and I feel terrible, I've got to look at some other thing."

To celebrate her husband's commitment to remaining sober, Kristen wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram to encourage him to keep going. "I'm so proud that you have never been ashamed of your story, but instead shared it widely, with the hope it might inspire someone else to become the best version of themselves...I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone, and I want you to know, I see you. I see how hard you work," a portion of the lengthy message reads.

Addiction in any form is never easy to navigate so we admire how much Kristen's been supportive of Dax.

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February 2019: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Launch A Baby Brand

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard decided to launch Hello Bello— a brand with everything from diapers to sun and bug protection — for several reasons. "I want something that's going to fill my soul. I want access to be able to give a lot of stuff away just as gifts, as a way of saying thank you for existing in this hard time called parenting," she told People in 2021.

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September 2023: Kristen Bell And Dax Share The Secret To Their Happy Marriage

It's no doubt that Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard have experienced a lot throughout their marriage, but they've managed to stay the course. Kristen actually shared some amazing advice for other couples during a conversation with Entertainment Tonight that we're thinking about applying to our own relationships. "Common goals, seek them out," she stressed.

The other thing she feels is crucial to making a relationship work is truly seeing and valuing your partner as a person. "Understanding that your partner used to be a little person is the best thing you can do. Sometimes if we're ever on the verge of a fight, one of us will say — it's usually Dax — 'I feel like 8-year-old Dax right now.' And I'm able to see him like I see my kids, which is in a very different way and go, 'Oh yeah, you're a little person that had trauma and triggers and it's not about me,'" she added.

That's powerful because it can be hard to remember that it's not just about you in a relationship. We don't think people intentionally mean to be selfish, but it can be happen and the key is to acknowledge it instead of doubling down on a particular stance that may not be helpful in the heat of an argument.

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Lead image via John Sciulli/Getty Images for UNICEF

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