What to Make This Weekend: Mini Zen Garden, Pom Pom Picnic Blanket + More

Apr 29, 2016

With May comin’ in hot this weekend, there are a few projects to keep you busy prepping before the warmer season whisks us away to happy land. We’ve got a gold bar cart project to make sure your Cinco de Mayo drinks are served in style. And we can’t forget about Mother’s Day, which definitely warrants a thoughtful, handmade gift that will win you “Best Child” award. So whether you’re in need of a special something for your mama or you’re just looking for new inspo for more pom pom placement, we’ve got you covered. Here are 12 projects to tackle before Monday’s return and before the Mother’s Day gift panic sets in.

1. DIY Mini Zen Garden: Being a mom is stressful, and nothing takes away the stress like a tropical vacay. Give mom her own personal beach with a hot pink sand garden. Finally, a place where she can relax and unwind with a quiet pair of flamingos and ponder your awesomeness. (via Brit + Co)

2. DIY Pom Pom Picnic Blanket: It’s true: The addition of pom poms instantly makes everything ten times cooler. Spruce up your old picnic blanket from last year or make a brand new (totally rad) round one, just in time to start picnic-ing in style. (via Studio DIY)

3. DIY Leather Sunglasses Case: That blinding light in the sky means summer is just around the corner. You’re going to need a snazzy way to keep your new sunnies safe from sandy beaches and long road trips. Put together this sleek leather case with a pop of colorful stitching or use leather stamping to write out a personal message. (via Brit + Co)

4. DIY Sail Away Travel Pouch: It doesn’t matter if you’re heading off on vacation or treating yourself to a restful stay-cation: You need to make this handy little pouch. Fill it with chapstick and hand sanitizer, and toss the whole thing in your purse so you can finally stop losing those pesky little items. (via Lovely Indeed)

5. DIY Mini Succulent Drink Stirrers: In the search for a perfectly styled bar cart, you’ve got to constantly keep your stirrer game on point. Warm weather means a whole new slew of mixology options will be tempting you, so you need to DIY a batch of these adorable straw stirrers ASAP. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

6. DIY Tropical Floral Bar Cart Swag: Speaking of stylish bar carts, you’ll need some swag to go along with your next tropical soiree. Bring on the pina coladas and deck out your bar cart, coffee table, end table, etc. with these gorg tropical blooms. (via Sugar & Cloth)

7. DIY Letter Shaped Pretzels: Take your love of typography to the next level and make it edible. Spell out your adoration for Mom or treat your S.O. to a cute message, then help them nom down these tasty treats. (via Brit + Co)

8. DIY Geometric Bath Tray: Instead of taking Mom to the spa this year, give her all the ingredients she needs to spoil herself right at home. DIY this colorful bath shelf and pair it with a basket full of DIY bath bombs, salt scrubs and other homemade goodies. (via The Whimsical Wife)

9. DIY Pressed Flower Coasters: A bouquet of flowers is always nice, but then they die and there goes your gift. Give mom a set of coasters with her favorite flowers so she can remember how thoughtful you are every time she uses them. (via Brit + Co)

10. DIY Rosewater Favors: Rosewater is a magic elixir that does wonders for the skin and acts as a subtle perfume. Oh, and it’s really easy to make. These little spray bottles would be elegant favors for a bridal party, or you can just make a batch for you and your mom to enjoy. (via Swooned)

11. DIY Color-Dipped Art: Got a piece of art sitting around that you like, but don’t loooooove? Give it a whole new life with this simple DIY hack. Tape off half the painting and apply a quick coat of paint for a totally awesome new piece of wall art. Take the look even further by painting all or part of the frame. (via Brit + Co)

12. DIY Leather Tassel Keychain: Leather tassels are coming back in a big way this summer, and it’s easy to see why. They are colorful, quirky and totally fun to make. Switch up the colors and threads, and start layering these beauties on your purse, keychain, etc. (via I Spy DIY)

What are you most excited to DIY this weekend? Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative!

Christmas Cacti, Rainbow Stockings, and More Holiday Crafts to Make This Weekend

You might not be making toys in your workshop, but with all your holiday crafts, the elves aren't the only busy bodies this time of year! Invite your pod over for a weekend of DIYs to get your #HandmandeChristmas off to a good start. With pillows, wreaths, and ornaments, there's a little something for everyone here.

DIY Paper Poinsettias

Finally! Christmas florals that aren't harmful to your kitties. We think these crepe blooms are even prettier than the real thing. (via The House That Lars Built)

DIY Cornstarch Holiday Ornaments

Kick it old school with a craft you probably haven't done since grade school. The only difference is that now your ornaments will be the freshest around. (via Club Crafted)

DIY Pom-Pom Oven Mitts

A set of these mitts along with a spatula, a tasty cookie mix, and some measuring spoons would make for the perfect last-minute gift. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

DIY Painted Jingle Bell Wreath

With this wreath on your front door, all your holiday guests will be announced with a festive jingle. (via Handmade Charlotte)

DIY Rainbow Christmas Stockings

Keep it Kawaii this month with festive rainbow decor. Santa will be delighted to fill each stocking with the very best stuffers. (via A Bubbly Life)

DIY His & Hers Ornament Wreaths

What better way to display all your personal faves than on a wreath? When you're cramped for space or just don't have time for a tree, a wreath is the perfect alternative. (via PMQ for Two)

DIY Reindeer Drink Stirrers

Looks like Rudolph had one too many cocktails, which is why he's got that adorable red nose. (via Lovely Indeed)

DIY Holiday Wreath Glasses

Photo booth props are the best part of any party, so you better make 'em good! Your BFFs will be fighting to wear these adorable wreath glasses in the group shot. (via Bright & Bubbly)

DIY Ice Skate Pillow

Traditional yet chic, this pillow project is perfect for your glam Christmas decor. (via A Beautiful Mess)

DIY Christmas Tree Cactus

Spread some cheer by adding trim and ribbons to your plants and cacti. You'll get the Christmas vibe without all the hassle of hauling a tree around. (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Holiday Wax Sachets

For a handmade gift exchange, these naturally scented sachets are like a candle, but without the flame. (via Hello Glow)

Show us your holiday crafts by tagging us on Instagram and follow us on Pinterest for more inspo!

This post has been updated.

11 Healthy Late Night Snacks For When The Munchies Are Too Powerful

I am no stranger to the late night snack. Far too many times I’ve snuck into the pantry past midnight to find a little rat snack to nibble on. You know what happens when the sweet tooth strikes!

Sadly, enjoying the midnight snack I want to eat every night (ice cream, duh) isn’t realistic for the sake of my health (that sugar high goes crazy). Luckily, there are a ton of healthy late-night snacks to enjoy – with most of them being a bag open away!

My fave healthy late-night snacks range sweet to savory, and all of them hit the spot. Scroll to see the brands killing the healthy late-night snack game!

The Only Bean Crunchy Dry Roasted Edamame Snacks

These dried edamame beans are a great healthy late-night snack to have if you're aiming to eat a high-protein diet. One pack of this crunchy treat delivers 14 grams of protein, plus they're fully vegan, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy free for all to enjoy! The individual serving packs also make this snack easy to take on the go!

Deux Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

I can't say enough about Deux! They sell edible cookie doughs and dessert spreads, too, but their donut holes just hit different. One serving of the Cinnamon Sugar flavor (the best flavor, IMO) has 140 calories, but what makes them a healthy late-night snack is the inclusion of B12 and L-theanine, which help support your energy & metabolism. Even though these bites are "healthier," they still taste like a real cake donut (icing and all), which is optimal for satisfying sweets cravings!

SmartSweets Sourmelon Bites Sour Gummy Candy

🎶 I want candy! 🎶 No, seriously – I want candy. But when I want candy that's not as harsh in terms of sugar content and artificial additives, I reach for these watermelon-flavored SmartSweets gummies. The entire bag is one serving, which is super satisfying to me! Plus, there's only 3 grams of sugar in one bag. I will say the texture doesn't really compare your regular sour gummies do (they're a bit sticky), but I'm still obsessed with the flavor given that this is a "healthier" snack.

Siete Grain Free Cinnamon Chips Churro Strips

Siete is another food brand that's stacked with options for healthy late-night snacks. My favorite pick of 'em all are these grain-free churro chips, which are made with minimal, whole ingredients and crafted using only 100% avocado oil. They're sweet, sugary (sweetened with coconut sugar – chef's kiss 🤌), and crunchy all at the same time, and taste ahh-mazing with some hot chocolate.

CHOMPS Grass Fed Original Beef Jerky Snack Sticks

There's nothing like a meat stick when you're strapped for a snack, IMO. They're packed with protein that'll fill you up, plus the taste and texture are often super pleasing when hunger strikes. That's the case with these snack sticks from CHOMPS – a single serving delivers an impressive 10 grams of protein for only 100 calories, and get this: there's 0 grams of sugar!

MOSH Cookie Dough Crunch Protein Bars

If I could eat a MOSH bar every night, I would. The protein bar brand, founded by none other than Maria Shriver and Patrick Schwarzenegger, never misses when it comes to texture and taste. As opposed to most other protein bars I've tried that boast grainy, chalky formulations, MOSH bars are always creamy and smooth. They also have the perfect amount of crunch with tiny crisps mixed in! One bar of the Cookie Dough Crunch flavor is 160 calories, has 12 grams or protein, and 1 gram of sugar.

gimMe Extra Virgin Olive Oil Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks

These are crazy because I could eat ten packs and still want more. But they're healthy! Potato chips have truly met their match. These organic seaweed snacks made with EVOO are vegan, Paleo, Keto, low-calorie (30 cals a serving), and rich in vitamins B12 and iodine. You can even snag 'em in flavors like Wasabi, Chili Lime, and Teriyaki.

LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Organic Popcorn

Another amazing alternative for a bag of greasy potato chips (love 'em, but my tummy doesn't), this minimally-processed bagged popcorn from LesserEvil is still wonderfully crunchy and salty. They also air-pop their popcorn to be lighter and fluffier than most other kinds you'll find on the market. This healthy late-night snack boasts a lower calorie count and higher fiber content than other bagged popcorns, too! Now that's what I call a win.

Grillo's Pickles Classic Dill Pickle Chips

Pickle girls, rise up. I am officially deeming pickles a healthy late-night snack! One serving of these gorgeous Grillo's pickle chips is just 5 calories... wild. Although they boast 200 mg of sodium (9% of your daily recommended intake), these pickles are made with clean ingredients for healthy, guilt-free late-night snack seshes. Crunch away, my love.

Hu Salty Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao Candy

These dark chocolate bars from Hu are insane, I tell ya! Their formulations are free of any refined sugar, cane sugar, sugar alcohols, dairy, palm oil, gluten, and soy, plus they're primarily made with Fairtrade ingredients. If that's not an excuse to eat chocolate every night, I don't know what is.

Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snack Crisps Lightly Salted

Snacking on plant-based protein is always a good way to go when you're looking for healthy late-night snacks. That way, you can actually feel full and satisfied after eating! I could truly shovel a whole bag of these Harvest Snaps crisps into my mouth, but they're worth savoring. In each serving of this perfectly-salted treat, you'll get 130 calories, 5 grams of protein, and even 4 grams of dietary fiber!

Liked this list of healthy late-night snacks? Check out our fave high-protein snacks for more eats, and subscribe to our newsletter to see the greatest snacks around!

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

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11 Stylish Ways to Transition Your Gallery Wall for Fall

While summer is officially over, beautiful fall foliage is finally cropping up with our favorite palette of reds and oranges, so why not bring the look inside with some gallery wall art? These leaf-filled, rich-hued DIY's will look fab and save you a ton of money for new investment pieces (like that crazy new statement mirror decor trend you've been eyeing).

DIY Autumn Leaf Garland

Hang a cheery garland or two for all the fall get-togethers on your calendar. (via Make + Tell)

Printable "Sweater Weather" Print

New sweaters and new art go hand in hand, right? Luckily this print is free, so you'll just need a frame to make it really stand out. (via Lovely Indeed)

DIY Anthropologie Wall Art

You'll save some cash and have have a lot of fun making this DIY. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Fringe Wall Hanging

Enjoy those beiges and browns in all of their glory before the holiday decor vibes really kick in. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Layered Fan Art Piece

Pieces that jump off the wall at you will always leave more of an impression. And while it's not time to spook your guests with Halloween decor yet, you can hit them with some bold color. (via The House That Lars Built)

DIY Paper Shapes Art

And all at once, summer collapsed into fall... along with its more muted color palette. These amber hues remind us of a pile of leaves. (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Mini Purple Fall Wreaths

What's better than a big fancy wreath? Three small ones that you can mix and match and arrange to suit your constantly changing decor needs. (via PMQ for Two)

DIY Wooden Block Mosaic Art

All your project offcuts can find a purpose in this assembled piece. (via A Beautiful Mess)

DIY Modern Fall Wreath

The simple beauty of a hoop wreath with a scroll of text will capture even the strongest of summer-loving hearts. (via Craftberry Bush)

DIY Abstract Geometric Painting

Wild brush strokes that look the way the crisp wind feels? You can't get more autumnal than that. (via Dans Le Lakehouse)

DIY Wall Art Weaving Hack

The larger weavings can be hard to put together, but with this hack you can speed through a big one in no time. (via Paper & Stitch)

Show us your fall gallery walls by tagging us on Instagram + check out our B+C online Illustration classes for more creative inspo!

This post has been updated.

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Camila Mendes & Boyfriend Rudy Mancuso Just Recreated Their Movie Poster With The Cutest Photo

When I heard that Camila Mendes and her boyfriend Rudy Mancuso met on the set of their new rom-com Música, I couldn't believe it! The best days of a relationship can already feel like a rom-com, but meeting your S.O. on the set of a literal movie feels like a dream. Ahead of the spring movie's drop on Prime Video, here's everything you need to know about Camila Mendes' boyfriend, as well as the cutest moments from the couple.

Camila Mendes And Rudy Mancuso's Relationship Timeline

Image via Prime Video

Spring 2022 — Camila Mendes And Rudy Mancuso Meet On The Set Of Música

Camila Mendes and her boyfriend met while filming Rudy's semi-autobiographical 2024 movie Música. Rudy plays a fictionalized version of himself, and the story follows him as he moves through life with synesthesia, and as he feels torn between settling down and pursuing his art. Camila stars as Isabella, who opens up Rudy's worldview in a whole new way.

The movie is artistic and colorful and musical in a way that I have never seen before, and I can't stop thinking about it. Camila Mendes and Rudy Mancuso also told me during our interview that this scene pictured above in the park was the very first scene they shot together. They're so comfortable around each other that I never would have guessed!

Image via Camila Mendes/Instagram

July 10, 2023 — Camila Mendes And Rudy Mancuso Celebrate One Year

During the summer of 2023, we got the cutest new pic of Camila Mendes' boyfriend with the actress. "always in our own little world," Camila says on Instagram. "te amo so much. one year down, and many more to go."

Image via Camila Mendes/Instagram

February 14, 2024 — Cami Mendes Calls Rudy Mancuso Her Valentine

Camila Mendes celebrated Valentine's Day, and Rudy Mancuso, with a super sweet Instagram post. "my valentine 🌹 as soon as he wrapped música, he flew all the way to the UK to support me while filming upgraded," she says in the post. "edited all of música remotely from our little hotel room in leeds. visited me on set almost every day just to give me a kiss and watch me do my thing. i love you @rudymancuso thanks for showing up in the most meaningful ways. lucky to be your valentine 💌"

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

March 2024 — Camila Mendes And Rudy Mancuso's Música Premieres At SXSW

Rudy and Cami attended the premiere of their rom-com at the 2024 SXSW film festival, and it was an evening worth remembering! "Thank you all who came to support my film MÚSICA at @sxsw. It was a dream," Camila Mendes' boyfriend Rudy Mancuso says on Instagram. "I truly can’t wait to share it with the world."

"thank you to everyone who came out to support MÚSICA yesterday," Camila says on her own Instagram post. "watching our film in a theater full of family, friends and movie lovers was an experience i’ll never forget."

Image via Camila Mendes/Instagram

April 3, 2024 — Camila Mendes and Rudy Mancuso Promote Música In NYC

Camila shared some hilarious photos from her time promoting Música with Rudy — including pretending to fall asleep on the Good Morning America set and my personal favorite, recreating the movie poster! I also need to get Cami's makeup look ASAP.

Who is Camila Mendes' boyfriend Rudy Mancuso?

Image via Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Rudy Mancuso is an actor, director, and YouTuber. In addition to Música, he's best known for his YouTube channel Awkward Puppets (and the main puppet Diego has a role in the movie!). You can also see him in Rim of the World and The Flash.

Can't get enough news about Camila Mendes' boyfriend Rudy Mancuso? Check out The Latest News On Tom Holland And Zendaya's Relationship for more romantic goodness!

Lead images via Frazer Harrison/Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

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Kirsten Dunst Reminisces About “Bring It On” — And Her Childhood Connection To The Movie

Once we saw her in Jumanji, we knew actress Kirsten Dunst would make us proud — especially as Torrance Shipman in the iconic cheer movie, Bring It On. She had us shouting, "Brrr, it's cold in here! There must be some Toros in the atmosphere" during recess...and now, if we're being honest! But, she wasn't the only person we had our eyes on.

There were so many '90s it girls who made an appearance in the movie that we couldn't help but wonder what the Bring It On cast has been up to since the movie premiered in 2000. Sigh...yes, it's been 23 years since Bring It On hit the big screen. ANYWAY, here's what your fave cheerleaders have been up to over the last two decades!

Kirsten Dunst — Torrance Shipman

Image via Aliah Anderson/Getty Images

Kirsten Dunst made us believe that "cheer is life" with her portrayal of Torrance Shipman in Bring It On, but her acting credits didn't end there. She went on to star in the earlier Spiderman franchises, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Marie Antoinette, Hidden Figures, and more! During a video interview with Variety, she fondly talked about starring in Bring It On. She said, "We did extensive dance rehearsal which I loved. I was a cheerleader in 8th grade — that's why I did the movie." Although she was a base in middle school, she got to do a little bit of flying in the movie. She was nervous because her best friend broke her arm doing so, but it seems everything turned out just fine! The best thing she said is, "That movie was a surprise to all of us — the success. We were just off in San Diego...having fun."

In another recent interview with E!, she described where she thinks Torrance Shipman would be today. "Good question. Coaching, maybe," she said with a smile.

Her latest project is the upcoming film Civil War that's set to revolve around an erupting civil war in America. She plays Lee, a celebrated war photojournalist who travels to different cities to document what's going on.

Eliza Dushku — Missy Pantone

Image via Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

Before she was Missy Pantone in Bring It On, Eliza Dushku was in the film True Lies with Arnold Schwarznegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. She also starred in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, That 70's Show, Ugly Betty, and a slew of other movies. Although she hasn't been acting lately, she did produce Mapplethorpe in 2018 via her production company, Boston Diva Productions.

Jesse Bradford — Cliff Pantone

Image via Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images

Did we have a crush on Jesse Bradford at one point? The correct answer is of course we did! Not only was he a part of the Bring It On cast, but he appeared in other fun teen movies like Cherry Falls with the late actress Brittany Murphy, Swimfan and Clockstoppers.

These days you can find him living his best life on Instagram.

Lindsay Sloane — Big Red

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Max Mara

"Big Red" was played by none other than actress Lindsay Sloane. Her comedic timing has secured her spot as a comedian who's appeared in Nancy Drew, The Other Guys, and Horrible Bosses 1 and 2. Her last occurring role was as Judy on the updated version of The Wonder Years.

Gabrielle Union-Wade — Isis

Image via

Gabrielle Union-Wade has had a long acting career and has appeared in some of favorite coming-of-age movies. From being a part of the Bring It On cast to playing the lead character in Being Mary Jane, she's done more than make her mark in the entertainment industry. When she's not busy with family life, it's not unusual to see the actress secure brand partnerships.

Gabrielle's most recent appearance was at the 55th NAACP Image Awards with her husband Dwyane Wade on March 16.

Shamari Devoe — Lava

Image via Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

Shamari Devoe was one of Isis' right-hand girls in Bring It On, but she mostly known being the lead vocalist of former R&B group Blaque. She briefly appeared on season 11 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, but Yahoo reports she decided to part ways with the reality TV show.

She's married to Ronnie Devoe, a member of the R&B group New Edition, and they've appeared on Seasons 2 and 3 of Couples Retreat.

Natina Reed — Jenelope

Image via Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Natina Reed was also among the Bring It On cast and was known for her melodic rapping in the girl group Blaque. However, she passed away in 2012 after being hit by a car. The Hollywood Reporter says she was attempting to cross the street.

Clare Kramer — Courtney

Image via Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Clare Kramer may have played "Courtney" in Bring It On, but she was also known for playing the villain Glory on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She also was a part of the Sabrina, the Teenage Witch cast! Her last role was Ms. Persephone in a movie called The Dead Ones.

Huntley Ritter — Les

Image via Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images

Ah, good ole Les! We can't forget his memorable character in Bring It On. However, he's also had a role in The Wedding Planner and We Are Marshall. Nowadays, Huntley is the Co-President/CCO of STFRD (Strafford), marketing company based out California.

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Header image via Universal Pictures

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