16 One-Pot Keto Recipes That Prove Cheese and Bacon Are Good for You

Dec 23, 2017

For many of us, 2017 was a doozy, but we here at Brit + Co are ready to hit refresh in 2018! Follow our Hit Refresh series through January for new ideas, hacks, and skills that will help you achieve (and maintain!) those New Year’s resolutions.

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13 Delicious Bubble Tea Recipes To Make At Home For National Boba Day

We are all about bubble tea and boba these days. It's sweet, it's creamy, and it also doubles as a nice snack, thanks to the starchy-sweet tapioca pearls. Thankfully, it’s so easy to prepare at home and you get to choose whatever flavors, teas, and milks you like! Stock up on tapioca pearls and take note: these bubble tea recipes might just inspire you to open your own drink stand.

National Boba Day is April 30, so get ready to celebrate with these sips!

Boozy Vanilla Chai Bubble Tea

Add an extra kick to your usual bubble tea order with a little bit of boozy Baileys! Cinnamon sticks and star anise up the cozy factor of this bubble tea recipe, which makes this drink perfect for chilly nights. (via Brit + Co)

Colorful Tapioca Milk Tea

As much as we love bubble tea, we wish some of the details were more colorful. So when it comes to making our own, you better believe we went crazy with *all* the rainbow accessories! (via Brit + Co)

Mango Boba

Mango nectar adds sweetness and a tropical essence to the plain black tea that makes up this infusion. Try soaking your tapioca in a vanilla simple syrup to give the pearls some flavor of their own! (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Matcha Boba Latte with Lavender Cold Foam

This heavenly boba tea recipe (that's low-key giving Starbucks' new lavender drinks) uses one of BOBABAM's convenient pre-made Matcha boba packs to craft the perfectly balanced sip. It's earthy and floral, and oh-so delish. (via BOBABAM)

Coconut Vanilla Boba

We’ve all had our fair share of bad bubble tea recipes at some point. When you make your own at home, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking and ensure that the tapioca balls are fully cooked every single time. (via Savory Tooth)

Bubble Cold Brew

You don’t always have to choose between your favorite frosty cold brew and boba. Combine the two, and you’ll be saving yourself a ton of cash and getting exactly what you want. (via The Movement Menu)

Thai Almond Milk Bubble Tea

Visit any Thai restaurant, and you’ll likely see a vat of bright orange Thai tea waiting to be sipped. Add some chewy tapioca balls to that, and you’ll get this insanely creamy and refreshing Thai bubble tea. Warning: it’s addicting! (via Love and Olive Oil)

Peanut Butter Banana Boba Shake

You just can't go wrong with peanut butter and banana. Plus, when boba's in the mix, every sip gets sweeter and sweeter. (via BOBABAM)

Horchata Boba

This homemade horchata boba is culinary fusion at its finest. The milky rice, cinnamon and almond combo may take some time to perfect, but once you do… your life will never be the same. (via Love and Olive Oil)

Marscapone Bubble Tea

The (not so) secret ingredient to making this bubble tea extra-creamy is Canadian mascarpone cheese. Finish with cranberry juice for a tart balance to the otherwise sugary taste! (via Dairy Goodness)

Pumpkin Spice Bubble Tea with Boba

Say “buh-bye!” to your daily PSL runs. This bubble tea packs the same seasonal flavor punch, but is way better for you. (via Honestly Yum)

Easy Red Bean Bubble Tea

Red bean tea is typically offered at bubble tea shops, but it’s deceptively easy to make at home. All you need is milk and red bean paste to go with your tapioca pearls and you can have one whenever you desire. (via Contemplating Sweets)

Royal Milk Tea with Boba

Sometimes, simplicity is greater than complexity. This black tea, milk and sugar concoction is mildly flavored and perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. (via Hello Lovely Living)

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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 with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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Tiktok’s Viral Invisible String Theory Makes Soul Mates Seem Real

I spent an unhealthy amount of time thinking about love and relationships when I was younger, so I'm surprised I hadn't heard of the invisible string theory. You'd think someone who's familiar with imaginationships, red flags, and long-term relationships would, right? But this viral Tiktok theory took me — and the internet — by storm recently.

Since I was intrigued, I sought out some expert advice to really get to the bottom of what this lovely little social media notion was, and if it actually has some merit to it. With the help of Courtney Morgan, Licensed Therapist (LPCC) and founder of Counseling Unconditionally, I'm here to help you understand WTF the invisible string theory is and whether it's something that can apply to your life.

P.S. This one's for my lover women who can't get enough of the enemies-to-lovers trope often found in their fave romance books. 😘

Why are love theories so popular on social media?

Image via Pexels User/Pexels

Fromloud budgeting to the lucky girl syndrome, it's not unsurprising that I discovered the invisible string theory on TikTok. It turns out I'm not the only who loves hearing about how other people met the person they're dating or married to. Morgan says, "I believe that love theories are popular on social media because they bring up positive feelings, are relatable, and fun to consider. Even if they’re a little wacky or far out there, it can be entertaining to consider the possibility that they may be true and explore how they relate to your situation."

That's probably why I found myself creating a few imaginationships in my late teens, but we won't dive into that.

So, what is the invisible string theory?

Image via Photo by Juliano Astc/Pexels

Since the only string that comes to mind when I think about this is string cheese, I asked Morgan if she could fully explain this theory. "The ‘invisible string theory’ is a viral phenomenon that essentially alludes to the fact that we are connected to a person so innately that the bond cannot be broken, and that we would find this person in any lifetime," she says.

Now that I have a better understanding of this, I liken this theory to finding "the one," but more on that soon!

Should I expect to find the invisible string theory hard at work in my life?

Image via Angelina Orlova/Dupe Photos

I'll be honest — I asked this question for you, but I kind of want to know if there's actual merit to it for research purposes 👀. I know it's fun to think everyone will have the same experience, but that's not always the case.

"I don’t think that everyone will experience this phenomenon for themselves, and I also don’t think it should be a goal that we set out to accomplish, as feelings and interpretations can be so mixed and ambiguous. I am hopeful that a person seeking this connection will find a person or persons that make them feel secure and connected, even if their relationship doesn’t perfectly follow the invisible string theory," says Morgan.

Okay, noted.

Will the invisible string theory help someone attract "the one?"

Image via Elizabeth Pishal/Dupe Photos

Remember what I said about my not-so-secret former obsession with finding "the one?" Well, Morgan has thoughts about how that could connect to the invisible string theory. She says, "I believe that when people set out looking for something, they will find it. This doesn’t always mean that it works out and that it is meant to be this way, but believing that there is a person out there for you creates hope."

She also says, "A person that has this hope is a lot more likely to put themselves in situations to meet “the one”, whether that is striking up conversation with an attractive stranger, trying to get out of the friend zone, or accepting an invitation on a first date."

I'm just going to drag my younger self by saying that I entertained more guys than I probably should've on my journey to find true love. Thank goodness for growth and maturity!

Does the invisible string theory only apply to romantic relationships?

Image via Adrienn/Pexels

It feels like society has started to change how it takes about relationships by realizing that not all of the important ones are strictly romantic. There are familial and work ties along side our many friendships have nothing to do with romance, but they're important nonetheless.

"People will reference the invisible string theory in a variety of relationships. Some of the relationships are romantic, but others may experience this feeling with their close friends, a really amazing mentor, or another person that has significant positive impact on their lives," says Morgan.

All jokes aside, should I expect for this theory to be perfect?

Image via Alena Shekhovtcova/Pexels

Eh, define 'perfect.' Seriously, we like to throw the word 'perfect' around, but nothing ever really measures up to that — especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

"A person should not expect to experience the invisible string theory exactly as it is described. Rarely do things work out exactly as planned, and the invisible string theory is not an exception. The invisible string theory is fun to consider, and believing in the theory can be valuable if it inspires you to put yourself out there," concludes Morgan.

Long story short, no one can tell you not to believe in the invisible string theory. All I or a licensed therapist like Morgan can do is help answer your heart's burning questions while (hopefully) guiding you towards making an informed decision.

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Lead image via Vlada Karpovich/Pexels

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29 Cinco de Mayo Recipes That Aren’t Tacos

While the most obvious choice for celebrating Cinco de Mayo might be your old taco night standbys and a big bowl of guacamole, for the ultimate spread, we recommend branching out and trying some new dishes. Impress your fellow mojito-drinking buddies with your vast knowledge of Mexican cuisine, from spicy soups to chalupas you won't find at Taco Bell. Don't forget the essential every-kind-of-hot-sauce bar either. Try these 29 Mexican-inspired recipes for the most delicious fiesta.

What are 3 typical foods served on Cinco de Mayo?

Molé, chilaquiles, and tamales are all typical foods found at a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

What is a good menu for Cinco de Mayo?

A good Cinco de Mayo menu includes a range of authentic Mexican recipes – from carnitas to tamales, you can also put your own twist on each dish!

What is the most popular food eaten on Cinco de Mayo in Mexico?

Authentic dishes like Molé Poblano, chalupas, enchiladas, tacos, and chilaquiles are all popular Mexican foods eaten on Cinco de Mayo.

What can I bring to a Cinco de Mayo party?

Bringing delicious meals, either authentic ones or ones with more modern twists, are welcome at a Cinco de Mayo party. Scroll for an array of recipe ideas to bring to the celebration!

Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Sweet and spicy is just a combo we can't pass up. This chunky salsa will accommodate each guest at your Cinco de Mayo parties with bites full of fresh veggies and fruit. (via Cozy Cravings)

Elote

This tasty street food snack is so fun to eat. Grilling gives the corn a nice char and smokey flavor. However, they're getting slathered in mayonnaise and cotija cheese, so they're bound to please any way you make them. (via Sunday Supper Movement)

Crispy Chicken Taquitos with Avocado Crema

These chicken taquitos are the ideal finger food for a Cinco de Mayo party. The contents are inside a rolled tortilla and make a great portable bite for those times when your favorite song comes on and you *have* to bust a move. (via A Cozy Kitchen)

Healthy Seven Layer Taco Dip

Dips really keep the world turning since they're so tasty and easy to scoop up with the swipe of a chip. Stock up on your dippable chips, because this taco dip recipe won't last long. (via Rachl Mansfield)

Brisket Sopes

If you love tacos, you’ll adore sopes. They’re a traditional Mexican dish made from thick rounds of fried masa, and this version is topped with ultra-tender slow-cooked brisket. Crack open a cold cerveza and enjoy. (viaMuy Bueno Cookbook)

Pollo Asado

Savor in the deep, smoky notes of this popular Mexican recipe – pollo asado. Each bite is crusted in spices for a never-boring bite. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Cheesy Avocado Quesadillas

If you’re short on time but still want to party, these quesadillas are just the dish for you. Upgrade the basic cheese ‘dillas you know and love from childhood with avocado slices and seasoned ground beef, for a hearty bite that’s easy to make but still tastes impressive. (via Damn Delicious)

Avocado, Mango, and Shrimp Ceviche

Ceviche is always super light and fresh, and when served during the summery day of Cinco de Mayo, everyone will have you to thank for bringing such a mouthwatering dish to the party. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Tomatillo Avocado Salsa with Baked Tortilla Chips

This creamy salsa is like a cross between salsa verde and guacamole. This means it’s highly addictive, so you better have a lot of chips handy. Try it on top of tacos, nachos or even on a torta — this salsa tastes good on *everything*. (via Muy Bueno Cookbook)

Skinny Chile Rellenos

Chile rellenos are stuffed green chiles that then get battered and fried in the best way. Enjoy yours for Cinco de Mayo alongside some rice and beans! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Vegan Mexican Street Corn (Vegan Elote)

If you have some vegan pals pulling up to the party, serve them some plant-based elote for Cinco de Mayo. This recipe retains all the good textures and flavors, too! (via The Edgy Veg)

Easy Restaurant Style White Queso

This ooey, gooey white queso is bound to steal the show at any party thanks to a fiery kick from red pepper flakes and pickled jalapeños. (viaThe Cookie Rookie)

Black Bean and Veggie Tortilla Pizza

Quash two cravings at once with Mexican Pizza. Though it's hard to pinpoint many similarities between this dish and actual pizza (save for its round, open-faced nature), once you take a bite, you'll get it. Cut into slices and share with the fam… or don't share at all. (via Snixy Kitchen)

Mexican Hot Pot with Avocado Crema

For a more hearty addition to your Cinco de Mayo platter, this Mexican hot pot is sure to please anyone. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Ceviche

Use sushi-grade fish for the best taste and peace of mind. Though you’ll be marinating the fish in lime juice, you’ll still want the freshest, best quality product you can get. (via Feasting at Home)

Roasted Vegetable Torta

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the most delicious Mexican sandwich around. Some of the bread is scooped out to make extra room for fillings like refried beans, guacamole and cheese. We're okay with that, and we might even suggest saving those bread fillings for sopping up any sandwich spillage. You're welcome. (via Easy Cheesy Vegetarian)

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Forgo the corn on a stick for a less-messy, easy-to-eat elote salad. Add black beans, red onions and bell peppers to make it more salad-like and colorful. Bonus: The dressing uses yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream for a healthy twist. (via Live Eat Learn)

Pozole Rojo

This traditional Mexican soup is full of tender stewed beef, hominy (dried maize) and a super flavorful red chili sauce. It’d be nice if you had leftovers after your Cinco de Mayo festivities, but don’t count on it — this soup doesn’t play around. (via Muy Delish)

Homemade Chalupas

These chalupas are nothing like the kind you'll find at your local Taco Bell. Set out toppings like shredded beef, avocado, salsa and cheese, and let everyone assemble their own. (via The Stay at Home Chef)

Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde

These saucy enchiladas take a little patience to prepare, but they're totally worth it. Invite some friends to make the process fly by. You'll need to fry the tortillas, dunk them in sauce, fill and roll, so you might need to enlist all the kiddos to help. (via Tasting Table)

Delicious Dessert Recipes For Cinco de Mayo Parties

Toasted Rice Horchata with Salted Caramel Drizzle and Coconut Charcoal Whipped Cream

This is technically a drink, but with all of the sugar-infused additions, we must classify it as a totally delectable dessert. Horchata is a rice-based sip that's served with Mexican food, and this upgrade looks phenomenal. (via No Eggs Or Ham)

Churros with Chocolate and Espresso Sauce

What’s better than fried dough and chocolate? If you can come up with something, good for you — we’ll be over here munching on these churros. These amazing, crispy treats are coated in cinnamon sugar and paired with a velvety chocolate and espresso dipping sauce you won’t be able to get enough of. (via Drizzle and Drip)

Churro Ice Cream Cake

Enjoy all the best parts of a churro, but in cake form. Baked churro layers are doused in a sweet, sugary icing for maximum yum factor. (via Amanda Wilens)

Mexican Buñuelos

This Mexican puff pastry cannot be missed at your next Cinco celebration. It's fried, then coated in an addictive cinnamon sugar sprinkling, just like churros. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Drink Recipes To Sip On For Cinco de Mayo

Jade Mezcal Margarita

This bold take on a classic Mexican margarita will keep you going with punchy flavors from lime and jalapeño. (via Gastroplant)

Agua de Jamaica

Feel a sense of refreshment flow over you with this delicious drink recipe that'd perfect for Cinco celebrations. Make sure to prep a big batch to share with everyone! (via Culinary Hill)

Key Lime Margarita

We could never pass up a traditional marg. This one gets prepped with key limes that add amazing falvor notes. (via Barley & Sage)

Pineapple Margarita

Sip your way to the shores of your dream beach destination with the pineapple-y tastes of this drink. It'll also cool you down in all the right ways during hot Cinco de Mayo days! (via Amanda Wilens)

Champagne Margarita (Mexican 75)

Get the best of both worlds with this summertime sipper, a margarita made with champagne. (via The Endless Meal)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas!

This post has been updated.

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The 9 Best Beach Tote Bags For Your Next Vacation

As a self-confessed fashion girlie, I have to say that I always like to feel good about my outfit from head to toe — even when I'm casually bumming it at the beach on vacation. Beach style is so unique with all its lovely straw and linen looks, so when I'm prepping for a day out in the sun like that, I especially love to have a fun — and practical — beach tote bag to feel prepared and put together. And while I'd love to have a designer special for every setting, finding these chic, beachy options on a budget always makes the look even sweeter. So I rounded up 9 beach bags that are fashion-forward, but still affordable so you don't have to panic when they get all sandy! Keep reading to see all of our chic cool-girl approved picks!

Shop Beach Tote Bags Here!

Gap X Love Shack Fancy Tote Bag

Love Shack Fancy is one of those brands that is absolutely killing the game at the moment. Everything they release is so on-brand and fun and this adorable tote bag is definitely just that! It's floral and fun and totally adorable! We love this affordable collab and think you should definitely grab it while it's still on sale!

BDG Urban Outfitters Mini Tote

A mini tote is perfect for all you ladies that only need the essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, and a book or two. This bag fits just enough items and it's great that you don't have to lug around a huge bag. At $39, this bag is a steal and so cute!

Damson Madder Bon Appetite Bag

Damson Madder is another brand that has such a unique style that is so recognizable when you see it. This bag just encapsulates them as a brand and is the perfect beach bag. It can fit lunch (which is perfect since its print is food and the name is "Bon Appetite") and any other essential you'll need for the beach. Obsessed with this one!

LL Bean Boat Tote

The OG tote bag that is very on-trend recently because you honestly just can't beat a classic! I love the idea of monogramming this sweet bag with your initials or a cute phrase. This beach tote will never go out of style!

Staud Raffia Moon Bag

This one is more expensive than our previous, but I wanted to include it in case you're going straight from the beach to lunch or dinner. The shape is very on-trend at the moment and it's the perfect day-to-night bag! It looks so high-fashion and luxe with its simple yet unique shape.

Ganni Denim Tote

You can't do beach totes without including this iconic Ganni bag that's everywhere at the moment. I see so many pictures of this when I scroll on Pinterest. This one will definitely make you look like a cool-girl influencer that you see all over IG.

Aloha Splash Proof Sun Bag

This splash-proof bag is not only adorable, but also practical as well. It's simple yet fun — and is also super affordable at under $70! The perfect beach bag that will fit anything you need!

Carhartt Fruit Tote Bag

I'm loving printed bags at the moment, so here's another one to add to the list. Carhartt has been releasing so many good items and this is one that's currently on my wishlist! Whether you need it for the beach, the gym, or school — it will definitely work in a ton of different scenarios all-the-while looking extra cute!

Djerf Avenue Tote Bag

Djerf Avenue has been one of my favorite brands for years and this tote bag will really carry absolutely anything you need! It's massive and extremely durable plus the print is so cute! With this bag, you'll look like a Scandi-girl angel!

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Lead image via Urban Outfitters.

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5 Subtle But Gorgeous Wedding Guest Makeup Ideas That Won’t Upstage The Bride

Summer is quickly approaching and you know what that means...so is wedding season! Spring and summer can tend to be jam-packed with wedding events, celebrations, and ceremonies. And if you're anything like us, you might be looking for some new makeup looks to try out for all of the seemingly endless occasions where we wanna look our best, but somehow manage to sweat off our hard work before the photographer even takes the first picture. Well, we asked the experts for their best tips for long-lasting coverage, but their favorite looks to try out — because nobody needs to look back at a wedding picture and wonder how they could have kept their mascara on better! Here's are four amazing expert tips for the best wedding guest makeup, plus a simple look to try yourself!

Tips For The Best Wedding Guest Makeup

Photo by Ron Lach/PEXELS

1. Prep Your Skin

Skin prep is the #1 key to not only getting dewy looking makeup, but long-lasting makeup that doesn't crease! We asked the experts atDr. Hauschka what they would do for long lasting makeup, and they said, "Moisturized skin is glowing skin. Always prep face and with rich emollient moisturizers (like our certified natural Rose Day Cream). Your makeup will easily glide over face and blend with your moisturizer for a glowy finish." IMO, this tip is absolute gold because you don't want your skin to dry or cake over throughout the day, and it seems like this will really help with that!

They also said, "If you want your complexion to look naturally sun-kissed, look to bronzers you can blend with your foundation or moisturizer. (Mixing a few drops our Translucent Bronzing Tint with your moisturizer provides a subtle sun-kissed glow without shimmers.)" Talk about a glow! We love this dewy tip and have PLENTY of moisturizers, both tinted and otherwise, to recommend!

Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images

2. Opt For Simple

Next, you definitely want to opt for a more simple look, makeup-wise! It's better to keep things minimal instead of doing too much with a bold lip and bold eye. Makeup artist and owner of The Green Room Agency, Nysa Green said, "Pick one feature to be the focus of your look, and concentrate on that. It can even be legs or shoulders. Tone down everything else." We love this trick because it's so simple to choose either a fun eye shade or lip color and have that be the focal point!

Nyssa also said, "Use a setting spray to keep everything in place through the festivities." Setting spray is the key to really lock in your makeup and ensure it lasts all day!

And Nyssa's final tip? "Avoid a red lip unless you want to stand out in all the pictures!"

Photo via Stephanie G-M

3. Don't Upstage the Bride

When doing wedding guest makeup, you want to make sure not to over-do it because you never want to appear like you're trying to upstage the bride in any way. Celebrity makeup artist, Stephanie G-M gave us a tip on this matter and said, "I suggest going for a look that elevates what your day look may already be. Starting with either a bit of color on your lips as a stain or eyes with statement jewelry (like above) means you'll be looking elegant but not out shining the bride's look."

She added, "Dewy skin and a little more blush than usual will also brighten up the look you go for. I would suggest just balancing it and not doing a full eye look and full lip look for the wedding." Duly noted!

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

4. Don't Forget Touch Ups

Stephanie G-M also gave us all the tips and tricks for how you can quickly — and effectively — touch up your wedding guest makeup throughout the day. She says, "Carry blotting paper with you for any shine that may occur instead of powdering it away when you are trying to achieve a dewy look. Always have a balm you can use to enhance highlight areas. You can always use your lip color as your cheek color too as the day goes on!" She also added, "You can always carry an eye liner with you if you choose to make it more bold for the evening." We love these tips for essentials to keep in our clutch!

Put It All Together For This Gorgeous Natural Wedding Guest Makeup

Photo via Yaz Roque/Ringmybelle.com

Makeup artist, Yaz Roque has a great look that is a must-try when it comes to the perfect wedding guest makeup look. She said, "With wedding guest makeup it’s key to keep it simple. I love to give wedding guests neutral tones, with a little bit of a shimmer on the lids. My tip would be to switch out your harsh liquid liner with a more smoked out liner, soft glam on the skin, and a pinky mauve or nude on the lips. You can even finish with my favorite lip oil at the moment byBlossom Beauty, it’s natural, smells amazing, and gives the right amount of shine for a perfect pour. Plus it’s under $7.” We love a good lip oil! I can't wait to try this look out for an upcoming wedding! This look is super natural yet still overstated enough for fancier occasions like a wedding.

What's your go-to makeup hack? Follow us on Pinterest for more inspo!

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

Lead image via Stephanie G-M

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