14 Gourmet Snacks to Buy and Bring for National Picnic Day

Here’s another big holiday to add to your calendar. National Picnic Day is coming up on April 23, and we know exactly what you need to bring this year. Let’s face it: High-maintenance, home-cooked picnic fare just isn’t realistic for most of us. As much as we love creative sandwich recipes and fresh fruit desserts, sometimes we just don’t have time to cook them up. That’s where gourmet snacks come in. These 14 items are PERFECT for packing up in your picnic basket and noming on come the weekend.

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

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

Avocado Egg Salad

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

Autumn Avocado Toast

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

Cottage Cheese Avocado Toast

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

Roasted Chickpea Avocado Toast

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

Avocado Toast with Roasted Asparagus on Multigrain

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

Avocado Toast with Brown Butter Sesame Seeds

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

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

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

Avocado + Heirloom Tomato Toast

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

Open-Faced Lemon Pepper Artichoke and Arugula Sandwich

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

Avocado Toast With Charred Tomatoes, Garlic Shrimp and Fried Egg

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

Avocado and Crab Crostini

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

Green Goddess Toast

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

Vegan Hummus on Avocado Toast

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

Avocado Toast With Crisped Prosciutto

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

Spicy Steak and Avocado Toast

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

Smoked Salmon and Smashed Avocado Tartines

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

Spicy Maple Bacon and Scrambled Eggs on Avocado Toast

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

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

Lead image via Half Baked Harvest.

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

I can't be the only one who dreads deal with TSA during security checkpoints, so it's important for me to find small rolling suitcases that make traveling 10x easier. I can't tell you how many times my items have been haphazardly ransacked during 'random' security checks only for me to curse my packing skills — ugh!

There's one bright side to my dilemma though: small rolling suitcases that have study exteriors and well-proportioned interiors. This is the key to making sure my travel essentials stay in one place. Tired of tripping over your suitcase because of its unstable wheels or fearing that you still won't do everything TSA agents ask? I've got 8 chic small rolling suitcases that'll help you navigate the airport without breaking a sweat in no time!

Shop Small Rolling Suitcases Here!

Herschel Heritage Hardshell Carryon Luggage (Ivy Green Topography)

One of the most important features of small rolling suitcases is their exterior. Since you'll likely be sprinting through the airport or jogging down escalators if they're not busy, you need something that can withstand being dragged. Herschel is known for creating luggage that's travel-tested

This carryon luggage is made with 70% recycled polycarbonate and it has silent wheels. It's like your travel companion that truly understands you have places to be and doesn't complain as you're navigating your busy airport.

CALPAK Ambeur Mini Carry-On Luggage (Rose Gold)

Here's your sign to get a rose gold rolling suitcase that can serve as your carryon item. It has 360-degree spinner wheels that'll work with you and not against you (IYKYK), plus the internal pockets make it easier for you to pack efficiently. You may want to check with the attendants on your flight, but this suitcase is designed to fit under your seat so you don't have to fight with an inconsiderate person for a space in the overhead storage bin.

Monos Terracotta Carryon

Sometimes you just want something cute and floral like this limited edition rolling suitcase. It's water-resistant and has an internal lining that's made from 100% recycled polyester! The internal features I like are the buckle straps that makes sure your clothes won't slide all over the place and the removable compression pad with zippered pockets to store flat items.

BÉIS The Carry On Roller (Atlas Pink)

We've all had experience with the dreaded TSA line that makes us question our sanity and age. But, BÉIS wants to eliminate your stress with their pink carry on rolling suitcase. It also have 360-degree wheels that'll happily go wherever you do and the interior? Well, let's just say you'll be able to find what you need when it's time to place everything on the conveyor belt.

Take that TSA agents!

OLOV 18” Underseat Carry-On Small Suitcase (Blue)

Embarking on a few quick getaways this summer and don't want to be weighed down by heavy luggage? You'll need to consider small rolling suitcases that are sturdy, yet lightweight. OLOV'S under seat carryon features an interior buckle to keep your items secured and allows you to pack the basics.

It also has a three digit combination lock in case someone decides to press their luck if you happen to fall asleep during your flight.

Vera Bradley Small Spinner Luggage (Fresh-Cut Floral Green)

In need of a portable rolling suitcase that can hold your clothes and serve as a charging dock for your phone? Vera Bradley already read your mind and has just the thing for you. The interior has two zippered sides that allow you to separate your necessities from each other based on function (clothes on one side and sandals on the other).

This spinner luggage also has an integrated lock that makes your time in TSA go a little smoother. If it's not obvious, we've had some rather unpleasant experiences with agents mishandling our items 😖.

Bric’s By Ulisse Carry-On Expandable Spinner with USB Port (MANGO)

If you thought we were done showing you chic and functional small rolling suitcases, you're almost right. Besides reminding us of the sunny weather we've been experiencing during spring, this carryon has a three stage telescopic handle that makes holding on a breeze!

From there, the interior has a pretty printed lining, full zipper section and mesh pocket, a stretchable strap to protect your items, and a shoe/laundry bag!

And just when you thought the features stop there, the carryon wants you to know it has a TSA-approved lock that comes with a universal key that only security can use to carefully inspect your items.

Sigh, we just love thoughtful designs!

BKYLN Tees Mint Gardenia Carry On Suitcase

Doesn't this cute mint green and floral suitcase seem like it was made to store all your vacation outfits? Designed in none other than Brooklyn, NY, this beauty is available in three sizes and is as functional as it's chic. It also has spinner wheels that make traveling a breeze and will look good no matter how it's stored.

Follow our storefront for more travel inspo!

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

Lead image via Monos

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

www.youtube.com

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.

This post has been updated.
Header image via FX Networks

What you eat can greatly affect your skin, causing different side effects, both good and bad. Luckily, there are so many foods that can revitalize your skin and get it back to feeling radiant and looking glowy from the inside out — and just in time for summer! If you don't know where to start, we've got you covered with expert advice on all the best foods for your skin, plus all those bites you might wanna avoid.

Best Foods For Your Skin

Photo by Olena Bohovyk/Unsplash

Grapes, Strawberries, Blood Oranges, and Watermelon

Elina Fedotova of Elina Organics, says that colorful fruit are key to achieving good skin! She says, "Colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, and healthy fats like butter or plant oils help improve skin immunity and protect against environmental UV damage. Liquid collagen is popular as a skin-rejuvenating food or supplement, but when you do that, make sure you are making the smoothie with collagen peptides. The collagen is broken into small pieces called peptides which absorb much better and signal your body to regenerate collagen." So clearly, collagen is vital if you want to have glowy skin.

Elina also says, "It is a scientifically proven fact that people who eat very high levels of antioxidant-rich diets with fruits and vegetables and anthocyanosides — they can stay in the sun without any protection much longer because their body can protect them naturally from UV damage." Her three rules for healthy skin?

  1. No processed foods.
  2. Eat tons of antioxidants.
  3. Use an SPF — preferably one that is a mineral Zinc Oxide based — alongside protective hats in the sun.

So not only can certain foods make your skin look radiant, they can also protecting you from the sun with proper precautions! We love to hear that!

Photo by Dose Juice/Unsplash

Leafy Greens, Broccoli, Asparagus, and Edamame

Leafy greens, broccoli, asparagus, and edamame are some of our favorite foods to eat that will give you that inside-out glow. Nutritionist and wellness expert Jessica Green says, "Silica rich foods are a great place to start — these include celery, asparagus, banana, cucumber, green beans to name my favorite. When you juice some of these, they can become more bio-available. Celery juice for instance is excellent at giving your skin a beautiful natural glow. Collagen rich foods can help improve skin elasticity — bone broth is my absolute favorite for not only its skin benefit but bone broth is also very calming for the gut."

Skin elasticity can easily be improved through these foods and can make you look 10 years younger! I definitely notice a significant difference in my skin when I regularly eat collagen-rich foods than when I don't!

Photo by Thought Catalog/Unsplash

Avocado and Olive Oil

Avocados and olive oil are really going to up your skin game, and giving you that gorgeous glow for summer we're really looking for. Kristen White, RDN, CLT, says, "Clean fats like olive oil, avocados, coconut oil, and tallow in our diet help replenish needed vitamins and fatty acids to help skin look its vibrant best." That's exactly what we want!

In regards to olive oil, it really is the must-have when it comes to achieving a glowy complexion. Jenny Jiles, a holistic nutritionist says, "Olive oil is the GOAT. We know why all of those women in the Mediterranean look so vibrant and sexy as they age, because olive oil is such a staple in their diet. Don’t be afraid of this healthy fat, it’s filled with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids which help protect your skin from free radicals to reduce those fine lines and help you glow from the inside out. Add olive oil to any and all of your meals, savory or sweet (yes, trust me on that)." So I guess the key to looking like an Italian goddess this summer (and always) is olive oil!

Photo by Maddi Bazzocco/Unsplash

Chia, Flax Seeds, and Sunflower Seeds

Many seeds and grains are going to be crucial in giving you radiant skin. Plus, they have so many healing properties that can help reduce redness and inflammation in the skin. Christine Glaser, CEO of DIY Skincare Business, says, "Chia and flax seeds are also helpful for all skin types and can aid in toxin removal." And sunflower seeds actually have antibacterial properties too that help get rid of toxins in order to keep your skin looking fresh and clear; thus the radiant skin we're trying to achieve here!

Photo by María Sainz Cabezalí/Unsplash

Red Bell Peppers, Carrot, and Tomatoes

You always want to have a variety of colors when eating fruits and vegetables because this will help you get the most out of your diet and achieve maximum radiance. A health expert and dietician, Chrissy Arsenault of Kori, says, "Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Choose 2-3 colors of fruits and veggies at every meal – fruits and veggies are rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E) that protect your skin from damage." And tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers are very rich in color so they will give you so many great nutritional benefits that will assist in giving you a perfect inside-out glow!

What foods should I avoid for my skin?

Photo by MART PRODUCTION/PEXELS

If you want radiant, clear, acne-free skin then you definitely want to avoid foods high in dairy or sugar. Jessica Green says, "When it comes to foods to avoid for radiant skin, sugar and dairy float to the top. Both are inflammatory. Sugar causes glycation which damages the skin's elasticity. Dairy (cow dairy specifically) tends to be one of the most common foods that cause reactions for people including acne and puffiness." I'm definitely taking note to try and cut our these foods now!

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and tricks!

Lead image via Pexels/Sora Shimazaki

If there are two things you can count on, it's that I'm always thinking about Gilmore Girls and I'm always listening to Taylor Swift. As soon as I pressed play on The Tortured Poets Department, I could tell this album would resonate with so many experiences I had a child and a teenager. I've always been imaginative (and, admittedly, a bit spacey), and to this day, I never leave home without a book.

I've built thousands of imaginary worlds and crafted endless stories, but have always had difficulty keeping up with real-world relationships. So, needless to say, when I listened to Taylor Swift's new album and heard "I Hate It Here" and "The Bolter," I felt seen. I also realized these two songs would speak to Rory Gilmore in the same way!

Rory Gilmore Would Love "I Hate It Here" By Taylor Swift...

Image via Warner Bros. TV

"I Hate It Here" totally showcases Taylor Swift's ability to express raw emotions, and it also perfectly captures Rory Gilmore's struggles during certain periods of her life. The lyrics reflect frustration and dissatisfaction we can all feel sometimes (I know I've definitely felt them), and while Rory and Taylor's dreams in and of themselves are different, they both want to leave their small towns to achieve them. Whether it's feeling overwhelmed by expectations or facing setbacks in her career in Gilmore Girls season 5, Rory has moments throughout the series where she feels a bit trapped.

But even more than the physical meaning of the song is the imaginary one. Taylor sings about creating worlds in her mind and diving into books to escape the mundane. Rory reads more than any fictional character I've ever seen before because she also craves that escapism! The lyrics of "I Hate It Here" resonate with Rory when she wants to live different lives, and it encapsulates the moments when she struggles or questions her decisions — relatable!

...And She'd Feel Attacked By "The Bolter" By Taylor Swift

Image via Warner Bros. TV

TBH, I'm half convinced "The Bolter" is referencing Amy March (after all, Amy has been "reviled" by readers for hundreds of years, and she "almost drowned...in frigid water" like Taylor sings), which is just another literary reference Rory would pick up on.

In "The Bolter," Taylor Swift captures the essence of a woman constantly seeking adventure and change, just like Rory Gilmore, and it's all about the idea of a restless spirit. While the lyrics can be taken from a hypothetical standpoint (feeling trapped by relationships or other people's expectations), we can also talk about it literally considering Rory physically runs away from Jess.

Rory might desire love, but the idea of it also scares her — two facts that don't cancel each other out! Just like Taylor Swift, I think Rory's thrilled by the idea of escape simply because she's so risk averse in other areas of her life. Once again, I say, relatable!!

"The Bolter" and "I Hate It Here" are both incredibly engaging songs because they highlight just how complex we are as humans — both in the ways we relate to ourselves and other people. And they're just two Taylor Swift songs Rory would definitely add to her playlist.

Which Taylor Swift and Rory Gilmore parallels do you see? Follow us on Facebook for more pop culture musings!

Lead image via Warner Bros. TV