How to Make a Portable Perennial Garden

“I’m lucky to be within walking distance of world-class museums, theater, and cool events, like fashion week. The inspiration is endless!” she says. “Social media can get overwhelming at times, but I often come away feeling more inspired than anything else. It’s a great way to connect with other creators and find new inspiration, which fuels my creativity to deliver fresh, engaging social media content every day.”

Mallory’s secret to bringing her inspiration to life? She uses Adobe Express, the all-in-one AI content creation app, to ideate and design colorful and engaging content on-the-go. “The features on the all-new Adobe Express mobile app make editing and collaborating on projects easier than ever!” she says. “Because we’re a remote team, I’m very rarely at my desk, so being able to ideate and create, or make adjustments, when I’m out and about is truly game-changing.”

Adobe Express makes designing easy and fast for anyone – even if you’re not a pro – with thousands of beautiful, professionally designed templates and a massive selection of assets for your Instagram and TikTok content, flyers, logos, and more. Plus, Adobe’s Firefly generative AI technology, which allows you to create the perfect image, edit with ease, and generate and customize amazing text effects with styles or textures that really stand out. All these features are now available on the mobile app.

In this fresh, new Reel, Mallory shares a day in her colorful life as she creates standout visual assets for Brit+Co’s social channels using the generative AI features in the new Adobe Express mobile app. Check it out below!

What a fun, creative job, right? “My day-to-day is genuinely such a blast. I love having the creative freedom to run with my ideas and infuse some of my own humor and pop into our content,” says Mallory. “Most of my friends and family don’t believe that this is what I get to do every day!”

Looking to improve your social content game? Here are tips for saving time and making an impact on social media for your work, side hustle, or to build your personal brand.

1. Engage with your audience: Engaging your audience with content that resonates can lead to higher reach and visibility. Thanks to Mallory’s constant performance monitoring, we know our B+C follower loves to treat herself and her besties, she’s super creative, indulges in celebrity news (especially nostalgia TV), and gets joy from entertaining, travel, food, and decor. Knowing this, Mallory creates fun, interactive posts like polls and quizzes, and always keeps our content fresh and interesting using the massive library of fonts, photos, and design assets in Adobe Express.

“I’m always out and about filming fun content for TikTok and our other video platforms,” says Mallory. “Adobe Express makes it so easy to add clips, music, and captions (and record voiceovers!) so I can edit it all together in real time.”

2. Generate anything you can imagine: AI has become a powerful tool for content creators, helping them enhance their creative work and simplify tasks. Leveraging the right AI tools can help you work and create high-performing content faster! The new Adobe Express mobile app is packed with AI goodness that makes complicated tasks simple. For example, speech to animation lets anyone easily animate extraordinary characters using their own voice. Adobe’s Firefly generative AI, which is designed to be safe for commercial use, helps creators ideate, generate, and edit stunning images and turn text and headlines into attention-grabbing designs – all on-the-go and in just a few taps. And the Adobe Express Generative Fill feature even lets you insert, remove, or replace people, objects, backgrounds and more with just a description.

“The AI tools are fantastic,” says Mallory. “Even the most obscure ask in the Text-to-Image feature will yield dozens of options. My favorite hack is to include “hand drawn” or “illustrated” in the prompt box to get a more authentic/stylized result.”

3. Embrace trends: Hopping on social trends quickly can boost your visibility and relevance. Constant collaboration ensures our team is on top of what people are talking about – and Mallory takes that to social media to make sure our POV is part of the conversation. The ever-changing nature of marketing and social media can make it hard to keep up! With the Adobe Express TikTok Creative Assistant tool on the desktop version, you can easily ideate and search what’s trending, so you’re in-the-know and able to reach more followers and stand out with your creative take on the latest trends. Then head to the mobile app to quickly schedule or post the content directly to your necessary social platforms! More on that below.

4. Keep it short and sweet: Attention spans on social are short, so it's best to keep your content concise and to the point. Use clear and concise language and don’t be too fussy (sound like the real person you are!). Break things up with text with photos, emojis, and bullet points to make your content more scannable.

5. Create a consistent visual style: While our audience can have slight nuances across our social channels, Mallory makes sure our content is instantly recognizable. Using tools like brand kits in Adobe Express (shown below) can help you easily stay consistent and on brand, easily saving and applying colors, fonts, filters, and imagery to any asset to create a cohesive look and feel across assets – and in a fraction of the time.

6. Repurpose content: Repurposing our top-performing content into different formats or for different platforms helps stretch the impact of a post and helps us test performance. Sometimes a post that didn’t perform well in the past kills months later!

7. Schedule ahead: In today’s on-demand world, consistency is key to keeping your social audience engaged. Develop a content calendar and schedule posts in advance to ensure a steady stream of content. With easy-to-use tools like the Adobe Express Content Scheduler, you can quickly plan, preview, schedule, and publish in a few clicks to all your social media channels and on-the-go.

8. Leverage data: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your social media content and identify trends, patterns, and audience preferences. Analyzing data can help you achieve a successful content strategy and focus on creating content that inspires, delights, and keeps your audience coming back for more!

Download the all-newAdobe Express mobile app today to try out all the innovative and fun features, including Adobe Firefly generative AI—a one-stop shop for all your content needs!

Video Direction & Editing by Mallory Levy.

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

The best way to beat the summer crowds? Find those hidden off-the-beaten-path gems that are just as good, if not better, than the touristy hotspots. From the rugged Northern California coast to the lush mountains of North Carolina to the hidden corners behind Miami, NYC, and Boston (including a coastal village where Taylor Swift calls home), we take you to the lesser-known places for nature, adventure, local food and drink and landscapes that take your breath away. This is your pass to wander and embrace the unknown – with a little travel advice so you don’t get lost;)

Governor's Island, NYC

Plans to visit NYC this summer? While you’re there, escape the city hustle for the nearby charm and total serenity of Governor's Island. This hidden gem and car-free oasis is just an 8-minute ferry ride away from Manhattan, and surrounded by lush greenery, historic buildings, and stunning views of the skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

There’s so much to do, or simply not do, on the island depending on your mood. Rent bikes and wander along tree-lined paths, past old barracks and colonial-era houses, and picnic on the island's 173 acres of green space. During the summer, find live music, art installations, food festivals and water sports like free kayaking.

Plan to spend the night glamping at the Collective Retreat, where you can lodge in a private luxury tent with your own personal waterfront deck. Choose experiences like morning yoga, bike rides, culinary workshops and more.

The open-air restaurant offers breakfast and dinner – and an à la carte menu also available for non-guests if you're just daytripping.

Score fresh grilled seafood, farm-to-island dishes inspired by global cuisine, and cocktails with daily panoramic sunsets as your backdrop.

Next door is an Italian luxury spa called the QC NY with outdoor spa pools, multiple saunas, steam rooms and massage services to relax and unwind.

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or a weekend escape, this hidden gem promises a memorable day that will leave you refreshed, rejuvenated, and longing to return again.

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Just an hour drive north of San Francisco is this charming and eclectic coastal town you won’t want to miss. Think scenic hikes, hidden beaches, wildlife sightings, and local farm-to-table delights. Before heading to the Point Reyes Lighthouse or one of the many beaches along Tomales Bay (Shell Beach is my fave), plan a stroll around the quaint village of Point Reyes Station along Highway One. Here, you’ll find Point Reyes Books, Bovine Bakery, and Toby’s Feed Barn – an art gallery, coffee bar, gift shop, and organic farmers market that is a treat for the senses (there’s sometimes live music and yoga too). For something sweet, Palace Market serves up a decadent buffalo milk soft serve at the back deli - grab one on your stroll or on your way home from the beach.

Stop at Saltwater Oyster Depot on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Inverness on the drive to Shell Beach or Tomales Bay Park for freshly shucked Tomales Bay oysters and a glass of sparkling wine in a cozy setting.

Love to hike? Check out the breezy Tomales Point Trail for stunning ocean views – and meet herds of tule elk on foggy mornings. Prefer to test your feet in the Pacific Ocean? Drake’s Beach – home to elephant seals during pup season – features dramatic sandstone cliffs, plus picnic tables if you want to bag your lunch.

Grab your Instagram shot at the Cypress Tree Tunnel, a dramatic row of Monterey cypress trees that hug over you as you stroll underneath. They were planted in 1930 and lead to the Art Deco-style station used for reporting what was happening at sea. Finally, Nick’s Cove in nearby Marshall is a great seafood spot where you can wake up waterside in recently renovated and charming cottages.

Asheville, North Carolina

Just a two-hour drive from Charlotte is this bohemian haven for nature lovers. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has it all: a vibrant art and music scene, award-winning eateries inspired by global and Appalachian influences, and all the outdoorsy adventure nature lovers love to do.

Travel along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway toward The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike, bike, and go chasing waterfalls. The Deep Creek Waterfall hike is a 5-mile loop known for its three beautiful waterfalls. The Oconaluftee River Trail is another option for a photo-worthy wildflower hike in spring.

Post-hike, book a treatment (they offer day passes) at the subterranean spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn and float underneath cavernous rock walls, arches and tunnels. Relax, unwind, and feel so rejuvenated.

Feel like you're in Paris at the 19th-century chateau-style home of George Washington Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. Take a self-guided tour of the sprawling 8,000 acres of gardens designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (of NYC's Central Park fame).

Downtown Asheville is full of historic charm with colorful murals, independent boutiques, and delicious eateries. Set in a vintage home in the historic Biltmore Village, Corner Kitchen is a farm-to-table favorite with elevated Southern-style cuisine. Try it for brunch!

For a worthy splurge, try the James Beard Award-winning Cúrate for Spanish tapas or Southern comfort food at local favorite Tastee Diner. For your sweet tooth, try the Mexican-style Oaxaca drinking chocolate or sign up for a wine and chocolate tasting at French Broad Chocolates.

Indulge in a rooftop cocktail with a view at Capella on 9. Try the Got U-Bae with Rye whiskey, coffee liqueur, and walnut bitters or the Capella G&T with gin, star anise, lemon, and cucumber. Cheers!

Finally, art studio hop in the River Arts District, located on Asheville's picturesque French Broad River, for a taste of the arts and craft scene to wrap your Asheville to do list.

Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Taylor Swift's home is located in this most quintessential New England beach town, which is just one reason we love it so much. Just 1.5 hours from Boston, in the town of Westerly, this coastal village is straight out of a Nancy Meyers set and makes for the perfect beach day or weekend. The pristine beaches do not disappoint with beautiful white sand and picturesque dunes. Think Hamptons vibe but with a bit more chill.

Pop your swimsuit on and rent beach cruisers at Napatree Bikes, which will deliver your bikes to your airbnb or wherever you choose to stay (Watch Hill Inn and Ocean House are splurgy but worth it if you’re up for a luxe experience – bikes included!).

Spend the day sunning and splashing at Watch Hill beach and grab a bite after at the historic Ocean House, which opened in 1868 just after the Civil War. Dress code: resort casual.

The Ocean House offers a Sunday Jazz Brunch with unlimited sparkling wine, towering charcuterie, raw bar, and a la carte breakfast or lunch, like carrot cake pancakes, Prime Rib hash, or the classics: New England Clam Chowder or Lobster Roll. Musician Greg performs a combo of jazz, blues, and soul while you enjoy a glass of post-beach sparkling.

The Olympia Tea Room is another must for lunch and boasts a view of Taylor’s house on the hill, which is hard to miss in town (shown above). Don’t get too boozy at Ocean House because there’s more fun to be had in this tiny posh village. Hop back on your bike and head to the Watch Hill Lighthouse, a classic old lighthouse that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Bay.

On your way back, shop in the charming town for your summer capsule or coastal modern home goods, or take a nature walk at the Napatree Point Conservation Area and discover your inner bird watcher.

Coral Gables, Florida

Away from the South Beach crowds and bustling streets of Brickell is Coral Gables, located southwest of downtown Miami. With its architecture and charming streets, it’s easy to see why the Gables is nicknamed “The City Beautiful.” Stroll-friendly downtown Coral Gables is home to a number of restaurants and cafes. Enjoy a Ferrero Rocher croissant and eggs Benedict for brunch at Bachour, or stroll on over to Giralda Plaza where there is no shortage of dining options, from pasta and spritzes at Luca Osteria to Peruvian dishes at Divino Ceviche.

Coral Gables written by Alexandra Hurtado

After satisfying your stomach, wander over to the locally-owned bookshop Books & Books or promenade along Miracle Mile, where you can shop or check and see if a show is happening at the Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. No car? No problem. While Downtown Coral Gables is walkable, there is a trolley that makes getting around convenient, especially if it’s too hot out — you are in South Florida after all. One of the stops that you can hop off at is the Shops of Merrick Park, an outdoor mall featuring your favorite shops like Anthropologie, Madewell, Nordstrom, and Sephora.

Also located within Coral Gables is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (pro tip: you'll need a car to get here).” Nearby you’ll also find Matheson Hammock Park, which has an atoll pool and boasts scenic views. Full of hidden gems, Coral Gables is an area worth exploring on your next visit to the Magic City.

Of course, there is more to the Gables than just dining and shopping. Nestled in the heart of Coral Gables is The Biltmore, a historic hotel that exudes elegance and glamour. An Instagram lover’s paradise! You can make a reservation for afternoon tea in the hotel’s grand lobby, or swing by one of The Biltmore's bars or restaurants.

Main Photo: QC NY

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

Shop White Vacation Dresses Here!

ASTR The Label Off-Shoulder Dress

Everyone needs the quintessential linen white dress for vacation, and this is IT! Everything about this is romantic and perfect for vacation with the off-shoulder, side slit, and midi style of the dress. You can dress is up with some heels, or dress it down with sandals for a day at the beach.

J.Crew Stretch Linen Dress

J.Crew's been killing the game lately with their innovative and fun styles, and this one is no different! I love the linen (again we want breathable fabric for summer) along with the fun gold detailing on the straps. This one is also on sale for 40% off right now, so definitely grab this one for you summer vacations!

Halogen Halter Neck Linen Dress

The halter neck of this chic dress gives it a more modest and classic feel that I love. It's giving me serious Meghan Markle vibes, so you know it's good! Grab this one to fulfill all of your summer plans!

Abercrombie Slip Maxi Dress

I had to add this one in the mix because of its unique design that's giving me all the Italian summer on the Amalfi coast feels! The sweet fruit pattern is the perfect touch to brighten up a simple white dress. And for under $100, it's at such a great price-point!

Chelsea28 Tiered Maxi Dress

A tired dress is another staple to your vacation wardrobe. I love this boho chic one because it looks straight out of Mamma Mia on an island off the coast of Greece. An idyllic dress for all of your Euro-Summer-2024 plans!

Banana Republic Silk Maxi

You can never have too many silk dresses for vacation, and this cream, silk dress takes thecake! I love how vintage-inspired it is with the pleats at the top. I picture this stunning dress at a dinner paired with metallic heels like above and a matching mini bag. I just adore this piece!

ASTR Floral Lace Dress

Lace has entered the chat! And can you believe it's only $109?! I love this ASTR The Label dress for their super cute pieces at such an affordable price. This one screams vacation by the beach to me!

House of CB Emmelina Dress

House of CB is one of my favorite brands at the moment because their designs are so feminine and flattering for so many different body types and sizes. This dress is one that I personally have had on my wishlist for summer vacation for quite some time because of its elegant shape and cut. You're sure to look phenomenal in this classic piece!

Abercrombie Plunge Satin Dress

For every vacation, a simple silk dress is a must because of its breathability and versatility when it comes to styling. This dress is ideal for walks on the beach or for a nice dinner on the coast. Plus the low back is an amazing addition as well for a more sexy look. Abercrombie does it again, ladies!

J.Crew Bungalow Maxi Dress

Can you think of a better dress that works as both a beach coverup and adorable lunch dress? This linen maxi dress from J.Crew will take you from beach to dinner in the chicest way. I love the cuts at the bottom to not make it too billowy and the low V-neck looks super flattering as well. Adding this to my wishlist ASAP!