17 Ways to Give Your Workspace a Summer Makeover

In the summertime, we all want to shed that winter drab. We make over our makeup, our wardrobes, and even our iTunes playlists — but no reason to stop there. Why not make over your workspace? We spend so much time at our desks, which is all the more reason to keep it colorful and fun. Turn it into a place you actually want to be. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to transform your desk from gray and boring to totally fab. Here are 17 easy ways to summer-ize your office.

1. Fabric-Covered Mousepad: A little scrap of fabric and Mod Podge go a long way. (via Cape 27)

2. Stamped Clay Set: Make this desk set using air-dry clay and your favorite stamps to instantly freshen up your desk. (via Brit + Co)

3. Desk Calendar: Put that pile of unused gift tags to work and create this adorable DIY calendar that you can use year after year. (via Home Made By Carmona)

4. Paper Plants: No water required. (via The House That Lars Built)

5. Brush Strokes Wallpaper: Don’t overlook your computer’s wallpaper. You see it multiple times a day and it’s a simple change that can brighten up your whole office. (via Brit + Co)

6. Bulletin Board: Coordinate with your office supplies or just change it up with the seasons. This personalized cork board can be tailor-made to fit any color scheme. (via Beach House in the City)

7. Fabric Nesting Bowls: Keep your desk organized and do it with some style. These fabric bowls in a punchy fabric will do the trick. (via Brit + Co)

8. Aqua Desk Supplies ($40): Instantly add a bright pop of color to your cubicle with this 17-piece bundle.

9. Color-Block Fan Blades: Take apart your personal desk fan and paint the blades for a spinning color show. (via Brit + Co)

10. Custom File Folders: Plain manila folders + contact paper = folders so cute the rest of the office will be begging you to make them some. (via The Homes I Have Made)

11. Paint-Dipped Pencils: You can paint-dip a mason jar, a flower pot and even a chair — so why not try it on your pencils? (via Jader Bomb)

12. Lasercut Bookends: Do you have access to a laser cutter? Consider yourself lucky and add this project to your to-do list. (via Brit + Co)

13. Pineapple Paper Clips ($8): Even your memos can get a summer makeover with these fun paperclips.

14. Wall Clock ($30): It’s about time you updated your clock. ;)

15. Succulent Zen Garden: Breathe deep and get your Zen on with these mini gardens. The colored sand will make these the focal point of your desk and the talk of the office. (via Nous Decor)

16. Desk Planter: This dino will keep you company all day, and using an air plant means you don’t have to worry about watering it over the weekend. (via Brit + Co)

17. Washi Tape Keyboard: You can have a whole new keyboard with just a couple rolls of washi tape and a little meticulous cutting. (via Brit + Co)

How do you plan on re-vamping your workspace this summer? Shine some light on the subject below!

We've been known to geek out on how your MBTI personality type affects your dreams, stress levels, friendships, and love life. But it can also impact how you work in more ways than one. Knowing your type can help you learn more about yourself and how you work best with others, and ultimately help you achieve your career or entrepreneurial goals. With the help of the career coaching team at FlexJobs, we're exploring how your MBTI results can help you design a better and more productive office space no matter if you're remote, hybrid, or in full-time office mode. Get ready to change the way you work for the better.

ISTJ ("The Logistician")

Jessica Arends

Orderly and dutiful, ISTJs thrive in a traditional workspace and do best when they progress slowly up the ladder, achieving their goals in good time and measure. These dedicated thinkers bring a certain harmony to their workplaces, since their chief goal is to create a smooth, stable operation.

For ISTJs, a highly structured office is best. They thrive when there's a place for everything, and the furniture is sturdy and reliable. However, these slow-and-steady workers may benefit from unexpected details, so don't be afraid to wear that kooky sweater or take on a project you're not so sure about.

INFJ ("The Advocate")

Beazy

INFJs are a unique blend of emotion and concrete action. As seekers of harmony and justice, INFJs likely have many fans around the office (meaning tons of visitors who may not be welcome when you need to recharge).

Give yourself the ability to shut the world out by installing a cubicle privacy door in your space, setting your remote communication tools off, or by asking team members to schedule meetings ahead of time. When you set up your workspace, feel free to scrap the traditional desk/chair/filing cabinet arrangement for something that better suits your unique preferences. Don't worry — with your intuition and innate sense of balance, you're bound to find the right setup!

INTJ ("The Mastermind")

Collov Home Design

You could just as easily nickname this type the "bookworm," since INTJs have an ingrained thirst for knowledge and highly cerebral pursuits. If you fall into this personality type, you'd do well to curate a library of professional reading that tickles your intellectual curiosity. Keep these books in your office where you can access them in one of your many retreats from the rest of the team.

In terms of decor, opt for flexible furniture, such as a convertible standing desk that will suit your need for freedom in your workspace. Choose colors that are soothing, with geometric patterns that work with your highly strategic mindset. And make sure that everything stays orderly — there's nothing an INTJ hates more than a chaotic desk!

ISFJ ("The Nurturer")

Collov Home Design

ISFJs are natural helpers, but they have a tendency to underestimate their own contribution to office culture. Therefore, they might benefit from displaying evidence of their achievements on their office walls — perhaps hanging an award or the race bib from a completed marathon.

Take time selecting your furniture when you set up your workspace, since you tend to perform best when everything feels welcoming and nothing is overlooked. And remember to book some time for learning when you start a new project. Nurturers like to approach new tasks with a hands-on attitude, so you'll need some room in your schedule to really dig into the details.

ISTP ("The Virtuoso")

Annie Spratt

Decorating for you means finding the perfect balance between order and quirkiness. With your out-of-the-box approach to life, you thrive in spaces that both allow you to express your unique blend of boldness and freedom and provide an enclosed retreat for private tinkering. Look for unusual, stimulating colors, like peaches and mint greens, but keep the furniture sleek with a slim profile that doesn't intrude on your thinking. And make sure to add some tactile desk toys — it will give you something to fiddle with while you wait for the perfect solution to drop out of the sky!

ISFP ("The Artist")

Ella Jardim

If you're an ISFP and you're reading this, you've probably already put a lot of thought into your office's setup. As sensual, visual people, ISFPs thrive on aesthetics — but that can also make them a little overly sensitive to what's going on around them. ISFPs should therefore strive to separate themselves from busy atmospheres, choosing instead spots near a window, where they can be drawn in by the natural ambience.

No windows in your office? Choose some soothing furniture, like a desk in blonde wood, and top it with plants or a small tranquil waterfall. Anything beautiful and peaceful is your milieu.

INFP (A.K.A. the "Idealist")

Lucija Ros

Dreamy and emotive, INFPs seek harmony and fairness in the workplace. This type needs a soothing, calming space to retreat, where they can recharge and reflect on their next move. If you can, choose an office space that's set away from the hustle and bustle of the main room. INFPs may have trouble becoming inspired by traditional office decor with its focus on function. Instead, you should try to integrate your personal passions into your office, choosing pieces that are fair trade, for instance, or that weave in natural elements.

INTP (A.K.A. the "Architect")

Kinga Cichewicz

INTPs adore playing with ideas and exploring — no wonder some of the world's renowned scientists fall into this personality type. These are the folks who are so creative and logical they can come up with the theory of relativity (Einstein is one of their more celebrated members), but will often abandon their coffee mid-sip in the throes of a new theory. A well-ordered space, with highly efficient shelving and organization systems, will suit this type well. But make sure to include a miscellaneous file — and a nook for doing more unordered thinking — for when the creative bug sets in.

ESTP (A.K.A. the "Entrepreneur")

Andrea Davis

ESTPs are having quite a moment these days. These rule-breakers love to think outside the box and are the kind you'd see chatting about "disruption" and "failing forward." Therefore, they need an energetic workspace that captures the boldness and risk-taking that inspires them.

Charged colors, like electric blue or bright orange, with unexpected accents — a curved desk, for instance, or an unusual piece of artwork — will keep this type running on all four cylinders. Just don't go for anything too fussy. With your preference for rapid change, you'll likely be reorganizing often.

ESFP (A.K.A. the "Performer")

Beazy

Expressive and vocal about your opinions, you probably take no issue redecorating your office as you see fit. But as a caring, compassionate person, you love to reach out to friends around your workplace too, so don't be afraid to ask them for their advice! Seriousness is for the other personality types to worry about, so go ahead, grab that fabulous bulletin board and that dramatic desk chair. Just make sure you don't get too caught up in decorating—after all, you still have actual work to do!

ENFP (A.K.A. the "Campaigner")

Kris Gerhard

Blessed with natural charisma and an energetic spark, ENFPs are passionate about their ideas and bring the fun at the office happy hour. In their workspaces, they need decor that will refill their nearly never-ending cup of joy. But they could probably also do with some simplifying as well, since these types hate routine tasks and view organization as a form of drudgery. Keep your filing system as simple as possible to avoid the blahs and allow you to focus on what you care about: new ideas.

ENTP (A.K.A. the "Visionary")

Slava Keyzman

As "big picture" thinkers, ENTPs tend to overlook the finer details, such as organization. For these idea-oriented types, challenges are motivating, so if you can view the cleaning as a problem that needs to be solved, you'll likely have much better results. Use unconventional solutions — an unusual, eye-catching shelf, or a standing desk with rolling walls — or just give yourself the freedom to work in a new coffee shop or restaurant, if that's an option. Just keep it flexible, and remember: everything is reversible!

ESTJ (A.K.A. the "Executive")

James McDonald

As you might guess by their moniker, ESTJs thrive on order and tend to follow the rules. They're also hard-working and moral, so they don't like to be weighed down by trivial details. Therefore, if you fall into this category, you'll do best with clean, unfettered decor that doesn't really push the envelope.

Think "oval office" and get inspired by the mixture of traditional luxury and executive prowess. And make sure to add an extra seat for visitors. With your reputation for leadership and community organization, you're sure to have more than a few office drop-ins!

ESFJ (A.K.A. the "Caregiver")

Dawid Liberadzki

You know that one chatty coworker who's always game for a quick conversation? If you're an ESFJ, it's probably you! You love working with people and view meetings as more than just work — they're a chance to entertain, too.

Give yourself enough room to invite people in when the mood strikes, while still maintaining the order and organization in your space. Go for practical, utilitarian pieces, like a rolling white board, that can help you lead a group meeting and keep your thoughts together.

ENFJ (A.K.A. the "Giver")

Nirzar Pangarkar

Generous and collaborative, an ENFJ is the very definition of a "people person." Therefore, they prefer spaces that are hospitable, inviting, and comfortable, and thrive in spaces that are energetic and novel (think "startup with bean bag chairs and wall murals.").

Choose pieces that are punchy and will start a conversation, but still maintain a sense of order in your space. Whatever you do, make sure there's plenty of room for collaboration. In fact, you may even want to share your office, if that's a possibility. ENFJs are one of those rare types who actually enjoy open plan offices, since they allow them to easily do their work in teams. If you work from home, try out coworking spaces and coffee shops.

ENTJ (A.K.A. the "Commander")

Gabriel Beaudry

You like to brag that you've never been bested by a car salesman, and that's because you enjoy the challenge of negotiating. With your commanding presence and dominating personality, you need decor that's just as domineering — and maybe even just the slightest bit intimidating. Pick out the biggest desk you can get and a plush leather chair to capture that ambience of control.

But don't forget to allow your sensitive side out once and awhile, too. A few gentle touches, like a photo of your dog displayed on one of your shelves, will go a long way to humanize you to your fellow teammates.

Know your Myers-Briggs personality type? Share your workspace with us @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

Lead image viaKarolina Grabowska/Pexels

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

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

Kristen Bell And Dax Shepard's Relationship Timeline:

Image via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

2007: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Meet + Begin Dating

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

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

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

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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

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

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

Image via Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

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

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

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images

June 2013: Kristen Bell Pops The Question To Dax Shepard

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

October 2013: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Tie The Knot

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

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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

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

December 2014: The Couple's Second Daughter Is Born

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

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

2017: Dax Shepard And Kristen Bell Star in CHiPS

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

Image via Michael Buckner/Getty Images for FIJI Water

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

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

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

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

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

Image via John Sciulli:Getty Images for UNICEF

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

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

Image via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Wanna keep up with all your fave celeb couples? Follow us on Facebook for more!

Lead image via John Sciulli/Getty Images for UNICEF

There's nothing like the pandemonium of back to schoolseason. Seeing all of the sales and kid-friendly collections made me excited to take on a new school year — and don't even get me started on academic planners.

Although it's been a long time since I've prepped for back to school, I get to spoil my nieces and nephews with new supplies to use in their classrooms. As luck would have it, The Happy Planner x Disney Hocus Pocus Collection is available and features bewitching items young kids can easily use. Also, this collection is perfect for igniting kids' Halloween spirit!

The Disney Hocus Pocus Gather 'Round Sisters - Be Happy Box ($55)

This Gather 'Round Sisters collection features an assortment of suppliesyour kids will love using. Whether your kid is in elementary or middle school, this collection will get them excited to hit the books. Included in the Be Happy Box are:

  • Classic-sized notebook
  • Filler paper
  • Stickers
  • Removable clings
  • Notepad
  • Bookmark
  • Pen pouch
  • Washi bundle

Here's a better look at what's in The Happy Planner x Disney Hocus Pocus Collection!

Classic-Sized Notebook

A new school year requires a classic-sized notebook to write promptsin. It's debatable what your kid may write but they'll be prepared for anything with this Hocus Pocus-inspired notebook.

Filler Paper and Removable Clings

Sometimes notebooks run out of paper. Knowing this, the Be Happy Box includes filler paper for so your little one can keep the writing party going. The clamps are also removable if they're getting in the way.

Stickers

We don't quite understand *why* everyone love stickers so much, but we're not mad about it. That's why we're positive your kids will love sticking these babies everywhere.

If you're lucky, your hand or arm may get a Hocus Pocus stamp of approval.

Notepad

If your kids have an aversion to planners, make a quick to-do list for them using a sheet from this cute notepad. They're less likely to miss it if you stick it on the fridge (*wink*).

Bookmark

This cute Thackery Binx bookmark is great for keeping track of notes or the bookpage your kid was reading during recess. We love how the pointy cat ears stick up at the top

Pen Pouch

Pen pouches save lives, and by that, we mean keep all your most-important pencils and gel pens in one place. This particular pouch is also roomy enough to store the "Trouble Is Brewing" notepad. In other words, it's a good storagesupply for kids who tend to lose track of their writing utensils.

Washi Bundle

For parents who may be wondering what a washi bundle is, we've got you covered. It's an adhesive tape that's extremely versatile *and* extremely cute. Your kids can stick it to any surface — like the notebook or notepad. If their class is assigned a mini Halloweenproject, your kid can even use the washi bundle as decoration!

Are you planning on buying The Happy Planner x Disney Hocus Pocus Be Happy Box?Let us know in the comments!

Header image via The Happy Planner

Once summer rolls around, strawberries take center stage, which means strawberry desserts are the highlight of the season. From classics like strawberry shortcake to innovative creations like strawberry s’mores, these 32 strawberry desserts push the boundaries of that fruity, juicy flavor we all know and love. Get ready to indulge!

Strawberry Freakshakes

Think of this recipe as your traditional strawberry milkshake, but leveled-up beyond compare. The "freak" label for these decadent shakes is entirely accurate, as they get loaded with sugar, ice cream, donuts, whipped cream, and of course, rainbow sprinkles. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Donuts

These strawberry donuts earn a healthy (or well, healthier) edge by using whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and Greek yogurt. Don't worry though – they're still as sweet as ever, and they'll be super tasty alongside some coffee for a nice morning treat! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Tart

This tart looks impressive, but it's not all that hard to execute. Get your hands on just 5 ingredients – store-bought pastry dough and custard help expedite the process – and you'll be well on your way to strawberry, dessert-y goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Chia Oatmeal Cookies

Turns out, you can eat cookies for breakfast! These strawberry-filled lil' bites serve as a quick power-up with fruit, oats, and chia seeds. You can even pack a few in your lunchbox for a healthy mid-day snack sesh. (via Brit + Co)

Boozy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

These skewered strawberry desserts would make a fun Friday night activity to share with your boo! Simply soak some fresh berries in pink champagne overnight, then assemble them onto skewers before dipping them right into a dark chocolate bath and garnishing with more chocolate and crushed pistachios! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Lemon Cookies

Strawberries and lemons are a match made in flavor heaven, and these easy cookies (they only take 20 minutes) deliver a strawberry lemonade-type taste. Summer, here we come! (via The Edgy Veg)

Chocolate Strawberry Cake

We are salivating for this chocolatey cake! The cakey layers are quite simple to make, then you'll use fresh strawberries for the mid-layer and as a beautiful garnish. Don't you dare forget to add that creamy chocolate ganache! (via Give Recipes)

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is an absolute classic! This recipe makes a few simple swaps (like whole wheat flour instead of regular, and maple syrup instead of white sugar) to make each and every bite a tad bit lighter than your traditional take. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Dark Chocolate Strawberry S'mores

You haven't lived until you've tried putting fresh strawberries on your s'mores. Just look at that gooey goodness! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Peanut Butter Cake with Strawberry Frosting

Once you learn how to make this sweet strawberry frosting, you'll wanna put it on everything you make, from cupcakes to cookies. And yes, even this nutty peanut butter cake! Pile it on real high. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

The crunchy coating on these strawberry shortcake-inspired ice cream bars is exactly why you need to make them this summer. It's comprised of brown Rice Krispie pieces and freeze-dried strawberries to add some variety in texture, and wow, is it delicious! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Rhubarb makes an excellent partner to strawberries. Case in point: this no-frills, uber-fresh pie with an impressive lattice crust! (via Completely Delicious)

Strawberry Cocoa

This sip is like if you combined a strawberry shake and hot chocolate into one. It's so dreamy! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Chocolate Strawberry Hi-Hat Cupcakes

That cross-section, though! These rich chocolate cupcakes are piled high with strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream icing. Once they're iced, they're dipped in even more chocolate to form a satisfying outer shell. (via Butternut Bakery)

Strawberry Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff

These strawberry fudge bites are just perfect for a little Valentine's Day dessert. This recipe surely doesn't shy away from sugar! (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Matcha Madeleines

Matcha, chocolate, and strawberries?! We are totally swooning over these tiny strawberry desserts. While the madeleine cookies are soft and airy, the dark chocolate layer on the outside provides a nice crunch, contrasting the textures and flavors in each bite. (via The Original Dish)

Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies

Strawberry cake mix makes these strawberry desserts so much quicker, but they don't skimp on flavor at all. If you want to take things up a notch, try adding some fresh strawberries on top! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

These Rice Krispie treats would make our child selves go crazy. You'll only need four ingredients to make 'em: freeze-dried strawberries, cereal, marshmallows, and butter, so they're a good dessert to make if you don't have a lot of ingredients on-hand and don't feel up to baking! (via The Endless Meal)

Chocolate Strawberry Mock-tini

This non-alcoholic, dairy free martini is decadence at its finest. You'll create your very own chocolate coconut simple syrup before concocting a mix of cashew milk, strawberries, and swirls of melted chocolate. (via Chef Bai)

Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Strawberry Jam

We all need more brownie recipes in our life, right? These rich bars are instantly elevated by a homemade strawberry jam that you'll likely have leftovers of to put on toasts, sandwiches, and more strawberry desserts! (via Two Spoons)

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

Although this recipe's a bit more breakfast-y, it still qualifies as dessert in our minds because it's loaded to the brim with a super-sweet cream cheese filling and sweetened strawberries worthy of the dessert table. Plus, there's plenty of syrup to go around! (via Live Eat Learn)

Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

These strawberry desserts are snack-worthy in the morning, afternoon, and as a late night snack, of course! If you thought store-bought Pop Tarts were good, just wait 'til you make them for yourself with fresh strawberries. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns

The strawberry cheesecake filling stuffed into these airy buns is to die for! Prep a batch for a fun cafe-themed party, or keep the half-dozen all to yourself for morningtime bliss. (via Vikalinka)

Strawberry Banana Bread

Banana bread is a total lifesaver when it comes to using those overripe bananas sitting out on your counter, and it gets even better once strawberries enter the mix! This recipe is moist, sweet, and perfect as a little treat. (via Averie Cooks)

Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes

Looking for vegan strawberry desserts? Your search is over with these vegan strawberry cupcakes covered in vegan whipped cream. Add some more fresh berries for full effect! (via Earthly Provisions)

Strawberry Scones

Dare to make your local coffee shop jealous with these homemade scones using strawberries. Once you're done baking them, you'll cover each one with a delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting for maximum flavor. (via Most Hungry)

Strawberry Rhubarb Galette

Sweet galette recipes are our weakness. They're so sweet and shareable, plus this one in particular is a good way to start using all your farmer's market produce! (via Amanda Wilens)

2-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

Simply blend some frozen strawberries and bananas together, and you've got a sweet treat that can fulfill your cravings for creamy ice cream! For even more dessert vibes, top this recipe with sprinkles, Oreos, or chocolate syrup, Or all three. We'd do it, too. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Strawberry Chocolate Mint Smoothies

The addition of mint leaves takes this sweet sipper to a whole new level. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Strawberry Jelly No-Bake Cheesecake

Have you ever seen a cheesecake so beautiful?! Plus, this one requires zero baking, making it the perfect pick for hot summers. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Strawberry Macarons

If you're up to the challenge, making macarons yourself can be so rewarding. Each of these little sweet sandwiches is filled with strawberry jam and a cheesecake-inspired icing. (via Barley & Sage)

Vegan Fruity Pebble Cheesecake

Colorful, fruity, and sweet? Say no more. This Fruity Pebbles cheesecake just earned the top spot on our "to-bake" list!(via No Eggs or Ham)

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Lead image via The Endless Meal.

There are a number of TV shows in the running for best teen drama. I'm ready to press play on The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Tree Hill, and The Vampire Diaries at any given moment, but there is nothing like watching Friday Night Lights season 1. It might not be as glamorous as Gossip Girl, but that's exactly why it resonates so deeply when you watch it — FNL both highlights and honors viewers' real-world experiences because the characters are SO relatable. Instead of leaving you envious of a fictional life, Friday Night Lights welcomes you into a community you feel like you already know.


Image via NBC

Everyone in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas lives and breathes football, and Friday Night Lights season 1 opens just before the first game of the season. Right off the bat, we're introduced to characters that both evoke emotion and spark our curiosity, and we're told exactly where they are in their lives: new head coach Eric Taylor is struggling to win the town's confidence. Fullback Tim Riggins struggles both with motivation and against confident running back Smash Williams. All-American quarterback Jason Street has dreams of playing in the NFL while timid Matt Saracen takes care of his grandmother during the afternoon and serves as second-string quarterback at night.

Not to mention the fact that when I watched Friday Night Lights for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling and multi-dimensional the women are. Tami Taylor has the perfect blend of motherly love and the kind of Southern sass that puts you in your place. Minka Kelly's Lyla Garrity is one of my favorite TV characters of all time because she might be wealthy and popular, but she evades "The Curse of the Brunette" that seems to plague early 2000s leading ladies. Instead of turning into a manipulative mean girl like the high school versions of Blair Waldorf and Brooke Davis, Lyla is just kind. Does she still make insanely bad decisions (like kissing her boyfriend's best friend)? Yes, but aren't bad decisions a right of passage when you're 17?

The show's initial plots and character arcs revolve heavily around football, but the sport really just serves as a funnel for all the off-field drama. The tension between the characters makes their gameplay even more passionate — and when Street gets seriously injured during that first game of the season, the town rallies together in a way that highlights how strong a community can bond in the face of tragedy.

Image via NBC

Life in middle-class America can be tough, but it can also be really, really sweet. While I'm neither from Texas nor have attended the kind of football school Dillon High is, the contrast between the characters' responsibilities and the fun that comes with parties and joining your friends at the local burger joint resonates with me every time I rewatch.

Even the fact the show is named Friday Night Lights emphasizes that contrast because it shows just how much of a spotlight is on these kids, and how much weight is on their shoulders when they're truly just trying to survive their teenage years.

Rather than providing an escape from viewers' realities like Outer Banks does, Friday Night Lights season 1 emphasizes the realities of juggling multiple jobs, school, and family responsibility that a lot of viewers experience too. It allows you to understand the characters in a really personal way — and feel like you're a part of the community too. The world can seem so big and scary (now more than ever), which is why the simplicity of Friday Night Lights totally redefines comfort TV.

What's your standout moment from Friday Night Lights season 1? Check out why Gilmore Girls Season 7 Wasn't Supposed To Be The Final Chapter for even more TV show musings!

Lead image via NBC