This Teen’s DIY Outfits Are Giving Us MAJOR Halloween Inspo

You’re well aware we take Halloweenvery seriously around here. Every year prep work begins November 1, essentially. Though we’ve already found plenty of inspo from 2015’s pop culture moments, celeb Instagrams, conferences, and even a Taylor Swift vid, we don’t only dress up on October 31, so we need all the options we can get.

1. Plush Princess: By decorating yourself with your favorite stuffed animals you won’t only be comfy, you’ll be looking cute. You may be so cozy in a look like this you’ll feel like you’re just hanging out at home watching Netflix. And isn’t that what we all want to be doing anyway? (Photo via @daewzii2542)

2. The Up, Up and Away: All that’s really missing from this look is that iconic flying house. (Photo via @daewzii2542)

3. Basket Case: Those throw pillows and blankets can chill on the floor for a night because you’re gonna be out serving basket case realness. (Photo via @daewzii2542)

4. Craving Cabbage: And you thought Gaga’s meat dress was memorable… (Photo via @daewzii2542)

5. White After Labor Day: If you can make white linen sheets look this good, no one will say anything negative about it. Even if summer is long gone. (Photo via @daewzii2542)

6. Sashay in Straw: You don’t need to find the needle in the haystack for this look. Simply transform straw into a stunning gown by belting it. Fair warning though, don’t stand next to a fire pit. (Photo via @daewzii2542)

7. Sandals + Socks: After running them through the wash, give your look a tropical feel by styling a dozen pairs of socks into a skirt then using those flip flops as a top. No coconut bra required here. (Photo via @daewzii2542)

8. How’s It Hangin’: You know you haven’t done the laundry in a while so why not put those bare hangers to use by styling them on your body. Just please, no wire hangers. (Photo via @daewzii2542)

9. Not Your Average Floor-Length Gown: Why go the routine route of a floor-length look when you can have a seemingly neverending train instead. Remember to always go for more drama. Always. (Photo via @daewzii2542)

10. Metallic Mother: No need to walk in this outfit, people will come to you. And if not, make them ;) (Photo via @daewzii2542)

Will you be using any of Madaew’s DIY creations as inspo for your Halloween look? Let us know which one in the comments.

(h/t BuzzFeed)

Even if you love Halloween as much as the next gal, do you really want to keep shelling out $60 for a store-bought costume every year? Heck no! Whether you're a busy girl who doesn't have time to turn out a next-level costume or a lazy girl who just… can't even, we know that come October 30 you prob won't have anything in the pipeline. Don't panic, just get creative with what's already in your closet! Your squad will still be looking strong wherever you decide to spend fright night.

Olivia Rodrigo

Evoking by Olivia Rodrigo on her Sour album, this costume only requires you have a short plaid skirt, crop top, fall boots, and stickers for your face. (via Brit+Co)

Cassie from Euphoria

This costume is really all about the makeup. Cassie wears a lot of light blue, but you could probably make it work with your favorite form-fitting outfit along with glittery eye makeup. (via Brit+Co)

Marty McFly from Back to the Future

Go back to the future (and the '80s) with this Marty McFly costume that requires little more than jeans, a flannel shirt, a denim jacket, a vest, and — skateboard is optional, really. (via Brit+Co)

Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad

Yes, you can look good while being bad!Pull off this mod super villain look with stuff you can find in your closet. Wear a bomber jacket, ripped tee, and fishnet tights (don't act like you don't have them). Then put your hair in pigtails and pick up some pink and blue hair dye. (via Brit + Co)

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Audrey Hepburn

Channel your inner Holly Golightly and have Breakfast at Tiffany's this Halloween. All you'll need is a black dress, pearls, a tiara, and a long cigarette. Extra credit if you bring along your cat.

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Frida Kahlo

Kahlo might be best known for her signature unibrow, but her outfits and next-level color combos were also pretty fabulous. Pull off this look with a flower crown, floral fashion and funky earrings. Don't forget to pencil in the 'brow!

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Morton's Salt Girl

How cute is the famous girl on the salt shaker? You know, the one that's hiding in the back of your spice cabinet? To pull off her look, you'll need a yellow dress, white tights, salt and umbrella.

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Flight Attendant

Head out on the town or navigate the friendly skies? Whatever your plans are, you'll be ready in no time with this super easy costume! All you have to wear is a navy or red skirt, white blouse and printed scarf. Throw in a suitcase and wing pin if you're feeling fancy.

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Troll

How much did you love your Troll doll as a kid? Now you can dress up as a life-size one with stuff you probably already have around the house. How great is that? You'll just need any nude-colored clothing, a felt diamond you can cut, and any colorful wig.

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Lorelai Gilmore

Is it laundry day again? No worries, you'll be looking amazing as Lorelai Gilmore with this last-minute look. Just wear a pink tie dye tee, jean shorts, and a coat — they don't even need to match. Bring a coffee mug with you in case you need to make a late-night stop at Luke's.

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Netflix + Chill

Get your mind out of the gutter! You're just getting ready for an epic horror movie marathon, right? There are many interpretations of this costume, from lounging around with some popcorn to a bag of ice along with your Netflix shirt.

Party Animal

Ready to paint the town red? Get out there and party this Halloween, you crazy animal. Chances are you have a glitzy gown and any animal mask hanging around. So easy! (Photo via Brit + Co)

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White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland

Head through the looking glass with this elevated Alice look. You'll need a red blazer, pocket watch or clock and a white dress. Throw on white shoes, a bowtie and bunny ears, if you have some.

Carmen Sandiego

Where in the world are you going to be this Halloween? Whether it's going on a crime spree in London or Lisbon, you'll be looking stylish. Dress up in a red trench coat, fedora, black boots, leather pants and leather gloves. (via Brit + Co)

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Amelie

Watching Amelie makes us have major French women #goals. For this easy costume, rock a cardigan, tank, and skirt or a red sweater with a black dress. Bring along a garden gnome or spoon for creme brûlée!

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Darla from Finding Nemo

Just imagining Darla around a fish tank gives us the heebie-jeebies. Her look is easy to pull off, though. Wear your hair in pigtails, wear a sweater or sweatshirt, use tube or wire for “headgear." Bring along a plastic bag with a plastic fish and water inside.

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Rosie the Riveter

Who run the world? Girls! Show everyone you mean business by dressing as Rosie the Riveter this year. Get to work in denim jeans, a denim shirt, boots and a bandana.

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Minnie Mouse

So what if you're a grown-up? You'll never stop loving Disney, like, ever. Show your love for Minnie Mouse with this adorable costume. You'll just need to scrounge up a red skirt, black top, white gloves, red bow and black shoes.

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Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz

We get it — a tornado came and blew away your Halloween costume and crushed a witch, too, right? Get back on the yellow brick road to Halloween fun as Dorothy. Wear any blue dress, white shirt, red shoes, braids and a picnic basket.

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Bank Robber

Freeze! And hand over all the candy. Steal hearts on Halloween with this bank robber costume. You'll just need black pants, a black and white striped shirt, water gun, mask and a black hat.

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Tweedle Dee/Tweedle Dum

Grab your best pal and go out together as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Bonus points if you speak in rhyme the whole night. Wear red pants, suspenders, yellow shirts, blue bow ties and red hats.

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Wilson from Castaway

Tom Hanks was amazing in Castaway. But let's be real, Wilson was the real star of the show. Show up in a white T-shirt with a red handprint.

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Mario

It's you, Mario! And in five minutes, you're ready to power up! All you'll need is a rat hat, red shirt, overalls, and red Converse. Bonus points if you make a cardboard go-kart for some irl Mario Kart.

Where's Waldo

Everyone will be able to find you in a crowd. This Waldo outfit really stands out! You'll need jeans, a red and white striped shirt, glasses and red or striped beanie. (via Brit + Co)

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Aunt Flo

Wait, who invited Aunt Flo to the party? This might be the easiest costume of all time. And possibly the grossest or funniest, depending on your POV. Wear a red hat, red glasses, red dress, red gloves and bring your suitcase.

Mary Poppins

Everyone's favorite nanny made even medicine taste better with a spoonful of sugar. This look is great for a last-minute get together. A white dress with a red belt and some red bows is one option, or you can wear a dark skirt, white top, red bowtie and hat. Either way, don't forget your umbrella! (via Brit + Co)

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Taylor Swift

Keep on celebrating the Fearless (Taylor's Version) era with one of her most iconic and easiest music video looks. All you need is a white tee and some sharpies!

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Sadness

Feeling a little blue about not having a Halloween costume? Just go as Sadness from Inside Out. You'll only need blue pants, a gray turtleneck, glasses, blue hair spray and blue makeup.

Eleven from Stranger Things

Everyone and their mother is anticipating the new season of Stranger Things. Dress up as Eleven and show off your psychic skills while you wait. You'll need a pink dress, knee-high socks, blue coat, Eggo waffles and a fake bloody nose. (via Brit + Co)

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Flo from Progressive Insurance

You probably know Flo from all the Progressive commercials. Offer everyone the best rates on candy or booze. You'll need an all-white outfit, Progressive logo, apron and “Flo" name tag.

Dancing Emoji Dolls

Grab a pal for this last-minute look that couldn't be any easier. You'll both need black leotards, black dance shoes, nude tights and black headbands with ears. Get ready to pose for lots of snaps. (via Brit + Co)

Sushi

Your Halloween night will be on a roll if you show up as sushi. If you're not feeling a DIY, just add a colored pillow, belt, and chopsticks to an all-white outfit. Pro tip: Try not to spill any soy sauce on yourself. (via Brit + Co)

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Grapes

Don't wine about not having a costume. You'll be the opposite of sour grapes with this fun, fruity look. To pull it off, you'll need purple balloons safety pinned onto an all purple outfit.

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Birthday Cake

Your friends will love this look as much as any kid loves cake. It does require a bit of DIY: You'll need birthday candles glued onto a headband. Then go for an all white or pink outfit.

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Little Red Riding Hood

Forget the fairy tale. Red Riding Hood can be a downright sexy costume choice. To pull it off, you'll need a black dress, red cape and a picnic basket.

Looking for more easy Halloween costume ideas? Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter!

This post has been updated.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's relationship has captivated us throughout the years. Their story has love, family, loss, and of course, royalty. But how did the Duke and Duchess of Sussex come to be the powerful, independent couple they are today? Here's everything we know about the pair's relationship timeline, starting from the first time they met!

Mike Coppola / Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala

July 2016: Meghan and Harry meet

After initially meeting on Instagram (a classic plot point for 21st century relationships), Meghan and Harry met for a first date in London.

“I was scrolling through my feed and someone who was a friend had this video of the two of them [and Meghan], it was like a Snapchat,” Harry said of is digital introduction to Meghan in the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries. He remembers asking himself, "Who is that?"

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November 2016: Meghan and Harry reveal they are officially dating

It was an official statement from Kensington Palace that confirmed Meghan and Harry's relationship.

At the time, Meghan faced mass amounts of sexist and racist backlash through the media for her association with the royal family. Kensington Palace denounced the hate in a statement:

“Some of this has been very public — the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and Web article comments,” the statement read. “Some of it has been hidden from the public — the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriends; the bombardment of nearly every friend, coworker, and loved one in her life.”

Despite the hate, Meghan and Harry persevered as a couple.

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September 2017: Meghan shines a light on her relationship with Harry

Meghan revealed even more information about her connection with Harry in a Vanity Faircover story in September 2017.

“We’re a couple. We’re in love,” she told Vanity Fair. “I’m sure there will be a time when we have to come forward and present ourselves, and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.”

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November 2017: Meghan and Harry are engaged

Meghan officially moved to London in the fall of 2017 and the couple announced their engagement not long after.

Harry proposed to Meghan at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace with a ring made from two of Princess Diana's diamonds, and she said "yes" on the spot!

An official statement from the palace detailed their engagement further:

“His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle,” it read. “His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle's parents.”

Meghan recalled the moment Harry proposed on the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries:

“He’s down on one knee and I was like, ‘Yes!’ I was so joyful and excited. I was like, ‘Ah we’re doing this."

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May 2018: Meghan and Harry’s wedding

Meghan and Harry got married at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. They admitted a few years later that they had actually exchanged vows three days before they walked down the aisle, for the sake of privacy.

“No one knows that,” Meghan said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. “We called the archbishop and just said, look, this thing, this spectacle is for the world, but we want our union between us, so the vows that we have framed in our room are just the two of us in our backyard with the archbishop of Canterbury.”

Millions of people tuned in for their televised wedding ceremony on May 19, 2018.

October 2018: Meghan announced her first pregnancy

On October 15, 2018, Kensington Palace released a statement informing the public that Meghan and Harry were expecting their first child the following spring.

The news broke while Meghan and Harry were on a 16-day royal tour through Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. The pair returned home and settled in at Windsor Castle's Frogmore Cottage to start prepping for the baby.

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May 2019: Meghan and Harry welcome their first child

The couple welcomed their first son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on May 6, 2019."We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on May 6th, 2019. Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz," an Instagram post from @sussexroyal read. "The Duchess and baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of the public for their shared excitement and support during this very special time in their lives."

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January 2020: The couple steps back from their roles in the royal family

After "many months" of deliberation, Meghan and Harry had decided to "transition" from the royal family in early 2020.

In an official statement, they shared their plans to step back as ‘senior’ members of the royal family, become financially independent from Her Majesty, and split time between the United States and United Kingdom.

"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity," the statement read. "We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties."

They moved to the U.S. a couple months later, staying in Montecito, California until they bought a home in Santa Barbara in the summer of 2020.

November 2020: Meghan announced she had a miscarriage with her second child

Meghan admitted she experienced a miscarriage with her second pregnancy, writing in a vulnerable New York Times op-ed essay that the loss of her second pregnancy with Prince Harry felt like “an almost unbearable grief.”

“I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second,” Meghan wrote. “Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal.”

March 2021: Interview with Oprah

The couple sat down for a very candidinterview with Oprah in March 2021, coming clean on multiple topics that had arose since living in the public eye. From Meghan’s mental health to the dynamic of the royal family – including the racism Meghan had experienced since becoming a member – they spoke honestly.

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June 2021: Meghan and Harry welcome their daughter, Lilibet

The pair publicly announced their second pregnancy in February 2021, welcoming their daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten Windsor, a few months later.

Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021 in Santa Barbara, California.

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June 2022: Meghan and Harry attend the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Meghan and Harry headed to Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, marking their first joint appearance in the U.K. in over two years at that point.

The two weren’t publicly mingling with other senior royalty in attendance, though they reportedly introduced Lilibet to the Queen in private during their trip.

"They aren't part of the [working] royal family anymore, and that's a decision they have taken — but maybe [the public] hasn't quite accepted that yet," a source close to the couple told Peoplein 2022. "Yes, they were low-key. They paid their respects and went home."

September 2022: Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral

Meghan and Harry were called to Windsor Castle on September 8, 2022, shortly after Queen Elizabeth II passed away at age 96.

They briefly reunited with Kate Middleton and Prince William to support the royal family amid the news. According to Kensington Palace, the rare meeting was actually William's idea, with a source noting that it "was an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family."

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December 2022: The Harry & Meghan docuseries drops

The first volume Meghan & Harry Netflix docuseries hit screens on December 8, 2022. The pair addressed their full love story, their new family, and dived deeper on their reasons for distancing from the royal family in the three-part series.

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March 2023: Meghan and Harry were told to leave their royal residence in the U.K.

Meghan and Harry were asked to “vacate” Frogmore Cottage in the spring of 2023.

"We can confirm The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage," a spokesperson for the couple's Archewell Foundation told People.

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January 2024: The truth comes to light about Queen Elizabeth’s blessing for Meghan and Harry’s daughter’s name

An inside source disputed the claim that the late Queen Elizabeth had not given Meghan and Harry her blessing to name their daughter after her known nickname, Lilibet.

“Meghan and Harry 100 percent got permission from the queen to use the name Lilibet,” the insider said. “The report is not true. [Harry and Meghan] don’t know where this is coming from...They’re shocked that this is coming now; it seems out of nowhere and out of left field. They just feel like it’s more of the same spear campaign that continues against them.”

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March 2024: Meghan and Harry were in Austin, Texas for SXSW

Meghan was slated to speak on a South by Southwest panel for International Women’s Day 2024, so she and Harry traveled to Austin, Texas.

While they were in Austin, the couple had a date night at Soho House Austin.

“They were happy and in great spirits,” an eyewitness told People. “Harry was very animated throughout the dinner. They were super low key and seemed happy to be around the upbeat vibes at the lively venue.”

Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on your favorite couples!

Lead photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation.

When it comes to the fall and winter holidays, Halloween is the official kickoff, and for good reason. Between the spooky cocktails and the awesome group costumes, there are countless ways to enjoy partying with your friends and family. But any truly amazing shindig needs food first: appetizers, meals, treats, and desserts. Whether you're making sweets or are into the savory kind of scary snack, here are 25 Halloween treats that will delight the real kids and the inner children in all of us.

Cyclops Cupcakes

Make these in mini muffin pans to enjoy a sweet dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Healthy Pumpkin Smoothies

Start your day with a pumpkin smoothie that has just the right amount of sweetness to give you a boost in the morning. (via Brit + Co)

Deviled Egg Brains

No matter what other fancy treats you serve at your party, people go wild for the deviled eggs every time. They're somehow even *more* irresistible when dressed up as brains. (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Spice Churro Milkshakes

You won't even think about Halloween candy when you have a decadent pumpkin spice milkshake to sip on instead. (via Brit + Co)

Million-Layer Pumpkin Crepe Cake

Is it breakfast or dessert? We say both! (via Brit + Co)

Mini Vegan Pumpkin Pie

There's nothing spookier than not having something yummy to serve your vegan guests. Avoid that horror show by making a batch of mini pumpkin pies. (via Brit + Co)

No-Bake Pumpkin Ice Cream Tart With Speculoos Crust

You'll only need one grocery store trip for this no-bake pumpkin treat. Shhhh… We promise not to tell if you simply can't share. (via Brit + Co)

Monster Sushi

If your kids are freaked out at the thought of eating raw fish... all the better. It's Halloween, after all! (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Samoas

The only thing scary about these pumpkin, caramel, and coconut cookies is how fast you'll be able to inhale the whole batch. (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

Pumpkin pie ice cream makes one heck of an a la mode. (via Brit + Co)

Monster Avocado Toasts

Savory avocado toast, jazzed up with nori and other garnishes, is a tasty counterpoint to all that sugar. (via Brit + Co)

One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pecan Pasta

Keep away that October chill by serving up a hearty dish of creamy pumpkin pasta before heading out to beg for candy. (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Seed Puppy Chow

A party isn't a party without puppy chow. Make yours seasonal with pumpkin pie spice. (via Brit + Co)

Mummy Pizzas

Fresh ciabatta bread is the base for these easily customizable pizzas. The zucchini bandages are healthy *and* terrifying. (via Brit + Co)

Creamy Pumpkin Apple Quesadillas

Both sweet and savory, crispy quesadillas stuffed with cheese, apples, and pumpkin work well as a snack, appetizer, light lunch, or post-trick-or-treating revival meal. (via Love and Zest)

Fish Stick Mummies

Fish sticks and cheddar cheese are a convincingly spooky, mummified snack. (via Cutefetti)

Monster Candy Bark

If you find yourself with extra candy, melt it all down for this no-rules candy bark. Chill in the refrigerator until hard and break into bite-sized pieces. (via Fork and Beans)

Freaky Healthy Halloween Salad

No one will mind if you're that person who brings a salad to the party. The little heads of cauliflower kind of look like brains, and the syringe dressing is a clever themed accessory. (via Boulder Locavore)

Halloween Eyeball Sub

Radishes and olive slices make eerily convincing edible eyeballs. Serve on jumbo hoagie rolls for dinner, or swap those for slider buns and serve them up at your next party. (via Kitchen Sanctuary)

Halloween Snack Platter

Make the items on this platter ahead of time, then set it out for everyone to nosh on. You'll be able to spend time with the fam instead of in the kitchen getting food ready. (via Foxes Love Lemons)

Little Potato Monster Eyeballs

Who knew something that looks like bulging monster eyeballs could also taste so good? (via Noshing With the Nolands)

Pumpkin Pie Dip

Cheesecake filling and canned pumpkin are the main ingredients for this seasonal snack. Serve it up with graham crackers or some cinnamon sugar pita chips. (via Cooking Classy)

Monster Bell Pepper Salad Cups

Turning your salad into a bona fide spook-fest is the only way you'll get your kids (or yourself) to eat veggies at Halloween when there's a bunch of candy lying around. (via Fork and Beans)

Mummy Calzones

If you're a Leslie Knope, you might be satisfied with a mummy pizza on Halloween. But if you're more of a Ben Wyatt type, you know that nothing but a calzone will do. (via Frugal MomEh!)

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Blondies

The best thing about blondies, aside from them being blondies? You can cut them into any size. Make adorable bite-sized versions to feed a crowd at your Halloween party. (via The Healthy Maven)

Wow your guests with more of our Halloween hacks on our Pinterest page.

Additional reporting by Irina Gonzalez

Taylor Swift loves to reference the past in her songs. Every new album adds another layer to a whole web of lore (as the kids say), and The Tortured Poets Department is no different! There are enough pop culture references to to keep you glued to Google for the whole weekend, which is why I read every single lyric to decode each movie and literary reference so you don't have to! Keep reading for the full scoop from our fearless leader: The Chairman of the Department ;).

Literary References In The Tortured Poets Department

Image via engin akyurt/Unsplash

Down Bad — "Did You Take All My Old Clothes, Just To Leave Me Here, Naked And Alone"

While "Down Bad" feels like a reference to aliens, it's also reminding us of the story of Adam and Eve, who were left naked in the Garden of Eden after eating the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The "experiments" Taylor Swift references in the first verse (plus the "Fortnight" music video) are also giving Mary Shelley/Frankenstein!

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So Long, London — "You Left Me At The House By The Heath"

Hampstead Heath is a beautiful area of London that reportedly inspired C.S. Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia in the late 30s and early 40s. As Narnia's self-proclaimed biggest fan, I'm totally claiming this indirect literary reference, especially since the Pevensies have to stay at the Professor's house when they're evacuated from London.

Image via Amazon

I Hate It Here — "I Hate It Here So I Will Go To Secret Gardens In My Mind People Need A Key To Get To"

This Taylor Swift song is all about wishing she was somewhere else during an early period of her life, and referencing The Secret Garden makes total sense. In the book, lead character Mary has to access the Secret Garden to discover the hope, joy, and healing she's lost.

Image via İlknur ERDURAN/Pexels

thanK you aIMee — "I Pushed Each Boulder Up The Hill"

This seems to be another Greek mythology reference, this time to Sisyphus. He was forced by the gods to roll a boulder up a hill — and then do it again when it rolled back down. Considering this song seems to reference Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and the drama that led to Reputation, it feels like a reference to the feud that rears its head over and over again.

Image via Robin Erino/Pexels

Cassandra — "So They Killed Cassandra First Cause She Feared The Worst And Tried To Tell The Town"

In Greek mythology, Cassandra (whose name means "she who entangles men," FYI) was a beautiful woman, and princess of Troy. The god Apollo falls in love with her, and gives her the power of prophecy — that is, until she rejects him and he turns the gift into a curse where no one believes her anymore.

Image via Amazon

The Bolter — "She Fell Through The Ice, Then Came Out Alive"

This is another indirect literary reference I'm claiming that totally reminds me of Amy March from Little Women. Amy falls through the ice when the March sisters are all children living in Massachusetts. Fans have historically hated her character, which is tied to the "A curious child, ever reviled // By everyone except her own father" lyric.

Movie References In Taylor Swift's New Album

Image courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys — "I Felt More When We Played Pretend Than With All The Kens"

The internet has claimed Taylor Swift as the real-world version of Barbie, and after last year's blockbuster hit (and Taylor referencing Ken in "Hits Different") we get another nod to our favorite doll. Plus, this song reminds me of Syd from Toy Story destroying his toys, and "he was my best friend down at the sandlot" got me thinking about The Sandlot. So many movie references, so little time!

Image via Michele K Short/Sony

Guilty As Sin? — "How Can I Be Guilty As Sin?"

Taylor Swift wrote "Carolina" for the book-to-movie adaptation of Where The Crawdads Sing. In "Carolina," she sings that Kya's community has "said that I was guilty as sin and sleep in a liar’s bed.”

More Pop Culture References

Image via Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

  • The Tortured Poets Department — Taylor Swift mentions poet & writer Dylan Thomas, singer-songwriter & poet Patti Smith, and American singer Charlie Puth, boygenius singer Lucy Dacus, producer Jack Antonoff.
  • But Daddy I Love Him — This is a line in both The Little Mermaid and The Notebook.
  • Florida!!! — Florence Welch is featured on this song, which mentions a hurricane. Florence + The Machine has a song titled "Hurricane Love."
  • Guilty As Sin? — Taylor also references "The Downtown Lights" by The Blue Nile, as well as the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus in The Bible.
  • Who's Afraid Of Little Old MeWho's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf revolves around a bitter and aging couple who weaponize the youth of their guests against one another.
  • loml — "The coward claimed he was a lion" is a reference to The Wizard of Oz, while "Mr. Steal Your Girl" is a Trey Songz track.
  • I Can Do It With A Broken Heart — This whole song is about Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
  • The Alchemy + The Prophecy — In Taylor Swift's TIME interview, she references Harry Potter, which has huge themes around alchemy and prophecies.
  • Clara Bow — This song references Clara Bow, Stevie Nicks, and Taylor herself!
  • So High School — Taylor Swift Mentions video game Grand Theft Auto, Artistotle, and American Pie. She also mentions games like Kiss Marry Kill, Truth or Dare, and Spin the Bottle

Which of these pop culture references in The Tortured Poets Department is your favorite? Check out the latest news on the album here!

Lead image via Amazon

Hearty dinner recipes are always going to be high on our list, but spring and summer tend to call for light lunch ideas to keep us energized and able to enjoy longer hours of sunshine everyday. I'll be the first to say that eating chicken pasta or pizza for lunch often makes me feel sluggish, so I try to stay away from them during the work day. Not only that, but I've noticed I feel better when I eat something that's a little fresher and healthier. If your summer plans include having as much energy as possible, here's 15 light lunch ideas to help you successfully get through your days!

Light Lunch Ideas: Tasty Salads

Chicken Tzatziki Avocado Salad

Light lunch ideas don't have to be tasteless just because they don't cause you to feel sleepy in the middle of the day. One of the best ways to enjoy something tasty is to make a Mediterranean dish. This chicken tzatziki avocado salad is full of season, roasted chicken, feta, kale, and creamy tahini sauce. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Roasted Golden Beet Salad with Farro

This recipe had us at goat cheese! If you haven't had a chance to try it yet, this roasted golden beet salad with farro is a great way to introduce it to your palate. It also features shallots, thyme, and honey to balance out the crunch you'll get from the almonds! (via Brit + Co)

Chicken Cobb Salad

Add this chicken cobb salad your list of non-complicated light lunch ideas! It's full of tasty ingredients like avocados, cherry tomatoes, and eggs that'll hit the spot during lunchtime. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry and Asparagus Salad with Chicken

Your salad needs an upgrade that involves lightweight fruit like strawberries. You can always exclude the chicken if you've been eating a meatless diet. (via Completely Delicious)

Feta Green Goddess Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken

We're not sure who made this rule but pasta salad just seems to be one of the light lunch ideas that works extremely well for summer. This recipe features a homemade green goddess dressing that lightly covers the delicious ingredients, making it one of our favorite meals. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Smashed Potato Spring Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing

We love that this smashed potato spring salad can be eaten during summer. The Creamy lemon dressing complements the butter lettuce, asparagus, and green onions that you'll happily devour. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

Simple Cold Pasta Salad

Simple light lunch ideas are the stuff that our summer dreams are made of. After all, meals like this cold pasta salad are great alternatives if you're truly looking for something quick and lightweight. (via Barley and Sage)

Summer Sesame Noodles

Is it a salad or noodle dish? Maybe it's both! One thing we know is that you'll get a ton of healthy vegetables and noodles drizzled in a sauce that has sesame paste, vinegar, and more! (via Gastro Plant)

Light Lunch Ideas: Creative Sandwiches, Tacos, and Wraps 

Breakfast Bagel Sandwich with Smoked Salmon

Skipped breakfast? It happens to the best of us! Make up for it during lunch with this breakfast bagel sandwich with smoked salmon. Our mouths are already craving the herbed cream cheese that's on it. (via Vikalinka)

Smoked Turkey Sandwich with Spicy Mayo

Craving a smoked turkey sandwich that has a kick to it? Make this dish for lunch, but don't forget to bring something soothing to drink that'll help counter the mayo's spiciness! (via The Original Dish)

Tasty Tacos

Tacos Rancheros

This is technically another breakfast meal, but we like to think that some meals can double as light lunch ideas! This is a great option if you have to eat lunch early. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Kale Chicken Caesar Wraps

You've never had chicken caesar like this before. The dressing doesn't have a ton of calories so you'll get to eat something that's healthy and yummy! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Light Lunch Ideas: Veggies

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini

Our mouths are watering looking at this garlic parmesan zucchini dish! The fresh garlic and parmesan make for a dish that's full of hearty flavors without making you feel sluggish. (via The Endless Meal)

Mediterranean Sweet Potatoes

Although these aren't considered sweet potato boats, you can think of them that way thanks to their shape. The spicy chickpeas in the center offset the sweetness of the sweet potatoes while the feta adds a lightweight flavor. (via Cozy Cravings)

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

This roasted vegetable quinoa bowl is one of the best light lunch ideas we've come across and it's gluten-free! Not only does it feature sweet potatoes, but you'll also get to savor juicy yellow squash! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Follow us on Pinterest for more light lunch ideas to cook this summer!

Lead image via Vanilla and Bean