5 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for Soon-to-Be Mamas

Erica Loop
Feb 08, 2017

The most romantic day of the year is coming up fast, but your baby might not be: You’ve got weeks or even months until they’re due to arrive. That means you still have time to celebrate a Valentine’s Day date with your grown-up babe (and possibly in a very grown-up way!). Forget about the fact that your belly is more like a mountain than a sweet, teeny bump, your feet feel like ever-expanding marshmallows and morning sickness has you throwing up seven times before lunch. Relax, let your S.O. pamper you, and point them to these romantically rad date ideas!

15 French Baby Girl Names For Your Little Belle

In honor of Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson revealing the gender of their baby, we've rounded up a list of the top French baby girl names to consider naming your little belle! We know you're looking for something that's as pretty as it is unique, so we've got you covered with 15 inspirational options. From pretty French names to fun, unexpected ones, you'll love choosing a few to share with your S.O. and family. And once you've narrowed it down? Well, we're positive your little girl will have a name that matches her personality!

P.S. Looking for even more baby name options? Don't worry because we've got a couple of names that may you remind you of moments from our childhoods!

Popular French Baby Girl Names

Image via Nguyễn Quốc Thái/Pexels

  • Chloé — There's a reason why this is one of the most popular French baby girl names! It's easy for anyone to say and sounds gorgeous. We're a little biased because it's the name of our Entertainment Editor and one of our favorite designer brands!
  • Elise — Searching for the perfect middle name for your daughter? You can't go wrong with this gorgeous name.
  • Julia — Julia Roberts' talent makes her one of our favorite actresses, but it's her name that has always set her apart. Not only is it a popular choice for little girls, but it's so pretty to say!
  • Lili — If you find yourself drawn to lilies, it's probably a sign you're supposed to name your little princess Lili.
  • Adrienne — There's something about this name that always brings a smile to our faces. We can just hear your daughter's name now — Adrienne Elise!

Pretty French Baby Girl Names 

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  • Cheryl — Get inspired by Stevie Wonder's song "Mon Cherie Amour" because the name Cheryl inspired by 'Cherie' or beloved. There's no doubt you'll be filled with love when you see your baby girl for the first time!
  • Éliane — If your heart swells with joy when you think of your daughter, it's possible that she lights up your life like the sun on a beautiful spring or summer day. This French baby name (which means 'sun') will fit her perfectly.
  • Charlotte — We're biased about this pretty name because we know at least one Charlotte who's had a positive impact on us! The thing that stands out about this name is that it means 'free.'
  • Désirée — Chances are, you desired to have your sweet bundle of joy. So the name Désirée is fitting!
  • Brigette — Besides being one of the prettiest French baby girl names we like, Brigette is a powerful name that means 'exalted.'

Fun French Baby Girl Names

Image via Juan Encalada/Unsplash

  • Josette — Since you're growing your family with the addition of your little girl, naming her something that means 'God will increase' just has to be on your to-do list!
  • Angelique — This French baby girl name translates to 'angelic,' and is the perfect pick for your little angel.
  • Camélia — This fun name has Latin roots, but is still one of the more popular French baby girl names out there. Derived from the a shrub that has pretty flowers, Camélia has a sweet ring to it!
  • Nadine — Nadine was one of the memorable characters from Arthur and it feels like her name was perfect for her sunny disposition — even if she was imaginary. Gift your daughter this fun name to complement what's sure to be her positive outlook on life.
  • Noel — If your due date is around Christmas, feel free to be inspired to name your daughter Noel!

What is a rare girl name?

Image via Christian Bowen/Unsplash

There are plenty of rare French baby girl names! Yvette, for instance, is a unique name that will set your baby apart from the rest. We also love other names on this list like Camélia and Éliane!

What French girl name means delicate?

Image via Atharv Nalapure/Pexels

Léa means 'delicate' in French. If you love more simple French baby girl names (or if you're super excited about Reputation (Taylor's Version)), then this is a great name for you.

Be sure to check out our list of French baby names if you need a little more Francophone inspo!

Image via Christian Bowen/Unsplash

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7 Binge-Worthy Short Story Collections For When You Need A Break From Novels

As no stranger to sifting through books to read and round up, it suddenly dawned on me that R.L. Stine's Fear Street series helped introduce me to the brilliance that are short story collections. There were several endearing elements about friendships in those books that I loved, but the horror and thriller aspects kept me on the edge of my seat. Now that I'm older (and more well-read), I realize that R.L. Stein isn't the only one killing the short story game — there are so many other talented authors who have unique and gripping tales to tell outside of novels.

I'd obviously be remiss if I didn't share some of the stunning short story collections I've found since then. Here are 7 amazing short stories that will have you edge of your seats, so be sure to grab your reading journal to jot them down! From learning how to love someone in spite of their flaws, reclaiming your life after heartache, and facing your fears before they swallow you completely, these stories truly have it all.

Short Story Collections To Read Right Now

No Diving Allowed by Louise Marburg

What lies beneath the surface of a pool's shimmery surface? It's something Louise Marburg seeks to answer with three short story collections in No Diving Allowed.

Two brothers are seemingly unable to move past tension that's followed them since their childhood in "Identical" and it's revealed how much this has taken a toll on them. On the other hand, "Let Me Stay With You" shows how assumptions can paint a negative picture of someone that's not true while "Minor Thefts" shines a glaring light on one family's drama.

The people found in this story are imperfect, but love still finds a way to help them stay afloat.

Have Mercy On Us by Lisa Cupolo

Have Mercy On Us is similar to No Diving Allowed, but the stories found in its pages focus more on people who are fighting to live a life that's meaningful to them. From an older man who's determined to rescue his son in Kenya to a woman who decides she's not going to let her spouse's infidelity crush her, these stories will change the way you look at love and forgiveness. You'll also feel a renewed call to choose how you want to live your life.

What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah

Short story collections are meant to grab your attention and sometimes they break your heart because their message is received long before their tale ends.

You'll meet a woman whose desperation for a child causes her to make a drastic decision, two teens who truly begin to see each other in a new light, and more characters who must come to terms with the roles they've taken on.

It'll only be a matter of time before you find yourself reaching for a few tissues while reading this book.

The Rock Eatersby Brenda Peynado

Brenda Peynado explores the relationship people have with being considered an outsider and how far people are willing to go for those they love. Whether from a personal or political standpoint, the characters you'll come across will make you shake your head in disbelief and have hope for them at the same time. You'll come across families who believe that worshipping angels is the answer to their prayers in one story and children whose ability to fly causes them to have a very close relationship with rocks.

There's hints of magic, mysticism, and the human ability weaved throughout each tale that we know you'll love.

The Thing Around Your Neckby Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has a beautiful way with words that makes it easy to get lost in her world. She uses The Thing Around Your Neck to help explain how men and women are more connected than they think, and she also explores the relationship parents have with their children.
It's a beautiful telling of how worlds can collide and whether it's worth trying to find common ground between two seemingly opposing things.

What Is Not Yours Is Not Yoursby Helen Oyeyemi

How do you handle the keys in your life and what would people find if they used them to unlock the doors they're designed for? In What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours, four sets of keys determine the fates of two lovers, someone who purposely closed themselves off from others, a mysterious house filled with locks, and a magical diary that's full of things that shouldn't be unlocked.

Four Past Midnight by Stephen King

You may want to read Four Past Midnight early in the morning because these short story collections are sure to give you nightmares. Four stories — One Past Midnight, Two Past Midnight, Three Past Midnight, and Four Past Midnight — make up the pages of Four Past Midnight and each of them are filled with horrifying scenarios that'll make your imagination run wild.
In One Past Midnight, a family finds themselves among a group of people who survive a terrifying plane experience only to realize their terror has just begun when they reach land again.
Two Past Midnight follows writer Mort Rainey's sad life as he deals with the fallout of his marriage in Tashmore Lake. He doesn't think things can get any worse until an imposing man named John Shooter starts making threats that take an evil turn.
Three Past Midnight details Sam Peebles' attempt to figure out what's going on in his mind and if he can stop what's threatening to come out before it's too late.
Four Past Midnight introduces readers to what happens when one man — Old Pop Merrill — decides to try to exploit a supernatural force he doesn't understand for profit.

For even more reading recs, be sure to check out our storefront to see all our fave books right now!

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

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Suki Waterhouse Finally Announced Her Baby’s Gender During Coachella

The winter blues are over non-existent today because Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson are Hollywood's newest parents! Not only that, but marriagemay be in the cards for the couple! While we know a picture isn't always worth a thousand words, it's hard not to buy into the romantic way they interact with each other in paparazzi snaps.

After Suki announced she and Robert are expecting their first baby together, we knew it was only a matter of time before engagement rumors started flying. No matter where you stand on the love and marriagevs. happily singledebate, we're absolutely over the moon for this sweet couple!

Here's everything we know about Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattison's new journey!

What exciting news did Suki Waterhouse share during her Coachella set?

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Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson were spotted at Coachella on Friday in preparation for the former's amazing performance! A fan page shared several candid shots of the couple walking around on Instagram and we're living for Suki's fur coat moment. Only she could make her outfit look effortlessly cool.

But, one of the best moments during her Coachella set is the beautiful way she announced the gender of her and Robert's baby. In this awesome TikTok video, Suki can be seen smiling as she talked to the crowd. "I don't know if some of you know, but I've had some pretty big life changes happening this year...and I've been very lucky to have my own little amazing lady and meet the love of my life," she said.

This means Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson are officially on #TeamGirl 💕!

What has Suki Waterhouse said about her postpartum experience?

Image via Suki Waterhouse/Instagram

Suki Waterhouse took to Instagram to share how she's been doing since giving birth and gave her honest opinion about her postpartum journey so far. She can seen wearing an oversized cardigan, what appears to be a nursing bra, and a pair of Frida Mom Disposable Underwear. She wrote, "the fourth trimester has been… humbling! the postpartum period has been filled with exhilarating joy, so much laughter, tears, soo many hormones! I’m proud of everything my body has achieved and proud of the kindness and grace I’ve given myself during this recovery period. 💕ootd: @fridamom pants!"

People applauded her for being so honest about postpartum with @juliemic79 commenting, "Thank you for being so real about what we go through after we deliver our precious angels. The hormones, the sleepless nights., the sheer joy and wonder of how such a little human can make your heart burst. It's a journey, take the time and heal and enjoy..."

We wish her continued healing and support!

Have Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson revealed their newborn to the public?

Image via Suki Waterhouse/Instagram

Up until recently, Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson's lips were sealed about the arrival of their newborn. However, Suki shared an adorable pic of her holding their precious baby on Instagram with the caption, "welcome to the world angel ❤️." Singer Halsey wrote "ROCKSTAR MOM!" while Paris Hilton typed, "Congratulations love! So happy for you both!🥰" Amazon Prime is even spotted in Suki's comments!

Plenty of Suki's fans left their own sweet messages too! User @mischa.moo wrote, "Child’s gene pool is made of gold omg," which sums up how we feel.

Did Suki Waterhouse give birth?

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Congratulations are in order for Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson because they've welcome their first baby together! The new parents kept the details of baby's birth under wraps, but DailyMail shared exclusive images that showed they recently enjoyed a nice family outing while Robert pushed their newborn in a baby stroller.

We hope they're adjusting to the arrival of their baby and that Suki has all the support she can get during the postpartum period!

Why did Suki Waterhouse turns heads at the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards?

Image via Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

People shared that Suki Waterhouse practically floated on the red carpet while wearing a custom-made red Valentino gown that showed off her growing baby bump. She looked ethereal as the camera caught several angles of her face and the cut-out portions of her gown that revealed her and Robert Pattinson's baby.

Funnily enough, the gown had to be altered before it fit her frame perfectly. She said, "I was really excited about this look, Valentino...but it didn't even — like, I had to hold it. The fitting was just me holding it to my. body, so they had to really...redesign this dress to make it fit the bump."

As far as we're concerned, it all worked out in the end! Honestly, we love that more mamas are choosing to redefine their maternity style.

Where have Suki Waterhouse and Robert been spotted recently?

Images via Suki Waterhouse/TikTok

Whether they were trying to be incognito or not, fans spotted the couple getting ready to make a detour to St. Lucia. One fan account on X speculated they were going on a "babymoon" to celebrate their unborn child.

Despite not confirming their plans, Suki Waterhouse posted a series of photos on TikTok that revealed she and Robert were enjoying a vacation. The first photo in the carousel showed her wearing a cute bikini while her precious baby bump is on full display. If that wasn't cute enough, she chose Lana Del Ray's song "Margaret" to accompany the photos.

It could be a cryptic nod to their engagement rumors because the lyrics at the end of the song are, "Like Hollywood in me, that diamond on your ring. The soul that you bring to the table. One that makes me sing."

Are Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson engaged?

For now, that news is TBD! PEOPLEreports that Suki has a glittering diamond on her ring finger and we haven't stopped screaming since we saw the closeup of it on TMZ. They may be taking a cue from Rihanna and A$AP Rocky by ignoring the public's demand for a confirmation and that's completely fine with us!

When did Suki announce her and Robert's baby news?

twitter.com

While performing at the Corona Capital Festival in Mexico, Suki shocked concert-goers at the beginning of her performance. A fan account posted a clip on X where she could be heard talking about distracting the crowd from a very obvious baby bump. She said, "...I'm not sure it's working" while working the stage in a sparkly mini dress and faux fur coat.

How long have Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson been dating?

Time flies fast because it's been more than a few years since Suki and Robert became a couple. People reported that it was rumored they began dating in 2018. However, the couple kept their relationship private — good thinking — for a while.

When did Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattison make their official debut?

The Hollywood Reporter shared that the couple appeared at the Dior Men's Fall show last December. They looked stylish and romantic as they walked the red carpet, which is how we've continued to see them.

What have they said about their private relationship?

Robert hasn't said a lot but he did share that he was shocked to see Suki's reaction to his The Batman's performance. During his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, he told the host, "...just seeing that it was capturing her attention the entire time" made him

The Hollywood Reporter also reported the actress opened up about her relationship with Robert in The Sunday Times. She told the outlet, "I'm always incredibly excited when I see his name pop up [on my phone] or even a text, and I think he feels the same about me."

What recent projects have Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson worked on?

Besides performing at the Corona Capital Festival this past weekend, Suki Waterhouse recently appeared as Karen Sirko in Daisy Jones & The Six this year. As stated above, Robert Pattison's last major project was The Batman.

There's not an official due date for Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattison yet, but I'm just excited to learn they're expecting a sweet little baby. Be sure to watch this space for more updates!

How do you feel about Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson's baby announcement? Let us know in the comments!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

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A Fan Favorite Guest Is Coming Back For "The Bear" Season 3

2023 proved to be one of the best years in television history, and one new TV show that everyone was talking about was The Bear. Not only did it provide even higher career stakes for all of our favorite chefs, but it also deepened the relationships, connections, and heart the first season gave us. I can't wait to see how The Bear season 3 takes the drama a step further — and hopefully brings in a slew of guest stars that rivals season 2's "Fishes" episode. The Bear season 3 is officially coming summer 2024! Here's everything you need to know about the new installment. Yes, chef!

Who's going to be in The Bear season 3 cast?

Image via FX/YouTube

You can expect all your favorite The Bear cast members to return for season 3, including Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson, and Ayo Edebiri. And it's official: fan favorite guest star Will Poulter will be back for season 3 too!

Jeremy Allen White also told Deadlinethat he'd love to see another episode where “we can get as many (guest stars) to come back for one day,” just like the chaotic family Christmas episode of The Bear season 2.

Erin Jones on TikTok makes the fantastic point that bringing in another chef, possibly one from Carmy's past life, that shows interest in Sydney could help steer the romantic side of the show because it could help Carmy realize he likes her. I, for one, am totally here for Sydney x Carmy endgame, and while it's still up in the air, you simply cannot deny that Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri have incredible chemistry. (And I am still waiting on Ayo Edebiri to star in a romantic comedy!!)

Did The Bear win any SAG Awards?

Image via FX/Hulu

The Bear once again won big at the 2024 SAG Awards, winning for Comedy Series Ensemble, Male Actor in a Comedy Series, and Female Actor in a Comedy Series. During our Q+A with Inside Out 2's Ayo Edebiri, she mentioned the biggest lesson she's learned from Sydney is to embrace good lessons — not just the hard parts of life.

"You don't need to learn lessons from hard things or bad things, it's equally as important to learn them in wonderful moments, [even if] it sometimes might feel hard to," she says. Check out our interview here!

When is The Bear season 3 coming out?

Image via FX/Hulu

Seasons 1 and 2 of The Bear filmed in February and premiered in June of 2022 and 2023, respectively.FX announced in late 2023 that a third installment of the hit TV was coming, with a promise that it'd hit screens before the end of 2024 – and they will deliver on this timeline!

According to Variety, FX chairman John Landgraf confirmed a more concrete release date for the series during a presentation at the Television Critics Association’s winter 2024 press tour. He said that The Bear season 3 will come out in June of 2024.

Due to the show's natural "anxiety-inducing" nature, Landgraf said that all of the episodes forThe Bear season 3 will release on one day (like season 2), rather than a weekly schedule.

"We made a decision to drop the whole thing because it has a beautiful, uplifting ending,” he detailed.

During the 2024 SAG Awards, Matty Matheson let us know that filming for season 3 is going "really well."

"It's just heads down, full hearts," he says. "We're just back in Chicago, weather's kind of nice. Big scripts, big scenes, cameras are on and we're ready." Until we get to see The Bear season 3, feel free to rewatch seasons 1 and 2 on Hulu — I know I will!

What is The Bear season 3 about?

Image via FX

In an interview with Variety, Jeremy Allen White revealed that after all of season 2 focused on Carmy and the gang opening a brand new restaurant, The Bear season 3 will feel more aligned with season 1.

"Now, in the third season, I think we’re going to go back to that functioning kitchen atmosphere that we had in the first," White said in the interview.

Now that the staff of The Bear has finished opening the restaurant, they're able to just run it!

"In January, I’m going to spend a fair amount of time getting together with some chefs," White continued. "There’ll be a menu set, I believe, that’s going to be for the restaurant in the third season. And I know that I’m going to start putting together that menu with different chefs and cooking and just trying to get prepared to do more of that stuff on camera."

Who are the Faks in The Bear?

Image via FX/Hulu

The Faks are family friends of the Berzattos. The two Faks we know best are the hilarious brothers Neil (Matty Matheson) and Theodore (Ricky Staffieri). Neil is always around to help Carmy and the gang fix something (because, naturally, something is always broken) and we hope he's around a lot more for The Bear season 3!

Did The Bear win any Emmy Awards?

Image via FX/Hulu

Yes, The Bear won a bunch of Emmys this past year, including: Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Jeremy Allen White, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Ayo Edebiri.

Who plays Carmen's mom in The Bear season 2?

Image via FX/YouTube

Natalie and Carmy's mom, Donna (who you can see in the season 2 episodes "The Fishes" and "The Bear"), is played by Academy Award winner, Jamie Lee Curtis.

Why is Carmy called Bear?

Image via FX/Hulu

Carmy's last name is Berzatto, so multiple family members are called different forms of "Bear" as a family nickname or term of endearment (like "Sugar Bear" or "Mikey Bear"). Carmy is most frequently referred to as just "Bear," and decides to name his restaurant The Bear.

Let us know what you want to see in The Bear season 3 on Facebook and check out the rest of our New 2024 TV Shows.

Lead image via FX/YouTube.

This post has been updated.

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PlantYou’s Food Hacks Can Save You Over $1K On Groceries

It's no secret that groceries feel more expensive than ever right now, and compounded by the fact the average American home throws away 322 cups of food a year, I'm determined to use up every bit of the food, sauces, and other cooking basics I buy. That's how I found Carleigh Bodrug. Her PlantYou page, and her Scrappy Cooking series (plus her new cookbook!), makes creating delicious recipes easier, and more fun, than ever.

What is scrappy cooking?

Image via SB Creative Studio

"Scrappy Cooking is the concept of transforming the world’s most commonly wasted foods into delicious recipes — and starting is as easy as chopping up a broccoli stem into a stir-fry," she tells me over email. "Seriously, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Look at the plants you have that you bring into your home every week, and see if there are ways to repurpose them."

With the help of Carleigh's Instagram page, I turned some broccoli stems into French fries and used up the last of my peanut butter for a noodle salad sauce. If you want to turn your groceries into a one-of-a-kind meal but aren't sure where to start, Carleigh recommends looking at every single aspect of the plant.

"Whenever I bring a plant into my home, I think about what part of the plant is discarded, and then I research whether or not it’s safe to consume (this part is important)!" she says. "Once I identify it’s edible, that’s where the fun begins. A great example of this is something like celery, which I buy often. I was discarding the celery leaves for years, only to find out they taste almost exactly like parsley and make a great base for a tabouleh style salad."

Is PlantYou vegan?

Image via SB Creative Studio

Yes, a lot of PlantYou's recipes are vegan, and they're all plant-based! Some of Carleigh's favorite recipes include mocha chocolate granola with spent coffee grounds, "chips" made out of beet greens, and pickle juice as a marinade (which is something I learned Chick-Fil-A does!). These recipes might sound intimidating or time-consuming, but that's exactly why Carleigh's PlantYou social media exists.

I can speak from experience that the videos are easy to both understand and put into practice. (Plus, the recipes are super versatile, because "when you’re cooking with just plants, if you screw something up, you can almost always fix it!"). But there are a few steps that always make these scrappy processes easier.

"The low hanging fruit to reducing food waste in your kitchen actually starts before you grocery shop," Carleigh says. "I always recommend people sit down for an hour one day a week, and make a really basic meal plan, outlining what they plan to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then, before they head to the store, shop their fridge and pantry to avoid duplicate buying. Now it’s time to compile a shopping list, and only buy what you have a plan for! Done right, this will take care of 80 percent of your food waste."

What can I buy to save money on food?

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In addition to meal prepping (check out our favorite apps to reduce food waste, too!), the PlantYou chef + author recommends having a few recipes that use up a bunch of ingredients in one go. "It’s really important to lean on staple recipes that allow you to 'clean out the fridge,' which is really what my new Scrappy cookbook is about," Carleigh Bodrug says. "I wanted to arm people with great base recipes (like stews, curries and stir fries), where they can interchange the vegetables and produce items they have on hand every week to reduce waste and save money."

"By using up leftovers, repurposing ingredients, and being more mindful about the food you’re bringing into your home, you'll notice a decrease in your grocery bill," she continues. "The average American family of four wastes over $1700 worth of groceries per year — which is like a phone bill every month! Not only does being Scrappy benefit your wallet, but it also feels great knowing you're making healthier choices and contributing to a more sustainable planet."

Okay, so you know what you want to eat, and you've budgeted for groceries, what now? "I look for ingredients that are versatile and can be used in multiple recipes to minimize waste," Carleigh says. "Quality, longevity, and sustainability are key factors in my purchasing decisions."

What is the proper way to store food?

Image via B+C

After you've whipped up recipes like the Fiesta Fries below, it's important to store them properly to ensure they're fresh for as long as possible. "Use quality food storage and meal prep containers, and keep fruits and vegetables separate to prevent them from spoiling," Carleigh tells me. "Different types of food will require different conditions for optimum long-term storage. This applies to fresh produce, as well as dry and canned foods."

We all have days we don't want to cook (PlantYou's Carleigh Bodrug included), which is the perfect opportunity to support a local business. "On days when I don't feel like cooking, I usually rely on quick and easy options like smoothie bombs from my freezer, which are in my new cookbook," she says. "I also often have homemade soup ready to go that I’ve made in advance or have frozen in the freezer. Sometimes, my husband and I opt for ordering in from local restaurants in our small town in Ontario, especially on Friday nights after a long work week. It's a convenient way to support our favorite vegan small businesses while enjoying a hassle-free meal."

PlantYou's Fiesta Fries — Delicious Loaded Fries You Can Make Today!

Image via SB Creative Studio

Ingredients:

  • 6 medium-size Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced to desired size, around 1/2 to 3/4 inch recommended
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 cups Vegan Ground Beef or your favorite vegan ground beef substitute
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, pinto beans, or red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 yellow or red onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons water or extra-virgin olive oil

Suggested Toppings:

  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced Handful of fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower Cream Sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, and line a baking sheet with a reusable baking mat or parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine the sliced potatoes with the garlic powder and salt and toss until coated.
  3. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and roast for 35 minutes, or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
  4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, combine the ground “beef” with the black beans, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and the water. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the onion starts to turn translucent.
  5. Assemble on a serving platter with the fries on the bottom, topped with the ground beef mixture and your desired toppings.

Excerpted from PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking: 140+ Plant-Based Zero-Waste Recipes That Are Good for You, Your Wallet, and the Planet by Carleigh Bodrug. Copyright © 2024. Available from Hachette Go, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Carleigh Bodrug is the CEO and Founder of PlantYou, a New York Times Bestselling cookbook author and self-taught plant-based chef, famous for her simple take on low-waste and vegan recipes. Boasting over ten million followers between her social channels, Carleigh has gripped social media with her simple and delicious low-waste recipes that make plants the star of the show.

Her latest book, PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking: 140+ Plant-Based Zero-Waste Recipes That Are Good for You, Your Wallet, and the Planet, is out NOW!

Check out our Weekend Scroll for more delicious recipes!

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

Lead image via SB Creative Studio

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