Backyard Art FTW: DIY Water Balloon Watercolor Art

It is getting HOT in herrrrre. And for those of us that aren't swimming in a nice big pool right now, we have three options: Hide out in the safety of air conditioning, bake to a crisp outside, OR get creative with water games!

You've likely seen paint-filled water balloons splattering on canvases to create art (and walls, and floors, and clothing, and really everything the light touches). So, to remedy this incredibly fun yet disastrous activity, we flipped this art project to include regular old water-filled balloons, and watercolor paints (glorious, washable watercolors) secured onto the canvas itself!

Materials and Tools:

  • large white stretched canvas
  • watercolor palette (with round, dry cakes of paint)
  • water balloons
  • hot glue gun
  • hot glue sticks
  • butter knife

Instructions:

  1. Pop out the watercolor discs using the tip of a butter knife.
  2. Hot glue them onto your canvas.
  3. Fill up water balloons and go!

Grab a large canvas, water balloons, and a few art supplies, and let's get this arty party going! Carefully remove the watercolor discs from the palette, using the tip of the butter knife. You'll want to be really gentle, or else they'll crack when trying to remove them. Once you have them out of the plastic casing, hot glue them to the canvas in a random order. Or if you have a creative vision in mind, have at it!

Fill up a bowl of water balloons.

And let 'er rip!! Watch the magic AND art come alive before your eyes.

So fun!

BONUS: Not only will you create a fun watercolor masterpiece, but you can use your leftover water balloons as ammunition against your fellow artists!

This tutorial is being featured as part of a partnership with Scotts. Head to www.scotts.com for more fun ideas for getting creative outside with your kiddos.

This project originally appeared as part of this article.

After a long, harsh, and snowy winter, I am more than ready to get outside this spring. The sun is finally peeking out, which means it’s time to take advantage of the good weather, soak up that good old vitamin D, and try some new outdoor activities!

Getting outside this spring doesn’t have to be hard or expensive at all, and these spring activities prove it. You can make the most of what you have as long as you’re taking in the fresh air and warm sun rays! From recreational adventures to artsy endeavors, let this post be your guide to new, eye-opening fun activities for spring.

Image via B+C

Picnic in the park.

Picnics are my go-to activity idea for sunny spring days. If you’re lucky enough to live close to a park, simply pack your bag and head over there to spread out amongst the green, green grass. If you’re not close to a park – no worries! You can picnic just as easily in your front or back yard.

Picnic outings are really what you make them, but a fewessentials I never fail to bring are a big picnic blanket, sunglasses, a bluetooth speaker, a water bottlefull of cold water (hydration is key), and of course, yummy snacks to munch on.

Invite your pals to your picnic, and your spring day is set!

Photo by Meredith Holser

Go for a walk.

I think walking is the most underrated exercise because 1. you get a good, low-impact workout, 2. it’s totally free to do, and 3. there’s an opportunity to see something new every time!

Walking is a great way to clear your mind after a long workday or just get out of the house on the weekends. All you have to do is throw on your fave walking shoesand step out the front door! I prefer to have my headphones in, playing whatever music my current mood is, so I can feel like the main character – but, walks can be just as entertaining without background music. In fact, you may notice even more newness when you go sans-earbuds! Let your mind wander.

You don’t even have to have a destination on your springtime walks, but it’s nice to end your journey at a coffee or ice cream shop for a sweet, refreshing reward.

Image via B+C

Take a bike ride.

Bike rides are so amazing for unlocking your fun-loving inner child. Faster than traveling on foot, biking gives you the chance to explore beyond your neighborhood, if you’re up for it.

You don’t have to be a sporty person or go far distances to enjoy biking, either. Instead of driving or walking to your fave local restaurant, try biking there for a change in scenery. Plus, it’s environmentally-friendly!

If you don’t own a bike, you can definitely snag one for less than $100 off Facebook Marketplace. Some cities even have easy, cheap bike sharing programs like Lime or Lyft bikes to get you from point A to point B.

Photo by Meredith Holser

Visit an outdoor sculpture garden.

This activity idea may depend on where you live, but many cities and towns have museums with outdoor art. Typically, you won’t have to pay admission to access outdoor sculpture museums, which is a nice plus.

Again, this activity idea is a great way to get a change of scenery after being holed up in the house all winter. Wait for a good weather day and get out there with your family or friends! You also might wanna take your phone or camera with you to capture all the memories.

Photo by Meredith Holser

Try a new hike.

Like walking, hiking is amazing for springtime. Spring is the perfect time to embark on a hike because oftentimes, it’s not too hot or too cold. While there are tons of fun, free, and unique hikes in the US to check off your bucket list, it’s likely that you live close to a nature preserve or even a state park that has accessible trails!

I really enjoy usingAllTrails to find hikes near me, so this could be a great tool to use if you’re unsure of your closest hiking location. You can filter the trail search results by difficulty, so even if you don't want to do a challenging hike, there's gonna be an easier route to choose from.

Like any outdoor activity, you’ll want to have water handy on your hike. I recommend bringing along a water bottle backpack (like a CamelBak) to stay hydrated while hiking. I also never forget to pack high-protein snacks for a boost of energy.

Sunscreenand sun protection (hats, UV shirts, sunglasses) are also key if you’ll be out in the sun for extended periods of time. Make sure you have some supportive hiking boots, too!

Photo by Dominika Roseclay / PEXELS

Plant flowers.

Got a yard yearning for some blooms? Head to your closest gardening center for a few seeds. Better yet, you can reach for some inexpensive, already-grown flowers to amp up the spring spirit.

Planting flowers might be a little messy when it comes to outdoor activities, but your hard work will pay off once your yard is dotted with pretty flowers. All season long, you’ll have stems to pluck and bring inside for a killer DIY floral arrangement.

Ifflowers aren’t your thing, grabbing one or two easy houseplants can help you feel more in the mood for spring – plus they won’t call for much TLC, so you can spend time relaxing and getting outside this season.

Photo by Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Volunteer with an environmental cleanup group.

Your community is bound to have some sort of environmental cleanup group that helps better the land around you! An easy Google search will likely land you tens of results for free groups to join and participate.

Spending a weekend morning picking up floating trash at your local park or roadway only takes up a few hours of your day, isearth-friendly, and also provides a great opportunity to meet new, like-minded friends!

Fostering community for yourself, whether it’s through service-based groups like these or even your gym membership, will benefit your mental health(especially important after a long winter spent isolated inside)and open up doors for you in ways you’ve never thought of before!

Photo by Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

Do art outside.

Challenge your friend group (or the family) to a fun art challenge by picking a cool destination and drawing, painting, or collaging the natural scene around you. You’ll get to spend some sun-soaked hours outside with your pals and get a really cool art piece out of it! The scene doesn’t even have to be your classic trees-and-sky nature scene, either. You could visit an important landmark in your friendship (like a restaurant, bar, or cafe) and make art out of that.

From there, you can hang up the piece for some sentimental wall art, or gift it to a loved one.

If you’re short on art supplies, you can often find really cheap ones at the thrift store or at a creative reuse center! This way, you can ensure your outdoor artsy shenanigans won’t break the bank.

Photo by RDNE Stock Project / PEXELS

Visit your local farmer’s market.

I love a farmer’s market. It’s fun, it’s bright, and it can also be a fashion show! Throwing on your favorite spring outfit and heading to your local market just hits different, especially since you can stock up on all the good in-season produceand cute, locally-made goodies. Most farmer's markets will start opening up in early spring, weather permitting.

Photo by Jess Loiterton / PEXELS

Go tide pooling.

If you are fortunate enough to live near a coastline, going on a stroll by the ocean to tide pool is an amazing way to pass the time outdoors this spring. Just ,make sure to followthe appropriate steps to protecting the ecosystem when you’re out and about!

This activity could be especially cool to bring the kids along! They’ll have so much fun scoping out the sea creatures that hang out by the shore, and will make memories to last a lifetime.

Photo by W W / PEXELS

Go to the zoo or aquarium.

For those who are a little too far from the ocean to see the sea creatures in action, your nearest zoo or aquarium will do! Many zoos are outdoors, so you can also soak up the sun while you’re seeing the animals!

From colorful birds to interesting fish, you’re sure to catch something you’ve never seen before, and learn a little bit along the way.

Sign up for our newsletter for more ideas on fun activities to do this season! Make sure to check out our Amazon storefront for all the outdoor essentials you need for a fantastic spring + summer.

Lead image via Brit + Co.

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

Ladies and fashionistas, hold on to your Manolo Blahniks because our favorite New York City dames are coming back for a third season of And Just Like That.... That's right, the cult classic Sex and the City spinoff is set to grace our screens once again! So, what can we expect from AJLT's junior season? Buckle up, darlings, as we delve into all the juicy details.

When will "And Just Like That" Season 3 come out?

Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max

Now, here's the catch — while the fabulous return of our beloved Manhattanites is on the horizon, there's no set return date just yet. The writers strikeand SAG-AFTRA strike put production on hold for a while, but this delay gave us all the more time to binge-watch and reminisce about Carrie's iconic rent-controlled apartment. So, don't fret; we'll have more than enough time to sip our cosmos and rekindle our SATC love affair.

On May 1, 2024 Sarah Jessica Parker confirmed the series was back in production when she posted a photo of her script! "Here. We. Go. X, SJ," she says in the caption. While she perfectly positioned her pen to block the name of the first episode's title, we can see the last three letters look like "OOD." The title could be anything from "For Good" to "The Neighborhood" and I'm very curious to find out.

Where can you stream "And Just Like That" Season 3?

Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max

Before we dive into the excitement of season 3, make sure you're up to speed by streaming the first two seasons of And Just Like That... on MAX. That's where we'll find season 3, too!

Which "And Just Like That" cast members will return for season 3?

Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max

Let's talk about the heart and soul of And Just Like That... — the cast. Sans Samantha, it's likely that all of our favorite characters from season 2 will be making a glorious comeback for season 3. With Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis all donning the executive producer hats, it's a safe bet that ¾ of the original SATC gang will grace our small screens once more. Fingers crossed Nicole Ari Parker, Sarita Choudhury, John Corbett, Karen Pittman, and more of our AJLT faves come back, too!

Who's not returning? According toThe Daily Mail, Sara Ramirez was let got from the show. Ramirez, who uses they/them pronouns, hinted at their departure from AJLT on Instagram. They wrote this statement on their story:

"Our industry is so duplicitous. While they give awards away, casting directors and agents are making blacklists of actors and workers who post anything in support of Palestinians in Gaza to ensure they will not work again. While they lift up some of their own clients who have spoken up against this genocide, they are firing and letting others who have smaller platforms go. While they award 'lgbtq orgs', they are silent on those orgs ties to weapons manufacturers who are currently supporting the Israel military as it commits genocide on Palestinian lives that include LGBTQIA2S+ lives."

The statement ended with a very tongue-in-cheek reference, "It's wild how performative so many in Hollywood are, even more performative than the last character I played."

Though Ramirez intimated that they got fired for their political beliefs, but allegedly the show has other reasons for the cast change. According to reporting from The Daily Mail, a source revealed that Che was "too annoying" as a character. It's no secret that people have strong feelings about Che Diaz, but we haven't received an official statement from the AJLT team confirming this reasoning.

Reporting from Varietyrevealed that Che's character simply came to a "natural conclusion." Their sources maintain that the severed ties with Sara Ramirez had nothing to do with their politics and everything to do with the fact that Miranda and Che's relationship was over.

Will Samantha Jones return for "And Just Like That" Season 3?

Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max

The burning question on everyone's mind...will Samantha Jones make a triumphant return to the city that never sleeps? Season 2 did give Samantha's fans a taste of what they craved when Kim Cattrall made a brief appearance in the finale. However, for those yearning for a classic brunch scene with all four of the original cast members, it's time to temper your expectations.

After a revealing interview on the Today Show back in June, Kim Cattrall put the Samantha saga to rest. When asked by Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager about a potential season 3 comeback, Cattrall left us with lingering uncertainty, stating, "That's as far as I'm going to go."

Though it might be disheartening to know that Samantha won't be gracing our screens in the upcoming season, it's essential to remember that the magic of And Just Like That... extends beyond one character. Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda's enduring friendship and the vibrant energy of New York City are still very much at the heart of the show.

Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment

Image via Max

While we all anxiously await any news about And Just Like That... Season 3, watch this homage to Carrie's classic apartment.

Who's your favorite And Just Like That character? Let us know in the comments!

Header image via Craig Blankenhorn/Max

In need of some easy camping recipes? If you're headed out on an outdoor adventure and want some good grub, you're not alone. Tons of Americans are going on road trips and hikes right now that require some nutritious fuel!

But while grilled cheese recipes and plain salad recipes can be delish in the comfort of your home, sometimes when you're camping, you want something a little heartier. That's where our list of easy camping recipes come in, and the fact that they're a breeze to make will give you more time to hang out with the fam. Plus, we've included some yummy and easy camping recipes for two if you're just traveling with your boo!

What are some easy foods to take camping?

Dry and canned goods are the easiest foods to take on a camping trip. They're easy to transport, plus they stand up to any expiration date concerns you may have on your trip. Cased fruits and veggies, such as oranges, bananas, avocados, potatoes, and apples are all easy produce foods to take camping.

What is the most popular food for camping?

Easily transportable food is the most popular food for camping. Dry goods like cereal, pasta, and oats are always a good bet. Store bought snacks like crackers, dips, granola bars and trail mix are popular for snacking while camping. Canned vegetables and fruit are another popular option, due to how easy it is to carry, as well as its ability to last for longer periods of time.

What should I make for dinner while camping?

You can make campfire potato skins, sandwiches and wraps, hot dogs, aluminum foil packs, meat skewers, chili, and grilled fish for a tasty camping dinner. Read on for more easy and filling camping recipes!

What food should I bring for 3 days camping?

If you're camping for 3 days, you'll want to bring a range of items to make snacks and meals with. Pack a dry grain like pasta or rice, some protein (can be canned tuna, or already-cooked chicken), canned or dry beans or lentils, some easy-to-carry fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges, plus some store bought snacks like granola bars, potato chips, or trail mix.

Easy Camping Recipe for 3-Ingredient Protein Pancakes

Pancakes are quite possibly the perfect Saturday morning camping recipe, and these babies only need bananas, protein powder, and eggs! Top with your favorite fruit or maple syrup for a delicious, no-fail, and filling camp food recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Bacon-Loaded Potato Skins

If you love loaded potatoes, then this vegan dish (which is one of the best camping recipes, in our opinion) is going to make your day! Spicy cashew cream sauce provides the creaminess and flavor of cheese, and don't even get us started on how much we love the shiitake mushroom "bacon." Prep the food the night before to make assembling a breeze. (via Brit + Co)

Asparagus + Goat Cheese Frittata

Having a cast iron pan at the campsite will do you good with this easy camping recipe. Otherwise, all you have to do is mix the eggs, veggies, and cheese before cooking in a light layer of olive oil and seasonings. This is one of the greatest camping recipes for two since you can make it in a smaller skillet for optimal serving sizes! (via Brit + Co)

Superfood Egg Sandwich

This hearty sandwich is a great way to start off a day full of hiking, swimming, or just hanging out at the campsite! Chia seeds, avocado, spinach, and Greek yogurt give a regular egg salad sandwich a serious upgrade, and we're pretty sure we're never going back. Simply prep the sammie filling before your trip and seal it in an airtight container to take to camp. (via Brit + Co)

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Image via Half Baked Harvest

These chicken wraps are very versatile because you can grill them like Tieghan does, or leave them cold if you prefer to eat them like regular lunch wraps. Grab some rotisserie chicken to make this a super easy camping recipe, but the real star of the show is the buffalo sauce. It adds a nice kick that complements the creaminess of the ranch and cheese. Yes, please! (via Brit + Co)

Gooey Banana Boat S'mores

This sweet treat is like a regular s'more, except prepped inside a banana, a la banana split. What a dessert mashup! Wrap your gooey creation in some aluminum foil and set it over the open fire for a chocolatey bite you'll want every camping night. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Cheesy Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are great for getting vitamin K, antioxidants, and fiber, and this cheesy bacon topping just takes them to the next level. To get ready for your trip, just make this easy camping recipe ahead of time, cover, and store in the fridge until it's time to leave. Then, reheat it over the campfire and dig in! (via Brit + Co)

Easy Peach Crumble

Canned peaches, pre-made biscuits, and store-bought whipped cream will make this easy camping recipe go by so much faster so you can dig in! Just pile everything into an aluminum tin before grilling it over the fire for about 10 minutes – simple and easy. (via Brit + Co)

Egg Muffins Camping Recipe

Okay, so we'll admit that this might not be the easiest camping recipe once you're actually at your campsite, but prepare them beforehand, and you'll have a filling and cost-effective breakfast at your disposal. The veggies add a healthy edge and savory flavor – we give it two thumbs up! (via Brit + Co)

Chicken + Broccoli Foil Dinner

Foil pack dinners are a staple when it comes to easy camping recipes, because you can just throw them on the fire and let them cook while you're playing cards, telling stories, or catching up on your latest read! This camping recipe is totally customizable, so pick soy sauce for an Asian flavor, or go with hot sauce for a kick. You can also swap the chicken and broccoli for different meats and veggies until you find your favorite combo! (via Brit + Co)

Grilled Fluffernutter Sandwich

Peanut butter, chocolate chips, and marshmallow spread come together for one of the best camping sandwiches ever. It's easy to find vegan versions of these ingredients, or you can just opt for your regular go-to's. Either way, this is an easy camping recipe that will satisfy kids and adults alike! (via Brit + Co)

Triscuit + Prosciutto + Drunken Goat Cheese + Tomato Bites

These tiny finger foods look and sound super fancy, but are as easy as assembling any other crackers! Layer ahead of time for a snack in the car, or wait until you're curled up inside your sleeping bag with your book. Either way, these will taste amazing! Plus, this is a great pre-dinner option when it comes to camping recipes for two, since you don't have to do any cooking or prep. (via Brit + Co)

Triscuit + Almond Butter + Banana + Honey Bites

When snack time rolls around at camp, you want something healthy that also tastes good and will satisfy you until dinner. Enter this tasty and easy camping recipe. The almond butter offers protein, while the banana adds some fiber, and the honey keeps things sweet. Done and done. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Tuscan White Bean Soup

Hot soup is one of the best camping dinners because it's filling and it'll keep you warm after the sun goes down! This one is chock full of carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and kale. It also calls for sausage, but you could easily leave that out to turn it into a meat-free camping dish. Make it beforehand with your Instant Pot or use a big pot over the campfire. (via Brit + Co)

Lemon Chicken Skewers

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Before you head off on your camping adventure, cut up some chicken and veggies, and store them in different airtight containers. Then when you're in front of your campfire grill, you can just arrange everything on your skillet, and cook on skewers! Moroccan flavors and the creamy feta sauce from this easy camping recipe are a match made in heaven. (via Brit + Co)

Pork Bánh Mì

The carrots, cucumbers, and broccoli on this sammie offer some nutrients, and the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar give this simple camping meal some serious flavor. Plus, look at all that color! If you're not a fan of sandwiches, you can make the pickle mix (with the cucumbers, carrots, and shallot) for an easy camping side dish. (via Brit + Co)

Colorful Peep S'mores

You can't have a camping trip without s'mores... right?! It's basically a rule. If you want to change up your usual s'mores, consider swapping regular marshmallows for Peeps for some extra color! And while the chocolate dipped graham crackers are optional, we 1000% recommend. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Camping Recipe for Strawberry Arugula Walnut Salad

If you're preparing a huge camping dinner for the fam, sometimes you prefer a lighter lunch, especially if it's a hot afternoon. This salad has plenty of strawberries and walnuts, plus a nice dose of balsamic dressing (with Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and garlic — YUM!) that satisfies without weighing you down. This dish is also great for camping recipes for two since it's on the lighter side. Make sure to store it with some ice packs to maximize freshness. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Pizza Lunchables — One Of The Best Camping Recipes!

Make a healthier (and not to mention cheaper) version of our favorite childhood meal with some pita bread pieces, cheese, and tomato sauce. This is a great camping meal for the car or the campsite, and since you can customize the veggies, it's a surefire way to keep everyone 'round the fire happy! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Biscuits and Gravy

Flavorful, filling, and warm, biscuits and gravy make for one of the best easy camping recipes. There's nothing like smelling the gravy cooking in a cast iron, and feeling the chill of the morning air. We love it *so* much. Prep the gravy ahead of time so that you don't have to do as much work at your campsite, or spend time making it with the whole fam! Store-bought biscuits are totally acceptable here. (via Culinary Hill)

Spicy Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn + Feta Salsa

Everything about this easy camping recipe is a good idea. Simmer some beer, ketchup, and honey in a cast iron skillet with chipotle chili for a sauce that will go great with burgers, fries, and all your summer sandwiches. Spread some of the sauce on your chicken before grilling to get some extra flavor, and add extra once the skewers are plated! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Chili Dogs

Hot dogs are one of the best camping recipes, and the only way you can make them better is by adding some canned chili and shredded cheddar cheese. Good thing this easy camping recipe has both! This is a super easy camping recipe to assemble and customize. Picky eaters are entirely welcome. (via Culinary Hill)

Campfire Banana Boats

How cute are these kid-friendly banana boats? You can this camping recipe a full nine different ways, including Stawberry Hazelnut, S'Mores, Banana Split, and Honey Ginger style. We'd like to try every single one, please and thank you. (via Fresh Off the Grid)

BBQ Chicken Foil Packs

Prep this easy camping meal ahead of time, and then throw these bad boys in the fire on your camping trip. Two notes of caution: keep these in a cooler until you're ready to cook them so the chicken doesn't spoil, and also make sure to wear heat-proof gloves when taking these out of the open fire! Camping recipes for two have never looked yummier. (via Life in the Lofthouse)

Raspberry Dark Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats

Pretty much nothing could be simpler than prepping overnight oats ahead of time and eating them for breakfast while you're camping. And by the way, feel free to use whatever fruit you'd like for this recipe, from strawberries to blueberries and beyond. (via Annie's Noms)

Cajun-Style Grill Foil Packets

You might notice that there are a couple of foil packet recipes on this list, mainly because they're *so* perfect for camping. This easy camping recipe offers a Cajun take on things with veggies and shrimp. (via Favorite Family Recipes)

Bailey’s Dipped Toasted Marshmallows

Going camping with your S.O.? We're pretty sure that this insanely delicious (and adults-only) dipped marshmallow snack is about to be the hit of the weekend, and perhaps one of the best camping recipes for two you've ever experienced. (via BS' in the Kitchen)

Energy-Boosting Trail Mix

So – we've already covered some ideas for easy camping recipes to eat around the fire, but what about when you're on the trail? Cue this high-energy snack loaded with coconut flakes, raw almonds, dried cherries, dark chocolate, cashews, and more. (via Kristine's Kitchen)

Hot Ham + Swiss Croissants

Sure, these are technically sandwiches (and not croissants), which is why they're so easy to make for a camping trip. But the twist is that you wrap them in foil and throw them on the heat, allowing the cheese to get all melty and gooey. Better than your average breakfast sandwich, no? (via Life With the Crust Off)

Italian Sausage + Veggies Foil Pack

Looking for an easy camping recipe, but want to keep it healthy and low-carb? Spring for this insanely good (and filling!) Italian sausage-bell pepper combo. Mix in as many different colored peppers as you possibly can for added joy. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Sausage, Potato + Green Bean Foil Packets

Camping with dad? He's sure to love this classic meat-and-potatoes combo, and so will everyone else. Make sure to season these foil packs up before you hit the road! (via Damn Delicious)

24-Hour Fruit Salad

Anything that can be made overnight (while we're literally sleeping) is going to get a stamp of approval from us, especially on a camping trip! This sweet, fruity mix is the perfect easy camping recipe to add to your trip if the rest of your meals tend to be heavy and salty. (via Culinary Hill)

Mac + Cheese

We've saved the best for last! The key to making this easy camping recipe is to pre-cook the noodles before you leave home. But once you've done that, it's all downhill. Bonus: this is a one-pot recipe that uses barely any dishes, so cleanup time goes a lot faster. (via Hapa Nom Nom)

Share you favorite camping recipes on Instagram or follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration and check out our online baking and cooking classes for more ideas!

Lead image via Life in the Lofthouse.

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

If you've been missing Chad Michael Murray as much as we have, then you're going to want to tune into Mother of the Bride. Chad stars opposite Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove in the new rom-com, and the Sullivan's Crossing actor is trading the cozy forest for a tropical beach! The flick has plenty of romance (that is, after all, the "rom" in question), but instead of ending with a big proposal like a lot of other romantic movies, Mother of the Bride begins with a wedding announcement. And, naturally, relationship chaos unfolds from there. There's dancing, there's yoga, there's pickleball. This is one movie you won't want to miss! Here's everything we know.

What is the movie Mother of the Bride about?

Image via Netflix

Lana (Brooke Shields) is thrilled when her daughter Emma (Miranda Cosgrove) returns to the states from her time abroad. She's less thrilled, however, to learn that Emma is getting married on the other side of the world...in 30 days. Lana is ready to support Emma however she needs, but things take a turn for the worse when she realizes Emma's future father-in-law is the man who broke her heart in college. Watch the Mother of the Bride trailer here!

When can I watch Mother of the Bride?

Image via Netflix

Mother of the Bride begins streaming on Netflix Thursday May 9, 2024, which makes this the best movie to watch this weekend. You can check out the rest of our Most-Anticipated May Movies For 2024 to update your monthly watchlist!

Who's in the Mother of the Bride cast?

Image via Netflix

Alongside Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove as Lana and Emma, we'll see Chad Michael Murray, Benjamin Bratt, Rachael Harris, and Sean Teale. Michael McDonald, Wilson Cruz, Tasneem Roc, and Dalip Sondhi also star.

Where was Mother of the Bride filmed?

Image via Netflix

Mother of the Bride was filmed on location in Thailand. That sounds like a dream! According to Miranda Cosgrove, the movie filmed for six weeks, and the cast and crew spent almost every minute together.

Why is the mother of the bride so important?

Image via Netflix

The mother of the bride can be an important part of any wedding ceremony (should the couple choose to include her). While she provides some serious emotional support for the bride, the MOB also helps with wedding planning. Plus, in the past, she's also had a role in making sure any religious, cultural, or traditional elements are incorporated into the ceremony. Basically, she's the bride's right hand woman! (In addition to the Maid of Honor, of course).

Are you excited to see Brooke Shields, Chad Michael Murray, and Miranda Cosgrove? Add the rest of our 54 Most-Anticipated Spring Movies For 2024 to your watchlist for your next weekend binge watch session.

Lead image via Netflix

May is here, and we're celebrating it by sharing which Sephora birthday gift you can get this month. That's right — I'm talking about all the freebies you can find! Well, not all of them — just enough to help you find new makeup, skincare, or haircare products to add to your vanity. After looking at the options Sephora has to offer this month, we're sure you'll have a hard time choosing from all the great options.

Let's jump into the 6 glamorous Sephora birthday gifts you can get this month!

How do I redeem my free birthday gift?

In order to redeem your birthday gift, you have to become a beauty insider. Signing up is completely free.

Are birthday gifts only available online?

Some of them are, but some can be picked up in-stores. You'll want to look online to see if the birthday gift you want has the "Available online only" or "Available in Store only" label.

Can I redeem more than one gift?

Wouldn't it be nice if we could have all the things? Unfortunately, you can only choose one birthday gift set.

Am I able to redeem a VIB or Rogue birthday gift if I haven't reached those tiers?

If you recently became a beauty insider, you'll be in the 'insider' tier. Here's the requirements to reach the next tiers:

  • VIB: Spend $350 in one year
  • Rogue: Spend $1000 in one year

You'll have to continue spending those amounts to maintain your VIB or Rogue status. At that point, you'll be able to redeem a VIB or Rogue birthday gift.

Other than that, you have free reign to choose from 7 other great options! Here's everything you can choose during your birthday month!

Kosas Lip & Brow Birthday Set

What's included:

  • Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss in Shade 'Unbuttoned' (Soft Warm Blush)
  • Air Brow Clear + Clean Lifting Eyebrow Gel with Lamination Effect

Kosas is known for their skincare-friendly makeup which makes this birthday gift so exciting. You'll get one of the best lip oils that'll gives your lips a boost of hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid and it'll make them look kissable. Additionally, you can give your eyebrows a little boost with Kosas' air brow gel!

Youth To The People Cleanse & Hydrate Skincare Birthday Set

What's included:

  • Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser
  • Superfood Air-Whip Lightweight Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
  • Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Cream + Mask with Vitamin C
We stan a good skincare set that features different options for us to try. If you choose this birthday option, you'll get to sample Youth To The People's goodies that can easily be incorporate into your morning or nighttime regiment. From a pH-balancing cleanser to a Vitamin C-infused mask, your skin will appreciate this moisturizing birthday gift.

Moroccanoil Ultimate Hydration Birthday Set

What's included:

  • Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil
  • Hydrating Shampoo
  • Hydrating Conditioner
  • Hand Cream
Give your hair some TLC with Moroccanoil's ultimate hydrating set. Each product is infused with argan oil so you can trust that your strands will receive hydration that results in sleek hair.

Sephora Birthday Gift 250 Bonus Points

Then again, you can decide to have an extra 250 bonus points added to your account. I reached the VIB rogue tier by choosing this option one year and my total accumulated points allowed me to save $10 off my next purchase. It's a win even if it's not a gift set.

VIB

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Look Birthday Set

What's included:

  • Matte Revolution Lipstick in shade Pillow Talk
  • Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
  • Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
If you've reached the VIB or Rogue tiers — congratulations! You'll get to take home this Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Look birthday set! If the pretty packaging doesn't catch your eye, then the gorgeous packaging and award-winning products will!

VIB

Summer Fridays On-the-Go Hydration Birthday Set

What's included:

  • Jet Lag Mask
  • Lip Butter Balm for Hydration & Shine in Shade 'Vanilla'

While Sephora's other birthday gifts won't change in April, there's a new Rogue VIB option to look forward to! Sephora loves surprising their amazing customers with hydrating birthday gifts and this set is right on time for all your vacation needs. The air on airplanes can be drying so you'll need Summer Friday's jet lag mask for your face and their lip butter balm for your lips!

Which of the Sephora birthday gifts will you be taking home this month?

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

This post is updated each month to reflect new Sephora birthday gift deals.