14 Ways to Repurpose Those Beautiful Buds

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner which means beautiful bouquets of flowers and chocolates. Now we know what happens to the chocolates… they get eaten right away. But what about those beautiful buds? Well lucky for you, we’ve scoured the web for some great ways to repurpose those dried petals.

Dried Flowers in Glass Bottle

Disney Princess dreams come true with this dried flower hack. Display your dried flowers Beauty and the Beast style by encasing them in a glass jar. (via Wedding Chicks)

Dried Flower Backdrop

This dried flower wall decor is a great way to get ready for spring. Showcase your Valentine’s Day flower arrangement by hanging them in lines. This accent wall will surely grab any visitor’s attention. (via Lave Laundry)

Lavender-Scented Linen Spray

Savor the smell of your beautiful buds by creating a scented spray. This lush scent will freshen up any linen closet. (via Country Living)

Flower Bangle Bracelet

Pantone color of the year. This is a great idea for creating a fashion statement out of a memorable boutique. (via Spotted Dog Asheville)

Dried Flower Neck Collar

This has to be the chicest use of dried flowers that we have ever seen. The pairing of dried purple flowers against the copper collar is superb. Get ready for our own Brit + Co DIY very soon ;) (via Cotton Pop Sock)

Marigold, Honey, and Oatmeal Soap

Dried flowers are the perfect addition for any cleanser. Not only do they give it color and a great smell, but most flowers do amazing things for your skin! This combination is great because the marigolds soothe, the honey moisturizes, and the oatmeal exfoliates. (via Country Living)

Dried Shadow Box

Shadow boxes are a perfect way to create any type of keepsake. This a beautiful way to hold onto any bouquet that has a special meaning, and also creates a nice focal piece as wall art. (via Merchant Circle)

Deep Pink Heather Flower Ring

If Disney had incorporated a proposal scene into Beauty and the Beast, this would be the ring. (And yes, we’re referencing our favorite princess twice in one article!) We love the way the pink flowers are preserved within the faceted ring. Unfortunately this ring is sold out :( but this Etsy artist has many more one of a kind rings. (via Rosella Resin)

Dried Flower Potpourri

Potpourri serves as a great way to freshen your home, but also has an aesthetic factor. Incorporate some bright petals into your potpourri and display it as a center piece in a shallow glass vase. (via Free People)

Pressed Flower Coasters

Now these are great colors to see on a gloomy day in SF. We are all about the idea of revamping a set of old coasters with some colorful petals. (via Lowes)

Floral Confetti

Dried flowers + confetti = a must for any party. This is a great party hack for outdoor weddings, baby showers, or even a casual shindig. Hey! Why not? ;) (via Bridal Musings)

Paper Sleeve Roses

The winner for most simple yet still extremely chic goes to this rustic DIY display of roses. Simply create a cone out of newspaper or old book pages, add some twine, and hang. (via Haikey)

DIY Pressed Flower iPhone Case

Okay, this is absolutely jaw dropping. We are in love with very aspect of this DIY. What better way to hold onto those flowers than incorporating them onto something that is always at your side? (via Clare McGibbon)

Dried Flower Mani

It’s no lie that here at Brit + Co. we love a good mani. We are totally obsessed with the idea of incorporating dried flowers! This is a great DIY mani post Valentine’s Day. (via Deviant Art)

When it comes to your fall nuptials, cooler temps and dusty colors are the order of the day. But there's no reason to spend all of your hard-earned money on wedding decor, especially when you still have a wedding dress to buy. Wedding trends right now are all about making a statement, so we rounded up 15 stylish Etsy finds to help you get the look for your autumn celebration while staying on budget.

Tiered Cake Pick in Fall Colors ($28+)

This fall-ready cake pick is made with a mix of dried and artificial flowers that includes grass, wildflowers, herbs, eucalyptus, and lavender.

Lighted Mason Jar Centerpiece ($19+)

Each of these quart-size mason jar lights includes a set of LED fairy lights, a beige sunflower with coordinating flowers, and a jute bow

Fall Wedding Pumpkin Cake Topper ($21)

Say hello to two of the most darling little pumpkins you will ever lay eyes on.

Cake to the Top Fall in Love Banner ($13)

Gold and on-trend, this adorable banner is perfect for hanging over your sweetheart table. Another idea? Hang it as part of a photo booth where guests can cake photos.

Little Pumpkin Balloon Garland Kit ($32+)

This pumpkin balloon DIY kit includes an assortment of balloons, a strip to make the garland, glue dots, and instructions (both written and video).

Earth Entwine Macrame Wedding Cake Decor ($38)

Having a fall wedding means you can go as earthy as you want. This macrame wedding cake decor looks fab and will add boho vibes to your big day.

Magpie Linens Burgundy Velvet Table Runner ($26+)

This beautiful and luxurious burgundy velvet table runner will take your reception tables to the next level. Pair it with moody blooms for a classy autumn affair.

Bloom Bar Floral Design Deluxe Dried Flower Posie Bouquet ($17+)

Fall kicks off with Virgo season, and nothing represents the maiden like dried sheaths of wheat, flowers, and grasses. These gorgeous dried bouquets are perfect for using in tablescapes, groomsmen's pockets, favors, or anywhere else you need an elegant autumn touch.

Large Velvet Pumpkins, Set of 3 ($40, was $50)

This handmade set of lush velvet pumpkins has three pillows in rust, gold, and olive. Each one measures 6 x 3 inches (plus, the 4-inch tall stem).

Eucca Hair Comb ($45)

Ditching the veil for a non-traditional hair accessory? This lovely comb puts a trendy twist on your look. It's made with real preserved and dried flowers so it's sure to last months — or even years!

Sheila Weil Studios Wool Felted Acorns ($21)

These ADORABLE felt acorns make for the perfect autumn detail. Your can scatter them across your table, decorate with them, or give them as favors.

Eucca Succulent Boutonnieres ($13)

Let your S.O. embrace the theme of your seasonal wedding with these assorted succulent boutonnieres. They're made with dried blooms, berries, lavender, and textural elements. And the best part? You can plant these cuties afterward!

Emma's Attic Store Terracotta Boho Wedding Cheesecloth Tablerunner ($6+)

Line your tables, drape your displays, and wrap your silverware in this beautiful boho cheesecloth. This material isn't just on trend, it's both rustic and elevated.

Personalized Skeleton Wedding Cake Topper ($60)

Get you initials monogrammed on this Halloween-ready wedding cake topper featuring bride and groom skeletons.

Gold Pumpkin Place Card Holder with DIY Place Cards ($31)

This set of 12 gold resin place-card holders come with coordinating blank place cards.

Which item is your fave? Tell us over @BritandCo!

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

Chia seeds are a tiny little superfood that packs a serious nutritional punch. They’re high in protein and fiber, and are an excellent source of brain-healthy magnesium! However, possibly the best thing about chia seeds is their ability to transform into one of the best binders you can use in your Paleo, Whole30, andvegan cooking. Inspire yourself to start including these lil' guys into your meals on the daily with these 14 chia seed recipes!

Coconut Almond Chia Granola

Like any good granola, this one can be eaten plain for a snack or used as the base for a filling breakfast. Because it's filled with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, it's also delicious crumbled on top of a bowl of ice cream! (via Brit + Co)

Raspberry Cacao Chia Seed Pudding

Raspberry + chocolate is the ultimate decadent dessert duo, and now you can have those flavors in healthy chia seed recipes like this chia pudding! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Chia Oatmeal Cookies

Healthy cookie recipes will always win us over. These have a wonderful balance between sweet + fruity! (via Brit + Co)

Mermaid Smoothie Bowl

This smoothie bowl, filled with Blue Majik, AKA B12-rich blue algae, chia seeds, and fresh fruit is a veritable explosion of color and flavor that is good at any time of the day! You’ll be shocked how something so pretty can be so good for you. (via Brit + Co)

Lemon Chia Seed Mug Cake

Lemon and poppy seed is a classic combo, but you can still get the same fantastic flavors in by subbing chia seeds! This healthy mug cake is in our weekly rotation RN (for breakfast or dessert) and it's just ahh-mazing. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Chia Jam

Instead of gelatin, this jam is thickened with chia seeds, which make it incredibly healthy and completely vegetarian. There’s also a hint of lime to make the flavor of strawberries and raspberries really stand out in comparison to other chia seed recipes. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Chia Quinoa Bowl

This healthy bowl, made with quinoa and almond milk, relies on chia seeds as a thickener to give it a hearty texture that will keep you full all day long. (via Brit + Co)

Apple Pie Chia Pudding

This chia seed recipe is dessert for breakfast in the healthiest way possible. Make the pudding the night before for a speedy preparation in the morning. You’ll love having warm, caramelized apples on top of a thick and creamy pudding. (via Brit + Co)

Fourth of July Chia Pudding

Who says that patriotic foods can't be delicious? Besides, there's no reason to wait until Independence Day to enjoy a mix of blueberries and raspberries in your chia seed recipes! (via Brit + Co)

Super Chia Bowl

Now you can have muesli and chia pudding in one bowl! Because of all the citrus that is involved in this recipe, this is one of the best chia seed recipes that's also incredibly refreshing and light. (via Brit + Co)

Superfood Egg Mayo Sandwich

This is one of the tastiest savory chia seed recipes we've tried thus far! When added to an egg salad sammie, chia seeds provide a nice protein boost on an already high-protein meal. (via Brit + Co)

Cinnamon Spiced Pear Chia Pudding

All you need is a pinch of cinnamon and a few spoonfuls of canned pear to complete the fun flavor profile of this chia seed pudding! Garnish with even more fruit for a flavor upgrade. (via Brit + Co)

Papaya Boats and Chia Pudding

Even if the warm weather can’t get here fast enough, you can give yourself a little taste of paradise with berry-and-chia-pudding-filled papaya boats! (via Brit + Co)

Homemade Lara Bars

If you’re craving a PB&J – but want a little bit of a healthier option – here is your answer. These bars are delish, plus they're packed with nutrient-dense ingredients (like chia seeds!) that are all Whole 30-approved, vegan, and gluten free. (via Brit + Co)


Do you have any other chia seed recipes that you love? Share them with us @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

As a bride, planning your wedding florals, your dress, and your cake (to name a few) can be magical and hectic in equal measure. We bet your budget is stretched thin! But never fear: Your DIY floral skills are going to pay off for you big time. We’ve rounded up beautiful, doable (really!) arrangements using both real and faux flowers that you or your crafty friends and family can do before the big day. The payoff: beautiful, cost-effective flowers that come out exactly the way you want.

DIY Floral Centerpiece

Statement centerpieces for every table can be a sinkhole for your budget. Cut out the middleman and assemble this graceful arrangement in minutes using faux blooms that you don’t have to worry about drooping before the dancing starts. (via Afloral)

Naked Cake With Flower Topper

This Pinterest-perfect cake is easy to assemble yourself, and a budget-friendly alternative to the fondant masterpieces at the bakery. Make this smaller display cake for photos and the ceremonial cutting, and serve sheet cake to your guests — no one will be any the wiser. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Hanging Flower Installation

Is your dream venue a bit of a blank slate, decor-wise? Suspend this colorful element to create a magical canopy of color and texture. (via Sugar & Cloth)

Geometric Floral Mobiles

No obvious altar in your amazing loft space? Create one in situ with these hanging metallic mobiles adorned with pretty flowers. They’ll frame your ceremony space, then add color to your gift table or bar. (via Brit + Co)

Ultra Violet Bouquet

The best part about this vivid DIY is the instructions apply to making an eye-catching bouquet in any color of the rainbow. (via Ruffled Blog)

DIY Boutonnieres

Give your groomsmen a punchy pop of color with these cheery boutonnieres. The sunny yellow color couldn’t be more perfect for a spring event! (via Paper & Stitch)

Succulent Flower Crown

Ditching the veil for a flower crown? This lovely version puts a trendy twist on the form with succulents, but the basic technique is one you can use with your favorite blooms. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Floral Photo Backdrop

This tropical stunner will make your photobooth pics the best on the ‘Gram. And by using a pegboard, you’ll have no trouble getting it to and from the venue. (via Lovely Indeed)

Hanging Floral Chandelier

Set the head table apart with this magnificent chandelier and give your wedding the wild romantic garden feel you’ve been dreaming about. (And yes, this is DIY-able, we promise!). (via We Are Scout)

Floral Hair Comb

Want that boho look but not ready to commit to a full-on flower crown? These smaller, more delicate hairpieces are easy to incorporate into your updo. (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest for more DIY wedding inspo, and tons o’ tutorials!

This post has been updated.

This little 1926 home in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles had an odd 1980s addition and very little charm (think rough plywood siding outside and disjointed architectural styles inside). Barrett Cooke, principal of L.A.-based design and architecture firm Arterberry Cooke, stepped in to give it a much-needed modern makeover, transforming the home from a dark and dated, uninspired space into a Spanish-style indoor-outdoor oasis, perfect for an LA family.

Photo: RJ Guillermo

“The homeowners wanted to create a space that would allow them to work from home, host out-of-town guests, and suit their changing needs,” said Barrett, who worked with Chris Williams Construction and Brad Katz Design Construction to transform the home.

That meant changing up the layout to get a better sense of flow and functionality. “We added a new family room space and turned the previous kitchen into the entryway, which allowed us to create an open plan for a majority of the home," she adds. The large windows in the family room bring the outdoors in and take advantage of the beautiful LA views.

Photo: RJ Guillermo

The overall vibe of the home is a warm, inviting, comfortable, and evocative space, says Barrett. The design takes advantage of the great outdoors (and great Los Angeles weather) by connecting the interior with the views and hillside as much as possible.

Photo: RJ Guillermo

The design team also created an addition to the home to further expand the kitchen and added new living and dining spaces. Barrett added a primary suite to the lower level, opening up the rooms and creating larger and more functional living spaces. The new design offers a playful take on classic California living, says Barrett, with eclectic patterns, textured walls, warm woods, and airy expansive spaces that she says are perfect for family gatherings.

Photo: RJ Guillermo

But while stunning, the complicated renovation project was not for the faint of heart. "The homeowners were up for the challenge and came with patience, the ability to pivot, and enthusiasm,” said Barrett.

Photo: RJ Guillermo

Planning a home renovation soon? Here are Barrett’s tips for surviving any renovation:

Be prepared for the "hurry up and wait." Depending on the municipality of the project, the requirements from permitting agencies can be quite laborious and lengthy, which was the case for this renovation project.

Be creative with finishes. Our clients sourced some of the tiles directly from the maker and some from overstock that we had on previous projects. In order to meet the larger goal, they found other creative ways to be economical.

Be a nice person. It seems silly, but being a team player with the contractor and design team, and being a generally thankful and kind person and generally nice to be around goes a long way towards creating a successful project. These clients were the best. They had clear ideas on what they like, knew when to ask for help, and treated everyone with respect and professionalism.

Photo provided by owner

Here's the BEFORE!

Photo: RJ Guillermo

Ahhh, and here's the AFTER!

Photo: RJ Guillermo

Great tips, thanks Barrett!

Looking for more home decor inspiration? Find more home decor inspiration on B+C’s Pinterest and Home Decor page!

Inspired by the sheer greatness of Buffalo chicken wings, my easy Buffalo chicken dip recipe is spicy, tangy, salty, and (gasp!) veryaddictive. Buffalo chicken dip is the *perfect* appetizer for any gathering, but the Super Bowl just feels like the supreme setting for delightfully diving in with some chips or veggie sticks.

This easy Buffalo chicken dip recipe easily serves 8 to 10 people, so you can make it once and let everyone at it. Plus, you only really need 6 ingredients (the Buffalo sauce and chicken are crucial) and no more than 40 minutes to make it. Scroll for the full recipe!

Ingredients For My Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Serve with Ruffles, tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrots, or anything else you'd like!

If you have a larger crowd coming to your Super Bowl party, you may want to consider doubling this recipe or preparing additional appetizers to make sure there's enough food for everyone to chow down on.

Directions For This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  4. Bake for ~30 minutes, or until the Buffalo chicken dip is hot and bubbly around the edges. Look out for browning on the top, too – that's the good stuff!
  5. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with green onion.
  6. Serve the Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip hot with the dippers of your choice. It's also super yummy as cold leftovers, though there likely won't be any after you make this for friends and family!

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