Summer Will Never Be Over With This Laundry Basket

Aug 07, 2015

If you haven’t noticed, here at Brit + Co we always have pineapples on our mind. From pineapple cakes to pineapple DIYs, we just can’t get enough of the tropical fruit. Our DIY project today was inspired by a movie my roommates were watching recently. In the midst of doing dishes, I glanced at the TV and saw the cutest pineapple laundry basket in the corner of the screen. I grabbed my phone and jotted down a reminder to MAKE THIS BASKET STAT! The best part? With this hamper you will never have to say goodbye to summer!

Materials + Tools:

– laundry basket – we bought ours here
– green craft foam

– yellow spray paint

– scissors

– pen

– hot glue gun

Instructions:

1. Spray paint the laundry basket yellow, then let dry.

2. Draw three different size leaves on the craft foam. Cut out about seven of each size.

3. Create a cylinder out of the craft foam, and attach the leaves using hot glue. Attach the tallest ones first, followed by the medium size leaves and finishing with the smallest leaves.

4. Hot glue the pineapple top onto the lid of the laundry basket.

Spray paint your laundry basket a nice golden yellow. Do this step first so it will dry while you are working on the pineapple leaves.

To get that authentic pineapple top, create leaves in three different sizes. Cut at least seven of each leaf.

Create a cylinder out of a piece of foam. Attach the longest leaves first, followed by the medium leaves and then accent with the smallest leaves.

Add a decent amount of hot glue to the bottom of the leafy top, and attach it to the lid of the laundry basket.

This might be the cutest laundry basket we’ve ever seen! Correction — it IS the cutest laundry basket we’ve ever seen :)

Krystle’s little pooch Bear joined in on the pineapple fun. He loved the camera and didn’t want to leave the laundry basket.

This basket does not belong hidden in your closet. If you don’t want your dirty clothes out for the public to see, we suggest filling it with your kiddo’s toys or stuffed animals.

Swooning over our pretend little laundry room? So are we! Can you guess how many Brit + Co goodies are in this picture? Spoiler alert — it’s seven!

TikTok Loves Complex Female Characters — Elena Ferrante Writes Them Best

Though Elena Ferrante is a pen name, and while the author prides herself on anonymity, her books shouldn't be a mystery to you. The Italian author's beautiful work transcends the need for a face attached, as raw emotions, complex characters, and unforgettable narratives define Ferrante's unique voice. From the intense friendship at the heart of the Neapolitan Novels to the unsettling psychological depths plumbed in The Days of Abandonment, prepare to be surprised, challenged, and utterly engrossed by the brilliance of Elena Ferrante.

Neopolitan Novels

Though Ferrante's entire body of work is worth a read, the first thing that should be on your list is the Neopolitan Novels. This is a four-book series that explores the complex female friendship between Lila and Elena. The two start off as young girls who are being raised in a poor and tough neighborhood of Naples in the aftermath of World War II. The novels chart their complex bond as the two girls grow up, start families, begin careers, and deal with societal pressures and personal struggles.

The Lost Daughter

The Lost Daughter is a brilliant standalone novel of Ferrante's that is centered around a middle-aged woman named Leda. While on a solitary vacation on the coast, Leda observes a young mother named Nina who is struggling with her relationship with her daughter. This awakens memories of Leda's own struggles with motherhood, making for a raw and honest depiction of the complexities of parent-child relationships.

The Days of Abandonment

In The Days of Abandonment, Ferrante delves into the raw emotions of a woman named Olga after her husband abruptly leaves her and their two young children. The story follows Olga's descent into despair and rage as she grapples with his sudden absence and tries to maintain a sense of normalcy for her kids. Faced with a challenge she never expected, Olga goes on a quest to learn about her own identity and find strength within herself.

The Lying Lives of Adults

As the title indicates, this novel deals with the concepts of honesty, disillusionment, and family secrets. It follows the story of a young woman named Giovanna who becomes obsessed with her estranged father after learning a shocking secret about her parents' past. As she continues to delve deeper into their hidden world, she uncovers a web of secrets that shatter her perception of her family and her ideas of adulthood.

Incidental Inventions

Incidental Inventions isn't a novel, but a collection of essays that were originally published in The Guardian. Here, Ferrante offers a glimpse into her thoughts and observations on a variety of topics. Expect insightful and thought-provoking reflections on everyday experiences, personal fears, and the creative process itself!

Troubling Love

Troubling Love centers around Delia, who returns to her childhood home after her mother, Amalia, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. As Delia grapples with grief, she confronts repressed memories of her childhood that were made difficult by her mother's volatile relationships with abusive men. The narrative unfolds as Delia pieces together the events leading up to her mother's death and confronts the lingering effects of her complicated upbringing.

Frantumaglia: A Writer's Journey

"Frantumaglia" is a word borrowed from Ferrante's mother and means "a jumble of fragments". This collection of Ferrante's writings does not feel like a jumble, but rather a rich body of work that provides insight into the challenges and joys of her writing process and the inspirations behind her novels.

In The Margins: On the Pleasures of Reading & Writing

Another collection of essays, In The Margins: On the Pleasures of Reading & Writing is Ferrante's exploration of the joys of being both a writer and a reader. She dives deep into her formative experiences with literature, her masterful approach to writing, and the challenges that can come with crafting meaningful stories.

Looking for more book inspo? Be sure to check out our storefront for more fab reading recs!

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

Header image via Amazon

Reading Emily Henry? There's A Taylor Swift Album For Every Book.

If you're a rom-com fan, then it's probably safe to assume that Emily Henry books check all your boxes: they're funny, they're emotional, and naturally...they're romantic. I never got into rom-com literature until I picked up People We Meet On Vacation in 2022. From then on, my reading life — and honestly life in general — was forever changed.

When Taylor Swift's 10th studio album Midnights dropped in 2022, Henry posted an Instagram story assigning a song to each of her titles. I wholeheartedly agree with each of pairings, and it got me thinking beyond just a song — which Taylor Swift album goes with each Emily Henry novel?

In honor of Funny Story hitting stores on April 23, the ongoing Eras Tour, and the hope that we'll get some Taylor music in Emily Henry's upcoming film adaptations (plus my own Emily Henry x Taylor Swift fanaticism), here is the ultimate soundtrack for your reading. These pairs go together like wine and cheese...which also happen to be the perfect snacks for your reading.

Funny Story — Taylor Swift

Let's start with the newest title: Funny Story! I have to be honest and say the fact that this story starts out with Miles and Daphne planning to get revenge on their exes (who immediately get engaged to each other after dumping them) definitely reminds me of the sass in "Picture To Burn," which is one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs of all time.

But even without the revenge plot there's so much about Funny Story that feels youthful and full of life. Taylor Swift's first album might be all about high school heartbreak and teenage angst, but she writes in a way that feels relatable, no matter how old you are. Daphne and Miles mourning their relationship at the beginning of the book feels like "Teardrops on My Guitar," while goofing off in the car is totally giving "Our Song" and Daphne's struggle to fit in and find community is inseparable from "A Place in this World" in my mind.

Even in the face of major heartbreak and betrayal (the kind that is anything but juvenile), Daphne and Miles find comfort in one another, and they really bring out each other's best personality traits. In my opinion, the best kind of relationships are the ones that make us feel safe enough to act like kids, and that make us want to get as much out of life as possible.

Happy Place — Midnights

Henry herself assigned "Maroon" to her 2023 release, and that's exactly why I'm linking it to Taylor Swift's 10th album. Both Midnights and Happy Place are layered, intricate, and vulnerable looks at both love and loss.

The news of Taylor Swift's recent breakup left fans guessing whether Midnights is actually a breakup album, making it even better for this pairing. Considering Happy Place's Harriet and Wyn are trying to play it cool when it comes to their own past relationship, there is a lot of reminiscing between both artists.

Midnights and Happy Place are complicated and emotionally-charged, and they bring feelings together that almost seem contradictory. But that's what I love about both Emily Henry and Taylor Swift — they show that our experience as women is multi-faceted, as both titles magnificently marry happiness, longing, sass, and melancholy.

Book Lovers — Reputation

At first, I thought Book Lovers should be 1989. After all, leading lady Nora is a business woman at the top of her game in Manhattan. (I know the book mainly takes place in North Carolina, but I stand by the sentiment). I realized, however, that just like Nora herself, Reputation is often misunderstood. The shock we all felt as a fandom when Swift announced the controversial era — partnered with all the drama surrounding the album — kind of overshadowed its actual themes and message. As much as Reputation is sharp, cunning, and shady...the lyrics are a vulnerable look into Taylor's mind, while the upbeat production makes it feel like she's hiding.

Just like Reputation seems prickly and unfriendly (when it's really complex and emotional and loving), Nora craves love but is afraid of it at the same time. Throughout the album, Taylor talks about her anxiety that the world wants to keep her apart from her lover, and that she's afraid she'll scare him away. If you ask me, Nora would have "Delicate" and "Dress" on repeat.

People We Meet On Vacation — Speak Now

Thanks to the album insert, we all know that Taylor's intention with Speak Now is to encourage listeners to say what they need to say, and go after the things they really want. And that's exactly what Poppy and Alex need to do in People We Meet On Vacation. Plus, both the book and the album explore different kinds of emotions, between Poppy and Alex's friendships, fall-outs, and romances, and Taylor's "Sparks Fly," "Long Live," and "Never Grow Up."

Instead of nuanced, soulful romantic musings, both Speak Now and People We Meet On Vacation feel more physical, which isn't to say they're any less complex. Both titles are about learning to be honest with yourself and with the people around you, and to take risks — especially when they're scary.

Beach Read — folklore

Beach Read is my favorite of Henry's novels so far, and I think the escapist mentality of both main characters is the perfect fit for Taylor Swift's 2020 surprise album folklore. January's romanticism and Gus' realism are the exact themes woven throughout folklore. Even when both the album and the book deal with betrayal, they're done in an intentional and careful way. Not to mention the fact that (spoiler alert) Gus' difficult romantic history sounds a lot like the Betty-Augustine-James love triangle found in folklore.

Once they feel comfortable around each other, Gus and January continually push each other to be their creative bests, and to think outside the box. That perfectly encapsulates the magic of folklore because of how the music is dreamy yet grounded, fictional yet so detailed that it sounds like a diary entry. Plus, both works are just absolutely beautiful.

Follow B+C on Facebook for more fun trends and entertainment think pieces, and read up on How To Get Last Minute Taylor Swift Concert Tickets.

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

This post has been updated.

All images via Amazon.

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Everything You Should Do, Eat, And See In Malibu For A Perfect Unplugged Weekend

Imagine sipping Champagne above a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or indulging in a heavenly spa treatment with the Manhattan skyline in view. Even if your wallet can't quite stretch to a full-blown luxury getaway, sprinkling a touch of luxe into your travels can turn an ordinary trip into a memorable adventure. That idea sparked our new series, Flights of Fancy, where we take you along for a trip to the luxury experiences around the cities we adore.

I turned off my phone, slipped it into my weekender bag, and typed 28920 Pacific Coast Highway into my car's GPS. Next stop: the historic bungalows at Hotel June Malibu for a weekend of unplugging and creative escape.

Since the 1940s, Hotel June (formerly known as the Malibu Riviera Hotel) has attracted artists, musicians, and writers to hole up, avoid the distractions of Los Angeles, and simply create. Bob Dylan famously took up residence at the hotel in 1974 to write his album "Blood on the Tracks" in bungalow 13. The art-loving owners, a married couple named Wayne and Helen Wilcox, took up residence in rooms 1, 2, and 3 and even built a photography dark room on the property.

In the years since its restoration, Hotel June has become an iconic PCH destination to unwind and delight in Malibu's thriving local community. As a typical millennial who's glued to their digital devices 24/7, I couldn't be more thrilled for an excuse to log off and luxuriate in the present moment in the scenic hills of Malibu.

Planning a similar trip? Here's everything you need to know before you go to Hotel June Malibu, plus, what to do while you're in town.

Checking In At Hotel June Malibu

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

Located one mile from Zuma Beach, Hotel June Malibu features 13 rooms that reflect the serenity of the surrounding neighborhood. The renovated mid-century inspired bungalows include king-size Casper beds, Aesop Bath products, custom deadstock vintage robes, a curated minibar stocked with Health-Ade Kombucha, La Colombe cold brew, and Olipop (among others), Wi-Fi if you need to stay connected, air conditioning, walk-in showers, and private patios with garden views.

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

Thoughtful touches like vintage fixtures, designer lighting and luxury linens bring a five-star experience to your environs.

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

Other Hotel June Malibu perks include its dog-friendly policy, meaning you can bring along your fur babies to enjoy the stay, too! Note that there's a one-time pet fee for dogs under 45 pounds, but 10 percent of your pet fee is donated to the Best Friends Animal Society to help a pet in need.

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

The Hotel June Malibu bungalow exterior is lush with planted cacti and shrubbery and sits across four acres of land. Although it's right off a high-trafficked highway, the street noise was minimal once inside. By nightfall, it's remote location makes the hotel an ideal locale for stargazing with an accompanying soundtrack of nearby frog ribbits and cricket chirping. Talk about off-the-beaten path!

Hotel June Malibu: The Amenities

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

Once you've settled into your spacious room, be sure to check out what else this private Malibu retreat has to offer, such as a gorgeous heated swimming pool and deck.

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

You'll also find hammocks, surfboards, Linus Bikes, and open spaces with ample seating to stretch out, relax and recharge.

Hotel June Malibu: Food

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

The hotel teamed up with Gjusta (a local artisan deli and bakery) to offer light bites available on the property from 7am to 11pm. Menu highlights include gluten free banana bread, a baklava croissant, a variety of salads, and build your own charcuterie boards.

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

There's plenty of open air seating around the property for you to enjoy take out meals or friendly chit-chat with other hotel guests.

What To Do In Malibu

Photo: Alison Ives

If it's adventure you seek, you've come to the right place. My top recommendation when in Malibu is to take in the views from the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. There are plenty of shoulders to pull over and park to see sweeping coastal vistas dotted with blooming bougainvillea. The view changes throughout the day depending on the sunlight, so be sure you plan a stop around sunset for a breathtaking scene.

The Best Beaches In Malibu

Photo: Alison Ives

Malibu's beaches are famous for attracting surfers and leisure-seekers alike. Get to these beaches early to scope out the best spot for relaxing in the sun:

Zuma Beach
El Matador State Beach
Surfrider Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach (one of the few dog-friendly beaches in the area)

Oceanside Hiking

Photo: Alison Ives

If you want to immerse yourself in natural landscapes beyond the beach, there are a number of oceanside trails to enjoy. Zuma Canyon Trailhead is a dog-friendly 2.1 mile loop that'll take about an hour to complete. I was lucky enough to experience this particular hike after a rainy winter, so the hillside was covered in overgrown yellow wildflowers and lush greenery that is atypical for Malibu. Due to recent rain, part of the trail took me through a flooded creek, so fair warning to wear your hiking boots!

A few other nearby hiking locations include Solstice Canyon, Point Dume, and Malibu Creek State Park.

Where To Eat In Malibu: Taverna Tony

Photo: Taverna Tony

Malibu Village and Malibu Country Mart are adjacent shopping centers teeming with delicious food options. For a more ambient meal with Greek fare, head to Taverna Tony for top-notch Mediterranean eats. I enjoyed the complimentary creamy Taramosalata dip and warm bread that accompanies each table, and when my server noticed my dog under the table, he brought him some meatball scraps to feast on. The moussaka, grilled calamari, and Saganaki flaming cheese were other menu highlights.

Where To Eat In Malibu: Broad Street Oyster Co.

Photo: Broad Street Oyster Co.

Located in the same shopping center as Taverna Tony, Broad Street Oyster Co. is a must if you're in Malibu. Their famous lobster rolls come in two styles: warm with butter or cold with mayo. Both are perfect treats after a day spent basking in the California sun.

Photo: Alison Ives

A moment for the lobster rolls, pictured above. The lively restaurant from Christopher Tompkins has been a Malibu mainstay since 2019.

Where To Eat: Malibu Farm at Malibu Pier

Photo: Alison Ives

The Malibu Pier is one of Malibu's most popular tourist attractions for good reason. This California State Park also features Malibu Farm and Malibu Farm Cafe for convenient oceanside eats and drinks. Sit by the water and feel your stress melt away as the ocean breeze whooshes by.

Photo: Jenna Day on Unsplash

This preliminary list of what to do, see, and eat in Malibu is only the tip of the iceberg, of course. I hope it inspires you to chart your own unplugged retreat within Malibu's 21 miles of uninterrupted coastline. Fair warning though: After a few days of mellowing out in the sun, slathering on your SPF, and replenishing yourself with salty seafood, ocean breezes, and endless sunsets across the horizon, you'll probably start to wonder why everyday life can't feel as good as this. So take it all in while you can, and queue up a Malibu Zillow search for the long journey home. A girl can dream—er, manifest—right?

Main photo: Hotel June Malibu

Follow along for all your summer travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.