Cassey Ho's Blog, page 25
May 24, 2023
Step Up Your Hot Girl Walks This Summer With These Podcasts
The weather’s warming up and so are we! ~Hot Girl Summer~ is almost here and we’ve got an all-star lineup of summer podcasts for your next Hot Girl Walk. We’ve included both fan favorites and some lesser-known pods that deserve all the love.
So lace up your walking shoes, pop your earbuds, and add these shows to your queue!
For the Health Nut…
Image: Spotify
On a health journey? Registered Dietician Bonnie Roney’s Diet Culture Rebel centers around a theme of intuitive eating, positive self-image, and ending the narrative of guilt when it comes to eating. The podcast provides insight into navigating the murky waters of diet culture to heal your relationship with food.
For the Comedy Fan…
Image: Spotify
Brooke & Connor Make a Podcast
If you want to laugh out loud, this podcast is for you! Brooke and Connor’s playful commentary makes you feel like you’re listening to your besties banter. Tune into an episode to make your solo walk a lot less lonely!
For the History Buff…
Image: Spotify
This podcast takes some of history’s most famous figures and gives listeners a comprehensive look into their lives. You get insight into all the historical ~tea~ plus recommendations for historical fiction and nonfiction to read more about the subject of each episode!
The coolest part? It’s produced as a companion piece to the company Immortal Perfumes, where you can buy your own historically-inspired fragrances.
For the Life-long Learner…
Image: Spotify
From ancient archaeology to chickenology and everything in between, Ologies with Alie Ward is a wealth of knowledge. Every episode, Alie hosts an expert in a different “ology” for a deep dive into their field. Better yet, the revenue from sponsors goes towards a new charity of the ologist’s choosing. We guarantee you’ll learn something new with this podcast, and feel good doing it!
For the Paranormal Enthusiast…
Image: Spotify
Are you afraid of the dark? If you’re not scared of the supernatural then sit back, relax, and listen as this podcast recounts terrifying tales from all over the world. But be warned… it’s not for the faint of heart!
For the Soul Searcher…
Image: Spotify
Host Kelly Corrigan covers a variety of topics in her show, hosting a variety of famous changemakers and sharing her takeaways from the interviews. If you want to dig deep into leadership, personal growth, and attitude, this reflective podcast just might speak to you!
For the True Crime Junkie…
Image: Spotify
A Shondaland original, this podcast highlights criminals of all kinds. Focusing on a new type of criminal each season, its repertoire covers poisoners, stalkers, imposters, pirates, witches, resurrectionists, treasonists, and (the latest addition;) con artists.
For the Bookworm…
Image: Spotify
Are you a literature lover? The hosts of this podcast discuss the books they’ve read, the books they’ve bought, and the books they recommend with new episodes every week. It’s not just a book club; you aren’t required to read specific novels to follow along. From reading goals to library anxiety to reviews, hauls & challenges, they truly cover all their literary bases.
For your Pop Culture Fix…
Image: Spotify
This long-time crowd favorite is a podcast that just keeps giving. Witty hosts Julia Hava and Eliza McLamb give their own comedic takes on current pop culture events that’ll make you say “I can relate”.
We want your summer podcast recs too!Share the love! What did we miss? There are so many incredible podcasts out there that we couldn’t possibly list them all. Comment your personal favorites below, and we’ll be sure to check them out.
May 22, 2023
Cycle Syncing: Should Your Workout Change According to Your Menstrual Cycle?
What is cycle syncing, and should we have been planning our workouts this way all along?
Few things beat that post-workout feeling — sweaty, accomplished, empowered, and energized. But, have you ever had a workout where you felt dazed and sluggish the entire time? Have you ever stopped and considered where you might be in your menstrual cycle?
This is the basis behind Cycle Syncing®, a method created by Alisa Vitti, HHC, AADP, and functional nutrition and women’s hormone expert. The concept came to life in the early 2010s and has since gone viral on social media (“cycle syncing workouts” was even listed as a 2022 Google top trending search term!).
Essentially, cycle syncing syncs what you eat, how you exercise and other lifestyle activities with stages in the menstrual cycle (otherwise known as female infradian rhythm!) to support hormone health, reduce cycle symptoms and boost energy so that you feel your best.
We’re all about using data and science to fuel our workouts, so we wanted to learn more about the trend.

While it may be easy to look at your menstrual cycle as just your period, your entire cycle is actually made up of four unique phases (concluding with your period!) that are indicated by hormone levels: follicular, ovulatory, luteal, and menstrual.
During your follicular phase, your estrogen and progesterone begin to rise, peaking during the ovulatory phase, when your body prepares to release an egg. After ovulation, your estrogen and progesterone levels start to dip as you near menstruation. This phase — known as the luteal phase — is often linked with PMS. The cycle concludes with the menstrual phase, when progesterone and estrogen are at their lowest levels as your uterine lining sheds, causing bleeding.
Since your hormone levels are fluctuating during each phase, cycle syncing is designed to work alongside them — not against them.
“Much like the circadian rhythm needs specific support, our infradian rhythm must be supported to perform optimally,” explains Alisa Vitti. “The Cycle Syncing® Method syncs your food type and caloric intake, your workout type and intensity and your projects to each of the four phases of your cycle so that you can not only support hormonal health in each phase and reduce cycle symptoms, but you can also reduce stress, boost energy and live with your unique feminine dynamic energy at the center of your life.”
As you’ve probably seen on social media, women who follow this method report that they sleep better, feel more alert and less stressed, and don’t experience PMS symptoms as severely as a result of “balancing their hormones.”
Syncing your sweat
@zoeantonia_ Becoming in flow with our own natural, beautifully, unique rhythmsPay attention to your own unique patterns as there is no perfect template to follow. Although some similarities, not everyone feels exactly the same during each phase
#hormonehealth #hormonebalance #adrenalsupport #womenshealth #fyp ♬ Keeping Your Head Up (Jonas Blue Remix) [Radio Edit] – Birdy
So, what type of exercise is recommended to align with each phase?
Follicular PhaseCardio is the name of the game when you move into your follicular phase.
“As you enter your follicular phase, you’ll feel your energy begin to lift as both estrogen and testosterone rise. Not only will you feel more motivated to workout, you’ll also find you’ll be able to really give it your all,” says Jenna Blake, Family Nurse Practitioner, Functional Hormone specialist, and owner of Her Rooted Wellness.
Recommended workout options include HIIT, plyometrics, cycling, and dance. Given that your hormones are on the rise, some medical professionals also recommend strength training.
Ovulatory Phase“Once you enter the ovulatory phase, you’ll experience peak energy, motivation, and strength as estrogen and testosterone reach their highest levels of the cycle,” says Blake.
Since your hormones are peaking, opt for HIIT workouts or intense bootcamps that your body is primed to power through. It’s also a good time to grab weights. As your testosterone rises, it will be easier to put on muscle.
Luteal PhaseAs you begin to approach menstruation and as your hormones begin to fall again, it’s time to decrease the intensity with slower-paced, strength-building workouts.
Dr. Sari Eitches, MD recommends low-impact resistance training, walks, stretching, and rest days depending on how your body feels. Pilates and yoga are also recommended to combat PMS that may occur during this phase.
Menstrual PhaseIt may be no surprise that doctors and phase syncing advocates stand by taking it easy while you’re on your period. When hormones are at their lowest levels, you may feel easily taxed and are likely to see fewer changes in building muscle. Plus, research shows that an hour of strenuous activity during your period can increase your chances of exercise-induced inflammation — not something you want to add on top of cramps!
“During your menstrual phase, most of your hormones are at their lowest point, so it’s normal to feel somewhat lethargic and have the desire to spend more time inward. Because low hormones can lead to a lack of energy and motivation, this is a great time to focus on rest and recovery,” says Blake. “Restorative yoga, foam rolling, stretching, and walking are all good choices. Long walks are especially great during this phase because the gentle rocking of the sacroiliac (SI) joint can be very soothing for cramps.”
@tscpodcast we have hormone health queen @gracie_norton on the podcast to break everything down for us#gracienorton #hormonehealth #cyclesyncing #cyclesyncingmethod #menstrualcare ♬ original sound – TSC Him + Her Podcast
Is period syncing worth it?
To be honest, there’s not a ton of solid published research yet on period syncing your workouts. But, studies do show that hormone fluctuations affect energy, sensory processing, mood, appetite, and sleep. So, knowing when your hormones are up or down might help you optimize your workouts.
While there are no full clinical studies out yet, healthcare professionals still recommend the Cycle Syncing® method to patients to help them feel their best — and to increase their mindfulness, which boasts both physical and mental benefits.
“Women are naturally cyclical beings. We have built-in periods for pushing and pulling back, and cycle syncing can help reconnect us to that. Cycle syncing can help us know when to push and when to pull back in our workouts. It provides structure in a way that feels good and nourishing — not in an overly regimented or ‘hustle culture’ way,” says Blake. “It provides rituals to lean on which is so important for women. Learning how to cycle sync can increase your body literacy and help give you the language and confidence to begin to understand your hormones.”
“Cycle syncing can also help us be more intentional and aligned with our rest days,” adds Eitches.
This intentionality and increased body awareness can help you better connect to your feelings — and can help put you in tune with changes in your hormones if you’re trying to get pregnant or trying to identify or remedy a diagnosed hormonal imbalance.
With all of this in mind — and with anecdotal results — it’s worth giving it a go to see how phase syncing impacts your blood sugar stability, stress levels, gut health, PMS symptoms, moods, sleep, and productivity.
We’ll give one warning though: if you’re on hormonal birth control, period syncing likely isn’t for you.
“The only women that cannot truly engage the Cycle SyncingⓇ Method are women who use hormonal birth control. Unfortunately, you don’t have any cycle phases when you are on that medication. You are in a sort of menopausal state with low levels of all hormones, no ovulation, occasional breakthrough bleeding that is not a real period, and no phase changes,” says Vitti.

It’s all about individualization.
The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days but can vary from 21 to 35 days. Tracking your cycle for at least three months with an app like Vitti’s MyFLO will help you understand what phase you’re in and what workouts are right for you (and which foods too if you want to take it a step further!). Other period tracking apps include Glow and Clue.
But, don’t let a strict recommendation rule all.
“Don’t be too prescriptive about it, and don’t lose the plot. Ultimately, the goal is to be more in tune with your body, so if you are feeling energized and up for a high-intensity workout on your period, go for it! But if you would like to explore the patterns of your varying energy, endurance, and motivation to work out and to work with these rhythms, cycle syncing can be super beneficial,” notes Eitches.
Do you cycle sync your workouts? Tell us more in the comments!
May 19, 2023
Ninja Creami Ube Protein Ice Cream (Dairy-Free!)
Super creamy Ube Protein Ice Cream made with the Ninja Creami. Dairy-free added sugar-free, and only three ingredients!
I recently got my hands on a Ninja Creami (why did I wait so long?!), and I’ve used it almost every day since.
If you haven’t made your way to CreamiTok yet, this little machine is famous for making the creamiest protein ice cream you’ll ever see.
You can make “regular” ice cream too. The Creami has settings for ice cream, lite ice cream, smoothie bowls, gelato, milkshakes, sorbet, and more.
But I highly recommend you make Ube Protein Ice Cream.I feel like I’ve used the word “creamy” too many times already, but wow was I shocked when I first ran my spoon through this ice cream.
Would you believe me if I told you it’s dairy-free, added sugar-free, and has 12 grams of protein per serving?
What does ube taste like?Ube is actually a purple yam, but it’s not the same as a sweet potato! It’s traditionally used in Filipino desserts and tastes sweet with a hint of vanilla nuttiness.
It’s a little difficult to find authentic ube desserts in the US though! When Cassey developed her Ube Soft Serve-flavored protein powder, she made it her mission to make it tastes as authentic as possible.
Protein ice cream with only three ingredients?!Coconut milkCoconut milk is the perfect base for this ice cream. It’s super creamy even though it’s dairy-free, and the light coconut flavor (promise it’s not super strong) complements the ube flavor so well.
Ube proteinI used Ube Soft Serve Sculpt + Debloat Plant Protein for sweetness, ube flavor, and of course protein!
Be aware that if you taste this mixture before you freeze it, it’s going to seem VERY sweet. Don’t worry! Once it freezes and transforms into ice cream, the sweetness becomes much less intense.
Ube ExtractThis ingredient is completely optional. The ube protein powder will turn your ice cream base purple at first, but it won’t hold that vibrant color after it freezes. This is because it doesn’t contain any artificial colors! I added a drop of ube extract (you can find it on Amazon) to restore the signature color.
Making Ube Ice Cream with the Ninja CreamiAfter you freeze your coconut milk + ube protein mixture overnight, the Ninja Creami will do the rest of the work.
My ice cream was too dry after the first spin, but a re-spin brought it to the perfect consistency. If you need to add a little extra liquid, use almond milk or more coconut milk! I’d start with a couple tablespoons.

Shop Sculpt + Debloat Ube Soft Serve
More ube recipes!Is it possible to burn myself out from ice cream? If it is, it’s not happening yet. If you don’t own a Creami, no worries! Try this Ube Soft Serve recipe that only requires a food processor.
More ube recipes to try:
Ube Crinkle CookiesUbe BobaUbe Protein Mug Cake
Should I do a full review of the Ninja Creami? Let me know in the comments!
May 17, 2023
What’s the Best Way to Workout?
Every time we open up Tiktok or Instagram, we scroll past soft wellness girlies — women touting the trend toward slower fitness, which includes everything from hot girl walks to soft hiking to yin yoga to Pilates.
But, no less than five minutes later, we’re hit with nearly the parallel opposite on our feed — muscle mommies. Think women (moms or childfree!) showing off their gains, lifting routines, and daily macro counts.
If you’re like us, this could leave you wondering…what’s the best option for me? Should I be slowing down my fitness routine or should I be hitting it hard at the gym and building muscle daily?
Let’s dive into both approaches.
The skinny on ‘soft wellness’
@softgirlswhohike Replying to @LousLife good question! we kind of coined the term ourselves. heres what it’s all about#girlswhohike #hikinguk #hiketok #bestfriends #softhiking #softgirlswhohike #softlife ♬ pluto projector – al
Soft isn’t necessarily a word that comes to mind when you traditionally think about fitness. But, since 2020, “soft wellness” has been on the rise as people craved a gentler approach amidst uncertainty and burnout. As a result, they turned to walks, low-impact pilates and barre classes, mobility routines, pickleball, and most recently, soft hiking, which is all about slowing down and strolling through nature.
Fun, functional, and approachableWhile you may sweat less with anything in the soft and slow category, these activities allow you to have fun, feel good in functional movements and access a fitness routine at any level (three cheers for accessibility!). A majority of these workouts often involve friends or family, so you have the added benefit of community too!
The benefitsSoft movements don’t just feel good — they are beneficial for both your body and your mind.
Since many of your movements are slowed down in these workouts, you are encouraged to practice mindfulness. You can tap into how specific muscles and joint receptors feel as you move, helping you get more in tune with your body. This also allows you to pay attention to form and can encourage you to move in the proper way to maintain long-term joint and muscle health.
Not to mention, workouts like Pilates and yoga encourage mobility and stability training, which help you move freely with more range of motion and support joints during movement, respectively.
With all of this in mind, soft wellness workouts aren’t going to give you the same fitness and performance results you may get from more intense workouts. But, they deliver overall holistic health, mental health, and stress management results.
@mdjfitness fave exercise at the moment #pullups #fitnesshumour #gymrat ♬ som original – j_nypc
No pain, no gain
Shifting gears, ‘muscle mommies’ are more in line with a traditional view of fitness. This trend is all about celebrating building muscle, leaning out, and exercising to your full potential. Since muscular strength carries you through life, it’s no surprise that even amidst the soft wellness trend, “strength training” saw an uptick in Google searches over the last year.
The benefitsHigh-intensity exercise and strength training are known to boost your metabolism, improve body composition, boost cognitive function, improve heart and brain health, and increase bone strength, which is key as you age.
Beyond the direct physical benefits, heavy lifts, gains, and high-intensity workouts build confidence. These workouts are ways to practice overcoming challenges, working towards a goal, and appreciating your body’s strength. It’s a method of building self-efficacy, the belief that you can succeed.
Plus, research has shown that there’s a link between strength training and positive body image. And, we won’t lie, it can be empowering to know you are in the main weight room of a gym!
But is it the best way to workout?But, the trend towards lifting heavy and leaning out has its drawbacks too. Too much of a good thing can be bad!
HIIT spikes cortisol levels, so if you overdo it, you can increase the hormone over long periods and feel the side effects, including digestive issues, bloating, and weight gain. The spike in cortisol can also cause lasting anxiety outside of your workouts, which can impact day-to-day life and your sleep quality.
Overtraining at a high level can also set you up for muscle and joint injury, with the potential for long-term damage.
What is YOUR best way to workout?
@blogilates For WFH bc can you imagine an in office all hands meeting?Socks from @popflexactive #hotgirlwalk #treadmilldesk #wfh ♬ Walk It Out – Unk
So, how do you know which of these options is best for you?
First and foremost, explore your motivations every few months. Are you looking to maintain overall wellness and support your mental and emotional well-being, as well as the longevity of your physical health? Or, are you looking to adjust your body composition and put on muscle?
This reflective exercise can help guide you to what form of working out may be best for you at this time.
Secondly, we’re all about trial and error and exploring each in a balanced approach. Test out a few soft wellness movements and then hit it hard with an extra sweaty workout session. After testing both out a few times, ask yourself a few questions. Which feels better to you and your body? Is this the right balance? Am I actually interested in doing this? You’re less likely to miss your daily movement if you actually want to do it.
Variety is the spice of lifeWhile you may favor slower workouts or more intense sweat sessions, balance is key.
Varying your workouts can help you avoid overuse injuries and encourages you to work all muscle types. Gym sessions may lend themselves to bigger muscle groups, while mobility training or other low-impact options can help you strengthen accessory and stabilization muscles, as well as build your cardiovascular health (especially on long walks or hikes!). Plus, the variety can help you stay interested and engaged, which inspires you to move and stay mentally and physically healthy.
Right now, we love a mix of both trends and are listening to what our body wants and craves at the moment!
How do you balance your workouts? Do you tend to favor slowness or intensity?
How One Week in Italy Changed My Relationship With Food
The differences between Italian and American food culture that I experienced firsthand on my recent trip abroad.

Image: Kristen Kubek
Traveling is always an opportunity to try something new and exciting. It’s not only a time for relaxation or exploration, but a time to break from your daily routine. When I go somewhere new, I try to really dig deep and embrace local customs to get the most out of my trip.
This spring, I spent a week in Italy enjoying incredible art, culture, and (of course) food. When in Rome, I had to “do as the Romans do.” I tried all the local dishes and did my best to change my routine to be more Italian.
You guys… food culture in Italy is so different from the USA!It was an experience that completely changed my relationship with food. But ultimately, it changed for the better! Whether you’re anticipating an upcoming trip, you’re just curious about what Italy has to offer, or you’re looking for mouth-watering food pics, this article is for you. Here are some of the major differences between Italian and American food cultures.

Image: Kristen Kubek
Fresh ingredients are a mustItaly is a small country compared to the USA (it’s roughly the same size as Arizona). That means they often source food locally and don’t need to use a lot of preservatives to transport food over long distances. As someone who often experiences bloating and indigestion, eating food with fresh ingredients meant that I didn’t have to worry about stomach pain during my trip.
***Disclaimer: In America, the ability to eat a diet containing all fresh ingredients is a privilege. If you don’t have the access or the time to cook with fresh ingredients, that is not something to be ashamed of, nor is it inherently unhealthy!

Image: Kristen Kubek
Breakfasts are small (and sweet!)Breakfast usually consists of a cornetto pastry (i.e. an Italian croissant) and an espresso or cappuccino. As a certified brunch enthusiast, this is the only part of Italian food culture that left me disappointed… I need a big, savory breakfast!
But, I embraced the Italian breakfast (and maybe also consumed a protein bar along with it). After all, their pastries were like nothing I’d ever tasted before!

Image: Kristen Kubek
Starbucks is nonexistent (and so is iced coffee)Fun fact, there’s only a handful of Starbucks in Italy. But, you’ll never fall short on your caffeine fix.
Locally-owned “Bars” serve coffee on every street corner. However, it’s not like your American coffee shop. Your ordering is limited to a few options, usually an espresso, americano, or cappuccino (Latte means milk in Italian; if you order that, you’ll just get a cup of milk. I learned the hard way).
Instead of having one venti-sized drink in the morning, you get a small drink and then have another one as a midday pick-me-up.

Image: Kristen Kubek
Prepare to eat lateGrowing up in the midwest, lunch was between 11 and 12:30 and dinners were always between 5:30 and 6:30. In Italy, prepare to eat much later.
Most eat lunch between 1 and 2pm, but don’t eat dinner until 8 or 9 at night! A lot of restaurants close at 3pm for an afternoon break and don’t open until 7:30 for dinner, but stay open until around midnight.
…But stay as long as you like!Eating in Italy is a social experience. Instead of having a get-in-get-out mentality, having a meal at a restaurant or cafe is a time to catch up with friends and family. People eat slower, laugh more, and have a great time. Leisure is the name of the game!
Because waiters are paid a living wage, they don’t rely on tips and don’t need to worry about rushing you to get the table filled with their next customers. In fact, they don’t even bring the check until you ask for it!

Image: Kristen Kubek
Appetizers & pre-drinks are a whole thingBecause dinner is so late, the hours before your evening meal consist of aperitivo, which is sitting down with friends to a fizzy cocktail and snacks (Drinks before dinner? Count me in!).
The most common combo is an Aperol spritz with some chips, nuts, and olives. It’s a delicious combo that holds you over until dinner and acts as a fun social event.
You walk it allllll off (seriously)On my trip to Italy, I averaged 22,000 steps per day. Granted, I was a tourist, so I was determined to see everything the country had to offer.
However, the average Italian still walks more than the average American. Their cities are very walkable, so that’s one of the main modes of transportation! Walking everywhere made my appetite stronger, but also helped with digestion. Being constantly active meant that I could enjoy food more and not feel like it was sitting heavily in my stomach. This means that not only did the food look and taste good, but it felt good too!

Image: Kristen Kubek
My overall thoughtsWhat I love about Italian food culture is that they don’t just view food as fuel. They view it as a work of art; something that should be high quality and savored by those who consume it. There’s no stigma of needing to do anything to “deserve” food; walking a lot makes you hungry, and when you’re hungry, you eat. No room for toxic diet culture here!
While there are some things I’ll leave behind (*cough* late meals and no brunch), incorporating some elements of Italian food culture into my daily life is the starting point of a better relationship with food. This trip taught me that food is something to be enjoyed with friends and appreciated as something incredible and good.
May 12, 2023
Your Guide to Hosting a Lady Whistledown-Approved Garden Party
Dear gentle readers, we know we’re not alone when we say that we’ve been anxiously awaiting the next season of Bridgerton… but with the recent release of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, we finally got our fix!
The world of the Bridgertons is a menagerie of dream-worthy dresses, magical music, and gorgeous gardens. We simply couldn’t resist recreating our own version of a high society Regency party fit for the Queen.
So tighten your corset & get ready as we give you the insider details to plan your own Bridgerton-inspired garden party that is sure to get Lady Whisteldown’s approval.

Image: Zazzle
The InvitationsBefore you start your soiree, consider an important aspect of the party; your invitees! Reach out to your closest friends (or at least those who are fellow Bridgerton fans) and set the mood with a cute invitation. We love these invitations inspired by the Lady Whistledown papers. (P.S., you can download and edit them with your party deets, so once you buy them you can use them for as many Bridgerton parties as you’d like! Which could come in handy for future season watch parties.) To make it extra official, use your own royal seal with this custom wax stamp kit.
Dress – Abercrombie | Shoes – Nordstrom | Necklace – Anthropologie
If you want to be named the Diamond of the Season, of course you must look the part! From summer sundresses to full-out corsets, a Bridgerton-inspired party is the perfect place to experiment with a fun dress code. Plus, it’s an excuse to wear that one ~fancy~ outfit you bought that’s just sitting in your closet. (We’ve all been there!)
Need some inspiration? Check out #regencycore on Tiktok for Regency-inspired fashion looks.
Don’t forget to highlight the dress code in your invitation! The last thing you want is a guest who feels unprepared, and this way everyone has a heads up so they can look the part if they want to participate.

Get the Look:
Ottoman | Umbrella | Acrylic Glasses | Napkins | Table Runner | Pillow Cover
The Venue and DecorIf you don’t have a luscious estate, don’t worry; a garden isn’t a requirement for a garden party! If you’re working with great weather, find a nearby park and lay claim to the perfect picnic spot with a blanket (or even some cute vintage bedsheets). Or if you’re planning to host in your home, your decor can include florals (faux or fresh) to add a springtime element to the festivities. Table settings can include lace linens, mismatched glassware, and vintage china. Maybe they’re not inherited family heirlooms, but your local thrift store can be a gold mine for finding antique pieces fit to furnish a Regency-era mansion! Top it all off with candles and themed party favors. (We love these specialty teas).
The Menu
@hauste.co 18 APP IDEAS#appetizer #recipes #easyappetizerrecipes #appetizeridea #dinnerparty #hosting #Hauste #HausteWithTheMost #bringbackthedinnerparty #dinnerpartyrecipes ♬ Down In Atlanta – Pharrell Williams & Travis Scott
Regency dinner parties were no joke, usually a multi-course affair with hosts attempting to outdo each others’ menus. Of course, we highly recommend taking liberties with this aspect of historical accuracy! Lean into the theme of fine dining with an offering of hors d’oeuvres, sandwiches, or charcuterie. Whether they’re homemade or your Trader Joe’s favorites, your hosts will be delighted to dine with you. Complete the night with a Bridgerton Bee’s Knees Cocktail or your favorite wine. (If you’re sober or sober-curious, check out our non-alcoholic wine recs here)
The MusicView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kella Hawks (@madamehawks)
Finally, we have to talk about the Bridgerton soundtrack. It’s one of the most iconic things about the show. Dedicated fans love hearing their favorite pop tunes in classical format. Make your celebration a social affair and encourage an elegant ambiance with this Bridgerton Garden Party Playlist. We’ve included songs from the show, orchestra classics, and even more pop hits to set the mood for your festivities.
We can’t wait to see how you celebrate the new Shondaland show. Comment what you’re most excited about and if you host your own garden party, tag us on Instagram and TikTok so we can pretend we were invited too.
May 10, 2023
Sweet, Summery Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Sangria
Sweet, refreshing, and bubbly: This Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Sangria is summer drink perfection.
Imagine you’re somewhere warm. It’s sunny. The breeze is perfect (enough to keep you cool, without messing up your hair). You’re surrounded by friends and all of your favorite snacks.
What are you drinking? Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Sangria.
It’s lightly sweet, bubbly, and crisp. And full of juicy strawberries. It’s so pretty that honestly, this drink might be the only table decor you need.

If making cocktails (or mocktails) intimidates you, start with sangria. Once you see how easy this is, you’ll be serving it all summer.
Strawberry pureéThis is probably the most intimidating part of making this sangria recipe, and it’s so easy that my 5-year-old could do it (with supervision, ofc).
Here’s all you do: First, slice the strawberries and cover them in sugar. Then, let them sit for at least 20 minutes. This enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and draws some of the juices out. Finally, put berries in a blender and blend until smooth.

My favorite thing about this sangria is that it doesn’t taste like juice. I used Surely non-alcoholic Rosé, which tastes like actual wine, and that really comes through in the final product.
The Rosé is bubbly, which makes this sangria extra refreshing. If you want to sip on the Rosé solo, I love the canned option.
Orange juiceOf course, traditional sangria contains Triple Sec or some kind of orange liqueur that we’re not using. I opted for orange juice to get the citrusy flavor, but you can also add a zero-proof spirit like Ritual’s Gin Alternative if you want your sangria to get the flavor depth of alcohol but without the alcohol.
Personally, I think it’s *chef’s kiss* without, but it all depends on your flavor preference!
Simple syrup (optional)The simple syrup is optional, if you like your sangria sweeter. You can buy this premade, or make your own! Just heat 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar together on the stove until the sugar is dissolved. Then, remove from heat and cool.
To make strawberry simple syrup: Heat 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 cup sliced strawberries over medium-high heat until it just starts to boil. Lower the heat and simmer for around 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temp. Strain the strawberries before transferring the mixture to a jar. Refrigerate.
Ready to make Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Sangria?Serve this with lunch on Mother’s Day, at your Memorial Day cookout, or poolside with your friends.

I prefer the Rosé + strawberry flavor combo, but you can make this with red or white non-alcoholic wine (or wine with alcohol, if you prefer).
Surely Brut (which also comes in super convenient cans) is my favorite non-alcoholic white wine! It’s super bubbly just like the Rosé, and on the dry side, which would balance the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly. It also comes in cans

Let me know if you try it!
Love a good mocktail?Check out some of my favorite non-alcoholic wines and wine alternatives.
Or my favorite mocktail, this Spicy Blood Orange Margarita.
May 9, 2023
Cluttercore is Changing the Home Aesthetic Game
Cluttercore and imperfect, “normal” homes are trending; A sign that we’re done chasing perfectly curated, aesthetic, and often unrealistic living spaces.
I’m not an organized person. In fact, according to astrologers, as a Cancer, I’m the messiest sign in the zodiac. I’ve always been a clutter bug, and whenever I finally DO take the time to deep clean my closet, bedroom, kitchen, cabinet, life (ha!), you name it, it’s chaos again the next day. I try, I really do. But with work, errands, two kids…three kids if I count my husband (!!), and daily life tasks, my home—even days after my cleaning crew leaves—is cluttered again. The irony is, I’m pretty good at tossing out or donating.
I’ve wondered if I would be neater if my house was grandiose. I live in a tiny house, and when we moved in two years ago we noticed the kitchen and windows hadn’t been remodeled since 1974. I love sleek, modern homes; I love when people renovate their homes, but look…budget-wise, a full-blown home reno is just not in the wallet for us. (Thanks, inflation.) So, my heavy wood cabinets and laminate countertops stay. I guess I can argue they’re…retro?
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Home decor influencers on TikTok and Instagram seemly post their coiffed, modern, and chic homes with crisp cabinetry and a gleaming kitchen table. I find myself wondering—how do they all live in these amazing houses? I envision a butler like Geoffrey from “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” living in their home, or Niles from “The Nanny,” who keeps everything squeaky clean.
When these influencers post an “unboxing” video of all the free goodies they get, how come their houses are all so…neat? I’m unsure if I’m jealous, baffled, or both. You never get sick, curl up on the couch, and just think, screw that pile of dishes? If so, show that to your social media followers instead!
There’s been a trend on TikTok to . I like seeing your imperfect spaces, influencers! I can relate to you more, and maybe will actually buy that silk pillowcase you’re shilling if you just showed me your 5-day-old laundry pile!
Along the same lines (but definitely more extreme), is becoming popular among Gen Z, with nearly 100 million views on TikTok. They define this trend as “filling your space with things you love, even if that means things get a little cluttered; An organized mess.”
@cecilybauchmann Replying to @kristitimp we bought my husbands childhood home & it’s been fun making it our own#realistichometour #normalhomewithkids #momoffour #momlifeunfiltered #motherhoodunplugged #imperfectmom #notaperfectmom ♬ Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Take it from the pros
I asked two professional home organizers what their secrets are to maintaining order at home when things (aka—life) get, well, cluttered. They also weighed in on why influencers should consider normalizing their messy moments; without shame.
“I think we have become obsessed with being Instagram-perfect. Our bodies, fashion, and our homes…It is exhausting because it is impossible to keep up with,” says professional organizer Jane Stoller aka “Organized Jane.” “And that includes our spaces. It’s literally impossible to keep a perfectly organized home 100% of the time without being totally stressed or spending 100% of your time on it!”
Stoller points out that we want to spend our time enjoying our homes and making organizing routines and systems work for us. “Of course, sometimes we can clean up for guests, photos…but it does not have to be the norm.”
When celebs post their imperfect homes, which is a rarity, are they more relatable?They can be! For example, actress Drew Barrymore recently went viral for posting her messy bedroom (and bathroom!) with a cluttered desk. (She then pulled a camera trick to show that same room neat and organized.)
Our internet bestie Alix Earle, a Miami college student, is often considered realistic because even though she leads a charmed life, she shows followers her messy bedroom piled with clothes, schoolwork, and take-out food boxes. Maybe she fueled the Cluttercore trend?
“Celebrities normalizing their messier spaces is a great start,” says Stoller. “In the ’90s celebrities began showing us their make-up-free faces, and this helped our self-esteem! The same goes for our self-esteem about home organizing. I’d love to see more celebrities show us the inside of their junk drawers as that is where real clutter lives!”
Size doesn’t matter
@drewbarrymoreShow me your room before and after you clean it… I’ll go first!♬ original sound – Drew Barrymore
“You should never feel like your home should be ‘perfect’ because perfect doesn’t exist, and that’s the truth,” says professional organizer Shantae Duckworth. “I always tell my busy clients to take everything day by day and if everything doesn’t get done in that day, that is really okay.”
According to Duckworth, the major key to being organized is to make your home feel like you live in it. “I always suggest to clients to put their treasured items on display; show off your children’s artwork. When it comes to any home, people want to see the charm of the people who live there. That is what makes your home really feel like home.”
And, if you have to close the laundry room because you are in the middle of washing, don’t sweat it. “We are all busy people, so give yourself some grace.”

If you really feel overwhelmed by clutter and struggle to organize even one room in the house, consider calling in a professional for help. I once used a professional organizer, and she was great. Honestly, I just don’t have an “eye” for the flow of organization bins and baskets, etc.
I was hesitant to call the professional at first because I was embarrassed. It’s awkward to admit you need help keeping your home clean. But I was having a tough pregnancy, working a stressful 9 to 5, and feeling overwhelmed by a move to a new apartment in NYC. I just couldn’t deal with the moving boxes and storage bins…My husband started a new job the week we moved, so I couldn’t depend on him at that time to step in. I also knew once things were organized and in place, the clutter from our minds would feel at ease at well.
“Professional organizers have hours upon hours of experience with all people and all situations, from spaces that needed a lot of help, to clients with personal challenges,” says Duckworth. “Professional organizers can tailor your experience to you and your family’s needs. The organizer is a fresh set of ‘eyes’ that can help transform your space into a new vision. When we live in our personal spaces, we can’t see past that. Hiring an organizer can give you clarity.”
Adds Stoller: “Professional organizers can save you so much time sorting through items, creating unique storage solutions and making your life more efficient. And you can focus on spending more time on the things you love and or growing your business and or career!”
A professional can also keep you accountable. “Just like when we hire a personal trainer they help keep us on track, so does a professional organizer.”

According to Stoller, if you are looking to spruce up your 70s-style home a bit, and jazz it up on a budget while still maintaining its vibes, consider this:
Paint the wood cabinets. “Also, check the inside as you may want to add some organization dividers or shelves. Consider changing the hardware as this can change the total look of the cabinet and make it much more modern.”
Cover the grout. I myself have done this, because my bathrooms have giant tiles on the floor, and the white grout separating each tile has turned dark brown. I used a few grout pens to freshen up the grout and it looks neater. “For bathroom tile, a quick fix could be re-grouting to give the tile grout a fresh look.” Just note that “tiles are hard to do anything with unless you want to fully replace them; which can also be a fun but tough DIY project.”
Update the lights. “Lighting can help both the cabinets and bathrooms. Under cabinet lighting is very trendy right now and can be a super cost-effective easy-to-install solution.”
Invest in some plants. According to Stoller, “adding some decorations or plants to these spaces can also add a quick update without having to renovate.”

Once your home is organized thanks to the professional you called in—or when you finally had some time and mental energy to tackle the main space—here are some additional tricks to keep clatter away:
If you’re a parent, when it comes to birthdays and holidays, tell family members to gift the kids experiences or money towards their college fund. “The material items come and go but the memories from experiences last forever,” says Duckworth. “Also, be intentional about what comes into the home. When going to children’s birthday parties, inspect the party favors and immediately throw away things you know your child will not play with.”
Duckworth’s best advice to keep clutter at bay is simple—whether kiddos live in your home, or not–don’t allow clutter into your home. “Simple, but effective! Also, go through your stuff often. I go through my wardrobe every season and let go of what I didn’t wear.”
According to Duckworth, this creates room for what she may want to purchase in the future. “I go through my pantry every 6 months and let go of expired goods and goods I have plenty of. This also helps me to create new meals with the ingredients I have on hand.”
Make clean your routineStoller agrees about the importance of decluttering gradually—it doesn’t have to be something you do in one day. Baby steps.
“Declutter regularly, and make it part of your routine! That way, you’ll have fewer items, less to clean and re-organize, and your home will feel neat instantly.”
When cleaning yourself, or if you have a cleaning person, Stoller stresses her preference for natural cleaning products. “This is not only less expensive but better for your health. Baking soda and vinegar can clean almost anything!”

Stoller acknowledges that decluttering can be a very emotional process.
Some of us can easily declutter and get rid of everything we don’t need immediately without giving it a second thought,” she explains. “But for most of us, decluttering is not that easy and goes much deeper into our emotional need for stuff due to our consumerist society.”
In fact, Stoller shared this statistic: “According to the Huffington Post, there are more storage facilities than McDonald’s restaurants in America. At the end of 2014, there were 48,500 self-storage facilities in America compared to 14,350 McDonald’s. This further proves that getting rid of items is so difficult for us that we’d rather pay to store them!”
If you struggle to toss or donate items because they hold sentimental value, or you wonder if you’ll need them or use them again someday, Stoller says don’t stress about being judged by others—or judge yourself. “I love embracing normal homes! We don’t have to be organized or decluttered to perfection. However, clutter can affect our minds, and stress levels, and also be hazardous for tripping and other expired products.”
Harp on the motivationI know for me, I absolutely loathe cleaning out my fridge and pantry, and financially would rather my monthly crew focuses on the main rooms in the house. So, I tell myself this: I don’t want myself, my husband, or my youngest child who is only 5, to accidentally eat something in the fridge or cabinet that is expired, which can make someone physically ill. I would never forgive myself if my Kindergartener ate something expired from the cabinet, and then fell sick, because I didn’t take 10 minutes to clean out the pantry. She can’t tell if something is moldy or milk is two weeks expired.
So, adapting that mindset has given me a little motivation to clear my fridge and pantry every other month.
“Feeling proud of your home is not necessarily related to the grandiosity or how modern your space is. It’s more about how you create a comfortable and inviting space that reflects your personality and style,” adds Stoller. “The best advice I have is to start today. Start small and make it part of your everyday routine. You do not need to tackle the entire house at once. Make a donate/sell box and put it right in a visible spot in your home as a constant reminder. Or set a 10-minute declutter alarm on your phone daily. Start incorporating it into your life and turn it into a weekly activity the whole family can participate in.”
May 4, 2023
5 Brands To Feed Your Houseplant Obsession
I feel like my favorite form of retail shopping is plants. Whenever we have people visiting my impulse is to run to the store and buy new houseplants. Anyone else??
So while I loved buying plants, keeping them alive was a whole other story. And let me tell you it showed, there was a whole side of my house that was a graveyard of fiddle leaf trees (and even succulents… I know ) that didn’t quite made it through the aftermath of my purchasing impulses.
My lack of a green thumb meant a short-lived shot of dopamine before they died 2 weeks later from under or over-exposure to sunlight, or because I forgot to water them (in my defense, I also have a 3-year-old who I had to keep hydrated too, ok?). Could you tell I was talking in the past tense? Wellllll, because a big reason for my failure was really a lack of (any) understanding of types of plants and what each one needed.
When I started doing more research online, I was thrilled to find out that I could actually buy plants online that were suited for my house and my personality (read: neglect). I learned important things about:
SunlightWatering needs and schedule. There is even a brand that has a self-watering system, Easyplant.Time of yearTemperature
There are so many brands out there doing the lord’s work, helping newbies like me make their homes a green oasis. It was hard to pick my favorites… but here they are!
My favorite places to buy houseplants.Shop, and sit back and wait for them to arrive at your doorstep. Oh, these houseplants also make lovely gifts for Mother’s Day, birthdays, house-warmings or a “just because” for your bestie.
Let’s dive in.
The Bouqs CoYou may know this brand from their stunning florals, but what you may not know is that they deliver houseplants straight to your doorstep too. I love Bouqs especially because they work with local partners to source their florals, so you’re getting fresh plants (but also supporting small businesses — we love that!). Whether it’s a tropical orchid, a desert succulent, or something else, plants bring life to any space.
Easyplant
So part of the reason I struggle to keep my house plants alive is the watering. Like… you have to water them every day? That’s a lot to remember. But with Easyplant they technically water themselves, with their innovative pots. It only gives them the water they need when they need it (you just have to remember to fill it up… but less often).
Bloomscape
I love that Bloomscape has a whole section for low-maintenance plants, it’s like they are speaking to me. But you can also search by lighting requirements etc, I used to live in a townhouse so windows were hard to come by — this would have been a great solution!
Horti
Plant subscriptions? Say less. I am a sucker for little subscription boxes that feel like a treat for yourself every month. They also do non-subscription house plants, like their Order a Jungle box which starts from $70 for 5 plants. So I will be ordering that before company arrives for the foreseeable future.

Westerlay
If you love orchids, no one does it better than Westerlay! This family-run business based in California ships worldwide (and you may recognize them from your local grocery store!). While they only have several single orchid options to buy, you know you’re getting the cream of the crop.
And listen if you aren’t a houseplant girl, or want to up the game in your backyard foliage there are direct shipping options for you too! My fav is Burpee Gardening because they literally ship you plants at the perfect planting time for your gardening zone. That’s the level of support I need from a brand given my current plant survival report card.
My 3-year old’s face was literally me when I kept my first plant alive longer than a month →
So moral of the story is if you love buying new plants as much as I do and also maybe have a plant graveyard in your backyard, there is hope. What I figured out I needed was really low-maintenance houseplants that had the resiliency to last. I’ve (evidently) been obsessed with snake plants late with a few monsteras. What’s your go-to plant?
May 3, 2023
Dress for the Dream House With These Barbiecore-Inspired Looks!
Our favorite Barbiecore looks for summer.
There’s been a lot of buzz about Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie movie.
Between trailers and behind-the-scenes photos, fans are dying to know not only the movie’s plot, but also what iconic outfits the title character will showcase when the film is released this July.
With over 35.3 billion views on TikTok, #Barbiecore showcases how the doll (and style icon) is inspiring some colorful, bold, and playful looks this fashion season.
We’ve rounded up some everyday outfits for you to bring a little Barbiecore glamour to your wardrobe.
Boss Babe Barbie
Top – H&M | Skirt – H&M | Necklace – Macy’s | Bag – Neiman Marcus
Above all things, Barbie is the epitome of girlboss. With over 200 careers, we had to pay homage with an inspired look for the office. (Or for work-from-home… who says your coworkers can’t admire your fit over Zoom? )
If you’re missing the touch of classic Barbie pink, add these pink tinted clear sandals or this pink blazer.
Malibu BarbieSwimsuit – Victoria’s Secret | Bag – Tuckernuck | Sunglasses – Eyebuydirect | Earrings – Target
Living in Malibu means Barbie has some seriously stunning beach looks, and they are (dare we say it?) some of her most iconic! We had to do her justice by including an outfit worthy of the Malibu scene.
Brunch Barbie
Top – H&M | Jeans – Levi’s | Shoes – Steve Madden | Bag – Amazon
Okay, so maybe brunch wasn’t a ~thing~ when Barbie was first introduced in 1959, but we have a feeling she’d be a big fan of the concept. Where else can you help yourself to bottomless mimosas and sport the latest fashion trends, all while catching up with your girl squad?
Fit Girl Barbie
Bell Bottoms | Tank | Cloud Hoodie | Secret Scrunchie
Barbie is always on the run, but her fashion game is always on pointe. That’s why we personally think she’d be a big fan of the POPFLEX motto; work out, but make it cute. This outfit brings that signature feminine flare to the fitness sphere and beyond.
Feeling inspired by these Barbiecore looks?Same here! I decided to create my own Barbie-inspired outfit in honor of the fashion icon .

Share your own Barbiecore outfits & tag us on Instagram or TikTok!
*These Barbiecore looks may contain referral links for products we love, and all opinions are our own. Blogilates.com earns a small commission from these links, at no additional cost to you.
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