viernes, 31 de enero de 2020

We’re Obsessed With Katie Sowers, the First Woman & Openly Gay Super Bowl Coach

The Super Bowl is always a momentous day—whether you’re just there to catch these Super Bowl 2020 commercials or fully dedicated to posting up at your local sports bar. But this year’s Super Bowl is a little more historic than others, thanks to one person: Katie Sowers, the very first woman and openly gay person to ever coach the event.

The 33-year-old San Francisco 49ers assistant coach is taking Super Bowl LIV by storm. After her team swept the Green Bay Packers for the NFC Championship, Sowers knew the moment was “Unreal,” not only for the win but for what it means for her, too.

She’s just the second woman to hold a full-time coaching position in the NFL altogether, but no woman before her has taken their team to the Super Bowl. Add this to the fact that Sowers is the first openly LGBTQ+ coach—man, woman, or otherwise—to make it to the big night, and her success appears doubly historic.

Yet Sowers isn’t crazy interested in tooting her own horn as far as these historic markers go. Honestly, she’s most interested in doing her job—and doing it damn well. Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate her achievements before football’s biggest event of the year.

Read on below for five things to know about Katie Sowers (a.k.a our latest obsession!)

She’s always dreamed of this.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Katie Sowers grew up in a small town, but like plenty of small-town girls, she never stopped having big dreams. “It’s always just been kind of a natural love,” Sowers told People recently. “Every time I got a chance to write any journal entry in school, it was always about football. I was constantly talking about it.”

The older she got, the more she realized her specific calling in the sport: coaching. “I always knew I wanted to be a coach but it wasn’t until I found football later in life when I realized that although the road was way less traveled, I wanted to coach football,” she said to Outsports two years ago. “When I say untraditional, I mean that society is so conditioned to this idea that football is a ‘man’s game’ and anything other than that is far from traditional.” But who says traditional ever gets the job done?

She’s played professional football in the past.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Of course, in order to be a coach, you’ve got to know how to play the game. Sowers has played football on a professional level herself, starring as a quarterback for a Women’s Football Alliance team, the Kansas City Titans. Then in 2013, Sowers became a member of the USA Women’s National Football Team—helping her teammates to bring home the gold. She only retired from playing in 2016, due to a hip injury; yet that setback propelled her into the biggest move of her career yet.

She started her NFL career in 2016, and came out publically.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

By the summer of 2016, Sowers moved on from the WFA to the NFL. She started as an intern with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the San Francisco 49ers—her current team—in June 2017. Around the same time, the newly-minted NFL assistant coach openly expressed her sexuality.

“No matter what you do in life, one of the most important things is to be true to who you are. There are so many people who identify as LGBT in the NFL, as in any business, that do not feel comfortable being public about their sexual orientation,” she told Outsports. “The more we can create an environment that welcomes all types of people, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, the more we can help ease the pain and burden that many carry every day.”

Thankfully, the NFL held true to that welcoming environment, and Sowers stayed on the 49ers’ season offensive assistant until she was promoted to offensive assistant last year in 2019.

She doesn’t let her sexuality or gender define her work.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

While Sowers is vocal about her sexuality and remains an advocate for women and LGBTQ+ people hoping to join the NFL, she doesn’t think her identity is the most important thing about herself. Instead, Sowers puts work first.

“When you ask any of the coaches who work with me, often they’ll get asked about working with a female,” Sowers told People in Nov. 2019. “To them, it’s not even something that they think about—and it’s not something that I truly think about. They see me for who I am as a coach, and not a female coach.” Sowers is trying to be the best coach—female or otherwise—period.

But it does define her relationships—she’s taken, folks!

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

We hate to break it to you, but it’s true. Sowers has been with her girlfriend, Cara, for some time now. In Sept. 2019, Sowers posted the kindest message from Cara’s grandmother. “If you want to see an example of true unconditional love, please read this letter my girlfriend received from her grandma after she recently came out to her family about dating a woman,” she wrote in her Instagram caption.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

I’m not crying, you’re crying!



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Demi Lovato’s ‘Beautiful’ Coming Out Story Is the Kind We Always Hope to Hear

It’s been a big week for the “Anyone” singer. First, she takes to the Grammys stage, and now, Demi Lovato’s “beautiful” coming out story is being shared with the world. It’s not actually the first time Demi, 27, has opened up about her sexuality. Back in 2018, the songstress confirmed that she’s sexually “fluid,” and is open to dating anyone. “I’m very fluid, and I think love is love,” she told E! News, “You can find it in any gender.” But being so open about her preferences wasn’t always the case for Demi. In fact, it’s only been around three years since the artist came out to her own parents.

On this week’s Radio Andy SiriusXM show, Demi revealed that she didn’t “officially” tell her parents that she could be “ending up possibly with a woman, too, until 2017.” It was the first time Demi verbalized this to her family—and even though she “came out,” she also admits she’s in the process of “still figuring it out” in terms of her sexuality. And much like her recovery from her battles with addiction, there’s no linear path that Demi needs to claim.

As for how her parents reacted, the story is actually a relief to hear. “It was actually, like emotional, but really beautiful,” Demi told radio host, Andy Cohen. “After everything was done, I was like shaking and crying, and I just felt overwhelmed.” But her emotional response wasn’t a result of anything harsh—instead, her “incredible parents” were “so supportive.”

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Her father was pretty relaxed. “My dad was like, ‘yeah, obviously,'” Demi explained. “And I was like, ‘Oh, okay Dad.'” As for her mother, Demi says that her “Mom was the one that I was like super nervous about, but she was just like, ‘I just want you to be happy,'” which is the best thing any LGBTQ+ person can hear from their loved ones.

“That was so beautiful and amazing, and like I said, I’m so grateful,” Lovato added, acknowledging that not everyone else can have the same peachy experience.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

In terms of what’s next for the star, Demi’s not planning much farther ahead than, say, this weekend’s performance at the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show. For now, she’s happy taking things as they go. “I don’t know what my future looks like,” she admitted. “I don’t know if I’m going to have kids this year or in 10 years. I don’t know if I’m going to do it with a partner or without.”

Whatever she does choose, we only hope she can continue getting the same kind of “beautiful” support she’s talking about this week.



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5 Things I’m Doing To Feel Amazing On My Wedding Day That DON’T Involve Losing Weight

There is a not-so-short list of events in my life that, when I think back on them, I don’t think of the way I felt during them or the special people I shared the moments with, but instead I think about my body. This isn’t because I remember exactly how much I weighed then or what workout plan or diet I was doing during each and every party or special occasion. In fact, I can’t remember most of those details at all. The details I do remember, though, are tied up a bigger feeling — the main feeling that comes back to me when I think about these events: I experienced all those moments thinking I should have been thinner. I had these thoughts when I was 10, 15, and 20 years old. I had them long before I ever wore plus size clothing, and sometimes I still have them today, at almost 27 years old, despite the fact that I’ve done years of self-work when it comes to confidence and self-acceptance. Nowadays, though, this is mostly due to the fact that I’m getting married soon. 

In less than six months, I’ll walk down the aisle and marry my partner of 6-plus years and I am excited. But even as someone who prides themselves on feeling good in their skin despite a number on a tag or scale, it’s easy to feel like you have to lose weight before your wedding thanks to popular advertising and societal narratives. I felt it when I was served targeted ads as soon as I announced we were engaged on Facebook. It was right then that I decided I could spend our 20-month engagement battling with the scale and ultimately feeling guilty on my wedding day for not sticking with a diet (they’re literally designed to fail, after all), or I could not diet at all. No scales, no calorie counting, just trying to find a healthy balance that made me feel my best. Sometimes when I tell people this, they seem confused, like the idea that there are other ways to prepare for your wedding than losing weight seems absurd. For me, though, it works.

Here are five ways that I’m preparing to feel amazing on my wedding day that DON’T involve losing weight. 

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

1. Finding An Exercise Routine I Actually ENJOY

About four months ago, I set out to find a form of exercise that was affordable, rewarding, and would help me feel strong. I wanted a consistent way to burn off steam and deal with anxiety (wedding-related and otherwise), and I had crashed and burned when it came to so many expensive gym memberships or workout programs because I was never doing any of them for any other reason than weight loss. I discovered running and began with the smallest of goals. Run by run, I felt my stamina improving and my legs feeling stronger. Now, I actually look forward to running (most of the time, anyway) and how I’ll feel afterward. I’m so thankful that I am going into the final leg of a stressful wedding planning season with a physical outlet that makes me feel great — whether it’s making me thinner or not. 

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

2. Minimizing My Skin Care Routine + Staying Consistent

After four years of working in the beauty industry, I had gotten into the habit of trying dozens and dozens of products—switching them out as soon as a new, shiny one landed on my desk. Somehow I thought that if I wasn’t using the most expensive product available to me, that I was doing my skin a disservice. In reality, though, I was dealing with consistent, painful breakouts on a monthly basis. Recently, I cut my skincare routine down to just three to four products (and stopped using cleanser), and my skin has never looked better. Now, I stick to those products and my routine no matter what, and I’m so much more confident about how my skin looks (and how much money I’m spending on it).

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

3. Limiting How Much Wedding Content I Consume (Or At Least Trying To) 

I could admittedly be better at this, but I try to make a conscious effort to minimize the wedding inspiration content I consume on a daily basis. I love a gorgeous Pinterest-worthy wedding image as much as the next person, and these kinds of things have helped with planning what I hope will be our dream wedding. However, they also have a tendency to make me (and anyone) feel insecure and second-guess decisions. I start to think maybe I should have had a photo booth or a bigger cake or a different appetizer hour. At a certain point, when most of your decisions about planning have been made, all this “inspo” just feels overwhelming. So I try to turn it off as much as possible so I can get to my wedding day feeling fully confident about our wedding (and bank accounts).

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

4. Focusing On How I Want To Feel As Much As How I Want To Look 

Listen. I want to be beautiful on my wedding day. I have a specific image in mind for how I want my hair to look and my makeup and my dresses (yes, there’s more than one) and, yes, sometimes I get nervous that all of that won’t live up to my expectations in reality. I worry that I won’t like how my stomach looks in the photos, or even that I’ll wish I did diet more leading up to the big day. But whenever those thoughts creep in, I try to remind myself of all those events I had in the past where the moment itself was eclipsed by me wishing I was thinner. I refuse to have this day be eclipsed. So I try to focus on how I want to feel—and feeling confident, happy, and full of joy doesn’t require my stomach to look any way at all. 

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

5. Always Going Back To The “Why”

Whenever I get stressed or anxious about my wedding day, when it comes to everything from small details to larger worries about how I’ll look or feel, I make myself go back to the why. At the end of the day, I get to celebrate sharing my life with the best person in the world with every single person we love there with us. If I hadn’t gotten into the habit of making myself do this, I think I wouldn’t be able to feel nearly as good about the wedding as I do now.



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Justin Bieber’s New Neck Tattoo Is His Proudest Yet & He Can’t Stop Showing it Off

When you name your album Changes, well, it means some new additions are in order. Justin Bieber’s new neck tattoo has a meaning that’s definitely tied to his latest work—after all, the 25-year-old pop star hasn’t stopped talking about how significant his forthcoming fifth studio album is. Set to release on Valentine’s Day this year, Changes is all about the struggles he’s faced, and his swift return to pop. It only makes sense he’d get some fresh ink now to commemorate that.

Still, Justin surprised us all when he was spotted leaving the gym on Jan. 30, sporting what looked like a brand-new tattoo at the base of his neck. While photographers managed to grab a few flicks, fans weren’t exactly sure of what Justin’s new body ink looked like. Well, the “Yummy” singer headed to Instagram later that day to confirm the suspicions—a photo posted to his Instagram Stories proved he did get a new tattoo. And it’s actually pretty symbolic.

Located at the base of his neck and right above his collarbone, Justin got a set of laurel leaves inked. You’ve probably seen these leaves before—they trace back to Greco-Roman antiquity, and are super symbolic for a series of reasons. If you’ve heard the phrase “resting on one’s laurels,” you already know that these leaves often signify a sense of achievement. But they’re also considered to be a protective and peaceful symbol, as well as a mark of creativity.

justin bieber laurel neck tattoo meaning e1580503202244 Justin Biebers New Neck Tattoo Is His Proudest Yet & He Cant Stop Showing it Off

SCREENSHOT/INSTAGRAM (@JUSTINBIEBER)

All that said: This tattoo seems to be a pretty obvious connection to not only his new album then, but also to his new 10-part docuseries, Justin Bieber: Seasons. The series premiered on YouTube on Jan. 27, and ever since, fans have been binging the episodes for an intimate look at the pop star.

Justin’s latest documentary project covers everything from his recent diagnosis with Lyme disease, to the long-ago challenges he faced as a young pop star growing up in the public eye. When you think of everything laurel leaves represent from peace, achievement, and creativity, it’s not surprising that Justin chose this subject for his latest ink. After all, it took a whole lot of each (and a lot of love from his wife, Hailey Bieber née Baldwin) to get to where he is today.



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The Bad Habit You’re Having a Hard Time Kicking in 2020, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Hey, we’re only human. Whatever your zodiac sign, bad habits come for us all, similar to death and taxes (unless you are super wealthy, in which case: congrats!). I know most people set new year’s resolutions as a way to confront and counter their vices and shortcomings, and later give up on them entirely. I feel that. Long-term planning can only be so wise, before reality sets in and we all just want to melt into flatness on our preferred comfortable furniture.

But hey—it’s a new year, a new decade, and I have officially finished my first ever start-to-finish Chapstick at the ripe and nubile age of 27. I’m locked and loaded for 2020, babies. Regardless of how you feel about your sign’s worst habits, I think we can all agree that are some small, meaningful changes we could partake in to make our lives more joyful.

I think it’s funny that as a general rule—humans hate rules. We bristle up like steel wool the minute we feel that our liberties or choices are limited by some omniscient parent on high, telling us that it’s time for bed, no arguments. And yet!!! We also like being told what to do—just look around you. For the most part, people of the same age/culture tend to dress eerily similar. We get our humor in a feedback loop from TikTok and copy the speech patterns of people we admire.

We lament when dating that everyone is too similar, and then complain when someone acts outside of those reliable, somewhat-boring behaviors. We call those people weird. We want the results of hard labor without actually, you know—doing it.

So that’s why I like resolutions, even if we fail at ’em. Partly because I’m contrary, and everybody hates them—and partly because a good many are doomed to failure by design. And failure, I’m learning—is really effing good for me.

Failure is an opportunity to be nicer to myself, to make my own safety-net of patterns and behaviors that don’t make me emotionally spin out and hate my life. Failure is inevitable, and resolutions are a low-stakes way to get comfortable with it. It makes it easier for me to try new things, and move on when they don’t pan out the way I expected them to.

Working on your worst tendencies isn’t about perfection or hitting the high score. At least, not for me. It’s about adapting to my circumstances, making tough decisions. Like, is it worth it to workout if I’m sick and haven’t eaten and would rather just call my mother? Sometimes, no.

Humans are not machines, and failure is, at least a little bit, in our DNA. But it’s also what makes us compassionate, strong, and creative. It’s what gives us drive to do better, and try again in more interesting and resilient ways. All these habits below? I’ve failed at each of them spectacularly, over and over.

So let’s kind be kind to ourselves and others, and wear our failure until it’s as comfortable as yoga pants.

Below, the bad habit you’re having a hard time kicking in 2020, based on your zodiac sign. 

STYLECASTER | Moon Sign Meaning

Image: Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

Aries – Still beats themself up over what happened in 2019 

Engaging in more positive self-talk is hugely important and also—it’s almost impossible. At least, when you’re just starting out. Because our thoughts are sneaky. While we can start each day fresh and positive, it’s shockingly easy to fall back into old patterns of our minds chanting: not good enough! not good enough! Thinking about changing your thought patterns is a lot like meditation. It takes daily practice, and really, I always learn more from yanking myself out of a negative thought-spiral than executing a perfect ‘ommm’ after a zen-like trance.

STYLECASTER | Venus in Scorpio 2019

Image: Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

Taurus – Not eating a healthy meal five times a week and letting guilt consume them

It’s like Pinterest—the idea of eating “clean” is fine in isolation, but ultimately, it serves to remind me what an undomestic goddess I am and how deeply unfair society’s expectations of a Renaissance woman run. Cooking is great, eating healthy is great, etc. But if you eat a bagel or fall short of your (possibly unrealistic) food goals, just make a better plan for next time. Because guilt does not burn calories, and neither does regret.

STYLECASTER | Moon Sign Meaning

Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

Gemini – Quitting the 30-Day yoga challenge 

I’m allowed to talk shit about Gemini’s because I am one, first of all. Second—doing ANYTHING other than basic needs for 30 days in a row is basically an Olympic challenge. At least, it is for flighty Gemini who is very much an air sign and quickly loses interest in things. My best advice is to go ahead and keep trying, even when you miss days. It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. You can settle for ‘good enough’ here, it is plenty.

STYLECASTER | Moon Sign Meaning

Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

Cancer – Still entertaining that long-term toxic friendship

 Friendship can be a deeply moving emotional connection to another being—or it can be gritted-teeth coffee dates and forced socializing that makes you cry alllll the way home and reenact what you WISHED you would’ve said during a passive-aggressive conversation that skirted around all your worst insecurities! Listen, losing long-term friends can be gutting. Ending a friendship (or relationship of any kind, really) is not a one-time decision. It’s one you have to make over and over, with the same and new people. Forgive yourself your missteps, and stay strong.

STYLECASTER | Moon Sign Meaning

Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

LeoSetting a Screen Time reminder, then ignoring it every.single.time.

You know, for someone who doesn’t have social media—I sure do manage to waste entire eons on my phone doing god-knows-what. Phones (and devices) have turned into our emotional security blankets, ensuring that we never have to sit in a waiting room and face our own reckoning. It’s really hard to abstain from mindless scrolling when it’s become so ingrained in our reflexes. But! We all have an obligation to do so, to protect our sanity and our deteriorating neck muscles.

STYLECASTER | Moon Sign Meaning

Image: Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

Virgo – Saying ‘yes’ to obligations and engagements that make you want to scream into the void for eternity

Ah, my nemesis. The knee-jerk YES that shoots out of my mouth when all I want to do is moo a long and mournful ‘noooooooooooooooooo’ until they slowly back away, forever scarred. This fear of saying no can be really prevalent with Virgos, who set high standards for themselves. While it’s possible that this may remain a life-long struggle, you absolutely can train yourself to say no without guilt or shame. It’s just uncomfortable, and the first few times can be anxiety-inducing. Don’t beat yourself up for mistakes. Make this your mantra: Can I get back to you on that?

STYLECASTER | Moon Sign Meaning

Image: Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

LibraOpting for animal videos instead of reading every night before bed

Books are one of the best things humanity has done for the world, yet instead of reading we look at pictures of small animals and fall asleep feeling like we swallowed battery acid and loneliness. Lame! But reading every night isn’t sustainable if you have any type of job or obligation. If you want to read more this year, my advice is to find books that you really like, not what’s on the bestseller list or sounds important and literary. The right book demands attention, while the wrong one can feel like a slog through spoiled milk. Make reading enjoyable, and you’ll do more of it.

STYLECASTER | Moon Sign Meaning

Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

Scorpio – Hitting da snooze

If I watch one more YouTube video where they wake up at 5 a.m. and then do an exhaustive list of self-care activities, I will bury my body so far underground that no one will find me for one hundred years. Jesus. I get that it works for some people, but honestly, if waking up earlier just causes you stress and guilt (like it does with me!)—then forget it. Yes, you have to make it to work/school on time. But find what works for you. If waking up is super hard, then maybe just get everything ready the night before and reap similar benefits of being prepared for the day. Waking up early is not a sign of superiority, and our bodies/brains work differently.

STYLECASTER | Moon Sign Meaning

Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

Sagittarius – Skipping the 10-step skincare routine

Half the stuff you put on your face doesn’t do much of anything, amirite? For healthy skin, you need a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. If you wanna get nuts, you can use retinol products or undergo cosmetic procedures. But everything else? Serums and face masks and creams and snail goop and whatever? It’s just time and money, sweet Sagittarius. Of course, if you like it—carry on. But otherwise, let yourself be free of the tyranny that is exhaustive skincare.

STYLECASTER | Moon Sign Meaning

Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

Capricorn – Failing to go zero waste

I love the idea of zero waste. And I think there’s so much that we, as consumers, can do to reduce waste and ecological harm to our planet! But! It’s not all on us. Corporations and the legislature need to do their part, too. Do the best you can, and try not to burn yourself out. Build up habits over time, and be encouraging and forgiving to yourself and others as we all try a little harder to be kind to our world.  (Also: reusable coffee filters mold like a mother. So gross, do NOT recommend.)

STYLECASTER | Moon Sign Meaning

Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

Aquarius – Blowing their budget

 This topic is incredibly loaded. And with so many people struggling, a budget can be incredibly difficult (read: impossible) to stick to. Case in point: car repairs, health issues—you know, all of those things that we can’t really plan for, and that seem to come at the worst times. For a budget to be successful, an emergency fund is crucial. So is a healthy dose of realism, and having attainable goals (ie: I will pay off X amount of debt by January 2021, etc.) All I can say is, you’re not alone. Budgeting and financial literacy are always hard to get into, but once you do, it will really change your life.

STYLECASTER | Moon Sign Meaning

Elenita_1/Getty Images. Design: Mike Commins/STYLECASTER.

Pisces – Cheating on a Paleo/ketogenic/some radically different and/or strict diet

Look, different diets and lifestyles work for different folks. But it follows common sense that the more restrictions and rules you have for yourself and eating, the harder it is to maintain. That’s just basic human psychology. All I’m saying is that you don’t have to choose a hard life. You can eat healthily, and find what works. These diets will (most likely) not save your life, or finally make you happy. They will not heal your relationships, make you nicer or more photogenic, or somehow whiten your teeth. Being ten pounds skinnier won’t make you ten points happier. It’ll just mean you gotta buy new pants. So fail a little, eat the cookies, and lean into 2020.

 



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17 Super Bowl Snacks I’m Actually Making for My Super Bowl Party

In my apartment, the Super Bowl is regarded as the biggest holiday of the year. Not because my roommates and I are particularly keen on football, but because we’re particularly keen on Super Bowl snacks. If I were to list my passions, Super Bowl food would be among them—mostly because it’s an excuse to eat all the cheese, carbs and red meat I can get my hands on.

One of the first things I did when I became a Real Adult (you know, the kind who no longer lives at home or in a college dorm) was host a Super Bowl party. It was small, but it expanded year after year. My annual Super Bowl party is now in its fourth iteration, and I’ve gained a deep understanding of what it takes to craft a truly perfect Super Bowl menu. I know which Super Bowl snacks are a must, and which are worth foregoing. I can sense when the menu is skewing too cheese-heavy, too red meat-heavy, too carb-heavy—and I can correct for each of those extremes. I know which dishes to make ahead, which to pop in the oven day of and which to delegate to guests. Because after all, aren’t feasts at their most fun when everyone’s had a hand in them?

Before we go any further, I think a couple things are worth clarifying: I’m not a professional chef, and I know very little about football. There are a handful of articles you could turn to that surely sourced their Super Bowl menus from people who are experts in either (or maybe even both) of those subjects, but what I am offering you is a novice’s way in. Nothing on my Super Bowl menu will be too hard for you to tackle, because it isn’t too hard for me to tackle. You won’t lose yourself in punny Super Bowl dishes that are based on some kind of niche football joke none of us fair-weather fans understand. You won’t find yourself up to your elbows in gourmet ingredients trying to craft some kind of dish that looked really good on Pinterest but is actually really confusing to make.

My Super Bowl menu isn’t hard, or overwhelming, or expensive—or too specific in humor. It’s really just the product of my weirdly immense passion for yummy food—and my commitment to taking advantage of any opportunity to make that food, and to share it with others.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

She Wears Many Hats.

1. Deviled Eggs

A lot of cooking needs to happen on Super Bowl Sunday—and sometimes, that cooking keeps going until the very last minute. Having no-cook appetizers, like deviled eggs, is a great way to keep your guests from starving while your slow cooker works its magic.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Creme de la Crumb.

2. Slow-Cooker Taco Queso

My roommate makes this slow-cooker taco queso for every single Super Bowl, and honestly, I’m not sure I could live without it at this point. It’s super decadent, which makes it the perfect treat for the most indulgent holiday of the year.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Waiting on Martha.

3. A Killer Charcuterie Spread

I mean—does this truly incredible-looking charcuterie spread even require justification? The more you can get on the table that doesn’t need to be cooked, the better.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Recipes that Crock.

4. Bacon Brown Sugar Sausages

As much as we’d like the day to be about cheese and carbs, we probably need to work some heartier options in there, too. These brown sugar- and bacon-coated sausages should do the trick, right? (And yes, you can make them in your slow cooker.)

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Lil Luna.

5. Super Creamy Mac and Cheese

The Super Bowl is an abject American holiday. And what’s an American holiday without macaroni and cheese?

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Homemade Hooplah.

6. Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Because if you’re throwing a Super Bowl party, I’m pretty sure you’re obligated to have chicken wings there.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Dennis the Prescott.

7. A Veggie Tray

Just, you know, trying to keep things vaguely balanced.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

The Baking ChocolaTess.

8. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oh yeah, desserts are totally on the menu.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

The Kitchen Is My Playground.

9. Sausage Balls

These sausage balls are my roommate’s specialty—and they’re gluten-free. Top that.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

The Salty Marshmallow.

10. Guacamole

Surprised it took me this long to mention an absolute must: chips and guac.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Wishes and Dishes.

11. Slow-Cooker BBQ Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail meatballs offer everything you could want in a Super Bowl party food: They’re delicate enough to eat with a toothpick, but hearty enough to keep you super satisfied.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Home Cooking Memories.

12. Spinach Artichoke Dip

Honestly, if an opportunity to eat spinach artichoke dip presents itself, I’m taking it.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Modern Honey.

13. Brownies

Because one dessert simply isn’t enough.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Host the Toast.

14. Sliders for a Crowd

Grilling out is way too intense. A) It’s still winter, and no one wants to hang out in the cold—not even for a burger. B) You and your guests will probably be thoroughly stuffed from the rest of your feast to down a normal-sized hamburger. The solution? Big-batch sliders.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Sugar Apron.

15. Buffalo Chicken Dip

I don’t even like buffalo chicken dip that much, but even I understand it’s a Super Bowl must-have.

STYLECASTER | Super Bowl Snacks Our Lifestyle Editor Is Actually Making for Her Super Bowl Party

Ambitious Kitchen.

16. Chili

Super Bowl chili is 100 percent a thing.

Super Bowl Snacks

Delish.

17. Themed Jell-O Shots

Or any kind of Jell-O shot, really. (Go 49rs.)



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Shabby Chic’s First Ever Clothing Collection Has Total ‘Little Women’ Vibes

If you’re anything like me, you’ve already seen (Oscar nominated!!) Little Women multiple times and dreamt of frolicking around in the ensembles that the March sisters wear throughout the film. The entire aesthetic is so dreamy—especially with modern day women’s rights and medicine, TBH—and Shabby Chic’s first clothing collection is here to make your Little Women wishes come true. With the perfect melding of classic floral patterns and 2020 updates, this Shabby Chic collection is everything you need for the upcoming spring months. Whether you have an affinity for Little Women or not, there’s no denying this clothing collection is the ultimate addition to any spring wardrobe.

From dresses perfect for any spring soiree to tops you’ll want to wear weekend after weekend, Shabby Chic’s first ever clothing collection does not disappoint. The brand has produced chic bedding, home decor and even dollhouse furniture. And now, they’re blessing us with the ideal spring clothing collection. Seriously, I can feel the sun shining on me just looking at the items from this line. Warm weather, here we come!

Shabby Chic Clothing

Shabby Chic.

Shabby Chic has officially released the first of three drops of the collection. All pieces run under $200 and are available in sizes XS-Large. To give you a taste of this gorgeous collection, we rounded up some of our favorite looks below. You can shop the first drop now on the Shabby Chic website and get your spring wardrobe ready for when the weather warms up. Garden parties and stunning photoshoots await you.

Shabby Chic Clothing

Shabby Chic Clothing

Shabby Chic Clothing

Shabby Chic Clothing

 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.l



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