Kate Thorn
Aug 23, 2014
There is something inherently comforting about mozzarella cheese. Its relatively mild flavor makes it perfect for salads while its soft cheesiness is just asking to be toasted and melted. So let’s look at some beautiful ways to enjoy mozzarella, both as a side dish and as the main star. Whether you want a healthy salad or some comfort food like grilled cheese and pizza, mozzarella is the cheese to turn to!
1. Cheesy Pizza Pull-Apart Bread: Four ingredients and 20 minutes later, and… “OMG. SO GOOD.” (via Brit + Co)
2. Green Goddess Sandwich: If you’re looking for some sandwiches to amp up lunch time, this one starts with a hearty dressing slathered on bread, which is topped with cucumber, green zebra tomatoes, avocado, sprouts and lettuce with fresh mozzarella in there for extra protein. (via The Bojon Gourmet)
3. Summer Ratatouille Tartines: Ratatouille can be made with any variety of vegetables, but this one has lots of juicy heirloom cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and heavenly piles of creamy mozzarella. (via Domesticate Me)
4. Caprese Corn Muffin Sandwiches: The classic mozzarella dish goes a little wild by embedding itself into a delicious home, known as the corn muffin. (via Brit + Co)
5. Turkey Mozzarella Sliders: How cute are these tiny burgers? Even though they’re small, they pack a punch in the flavor department, thanks to well-seasoned turkey patties and little rounds of fresh mozzarella for extra gooeyness. (via Simple Sated)
6. Tomato and Peach Salad with Mozzarella: The sweetness of peaches perfectly pairs with the acidity of tomatoes while the creamy mozzarella pulls everything together. This salad is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Or partner it with pizza or pasta for an Italian feast. (via Living Tastefully)
7. Skillet Pizza: Speaking of pizza, here’s a recipe that lets you make four different variations in less than 15 minutes, meaning the melty mozzarella goodness can hit your mouth in less time than it takes to say mmm, mmm, mmmozzarella! (via Brit + Co)
8. White Bean Salad With Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella: This black and white bean salad is tossed with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella for a dense and flavorful salad. The longer it sits, the more the ingredients soak up the dressing and the tastier the salad gets. (via Things I Made Today)
9. Watermelon Ceviche: Sweet and salty is one of those combos we just can’t get enough of, and this watermelon mozzarella salad checks all those flavor boxes. Tossed with mint and balsamic vinegar, this will be a salad you come back to long after summer is gone. (via Brit + Co)
10. Three Cheese Bread Soup: If you like really thick, cheesy soup then you’ll love this dish. Full of rustic bread and three different cheeses, this soup will keep you warm when the nights get cooler. (via All That’s Delicious)
11. Prosciutto and Basil Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: These are fancy enough to serve at your next dinner party but simple enough to make for yourself. They make a great 100 calorie snack and would also be a great addition to an antipasto platter. (via Queen of My Kitchen)
12. Mini Deep Dish Pizzas: Here’s another one to keep on hand for your next shindig. Thanks to the help of a muffin pan, you get one perfectly bite-sized little mozzarella morsel. (via Brit + Co)
13. Sweet Corn Caprese Salad: Baked on a homemade crust, this pizza is loaded with tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella and grilled sweet corn, all topped off with a sweet balsamic reduction. (via Krafted Koch)
14. Breakfast Egg Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: These may look like an indulgence, but they are actually really good for you! The sweet potato is much more nutritious than a normal potato and the egg, mozzarella and bacon make for a flavorful, protein-rich breakfast that’s easy enough to make every day. (via Roxy’s Kitchen)
15. Grilled Caprese: Mozzarella does not need carbs and starches to survive. Flip your typical grilled cheese on its head by serving the innards sans bread. The results are some surprising impressive presentation. (via Brit + Co)
16. Meatloaf Sandwich With Melted Mozzarella Cheese: For the ultimate in comfort food, try this delicious sandwich. Slices of meatloaf are smothered in sliced mozzarella and then topped with homemade crispy fried onions. (via Cooking for Keeps)
17. Tomato and Chard Salad: Adding chard to a caprese salad may seem a bit unconventional, but the texture is a bit like spinach and the colors are so pretty! This recipe uses buffalo mozzarella which is melt in your mouth rich and the perfect cheese for any salad. (via Amsterdam Food Stories)
18. Caprese Cups: That’s right. We haven’t finished figuring out ways to eat the classic caprese. This time it gets a little south-of-the-border flare with the help of the tortilla. Basically, it’s the most delicious melting pot you’ll ever experience. (via Brit + Co)
19. Artichoke Spinach Pizza: Treat yourself to this delicious pizza and celebrate Meatless Monday! With a super easy, no-knead pizza crust, you can put all kinds of topping on this pizza and then cover the whole thing in mozzarella for pizza perfection. (via Garnish and Glaze)
20. Philly Steak Grilled Cheese: Use up leftover steak by smothering it in mozzarella cheese, then toasting it into a delicious sandwich. Depending on your preferences, you could toss in some grilled onions or peppers for extra flavor and color. (via Killing Thyme)
21. Basil Mozzarella Cheez-Its: In case you haven’t heard, school will soon be in session. And if you’re a parent, that means you need a game plan when it comes to snack time. Consider the first week covered with basil mozzarella bites. (via Brit + Co)
22. Gnocchi With Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Instead of boiling these little pastas, try sautéing them in butter to get a delicious caramelized effect. Then, top them with fresh mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes for a summery pasta dish. (via The Food Charlatan)
23. Avocado Caprese Salad: Throwing avocados in a caprese salad is perfection because it adds extra smoothness and color. It’s also just so colorful that you can’t help but smile while you eat it… we’ll let you know if you have something in your teeth. (via Cooking Glory)
24. Cauliflower Crust Breakfast Pizza: Cauliflower crust is the new whole-wheat crust. And if you put mozzarella and an egg on it, you can get away with calling it breakfast. (via Brit + Co)
What’s your favorite way to enjoy mozzarella cheese? Fresh and smooth or soft and melted?
Olivia Bria
Mar 29, 2024
Where Is The "Friends" Cast Now? Here's Where You Can Watch Your Favorite Stars.
Chloe Williams
Mar 29, 2024
I will never say no to watching an episode of Friends. The jokes make me laugh out loud every single time, the outfits changed fashion and beauty in the real world (hello The Rachel!), and there's nothing more iconic than Monica's purple apartment. The cast of Friends embody their roles so well, and thanks to the hilarious moments written into the show, and the fact the series ran for 10 whole seasons, their IRL friendship totally comes through onscreen.
If you've finished your own rewatch for the thousandth time (of both the OG series and the Friends reunion), but still want to see Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc, then here are some other movies and TV shows featuring the cast of Friends to add to your watchlist!
Jennifer Anistonas Rachel Green
Image via NBC/Warner Bros. Television
Friends truly launched Jennifer Aniston into A-lister status and the actress has been in a number of movies and TV shows since playing Rachel Green (a role that earned her five Primetime Emmy nominations, and a win for Lead Actress). Jennifer ended up starring in a number of iconic 2000s movies, including Rumor Has It, Marley & Me, He's Just Not That Into You, as well as Just Go with It and both Murder Mystery movies opposite Adam Sandler. She's had two very public marriages, the first with Brad Pitt from 2000 to 2005, and the second with Justin Theroux from 2015 to 2018.
Courteney Cox as Monica Geller
Image via NBC/Warner Bros. Television
Before Courteney Cox joined the cast of Friends, she had roles in Family Ties, Seinfeld, and Murder She Wrote. After Friends took off, Courteney landed a leading role in the cult classic Scream franchise and has since appeared in all six original movies (she's also in talks to join Scream 7!). She directed Brandi Carlisle's "Right On Time" music video, and got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023! After a 14-year marriage to David Arquette, Courteney Cox has been in a relationship with Johnny McDaid since 2013.
Lisa Kudrow asPhoebe Buffay
Image via Warner Bros. Television/Getty
Before I watched Friends, I knew Lisa Kudrow from Emma Roberts' standout 2000s movie Hotel For Dogs. Lisa has also starred in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, P.S. I Love You, Emma Stone's Easy A, and Booksmart. She married Michel Stern in 1995, and when she got pregnant with her son Julian in 1998, the pregnancy was written into the show! (Remember when Phoebe serves as her brother's surrogate? Yeah, that's one plot arc I'm pretty sure I'll never forget.) As of 2024, she's an executive producer on the game show 25 Words or Less.
Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing
Image via NBC/Warner Bros. Television
Chandler Bing is tied with Rachel for my favorite Friends character, just like Matthew Perry is my favorite member of the cast of Friends. In between scoring the role of Chandler and waiting for the show to air on television, he worked alongside Gwyneth Paltrow at the Williamstown Theater Festival in 1993. Matthew got Emmy nominations for his work on The West Wing and The Ron Clark Story, and starred in Fools Rush In opposite Salma Hayek and 17 Again.He released his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing in 2022. Matthew Perry passed away in October 2023.
Matt LeBlanc asJoey Tribbiani
Image via NBC/Warner Bros. Television
In addition to Friends, Matt LeBlanc has starred in a number of other movies and TV shows. He was in Charlie's Angels and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, and served as both lead actor and executive producer on Man with a Plan. Even after Friends ended, Matt technically didn't leave the cast of Friends because he got his own spinoff! Joey (which also starred Jennifer Coolidge) aired from 2004-2006 and follows Joey Tribbiani as he tries to make it as an actor in LA.
David Schwimmer as Ross Geller
Image via Warner Bros. Television
Before booking Friends, David Schwimmer had roles on Blossom and The Wonder Years. Just like the rest of the cast of Friends, David Schwimmer took some other roles throughout the show's 10-year run. He starred in Band of Brothers, all three Madagascar movies (icon behavior!), and played Robert Kardashian in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. David directed 10 episodes of Friends and two of Joey! He has one child with his ex-wife Zoë Buckman.
Are the Friends cast Friends now?
Image via Warner Bros. Television/Getty Images
Yes, the cast of Friends are still friends today! They often post about each other on social media, and on Courteney Cox's birthday, Jennifer Aniston took the time to point out her friend's best qualities. “I’d like to take a moment and wish my dearest CC the happiest of birthdays,” Jennifer says on Instagram. “If you’ve been lucky enough to know her, you know how incredible she is.”
"[Friends] changed my life in every way," Matthew Perry told People in 2021. "I got the show when I was a 24-year-old man; the show ended when I was 34. It formed my life. And it was the time of my life."
What happened to Joey from Friends?
Image via Carlo Allegri/Getty Images
After the events of the Friends finale, Joey took off to LA to pursue acting in his own spinoff Joey! He moves in with his sister Gina and his nephew Michael. And in true Joey fashion, he soon falls for his superintendent Alexis. The show aired on NBC from 2004 to 2006.
Which project from the cast of Friends is your favorite? Check out Where Is The Gilmore Girls Cast Now? to see what your favorite Stars Hollow residents have been up to, too!
Lead image via Warner Bros. Television
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Kayla Walden
Mar 29, 2024
Looking tired from lack of sleep, insomnia, or endless scrolling til 2am? Me too! Which is why I've got some of our best picks for under-eye patches that'll make you look like a sleeping beauty who gets at LEAST 14 hours like our faveDakota Johnsonrequires. While we all wish we could sleep for 12 hours, it's not always the case. So whether your skin is feeling dry and tired from the winter months or you naturally have dark circles like I do, don't worry, we have it all!
As we list these we want to point out some target ingredients for more specific symptoms:
- If your skin is dry and dehydrated keep an eye out for Hyaluronic Acid.
- If you're experiencing fine lines then make sure to find masks with Niacinimide in them.
- If your eyes are puffy from lack of sleep then try Vitamin C or Caffeine in your skincare.
So now that you know what to look for, here are the under-eye patch superheroes for getting the well-slept look that I have personally tried and tested! Say bye-bye to your under eye bags after these glowing and show-stopping recommendations!
Are under eye patches effective?
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva / PEXELS
Under eye patches can be extremely effective when they have great ingredients. Some key things you want to look out for are: Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, hydrating oils like rosehip or jojoba, and Vitamin C. Any of these ingredients will be really beneficial to hydrating and soothing your under eyes — which is why they can also be extremely effective when cool! So if you leave your under eye patches in the fridge overnight, then they can help to de-puff any bags you may have after a sleepless night and help circulate blood flow to get your color back.
How long should I keep under eye patches on?
Photo by Ron Lach / PEXELS
The recommended time can be anywhere from 5-20 minutes depending on the ingredients, so we recommend keeping your under eye patches on for no longer than 20 minutes. This is important to bear in mind, especially if your patches have stronger, more potent ingredients like collagen or caffeine. So put them on and then in 5-20 minutes you can take them off to revel a brighter, less puffy under eye area!
Shop Our Favorite Under Eye Patches
Dieux Eye Masks
These reusable, silicone eye masks are probably the most popular eye masks I've heard about in recent years. Since they're reusable they help to justify the price a bit. These eye masks have niacinimide which is going to be perfect if you're trying to combat any fine lines or hydrate your underage area. Since they're silicone, they're also super helpful in holding serums in place hence their re-usable nature. These are a 10/10 on all counts!
HydroPeptide Collagel Line Lifting Mask
This mask is all about moisture!! So if you have dry or dehydrated under-eyes then look no further! With caviar extract and Vitamin E, you're looking at a mask that will lock in moisture and soothe your under-eye after a long night. This one is also highly rated, with an almost perfect 5-star-only rating! Definitely one to keep an *eye* out for!
Tatcha Luminous Silk Deep Hydration Mask
This one is a full face mask, but I had to link it because it'sSO insanely plumping. This optionis a bitexpensive, but I'm not kidding — this mask is sorcery. The way it plumps your face makes your skin look like you've been asleep for 3 years and are the mostwell-rested person in the world...even when you're definitelynot. It's said to boost your moisture and hydration levels by 200%! This is a holy grail and great to use every once in a while when you need something a little extra.
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Eye Mask
Talk about 24K magic! These are also super popular. I've been using them for years because I genuinely noticed a difference in my underage brightness when I do. These might be my favorite because they hydrate, de-puff, AND brighten all at the same time. They really do work wonders on your skin. The reason they have 24k gold is because Cleopatra was said to have used it in her skincare to help with aging. Sign me up! This product also contains Niacinimide which will help with keeping the underage elastin strong.
Patchology Rejuvenating Eye Gels
This 30 piece set of eye gels are sure to take those puffy under eyes and give them the look of a full night's sleep. With caffeine AND collagen in them, they are sure to brighten, depuff, and hydrate your under eyes for weeks to come since they have 30 patches!
Tag us on Instagram with your thoughts and explore our Beauty page for the latest makeup and skincare trends.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
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What Is A Doula, And Should I Get One Before Giving Birth?
Jasmine Williams
Mar 29, 2024
If you've ever asked your immediate circle, "What is a doula?" and have gotten mixed responses, we're here to make sure you have a full understanding of what to expect should you choose to invest in one during your motherhood journey. There are many maternal facets to consider — like breastfeeding — but we don't want you to ever feel like you have to figure everything out by yourself. Truthfully, moms deserve as much support as possible because there's more to giving birth — and raising a child — than cute maternity clothes and sweet Instagram pictures.
I do love both, but I know that having a strong support system makes a world of difference for moms, so I did a bit of digging to help answer the "What is a doula" question. Thanks to Elevance Health, a top-rated health insurer, I connected with their National Medical Director Dr. Tiffany Inglis, MD, and Doula Support Pillar Leader Sharon Lonix of The Doula Network, to talk about the amazing work doulas do to help moms have better birthing experiences.
So, what is a doula?
Image via Alex Green/Pexels
Dr. Inglis said, "A doula assists in providing education, emotional, and physical support before, during, and after childbirth. They can also offer pain management techniques during labor." However, she wants to be clear that doulas are not medical professionals who can give you medical advice.
Lonix said, "A doula's job is to act as a barrier between moms and their providers. We're actually trying to develop relationships with them so we're considered a part of a mom's care team team instead of being listed as visitors." She said The Doula Network has professional referrals for the provider so everyone is able to be on the same page should mom need additional resources to navigate pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care.
What are the benefits of having a doula?
Image via Büşranur Aydın/Pexels
You can easily come across people who've shared their experiences with having a doula present during delivery, but it doesn't always mean you understand how one would fit into your own life. There could be several reasons why this is true for you, but Dr. Inglis explained that the medical industry contributes to that. She said, "We've been focused on physical, social, and behavioral health [in the medial industry]. We haven't always done a great job about diving into other areas of maternal health."
One of the ways Lonix helps moms who have doubts or concerns about working with a doula is to talk to them in person. She said, "We meet a lot of people who know what a doula is but have apprehension about it. The first thing I say to a mom is, 'Well, let’s meet.' A lot of doubt can be eliminated when they see you and feel the care we have for them."
According to a report by Elevance Health, moms who work with a doula have a lower prevalence of c-sections, higher chance of delivering vagin*lly after receiving a c-section (VBAC), and are shown to have a better postpartum experience.
How can moms find reputable doulas in their area?
Photo by Polina Zimmerman/Pexels
It goes without saying that finding a reputable doula isn't always a stress-free or inexpensive task. In fact, Dr. Inglis said there's a reason for this. "Most doulas have never worked with an insurance company before. They’re not always working with the doctors either," she said. Elevance Health shared that this means only 6% of women in the U.S. receive doula care while another 40% are still unaware that doula care is beneficial. Sadly, this is because only 13 states reimburse for doula services.
However, Dr. Inglis said they are working hard to close the gap. "What we’ve done is build a lot more tools to help push the conversation forward. We try to put more information at people’s fingertips — including video and written content." This education looks like helping moms build a checklist of how to talk to their healthcare providers, how to look for a reputable doula in their areas, and how to see if they're eligible to work with one. "We're trying to empower people to feel like they're allowed to question their providers and ask for the support they want," stressed Dr. Inglis.
How does a doula help a mom and her partner prepare for labor?
Image via Sofyan Sasono Agung/Pexels
Everyone's labor experience differs from the next person, or even their own prior births if they have more than one child. Lonix said, "It’s a lot of prep work beforehand and some clients are apprehensive if they’ve never done it before." Doulas, she said, are also there to help mom find her voice. " I tell my clients all the time, 'You have the right to tell your provider when you don't like or want something. You can even tell them if you need more clarity about something they've explained," continued Lonix.
When it comes to actual labor, doulas can help moms and their partners understand every aspect of it. "Doulas are there to say, 'Hey, it's okay. Breath' or we can help with body care,'" said Lonix. Something that she personally does is try to make sure a mom's partner will be with her during her prenatal appointments. "I let them know they can ask if it something is normal or not. Dads always take me up on that. During one mom's labor, I actually had to tell one dad 'Let’s take a walk and get some water' because he was nervous about what was going on. At the same time, we [The Doula Network] always try to remind our doulas it's about the clients when they're in the room," she said.
Like Dr. Inglis mentioned earlier, a doula's support can extend to postpartum care. Lonix said, "We can help make sure a client has support after she's given birth. Maybe mom needs a mental health referral. Whatever it is, we try to make sure she has access to it."
The Final Takeaway From Working With a Doula
Image via Yan Krukau/Pexels
Despite the barriers that don't always lead to a clear path between doulas and their clients, Dr. Inglis said she's extremely proud of the work The Doula Network is doing. Aside from that, she wants to highlight something not every mom is aware of. She said, "A lot of moms don't know they can receive benefits that cover everything from transportation to diapers! We're really working hard to create a line of sight for them so people can see that help is available if they need it."
The next time someone you know asks, "What is a doula," share this article with them!
Header image via Sofyan Sasono Agung/Pexels
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