Anjelika Temple

Whether you’re in it for the stress relief, the creativity, or just the promise of something sweet at the end, there’s something especially satisfying about seasonal baking right now. Think fudgy brownies, classic cookies, and fluffy cupcakes—all with a lighter, more mindful spin. These recipes prove you don’t have to choose between indulgent and feel-good. With a few smarter swaps, you can have desserts that taste just as rich and nostalgic, but with a little extra balance baked in.

When you're often the life of the party and happen to be partnered up and in your 30s, you'll instantly turn heads when you say no to booze. I can personally attest to the difficulty of this. As someone who loves happy hour and has a particular affinity for lemon drop shotsin totally inappropriate settings, there was no way I could get away with *not* drinking without inviting questioning looks.