Whether the setting is a mythical medieval world (see Game of Thrones) or angsty hallways of high school (see Euphoria), a show with some dreamy lashes, great complexions, and killer lip colors can draw us in just as much as a jaw-dropping plot twist. Bridgerton is the latest TV show to captivate both beauty enthusiasts and film buffs alike. The Regency era-inspired show is full of great characters or beauty inspiration—and although it's questionable how Daphne looks so unscathed in the midst of intense emotional turmoil, we can't help but appreciate the magic of good television hair and makeup. Just because the beauty is modeled after the 18th century doesn't mean that some of the looks can't be brought into modern times. We chatted with the hair and makeup artists behind the brilliant Bridgerton beauty world—Marc Pilcher and Lynda Pearce—to learn the behind-the-scenes secrets of how they created some of the iconic looks. So, if you ever find yourself having to present yourself in front of the queen (a totally normal, relatable predicament), you can be sure to look, "flawless, my dear." How did you approach the hair and makeup for each character on the show? Marc Pilcher: I usually find my approach by researching the period and reading over the scripts a few times. As I read, I started to formulate my ideas of how I can reflect their personalities through the hair and makeup. Every one of the beauty looks you see is unique to their personality. I was lucky in that all the actors loved my ideas when I pitched them in their initial fittings. Did you take inspiration from anything? Lynda Pearce: Marc really wanted the entire cast to be natural, fresh-faced, and elegant. For Daphne, we took inspiration from Audrey Hepburn, who always looked so flawless. It was all about fresh, dewy skin and naturally beautiful, minimalistic makeup. The diversity was one of the best parts of the show—how did you incorporate that into the cast's beauty looks? LP: The diversity on the show is absolutely wonderful—colorblind casting is the way forward. When it came to individual hair and makeup, we wanted to celebrate everyone's own skin tone and enhance their natural beauty. MP: Agreed, an example was what we did with the queen. Her wigs were my favorite look to create. Celebrating the fact that Queen Charlotte was of African descent in real life, as well as the casting of the gorgeous Golda [Rosheuvel], I wanted to create styles that were of the period but incorporate braids, locks, and Afro-textured hair. It hadn't really been done before, so it was so much fun creating that royal look from scratch. How can we achieve the Bridgerton beauty look ourselves? LP: When recreating the Bridgerton look at home, remember to keep it fresh. Don't go too heavy on the makeup. In a world where makeup has become so heavy, I really hope the show brings natural beauty back to the world again. Everyone has imperfections and they are what make us perfect! Use makeup to enhance what you have, not conceal it. Oh, and always look after your skin. By the end of the day, it will have had quite a beating from the weather, pollution, and makeup you wear, so be sure to clean it and look after it. Don't forget to choose a good moisturizer and keep the skin hydrated. Now that you know the inspiration behind the looks, it's time to put them into practice. Don't worry, Bridgerton beauty doesn't include toxic beauty ingredients that royals have historically used, like lead-based white foundation (not to mention that mysterious blush pigment the maids were applying). We asked Pilcher and Pearce which Bridgerton beauty looks they could actually see becoming big beauty vibes—plus how to recreate them. Here are the most approachable looks they think can be translated into modern times. 01 of 07 Daphne's curled tendrils Bridgerton might be responsible for bringing back the curled tendril, and TBH we're not mad about it. "In episode 3, the script says that the whole room should gasp as Daphne walks into the Princess Ball. We achieved this by adding the tendrils and voluminous curls," said Pilcher. "When I hear head-turning, I imagine Audrey Hepburn. Daphne's whole look was based on Audrey Hepburn from the film War and Peace, from the 1950s. Short fringe and micro bangs were popular in the 50s, so I decided to keep it in for Daphne; we added the tendrils in later episodes to soften her look, which I really loved." 02 of 07 Daphne's half-up hairstyle Who knew the half-up hairstyle could look so...royal? Definitely one of the dreamier looks on the show, the world collectively gushed over Daphne's famous ball look. "I created this look to keep her looking youthful," said Pilcher. "Daphne is still only supposed to be 18, so I felt that if she had her hair up all the time it would be too stuffy. Although the looks are royal, I wanted young girls to relate to her." Luckily, this hairstyle is one of the easier hairstyles to replicate at home. Tease the hair at the crown for max volume, and add some easygoing waves at the end for a more elegant, ethereal take. 03 of 07 Daphne's natural, glowing complexion If you found yourself marveling at Daphne's poreless complexion (even with your television's ever-increasing HD definition!), that's the magic of good skincare. "Good skincare is key! If you look after your skin, your skin will look after you," Pearce said. "I instructed the cast to drink lots of water and follow a good skincare routine at the end of the day. For you trying it at home, keep the base light and buff it to allow the compression to stay dewy—nobody likes a caked-on look." As for the products, Pearce recommends Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer to prep the skin and a good light foundation or tinted moisturizer for daily wear. "We used Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation on Daphne—it's a fresh, lightweight base that allows the skin's natural complexion to shine through." 04 of 07 Cressida's braided crown Many people stay away from braided hairstyles as an adult (partly because they remind us of our cringey childhood beauty choices), but these aren't your typical pigtails. "With Cressida's braided crown, my idea was that she has plotted with her mother to catch the prince, so she styles her hair into a crown, hoping that he will look at her and realize that she should be his princess," says Pilcher. "The braids were wired and then I sewed minute pearls along every strand to heighten the crown look." While Cressida Cowper's enviable Grecian head of hair is a bit trickier to create without a skillful hairstylist, that doesn't mean you can't recreate a similar braided updo at home. In fact, it's easier than you think. 05 of 07 Lady Danbury's high arches Following the concept of natural complexions and tinted lips (Pilcher opted for tinted lip balms that gave the characters a more youthful appearance), brows were also given the natural treatment, only lightly filled in and brushed up for a more kempt look. Perhaps the most memorable of arches were Lady Danbury's perfectly groomed brows. "We kept Adjoa's [Andoh] own eyebrow shape and just enhanced it," said Pearce. "They aren't period-correct, but it was lovely to add this modern element to her look. I personally love the high arch shape, not only because they work beautifully with Adjoa's bone structure, but because I think they show the constant watchful eye, judgment, and power Lady Danbury has over the Ton." To achieve the look, Pearce stresses a light hand. "Fill where needed but don't feel the need to completely draw them in. We used Mac Eye Brows Styler on most of the cast. "I love this product—it has great shades and the small pencil end allows for small, quick strokes, so the brow looks more natural, rather than block-like." 06 of 07 Eloise's ribbon headbands Eloise's mullet probably isn't for everyone, but there is inspiration to be had from her ample hair accessories. "Eloise's look was a normal fashion of the Regency period—some young girls sported mullets," says Pilcher. "I chose this look because she was a feminist and a tomboy, but since her mama would want her still looking girly, I added the Grecian ribbons. All period looks reoccur through time and the Regency look was derived from the looks of ancient Greece, including that style of head decoration." If you don't have a hair accessory on hand, you can also DIY one by upcycling scrap ribbons. 07 of 07 Everyone's perfectly flushed cheeks The most universal beauty look applied to all characters was probably the use of blush—even the bachelors were flaunting a killer coral flush. But while pigmented powders were the makeup of choice for men and women back in those days, the Bridgerton signature was achieved with advanced cream formulas. "For our cast's flushed cheeks, we used Stila cream blushers," said Pilcher. "I wanted the girls to look young and fresh with glowing dewy complexions, and the Stila ones are perfect for this. For the boys, we used darker shades—it was typical for men to wear rouge during this period." Pilcher recommends scouting formulas that blend easily, and applying from the apples of the cheeks towards your cheekbones. Use your fingertips to blend, tapping across the skin in circular motions to create a more natural feel.

You're probably already familiar with the best shows on Netflix, but the streaming service also has an enormous collection of romantic movies. Whether you're looking for a sweet rom-com to watch with your S.O., a tear-jerker to watch on your own, or a movie full of love quotes you can repeat over and over again, Netflix probably has a decent option. The issue isn't that you won't find any good romantic movies on Netflix—rather you might spend too much time sifting through the huge assortment of everything from romantic dramas to romantic comedies. Luckily our list of the best romance movies on Netflix will help you find that just-right film for Valentine's Day (or any date night) with minimal agonizing. 01 of 22 Someone Great Gather your pals for a Galentine's Day viewing of this romantic movie, which celebrates BFFs front and center. Gina Rodriguez enjoys one last night out with her squad after a bad breakup on the eve of her move across the country. 02 of 22 Anyone But You Even though their first date went well, Bea and Ben's relationship didn't quite pan out. When they both unexpectedly end up at Bea's sister's wedding, they devise a plan to pretend to be together in order to satisfy the other guests. This 2023 rom com featuring Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney is a charming watch perfect for a night in. 03 of 22 Always Be My Maybe Led by the always-hilarious Ali Wong, Always Be My Maybe follows a celebrity chef as she returns to her hometown and reconnects with her childhood best friend. This is undeniably a rom-com—and a side-splitting one at that—but the romance is genuine, too. It's the perfect romantic movie to watch whether you're happily single or in a great relationship with someone who makes you laugh. 04 of 22 Lady Chatterley's Lover This adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's controversial (and often-banned) classic novel about an illicit (and steamy) romance between an aristocratic woman and her gamekeeper is perfect for costume-drama fans. 05 of 22 Look Both Ways Ever wonder what would happen if you'd taken a different path in life? This Netflix movie romance explores two very different endings for Natalie (Lili Reinhart), as she pursues love and family vs. her dream career. 06 of 22 Plus One There's no doubt that summer is wedding season, and these two lifelong single friends are invited to more than they bargained for. Follow along with Ben and Alice as they attend a plethora of weddings together as each other's plus ones in this feel-good rom com. 07 of 22 Good on Paper Comedian Iliza Schlesinger stars in this sassy Netflix Original rom-com based on a true story from her own life—where she falls in love with a guy who seems too good to be true. (And her friend and fellow comedian—played by Margaret Cho—agrees.) 08 of 22 Purple Hearts In this Netflix movie, a young woman with diabetes enters into a marriage of convenience with a Marine to get life-saving health insurance. (And yes, true love ensues.) 09 of 22 The Last Summer A group of recent high school grads navigate their dreams and relationships both old and new for one last impactful summer before college in this Netflix film. 10 of 22 To All the Boys I've Loved Before One of the sweetest romantic movies to come from Netflix so far, this teen romance—based on a popular young adult book—starts with a dreamy girl's love letters. When they're accidentally sent out (something she never intended), she must fake a relationship with a former crush to deflect attention from another boy—her sister's ex-boyfriend. Complicated set-up aside, it's a funny, entertaining rom-com you're going to want to watch over and over again. (And P.S.—there are two charming sequels for a perfect binge fest, too!) 11 of 22 Alex Strangelove High school student Alex loves his girlfriend, but something's not quite right. This sweet teen movie offers plenty of romantic comedy–esque laughs, but it's also a thoughtful exploration of sexuality, love, and friendship that people of any age can learn from. 12 of 22 The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society Starring a few familiar faces from Downton Abbey, this historical movie based on a beloved book follows a writer as she travels to a remote island in the years after WWII (and falls in love, of course). 13 of 22 The Half of It Released exclusively on Netflix in May 2020, this sweet tale of mistaken love was highly awarded at the Tribeca Film Festival. It follows a school's stereotypical shy, smart girl who is hired to write love letters by one of the school's jocks. Instead of connecting with the jock, though, the popular recipient of the letters is drawn to the writer. 14 of 22 The Lovebirds Starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as a just-broken-up couple, this spectacularly funny rom-com on Netflix is lighthearted—despite the central plot of murder and false incrimination—and playful as the couple sets out to clear their names. If you and your love (or your friends) like laughing together the most, this is a great pick for date night. 15 of 22 Love, Guaranteed Rachael Leigh Cook makes a grand romantic movie return in this easy watch, where she's a hard-working but struggling lawyer who takes on the case of a man who wants to sue a dating site for not helping him find love. The client—the delightful Damon Wayans Jr.—ends up being less opportunistic and more giving than she thinks, but you'll have to watch the movie to see if sparks fly. 16 of 22 Love Wedding Repeat This Netflix Original Film stars Sam Claflin (of The Hunger Games and Me Before You) and Olivia Munn (of The Newsroom and Six) as guests at Claflin's sister's wedding. The connection between them is fun to watch, but even more entertaining is the movie's exploration of chance, opportunity, and alternate timelines. Watch for a lighthearted flick set in the beautiful Italian countryside. 17 of 22 Sixteen Candles This 1980s classic is available to stream on Netflix. Sixteen Candles follows the 16th birthday of a shy high school sophomore. Her big day goes from bad to even worse while crushing on the high school's heartthrob. 18 of 22 Set It Up An irresistible rom-com and Netflix Original, this modern-day love story follows two low-on-the-totem-pole assistants as they set their high-maintenance bosses up with each other to make their own lives easier. Shenanigans ensue, of course, as the wanna-be matchmakers become friends and then more. 19 of 22 The Kissing Booth This Netflix film follows a teenage girl whose first kiss jeopardizes her relationship with her best friend for romance. Watch this movie when you're in the mood for a sweet, feel-good rom-com. Added bonus: there are two sequels to this movie for even more romance. 20 of 22 Holidate Tired of being single during the holidays, strangers Sloane and Jackson agree to be each other's platonic plus ones all throughout the year—Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more. Watch this fun rom com to find out if the fake dating turns into real feelings. 21 of 22 Blended Divorced mom Lauren and widowed dad Jim go on a horrendous first date and say their goodbyes swiftly after. However, fate intervenes when they both end up booking the same vacation package at a South African resort with their families. With shared activities and housing, these two have to find a way to tolerate each other in this hilarious comedy. 22 of 22 Maid in Manhattan Bronx-born Marisa is a maid at a five-star hotel in the middle of Manhattan. After trying on a guest's fancy outfits, she runs into the rich and handsome Christopher who is running for office in New York. Can she juggle her love for Christopher while keep her identity a secret? Find out in this adorable rom com starring Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes.

You're having a great book club meeting, sharing drinks and talking about whether you liked or disliked a your latest group read when the unexpected happens: Everyone runs out of things to say, and the room goes silent. What can you do to spark an engaging conversation? The best book club discussion goes beyond each group member's likes and dislikes, seeking to understand the book on a deeper level than each person could have done on their own. With that goal in mind, ask thought-provoking questions that tap into the building blocks of stories, like plot, characters, settings, and symbolism. Don't stop at what the author is doing. Try to understand why the author made their choices and how those choices affected the story. Here are some starter questions to help guide your group discussion. 01 of 06 Dissect the Plot Would you describe the book as plot driven or character driven? In other words, does the story focus more on external events, or on internal changes in the characters? Is this book based on a classic story, like from mythology or literature? Why did the author choose that particular story to retell? If the plot is inspired by historical events, did the author stay true to the facts, or did they embellish? Why do you think they made that choice? What is the inciting incident in the story—the event that launches the entire plot? Did the author succeed in linking the events together through cause and effect? Did the story unfold logically? If the book has a dual timeline, how did the author choose to overlap the two narratives? Did each "time jump" involve a thematic link, or was it random? Were you surprised by any plot twists? How did the author prevent you from guessing what would happen? Was there a simple solution to the problems in the book? Why didn't the author let the characters use it? What is the book's climactic scene? How did the author build up to it? Does the book's ending resolve the conflict? If it doesn't, do you think this was intentional? 02 of 06 Analyze Characters Does the book mainly focus on the internal life of the protagonist, rather than on external events? If so, what is their primary emotional struggle? How does the protagonist experience a major revelation or period of growth? Why did the author choose to follow this protagonist and not another character in the story? Would the story have been different if it was told from another character's point of view? Do you think the protagonist is a hero or a villain—or somewhere in between? How do characters change over the course of the book? Who changes the most? Does this story have an antagonist or villain? What traits does this character reveal about the story's hero? Do you feel like you know these characters? How did the author make them seem real? Are there any nontraditional "characters" in the book—such as animals or even places that play a strong role in the story? Do the characters' physical traits reflect who they are internally? Why do you think the author made them look the way they do? Other than the main character, is there another character you found compelling? Describe how the book might be different from their point of view. 03 of 06 Explore Themes and Symbolism Can you identify a message in the book? Is the author trying to communicate a larger truth through the story? Is the setting symbolic? If it is, what does it symbolize? Are there any particularly striking visual symbols used in the book? What do you think they represent? Are there any recurring images or phrases? What meaning do they have to the story? Do the characters themselves represent anything? Think about the time period in which this book was written. How would that affect the author's choice of theme? How does the author's culture affect their choice of themes and symbols? Are there any motifs from mythology, religion, or fairy tales? Why did the author choose them? What role does the natural world (trees, water, weather, etc.) play in the book, and how does it affect the plot and characters? Did the story give you a new perspective on an overarching theme, like love, death, or family? How did the author change your mind? 04 of 06 Critique the Author's Style How would you describe the author's writing style? Is it flowery and descriptive or succinct and matter-of-fact? Did each sentence seem meticulously crafted, or was the writing more casual? How does the author's writing style compare to that of other authors you have read? Did the author take a nontraditional approach to the style or structure? Do you think this enhanced or detracted from the story? Did the writing style change at different points in the book? For example, were the sentences shorter during high-tension moments? How did the author use dialogue to tell the story? Were the characters' voices realistic? If the book was written in first person, why do you think the author made that choice? How did that choice change the story, instead of having it in third person? If the book was written in the third person, what was the narrator's voice like? Do you think it was the author's natural voice? Was the narrator reliable? If this book takes place in the past, did the writing style seem appropriate to the time period, or was it modern? Were any sentences difficult to understand, or any scenes difficult to visualize? What sentence struck you as particularly beautiful, and why? 05 of 06 Tackle a Memoir Unlike autobiographies, which cover the entirety of an author's life, memoirs focus on a particular experience or theme. Why did the author choose to write about this one aspect of their life? Did the author skim over or exclude parts of their experience you would have liked to know more about? Why do you think they did so? How does the author present themselves? How do you think they want you to feel about them? What was the author's primary emotional struggle? How does the author change over the course of the memoir? Can you identify a climax in this memoir—the part where the author undergoes a major transformation? How did the author portray the other people in their life? Where the "characters" fully drawn? If you were in the author's shoes, is there anything you would have done differently? Do you think the author accurately remembered or portrayed the events in the book? Did anything ring false? Did you learn any lessons from the book? Do you think it's the lesson the author wanted you to learn? 06 of 06 Just for Fun If you were making this book into a movie or TV show, who would you cast in the lead roles? Did this book remind you of any songs? Make a playlist as a group. You are dropped into the world of this book for the day. How would you fare? Which of the characters in the book do you most relate to? Which of the characters do you dislike the most? If you were to spend a day with the protagonist, what would you want to do? What do you think would happen in a sequel? What would each character bring to a potluck dinner? Which setting in the book would you most like to visit? If you could ask the author one question about this book or anything else, what would you ask?

Books have been inspiring Hollywood since the industry first emerged. Many of cinema's earliest hits were adaptations of literary classics like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol, and Frankenstein. In recent years, we've seen psychological thrillers like Gone Girl adapted for the big screen. And while this bookish craze continues today, over the years the genre has expanded to include not just adaptations, but book- and bookstore-centered films like Book Club (2018) and Becoming Jane (2007). Below are the eight bookish films every bibliophile should watch. 01 of 08 The Bookshop (2018) Set in the 1950s, widow Florence Green (Emily Mortimer) is a bibliophile in every sense of the word. But when she moves to the small seaside town of Hardborough, England to set up a bookshop, it becomes clear that her passion isn't a shared one as an influential member of town (Patricia Clarkson) sets out to close the shop. It's up to Florence to show the community how magical reading can be. Based on Penelope Fitzgerald's novel by the same name, The Bookshop is a beautiful period piece chock-full of books. 02 of 08 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) Lily James leads Netflix's historical romance about a British writer who sails to the island of Guernsey in search of inspiration for her newly contracted column in The Times Literary Supplement. But her weekend getaway takes an unexpected detour when she discovers romance, an unusual book club, and Guernsey's German-occupied history. Based on the 2008 book by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is a charming appreciation of books and the writing life. 03 of 08 84 Charing Cross Road (1987) Based on Helene Hanff's critically acclaimed memoir by the same name, 84 Charing Cross Road centers on the real life, 20-year correspondence between Hanff (Anne Bancroft), a New York City bibliophile, and Frank Doel (Anthony Hopkins), a London-based bookseller. In the film, Hanff contacts Doel about a hard-to-find book. What she gets—in addition to her book—is a 20-year friendship. Over the course of the movie, the two bond over literature, modern culture, history, and even Yorkshire pudding. 04 of 08 Funny Face (1957) Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn star as Dick Avery, a charismatic high fashion photographer, and Jo Stockton, a cautious bibliophile and employee at Embryo Concepts bookstore, in this 1957 musical. When Dick interrupts Jo at work with an impromptu photo shoot, he unintentionally captures her, subsequently changing their lives forever. With songs by the Gershwin brothers, costumes by Edith Head, and direction by Stanley Donen, Funny Face is a classic Golden Age musical in every way imaginable. 05 of 08 Notting Hill (1999) William Thacker (Hugh Grant) owns a quaint travel bookshop in the middle of London's Notting Hill district. Divorced and living with an unkempt but loyal roommate, it's clear that Will is lacking in the love department. But his circumstance changes when Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), Hollywood's biggest celebrity, enters his store one day. After a book on Turkey gets bought and a cup of orange juice gets spilled, the two find themselves in a whirlwind romance. Notting Hill is classic '90s rom-com full of bookish charm. 06 of 08 Devotion (1946) This Golden Age classic is led by Hollywood legends Ida Lupino, Olivia de Havilland, and Nancy Coleman. Based on Theodore Reeves' fictional story, Devotion centers on Anne, Charlotte, and Emily Brontë as they wrestle with both their novels and their love lives. Filled with romance, conflict, and an overall appreciation of books, this film is the perfect blend of classic literature and classic cinema. 07 of 08 Jane Austen Book Club (2007) The title of this 2007 adaptation directed by Robin Swicord says it all. In short, two women start a book club centered on the works of Jane Austen to comfort their newly divorced librarian friend. With the help of a schoolteacher, the librarian's daughter, and a sci-fi nerd, the group tackles six of Austen's most notable works. What none of them see coming though, is how Austen will help them out of their own personal crises. Jane Austen Book Club is a cinematic deep dive into the lasting, influential themes of Austen's work. 08 of 08 The Fast Company trilogy (1938, 1939) Hollywood released this 1930s trilogy to please fans of the Myrna Loy and William Powell-led Thin Man series, as the wait time in between each film was deemed too long. Based on Marco Page's novel by the same name, Fast Company follows rare-book dealers, Joel and Garda Sloan (Melvyn Douglas, Florence Rice), as they attempt to solve a murder. The succeeding films star different sets of topnotch Golden Age actors like Rosalind Russell and Franchot Tone. But no matter the faces, each film is a crowd-pleasing bookish comedy.

Date night is so much more than dinner and a movie. It's setting aside time to spend with your significant other. And if you want to switch things up from a night out on the town, at home date night ideas are the perfect option. Get creative with a foodie-themed night, a movie marathon, a game night, or a dance-off. Whatever you choose, this list of romantic ideas for a night in won't disappoint. 01 of 35 Create a Mock Movie Theater This date night idea is much more than your average dinner and movie night. If you have a whole day to waste, upgrade your next romantic Netflix and chill session with an old-school twist. Here's how: Pick a movie or series you both enjoy. It could be the entire Harry Potter saga or the new season of Ozark. Create a snuggly environment with some comfy blankets and throw pillows. To establish the mood, set up a projector against a blank wall to create your own movie theater. Pop up some popcorn, cuddle up, and enjoy hours upon hours of uninterrupted movie time. Light a candle or spritz the pillow and blanket with an aromatherapy mist to create a relaxing atmosphere. 02 of 35 Make a Date Jar Do you have so many date ideas pent up but not sure where to start? Write them down and stick them in a mason jar. When date night rolls around, take turns choosing an activity. The added touch not knowing what you're doing can even be a little romantic. 03 of 35 Have Breakfast in Bed Who says date night has to be in the evening? Morning and day dates are just as fun, if not more. Pop into the kitchen and whip up a delicious breakfast for the two of you to enjoy in bed. Pancakes anyone? 04 of 35 Start a Game Night Round up all the best board games for two in your house for a super epic couple's game night. If you're tired of the same old Monopoly and Uno iterations, spice things up by personalizing it and getting to know your partner on a whole new level. Custom Game Idea Create some truth-or-dare prompts and write one on each Jenga block. When you play, you must answer the question or take on the dare of whichever block you pull, If both of you tend to get a nasty competitive streak, try looking for games where you have to work together, not against each other, to win, like Forbidden Island. 05 of 35 Have a Spa Night A spa night is a perfect excuse not to feel guilty about lounging around in a robe all day. Start by lighting a few candles and crank up the romance by giving each other a massage with some scented oils. After that, slap on some DIY face masks to have an at home spa session worthy of the real deal. Finish it off by giving each other a relaxing foot massage (because two massages are better than one). 06 of 35 Make Plans Together Planning an event doesn't always have to be a daunting task. If you're both super into preparation of any kind when it comes to a big event, make a vision board of a future trip, home renovation, or goals you have for the year. It will be a fun activity in the moment and even more special when the time comes to enjoy it together. 07 of 35 Cook Dinner Together Choose a food delivery service to deliver all the goods or whip up a romantic dinner for two using items you already have on hand. Either way, you'll appreciate the meal more, knowing you made it together. For a fun twist, turn the cooking into a game by hosting your version of Chopped. Choose a random ingredient. Bonus points for incorporating ingredients that have a sentimental meaning (like maybe you had clams on your first date). See who can best incorporate it into a dish. When the dishes are ready, shut off all the lights (except for some candles). Enforce a fancy dress code to make it feel like a special occasion. Discuss who won the contest and why. Final tip: No cell phones allowed! 08 of 35 Have an Indoor Picnic Munching on the same snacks can get boring, so change things up with a picnic indoors. You can have picnic-like snacks like sliced cheese, fresh fruit, chips, and dip. To make it more realistic, do everything you'd typically do, like prepare a picnic basket with your favorite picnic recipes and lay your checkered blanket on the floor. It's not exactly Central Park, but on the bright side, at least you won't have to worry about the weather. 09 of 35 Camp Out in the Living Room Our idea of a dream campout? One without the bugs and freezing temperatures. Solution: Create a pillow fort, or set up a tent and some sleeping bags in the living room to enact a campout with your beau. Look up some scary stories, turn on the Netflix fireside stream (or fireplace, if you have one), and complete the experience with some indoor s'mores made in the oven or over a cast-iron skillet. It's a great way to get away without actually going anywhere. 10 of 35 Make a Scrapbook Craft time isn't just for the kids. Since your most recent memories together are probably things like hogging the bed sheets and not doing the dishes, taking a trip down memory lane is a great way to reconnect and rekindle some good memories. Invest in a good scrapbook or DIY a collage with a few of your favorite old photos. 11 of 35 Start a Home Improvement Project Turn what would have usually been a chore into a bonding date night activity by working with your partner to finish a home improvement project (you know, that one you've been meaning to get to when you have the time). From painting an accent wall to redecorating using items you already own, home projects become much more bearable when done together. 12 of 35 Go on a Virtual Adventure Many places offer free virtual tours that let you travel without physically visiting the locations. Not sure where to start? Catch a concert you've always dreamed of seeing on your couch. Gush over adorable animals at the National Zoo. Attend a virtual wine tasting. Class things up by exploring an art museum (like the Guggenheim or the Louvre). 13 of 35 Have a Karaoke Night Singing out your favorite tunes is a great way to de-stress, let loose, and have a dance session with your partner. If you want to go all out, get a karaoke machine—try the Singing Machine Bluetooth Pedestal Karaoke System. Alternatively, there are a bunch of apps on the app store, like Sing! Karaoke and Smule, so you can choose from a wide selection of hit songs. 14 of 35 Take a Trip Down Memory Lane Love letters, old photos, and text message exchanges are all key parts of the physical building blocks of a relationship. Reminisce about the beginning of your relationship and admire how far it has come. If you are married, it might be fun to watch your wedding video and relive that magical day. 15 of 35 Wine and Dine Turn on a romantic tune, light up some candles, and get ready to bond over an Aphrodite-approved charcuterie board. Pretend you are in Europe and curate a themed board with Spanish, Italian, or French meats, cheeses, and their delicious accompaniments. Not into traditional charcuterie? Try creating a dessert or snack board with all of your favorite treats instead. 16 of 35 Do a Puzzle Puzzles are fun activities to do when you want a break from technology. If you're up for some friendly competition, see who can finish the edges first or who completes a section faster. Several hundred piece puzzles usually take some time to complete, so enjoy this extended date night idea. 17 of 35 Cozy Up Outside Grab a blanket, two chairs, and a cozy beverage (hot cocoa or cider for chilly weather and a mixed drink or smoothie for warmer weather) and head outdoors. Stargaze, enjoy the sounds of nature at night, or bask in the peace and quiet that comes when the sun goes down. 18 of 35 Make Ice Cream Sundaes Remember when you were a kid and played ice cream shoppe? Now you can have some sweet fun as an adult. Head to the store and stock up on ice cream (or make your own), whipped cream, fruit, and your favorite sundae toppings and get scooping. Have even more fun by making a sundae for the other person. 19 of 35 Plan a Scavenger Hunt Get creative and plan a scavenger hunt for each other. It can lead to a fun activity, dinner of their choice, or something special like a "just because" gift to show them how much you appreciate them. If you both want to join in on the fun, ask a friend to plan the hunt for you. 20 of 35 Learn Something New Whether it's sewing, using a power tool, a new cooking technique, or learning a new language, doing it together is much more fun. Try an online class to educate yourselves, or spend some time researching your next lesson. 21 of 35 Play Video Games Bring out the kid in you and play some video games. Throw it back to the days of SEGA and Gameboy, or play some newer, more thought-provoking games with or against each other. 22 of 35 Start a Book Club A book club is a great way to bond over a love of reading. Each of you come up with a list of books you want to read, switching off with your partner's choice every other time. After you have read the book, plan a time to discuss it with some tea and treats. 23 of 35 Create a Staycation Whether it's buying new home décor, upgrading your bedsheets, or treating yourself to a new pair of cozy pjs, create a getaway within your home to escape to. A staycation date night it a great way to play with themes, and it's something you both can do often with a different activity each time. 24 of 35 Plant a Garden If you're itching for warmer weather and are ready to welcome spring, start by planting your garden. Grab some cups, trays, soil, and seeds and get your garden going indoors. When your plants sprout and it's ready to move them outdoors, you can both take care of the garden together. 25 of 35 Write a Love Letter Don your writer's hat and tell your significant other how you feel about them in prose. Poetry or a simple greeting card are also ways to convey your feelings. It's a beautiful sentiment that they can keep tucked away in a wallet or book wherever they go. 26 of 35 Host a Casino Night This one might require a double date as most card games require multiple people, but hosting a casino night is a fun way to switch things up. You can even dress up and make fun cocktails as you play poker or craps. 27 of 35 Completely Unplug for the Evening Taking a break from technology is refreshing but can also be challenging if you commit to the task. Have a completely unplugged romantic night in sans electricity. Have fun with the challenge of figuring out meals and activities without the allure of technology. 28 of 35 Set up a Drive-in Movie at Home All you need is a projector screen, a laptop, some snacks, and you have just created your very own drive-in movie theater. If you don't have a projector screen, find a good spot to show the movie (the side of your house or garage door). Hop in the car and pretend you're at the drive-in. Roller skates optional. 29 of 35 Do a Craft Get in touch with your artistic side and have fun with a little DIY craft. Drawing, painting, candle-making, pottery, friendship bracelets, the list is endless with creative possibilities. 30 of 35 Relax Yes, doing absolutely nothing can be the perfect romantic night in. Life gets so busy that sometimes all you need is a little conversation and time with each other on the couch to connect and relax. 31 of 35 Clean Out The Closet Turn a spring cleaning chore into something fun. Going through each others clothes together can bring back memories of outfits worn on first dates or other memorable occasions. Make it more enjoyable by having your partner pick out your outfit for your next special night out—or in. 32 of 35 Player's Choice This activity can be as long or short as you wish. One partner plans out a date day or night for the other by listing options on two different index cards. The other partner gets to blindly choose how to spend the day together. Will they choose Mexican or Italian for dinner? Coffee or hot cocoa? A comedy or drama? It's the perfect mix of a planned yet surprise date night. 33 of 35 Have a Fight Hear us out. Fighting can be a good thing when it involves some good old fashion competition. Pillow fights, water gun fights, Nerf gun fights, or even arm wrestling will increase your adrenaline and amp you up for the next activity. 34 of 35 Have a Bake Off Take inspiration from television shows like The Great British Bake Off and challenge your partner to a baking challenge. You'll have to give advanced notice on what to make so the two of you can go shopping together for ingredients, but then it's into the kitchen to see whose treat reigns supreme. 35 of 35 Discover Your Personalities Do you know your partner's Myers-Briggs personality type? How about their Hogwarts house? These fun questionnaires are sure to turn up the heat and have you both blurting out some juicy confessions. You can also pull out your phone and quiz each other through online personality tests.

Why should bagels have all the fun? We adorn tender scones with everything bagel seasoning—typically dried onion, dried garlic, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds—which you can buy or make yourself. What's more, we fold cream cheese into the tender dough and then top with a sprinkling of fresh chives to draw on classic bagel toppings. Serve these split, alongside scrambled eggs, and top with more cream cheese and smoked salmon, or slather with salted butter. Pro tip: For even, straight-sided scones, use a bench knife or pastry cutter to divide the dough. Ingredients ½ cup whole milk 1 large egg, beaten 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 teaspoons granulated sugar ¾ teaspoon kosher salt 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces and chilled 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces and chilled 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped, divided 1 large egg white 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning Directions Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour milk into a liquid measuring cup. Add whole egg, whisk to combine, and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add cream cheese and butter and then, using your fingers or a pastry blender, work cream cheese and butter into the flour mixture until butter pieces are pea-size or smaller. (Cream cheese will work in more seamlessly.) Pour in milk-egg mixture, and then stir until mostly combined. Add 2 tablespoons chives and mix with your hands until combined. (Dough will be stiff.) Do not overmix. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and pat into an 8- by 6-inch rectangle. Cut dough into 8 rectangles (about 3- by 2-inches each). Arrange at least 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheet. Whisk egg white and 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl, and then brush tops of the dough rectangles with the egg white mixture. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning and remaining 1 tablespoon chives. Bake until scones are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.

While you may already know that putting your suitcase on your hotel bed is a no-no due to the potential to pick up bedbugs, there's another good reason to reconsider where you put your luggage. According to some recent research by Insure and Go, your suitcase may have picked up lots of other unwelcome travelers along the way, including dangerous bacteria and black mold. (Ew!) And that's definitely a problem for a lot of us, as 38% of people regularly put their suitcase on a bed or table to pack or unpack. What's Lurking on Your Suitcase? For the study, 10 hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases were swabbed at a London airport train station, using different swabs on different points of the suitcase. Their findings? The suitcase wheels contained nearly 58 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat, including E. coli and staphylococcus bacteria and black mold. "The testing confirmed that suitcase wheels are by far the dirtiest part of a traveler’s bag," says microbiologist Amy-May Pointer, who conducted the study. "The wheels of your suitcase are essentially rolling through a world of germs and carrying a whole ecosystem with them, and make constant contact with all kinds of surfaces—pavements, streets, airport bathroom floors, train station platforms, and rarely (if ever) get cleaned.” Also among the germiest spots? The base of your suitcase—which also carries significantly more bacteria than a public toilet seat—and the handles of airport luggage carts, which are rarely cleaned and touched by many people. In the study, soft-sided suitcases were more likely than hard-shelled suitcases to carry bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. This probably should come as no surprise—after all, when's the last time you wiped down your suitcase? Roller bags roll all over the ground, from your house through the streets and even the airport bathroom—and then they're jammed in next to other people's suitcases, too, whether they're in the overhead compartment or the checked luggage. How to Reduce the Germiness of Your Suitcases To help minimize the ick on your suitcases, Pointer recommends a few strategies you can use: Watch where you roll your bag You may want to lift your suitcase when you're in especially germy or wet locations—and Pointer recommends avoiding bringing them into airport bathrooms altogether to minimize E. coli and other common bathroom bacteria. Give your suitcase a proper clean When you've arrived at your destination—or at home—give your suitcase exterior a quick wipe-down with antibacterial wipes, a soapy cloth, or even a disinfectant spray, focusing your efforts on your wheels and the bottom of your suitcase. A regular deep clean of your suitcase will help you reduce the amount of dangerous microbes they carry. Use the luggage rack The hotel luggage rack is the perfect spot to keep your luggage and avoid contaminating other surfaces (especially your bed or table!). Wash your hands after you handle your suitcase Give your hands a good scrub down with soap and water—or even hand sanitizer—after you handle it to avoid spreading that bacteria elsewhere. (You don't want to add a little E. coli to your airport snack!) That'll help you avoid getting sick, which can be a real bummer when you're on vacation!