
Block party shows UnBlocked Englewood's progress on repairing South Side homes
'I'm a crybaby,' she said. 'Don't start me. I have been truly blessed and highly favored.'
Stephens and many others were taking in the revelry of the second annual block party at 6500 S. Aberdeen St. Block parties are not an unusual sight during the summer months in Chicago, but festivities on this particular Englewood street have garnered attention since 2024. That was when housing activist and social justice artist Tonika Johnson put forth UnBlocked Englewood — an initiative that used grant dollars from the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Mayor's Office of Equity and Justice designated for artists and organizations to create art, acquire vacant lots and repair dozens of buildings for homeowners on the block.
The collaborative effort brought together the Chicago Bungalow Association, the Chicago Community Trust, the Terra Foundation for American Art and Oak Forest-based DNR Construction, as well as utilities such as ComEd and Peoples Gas, to weatherproof the homes and provide energy-efficient appliances. DNR conducted assessments of the homes on the block to see what repairs were needed and their costs.
In the winter months, Stephens, a Beverly resident who owns and maintains several properties on the block, wanted help with a dilapidated chimney on a building. UnBlocked fixed her chimney and put a boiler in, at no cost to her. Stephens, who does most of her property improvements herself, is looking forward to UnBlocked tackling the porches on her buildings.
'A new boiler will cost you between $3,500 and $5,500,' Stephens said. 'If I add up all the work that they've done for me so far … I'm looking at $100,000.' She said she's talking to two more people looking to get involved with the program now that the results are being seen in real time.
According to Amber Hendley, a researcher in residence at the bungalow association and an UnBlocked spokesperson, 18 of 24 properties on the block have already received or will receive home improvements. Next steps entail building and mending gates and fences on 11 properties, porches and decks on 10 properties and repair work and weatherization for four more homes.
In the past couple of months, the program has helped two families acquire three vacant lots that sit between their properties. Hendley said the next acquisitions will be two city-owned vacant lots at 6515 and 6520 S. Aberdeen. UnBlocked so far has completed $49,505 in repairs in 2025, including a new roof for a home on Aberdeen and new concrete front stairs at a different house on the block. Another $89,425 has been earmarked for future work, including plumbing and electrical repairs on the street. Appraisals on the 18 participating properties will begin this month.
'Once we've gotten these lots, the block will collectively own over 40% of the vacant lots on the block,' she said. 'There are lots owned by LLCs … that in the next three years we are going to figure out how to get to those absentee landowners to figure out if you're not doing anything with it … don't want it, care about it, we do.'
'You can't make it out here without this program — just look at lumber, materials and labor out the box,' Stephens added. 'People did not realize what they can do, what they can have … now they realize you don't have to live like that.'
Kemya Johnson, 19, moved into a three-bedroom apartment owned by Stephens with her mother and brother a month ago from the North Side. Johnson said the family decided to come back to the South Side for the culture. 'We were tired of being around people that don't look like us,' Johnson said. The familiarity with the Englewood area and the people has Johnson ready to stay for a while.
'Now that I know the whole block is being done, I'm grateful, because a lot of people don't care about their neighborhood, but she (Tonika) does,' Johnson said. 'I only met her briefly, but I can see the good she's doing. I love it. We always moved around a lot, never stayed put and we're choosing to stay here.'
Melvin Walls had deteriorating green siding replaced on his Aberdeen home with cohesive tan-colored siding. He has plans to build a gazebo and benches for the community to gather in the adjacent undeveloped lot he acquired with the help of UnBlocked. 'Everything in the house is way behind … but if I could get it back up to par, I'll benefit,' the 71-year-old said. 'Things have been getting better slowly but surely.'
Keena Washington has been on Aberdeen for 16 years. With UnBlocked, she's looking forward to the flooring being replaced in the kitchen and bathroom in her two-flat. She doesn't think it would have gotten done had it not been for the program.
Carla Bruni, a preservation and resiliency specialist with the bungalow association who has been with UnBlocked since it started, said the sustained engagement in the neighborhood has been a unique experience. 'The first year was getting in there, doing any work we could possibly do with the contractors, with what we had in our resources,' Bruni said. 'Second year, we hit the ground fundraising, and now we can spend some of that.'
She said she smiles when she's seen neighbors helping others because their load is lighter and they have more room to help someone else. She said a homeowner who's having her roof done felt ashamed at the state of her home. Getting assistance piecing her house back together left her in tears.
'We are collaborating with the residents to put beauty as well as reparative effort into this block,' said Janell Nelson, co-founder and director of activations and engagement for Englewood Arts Collective. Celebrating the progress made and giving thanks, block party attendees watched the unveiling of two sculptures created by artist Kenya Moffett-Garner — two massive sculpted planters, featuring a man and woman and filled with flowers. The sculpted heads sit in a lush lot of green between homes on the block. The West Side-based artist's grandparents live in Englewood.
'It reminds me of people in my family,' she said of her inspiration for the heads and faces she created. 'The inspiration is for people to see themselves in my work.'
Illustrator, animator and graphic designer Bianca Pastel was on site as well, with sketchbook in hand, drawing vibes and inspiration from the crowd that will inform a mural she's doing for the block — her first big solo mural.
'I'm really excited that I have this opportunity,' she said. 'I want to build on my fantasy of knights and protection. I want more Black fantasy in these areas.'
Tonika Johnson envisions UnBlocked serving as a case study for other neighborhoods to replicate or expand on. The team has been gathering information that organizations and other artists can use — the most important being relationships across sectors, such as researchers, nonprofit organizations and municipal entities.
'You can't do anything like this without everybody talking with one another,' Johnson said. It was when Johnson spoke with TJ Townsend, Walls' grandson, that UnBlocked gelled. He had been helping his grandad make improvements on his mother's home so that his elder could age in place. Johnson learned about his family's history with her 'Inequity for Sale' project, which highlighted the harm racist discriminatory land sale contracts had on Chicago's Black community. Hendley was part of a 2018 study that found between $3.2 and $4 billion of wealth was expropriated during the 1950s and 1960s.
'People get up in age and were like: 'I just want to walk away' (from their homes),' Townsend said. 'That's one of the issues that we have in the city. The younger generation doesn't understand the house is paid for. Our grandparents are living longer, and I had to fuss and beg for them to stay. Seeing that they're staying, now they got the hope and desire back to hang in a little longer.'
Brad White, senior program director at the Driehaus Foundation, a partner with the bungalow association, says he's never seen a community-based project like UnBlocked. 'That's another reason this is so valuable, because people can start to believe that they can do this too. And this can show them how … it's going to take a little while, engagement, and everybody come together, but it is possible to get done.'
Hendley agrees. 'What's important for us to do is make sure we do right by this block and not just one or two things here and there,' she said. 'We've been in and out of these homes, assessing and reassessing, asking people what they wanted, but also saying, 'Oh, this definitely needs love, because you can't transfer this to the next generation in this condition.' At the end of the work, appraisals will happen again to see the value added to people's homes after the repairs.
'It's all about making sure home ownership is a win, that it does transfer wealth,' Hendley said. 'This is a block full of Black folk who have stayed through all these predatory practices; they should get everything they own to pass on. We're taking care of them, with an eye toward the future, because these homes are an asset.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Buzz Feed
14 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
28 Products From Credo Beauty With Rave Reviews
Maison Louis Marie perfume oil, a *clean* fragrance with notes of sandalwood, amber wood, and vetiver that has TikTok *obsessed* cuz it smells verrry similar to the popular, expensive as heck Le Labo Santal 33 fragrance. So good, even Bad Bunny uses it! Check it out on TikTok!Promising reviews: "Let me start by saying that I have bought clean perfumes in the past and have been majorly disappointed in the performance. I have loved the scents, but wasn't satisfied with them fading within 20 minutes. Of course, I know everyone is different, but this lasts on me for hours. I put it on my pulse points and it smells heavenly. The bottle is quite small, but it will last a long time, well worth the money." —Susan T."The best 'Santal' alternative fragrance that won't break your bank. This scent never gets old; it's clean. I like the oil for my skin." —Nicole $65 (also available as a perfume spray) An illuminating cream bronzer made with mango butter, green tea extract, and castor seed oil to help nourish and moisturize your skin, cuz who doesn't love a flawless ✨summer glow✨ with a side of skincare? Tower 28 is an LA-based, Asian woman-owned small biz that creates vegan and cruelty-free beauty products for all skin types. Promising review: "I have been using a powder bronzer but wanted to switch to something that looked more fresh and dewy. This. Is. So. Good. The red undertone works so well with my tan skin. The shade 'Best Coast' rocks. It's highly pigmented but blends out so nicely. I hope Tower 28 keeps this product forever!!" —Kimberly $10 (originally $14; available in five shades) An LYS cream bronzer stick packed with skincare ingredients like green tea extract, rosehip oil, and watermelon seed extract. You'll get an easy-to-blend, sculpted, defined look *and* moisturized, replenished, plump skin. LYS Beauty is a Black-owned biz!Promising review: "I absolutely love this cream bronzer. It blends on the skin beautifully. The shade range is great. I bought the shades 'harmony' and 'courage'. It's affordable, but reminds me of high-end products." —Amelynn $21 (available in seven shades) A face serum illuminator, a *complexion perfector* that'll hydrate your skin, giving it a ~luminous~ glow only a Cullen would have. Apply it under your makeup, over foundation, or wear it alone, cuz this is a versatile baddie in a bottle. Promising review: "My makeup has never ever looked better!!! It's the perfect glow under my foundation, and honestly, with this illuminator, you don't need foundation at all to get the dewy glass skin look. Absolutely recommend." —EPrice: $43 (available in four shades) A Kosas pressed setting powder to help smooth out your skin and get rid of unwanted excess shine while still keeping you looking glowy. Witchcraft, I'm telling ya! Say goodbye to your pores, cuz they'll be blurred right out. Oh, and best of all, since it's a *pressed* powder, you won't have to deal with the mess of a loose powder. Promising review: "This really helps blur/cover up the dark circles under my eyes. It looks very natural. It does not look cakey at all, which I appreciate, because I love to keep a dewy look on my face." —EmilyPrice: $36 (available in 13 shades) An Ilia complexion stick for an instant blur as if you just put an Instagram filter on your face. It looks like makeup but acts like skincare and can help to smooth, firm, and soften your skin over time, earning it the top spot on Abby's pyramid for sure. No fighting, moms, you know this baby deserves it. Promising review: "My go-to foundation. Lightweight enough for easy application, yet builds nicely for more full coverage without cake-iness. Love it! —Marisol $48 (available in 42 shades) An angled concealer brush that's suuuuper soft and will easily blend out your concealer. Liquids, creams, powders, whatever kinda product you have, this'll help it melt into your skin like The Wicked Witch of the West did in The Wizard of Oz. Promising review: "Blends like a dream. The brush is easy to hold and allows precision to get under your eye. It's not rough and does not irritate my skin after use. Great for those who are used to sponges and would like to dip their hand in brushes instead. It's durable and does not shed. Overall, this brush is great, I want the entire brush collection, and prefer these over any other prestige brand." —RissaatheepluggPrice: $15 An RMS cream luminizer made with *clean* ingredients for a natural, dewy glow that isn't sticky, glittery, or greasy. This is proof that dreams do come true. Promising review: "I have all the luminizers and keep coming back to this one. Gives an almost show-through radiance, as though my cheeks were the dewiest places on earth. Love it. I love the gold as well on tanned skin. All luminizers look great on skin." —Suzanne $40 (available in four shades) A Kosas "Wet Stick" moisturizing lip shine packed with moisturizing royalty — squalane, mango butter, ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. Your pout will be hydrated as heck, plump, smooth, soft, and shiny, with a beautiful, sheer wash of color that's *to die for*. Promising review: "My new go-to! Absolutely love this lipstick! Feels like a good mix of gloss and color." —Lauren $24 (available in 12 shades) A Tower 28 facial spray that'll help balance skin pH and help minimize irritation, redness, and flare-ups. Formulated to mimic the makeup of our bodies, this bad boy delivers ✨hypochlorous acid✨ (no, it's not a spell for incredible skin), which is found naturally in white blood cells. Okay, so I've had this for a while, but I rarely ever used it. A few weeks ago, I had my makeup professionally done for the first time, and IDK if it was the primer that the artist used, or how my skincare reacted with the primer, but the next day, my skin was red and burning like heck. I was panicking because I just had a breakout in May and am STILL trying to get rid of the hyperpigmentation, so I didn't want the itchy, burning skin to leave me with dark spots. A day later, I remembered I had this and it would help with irritation and redness, so I began spraying it on my face twice a day. I kid you not, my face immediately stopped burning after I began using it. After trying multiple serums and moisturizers, this was the only thing that calmed my skin *and* I only got one dark spot, which wasn't even all that bad. If your skin is ever irritated, don't hesitate to grab this; I know I won' review: "Love this product, it has become my holy grail. I take it everywhere I go and have seen so much improvement in my skin. Keeps my skin clean and refreshed." —AlexPrice: $12+ (available in three sizes) A Credo Beauty moisturizer with hyaluronic acid that'll leave your skin *intensely* hydrated. It's great for all skin types or anyone who wants plump, supple, soft skin, which is, like, everyone, right? Promising review: "I absolutely love this moisturizer! I have dry, sensitive skin, and the Deep Thirst Vetiver Root + Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer has been a game-changer. It's lightweight and feels so thin when applied, yet it delivers deep hydration without any harshness or irritation. I especially love how easily it blends with my tinted sunscreen — no pilling, no heaviness. My face feels instantly refreshed and nourished every time I use it. This is definitely a new staple in my skincare routine!" —Bianca $64 An anti-itch relief balm, a must-have product that you'll wanna keep with you all summer if mosquitoes think you have "all you can eat buffet" written on your forehead. Promising review: "This is a lifesaver for bug bites. I am really allergic to mosquitoes and used to itch constantly. This is instantly soothing and takes the itch down fast. Plus, it's clean, mess-free, and easy to throw in a bag." —Sarah $16+ (available in two sizes) A dye- and latex-free green tea makeup sponge that actually smells like green tea. Which makes sense, cuz it's made from organic green tea, that's what gives it the green-ish tint! It'll blend your makeup like a dream *and* may have you craving a matcha. Promising review: "This is by far my favorite makeup sponge. I'm allergic to latex, and I hadn't realized that my previous makeup sponge was irritating my skin every time I used it because it had latex in it. This sponge doesn't irritate me at all, and it's also great at blending my makeup. I get a seamless finish every time." —HPrice: $16 An ingrown hair oil reviewers are calling "magic," cuz it works that well. Shaving won't be nearly as miserable with this, since it's specifically designed to soothe ingrown hairs, bumps, and irritation. Promising review: "I'm not kidding when I say that this stuff has changed my life. For as long as I can remember, I've been tortured by painful, cystic, ingrown hairs on my bikini line that have made me self-conscious and waxing/shaving a nightmare. I've tried cotton underwear, regular exfoliation, and moisturizing, and while these have helped, they've not kept the ingrowns at bay. Enter: FurOil. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for having discovered the Fur Oil Ingrown Concentrate. I can now get regular Brazilian waxes and not have to suffer from ingrown hairs. I use the regular Fur Oil every day after showering, and then this guy on any ingrowns that appear (much less often now!), and it knocks out all the inflammation before it has a chance to become angry and red. No more scarring or painful cysts, it's honestly like magic. I cannot recommend it more if you've been in the same boat! Between Fur Oil and salicylic acid, my skin is so much happier and healthier." —KatPrice: $34 And an exfoliating soap bar *specifically* to target ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and rough, dry skin. Impurities that lead to clogged hair follicles and irritation? Pfftt, yeah right, not with this around. Promising review: "I picked up this bar on a whim because I often experience ingrown hairs all over my lower body when I shave. Using this bar, while also using a glycolic toner, has dramatically reduced the problem. I will continue to use this soap, and I expect to repurchase it when I've used it up! I think that it will last me awhile." —Maddie $26 An Ilia skin tint with SPF 40 that's like Captain America with a protective SPF *shield* and all. It's also packed with hyaluronic acid to improve moisture levels, and squalane to help skin's hydration and elasticity. We love some lightweight makeup that's also got superpowers. Promising review: "I absolutely love this stuff for all the reasons — it's moisturizing, light coverage, and my daily sunscreen. It doesn't cake, and goes on easily with just my fingers, and it's clean! It's all I use." —Katharine $48 (available in 30 shades) A Tower 28 gel cleanser + makeup remover so you can take off concealer, foundation, blush, and more products while giving your complexion a deep clean. I have this, and I gotta say, top-freaking-tier. Elite. Exquisite. This cleanser did its big oneeeee. I love a multitasker, so this bb is right up my alley. I mean, a cleanser and makeup remover?! Genius. I have, like, a 13-step skincare routine, so anything that removes a step is an absolute blessssing. Plus, it removes makeup like a *dream*. It feels good on the skin, my oily skin is enjoying it, and it hasn't caused me to break out or have any other annoying skin problems. My face feels fresh, clean, and hydrated. And hydration + oily skin can sometimes = a scary situation, but this doesn't turn me into, how should I put this, the bottom of a bag of Five Guys fries. If this cleanser has a million fans, I'm one of 'em. If this cleanser has one fan, it's me. I'm just $20 A balancing color corrector, because no matter how much concealer you apply, your dark circles *still* are peeking through. It'll help neutralize hyperpigmentation and dark spots, delivering you a more even complexion without standing out under foundation or cracking or creasing. Promising review: "I have tried a few other products to color correct a bluish vein under one of my eyes and dark circles. I was recommended this product in store and was shown how to apply for optimal coverage. I have repurchased and will keep it as a staple." —JenniferPrice: $27 (available in six shades) A thickening brow balm that's the definition of a multitasker. Before you go buying three different products, check out this bad boy that'll thicken, tint, and provide a flexible hold. Promising review: "I've heard great things about this product, but was genuinely surprised at how well this little guy filled my brows. Couldn't believe it." —OliviaPrice: $26 (available in four shades) A vegan makeup brush soap to help easily wash away built-up oils and makeup on your brushes without drying them out or leaving residue behind. Promising review: "This soap is so easy to use and does a thorough job. I've tried almost every other major brand, and Jenny Patinkin's is by far the simplest design. Lasts forever, too, which is a bonus." —SimsPrice: $19 A Kosas concealer that some witch conjured up with the help of caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Your skin will get a boost of hydration and any hyperpigmentation or blemishes will be hidden better than Waldo. This brightening, buildable little baby is *spellbinding*. Promising review: "I've been using this concealer for years now. Definitely one of my faves. It doesn't crease as much, and the consistency is not too thick or too thin." —Dena $32 (available in 38 shades) An underarm bar crafted with apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and activated charcoal to help your natural deodorant reaaaally work and block funk from sneaking up on you when you sweat. Promising review: "I don't know why it's taken me so long to use something like this in my natural deodorant journey. I am someone who sweats a lot and tends to get smelly, and this is a game-changer when using all-natural deodorant. I use it daily and it's a great way to make the natural deodorant work and last longer!" —AlexandraPrice: $26 A Tower 28 tinted balm blush that can *also* be used on your lips. If you've been searching for an unbelievably pigmented blush with a radiant, luminous finish, look no further. Promising review: "I own nearly all of these shades and haven't been disappointed with a single one! They're so creamy without being slippery or greasy. I think this would be a good fit for all skin types." —KBPrice: $20 (available in 10 shades) A micro tip brow pencil for creating the thinnest, natural-looking hair-like strokes your brows have ever seen. They'll be full, perfectly pigmented, and will resist budging and fading throughout your day, which is great for hot summer days and sweating. Promising review: "This pencil does the job neatly — I don't know how else to say it. Clean lines and smooth application without overdoing the look. I love it." —Donna $24 (available in eight shades) A milk hair serum that basically does it all — smooths, detangles, adds definition, and refreshes your locks. This weightless potion contains hyaluronic acid for deep moisturizing, red algae extract that'll make your hair less frizzy and easy to comb through, and ~BotaniComplex~ to preserve your hair color and promote scalp restoration. Promising review: "Holy grail. This is the perfect last step, or you can use it to freshen up your hair. Lightweight as long as you don't use too much! Love this." —Nastasia $29+ (available in two sizes) A Tower 28 tinted sunscreen with aloe vera, prickly pear, and SPF 30 that'll deliver a lightweight, natural finish while also helping to even out any redness and calm your UV-stressed skin. Use this 2-in-1 miracle for a light, fresh face *or* build this buildable baby up to more of a medium coverage look. Plus, it won't be too matte ~or~ too dewy — win. Promising review: "This is AMAZING! I am in love with this tinted sunscreen. I received the color '50 Sunset', and it is a perfect match to my skin tone. It provides buildable light-medium coverage. Moisturizing, no white cast, feels like skin, doesn't pill, and has no fragrance/scent. The tube is super easy to use, making it effortless to apply the product. I recommend this 1000%!" — $32 (available in 17 shades) An RMS Beauty mascara that'll help you achieve a smudge-free lift that won't flake throughout the day. This baby is packed with nourishing ingredients and peptides to help improve your lashes' strength and density. Promising review: "RMS Beauty's Straight Up Volumizing Peptide Mascara is a total game-changer! This mascara delivers on its promise of voluminous lashes without any clumping or flaking. The peptide-infused formula nourishes my lashes while providing a bold, long-lasting look. I'm in love with the natural and clean ingredients, making it a top choice for enhancing my lashes with confidence. A must-have for anyone seeking a clean and effective mascara!" —MoniquePrice: $15+ (available in two sizes) A non-aerosol hairspray for lots of hold, moisture, and shine, with none of the ~crunchy noodle~ strands. Plus, the light lavender scent it leaves behind is pretty great, too. Promising review: "I have repurchased several times. Works well on my curly hair, provides hold without crunch or stickiness." —Shannon $28


Buzz Feed
21 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
33 Beautiful Decor Pieces That Are Essentially Jewelry For Your Home
A small but mighty table lamp that feels like it just stepped off the set of Nancy Meyers' latest coastal grandma rom-com. Whether your room needs a splash of color, a touch of charm, or just better lighting so you can stop tripping over everything, this lamp has got you covered. Promising review: "This is a beautiful lamp. I love the color! I bought one to see how it would look in my living room and then ordered a second one to match. The packaging was excellent. Both were secured well in their boxes with no damage at all. Fast delivery, too! Thank you so much! They look fantastic and give off the perfect amount of lighting for my space." —Debbi DavidsonGet it from Amazon for $67.99+ (available in 22 colors and styles). An ornate mirror with an antique brass finish and Baroque-like details if you want to add a big dose of glamor to your home. Lean it up against a wall or hang it — either way it's sure to wow. Promising review: "The shape is dope, it's one-of-a-kind. Brings edge and pleasure to the eye." —S/Z Oh Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in two sizes). A beautiful essential oil diffuser that's just so aesthetically pleasing. Bonus points for the mood lights — seven soft colors to match your energy, or you can just select your favorite shade and pretend it's always golden hour. Promising review: "This diffuser is sooo pretty! I love how expensive it looks and the changing of lights are so fun! It works well with any essential oil. Happy with purchase." —Allex BaronGet it from Amazon for $57.99+ (available with a dark or light wood base). A black skull makeup brush holder if you're looking to organize your brushes in the most interesting (and goth) way possible. Reviewers say it works great as a pen holder and planter, too. The Wine Savant is a New York-based small business established in 2017 that specializes in unique, quality drinkware and accessories. Promising review: "Not sure what I was expecting but this superseded my expectations! The quality and detail are amazing, and for a good price. So many different uses for them!" —Amanda Nix Get it from Amazon for $21.99. A crystal-encrusted candle warmer that's all about the important details. Not only is it stunning to look at, but it's also got smarts. There's a timer, the height of the lamp is adjustable, and the base lights up with seven different colors. Talk about opulence and ambience! Promising review: "I love this candle warmer lamp; it's the perfect combination of style and functionality. The dimmable feature is a game changer—I can adjust the brightness to create just the right ambiance. The timer setting is super convenient, ensuring I never leave it on too long, and the adjustable height works perfectly for different jar candle sizes. What's even better is that it evenly warms the candle without the need for a flame, which is not only safer but also helps the candle last longer while releasing its fragrance beautifully." —Abigail Get it from Amazon for $43.79. Some velvet pillow covers that'll instantly make your sofa look like it belongs in a fancy magazine spread. Swapping out pillows is the easiest refresh, and these jewel-toned beauties bring all the texture and luxury vibes without breaking the bank. A small eye rug to show off your ~eye~ for design. It comes in both round and rectangular shapes and will look great on its own or layered over a more simple rug. Promising review: "Very soft, unique, beautiful. I love it. The rug is an eye-catcher and statement piece for my currently still under-decorated living room. Very boho which is what I was looking for." —BBreezGet it from Amazon $19.54+ (available in eight sizes and two colors). A decorative tray that screams, "yes, I am this extra." With its delicate gold bows and glossy finish, it'll make organizing your jewelry, cosmetics, or snack stash feel like a royal affair. A scallop-edge bedspread set to instantly elevate your apartment from a temporary pit stop to the cozy oasis you deserve. With its soft brushed microfiber and delicate details, it'll give your space that "I've got my life together" vibe. Promising review: "This is a gorgeous quilt that is lightweight but heavy enough to keep you warm in the cooler evenings. It is perfectly wrinkle resistant, and holds the color after washing well." —SophieGet it from Amazon for $44.49+ (available in eight colors and queen/full and king sizes). A slender end table with storage that looks good from all angles. It's narrow enough to work as a nightstand in tiny bedrooms, and it's pretty enough from the side and back that it works as an end table in a open plan living room. Promising review: "This piece is very attractive and nicely made, and a real bargain for the price. Now I have two drawers for some of my clutter, as well as room on top for a clock, a book, a box of tissues, and my phone. The finish is very nice. Win-win!" —reasonablewoman Get it from Amazon for $137.99. A roll of metallic-gold leopard-print peel-and-stick wallpaper to add instant glam to any room. Because for some of us, leopard print is a neutral. Promising review: "I love love love this!! SO easy to work with and gorgeous quality. I just adore this product and can't say enough about it." —Stephanie's StuffGet it from Amazon for $29.99. A button-tufted storage ottoman if you want something that can hide a bunch of stuff. This is perfect for folks who are short on storage but not on stuff. A Mackenzie-Childs enamel tea kettle that's less about making tea and more about making a statement. Hand-painted with a delicate glass knob of top and a wooden handle for that fancy-pour moment, it's the kind of kitchen accessory you need to leave on display. Because honestly, why would you hide something this stunning? A seashell pillow to live your best mermaid life from the comfort of your sofa. 🎶 "We got no troubles, life is the bubbles, Under the sea...." 🎶 A wireless crystal table lamp that casts the most beautiful light patterns and shadows when it's turned on. You just tap it to turn it on, and it has three levels of brightness, and one charge provides five to seven hours of light. If you're short on electrical outlets but really need light, this is your best bet. A glass chess set that's almost too pretty to play with. This frosted and clear glass beauty will sit proudly on your coffee table, instantly elevating your living room to "fancy art gallery that also has snacks." It's perfect for a strategic game night or just looking like someone who knows the difference between a rook and a bishop. (No judgment if you don't!) A panel of velvet curtains to block out the sun and also add a bit of pizzazz to your room. They're also machine washable (you never know!). And an adjustable gold curtain rod for elevating your window game even higher. Reviewers comment on how sturdy they are — perfect for heavier-than-usual window treatments. But also set of bow curtain tie-backs to really round out having fabulous window treatments. It's the little things, you know? Good design is in the details. Promising review: "Literally so cute, I am obsessed with these pink bow curtain ties." —JstocksGet it from Urban Outfitters for $29 (available in gold, or pink). A Tiffany-style stained-glass window panel that'll make you feel like you're living in a charming cathedral. Hang it up, and suddenly your windows will be giving "art gallery chic" instead of "regular old glass." A set of geode bookends to help you show off your collection of favorite books. They're heavy enough to work as paperweights, too. A realistic moon-shaped light that's just plain cool. It's wireless, and the brightness and warmth can be adjusted with one touch. Reviewers say it's great for nurseries and kids' rooms, which is fine, but I personally think it'd look awesome on a nightstand or bathroom countertop. A set of metallic shower corner shelves to add a big dose of glam to your bathing experience. Gone are the days where you hang a generic shower caddy from your showerhead — these are the upgrade your bathroom deserves. A colorful crystal suncatcher that turns any room into a dazzling display of rainbow prisms. Sit back, relax, and watch as rainbows scatter across your walls and ceiling. A disco ball planter, because who needs a nightclub when you've got this instead? Every day will be club night when the light hits it. A heated Himalayan salt bowl lamp to cast the most glorious, golden glow in your room. Reviewers love how it adds a calming effect to their space, and that you can pick up and use the balls to massage your hands and feet. Promising review: "Beautiful and works nice. If you leave these on for a couple of hours, they get really nice and warm and you can adjust the lighting on them. It's really nice to rub on like the bottom of your feet or on your back. It's very relaxing." —DonnaGet it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in three styles). A pack of iridescent shelves for organizing your collections in style. From sunglasses and figurines to wallets and nail polishes, these are the gorgeous backdrop you need. A mushroom table lamp that looks like something you'd spot in the latest edition of Architectural Digest or Dwell magazines. Kick back, relax, and let this MCM-inspired light set the tone. A set of 10 gold cabinet pulls for upgrading your bathroom in a major way. Swapping out hardware is an easy way to make a big visual impact without spending big bucks or damaging your cabinets. Just swap the old ones for these and keep the oldies in a shoebox under the sink. When it's time to move out, just swap 'em back in. A pair of LED stained glass bulbs if you want your ceiling and walls to erupt with rainbows every time you turn the light on. If you're a renter who can't paint your walls but loves color, this is the product for you. A set of rainbow wineglasses to add a bit of lovely color to your dinner party tablescapes. These are dishwasher safe, so they're an absolute must if you like to host dinner parties. A crystal jewelry box because sometimes you have to go big or go home, you know? From storing jewelry to candy, this is the most glamorous way to do it. And an easy-to-install, color-changing showerhead able to cycle through seven different colors. Because who needs to go to the club when YOU ARE THE CLUB. Promising review: "Our old showerhead broke, got this as a quick affordable replacement and thought the light would be funny. It's actually so amazing!! Like a spa at home LOL, nice to shower in the dark before bed. The light is enough to light up the bathroom in the dark but not blinding. The water pressure on this thing is actually great. Lightweight showerhead, only one speed setting. You can't change the lights as they change on their own and it runs with the flow of the water. Hose is long enough to still bathe our dogs in the tub, too. Great value for the price."—GabbyGet it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in silver or black).


Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
Fan-favorite Krispy Kreme doughnut returns for one day only. Here's what to know
Krispy Kreme is bringing back a fan-favorite doughnut — but not for long. Chocolate glazed doughnuts return to the bakery case Monday, July 7, in time for World Chocolate Day, according to the Charlotte-based doughnut chain. The chocolately treat was offered last year, and is back for one day only. Chocolate lovers can find the doughnuts in-store, online and for pickup and delivery at participating Krispy Kreme shops nationwide. 'Krispy Kreme fans always anticipate we'll return our Chocolate Glazed doughnuts on World Chocolate Day, so this year we're making it extra special and extra chocolatey by adding HERSHEY'S to the glaze for the first time,' Dave Skena, chief growth officer for Krispy Kreme, said in a news release. Chocolate glazed doughnuts first hit menus in 2017 to 'celebrate the solar eclipse,' reported. It returned in 2018 to mark World Chocolate Day, and has been offered on and off since then. Additional information wasn't immediately available. Find your nearest Krispy Kreme here.