Something that I used to start my weekend off with (that I need to get back to doing) was picking up some fresh flowers to either put in my living room or bedroom. They're not just pretty and uber feminine; flowers in your home can relieve stress, improve your mood and (get this) even improve your memory over time. In fact, the only downside that I can see is how quickly they die after getting them.
That's where this article comes in. If, like me, you adore having flowers bloom in your space yet you can't financially justify getting a new batch every couple of days, here are some fresh floral hacks that can at least double the amount of time your flowers have (probably) been lasting at your place.
1. Make Your Own Flower Food
Did you know that if you take proper care of your flowers, they can last for as long as 12-14 days? One way to up your chances of this happening is to "feed them". They need some (white) sugar to stay in full bloom, citric acid to reduce the chances of your petals wilting and, if you want to keep bacteria at bay, bleach can make that happen.
Two of the best "foods" that I've seen consist of a half-crushed aspirin in a cup of water or two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice combined with a tablespoon of sugar, a half-teaspoon of bleach and a quart of water. Adding either of these should give your flowers at least an extra week of longevity than just water alone.
2. Play Around with Water Temperatures a Bit
So, what if you bought some flowers and most of the buds are tightly closed? No problem. Cut the stems at a slanted 45-degree angle and then put them into a glass of warm water. After a couple of minutes, transfer the flowers to a container of cold water and leave them there for 20 minutes or so. It'll blow your mind, how quickly your flowers open up (kinda like what happens to our energy levels whenever we take a cold shower).
3. Don’t Always Use a Vase
Something that can totally change the appearance of your floral arrangement is to put them in something other than a vase. Teacups, Mason jars, planters, dessert dishes, tea kettles, cookie jars and pitchers are all things that can give your floral presentation a bit of a unique touch.
4. Stack Your Vases When You Do
As far as pretty presentations go, have you ever put a smaller clear vase inside of a larger one? If they're around ½" apart and you add some water and thinly sliced lemons along the side of them, the lemons will look like they are suspended in water. It's a very easy way to create a beautiful centerpiece.
5. Add Some Fruits, Veggies and/or Berries
Speaking of creative centerpieces, a big mistake that a lot of people make is they simply put flowers into a vase and that's it. Adding a couple of limes and tangerines, carrots or blueberries and blackberries (if not all of these things) to a clear container can instantly make your flowers aesthetically pleasing, even if you've only got a few stems of carnations or roses on hand.
6. Get Your Flowers a Little "Drunk"
If you like vodka, hook your flowers up with 7-10 drops of it (along with a teaspoon of white sugar). For whatever the reason, when flowers are starting to wilt, they wake right on up with they've got some vodka running through their stems. It's a cool way to get another day or so outta your flowers if you do it.
7. Put Your Wilted Petals on Ice
Ice cubes are dope on a couple of levels. Not only can they help to revive wilted petals, they're also a great way to conserve water. Meaning, if you notice that your flower vase could use a little more water after a couple of days, simply drop an ice cube or two into it. It'll wake your flowers up and keep your water bill down at the same time.
8. Drop a Penny in Your Flowers’ Water
If you want your flowers to last longer, you're actually supposed to change the water no less than every three days. If you just read that and was like "yeah right" because of your hectic schedule, a cool hack is to drop a penny into your vase. The reason why this is so effective is because the acid in the penny will help to keep harmful bacteria and fungus away.
One of my favorite flower hacks ever!
9. Try Some Hairspray
Got some hairspray in a cabinet somewhere? Believe it or not, something that will help your flowers to remain their vibrant hues is to spray a little bit of hairspray onto their petals. Just make sure to hold the canister far enough away that the force of the spray doesn't damage the petals in the process. Do this every couple of days for the best results.
10. Avoid the Holiday Season (When It Comes to Florists)
Personally, I can't tell you the last time I hit up a professional florist for a floral arrangement. I will definitely just cop some flowers at a grocery store. However, if going to the florist is totally your thing, it's important to keep in mind that going there around a holiday (like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, etc.) is pretty much the worst time because the prices are typically hiked all the way up. Your best bet is gonna be going right after a particular holiday is over because that's when businesses have too much stock that they are trying to get rid of. Because of that, flowers and floral arrangements are oftentimes sold at a 50-60 percent discount. You'll have the flowers you want without breaking the bank in the process. Enjoy!
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Pair that with the curl-defining legacy she’s built as the CEO and Founder of Pattern Beauty, and it’s clear: she’s always been intentional about care—and invites us to be, too.
Her latest launch, Pattern Body, feels like a natural extension of that—a full line designed to make body care a ritual, not an afterthought. The collection includes the Moisture Rich Body Cream ($36), Nourishing Body Oil ($36), Hydrating Body Lotion ($32), Moisturizing Body Wash ($32), and Dry Exfoliating Scrub ($36), plus bundled sets.
Why I Wanted To Try Pattern Body
I’ve been using Pattern Beauty for years. Long before I could afford it I’d use my mom’s Ulta card to swipe and get what I needed, I’ve legitimately loved Pattern since day one. It’s what works best on my hair no matter the style, wash & go, slick back ponytail, braids, and blowouts. The Palo Santo ensemble is my new favorite after using their signature collection for years. That shampoo and conditioner, paired with the scalp serum and Pattern’s shower brush, whip my curls into shape like nothing I’ve ever used. I can go from a 'fro to defined coils in minutes with water, conditioner, and that brush.
Pattern is my daily go-to, so when Tracee expanded into body, I wanted to see if the same love affair I have with Pattern Beauty would carry over to Pattern Body.
The last body care launch that truly spoke to me was Taraji P. Henson’s Body by TPH, with its distinct daytime and nighttime routines—it pulled me into body care in a way I hadn’t felt in a while. Another product I’ve loved is OUI the People’s Clean Slate Lactic Acid Body Wash, a formula that exfoliates gently while leaving my skin soft.
Pattern Body feels similarly intentional but distinctly Tracee—rooted in the rituals we’ve seen her share for years. This launch feels like her way of ensuring that our bodies can finally get the same level of care she’s modeled all along.
Courtesy of Pattern Body
My Relationship With Body Care Rituals
Body care is where I’m not as consistent as I’d like to be when it comes to self-care. I dry brush daily, I’m particular about the body washes I use, and I’m intentional about organic feminine products. But when it comes to moisturizing, I’ll be honest: I usually just slap on whatever lotion is nearby or a body butter when I remember. What I want is to be more intentional—not just moisturize, but actually lean into rituals.
I want to use my bath salts more, soak with scrubs, and treat body care as something to luxuriate in, not rush through. Pattern Body felt like a call inward to take that next step.
Even the bold orange packaging felt joyful and unapologetic—a reminder that prioritizing yourself can be fun.
The Ingredients That Set Pattern Body Apart
Pattern Body isn’t just about the ritual—it’s about what’s inside the bottles. When I connected with someone from Pattern’s team, I asked how they envisioned the body line fitting into Tracee’s larger ritual. For them, it wasn’t just about moisture; it was about creating a layering experience that mirrors the way Tracee cares for herself daily—step by step, from exfoliation to oil to cream.
The line is built with nourishing ingredients that make sense for long-term care, like:
- Dead Sea Salt — natural exfoliation and mineral-rich polish
- Aloe Vera — hydration and soothing
- Baobab and Sunflower Oils — deep moisture and skin barrier support
- Cedarwood, Musk, and Midnight Amber — warm, grounding fragrance notes
- Shea Butter & Hyaluronic Acid — for softness, bounce, and lasting hydration
And according to a third-party study shared by Pattern, 100% of users experienced an immediate boost in hydration, luminosity, and the silkiness of their skin texture. As someone who always asks questions before folding new products into my routine, seeing both the story and the science behind the line mattered to me.
Courtesy of Pattern Body
My Honest Thoughts After Testing Pattern Body
How I Used Pattern Body
I followed Tracee’s recommended Pattern Body ritual:
- Prepare Dry Exfoliating Body Scrub (pre-shower to buff away dullness, unclog pores, and smooth skin)
- Cleanse Moisturizing Body Wash (a gentle lather that cleans without stripping, leaving skin refreshed)
- Protect Nourishing Body Oil (applied on damp skin to lock in moisture and add a silky finish)
- Hydrate Hydrating Body Lotion (lightweight hydration layered on top of oil for all-over softness)
- Nourish Moisture Rich Body Cream (thick, buttery cream for elbows, knees, and areas needing extra TLC)
The Products I’d Actually Repurchase
I tried the full line, but these are the three I’d keep stocked and repurchase:
- Dry Exfoliating Scrub — I’ve been looking for an exfoliant that’s effective without being harsh; I could see the scrub being a regular for me.
- Nourishing Body Oil — I love how it sealed the moisture in post-shower. It’s lightweight, smells heavenly, and I’ll keep this one in the rotation for sure.
- Moisture Rich Body Cream — I prefer a thicker moisturizer over lotion; this one delivers deep, buttery hydration that actually sinks in.
Pattern Body is consistent with Tracee’s legacy of care: bold, joyful, intentional. And while I won’t reach for every product daily, the ones I do remind me that tending to my body isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Because if Tracee Ellis Ross looks this good at 50 and says something is good for your body? I’m taking notes.
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Featured image courtesy of Pattern Body