29 College Football Baby Names, From Unique To Traditional

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College football is more than just a weekly sporting event. For so many families, it’s an absolute pillar of tradition and joy and meaning. It’s a game of heart, steeped in customs, and honestly, it’s a wonder college football baby names aren’t topping the charts. Whether you’re naming your baby after your favorite college football quarterback or the city where your own alma mater’s football stadium stands, these baby names inspired by college football are a must to consider.

Look, nobody’s suggesting you name your baby Uga or Aggie (although that last one is really cute for a kid named Agatha), but there is a lot of baby name inspiration to be found in college football. For one thing, those college football coaches have some really unique names (looking at you, Dabo Swinney), and for another, some of your favorite college football players have become absolute legends over the years. All of football holds some history and tradition, but there’s something inherently special about a Saturday game day, and these baby names hold some of that magic, too. There are even some gender-neutral options available if you want more wiggle room in your baby names, and this list has everything from baby names inspired by college football mascots to some that just go straight for the championship coaches. But no matter what you name your baby, prepare yourself for those Saturday game days to get a little more chaotic — and a whole lot sweeter. (Even if your team doesn’t win.)

Bennett

Bennett is a baby name that pays tribute to Stetson Bennett, the UGA quarterback responsible for securing two back-to-back championships after a 41-year drought. Stetson’s an equally good baby name, but I really love Bennett as an homage to The Dawgs. The name Bennett means “blessed, well-spoken” and has a cute nickname with Ben or Benny.

Tim

Tim Tebow is arguably one of the most well-known college football players of all time and has left quite a legacy in the sport. Tim is short for Timothy and means “God’s honor,” which tracks given Tebow’s outspoken Christian beliefs.

Lane

Lane is a really great gender neutral name for your little college football fan, especially if you’re rooting for Ole Miss. Lane Kiffin has been a college football coach for a long time, but has been head coach of the Rebels since 2020. Give your kiddo the name Lane if you’re a Mississippi fan or if you just like the meaning of the name Lane — “a small roadway or path.”

Joe

Joe Burrow may be quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals now, but before he was drafted, he was a lot of fun to watch on Saturday as quarterback of LSU. Burrow won the Heisman Trophy in 2019 and holds some pretty great college football stats. You can obviously go with the name Joseph if you want, but Joe (or Jo) could be a fun baby name on its own. The name also means “God will add.”

Kirby

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Like Stetson Bennett, the name Kirby holds a lot of meaning for University of Georgia fans. Kirby Smart has been head coach of UGA since 2016 and now holds two back-to-back championships for the school from 2021 and 2022. Kirby can be a great gender neutral name, too, and it means “church settlement,” which gives it some major old English vibes.

Kyler

Kyler Murray played for the University of Oklahoma and won the Heisman Trophy in 2018, throwing 40 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He’s pretty bad*ss on the field and is now the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals. Try the baby name Kyler on for size for your own little college football fan, as it’s great for both boys and girls and means “archer.”

Nick

Nick Saban is one of those names that just rings through college football fandoms. He’s been head coach of Alabama since 2007 and has earned six national titles for the school since then. He’s a pretty big deal and the name Nick won’t go unnoticed by other college football fans. You can go for Nicholas if you want, but Nick holds its own pretty well and means “victory of the people” — an apt description for Nick Saban.

Ralphie

OK, so this one is a really fun choice. Ralphie is a pretty unique little guy’s name, and it’s also the name of the live mascot for the Colorado Buffaloes. Ralphie the Buffalo is an institution in college football, and whether you’re a Colorado fan or not, this is a great choice for your own little family mascot. The name Ralphie means “a courageous counselor.”

Peyton

The name Peyton on its own really needs no further introduction when you’re talking about college football. Peyton Manning was quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers in the ‘90s and went on to have an incredible career with the Indianapolis Colts (and later, the Denver Broncos). He’s another college football legend, and giving your baby his name will definitely tip off fellow football fans. Peyton is gender-neutral and means “fighting man’s estate.”

Sanford

Go deep on your college football fandom with another nod to UGA. Sanford Stadium is where the Georgia Bulldogs play, and you can give your little one the name Sanford as a sweet tribute. Sanford is an old English name that literally means “sandy ford,” but obviously you want that college football connection to shine through instead.

Bear

The University of Alabama literally has a statue of this man and he even appears in Forrest Gump as a college football icon — the man is Bear Bryant. Formally his name is Paul, but he’s known as Bear and for being one of the best college football coaches of all time. Be sure to decorate the nursery in lots of red and white and maybe make sure your little Bear has some houndstooth on their coming home outfit.

Benny

Benny Beaver is the mascot for the Oregon State Beavers and makes for a pretty great baby name. (Benny, that is, not Beaver.) Benny can be short for Benjamin or Benito, but I love it on its own.

Ann

The University of Michigan Wolverines are also known as Big Blue and when they have home field advantage, that means they’re playing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The baby name Ann is such a sweet tribute to this city, and it also means “grace” or “graciousness.”

Deion

The name Deion means a whole lot to college football. Nicknamed “Primetime,” Deion Sanders played cornerback/defensive back for the Florida State Seminoles in the ‘80s and was (is!) an absolute legend. Now coaching for the University of Colorado, Deion is a college football institution (much like Ralphie the buffalo) and is just a great sports icon. The name Deion also means “follower of Dionysus” — and Dionysus is the god of pleasure in Greek mythology.

Buzz

Georgia Tech’s mascot Buzz deserves a spot here on this list, too. Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia Tech is a college football institution, and so is the yellowjacket mascot Buzz. It’s a pretty unique option for your little one, but a nice tie to football.

Johnny

Johnny Manziel, also known as Johnny Football, didn’t really have a stellar NFL career, but he was a huge college football icon. Heisman Trophy winner and record-breaker, Johnny’s time at Texas A&M is the stuff of legends. Bring some of that energy to your baby with the name Johnny, which means “God is gracious.”

Goldy

Goldy (or Goldie) is the sweetest baby name and is making a comeback, but I especially love it if you’re a fan of the University of Minnesota. The school’s mascot is Goldy the Golden Gopher, and it is just the cutest little nod to college football.

Theodore

Here’s a deep cut: Theodore W. Drake was a sports artist in the ‘60s who designed The Leprechaun, the University of Notre Dame’s mascot. The Leprechaun is an absolute icon of college football, and naming your baby Theodore is such a sweet way to honor that legacy. The name Theodore also means “gift of God” or “divine gift.”

Woody

Woody Hayes was head coach of Ohio State from 1951 to 1978 and had a pretty spectacular career. Give your little one the nickname Woody (Hayes is also cute) as tribute to the coach with five national championships under his belt and 13 Big Ten conference championships.

Knox

Knox has become a very popular baby name in recent years, but is it because everyone’s giving their kid an ode to the University of Tennessee? Probably not. Located in Knoxville, the Volunteers are known for a whole lot of orange and a lot of rivalries, so it’s definitely a fun name to give your own little Volunteer.

Austin

Like Knox, this name pays tribute to a city represented well by its team. In this case, the name Austin pays homage to the University of Texas and the Longhorns football team.

Cam

Cam Newton may have had a pretty great NFL career with the Panthers, but before that, he was an Auburn University quarterback on Saturdays. The name Cam can be short for Cameron, but I love it on its own — it has a really great spunky quality.

Boomer

— Jamie Grill/The Image Bank/Getty Images

Oh you know where we’re going with this one. The University of Oklahoma’s fight song is “Boomer Sooner,” which is where this fun name comes from, but you could also name a kid Boomer after the blue-eyed horse mascot for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Lee

It’s just not ESPN College Gameday until you see Lee Corso. Give your baby the name Lee as a thank you to Lee Corso and all of his college football analysis on Saturdays.

Owen

Owen Field, also known as The Palace on the Prairie, is where the University of Oklahoma plays and is also great baby name inspiration. Owen means “noble born” or “young warrior,” so it has a lot of strength and tradition weaved into it outside of football.

Kirk

Like Lee Corso, how do you even know who to root for if Kirk Herbstreit isn’t giving you all the info? (Just kidding. You know who to vote for.) Herbstreit has been on College GameDay forever and played for Ohio State in the early ‘90s, so his name is pretty synonymous with college football. The name Kirk also means “church,” so if you think of the football fields on a Saturday afternoon as your own version of a pew, this name has even more meaning.

Rose

The Rose Bowl is the 16th largest stadium in the world and is the home stadium of UCLA. Give your baby the name Rose in tribute to this iconic field and the Rose Bowl Game played every New Year’s Day.

Kyle

Kyle Field is where the Texas A&M Aggies play, and it’s a great place to get some baby name inspiration. Kyle means “narrow” or “trust” and feels like a strong, steadfast choice for your little football fan.

Lou

Lou Holtz used to play and coach college football, and then became a college football analyst on CBS. He’s known for his predictions for seasons and rankings, so give your little fan the name Lou as an ode to this college football icon.

College football is a huge pillar of so many families — it can become just as much a part of your identity as anything else. So why not name your little one after your favorite college football moments and fandoms? These college football baby names offer a lot of inspiration for your future quaterback. (Or tight end. Or wide receiver. Or offensive lineman. Or just future college football fan.)

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Stevie Nicks' Barbie Reminds Her Of Her "27-Year-Old Self"

— Mattel

The iconic Stevie Nicks has finally been immortalized as a Barbie. Formerly the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac, multiple award-winning solo artist, the poster girl for independent women of her generation, and now... a Barbie made in her likeness. Complete with the trademark blonde bangs and the winged black dress, perfect for twirling and dancing and owning every stage she’s ever performed on.

On Monday, Mattel debuted a doll created in Stevie Nicks’ likeness as part of its Barbie Music Series. Nicks’ Barbie, available for pre-order now, has a smoky eye, the blonde bangs and flowing black dress, much like the one Nicks wore on the cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 Rumours album, along with a pair of groovy platform boots and her signature golden moon necklace. “We wanted to wish Stevie Nicks a happy 75th birthday in the best way possible. So we created a Barbie doll to capture her iconic style,” Mattel said in a statement, a nod to Nicks’ birthday in May of this year.

The singer shared the launch of her own Barbie on Sunday onstage at Madison Square Garden, telling the crowd that she “hoped you love her as much as I do, because here she is! Stevie Barbie!” They clearly did love it, because Stevie Nicks’ Barbie was made available for preorder on Monday on Mattel’s website and has already sold out.

The “Landslide” singer was not without reservations about having a Barbie created in her likeness, as she explained in a moving post on X. “Of course I questioned ‘would she look like me? Would she have my spirit? Would she have my heart…,’” she wrote on social media. “When I look at her, I see my 27 year old self~ All the memories of walking out on a big stage in that black outfit and those gorgeous boots come rushing back~ and then I see myself now in her face. What we have been through since 1975~ the battles we have fought, the lessons we have learned~ together. I am her and she is me. She absolutely has my heart.”

The official Barbie Instagram page also shared the news of the Nicks’ Barbie along with a lovely little tribute to the singer in the caption reading, “Soulful stage presence. Spellbinding style. With a career that’s touched generations of music lovers, @StevieNicks is the latest legend to be celebrated as part of the Barbie Music Series, bringing her inspiring story and chart-topping career to artists and audiences of all ages. #Barbie #YouCanBeAnything.”

In a year joyfully dominated by all things Barbie, we love to see another icon honored. And honored so well, at that.

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Should I Get A Pulse Ox Baby Monitor? Doctors Weigh In

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In a world of wearable technology that gathers data about our sleep, activity levels, heart rate, and more, it’s no wonder we now have so many smart gadgets for nurseries that can do the same for our newborns. Especially when it comes to preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), having a baby monitor that tracks your baby’s pulse and oxygen saturation just feels like an added protection against every parent’s worst nightmare. But are pulse ox baby monitors the solution to parents’ anxieties? Can these wearable monitors actually prevent SIDS? It’s natural to reach for a product that might protect your baby, but when you hear about how often they can cause false alarms (and more anxiety than comfort), you might hesitate.

Smart baby monitors connect to parents’ smart phones, allowing you to see and hear your baby from anywhere. They usually include some extra sensors to read the room’s temperature and humidity. Some smart monitors include wearable pulse oximetry sensors, which track your baby’s heart rate and blood oxygen saturation levels. Many parents hope that being alerted to changes in their baby’s vital signs could help them prevent SIDS, which might make them more likely to add a pulse ox baby monitor to their registry. But can it actually help?

Should I get a pulse ox baby monitor for my baby?

Right now, there’s not enough evidence that pulse ox monitors are helpful to families to outweigh the stress they might cause, according to experts. There is currently no evidence that using these wearable baby monitors can prevent SIDS, or uncover any sort of undetected medical condition, says Dr. Michelle Hjelm, M.D., board-certified pediatric pulmonologist and sleep physician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

— Catherine Delahaye/DigitalVision/Getty Images

“The American Academy of Pediatrics hasn’t recommended these devices for standard use,” says Hjelm. “I understand the questions that families and parents are asking of these devices, but I just don’t think they’re giving the answers that we want. Can you protect your kid from everything every minute of the day? No. And can we truly have a sense of a diagnosis from these devices? I don’t think that’s true.”

“I definitely cannot recommend them with the information I have right now,” says Dr. Sharada Gowda, M.D., a neonatologist at Texas Children’s Hospital. “From reports that I have been reading, and delving into all the mommy groups, as well as the parental support groups, the parents that are utilizing these are first-time parents, or well-meaning parents with a lot of anxiety about the safety of their babies. But if the alarms keep going off, then they might actually be hurting more than helping themselves and the baby.”

Owlet’s monitors have come under fire before for sending false alarms to parents (oftentimes about low oxygen readings, and having app glitches that caused readings for pulse and oxygen saturation to disappear. This not only causes anxiety for parents, but can lead to alarm fatigue — when monitors are constantly alerting you to potential problems, and eventually, you stop responding with the same urgency you should.

Why would a baby need a pulse ox monitor?

In rare instances, doctors will send a medical-grade pulse ox monitor home with babies who have certain health conditions. This includes babies who have tracheostomy tubes to help them breathe and those born with congenital heart defects, Gowda says. Hjelm says they’re also useful for babies with lung disease or sleep apnea.

If you’re prescribed one for your baby, you’ll receive training from nurses about how to use it, any troubleshooting you may have to do on the machine itself, and how to help your baby if their oxygen saturation does dip. Gowda says her patients also receive the phone number to a hotline that connects to the baby’s care team in case of emergency.

“The biggest piece is going to be the educational aspect, and preparing the parents, if they were to have major desaturation, to act on behalf of the baby at that point, stabilize them, and also be ready to call the medical team who took care of the baby,” she says.

Pros & cons of using a pulse ox smart monitor

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Pros:

• For some parents, these devices provide peace of mind that their baby is being supervised while they sleep.
• If your baby has a medical condition, pulse ox monitors can help you care for them at home and alert you if they need intervention (but you should be using a hospital-grade device provided by your doctor).
• Aside from the pulse ox and other health-related readings, they usually have interesting features you might enjoy, like tracking your baby’s movements through the night or being able to take videos with your monitor camera.

Cons:

• They haven’t been proven to prevent SIDS, which is what many parents hope they’ll do.
• They can cause increased anxiety and reduced sleep for parents if the alarms go off unnecessarily.
• Wearable smart monitors with pulse ox sensors are generally more expensive than standard baby monitors.

Are pulse ox baby monitors accurate?

Gowda and Hjelm agree that right now, they just can’t say that commercially available pulse ox monitors are reliable. “No matter what, it’s very hard to predict when bad things are going to happen, even with these types of devices,” Hjelm says. “The best thing you can do is follow the safe sleep recommendations that have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. These [monitors] just don’t look to be that answer or that safety net that we want them to be.”

Some newer smart baby monitors are in the pipeline now — at different stages of being reviewed by the FDA for their accuracy and reliability — like Owlet’s BabySat, available via prescription, and the Masimo Stork monitor. For her part, Hjelm is hopeful that models like these could one day be approved by the FDA, giving families a wireless pulse ox monitor to use at home, one that connects to their phones instead of being a “constant beeping thing in your house.”

Gowda says no matter how sophisticated the devices themselves are, parents need more working knowledge of how the pulse ox sensors should be applied to get accurate readings.

“The thickness of the skin, the surface on which these monitors are placed, and the color of the skin all play an important role. You need to have accurate knowledge of, okay, it has to be on the toe, or maybe it should be on the palm. A lot of times, I place it on the radial artery directly. Knowledge like that is important. It’s not just [about] the piece of equipment,” she says.

So, do you have to have a pulse ox baby monitor for your little one? No. In fact, doctors feel they’re more likely to cause you undue stress than be helpful. If your baby needs to have their oxygen saturation monitored, you’ll get a hospital-grade monitor and lots of training straight from their doctor.

Experts:

Dr. Michelle Hjelm, M.D., board-certified pediatric pulmonologist and sleep physician, and assistant professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Dr. Sharada Gowda, M.D., a neonatologist at Texas Children’s Hospital

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Disney's 'Wish' Toys Include LEGO Sets & A Talking Valentino Doll — FIRST LOOK

I have three daughters, which means that at any given moment, there is a Disney toy singing in my house. But it’s time for Elsa and Moana and Mirabel to make room, because there are some really lovely new Wish toys coming in honor of Disney’s newest movie, releasing November 22.

Wish is set in the magical kingdom of Rosas and stars Asha, a young apprentice to the king who makes a wish so powerful that it’s answered by an actual Star. Together, Asha and Star have to show King Magnifico exactly what happens when humans connect with the powerful magic of stars. I know — it sounds so sweet. And the lineup of Wish toys to come really takes all of that magical energy to the next level. Romper can exclusively reveal four new toys launching soon in connection with the Disney movie Wish, and your little ones are going to want all of them. (Honestly, I could do with my own Star.)

Star is such a fun character in Wish, and this super soft, super squeezable version of the character is just the best. Retailing for $39.99, the Star Cuddleez plush has soft, embroidered features, and has a spongey soft fill to make Star the ultimate cuddle companion. Kind of want to use it for my own bedtime wishes, honestly, and Star does so much to help Asha in the movie that it’s hard not to fall in love with them. This little toy will be available exclusively at ShopDisney, starting Oct. 2.

— Mitchel Wu Toy Photography for Disney

There are few things I love more than watching my girls play out scenes featuring courageous girls with their toys, and this new Asha doll will be a must in their collection. Not only does Asha have her signature braided hair and removable outfit and shoes, but she also sings her song “This Wish” from the movie, and kids can put her Star figurine right into her hand so she can sing straight to her new friend. It’s one of those toys that’s perfect for recreating a big movie scene, and if you already have a princess castle or two in your house (it’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me), she’ll fit right in as your standard-sized fashion doll. You can pick up Asha at several stores, including Target, for just $24.99.

— Mitchel Wu Toy Photography for Disney

King Magnifico is complicated (and seems villainous from the trailer), but still a great character in Wish, and you can find him in everyone’s favorite form: LEGO. At $99.99, the LEGO King Magnifico Castle set features 613 pieces so you can build out all of the details of his palace, including the kitchen and plenty of detailed accessories. The set is perfect for kids ages 7 and up, and also features several other character minifigures from the movie. This is a great piece for big LEGO collectors, as well as those who just want to act out their favorite movie scenes in miniature brick form.

— Mitchel Wu Toy Photography for Disney

And finally, there is Valentino, the ultimate companion. In the latest trailer for Wish, you get a real fun look at some of Valentino’s best moments (including a great chicken coop scene that really helps explain his look here), and it’s easy to see why he’s going to become a fan favorite very quickly. This Valentino toy is a moving and talking little guy with over 20 sounds and movements. And, like the movie, Valentino makes his “normal” animal noises until you bring Star right up to his cheek where the magic suddenly allows him to speak. (I know, I need him, too.) Valentino also comes with some fun accessories like a carrot and yarn, and the more you play and interact with him, the more new words and movements he learns. The JAKKS Pacific Walking & Talking Valentino is $54.99 and available now.

— Mitchel Wu Toy Photography for Disney

More fun Wish toys are sure to come once the movie is released, but go ahead and prep yourself for these incredible four items featured here. This new Disney movie is full of magic, courage, and friendship, and the toys are a great reflection of those moments. Perfect for recreating favorite scenes or just helping kids build their own little imaginative worlds, the Wish toy line already feels just as magical as the movie and the kingdom of Rosas itself.

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16 Oktoberfest Dinner Ideas, From Spaetzle To Bratwurst

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Oktoberfest is known as being pretty much the most epic fall drinking holiday, but there are plenty of ways to turn Oktoberfest into a family-friendly (and sober) event. The traditional festival takes place all over the world, but its ties to Germany give you the chance to whip up some epic Oktoberfest dinner ideas for your family. From traditional German Oktoberfest fare like pretzels and Bavarian cheese beer dip to fun recipes like a German pancake or schnitzel, there is so much fun to be had with an Oktoberfest dinner menu.

These dishes may sound complicated, but a lot of them are much easier than you think to pull off. Invite a bunch of people over for your own Oktoberfest celebration with family and friends, or just use this opportunity to discuss Germany with your kids and make your own Oktoberfest dinner. There are so many ways to work in these Oktoberfest dinner ideas, and anybody at your table is going to shout, “Wunderbar!” at every bite. (And then maybe wander... to the bar? OK, not the kids, but feel free to grab a few Oktoberfest brewskis for those of legal drinking age to enjoy with all of the German food.)

German Potato Salad

— Budget Bytes/Yummly

Who says you can’t make a meal out of a side dish? This recipe for German potato salad is the perfect mixture of creamy and tangy, and goes great with a big plate of bratwursts, or stick to some fan favorites like chicken nuggets.

Obatzda Bavarian Cheese Spread

— Frugal Haus Frau/Yummly

Obatzda is a classic Bavarian cheese spread that’s usually made by mixing two-thirds of an aged, soft cheese like camembert and one-third butter. There’s also some beer and seasonings mixed in, and it makes for a perfect German appetizer to celebrate Oktoberfest. This Obatzda recipe featured on Yummly includes cream cheese and horseradish, as well as tons of seasonings for a super flavorful dish. You can use anything from bread and pretzels to sliced pears and apples to dip.

Soft Pretzels

— Pinch of Yum

I mean, it’s just not Oktoberfest until you’ve had a soft pretzel. Whether you dip it in mustard or the Obatzda cheese spread, these soft pretzels from Pinch of Yum are a must to try. Don’t panic — they’re very basic and a cinch to make, and your friends and family will be so impressed.

German Pancakes

— Tastes Better From Scratch/Yummly

Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please. Celebrate Oktoberfest with this amazing recipe for German pancakes. German pancakes use a lot of eggs to give a texture similar to a popover, and they are absolutely delicious. Powdered sugar and syrup really set them off, and fresh fruit is a great topping.

German Schnitzel

— Foodie Crush

If you want to go super authentic for Oktoberfest, serve up Foodie Crush’s German Schnitzel. Veal is used in a lot of traditional schnitzel recipes, but you can try out just about any thinly pounded meat to make this classic German dish. Serve it up with any of the sides listed here, like spaetzle or red cabbage.

German Spaetzle

— Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Mmm spaetzle. Does it get much better than this classic German meal? Mel’s Kitchen Cafe has a great recipe for homemade German spaetzle, which is basically a perfect, dense, chewy little noodle often covered in cheese or gravy with meatballs. It’s so much fun to make, and the texture is similar to dumplings, but much smaller. So good and comforting.

German Beer Cheese Soup

— The Starving Chef/Yummly

Love a good beer cheese dip, but want to make it more substantial? Try whipping up this German beer cheese soup, featured on Yummly. It’s thick, it’s gooey, and it even has shredded chicken inside to make for a really hearty, delicious dinner. Top it off with chives and serve it with some soft pretzels on the side for sopping up all that goodness.

Bratwurst & Sauerkraut

— Budget Bytes

It truly does not get more traditional than this bratwurst and sauerkraut recipe from Budget Bytes. With apples and onions mixed in with sauerkraut, this recipe is packed with flavor and so much tangy goodness. Best of all? It’s a pretty budget-friendly dish and kid-friendly (even if you have to leave out the sauerkraut).

Sauerkraut Balls

— Dorothy Lane Market/Yummly

I am absolutely obsessed with sauerkraut, and this recipe for sauerkraut balls featured on Yummly is just beyond amazing. Made up of mashed potatoes and sauerkraut, the balls are rolled in bread crumbs with plenty of seasoning and fried. Dip them in sour cream or just enjoy them on their own — they’re the perfect bite-sized taste of Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest Ribs With Apple Sauerkraut

— Pork/Yummly

Pork spareribs that have been cooking all day in a perfect mixture of apples and sauerkraut? Beyond good. This recipe for Oktoberfest ribs featured on Yummly is so good, and the flavors will just knock you out. It’s the perfect fall recipe, and it’s a one-pot meal, so it can even be a great weeknight dinner to celebrate Oktoberfest.

Potato Pancakes

— Caroline's Cooking/Yummly

Like a hasbrown, but better. Try whipping up these German potato pancakes for a perfect Oktoberfest breakfast, a great after-school snack, or a side dish to an epic German-themed dinner. The whole family will love them.

German Red Cabbage

— One Lovely Life/Yummly

If you need a side dish to go with your schnitzle or brats, you can whip up rotkohl — German red cabbage. This recipe featured on Yummly only has nine ingredients, including all of the seasonings, to make this flavorful veggie dish. It’s tangy, it’s got a kick of sweetness, and it has a great crunch.

German Onion Soup

— Sumptuous Spoonfuls/Yummly

Tired: French onion soup. Wired: German onion soup. With just 11 ingredients, this German onion soup — Zwiebelsuppe — is a hearty, incredible dish to get on the table for an Oktoberfest celebration or just a random weeknight dinner. So cheesy and savory.

German Rouladen

— Host the Toast/Yummly

Authentic German Rouladen includes thin slices of meat wrapped around bacon, onion, and pickles. It’s so good — so much flavor packed into a tightly-rolled piece of meat — and looks really impressive with a side of egg noodles or spaetzle.

Schwabischer Zwiebelkuchen

— Daring Gourmet/Yummly

Say this one three times fast: Schwabischer-Zwiebelkuchen. This traditional German meal is like a savory pie, and this Schwabischer-Zwiebelkuchen recipe featured on Yummly includes crispy bacon and tons of caramelized onion for a stick-to-your-ribs Oktoberfest dinner.

German Apple Kuchen

— 31 Daily/Yummly

Kuchen is a classic German dessert, and this recipe for an apple version featured on Yummly has all the great tastes of Oktoberfest. It only has eight ingredients and is actually pretty easy to pull together — and who doesn’t love apple? This would honestly make a great Oktoberfest breakfast and is a definite crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting an Oktoberfest celebration or just want a fun, themed dinner for your family, these Oktoberfest dinner ideas are a must to try.

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Alba Botanica's Acnedote Pimple Patches Changed My Hormonal Cystic Acne

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been dealing with acne since I was about 14 years old. For years I hoped that as I grew up, my hormones would calm down and just let me be great. I’m in my 20s now, and acne is still something I struggle with regularly. After years of investing in tons of skin care products (drugstore and high-end), facials, and fancy tools and gadgets, I’ve learned a few things about my oily, acne-prone skin: less is more, natural ingredients are best, and consistency is key. One product you’ll forever find in my medicine cabinet is a box of the Alba Botanica Acnedote Pimple Patches.

Seriously, why aren’t more people raving about Alba Botanica? My skin loves their products, and these zit-busting patches are no exception. You simply peel off a small, circular patch and place it over whatever pimple is currently ruining your vibe. It provides a protective barrier to prevent more irritation, keeps you from picking, and draws out the fluid (*gag*) from deep within. Whenever I have an occasion where I need my skin to look its best (which is usually when it decides to look its worst), I can always rely on the Acnedote Pimple Patches to transform my skin in a short amount of time.

Alba Botanica Acne Pimple Patch (40 ct.)

Target

Stats

• Price: $7.99 at Target, but I can usually find them two or three dollars cheaper at TJ Maxx. (They’re also sold at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Fresh Market for varying prices, and on Amazon.)
• Sizes: The box comes with 40 patches in two different sizes — one standard size and one large size for heavy-duty pimples.
• Color: These patches are translucent so they look nearly invisible on the skin.
• Who it’s for: This product is for anyone who gets pimples (so, you know, everyone).

The science & ingredients

Hydrocolloid bandages are usually used to cover wounds that heal better without drying out all the way, and someone, somewhere must have discovered they work wonders on pimples. Pimple patches are just small hydrocolloid dots. They adhere to the skin and work to absorb all of the gross gunk and bacteria in a zit without you having to pop it (which we all know can lead to scarring).

By this point, we savvy shoppers know what brand marketing teams are doing when they package a product in green and white tones with a minimalist layout: The design screams, “I’m natural and good for you,” even when the product lacks the ingredients or certifications to back these claims. But Alba Botanica’s hydrocolloid patches actually match their branding. They’re infused with just four plant-based ingredients:

• Tea tree leaf oil: An antibacterial and anti-fungal compound that has been scientifically proven to fight acne
• Witch hazel: An anti-inflammatory ingredient that constricts and dries out pimples
• Lentil fruit extract: A softening and smoothing agent that contains high levels of vitamin B5, which attracts moisture to the skin
• Parsley extract: Another compound with anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that also helps regulate skin’s oil production

Bonus points: The product is 100% vegetarian and cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, artificial coloring, synthetic fragrances, and rubber latex (for those who might have an allergy).

How I use the Alba Botanica Acnedote Pimple Patches

My favorite way to use these patches is wearing them overnight. After cleansing my skin before bed, I apply the patches where needed and continue with the rest of my nightly skin care (avoiding applying anything over the patch). When I wake up, my pimples are usually gone, or at least significantly smaller. For the more stubborn spots, I’ll repeat that process for a second night and they always disappear after that.

For me, this product moved up in rank from good to great when I used it to treat my recurring hormonal cystic acne. For months I kept getting the same annoying, painful cluster of cystic acne during my menstrual cycle. The pimples never came to a head no matter how much I picked and probed at them. Instead the acne stayed under my skin’s surface — inflamed, red, and painful — where I couldn’t do much to shrink them. Every month, like clockwork, once the old pimples began to heal and the scars were finally fading, my period would come back and bring more new, unwelcome little friends.

Once I realized these pimples were caused by my cycle, I decided to take preventative measures. A week before my period was scheduled to arrive, I started applying the Alba Botanica patches and tons of tea tree oil (I read up on its supposed acne-busting benefits) to my problem areas, even before the acne appeared, and continued it nightly until my cycle was over. After two or three months, the cystic acne began to shrink and my scars gradually disappeared, until both were gone for good. I am beyond grateful for these patches because they brought the painfully large cysts to the surface of my skin, where my other skin care products could actually treat them, instead of them staying deep and painful.

And while I personally haven’t tried wearing the patches under makeup, I’ve seen people on social media do it so they can shrink their pimples during the daytime. I can’t vouch for how it looks myself, but food for thought.

View on Instagram

Pros & cons

Pros:

• They’re made with natural, clean ingredients with names you can actually read.
• They work quickly, even on cystic acne.
• They’re easy to travel with.
• The box includes two size options for large and small pimples.
• The patches stay in place, so you don’t have to worry about them moving around while you sleep.

Cons:

• While these patches go on invisible, as they begin to pull all of the gunk out of your skin, they start to turn white. They’re great for overnight use, but if you plan to wear them during the day, you only have a couple of hours before they start becoming noticeable.
• Witch hazel can be too drying or irritating for some people’s skin, according to forums about treating acne at home. If you’re sensitive to witch hazel, you should probably opt for a different brand of pimple patch.

The final verdict

There are plenty of pimple patches on the market, but I love the Alba Botanica ones in particular because of their clean, natural ingredients. They have quickly become a staple in my routine, and I can always depend on them if my skin decides to betray me and get a pimple the day before I have an event. I like to travel with them in case I or anyone I’m traveling with gets an unwelcome visitor, and they always work in a pinch.

The TL;DR

For anyone who gets pimples and wants them gone ASAP, these are for you. They work super fast without breaking the bank.

Had To Share highlights the products and finds that Romper editors and contributors love so much, we just had to share in the group chat.

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10 Fall Rom-Coms & Romance Movies Perfect For A Cozy Night In

— Max

Fall means lots of different things. Big sweaters. Apple picking. Decorative gourds. Holding a large mug with two hands as you watch leaves fall. And, of course, cuddling up under a bunch of blankets to watch cozy fall movies. But where do you start? Most people would say “horror” and that’s a good start, but for those of you who aren’t fans of the spooky stuff, don’t worry. In fact, we’re suckers for love this time of year, so we’ve rounded up 10 cozy romantic movies to watch this fall.

Pretty much none of these movies require that they be set in the autumn, but the fact that they are, even if it’s only for a little bit, gives such a sense of comfort and coziness to them. From classic rom-coms to sweeping historical epics, there’s something for every mood... as long as that mood is “fall” of course.

(We’d also like to take this time to acknowledge the winners of this list, as it seems that there are some actors who are a sucker for a romantic autumn movies as well. Meg Ryan and Aidan Quinn each appear in two movies on this list and Sandra Bullock clocks in at a respectable three.)

When Harry Met Sally

Quite possibly the greatest romantic comedy of all time, When Harry Met Sally tells the story of an unlikely couple whose various quirks and peccadilloes go from irritating to endearing as they fall in love over the course of several years. Since this movie plays the long game, not all of this movie takes place in the fall, but the Central Park in Autumn scenes are some of the most iconic of the film and lend it a cozy vibe perfect for sweater weather.

Stream When Harry Met Sally, rated R, on Max.

Practical Magic

The women of the Owens family are unusual. It could be that witchcraft runs in their family, starting with their ancestral matriarch who cursed them all to never be able to hold on to true love. Sally and Jill have mostly avoided witchcraft themselves, but that changes when Jill’s boyfriend dies unexpectedly. But magic, it seems, can’t solve all your problems, especially when a handsome and charming detective starts to get suspicious...

Stream Practical Magic, rated PG-13, on Hulu.

Autumn in New York

Who says tearjerkers can’t be cozy? Will is a successful restaurateur and even more successful womanizer. Charlotte is a newly minted 22-year-old (and a haberdasher so, yes, she’s a bit of a manic pixie dream girl for sure). When Charlotte goes to one of Will’s restaurants for her birthday, he is immediately drawn to him, only to realize that he once dates her mother, Katy, who died shortly after Charlotte was born.

This does not stop him from asking her out. This movie is problematic; we’re not going to let that get in the way of enjoying it.

Needless to say, they start a relationship, which Will knows has no real future. Charlotte also knows this, because she’s dying of a heart condition.

The comfortable fall vibes in this movie are second only to the emotional whiplash.

Stream Autumn in New York, rated PG-13, on YouTube and Amazon Prime.

You’ve Got Mail

Another classic of the genre, You’ve Got Mail is an ode to a time when the idea of lots of emails in your inbox filled you with excitement, not annoyance and dread. Kathleen owns an independent bookstore, which is struggling in the face of corporate behemoth Foxbooks. In fact, the only thing she hates more than Foxbooks is the owner of Foxbooks, Joe, especially when a shop opens up across from hers!

Little do the pair know that the intense and anonymous internet romance they’ve both embarked upon is with each other! Can their love survive offline? (The questioned is answered by the fact that this is a movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in 1998.)

Stream You’ve Got Mail, rated PG, on Max.

St. Elmo’s Fire

This Brat Pack classic takes place after a group of seven friends graduate from Georgetown. As their lives pull them in different directions, friendship, love, and character is tested in ways that college never prepared them for. There’s not a ton about this movie that explicitly labels it as “Fall” but it has the feel of a movie that takes place in fall, if that makes sense!

Stream St. Elmo’s Fire, rated R, on Hulu.

Kissing Jessica Stein

This 2001 film is the cozy, queer, indie rom-com we all deserve.

Jessica hasn’t had great luck in dating, something seemingly everyone in her life wants to help her with, especially her fussy mom. One day, she comes across an ideal personals ad... only to find out it was for women seeking women.

Well... why not, right?

As Jessica struggles with her sexual identity, her new girlfriend Helen struggles with Jessica’s struggles, first with the speed of the relationship itself, and then with Jessica’s reluctance to admit she and Helen are in love.

Thoughtful and witty, this movie is a cult classic and with plenty of fall and High Holy Days scenes, it has excellent autumn vibes.

Stream Kissing Jessica Stein, rated R, on Amazon Prime.

Legends of the Fall

The Brothers Ludlow, Alfred, Tristan, and Samuel, live on a ranch in Montana with their father, the Colonel. When Samuel returns home from college he brings with him a fiancée, Susannah, but it isn’t long before the trio sign up to fight in WWI. What follows is a sweeping epic of love, family division, and tragedy... also Brad Pitt and Julia Ormond just looking *chef’s kiss* and absolutely understanding the assignment of “onscreen chemistry.”

Another movie that takes place over the course of years, Legends of the Fall plays with the idea of seasons reflecting mood and time, and the fall sequences are at once soothing and electric.

Stream Legends of the Fall, rated R, on Netflix.

Notting Hill

William is a London bookstore owner who lives a quiet, somewhat boring life, until the world’s most famous actress, Anna Scott, stumbles into his life. A chance encounter turns into a whirlwind romance, but can their love survive the pressure of the paparazzi and tabloid gossip mills? (Again: it’s a rom-com. Of course. But it’s all worth wondering to get to the “I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy” speech...)

Stream Notting Hill, rated PG-13, on Hulu.

The Lake House

We will admit: this is a weird one. Kate and Alex live in the same house — a lake house — two years apart. Somehow, they are able to communicate with one another by writing letters and putting them in the mailbox, but cannot connect in real time. Of course, this doesn’t stop them from falling deeply in love. Will the pair ever find one another, or is it just not to be?

The overcoat and comfy sweater budget for this movie must have been one of the highest Hollywood has ever seen, and it was worth every penny because the autumnal vibes are just perfection.

Stream The Lake House, rated PG, on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.

The Proposal

Margaret Tate is a high-powered publishing executive who runs her poor assistant, Andrew, absolutely ragged. When her employers let her know that her work visa has been denied and that she’s going to be deported to Canada, she hatches a plot, telling them that she and Andrew are engaged. Not only that, they’re heading up to see his family in Alaska to break the good news!

In Alaska (where it’s always Sweater Season, hence the fall feel of this movie), Andrews family is loving but quirky, and hilarity ensues as they try to keep up the appearance of a happy couple. But will this charade transform into the real deal?

Also there’s Betty White as , who has improved anything she’s ever been even sort of connected to.

Stream The Proposal, rated PG-13, on Amazon Prime.

Happy fall, y’all!

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