Bachelor in Paradise’s Amanda Stanton and Robby Hayes Address Cheating Rumors (Spoilers!)

Amanda Stanton and Robby Hayes’ Bachelor in Paradise romance may have been brief, but it looks like they had more than enough drama to keep them busy during their short time together — and the rumor mill is still going strong, even if their relationship isn’t. As fans saw in a promo for next week’s BIP finale, Hayes faces cheating accusations at the reunion show. In the short clip, he denies that there’s any truth to them, only to have twins Emily and Haley Ferguson confront him about “what happened in Colorado.” Now, Stanton is sharing her side of the story.

“I’ll explain the backstory a little bit for that, because it’s kind of confusing,” Stanton told Entertainment Tonight at the Bachelor End of Summer Party in Santa Monica, California, on Wednesday.

“Basically what happened was there was a night where he was out in Colorado in Denver, and he was supposed to come home that night, but he had missed his flight and his phone died and I didn’t hear from him for a whole day,” she began. “And then the next day he had called me in the morning and he was like, ‘Sorry, my phone died.'”

However, that might not have been the full story. “Later that day, a girl said he was at a Zac Brown Band concert and sent me photos of him looking like they were making out all over each other,” Stanton told ET. Hayes denied to her that anything happened, and Stanton said “it doesn’t really matter” at this point. But she did say that “the photos look like their mouths were touching.”

Hayes was asked about the rumors too, and though he has “no comment at this time,” he won’t be staying silent for long. “[There will be a comment] soon,” he told ET, adding, “[There’s] a lot I’d like to say.”

We’ll find out more about Stanton and Hayes’ relationship when the Bachelor in Paradise season four finale airs Monday at 8pm ET/PT on ABC.

Who was your favorite couple on BIP this season? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photo via ABC/Paul Hebert)

The White Lotus season 3 is finally on its way, and it is, without a doubt, one of my most-anticipated 2025 TV shows. And we finally have an official release date! The new 8-episode season is coming even sooner than I could have hoped for, and there are plenty of sexy surprises in store.

In addition to the highly-anticipated return of Natasha Rothwell's Belinda, we're also going to meet characters played by Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Aimee Lou Wood. Talk about a stacked cast! I can't wait to watch the new episodesthis February, but this trailer is definitely holding me over for now!

Scroll to see the the official trailer for The White Lotus season 3!

Watch the official trailer for 'The White Lotus' season 3 here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

The White Lotus season 3 is coming February 16, 2025. This season we're headed to Thailand (after season 1 took us to Hawaii and season 2 took us to Italy), but amidst the stress-management meditation and incredible food, our cast is dealing with plenty of secrets, testing their limits throughout their week-long vacation.

"What happens in Thailand stays in Thailand," is the perfect way to open the trailer for this (likely) debaucherous new season. There's a lot to unpack throughout this almost 3-minute video. Here's what we noticed:

  • The Thailand White Lotus property is stunning! Every season makes me want to book a vacation ASAP.
  • Belinda looks gorgeous — so happy to see our girl thriving!
  • We're getting a classic White Lotus family with kids who clearly have nothing in common or want anything to do with their family.
  • Responding to "I hope you enjoy Thailand," with "We usually go to the Caribbean" is that perfect White Lotus humor I live for. It's not in your face, but it gets the point across so well.
  • Belinda's there to learn and "bring the magic back to Maui." (Could this mean we get a return to the Hawaii resort in a future season?!)
  • Aimee Lou Wood and Walter Goggins playing a multi-generational couple is perfect — especially with little details like Aimee saying Walter should get a facial because someone thought he was her dad. Incredible.
  • "It means we're not dead yet," is such good foreshadowing given what we know about this show.
  • "I think the cosmos brought us together," is more amazing White Lotus writing — these characters are always kooky, eccentric, and so addictive.
  • "We're poor now and daddy's going to prison" is a classic White Lotus character problem. You can't help but love to laugh at the incredulous Rich People Problems on this show!
  • It looks like all the crime described on the island sets up the potential for lots of different whodunnit murder scenarios we could end up with. I have a feeling we'll all be shocked at how this story turns up from who ends up in the body bag to who puts them there.
  • "Someone once said, 'The secret to life is knowing when to stop.'"
  • Oh and we get a new version of the theme song! I'm sure it'll be stuck in our collective brain for many months to come!

We already got hints at 'The White Lotus' season 3 last year.

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- YouTube

The teaser trailer gave us a glimpse at this exciting season back in December 2024.

"Everyone runs from pain towards pleasure," the teaser trailer voiceover said. "But they get there only to find more pain." The montage of late-night parties and unsettling shots like Parker Posey staring down the camera (and someone grilling a live crab until it catches on fire??) have me convinced The White Lotus season 3 is going to serve us an insane helping of both pain and pleasure.

We also got shots of Patrick Schwarzenegger lounging by the pool, Jason Isaacs taking a paranoid stroll through the jungle, and a coupled-up Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins celebrating the fact their vacation didn't kill them.

And creator Mike White says 'The White Lotus' season 3 is going to be bigger than ever.

We know that The White Lotus season 3 is going to be the biggest season yet, thanks to interviews with the creator and crew. “It’s going to be a supersized White Lotus,” creator Mike White said in an interview with EW. “It’s going to be longer, bigger, crazier. I don’t know what people will think, but I am super excited, so at least for my own barometer, that’s a good thing…I’m super excited about the content of the season.”

And he's not the only one. Natasha Rothwell told PEOPLE that "White Lotus is going to give you a run for your money.”

"It's an excellent season and people are going to be very pleased," she continues. There's always something special about a third season thanks to the combination of familiarity and brand-new adventures, and the seductive intrigue The White Lotus season 3 is already proving my point.

Season 3 is always my favorite season of a show — especially considering Gilmore Girls Season 3 Is Simply The Best, And No TV Show Has Matched It Since. Check out our weekend email send for more TV news and the latest news on The White Lotus season 4!

While we impatiently wait for the Fourth Wingcast rumors to be confirmed (eek!), we have even better news of another must-see fantasy adaptation — the Children of Blood and Bone movie cast is here! Not only will this book-turned-movie premiere in theaters, but it's legendary cast includes greats like Viola Davis and Idris Alba. This Tomi Adeyemi book is a magical fantasy full of deep messages about culture and belonging that made it to our best books to read list last year, so you know we can't wait for this film!

Want to know more? Here's who else joined the cast, what fans think, and when you can officially see this highly-anticipated movie!

Scroll to find out everything you need to know about the Children of Blood and Bone movie!

What is 'Children of Blood and Bone' about?

Amazon

Children of Blood and Bone follows young Zélie Adebola as she fights to reclaim the magic that made her people wise and powerful. Her own mother was a Reaper, but lost her life the day all the magic was stolen via orders of a merciless and vengeful king. She partners with her brother Tzain and a rebellious princess to right the wrongs of history even if it means risking their lives.

Who's in the 'Children of Blood and Bone' movie cast?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Based on a report by Variety, the cast will feature MANY familiar faces! The following actors have already secured roles:

  • Viola Davis as Mama Agba
  • Thuso Mbedu as Zelie
  • Damson Idris as Prince Anan
  • Tosin Cole as Tzain
  • Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari
  • Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran
  • Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea
  • Idris Elba as Lekan
  • Lashana Lynch as Jumoke
Variety also reports the following may join the cast:
  • Regina King (The Harder They Fall) as Queen Nehanda
  • Diaana Babnicova (Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot) as Folake
  • Bukky Bakray (Rocks) as Binta
A casting call for Nigerian actors will roll out as the film's production gets underway.

What has Tomi Adeyomi said about the cast and who's directing Children of Blood and Bone?

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Tomi Adeyemi shared the announcement January 23 on TikTok, and she was all smiles as she shared the news with her fans. Variety reports her inspiration for writing her Orisha series was a result of being "motivated by anger" after watching The Hunger Games and seeing the negativity surrounding the casting.

“I’m the kind of person who gets motivated by anger," Adeyemi shared with EW. "So I was like, ‘Oh man, I’m going to write a story that’s so good and so Black that everyone’s going to have to read it even if you’re racist.' That became my writing mission.”

It's a good thing screenwriter and director Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King, The Old Guard, The Secret Lives of Bees) is set to bring her creative insights to the Children of Blood and Bone movie. She said, "I am so honored and excited to bring Tomi’s ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ and the vibrant world of Orisha to life (via Variety).

In her opinion, she feels the cast "reflects the whole of the diaspora," stating "this is where our magic lies."

What are fans saying about the 'Children of Blood and Bone' cast reveal?

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Based on the comments on Adeyemi's cast announcement video, fans have mixed feelings. One comment said, "just saw amandla and let out the deepest sigh 🙃" while another person wrote, "Is this real?!?!?!??!?! This cast is FANTASTIC!!!!"

But seriously, when can we see Idris Elba in 'Children of Blood and Bone'? 

Matt Winkelmeyer

We regret to inform you that you'll have to wait to see Idris Elba as Lekan because the Children of Blood and Bone movie won't premiere until January 15, 2027!

Be sure to buy your copy of Children of Blood and Bone today, and see the other book-to-film adaptions we're excited about!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Black History Month is starts this weekend, and as an avid reader, I'm thinking about books by Black authors that I'd love to revisit in celebration. While I love a good book club read, I know there are so many books by Black authors — both past and present — that deserve our collective attention.

Read these 32 books if you're in the mood for romance, historical events, and family bonds!

Fiction Books By Black Authors

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The Color Purpleby Alice Walker

The Color Purple is a novel with a story that's full of loss, grief, and finding one's identity. It centers around Celie, a young Black woman who's separated from her sister and forced to marry a man twice her age. She silences herself throughout the duration of their marriage, but eventually finds her voice and worth after their arrival of the disruptive, yet well-meaning Shug enters their lives. From there, Celie and others go on a journey that changes the way they see themselves during a time where Black people were still faced with segregation, racism, and sexism.

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Black Girls Must Die Exhaustedby Jayne Allen

Tabitha Walker has checked everything off her personal and professional goals list — something she feels proud of. However, she's forced to reckon with her life after a medical diagnosis threatens her chance to give birth. Enlisting the support of those she loves dearly, Tabitha does everything she can to reverse this. But, her relentless pursuit comes at the price of allowing herself to rest.

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Waiting To Exhaleby Terry McMillan

Waiting To Exhale follows four friends as they navigate the ups and downs of their love lives. Savannah, Gloria, Bernadine, and Robin each face unique situations involving men, and this threatens the consistency they crave in life. However, their friendship and revelations about themselves help them come to terms with how they truly want to live.

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The Vanishing Halfby Brit Bennett

Although they're identical, a set of twin sisters are leading different lives. While one sister escaped their southern town to start a new life, one of them stayed behind where she raises her young child. However, the sister who's living a new life has yet to disclose her past and ethnicity to her husband. Despite the sisters' separation, the lives of their daughters connect and thus begins the healing of a new generation.

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The Sweetness of Waterby Nathan Harris

When brothers Landry and Prentiss make their way back to the plantation they were freed from, they soon come face-to-face with the man who used to be in charge, George Walker. However, George's mind and emotions are too preoccupied with the death of his son to harbor ill feelings towards them.

Still, an uneasy alliance is formed that's met with vitriol from those who are unable to let go of how things used to be during slavery. It's a novel that teeters between redemption and a stubborn desire to keep things the same.

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Sassafrass, Cypress, and Indigoby Ntozake Shange

This book was gifted to me by my older sister shortly after I graduated high school and always reads like it was her way of helping guide me into womanhood. Aptly named after three sisters, Sassafrass, Cypress. and Indigo introduces readers to the magical ways siblings navigate their lives. Sassafrass uses her words and hands to make sense of the world around her while the middle sister, Indigo, uses her limbs to waft through an everchanging world. The youngest sister, Indigo, proudly embraces her southern roots and uses her gift of sight to see beyond the physical realm.

It's a beautiful novel that aims to show us how we're all gifted in some way.

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The Women of Brewster Placeby Gloria Naylor

I had the pleasure of viewing the film adaptation of The Women of Brewster Place with my mom when I was younger and the seven women it revolves around still occupy my subconscious. Although they have different backgrounds, the central characters' lives are intertwined as they inhabit Brewster Place. What's meant to be a safe haven becomes filled with the struggles of each women as they work to understand love, loss, and identity in this moving novel.

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Let The Circle Be Unbrokenby Mildred D. Taylor

Let The Circle Be Unbroken is more for younger children, but it's message is still powerful enough to tug at the heartstrings of adults. It revolves around the Logan family as they deal with bitterness from those who don't care to see a black family own their land instead of relying on sharecropping, growing children, and a family member whose mother wants her to live life as a white woman.

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Hidden Figuresby Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures is a true story that details the way Black women helped spearhead some of NASA's most pivotal moments in history. It was because of their level of genius that men were able to safely go on space expeditions and make it back to Earth in one piece. However, these women still bore the brunt of segregation despite their intelligence and it sometimes threatened to overshadow what they were capable of bringing to the table.

Nevertheless, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden managed to move mountains at work and in space.

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Black Cakeby Charmaine Wilkerson

What would you do if you learned about the hidden past of one of your parents? In Black Cake, estranged siblings Byron and Benny take it upon themselves to truly understand who their mother is after she dies. They learn to set aside their differences as they realize why their mother kept secrets and eventually forge an impenetrable bond.

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When We Were Birdsby Ayanna Lloyd Banwo

Yejide is tasked with the magical gift that the women in her family have, but she'd rather ignore the very thing that caused her dying mother to be distant. In her mind, nothing is worth becoming a negative person. On the other hand, Darwin respects tradition right up until his job requires him to ignore it. He also sheds his identity and begins building a new life for himself. Somewhere along the lines of shedding tradition is when these two souls meet and it's clear that the dead knows something they don't.

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The Late Americansby Brandon Taylor

Iowa City is home to those who love and agitate each other in The Late Americans. Seamus, Ivan, Fatima, and Noah are at different stages of life, but they're all surrounded by the same environment that threatens to rock their worlds. They decide to get away from it all by taking a trip that leaves them changed in one way or another. Somehow love, hurts, and lust manage to find them even as they're looking for something different.

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Memphisby Tara M. Stringfellow

Violence found ways to harm Joan's family from her father's unstable temperament to her grandfather's unfair murder. To escape its stifling nature, Joan becomes a talented artist who comes to term with the ways certain things are ingrained in her. Memphis does an excellent job of showing that younger generations often carry the hopes and dreams of those who have come before us while facing whatever our time period has for us.

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Perishby Latoya Watkins

Helen Jean is haunted by hearing the words "Bear it or perish yourself," during one life-altering night and, once again, we're shown how much the younger generation is affected by what happened to the their ancestors. From Julie B. to Jan, everyone is afflicted with something from the past, things reach a head when hidden secrets threaten to bubble to the surface.

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The Office of Historical Correctionsby Danielle Evans

The Office of Historical Corrections is smartly written by Danielle Evans and explores how people interact with each other. With Black and multiracial characters at the heart of the book, Evans dives into topics about love, grief, and history in a way that'll make readers think.

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What The Fireflies Knewby Kai Harris

What The Fireflies Knew is about young KB's journey as a young Black girl in Detroit. Shaken by the finality of her dad's drug addiction, KB and her sister Nia find themselves living with their grandfather in Michigan. Everyone around KB is hiding something from her and she navigates all of this with the shaky unease of someone who's still trying to figure things out.

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Homebodiesby Tembe Denton-Hurst

Mickey Hayward is a writer with huge ambitions that lie beyond beauty and trendy news, but she can't seem to reach a point where she can write things she actually cares about. Yet, she endures with the support of her partner and everything is normal until she's promptly faced with being laid off. This inspires her to write about being a Black woman with a career in media that falls flat.

Landing back in Maryland, Mickey learns to come to terms with choices she's made so she can decide how she really wants to live her life.

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The Bluest Eyeby Toni Morrison

When a young Black girl's desire to have certain Eurocentric features causes her to ignore her own, she spirals into a longing that threatens her self worth. Not only, but she finds more than she bargains in the midst of wanting to be beautiful in a way she feels she's not.

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Seven Days In Juneby Tia Williams

Mom-coms exist and Seven Days In June is proof of that. It's about single mom Eva Mercy and all the ways her life changes when she encounters Shane Hall. They're both successful writers whose paths cross at a literary event and they realize the passion of their youth hasn't waned. Beyond that, their successful books have been love letters to each other all along.

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The Other Black Girlby Zakiya Dalila Harris

Editorial Assistant Nella Rogers is biding her time at Wagner Books where she's the only Black girl on staff. Surrounded by microaggressions and what feels like a stalled career, she trudges through her days until another Black girl is hired. She and Hazel quickly form an alliance, and things finally feel great. But, that changes when Hazel becomes the golden girl who can do no wrong and Nella is left behind.

If that wasn't bad enough, someone begins leaving threatening notes on Nella's desk and her mind becomes filled with paranoia. It's clear that something sinister is lurking beneath the shiny exterior of Wagner Books and it's up to her to find out what it is.

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Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

Yasmen and Josiah were inseparable until tragedy drove a wedge between them. Convinced they can't save their love, they decide to end things. However, they decide to be amicable co-parents and business partners. What could go wrong?
Well, there's the glaring fact that Yasmen and Josiah haven't stopped loving each other no matter who they've let into their lives. That's the problem...or maybe it's the solution.

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The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

Lily Greene doesn't think she fits in with her successful family. She'd rather chase after a dream of having a career in the literary world, but can't seem to progress no matter how hard she tries. The only bright spot in her life is emailing a fantasy author she's taken a liking to until he stops responding to her without an explanation.
Lily decides to pick her head up and focuses on securing a plus-one to her sister's wedding, setting her sights on her next door neighbor Nick Brown. He's charming, attractive, and he's the fantasy author she was emailing. She just doesn't know it yet.
When he realizes who she is, he decides to help her find a new date. But it's hard to pretend he doesn't have feelings for her when they've traded so much energy between emails.

Self Help Books By Black Authors

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Feeding The Soulby Tabitha Brown

Tabitha Brown takes readers on a journey to learn more about her past before she became social media's 'Auntie.' From her days growing up in South Carolina to the viral video that changed her life decades after realizing what she wanted to do for the rest of her life, Feeding The Soul is a warm book that does what its title says.

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Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing In Communityby Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D details the healing nature of having a community of friends who feel like sisters. Despite the idea that women are catty and unable to be trusted, Bradford explains how transformative a sisterhood can be. She talks about how our ideas about other Black women may shape our interactions with them and explains how we can do better collectively.

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Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing And Finding Community In a Broken Worldby Minaa B., LMSW

No one is immune to facing struggles in life, but Owning Our Struggles argues that we don't have to let our lives be defined by them. It's a book that's equipped with resources to help us change the narrative we tell ourselves when things feel hard.

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The Sugar Jar: Creating Boundaries, Embrace Self-Healing, and Enjoy the Sweet Things in Life by Yasmine Cheyenne

The title of this book should draw you in with it's mention of something sweet and that's the goal. However, the sugar in question is meant to represent our energy levels. It's another beautiful way of asking us to look at the glass half-full.

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Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationshipsby Nedra Glover Tawwab

This book has been helping me to set boundaries with my own family and it's something I highly recommend anyone read. Sometimes we find it hard to tell our family members no because we're not raised to think we have to protect our time, mental health, and energy from loved ones. But, it's often necessary in order to have a fulfilled life and Drama Free outlines how we can start.

Memoirs By Black Authors

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Just As I Amby Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson is a household name whose piercing work as an actress made her a quiet force to be reckoned with. In her memoir, she introduces us to her childhood and how she became the actress the world respected.

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I Know Why The Caged Bird Singsby Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou's captivating memoir details her life as a young girl raised by her grandmother and uncle in Stamps, Arkansas. It's there she spends time with her older brother Bailey, and the two face the painful realization of their parents' separation and being treated less than by those in a worse financial situation than them. Once Maya Angelou and Bailey find themselves living with their mom, the former faces a sexual assault that haunts her long after it happens. However, she eventually finds strength in being who she is and goes on to become the famed author, poet, and activist we know and love today.

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The Mother of Black Hollywoodby Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is another household name who's career spans decades. Nicknamed 'The Mother of Black Hollywood' due to playing an electric maternal figure in movies and TV series, Jenifer shares her life's lessons with readers in this heartwarming novel. She also details her struggle with mental health and it's something that helped me start getting serious about my own healing journey.

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Becomingby Michelle Obama

Before she was known as Barack Obama's wife, Michelle was a young girl who lived happily with her parents and brother in a small apartment. She then went on to become a successful lawyer who carved a name for herself at the law firm she used to work at. In Becoming, she shares the moments she realized she was meant to do something great and how Barack's presidency affected their family among other things.

Collective Books By Black Authors

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Black Women Writers at WorkEdited by Claudia Tate with a Forward by Tillie Olsen

Black Women Writers at Work is full of conversations with some of the most brilliant Black authors of our time. From Alice Walker to Nikki Giovanni, these interviews are a deep dive into how one's life can influence their meaningful work.

Which books by Black authors will you read during Black History Month?

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Did you know there are 7 types of rest that can help you relax better over time? Ever since I've started focusing on them, I've been craving the nights I'm able to get 8 hours of sleep. I'm not always successful, so I decided to ask mindfulness and meditation teacher Dora Kamu of Headspace and therapist and clinical social work Kiana Shelton, LCSW of Mindpath Health for their expert opinions.

Scroll to see the 8 key habits people who sleep 8 hours a night keep:

Vlada Karpovich

1. Meditate daily

Meditation is more than saying "ohm" while sitting with your legs crossed. While deep breathing does help to reset our nervous system, meditating is a way to help quiet our minds. Shelton says, "By working on reducing stress and anxiety, people can mitigate many issues that disrupt sleep" because "high stress levels can lead to overthinking and worrying," according to Kamu.

Vega DuPont

2. Bask In The Sun

Kamu says, "Morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which signals to your body when to wake and sleep. Aim for at least 10 minutes of sunlight early in the day to reset your internal clock." You can sit on your porch or balcony while drinking a nice cup of coffee or tea before starting your work day.

In the words of Sheryl Crowe, "I'm gonna soak up the sun. I'm gonna tell everyone to lighten up."

Ruxanda Photography

3. Go for daily walks

There's a reason why you see so many people talking about their love for hikes and daily walks. Not only can it help you reset during a busy day, it's generally a great way to connect to nature. Feeling the sun and breeze on your skin is a welcomed reprieve if you're otherwise glued to your computer screen during work.

Kamu says, "Exercise can promote a good night’s sleep. You don’t need to overdo it either. A brisk 30-minute walk or gentle yoga can significantly improve sleep quality." I use the Headspace app sometimes and have even listened to mindful meditations if I'm alone.

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

4. Start journaling your thoughts

Kamu says aside from "mindfulness practices like meditation" or "deep breathing", journaling is a great way to "keep your mind calm and clear." Don't overthink whether you're supposed to be formal or informal either. All that's required are your unfiltered thoughts or how you feel in any moment.

Photo by Mike Jones: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-sitting-at-the-table-9052312/

5. Limit your caffeine intake

You and I love coffee, right? Kudos if it's a yummy cold brew that energizes us! But, Shelton and Kamu believe being mindful of what we're drinking throughout the day can help us get 8 hours of sleep. Why? "Your food and beverage choices can impact your sleep," Kamu warns. Her advice is to "avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and sugary drinks...to set yourself up for better rest."

Concerning caffeine, Shelton knows some of us have bad habits. "...while many of us may stop drinking coffee after the morning, caffeine is often present in favorite sodas and other beverages. Caffeine can wake the body up, making it harder to fall asleep." You know the beloved soda you just have to drink as a late 'pick-me-up?' It's likely confusing your body.

cottonbro studio

6. Skip Heavy Meals Before Bed

Kamu mentioned this earlier, but she says "what we consume can have a big impact on how we sleep." She highly suggests you skip "caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime" because they can "work against your nighttime wind-down." If you're craving something to drink or munch on, she recommends "a soothing herbal tea or light snack."

Ivan Samkov

7. Keep screen time to a minimum before bed

If experts have said it once, they'll say it again: people who get 8 hours of sleep are limiting their screen time before bed. Shelton says, "...they avoid cell phones and TV, stopping the use of electronic devices 30–60 minutes before bed." Although it doesn't seem 'blue' to us, Kamu says "the blue light from screens can trick your brain into thinking it's still daytime" which disrupts "your natural rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep."

She adds, "Give your devices a bedtime, too — try putting them away 2-3 hours before you turn in. If that feels like a stretch, dim your phone’s light or switch to dark mode to ease the strain on your eyes."

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

8. Have A Consistent Bedtime

I've always heard the importance of kids having a routine they follow, but did you know we need to have them too? Kamu says, "As creatures of habit, our bodies thrive on consistency. A steady bedtime routine helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, preparing your mind and body for rest." She says you can "think of it as a nightly ritual to signal, 'It’s time to unwind.'"

Her tips are to:

  • Practice yoga nidra to relax and reset
  • Read a calming book to settle your thoughts
  • Take a warm shower or soak in a hot bath to soothe your muscles and invite restfulness (my favorite recommendation!)
Shelton also says, "Even on weekends, people who get the proper amount of sleep tend to go to bed around the same time regardless of the day of the week."

Shelton says, "One of the most impactful changes is to stop sacrificing sleep. Many people feel that nighttime is the only time they have to themselves, a phenomenon called Revenge Bedtime Procrastination (RBP). This mindset not only reduces the time available for sleep but also disrupts the body’s ability to regulate sleep hormones, such as melatonin."

In other words, prioritize your health so you can get the rest you need!

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Thin Mints are undeniably the best Girl Scout cookie flavor, which is why I’m so pumped to hear that Wendy’s is giving their regular Frosty roster a tasty upgrade in lieu of Girl Scout cookie season. That’s right – there’s a Thin Mints Frosty on the way, and I can already tell it’s going to be ahh-mazing!

Read on for everything we know about the Wendy’s Thin Mints Frosty.


Wendy's

Announced on January 27, 2025, Wendy’s is officially teaming up with Girl Scouts of the USA for the all-new Thin Mints Frosty, which will hit restaurants in February!

Wendy's

Per People, the Thin Mints Frosty will be concocted with a mint chocolate swirl that leverages the actual Thin Mints cookies to create a “crumbly, cookie butter-esque texture.” As far as the Frosty base goes, you’ll be able to order it in either of Wendy’s classic Frosty flavors: vanilla or chocolate.

Girl Scouts of the USA

I anticipate that the Thin Mints Frosty will simply be a 10/10 treat – or perhaps even a solid 11 or 12/10! It’s widely known that the crispy chocolate cookies are always better straight from the freezer (at least in my family), so knowing they're going to be incorporated into a frozen treat is truly so exciting.

Wendy's + Girl Scouts of the USA

The Thin Mints Frosty will be available nationwide – but only for a limited-time – starting Friday, February 21.

Girl Scouts of the USA

The 2025 Girl Scout cookie season began on January 7, with 12 flavors available for purchase. Girl Scouts of the USA did sadly announce two flavors, Girl Scout S’mores and Toast-Yay!, will not return for the 2026 cookie season. I luckily don’t see Thin Mints going anywhere – they’re a cult favorite!

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