Here Are The Best Impulse Buys For My Home I’d Get Again And Again

Sep 15, 2023

If I’m gonna spend money, it’s gonna be on my house. Clothes? Eh. Fancy dinner? Eh. New gadget for my kitchen that I don’t really need, but it looks cool? Add to cart. Those impulse purchases don’t always pay off, but it feels like a secret you can’t keep to yourself when they do. I’ll tell anyone. The barista who made my coffee. My Instagram stories. Heck, I’ve already ordered duplicates to give as gifts. And now I'm telling you! Here’s my list of impulse buys I got for my home that I’d 100% buy again.

Image via Amazon

A Cup Rinser That Attaches To Your Sink

I love this thing. I’ve seen them before, in bars or fancy houses, but always assumed they were pricy and involved complex installation. Think again. If your sink has a soap dispenser built it, you can attach it right there without having to add a water line or do any sort of plumbing. It’s silly how easy it is. This thing cleans cups before and after I make a little drink drink. If I drink a smoothie, this thing washes it clean even if I don’t feel like putting it in the dishwasher. And best of all… it’s under $30.

Image via Amazon

A Bidet Attachment That Doesn’t Require A Plumber

I was not a believer, I’ll be honest. I had zero interest in a bidet. Seemed gross, weird, and European. But I live with a boy and he was fascinated by the potential, so before I could say no, my husband had installed one to our toilet. Call me a convert. It’s not bizarre, it’s phenomenal. It has limited the amount of toilet paper use and I’ve never felt cleaner. We now have one in our guest bathroom.

Image via Hyggelight

Reusable Candle Vessels That Come With Flower Seeds

I’m a candle girly and as cooler weather approaches, I am living for this small business candles. They come in stunning vessels and delicious scents, but wait there’s more. The labels that come with the candles are actually wildflower seed packets. So when you’ve burnt through your yummy candle, you can pop some soil in there with the label and watch your plant grow. The sustainability factor alone had me hooked, but the fact that these soy candles burn clean, look like handmade pottery, and are owned by the sweetest husband and wife made this a top contender for items I own and love.

Image via Amazon

The Viral Rectangular Lazy Susan

A viral product doesn’t always equate to stellar functionality (looking at you Stanley cups). But this one doesn’t disappoint. This lazy Susan for your fridge is rectangular rather than round, meaning it holds so much more than your standard spinning Susan. Instead of wasting a shelf in your fridge, this thing takes advantage for the entire shelf and makes it simple to get to the things in the back. My lack of object permanence is grateful.

Image via Amazon

Outlet Covers With Motion-Activated Lights

Backstory: my husband sleeps on the side of the bed closest to the bathroom and I get up to pee at least once in the night. I blame my last ditch hydrating efforts around dinner time. Anyway, I hate having to turn on the light and awaken the beast (he’s very sweet, just not when he’s woken up). These SnapPower Guidelights are great. They go over any outlet and can either be turned on all the time or can be set to motion activation. It’s just enough light that I don’t miss the toilet but it doesn’t even bother my dog who is notoriously a light sleeper. I now have these in my kitchen for late night snacks and on my side of the bed so I don’t have to struggle to plug in my phone charger.

Image via Amazon

A Magnetic Shelf That Attaches To Your Stove

Have you ever pulled your oven out from the wall to clean it? If not, you probably should, but you’ve been warned. It’s upsetting. For me, the lack of counter space in my galley-style kitchen means the top of my oven is where our salt and pepper shaker, timers (again, ADHD) and spices sit. The amount of times stuff has fallen behind our oven is absurd. This stove shelf is so silly and so wonderful. It’s magnetic so it sticks on your oven and stays put. It has a back so keep things from sliding off and honestly, it looks like it’s part of my oven. Win-win-win.

Image via Amazon

A Two-Pack Of Stackable Dog Food Storage Bins

I have two of the world’s most adorable dogs, but they are high-maintenance. They eat two different foods because one is allergic to poultry (do you know how much dog stuff has poultry in it???). Again, our home is small and cozy but storage is an issue and our laundry room/utility room/pantry was giving us a lot of issues when it came to storing their food in a way that didn’t result in a mid-day break in from the food thieves. These dog food storage bins are life-changing. They keep the good fresh, come with scoops, stack on top of each other, and even have little compartments for treats. They lock easily so even out genius dog can’t break in and they travel so easily.

Image via Amazon

A Lightweight Cooling Blanket That Absorbs Heat

This is a first-world problem, but I get very hot at night. But being uncovered is not an option for me. I cannot sleep without covers and sometimes even a top sheet is too much for me. That’s why I love my cooling blanket. It gives me the perfect coverage I need to feel safe from the boogie man and yet I never get too hot.

Image via Solo Stove

A Smokeless Fire Pit That’s Easy To Set Up

Cooler temps mean more bonfires, aka my favorite time of the year The Solo Stove is surprisingly lightweight and has a 360-degree airflow design. We also have the Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven which makes delicious pizzas and is the perfect addition to any backyard party. Again, it’s lightweight and easy to store when you’re not using it. I anticipate lots of football watching parties that include delicious pizza and s’mores.

Filling your home with purchases you love can be a trial and error process — trust me, I know. Save the time and money spent on buying and returning something, and just purchase these go-tos that continue to surprise me. And if you’re related to me, pretend you didn’t read this because you might be getting one of these for Christmas. 😉

What's your favorite gadget in your home? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for more recs!

Header image via Hyggelight

These 8 Body Washes Are So Moisturizing, You’ll Never Want To Skip Shower Time Again

Though often overlooked, one of life’s little luxuries is a dang good body wash. In the same way I shop for face cleansers that don’t strip my skin of its natural moisture (but still leaves it feelin’ fresh and clean), I’ve found the best body wash is one that’s undeniably moisturizing. Body washes with moisturizing and hydrating properties are great fits for any and all skin types – hydration is essential for preventing dryness, supplementing the skin’s elasticity, and strengthening the skin barrier – essentially giving your skin the best line of defense against accelerated signs of aging, environmental damage, and breakouts.

These are the best moisturizing body washes to banish dryness:

What body wash should I use for dry skin?

Amazon

Any hydrating body wash with a creamy or oily consistency can be beneficial for dry skin, helping deposit more moisture during the cleansing process without disturbing your skin’s barrier. We recommend Naturium’s The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash, which boasts a nourishing oil-to-lather formula. If you have dry, flaky skin, it also may be best to avoid body washes that have fragrances as they can dry you out even more. Gentle, fragrance-free body washes like Aveeno’s Triple Oat Skin Relief Body Wash are typically a safe, soothing choice.

Target

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

I personally used this body wash from Dove all throughout my high school years, where every single skincare concern I had on my face suddenly migrated to my body. I'm talkin' cystic acne, blackheads, and flaky patches. It was notenjoyable. While this body wash wasn't an immediate fix for what my extremely hormonal teenage skin was going through, it certainly helped soothe the intense dryness and didn't aggravate the other various issues at all. I can attest that it's definitely friendly for sensitive skin-havers! Plus, at $10 for around 30 fluid ounces of product, it's also easy on the wallet.

Target

Method Simply Nourish Body Wash

I was on a good Method body wash stint for a while and probably kept this $8 bottle on rotation for about a years worth of showers. I'd be lying if I said I loved it for its moisturizing qualities only – this body wash also smells like pure heaven, which really adds to the experience of using it. It boasts a nice balance of coconut, rice milk, and shea butter, which work for your skin, not against it. Just a warning though: the fragrance may be a bit harsh for those with especially sensitive skin.

Amazon

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Body Wash

First, I fell in love with SheaMoisture's Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream. Then, their body wash came along – it's only made my love for the brand grow, especially because it's given me undeniably nourished skin every time I hop out of the shower. According to SheaMoisture, this $12 pick is formulated to leave melanin-rich skin "visibly moisturized." I don't have melanin-rich skin by any means, but I still feel super moisturized after using this body wash, likely from the rich blend of shea butter, frankincense, myrrh, and ceramides in its formula.

Amazon

Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash

This $15 oil-to-cream body wash is the epitome of treat yourself. I really like that the bottle design can instantly upgrade to your shower set up, making every self-care night that much more luxurious. Not only does it look beautiful, it feels beautiful, too. This moisturizing body wash is made with glycerin, squalene, and a variety of rich oils that help replenish your skin's natural moisture and add even more nourishment with each use.

Sephora

Soft Services Comfort Cleanse Ultra-Soothing + Moisturizing Body Wash

This $32 water-oil body wash formula lathers up just enough to lift and wash away impurities on your skin without being super harsh or amplifying dry skin woes. In fact, 100% of users in a product study agreed it was non-irritating for skin, and 91% of them said their skin felt more moisturized and comfortable over time – and I agree! To combat the noticeably-dry skin on my legs this fall, I've been using it routinely alongside Soft Services' Green Banana Buffing Bar and love how soft and supple my skin feels post-shower.

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'Spider-Man 4' Is Officially Happening, And Of Course Tom Holland Spilled This Important Detail

Tom Holland and Zendaya are the "it" couple right now, and they're both at the top of their game. Tom Holland took a recent break from acting and has been doing phenomenal charity work with his Brothers Trust foundation, while Zendaya's had hit after hit with Euphoria, Dune 2, and Challengers. And it looks like the couple, who met doing Spider-Man: Homecoming, could be doing another new Marvel movie. Here's everything we know about Spider-Man 4.

Is Tom Holland's Spider-Man 4 coming?

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Yes, we're getting a Spider-Man 4! Tom Holland finally confirmed the news during an October 22 appearance on The Tonight Show, and in true Tom fashion, already revealed a huge piece of news: the movie will start shooting next summer. "Everything’s good to go — we’re nearly there,” he said. “Super exciting. I can’t wait!”

Before the movie was confirmed, producer Amy Pascal told Variety (when asked if they're making a fourth film), “Of course, we are."

It might feel like a new movie conflicts with the fact Spider-Man: No Way Home set up an MCU without Tom Holland's Peter Parker, especially since Tom said he needed to take a break from acting after The Crowded Room "broke" him. ("I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was," he tells Extra.)

However, Tom's also been very vocal about how much Spider-Man means to him, and how much he loves the movies. He also told Variety at The Crowded Room premiere in 2023 that he was already “having meetings” about the next installment.

“The simple answer is that I’ll always want to do Spider-Man films,” Tom tells Deadline at the Sands Film Festival. “We have the best in the business working toward whatever the story might be. But until we’ve cracked it, we have a legacy to protect...The third movie was so special in so many ways that we need to make sure we do the right thing.”

What has Tom Holland said about returning as Peter Parker?

Jay Maidment/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Tom Holland recently revealed that he's actually already read a script for Spider-Man 4 — and that he loved it! “We have a creative and we have a pitch and a draft, which is excellent,” he tells the Rich Roll Podcast (via Variety). “It needs work, but the writers are doing a great job. I read it three weeks ago and it really lit a fire in me. Zendaya and I sat down and read it together and we, at times, were bouncing around the living room like this is a real movie worthy of the fans’ respect.”

“One of the things is that, with Marvel, your film is a small cog in a large machine,” he continues. “That machine has got to keep running. You have to make sure you can fit into that timeline at the right time to benefit the bigger picture. That’s one of the challenges we’re facing. The time in which we need to get that done is a tall order but definitely achievable with the people we have working on it now.”

Peter Parker is one character fans take very seriously, and I know that with Tom and Zendaya at the front, this movie is going to be just as special as Spider-Man: No Way Home!

Will Zendaya be in Spider-Man 4?

JoJo Whilden/Sony Pictures/Marvel

With the recent news that Euphoria season 3 was delayed — and the cast has been given the greenlight to take other projects — it's totally safe to assume Zendaya will return for Spider-Man 4. And fans are hoping for even more characters they love! "Hopefully Kingpin, Scorpion, Daredevil and Black Cat," says one Reddit user.

Forbes has also recently reported Sydney Sweeney could be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4. Sydney was in Madame Web earlier this year, and after rumors she booked the role thinking she was joining the MCU, this newest Tom Holland film would give her the opportunity to do just that. We could see her as Gwen Stacy, or as Felicia Hardy/Black Cat. Considering we've already gotten an extensive plotline surrounding Peter and Gwen in Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's universe, I'm hoping we'd see her as Felicia!

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsdirector Destin Daniel Cretton is in talks to take over from Jon Watts, who directed the first three movies.

Has Spider-Man 4 started filming?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Spider-Man 4 will start filming in "next summer" according to Tom Holland, which we're taking to mean the summer of 2025. Based on the schedule for Spider-Man: Far From Home, we could see Spider-Man 4 in the summer of 2026.

What will be the title of Spider-Man 4?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

We don't have an official name for Spider-Man 4 yet, but fans are already coming up with new ideas. Some fan titles include The Spectacular Spider-Man,Spider-Man: Homeless, and Spider-Man: Home Again. I'd love for Spider-Man 4 to continue with the "home" theme, but switching things up with a brand new title would provide a fresh feel we haven't gotten before. I'm excited to see what Marvel goes with!

What are the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies in order?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Tom Holland has three Spider-Man movies, but he also shows up in some other MCU titles. If you want to watch all the movies Tom Holland plays Peter Parker, here's how you should watch them:

Captain America: Civil War
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Endgame
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Spider-Man: No Way Home

What do you want to see in Tom Holland and Zendaya's Spider-Man 4? Let us know in the comments!

This post has been updated.

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Sorry, But UGG Boots Never Went Out Of Style

I still remember my first pair of UGG boots. They were the classic mid-calf silhouette in a cute-at-the-time gray color, and I truly wore them out. Thankfully, the fashion zeitgeist has moved way past pairing them with basic black leggings and the ever-adored Victoria’s Secret Pink oversized long sleeve shirt (maybe just me?), but UGG boots still have that certain timeless charm about them – totally staple-worthy and definitely as comfy as can be. Every style symbol from Bella Hadid and Zendaya to Jennifer Lopez has donned the warmth-lined boots at one point or another, awarding them complete icon status.

That’s what I love about UGG boots: no matter who you are (or your level of fame), they look good on everyone. Not to mention, they’re ever-so practical for the winter months. The dense lining that’s become a signature for UGG boots was originally designed for Australian surfers’ feet to keep ‘em warm against the chilling winter waters, but now, they stand up nicely against freezing temperatures in the city and beyond.

To reignite (or simply solidify) your love for the 2010s status symbol-turned 2020s fashion statement boots, here are 8 UGG boots that range from classic to earth-shattering, all begging to become a part of your winter wardrobe.

Nordstrom

UGG Ultra Mini Classic Boot

A shortened version of the OG UGG boots, this style hits around your ankles like some booties would. They're shoppable in 10 different colors at Nordstrom, from subtle neutrals to saturated greens, blues, and pinks. Of course, you'll reap the warming benefits of the wool-rich lining made to feel like genuine shearling.

Nordstrom

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boot

What this boot takes from the ankle height, it adds to the chunky platform soles. I've been seeing platform UGG boots just about everywhere since they debuted last year, and I love 'em because they give every look a nice boost. Your cold-weather ensemble will also become instantly trend-worthy since these boots are Bella Hadid-approved.

Nordstrom

UGG Ashton Zip Waterproof Boot

If you, like me, have to make it through through snowy, wet winters, classic UGG boots aren't the most practical choice for commuting. The soles on classic styles (like the ones mentioned above) are made of a foamy synthetic material that doesn't necessarily stand up to moisture and ice, whereas the rubber sole on these bad boys is durable and waterproof. Of course, you still get that undeniably recognizable UGG look from the chestnut brown colorway and the little logo stamp on the sides of these boots.

Nordstrom

UGG Classic New Heights Genuine Shearling Cuffable Boot

Okay – I am thoroughly obsessed with these UGG boots. The bold, curvaceous soles remind me of go-go boots you'd find in the '70s, making this style instantly timeless. The tall calf shaft can be worn rolled up for added warmth or cuffed down to reveal the cozy faux-shearling lining, so you essentially get two looks in one unique shoe.

Nordstrom

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Alpine Bootie

Après ski season is swiftly approaching, and I'd argue there's no better shoe to slip into after a day on the slopes than some plush UGG boots. These booties have an especially cozy vibe to them, thanks to the moccasin-inspired stitching along the seams. The shorter height also makes them easier to slip into than traditional calf-grazing UGGs!

UGG

UGG Classic Twin Seam New Heights Boot

These UGG boots don't have to work hard to make a statement – the 3-inch platform heel does most of the talking. The footbed of this style is adorned with UGG's classic, dense lining, while the ankle part is simply suede, making them easy to wear over socks and other wintery layers like tights or leggings.

Nordstrom

UGG Classic Mini Platform Boot

Fitted with the ever-trendy platform soles and a boot shaft that hits a little higher on your calves than the UGG Ultra Minis, these are the style to snag if you want a nice balance of style and practicality this winter. The lining will keep your feet super warm, all while the boosted silhouette of these boots adds unmissable flair.

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17 Pop Culture Costumes That Are Freakin' Perfect For Halloween

Every year since I was old enough to choose my Halloween costume, I've gone with my current fictional character hyperfixation. We're talking Amy March from Little Women, Lucy from Narnia (twice), Belle from Beauty in the Beast (three times), and even Eurydice from Hadestown. So I know a good pop culture Halloween costume when I see it.

New York Comic Con 2024 was filled with people who love movies, TV, and comics — and who know how to put together a good costume. This past weekend I saw everything from Disneybounds (a catchall term for easier, streetwear version of iconic costumes) to cosplays involving lights and smoke. And I catalogued them all away because they make incredible Halloween costume inspo. The best news is these are all pretty easy and they're definitely recognizable. So no more having to explain who you are! Here are 17 of the coolest pop culture costumes I saw at NYCC to use for your own 'fits this year.

Glinda & Elphaba from 'Wicked'

Universal Pictures

My jaw literally dropped when I saw two cosplayers in full head-to-toe costumes from the new Wicked movie. And when I say full costume, I mean it — people were having to step around Glinda because her ballgown was so big! If you're not so sure about a full gown, opt for a pink corset and mini skirt for G, or a little black dress for Elphaba, instead.

'The Handmaid’s Tale'

Brit + Co

A white cap and a red cape? Babe, it literally doesn't get easier than this.

'Agatha All Along' Costumes

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Agatha All Along is Marvel's newest hit show, and as a costume girlie I was so excited to see outfits from the series IRL! I was also shocked at how easy they are to recreate. Billy just wears a sweater and jeans (which you probably already have in your closet), while Agatha opts for a teal trench.

Scarlet Witch's Suit From 'WandaVision'

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

And of course it wouldn't be a comic con without dozens of Scarlet Witches! Wanda Maximoff is such a beloved character, it only makes sense that fans would wear full cosplays, or turn her iconic costume into a sweater & jeans look like I did! If you're feeling crafty like me, I was inspired by @MagicWithMeg's jeans and painted the design on a pair of black jeans. The only thing you'll want to note here is that I made sure to paint white on the base before the red — it made it stand out perfectly.

Obviously, I wore my Scarlet Witch shirt to meet Wanda herself, Elizabeth Olsen.

'Game of Thrones'

Brit + Co

Winterfell will never go out of style! Reuse that red cape from The Handmaid's Tale costume, or go for a leather look. Either way, you'll look very stylish.

Megan

Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures

One pop culture costume that made me laugh out loud was M3gan from the 2022 flick of the same name. Buying the costume dress will save you a ton of hassle (meaning you can focus on scaring your neighbors), but all you need to recreate it is a khaki mini dress.

Anne and Marilla from 'Anne of Green Gables'

Ken Woroner/Netflix

Anne of Green Gables is one of the stories I hold closest to my heart, and I was so excited to see a duo dressed up as Anne Shirley and Marilla Cuthbert! Especially since it's just an excuse to wear cottagecore dresses all Halloweekend long.

'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Costumes

Allyson Riggs/A24

Everything Everywhere All At Once costumes are so easy to recreate — and this Elvis costume x pink wig combo is simply too iconic to pass up. I'll take any excuse to have a bagel in-hand.

Princess Irulan and a Sandworm from 'Dune 2'

Warner Bros. Pictures

Dune 2 has a lot of iconic duos. Paul and Chani, Feyd Rautha and Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. But the combo I didn't expect to see at Comic Con was Princess Irulan and a sandworm. But now I need this tan dress and chainmail ASAP.

Harry Potter and Hermione

Brit + Co

I also saw plenty of Hogwarts students during my time at NYCC, and Harry and Hermione are always a great choice for a Halloween costume. Grab some Wizarding robes — after you figure out your house of course.

Troy and Gabriela from 'High School Musical'

Disney Channel

Troy and Gabriela might be the easiest couples's costume of all time. An East High jersey and a red mini dress are all you need! (Microphones not needed, but encouraged).

Glen Powell in 'Twisters'

Universal Pictures

White tee? Check. Cowboy hat? Check. Tiny, adorable dog? Check. My friend, you've got yourself a Twisters Halloween costume!

Cinderella

Jonathan Olley/Disney

The 2015 Cinderella rewired my brain, and seeing someone show up to Comic Con in Lily James' gorgeous blue ballgown rewired it all over again!! If the full gown is too much, try our easy DIY Cinderella outfit instead!

'Star Wars'

Brit + Co

Dressing up as a Jedi really just means wearing the most comfy Halloween costume ever. Just grab some leggings and wrap some fabric around your body and you've got an easy Rey costume for the holiday.

Baby Yoda

Disney

And in the Star Wars of it all, I also saw a baby dressed up as Grogu and I couldn't handle the cuteness! This onesie is a must.

The Powerpuff Girls

Amazon

While I saw someone rock a Powerpuff Girls tee, you can also grab a matching set in blue, green, or pink to make this costume more screen-accurate.

A Camp Half-Blood Student From 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians'

Matthias Clamer/Disney

I'd definitely consider Percy Jackson'sCamp Half-Blood my home away from home, and if you snag this camp shirt, you can wear it all the time — not just on Halloween. Grab some cosplay armor and your favorite pair of denim shorts and you can be a camper ready to fight evil!

Check out 65+ Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas Perfect For Procrastinators for more!

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Talking To Kids About Puberty Is AWKWARD — Nancy Redd's 'The Real Body Manual' Helps

The perks of having an older sister means I've been able to ask her all my more embarrassing questionsgrowing up. My whole life, we've chatted about everything from periods to sex to giving birth. Then one day, right before I graduated high school, she gifted me a book that changed everything: Nancy Redd's Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers. It not only helped me understand my body more, but it also helped soothe some of the insecurity I had before my postpartum body developed into what it is today.

I eventually gifted Body Drama to someone else, but I never forgot about how beneficial it was, and I always thought there should be more work like it out in the world. As it turns out, Nancy Redd wasn't done normalizing bodies and questions bout sexual health — the author and Wirecutter journalist just released The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness! Not only is it a great resource for those who are looking for answers to more specific health questions, but it's something I continue to revisit on the days my insecurity dampens my mood!

I chatted with Redd to understand more about her work — and I came out understanding even more about myself and how I want to help raise the future generation.

The Difference Between 'Body Drama' And 'The Real Body Manual'

Amazon

If you've had the pleasure of sticking your nose in Nancy Redd's Body Drama, you're familiar with how well-researched and thorough it is. In that regard, The Real Body Manual is no different — but Redd highlights it's still a "totally different book." She says, "The world has changed dramatically, and we're talking so much more about bodies, and we see a lot more bodies."

Despite seeing all those "real" bodies on TV and otherwise, women — and people in general — still don't feel great about themselves. According to a 2022 study, 32% of teens had a negative opinion about their acne, while 31% weren't comfortable with their weight. Meanwhile, another study shows that 80% of women have referred to themselves as "fat."

To combat troubling statistics like those, Redd hopesThe Real Body Manual can help. "I think we're all operating with not enough information about the world we live in, and I think the more information we can receive in a safe, educated, medically-accurate space, the better," she explains.

Centre for Ageing Better

Redd also really wanted to write a book that taught both her son and her daughter about their changing bodies — and she feels this is the perfect time for everyone to come together and learn about the way bodies not only look, but function. She likens these lessons to learning about world geography. "We don't just need to know about the small town we live in. We need to know about the state, country, the world-at-large," she stresses. And she thinks The Real Body Manual can help you "learn about your own body, your friends, and the people in society you live with."

If you look at the group of friends I have today, everyone doesn't have the same body shame. One of my friends is a little taller and curvier than I am while another is shorter and rounder. I dealt with acne-prone skin and dark spots while my best friend Cookie didn't really struggle with that. It's honestly rare that everyone will look the same — and that's okay! But learning about what's going on with all of us helps bridge our experiential gaps and creates better shared understanding.

And with that in mind, here are the 4 things I learned about my body — and all bodies — when chatting with Nancy and reading The Real Body Manual.

1. Understanding Your Body Doesn't Have To Look Like Everyone Else's

MART PRODUCTION

I grew up during a time where certain body types were celebrated more than others in media, and it had a negative effect on how I perceived my own body. I believed I wasn't supposed to have stretch marks because video vixens didn't, and became horrified when I discovered them in middle school as a slender girl. Not only that, but I didn't really develop curves until after I gave birth which made me feel like an outlier in my community.

Recent studies found there's a link between teens aged 16-18 years old developing body dysmorphia and social media...which doesn't sound surprising. And while there are countless body positive accounts that also exist — and I really do promise I'm not saying to completely ditch your socials — sometimes you have to take a step away from it (and other influencers) if it's having a negative impact on your self-esteem.

"Some bodies naturally look like those in music videos. I think separating that from being able to find love or have purpose in your life — they're completely separate things," Redd insists. She breaks things down even further by explaining why you not looking a certain way doesn't discount you from enjoying life. "Some people are born with the ability to be tennis stars, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pick up a tennis racket because you're not Serena Williams."

The main point she drives home is that "every person can have a great time with their bodies" which is why The Real Body Manual reads like an encouraging, evidence-based love letter to readers.

2. Loving Yourself Is A Choice

Anna Tarazevich

Just like I had to make the decision to fully accept the body I have, it's something Nancy says everyone has the ability to do. "It's literally a choice," she says before one of her kids quickly pops into our convo. In a tender moment, she asks her child, "Hello, do you love your body?"

This brief encounter circles back to the reason why The Real Body Manual matters — it opens up these conversations with our kids, offering a tangible resource for others. I know I try to have more conversations like this with my son, and I've even encouraged him to hug himself when he needs a little dose of self love.

"The things that matter — having purpose in life, feeling love, being a good community member — don't have much to do with whether you have hyperpigmentation, freckles, cellulite, etc.," she says. "The more you know from the beginning of your journey that bodies look different, the easier it is for you to accept [yourself]. But if the only bodies you're seeing are sexualized in pornography, videos, and magazines, you don't have a real basis."

It's one of the biggest reasons she intended for The Real Body Manual to be a visual guide.

3. Your Naked Body Is Beautiful

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"I really like showing people what the body actually looks like for the most part," Redd says. Yeah, that's right — The Real Body Manual features real people's bodies, not just illustrations. In doing so, she says, "Everyone can see someone who resembles them." It doesn't matter if you're heavy-set, a person with different sized breasts, or anything in-between. The point is that you'll be able to find yourself somewhere in The Real Body Manual.

My mother told me how little information her own mom shared with her about bodies. Because of that, my mom always stressed that she wanted my sister and I to have access to whatever information we needed. She wanted us to be informed, and never inhibited by her own lack of comfort over a topic. But not all parents feel comfortable sharing with their kids.

Redd says, "I don't think it was done with malice. I think people are just working with whatever they have which is not a lot." She further notes people have chosen to refer to genitals as "down there" for both men and women instead of saying the proper term for them for their autonomy. I'll be honest — growing up in a religious background often means sexual shame was attached to very normal things like breasts and penises.

Not everyone was on board with me telling my toddler he has a penis instead of saying "pee pee" — or not talking about it at all, if we're being honest. But I wanted him to feel comfortable with what he was born with, and to know that his dad having the same anatomy is normal. "We just don't use the proper names for things which increases this shroud of secrecy about it. We aren't taught health literacy," Redd says.

4. 'The Real Body Manual' Is A Must-Have For Pre-Teens, Teens, And Adults

Yan Krukau

Funnily enough, Redd informs me that October is actually Health Literacy Month, making all this really round out. We should know what's going on with our bodies, whether it's the proper terminology, what changes we're going through, what we can look like. Ignorance only makes our experiences more confusing and harder — especially when we're young and probably have a million different questions.

She explains that if you ask people specifics like 'How does a period work,' then they may not know the answer. "The same goes for if you ask what's the difference between a freckle and a mole," Redd explains. "It may not seem like these things are a big deal, but when something goes wrong, you need to know 'I need to get this thing checked out.'"

Information is power, and when armed with information about our bodies we can lead safer, healthier lives. Instead of wondering why we don't talk about things enough, Redd decided to take the bull by the horns and talk about them — and she thinks you should talk about them, even (and sometimes especially) when they're uncomfortable. She says, "Any time you feel shame or discomfort discussing your body, that's a sign you don't have enough information."

If you find yourself unable to ask other people questions, but want to start feeling comfortable in your body, I highly recommend that you read both Body Drama and The Real Body Manual because they're equipped with detailed explanations — and helpful imagery — about how bodies actually look, work, and feel.

Buy 'The Real Body Manual' Here!

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The Real Body Manual

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