How to Make Your Home Feel More Zen

Emily Bihl
Sep 11, 2018

Whether you define self-care as drinking green smoothies or treating yourself to a bath bomb-studded soak at the end of a hard day, there may be a major area of wellness-boosting potential that you’re neglecting: your home. According to NYC wellness-driven architect and designer Carolyn DiCarlo, the link between living space and personal wellbeing is an important one. “A cluttered space or a poorly configured home can manifest in our bodies as depression or illness,” she says. What’s a self-care enthusiast to do? DiCarlo shares her tips for turning this overlooked asset into your biggest source of zen vibes.

1. Make your personal space truly personal. “Make yourself a space (reading corner, TV seat, meditation space) that reflects what you need,” says DiCarlo. Even if it’s just a pillow on the floor in a corner of a small studio apartment, it’s important to have one spot where you know you can always relax. Carve out a little room for yourself to do what you love and you’ll find yourself re-centering more often. “Only if you have a safe place [at home] can you be comfortable and truly effective in the world,” DiCarlo tells us.

2. Bring nature in. “There’s nothing more de-stressing than sinking into the rhythms of nature,” says DiCarlo. While it’s certainly trendy to turn your home into a plant-filled paradise to boost your mood, even those with a brown thumb can harness the power of nature reap the benefits. “Direct [the layout of] a room to the time of day that light comes in, and take advantage of that,” suggests DiCarlo. “You might want a reading corner in a room where the sunlight comes in from behind you as you read.” If you can’t bring in natural light, look for the next best thing in lighting. “I prefer to stay clear of LED bulbs, using incandescents or low-voltage incandescent halogen bulbs [instead],” says DiCarlo. “LED bulbs lack the infrared spectrum that’s critical to your cellular health. I appreciate their longevity and cost-savings, but having good sustained health is ultimately cheaper.”

3. Get serious about noise stress. City-dwellers in particular understand the perils of a noisy neighborhood. If construction, honking cars, or a neighbor’s overzealous dog are making your house less-than-calm, look for a proactive solution rather than just waiting for the noise to go away. “Maybe you can resolve it with a layer of QuietRock installed on your walls to minimize the stress that ‘that noise’ causes,” says DiCarlo, “or find a recirculating fountain to drown out low-level sounds with the healing sounds of water.” Whatever solution you decide on, you’ll be amazed what a difference true peace and quiet can make, especially at times when tension is already running high.

4. Mind your materials. Even furniture and finishes can impact the way you’re able to relax in a space. “Some feel good to the touch, like marble and wood, while others are just too rough, harsh, or just annoying,” says DiCarlo. Of course, everyone’s preference is different, but the point here is not to feel guilty about replacing functional-but-not-comfy pieces with something that inspires calm. “Get rid of those things that don’t make you happy and replace them with those that do,” DiCarlo urges.

5.Get in the flow. Some furniture arrangements *look* great, but they’re just not practical for how you really live. “If you have to step around things, or feel like you’re running into furniture because the layout doesn’t work with the circulation flow, then it’s time to rearrange,” says DiCarlo. The impact can be more far-reaching than you think. “Although it seems like a subtle thing, chances are that same ‘blocked’ feeling is present in other areas of your life (e.g., feeling like your relationship is stuck or impeded, or feeling blocked in your career),” she says. “If you cure the problem in your environment, it will naturally affect the other areas of your life. [These zones are] not as separate as we think they are.”

6.Trust yourself. “You know what the problem with your space is better than anyone,” says DiCarlo. If there’s a detail of your home situation that grinds your gears, address it head-on. (After all, this is your mental well-being we’re talking about.) Whether it’s a chair that strains your neck, a fluorescent light that buzzes and flickers, or even just a wall color you truly hate, there’s no shame in prioritizing your needs and kicking problematic home elements to the curb. Even budget-friendly switch-ups like adjusting lighting, reorganizing to prioritize convenient placement of your most often-used items, and changing where you sit in relation to your front door can make a big difference.

RELATED: 6 Genius Closet Storage Tips from the Top Celebrity Organizers

(Photos via Carolyn DiCarlo)

Anthropologie Has The Cutest Holiday Hosting Goodies, And My Wallet Is Screaming

Hosting for the holidays just got a whole lot more magical with Anthropologie’s goodies. From elegant tableware that'll totally "wow" your guests to whimsical decor that sets the perfect festive mood, Anthropologie is the premier destination for polished party essentials. Whether you're planning a chic dinner party or getting lit with your cousins, these are the best finishing touches for a spirited gathering. Get ready to impress your guests with our picks!

Our favorite holiday hosting necessities from Anthropologie:

Let's dive into some of the best holiday hosting pieces from Anthropologie, from tableware to decor!

    Anthropologie

    Holiday in the City Stoneware Dessert Plate

    These adorable dessert plates are available in several different designs, all of which depict a different city pictured in holiday snow. Your Christmas sweet treats will look stunning served on these!

    Anthropologie

    Bow Icon Juice Glasses

    Anthro's viral Icon Juice Glasses are super cute for a variety of occasions, but these bows feel especially holiday-esque. Snag a set for your next gathering's cocktail lineup!

    Anthropologie

    Waterfall Coupe Glasses

    Martini, anyone?! These stunning, shine-lined glasses have the perfect touch of elegance.

    Anthropologie

    Benedita Bow Ceramic Stoneware Serve Bowl

    This serving bowl is perfect for salads, pasta salads, soups, and more. Bring it to a holiday potluck, and everyone will be asking where you got it.

    Anthropologie

    Morgan Shot Glasses

    Now it's really gonna be a party with these colorful shot glasses. Practical in the moment and quite cute when not in use, your bar cart is begging for this set!

    Anthropologie

    Festive Bistro Tile Dessert Plate

    'Tis the season for more and more sweet treats, but you could even serve dinner or apps on these unique dessert plates.

    Subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday decor, hosting tips, and recipe ideas for the season!

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

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    OMG I Can't Believe Gwen Stefani Almost Walked Away From Blake Shelton

    One of the things I fondly remember about 2015 is learning that Gwen StefaniandBlake Shelton were dating. I was sad when she decided to divorce her ex-husband Gavin Rossdale, but I was onboard with her finding a new version of happiness! I've actually wondered if she was surprised to find that in Blake and vice versa.

    Since I'm a nosy cookie, I decided to take a fun trip down memory lane to see how Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton's love story has evolved over the years. There's nothing quite like seeing two people find success in love and marriage again to keep my romantic dreams alive!

    A Full Relationship Timeline For Gwen Stefani And Blake Shelton

    Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for TNT

    April 2014 — Gwen Stefani And Blake Shelton Meet As Co-Workers On The Voice

    We've all heard that workplace romances are bad for business, but that's not always the case. In Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's situation, meeting at work was one of the best things that happened for them! They met while taping Season 7 of The Voice, but kept things friendly and professional given they were still married to their former spouses, Gavin Rossdale and Miranda Lambert.

    November 2014 — Blake Shelton And Gwen Stefani Take A Selfie Together

    In a picture that's still on Gwen's Instagram page, the former co-workers snapped a cute selfie together that showed them happily grinning. She captioned it, "💓him @blakeshelton@nbcthevoice gx."

    Norm Hall/Getty Images

    July and August 2015 — Gwen Stefani And Blake Shelton Announce Their Divorces

    Despite the fact Blake Shelton and his ex-wife Miranda Lambert had been together for a decade, they shared an exclusive statement with The Associated Pressabout their decision to divorce. "It is with heavy hearts that we move forward separately. We are real people, with real lives, with real families, friends and colleagues. Therefore, we kindly ask for privacy and compassion concerning this very personal matter," they said.

    When Gwen appeared on The Howard Stern Showin 2016, she revealed she wasn't expecting Blake's situation to mirror her own. "I was in shock, because I felt like he was exposing me...I had this huge weight on me and nobody but my parents and obviously everybody involved knew."

    The two began confiding in each other and eventually developed a friendship that would set the tone for their romantic relationship.

    January 2016 — Blake Shelton Gifts Gwen Stefani A Horse

    It's always nice when the person we're dating pays attention to our interests and hobbies, which is exactly what Blake Shelton did when he gifted Gwen a horse! She shared a gorgeous snapshot of the beautiful 'Halo' on Instagram and wrote a little snazzy caption to celebrate how gorgeous the horse is.

    Blake joked with Entertainment Tonight, "Gwen, she loves riding and she loves horses. It's actually so funny that people are so shocked by that, but [just try to] name me one girl on the planet that doesn't love horses or just think that they are beautiful."

    Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

    February 2016 — Gwen Stefani And Blake Shelton Make Their Relationship Red Carpet Official

    Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani were glowing as they posed for pictures on the red carpet of Vanity Fair's Oscar party in 2016. USA Today reported that Gwen wore a red-hot dress by Yanina Couture while Blake stayed true to his all-America cowboy casual look.

    That same month Blake shared how much of a positive impact Gwen had on his life. He told Billboard, "Gwen saved my life. Who else on earth could understand going through a high-profile divorce from another musician? You can’t even imagine the similarities in our divorces."

    When Gwen appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2022, she dished about her and Blake's red carpet debut. "I think I played at the party and then we went out that night...That melts me when I see it. It's such a moment for me — a good one," she said with her signature smile on her face.

    November 2017 — Gwen Stefani Encourages Blake Shelton to Celebrate His Sex Symbol Status

    More than a year later, Blake was crowned People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2017, and initially, it shocked him. He joked that maybe People chose him as a last resort, but was quick to highlight how Gwen encouraged him to embrace his new title. "She goes, ‘Listen to me, you’re going to regret this for the rest of your life if you don’t take this gift and just live in the moment.'"

    Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

    June 2018 — Blake Shelton Shows His Support For Gwen Stefani's Las Vegas Residency

    When it came time for Gwen Stefani to jumpstart her Las Vegas Residency in 2018, Blake Shelton made sure to show his full support for her. She shared a series of cute pictures on Instagram that showed the two sharing a intimate kiss moments before she hit the stage for the first time.

    Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

    August 2019 — Gwen Stefani And Blake Shelton Appear on The Voice as Judges Again

    People shared that when Gwen Stefani returned as one of the judges on The Voice in 2017, it was like a happy reunion for her. "I’m so happy to be back. My life changed so much on this show...then to be with my best friend Blakey, and to be here with Kelly and John, I feel pretty lucky right now," she exclusively told the outlet.

    Rich Fury/Getty Images

    December 2019 — Gwen Stefani And Blake Shelton Release Their Duet "Nobody But You"

    As part of Blake's album Fully Loaded: God's Country, he and Gwen recorded "Nobody But You" together. He said the song perfectly aligned with what was going on in his life during an interview with People. "I also realized how important it is for me and where I am in my life, and I think that's why [writer] Shane [McAnally] was trying to get it to me," he said.The couple went on to perform it at the Grammy's in 2020 and it was obvious they felt every lyric they sang.

    Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

    July 2020 — Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Share "Happy Anywhere" During Lockdown

    When the pandemic was still very fresh and everyone was on lockdown, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani shared another single — "Happy Anywhere" — on Instagram. Once again, their love for each other was evident in the way they looked at each other while singing.

    Gwen also shared how the pandemic brought them closer together during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. "We got to be in Oklahoma as a family. We got to do things we never get to do, like try to make sourdough bread, like everybody else in America, and just do so many fun things -- garden, tear down trees, plant tons of different things," she said.

    Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeart Media

    October 2020 — Gwen Stefani And Blake Shelton Get Engaged

    After five years of dating, the happy couple sharing the happy news that they were engaged! Gwen posted another amazing picture of them while showing off her new ring on Instagram in 2020. Her caption simply read, "@blakeshelton yes please! 💍🙏🏻 gx". But, that doesn't mean the couple didn't have some things to discuss and work on prior to entering a new chapter together.During a video interview with the Today show hosts in 2021, Gwen briefly talked about this. "I think there was a lot to consider when you have so many people involved. Children, and their hearts, and everybody in my family [and] his family, we all went through a lot together," she said.

    July 2021 — The Happy Couple Walk Down the Aisle Together

    Less than a year of announcing their engagement, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani got married at his ranch in Oklahoma. Based on the snapshots shared by People, the couple looked d*mn good! I literally have Gwen's wedding dress saved as inspo for my own special day!Since then, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani have shown up for each other in truly inspiring ways. That's not to say they have a perfect relationship though because relationships take work. But, it seems like they've truly found their sweet escape in each other no matter how much work it takes to keep their love going BTS.

    Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

    April 2024 — Blake Shelton And Gwen Stefani Are Still Going Strong

    As far as those divorce rumors? Gwen Stefani laid them to rest. She told Nylon, "It’s just lies. The truth is the truth, and we know what that is. And so that [negativity] would never penetrate just by me being vulnerable and sharing a song that I didn’t write for anybody else but myself and Blake." The song she's referencing is "Purple Irises" which is another sweet ode to their love.

    *Sigh* They sure know how to make me believe that loving someone is a beautiful choice.

    August 2024 — Blake Shelton And Gwen Stefani's 'Family' Just Got Bigger

    NBC reports Blake Shelton added new farming equipment to he and Gwen's repertoire on August 20, but a source believes the "Sweet Escape" singer isn't a fan of her husband's excitement about "hunting season," (via Instagram).

    "They agreed to disagree about his hunting back when they first got together, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy thing for Gwen to handle," the source told Life & Style. The two continue to go back-and-forth on this, but it doesn't seem like Blake's budging anytime soon.

    November 2024 — Gwen Stefani Almost Walked Away From Blake Shelton

    This relationship almost didn't reach a sweet point, according to Gwen Stefani. Since they were dealing with a lot when they decided to date, the "Sweet Escape" singer was ready to leave Blake in the dust. "We had just met, and it was chaos. Both of our lives were in complete turmoil, all over the ground. Nothing could save us at that point," she remembered (via PEOPLE). "There was a point where I was like, 'I can't even talk to you. This is insane. I already have enough problems. This is not happening anymore. We're not going to text or nothing.'"

    The key to winning her over was speaking to her through music. "I think he really wanted to impress me, because he doesn't really write songs as much as he used to. And I love writing songs. That's everything to me...That's where I get my fulfillment," she says.

    His ability to start writing "Go Ahead and Break My Heart" to send to her became one of the couples first completed songs together. "He sent it to me, and it was a half-written song. He was like, 'Help me finish this.' So I wrote him the verse back — the second verse on the song — and it's just over text," she said."

    How do you feel about Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton's relationship? Check out the latest on John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's too!

    This post has been updated.

    relationshipscelebrity couplescelebrity newsmarriageentertainmentpop culturecelebritylifestyle

    Give Them Something One-Of-A-Kind With These DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

    'Tis the season... for giving and getting things you (and your giftees) might not really need. With sustainability becoming a paramount concern for many and the drawbacks of overconsumption entering our collective consciousness, the idea of gifting thoughtful, handmade, and possibly even zero-waste gifts is becoming ever more appealing. The only problem? We're not all as handy as we might like to be. Don't worry though — you don't need to be an expert maker to craft these DIY Christmas gifts! From beginner to advanced, there's a homemade Christmas gift idea for giver and giftee alike.

    1. Edible DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

    Brit + Co

    If you know your way around a kitchen, don't sleep on the opportunity to give your loved ones an edible gift. You know it'll get used (AKA eaten), and it's essentially a zero-waste gift-giving strategy.

    We love making pretty desserts that work well as gifts, like this matcha yogurt bark, this peppermint bark, these super easy Christmas cookie recipes, and these edible gift ideas. Package them up with these creative gift wrapping techniques, or forego paper altogether and wrap them with a cute kitchen towel for a zero-waste approach.

    2. DIY Craft Kits To Gift

    Etsy

    If you're a complete beginner to DIY and handmade Christmas gifts, it might be smart to start out with a kit. A DIY kit allows you to fashion a thoughtful gift that shows your recipient just how much time and effort you put into giving them something special.

    This DIY permanent jewelry kit is perfect for someone who wants to give their bestie a one-of-a-kind present this year. You can also DIY Christmas-scented candles, grow your loved one's birth month flower, or construct a super-cute tiny house to be displayed as kitschy decor.

    3. Handmade Christmas Gifts

    Photo By: Kaboompics.com

    We love a good DIY. Our favorite presents are handmade Christmas gifts, and we've shared a ton of homemade gift ideas in our time.

    A cute winter terrarium is perfect for the quirky decor lover in your life, while nothing brings the hygge vibes more than a hand-knit blanket. Give your favorite houseplant lover some gorgeous flora in one of these DIY cement planters, or embroider a pillow that'll add a cute touch of color to your bestie's home!

    4. DIY Home Decor

    Brit + Co

    Speaking of your bestie's home, we've got plenty of ideas for DIY Christmas gifts you can give in the home decor category.

    Spruce up a simple IKEA desk to give your work wife a WFH chair that's cute and from the heart. Make magazine wall art in your giftee's favorite colors to add a homemade, kitschy touch to their space. This Anthro-inspired DIY chandelier is another great option for artsy decor lovers.

    A friend who loves hostessing will appreciate this pineapple cutting board, and someone who's into the beauty of organization will swoon over this DIY wall organizer.

    DIY Jewelry

    Brit + Co

    Many of us adore jewelry, so why not give someone in your life a cute and colorful accessory this holiday season? These acrylic earrings are super colorful and adorable, while this DIY choker is '90s inspired and totally on-trend. We also love this geode statement necklace and this cute necklace made out of old tee shirts. Talk about sustainable style!

    Love these DIY Christmas gift ideas? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for gift guides, recipes, and other holiday inspo!

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

    This post has been updated.

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    Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Share Video With New Family Member They're "Crazy About"

    There are two things I know for sure: Ken loves Barbie, and Ryan Gosling loves Eva Mendes. The couple met on the movie set for The Place Beyond the Pines in 2011, and have created such a beautiful life together! Eva's just as excited for the Christmas remix of "I'm Just Ken" as we are, and Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes' constant support of one another is making us think back on all their cutest moments. Once you're done reliving their relationship, check out the latest news on Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids too!

    Keep reading for all the best moments between Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes.

    A Full Timeline Of Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes' Relationship

    Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

    August 2011 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Meet During The Place Beyond The Pines

    Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes took a chance at romance after they played a couple in 2011's The Place Beyond The Pines. Once they were linked, they were seen walking around Disneyland "like a dating couple, [walking] very closely, holding hands and their arms touching side-by-side," according to a PEOPLE eyewitness.

    Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SXSW

    November + December 2011 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Spend The Holidays Together

    During Thanksgiving in 2011, Eva Mendes was filming Holly Motors in Paris, so Ryan Gosling took a trip to the City of Lights so they could spend the holiday together. They also ended up going on Funny or Die's Drunk History Christmas the next month to reenact a 21+ version of The Night Before Christmas *and* spent New Year's together!

    Sonia Recchia/Getty Images

    September 7, 2012 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Attend The Toronto International Film Festival Together

    To promote The Place Beyond the Pines, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes spent a lot of time together on the TIFF red carpet. Years later in 2019, when Kelly Clarkson pulled up the picture, Eva couldn't help but gush over Ryan — especially since they hadn't announced they were dating at the time. “Oh my God, that’s so old," she says of the photo. "That’s literally me going, ‘I’m not in love with him. What? I’m not in love.’ ‘Cause we were trying to be very professional."

    Warner Bros. Pictures

    May 2014 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Work Together On Lost River

    Ryan and Eva reunited on a film set again for Lost River, which was both Ryan's directorial debut and served as a semi-autobiographical story for him. "For me, it was crucial to work in this intimate, low-budget, small way, with people I had worked with before, because I feel like in my experience that’s where everyone was at their best," Ryan tells Sunday Style (via Mangalorean). "They know what is at stake for you personally, and all the work that’s gone into getting there."

    Eva also told her Instagram followers in a since-deleted postthat Lost River is the project she's most proud of. "There was one film I'm extra proud to be a part of," she said. "A dark fairy tale. A magical fantasy. To all the struggling single mothers, to all of us in cities that feel like they're burning down or flooding around us, to everyone fighting for the ones they love, this was a good one."

    Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

    September 12, 2014 — Eva Mendes Gives Birth To Their First Child

    Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes welcomed Esmerelda Amada Gosling into the world in September of 2014. Eva later said that she didn't even want kids until she got together with Ryan. "I was lucky enough to work my bum off for 20 years," she tells Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa (via PEOPLE). "I never wanted babies before until I fell in love with Ryan, and it kind of worked out to where I was 40 and having my first baby. I think I was 42 for the second one, so it worked out in that way that I had a career and then I change my focus to my family."

    Ryan also went on to tell GQ in 2023 that he was in a similar place before meeting Eva. "I wasn’t thinking about kids before I met her, but after I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he says. "And there were moments on The Place Beyond the Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore." I could cry!!

    Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

    December 7, 2015 — Ryan Gosling Gives A Rare Interview About His Relationship

    While Ryan and Eva have kept their relationship very private, he told Hello! that "I know that I'm with the person I'm supposed to be with" and that literally the only quality he looks for in a woman is "That she's Eva Mendes. There's nothing else I'm looking for." Swoon!

    Brad Barket/Getty Images

    April 29, 2016 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Have Their Second Child

    Eva Mendes gave birth to her and Ryan's second baby, a daughter named Amada Lee Gosling, in April 2016 — after keeping the pregnancy a secret until it was almost time to deliver! Amada is named after Eva's grandma.

    Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

    January 8, 2017 — Ryan Gosling Dedicates His La La Land Golden Globe To Eva Mendes' Brother

    While accepting his Golden Globe for Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Ryan Gosling made sure to let the world know just how much of a role Eva had played in the process. “I would like to try and thank one person properly, and say that while I was singing and dancing and playing piano,” he says in his speech, “my lady was raising our daughter, pregnant with our second and trying to help her brother with his battle with cancer.”

    Eva's brother, Juan Carlos Mendes, had passed away the previous April and Ryan took the opportunity to dedicate the award to him.

    Dominique Charriau/Getty Images

    February 12, 2020 — Eva Mendes Reveals Ryan Gosling Is A Great Cook

    When an Instagram account asked what Eva and Ryan liked to cook, Eva revealed just how amazing Ryan is with food. "Ryan is an amazing chef AND baker," she says in her reply. "For reals. Incredible. No joke. I'm not sure that what I do is cooking. It's more like steaming veggies and juicing and making rice. He really cooks. I survive." Can I get Ryan Gosling to make me a meal sometime?

    Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

    January 1, 2022 — Ryan Gosling Shares About Their Quarantine Life

    “Time, in general, is something I think about a lot now. My kids are growing up so fast I need to keep an eye on the clock in a way I never used to,” Ryan Gosling tells GQ. “I feel like I need more time to process [how much the pandemic played into that]. But [Eva and I] have two kids, so we spend a lot of our time trying to keep them entertained.”

    While they enjoyed their time together, Ryan's also candid about the effect of lockdown on their children: “Our kids were at a difficult age not to be able to see other kids and interact with people, even though Eva and I did our best.”

    Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros. Pictures.

    June 2022 — Eva Mendes Embraces The Kenergy

    When the world went crazy for every bit of Barbie news, so did Eva Mendes. "So. F. Funny," she says in an Instagram caption sharing the first look at Ryan Gosling's Ken. "So. F. Good. So F excited for you to see this…#Thatsmyken."

    "It's a funny photo and he's trying to be funny, so it worked on all levels," she goes on to say on The Talk. "But when I saw it, when he sent it to me from work, I was like, 'Can I please have that underwear? Please, I never ask for anything'...So, anyway, I do have it. I'm wearing it right now."

    Eva Mendes/Instagram

    November 2022 — Eva Mendes Begins Dropping Hints She Married Ryan Gosling

    When Eva showed off a new tattoo on her wrist in November of 2022 on Instagram, fans immediately began dissecting its meaning. The tattoo, which reads "de Gosling" (which is similar to Mrs. Gosling) could mean that Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are actually married! She went on to tell Today in Australia (via DailyMail) that "Everyone is so welcoming here and my husband Ryan is here, and we are having the best time." 👀

    Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM

    August 9, 2023 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Love Family Time

    In the midst of crazy release schedules and commitments (not to mention the actors' strike), Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes always prioritize their family life. "When they are not working, they are all about their girls," a source tells People. "Ryan is such a fun dad. He is goofy and his girls love it." The source continues by saying the family loves to go to the beach or the desert (same TBH).

    Warner Bros Pictures.

    December 18, 2023 — Eva Mendes Can't Wait For The "I'm Just Ken" Christmas Remix

    If the original version of "I'm Just Ken" wasn't good enough, Ryan Gosling is blessing us with a Christmas remix — and Eva Mendes is just as excited as we are. "Ken not wait for this," she says in an Instagram caption.

    Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros.

    January 13, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Mentions His Family During His Acceptance Speech

    At the 2024 Santa Barbra International Film Festival, Ryan Gosling won the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film — and he totally deserves it! With a career that includes iconic films like La La Land and Barbie, as well as The Notebook, Blade Runner 2049, and Crazy Stupid Love, all kinds of film lovers have gotten to see Ryan's work onscreen. During his acceptance speech, Ryan got choked up talking about how acting allowed him to meet "the girl of [his] dreams."

    "I dreamed of one day making movies and now movies have made my life a dream," he says in his speech. "So the way I see it, there's no way I have contributed half as much to cinema as cinema's contributed to me."

    Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros. Entertainment

    January 24, 2024 — Eva Mendes Celebrates Ryan Gosling's Oscar Nomination

    After the Oscar nominations were announced January 23, Eva Mendes took to Instagram to celebrate Ryan Gosling's nomination for Best Supporting Actor. "So proud of my man. So much hate when he took on this role," she says alongside screenshots of the first (very negative) reviews of his casting. "So many people trying to shame him for doing it. Despite all the #Notmyken ridicule and articles written about him, he created this completely original, hilarious, heartbreaking, now iconic character and took it all the way to Oscars. So beyond proud to be this Ken’s Barbie."

    Caroline McCredie/Getty Image

    February 22, 2014 - Eva Mendes Announces Upcoming Children's Book

    Yesterday Eva Mendes shared with People that she's penned a children's book named Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries that'll debut September 17. It's all about a little girl who's always worried that her scary brain is the real monster she's afraid of at night. Through gentle reminders, Desi's mom helps her understand that being afraid is normal and teaches her how not to let scary thoughts control her.

    Eva Mendes told People the books is like "a love letter to my kids and yours" because "...Learning how to train our brain to work for us and not against us is easier said than done!" Since we know racing thoughts doesn't just affect adults, we love that Eva is finding a way to share some of her parenting tips with other parents.

    Order Eva Mendes' Children's Book:

    Amazon

    Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worriesby Eva Mendes

    Eva Mendes/Instagram

    March 10, 2024 — Eva Mendes Celebrates Ryan Gosling's Oscars Performance

    Eva Mendes celebrated the Oscars on March 10 with a post highlighting Ryan Gosling's performance, and his entire run as Ken! "You took Ken all the way to the Oscar’s, RG," she says on Instagram. "Now come home, we need to put the kids to bed."

    We love the way this couple can have fun with each other — and highlight how much teamwork parenthood requires!

    Kevin Winter/Getty Images

    March 13, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Details How Eva Mendes And Their Daughters Helped Him Prepare For His Oscars Performance

    Leave it to Ryan Gosling not to take credit for his amazing Oscars performance. He gushed to People about how Eva Mendes and their daughters helped him make sure his Kenergy truly shined bright. "They are such a huge part of this for me...it was my girl's interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken that got me into this in the first place. It was beautiful to have them there at the end," he said.

    As we all saw, the unmistakable Kenergy was in full force and effect during the Oscars.

    Eva Mendes/Instagram

    March 26, 2024 — Eva Mendes Says It Was A "No Brainer" To Stay Home With Her Kids

    Deciding how to maintain a work-home balance when you have kids is something every parent thinks about, and it turns out that extends to celebs, too! After starring with Ryan Gosling in The Place Beyond The Pines, Eva Mendes decided it was a "no brainer" to stay home with their family since acting can take you all over the world, which the actress revealed in a recent episode of The Today Show. “It was almost just like a non-verbal agreement that it was like, ‘Ok, he’s going to work and I’m going to work, I’m just going to work here,'” she says. She also says she's “so lucky” to “have this time with [their] children.”

    “I have never experienced anything like [working with Ryan Gosling]. The way he works, his commitment to his craft, how he wants to make everything as best as it can be, and that means making his co-stars as best as they can be,” she continues. “But unfortunately — or fortunately — there is only one Ryan!"

    Eva Mendes/Instagram

    April 1, 2024 — Eva Mendes Says Her Daughters Make Everything Better

    After losing her brother in 2016, Eva Mendes says she has a "complicated relationship" with the month of April — but that her daughters make it infinitely more bearable. "[April 2] would have been my brother’s birthday," she says on Instagram. "In a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him…but then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more."

    Will Heath/NBC

    April 13, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Hosts SNL

    During his latest stint hosting SNL, Ryan Gosling did a hilarious sketch about a man who picks up a Cuban accent after getting married to a Cuban woman. Eva Mendes was all over it! "Coño! My Cuban Papi made this Cuban Mami so happy with this!!" Eva wrote on Instagram. "Years of hanging out with my Dad paid off."

    Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

    May 1, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Is The Ultimate Support System For Eva Mendes

    Eva Mendes is not here for the mom-shamers. She told People (in honor of its 2024 Beautiful Issue) that staying home to focus on Ryan Gosling and her kids was the "easiest decision I've ever made" because she wanted to be there for their formative childhood years.

    "When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me," she says. "And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, 'Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s.' I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard."

    "[Ryan supports me] in all the ways I need to be supported," she continues. "He's got me in all the ways."

    Universal Pictures

    May 16, 2024 — Eva Mendes Celebrates The Fall Guy

    Eva Mendes just made a post she NEVER makes in honor of how much she loved The Fall Guy (relatable!). The actress posted the poster, which features Emily Blunt with Ryan Gosling on Instagram.

    "Did you know?! @thefallguymovie is the FIRST non super hero movie to open the summer box office in 17 years!" she says. "And maybe it didn’t break the box office but it broke sooo many other records. I’m extra proud of this one. The proof is in my post-I don’t usually post pics of my man kissing a babe but Emily Blunt is just that d-mn good in it. THEY’RE that d-mn good in it. Viva el fall guy!"

    Eva Mendes/Instagram

    August 4, 2024 — Eva Mendes And Ryan Gosling Appear At The 2024 Paris Olympics With Their Daughters

    Team USA has been winning medals left and right, but Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes' family briefly stole the show yesterday.

    The couple and their daughters were spotted watching Suni Lee, Qui Qiyuan, and Kayloa Nemour take score big at the gymnastics uneven bars final. After that, the couple enjoyed the Equestrian Dressage Individual Grand Prix Freestyle event. (via E! News).

    The cute photos of them on X show Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes looking totally engrossed in the events they attended, but I can't help but notice how cute they look! Their casual styles complement each other and make me want to ask where they got their sunglasses from.

    I don't know if they'll make another appearance in the future so I'm going to cherish how good Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes looked during their rare outing.

    Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

    October 20, 2024 — Eva Mendes Reveals The One Thing Ryan Gosling Does To Make Her Feel Sexier

    In an interview with The Sunday Times, Eva Mendes revealed that Ryan Gosling makes her feel sexier just by "the way my man looks at me."

    "At times I’m like, ‘Oh, my God,'" she says. "So much of how I feel is a reflection of what he’s giving me. There’s so many things that can make me feel sexy and I’d say that I feel more sexy than not. I guess because I’ve never considered myself beautiful, but I’ve always felt very sexy.”

    While she claims she's never been a "great" actress, she says that working with Ryan gets "something out of me that’s never been accessible before.”

    And, apparently, she also helped him bring the ultimate Kenergy to the Barbie movie set. “I would just simplify everything," she says. "I’m like, ‘Just make Barbie notice you, that’s what Ken is all about.’ So then there was this desperation. He really loved that. I’d remind him, as he’s literally walking out the door, ‘Make Barbie notice you, make Barbie fall in love with you.’”

    The actress and author also reveals the "extreme" rule they've instated for their kids: no social media or smartphones. “Putting my kid on the internet and being like, ‘Oh, search something,’ that to me is equivalent to telling her, ‘Oh, just go down the street in the middle of the night. You’ll be fine,’” she says. “I know that sounds extreme, but that’s what I feel.”

    November 25, 2024 — Eva Mendes Introduces The "Newest Member" Of The Family

    In a new Instagram video, Eva celebrates the Gosling family's "newest member," a dog named Magic! "We adopted her from this amazing organization @californiadoodlerescues," Eva says. "More to come…I’m crazy about her and excited to share life with Magic with you. ❤️"

    Check back here for the latest news on Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, and don't forget to read up on Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce's Relationship and Tom Holland and Zendaya. :)

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

    This post has been updated.

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    The 'How To Train Your Dragon' Director Spoke On That Astrid Casting Drama

    Grab your dragon harness and get ready for nostalgia overload because the How To Train Your Dragonlive-action movie flies into theaters this summer. The beloved animated movie first premiered on March 21, 2010 and its themes of love, family, and identity (plus absolutely killer music from John Powell) quickly turned it into a fan favorite. The first How To Train Your Dragon teaser is finally here, which means we have our first official look at Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid.

    Here's everything we know about the How To Train Your Dragon live-action cast, release date, and more.

    What's How To Train Your Dragon about?

    Universal Pictures

    Mason Thames (Hiccup) in How To Train Your Dragon.

    How To Train Your Dragon Plot

    The movie follows teenage Hiccup, a dragon-hunting viking who isn't as strong as he thinks he should be — until he finds a dragon in the forest, and befriends the creature instead.

    When can I watch the live-action How To Train Your Dragon?

    How To Train Your Dragon Release Date

    The movie is coming to theaters on June 13, 2025.

    Is there a How To Train Your Dragon live-action trailer?

    How To Train Your Dragon Trailer

    Yes, we finally have a How To Train Your Dragon live-action trailer...well, a teaser trailer at least. And in the short clip, we see one of the most iconic scenes from the OG movie: Hiccup and Toothless meeting for the first time and becoming friends! And THAT shot of Hiccup reaching his hand out for Toothless made me so much more emotional than I expected.

    Who's in the How To Train Your Dragon live-action cast?

    How To Train Your Dragon Cast

    In addition to Nico Parker and Mason Thames, the movie stars Gerard Butler (who was in the original film!), Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Bronwyn James, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur.

    After the movie received backlash for casting Nico instead of a blonde actress, writer-director Dean Deblois praised Nico's talent, saying the team "chose the actors who best embodied the spirit and personality of the characters, since the tribe in this version is made up of descendants of the finest dragon fighters from everywhere the Vikings had ever traveled (which historically was far and white — Vikings mixed with many cultures)," he says in a comment, before adding on his own Instagram that "Nico Parker is AMAZING❤️Just wait and see."

    As someone who's obsessed with her in both The Last of Us and Suncoast — I wholeheartedly agree, and I'm not afraid to shout it from the rooftops.

    Are they making a How to Train Your Dragon live-action movie?

    Helen Sloan/Universal Pictures

    Dean DeBlois and Nico Parker (Astrid) on the set of How To Train Your Dragon.

    Yes, we're getting a live-action How to Train Your Dragon from Universal Pictures, based on the animated film of the same name from Dreamworks. It's written and directed by Dean DeBlois, who was also behind the original movie. And this isn't the only live-action flick we're getting. Disney's Lilo & Stitch and Snow White are also coming to theaters!

    Are you excited to see these characters literally come to life in the How to Train Your Dragon live-action movie? Check out the latest news on Disney's New Live-Action Movies too!

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