In The Holiday, there's Cameron Diaz’s sleek, modern LA home, while Kate Winslet’s character offers up her quaint, cozy English cottage. If you lean more into Kate’s cozy vibe, especially in the fall & winter, here are some simple tips to transform your home into a rustic and cozy cottage this season. From fresh flowers to vintage art, these easy upgrades will help you capture that English charm in your home so you can sit back, relax, and admire.
Tip 1: Use A Soft, Neutral Color Palette
@sophia.at.home via Farrow & Ball
Choose soft whites, creams, pastels with touches of blue, sage green, and blush pinks in your decor. Paint a cozy reading nook with a soothing color like Farrow & Ball's Schoolhouse White, and look for vintage-style furniture made in natural fibers like linen or cotton. Bonus if you have a fireplace, but if not a candle will do!
Tip 2: Layer Natural Linens
Shutterstock
Get cozy with plenty of pillows, quilts, and knitted throws to add layers of warmth and comfort (kitty optional;). Natural fiber rugs like jute, sisal, or wool rugs bring natural texture to the space, and light and airy curtains like linen or lace can help filter sunlight and create a romantic, cozy atmosphere.
Tip 3: Bring In Floral Elements
JJ's Flower Shop
Treat yourself to a subscription of fresh flowers, like this pastel bouquet from JJ's Flower Shop, perfectly neutral and natural for your cottage aesthetic. Display them in mason jars or vintage vases for a natural touch. Bring in small plants like succulents, herbs, or wildflowers, and add botanical prints and wallpapers with floral patterns to enhance the look.
Tip 4: Add A Warm Touch
Go for soft, warm lighting instead of bright overhead lights and light your favorite fall candleto create a cozy ambience, especially in candleholders made from metal, wood, or glass. Warm fairy lights create a magical glow and are perfect for mantels. Enjoy the season with a pot of soup, coffee, hot chocolate, or mulled wine and get hygge in the kitchen too!
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I am the opposite of a casual Reputation fan. Four of my five most-listened-to songs on Spotify (like, of all time) are from the 2017 album, I wore a Rep-inspired outfit to my Eras Tour show, and I am constantly analyzing (and talking about) its symbolism. I stand by the fact that this album, as misunderstood as it is, is actually the key to understanding Taylor Swift herself, which is why its rerelease is the one I've been most looking forward to. With TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit, it feels like there's a new theory every day about when we'll get Reputation (Taylor's Version), but I'm pretty sure Taylor's been telling us the announcement date for awhile.
What is the new Reputation bodysuit?
Aldara Zarraoa/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
During the Eras Tour in Miami, Taylor Swift finally debuted a new Reputation bodysuit after 131 shows — this time with golden snakes all over it instead of red ones, like the original suit pictured here. And, as you can imagine, fans lost their minds. "I couldn’t tell you anything about the Roman Empire but I can tell you every detail about the time Taylor Swift wore a new Reputation bodysuit and became mother nature on October 18th, 2024," one viral tweet says about the costume change (and the rainy concert).
The new Reputation bodysuit is designed by Roberto Cavalli, and features a cobra across Taylor's chest, poised to attack. (And Reputation-era fan will remember Taylor's tour companion, Karyn). In reclaiming her discography, Taylor is pulling no punches, giving us insight into her past like we've never had before. One of my favorite comments about the new bodysuit comes on @carolinemcknz's TikTok, and points out that "the [gold] ones seem more aggressive and the red are passive," because in reclaiming her narrative, Taylor is anything but passive. And the fact it's now gold serves as a major nod to lyrics like "deep blue but you painted me golden" on "Dancing With Our Hands Tied."
Taylor Swift doesn't usually comment on fan theories, but she did speak on the reaction to the bodysuit and the other new costumes. "I got some new outfits, and it’s always nice when the crowd notices that 😁," she said on Instagram. "You guys are just the best. Thank you to everyone who came and everyone who followed along online."
Big Machine Records
Swifties have been waiting for Taylor to change up the bodysuit since she started the Eras Tour in March 2023 — and we're all hoping it means a Reputation (Taylor's Version) announcement is in our near future.
But, in addition to the color change, the biggest detail that caught the internet's attention was that one of the snakes coiled on Taylor's back looks like a 2. After the Tortured Poets Department double album, and the rumors Taylor will release Taylor Swift (TV) and Reputation (TV) at the same time, could we be getting another double drop? Anything is possible.
The biggest theory following Midnights (and the cappuccino theory — see below) was that Taylor Swift would release Reputation (TV) in February. And with the potential "2" on her bodysuit, and the fact the Eras Tour will end in December, I wouldn't be surprised if we got a Reputation (Taylor's Version) announcement for February 2025.
When is Taylor Swift releasing Reputation (Taylor's Version)?
Source Pictures & Taylor Swift Productions
The cappuccino Easter egg from the "Karma" music video.
We don't have an official Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date yet, but all signs were originally pointing to an announcement on February 16, 2024. When the music video for "Karma" from Midnights came out, featuring a shot of Taylor holding a cappuccino, Swifties clocked that the blue nail (which represents 1989 (Taylor's Version)) lines up with the 8 on the clock, and the black nail lines up with the 2. Taylor ended up announcing 1989 TV on August 9 — and then announced The Tortured Poets Department(also known as TS11) at the 2024 Grammys in February!
The latest theory revolves around an August 20 announcement and September 13 drop. After Taylor was spotted in a semi-green 'fit with a Vivienne Westwood Tuesday bag, fans began wondering if it was a clue for a Tuesday album announcement. The last Tuesday show in London is Tuesday, August 20, which is also the last show until October. This would be the perfect amount of time for Taylor to have announced the album and to drop it on September 13, which is the second to last Friday the 13th of the year!
The other Friday the 13th is December 13, which is Taylor Swift's birthday. The popstar had the date front and center in her Tortured Poets Department pop-up installation. Since the date falls on a Friday, it's the perfect day to drop some new music...If you ask me, that's when we're getting Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) — because there is literally no better combo than Taylor's birthday, Friday the 13th, and Taylor taking her name back.
Are there any other clues that Reputation (Taylor's Version) will come out next?
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Taylor Swift attends the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 07, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
At her first NFL appearance of 2024, for the KC Chiefs' season opener on Thursday September 5, Taylor Swift wore a denim corset and shorts set with bold, thigh-high red boots. Fans immediately made the connection between this 'fit and what Taylor wears in the "Look What You Made Me Do" music video. This is like a wink from Taylor — I don't think she's giving us direct clues about Reputation (Taylor's Version), but it feels like a reminder that the album is still on its way!
Taylor also showed up to the 81st Golden Globe Awards in an all green ensemble, which is already so Reputation-coded to begin with. However, fans noticed one teeeeeeeny tiny detail about her look that really leans into all the theories that Rep (TV) is next. If you zoom in on her rings, one of them is a snake that's wrapped around her finger. 🐍
And after Taylor Swift released a video teasing her new album(TTPD), Swifties are analyzing all the snakeskin patterns (on the curtains, the floor, and the green couch), as well as the dark visuals. While the video moves from the dark room to a bright one for TTPD, I'm convinced we'll be returning — or continuing down the hallway where you can see a dark picture frame waiting for us...
A recent Disney+ ad that paired the Eras Tour film and Disney Pixar's Cars went viral on Twitter because its tagline is "Getaway Car," one of the most beloved songs on Reputation (Taylor's Version)! No matter when the album drops, having Taylor Swift's final two re-recordings be her name and her reputation is literally so iconic and I can't wait to listen.
What Taylor Swift songs are on Reputation (Taylor's Version)?
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Taylor Swift during the Eras Tour Reputation set.
We know that, based on previous re-recordings, Reputation (Taylor's Version) will have the original tracklist and an unknown number of vault tracks that Taylor wrote ahead of the Reputation era. PEOPLE also confirmed we'll be able to hear Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)" in the new docuseries for the New England Patriots! You can also hear a snippet in the trailer for Ashley Benson's Wilderness ;). Simone Biles also used "Ready For It?" in her Olympics floor routine!
Here's what you can expect on Taylor Swift's Reputation (Taylor's Version). I'm really hoping the vault tracks include "I Don't Want To Live Forever"!
- "Ready For It? (Taylor's Version)"
- "End Game (Taylor's Version)"
- "I Did Something Bad (Taylor's Version)"
- "Don't Blame Me (Taylor's Version)"
- "Delicate (Taylor's Version)"
- "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)"
- "So It Goes... (Taylor's Version)"
- "Gorgeous (Taylor's Version)"
- "Getaway Car (Taylor's Version)"
- "King Of My Heart (Taylor's Version)"
- "Dancing With Our Hands Tied (Taylor's Version)"
- "Dress (Taylor's Version)"
- "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things (Taylor's Version)"
- "Call It What You Want (Taylor's Version)"
- "New Year's Day (Taylor's Version)"
What is Taylor Swift wearing to Grammys 2024?
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Taylor Swift ahead of announcing The Tortured Poets Department.
Taylor Swift showed up to the 2024 Grammys in a sculptural white gown from Schiaparelli Couture. I love how Taylor has hopped on the corset trend. This is my favorite neckline in recent years! Even though the dress is white instead of black or green — and ended up going along with the Tortured Poets Department (or TS 11) announcement — I think it could still be a Reputation (Taylor's Version) Easter egg.
White is, of course, the opposite of black, so I think it's a more unexpected reference to the album, with black accessories like gloves, shoes, and jewelry being a direct nod. Plus, the watch necklace pays homage to Midnights! At the 2022 VMAs, Taylor wore another Reputation-coded outfit before she announced Midnights, so it could be a pattern.
Is there gonna be a Reputation Taylor's Version?
Paul Kane/Getty Images
Taylor Swift performs at Optus Stadium on October 19, 2018 in Perth, Australia.
Yes, we're getting a Reputation (Taylor's Version)! Taylor Swift has been very vocal about the fact she's rerecording her first five albums. However, she's been less direct about the order or the release schedule, which is honestly more fun! The official Taylor Nation account added fuel to the fire when they posted a photo of Taylor rehearsing for The Eras Tour — because, like @nashs_mom on TikTok says, the pose doesn't match up with any of the songs.
While all the photos they've previously posted match up with numbers like "Enchanted" or "Illicit Affairs," the new pose seems to match up with "I Did Something Bad" (which is both the last Reputation surprise song left AND the perfect song to announce the rerecording).
What caused Taylor Swift to make Reputation?
Def Jam/UMG
Cover art for Kanye West's The Life Of Pablo, which features "Famous."
The primary catalyst for Taylor Swift's Reputation era was a phone call with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. After Taylor said Kanye did not have her permission to say he "made that b-tch famous" in "Famous," a video leak from Kim seemed to show Taylor did actually give her permission (it was later revealed the video was edited, and Taylor gave her permission to be mentioned, NOT to be called a b-tch).
"#TaylorSwiftIsOverParty" began trending on Twitter, and everyone from the media to the general public began calling her a snake. So she disappeared from the public eye for over a year, and Reputation was born. The era was moody — and full of snake imagery. Taylor says in her TIME interview that the album came from "a goth-punk moment of female rage at being gaslit by an entire social structure," and told Rolling Stone in 2019 that Reputation was a "metaphor" and her "playing a character."
How old was Taylor Swift when she wrote Reputation?
Christopher Polk/Getty Images for TAS
Charli XCX, Camila Cabello and Taylor Swift perform onstage during opening night of Taylor Swift's 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour at University of Phoenix Stadium on May 8, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona.
Taylor began writing Reputation in 2016, when she was 27. However, the stories she's telling go back farther than that since "Dancing With Our Hands Tied" talks about a relationship from when she was 25.
Is Reputation a love album?
Big Machine Records
Cover art for Taylor Swift's Reputation.
While Reputation is sassy, moody, and satirical, I stand by the idea that it's actually a love album at its core. While the general public talked most about "Ready for It?" and "Look What You Made Me Do," songs like "Delicate," "Call It What You Want," and "New Year's Day" are all about healing after the media turned against her. The message of the album is all about how she wants to spend the the ins and outs of life with people she loves, because they make the boring days beautiful, which is also the sentiment running throughout "Lover."
"I want your midnights, but I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year's Day" and "We can leave the Christmas lights up 'til January" are the same!!
What are the Reputation Taylor's Version vault tracks?
Warner Bros. Entertainment
A Horcrux from Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part I
While we don't have the tracklist for Reputation (Taylor's Version) yet, she did mention in her TIME interview that the vault tracks will be "fire."
"I’m collecting horcruxes,” she says of the rerecordings. “I’m collecting infinity stones. Gandalf’s voice is in my head every time I put out a new one. For me, it is a movie now.”
I'm going to be real honest, this is the line that sent me into a tailspin because the idea that Taylor loves stories like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and the MCU as much as I do is too much!! But it makes sense because after all, she IS a storyteller.
When was Reputation released?
Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Taylor Swift released the original Reputation on November 10, 2017.
What does Taylor's reputation era mean?
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS
Taylor Swift's Reputation era came after the summer of 2016, and as we moved into the album release period of fall 2017. In literal terms, the era was marked by rarely posting on social media, avoiding the spotlight ahead of the Reputation tour, and not doing interviews.
But in a more vibey sense, your Reputation era can be summed up in a single quote from Taylor herself: "Be like a snake, only bite if someone steps on you." It's not exactly a revenge era, but it's also not being outright sweet all the time. It's protecting your inner circle — and fighting for your inner peace — but more than anything, it's standing up for yourself. We can definitely get behind that.
Do you think we'll get Reputation (Taylor's Version) in February 2024? Check out our Facebook for the latest Taylor Swift news and browse ourUltimate Taylor Swift Gift Guide!
This post has been updated.
'Tis finally fall, and a new season is a perfect time to refresh your home with minor upgrades that don't cost a ton of money. We asked top designers what they think are the most affordable ways to upgrade your home. From a fresh coat of paint to new lighting fixtures to no-cost upgrades, here are the cheapest ways to refresh a room without breaking your decor budget.
#1: Paint
Graham & Brown
Whether you refresh a wall, a whole room, or your front door, paint can dramatically transform your space. "Consider painting your baseboards and ceilings to match your wall color for a truly impactful overall effect," says Kirsten Blazek of LA-based design firm A1000XBetter.
UK-based Graham & Brown announced its Color of the Year 2025: Elderton, a neutral toned brown inspired by nature. Looking for more inspiration? These paint colors are expert-loved for creating a warm, happy home!
"Whether you choose a bold, rich shade or a soft neutral, paint can dramatically change the style and mood of a room without needing any major renovations," echoes Amanda Leigh, cofounder of LA-based design firm House of Rolison. "Plus, it's often a DIY project, making it a simple and budget-friendly way to create a big impact."
Christiane Lemieux, founder of modern luxury shop Lemieux et Cie, agrees. "Repainting is an affordable way to transform a room by changing its color palette. It refreshes the walls, updates the look, and can make spaces feel bigger, cozier, or more modern, depending on your choice of color."
#2: Lighting
Lemieux et Cie
Statement lighting can also transform your space, from offering a more impactful design aesthetic to better functionality. "Swapping out old or dated lighting fixtures for more contemporary or statement pieces is a cost-effective way to enhance the overall feel of a room," adds Lemieux. This Cheverny Large Chandelier is a gorgeous way to make a statement in your space.
Nils Timm
Design: House of Rolison
Leigh agrees that lighting often gets overlooked, but it's one of the most effective ways to change the feel of a room. "Cool, harsh lighting can feel sterile, while warm, ambient lighting creates a more welcoming and cozy vibe," says Leigh. "Go for energy-efficient LED bulbs with a color temperature between 2500K and 2700K for that perfect glow."
#3: Wallpaper
Lemieux et Cie
"Wallpaper can transform a space by adding color, texture, and personality to walls, creating a more inviting or sophisticated atmosphere," says Taylor Hahn, cofounder of House of Rolison. "It can make a room feel larger, cozier, or more vibrant, depending on the design." Choose a bold pattern or subtle texture, says Leigh. "We love sourcing unique yet cost effective options on Etsy, and other online retailers."
I love this Painterly Labyrinth Wallpaper from Lemieux et Cie!
#4: Hardware
Nils Timm
Design: House of Rolison
"Replacing cabinet and drawer hardware is a small investment with a big payoff," says Lemieux. Upgrade your hardware on kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers for major impact. "This small change can create a cohesive and polished look, transforming even basic furniture or cabinets into something more sophisticated without breaking the bank," says Amr Samaha of Samaha Studio.
#5: Declutter + Organize
You don't always have to spend money on home upgrades to make a beautiful difference. "Tidying up and removing unnecessary items can instantly make a home feel more spacious, clean, and organized," says Lemieux. Fall in love again with the things that bring you joy. "By editing clutter, you create a more serene and functional space without spending any money." Organized areas can also highlight your home's architecture and design features, she says.
#6: Flooring
Nils Timm
Design: House of Rolison
Whether you choose to remove carpet, sand existing floors, or upgrade your flooring, it can instantly enhance the look and feel of your space. "New flooring can define a room’s style while increasing home value," says Hahn. "It doesn’t have to be expensive either! You can score amazing deals on real wood and tile from flooring warehouses, overstock sales in showrooms, or even offer up and Facebook marketplace!" she adds.
#7: Rearrange Furniture
Lemieux et Cie
Before you spend a dime upgrading your space, look around and see how your furniture can function better in a room. "Simply moving your furniture around can dramatically change the flow and perception of a space," says Lemieux. "You can improve the room's functionality, make it feel more open, and even highlight natural lighting. Rearranging is entirely free but can breathe new life into your home."
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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.
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.
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
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
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
"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
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.
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