I Turned My Birthday Into A Gratitude Practice — And I've Never Been Happier

birthday gratitude practice

The running joke the editorial team and I have is that millennials are tired of living during unprecedented times. From the pandemic to all the other massive moments the last few decades, I've felt like I've been living in a weird vortex for the...majority of my life.

Despite — and maybe sometimes because of — it all, it wasn't until my recent birthday that I realized I've grown a lot. I thought the things I learned in my 20s were clues I'd 'arrived' as a 30-something-year-old, but it turns out I still hadn't fully accepted that learning hard truths isn't always bad in the long run.

I do this weird thing where I tend to focus on things I feel have to be done instead of focusing on how far I've come, but that changed when I turned 33. For the first time, I didn't have a huge celebration that ended in anxiety on my birthday. I relaxed at home with a ton of comfort food, scary movies, and a list of 33 things I have to be grateful for. So, how did I get here?

Let's go back to the beginning of the year, shall we?

I Intentionally Dubbed 2024 My Personal Victory Year

Viridiana Rivera

I, like so many others, woke up on January 1st and decided it would be my year. I set intentional resolutions, goals, and even made sure to be specific about them. Similar to how I write in-depth articles, I broke them into the following sections:

  • Motherhood
  • Relationships
  • Career
  • Wellbeing
  • Spiritual

It's the first year I decided to listen to my heart's desires in order to capture a screenshot of the life I want to live. I even prayed over my resolutions and goals, asking to be guided as I accomplished things or were led to them. As February rolled around, I didn't really think twice about the impact of what I'd done because life started to fall into a familiar hum that becomes mundane after a while.

I guess I needed to be reminded of the intentional goals I'd written down because things got painfully interesting after this.

My First Adult Car Was Totaled

Gustavo Fring

Car accidents are never fun as I've been on the receiving end of one before, but this wasn't like before. This time I was emotionally hurt to learn the first car I'd assumed total responsibility for was no longer going to be mine. Though I knew I was lucky no one was seriously harmed, all I could think about is the morning I paid it off. I had every reason to spend the nice bonus I received from my last job, but I decided paying off my car mattered more in that moment.

This is the car that took me from my parents' home to living on my own, trips out of town, and days spent buckling a newborn into his carseat. For 8 years, this car and I were locked in like besties. It truly felt like we'd grown up together so to have it ripped away so suddenly was heartbreaking.

Even though the SUV I got was aligned with everything my fiancé and I were talking about, I couldn't appreciate it for a while because I all could see what was what I had.

I Took A Chance On A Full-Time Creative Career

George Milton

Once I started making peace with having a new vehicle, I started feeling the urge to leave my first adult job behind. I'd spent 10 years there, but it was becoming obvious that it was time to leave the nest. Similar to my first car, my co-workers watched me go from a wide-eyed college student to a confident adult. Though I learned so much there, I knew it wasn't where I wanted to be forever.

Deciding to leave what felt familiar was one of the scariest things I'd ever done and I spent days wondering if I'd made the right choice. It's not that writing wasn't lucrative, but I had to learn how to navigate a remote job that's been unlike any role I've had before. My imposter syndrome was in overdrive because I was waiting for the shoe to drop off my other foot.

Thoughts like "What if I'm not good enough" or "What if my co-workers hate me," plagued my mind because I couldn't believe I'd taken a chance on myself that seemed like it was working in my favor. That only happens in movies, right? In this case, wrong.

The same month I truly decided to focus on my writing career is when I interviewed Whoopi Goldberg. Since then, I've gone on to talk to different authors and even moderated my first book event in Atlanta. But, it still took a while for me to truly be grateful for the amazing things that's happened this year.

The Day I Turned 33 Put Everything Into Perspective

KoolShooters

PMS plagued me for the better part of last week, so I decided to listen to my body and not do anything for my birthday. I kept waiting for myself to feel disappointed for not getting dressed up, but the feeling never came. The sad part is I almost wanted it to because who doesn't want to celebrate their birthday?

It turns out that I did celebrate, even if it wasn't in the typical 'party and dinner' way.

Deciding to focus on feeling peaceful in my new space, I opened my journal and started writing 33 things I'm grateful for. I didn't think I could find that many things, but it got easier to start being appreciative of life instead of focusing on everything I'd even thought went wrong.

In between bites of pizza and cheesy bread, I dropped all expectations and started writing. The more I wrote, the happier I felt which makes me wonder why I didn't do this before. So, without further ado, here is everything I realized during my gratitude practice this year!

The Things I'm Most Grateful For Right Now: 

Brit + Co

"I'm grateful for quiet moments where I can hit the reset button when I need to."

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"I’m grateful for moments I’ve accepted accountability for my actions."

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"I’m grateful for having a supportive family and fiancé."

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"I'm grateful for forgiveness and chances to start over."

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"I’m grateful for the beauty and joy of reading."

Jade Rideout

  • I'm grateful for home-cooked meals.
  • I'm grateful for praying grandmothers.
  • I'm grateful for older siblings I get along with.
  • I'm grateful for reminders I'm not alone.
  • I'm grateful for the gift of writing.
  • I'm grateful for time spent in nature.
  • I'm grateful for having friends in my life who feel like family.
  • I'm grateful for my mom introducing me to therapy before my 20s.
  • I'm grateful for every day I wake up with air in my lungs.
  • I'm grateful for moments that cause me to slow down and think before acting.
  • I'm grateful for multiple seasons of growth.
  • I'm grateful for my first full-time writing job.
  • I'm grateful I work with one of the best teams ever.
  • I'm grateful for having access to food, shelter, and a transportation.
  • I'm grateful for having an active imagination.
  • I'm grateful for being able to watch my son grow.
  • I'm grateful for learning about the ins and outs of postpartum so I can help other new moms!
  • I'm grateful for having a new place to live that's cozy.
  • I'm grateful for watching the seasons change.
  • I'm grateful I get to learn what it means to have a healthy romantic relationship.
  • I'm grateful for boundaries.
  • I'm grateful for understanding my parents betters.
  • I'm grateful I'm still in tune with my inner kid.
  • I'm grateful for book clubs.
  • I'm grateful for the amazing authors I've come across.
  • I'm grateful for funny memes on social media.
  • I'm grateful for hot chocolate — yes, I'm serious.
  • I'm grateful for LIFE itself.

Ironically, some of the things I'm grateful for can serve as inspirational fall quotes — which is perfect since my birthday is days after the Autumn Equinox! Aside from that realization, I can genuinely say writing down what I'm grateful for made my birthday better than it's been in years.

I've been focusing on everything that can go right instead of comparing my life to other people and it's a welcomed change. Maybe this is just one of the perks of getting older. If so, sign me up for more birthdays like this!

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We were thrilled when Stranger Things breakout star Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi (yes, the son of singer and musician Jon Bon Jovi) announced their engagement last year. The couple announced their exciting news on Instagram, each posting photos of their smiles, and the stunning ring front and center. And on now they've officially had a wedding ceremony! Keep reading to see everything we know about their gorgeous wedding day.

How is Millie Bobby Brown adjusting to married life?

Getty Images For Netflix

The actress has kept quiet about married life, but she recently shared a carousel on Instagram that hints she's doing amazing. She took fans BTS of life on the set of Stranger Things 5 and snapped a photo that appears to be on a blackboard. I don't know if she wrote "Millie Bobby Brown Bongiovi" in black marker or not, but it's clear she's proud to take on her husband's last name.

It seems like other fans couldn't get over seeing that pic because the comments about it are full of excitement. Fans think her name is "so powerful" and "sweet" which coincides with how everyone feels about her return as Eleven in Stranger Things.

Did Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi have a second wedding?

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While the couple was legally and officially married, they celebrated with their closest friends and family with an intimate (and gorgeous, I might add) ceremony in the Tuscan hills of Italy. Millie donned 3 different looks for the occasion, while looking absolutely remarkable! Her main dress, a corseted flowing dream was made by none other than Oscar de la Renta. Afterwards, she wore a tiered sheer dress, the quickly changed into a fun, mini dress for the after party!

The two looked as in love as ever at their lavish ceremony, while none other than "Papa" Matthew Modine, Millie's Stranger Things co-star, officiated the ceremony! The pictures, posted by the couple, showed the stunning countryside of Italy that looked straight out of a movie! Jake posted the photos with the caption, "forever and always, your husband." Could they BE any cuter?!

We're so happy for this gorgeous couple on their big day!

Did Millie Bobby Brown get married?

Image via Millie Bobby Brown/Instagram

Yes, Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi are married! Jon Bon Jovi confirmed that the two had tied the knot on an episode of BBC's The One Show. "They're great," says Jon. "They're absolutely fantastic. It was a very small family wedding, and the bride looked gorgeous, and Jake is happy as can be. It's true."

And thanks to The Sun, we know that Jon's wife Dorothea Bongiovi and Millie Bobby Brown's parents were also reportedly in attendance. While Millie has joked that her Stranger Things costar Matthew Modine (who plays Papa on the show) would officiate the ceremony, there's no word on whether any of her friends were at the wedding.

But The Sun also reports that the couple is having a larger ceremony later this year — now THAT'S a party I want to see! "Millie and Jake quietly said their vows in America last weekend," a source says. “They are planning a bigger ceremony in the US later this year but now they have legally married and done all the paperwork. It was a very low-key, romantic affair with their closest family with them as they said their vows.”

How did Millie Bobby Brown get engaged?

Image via Todd Owyoung/NBC

During an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Millie Bobby Brown finally spilled the details Jake Bongiovi's proposal, and TBH I totally did not see it coming. "Basically, Jake and I bonded over diving," she says. "He was like, 'Mill, you've got to be up at 8 AM, we're going on a dive'...So we go under and we're many meters down, and he gives me a shell and I turn it over and it's a ring."

"He puts the ring on my hand, and as I go to show him, the ring falls off my finger," she continues. "Jake threw himself into the [water] so deep...He does a cinematic grab, opens [his hand], and he saved the ring." This is one proposal story I could hear over and over again!

When did Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi start dating?

Image via Millie Bobby Brown/Instagram

Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi have dated since late 2021, but romance rumors swirled once the couple started posting pictures of each other in June 2021. The engagement sparked many reactions from fans, considering their shorter dating-to-engagement timeline and the couple’s ages at the time, Brown (19) and Bongiovi (20).

"Endlessly in love with the year I've had!" Millie says in a 2023 New Years Day Instagram post. "Grateful for my friends, family, donkey (bernard), my doggies, my puppies teeth, and my partner for life. here's to another year with you and the wonderful people and animals around us 🤍 let's do it again but better!"

What did Millie Bobby Brown wear to her engagement party?

Image via Buster Knight/Instagram

Brown wore a Giambattista Valli lace set that we're absolutely obsessed with, and used her own florence by mills line for her makeup!

One user commented on Popsugar's announcement, "Anyone else think he looks like Flynn Rider from Tangled?" and now we're totally getting Flynn and Rapunzel vibes.

What have Millie's friends said about the engagement?

Image via Millie Bobby Brown/Instagram

The actress’ friends were quick to congratulate the duo on Instagram. TV personality Jess Wright wrote in the comments section, “Ommmmggggg congratulations!!!!!!!!! @milliebobbybrown this is amazing. So so happy for you darling 🎊✨🤍.” Holly Ramsay, daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, shared her well wishes and wrote, “!!!! Congratulations ❤️❤️❤️❤️.” Sister Tilly Ramsay also chimed in, adding “Congratulations ❤️!! Xx.”

See Jake Bongiovi And Millie Bobby Brown's Engagement Photos

Image via Millie Bobby Brown/Instagram

Jake Bongiovi and Millie Bobby Brown are all smiles in their engagement photos, and I am love seeing how happy they are! "I've loved you three summers now, honey, I want 'em all," Millie says in her Instagram post. Considering this is a nod to Taylor Swift's Lover, it makes us love Millie even more!

Standing on a beach, Jake wears a white button down while Millie wears a classic slicked back bun, lacy top, and glazed donut nails. If you ask me, these are the PERFECT summer outfits and I want to replicate them ASAP!

What did Millie Bobby Brown do on her birthday?

Image via Millie Bobby Brown/Instagram

Millie Bobby Brown celebrated her 20th birthday on February 19, 2024 at Cathédrale Restaurant in New York, and was surrounded by her closest loved ones for the occasion. She was seen smiling happily next to Jake Bongiovi and we pinched ourselves because they're so adorable together!

Aside from that, Millie Bobby Brown wore the cutest satin mini dress that looks fit for a bride. Could this be a nod to her wedding dress?

We hope Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi share photos from their big day! (Should they choose to, of course). Congrats to the happy couple! 💗

Stay updated on all things celebrity news with Brit + Co and subscribe to our newsletter.

Header image via Getty Images For Netflix

This post has been updated.

There is no better feeling than finding a character that you relate to or feel seen by. And thanks to the past and present lineup of incredible leading ladies in television, women everywhere have had that experience, and have been reminded they’re not alone.

We’ve cried and laughed alongside these characters, and let them into our home week after week, episode after episode, and season after season because they mean something to us. Keep reading to see if your favorite made the list!

​Brit + Co’s Best Leading Ladies

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Kate Bridgerton from Bridgerton

There’s a reason fans of Bridgerton have continued to express their desire for more Kate Bridgerton, formerly known as Kate Sharma, on their screen as the story moves forward. Her devotion to family is admirable and her heart is always in the right place.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls

You know how much we love the Gilmore girls, and it's no surprise. They're loyal, passionate, and will literally do anything from each other. That's true love, baby!

Netflix

Sarah, Kiara, and Cleo from Outer Banks

The Pogues prove that you can find your people no matter what. Where you come from doesn’t have to define you, which is presented perfectly through Sarah, Kiara, and Cleo.

ABC/Liliane Lathan

Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy

Meredith Grey is a fierce survivor, never stopping regardless of what life throws at her. She constantly gives her all when it comes to her job and her patients, striving to advance medicine however she can.

Warner Bros. TV

Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl

These frenemies showed us what it meant to totally have your friends' backs — even if their methods are necessarily admirable.

Marvel Studios/Disney

Wanda Maximoff from WandaVision

We’ve seen Wanda grow for better (and worse) since her first appearance in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but the deep emotion with which her grief is explored through WandaVision is all too relatable. We want to protect ourselves from the pain of loss, but we can’t stay in the safe space forever. We have to pull ourselves together and come out stronger on the other side.

FX/Hulu

Sydney Adamu from The Bear

In many ways, Sydney holds The Bear together. She is driven to succeed, never holding back her intelligence, and knows her craft inside and out. And she definitely makes everyone around her a better person.

Warner Bros. Television

Brooke, Peyton, + Haley from One Tree Hill

We see Brooke, Peyton, and Haley go from teenagers trying to find themselves to adults with families, making it feel as though we were going through life with them. Their loyalty to each other makes One Tree Hill feel like the home we could always go back to.

More TV Leading Ladies We Love

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, + Sophia from The Golden Girls

The Golden Girls brings the true joy of friendship to the screen in a totally timeless way. Audiences might come to laugh, but they leave with much more.

Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Olivia Benson from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Olivia Benson has become a comforting force for all survivors, especially those dealing with some from of sexual assault or abuse. She shines like a beacon of hope, promising that you are so much more than what’s happened to you.

The CW

Veronica Lodge from Riverdale

Veronica’s character development is a true highlight of Riverdale. Seeing her evolve beyond the spoiled, rich girl label to someone who would do anything for those she loves — with the strength to do what was right, even at a personal cost — was powerful.

Archive Photos/Getty Images

Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy

Is there anyone more hilarious than Lucy? She wasn’t what audiences expected from a leading lady, especially in a comedy. She provided an unexpected edge to TV, and that’s exactly why we loved her.

Eric McCandless/Freeform

Aria, Hannah, Spencer, Emily, + Alison from Pretty Little Liars

Seeing a show with five different female leads is rare in and of itself, but Pretty Little Liars allows each character to be their own force of nature. As a friend group, they stuck together and fought for each other, showing the beauty and complexity of female friendships.

Disney+/Walt Disney Studios

Alex Russo from Wizards of Waverly Place

Alex gave young girls permission to mess up, which is so crucial to understand when growing up. Despite her mistakes, she never failed to show total confidence in herself and know exactly what she wanted out of life.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Read up on The Best Movie Leading Ladies to check out your favorite gals of the silver screen!

Our new collection of greeting cards is here, and we're so excited to share it with you! We partnered with Moonpig to design an 11-card collection in B+C’s signature style. Moonpig allows you to personalize greeting cards and will mail them for you!

Joy, Love, Cake Card

We worked with our in-house team to capture life’s special moments, from big birthdays to new homes to warm holiday wishes. Send them to family and friends and spread the love and joy this season. Right now you can snag a free card with code BRITCOFREE. Here’s a sneak peek!

Gratitude Card

Moonpig lets you write your own personal message – you can even use your own handwritten copy! Just submit a sample of your handwriting and type away. You can have the cards sent to you to mail out personally, or they’ll do it for you.

Firework Photo Card

You can add personal photos on the outside or inside, as well as video and audio messages (via QR code). Your friends and family will love seeing and hearing you from afar.

Happy Birthday Card

Choose from a variety of designs, colors, and messages to find the perfect card for your friends and loved ones. Moonpig cards cost less than a regular card (sweet!), and you can add a gift card from a bunch of popular retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, and Uber Eats.

New House Card

Celebrate the milestones, big and small. From new homes to new jobs, there’s always a good reason to reach out to family and friends and connect in a meaningful way. Share those special moments with a thoughtful card that will absolutely make their day.

Merry Era Card

The holidays are just a couple zodiac seasons away! We have a selection of holiday greeting cards that we designed specifically for our B+C followers – and well, that we love too!

Candy Cane Card

Have a reason to celebrate with a group? You can have friends and family sign your card by creating a Group Card.

Our beautiful new designs are ready to spread holiday cheer! Use promo code BRITCOFREE to get a free greeting card today.

Love And Happiness Card

Moonpig has Extra Large Cards too. Surprise your birthday loves on their special day with an extra large card that says all the things you love about them.

Check out the complete B+C x Moonpig greeting card collection. New customers can use code BRITCOFREE to spread love and joy to friends and family today!


Photography by Nicole Hill Gerulat

After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading one book every two days in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP. Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center and girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood.

To celebrate her 101th pick, Reese Witherspoon has chosen one of best debut dark academia books we've read this year. She said, "If you’re looking for a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat this spooky season, this one is a must-read! 👀 Visit our link in bio to get your copy now." (via Reese's Book Club).Alongside the other 35 titles I think are worth diving into, Secret Society of Lies is sucre to take our emotions on a ride!

After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 29 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 21 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!

October: Society of Lies

Amazon

Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown

Maya's back in town for her reunion at Princetown and she's excited to celebrate with familiar faces. It also coincides with her sister Naomi's graduation. As she gets ready for the best weekend ever, she receives the tragic news of Naomi's death and it leaves her shaken to her core. Though everyone says it was an accident, Maya's gut is telling her otherwise.

The more Maya digs into the past, the more she realizes her sister wasn't telling her. Sadly, Naomi was a part of the Sterling Club and it crushes her because she never wanted her sister to join it. Maya's no stranger to the inner workings of the Serling Club because she used to be a member so she knows everything that went on behind the scenes.

As she works to understand what happened to her sister, Maya will come face to face with the memories and secrets that haunt her.

September: The Comfort of Crows

Amazon

The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl

Over the course of 52 chapters, Margaret Renkl invites readers into the wonders of her backyard. For a year, she watched various animals and plants bloom during varying seasons that speak to the cycles of life. From the way our emotions ebb and flow to the periods where we're active or need rest, The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year is a beautiful read that will help us fall in love with every moment of life.

August 2024: Slow Dance

Amazon

Slow Danceby Rainbow Rowell

Best friends Shiloh and Cary thought they had everything figured out when they were in high school. They decided they'd both leave Omaha behind, start their careers, and maintain the tight-knit friendship they'd always had. But, life is known to thrown curveballs when we least expect it.
When Shiloh looks up one day, she realizes it's been over 10 years since she talked to her former best friend. She's also increasingly aware that she's now a single mom to two kids.

While she tries to put the pieces of her new life together, Shiloh receives an invitation that makes her heart thunder. The invitation itself is harmless, but she can't stop thinking about what will happen if she sees Cary.

Despite how many years have passed, Shiloh and Cary are pulled to each other's energy as if no time has passed. They've both missed each other, but now adulthood has given way to deeper feelings that may have been there all along.

July 2024: The Cliffs

Amazon

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan

Would you be willing to journey back to a place you once sought refuge as a teen? What if it looked and felt different than you remembered? What if you discovered secrets and buried ghosts that no longer want to remain hidden?

These are questions that Jane Flanagan finds herself answering as she journeys back to Maine after being away for some time. The house she used to seek refuge in has been renovated by a woman named Genevieve, but she feels that all of her hard work has gone to waste because things don't feel right.

She enlists the help of Jane to see if there are ghosts that wander the halls of the house and that's when the discoveries begin to happen. Jane realizes that some parts of history is impossible to erase no matter how much you try to paint over them.

June 2024: The Unwedding

Amazon

The Unwedding by Ally Condie

Ellery Wainwright is left reeling after it's clear she and her husband won't be celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary together in Big Sur, California. Never mind the fact she's dreaming about how it would be the perfect way to applaud themselves for building such a wonderful life together.

But, life comes at you fast and she's left ambling around the resort while people are prepping for a wedding. Talk about a slap in the face. Still, she begins observing all the newness that comes with people planning to spend the rest of their lives together. As beautiful as it is, she can't help but to feel unsettled the longer she's at the resort.

Sadly, her suspicions are confirmed when she finds the groom's dead body. This all but chokes the beauty of the resort from her heart and when someone else dies, it's clear that the unfortunate party is just getting started.

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

Amazon

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.
Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.
Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.
Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.
Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.

April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had

Amazon

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.

In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.

March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last 

Amazon

Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.

As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.

February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Amazon

Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.

While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.

January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston

Amazon

Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.

Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!

December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman

Amazon

What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?

November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major

Amazon

If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.

As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.

October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow

Amazon

Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.

September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon 

Target

The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.

August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett

Target

Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld 

Amazon

Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.

"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens 

Amazon

If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.

"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson

Amazon

Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.

"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes 

Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed 

Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng 

New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.

"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister 

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?

"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

"True Biz" by Sara Nović 

This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.

"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd 

If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.

"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont 

Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.

"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley 

"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.

"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo 

When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.

"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón 

Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.

"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller 

What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.

"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams 

When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?

"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave 

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse 

Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.

"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord 

Amazon

DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.

"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia 

Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.

Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List

  • "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
  • "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
  • "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
  • "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
  • "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
  • "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
  • "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
  • "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
  • "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
  • "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
  • "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
  • "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
  • "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
  • "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
  • "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
  • "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
  • "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
  • "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
  • "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
  • "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
  • "Outlawed" by Anna North
  • "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
  • "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
  • "Group" by Christie Tate
  • "Fable" by Adrienne Young
  • "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
  • "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
  • "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
  • "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
  • "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
  • "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
  • "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
  • "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
  • "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
  • "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
  • "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
  • "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
  • "Conviction" by Denise Mina
  • "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
  • "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
  • "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
  • "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
  • "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
  • "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
  • "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
  • "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
  • "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
  • "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
  • "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
  • "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
  • "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
  • "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
  • "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
  • "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
  • "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
  • "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
  • "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
  • "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
  • "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
  • "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
  • “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
  • "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
  • "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
  • "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman

Whether you want to challenge yourself to read a book every couple of days like Reese or choose a few books to get you through the summer, I'm sure you'll find titles to add to your growing library. I already have my eyes on Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Club by Ellery Lloyd!

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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.

Because Halloween is the most commanding holiday at Brit + Co HQ — we literally start Halloween in June — we have to properly plan, source and come up with cream-of-the-crop costume ideas, ranging from couples costumes to mom and baby to group costumes. Harley Quinn steals the show in every movie she's in, and after a lot of research, it's no surprise that this light-hearted, bubbly badass, who's been known as the Joker's GF for years, won our hearts in Suicide Squad. (Psst: There's an entire history of the Suicide Squad that's really fun to dive into, BTW.) Here's how I recreated this DIY Harley Quinn costume for Halloween (who hits the top of my list for most fun costumes EVER).

Brit + Co

Maybe I secretly want to be Harley Quinn IRL — and I’m sure I won’t be the only one. ;)

With this homemade Harley Quinn costume, you'll look like the real deal

Brit + Co

Materials

Brit + Co

I am a huge fan of DIY-ing your look when it makes sense, but I always stick to a time-versus-money protocol when planning. That being said, you can totally buy or DIY this costume. I did a combo of both.

How to Create this DIY Harley Quinn Outfit

Brit + Co

Buying wigs on Amazon can be tricky, but this one was a winner — I highly recommend purchasing rather than making this yourself. I had a hard time finding the shorts for a reasonable price, so I got a red and blue pair, cut them in half, then sewed them back together with one red leg and one blue leg.

Brit + Co

The shirt was another piece I contemplated making but ended up buying. I cut it up and added black makeup to rough it up and make it more like hers.

DIY Harley Quinn Costume Makeup Ideas + Accessories

Brit + Co

Face: Apply foundation a few shades lighter than your skin tone and keep your skin on the more fair side — no need to contour or add any blush. Instead, use a black eyeshadow to stipple on the bruised/dirty looking face. I used black face paint and a fine brush to paint on the heart. You guys, I messed up! I accidentally put the cut on the wrong side of my head. DON’T DO THIS. Ha!

Eyes: Apply red shadow on one eye and blue on the other and smudge it towards your temples on each eye. Add black eyeliner and mascara to make it pop.

Lips: Go for a true red lipstick and paint a smudge on your lower lip.

Accessories: You could make the choker with fabric, cardboard cutouts and gold spray paint, or you can buy this GEM for $10! I had a studded belt, so it didn't make sense to buy one, although this one is a little different than hers. Stack your bracelets over the glove and add that ring to your other hand.

Now you're ready to slay some bootay!

Brit + Co

Seriously — I want to live in this DIY Harley Quinn costume! Who's joining me?! Be sure to join our newsletter for more DIY inspiration and fun giveaways!

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.