10 Techtastic Finds from the MoMA Store

Whenever we’re feeling hungry for inspiration, one of our go-to spots is MoMA’s online store. They’ve got an incredible combination of artistic, innovative, and quirky — three adjectives we happen to know a thing or two about. Here are 10 tech-related finds that stood out on our latest virtual visit to MoMA!

1. MakerBot Mixtape ($45): First up, this little cassette is actually a digital MP3 player. How cool is that? Like any music player, this lets you play, pause, rewind, and all that good stuff, and holds 2GB of music. The best part? It comes preloaded with a song created by mixing sounds from MakerBot 3D Printers. And naturally, the device itself was 3D printed.

2. Muji Handheld Mechanical Shredder ($11): A handheld shredder? Yes. Perfect for all those receipts you digitized… or for making confetti.

3. Cuboluce Lamp ($145): It’s a cube of LIGHT. What more do you need to know? We love how mysterious this cube of luminescence is, and we need at least one here at Brit HQ pronto.

4. Cube Clock ($38): Speaking of cubes, this beautiful wooden piece will tell you the time and the temperature, and it’ll look darn good doing it.

5. Interactive Speaker ($30): A great travel speaker, all you have to do is set your smartphone down on the speaker to make it project music. Also makes for a great party trick :)

6. Branch Earphone Splitter ($10): This earphone splitter is actually a beautiful piece of useful tech, making it easy for 3 people to listen to or watch the same thing at once. The question is: could you plug 3 Jamboxes into it?

7. Block Lamp ($140): Inspired by industrial glass bricks, this beautiful glass piece of lighting is made up of two glass blocks that conceal a 25-watt candelabra bulb.

8. Stylus Pen ($40): Are you ready for the future? This pen is a stylus on one end and a ballpoint pen on the other. The MoMA site describes that “with its two-in-one capabilities, the Stylus Pen exhibits multi-functional applications, a design principle celebrated in the Museum’s collection.” We say, hear hear!

9. Plasma Nightlight ($30): This is like having a crystal ball as your nightlight. It plugs directly into the wall and radiates colored light throughout the night. So cool.

Verbarius Electronic Clock

The season’s just not complete until you’ve seen a sculpture made of butter and stuffed your face full of charred sweet corn, funnel cakes and whatever absurd exotic meat you can find. Fairs are full of memories of candy and petting zoos (essentially every child's favorite things) and it's easier than you think to add some of your favorite state fair foods into your weeknight dinner — without having to leave the comfort of your home.

From the classic to the ridiculously ridiculous, we’ve dug up all sorts of recipes to help you make a feast of state fair-inspired foods at home. Your apartment and hair may forever smell like a deep-fryer afterwards, but it’s a small price to pay.

Image via Brit + Co

Homemade Funnel Cake

If you're a big fan of fried goodies, then you *have* to make this treat. It's the perfect mix of hot, sticky, and sweet, and definitely satisfies those fair food cravings. You can split it among a bunch of people like your friends or your family...or you can eat it all yourself.

Image via Saveur

State Fair Corn Dogs

Even with all the new, hyped-up, experimental foods each year, there’s nothing like a classic corn dog. This recipe calls for a Dutch oven in lieu of a deep fryer.

Image via Fresh Tart

Gluten-Free Fried Cheese Curds

FRIED. CHEESE. CURDS. It’s only fitting that a Minnesota blogger would get this wholly Midwestern indulgence exactly right.

Image via Leite’s Culinaria

Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

This might be the most American thing to ever have happened. We recommend you don’t skip the optional white chocolate ganache topping. U-S-A. U-S-A. U-S-A…

Image via Food.com

Puckerin’ Pickle Popsicles

Half of you are probably gagging right now, half (like us) are pretty excited to try this weird pickle juice pop. Cocktail possibilities, anyone?

Image via James vs. Burger

Krispy Kreme Burger

Apparently, Luther Vandross claimed to have come up with the Krispy Kreme burger while on tour. Because, why not?

Image via Kirbie’s Cravings

Fried Cookie Dough

We’re digging this fried cookie-dough concoction. It’s simple if you buy the store-bought stuff.

Image via Leite’s Culinaria

Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas

There’s always money in the banana stand. This recipe — which mixes the peanut coating with pieces of crispy bacon — is MONEY.

Image via Pioneer Woman

Caveman Pops (Roasted Turkey Legs)

Inspired by the behemoth meat drummies of state fairs and Medieval Times alike, a good brine makes this recipe a success.

Image via BS in the Kitchen

Cherry Pie

If you’re looking to take home a blue ribbon, here’s the secret.

Image via The Little Kitchen

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

It is your duty as an American to deep fry everything, including macaroni.

Image via Framed Cooks

Maple Chocolate Bacon Skewers

There’s nothing more fair-friendly than chocolate-covered bacon on a stick.

Image via The Messy Baker

Fried Avocado

Oh, California. You would try to keep healthy with your fair food. Well, not exactly healthy… but it’s no fried Coke.

Image via Serious Eats

Deep-Fried Coca-Cola

This dish involves infusing Bisquick batter with real Coca Cola — don’t you dare try to use diet in this Southern fair recipe.

Image via Bon Appétit

Deep-Fried Spaghetti and Meatballs On-a-Stick

Minnesota is at it again. Do the laws of physics even apply to this?

Image via Food Fire

Grilled Corn Sweet Corn

If you need a break from all the fried fodder, sweet corn is a must!

Image via Created by Diane

Fried Oreos

Anybody can fry a Snickers bar, but we are partial to the creamy, gooey Oreos.

Image via King Arthur Baking

Cream Puffs and Éclairs

This is Wisconsin’s official dessert. At their state fair, it’s served on a large dinner plate.

Image via Dude Foods

Beer and Bacon Battered Deep Fried White Castle Sliders

Get outta here, Orange County. What have you done?!

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Monster Crunchies

Just in time for the back-to-school season, these monster crunchies are a wacky snack the whole family will love.

Image via Tornadough Alli

Kool Aid Pickles

Kool-aid can be great by itself but pairing it with pickles creates a sweet and tangy treat you'll surprisingly want more of.

Image via Pink Owl Kitchen

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Deep fried foods and state fairs seem to go hand-in-hand. We're not complaining though.

Image via Where Is My Spoon

Puff Pastry Plum Tarts

Craving something sweet and sticky? Bake this easy puff pastry plum tarts recipe. You'll love the sweet blend of plums, brown sugar and flaky crust.

Image via Cilantro Parsley

Flamin Hot Cheetos Corn (Elote)

This is grilled sweet corn's spicier sister. With flaming hot cheetos baked on top, this corn on the cob recipe is going to quickly become a guilty food pleasure.

Image via Cozy Cravings

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies

What happens when you mix chocolate, peanut butter and rice krispies together? You get treats that are sure to give you a sugar rush.

What’s the craziest fair food you’ve ever eaten? Let us know on Instagram!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Kirbie’s Cravings

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.

Your shopping list could be a little more *interesting,* couldn’t it? Yes, of course, you need to get those essential items like shampoo and laundry detergent, but perhaps it’s time to treat yourself to something that you don’t see every day. Amazon‘s Interesting Finds section is like a treasure trove of whimsical products that are still wildly useful in your day-to-day life. Take a look at some of these quirky finds that are just dying to hop into your cart.

LABANCA Womens Mini Bucket Shoulder Bag

Spring is officially here, people. You don’t need any other excuse to invest in a cute new bag. Show off your sharp style at the farmer’s market with this cactus bucket bag.

MDRN Life Watermelon Neck Pillow

A comfy neck pillow is just what you need on your next flight to stay fresh as a slice of midsummer watermelon. Is there anything this juicy melon can’t do?

Pinsanity Retro Boombox Enamel Lapel Pin

Your Spring denim could use a bit of pop. This retro boombox adds a bit of ’90s pizzazz to an everyday jean jacket.

Abbott Collection China Gold Lipstick Mug

This coffee cup makes the bane of every lipstick wearer’s life into a pretty gold detail. Even though your liquid lippie is staying put, you can still pretend to leave your mark on your mug.

Mkono Bird Self Watering Globe

Never forget to water your plant babies again. This glass bird takes the guesswork out of having to water your indoor plants and looks good while doing it too.

SMOKO UNI Unicorn Night Light

Who says you’re too old to have a night light? Bask in the warm glow of this pink unicorn as you drift off to dreamland.

Clay in Motion Handwarmer Mug

Keep your hands as warm as your hot coffee, tea, or chocolate on chilly days with this inventive, colorful mug. It has a special handle that covers your fingers so they can feel warm and toasty as you drink.

Le Creuset Stoneware 16-Ounce Honey Pot

This classic-looking honey pot looks like something you’d find on Winnie the Pooh’s dinner table, and that’s what makes it so irresistible. Drizzle just the right amount of honey on whatever your fancy with this pot and silicone dipper.

ZaH Cute Animal 3D Coffee Mug in Panda

As you drink your morning coffee or tea, you might find a tiny friend has come to join you. This adorable mug hides a tiny animal figure at the bottom that is revealed as you finish your bevvie of choice.

Phillipi Mesh Bowl

Some fruit bowls are works of art themselves. This trippy, geometric bowl can display your go-to fruits for a quick snack, or use it for decoration on your coffee table.

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

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

Glinda & Elphaba from 'Wicked'

Universal Pictures

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

'The Handmaid’s Tale'

Brit + Co

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

'Agatha All Along' Costumes

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

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

Scarlet Witch's Suit From 'WandaVision'

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

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

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

'Game of Thrones'

Brit + Co

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

Megan

Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures

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

Anne and Marilla from 'Anne of Green Gables'

Ken Woroner/Netflix

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

'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Costumes

Allyson Riggs/A24

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

Princess Irulan and a Sandworm from 'Dune 2'

Warner Bros. Pictures

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

Harry Potter and Hermione

Brit + Co

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

Troy and Gabriela from 'High School Musical'

Disney Channel

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

Glen Powell in 'Twisters'

Universal Pictures

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

Cinderella

Jonathan Olley/Disney

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

'Star Wars'

Brit + Co

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

Baby Yoda

Disney

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

The Powerpuff Girls

Amazon

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

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

Matthias Clamer/Disney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon

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

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

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

Centre for Ageing Better

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

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

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

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

MART PRODUCTION

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

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

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

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

2. Loving Yourself Is A Choice

Anna Tarazevich

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

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

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

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

3. Your Naked Body Is Beautiful

cottonbro studio

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

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

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

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

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

Yan Krukau

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

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

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

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

Buy 'The Real Body Manual' Here!

Amazon

The Real Body Manual

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