Splurge or Save: 10 Living Room Essentials for Your New Home

Moving into a new home can be incredibly exciting (hello, housewarming soiree!), but it also comes with its fair share of planning, budgeting and to-do lists. It’s a good rule of thumb to live in your new space for at least two months before making any major purchases. Once you have a feel for your new digs, the fun part begins: turning your empty house into your home. As much as we love poring over catalogs and browsing for new goods, it can be hard to know when to splurge and when to save on all those dream items. We’re making things easier by sharing 10 must-have living room essentials for every buget.

1. Sofa: Couch, settee, davenport… whatever you call it, a living room looks a little sparse without it. The gorgeous EJ 315 Sofa ($11,900) hails from the ’70s, but Erik Jørgensen’s design has stood the test of time. A touch of class that yields comfort too, the Danish modern design rests on a wooden frame with soft leather cushions and eye-catching, stitched buttons. To avoid blowing your entire living room budget on your sofa, we’ve found a comparable design in the Alcott Sofa ($1,699). We’re definitely loving the price tag on this beauty.

2. Coffee Table: You need somewhere to rest your mug when you’re enjoying your morning brew or curled up at night with a glass of wine. The River Stone Cocktail Table ($1,035) is a beautiful place to rest your glass while lending elegant flair and a touch of nature to your living room. If you don’t necessarily want your coffee table taking center stage but like the river stone look, then check out this Pebble Coffee Table ($299) that will totally rock your budget.

3. Accent Chair: Let go of that Lazy-Boy you “borrowed” from your parent’s basement and get yourself an accent chair. Extra seating is never a miss, especially when you have a seat that’s as stylish as this Kilim Accent Chair ($999). Resting on mango wood legs, the chair is upholstered with 100% cotton textiles and is sure to spark major interest from visitors. Of course, we’re all about the price tag on the 1938 Bergama Butterfly Chair ($229), not to mention, you can’t go wrong with this graphic twist on a classic.

4. Statement Rug: Pull everything together and create an inviting space by adding an interesting rug. We’re all about the geometric-inspired Buche Wool Flatweave Carpet ($3,000). The price tag reflects the durability and artisanal work that goes into it. If you like the look but would rather splurge elsewhere, the Stockholm ($199) pulls off the same modern and geometric look. (Photo via Apartment Therapy)

5. Cushions: Every couch needs a cushion. This comfy textile adds a happy splash of color and pattern to your space. Colorful and fluffy as a cloud, the duck feather-filled Ink Jungle Cushion ($145) adds comfort and a bit of WOW factor to the settee. Equally bright at a fraction of the cost is the Geometric 3D Cushion ($31), which is illustrated and hand-sewn stateside.

6. Throw Blanket: Any truly “lived in” living room will have a soft, comfy throw rolled up in a basket next to the sofa. Textile trendsetters may be swayed toward the Multi-Color Stripe Throw ($550), but the uber-soft Fireworks Alpaca Throw ($115) gets the job done at a quarter of the cost.

7. Curtains: Window treatments offer a vast array of materials and style, but if you want to keep things sleek and understated, the Zoe Beige Geometric Window Curtains ($278) make an impressive statement. Like the look, but not ready to splurge? The budget-friendly Gray Geometric Curtains ($50) are equally as charming.

8. Framed Artwork: It doesn’t have to be a Picasso, but framed artwork is a great way to add a focal point to your living space. We’re loving the individually signed and numbered Botanical Print ($150) gracing the walls. If flora is your thing, then this set of 12 Vintage Orchid Prints ($82) will add visual appeal to a plain living room wall.

9. Table Lamp: Essential for illuminating a room, table lamps also make a big impact on your living room’s overall look. Brighten things up with the vibrant Mini Foo Dog Lamps ($850). These dogs were the sacred guard dogs of Buddhist temples. Protect your home for about half the price with a pair of vibrant Turquoise Foo Dog Lamps ($340).

10. Tchotchkes: All you need is love. The Beatles sang it, Robert Indiana sculpted it and you can have it in your living room with the Miniature LOVE Sculpture ($200). All love is equal, but the price on this awesome 3D Printed LOVE Sculpture ($36) may mingle a bit more with your budget.

What are your living room essentials? Share your top picks with us below!

Color lovers are in for a treat this season as the best trending home decor hues lean heavily into moody jewel tones and nature-inspired hues. Espresso and burgundy and hints of gold – with a few earthy pastels in the mix – are brightening our neutral spaces and giving us a reason to love color again this season. Here are six moody, modern, and monochrome color trends to embrace this season and decorate your happy home.

Golden Yellow

Lemieux Et Cie

Darker shades like deep gold are adding drama and sophistication to interiors. Whether you opt for subtle buttery yellows (also on trend) or go bold with gold, yellow tones can brighten and elevate your space. Find this rich hue on accent walls, furniture, or accessories.

Shop Yellow Home Decor

West Elm

Cotton Velvet Blackout Curtain

Burgundy

Meredith Kleinman Design

Deep, rich reds are classic for the season and gracing our living spaces with stunning color. Use this color on kitchen cabinets (try Benjamin Moore Classic Burgundy) or your favorite furniture and decor.

Shop Burgundy Home Decor

Interior Define

Maxwell Fabric Sofa By Apartment Therapy

Lulu and Georgia

Carmine Velvet Pillow

Earthy Greens

Gavin Cater

Married couple and design duo behind the Los Angeles design firm Bungalowe, Karan and Sapna Aggarwal, recently renovated their home in the Highland Park neighborhood of LA with this earthy green zellige tile as the accent color in an otherwise neutral home. (Check out their gorgeous home for rustic decor inspiration). Moss, olive, and deep greens like this one are making their way into homes that want to bring in some striking color.

Shop Earthy Green Home Decor

Ruggable

Taylor Washable Wool Rug

Espresso And Mocha

Nils Timm

These yummy colors are on the rise as a modern neutral. Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of celeb-loved L.A. design firm House of Rolison were tasked with reimagining this 1950s Beverly Hills home in the coveted neighborhood for a modern era and chose chocolate and dark woody accents throughout. UK-based Graham & Brown announced its Color of the Year 2025: Elderton, a neutral toned brown inspired by nature. These versatile hues add a sense of warmth and earthiness, perfect for creating cozy, inviting spaces.

Shop Espresso And Mocha Home Decor

Ferm Living

Mara Knotted Rug

Pottery Barn

Ozark Swivel Chair

Urban Outfitters

Sienna Checkered Stool

Earthy Pinks

Desenio

Earthy pinks like toffee, clay and mauve are softening up the rich jewel tone vibe in spaces like this Whimsical Wonderland Gallery Wall. Mixed with more saturated pinks it creates a stunning contrast for all your demure dreams.

Shop Earthy Pink Decor

Lulu and Georgia

Kimber Linen Pillow

Midnight Blues

Anthropologie

With warm colors dominating in recent years, dark moodier blues are creeping back in for us blue lovers. This Winton Dining Table gives this monochrome room a beautiful centerpiece.

Shop Moody Blue Decor

Lemieux et Cie

Roanne Renee Rug

Anthropologie

Liv Wood Lamp Base

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

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.

I like to think of curtains as a room's final accessory, like putting on earrings before heading for a night out. They instantly warm up a room, literally and aesthetically, and can be the statement piece or the neutral backdrop to your favorite room. They also provide privacy, blocking unwanted views and light, which is essential in bedrooms, living areas, and offices. We found 15 curtains in a slew of materials, patterns, and styles that will elevate your style and space. Make sure to measure your window’s width and height to determine the right length and width of the drapes, letting them hang to the floor or a little beyond it, and dress your rooms for fall and beyond!

CB2

CB2 Light Brown Organic Cotton Velvet Window Curtain Panel

Fall is the perfect time to swap your sheer drapes for a lush organic cotton velvet. This light brown velvet curtain panel reduces sound, darkens the room, and hangs beautifully for a luxe look.

West Elm

West Elm Laney Floral Curtain

Feeling more floral in earthy tones? This sophisticated floral pattern will elevate your windows, offer privacy, and keep light at bay. There are also two ways to hang, giving you more rod style choices.

Quince

Quince Raw Silk Curtain

These raw silk blackout curtains are low-key luxe, designed with a nubby texture rather than a high-sheen silk. Hang from the back tabs for an elegant pleated style, use the rod pocket to create a more relaxed, gathered look, or hang with a set of our curtain clips. Your choice!

Wayfair

Susanna Linen Room Darkening Curtain Panel Pair

Sometimes a room needs a touch of floral charm to bring it to life. This stunning drapery set brightens your space by letting in just the right amount of sunlight, while still maintaining your privacy.

CB2

CB2 Basketweave Natural Tan Cotton Window Curtain Panel

Get this classic look that never goes out of style with opaque cotton ivory panels that provide total privacy. Pair with sheer French-Belgian linen for a 5-star hotel look.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Zosia Curtain

This romantic floral print says demure all over it. The light-filtering organic cotton panels are perfect for living spaces and offices.

Target

Threshold Blackout Velvet Window Curtain Panel

Get the best night's sleep ever with this affordable blackout curtain. The seasonal organic velvet is also super easy to care for.

Wayfair

Madison Park Anaheim Plaid Darkening Thermal Fleece Lined Curtain

It's almost fleece season! Block the breeze with this plaid panel made with warming fleece lining. The set reminds me of something you'd see in a cozy Studio McGee cabin.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Belgian Linen Flax Curtain

This best-selling curtain from PB offers the airy, breezy look of a summer panel, but its hidden secret is the blackout liner — ideal for sleep-in Saturdays.

Wayfair

Eastern Accents Kelso Viscose Room Darkening Curtain Panel

The timeless check pattern adds a touch of classic style to any room, while the built-in liner ensures your space stays perfectly dark for sleep and movie-night coziness.

IKEA

IKEA GLANSHAGTORN Panel

Bring in a burst of green or orange color this season with IKEA's plaid curtains that also filter light, perfect for playrooms and dorms.

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Ella Vine Floral Window Panel

This semi-sheer fabric filters light through your space in an eye-catching floral vines print. It's OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified cotton and machine washable.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Pieced Stripe Curtain

Have a little fun with stripes pieced together with zig-zag stitching. This light-filtering curtains adds a pop of pattern to any room.

Made Trade

Made Trade Grid-Stitch Curtain Panel

Made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, this embroidered curtain allows some light to pass through while providing privacy. Love the grid pattern!

Etsy

Etsy Minimalist French Country Drapes

Get the French Country look with this minimalist floral linen curtains that you can customize to your room's needs. So sweet!

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

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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