Ocean’s 11 Is Being Remade With Women and Some Men on Twitter Aren’t Happy

Kat Armstrong
Aug 10, 2016

Ah, the Hollywood remake. Studios are constantly remaking classic and popular films for a new audience. Just this year, we’ve seen the release of funny as hell Ghostbusters, the announcement that Emily Blunt will be Mary Poppins in a reboot and word that the ’80s classic Splash will star Channing Tatum as the Merman. Well, Warner Bros studios just announced that they will be remaking Oceans 11, itself a remake of a classic Frank Sinatra movie, but with an all-female cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling and more. Of course, the angry dudes of the Internet are not happy that Hollywood is remaking a remake with women. Their reactions on Twitter have been fast, savage and silly.

Should we tell this guy that the Pitt movie is a remake?

Some think female led movies are “feminist” propaganda.

And some of them wrongly think that Ghostbusters (which has made 117 million so far, BTW) is proof that Oceans 11 shouldn’t be remade.

Yep, that’s right, this new movie’s only going to have eight leads, and it’s being dubbed Ocean’s Ocho. IT MUST BE ILLUMINATI!

Thankfully, the cast looks epic and we’re sure that with the right treatment and script, the movie could be a huge success.

As for why the remake features eight stars instead of the typical 11? Well.

What’s your favorite Hollywood remake? Tell us @BritandCo!

(Photo via John Sciulli/Getty)

Jonathan Scott Just Proved To Zooey Deschanel How Seriously He Takes Daddy Duties

Zooey Deschanel never fails to make us smile, regardless of whether she's starring in a good TV show like New Girl or teaching us her #1 gardening hack. The actress totally deserves the best, and we're so excited that she's engaged! Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott made a joint Instagram post on August 14th confirming they're getting married after four years of dating. We can hear the bells!! Here's everything you need to know about their relationship (plus a photo of the actress' ring!), and how Zooey's iconic holiday movieElf played a role in how they met. Keep reading for the scoop.

Zooey Deschanel And Jonathan Scott's Full Relationship Timeline

Screenshot via Apple TV+/YouTube

Zooey Deschanel And Jonathan Scott Meet During Carpool Karaoke In 2019

Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott first met in 2019 when they filmed an episode of Carpool Karaoke with Jonathan's brother Drew Scott and Zooey's sister Emily Deschanel — the video includes both a rendition of "Baby It's Cold Outside" (which Zooey sings in the 2003 holiday classic Elf), and Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" — and the couple went on their first date in an escape room.

“I am seeing someone,” Scott told Us in September 2019. “It’s definitely special for me because I am the guy who raises the bar in what I’m looking for in a partner. I was caught a little off guard. It was definitely a pleasant surprise.”

Zooey Deschanel And Jonathan Scott Become Instagram Official In 2019

Zooey and Jonathan posted the same photo of their time at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights to their Instagram accounts. In People's October 2023 cover story, Zooey and Jonathan talk about the initial reaction to their relationship, after Zooey posted their first picture as a couple.

“I remember I looked at it and I saw the first comment right below was, ‘Why the hell is she with a Property Brother?!’" Jonathan says in the interview. "I was like, ‘Excuse me—rude!'" “Why wouldn’t I be with you?” Zooey adds. “Our personalities are so compatible. It’s just that we’re from different worlds.”

Jonathan Scott/Instagram

Zooey Deschanel And Jonathan Scott Make Their Red Carpet Debut

After attending Jonathan's older brother J.D.'s Halloween-themed wedding as Batman and Catwoman, Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott made their red carpet debut at the Critic's Choice Documentary Awards.

The Couple Quarantines Together In March 2020

After the world shut down in March 2020 because of COVID-19, Jonathan Scott posted photos of the couple hanging out at home.

"Don’t let our smiles fool you, we both play to win!" the post (which includes photos of Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott playing Scrabble) reads. "How are you spending your time as we all stay #hometogether? @zooeydeschanel and I have been playing games, making music, and of course doing puzzles."

HGTV/Discovery

Zooey Deschanel Appears On Jonathan Scott's "Celebrity IOU"

This special episode of Celebrity IOU features Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott surprising Zooey's BFF Sarah with a brand new home renovation. So not only was it the perfect opportunity to see Zooey and Jonathan work together, but it also allowed Zooey to give her friend a really beautiful gift!

Zooey Deschanel And Jonathan Scott Buy A Home Together In 2021

In an essay for Drew & Jonathan, Jonathan Scott talks about buying a home with the actress.

"It sat on a little over an acre, and with its lush lawn and massive California sycamores, it looked like a park. Which is why when we first brought the kids by the property they dubbed it the Park House," he says in the essay. "And you know what happens when you name something, whether it’s a mangy stray dog or a beautiful home of your dreams? You keep it."

The couple ended up revealing photos of their renovated home on Drew & Jonthan in 2022! The balance of pattern, color, and detail is really exciting, and it gives the whole home a very balanced look.

Jonathan Scott/Instagram

Zooey Deschanel And Jonathan Scott Get Engaged In August 2023

"Forever starts now!!! 🥰♾️🥰," they captioned the Instagram post. In the photo, Zooey's holding up her left hand to show off a beautiful purple floral engagement ring. It's unique, colorful, and drop dead gorgeous, which feels like a perfect fit for the actress and singer. Jonathan also revealed he involved Zooey's kids in the process and was a "blubbering mess" when it came time to pop the question.

Zooey's also had a big year with projects like Dreamin' Wild, What Am I Eating? and Trolls Band Together. Meanwhile Jonathan has a variety of Property Brothers home renovation shows with his brother Drew like Brother vs. Brother and Celebrity IOU. Looks like they're adding wedding planning to their to-do list!

After announcing their engagement, the couple made another joint post about a trip to Paris. If you ask us, the city of love is the perfect place to celebrate an engagement! "Amour de ma vie ❤️," they captioned the post. Zooey's bright blue jacket, plus her floral scarf and sunglasses are the perfect dopamine-inducing mix of quirky and feminine (with an extra edge from a black leather jacket).

Jonathan Scott Talks About Zooey's Kids

Property Brother star Jonathan Scott is always talking about how much he loves Zooey Deschanel's kids. Whether it be how sweet Zooey's daughter Elsie is, how much he loves vacationing together, or how much he enjoys the day to day. Jonathan talked to TODAY in 2023 about his role in co-parenting with Zooey and her ex-husband Jacob Pechenik: "You see your life transform, your priorities become your kids, and when they have a performance that they're doing at school, or working on some of their homework, or whatever it might be, it's a joy."

Jonathan Scott/Instagram

Jonathan Scott Teases His Wedding Date In April 2024

In honor of the "once in a lifetime" eclipse on April 8, 2024, Jonathan Scott posted a hilarious video teasing when and where he's marrying Zooey Deschanel with a bunch of cue cards (you know, Love, Actually style). “As the full eclipse is a ‘once in a lifetime’ moment, I wanted to take this opportunity to give you some ‘once in a lifetime’ news," the cards read. “I’ve decided to share when and where Zooey & I are getting married."

But right when he's about to show the date and time, the "eclipse" causes a shadow to fall over both Jonathan and the cue cards. He finished the video with a wink and a card that reads, “Which I know you’ll agree is perfect.”

Jonathan Scott Is Embracing Dad Duties In October 2024

Jonathan Scott is officially stepping into his dad role because he just did the cutest thing ever for Zooey Deschanel's daughter! With Halloween being two weeks away, he decided to get in the spirit by building a haunted house for her (via PEOPLE). He told the crowd at the Inc. 5000 45th Annual Conference & Gala, "We have 450 people coming over and I'm not joking. I built a full haunted house. Our daughter this year was like, she wants a real scary Halloween haunted house."

Sharing his excitement about the project, Jonathan said she was speaking his "love language" and spent time going all out for her. There's "all these animatronics," plus there's also a "bouncy and dance floor with a DJ!"

I just hope we get a glimpse of the haunted house because it sounds like fun!

Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott the best. Check out our email newsletter for more wedding content.

This post has been updated.

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TikTok's 'Sleepmaxxing' Promises The Best Sleep Of Your Life — Does It Really Work?

If you've been struggling to get enough sleep, new TikTok viral wellness trend — 'sleepmaxxing' — wants to help. We'd give anything to stop dealing with insomnia, middle-of-the-night wakeup calls, and overall sleep anxiety. But does this trend work? And more importantly, are all these social media tips safe for you to try?

Dr. Ankur Bindal, MD, MPH, FAPA, FAASM can tell you better than we can given his board certification in psychiatry, from American Board of Psychiatry & neurology. In addition to being the founder of the KAB Medical Group Inc. in San Diego, he's also a board certified sleep medicine practitioner who's seen firsthand how a lack of rest can affect our overall wellbeing.

TL;DR

  • Sleepmaxxing is a TikTok trend that's focused on setting yourself up for the best night of sleep possible.
  • While sleep masks and other tangible efforts to get comfortable in bed are great, you mainly want to make sure you're making healthy choices before bed like avoiding your phone.
  • Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
  • Eliminate too much light in your bedroom, avoid screen time, and establish consistent sleeping and waking times.

What is sleepmaxxing?

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

If you're confused about sleepmaxxing, you're not alone — it's really not a straightforward term. It reminds us of what Will Ferrell said in Blades of Glory: "No one knows what it means but it's provocative...gets the people going." However, it actually has a meaning, and Dr. Bindal succinctly breaks it down. "Sleepmaxxing is the art and science of optimizing one's sleep and achieving the best possible quality & quantity of sleep by addressing every factor that can disrupt sleep," he says. This can look like using ear plugs, sleep masks, establishing specific sleep rituals, or anything else that is soothing and helpful.

Mainly, if you actually want to maximize your sleep, then you need to focus on what you do before you go to bed. Unbeknownst to us at times, our bedtime habits can affect the kind of rest we get (or not) at night. Dr. Bindal says, "Optimal Sleep hygiene methodologies including limiting light and sound exposure to using the latest sleep gadgets so sleepmaxxing aims to enhance sleep quality to the fullest." Unfortunately this means our habit of binge watching shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok at night aren't helping us.

I mean, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 35% of those surveyed have their sleep interrupted by lights inside of their homes. That's just lights, sans repetitious social media sounds and compelling television plots. When you add those on top of it all...let's just say we really are not doing ourselves any favors.

How does getting the proper amount of rest aid in our overall wellbeing?

Ahmed ツ

Now that you have a better idea of what sleepmaxxing is, we have to talk about why it matters. Dr. Bindal says getting the "proper amount of sleep" helps support" the following "various bodily functions" including, but not limited to:

  • Brain health — Enhanced cognition in domains of learning, concentration and consolidating memory by promoting phenomenon of hippocampal plasticity
  • Immune system function — A production of essential immune cells, better equipped to fighting off infections
  • Hormone regulation — A regulation of mood and reduced stress and physical repair that promotes muscle recovery, tissue repair, and overall physical development

He further explains that hormone regulation eventually leads to "improved mood, concentration, energy levels, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes."

Basically, the health benefits of slowing down and going to sleep outweigh what society often pushes — staying up later, longer and hustling at all hours of the day and night.

On average, how many hours of sleep are recommended?

Kaboompics.com

How much rest are you truly getting at night? If you ask America's Health Rankings, 35% of adults are getting less than seven hours of sleep. Dr. Bindal says that while adults should sleep between seven and nine hours every night, and there are health risks for those who don't. "Research corroborates that adults who sleep less than seven hours a night may have more health issues than those who do," he explains. Johns Hopkins Medicinefound that sleep deprivation can lead to a "36% increased risk for colorectal cancer," propensity for developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and an overall lower immune system.

Saying "I'll sleep when I'm dead," may sound like a joke, but there's nothing funny about not letting your body get the rest it needs to function.

Should people with sleep difficulties try sleepmaxxing?

Marcus Aurelius

There are several reasons why your sleep could be negatively impacted right now. You may be dealing with insomnia due to stress, depression, or being a new parent. According to the American Psychological Association, 43% of people believe being stressed contributes to their lack of sleep. Furthermore, these same people have noticed their mood has shifted. The same reports shows that 45% of people who are getting less than the recommended hours of sleep have shared they feel on edge more than others while 52% have noticed they've been taking their frustrations out on those in their household.

Dr. Bindal agrees that sleepmaxxing can greatly benefit you if you're struggling because it can "enhance sleep quality to the fullest and emphasizes the importance of optimal sleep health."

How does sleepmaxxing benefit us?

Pavel Danilyuk

Clearly, you need a certain amount of sleep to function properly and achieve all those goals you've so intentionally set recently (hello, October Theory!). That's where sleepmaxxing can come in. Dr. Bindal says, "Improved sleep quality can lead to enhanced mental clarity and emotional stability, making it easier to navigate daily challenges."

If you're planning to change a few habits, you're going to need all the strength and focus you can access because change isn't always easy — even if you welcome it! So when you're implementing these new nighttime routines, be sure to stick to them. Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb, avoid the itch to scroll socials, and make sure you're able to properly relax. It can make all the difference in the world!

How can we incorporate sleepmaxxing in our bedtime routines?

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

If you don't know how to make sleepmaxxing work for you, Dr. Bindal has great suggestions! "Key techniques include optimizing your sleep environment, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, and managing stress and anxiety," he suggests.

One of the key ways you can make sure your room will promote a good night's sleep is by "adjusting the temperature" or "practicing a relaxation exercises before bed," he says. While meditation and mindfulness may be relaxation exercises that take practice over time, choosing the correct temperature is an easy way to set yourself up for success. Everyone's different, but he truly believes your room should be between 65 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit, too.

As Dr. Bindal mentioned before, eliminating sources of light can also aid in the rest you get. Personally, I can't sleep with the TV or lights on anymore because I just know it interrupts my sleep. My room is usually pitch black when it's time to go to sleep — to the point my three-year-old knows what it means when I turn everything off.

Besides these things, Dr. Bindal encourages you to maintain "consistent sleep and wake times" along with a "balanced diet and regular physical activity." Whether that means you start making your own Cava bowls inspired by the blue zone diet or doing workouts at home, they can aid in helping your body repair itself which then promotes the sleep you need.

Can we become too hyper-focused on our quality of sleep?

Kevin Malik

As with anything, too much of something can have adverse affects which rules out any benefits. Though sleepmaxxing can be a good thing for you, becoming fixated on it is likely going to make you even more stressed. "One of the primary concerns with sleepmaxxing is the development of orthosomnia, a condition caused by an obsession with tracking sleep metrics, with devices or apps, which increases anxiety and can further disrupt sleep, called paradoxical insomnia," Dr. Bindal warns.

If you become too obsessed with tracking every little thing, he says all this will do is "disrupt sleep cycles and limit the efficacy of insomnia treatments." But, he has an idea of what you can do to lessen the chance that'll happen. "Instead of over-analyzing how much sleep you’re getting, it’s important to understand that insomnia is a common and treatable condition, by incorporating healthy sleep hygiene routines organically and focusing on addressing the root causes of insomnia symptoms," he shares.

How can we optimize our sleep without getting sucked into wellness trends?

Niels from Slaapwijsheid.nl

Whether you want to call it sleepmaxxing or not, all you have to do is normalize the tips Dr. Bindal mentioned above. "Some of the ways can include established a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, managing light exposure, and limiting screen time before you want to go to sleep," he reiterates. Social media isn't going anywhere so don't let your FOMO convince you that potential scandals or tutorials are more important than getting seven to nine hours of sleep.

Also, don't forget to "maintain a comfortable sleep environment" while being aware of your "caffeine and alcohol intake throughout the day," Dr. Bindal points out. Something tells us that we're going to have to be intentional about breaking up with our daily coffee runs and desires to unwind with a nice glass of wine. But if it means we'll sleep better, we'll add that to our list of habits to change!

Need an extra dose of positivity in your life? We have even more lifestyle tips to share to help you end the year on a healthy and wholesome note!

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Gigi Hadid And Bradley Cooper Reunite After He Skipped Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show For “Dad Duty”

Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper have been pretty private about their relationship, but the two have been out and about more frequently as of late.

The pair has been linked since October 2023, with plenty of dinner dates, city strolls, and weekend getaways under their belts since. They were reportedlyintroduced to each other by Bradley’s ex-girlfriend (and the mother of his daughter), Irina Shayk, who has mutual friends in the acting and modeling industries.

However they met, Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper are a couple we’ve come to really love. Read on for a full timeline of their relationship!

Who is Gigi Hadid?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Gigi Hadid is an American model from Los Angeles, California. She is 28 years old, and has been modeling since she was two. Since then, she’s walked countless runways for designers like Tom Ford, Jean Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Miu Miu, and many more. She’s been featured numerous times on US-based and international magazine covers and continues to represent Maybelline as a spokesmodel. Gigi is Bella Hadid’s sister, who is also an esteemed model. Gigi also has her own fashion line called Guest in Residence, which launched in 2022.

Gigi has most notably dated Cody Simpson, Joe Jonas, and Zayn Malik. She began dating Zayn in 2015, and the couple were on-again, off-again for quite some time until they announced their pregnancy with daughter Khai in April 2020. They officially split after the relationship between Zayn and Gigi’s mother, Yolanda, turned tense and came to a head. TMZ had claimed Zayn had grown angry with her and things had gotten out of hand. Zayn then entered a no-contest plea to multiple charges of harassment against Yolanda.

Still, Zayn and Gigi are set on co-parenting Khai the best they can.

"Since I've had my daughter and since she was born, the main thing in my mind is trying to be a good example to her in terms of, I can do things and I can achieve things and I can overcome things and you can do this, too," he told People in July 2023.

Gigi has also previously been linked to actor Leonardo DiCaprio, but according to People, things were never serious between the two, and they fizzled out around February 2023.

Who is Bradley Cooper?

John Phillips/Getty Images

Bradley Cooper is an award-winning American actor, producer, screenwriter, and director from Pennsylvania. He is 49 years old. Bradley made his acting debut in 1999 with a guest role in Sex and the City, and has since starred in films like The Hangover, The Place Beyond the Pines, Silver Linings Playbook, A Star is Born, and Maestro.

Bradley has won one BAFTA, one SAG Award, and two Grammys for his work in the film industry.

Bradley was briefly married to actress Jennifer Esposito in 2006 before they divorced in 2007. He’s most notably dated Renée Zellweger, Zoe Saldaña, and Suki Waterhouse. Bradley also dated Russian model Irina Shayk from 2015 to 2019, and they share a daughter, Lea de Seine (born 2017), together.

Bradley is known to engage in philanthropy (most notably with The One Family Foundation focused on cancer), but has also used his platform to raise awareness around Alzheimer’s disease, climate change, and politics. He is very close with his family and has fully recovered from substance addiction and alcoholism.

What's Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper's age difference?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Gigi Hadid is 28, and Bradley Cooper is 49, so their age difference is 21 years.

Is Bradley Cooper with Gigi Hadid?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Though the pair hasn’t officially launched their relationship, it appears that Bradley Cooper is with Gigi Hadid. After months of dates, vacations, dinner parties, and recent counts of PDA, it’s likely that they’re going steady. Read on for a full relationship timeline for Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper!

The Full Relationship Timeline: Gigi Hadid And Bradley Cooper

Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for Daily Front Row

October 2023

Gigi and Bradley’s first public sighting was on October 5, 2023 over a casual dinner date at Via Carota in New York City. Daily Mail had captured photos of the pair hopping into the same car post-dinner. Their first date came about 8 months after Gigi had ended things with Leonardo DiCaprio.

The two were spotted together again the following weekend on October 8 – they were traveling back to NYC via Jeep after what seemed like a private weekend getaway (thatreportedly took place at Taylor Swift’s mansion in Rhode Island).

At this point, neither Gigi nor Bradley had publicly addressed their relationship.

Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

November 2023

Gigi and Bradley were seen together more frequently in November 2023. Theyattended an Off Broadway play, and were even seen leaving NYC club Zero Bond together after Gigi had a girl’s night out with Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne, Brittany Mahomes, and Sophie Turner!

Later that month, Bradley was seenwalking the city streets repping a stripedcashmere sweater from Gigi’s very own clothing line, Guest in Residence. We love to see the support!

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Irina Shayk and Bradley Cooper at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards 2019

December 2023

In December, Bradley co-opened Danny & Coop’s, a Philly cheesesteak food truck serving NYC. Gigi sweetly stopped by during his first shift promoting the biz to pick up some food!

Bradley’s ex-wife, Irina Shayk, also popped by the truck at a separate time, with their 6 year-old daughter, Lea de Seine, in tow. Bradley and Irina separated in June 2019.

According to a source that spoke with Entertainment Tonight, there was zero hostility coming from Gigi and Bradley’s respective exes – Zayn Malik and Irina Shayk – regarding their budding relationship.

"Gigi, Bradley, Irina, and Zayn are all in a place where they want each person to be happy and healthy,” the source said, “Zayn's priority is to have a good co-parenting relationship with Gigi."

Gigi shares 3 year-old daughter, Khai, with Zayn. The couple separated in October 2021.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for People.com

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik at the 2016 Met Gala

January 2024

Gigi and Bradley embarked on another dinner date alongside Bradley's mother after the81st Golden Globes in Los Angeles. The three of them reportedlygrabbed a celebratory dinner at Giorgio Baldi.

Later in January, the couple seemed to confirm their then-vague romance with a trip to London. The pair was spotted holding hands – their first documented case of PDA, according toPage Six – as they strolled the streets together.

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

February 2024

Gigi and Bradley returned to NYC after their London trip, appearing much more comfortable being together in public. They were spotted walking hand-in-hand around the city, going on abrunch date, and stopping by Gigi’s Guest in Residence retail store.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

March 2024

Gigi and Bradley attended Queer Eye star Antoni Porowski’s birthday dinner at Via Carota in NYC (of which Bradley is a “regular”), with plenty of PDA to boot!

According to Daily Mail, the pair was spotted in good spirits, laughing and kissing all evening long.

The pair was also spotted attending the March 23 performance of Broadway's Sweeney Todd in NYC, E Newsreports. Before leaving hand-in-hand, they snapped a pic with cast member Joanna Carpenter, which she posted on her Instagram story.

Although Gigi and Bradley have yet to comment on their relationship, one source told People that the pair is just “having fun” with it, but going strong because of their shared love and dedication to parenting.

“[They have] things in common so it’s possible to see it progress," the source said. “It appears super casual now, but they both have kids, big careers, busy lives and understand what life is like in these circles. It’s cute… and there is an attraction."

May 2024

Gigi and Bradley enjoyed a fun date night at no other than the Eras tour in Paris! The pair was spotted in a private box alongside Travis Kelce – we love a supportive squad!

Gigi and Bradley watched Taylor perform an all-new setlist at the show, which includes tunes from The Tortured Poets Department.

Mike Coppola /Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

October 2024

Gigi Hadid walked in the 2024 Victoria's Secret fashion show among Bradley Cooper's ex, Irina Shayk, though there was no bad blood of any sort, since both Cooper and Shayk have been happily co-parenting their daughter for years.

Bradley didn't attend the fashion show, instead choosing to watch from home because he was “on dad duty.”

Bradley and Gigi reunited in New York City not long after the event, both of them stepping out in casual outfits for a wholesome hang.

Come back here for updates on Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper's relationship!

This post has been updated.

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17 Cozy Cottage Decor Finds That'll Make You Want To Hibernate All Fall

In The Holiday, there's Cameron Diaz’s sleek, modern LA home, while Kate Winslet’s character offers up her quaint, cozy English cottage. If you lean more into Kate’s cozy vibe, especially in the fall & winter, here are some simple tips to transform your home into a rustic and cozy cottage this season. From fresh flowers to vintage art, these easy upgrades will help you capture that English charm in your home so you can sit back, relax, and admire.

Tip 1: Use A Soft, Neutral Color Palette

@sophia.at.home via Farrow & Ball

Choose soft whites, creams, pastels with touches of blue, sage green, and blush pinks in your decor. Paint a cozy reading nook with a soothing color like Farrow & Ball's Schoolhouse White, and look for vintage-style furniture made in natural fibers like linen or cotton. Bonus if you have a fireplace, but if not a candle will do!

Shop The Nook

IKEA

IKEA ROCKSJÖN Armchair

Amazon

Rustic Stool, Walnut

Etsy

Etsy Handmade Table Lamp

Wayfair

Chunky Knit Throw Blanket

Tip 2: Layer Natural Linens

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Get cozy with plenty of pillows, quilts, and knitted throws to add layers of warmth and comfort (kitty optional;). Natural fiber rugs like jute, sisal, or wool rugs bring natural texture to the space, and light and airy curtains like linen or lace can help filter sunlight and create a romantic, cozy atmosphere.

Shop Linens & Rugs

Magnolia

Magnolia Flora Pillow

Piglet

Piglet Elderberry Gingham Linen Tablecloth

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Emily Henderson x Rugs USA Jute and Wool Rug

Etsy

Etsy Gauze Linen Striped Curtain

Piglet

Piglet Ochre Gingham Wool Blanket

Tip 3: Bring In Floral Elements

JJ's Flower Shop

Treat yourself to a subscription of fresh flowers, like this pastel bouquet from JJ's Flower Shop, perfectly neutral and natural for your cottage aesthetic. Display them in mason jars or vintage vases for a natural touch. Bring in small plants like succulents, herbs, or wildflowers, and add botanical prints and wallpapers with floral patterns to enhance the look.

SHOP COTTAGE FLORALS

Chasing Paper

Chasing Paper x Jenni Yolo Cosmo Block Print

Wayfair

Wayfair Metal Wall Planter

Etsy

Etsy Vintage Botanical Sketch Download

Wayfair

Pottery Barn Handcrafted Weathered Vase

Tip 4: Add A Warm Touch

Vlada Karpovich

Go for soft, warm lighting instead of bright overhead lights and light your favorite fall candleto create a cozy ambience, especially in candleholders made from metal, wood, or glass. Warm fairy lights create a magical glow and are perfect for mantels. Enjoy the season with a pot of soup, coffee, hot chocolate, or mulled wine and get hygge in the kitchen too!

Shop Warm Decor

Wayfair

Birch Lane Iron Tabletop Candlestick

Wayfair

Lighted Faux Baby's Breath Garland

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Scalloped Dinnerware Collection

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

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Is 'Eldest Daughter Syndrome' Even Real? Here's What A Licensed Therapist Thinks

Navigating adulthood as an eldest daughter can be tough. While you’re not a child in your parents’ home anymore, the dynamics you grew up with can still follow. Think about it: how often do you find yourself trying to solve everyone else’s problems while continuously trying to shoulder your own alone? If this resonates with you at all, you may be dealing with Eldest Daughter Syndrome.

To understand what this actually looks like beyond the TikTok therapy speak of it all, I talked to a licensed therapist, Briana Paruolo, LCMHC. As the founder of On Par Therapy — a practice that specializes in “burnout, disordered eating, and self-worth” that seeks to “empower high achieving women” — she comes across a lot of clients dealing with eldest daughter syndrome. Here’s what Paruolo has to say!


TL;DR

  • Eldest daughter syndrome isn't in the DSM-5, but that doesn't make the experiences of eldest daughters any less real.
  • Eldest daughter syndrome can look like intense perfectionism, unrealistic high standards, an inability to delegate, and an innate need to prioritize the needs of others first.
  • Eldest daughters can heal by validating their experiences, understanding their self-worth, and setting clear boundaries with themselves and others — especially by just saying "no" sometimes.

What is eldest daughter syndrome?

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While The New York Timesreports that eldest daughter syndrome "isn’t an actual mental health diagnosis" — AKA it's not an official disorder recognized in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) — the symptoms seem to have a very real effect on the people struggling with it. Paruolo explains, "Often times with my clients, we explore 'eldest daughter experiences' as a way to avoid pathologizing this now normalized response to family roles and expectations. The eldest daughter experiences behavioral patterns and emotional experiences that are unique to their birth order in comparison to other siblings."

What does this all mean in practice? Paruolo says that families tend to place a ton more expectations on firstborn children, from achievements to overall responsibilities. According to Paruolo, this can put pressure on these children to lead and set a good example for younger siblings. Over time, that pressure can grow and evolve, leading an eldest daughter to taking on more and more throughout her life — even outside of the family home she grew up in — and cause further complications in their relationships, workplace, and otherwise.

What are the symptoms of eldest daughter syndrome?

Pavel Danilyuk

Like I said before, you naturally carry a lot of these experiences from childhood into your adult interactions. And while having leadership proclivities and high standards for yourself isn't inherently a bad thing, all of these pressing expectations can morph into more frustrating symptoms later on in life.

Since this isn't an exact diagnosis or disorder (yet), a lot of these symptoms can come from the practical findings from therapists over time. With Paruolo's clients, she's noticed that eldest daughters "might experience symptoms of perfectionism and unrealistic self-induced demands in both workplaces and relationships." She explains that this can look like a lack of delegation or asking for help. Paroulo also notes that eldest daughters may innately "prioritize others' needs before they acknowledge their own" — and if they choose to pick their own needs first, they may end up feeling guilty in the long run.

Each of these symptoms can pop up in an eldest daughter's day-to-day, but they can also have some unfortunate long term effects if they go unaddressed. "Long term effects might look like consciously or unconsciously being placed in a caregiving role, which can lead to burnout in many relationships," Paruolo says. She explains that this "immense pressure" and the climbing responsibilities can eventually cause chronic stress — and potentially even lead to resentment toward family members.

Netflix

For a fictional — but still practical! — example, let's think about Daphne Bridgerton. In season 1, we immediately see the extreme weight Daphne bears to find a good, respectable marriage that will make her family proud and cement their societal standing even further. That's a ton of pressure for anyone of any age, let alone a 21-year-old woman. Meanwhile, her older brothers Anthony and Benedict are 29 and 27, respectively — and if you remember, they don't seem to nervous about their own standings on the marriage mart, let alone seem eager to marry yet at all.

But Daphne prevails! She marries The Duke of Hastings, conceives a child, and fulfills her family's dreams against all odds. If you thought that would be enough, and that Daphne officially check off her eldest daughter duty, you'd be wrong! In season 2, when Anthony finally decides to navigate his own marriage prospects, the family calls Daphne in for help to give advice and lead them through their struggles. So even though Daphne's started a family of her own (exactly what they wanted and asked of her!), her job is never done. She councils, aids, and doles out an endless supply of love and care.

What can parents do to prevent eldest daughter syndrome?

Any Lane

Parents have a lot to prioritize as they raise their families, but there are some small (but very powerful!) things they can do to help prevent eldest daughter syndrome from getting out of hand. First and foremost, Paruolo wants parents to know how important it is to be mindful of how they speak to their children, regardless of their birth order. She stresses that a parents' voice "often becomes the child's internal voice (and often the harshest critic)."

Next, Paruolo suggests creating a more open environment for the family to talk about their feelings about the family dynamic. By doing so, it seems like this could mitigate that resentment we've talked about before, where an eldest daughter may take on more and more without asking for help and eventually burning out. Paruolo notes you can have these conversations at family dinners or meetings — this offers a set time and place for each person to air their feelings.

Finally, Paruolo wants parents that they should be "mindful of the caregiving responsibilities they place on the eldest" while also "encouraging age-appropriate forms of independence for the children in the house." All these efforts can help "breed healthier dynamics," and hopefully make an eldest daughter's life a little easier, one step at a time.

How can women heal from their eldest daughter syndrome?

jasmin chew

After reading all this, it may seem overwhelming to recognize that you're dealing with eldest daughter syndrome. Luckily, your symptoms and struggles don't have to define you because Paruolo has some key advice for healing. "Women can deal with and heal from their oldest daughter syndrome by acknowledging their real and valid experiences," she says. "We don't tell someone with a broken leg to get over it, so the same nurturing and understanding of how the eldest daughter syndrome has shaped them is essential for their journey."

There are a few ways you can truly validate these eldest daughter experiences — and work to move on from them. Paruolo suggests practicing mindfulness in order to notice what your innate behaviors are. She says, "It can be a simple three second pause with the reflective question, 'Am I placing the oxygen mask on someone else before helping myself in this moment?'" In doing this, you're able to create a space where you allow yourself to choose your own needs first — or at least start acknowledging them more clearly.

One of the biggest — and I'd say hardest — practices that Paruolo suggests? Saying no. She says that acclimating to the discomfort of setting boundaries and saying that two-letter word can really help you form better, healthier habits. I know I could definitely do this more.

Finally, Paruolo wants eldest daughters to work on reframing their self-worth. She says, "Get curious about why it's an honor to be you (because it is!) and try to separate it from the caregiver or problem-solver role you have been continuously placed in."

Elina Fairytale

If there's anything to take away from my conversation and research, I'd let it be this: your experiences as an eldest daughter are valid, and you deserve to prioritize yourself! Whether 'eldest daughter syndrome' is in a diagnostic book or not, it's clear that therapists are taking these instances seriously, honoring their clients needs — so why shouldn't you honor your own?

I don't want to end this article hypocritically. I struggle with my own eldest daughter tendencies daily, but it's helpful to know that there are very real steps I can take to make my life easier, to exhale. And maybe one day, these lived experiences we all share will be codified in the DSM-5, allowing future eldest daughters to have a clearer playbook to live by — because you know we love achievable, clear goals. 😉

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