Why Monotasking Is Our Favorite New Productivity Tip

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I used to pride myself on being able to juggle a bunch of tasks at once, and as a mom it's not only necessary, but impossible not to. But lately just reading a paperback without distraction or going for a walk without my phone brings me more joy while freeing my brain for more creativity. But here's a surprising productivity tip: Science shows that focusing on one task at a time is better for your brain. One Stanford study found that high-tech jugglers, those who are trying to do it all, retain very little of what they actually consume; and their memory and attention spans are less robust than those who focus on one task at a time.

I recently chatted with Thatcher Wine, author of The Twelve Monotasks, about ways in which we can slow down in order to get more done. From reading and listening to creating, eating, and sleeping, there's a science to how we can approach these tasks with focus and attention to ultimately do them better. Drawing on research in psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness, Wine provides a roadmap for resisting all of the distractions we encounter in a day to bring a renewed focus on getting things done. Scroll for more tips from his new book.

What are the benefits of monotasking?

Wine: Monotasking can help us be more productive, less stressed, and more connected to other people. When we multitask, we make more mistakes and things take longer. Plus, constant multitasking tends to make us feel overwhelmed by how much we have to do. In contrast, monotasking provides satisfaction from doing one thing at a time with our full attention.

What are easy ways we can break free from multitasking?

The first thing we have to do is put down our phones and keep them out of reach. They are good at convincing us that we can and should multitask all the time. The second thing we can do is to do something every day that builds our ability to focus. I love to read for 20 minutes each morning. When you're feeling stressed out and have too much to do, I also recommend going for a walk for 20 minutes. Keep your phone in your pocket and monotask the walk, doing nothing but walking, paying attention to the sights and sounds, but resisting all temptations to multitask... this will help you reset and multitask less at your desk and in life.

How has technology played a role in our desire to multitask?

We invented all of these devices and technology over the past few decades and have built them to be faster and faster, and to multitask more and more. It's confusing to us that if the smartphones and computers we invented and configured can multitask, why can't we?

However, we have the same brains that humans have had for thousands of years, yet we are asking something different of them and are frustrated and overwhelmed when they can't keep up. Advertisers and technology companies have figured out how to get our attention with various notifications and rewards. They are constantly tempting us to multitask. The sooner we release that these are just distractions, the sooner we can reclaim control of our own attention to get done what we need and want to do.

Parents, especially moms, are overwhelmed with the tasks of childcare, navigating a pandemic, and work, plus finding time for themselves. What is your best advice for slowing down when it seems impossible to do so?

There is way more economic, cultural, and societal pressure to do more than ever before in the history of human beings. We've tried to keep up by doing more, and doing more than one thing at one time (multitasking). However, as a parent, I have found that I'm much better able to take care of my family, and myself, by slowing down and being present in every moment. It seems hard to do when we have so much on our to-do lists, and our kids need us and want our attention. However, we always have a choice with everything we do: we can do one thing with our full attention (monotasking), or we can do multiple things with partial attention (multitasking). The more we choose to monotask with our full attention, the more we'll get done, and the more our friends and family will value our presence and learn from our example.

What productivity tips will you prioritize in your day to day? Share with us @BritandCo!

Blake Lively is as multifaceted as they come. She's an actress who has starred in titles like Gossip Girl, A Simple Favor, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (plus It Ends With Us). She's the founder of Betty Buzz, which has a variety of non-alcoholic mixers that taste just as good on their own as they do with liquor. And, she's also a mom. Lively has been outspoken about protecting her children from the paparazzi, making rare public appearances with them for events like her husband Ryan Reynolds' Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremonyandcozy date nights.

When Lively and Reynolds seemingly announced the birth of their fourth child last year, we melted. Here's everything you need to know about Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids.

Is Taylor Swift friends with Blake Lively's kids?

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Yes, Taylor Swift loves Blake Lively's kids! The family has shown up to the Eras Tour multiple times, and most recently supported the popstar at her concert in New Orleans, Louisiana. Blake and Ryan were joined by oldest daughter James (who looked amazing in a Reputation-inspired 'fit), and I can't believe how much James and Blake look alike! She's truly her mini-me! At the Philadelphia show of the Eras Tour, which Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively attended, Taylor said hello from the stage.

One funny detail about Ryan Reynolds' kids that I love is when he mentioned the girls finally realized Taylor Swift was a popstar. "I think what's most exciting for them is that for the longest time they just thought Taylor's just like an aunt, like a friend of Mommy and Daddy that's very, very close, almost family," he tellsThe Jess Cagle Show. "And then they went to a concert one day and were like, 'Ohhhhh, this isn't a hobby.'"

For Super Bowl Sunday in 2024, Blake Lively joined Taylor Swift to support beau (and KC Chiefs tight end) Travis Kelce. "Last week I left my kids for the first time ever," she says on Instagram. "I took pictures upside down and had no clue. I treated a friendship bracelet like a Flat Stanley for my husband like I didn’t realize it wasn’t ‘07. I borrowed more jewelry than the skeleton in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. And I went clubbing. Now I know what my episode of TheTwilight Zone would look like."

How do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively prioritize their kids?

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At the end of September, Ryan Reynolds revealed how different parenting seems to be now than when he was a kid. "Parents today are so different. We're so soft," he said at HubSpot’s INBOUND tech conference (via People). "I don't yell. I grew up with like — it was nuts, it was an improvised militia.”

“Now it's like, I can go look at all my resources for parenting and remind myself how to be perfectly compassionate,” he continued. "Something I love about [conflict resolution], and I know this is not very fancy, but what I love about it is that you can meet somebody where they are, and you don't have to be right or wrong...You can disagree and still connect."

Blake Lively recently joined an episode of her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' costar Amber Tamblyn's Further Adoand revealed the one unbreakable rule she made with Ryan Reynolds.

“When Ryan and I got together, we made a rule not to work at the same time,” she says. “So that we could always prioritize our personal life...That takes working really hard when we're not. Just like financial planning and sustaining that; it takes balance.”

I love that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are serious about their family life, and that they have identified what works for them and are sticking with it.

What is the name of Blake Lively's 4th baby?

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Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' fourth baby is named Olin, which he revealed during the July 22 premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine!

Before Ryan chose to reveal the name, he appeared on the Today show and made a cheeky joke about it after the hosts urged him to spill the beans. He said, "We always wait for Taylor to tell us what the child's name will be. We'll say this: we're still waiting."

What are Blake Lively kids ages?

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Blake Lively's kids are all under 10. James is 9 (turning 10 on December 16), Inez is 7 (turning 8 on September 30), Betty is 4 (turning 5 on October 4), and Olin turned 1 in February.

What gender is Ryan and Blake's fourth child?

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On July 26, Ryan Reynolds confirmed that he and Blake Lively's fourth baby, born in February 2023, is a boy in an Instagram video supporting mental health charity Walking 4 Hope. Speaking with founder John Bell, who struggled with suicidal ideation after the 2020 loss of his son Jake, Reynolds says, “I want to share with you that I, too, have a son...Boy, John, if I love him one-tenth as much as you love Jake, I’ll feel like I’ve done a pretty d—mn good job.”

Considering how adorable James, Inez, and Betty are, I can only imagine how cute Blake Lively's son is!

How many children do Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have?

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Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have four kids. They welcomed their third daughter in 2019, making this new addition to the family their fourth child.

Did Blake Lively have a 4th baby?

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Blake Lively posted a pic on Super Bowl Sunday in 2023 showing what appears to be a post-baby body with the caption "Been busy."

Lively confirmed her fourth pregnancy in September 2022 when she arrived at her Forbes event in NYC cradling a baby bump and by posting her own personal photos on Instagramhoping that "the 11 guys waiting outside [her] home for a 🦄 sighting will leave [her] alone."

How old was Blake Lively when she had her first child?

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Blake Lively was 27 when she gave birth to her first daughter, James, in December of 2014.

Why did Blake Lively name her daughter James?

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The couple decided to name their daughter James after Reynolds' late father. While the name connects both James and Reynolds to his father, it also gives Lively the chance to bond with her daughter over having historically male names. "I liked having a boy's name," Lively said on Good Morning Americain 2015. "I thought I'd pass it on."

Their third daughter Betty's name is a tribute to Lively's late father. We didn't know the name of the couple's third baby until Taylor Swift used all three names in her 2020 album folklore. Swift also used James' voice at the beginning of her 2017 track "Gorgeous"! Does that mean we'll hear one of Ryan Reynolds' children in Reputation (Taylor's Version)? I hope so!

What has Ryan Reynolds said about raising their kids?

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In a conversation with Hugh Jackman ahead of Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds opened up about how his family has helped his anxiety. "I think it makes it better because your focus is less on yourself and more on your kids," he says (via People). "I love that I've had anxiety because when I see my kids experiencing some of that, which is probably genetic, I know how to address it in a way that is compassionate, that actually allows them to feel seen. I know that I can't just fix it. And I can communicate all that stuff to them and with them. I'm always grateful for it."

Per People, Ryan Reynolds has also made it clear he and Blake are wholly invested in the kids' daily lives. The doting husband and father enjoys the moments of "walking them to school and walking them back" as it deepens their bond. More than anything, Ryan and Blake's main goal is to make sure they teach their kids how to be introspective with Ryan saying "the thing we sort of hang our hat on the most is self-awareness with our kids."

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

However, that doesn't mean Blake and Ryan don't absolutely love being parents. "We're very excited [and] we wouldn't do this four times if we didn't love it," he says in an interview with CNBC's Power Lunch. "Everybody's doing great. Everybody's actually doing fantastic. I think if we hadn't figured it out by now, I think we'd be in deep, deep trouble."

"It's a zoo over here," he jokes. "This is my office here, this is where I'll probably — to be honest, I'll probably spend the rest of my life in here."

We love how much energy Ryan and Blake are pouring into their kids. It's always beautiful when parents are able to be present with their kids and teach them how to be present with themselves. Ryan Reynolds has also mentioned how having daughters "has been such a ride." Since he comes from a family of all boys, having daughters is something that was beyond his wildest dreams! “I love being a girl dad,” Ryan tells Access in 2020. “I have three daughters, which I never in a million years would imagine.”

He mentioned his newest child in June of 2023, when he announced his new series Bedtime Stories. "The idea for a show made to help everyone fall asleep was born the same day as my fourth child," he says on Instagram.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The Deadpool actor also recently offered some parenting advice on Amanda Hirsch’s hit podcastNot Skinny But Not Fat. "Embrace the chaos,” he tells Hirsch. "[Blake] always says, ‘They're all under our roof right now. The whole family's under our roof right now. We have them all.’ And that is a fleeting thing. Not an infinite resource, you know?”

While Reynolds understands firsthand how overwhelming parenting can feel, he also doesn't wish away this time with four young kids: “Just say, ‘Think about what you would give in 40 years or 30 years to come back and enjoy this one moment.’"

How has motherhood affected Blake Lively?

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Blake Lively opened up about how Ryan Reynolds and she monitor screen safety for their kids, which is definitely something top-of-mind in 2024. “This is not an ad. I get nothing out of this. I just love @tappityapp,” she said of the STEM-focused educational app. “It’s engaging, informative, fun and they care about safety."

She also jokes that she's learning new things right along with her kids! But, no matter how educational or fun an app is, Blake Lively also emphasizes the importance of engaging with her kids' devices: "I’m always triple checking any kids app constantly for safety because that’s my responsibility not an app’s, but I do LOVE this one.”

Despite its fun and funny moments, the actress has admitted being a mom is hard, but she did it with her signature dry sense of humor. “BettyBooze at your service," she wrote in an Instagram Story announcing the new brand. "These are recipes I’ve been making for loved ones for years. But I have 4 kids now. And I’m tired. So here they are. In a can."

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for American Cinematheque

However, Blake Lively absolutely loves motherhood, and says in a 2022 interview with Forbes that having children has made her feel more comfortable in her own skin. "Once I had children, that just became even more profound because my time was even more precious, but also I think having children for me made me feel so much more in my skin," she says. "I never felt more myself or at ease in my own body or more confident — not to say that there aren't a bevy of insecurities coming at me a million times a day, but I just feel incredibly settled."

Speaking with People in 2021, Lively also explains how important it is that her children see her accomplish things outside the home. "I want to be as present of a mother as humanly possible and I want them to feel my presence, but I also think the best way to be the best mother is to show them that you can have a life and have a passion and have an identity outside of just being a mother," Lively says.

While she acknowledges that motherhood is all-encompassing, and it looks different for everyone, she knows that having your own identity is very important. "Teaching them that they can maintain themselves and that everything is possible [is crucial]," she adds.

When did Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have their daughters?

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Blake Lively's children were all born in the last 10 years. Blake Lively's daughters are James, Inez, Betty, and her fourth child is named Olin! Their fourth baby's name was announced during the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine. Blake gave birth to James in 2014, while Inez was born in 2016. Lively gave birth to Betty in 2019 and Olin in February of 2023.

Do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids have nannies?

Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' children don't have a nanny. "I feel like I could sometimes have a bit of a short fuse, but there's just been this weirdly endless supply of patience," Ryan told GQ in 2015. "I have no problem waking up five times in the middle of the night and changing diapers, and as exhausted as you get, I have this stupid grin on my face all the time."

Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids!

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This story has been updated.

People love to say "curiosity killed the cat" without mentioning that "satisfaction brought it back" — hence my love for celebrity books and memoirs. Apart from their superstar status, celebs are still humans who have other interests and lives outside of what's made them famous. Celebs are oftentimes placed on a pedestal, so reading their memoirs, novels, and otherwise helps humanize them. If you want a better picture of your fave celebs, here are the 36 best celebrity memoirs and books you can add to your bookshelves today.

Celebrity Memoirs

Beyonce/Instagram

Matriarch: A Memoir by Tina Knowles (April 22, 2025)

Beyonce's mom, Ms. Tina Knowles, is throwing her hat in the book ring with her upcoming memoir Matriarch and I don't know what to do with myself! She's made it more than clear that she's not only her daughters' biggest supporters, but Ms. Knowles has also proven she's just as business savvy as they are. This makes the term, "They get it from their mama" super appropriate. But, who is Ms. Celestine Knowles beyond that?

Matriarch is her way of introducing readers to the childhood experiences, grief, love, heartbreak and so much more that have shaped her into the woman she is today.

The Woman in Meby Britney Spears

The Woman in Me peels back all of the mysterious layers of Britney Spears but this time, her recollections are in her voice. She introduces us to her rocky childhood, acquiring fame and so much more in this moving memoir. It's Britney like we've never read about her before.

Willby Will Smith

Instead of letting the media continue speculating about his life, Will Smith also penned a moving memoir. From his days growing up in a sometimes volatile household to securing the title of one of the biggest superstars, Smith points out the cracks in his foundation.

Worthyby Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith is on a mission to reclaim her narrative with Worthy. Her recollection of her upbringing and various experiences leading up to being in the spotlight are eloquently penned in a way only she's capable of.

Thicker Than Waterby Kerry Washington

When an event prompts her parents to unearth a secret they never intended to tell her, Kerry Washington begins recounting her life from childhood trauma to discovering the acting world. Throughout the book, Washington takes readers on a journey that helps her answer a question she's always asked herself — will she get the answers?

We're Going to Need More Wineby Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union's prolific retelling of her life's stories are both hilarious, agonizing and heartfelt at the same time. Each page feels like you're sitting across from an old friend, drinking wine and catching up on life. Throughout We're Going to Need More Wine, Union introduces us to moments she's doubted herself, experienced sexual assault, and even talks about her first marriage. It's a must-read.

Love, Pamelaby Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson is finally getting her flowers — as she deserves — and it's beautiful to witness. Instead of letting everyone else tell her story in order to fit their narrative, she dives into who she really is in Love, Pamela. She also weaves in poetry she's written

Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Storiesby Kelly Ripa

I grew up watching Live With Regis and Kelly so I was excited to dive into Kelly Ripa's Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories. She takes her notable on-air personality and pours it into each page whether she's recounting motherhood or things she's experienced in her career.

Paris: The Memoirby Paris Hilton

If you grew up saying, "That's hot," every five minutes, then you were probably bit by the Paris bug. Made famous by her rich girl persona, she was able to market herself and carve a lane apart from the Hilton name. But her book Paris: The Memoir paints a different picture than the public came to know. In her own words, she describes who she truly is, the struggles she's faced and the beautiful life she is creating for her family now.

Finding Meby Viola Davis

Reading Viola Davis' Finding Me tore my soul open and lovingly put it back together again. It's a memoir that details her traumatic childhood and the things she's had to face in Hollywood. At the same time, tales of love and resilience are weaved throughout Finding Me that readers will be able to see that she did in fact find herself.

Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Upby Selma Blair

Actress Selma Blair takes readers behind the scenes as she remembers her upbringing that was shaped by being labeled a mean baby. She pulls back the layers of herself in Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up and relates them to the woman she is today.

I'm Glad My Mom Diedby Jennette McCurdy

At first glance, Jennette McCurdy's I'm Glad My Mom Died immediately catches your eye and makes you exasperatedly ask "What?" But once you begin reading about McCurdy's fraught and toxic relationship with her mother, you realize the title is just one complicated peek at everything she's endured.

Scrappy Little Nobodyby Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick's impeccable timing in movies is all attributed to who she is off-screen. In Scrappy Little Nobody, she details going to school while still pursuing an acting career and various awkward moments she's had. It's a fun read when you're looking for a boost of dopamine and a little second-hand embarrassment.

You Should Sit Down For This: A Memoir About Life, Wine, and Cookiesby Tamera Mowry-Housley

Watching Sister, Sister was like a rite of passage for me, so it makes sense that reading a book by one of the Mowry twins brought a smile to my face.You Should Sit Down For This: A Memoir About Life, Wine, and Cookies is a mix of memories, her favorite snacks, and nuggets of wisdom written by Tamera Mowry-Housley.

The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were Thereby Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey

Calling all The Office fans! Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey wrote a book that details the beautiful friendship they built as a result of this classic TV series. They detail key moments from the set of The Office and all the inner workings of mom life in The Office BFFS: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There.

Born to Runby Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen is a *legend* in the music industry with a more than a memorable career. In Born to Run, he gives a readers a peek into his life leading up to the musician he became and everything that's shaped his life thus far, leaning into his innate storytelling ability and painting a poetic picture of life on the road to fame.

Bossypantsby Tina Fey

Tina Fey's longstanding comedic career has taken her from SNL all the way to the big screen but it's all a part of the dream she had as a little girl. Bossypants takes a look at Fey's life as she recalls various moments from her past and present.

Yes Pleaseby Amy Poehler

Before her own long stint on SNL, Amy Poehler appeared on Comedy Central and has ultimately created a career that's filled with her memorable comedic timing and goofy persona. She brings that same energy to Yes Please, and it'll remind readers why they fell in love with her in the first place.

Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Upby Naya Rivera

The late and ever-lovely Naya Rivera may have captured hearts during her time on Glee, and her book Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up is sure to keep them. It details all the things she's learn to apologize for, and what she chose to be unapologetic about.

Open Bookby Jessica Simpson

Singer-turned-entrepreneur Jessica Simpson is known for hits like "With You" and "I Belong To Me" but she's also an author. Written in 2020, Open Book cracks open the parts of Simpson's life she's kept hidden from view.

Greenlightsby Matthew McConaughey

Confession — I immediately fell in love with Matthew McConaughey's southern drawl when I watched The Wedding Planner in 2001. Ever since the first moment he appeared onscreen, my young mind added him to my list of favorite actors. Reading Greenlights was a ride I wasn't ready to get off because it dared to expose every crevice of McConaughey's life in a way he's learned to make peace with. It reads like a masterclass in accepting every moment of life and I can't recommend it enough!

Pageboy: A Memoirby Elliot Page

Despite a stellar performance in Juno, Elliot Page couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't living in his full truth — and then it happened. After a memorable moment of PDA, Elliot knew it was time for him to start making changes. Pageboy: A Memoir peels back all of the layers that covered Elliot — some doused with harm — to unveil who he really is.

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci's incredible career as an actor allowed us to learn more about his equally impressive chef skills. After releasing The Tucci Cookbook and The Tucci Table: Cooking With Family and Friends, Stanley Tucci shared his memoir Taste: My Life Through Food with fans in 2021. It details his Italian-American background — the origin of his love for food — and the beautiful ways his life has revolved around cooking ever since.

My Name is Barbaraby Barbra Streisand

Simply put, Barbara Streisand is a living legend. Her career is as expansive as it impressive, and we love that. For the first time, she's telling her own story in My Name Is Barbara. From the streets of Brooklyn, NY to the big stage, Barbara's life is riddled with highs and lows that have shaped who she is today.

Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestonesby Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton's unforgettable style is well-known and has transcended generations. In Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, she dives into when she fell in love with fashion and how she's made sure it's evident throughout her career.

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop (Available September 17, 2024)

From her role in Dirty Dancing to playing the memorable grandmother in Gilmore Girls, Kelly Bishop's career has been full of highlights and she's ready to talk about it in her upcoming memoir The Third Gilmore Girl. Readers will learn more about the experiences that have shaped her — from marriage to career choices — and the way she chooses to move through life with optimism in sight.

Celebrity Cookbooks

Whiskey in a Teacupby Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is the kind of actress (and person) I wanna sit down and reminisce on growing up in the south with. Since we can't have a face-to-face conversation, reading Whiskey in a Teacup is the next best thing. She talks about everything from having a book club to making the best southern biscuits ever.

Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious , and Joyful Plant-Based Inspirationsby Tabitha Brown

Known as the internet's vegan auntie, Tabitha Brown is the epitome of joy and making vegan food look absolutely delicious. For all the people who wish they could taste the recipes she shares with us on Instagram, Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious, and Joyful Plant-Based Inspirations is a great alternative.

Rebel Homemaker: Food, Family, Lifeby Drew Barrymore

Hollywood's darling Drew Barrymore brings readers into her home and kitchen where she shares tasty recipes, photos and more in Rebel Homemaker: Food, Family, Life.

Cravings: All Togetherby Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen has proven she's more than R&B singer John Legend's wife with her modeling career and larger-than-life internet presence, but she's also a *skilled* cook. With Cravings: All Together, Teigen shares her favorite comfort food recipes that she turns to time and time again.

Whole New You: How Real Food Transforms Your Life for a Healthier, More Gorgeous Youby Tia Mowry

I personally love this cookbook written by Tia Mowry because she shares how learning about the root of her painful period cramps — caused by her struggle with endometriosis — led her to start making healthier food choices. It's filled with recipes that helped me transform my own cycles and create yummy meals that I still rely on today.

Amazon

I Love You: Recipes from the Heart by Pamela Anderson

After releasing her heartfelt memoir, Pamela Anderson's ready to share her yummy recipes with the world! I Love You: Recipes from the Heart will be a real treat because she's diving into what can be best described as comfort meals. People shared a portion of her press release that talks about why this cookbook means everything to her. She said, "This book has been a labor of love — from my heart, spilling out to the universe...with all my favorite things from my life of food and whimsy...inspired by my travels but mostly from the island I grew up on, a rainforest that deserves all the glory."

Our mouths are already watering!

Celebrity Children's Books

Big Words for Little Peopleby Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis has graced the big screen for decades, but she's since added celebrated children's author to her resume. Big Words for Little People helps young kids embrace bigger words even when they look intimidating.

Busy Bettyby Reese Witherspoon

Instead of writing another memoir or cookbook, Reese Witherspoon penned a tale about a little girl who has big energy with a personality to match. Perhaps the sweetest thing about Busy Betty is that our titular character is being celebrated for these things, even while learning to relate to the world around her.

Sweet Child O' Mineby Guns N' Roses

This children's book is all about Maya and Natalia Rose's adventures being surrounded by love and music. It's a beautiful depiction of the song by rock band Guns N' Roses that your little ones will request nightly.

The First Notes: The Story of DO, RE, MIby Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton

Julie Andrews and her talented daughter Emma Walton Hamilton share a love of helping young children appreciate the beauty of music. In The First Notes: The Story of DO, RE, MI, they introduce readers to Italian monk Guido. He's the reason why the musical scale exists together although he was initially ridiculed for his discovery.

Sulweby Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong'o's Sulwe is an amazing children's book about accepting the beauty of who we are instead of longing to look or be like others. It's a great addition to your little one's library as you work on affirming them.

The One and Only Sparkellaby Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum penned this hilarious and sweet tale of The One and Only Sparkella to celebrate the relationship a dad has with his young daughter. When Ella is discouraged because of her classmates' response to her colorful personality and style, her dad helps her embrace who she is so she's able to walk into school as the sparkly gem she is!

Which celebrity books and memoirs are you going to read this weekend? Let us know in the comments!

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This post has been updated.

As we head into 2025, wellness is not just about personal health, but also the spaces we live in. The latest trends in wellness focus on a holistic approach that balances the body, mind, and your environment. From smart technologies to ancient healing practices, these 15 wellness trends are set to transform how we care for ourselves and our homes. Whether you’re looking to improve your mental health, your physical well-being, or simply create a more nurturing space, these trends will help you kick off the new year with a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Bio-Hacking

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Biohacking trends like tracking sleep, nutrition, and exercise; using nootropics or cognitive enhancers; and practicing intermittent fasting are helping people optimize their health and wellness, and potentially their life span. According to a recent McKinsey report, more than 60 percent of people have said it’s extremely or very important to purchase longevity products, and 70 percent are planning to buy more products in the future. Wearables in the fitness industry are continuing to drive this trend, and allowing more people to turn their healthcare into a lifestyle, rather than waiting for an annual checkup. People are also using at-home diagnostic tools and e-health services to manage their health at home.

Gentle Workouts

Scarlett Alexandra DeGregorio

High-impact exercises can often leave our bodies feeling strained. By incorporating gentle exercise into your fitness routine, you allow your body to move in a way that reduces stress and tension. Workouts like yoga, pilates, or walking, help you become more in tune with your breathing and heart rate, which helps you feel calm. It's a great way to reach your 2025 fitness goals while also improving your mental health.

Digital Detoxing

Darina Belonogova

The constant need to check emails, texts, and social media has led to burnout and stress. The American Psychological Associations' Stress in America survey found that a fifth of U.S. adults cited technology use as a significant source of stress in their life. Constantly being plugged in can affect both our mental and physical health. Taking a conscious break from screens to reconnect with ourselves and others will become a necessity come 2025. Whether it’s an hour a day or a weekend getaway, we allow our minds to rest and reduce the overwhelming feeling caused by information overload.

Wellness Gardens

Billie Lentz

Wellness gardens are the perfect escape from the bustle of daily life, and can promote health and wellness with thoughtfully curated elements like aromatic plants, water features, and comfortable seating. Greenery, soothing sounds, and sitting outdoors in nature can encourage you to be more mindful and less stressed while homegrown food, herbs, and edible flowers nourish you for the season.

Light Therapy

Jemilla Mills-Smith

An estimated 10 million Americans are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to Psychology Today. Designing your home for better natural light, especially in winter, can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality and energy levels. Use sheer curtains in active spaces like the kitchen, living room, and home office, and open up blinds to allow as much natural light in, stimulating vitamin D production to keep bone health and immune function in check. Mentally, natural light has been shown to boost mood, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of depression by increasing serotonin levels. It can also improve focus, productivity, and creativity while you work. For long winter nights, invest in a light therapy lamp too.

At-Home Saunas

Wayfair

At-home saunas are the latest self care status symbol and will continue to trend into 2025 as they become more affordable (this portable sauna from Target is only $150!). Sauna blankets are also trending and help offer so many health benefits, including improved circulation, detoxification through sweating, and relaxation of muscles and joints. A regular sauna routine can help reduce stress, promote better sleep, and boost heart health. The heat is also good for skin and your body's recover post-workout. Community saunas and bathhouses are also gaining in popularity, especially among younger generations who prefer the social aspect.

Wellness Journaling

Hannah Newberry

Wellness journaling helps you track your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By documenting your daily habits, moods, and goals, you can start to see patterns, manage stress, and focus mindfulness and on your personal growth. Check out this Papier journal for tracking your 2025 wellness goals.

Smart Indoor Air Monitors

Mikhail Nilov

Improving indoor air quality is so important for a healthy home. According to the EPA, Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than they are outdoors. Open windows when possible or use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce allergens, dust, and pollutants. Houseplants like snake plants and spider plants can also help purify the air naturally. Regularly clean and vacuum to keep dust mites and mold at bay, and avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Invest in a smart air quality monitor to give yourself peace of mind.

Water Filtration Systems

Ron Lach

Home water filtration is becoming a vital wellness trend, as people seek cleaner, safer drinking water. Advanced filtration systems remove contaminants like chlorine, lead, and bacteria, and eco-conscious designs, such as reverse osmosis and carbon filters, improve water quality while reducing our reliance on bottled water. Shower filtration systems are a great way to keep chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities out of your tap water, which can cause dryness, irritation, and dullness. Have dry skin or scalp? Shower filters help maintain skin’s natural moisture barrier and can be gentler on sensitive skin.

Sleep Divorcing

Photo by Kampus Production

A sleep divorce, when you sleep in separate beds or rooms to get a better night's sleep, can save your marriage. While it may sound extreme, many couples find that it improves both their sleep and relationship. Snoring, differing sleep schedules, or constant tossing and turning can keep you and your partner up all night, leading to fatigue and irritability (never great for communication). Sleep divorce is about prioritizing your health and theirs, and many couples report feeling more refreshed, connected, and happier in their relationships as a result. Not ready for a sleep divorce? Try this Scandinavian sleep method.

Dry Brushing

Vlada Karpovich

I always think of Gwyneth Paltrow when I think of dry brushing. She showed us during her typical Goop-inspired shower routine that she never takes a shower without one. It simply involves brushing your skin with a natural-bristle brush to exfoliate dead cells and stimulate circulation. It can help improve skin texture, unclog pores, and promote lymphatic drainage, which supports detoxification. Regular dry brushing may reduce the appearance of cellulite, increase energy, and leave the skin feeling smoother and more refreshed. For best results, brush before your shower for max benefits.

Functional Foods

Cora Pursley

Functional foods are nutrient-rich foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition — so foods filled with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, or probiotics to support digestion, boost immunity, or reduce inflammation. Examples include fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, which promote gut health, or fatty fish like salmon, rich in omega-3s, which support heart health. Next time you food shop, look out for these foods and incorporate them into daily meals to enhance your overall wellness and help prevent chronic health conditions.

Sexual Health

Ketut Subiyanto

Sexual wellness is becoming less taboo for 2025. As conversations around sexual health become more normalized, products and services like sex education, therapy, and health-enhancing products will become more accessible. Trends include the rise of personalized sexual health solutions, such as tailored supplements and tech-enabled devices for a better sex life. Platforms offering education, therapy, and community support will also grow, empowering us to explore our sexual wellness in a holistic, shame-free way.

Wild Swimming

Büşranur Aydın

Water wellness, a growing trend in 2025, emphasizes the health benefits of hydration and water-based therapies, like hydrotherapy (hot baths, cold plunges, steam rooms) to relieve pain, improve circulation, and reduce stress. Float therapy (a float tank filled with Epsom salt water), mineral baths using magnesium and sulfur to detoxify the body, and swimming in hot springs for relaxation, muscle tension relief, and improving circulation are giving rise to the therapeutic benefits of our natural waters.

Modern Pilgrimaging

Spencer Wirkkala

Modern pilgrimages, where you or you with a group travel to a sacred or meaningful site, nature retreat, or cultural landmark, with an emphasis on mindfulness, inner growth, and personal transformation, are forecasted to grow in 2025 as more people seek community and the great outdoors. Many people seek these experiences as a way to disconnect from daily routines, practice meditation, or explore new spiritual perspectives.

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I didn't realize reality TV could get any juicier than Love Is Blind — and then I started keeping up with the reunions. Whew! Getting the full cast together for relationship updates and recaps? In front of a live studio audience? Messy messy. The reunion special is coming up soon, and we have everything you need to know. Grab your favorite mug because we're about to spill some serious tea.

Is Love Is Blind reunion out yet?

The Love is Blind reunion will hit Netflix on October 30. The special will be hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, and we'll finally get a DTR about all the couples from season 7.

New episodes of Love is Blind season 7 premiered on Netflix October 9.

Who will be featured in the reunion?

So far, here are the couples who are still together: Taylor & Garrett and Ashley & Tyler got married (I'm squealing!!), while Marissa & Ramses, Hannah & Nick, Alexandra & Tim, Monica & Stephen, and Brittany & Leo have called it quits.

The trailer teases some serious drama, and any Love is Blind fan will remember Ashley and Tyler started getting heat after we all found out Tyler had hidden his three children from Ashley, who can be seen saying, “Who has better insight on what’s going on, social media or me?”

There's surprise guests, there are secrets, and there's "shocking revelations," according to Nick. And in the true nature of reality TV (in Tim's words), the contestants' worst moment always seems to be "the moment everyone wants to hear about the most."

Are Tyler and Ashley together?

Netflix

Yes, Tyler and Ashley are still together ahead of the Love is Blind reunion, but their relationship hasn't been perfect. The reason everyone was up in arms over the reveal Tyler has three children is the fact he had hidden it from Ashley until episode 9. (He had previously said he was a only sperm donor for a lesbian couple). However, in Tyler's words, he doesn't "owe anyone an explanation but Ashley."

Here's Why We Can't Stop Watching Reality Shows Like Love Is Blind — and you might be in the same boat!

Shawn Mendes — and his ever-complicated love life — has been all over the news lately (hello, VMAs love triangle 👀). From Camila Cabello to Sabrina Carpenter to those rumors that he may not even be interested in women at all, there's no shortage of topics to address. And finally, Shawn decided to put the rumors to rest...sort of. Here's what the singer had to say at his Colorado concert this week!

www.tiktok.com

Shawn finally addressing his sexuality! #shawnmendes #friendsandfamily #redrock

Shawn entered the spotlight as a teenager, quickly becoming a heartthrob — and a controversial topic of conversation. For years, people speculated that he was actually gay, leading him to a lot of frustration, according to his conversation with Dax Shepard on the Armchair Expert podcast. But now, he's finally addressing the rumors head on.

During his show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, Shawn addressed the crowd pretty directly. The musician shared, "Since I was really young, there's been this thing about my sexuality, and people have been talking about it for so long." He continued, nothing that he thinks "it's kind of silly" in general that people were so focused on it because he thinks "sexuality is such a beautifully complex thing, and it’s so hard to just put into boxes."

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

The star elaborated, "It always felt like such an intrusion on something very personal to me, something that I was figuring out in myself, something that I had yet to discover, and still have yet to discover." Throughout the speech, Shawn played his guitar, eventually noting that writing "The Mountain" — a song that calls out the rumors about his romantic life — "felt very important" to him because he "could address it [the rumors]" in a way that made sense to him.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

Finally, Shawn opened up. He said, "The real truth about my life and my sexuality is that, man, I’m just figuring it out like everyone. I don't really know sometimes, and I know other times. And it feels really scary because we live in a society that has a lot to say about that."

Closing the whole speech out, Shawn finished with, "I’m trying to be really brave and just allow myself to be a human and feel things. And that’s all I really want to say about that for now."

We're so happy for Shawn, and hope he feels a little more free to live his truth – whatever that may be!

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