Selena Gomez Taught Me The Most Important Thing About Self-Love

Chloe Williams​
Jan 30, 2024
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Out of all the celebrities I've grown up watching, Selena Gomez is without a doubt the most encouraging. She's never shied away from discussing her dating struggles, body image, and her experience with mental health, and through the last 10 years, she has constantly redefined self-love — and encouraged young women to embrace every aspect of ourselves. What we might perceive as quirks are just puzzle pieces that make up the wholly beautiful, and singular, version of us. On January 22, Selena Gomez posted a series of Instagram stories that really resonated with me because they got me thinking about self-love in a new way.

Selena Gomez Shows What Self-Love Truly Means

Image via Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV

“Today I realized I will never look like this again…” she said. The story featured a past photo of the actress and singer wearing a zebra bikini, while the next photo showed a recent Selena wearing super cute black, high-waisted black bikini bottoms and a white top. “I’m not perfect, but I am proud to be who I am," she said on the story. "Sometimes I forget it’s ok to be me.”

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

When I first started thinking about self-love, it was hard to formulate just what self-love meant to me. It was a cute and cozy idea about embracing what makes you different and engaging in Treat Yourself Thursdays. My initial understanding of self-love was surface-level and entirely aesthetic, and I craved something deeper. But there are two very important ideas in Selena Gomez' Instagram stories that prove self-love is anything but surface-level: the idea that we're not perfect, and the idea that we can be proud of ourselves anyway. Because self-love isn't just an aesthetic addition to our social media. Nor is it ignoring qualities we need to grow out of under the guise of "embracing our flaws." Realizing we're consistently growing into the person we're meant to be — and that person at their very best will never be perfect — means that we're getting to know ourselves better than we ever could otherwise.

Image via Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Selena Gomez is a wonderful example of self-love because how she handles her highs and lows with total grace. On days I compare myself to other women — or even past versions of myself — I'm reminded just how messy and chaotic my soul can be. But even my worst days are lessons in patience or selflessness and sacrificing for the people around me (which sounds great when I'm writing this. During the actual moments? Not so easy).

Learning How To Embrace Self-Love In Your Own Life

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Self-love is an opportunity to be there for ourselves on every mountain top and in every valley. Celebrating our own wins, encouraging ourselves during the lowest lows. Embracing our flaws as learning opportunities, working through a difficult time, chasing our dreams, or crying after any kind of heartbreak are all forms of self-love because true self-love doesn't have a one-size-fits-all definition. It changes between people — and depending on what you need in the moment. Just like the perfect pair of shoes or the perfect dress, your version of self-love is tailor-made for you. And it will fit perfectly.

Image via Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Rare Impact Fund

Are you ~loving~ Selena Gomez's take on self-love? Check out her work with Rare Beauty On World Mental Health Day, her Most Relatable TikTok Ever, and, for the Swifties, her amazing Friendship Timeline With Taylor Swift! Selena Gomez is truly one of my biggest inspirations and I hope I can be as gracious as her. Selena — we love you!

Follow us on Facebook for more pop culture stories and read up on 43 Self-Love Quotes To Give Your Soul Some TLC.

Lead image via Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Rare Impact Fund

No! Jessica Alba Splits From Husband Of 16 Years, Cash Warren

After almost 17 years of marriage, Jessica Alba just officially split from her husband, Cash Warren. TMZ reported that the actress and film producer have been separated for a while now, and this article seems to make everything even more official. Here's everything we know so far about the breakup — including how long it seems like the pair's actually been split up.

Here's everything we know about Jessica Alba's split from husband, Cash Warren.

On January 8, 2025, sources spilled to TMZ about Jessica Alba and Cash Warren's separation. The sources shared that the couple is allegedly "moving forward" with a divorce, so unfortunately it doesn't seem like this split is a short-term solution.

TMZreported that both Jessica and have gone in public without wedding rings recently — Jessica as recent as the Golden Globes afterparties on January 5, 2025. Apparently, one of the last times the two were spotted publicly was back in November 2024. Outside of that, the couple celebrated their son's birthday at Universal Studios together in January, but it's unclear how official the separation was at that point.

According to PEOPLE, Jessica and Cash got engaged in 2007, after meeting on the set of Fantastic Four back in 2004. They got married and stayed together for 16 years, welcoming three children to their family: Honor (16), Haven (13), and Hayes (7).

Back in 2021, Alba told PEOPLE that they tend to "over-communicate" in order to best support each other and their different needs. She said that they don't have a "secret" to making it work — they "just need to check in with each other."

Whatever happens next, we hope that Jessica, Cash, and their kids are able to find peace and happiness throughout this major transition.

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17 Vegan Starbucks Drinks & Foods Plant-Based Eaters Need To Know About

Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.

Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!

Vegan Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks

1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.

Starbucks

2. Latte (Iced + Hot)

You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.

Starbucks

3. Americano (Iced + Hot)

Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.

Starbucks

4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)

Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!

Starbucks

5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!

Starbucks

6. Nitro Cold Brew

A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.

Starbucks

7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.

Starbucks

8. Starbucks Refreshers

All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.

Starbucks

9. Iced Black Tea

Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.

Starbucks

10. Iced Green Tea

If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.

Starbucks

11. Lemonade

You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!

Starbucks

12. Hot Teas

Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!

Vegan Starbucks Foods

Starbucks

1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.

Starbucks

2. Plain Bagel

Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.

Starbucks

3. Everything Bagel

The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.

Starbucks

4. Avocado Spread

Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.

Starbucks

6. Chipotle Almond Dip

You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.

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23 Celebrities Turning 40 This Year (I’m Not Ready)

Lordy, lordy, these celebrities are officially turning 40 in 2025! While we all logically know we each get older every year, there's something shocking when your favorite child star (I'm looking at you Raven-Symoné) hits this kind of major milestone. From Olympic athletes to reality legends, you won't believe who's "over the hill" in 2025.

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Amanda Seyfried

Birthday: December 3, 1985

She's a mouse, duh! All jokes aside, this actress is honestly in her prime. Look out for her in The Housemaid alongside Sydney Sweeney and Brandon Sklenar!

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Anna Kendrick

Birthday: August 9, 1985

Real ones know her as Jessica from Twilight, but this Pitch Perfectsinger is always a star in our book! She just directed and starred in Woman of the Hour, now streaming on Netflix. Honestly though, we can't wait to see her highly-anticipated sequel A Simple Favor 2with Blake Lively.

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Ashley Tisdale

Birthday: July 2, 1985

Bop, bop, bop straight to the top—er, or to 40! Your fave Disney Channel diva, the Sharpay Evans herself is officially turning 40 this year! While we loved her back in the DCOM days, Ashley Tisdale is a mom and entrepreneur we love to look up to now!

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Audrina Patridge

Birthday: May 9, 1985

The Hills are alive...and they're turning 40. I thought Audrina was THAT girl back in the day — and TBH she still is! She's a mother of one now, and her daughter Kirra is TOO cute!

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Billy Magnussen

Birthday: April 20, 1985

If you haven't seen Billy Magnussen in Made for Love, do yourself a favor and go watch it ASAP. He plays a love-obsessed tech mogul that gives Cristin Milioti everything she could ever want...but is it right? Seriously, it's such a fantastic, weird show. And if you don't recognize him from that, you may know him from Into the Woods or The Many Saints of Newark (that one's for you, Sopranos fans).

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Bruno Mars

Birthday: October 8, 1985

He might have 24 karat magic in the air...but he's got 40 years on the cal! Singer Bruno Mars has so many hits (and they're all about to be stuck in your head in 3...2...1...). Celebrate the "Versace on the Floor" singer's 40th by playing all your fave songs of his this year!

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Chace Crawford

Birthday: July 18, 1985

Hey Upper East Siders, have you heard? Our very own Nate Archibald — I mean, Chace Crawford is turning 40 this July! But that's not stopping our heartthrob from getting hotter! He continues to star in Amazon Prime's The Boys...and in all of Miles and Keleigh Teller's TikTok videos! XOXO, Gossip Girl.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Chrissy Teigen

Birthday: November 30, 1985

This model and mother of four has kept us laughing for years — and now that she's turning 40, we're sure she'll bring even more of that Chrissy Teigen realness our way! Fingers crossed she gives us more cook books, more quips, and more cute snaps of her adorable kids this year!

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Ciara

Birthday: October 25, 1985

Ciara is That Girl, and then some. She's served body for YEARS, and 40 isn't gonna stop her from serving even more. The WAG extraordinaire welcomed her fourth child to the world in December 2023, and we honestly can't get enough of her beautiful, blended family with Russell Wilson!

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Dave Franco

Birthday: June 12, 1985

Dave Franco and Alison Brie are everything to me, so I'm excited to see how these two ring in his 40th birthday together! There's just something about the two of them that's both down-to-earth and downright stunning at the same time. Here's to them both getting even hotter in their 40s!

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Derek Hough

Birthday: May 17, 1985

Dancer extraordinaire, Derek Hough is officially joining the "over the hill" club this year! He's danced through life up to now, and we're sure his 40s will be no different!

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Frankie Muniz

Birthday: December 5, 1985

Agent Cody Banks is turning 40. I repeat: Agent Cody Banks is turning 40! I was totally in my spy era when that movie came out, so I was sure I'd be the perfect sidekick to his spying escapades. Bubble gum, bubble gum in a dish, anyone?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Hayley Duff

Birthday: February 19, 1985

Material girl, Hayley Duff is entering her 40s era! Big sister to Hilary, these two were inseparable back in the day. I mean, how many times did I listen to their cover of "Material Girls"?! (The limit did not exist)

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Jonathan Groff

Birthday: March 26, 1985

Broadway baby, Jonathan Groff is turning 40! After just winning the Tony Award for "Best Actor in a Musical" last year for his performance in Merrily We Roll Along last year, it's safe to say JGroff just keeps getting better with age! He's starred in stage (Spring Awakening) and screen (Frozen, Mindhunter) alike, and we can't wait to see what he does next!

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Kaley Cuoco

Birthday: November 30, 1985

Funny lady Kaley Cuoco is joining the 40 club! She wowed everyone for years in The Big Bang Theory, only to continue her incredible career in hit shows like The Flight Attendant and Based on a True Story. She recently welcomed a new baby AND got engaged to Tom Pelphrey. Here's to 40 being even better!

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Keira Knightley

Birthday: March 26, 1985

Love Actuallystar Keira Knightley has been an It Girl for YEARS. Right now, everyone can't stop raving about her new Netflix show, Black Doves — but TBH, we're still rewatching her iconic period drama, Pride & Prejudice. BRB while I look for a page boy hat like hers to style in 2025!

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Lana Del Rey

Birthday: June 21, 1985

Brush away that summertime sadness — our favorite Cancer turns 40 this year! Queen of the Sad Girls Club, Lana Del Rey took the 2010s (and Tumblr) by storm, making her mark on the world with her music. Now, she's BFFs with Taylor Swift — oh, and she recently got married! Mazel!

Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images for Mission 44

Lily Allen

Birthday: May 2, 1985

Discovering Lily Allen in my youth was perfect for my little "not like other girls" heart back in the day. Her music was edgy and eclectic and so very British. I couldn't get enough of it! She's clearly maintained her cool factor throughout the years too — just look at her gorgeous Brooklyn home!

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Michael Phelps

Birthday: June 30, 1985

When you think of the Olympics, it's likely you think about Michael Phelps. The swimming icon won medals, broke records, and cemented himself as a national treasure. Now, the father of four is a mental health advocate who speaks up about his own struggles with depression in order to help others understand (and work on) their own journeys.

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Michelle Trachtenberg

Birthday: October 11, 1985

Upper East Siders, I'm back with another 40-year-old to gossip about. Georgina Sparks — AKA Michelle Trachtenberg — is over the hill, but we're so not over her! This actress starred in all our fave movies and shows, from Ice Princess to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Unique Nicole/Getty Images

Raven-Symoné

Birthday: December 10, 1985

I'm getting a vision...and it's Raven-Symoné turning 40 this December! The Disney Channel star has graced our screens since she was very little, so it's crazy to think that she's old enough to literally turn 40. The actress married Miranda Maday in 2020, and the two seem very happy together — yay!

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Troian Bellisario

Birthday: October 28, 1985

This pretty little liar is officially turning 40 in October! We loved watching Spencer try to crack the case back in the ABC Family days, and now she's teasing a return to Suits — another beloved binge watch!

Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

Whitney Port

Birthday: March 4, 1985

Seriously, the fact that more than one star of The Hills is turning 40 this year has me SHOOK. Whitney Port, Lauren Conrad's BFF, turns 40 this March! Can we get a reunion soon, please?!

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Jenna Bush Hager's New Book Club Pick Is A Family Drama That "Will Sweep You Off Your Feet"

What is it about family sagas that seem to make book clubs more interesting? Maybe it's because we know interpersonal relationships can be a little dysfunctional. It could be that we still don't know how to communicate with the people we love the most. Even if we love our parents and siblings, reading about other families' fictional twists and turns gives us a rush of adrenaline.

So it's no wonder Jenna Bush Hager's January book club pick feels like something we can read without putting down. It's full of complicated relationship dynamics, love, and reconciling one's identity with their past. You can say it's the perfect read to kick off your 2025 reading goals!

Learn more about Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 book club pick and fall in love with one character's journey of self-discovery.

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The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight

Penn should be excited about advancing her education at the University of Edinburgh, but she can't stop thinking about the secret her parents have been keeping from her. For some reason, she believes she'll uncover it while she's in Scotland because Lord Lennox — her father's friend — is in the area.

Her hunger for the truth leads her to Lord Lennox's estate where she she starts mingling with his family and even discovers love in this moving novel.

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Jenna Bush Hager's Thoughts About The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

Jenna Bush Hager thinks readers will love The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus because "it's a rich novel" with themes of "friendship and motherhood" (via Instagram). It's so good, she's sure "it will sweep you off your feet (via Instagram).

We hope you enjoy reading about Penn's journey in The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus and encourage you to check out Reese Witherspoon's January book club pick next!

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7 New Trader Joe’s Items Under $5 You Need To Try In January

Trader Joe’s loves to keep us on our toes when it comes to their new arrivals. We’re constantly monitoring the aisles to discover all the new TJ’s sweet treats and savory snacks they launch – and these 7 new picks for January 2025 are not to be missed! All of these Trader Joe’s products will run you less than $5, which only makes sealing the deal on your grocery bill easier.

From delicious dips to a very enticing new frozen meal, these are the 7 best new Trader Joe’s finds you absolutely need to try in January 2025.

Trader Joe's

1. Teensy Candy Bars

These tiny little candy bar bites ($2.99) resemble Snickers in the best way possible: layers of nougat, caramel, and peanuts are enveloped in a delicious chocolate coating for maximum snackage. We're gonna have to resist eating the whole bag! TJ's even suggests using these bits as decoration for other desserts, like sprinkling some on a scoop of ice cream or baking them into some cookies.

Trader Joe's

2. Olive Tapenade Hummus

Trader Joe's array of dips is simply too good to resist, and this newcomer hummus ($3.49) is no exception! It's a tub of "smooth and nutty" hummus topped with a tapenade comprised of black olives, manzanilla olives, capers, and olive oil to give it a salty effect. It's gonna taste so great as a dip for crackers or as a spread on a Mediterranean pita wrap.

Trader Joe's

3. Organic Concord Grape Jelly

This squeezable grape jelly ($3.49) is nothing short of nostalgic. Trader Joe's says it's "super smooth, joyously juicy, and potently purple," which immediately has us sold on making PB&Js every day now.

Trader Joe's

4. Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Oh, yeah. Bring on the spice with these spicy nuggs ($3.99) that make the perfect easy meal no matter the time of day! Made from all-natural chicken breast and rib meat, breaded with wheat, rice and corn flours, then covered in hot sauce and lightly fried, TJ's has their texture down to a tee. You can easily cook 'em in the air fryer, oven, or microwave before chowing down!

Trader Joe's

5. Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos

These halved and fried frozen tacos ($4.99) will totally crush your Taco Bell cravings, since they come together super quickly and contain flavors with mind-blowing authenticity! Each taco is filled with a blend of seasoned mashed potatoes and some "ever-so- slightly spicy" poblano peppers that'll work so well with any dipping sauce, from TJ's salsa to their creamy Jalapeño Sauce.

Trader Joe's

6. Strawberry Mini Hold The Cone!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Trader Joe's is debuting a new flavor ($3.99) of their classic Hold The Cone! frozen dessert: strawberry! These tiny, chocolate-covered cones are lined with even more "rich" chocolate on the inside, then packed with strawberry ice cream, which TJ's says is crafted with plenty of strawberry purée.

Trader Joe's

7. Caesar Salad Dip

Trader Joe's shoppers have said this new Caesar Salad Dip ($3.69) makes a perfect girl dinner addition– which, if you get it, you get it! The tub starts with a "creamy" base that's then loaded up with Caesar-seasoned sour cream, mayo, anchovy paste, Parmesan, and finely shredded Romaine for the crunch. It's best enjoyed with crackers or veggie sticks to dip, but you could also smatter fried chicken or seared steak in it for some ahh-mazing flavor!

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