In Honor Of Taylor Swift’s Birthday, Here Are 34 Things We’ve Loved & Learned From Her

Chloe Williams​
Dec 13, 2023
taylor swift birthday

Taylor Swift is near and dear to my heart for many reasons, and not just because we're obsessed with her and Travis Kelce (#TayVis forever!!) and all her amazing albums. She's both encouraging and empowering, and never allows those two things to cancel one another out. In honor of her 34th birthday on December 13 (and in addition to the fact you can now stream the Eras Tour Concert Film!), here are 34 reasons I love this cat-loving, glitter-wearing, songwriter extraordinaire.

When is Taylor Swift's birthday?

Image via Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989 in Pennsylvania! That means she turned 34 in 2023.

34 Reasons Brit + Co Loves Taylor Swift

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Embrace The Beautiful Parts Of Life

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Taylor Swift, it's celebration (and not just because it's Taylor Swift's birthday ;)). Whether it's dancing around in a music video (to a song that makes you dance around your room), a delicious Chai cookie recipe, or confetti at a concert, Taylor is all about making the most out of every single moment that comes your way.

Image via Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Be Intentional

While we're not all leaving Easter eggs for millions of people to decipher, this aspect of Swiftie life serves as a reminder that the things and people you care about deserve care, love, and attention.

Image via Rich Fury/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

Don't Be Afraid Of Change

Taylor Swift has mastered the art of the era, and it makes me think about change in my own life. Change might be terrifying but think about all that you'd miss out on if you stayed in your comfort zone for the rest of your life! Siri, play "Fearless."

Image via Big Machine Records/YouTube

Be Confident

IMO, Taylor changed the course of pop culture history when she released the "Shake It Off" music video in 2014. While some people considered her wacky dancing cringey, it's a reminder that sometimes all you *really* need is confidence. Shake it off with a smile and move on, baby!

Image via Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

Live Life With Your Whole Heart

Perhaps the biggest reason Taylor Swift is beloved by so many is that she makes us feel seen. She totally wears her heart on her sleeve and it allows her to capture the experience of unrequited love or heartbreak, living on your own in a new city, and escapism. She takes the good and the bad, and uses both to make her art better. Which brings me to...

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Don't Stop Making Art

Whether it's making the Grammy-winning Folklore in less than four months during the pandemic or juggling a movie, Eras Tour planning, and maybe even new music at the same time, Taylor Swift is always creating something. One of my favorite quotes is during her Variety Directors on Directors interview, when she says, "If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready." She's not wrong!!

Image via Dave J Hogan/Getty Imges for MTV

Be Proud Of Your Accomplishments

"There are going to be people along the way who will try to...take credit for your accomplishments," Taylor says in her 2016 Grammy speech. "But if you just focus on the work and you don't let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you're going, you will know it was you and the people who love you who put you there, and that will be the greatest feeling in the world." She'd go on to break all her own records with Midnights and 1989 (Taylor's Version). Iconic.

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Take Crazy Chances

We know Taylor Swift loves to take chances with her eras, but I also think she used her Eras Tour as a whole new opportunity. This is the first tour she's had where attendees can livestream it on TikTok, and she's turned that into a whole game with outfit changes and surprise songs (after announcing the Midnights tracklist via a TikTok series). I think about this gamification of concert culture all the time, it's truly one of my Roman Empires.

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Lean Into Your Imagination

For Taylor, 2020's Folklore was a return to her country folk roots but one thing none of us expected was just how ethereal it would feel. It's rooted in such raw human emotion and a shared global experience, but the imagery and audio affects used on songs like "August" and "Invisible String" also give it a fairytale quality.

Be Kind

Taylor Swift continually exudes kindness. She stops what she's doing to take pictures with fans, she makes surprise appearances at weddings, she donates to humanitarian funds, she cooks dinner to serve people. Whether it's a big act of kindness or a small act of service, she's always reminding me to be kind in every little thing I do.

More Reasons To Love Taylor Swift

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  1. She's romantic.
  2. "We legitimately are [trained to say sorry]. We're like, 'Sorry, was I loud in my own house that I bought with the songs that I wrote about my own life?'"
  3. She's silly.
  4. She low-key made cats cool again.
  5. She ties all her albums together with the same metaphors.
  6. She's persistent.
  7. She's sassy.
  8. She's given us a three hour concert. Thank you Taylor.
  9. She totally revived friendship bracelets.
  10. "I think that being fearless is having a lot of fears, but you jump anyway."
  11. She's vulnerable.
  12. She's the reason 22 is a fun age.
  13. She gave us Evermore in the same year she gave us Folklore, and I'll never thank her enough for it. "Evermore!" "Tis The Damn Season!" "Gold Rush!"
  14. She basically has complete and total creative control over everything she does...
  15. ...And she created her own agreement with AMC to release the Eras Tour Concert Film in theaters.
  16. She constantly calls out double standards.
  17. "Be like a snake. Be nice to everyone, unless someone steps on you."
  18. She stands up for herself.
  19. She's self-aware.
  20. She sent money to a fan who couldn't pay rent.
  21. "She makes people feel like they've experienced something that never happened to them." (I heard this from a friend and haven't stopped thinking about it since).
  22. She's just adorable.

Happy Birthday Taylor, we love you! If you want to celebrate Taylor Swift's birthday, check out The Secret Ingredient to Throwing a Party like Taylor Swift!

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Hilary Duff Is Housing Mandy Moore & Family During LA Fires: "Altadena Strong."

Amid the tragedy of the LA fires, neighbors are opening their homes to one another. In addition to AirBnb offering temporary housing and various YMCAs and Red Cross locations opening their doors, victims are finding safety with friends and family — and that includes your favorite celebrities. Like Hilary Duff and husband Matthew Koma, who opened their home to Mandy Moore, Taylor Goldsmith, and their family.

Here's what Mandy Moore and Griffin Goldsmith have said about Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma — and the LA wildfires.

Despite losing everything, Griffin is touched by Hilary Duff & Matthew Koma.

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After Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith's home was affected by the wildfires in Altadena (they lost their garage, music studio, and back house), Mandy's brother-in-law Griffin Goldsmith revealed the family had been taken in by Hilary Duff.

"All of this so overwhelming," he said on Instagram. "Our dear friends @matthewkoma and @hilaryduff thought it wise to set up a gofundme for us to help with everything moving forward. Not to mention they are currently housing my brother’s family. They’ve taken care of my entire family from the moment this began. I will never be able to thank them adequately. This is the kindest act any human could do for another. They are the most beautiful, selfless people we’ve ever known."

"I’ve never been so moved in my life," he continues. "We are completely blown away. I can’t talk or think about it without crying. Like I said there aren’t words to describe how I feel. I’m doing my best. You all have completely changed what the picture of our future in Los Angeles looks like."

Mandy Moore shared the GoFundMe for Griffin and Kit on Instagram, writing in a since-deleted post that the couple "lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire."

"With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever," Mandy says (via People). "Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living. It’s all so much. So many have asked how to help during this unimaginable and stressful time … Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild."

And when people criticized her decision to share the GoFundMe link? "Kindly F OFF."

"People questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic," she continues. "Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe and i’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them. We just lost most of our life in a fire too."

And the main part of Mandy Moore's home is still "mostly intact."

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The Princess Diaries actress shared photos from her family's property, revealing that the main part of their home is still standing. "It’s not livable but mostly intact," she said on Instagram January 10. "We lost Taylor and griffin’s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned. We lost our garage and back house. Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone. My in laws. My brother and sister in law- 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends. Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong."

Resources and more information on the LA fires can be found here.

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12 "Outdated" Kitchen Trends You Should Ditch In 2025 (But You Probably Have)

Kitchen renovations are no joke – they're a major investment, so you’ll want to think twice before committing to fleeting trends — especially for big-ticket items like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. I’ll admit it: I’m still without a backsplash five years later because I can’t commit! While it’s perfectly fine to follow your heart if you love a particular look, kitchens can quickly feel outdated when you lean too heavily on short-lived fads. To help you create a timeless, stylish space, we’ve rounded up outdated kitchen trends to avoid — and easy ways to modernize if your kitchen is stuck in the past.

Scroll to see if you have these outdated kitchen trends in your house right now!

Mark McCammon

1. All-White Kitchens

The all-white kitchen craze has officially run its course, often feeling cold and sterile — like say a doctor’s office. Today’s kitchens are all about warmth and character, with palettes in soft neutrals, earthy greens, or bold, moody shades like oxblood and midnight blue. Choose a color that speaks to you for a timeless, inviting space you'll love for years to come.

Pixabay

2. Granite Countertops

This early 2000s trend has been overdone and feels so dated now. Marble, sleek quartz, even butcher block are more classic choices.

Curtis Adams

3. Ornate Cabinetry

The color and detail of this traditional kitchen feels drab and dated. Instead, look for flat-panel or Shaker-style cabinets with clean, minimal lines.

Terry Magallanes

4. Farmhouse Decor

This kitchen is a lesson is don'ts. The grey vinyl flooring (especially hideous!), farmhouse stools, and white cabinetry hail from a decades-old trend that needs to disappear in 2025.

Home Depot

5. Glass Mosaic Tiles

Glass mosaics, popular in the 2000s and 2010s, tend to lean toward a transitional aesthetic, which is the opposite of an organic, minimalist, or vintage-inspired design kitchen are craving now. The grout lines are bit difficult to clean too between all the tiny tiles. Zellige tile or a slab of marble are a more sophisticated look for today's kitchens.

Level 23 Media

6. Black & White

The stark contrast between black and white can come across as harsh and overly dramatic, a look that peaked in the 2010s. The farmhouse sign doesn't help warm it up either. Soften the look with earthy, natural tones.

Curtis Adams

7. Subway Tile

Subway tile is classic, so there’s no need to rip it out if it still brings you joy. However, the white subway tile paired with dark grout has overstayed its welcome. This overdone trend became so ubiquitous that it lost its charm and individuality, leaving kitchens looking more cookie-cutter than full of character.

Amazon

8. Industrial Lighting

This nod to the past needs to, sorry, stay in the past. Look for organic, natural forms and lighting that reflects your kitchen's unique aesthetic.

Shutterstock

9. Tuscan Style

This rustic kitchen feels dated with its heavy, ornate features like dark wood cabinetry and trim. Go for clean, brighter spaces.

Shutterstock

10. Tile Countertops

Natural stone, marble, and wood are trending for 2025. Grout-filled countertops like this one are not. Time to go!

Max Vakhtbovycn

11. Moroccan Mosaic Tile

Kitchens are becoming elegant places to cook, eat, and gather. This busy design can look cheap. The white mid-century Eames-style chairs, sorry to say, are also out.

Andrea Davis

12. Barn Doors

Using barn doors between the kitchen and other spaces is a look that is officially out. They proved to be not that functional and the look is now dated and too kitschy. Buh bye!

Check out our online newsletter for more home decor inspo!

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

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Oh No! Jessica Simpson & Eric Johnson Announce "Painful" Split After 15 Years Together.

Jessica Simpson and her husband Eric Johnson have decided to go their separate ways. After 10 years of marriage, Jessica revealed on January 13 that they've been "navigating" a "painful situation" that arose in their relationship, three months after sources told TMZ the singer reached out to a divorce attorney. But despite the shift in their relationship status, there's one thing Jessica and Eric are focusing on.

Here's what Jessica Simpson had to say about her split from Eric Johnson.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are "focusing" on their kids amid their split.

Jessica Simpson explained her decision to split from husband, former NFL tight end Eric Johnson, with whom she shares three children: 12-year-old Maxwell Drew, 11-year-old Ace Knute, and 5-year-old Birdie Mae.

"Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage," Jessica told People. "Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family."

The popstar celebrated her kids' return to school in September with a super sweet Instagram post. "Maxwell, Ace and Birdie y’all make your Mom beam with smiles and grace !" she says. "Keep on showin’ up for yourselves with each step of the way through this new school year! I’m so very proud of y’all for individually shining your light so that in return others feel the glow."

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson met in 2010 through a mutual friend, and ended up getting engaged six months after they started dating. They were married in July of 2014, where Maxwell and Ace were the flower girl and ring bearer.

The "I Wanna Love You Forever" singer celebrated their 10th anniversary with an Instagram post in May 2020, saying, "I fell head over slippers in love with this perfect man 10 YEARS ago today! By chance he knocked on my dreamy cottage door (sigh), I let him in and never let him leave. He is mine, I am his…forever."

And the couple's decision to announce their separation comes after Jessica posted about "putting up with everything I did not deserve" and about how "life is short."

"SMILE while you still have teeth," she jokes.

We're sending Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson lots of love. Check out Brit + Co's Weekend Newsletter for more celebrity updates.

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'1923' Star Brandon Sklenar Is Already Starring In A Brand New Movie

After his breakout role as Spencer Dutton in 1923, and his take on Atlas in Colleen Hoover's viral It Ends With Us(opposite Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni), there's a very good chance you'll recognize Brandon Sklenar. And if not, it won't take long. In addition to his upcoming roles in thrillers The Housemaid and Drop, the actor will lead a brand new biopic about Olympic rowing champion Brad Alan Lewis (which feels very timely considering his Housemaid costar Sydney Sweeney is starring as boxer Christy Martin!).

Here's everything you need to know about Brandon Sklenar's Brad Alan Lewis biopic, The Olympian.

'The Olympian' script has been a favorite since 2016.

Based on Brad Alan Lewis' Assault on Lake Casitas, the movie follows Brad, who has one last opportunity to compete as a rower in the 1984 Olympics before he ages out. But when he loses his spot on the Olympic team, Brad pairs up with fisherman Paul Enquist to go rogue, beating the official Olympic boat in the national trials and winning America its first gold medal in rowing since 1964. Talk about an underdog story!! (Plus 2+ hours watching Brandon row? Yes please).

Despite the fact the movie's never been made, The Olympian script was on The 2016 Black List, an annual list of popular screenplays that have yet to be turned into movies. But it's finally writer-director Tony Tost's time.

And it's the perfect movie to watch before the 2028 Olympics.

It's still super early in the moviemaking process, meaning we don't have too many details, but considering the 2028 Olympics will once again be held in Los Angeles, there's no better time to bring this inspiring true story to the big screen!

We don't have info on The Olympian cast or release date quite yet, but stay tuned for everything you need to know about this new movie.

Next month, you can watch Brandon in 1923 season 2, which hits Paramount+ February 23 and is the "best thing" the actor's ever read.

"The finale of the series is probably one of the best things I’ve read in my life," he told Forbes. "I’ve kind of known how it was going to end since day one — Taylor [Sheridan] kind of told me. I knew the full arc of Spencer from day one, so in shooting part one, you're mindful of where he needs to go. I’m really excited."

Considering I haven't been able to stop talking about this show since I binged all of season 1 in a couple days, I'm really excited too, Brandon.

Thankfully there are quite a few new Brandon Sklenar movies on the horizon. Hoping to see him as Atlas Corrigan again? Here's what he had to say on a potential It Starts With Us movie.

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30 Easy & Low-Carb Dinner Recipes For Your Whole30 Month

Every January, I commit to a Whole30 month and throughout the year follow the low-carb program for a week or even a day. This year, 2025, I'm going to try to adhere to a low-carb diet all year long. My body just doesn't react well to carbs and it's generally a healthier way to live. I recently tried True Story's Whole30 Approved Bundle, which has been a great starter kit to get back in the swing of a low-carb routine, especially at lunchtime when I don't have time to cook from scratch.

Now there are tons of Whole30 recipes that you can enjoy without breaking the rules. The creativity of these dinner recipes make you feel like you're not giving up on dairy, grains, sweets or fun, but instead are venturing into a style of cooking that's healthy and *delicious.* Enjoy the adventure and experiment with these versatile mains that you can add to your monthly cooking routine.

Easy Paleo Chili Recipe

Make this easy Whole30-compliant dish that's full of healthy veggies (no beans!) and so simple to make. (via The Endless Meal)

Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs

For an easy dinner, try these meatballs without breadcrumbs made from ground beef or pork. Just add a veggie and your favorite sauce! (via Where Is My Spoon)

Sweet Potato Toasts

Sweet potatoes are low in calorie and high in fiber and a good swap for your toasty cravings. There are endless topping combos to turn them into a delicious and savory meal. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus recipe is Whole30 approved and ready in less than 30 minutes! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Creamy Chicken Mushroom

Serve over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom recipe is made with garlic chicken thighs and a delicious mushroom sauce that's made creamy with healthy cashew butter. (via The Endless Meal)

Chicken Artichoke

This chicken smothered in a creamy spinach and artichoke cream sauce is Whole30-compliant and so delicious! (via Clean Cuisine)

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

If you’re looking for a soul-soothing dish that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Hearty comfort food isn’t always compliant with the latest food trends, but this loaded baked potato soup just happens to be Whole30 approved. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Crunchy lettuce leaves replace traditional buns to make burgers that are Whole30 compliant. You’ll be able to stop your drive-thru dreams after just one bite. (via Brit + Co)

Chicken, Pesto, and Sun-Dried Tomato Egg Pizza

Instead of a wheat crust, this pizza is made on a high-protein egg base. A creamy pesto made with pine nuts and cashews will make you forget all about cheese. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole 30 Salmon Avocado Salad

The most unexpected bite in this salmon salad comes not from creamy avocado, but rather from bright bursts of tangy grapefruit that liven up the entire dish. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Broccoli Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Thank goodness white potatoes aren’t off-limits with Whole30. Turn them into an entire, satisfying meal by stuffing them with broccoli, chicken, fresh herbs, and spices. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Chicken, Lime, and Avocado Soup

Don’t forget the avocado. It adds a cooling, creamy effect to your bowl. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This Whole30-compliant chicken cacciatore is comfort food at its best, made by swapping zucchini noodles for pasta. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken

Make this sesame chicken at home in your Instant Pot so you don’t give in to your take-out cravings. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Taco Salad Bowl + Sautéed Plantains

Dig into this hearty salad served with sautéed plantains and a homemade Whole30-compliant taco seasoning for a totally satisfying dinner. (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Roasted sweet potatoes, eggs, and the toppings of your choice (bacon and avocado, for example) create a hearty base for your day. (via Brit + Co)

Hashbrown Egg Cups

Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a cozy hashbrown egg cup. Opt for only shredded sweet potatoes in this dish to keep it compliant. (via Siriously Deliciousby Siri Daly / Time Inc., Books)

Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Tangy, spicy sheet-pan shrimp fajitas can be wrapped in lettuce taco “shells.” (via Brit + Co)

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

This Greek-inspired whole chicken cooks fast and tasty in an air fryer. Add roasted potatoes for a complete meal! (via Vikalinka)

Green Egg Shakshuka

If you’re not famished after work, treat yourself to a pan of mixed greens topped with baked eggs. (via Brit + Co)

Spring Chicken Salad

Chicken, potatoes, and greens are always a choice grouping. Here, the addition of a pesto dressing transforms them into a vibrantly flavored dish. Use snap peas instead of English peas to keep things Whole30-compliant. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie

Topped with a creamy cauliflower-potato mash, Whole30 shepherd’s pie is just one way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. (via Brit + Co)

Halibut en Papillote

Made with halibut, shiitake mushrooms, and a touch of sesame oil, this homemade fish dish is oh-so-memorable. Serve it with cauli rice to help soak up the extra sauce. (via The Clean Plate: Eat, Reset, Heal by Gwyneth Paltrow)

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and orange-covered salmon cook up all at once in an Instant Pot within minutes so hanger doesn’t have time to strike. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Vegan Alfredo Zoodles

We think Whole30 will forgive us since alfredo sauce isn’t something people tend to binge on. Top it with shrimp or chicken for extra oomph. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Mashed Potatoes With Mushroom Gravy

Make a big batch of this and serve it alongside a steak. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Don’t knock it till you try it. Egg, bacon, avo, and sweet potatoes surprisingly go very well together. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Dressing

This bowl combines roasted root vegetables and sausage for an earthy, filling combo. Serve it with some cauliflower rice for a complete meal. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Chicken Salad

This easy grilled chicken salad, ideal for the nights when you want to quickly throw something together, happens to be Pinterest’s top recipe. (via Brit + Co)

As you already know if you've made it this far, getting through a month of healthy meals is all about the meal plan! We hope you've found some inspiration for easy, flavorful, colorful, and tasty meals that we imagine might land in your regular meal rotation beyond your Whole30 month? Find more inspiration in our weekly newsletter or enjoy a free month of our on-demand baking and cooking classes.

Main image via The Endless Meal

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