There's a mixture of anticipation and excitement as you approach any arena, whether you're going to a sports game, a concert, or any kind of performance. However, knowing that you're about to watch an Olympic event with your own eyes is something else entirely.
By some stroke of random luck, I've had the opportunity to spend the summer in Paris during the 2024 Olympics. Okay, my French grandmother needed some grandaughterly help, but still — I'm here! And what are the odds she would need that THIS summer of all summers?
Initially, I had no intention of attending the Olympics, and was rather peeved that the city would become a chaotic mess with all the tourists and infrastructure being built to host this worldwide celebration. But when the opportunity arose for me to attend beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower Stadium (and for only $30, no less!), I just couldn't pass it up.
As a former high school volleyball player, I marched into the stadium more excited than ever. The sun was shining, the vibes were high, and the views were breathtaking.
Morgan Legret
Once we sat down, the game started almost immediately. I kept thinking to myself how intimate the stadium felt. I mean, I’m at arguably one of the most important sports competitions in the world, and my college football stadium is bigger than this. As a result, you can’t help but feel grateful to be there.
For beach volleyball, you get to see two games. We started off by watching Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa from Brazil and Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho from Australia. In each of the three sets, the first team to reach 21 points wins. The first set went to Brazil, Australia took the lead in the second set, and ultimately won the game in the last set. As I watched them, I was sweating my butt off in the stands, thinking to myself how hot the athletes must be.
Morgan Legret
Between points, or when the players took breaks for water and shade, there were two main 'hype men' or MCs who really got the crowd going. We did the wave, we danced, we waved our flags, and just all around celebrated our respective countries. It was so beautiful to watch everyone being so prideful and patriotic, regardless of whether or not their team was on the field. We even got a visit from Phryge (the 2024 Olympic mascot and my favorite part, personally), who made his appearance as the crowd roared for the little red hat.
Morgan Legret
The second game was Spain vs. Switzerland. I was very excited for this because I have some skin in the game — my grandma is half Spanish and I have a lot of friends from there, so I rooted for España in solidarity! Liliana Fernandez and Paula Soria of Spain faced off against Swiss players Nina Brunner and Tanja Huberli. I was on the edge of my seat the entire game, but ultimately Switzerland took home the win in the first two sets.
This experience is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I feel extremely lucky to have witnessed such solidarity in a world of uncertainty and division. Not to mention, the incredible athleticism and sportsmanship displayed by these women (go girlbosses!) and what they're doing for their respective countries.
It is really true what they say: nothing compares to the real thing. Here are three ways watching the Olympics IRL are so different than watching it on TV.
Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images
1. Phryge is even cuter than pictures can do justice
If you're wondering what exactly Phryge, the Olympic mascot, really is — you're not alone. According to the Associated Press, it's been top of mind for a ton of Olympic-goers. And while it may look strange to some, it's actually a personified version of the "bonnet phrygien," a hat often worn to represent the revolutionary efforts in 1780s France. Regardless of the history, though, he was just adorable — basically the cute, less sassy younger sibling to the Duolingo owl.
2. The hype men are way better than commercial breaks
Instead of ads for cars and Coca-cola, when there are breaks in the games, hype me take the stage! They encourage group activities like the wave and other dances while the athletes towel off and grab some water. I honestly had such a good time while they kept us activated and excited!
Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images
3. The games are way more intimate than the TV can show
There's something that feels so larger-than-life about the Olympics — and they really are in terms of the energy and excitement. But when it comes to the actual stadium, the entire experience felt intimate. Like I said before, the whole space felt smaller than some high school stadiums, so everyone was close to the action. Meanwhile, when I've watched other matches at home, I felt so detached and far away from it all...almost like it was this abstract thing that was happening, but wasn't particularly concrete.
4. Seeing the camaraderie amongst every country was electric
Even though everyone's specific teams and countries weren't necessarily represented in the matches at hand, the entire crowd pridefully waved their countries flags and cheered on the athletes in front of them alike. It was so incredibly different than being at home where you cheer with your friends and family, likely only watching specific events and usually for the same team. I adored seeing how it didn't matter where you were from or what the match was — everyone was happy to be here and cheer for the Olympics of it all.
BRB while I plot my way into the 2028 L.A. Olympics!
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Header image via Lars Baron/Getty Images
After learning that Kylie Kelce's pregnant with baby no. 4, we couldn't wait to revisit her relationship with Jason! From meeting on Tinder (can you imagine matching with an NFL star like that?!) to having three adorable daughters, this is one couple whose love feels truly genuine. All we can say is maybe there's hope for single people who haven't completely ditched their dating apps yet? If you're not convinced, keep scrolling to lean more about Jason and Kylie Kelce's sweet marriage!
Let's take a look at Jason & Kylie Kelce's relationship timeline from the beginning!
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
2014
Apparently Jason and Kylie Kelce were one of the lucky few who found true love on Tinder because that's how their relationship began (via PEOPLE). The news was shared in the documentary Kelce on Amazon Prime and featured Kylie saying, "Jason won't let me lie about this. We met on Tinder."
Funny enough, she didn't know Jason was a football player until she and her friends said, "Hold my mule" so they could do some deep diving about his background. It didn't take long for the dots to connect even though Kylie didn't want to believe what she was seeing. "It can't be him; it's a catfish."
When they finally met up for the first date, Jason remembers falling for her instantly. "Right away when she walks in the door, the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." However, he revealed a date fail occurred on his part during an episode of New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce. He said he "definitely fell asleep" because he "got a little too inebriated."
Luckily, Kylie didn't think he was a complete loser for turning their first date into a snooze fest.
November 2015
The following year, Kylie shared a cute black and white photo of the couple with the caption, "Thank goodness you swiped right too."
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
August 2017
The couple continued to date until Jason decided it was time to put a ring on Kylie's finger. She shared another pic of them standing together on Instagram August 7, 2017 where it was clear she was wearing an engagement ring. She wrote, "I'm the luckiest girl in the world 😍." A quick scroll through the comments shows plenty of congratulatory comments which we love to see!
Last year, Jason admitted the way he proposed wasn't something out of a fairytale on his and Travis' New Heights podcast. Not wanting to ruin his plan to surprise her with a proposal, Jason came up with an odd reason to walk back into her parents' house to ask for their permission.
"I couldn’t figure out how to inconspicuously go back into the house…So when we got in the car I said ‘Ky, I’m sorry, I have to take a s–t right now,'" he remembered saying. However, he made her suspicious because his poop sessions don't happen that quickly. She said, "And then he said, ‘This is not the most romantic way to do this, but can you get out of the truck?’ So sweet."
Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Dove
February 2018
When the Eagles beat the New England Patriots in 2018's Super Bowl game, Kylie was there to support her fiancé Jason Kelce (via Page Six). She posted a celebratory photo of them standing on the football field and it was clear they were both ecstatic about the victory.
April 2018
According to this photo, Jason & Kylie Kelce got married April 15, 2018. A year later, she posted a few more BTS photos of their big day and it was clear they had a gorgeous outdoor wedding. She wore a pretty A-line dress and chic veil while looked handsome in a tailored suit.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
October 2019
In 2019, they welcomed their first daughter, Wyatt Elizabeth Kelce October 2, 2019. Jason posted a cute picture of Kylie holding baby Wyatt and wrote, "Chunked up the Deuces on her way out," as part of his caption.
March 2021
Their middle daughter Eliotte Ray Kelce was born a couple of years later in 2021. Kylie posted the sweetest photo of her on Instagram, making sure to note, "Elliotte Ray Kelce has arrived. 🥰 🎀" Little one had the chubbiest cheeks that we're sure Jason & Kylie couldn't stop kissing.
February 2023
And just last year, their third daughter arrived before spring! Kylie also posted her cute baby face on Instagram with the caption, "Yesterday little lady #3 joined us. Bennett Llewellyn Kelce. 8lbs. 5oz. and 21inches long."
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
March 2024
Earlier this year, Jason Kelce decided to retire from the NFL and had the loving support of Kylie (via Page Six). He'd spent 13 years playing for the Eagles so, naturally, it was an emotional time for the former athlete. First his thanked his younger brother Travis by saying, "There is no chance I would be here without the bond Travis and I share...We did almost everything together — competed, fought, laughed, cried and learned from each other. We invented games, imagine ourselves as star players of that time."
He apparently took the moment after that to reminisce about the funny first date he had with Kylie and how it's led to the family they have now.
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
November 2024
All of that has led to this moment: Jason and Kylie Kelce's family is growing! Kylie announced that she's pregnant, and they're expecting baby no. 4 and couldn't be more thrilled to add a sixth member to their household! We can't wait to learn more news about the new "little lady" that'll be joining them!
If you can't get enough of Jason & Kylie Kelce, you'll love revisiting Patrick & Brittany Mahomes' timeline. For even more celebrities couples we love, follow us on Facebook!
From beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower to surfing in Tahiti, the Paris Olympics have blown my mind thus far. I'm always super into Olympic season because sportsmanship, community, and pride for your country are such beautiful things to witness and celebrate collectively. I'm currently in Paris and have even been able to see a couple of events myself — and I gotta tell you, it's incredible to watch live. History is made left and right, every single day — especially when it comes to Team USA!
While the games continue, here are all the incredible moments we've seen so far!
Screengrab by IOC via Getty Images
Two Words: Celine Dion
After her shocking documentary came out, Celine Dion made a triumphant return to performing during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dion's very rare Stiff Person Syndrome made many wonder if the superstar would be able to sing again, and this performance put those rumors to rest. She blew us all away with her stunning vocal performance of "Hymn A L'Amour" — can anyone pass some tissues? 😭
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Simone Biles Made An Epic Comeback — And Won Gold With Her Team
Team USA Women's Gymnastics is back and better than ever baby! After a devastating experience in Tokyo, Simone Biles made an epic comeback with this insane floor routine, starting off with an intro I could not deem more appropriate to Taylor Swift's "Are You Ready For It?" And boy were we! Not only did Biles start off her Paris games with a bang, but she did with such elegance and ease. We are so happy to have her back!
Alongside the amazing performances from Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey, the team took home the gold medal!
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Women In Fencing Make History
Another incredible win for Team USA, and another historical moment for women! Lee Kiefer won two back-to-back gold medals this week in foil fencing. Her teammate, Lauren Scruggs took home the silver metal and became the first Black fencer to ever win an Olympic medal! Not only is this an incredible moment for the country, but for humankind. This is also the first time the United States has dominated the fencing podium since 1904! History was definitely made, to say the least!
Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Team USA Proves Rugby Isn't Just For Boys
They have the beauty, the brains, and now they have the BRONZE! The USA Women's Rugby Team is bringing home their first ever Olympic win in history. Rugby is notoriously an intense contact sport — it's fast, it's rough, and often more associated with a male demographic. But this team is showing everyone how truly amazing women sports are. And hey, they got Jason Kelce as a superfan, so you should be too!
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
True Meaning Of Teammates
Team USA swimmers Torri Huske and Gretchen Walsh both bring home medals after they competed side-by-side in the 100 meter butterfly. Though Walsh was the previous record holder, she congratulated Huske on the Gold as they both celebrated their momentous win, wrapped together around the American flag. We couldn't be happier for these amazing Olympic swimming medalists!
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
One Trick Pony Brings Home The Win With The Men's Gymnastics Team
Stephen Nedoroscik, also known as "Clark Kent" on Tik Tok waited all day to perform his pommel horse routine. Before he began his routine, he took off his glasses — which was a little concerning for spectators — and started his routine. We all quickly realized that he was no joke. He seemingly came out of nowhere and snatched the bronze medal with the rest of Team USA. Now, he's a media phenomenon, and we can't get enough of him!
PS: This is Team USA's first medal since 2008 for men's team gymnastics — so exciting!
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Cook'N Bacon Are So In Sync
Synchronized diving has been one of my fave Olympic sports to watch since I was a kid! It's so mesmerizing and obviously incredibly impressive. I am so happy for Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook (affectionately known as "Cook'N Bacon") for brining home the silver medal! This is an amazing achievement for them both, but especially for Team USA who hasn't been on the diving podium since 2012. Wow!
Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images
Batten Biked To Silver
Haley Batten took home the silver medal for women's mountain biking race — the best finish for Team USA ever! Her wheel literally broke in the middle of the race, and she still managed to medal. So while the win was incredible to begin with, the fact that she persevered and overcame the odds makes it that much more amazing!
Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Ledecky Lead The Pack
We already knew Katie Ledecky was incredible, but she only further cemented her jaw-dropping skills during the women's 1500 meter freestyle final! In the longest swimming event at the Olympics, Ledecky consistently lead the pack throughout, and finished over 10 seconds before her silver medal counterpart. She's currently tied with Dara Torres, Natalie Coughlin and Jenny Thompson for the most medals won by a female swimmer — and she doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon, setting her sights on the 2028 Olympics according to ESPN! We can't wait to see what she does next!
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Simone And Suni Stack The Podium
After dominating the team finals, Team USA brought home more hardware for women's gymnastics in the individual competition! Suni Lee faced fierce competition in the battle for bronze, needing to nail her final rotation on her floor routine, and did she ever! Lee scored a 13.666, cementing her spot on the podium.
Afterwards, Biles was neck-in-neck for the gold medal against Brazilian gymnast Rebecca Andrade. Andrade gave an incredible performance, definitely earning a lot of pride for Brazil, but at the end of the day Biles upped the ante with what Laurie Hernandez described as one of the hardest routines out there. Earning a 15.066, Biles won the gold medal — the first time an American gymnast has won two gold medals in the individual competition since 1968 according to Today!
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Header image via Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
We hear a lot about celebrity breakups, but thankfully this doesn't apply to Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Their relationship hass blossomed before our eyes like a modern day fairy tale, and we're here for our pop culture king and queen. It seems like just yesterday the loving couple welcomed their second baby while dodging marriage rumors.
Rumors have circulated about whether the pair are married or not, but they've been pretty quiet about it. What Rihanna has done is open up about how her relationship with A$AP Rocky began in a new candid interview. Below, she covers everything from that infamous VMA's performance to what's in store for their growing family
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's Relationship Timeline
Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images
2012
While going down memory lane with Interview's Editori-in-Chief Mel Ottenberg, Rihanna opened up about her and A$AP Rocky's relationship timeline. She revealed the two didn't know each other prior to her 2012 VMA's performance of her single "Cockiness." No one can forget that A$AP Rocky was a part of her set and that he managed to spice things up by grabbing a handful of her bottom onstage.
2013
Although people assumed the two were dating when she appeared in the video for A$AP Rocky's song "Fashion Killa," Rihanna admits they weren't. It's easy to see how people would've assumed that because they've always had chemistry. She told Ottenberg that their friendship throughout the years was due to having similar perspectives. "We saw fashion the same. We saw creative the same. We ended up in the same circles a lot. And past that, when we grew up, we ended up supporting each other’s brands and products and creative all the time. I would wear his shit, he would show up to my launches."
Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
2019
Although it would be juicy if Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's relationship stemmed from a steamy text, she alluded in her conversation with Interview that their love was more organic. She said, "We’ve known each other for a long time. I’ve seen him in relationships. He’s seen me in relationships. We’ve seen each other outside of relationships. We knew what we’re capable of, and the trouble that we could bring to each other’s lives. We can make or break each other’s hearts. And so, we started dating with a lot of caution."
She also said COVID had a huge impact of the solidifying their romantic relationship and that she doesn't regret how things unfolded for them.
2021
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky debuted their love — and style — on the red carpet of the 2021 Met Gala. By then, it was undeniable how they felt about each other.
Image via Rich Fury/Getty Images for Fenty Beauty & Fenty Skin
2022 — 2023
The couple welcomed their sons — Rza and Riot — between 2022 and 2023, something they love gushing about. They're not shy about expressing their adoration for their growing family and have even admitted they're open to having more children if that's in the cards for them. Rihanna specifically told Interview, "I don’t know what god wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl. But of course if it’s another boy, it’s another boy."
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFC
December 2, 2024 — Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Hit The Red Carpet
Mom & dad stepped out for London's 2024 Fashion Awards' red carpet last night looking as stylish as ever. While A$AP Rocky chose to wear a utilitarian outfit that's on par with other looks we've seen him wear, Rihanna pushed the envelope even further with her outfit. She wore a furry light blue dress and matching hat that were accentuated by other black pieces like leather gloves and denier tights.
Just a couple of months ago, she told E! News that she's loving spending time with her family. "Motherhood, wifehood-ish, just being a homebody—I love it," she said. She also admitted, "I love to be a homemaker. I just like to be exciting and celebrate things. I'm trying to build new traditions for our little family that we built."
Did A$AP Rocky call Rihanna his wife?
Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Yes! During his performance at the 2023 Cannes Lions Festival, Rihanna was seen grooving to her love's music. Once he reached the second half of his performance, he gave her a huge, shocking shoutout. “I’d like to dedicate this song to my beautiful wife in the motherf–king building!”
Um, are you kidding us right now? His "beautiful wife?" We could hardly contain our excitement when we learned the news, and it seems Rihanna couldn't either because she was seen with a huge grin on her face. Ah, to be in love!
Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
We can't help but wonder if their latest Met Gala look was a nod to their nuptials. I mean, a white dress and a tux? At fashion's biggest event? Seems suspicious, if you ask us!
Still, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky haven't issued a statement to the media about their marriage or a wedding ceremony. While we respect their privacy, we would be open to fawning over the beautiful bride and groom if they ever decide to release pictures.
Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
As if that wasn't enough, A$AP Rocky released a song last year called "Riot (Rowdy Pipe'n)" that gives a little more relationship insight. In one lyric, he raps, "My wife is erotic, I’m smokin’ exotic."
We think they've been telling the world - "What's understood doesn't have to be explained."
Touché Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.
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This post has been updated.
Well, if it isn’t another Starbucks menu leak! This go-around – courtesy of food blogger @markie_devo – speculates an exciting drop of 4 new drinks, 2 new snacks, and one very long-awaited reformulation to Starbucks’ matcha powder (at least, according to matcha fanatics like me). New items are rumored to drop on January 2 and February 4, 2025.
Scroll on to see everything rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu at the top of 2025!
Of the 4 new drinks is a traditional café staple – the cortado – that Starbucks has never served before. It’s rumored to be made with shots of the chain’s “higher profile” ristretto espresso.
It also appears as though Starbucks is finally rethinking their approach to matcha lattes. Their current matcha powder comes pre-sweetened, enough to bulk up a single drink with 29 whopping grams of sugar. But, the new (rumored) powder will come “completely unsweetened” and only be sweetened with Starbucks’ classic syrup by default. Plus, the menu leak claims baristas will prepare matcha lattes in a blender moving forward – rather than a shaker – to better infuse the matcha powder for a smoother sip.
The menu leak comes about a month after Starbucks announced they’re no longer charging extra for alternative milk.
All in all, the leaked Starbucks winter menu for 2025 suggests that the chain is making small strides towards authenticity – perhaps a reflection of new CEO Brian Niccol‘s vision to return “back to Starbucks.”
Drinks On The Leaked 2025 Starbucks Winter Menu
Starbucks UK
NEW! Cortado
Starbucks' cortado debut will reportedly include 3 ristretto shots of blonde espresso and steamed whole milk. Ristretto shots are essentially more condensed than your traditional shot of espresso – they use half the amount of water for a more concentrated, sweeter taste.
Due to the traditional construction of a cortado, this drink will only be available in Starbucks' short size.
This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.
NEW! Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado
The Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado is speculated to follow the same recipe, but swaps whole milk for oat milk and adds brown sugar syrup and cinnamon to the mix. It's extremely similar to the chain's popular Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso. It looks delish.
This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.
NEW! Blackberry Sage Refresher
Now this is how you do a flavor combo. Like most Starbucks Refreshers, this rumored iteration will be available to order as a plain Refresher or with lemonade.
This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on February 4, 2025.
Starbucks
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino
This blended frozen bev hit the Starbucks menu back in February 2024, just in time for Valentine's Day (AKA the best holiday ever)! It's supposed to taste just like chocolate-covered strawberries, which makes me want a sip ASAP.
This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on February 4, 2025.
NEW! Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew
Hazelnut syrup and chocolate cream cold foam make this cold brew sweet as can be. It gets topped with some cookie crumbles for a fun texture, too. I love hazelnut and chocolate flavors respectively, so when mixed together, it's gotta be tasty!
This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on February 4, 2025.
Starbucks
Pistachio Latte
Oh, I can't wait until the Pistacho Latte is back on the menu. Let's hope the rumors are true!
This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.
Pistachio Cream Cold Brew
Speculated to join the famed Pistacho Latte is the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, which layers a creamy layer of pistachio-infused cold foam on top of Starbucks' strong cold brew.
This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.
Food On The Leaked 2025 Starbucks Winter Menu
NEW! Spicy Falafel Pocket
Ooh, this new food item is vegan, according to menu leaks! It's rumored to include smashed falafel, creamy hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions, and a spicy herb sauce inside a toasted piece of lavash flatbread. Plus, it'll include a dippable cup of Bitchin' Sauce, which I am practically addicted to. I can't wait to try this one!
This item is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.
Vanilla Bean Custard Danish
This danish is just like Starbucks' classic Cheese Danish, but leans sweeter, thanks to the vanilla bean.
This item is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.
NEW! Valentine Cake Pop
Finally, this adorable little cake pop – Valentine's-themed, no less – flaunts a cute heart design with flavors of vanilla and buttercream.
This item is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on February 4, 2025.
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