Grab your sunscreen and bug spray — summer is here. Or at least that’s what the thermometer says. If porch hangs are in your future plans, but your porch has seen better days, this one’s for you. Creating your backyard oasis is closer than you think. Here are my favorite budget-friendly ways to update your outdoor space.
Create A (Secondhand) Living Space
Consider how you want to use your space. Do you anticipate eating meals outside or just having a place to sit with friends and relax? Plan for that. And then head to Facebook Marketplace. All of my outdoor furniture has been secured secondhand and has saved me so much money. Outdoor furniture sets are not cheap, but often people who are moving or just over their current furniture are willing to let it go for very reasonable prices. The trick is to make their life easy. Offer cash, same-day pickup, or even slightly above their listing price to ensure you get to take your finds home. Most of the used outdoor furniture I’ve found just needs a hose down, quick clean, or light sand to bring it back to life.
Make It Cozy
Image via Robin Jonathan Deutsch / Unsplash
Don’t underestimate the power of a little ambiance when it comes to your outdoor space. A simple way to make a space feel more welcoming and purposeful is to add a rug. There are so many affordable outdoor rug options that can easily be cleaned and will anchor the space in your backyard. Whether it’s on a patio, porch, or in the grass, a rug defines the living space, inviting others to relax and enjoy. If you’re not into the look or maintenance of an outdoor rug, try interlocking outdoor flooring options like these deck squares from IKEA.
▲Keep It Cozy
Image via Amazon
Don’t underestimate the power of a little ambiance when it comes to your outdoor space. A simple way to make a space feel more welcoming and purposeful is to add a rug. There are so many affordable outdoor rug options that can easily be cleaned and will anchor the space in your backyard. Whether it’s on a patio, porch, or in the grass, a rug defines the living space, inviting others to relax and enjoy. If you’re not into the look or maintenance of an outdoor rug, try interlocking outdoor flooring options like these deck squares from IKEA.
▲Image via Amazon
Don’t underestimate the power of a little ambiance when it comes to your outdoor space. A simple way to make a space feel more welcoming and purposeful is to add a rug. There are so many affordable outdoor rug options that can easily be cleaned and will anchor the space in your backyard. Whether it’s on a patio, porch, or in the grass, a rug defines the living space, inviting others to relax and enjoy. If you’re not into the look or maintenance of an outdoor rug, try interlocking outdoor flooring options like these deck squares from IKEA.
▲Light It Up
Image via Taryn Elliott
Keep the party going past dark by incorporating plenty of lighting options in your outdoor space. Overhead string or bistro lights are a must if you ask me. They’re affordable and easy to hang and will instantly transform an ordinary backyard into a romantic getaway. They soft light is enough for playing games or toasting with drinks, but subtle enough that you can still see the stars. Look for options that don’t require any plugs or batteries. Solar-powered pathway lights, accent lights, and lanterns are low-cost and still provide that high-end look without breaking the bank.
▲Light It Up
Image via Mackenzie Edwards
Keep the party going past dark by incorporating plenty of lighting options in your outdoor space. Overhead string or bistro lights are a must if you ask me. They’re affordable and easy to hang and will instantly transform an ordinary backyard into a romantic getaway. They soft light is enough for playing games or toasting with drinks, but subtle enough that you can still see the stars. Look for options that don’t require any plugs or batteries. Solar-powered pathway lights, accent lights, and lanterns are low-cost and still provide that high-end look without breaking the bank.
▲Light It Up
Keep the party going past dark by incorporating plenty of lighting options in your outdoor space. Overhead string or bistro lights are a must if you ask me. They’re affordable and easy to hang and will instantly transform an ordinary backyard into a romantic getaway. They soft light is enough for playing games or toasting with drinks, but subtle enough that you can still see the stars. Look for options that don’t require any plugs or batteries. Solar-powered pathway lights, accent lights, and lanterns are low-cost and still provide that high-end look without breaking the bank.
▲Add Some Greenery
Image via Markus Spiske / Unsplash
You don’t have to be a master gardener to add a little life to you outdoor space. Potted plants, vertical gardens, and small raised beds are a great way to incorporate color and greenery into your outdoor space. While large plants at the store may cost more than you expected, you can plant a small herb garden for much less. Not only will it smell amazing and keep the bugs away, but you’ll have fresh garnishes for your guest’s drinks. Looking to build a larger garden? Try this hack for building a large garden bed without spending a fortune.
▲Add Some Greenery
Image via Tanny Do / Unsplash
You don’t have to be a master gardener to add a little life to you outdoor space. Potted plants, vertical gardens, and small raised beds are a great way to incorporate color and greenery into your outdoor space. While large plants at the store may cost more than you expected, you can plant a small herb garden for much less. Not only will it smell amazing and keep the bugs away, but you’ll have fresh garnishes for your guest’s drinks. Looking to build a larger garden? Try this hack for building a large garden bed without spending a fortune.
▲Add Some Greenery
Image via Haley Sprankle
You don’t have to be a master gardener to add a little life to you outdoor space. Potted plants, vertical gardens, and small raised beds are a great way to incorporate color and greenery into your outdoor space. While large plants at the store may cost more than you expected, you can plant a small herb garden for much less. Not only will it smell amazing and keep the bugs away, but you’ll have fresh garnishes for your guest’s drinks. Looking to build a larger garden? Try this hack for building a large garden bed without spending a fortune.
▲Keep It Cool
Image via Amazon
If your backyard or patio space isn’t shaded, you may not want to spend a ton of time outside, but there’s an easy fix for that. Without splurging on a huge renovation or expensive pergola, opt for a sun shade like this one (or this one...or this one) that can be tied over your space to block the sun during peak hours. These are easy to clean, provide additional shade, and even protect you from harmful UV rays. They come in tons of colors and sizes to fit your space perfectly.
▲Keep It Cool
Image via Wayfair
If your backyard or patio space isn’t shaded, you may not want to spend a ton of time outside, but there’s an easy fix for that. Without splurging on a huge renovation or expensive pergola, opt for a sun shade like this (or this...or this) that can be tied over your space to block the sun during peak hours. These are easy to clean, provide additional shade, and even protect you from harmful UV rays. They come in tons of colors and sizes to fit your space perfectly.
▲Keep It Cool
Image via Amazon
If your backyard or patio space isn’t shaded, you may not want to spend a ton of time outside, but there’s an easy fix for that. Without splurging on a huge renovation or expensive pergola, opt for a sun shade like this (or this...or this) that can be tied over your space to block the sun during peak hours. These are easy to clean, provide additional shade, and even protect you from harmful UV rays. They come in tons of colors and sizes to fit your space perfectly.
▲Expand Seating Even In Small Spaces
Image via Jessie McCall / Unsplash
For those of us who don’t live on 5 acres, accommodating a large group in a small space can often be an issue. The most affordable and space-saving way to add more comfortable seating is with floor poufs or cushions. These cozy additions give people plenty of room to unwind and get cozy. They can be stored under chairs or tables when not in use and pulled back out right before the party gets started.
▲Expand Seating Even In Small Spaces
Image via HideAway Inc / Unsplash
For those of us who don’t live on 5 acres, accommodating a large group in a small space can often be an issue. The most affordable and space-saving way to add more comfortable seating is with floor poufs or cushions. These cozy additions give people plenty of room to unwind and get cozy. They can be stored under chairs or tables when not in use and pulled back out right before the party gets started.
▲Expand Seating Even In Small Spaces
Image via Steven Ungermann / Unsplash
For those of us who don’t live on 5 acres, accommodating a large group in a small space can often be an issue. The most affordable and space-saving way to add more comfortable seating is with floor poufs or cushions. These cozy additions give people plenty of room to unwind and get cozy. They can be stored under chairs or tables when not in use and pulled back out right before the party gets started.
▲Keep It On The DL
Image via Wayfair
No one likes to be on display when you’re just trying to enjoy a good book or have a private conversation. Even if you live right on top of your neighbors, adding a privacy screen or wall can significantly help to make your space feel more intimate and hidden-away. Fences can be expensive and difficult to install and these budget-friendly options are a great alternative. Another great way to add privacy is by installing outdoor curtains. Not only does this provide some seclusion, but it also makes the space feel a bit cozier.
▲Keep It On The DL
Image via Mackenzie Edwards
No one likes to be on display when you’re just trying to enjoy a good book or have a private conversation. Even if you live right on top of your neighbors, adding a privacy screen or wall can significantly help to make your space feel more intimate and hidden-away. Fences can be expensive and difficult to install and these budget-friendly options are a great alternative. Another great way to add privacy is by installing outdoor curtains. Not only does this provide some seclusion, but it also makes the space feel a bit cozier.
▲Keep It On The DL
Image via Target
No one likes to be on display when you’re just trying to enjoy a good book or have a private conversation. Even if you live right on top of your neighbors, adding a privacy screen or wall can significantly help to make your space feel more intimate and hidden-away. Fences can be expensive and difficult to install and these budget-friendly options are a great alternative. Another great way to add privacy is by installing outdoor curtains. Not only does this provide some seclusion, but it also makes the space feel a bit cozier.
▲Creating an outdoor haven at home doesn’t have to blow the budget. With a few thrifty tips and patience, you can transform your dull backyard or patio into a place all your friends want to spend their weekends. Add these finds to your cart then send out the invites — your next summer hangout is ready.
Want more DIY advice? Sign up for our email newsletter!
Header image via Wayfair
Challengers is honestly just one giant tennis match. While we watch Zendaya's Tashi, Mike Faist's Art, and Josh O'Connor's Patrick play the game in a literal sense, we also see their personal relationship spiral, ricocheting back and forth as each character plays a different role every couple of years. And the crazy Challengers ending is a culmination of this intense emotional journey because it solidifies Patrick, Tashi, and Art's relationship — both to one another, but also to tennis itself.
What did the ending of The Challengers mean?
Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios
There is a lot of tension between Tashi, Art, and Patrick throughout the movie, and it all builds to the titular Challenger match. It's Art vs. Patrick, and they're playing for way more than just the title and the money (though of course, they're definitely playing for the title and the money) — this is one final chance to prove themselves to Tashi, who's sitting court-side looking very unimpressed.
Both men lose their cool during different sets, but it's in the third and final set that everything comes to a head. At the end of the match, Patrick confesses to sleeping with Tashi using a tennis ball and racket signal only Art recognizes. For a split second Art is is complete shock, and I expected him to completely lose it. And, technically, he does, but in a totally unexpected way. Rather than jump the net and punch Patrick in the face, Art channels his emotions into his tennis, and the fury he feels actually allows him break through whatever slump he's been stuck in.
Unable to have a conversation about Patrick's secret, Art and Patrick talk with their serves and returns. And because Tashi doesn't catch the signal, for the first time in the whole movie, she's cut out of the conversation.
Did Tashi love Art and Patrick?
Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios
Tashi's been pulling the strings ever since she met Art and Patrick, and she's never not been in control. After Patrick sends the signal, she knows something is going on between them, she just doesn't know what — and it unnerves her. Thanks to Zendaya's expert subtlety, the twitch of her eyebrow or the particularly anxious way she grips her hands are the only things that give her away. But her confusion, and the men's anger, quickly turn to pure joy in the final moments of the movie.
Patrick and Art end up playing so intensely that they meet at the net and embrace, prompting Tashi's iconic tennis yell before she gives one of her first genuine laughs of the film and the screen cuts to black. The first time I saw the movie, I thought "What?!" but the more I think about it, the clearer the Challengers ending is.
Patrick and Art (whose relationship begins six or seven years before the movie opens) haven't spoken since the big fight surrounding Tashi's injury, and their hug proves they're just happy to be playing together again. It's what they've always loved, and their fight over Tashi almost ended it forever. Tashi's pure elation shows she's happy to watch some good tennis, especially after she failed to help Art break out of his rut.
We've only seen Tashi scream like that once before, when she admits to a perfect tennis match. While Tashi does care for Patrick and Art, the end of Challengers proves the characters' true love was never really each other — it was always the game.
What did you think of the Challengers ending? After you rewatch the movie (and then rewatch it again), check out the other Most-Anticipated Spring Movies For 2024.
Lead image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios
We know that mirrors are great for applying your tinted moisturizer, making sure your outfit looks put together, and checking that your bubble braids are even, but why should they be boring? You don't need very many supplies to update the mirror in your space, and it's super easy to create designs that you've probably never thought of. Keep reading for some of our favorite mirror DIYs.
Ideas For Summer Mirror DIYs
Pom Pom DIY Mirror
This mirror has so much color and texture that it'll give any space in your home a summer upgrade. Go with neutrals like beige and brown, or opt with a rainbow of vivid neons. Whatever best reflects your style will look amazing! (via Brit + Co)
Easy Paneled Gold Industrial Mirror
We're pretty sure that gold makes everything look more chic. This mirror (and its open design) will actually make your space feel larger. Place it in a room that gets lots of light to maximize the reflection potential. (via Never Skip Brunch)
DIY Donut Mirror
If you're always in need of a mirror to carry with you, why not make it an extra cute one? We love donuts more than the average person so this colorful donut mirror is the perfect DIY to add to our beauty bag. (via Brit + Co)
DIY TikTok Moss Mirror
Give your room a forest fairy-meets-cottage core update with a mossy mirror. Don't worry if you don't want to chance letting dirt and insects into your room — just buy faux moss from the craft store and go ham with your glue gun. (via The Sorry Girls)
Splatter Painted DIY Mirror Wall Art
Mirrors aren't just for lookin'! Make a statement with vivid colors and just enough paint splattering to add some dynamic details. Personally, we think this would look amazing with our rainbow bar cart. (via A Beautiful Mess)
DIY Bauble Mirror
Add some whimsy to your mirror with barely any effort. The baubles are small enough that they won't overpower the mirror but they're way more fun to look at than a regular frame. (via The Collected House)
Bathroom Organizer Mirror
The only thing better than a regular mirror? A functional mirror. (via Paper and Stitch)
Mirror DIYs We Found On TikTok
@ystreetstudio What trend should I try next? #easydiy#moonmirror#moonmirrordiy#diytrend#tiktokdiy♬ Sex and the City (Main Theme) - TV Sounds Unlimited
All you need to make this lunar beauty is some joint compound, a spray bottle, and a paintbrush. You can play with it until you like the look of the texture, and we love that it doesn't have to be perfect.
@jueceyredd DIY Cloud Mirror #LoveMeMode#DIY♬ original sound - Teaia Taylor
LED lights and some fluffy filling will transform your mirror from drab to fab. This is our favorite kind of night light. Plus, you can change the color depending on your mood!
@wallyparton Reply to @bethbopb how we made our big, wavy mirror #diy#diymirror#mirrorframe#gustafwestman#ultrafragolamirror#interiordesign#curatedmaximalism#wallyparton♬ Prisencolinensinainciusol (Remastered) - Adriano Celentano
Considering we usually see mirrors come in circles or rectangles, we are totally on board with wavy mirrors. This layered option is super easy to make, and even though it adds extra dimension, it doesn't take up any extra space.
@genevavanderzeil Easiest project I’ve done in forever 🌼. #bunnings#bunninginspo#diy#upcycling#daisymirror#diydaisymirror#makemirrorswithme#mirrorproject#mirrormirrormade♬ Roxanne - Instrumental - Califa Azul
Everything is not as it seems with this daisy DIY mirror. Add a fresh coat of paint to wooden circles, then arrange them in a larger circle and glue your mirror overtop. It doesn't get much cuter than this.
@444.xo0 Everything was less than $45 so it’s broke b!tch friendly 🤪 Credit to @myxva ✨ More details in comments #diy#vanitymirror#fyp#SummerVlog♬ original sound - rîs
Turn your mirror into something worthy of a Broadway dressing room with some push lights. You deserve to feel like a star!
@calistartist not for everyone but love it for me #sprayfoam#mirror#decor#homedecor#ByeByeSundayBlues#ImoniCarly#interiordesign#DIY♬ First Class - Jack Harlow
You've never used spray foam quite like this... add some around the edge of your mirror in a zigzag motion. Paint it to match the rest of your decor and you'll have a new focal point for your bedroom.
@xoxomajsen Second hand mirror fix up, first project of the summer 😍 #fördig#fyp#checker#checkermirror#diy#diyproject#diymirror#diyprojects#fypシ#gördetsjälv♬ FEEL THE GROOVE - Queens Road, Fabian Graetz
We'd fill our homes from floor to ceiling with checkerboard decor if we got the chance. But for now, we'll settle with a mirror ;). Painter's tape rectangles and spray paint will be your best friends for this project.
@hometalk Fake a high-end mirror with one from the Dollar Store! ✨ #TikTokPartner#LearnOnTikTok#SummerDIY#SummerProject#HomeDecor♬ FIESTA! UND - Serpens
Grab some sheets of gold foil and a can of spray adhesive for this project. You can use strips of the foil that's as wide as you like, but we'd recommend starting small. You can always add more!
@glowyberd diy mosaic mirror made by yours truly :,) #diy#fyp#mirror♬ still woozy cover - stanmellstrom
Add some colorful pebbles to an already-funky mirror to make something one of a kind. This totally reminds us of confetti.
@suzy.day Wait for it!! do you like?! DIY jewelry holder. #diy#craft#diyproject#artistsoftiktok#musthave#trending#retro#quicktip#urbanoutfitters♬ original sound - Maude latour
Test your painter skills with a lovely color palette and a few different brushes. You can paint dots, squiggles, or even paint a scene. Attach some hooks to hang your necklaces from and you're done!
@shirstruly Please watch until the end 🥰 #mirrorart#resin#resinart#diy#diymirror♬ Polaroid Love - ENHYPEN
We'll never get over how chic + sophisticated marble decor looks. Mix some glitter in with epoxy and pour one after the other to create an overlapping effect. Go in with a Sharpie for some final details or leave as-is. Either way, this DIY mirror is *gorgeous.*
@huntersofhappiness_ One of my favorite projects ever!!! #somuchfun#diyproject#epoxyresin#roommakeover#mirrormakeover#floral#easydiy#UltaSkinTok♬ original sound - Elise Hunter DIY + Design
This is another DIY that can use some epoxy. The key is to pick up some silicone flower molds that you can glue to your mirror frame. Don't forget to lay it out before you glue so you can make sure you like the finished product.
@jinkybinky DIY Wall mirror. Using joanns and dollar tree mirrors #dollartree#diy#foryourpage#foryou#diyprojectsideas#homedecor♬ Stereo Love - instrumental
Get mirrors in all different sizes and a piece of wood. Attach the mirrors in descending sizes or mix it up depending on what fits your vibe the best. Create multiples to turn this DIY mirror into a piece of art!
Follow us on Pinterest for more crafts and tag us in your mirror DIYs on Instagram! You can also subscribe to our email newsletter for all things DIY.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
While it's always nice to see something realistic represented in our favorite TV shows, there are few things more painful than watching a TV breakup. Even when we don't actually know fictional characters IRL, it's absolutely devastating to see them break each other's hearts. (Although, it's equally as bad as never seeing your favorite prospective couple get together — I will never forgive The 100 for what they did to Clarke and Bellamy!!).
Keep reading to see some of our most heartbreaking splits — and then check outWhat Being Team Conrad Or Jeremiah Says About Your Dream TV Boyfriendto put a smile back on your face.
Image via NBC
Ross and Rachel from Friends
Friends is one of the most iconic sitcoms of all times, and Ross and Rachel is definitely one of the most devastating TV breakups. In season 3, this iconic couple decides to take a break in and in "The One with the Morning After," Ross wakes up with another woman named Chloe at the exact moment Rachel shows up at his door. Rachel finds out about the affair, and after a fight in Monica's living room, the couple calls it quits.
Regardless of how you feel about Ross claiming they "were on a break" when he slept with Chloe, seeing Rachel's reaction (and knowing the trust between them was broken) is one of the worst moments in the whole show. Just thinking about it makes my stomach bottom out!
Image via The CW/WB
Rory and Jess from Gilmore Girls
This is one of my personal most-devastating TV breakups because it seems like, out of all of Rory's boyfriends, Rory and Jess are just perfect for each other when they start dating. Not only does their love of books bring them closer together, but their personalities are so compatible. But when Jess leaves for California at the end of season 3 — without saying anything to Rory, I might add — is unacceptable! It breaks my heart, and based on the final look he gives Rory during A Year in the Life, he also regrets it BIG TIME.
Image via The CW/WB
Damon and Elena from The Vampire Diaries
This Vampire Diaries couple was truly endgame, and the will-they-won't-they of it all was one of my favorite things about the show. So when they broke up (to my horror), I was devastated.
Damon and Elena admit they're bad for each other in the season 5 episode "While You Were Sleeping" (then Damon tells her he doesn't even want to be friends. Ouch!!), but it's the season finale, "Home," that makes me extra emotional. When Damon gets stuck with Bonnie on the Other Side, he says goodbye to Elena, who's begging him not to leave but can neither see nor hear him. Say it with me: gut! wrenching!
Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video
Conrad and Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty
The Summer I Turned Pretty fans are PASSIONATE about whether they're team Conrad or team Jeremiah (trick question, my OTP is Taylor and Stephen), and even the most dedicated Conrad stan hates the prom scene. You know, when he breaks up with Belly at her prom, in the rain. I know he just thinks Belly deserves better, but it's still very painful to watch.
Image via FOX
Schmidt and Cece from New Girl
When I hear "devastating TV breakup" I IMMEDIATELY think of Schmidt and Cece from New Girl. Schmidt gets away with a lot of ridiculous things throughout this show, but dating two girls at one time is not one of them. After Nick has a hard time keeping Schmidt's love life a secret, Schmidt finally comes clean to Cece in "Double Date," leaving both her and me in tears. No matter how many times you rewatch the show, it truly feels like their relationship (and maybe even the friend group) will never recover.
Image via BBC/Prime Video
Fleabag and The Priest on Fleabag
In the history of TV, I don't think I've ever heard anything as heartbreaking as "I love you," "It'll pass." Like, who approved that line?! The viral moment comes at the end of the Fleabag series finale, when Fleabag is sitting with The Priest at the bus stop. Over the course of the series, we not only see how much these two care about each other, but how well they know each other (like how The Priest recognizes when Fleabag zones out). To be loved is to be known, and that's what makes this devastating TV breakup even more devastating.
Image via HBO
Carrie and Aidan on Sex and the City
After so much back and forth, it's hard to accept Carrie and Aidan's final breakup on SATC. But in season 4's "Change of a Dress," Carrie realizes she's not ready for marriage and Aidan realizes he doesn't trust her after her affair with Big. The combo of broken trust and being at two different life stages makes this extra painful to watch, and I don't think any amount of rewatches (or And Just Like That binges) is going to change that.
What's YOUR most devastating TV breakup? Let us know on Facebook!
Lead image via The CW/The WB
Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris caused quite a stir at Elton John's Oscars afterparty, but for good reason! After dodging dating rumors for quite awhile, they dressed to impress and made their first public debut as a couple! Sophia even wore her best accessory — a mega-watt smile — that further confirms this blissful pair.
While some people love to know whencelebrity couples fell in love, the details about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris' relationship have people wondering when this couple actually got together. Well, our wait is over because Sophia decided to open about what led to her romance with Ashlyn Harris and why certain rumors hold no merit!
Since we're clearly tuned in to this love story, here's everything you need to know about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris's relationship!
Who is Sophia Bush?
Image via Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
Sophia Bush has had a lengthy career as an actress, and she's most recognized for her portrayal of Brooke Davis in the hit TV series One Tree Hill. She's also appeared in Nip/Tuck, Chicago Fire, Incredibles 2, and John Tucker Must Die. When she's not showing off her acting chops, she hosts the Drama Queens podcast alongside former One Tree Hill castmates Hilarie Burton and Bethany Joy Lenz!
Who is Ashlyn Harris?
Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for W Magazine
Ashlyn Harris is a former U.S. soccer player who had a successful run — no pun intended — as a goalkeeper during the career. She also won the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada and continued making an impressionable mark. However, she announced her retirementin 2022 and — per her Instagrampage — has gone on to become the Global Creative Advisor for Gotham FC and Adidas Football.
When did the dating rumors about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris start?
Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images and Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
June 2023
Rumors about a possible connection between Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris swirled last summer when Cosmopolitanreported they were on a panel at Cannes Lion International Festival of Creativity. Sophia shared a pic of the two at the festival on Instagramand wrote, "Love you @ashlynharris24 and @sophieannkelly" towards the end of her caption.
A source told Page Six, "It’s very new...They are definitely a couple.” But, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris didn't confirm or deny anything at that time.
When did Sophia Bush file for divorce from Grant Hughes?
Image via Leigh Vogel/Getty Images
August 2023
A couple of months after Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris were seen getting cozy together, Sophia filed for divorce from her former husband Grant Hughes. Peopleshared that they were only married for a little over a year — 13 months — but didn't end on a bad terms. A source then told Entertainment Tonight, "Grant and Sophia are better off as friends and they weren’t getting enough time with each other before their breakup."
When did Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger file for divorce?
Image via Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
October 2023
While things seemed to quiet down, Ashlyn Harris soon filed for divorce from Ali Krieger after getting married towards the end of 2019. What's interesting is that a source told Peoplethis decision wasn't surprising. "Although it’s new information to the public, Ashlyn and Ali’s divorce began months ago and they have been living apart since the summer,” the source said.
This is also around the time it was speculated Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris had their first official date. A rep told People, "Grant will always want the best for Sophia, and is supportive of all that makes her happy and fulfilled." We guess it helps he and Sophia had a solid friendship before getting married!
As for Ali Krieger, she basically let the world know things were business as usual with an Instagrampost. She captioned a pic of her playing soccer with, "Preparing for playoffs while in my Beyoncé lemonade era." A comment from user @lgbtlfg said, "the fact that a lot of players in these comment’s usually mind their business and stay out of drama but are supporting ali should tell everyone all they need to know."
The only thing Ashlyn said about it on Instagramis that she never intended for her and Ali's divorce to be made a public matter. A portion of her note says, "This process is never easy, but we were making our way through."
Have Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris publicly talked about their relationship?
Image via Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Tequila Don Julio
March 2024
Besides showing up to Elton John's Oscars afterparty together, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris were previously tight-lipped about their relationship. The only hint Sophia offered was much more of a reflective post about 2023 on Instagramat the beginning of January. She said, "This year taught me to listen to myself and no one else. To let go of expectation that wounds and grasp possibility that frees. To not care about optics and instead invest in honesty."
But, she's since chosen to own where she is in life.
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
Sophia Bush on the cover of Glamour Magazine
April 2024
Sophia Bush has now reached a point where she's publicly ready to stand in her truth regarding her life and her relationship status so much that she penned her own cover story for Glamour. The first thing she did was open up about how she really felt about her marriage and fertility struggles.
She wrote, "But after the wedding I found myself in the depths and heartbreak of the fertility process, which was the most clarifying experience of my life. It feels like society is finally making space for brutally honest conversations about how hard and painful any fertility journey is, but I kept mine private. I was trying to get through months of endless ultrasounds, hormone shots, so many blood draws that I have scar tissue in my veins, and retrieval after retrieval, while simultaneously realizing the person I had chosen to be my partner didn’t necessarily speak the same emotional language I did.”
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
As far as her relationship with Ashlyn Harris is concerned, the star is enjoying the love that exists between them. Contrary to alleged rumors, their initial relationship was a platonic one that stemmed from a place of understanding and support.
She told Glamour,“I didn’t expect to find love in this support system. I don’t know how else to say it other than: I didn’t see it until I saw it. And I think it’s very easy not to see something that’s been in front of your face for a long time when you’d never looked at it as an option and you had never been looked at as an option. What I saw was a friend with her big, happy life. And now I know she thought the same thing about me.”
She also added, "A lot of effort was made to be graceful with other people’s processing, their time and obligations, and their feelings. What felt like seconds after I started to see what was in front of me, the online rumor mill began to spit in the ugliest ways. There were blatant lies. Violent threats. There were the accusations of being a home-wrecker. The ones who said I’d left my ex because I suddenly realized I wanted to be with women—my partners have known what I’m into for as long as I have (so that’s not it, y’all, sorry!).”
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
It's safe to say that Sophia Bush is thoroughly comfortable with her love life and identity as a queer woman. She said, "I’ve experienced so much safety, respect, and love in the queer community, as an ally all of my life, that, as I came into myself, I already felt it was my home. I think I’ve always known that my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the word that best defines it is queer. I can’t say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great.”
And this is what it looks like to reclaim your narrative when so many people are looking at a brief glimpse of the lives of celebrities. We love that Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris are loving each other on their terms without feeling pressured to share anything before they were ready to. Our hope is that their love story continues to unfold beautifully.
Be sure to watch Sophia Bush's interview with Glamour's Editor-in-Chief Samantha Barry here!
Full Credits From Glamour Magazine:
Writer: Sophia Bush
Photographer: Lauren Dukoff
Stylist: Deborah Afshani
Hair: Matthew Collins
Makeup: Afton Williams
Manicure: Brittney Boyce
Have Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris made their official red carpet debut?
Image via Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Kimball Stroud & Associates
April 27, 2024
Per Glamour, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn made their official red carpet debut as a couple on Friday. They attended the White House Correspondent's dinner where they were dressed to impress in complementing black ensembles.
It's easy to see the glowing couple couldn't stop laughing and smiling as they posed for pictures that seemed to capture every good angle of their faces and style.
Image via Paul Morigi/Getty Images
After the dinner, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris posed for more pictures on the red carpet leading to the Correspondent's after-party. Now that we're able to see their full faces, we have to talk about how well their hair and makeup complements their outfits. It's clear that Ashlyn's contour and bronzer were expertly applied to her face while Sophia's blush gave her a natural flush.
*Sigh* Their smiles are the only confirmation we need that they're enjoying the bliss of being a couple.
Follow us on Facebookfor more entertainment news!
This article has been updated.
Lead image via Paul Morigi/Getty Images