Peek Inside This Graphic Artist’s Inspiring Creative Process

Clara Sasiene

We recently partnered with Bounty to support emerging artists and designers in a national design competition. The ask? Design a graphic for a new Brit + Co and Bounty paper towel collection themed A Clean Fresh Start, which launches this month. In this creator spotlight series, we are featuring the winners of that competition to learn more about their inspirations, their design process, and their winning Bounty design. Read on to meet…

Clara Sasiene | Gumption Road Creative Co. | Santa Fe, NM

What are your design inspirations? My design inspirations really come from everywhere: tiles, murals, local business logos or buildings, food (especially dessert), fashion, landscape, etc. I love to travel so anytime I'm in a new place I have a lot of fun looking at things through that design lens. I also love antiquing and have a small collection of print paraphernalia, like old magazines, old ads, vintage matchboxes, plus art and books. I do look for inspiration online too (mostly on Pinterest or Instagram) but try not to rely on that too heavily to keep my work fresh.


Tell us about your design process. I wish my creative process was linear but it rarely is that straightforward. It often depends on the scope of a project, but the first thing I almost always do is make a list of the knowns/requirements. I'm the kind of person who makes lists for my lists so this helps me feel like I've set a baseline or boundaries for a project and can brainstorm from there. Next step is research and inspiration where I usually create a Pinterest board to collect different possibilities and ideas.Branding projects are one of my favorite things to work on. After the research and inspiration phase, I use the brand adjectives to narrow down brand elements like colors and fonts, then look at logo ideas, brand marks, patterns, etc. The key for me is defining brand adjectives and aligning the work with a brand persona or character. That makes it much easier to decide on direction throughout the process by asking, "Does this look/feel/sound like <character/persona>?"

For illustration projects like this one, I finished the inspiration phase and then really just started drawing. I had a good idea of the direction I wanted to go based on the prompt and knew I wanted to stick to my natural design style. In the end, I had 17 different artboards going but felt most passionate about four designs. I kept playing around with my work and ultimately chose the two that felt most like me, that answered the prompt the best, and that I thought would translate to paper towels the best.

Tools and platforms that help me be my most creative self...For me, this spans the digital and physical gamut. It often depends on the project and what direction the client wants to go, but usually I look through my archive of books and old print stuff, at Pinterest, through my saved Instagram collections, and look at brands/creative work that has a similar feel to what I'm trying to create. This really helps me to piece a lot of things together to create something new, unique, and exciting.

As far as specific design tools go, I use Adobe Creative Cloud almost exclusively and work in Procreate when I want to hand-draw something. I'll also look at creative asset websites like Creative Market for direction on a project and general ideas.

How did you get into illustration? I've been a graphic designer for almost 10 years and have never been any good at drawing. I have always been so jealous of that skill in others and wanted so badly to be able to illustrate beautiful things like them. I'm still mostly terrible, but a few years ago I decided to just go for it – I bought an iPad, downloaded Procreate, and started watching tutorial after tutorial. (For some reason that felt easier than traditional pen and paper.)

What are three IG accounts you love? It's so hard to choose just three! Here are my top favorites: @oliviaherrickdesign, @malikafavre, @missmelodymiller, @nationalparkservice, @amauryguichon, and @charlyclements.

How do you know when a piece of art, like your winning Bounty Paper Towel design below, is “finished”? The simple answer is: when there are no more changes I want to make and everything feels harmonious. It's rarely as straightforward as that and often depends on the scope of the project, but most of the time I get to a stopping point where I feel like I could keep going but don't want to overwork it. The thing I have to remember is to not get too caught up in the minutia and sometimes the best thing I can do is just walk away for a while, then come back with fresh eyes, especially when I'm feeling stuck. It's like when you say the same word over and over again and it loses all meaning; after staring at something for so long, it's easy to get lost in the details and overwork the piece. At some point, a piece usually just feels ready and I have to resist the urge to keep picking at it.

What will it be like for you to see your design on a Bounty paper towel at your local store? I think seeing my design on Bounty paper towels at the store will feel like a really great fever dream -- totally surreal and just incredibly exciting. I'm sure I'll be the annoying, squealing with joy, crazy lady who makes all the other shoppers look over and wonder if I've forgotten to take some sort of medication but I won't even care because it will be a moment of pure joy and happiness. Then I'll ask my husband to take dozens of pictures of me next to the paper towels, holding the paper towels, cuddling the paper towels, and people will think I'm even crazier and it will be absolutely wonderful.

Be sure to look out for Clara’s winning design wherever Bounty Paper Towels are sold!

Mallory Levy leads a busy creative life in NYC as head of social for Brit+Co. She wrapped 2023 with a dreamy forest wedding and bucket-list honeymoon to Australia and is back to work creating clever and often hilarious posts for our Brit + Co followers, from snappy recipe Reels to inspiring quotes to celebrity interviews and more. Where does she get her inspiration to bring you the best social content?

“I’m lucky to be within walking distance of world-class museums, theater, and cool events, like fashion week. The inspiration is endless!” she says. “Social media can get overwhelming at times, but I often come away feeling more inspired than anything else. It’s a great way to connect with other creators and find new inspiration, which fuels my creativity to deliver fresh, engaging social media content every day.”

Mallory’s secret to bringing her inspiration to life? She uses Adobe Express, the all-in-one AI content creation app, to ideate and design colorful and engaging content on-the-go. “The features on the all-new Adobe Express mobile app make editing and collaborating on projects easier than ever!” she says. “Because we’re a remote team, I’m very rarely at my desk, so being able to ideate and create, or make adjustments, when I’m out and about is truly game-changing.”

Adobe Express makes designing easy and fast for anyone – even if you’re not a pro – with thousands of beautiful, professionally designed templates and a massive selection of assets for your Instagram and TikTok content, flyers, logos, and more. Plus, Adobe’s Firefly generative AI technology, which allows you to create the perfect image, edit with ease, and generate and customize amazing text effects with styles or textures that really stand out. All these features are now available on the mobile app.

In this fresh, new Reel, Mallory shares a day in her colorful life as she creates standout visual assets for Brit+Co’s social channels using the generative AI features in the new Adobe Express mobile app. Check it out below!

What a fun, creative job, right? “My day-to-day is genuinely such a blast. I love having the creative freedom to run with my ideas and infuse some of my own humor and pop into our content,” says Mallory. “Most of my friends and family don’t believe that this is what I get to do every day!”

Looking to improve your social content game? Here are tips for saving time and making an impact on social media for your work, side hustle, or to build your personal brand.

1. Engage with your audience: Engaging your audience with content that resonates can lead to higher reach and visibility. Thanks to Mallory’s constant performance monitoring, we know our B+C follower loves to treat herself and her besties, she’s super creative, indulges in celebrity news (especially nostalgia TV), and gets joy from entertaining, travel, food, and decor. Knowing this, Mallory creates fun, interactive posts like polls and quizzes, and always keeps our content fresh and interesting using the massive library of fonts, photos, and design assets in Adobe Express.

“I’m always out and about filming fun content for TikTok and our other video platforms,” says Mallory. “Adobe Express makes it so easy to add clips, music, and captions (and record voiceovers!) so I can edit it all together in real time.”

2. Generate anything you can imagine: AI has become a powerful tool for content creators, helping them enhance their creative work and simplify tasks. Leveraging the right AI tools can help you work and create high-performing content faster! The new Adobe Express mobile app is packed with AI goodness that makes complicated tasks simple. For example, speech to animation lets anyone easily animate extraordinary characters using their own voice. Adobe’s Firefly generative AI, which is designed to be safe for commercial use, helps creators ideate, generate, and edit stunning images and turn text and headlines into attention-grabbing designs – all on-the-go and in just a few taps. And the Adobe Express Generative Fill feature even lets you insert, remove, or replace people, objects, backgrounds and more with just a description.

“The AI tools are fantastic,” says Mallory. “Even the most obscure ask in the Text-to-Image feature will yield dozens of options. My favorite hack is to include “hand drawn” or “illustrated” in the prompt box to get a more authentic/stylized result.”

3. Embrace trends: Hopping on social trends quickly can boost your visibility and relevance. Constant collaboration ensures our team is on top of what people are talking about – and Mallory takes that to social media to make sure our POV is part of the conversation. The ever-changing nature of marketing and social media can make it hard to keep up! With the Adobe Express TikTok Creative Assistant tool on the desktop version, you can easily ideate and search what’s trending, so you’re in-the-know and able to reach more followers and stand out with your creative take on the latest trends. Then head to the mobile app to quickly schedule or post the content directly to your necessary social platforms! More on that below.

4. Keep it short and sweet: Attention spans on social are short, so it's best to keep your content concise and to the point. Use clear and concise language and don’t be too fussy (sound like the real person you are!). Break things up with text with photos, emojis, and bullet points to make your content more scannable.

5. Create a consistent visual style: While our audience can have slight nuances across our social channels, Mallory makes sure our content is instantly recognizable. Using tools like brand kits in Adobe Express (shown below) can help you easily stay consistent and on brand, easily saving and applying colors, fonts, filters, and imagery to any asset to create a cohesive look and feel across assets – and in a fraction of the time.

6. Repurpose content: Repurposing our top-performing content into different formats or for different platforms helps stretch the impact of a post and helps us test performance. Sometimes a post that didn’t perform well in the past kills months later!

7. Schedule ahead: In today’s on-demand world, consistency is key to keeping your social audience engaged. Develop a content calendar and schedule posts in advance to ensure a steady stream of content. With easy-to-use tools like the Adobe Express Content Scheduler, you can quickly plan, preview, schedule, and publish in a few clicks to all your social media channels and on-the-go.

8. Leverage data: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your social media content and identify trends, patterns, and audience preferences. Analyzing data can help you achieve a successful content strategy and focus on creating content that inspires, delights, and keeps your audience coming back for more!

Download the all-newAdobe Express mobile app today to try out all the innovative and fun features, including Adobe Firefly generative AI—a one-stop shop for all your content needs!

Video Direction & Editing by Mallory Levy.

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


We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.

The best way to beat the summer crowds? Find those hidden off-the-beaten-path gems that are just as good, if not better, than the touristy hotspots. From the rugged Northern California coast to the lush mountains of North Carolina to the hidden corners behind Miami, NYC, and Boston (including a coastal village where Taylor Swift calls home), we take you to the lesser-known places for nature, adventure, local food and drink and landscapes that take your breath away. This is your pass to wander and embrace the unknown – with a little travel advice so you don’t get lost;)

Governor's Island, NYC

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Plans to visit NYC this summer? While you’re there, escape the city hustle for the nearby charm and total serenity of Governor's Island. This hidden gem and car-free oasis is just an 8-minute ferry ride away from Manhattan, and surrounded by lush greenery, historic buildings, and stunning views of the skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

Photo: QC NY

There’s so much to do, or simply not do, on the island depending on your mood. Rent bikes and wander along tree-lined paths, past old barracks and colonial-era houses, and picnic on the island's 173 acres of green space. During the summer, find live music, art installations, food festivals and water sports like free kayaking.

Photo: Collective Retreat

Plan to spend the night glamping at the Collective Retreat, where you can lodge in a private luxury tent with your own personal waterfront deck. Choose experiences like morning yoga, bike rides, culinary workshops and more.

Photo: Collective Retreat

The open-air restaurant offers breakfast and dinner – and an à la carte menu also available for non-guests if you're just daytripping.

Photo: Collective Retreat

Score fresh grilled seafood, farm-to-island dishes inspired by global cuisine, and cocktails with daily panoramic sunsets as your backdrop.

Photo: QC NY

Next door is an Italian luxury spa called the QC NY with outdoor spa pools, multiple saunas, steam rooms and massage services to relax and unwind.

Photo: QC NY

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or a weekend escape, this hidden gem promises a memorable day that will leave you refreshed, rejuvenated, and longing to return again.

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

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Just an hour drive north of San Francisco is this charming and eclectic coastal town you won’t want to miss. Think scenic hikes, hidden beaches, wildlife sightings, and local farm-to-table delights. Before heading to the Point Reyes Lighthouse or one of the many beaches along Tomales Bay (Shell Beach is my fave), plan a stroll around the quaint village of Point Reyes Station along Highway One. Here, you’ll find Point Reyes Books, Bovine Bakery, and Toby’s Feed Barn – an art gallery, coffee bar, gift shop, and organic farmers market that is a treat for the senses (there’s sometimes live music and yoga too). For something sweet, Palace Market serves up a decadent buffalo milk soft serve at the back deli - grab one on your stroll or on your way home from the beach.

Photo: Saltwater Oyster Depot

Stop at Saltwater Oyster Depot on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Inverness on the drive to Shell Beach or Tomales Bay Park for freshly shucked Tomales Bay oysters and a glass of sparkling wine in a cozy setting.

National Park Service / A. Kopshever

Love to hike? Check out the breezy Tomales Point Trail for stunning ocean views – and meet herds of tule elk on foggy mornings. Prefer to test your feet in the Pacific Ocean? Drake’s Beach – home to elephant seals during pup season – features dramatic sandstone cliffs, plus picnic tables if you want to bag your lunch.

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Grab your Instagram shot at the Cypress Tree Tunnel, a dramatic row of Monterey cypress trees that hug over you as you stroll underneath. They were planted in 1930 and lead to the Art Deco-style station used for reporting what was happening at sea. Finally, Nick’s Cove in nearby Marshall is a great seafood spot where you can wake up waterside in recently renovated and charming cottages.

Asheville, North Carolina

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Just a two-hour drive from Charlotte is this bohemian haven for nature lovers. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has it all: a vibrant art and music scene, award-winning eateries inspired by global and Appalachian influences, and all the outdoorsy adventure nature lovers love to do.

National Park Service

Travel along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway toward The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike, bike, and go chasing waterfalls. The Deep Creek Waterfall hike is a 5-mile loop known for its three beautiful waterfalls. The Oconaluftee River Trail is another option for a photo-worthy wildflower hike in spring.

Photo: Omni Grove Park Inn

Post-hike, book a treatment (they offer day passes) at the subterranean spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn and float underneath cavernous rock walls, arches and tunnels. Relax, unwind, and feel so rejuvenated.

Photo: Biltmore Estate

Feel like you're in Paris at the 19th-century chateau-style home of George Washington Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. Take a self-guided tour of the sprawling 8,000 acres of gardens designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (of NYC's Central Park fame).

Photo: Corner Kitchen

Downtown Asheville is full of historic charm with colorful murals, independent boutiques, and delicious eateries. Set in a vintage home in the historic Biltmore Village, Corner Kitchen is a farm-to-table favorite with elevated Southern-style cuisine. Try it for brunch!

For a worthy splurge, try the James Beard Award-winning Cúrate for Spanish tapas or Southern comfort food at local favorite Tastee Diner. For your sweet tooth, try the Mexican-style Oaxaca drinking chocolate or sign up for a wine and chocolate tasting at French Broad Chocolates.

Photo: Capella on 9

Indulge in a rooftop cocktail with a view at Capella on 9. Try the Got U-Bae with Rye whiskey, coffee liqueur, and walnut bitters or the Capella G&T with gin, star anise, lemon, and cucumber. Cheers!

Photo: Asheville Visitor Center

Finally, art studio hop in the River Arts District, located on Asheville's picturesque French Broad River, for a taste of the arts and craft scene to wrap your Asheville to do list.

Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Photo: Ocean House Rhode Island

Taylor Swift's home is located in this most quintessential New England beach town, which is just one reason we love it so much. Just 1.5 hours from Boston, in the town of Westerly, this coastal village is straight out of a Nancy Meyers set and makes for the perfect beach day or weekend. The pristine beaches do not disappoint with beautiful white sand and picturesque dunes. Think Hamptons vibe but with a bit more chill.

Photo by Josh Duke

Pop your swimsuit on and rent beach cruisers at Napatree Bikes, which will deliver your bikes to your airbnb or wherever you choose to stay (Watch Hill Inn and Ocean House are splurgy but worth it if you’re up for a luxe experience – bikes included!).

Photo: Ocean House

Spend the day sunning and splashing at Watch Hill beach and grab a bite after at the historic Ocean House, which opened in 1868 just after the Civil War. Dress code: resort casual.

The Ocean House offers a Sunday Jazz Brunch with unlimited sparkling wine, towering charcuterie, raw bar, and a la carte breakfast or lunch, like carrot cake pancakes, Prime Rib hash, or the classics: New England Clam Chowder or Lobster Roll. Musician Greg performs a combo of jazz, blues, and soul while you enjoy a glass of post-beach sparkling.

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The Olympia Tea Room is another must for lunch and boasts a view of Taylor’s house on the hill, which is hard to miss in town (shown above). Don’t get too boozy at Ocean House because there’s more fun to be had in this tiny posh village. Hop back on your bike and head to the Watch Hill Lighthouse, a classic old lighthouse that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Bay.

Photo: Napatree Point Conservation Area

On your way back, shop in the charming town for your summer capsule or coastal modern home goods, or take a nature walk at the Napatree Point Conservation Area and discover your inner bird watcher.

Coral Gables, Florida

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Away from the South Beach crowds and bustling streets of Brickell is Coral Gables, located southwest of downtown Miami. With its architecture and charming streets, it’s easy to see why the Gables is nicknamed “The City Beautiful.” Stroll-friendly downtown Coral Gables is home to a number of restaurants and cafes. Enjoy a Ferrero Rocher croissant and eggs Benedict for brunch at Bachour, or stroll on over to Giralda Plaza where there is no shortage of dining options, from pasta and spritzes at Luca Osteria to Peruvian dishes at Divino Ceviche.


Coral Gables written by Alexandra Hurtado

Photo: Alexandra Hurtado

After satisfying your stomach, wander over to the locally-owned bookshop Books & Books or promenade along Miracle Mile, where you can shop or check and see if a show is happening at the Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. No car? No problem. While Downtown Coral Gables is walkable, there is a trolley that makes getting around convenient, especially if it’s too hot out — you are in South Florida after all. One of the stops that you can hop off at is the Shops of Merrick Park, an outdoor mall featuring your favorite shops like Anthropologie, Madewell, Nordstrom, and Sephora.

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Also located within Coral Gables is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (pro tip: you'll need a car to get here).” Nearby you’ll also find Matheson Hammock Park, which has an atoll pool and boasts scenic views. Full of hidden gems, Coral Gables is an area worth exploring on your next visit to the Magic City.

Photo by Alexander Wark Feeney

Of course, there is more to the Gables than just dining and shopping. Nestled in the heart of Coral Gables is The Biltmore, a historic hotel that exudes elegance and glamour. An Instagram lover’s paradise! You can make a reservation for afternoon tea in the hotel’s grand lobby, or swing by one of The Biltmore's bars or restaurants.

Main Photo: QC NY

Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.

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.

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This article has been updated.

Lead image via Paul Morigi/Getty Images

One detail that the covers of the new books coming in May have in common are shades of pink, blue, and green — perfect summer colors. You'll find your classic rom-com books, but there's also a little devious behavior and a touch of magic to look forward to. But, don't just take my word for it. Let your imagination get lost in our top 11 new books coming in May!

Mistakes We Never Made by Hannah Brown (May 7)

Emma Townsend and Finn Hughes are involved in a classic cat and mouse situationship that's turned incredibly sour. They went from inching their way towards several romantic turning points to deciding they actually don't like each other anymore. One can assume their hearts got tired of being shown that almost doesn't count.

However, they have to put on their adult undies to get through a wedding weekend where everyone's expected to be on their best behavior because of the joyous moment at hand. It sounds too good to be true and the pair quickly realizes it is when the bride-to-be vanishes.

Forced to race against an invisible winding clock, Emma and Finn embark on a momentous journey to figure out if this wedding can actually be saved. Somewhere along the lines, they begin to remember what it was like when their undeniable attraction towards each other led to much more. Maybe a weird wedding mystery is just the thing they needed to prove that it's time to make things official.

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (May 7)

The Ministry of Time is a the modern time travel book you didn't know you needed to read until now. It shines a light on a young woman — aka the "bridge" — who's new job comes with a hefty salary and more responsibility than she considered. She's meant to help an expat called "1847," or Commander Graham Gore, adjust to living in a modern world when all he remembers is what it was like to live in the 1840s.

The more 1847 adjusts to life around him with other expats and this young woman whose so different than what he's used to, the more the bridge crosses the lines and allows herself to become immersed in his world beyond what her profession calls for.

This isn't without consequences and it's up to the bridge to decide what it really means to live in the future.

The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen (May 7)

Ariel Cafferty was head over heels in love with a man she thought she knew until it feels like he ghosted her without an explanation. She thought she was beginning to move on, but a vague text from him (Drew) years later brings back emotions she's tried to forget.

Suddenly Ariel begins to piece together clues that something is seriously wrong. Not only that, she can't shake the feeling that the truth is still being kept from her. In order to possibly save her and her son's life, she'll have to work to understand what happened to Drew and how far the mystery surrounding his disappearance actually goes.

Alternate Endings by Ali Rosen (May 7)

Alternate Endings is one of the new books releasing in May that I immediately connected to because I can relate to some aspects of Beatrice Leal's life. She's a working mother who's as dedicated to her son as she is to her job, but the only difference between us is that she's dealing with a tough divorce. To make it even more complicated, her boss also gets divorced and decides she wants to live in Ireland full-time.

This means she's requiring the team — including Bea — to be there twice a month and this throws a huge monkey wrench in the custody plans she and her ex-husband Lucas have half-heartedly agreed on. Still, Bea loves her job and reluctantly makes the first trip to Ireland where she meets the new CTO at her job — the sexy Jack Sander who ghosted her while they were in high school.

Despite the two decades that have passed since they've seen each other, there's no denying that the two still have electric energy that they acknowledge during one of their trips to Ireland. But as time passes, the lie they keep telling themselves gives way to something more and Bea finds that she may just have to change her approach to everything in life — especially when it comes to love.

The Paradise Problem by Christine Lauren (May 14)

Is it obvious that my favorite new books I've read involve some form of love? Besides this amazing cover that caught my eye, The Paradise Problem offers a completely new approach to being married that I've seen in a book.

Anna Green is impulsive and makes decisions solely so she survive from day to day. It's the main reason she married Liam "West" Weston when she needed a place to stay. It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience between two strangers. So when she doesn't bother looking at the "divorce" papers he had her sign and is surprised to find out they're still married when he visits her years later, Anna's more than flustered.

See, West is set to inherit a large fortune attached to his family's name and has to prove that he's been enjoying married life with his wife Anna. The problem is that they don't really know anything about each other and his family is demanding to see her.

With no other choice, West convinces Anna to keep up the married act and prays she'll be able to impress his family. However, he begins to realize that maybe he's had it wrong all along. Maybe he's supposed to fall in love with this feisty, art-loving, impulsive woman that's stealing his heart. Maybe he's supposed to protect hers.

Lovers and Liars by Amanda Eyre Ward (May 14)

The Peacock sisters aren't as close as they used to be and they have time and a lot of heartache to blame for that. Of course, there's always the roles they played in the fallout of their familial relationship.

Sylvie Peacock finds herself facing marriage again after being widowed and she thinks it might be time to move on. Cleo Peacock is the successful sister who can do no wrong and has the cushy lifestyle to prove it. So when her sister Sylvie falls for the charming Simon Rampling, her criminal defense intuition starts ringing. And Emma Peacock? Well, she's hiding secrets that's turned her into a woman who lets silence lead her. At the center of the sisters is their less than stellar mother who's domineering presence makes it clear these sisters have cowered in her presence for far too long.

One weekend will change everything for the Peacock family and nothing will be the same. — good or bad.

The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields (May 14)

Marigold Claude is ever popular with the many men who want to court her, but she couldn't care less. Her freedom lies in the nature and she gladly revels in it. Things seem to get even better when her grandmother feels she's worthy to become a Honey Witch. But, she can never fall in love.

Deciding she's okay with this rule, she carries on merrily until she meets Lottie Burke, someone who doesn't think magic exists. Intending to prove Lottie wrong, Marigold starts doing things out that feel out of character for her. Soon, something must darker presents itself and Marigold finds that she may have to break multiple rules just to save what she cares about.

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware (May 21)

Lyla is experiencing one bad situation after the another. From research that's gone awry to a relationship that's gotten off track, she feels like she's almost at the end of her rope. Suddenly it seems like her prayers are answered when she and Nico are given a chance to be on the TV show One Perfect Couple to win a grand prize that could help them out financially.

They're pit against four other couples and being to sense that something is horribly wrong when disaster strikes the minute they set foot on the deserted island where they're meant to compete. One Perfect Couple becomes more than a reality show and involves whether people can actually survive or not.

Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel (May 21)

Ganga went from being a carefree goddess of the river to a mortal after she failed to control the godlings near her. With no other choice, she decides to become a queen after marrying King Shantanu so she can prove that she's worth of being a goddess again. While she is granted freedom, she can't bring the son she bore in her human form with her.

Once Prince Devavrata gets older and decides he doesn't want to take his father's place, he finds himself on a journey that puts him lock and step with his mother Ganga.

Swiped by L.M. Chilton (May 21)

What would you do if all of your dates from Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble ended up dead after you'd last seen them? Swiped helps Gwen Turner answer that very question when she's thrown into the wildest predicament of her life.

First thing's first — she's in a terrible rut and can't figure out how to put the pieces of her life back together again. She feels hopeless in the romantic department and has to contend with the fact that maybe leaving a great job to serve coffee might not have been the smartest decision.

So, she decides to download a dating app and goes on a series of dates that leave her more confused than ever. To make matters worse, they begin to turn up dead after she's been the last person to go on a date with them. This doesn't bode well with the police and she soon finds herself being carefully watched.

The more frequently things begin to happen, the more Gwen rushes to figure out who the date killer is. As she gets closer to finding out the truth, she'll find that she also has to contend with a dark secret that she thought no one else knew about.

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (May 21)

Not to be confused with Dolly Parton's "Jolene," I Hope This Finds You Well's main character of the same name finds herself in a work bind when HR sentences her to "sensitivity training." Her crime? Being exposed for sharing her negative opinions about co-workers. Restricted from certain interactions, Jolene decides to do whatever it takes to get through her training period.

So when an IT plunder allows her to see what everyone else has been privately talking about, Jolene feels conflicted about whether to report them or not. She even discovers that potential layoffs are about to affect her job so she does everything she can to make sure her role is secured.

Soon she'll have to decide what's more important: her job or the truth.

Which of the best new books coming in May are you looking forward to reading? Be sure to check out our storefront for even more reading recs!

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

This post has been updated.

Lead images via Amazon