Never Be Left Out of a Group Selfie AGAIN

A friend once called selfies “longarms,” which I found adorable, but also upsetting because I am the owner of “shortarms.” If you’re nodding your head knowingly right now, this is the gadget for us, friend! HISY promises a perfect selfie every time, no matter the length of your appendages.

It’s a little button about the size of a silver dollar (wait are silver dollars really valid forms of measurement? Have you ever seen one outside of an infomercial? How about… pog?) HISY is about the size of a pog. Maybe a slammer. It’s a wireless camera shutter remote that connects to your Apple device using Bluetooth and lets you take the perfect hassle-free pic or even video from anywhere without having to fight with your phone.

Say goodbye to every 45 degree selfie angle you’ve perfected, your good side is your good side once again from a respectable distance — and group selfies are effortless. Ol Longarm isn’t stuck taking every one of them. HISY can even connect up to 90 feet, so it might turn your iPhone into the handy spy cam you’ve been in the market for.

While fun for selfies, this would make a perfect iPad photo booth at your next shindig, don’t you think? It kind of conjures up an image of an old timey photog with one of those buttons that take the picture, which may or may not be called a shutter. I tried to Google the name of it but “old photographer button” just brings up a lot of images of babies wearing newsy caps, which is cute but not at all helpful.

We love apps but you don’t even one need one to get your HISY on, just an Apple device and $25 and HISY can be yours today.

Have a HISY? What about a hilarious #SelfieFail that could have used HISY? Tweet it to us!

"I love your aura." You may wonder what this means. We are now living in a time when we are beginning to wonder beyond the linear and physical reality of existence. The Age of Aquarius has been approaching these past years, encouraging us to look into spirituality and the collective consciousness. Our energy is precious – and learning about your aura can be the first stepping stone to level up your spirituality. Celebrities such as Emma Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Zosia Mamet have revealed their spiritual selves by promoting aura photography.

What are auras?

Getty/Aleksandra Konoplia

Auras are the unseen spiritual energy field surrounding all living things' bodies. They manifest as vibrations and colors throughout the body. Depending on what you are experiencing, it will manifest into the type of color filter around the body, revealing your spiritual and emotional self and state of wellness.

It is not always easily accessible to see auras, but it can be felt. Observe celebrities such as Taylor Swift or Beyonce. They have a magnetic yet powerful aura that swirls with creativity and prestige. Or suppose you are crossing paths with someone who gives off a warm and sunny persona. You can't help but smile. This indicates you are feeling or sensing their auric energy. The same also applies to those who store a negative vibe – only in this case, you decide (hopefully) not to engage due to the clashing of energies.

If you are an astrology lover like me, then there is a chance that you have invested time in learning about yourself, leading to non-stop Google searches. Learning about astrology can help you see things from an entirely new view because each zodiac sign holds strength and characteristics revealed in different aspects of energy and, best yet – self-acceptance.

How do I find my aura colors?

Lumi Pelinku

If you want to uncover your aura colors, one way is to get your aura photographed. A special camera, known as the Kirlian camera, captures your halo or colorful, energetic field using an electrified photographic plate. Or you can have a clairvoyant read your aura, and you will have a better idea about which parts of your birth chart you are in tune with your life story or address what needs work.

For example, five years ago, when I had my aura photographed, the most prominent colors in my energy field were bright red, green, and indigo. I was most in tune with my Mars, Venus, and rising sign. This was the time in my journey when I was unknowingly invested in my toxic relationship while over-compromising my individuality, which resulted in my Mars and Venus covering my indigo color. Last year, I took another photo of my aura that turned out burnt orange and murky while I still held on in the relationship. My indigo color was nowhere to be seen in my aura photo. This was a wake-up call and a red flag for me to realize what was in store for my well-being if I ignored my feelings about my relationship. Months later, and energetically depleted, I decided to part ways. Enlightening, isn't it?

Connecting with your aura will illuminate what part of your life needs attention. The colors of your aura correspond to one of the seven rays of the rainbow spectrum—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. With each life experience, traumatic or blissful, your colors are bound to change. It can appear clear and vibrant if you are on cloud nine or murky and dark if you are going through a tough time. The best part is that if you know this information, you can navigate past your life issues and figure out the core of your happiness, as each color has a theme.

However, everyone has a base color connected with their zodiac sign. Learning about your aura and what imbalances you will help you live a more authentic path in alignment with your sign.

Understanding your aura colors based on your zodiac sign

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Aries

As the first sign of the zodiac, you are meant to step into the path of realizing the ability to initiate and set the tone of your success by being bold. The ram is notable for its ability to aim with its horns during conflict. Taking ownership of what you set your sights on will ignite willpower. You lead with great stride and confidence by emanating truth and authenticity behind your purpose. Hope and seeing life as a new conquest will help you see yourself through success.

Aura Color: Bright Red

You are the zodiac's spark of light radiating bright red in your aura. Red is the most primal and attention-grabbing of the colors. It connects with the Root Energy Center of the body, which stores your stability and security. This color embodies passion, sexuality, competitiveness, and persevering will – which are your major life themes. The ruling planet that is your support in this life is Mars, which adds fuel to your fiery spirit. This color adds momentum and confidence in pursuing your goals.

Imbalanced Aura

When imbalanced, Aries can hold an air of becoming overly authoritative, domineering, and untactful. To diffuse this tendency, this sign will have to shift the focus to the benefit of others instead of designating themselves as a priority.

Taurus

As an earthy and patient being, you are a stabilizing energy force. You are legendary for persistence and known to take your time in moving. As the bull sign, you are granular in your energetic makeup and persevering. Your will is so strong that you do not lose yourself due to mental conflict, resulting in you connecting with the sensuality of life by living in the moment, which so many aspire to master.

Aura Color: Jewel Green

Green is the color of relaxation, abundance, and love. With your Venus-ruled energy, this color is linked to the Heart Energy Center, and it can help support you by living more consciously with your decisions involving love – or, on the flip side of that, transmuting jealousy. Green is often used as a supportive color in healing by enhancing feelings of balance and renewal. As the earthy sign, this color is associated with nature and growth.

Imbalanced Aura

If your aura is imbalanced, you may be prone to indulging in the extreme of earthly pleasures such as food, materialism, inflexibility, and sex. Observe your life logically and change your patterns to balance out these extremes.

Gemini

Like the wind, you spiral out in different directions with your communication and ideas. As the messenger of the zodiac, you enable the conversations to flow in others. As seen in the Twins, this air sign reveals the polarity in situations and bridges the gaps of missed information. You are here to share the truth, strengthen yourself by confidently speaking openly, relate to all walks of life by embracing diversity, and engage the mind and instill this in others.

Aura Color: Yellow

Yellow is the most polarizing of all colors. This color transmutes your moods and emotional needs and invokes productivity and movement. With Mercury as your ruling planet, your thoughts formulate your reality. Solar Plexus energy center becomes the driving force behind you finding empowerment in alignment with your ideas.

Imbalanced Aura

If experiencing imbalance, it can manifest in scattered ideas and fall prey to playing out the messages in their head, and have a hard time developing the context of their findings. Grounding is essential to help you balance this tendency and ensure the practicality and meaning behind your motivations.

More aura colors and their meanings

Getty/Justin Lambert

Cancer

Naturally sensitive, you are here to establish your roots and build security in your relationships. Intuitive in nature, you are absorbent to the feelings of others and aim to extend empathy. Cancers are here to learn how to invoke self-care and safety to withstand the ebbs and flows of life while accepting help from others. Known to be compassionate and nurturing and possesses such camaraderie with humanity. You value tradition and have the talent for spreading wisdom to others.

Aura Color: Silvery White

White is the color in association with tranquility and surrender. However, it may be noted as an absence of color – quite the opposite. It stores all colors, like a spectrum. The Moon phases reflect your understanding of nature and experiences, and working with white helps you see and understand self-acceptance in alignment with your soul self.

Imbalanced Aura

With an imbalanced aura, you are prone to be excessively worried and become overly involved in others life problems, this leads to codependent routes in relationships. This stifling tendency can deplete your energetic capacity to build life as you see fit.

Leo

As the showstopper of the zodiac, you are the life of the party and child-like at heart. Even for Leos, who feel they are not outgoing, that spark hides somewhere. They lead by the heart and aim to immerse in their creativity. Leos are meant to stand on their pedestal, firmly holding their individuality. You generate your power by igniting and following through with your goals. As Leo instills hope, their inner radiance glows and inspires others to follow their dreams.

Aura Color: Orange

Orange combines the fiery energy of red with the optimism of yellow. With the Sun as your planetary guide, this color, too, emits the same effect of warmth, happiness, and high energy. Working with the color orange can curb procrastination and boost confidence to pursue your goals.

Imbalanced Aura

An unhappy Leo rarely goes unnoticed, and this is reflected in the aura. Imbalance manifests when you are not entirely accepted or feeling secure. To balance this out, look for the essential benefit of your life's work instead of surface-layered validation. This opens pathways for you to shine.

Virgo

As the service-oriented sign, you are here to extend the purity of purpose while assisting others. They have a strong work ethic, and measuring up to their promise of crystal-clear delivery is guaranteed. Virgos are to live out a path of finding order in their lives and becoming comfortable with inevitable chaos. With a sensitivity to environmental imbalances and external influences, it is crucial for you to honor your body with wholesome foods, clear away self-deprecating thoughts, and be flexible to life's rhythms.

Aura Color: Blue-Green

Blue is a primary color associated with logic, honesty, trust, and communication, while green is associated with the grounding element of the earth. These two colors fused align with Mercury as your ruler planet. Working with these colors instills a laser focus to look at the minor details and modify anything to perfection.

Imbalanced Aura

Experiencing the darker shade of your aura can manifest in excessive perfectionism, self-doubt, and criticism. Once you learn the art of self-acceptance and humility while making mistakes, you will feel stronger and at peace when things go haywire.

What is your aura color?

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Libra

Instilling balance within oneself while shifting the lens of the opposing forces of others is a part of your life purpose. You have a knack for challenging the status quo and aim to find justice and fairness in all aspects of life. Libra is also notable for their quest to find love. Attracting friendships or partnerships that challenge you will keep the spark alive. By having a natural gift of mediating amid conflict, you also desire to spread grace and beauty in the world.

Aura Color: Pink

Pink is associated with love, kindness, and compassion. Venus, your guiding planet, powers up your pink aura by supporting your mission to find beauty and love. Pink helps you connect with your heart center while boosting feelings of self-love.

Imbalanced Aura

An imbalanced aura manifests when you fall prey to codependent relationships or people-pleasing tendencies. Remaining in these scenarios to avoid confrontations dims your inner light and leads to delayed results in line with your goals. Mastering boundaries and sticking with assertion is vital for you to find balance.

Scorpio

Life is a rite of passage for you. Understanding the shadow and the light is not for the faint of heart, but as a Scorpio, you evolve and rise above life's trials. This stems from your psychic ability to see the darker depths of life and the shadows of others. The constant regenerating expression triggers inner conflict, but you emerge stronger as you learn to surrender to the process.

Aura Color: Indigo

Associated as the color of wealth, mystery, and spiritual awareness, you, too, hold these treasures within your auric field. With the shortest wavelength of light, this acts as a shield to your energy, protecting you from unwanted circumstances. Guided by the planet Pluto, this color extends support and boosts your connection to a higher level of awareness for creative flow and intuition work.

Imbalanced Aura

As the sign with its fair share of intensities in life, you have a gift of persevering. However, your inability to change your ways or views can result in a murky aura and, therefore, block opportunities to invite joy into your life. Embracing change and new opportunities leads to empowerment and soul fulfillment.

Sagittarius

As the archer sign, they are on the path to spreading their joyful experiences and helping others see the silver lining even when things appear bleak. Their expansive and bright auras can stretch out to the heavens, and when they learn to bridge this connection down to earth, they can find their stroke of luck. They are here to bridge the philosophical connection from their past experiences by breaking free from the primal nature of ego expression. Teaching and empowering others is a part of their soul's fulfillment.

Aura Color: Gold

Governed by the sign Jupiter, its expansive energy extends a stroke of luck in whatever you set your heart on. In connection with your gold aura, this planet infuses you with the ability to absorb information. It is also the color of independence, confidence, and motivation. Working with gold will allow you to go after your dreams while remaining levelheaded.

Imbalanced Aura

When you experience disappointment with your goals not being met, you lose faith, leading to an imbalanced auric field. This in itself can close you off from life and its opportunity. Aiming to see the big picture and becoming receptive to other ideas can lead to fulfillment and a rebalanced aura.

Zodiac aura colors continued

Getty/Glen Pearson

Capricorn

As a Capricorn, you are the zodiac's powerhouse and capable of achieving your goals. Honing in on instilling structure while embracing discipline will ensure success in life. You are here to mark upon the world by reaching heights of success that align with your passion honorably. As you tap into your ability to rise above the physical pull of greed and live by authenticity, it will inspire many to step into their light.

Aura Color: Violet

Your auric field extends a pull of prestige, honor, and respect. Guided by the planet Saturn, it instills the need to preserve humility while igniting strength to power through obstacles. Violet helps you find your purpose while finding solutions to unresolved issues.

Imbalanced Aura

Capricorns within the materially driven path lead them to isolation and constant suspicion of others' motives. If you are disconnected from your energy, your emotive ability will be nonexistent, resulting in living on autopilot. Honoring everyone as your equal will instill trust in life and lead to a clean auric field.

Aquarius

Your purpose is to live an exciting life filled with innovation and to be a service to humanity. Their brilliance and intellectual capability come at lightning speed due to being one of the most innovative signs of the zodiac. Becoming involved in a cause greater than yourself drives you towards your soul's fulfillment. The ability to reinvent oneself is not easy, but as the water bearer sign, you can ease into changes better than any other sun sign.

Aura Color: Electric Blue

With an electric blue aura, you are infused with wisdom and innovation that inspires people in your life. This color invokes energy, action, and excitement for your future vision while extending support to see through your vision. With Uranus, the future-oriented planet, as your guide, you are given access to information that helps humanity evolve to a better place.

Imbalanced Aura

Your pure and absorbent aura can absorb an overflow of information from people you connect with. The nature of the groups, negative or positive, can result in a murky aura. Remembering to honor your individuality and holding ground with your sense of self will enable you to discern your connections while keeping your aura pristine.

Pisces

As a Pisces Sun, you are here to find groundedness while extending wisdom. You hold an archive of information within your consciousness that is otherworldly and yet archaic. Your sign can read into the auras of those you connect with by just feeling or strictly intuition. You are on this path to freely share divine wisdom while extending the lessons for others to understand the importance of unconditional love and acceptance. Since you hold etheric baggage of past lifetimes, your role in this lifetime is to learn how to surrender karmic ties and to live more in the present.

Aura Color: Pastel Purple

This shade of purple is tethered to the higher realms of existence, helping you coordinate your understanding of how life works in the present moment. It is magical and infuses you with the ability to draw in information and creatively utilize it. With the mystical planet Neptune as your planet, it powers up your ability to extend wisdom and empathy to each person you meet.

Imbalanced Aura

With an imbalanced aura, you can fall victim to disconnecting from reality and lose yourself in the pain of others and your own. You may feel lost and unmotivated in life if you do not practice discernment and personal awareness. Human connection and letting others know about your fears and insecurities can help you feel more in control and grounded.

Though Elena Ferrante is a pen name, and while the author prides herself on anonymity, her books shouldn't be a mystery to you. The Italian author's beautiful work transcends the need for a face attached, as raw emotions, complex characters, and unforgettable narratives define Ferrante's unique voice. From the intense friendship at the heart of the Neapolitan Novels to the unsettling psychological depths plumbed in The Days of Abandonment, prepare to be surprised, challenged, and utterly engrossed by the brilliance of Elena Ferrante.

Neopolitan Novels

Though Ferrante's entire body of work is worth a read, the first thing that should be on your list is the Neopolitan Novels. This is a four-book series that explores the complex female friendship between Lila and Elena. The two start off as young girls who are being raised in a poor and tough neighborhood of Naples in the aftermath of World War II. The novels chart their complex bond as the two girls grow up, start families, begin careers, and deal with societal pressures and personal struggles.

The Lost Daughter

The Lost Daughter is a brilliant standalone novel of Ferrante's that is centered around a middle-aged woman named Leda. While on a solitary vacation on the coast, Leda observes a young mother named Nina who is struggling with her relationship with her daughter. This awakens memories of Leda's own struggles with motherhood, making for a raw and honest depiction of the complexities of parent-child relationships.

The Days of Abandonment

In The Days of Abandonment, Ferrante delves into the raw emotions of a woman named Olga after her husband abruptly leaves her and their two young children. The story follows Olga's descent into despair and rage as she grapples with his sudden absence and tries to maintain a sense of normalcy for her kids. Faced with a challenge she never expected, Olga goes on a quest to learn about her own identity and find strength within herself.

The Lying Lives of Adults

As the title indicates, this novel deals with the concepts of honesty, disillusionment, and family secrets. It follows the story of a young woman named Giovanna who becomes obsessed with her estranged father after learning a shocking secret about her parents' past. As she continues to delve deeper into their hidden world, she uncovers a web of secrets that shatter her perception of her family and her ideas of adulthood.

Incidental Inventions

Incidental Inventions isn't a novel, but a collection of essays that were originally published in The Guardian. Here, Ferrante offers a glimpse into her thoughts and observations on a variety of topics. Expect insightful and thought-provoking reflections on everyday experiences, personal fears, and the creative process itself!

Troubling Love

Troubling Love centers around Delia, who returns to her childhood home after her mother, Amalia, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. As Delia grapples with grief, she confronts repressed memories of her childhood that were made difficult by her mother's volatile relationships with abusive men. The narrative unfolds as Delia pieces together the events leading up to her mother's death and confronts the lingering effects of her complicated upbringing.

Frantumaglia: A Writer's Journey

"Frantumaglia" is a word borrowed from Ferrante's mother and means "a jumble of fragments". This collection of Ferrante's writings does not feel like a jumble, but rather a rich body of work that provides insight into the challenges and joys of her writing process and the inspirations behind her novels.

In The Margins: On the Pleasures of Reading & Writing

Another collection of essays, In The Margins: On the Pleasures of Reading & Writing is Ferrante's exploration of the joys of being both a writer and a reader. She dives deep into her formative experiences with literature, her masterful approach to writing, and the challenges that can come with crafting meaningful stories.

Looking for more book inspo? Be sure to check out our storefront for more fab reading recs!

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Header image via Amazon

When we think of Christmas, we think of gifts. And what's more special than the gift of life (okay, we know that's a little corny, but we're rolling with it)? Whether you just found out you're expecting or are about to pop, the holiday season is the BEST time to share your excitement with loved ones. Sneak a peek at these 11 ideas for a little inspiration for a festive Christmas baby announcement.

Minted Merriest Occasion Announcement

Share the big news with a foil-pressed announcement that can also serve as your holiday card - win, win! For a more festive approach, your shoes can be little Santa booties! Here are more pregnancy announcement ideas from Minted.

Sibling Wish List

If you already have kiddos, have one of them make a Wish List with the item "Brother or sister in {Month} 2021," and share the photo on social media. There's nothing cuter than your child's wishlist with a sibling listed as a gift. (via Blue i Style)

Winter Picnic

Pack up a cozy picnic and use some trendy chalkboard art to share the news. (via Alyssa Rock)

Minted Best Gift Ever Announcement

Shimmery rose gold add a festive flair to this sweet announcement. Belly photo optional!

Family of Snowmen

Don't let all that fresh powder go to waste. Build a family of snowmen and be sure to include any new ones on the way. (via Popcorn and Pandas)

Formal Affair

Leave all the gimmicks behind and strike a pose for a formal portrait. You'll look your best, and the baby will too. (via Emily Egan Photography / Pink Peonies)

Bow Tied Baby

Put a bow on it! Wrap some ribbon around that belly and create a giant gift tag for an adorable announcement. (via J Is for Jones)

Holiday Stockings Pregnancy Announcement

Santa's leaving something extra special in the mail for your relatives and close friends in the form of this cute holiday pregnancy announcement! They'll love placing it on their mantles or coffee tables. (via Minted)

The More, The Merrier Pregnancy Announcement

Spread your family's holiday cheer with this pregnancy announcement from Minted!

(via Minted)

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Letter Board

Savor your final silent nights and share the news via letter board with sweet holiday trimmings.

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Backlit Bump

Draw attention to your silhouette by backlighting yourself with a glowing Christmas tree. You'll get bonus points if there are gifts under it.

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Holiday Ornament

Announce the news with an ornament on the tree or tree stump.

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Santa Photo

A visit to Santa can serve as a holiday baby announcement for the ultimate #memories.

Tag us on your favorite Christmas pregnancy announcements @BritandCo and join our newsletter for more creative ideas and inspiration.

This post was updated in partnership with Minted. Shop Minted to find more creative birth announcements.

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

Lead image via Minted.

If you're a rom-com fan, then it's probably safe to assume that Emily Henry books check all your boxes: they're funny, they're emotional, and naturally...they're romantic. I never got into rom-com literature until I picked up People We Meet On Vacation in 2022. From then on, my reading life — and honestly life in general — was forever changed.

When Taylor Swift's 10th studio album Midnights dropped in 2022, Henry posted an Instagram story assigning a song to each of her titles. I wholeheartedly agree with each of pairings, and it got me thinking beyond just a song — which Taylor Swift album goes with each Emily Henry novel?

In honor of Funny Story hitting stores on April 23, the ongoing Eras Tour, and the hope that we'll get some Taylor music in Emily Henry's upcoming film adaptations (plus my own Emily Henry x Taylor Swift fanaticism), here is the ultimate soundtrack for your reading. These pairs go together like wine and cheese...which also happen to be the perfect snacks for your reading.

Funny StoryTaylor Swift

Let's start with the newest title: Funny Story! I have to be honest and say the fact that this story starts out with Miles and Daphne planning to get revenge on their exes (who immediately get engaged to each other after dumping them) definitely reminds me of the sass in "Picture To Burn," which is one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs of all time.

But even without the revenge plot there's so much about Funny Story that feels youthful and full of life. Taylor Swift's first album might be all about high school heartbreak and teenage angst, but she writes in a way that feels relatable, no matter how old you are. Daphne and Miles mourning their relationship at the beginning of the book feels like "Teardrops on My Guitar," while goofing off in the car is totally giving "Our Song" and Daphne's struggle to fit in and find community is inseparable from "A Place in this World" in my mind.

Even in the face of major heartbreak and betrayal (the kind that is anything but juvenile), Daphne and Miles find comfort in one another, and they really bring out each other's best personality traits. In my opinion, the best kind of relationships are the ones that make us feel safe enough to act like kids, and that make us want to get as much out of life as possible.

Happy PlaceMidnights

Henry herself assigned "Maroon" to her 2023 release, and that's exactly why I'm linking it to Taylor Swift's 10th album. Both Midnights and Happy Place are layered, intricate, and vulnerable looks at both love and loss.

The news of Taylor Swift's recent breakup left fans guessing whether Midnights is actually a breakup album, making it even better for this pairing. Considering Happy Place's Harriet and Wyn are trying to play it cool when it comes to their own past relationship, there is a lot of reminiscing between both artists.

Midnights and Happy Place are complicated and emotionally-charged, and they bring feelings together that almost seem contradictory. But that's what I love about both Emily Henry and Taylor Swift — they show that our experience as women is multi-faceted, as both titles magnificently marry happiness, longing, sass, and melancholy.

Book LoversReputation

At first, I thought Book Lovers should be 1989. After all, leading lady Nora is a business woman at the top of her game in Manhattan. (I know the book mainly takes place in North Carolina, but I stand by the sentiment). I realized, however, that just like Nora herself, Reputation is often misunderstood. The shock we all felt as a fandom when Swift announced the controversial era — partnered with all the drama surrounding the album — kind of overshadowed its actual themes and message. As much as Reputation is sharp, cunning, and shady...the lyrics are a vulnerable look into Taylor's mind, while the upbeat production makes it feel like she's hiding.

Just like Reputation seems prickly and unfriendly (when it's really complex and emotional and loving), Nora craves love but is afraid of it at the same time. Throughout the album, Taylor talks about her anxiety that the world wants to keep her apart from her lover, and that she's afraid she'll scare him away. If you ask me, Nora would have "Delicate" and "Dress" on repeat.

People We Meet On VacationSpeak Now

Thanks to the album insert, we all know that Taylor's intention with Speak Now is to encourage listeners to say what they need to say, and go after the things they really want. And that's exactly what Poppy and Alex need to do in People We Meet On Vacation. Plus, both the book and the album explore different kinds of emotions, between Poppy and Alex's friendships, fall-outs, and romances, and Taylor's "Sparks Fly," "Long Live," and "Never Grow Up."

Instead of nuanced, soulful romantic musings, both Speak Now and People We Meet On Vacation feel more physical, which isn't to say they're any less complex. Both titles are about learning to be honest with yourself and with the people around you, and to take risks — especially when they're scary.

Beach Readfolklore

Beach Read is my favorite of Henry's novels so far, and I think the escapist mentality of both main characters is the perfect fit for Taylor Swift's 2020 surprise album folklore. January's romanticism and Gus' realism are the exact themes woven throughout folklore. Even when both the album and the book deal with betrayal, they're done in an intentional and careful way. Not to mention the fact that (spoiler alert) Gus' difficult romantic history sounds a lot like the Betty-Augustine-James love triangle found in folklore.

Once they feel comfortable around each other, Gus and January continually push each other to be their creative bests, and to think outside the box. That perfectly encapsulates the magic of folklore because of how the music is dreamy yet grounded, fictional yet so detailed that it sounds like a diary entry. Plus, both works are just absolutely beautiful.

Follow B+C on Facebook for more fun trends and entertainment think pieces, and read up on How To Get Last Minute Taylor Swift Concert Tickets.

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.

All images via Amazon.


Imagine sipping Champagne above a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or indulging in a heavenly spa treatment with the Manhattan skyline in view. Even if your wallet can't quite stretch to a full-blown luxury getaway, sprinkling a touch of luxe into your travels can turn an ordinary trip into a memorable adventure. That idea sparked our new series, Flights of Fancy, where we take you along for a trip to the luxury experiences around the cities we adore.

I turned off my phone, slipped it into my weekender bag, and typed 28920 Pacific Coast Highway into my car's GPS. Next stop: the historic bungalows at Hotel June Malibu for a weekend of unplugging and creative escape.

Since the 1940s, Hotel June (formerly known as the Malibu Riviera Hotel) has attracted artists, musicians, and writers to hole up, avoid the distractions of Los Angeles, and simply create. Bob Dylan famously took up residence at the hotel in 1974 to write his album "Blood on the Tracks" in bungalow 13. The art-loving owners, a married couple named Wayne and Helen Wilcox, took up residence in rooms 1, 2, and 3 and even built a photography dark room on the property.

In the years since its restoration, Hotel June has become an iconic PCH destination to unwind and delight in Malibu's thriving local community. As a typical millennial who's glued to their digital devices 24/7, I couldn't be more thrilled for an excuse to log off and luxuriate in the present moment in the scenic hills of Malibu.

Planning a similar trip? Here's everything you need to know before you go to Hotel June Malibu, plus, what to do while you're in town.

Checking In At Hotel June Malibu

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

Located one mile from Zuma Beach, Hotel June Malibu features 13 rooms that reflect the serenity of the surrounding neighborhood. The renovated mid-century inspired bungalows include king-size Casper beds, Aesop Bath products, custom deadstock vintage robes, a curated minibar stocked with Health-Ade Kombucha, La Colombe cold brew, and Olipop (among others), Wi-Fi if you need to stay connected, air conditioning, walk-in showers, and private patios with garden views.

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

Thoughtful touches like vintage fixtures, designer lighting and luxury linens bring a five-star experience to your environs.

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

Other Hotel June Malibu perks include its dog-friendly policy, meaning you can bring along your fur babies to enjoy the stay, too! Note that there's a one-time pet fee for dogs under 45 pounds, but 10 percent of your pet fee is donated to the Best Friends Animal Society to help a pet in need.

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

The Hotel June Malibu bungalow exterior is lush with planted cacti and shrubbery and sits across four acres of land. Although it's right off a high-trafficked highway, the street noise was minimal once inside. By nightfall, it's remote location makes the hotel an ideal locale for stargazing with an accompanying soundtrack of nearby frog ribbits and cricket chirping. Talk about off-the-beaten path!

Hotel June Malibu: The Amenities 

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

Once you've settled into your spacious room, be sure to check out what else this private Malibu retreat has to offer, such as a gorgeous heated swimming pool and deck.

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

You'll also find hammocks, surfboards, Linus Bikes, and open spaces with ample seating to stretch out, relax and recharge.

Hotel June Malibu: Food

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

The hotel teamed up with Gjusta (a local artisan deli and bakery) to offer light bites available on the property from 7am to 11pm. Menu highlights include gluten free banana bread, a baklava croissant, a variety of salads, and build your own charcuterie boards.

Photo: Hotel June Malibu

There's plenty of open air seating around the property for you to enjoy take out meals or friendly chit-chat with other hotel guests.

What To Do In Malibu

Photo: Alison Ives

If it's adventure you seek, you've come to the right place. My top recommendation when in Malibu is to take in the views from the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. There are plenty of shoulders to pull over and park to see sweeping coastal vistas dotted with blooming bougainvillea. The view changes throughout the day depending on the sunlight, so be sure you plan a stop around sunset for a breathtaking scene.

The Best Beaches In Malibu

Photo: Alison Ives

Malibu's beaches are famous for attracting surfers and leisure-seekers alike. Get to these beaches early to scope out the best spot for relaxing in the sun:

  • Zuma Beach
  • El Matador State Beach
  • Surfrider Beach
  • Leo Carrillo State Beach (one of the few dog-friendly beaches in the area)

Oceanside Hiking

Photo: Alison Ives

If you want to immerse yourself in natural landscapes beyond the beach, there are a number of oceanside trails to enjoy. Zuma Canyon Trailhead is a dog-friendly 2.1 mile loop that'll take about an hour to complete. I was lucky enough to experience this particular hike after a rainy winter, so the hillside was covered in overgrown yellow wildflowers and lush greenery that is atypical for Malibu. Due to recent rain, part of the trail took me through a flooded creek, so fair warning to wear your hiking boots!

A few other nearby hiking locations include Solstice Canyon, Point Dume, and Malibu Creek State Park.

Where To Eat In Malibu: Taverna Tony

Photo: Taverna Tony

Malibu Village and Malibu Country Mart are adjacent shopping centers teeming with delicious food options. For a more ambient meal with Greek fare, head to Taverna Tony for top-notch Mediterranean eats. I enjoyed the complimentary creamy Taramosalata dip and warm bread that accompanies each table, and when my server noticed my dog under the table, he brought him some meatball scraps to feast on. The moussaka, grilled calamari, and Saganaki flaming cheese were other menu highlights.

Where To Eat In Malibu: Broad Street Oyster Co.

Photo: Broad Street Oyster Co.

Located in the same shopping center as Taverna Tony, Broad Street Oyster Co. is a must if you're in Malibu. Their famous lobster rolls come in two styles: warm with butter or cold with mayo. Both are perfect treats after a day spent basking in the California sun.

Photo: Alison Ives

A moment for the lobster rolls, pictured above. The lively restaurant from Christopher Tompkins has been a Malibu mainstay since 2019.

Where To Eat: Malibu Farm at Malibu Pier

Photo: Alison Ives

The Malibu Pier is one of Malibu's most popular tourist attractions for good reason. This California State Park also features Malibu Farm and Malibu Farm Cafe for convenient oceanside eats and drinks. Sit by the water and feel your stress melt away as the ocean breeze whooshes by.

Photo: Jenna Day on Unsplash

This preliminary list of what to do, see, and eat in Malibu is only the tip of the iceberg, of course. I hope it inspires you to chart your own unplugged retreat within Malibu's 21 miles of uninterrupted coastline. Fair warning though: After a few days of mellowing out in the sun, slathering on your SPF, and replenishing yourself with salty seafood, ocean breezes, and endless sunsets across the horizon, you'll probably start to wonder why everyday life can't feel as good as this. So take it all in while you can, and queue up a Malibu Zillow search for the long journey home. A girl can dream—er, manifest—right?

Main photo: Hotel June Malibu

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