A Master Cycling Instructor Shares How to Create the Ultimate Workout Playlist

Aug 10, 2017

Music is nothing short of amazing. Listening to it and singing are known to give your brain a boost, and some keys can even help you feel happier. Its powers don’t stop there, though: Music can also help you power through the day in a toxic work environment, or a task you’ve been totally dreading. Fascinated by the science behind the power of music, we bonded with Leah Clark, a master cycling instructor at CycleBar in Los Angeles. She clued us in to how she creates those perfect master mixes for her jam-packed classes, why they’re so powerful, and how you can channel the same incredible vibes on your own.

Clark tells us that music is key when it comes to pushing riders through one of her indoor cycling classes. “Music has the power to trigger certain emotions or memories, which can be both nostalgic and therapeutic. Music also has the ability to motivate, inspire, and heal,” she explains. If you’ve chosen your fave workout instructors based on the tunes they play in class, you’re not alone. “People often find their favorite instructor partially based on the type of music the instructor plays in class,” Clark admits. “Playing music that riders love and connect to will most certainly make them work harder, and possibly even help them forget how hard they’re actually working!” Just as amazing? You can use music as a tool that helps you do the same no matter what you’re working on.

6 Top Tips for Crafting a Playlist That Inspires

Whether you play music while you’re working out solo, love it as background noise at the office, or turn it up when you’re hard at work on your side hustle, Clark’s master mixing skills can help you produce a playlist that’ll transform your experience.

1. Mix it up. Clark tells us that a playlist with tons of variety is key to keeping the inspiration and good vibes flowing, no matter what you’re doing or working on. When it comes to crafting the perfect mix for her CycleBar classes, she says,”I make sure to include a range of musical genres and time periods in my playlists — I have people of all age ranges in class, so it’s important for everyone to have their moment of ‘I love this song!’” She tells us that it’s always good to cater to a group if you plan to share your list, especially in a situation where you hope to facilitate productivity.

2. End with high energy. Whether you’re preparing to crush a workout or setting a timer for a task, the final song on a playlist really matters. “The last selection is super important,” Clark schools us. “By then, you might be drained and don’t have much left in the tank; I always pick a super high-energy song with a strong beat to drive it home while we approach the finish line.” Feels so good.

3. Create a journey. “I like to take my riders on a journey with my music,” Clark notes. “They should experience a variety of emotions from start to finish.” She clued us in on a little secret for making the journey feel powerful, telling us, “I’ll always sandwich a more cerebral, inspirational song between high-energy songs for specific moments of introspection.” We love this idea for a making a mix we can play while working on something creative too!

4. Incorporate different beats. As it turns out, there’s something of a science to creating a great playlist, and Clark cites different beats as one of the key elements. “The BPM — Beats Per Minute — of each song are in a very specific order,” she explains. “For example, if I insert a song with a very slow BPM in the middle of the playlist (for a hill), I’ll always insert a song with a very fast BPM (to release the legs) to follow.” Challenge yourself to incorporate beats that help power you up and bring release after.

5. Keep it fresh. Some say variety is the spice of life, and Clark is quick to agree. “Every playlist should be new and different,” she dishes. “I definitely have favorite songs that I’ll always go back to from time to time, but it’s important to introduce riders to awesome new tunes they may have never heard before. Instructors are always on the hunt for new music!” The same applies to a playlist you’ll love to listen to at home; instead of wearing out the same old songs to the point that you’re sick of ‘em, challenge yourself to find new jams. We love Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” playlist for uncovering gems.

6. Make it fun with a mashup. “Mashups are great because they have the ability to hit different genres and also different time periods of music, like ‘Wind Blow, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’ does.” Clark says mashups are extra awesome when you’re working out or collaborating with a group. “When you’re able to reach more people musically, the overall energy is elevated.” Bring it on!

an energizing playlist

As a bonus, Clark created a playlist just for B+C readers. Check it out below, and get your body moving!

1. Alone, Marshmello

2. Wind Blow, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

3. I’m Not Your Toy, Jack Beats Remix, La Roux

4. Mo Money Mo Problems, The Notorious B.I.G., Mase & Puff Daddy

5. Booyah, Showtek

6. Sail On, Ryn Weaver

7. Million Voices (Radio Edit), Otto Knows

8. Bird Set Free, Sia

9. Despacito (Remix), Luis Fons, Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber

10. Save the World (Style Of Eye & Carli Remix), Swedish House Mafia

Are you a mix master? Tell us your go-to tunes or share your Spotify playlists with us on Twitter @BritandCo!

(Photo via Getty)

Taylor Swift Is Adding "The Tortured Poets Department" To The Eras Tour, And We Have Proof

We are now two for two on expecting Taylor Swift to announce Reputation (Taylor's Version) during an acceptance speech and getting an album announcement instead. After showing up to the 2022 VMAs in a "Look What You Made Me Do"-inspired outfit and announcing Midnights, Taylor Swift wore a black and white ensemble on the 2024 Grammys red carpet before telling the world her new album The Tortured Poets Department was on its way!

And while accepting the 2024 iHeart Radio Music Award for Artist of the Year, Taylor also promises the rest of 2024 will be just as exciting as 2023. "We have so many exciting things ahead of us," the 1989 (Taylor's Version)singer says after thanking iHeart and the fans. "Most importantly, I have a brand new album called The Tortured Poets Department, which comes out on April 19. I cannot wait to share it with you...I just can't wait to keep having fun with you guys because we have a lot of exciting things coming up."

One of those exciting things includes a music video, which Taylor revealed in a "TTPD Timetable" Instagram video. This first music video premieres April 19 at 8PM EST for "Fortnight." Here's everything else we know about the new Taylor Swift album, and all its pop culture references.(And everything you need to know about Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) too ;)).

Is The Tortured Poets Department going to be in the Eras Tour?

Image via Taylor Swift/YouTube Shorts

Yes, it looks like TTPD will be added into The Eras Tour! While I originally wondered if Taylor would just use the album during the surprise song segment of her concerts, a recent video from Taylor herself show off two clips that, in my opinion, prove we're getting an additional set. We can see Taylor leaning against what's undeniably the "TTPD" logo (while wearing shoes that could totally be in the "Fortnight" video?!) and an unfamiliar number with her background dancers using canes and top hats.

Considering "Fortnight" is the lead single, we'll probably see that song on tour. Based on the circus-themed lyrics in "Who's Afraid Of Little Old Me?" I'm wondering if we'll see that as well. I would also get DOWN to "Guilty As Sin?"

What has Donna Kelce said about TTPD?

Image via David Eulitt/Getty Images

It looks like Donna Kelce has been listening to Taylor Swift's new album as much as we have! "I listened to the whole album, and I listened to it all morning long when it was released," she tells People. "I was just very impressed. She is a very talented woman, and I think it is probably her best work."

Donna also says that, rather than giving Taylor Swift life advice, she's hoping Taylor can offer her some guidance! "She doesn’t need my advice on anything. In fact, I hope she will give me advice," she continues.

Is there a Tortured Poets Department cardigan?

Image via UMG Store/Taylor Swift

Yes, you can order a Tortured Poets Department cardigan on Taylor Swift's website now (or at least, while supplies last!). The gray button down is in the same cable knit style as all her previous cardigans, which makes it the perfect collector's item! Plus, it's got that iconic "The Tortured Poets Department" patch on the bottom left of the sweater.

What is TTPD the Anthology?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

Taylor Swift released the full version of TTPD with The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology. After all those 2 references, some fans thought we'd get a Taylor Swift book, while others wondered if it was part of the TS12 countdown. Instead, it was a double album that features 31 songs instead of the initial 17! Some tracks the internet is already obsessed with are "So High School,""thanK you aIMee," and "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived."

How many songs will be on The Tortured Poets Department?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

Taylor Swift dropped The Tortured Poets Department 's first song list February 5. "I Can Do It With A Broken Heart" is totally referencing Taylor Swift's Eras Tour performances following her split from Joe Alwyn (you can see her crying during the set), while "Florida!!!" is all about using the southern state as an escape. Taylor Swift's dad Scott Swift recently told fans he's most excited for Swifties to hear the title track and "Florida!!!"

While we were excited for these tracks, Taylor surprised us with even more at 2AM! The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology has all the songs from the original album, plus 15 more. Here's the full tracklist for TS11:

Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)
The Tortured Poets Department
My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
Down Bad
So Long, London
But Daddy I Love Him
Fresh Out the Slammer
Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)
Guilty as Sin?
Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?
I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
loml
I Can Do It With A Broken Heart
The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
The Alchemy
Clara Bow
The Black Dog
imgonnagetyouback
The Albatross
Chloe or Sam or Sophie or Marcus
How Did It End?
So High School
I Hate It Here
thanK you aIMee
I Look in People's Windows
The Porphecy
Cassandra
Peter
The Bolter
Robin
The Manuscript

What is a tortured poets department?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

Taylor Swift has spent years talking about her anxiety, her sleepless nights, and her emotions. "My muses, acquired like bruises / My talismans and charms / The tick, tick, tick of love bombs / My veins of pitch black ink," she writes in her official Instagram post. "All's fair in love and poetry."

As far as the name, it looks like The Tortured Poets Department could be referencing her ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn's group chat name — "The Tortured Man Club" with Paul Mescal (who starred in Normal People while Joe starred Conversations With Friends. Both series are based on Sally Rooney books).

Taylor Swift is also making major connections to the "poetry" aspect of TTPD because ahead of the album release, she gave us a limited library installation pop-upfull of Easter eggs and references!

When is The Tortured Poets Department release date?

Image via Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The Tortured Poets Department dropped on April 19, 2024. Ahead of the release, Taylor Swift sent fans on a scavenger hunt to gather clues about the album. @eurosweetheart on TikTok points out that on Apple Music, certain song lyrics from Taylor's discography featured random capital letters. But when the letters were strung together, they formed words! The final message was “We hereby conduct this post mortem.”

At the Eras Tour shows in Tokyo, Taylor Swift explained when she started working on TTPD. “I’ve been working on Tortured Poets since right after I turned in Midnights,” she said onstage. “So, you turn in an album months in advance…and I’ve been working on it for about two years. I kept working on it throughout the U.S. tour and when it was perfect, in my opinion, when it was good enough for you, I finished it.”

"Soon you'll get to hear it, soon we'll get to experience it together," she continued. "I'm over the moon about the fact that you guys care about my music...Everyone’s like, ‘Why do you make so many albums?’ And I’m like, ‘Man, because I love it! I love it so much! I’m having fun, leave me alone.'”

The brand new album follows Speak Now (Taylor's Version) and 1989 (Taylor's Version). When Midnights was announced after Fearless (Taylor's Version) and Red (Taylor's Version), I wondered whether she'd have a two rerecordings, one new album pattern and it looks like that's what we're getting!

What is Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

Taylor Swift's new album (which is also referred to as TS11) is called The Tortured Poets Department. Taylor Swift announced the album while accepting the award for Best Pop Album at the 2024 Grammys. Just like "Daylight" at the end of Lover sets up Midnights, I think "Dear Reader" sets up The Tortured Poets Department.

In honor of the eclipse on April 8, Taylor Swift posted the first lyrics from TS11! "Crowd goes wild at her fingertips // Half moonshine // Full eclipse," the lyric post (which ended up being from "Clara Bow") reads. "The first line makes you think of someone who’s famous (Clara Bow was an actress) and...moonshine was a type of alcohol that was popular during prohibition during the 1920s which is when Clara Bow was famous," one comment reads.

Taylor's official announcement features even more beautiful language that evokes the same emotion "The Lakes" does, and TTPD is very similar to Folklore and Evermore in terms of lyrics, but the sound reminds me of 1989. It also has ties to Reputation.

"I think the two albums are sisters albums, but in like an opposite way," one Reddit user says. "Reputation is all black, this one is going to be all white and softly coded." Another agrees: "Reputation is presented as a dark album but is truly a love album...This one is presented as soft and white but I bet the lyrics will be devastating."

TS11 has the same lyrical prowess as songs like "Would've, Should've, Could've," The National's "The Alcott" (on which Taylor's a featured artist), and "You're Losing Me." Taylor is all about looking past appearances and telling a complex story, and The Tortured Poets Department will be no different. Just like Reputation is an edgy, glittery, emotionally-charged version of the beginning of her relationship with ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn, I totally agree that TTPD looks grounded, airbrushed, and dreamy from the outside, but the lyrics are SAD.

During her Eras Tour show in Sydney, Australia, Taylor played another round of suspicious surprise songs. While sitting at the piano, Taylor Swift takes her earpiece out and calls attention to the keyboard. "Do you hear that?" she says (via TikTok). "My damn keyboard's playing a synth sound." She then does what she almost always does when dropping an Easter egg: she smirks.

"That sound is how the album starts, mark my words," one comment reads. Another says, "That smirk tells me everything I need to know."

Will The Tortured Poets Department be explicit?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

There are 7 explicit songs on the original The Tortured Poets Department: "The Tortured Poets Department," "Down Bad," "But Daddy I Love Him," "Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)," "loml," "I Can Do It With A Broken Heart," and "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived."

On The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology, "The Black Dog," "thanK you aIMee," "Cassandra," and "The Bolter" are also explicit.

What is The Albatross about?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

During one of her Eras Tour shows in Sydney, Australia, Taylor Swift announced a new version of The Tortured Poets Department featuring exclusive bonus track "The Albatross." This new album already has some crazy track titles — all with pretty noteworthy meanings.

According to Collins Dictionary, if you call someone an Albatross, "they cause you great problems from which you cannot escape, or they prevent you from doing what you want to do," while a Bolter could refer to someone bolting out of a relationship (or bolting from a restaurant to a car like in this viral clip 🤨).

Meanwhile "The Alchemy" refers to the continual process of trying to turn something into gold — remember how Taylor Swift spent 6 years saying her relationship with Joe Alwyn was golden? Buckle up Swifties, TS11 is one wild ride.

What does loml mean?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

At first glance, the twelfth song on The Tortured Poets Department, "loml," means "love of my life." Some fans were wondering if the song was a nod to Harry Styles since his Harry's House finale track is "Love of My Life" (the album also features a track named "Daylight" which is another funny connection to Taylor Swift). But Taylor ends the song saying he's the "loss of my life" and I will never be the same.

How can I buy The Tortured Poets Department?

Image via Taylor Swift store

You can order a bunch of different versions of The Tortured Poets Department on Taylor Swift's website right now, includingThe Tortured Poets Department CD + Bonus Track "The Manuscript" and The Tortured Poets Department CD + Bonus Track "The Manuscript".

Will The Tortured Poets Department have any featured artists?

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Yes, The Tortured Poets Department will feature Florence + The Machine on the song "Florida!!!" and Post Malone on the song "Fortnight." And after Taylor Swift teased a variety of collaborations by posting handwritten lyrics from artists like Harry Styles and Lorde, Swifties wondered if The Tortured Poets Department will be the "collab album" we never got.

Another clue that leads me to believe this is true is the fact that the title of this album is so much longer than her other titles — and she refers to herself as "Chairman" of the department. Who are all the constituents?! Are they all the same artists who left Scooter Braun's management last year? Only time will tell, because as far as I'm concerned, surprises aren't out of the question until the TS11 era is over!👀

What is the theory of Taylor Swift's double album?

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Throughout her stay in Sydney, Australia for the Eras Tour, Taylor Swift dropped lots — and I mean lots — of twos. @v_swiftie_ points out that in addition to holding up the number two while announcing The Tortured Poets Department, she's been playing more surprise song mashups than normal, and Taylor Nation has been posting Instagram stories featuring the number 2 instead of the number 13. And it turns out, we were right about this leading to a double album! Taylor dropped the second half of TTPD — The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology — at 2AM EST.

Are you excited for The Tortured Poets Department? What kinds of collabs or songs are you hoping for? Let us know in the comments and check out these Taylor Swift Disney Movie Posters Inspired By Her Songs for more fun content!

Lead image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

This post has been updated.

Avoiding Your Next Haircut? Don’t Make The Same Mistakes As Me

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

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

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS

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RIP Rory Gilmore, You Would’ve Loved These Two “Tortured Poets Department” Songs

If there are two things you can count on, it's that I'm always thinking about Gilmore Girls and I'm always listening to Taylor Swift. As soon as I pressed play on The Tortured Poets Department, I could tell this album would resonate with so many experiences I had a child and a teenager. I've always been imaginative (and, admittedly, a bit spacey), and to this day, I never leave home without a book.

I've built thousands of imaginary worlds and crafted endless stories, but have always had difficulty keeping up with real-world relationships. So, needless to say, when I listened to Taylor Swift's new album and heard "I Hate It Here" and "The Bolter," I felt seen. I also realized these two songs would speak to Rory Gilmore in the same way!

Rory Gilmore Would Love "I Hate It Here" By Taylor Swift...

Image via Warner Bros. TV

"I Hate It Here" totally showcases Taylor Swift's ability to express raw emotions, and it also perfectly captures Rory Gilmore's struggles during certain periods of her life. The lyrics reflect frustration and dissatisfaction we can all feel sometimes (I know I've definitely felt them), and while Rory and Taylor's dreams in and of themselves are different, they both want to leave their small towns to achieve them. Whether it's feeling overwhelmed by expectations or facing setbacks in her career in Gilmore Girls season 5, Rory has moments throughout the series where she feels a bit trapped.

But even more than the physical meaning of the song is the imaginary one. Taylor sings about creating worlds in her mind and diving into books to escape the mundane. Rory reads more than any fictional character I've ever seen before because she also craves that escapism! The lyrics of "I Hate It Here" resonate with Rory when she wants to live different lives, and it encapsulates the moments when she struggles or questions her decisions — relatable!

...And She'd Feel Attacked By "The Bolter" By Taylor Swift

Image via Warner Bros. TV

TBH, I'm half convinced "The Bolter" is referencing Amy March (after all, Amy has been "reviled" by readers for hundreds of years, and she "almost drowned...in frigid water" like Taylor sings), which is just another literary reference Rory would pick up on.

In "The Bolter," Taylor Swift captures the essence of a woman constantly seeking adventure and change, just like Rory Gilmore, and it's all about the idea of a restless spirit. While the lyrics can be taken from a hypothetical standpoint (feeling trapped by relationships or other people's expectations), we can also talk about it literally considering Rory physically runs away from Jess.

Rory might desire love, but the idea of it also scares her — two facts that don't cancel each other out! Just like Taylor Swift, I think Rory's thrilled by the idea of escape simply because she's so risk averse in other areas of her life. Once again, I say, relatable!!

"The Bolter" and "I Hate It Here" are both incredibly engaging songs because they highlight just how complex we are as humans — both in the ways we relate to ourselves and other people. And they're just two Taylor Swift songs Rory would definitely add to her playlist.

Which Taylor Swift and Rory Gilmore parallels do you see? Follow us on Facebook for more pop culture musings!

Lead image via Warner Bros. TV

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20 Nifty Gifts To Give Your Step Mom This Mother’s Day

With Mother's Day around the corner, it's time to celebrate moms of all kinds, and step moms deserve some special recognition, too! If you're grappling with finding the perfect gift that expresses your love and gratitude for your step mom, these 20 gifts are the way to go. This curated list of thoughtful step mom gifts for Mother's Day will get you going on a gifting kick and make any step mom's heart swell with joy and appreciation. 💓

Rinna Beauty Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil

The glossiness of this lip oil alone will feel like a total gift! One swipe using the soft, sizable wand delivers a sheer tint of color, all while encouraging plumpness and moisture with its peptide formulation.

The Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil from Rinna Beauty comes in 5 other shades for $24 on Amazon.

Anthropologie Faye Planter

For the step mom with an undeniable green thumb, this decorative purple planter from Anthropologie makes repotting process super fun! Dotted in adorable outdoor creature and plant motifs, the pot is not only practical, but looks good, too. It measures about 8 inches in diameter to fit a variety of small house plants.

The Faye Planter is currently on sale for $31 (was $44) for a limited time.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cotton Checkered Throw

She's gonna want to live in this cozy throw blanket 24/7. It's crafted from a blend of Barefoot Dreams' CozyChic material and a light cotton for added breathability. The light, neutral checkered pattern makes it the perfect match for any space!

This stylish throw, made to last a lifetime, goes for $148 from Barefoot Dreams.

DedCool Room & Linen Spray

Think of this spray as an instant refresh for any bedroom, bathroom, or living room, supplying a saturated scent of bergamot, vanilla, and amber. It's also compatible to spritz on sheets, blankets, and pillows to create a soothing atmosphere every time your step mom comes home!

The DedCool Room & Linen Spray comes in two other scents for $40.

Compartés Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers 20-Piece Truffle Gift Box

When all your other gift ideas fail, there's nothing wrong with chocolate! This truffle box is perfectly elevated to give as a standalone gift – it's impressively decorated and seamlessly packaged for a memorable Mother's Day treat. Some of the spring-inspired flavors included are: raspberry rose, lavender, poppy seed, and passionfruit.

The Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers gift box is $60 and comes with 20 gourmet truffles.

Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer

This moisturizer delivers 24-hour hydration with a dense formula of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin. It has a lightweight yet creamy feel, perfect for slathering on under SPF and makeup. Your step mom's skin will absolutely soak this clinically-proven cream up, and she'll be feeling like a new woman every single time she puts it on!

The Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer goes for $32 and is also refillable once it's fully used up.

Little Secret Round Sunglasses

Keep her lookin' so cool with a pair of trendy sunnies! This timeless style from Free People channels the 90's and makes for chic everyday eyewear with any outfit.

The Little Secret Round Sunglasses are shoppable in 5 other colors for $30.

The Pioneer Woman 3-Piece Floral Check Ceramic Lidded Bowl Set

Your step mom's serving, baking, and cooking projects just got such a stylish upgrade! This trio of checkered ceramic bowls designed by The Pioneer Woman make every dish look stunning, plus each one comes equipped with a decorative wooden lid for convenient storage.

This 3-piece bowl set goes for $33 at Walmart.

Sand + Fog Pistachio Dream Eau De Parfum Oil

This perfume oil can be used sparingly – meaning it'll last a long time – and delivers delicious notes of pistachio, vanilla, brown sugar, and cream to make step mom smell like a total treat. She won't want to go a day without putting some on!

This perfume is $13 at Marshall's.

Versed Total Package SPF 30 Body Lotion

This body lotion is really a 2-in-1 deal: hydrating and protective against the sun. It's packed with SPF 30 to give the skin a light shield against harmful UV rays, all while replenishing moisture with a delightfully-smelling mix of cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil. It's not sticky or oily at all!

The Versed Total Package body lotion is $20 at Target.

Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals

These trendy slip-on sandals from Maeve are the epitome of cool girl style for summertime. Your step mom will be stepping out looking so good with these as a gift! The upper is made from durable leather, while the sole is a comfortable rubber material to withstand walking.

The Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals are shoppable in 4 other colors and are on sale for $104 (was $130) for a limited time.

Chamberlain Coffee Strawberry Matcha Latte Mix

Switch up her morning routine with this deliciously sweet matcha mix from Chamberlain Coffee! It's earthy, fruity, and made with oat milk for otherworldly creaminess. All it requires is some hot water, a good froth, and from there, your step mom can customize her sip with more milk or creamer.

This drink mix goes for $19 at Target.

L.L. Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote

This classic tote bag from L.L. Bean is the perfect vehicle for carrying work essentials, groceries, clothing, and more! It can be ordered in small, medium, large, or extra-large sizes, with the option for short or long straps.

This bag comes in 11 other colors. The small size is $30 and the extra-large is $45.

Ban.do Oven Mitt Pot Holder Set

For the step mom that loves all things colorful, this oven mitt + pot holder set will bring some joy into her kitchen set-up. Both are crafted from cotton with quilted stitching and feature small loops for easy hanging.

The duo is shoppable for $30 from Ban.do.

Auburn Home 3-Piece Glass Taper Candle Holders

These funky candle holders can go together as a set, or spread out around the house for a unique touch. Bundle them with some taper candles to complete the gift!

This colorful trio goes for $25 at Marshall's.

Verloop Raffia Phone Sling

Any on-the-go step mom will appreciate this convenient phone sling for its carrying capabilities, but it's also supremely stylish! The bright colorway is summertime's perfect match, so she can take it along for vacations and outdoor outings alike. The thin shoulder strap is adjustable in length so she can find the best fit for her needs.

The Verloop Raffia Phone Sling is shoppable in three other colors for $38.

Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set

Gift sets are always a good bet if you're stuck on what to get your step mom for Mother's Day. This luxe 4-piece set from Osea comes complete with body butter, body oil, body balm, and body scrub (all inside a cute zip bag) so she can treat herself to a full-on spa day right at home!

The Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set is $52 (a $78 value).

UrbanStems The Parade Bouquet

Flowers are welcome any time of year, but a gorgeous bouquet like this one is so fitting for Mother's Day. With UrbanStems, you can select a specific delivery date, and your step mom will receive a fresh grouping, ready to display at home!

The Parade Bouquet is $60, with the option to add a vase for $15+.

Material Kitchen The Cloud Pitcher

Whether it's used for a batched cocktail or a big serving of iced coffee, this stylish glass pitcher from Material Kitchen is a statement piece to be reckoned with. The glass is surprisingly light for transport, and it's dishwasher-safe for added convenience after the fact!

The Cloud Pitcher comes in three other colors for $95.

Ban.do Meal Planner

This meal planner pad is *the* way to keep track of what she'll make and when she's gonna eat it. It has three lines for each day of the week, plus a roomy list for ingredients she may be missing.

This meal planner is $15 from Ban.do and has 50 sheets.

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

Image via brands.

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Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's Latest Date Is "So High School"

The most notable news from our resident popstar BFF Taylor Swift (aside from her record-breaking Eras Tour movie, The Tortured Poets Department, and Reputation (Taylor's Version), of course) is her most recent boyfriend update. Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were first linked after Travis tried to give the singer his phone number during one of her concerts this year. And after a few NFL games, getaway car rides, and restaurant takeovers later, it looks like this relationship isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Here's a timeline on everything we know about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship!

A Timeline Of Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce's Relationship

Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images

September, 24 2023 - Taylor Swift Started Attending Kansas City Chiefs Games

Taylor Swift started attending Kansas City Chiefs games in 2023, seemingly after an indirect invite from Travis Kelce himself. When Taylor played her Eras Tour at Arrowhead Stadium (the Chiefs' home stadium), Travis tried to give her a friendship with his number on it.

“I was disappointed that she doesn’t talk before or after her shows because she has to save her voice for the 44 songs that she sings,” Travis told his brother after Jason during an episode of their New Heights podcast. “I was a little butt hurt I didn’t get to hand her one of the bracelets I made for her.”

Considering Taylor Swift has now gone to many Chiefs games — and nearly broken the internet — we're pretty sure he's not upset anymore!

On September 24, 2023, Taylor Swift watched the NFL game with Travis' mom, Donna. After the football game — in which Taylor sat with Donna, and created (another) pop culture phenomenon with a single photo — not only did Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce leave the Arrowhead Stadium locker room together, but they also drove away in Travis' convertible as a pair!

Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

October 1, 2023 - Taylor Brought Some Friends To Watch The Chiefs

On October 1, 2023, Taylor was joined by all-star BFFs Sabrina Carpenter, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Sophie Turner, and Hugh Jackman to watch the Chiefs play against the New York Jets. While Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift didn't leave the stadium together after *this* game was over, the fact that Taylor was surrounded by so many of her friends felt like they were there to support something quite special. 💓

We'd be remiss not to mention a few easter eggs from this game while we're at it! This romance feels so much like a callback to Taylor's 1989 era, where she spent a lot of 2013 to 2015 hanging with her friends in the coolest NYC spots. Plus, she's wearing all black (and some edgy accessories on her shorts) while we all speculate on what she's up to and who she's dating, which is not too dissimilar from her Reputation era. 👀

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

October 12, 2023 - Taylor Swift Makes A Good First Impression

We know Taylor always tries to make a good impression (hello "Mirrorball!"), but it turns out, she also makes a good impression without even trying.

The first time Taylor met Travis Kelce's dad, Ed, he noticed how genuine she was when she started helping around the suite. “She gets up to go get a drink or something, and she starts picking up empty bottles, cans, plates that are scattered around," he toldPeople. “And I'm just thinking, 'I don't think she got the diva memo. She didn't get the spoiled musician. She doesn't know how to pull that off.' And that really to me said a whole lot.”

Photo by Will Heath/NBC

October 14, 2023 - Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Were On SNL

Yes, Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce were both on the October 14 episode of Saturday Night Live in 2023. The couple attended the SNL afterparty together and fans were very quick to spot how much the football player took care of the singer. He opened doors for her, made sure she was okay, and reportedly even told a bodyguard that he could step aside. When I first saw the images, they looked so much like a rom-com cover to me that I thought they were photoshopped!

Then on the following Sunday night, Travis and Taylor were seen in New York City again as they made their way into a restaurant (once again holding hands!). It might be important for Swifties to note that both of Taylor's outfits are black, edgy, and very Reputation-coded... I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve!

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

October 19, 2023 - Travis Apparently Plans To Visit Taylor On Her International Tour

At this point, ET had reported that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were "all in" on their relationship, according to an inside source. They told the outlet that Travis intended to head to Buenos Aires, Argentina while he was on a bye-week for the Kansas City Chiefs. We hope he was able to give her those friendship bracelets this time! 😘

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

October 22, 2023 - Taylor Swift Is Improving Travis Kelce's Game

After a 31-17 win on October 22, 2023, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged Taylor's influence on Travis' game during a press conference. He noted that Travis' performance is only improving and that “Taylor can stay around all she wants.”

Image via @chiara_ / Instagram

The October 22 game also appeared to be the couple's official hard launch. Chiefs wide reciever Mecole Hardman Jr.'s girlfriend Chariah Gordon posted a series of photos with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce after the game — including this one where Taylor's kissing Travis on the cheek! Swoon!

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

October 31, 2023 - Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Celebrate Halloween Together

On an episode of Jason Kelce's New Heights podcast, Travis said he loves the idea of a dinner party on Halloween night. "Like a Halloween dinner party. Everybody comes in costumes and we have a party," he says in the conversation.

But he also refuses to admit what costume he picked. "I'm gonna let mine be a surprise," he says. "I'll make sure everybody sees it, and we'll talk about it after Halloween."

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship only continues to get deeper in October 2023, especially since a source told ET Online that Taylor could be the one for Travis: "Everyone close to Travis loves that he is happy. He is on the path to finding that special person in Taylor."

However, given the frenzy around Taylor, and the media coverage of their relationship in general, Travis' family is also fairly concerned for their safety. (And after hundreds of fans showed up uninvited to see Taylor attend a private wedding, we kind of are too, TBH).

"They're so appreciative of their fans, but hope to keep some aspects of their relationship private going forward," the source continued. "This level of stardom is something new to Travis, and although he can handle it, he is still getting used to it. Safety is a major concern among everyone, especially given how passionate fans feel about their relationship."

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

November 5, 2023 - Taylor Swift (Virtually) Celebrates Travis Kelce's New Record

After the Kansas City Chiefs game on November 5, 2023, People posted on Instagram celebrating Travis Kelce's new title as the KC Chiefs' leading receiver with 10,941 receiving yards. Taylor Swift liked the post, and considering she's very strategic and intentional about her Instagram activity, Swifites were very excited.

"Me giggling cuz TS liked this post," one user commented. "It’s an interesting time for Taylor & Kelce" another said. "They are both at supremely high career success points. What joy!"

On November 9, 2023, a source told US Weeklythat Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce “actually spend a lot of one-on-one time together and have developed a very real connection," plus the fact that "they have very detailed plans coming up on how to stay together while she’s on tour and he has games.”

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

November 11, 2023 - Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Have A Rom-Com Moment

On November 11, 2023, Taylor changed the lyrics of her song "Karma" from "Karma is the guy on the screen coming straight home to me" to "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me" (a move that seemed somewhat spontaneous considering how surprised her backup dancers were!).

Travis revealed on the November 15 episode of the New Heights podcast that he had a "little bit of a clue" she'd change the lyrics. 👀

"Definitely when I heard it come out of her mouth, [it] still shocked me," he said. "I was like...'Oh, she really just said that, alright.'" He was so shocked in fact, that he didn't even realize Taylor's dad was trying to high five him. "Mr. Swift, I apologize big guy," he continued. "I never miss a high five too, big high five guy!"

And, after the show, Taylor went straight up to Travis standing outside a VIP tent and the coupleshared a kiss. It felt like it was straight out of a rom-com — a pop star running up to a star football player and surprising him with a kiss! The crowd at the concert went wild, but the internet also couldn't stop talking about it!

"This is sooooo adorable," one X user said. "Her little run. His hands behind his back like he’s waiting for his prom date or something. Ughhh they’re both in deep."

Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

November 20, 2023 - Travis Kelce Spills On His Relationship In WSJ Magazine

Travis Kelce once again broke the internet with his WSJ Magazine cover story. In it, he talks about football, his family, and (of course) Taylor Swift. “I’ve never been a man of words. Being around her, seeing how smart Taylor is, has been f*cking mind-blowing," he says. “Obviously I’ve never dated anyone with that kind of aura about them…But at the same time, I’m not running away from any of it…She’s just living, enjoying life. When she acts like that I better not be the one acting all strange.”

Even Kelce's mom had something to add! “I can tell you this,” she says in the interview. “He’s happier than I’ve seen him in a long time… God bless him, he shot for the stars!”

Fans were also hoping to find out if Taylor and Travis were spending Thanksgiving together. Via Page Six, Taylor was set to fly back from her Eras Tour shows in Rio de Janeiro to spend the holidays in the states before heading back for another show on November 24. TMZreported that the couple "plans to be together for the holidays," which included lining their schedules up to spend as much time together as they can.

Taylor celebrated another one of Travis' milestones on Instagram, when she liked a post from the Kansas City Chiefs. "Fastest tight end to 11k receiving yards AND the only player in franchise history to do it," the post says. According to a Daily Mail source, as soon as Taylor Swift's Eras Tour wrapped up its 2023 dates, she moved into Travis' private Kansas City mansion (which he reportedly bought for them to spend time together) for the duration of her break — which included her birthday and Christmas.

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

December 3, 2023 - Taylor Shows Up To The Chiefs Game Looking Festive

Taylor Swift hung out in the box seats with Brittany Mahomes in Green Bay, Wisconsin during the Kansas City Chiefs game against the Green Bay Packers.

Not only is Taylor Swift's jacket KC Chiefs red, but it was also totally Christmas appropriate! "Travis' friends think this is the real deal for him,” an insider told Peopleat the end of November 2023. “They're still a little shocked by all of it — that he's dating the Taylor Swift, but they've seen how down to earth she is with his friends and family.”

But before Taylor donned her Elmo-approved red coat, the couple was already in the Christmas spirit. They showed up to Miracle, a pop-up bar in Kansas City, on December 1, for the Chiefs' holiday party. It appears they were wearing some festive sweatshirts (as well as Taylor's signature red lip). I hope they also got to have some more chicken with "seemingly ranch".

Photos by Inez and Vinoodh for TIME

December 6, 2023 - Taylor Talks Travis In Her TIME Person Of The Year Article

There's been pleeeeenty of speculation about when Taylor and Travis actually started dating. Was it that first Chiefs game? Were they just friends still? Was it before that game? While only the lovebirds know their true timeline, Taylor gave us a peek behind the curtain in her TIME MagazinePerson of the Year article.

According to Tay herself, the pair started hanging out immediately after Travis first mentioned her on his New Heightspodcast. She said, “We started hanging out right after that. So we actually had a significant amount of time that no one knew, which I’m grateful for, because we got to get to know each other. By the time I went to that first game, we were a couple. I think some people think that they saw our first date at that game? We would never be psychotic enough to hard launch a first date.”

Swift continued by explaining that she and Travis "show up for each other" and that they're "just proud of each other." BRB, sobbing.

On December 8, 2023, an insider told Life & Style Mag that Travis is planning something special for Taylor's 34th birthday on December 13. “Travis has something special planned,” they say. “He’s arranged a very intimate romantic dinner just for the two of them, and is also trying to pull off a semi-surprise party with the help of some of her closest friends."

The insider also says Travis could use the evening to propose to Taylor, which we would *totally* be in favor of.

Image via @patty_cuts on Instagram

December 10, 2023 - Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Share Some Swoon-Worthy PDA

After the KC Chiefs and Buffalo Bills game on December 10, 2023, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce went out with the team to celebrate. They wound up back at the Miracle pop-up bar! The evening was sure to lift Travis' spirits after the Chiefs' loss, and I, for one, need to make Taylor's Christmapolitan drink ASAP.

Thanks to the Chiefs' barber, @patty_cuts, we also have a pic of Taylor and Travis embracing each other at the bar! If you ask me, this deserves to be a movie poster, because I feel like we're living in a real-life rom-com. And apparently, one of their friends agrees!

"We had an amazing time," Chetarah Jackson (a friend of Travis' who sat with Taylor in the suite at the game) told ET. "Taylor and Travis are so in love. It was so cute seeing them together and I can see them getting married."

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

December 17, 2023 - Taylor Swift Gets Cozy At The Chiefs x Patriots Game

Taylor Swift showed up to the KC Chiefs vs. New England Patriots game looking both comfy and cute in a Chiefs sweatshirt and beanie. In addition to Alana Haim and Brittany Mahomes, Taylor's dad, Scott Swift, also showed up to the game, which ended up being a big deal because he wore KC Chiefs gear after he's been a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan! 👀

Scott wasn't the only one having fun with the couple! Kaleigh Teller (Miles Teller's wife and a good friend of Taylor Swift) recently liked a TikTok speculating Travis got Taylor a very special birthday present: the ring Taylor wore during her party. It appears to be an opal stone surrounded by blue topaz, and if that's true, it has so much meaning because Travis' birthstone is opal and Taylor's is blue topaz! Thoughtful gifts are our absolute favorites... and it looks like they're Travis' too.

Travis also told People that even though he had a game on Christmas Day (his brother Jason does, too), the holiday "will be a fun one."

"My brother sent me a text and said he’s going to be celebrating afterwards," Travis continued. He also confirmed that he's planning on celebrating Christmas after the 25th too — hopefully with Taylor!

According to Page Six, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce also spent the rest of the holidays together.

Photo via CBS Mornings

December 22, 2023 - Patrick Mahomes Talks Taylor And Travis 👀

Patrick Mahomes hopped on CBS Morningsin December and gave his inside scoop on Taylor and Travis. While noting how comfortable Taylor is with "Chiefs Kingdom," Patrick also took a moment to recognize her many achievements.

"He's lucky enough to be with a great girl and a great woman, and it's been cool to interact with her because she's top tier of her profession — and how she drives and she becomes that, it's really cool to hear about and to see." He followed up by saying, "I'm glad that she's the person that she is, and that's why I think her and Travis match so well."

Clearly, Tay got the BFF stamp of approval!

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

December 25, 2023 - Taylor Swift + Family Attend Chiefs vs. Raiders

Taylor and Santa... I mean... Austin Swift hung out at Arrowhead stadium alongside their mom and dad, Andrea and Scott. The family had some holiday fun with the Mahomes family and Papa Kelce, with Austin allegedly tossing snowballs to the fans below. Merry Swiftmas to us all!

Image via chrispearson20/Instagram

December 31, 2023 - Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Share An NYE Kiss

After a Chiefs win, Taylor and Travis stepped out in style at a NYE party with their friends and family. Travis wore a Midnights-esque outfit, in head-to-toe brown courduroy — come on, '70s!

Of course, Taylor made the whole place shimmer in a stunning silver sequin dress by Cleo Peppiatt, paired with celestial hair pins and her signature red lip, which was allegedly smudged later on in the night. 😘

We got a peek at the kiss in question on Instagram, originally posted by @krystenrachelle. It's definitely giving, "I want your midnights!" 😍

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

January 21, 2024 - Taylor Swift Hangs Out With Jason And Kylie Kelce

After months of attending Travis Kelce's games, Taylor Swift was finally in the box at the same time as Jason Kelce's wife, Kylie, and this is a WAG friendship we are *totally* here for.

Despite the media pitting them against each other, the two women were seen laughing and spending time together in the box, which really just leads me to wonder why we're constantly obsessed with women not being friends? "Kylie is so great," a source told People. "Everybody loves her."

The most talked-about moment from the game, however, can be chalked up to Jason Kelce, who jumped out of the box shirtless and started yelling at the top of his lungs. He's since been called the KC Chiefs' “No. 1 hype man,”been compared to Gabriela Montez, and gotten people's hopes up for a very lively best man speech.

Someone also captured Taylor Swift's reaction to Jason's viral moment, and it's just as funny as the moment itself!

Taylor wasn't the only one who knows how to be goofy — Travis Kelce's teammate Patrick Mahomes told People that despite the newfound media frenzy over Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce (and achieving his "dream" of being on SNL), Travis remains just as fun and down-to-earth as he always was.

“Travis has always been Travis,” Patrick told People. “He still will walk through the stadium and treat every single person like they’re his best friend. And he’s going to be like that in the locker room every single day.”

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

January 28 - Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Celebrate A Chiefs Win... And Break The Internet

After the Kansas City Chiefs won a game against the Baltimore Ravens on January 28, the team was headed to the Super Bowl! Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce celebrated with a kiss on the field, and fans have been comparing their total rom-com moment to everyone from One Tree Hill's Lucas and Peyton toA Cinderella Story's Austin and Samever since.

But the biggest moment of the night was when, during their embrace, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce could be heard saying "I love you." According a post-game video, Travis says, “Tay, I'm going to enjoy with the guys I love you... so much it’s not even funny.” And it appears Taylor responds with “I love you too... I’ve never been so proud, EVER.” Then they go in for a kiss and a bear hug. OMG!

Jason Kelce later went on to add Taylor in with the rest of the family on the New Heights podcast: “We had the whole family down on the field. We had me, Mom, Dad, and Taylor. Everybody was down there.” Stop it right now, Jason!

In addition to a mockneck red sweater, Taylor was decked out in a gold friendship bracelet of her + Travis' initials, as well as #87-themed jewelry to support her BF. I also find it *very* important info that Taylor Swift is a square nail gal (Will this inspire my next manicure? Only time will tell).

I predicted that Taylor would show up the the Super Bowl, despite wrapping up the Tokyo leg of the Eras Tour the day before. I thought this would be a huge moment because, despite being asked to perform multiple times, Taylor has never actually performed at the Super Bowl, so she's never really had a reason to go.

Another popular fan theory is that in the past, this was due to Taylor Swift being a face of Diet Coke (she really is just like us!), while the halftime show has historically had Pepsi as a sponsor.

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

February 5, 2024 - Travis Kelce Supports Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poet's Department

After Taylor Swift announced her new album, The Tortured Poets Department, at the 2024 Grammys, Travis Kelce showed support for the new album during a press conference — and he's just as excited about the new music as we are!

"She's unbelievable, she's rewriting history books herself," he said of her fourth Album of the Year win. "I told her I'll have to hold up my end of the bargain and come home with some hardware too...It's been fun to kind of gather the Swifties in the Chiefs' kingdom and open them up to the football world and the sports world."

"I have heard some of [Taylor Swift's new album], yes, and it is unbelievable," he continued. "I can't wait for her to shake up the world when it finally drops."

Travis *also* responded to the rumors that he's looking to propose to Taylor Swift after a reporter straight up asked whether there'd be more than just a Super Bowl ring if the Chiefs won the Big Game.

"I’m focused on getting this ring, and that’s all that my mind’s focused on right now," Travis said.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

February 11, 2024 - Taylor Swift Attends The Super Bowl And Catches A Nail-Biting Chiefs Win

Taylor Swift was there to witness the Kansas City Chiefs spar off against the San Fransisco 49ers at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas and ultimately see Travis' team win the game in overtime 25-22.

Taylor was spotted in box seats alongside her girl gang, Blake Lively, Ice Spice, and Ashley Avignone. Lana Del Rey joined the squad later in the game, too!

Taylor quickly tossed back a few drinks as the excitement ramped up (iconic if you ask me) in the first half of the game. After the big victory, she swiftly ran to the field to celebrate with Travis.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

“Come here, girl," he said to her. They instantly embraced and shared a long kiss in celebration of the Chiefs win. But that wasn't all!

Taylor tagged along with Travis and his teammates to the official Super Bowl after-party at Zouk Nightclub in Las Vegas. The couple danced and sang, and the club even played a few of Taylor's hits! The couplekissed during "Love Story"and even pointed at each other across the dance floorwhile a remix "You Belong With Me" blasted. Travis Kelce switched up the lyrics, singing "Are you in love with me?" instead of "You belong with me" — to which Taylor raised her glass, smiled, and danced the night away. 🎶 If you ask me, this viral moment is just the latest profession of love between the two.

“I love how he just came very quickly when your song was on,” model Marianne Fonseca tells Taylor Swift in a viral clip. “That was the most romantic thing ever.”

"We met in the middle, and I was like, 'What is my life right now?'" Taylor jokes.

The power duo left the function wearing matching glittery black outfits, holding hands the entire time. To say we're obsessed is a true understatement.

So, what's next for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce?

Taylor will continue to embark on the international leg of her Eras Tour in Australia starting February 16. Based on everything the couple's been through so far, we don't see them going anywhere.

Photos by Amy Sussman and Jason Hanna for Getty Images

February 21, 2024 - Did Travis Kelce go to Australia to see Taylor Swift? Yes!

Our fave couple continues to enjoy their time together. A source told People that they are "really happy" and "having a lot of fun, but they're still seeing where it goes." Travis Kelce also landed in Sydney on February 21 to support Taylor Swift (and our gal Sabrina Carpenter) during the Australian leg of the Eras Tour. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spent an afternoon at the Sydney Zoo, but did they act out any scenes from Anyone But You? We can only hope.

Travis Kelce had plenty to say about Taylor Swift in an episode of his podcast New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce. “They helicoptered us! Well, not us, Taylor,” he says. “This is all because Taylor is the biggest and the best thing possible."

While Travis was almost entirely focused on Taylor during the conversation about Australia, he couldn't help but mention his favorite zoo animals. "The kangaroos were pretty sweet, got to see a red panda up close and personal," he continues. "It’s like a friendly raccoon...saw a tiger sitting up in a tree house, that sh*t was f*cking sweet, ain’t gonna lie."

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

February 23, 2024 — Taylor Swift Celebrates Travis Kelce At The Eras Tour

During her first concert in Sydney, Australia, Taylor Swift added a few blink-and-you'll-miss-'em details to her show in honor of Travis Kelce. She ended up pointing directly to him during "Willow," when she sings "that's my man," and during "Long Live," when she sings "when they gave us our trophies" (in honor of his Super Bowl win!). She also changed the "Karma" lyrics to "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me." And when the concert was done? Taylor ran directly to him and gave him a big kiss. Rom-com energy!!

“When she started to come around, it was privately,” defensive backs coach Dave Merritt tells The Sports Shop With Reese & Kmac. “She was coming into the stadiums without people really knowing until the camera put a big spotlight on it.”

"[Taylor Swift] actually affected the team in a positive way," Dave continues. "Everybody was excited that Travis was happy. So when my player, my brother, is happy beside me, that helps me and that encourages me."

And after Travis started dating Taylor, Dave saw even more of a shift! "And so Travis came in there a different man...She won a Super Bowl in her first year in the NFL," he jokes. "How about that?"

Image via Al Bello/Getty Images

March 13, 2024 — Travis Kelce Talks About The Eras Tour In Singapore

It looks like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter are in their lover era because both Travis Kelce and Sabrina Carpenter's boyfriend Barry Keoghan showed up to the Eras Tour in Singapore!

"Fun times in Singapore," Travis says on the New Heights podcast he shares with Jason Kelce. "I got to check out the world's largest greenhouse. How about that? I'm a big plant guy. Loved seeing f*cking enormous trees. It was cool as f*ck, they had the world's biggest waterfall in a greenhouse, too...It was awesome man. Everything was blooming at the same time, it was so f*cking unique and so nice."

But Travis *also* got to go to two Eras Tour concerts ahead of Taylor Swift's latest hiatus (she's on a break until her first Paris concert on May 9th) — and enjoyed the shows just as much as the sights!

"I got to see two amazing shows of the Eras Tour," Travis continues. "The last of the leg that Taylor has until she's back at it here in a couple months. Yeah outside of that, got to eat some lovely Singapore food and just catch the views. Everything over there just seems so nice."

Image via Netlix

March 20, 2024 — Travis Kelce Can't Stop Watching Love Is Blind

After a crazy year of the Eras Tour and the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are focusing on their time together! "They’re focused on rest and recuperation and relaxing at home and having low-key and chill time together,” a source tells Us Weekly. “They are enjoying movie nights in her home theater, catching up on films and shows they’ve missed.”

We're always wondering what our favorite stars are binge watching right now, and apparently, Travis Kelce watchlist includes Love Is Blind. "You gotta watch Love Is Blind," he tells his brother Jason Kelce on a recent episode of New Heights. "It is the worst trash ever — it's worse than Catching Kelce — but it is so f*cking good." (Jason's not so convinced).

But considering Travis almost seems like he's loving the show against his will, it's making me wonder if he's watching it with Taylor Swift — or if Taylor's the one who got him to watch it in the first place. I could totally see Travis and Taylor curled up on the couch with a plate of chai cookies, a blanket, and Netflix. Cozy!

Image via Alex Grimm/Getty Images

March 20, 2024 — Travis Kelce Says He "Can't Wait" To Have Kids

On that same episode of New Heights, Travis Kelce also let it slip he may be ready for kids sooner than later. When the Super Bowl winner was talking about NBA player Victor Wembanyama, Travis joked he was so talented he must have been engineered.

“You can’t tell me that dude wasn’t made in a f*cking lab over there in France," Travis says. “Can’t wait til I f*ckin’ make one.”

“Don’t do this," Jason jokes. "Do not give any of these other conspiracy theorists anything else to latch onto, please.” Oops, it might be too late Jason!

Images via Amy Sussman/Jason Kempin/Getty Images

March 24, 2024 — Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Go On A Lunch Date

After a busy winter, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce finally took some R+R and went on a big trip together! “They vacationed in the Bahamas for several days," a source tells PEOPLE. "It was a much-needed break for both of them. They very much enjoyed it. They are so happy together.”

After their Bahamas vacation, Taylor and Travis grabbed a Sunday lunch in Malibu. They both looked super cute and springy with Taylor wearing a bright blue sweater, a tan skort, and loafers, while Travis wore an oatmeal-colored pullover, hat, and a friendship bracelet.

Image via Patrick Smith/Getty Images

April 1, 2024 — Travis Kelce And Taylor Swift's Relationship Has Been "Amazing"

On April 1, Kylie Kelce told the Today show just how happy their family is for the couple. “Ultimately, if Travis is happy, we’re happy,” Kylie says. “We are always cheering on Uncle Trav, it’s such a treat to be able to do that on and off the field...It’s been amazing.”

"I'm the happiest I've ever been," Travis Kelce tells People. "I'm a guy that some people say is glass half full, half empty, and my glass is all the way full. It's all the way full...I'm oozing life right now."

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

April 2, 2024 — Travis Kelce Confirms He'll Be At The Eras Tour In Europe

Swifties might be gearing up for The Tortured Poets Department, but Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are still thinking about this year's stint of the Eras Tour!

“We are both very career-driven," he tells Entertainment Tonight. "I think we both love what we do and any chance that I can show my support to her — knowing that she has shown me all the support in the world throughout the season — it’s just been an amazing experience getting to know Tay."

Travis hasn't confirmed which concerts he'll show up to, but he does say the London shows are "can't-miss" concerts. "I think she’s at Wembley [Stadium] eight times?" he says. "Which is mind-blowing that she can do that many shows in one stadium and fill that thing up."

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April 10, 2024 — Travis Kelce Doesn't "Know How" He Managed To Date Taylor Swift

On a spring episode of his New Heights podcast, Travis Kelce admits he's still shocked he's dating Taylor Swift. "I don't know how I did it because she wasn't into sports," he says. "So I don't know how the f*ck I did it." But considering Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are two of the biggest people in the entire world, I am more than happy they found each other!

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April 15, 2024 — Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Attend Coachella

The first weekend of Coachella was full of incredible performances from Lana Del Rey and Sabrina Carpenter (plus a very cute moment from Justin and Hailey Bieber) but it also gave Taylor Swift the opportunity to enjoy a concert from the audience! The Tortured Poets Department singer showed up to support Jack Antonoff and Bleachers, and even hung out with the band afterwards.

Taylor and Travis also attended Ice Spice's set and the rapper (who's featured on Midnights) performed her remix of "Karma"! That means Taylor finally got the full Swiftie experience, dancing to her music in the audience, and I love that for her.

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April 16, 2024 — Patrick Mahomes Says Taylor Swift Picked Up A Few Things From The NFL

In his TIME100 interview, Patrick Mahomes says Taylor Swift has learned a lot about football. “Even when she’s taking her downtime, she’s working on something," he says. "Shooting a music video or singing a song or writing a song. You can see it by how she talks. Even when she’s talking about football, when she’s learning it, you can see her business mind putting it together. It’s almost like she’s trying to become a coach. ‘Why can’t you try this, this, and this?’ She’s asking the right questions.”

“I’ve met a lot of famous people now in my life,” Patrick continues. “Taylor’s probably the most down-to-earth person that’s been on that stage for that long.”

Image via Taylor Swift/Universal Music Group

April 19, 2024 — Taylor Swift Releases The Tortured Poets Department

We all knew Taylor Swift's new album would reference Joe Alwyn, and I'll admit I was surprised just how much of it referenced Matty Healy. But the most pleasant surprise (in addition to some tracks Rory Gilmore would love) is that at least two of the songs are clearly about Travis Kelce! "So High School" and "The Alchemy" both use football metaphors to emphasize how exciting and youthful her relationship with Travis makes her feel. I'm obsessed!!

And on their latest date, Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce are cozied up in an LA restaurant booth. I don't know about y'all, but nothing screams '00s rom-com like hanging out in your favorite restaurant after a football game or a concert (both of which are very on brand for this couple).

Images via Jamie Squire/Getty Images/Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

April 22, 2024 — Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Could Attend The Met Gala

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have reportedly been invited to the 2024 Met Gala and I would love for this to be their red carpet debut (and for it to end up being a song on TS12?!) We'll have to wait until May 6 to find out!

So, what's the relationship between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce?

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According to Taylor herself (via an interview with Time), the pair started seeing each other right after Travis "called her out" on his New Heightspodcast in July.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship continues to get more serious. “They share a strong work ethic and have a huge appreciation for life and their careers, strong family bond and values," the insider tells People.

An insider also shared that during Taylor's break from the Eras Tour (during September and October), she enjoyed catching up with all of her friends and “had fun spending time with Travis.“ We cannot get enough of this couple!

How old is Taylor Swift and how old is Travis Kelce?

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were both born in 1989. Travis just turned 34 on October 5, and since Taylor Swift's birthday is December 13, she's 34 now, too!

After Travis and Taylor left Arrowhead Stadium together, some Swifties noticed Travis was wearing a blue and white set, and wondered whether it served as a 1989 (Taylor's Version) double release Easter egg.

Check back here for the latest update on Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce!

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This post has been updated.

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