These Meg Ryan Movies Are Guaranteed To Get You Ready For Fall

Chloe Williams​
Sep 01, 2022
meg ryan movies fall movies when harry met sally

There's nothing like fall movies and TV shows to get us in the mood for cozy season. The aesthetics of orange, red, and yellow leaves as well as the fact that the plot points often revolve around friends and family give us an instant mood boost. Plus, fall fashion is to die for. Meg Ryan is one of our favorite leading ladies this time of year, and while she's returning to the screen in 2023 for What Happens Later, we're ready to go back to the '80s and '90s for "Meg Ryan fall," complete with oversize sweaters, shoulder bags, and lunch in a cute diner.

We rounded up our go-to Meg Ryan movies that will give you *all* the fall feels (as well as some of her other best hits). We also spoke with Kristin Marguerite Doidge, the author of Nora Ephron: A Biography, for a look into the director's vision when it came to bringing these stories to life. Grab your favorite fuzzy socks, an Apple Crisp Macchiato, and bookmark these titles for your next movie marathon.

When Harry Met Sally

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When Harry met Sally... (1989) - Trailer HD Remastered
This iconic Meg Ryan movie (which is currently ) features Ryan and Billy Crystal as the namesake duo. Wrestling with the idea of whether men and women can just be friends, the 12-year story took seven drafts for Ephron to feel like Harry and Sally's relationship was developed enough for audiences.

We love common tropes like slow burns and friends to lovers, but we also love the fact that Ephron switched up the common rom-com expectations by using Harry's cynicism (instead of an outside obstacle) as the driving force behind keeping the couple apart.

According to Doidge, while the aesthetic of the film can be credited to director Rob Reiner, Ephron's screenplay is such a big part of the movie's DNA that it's connected to every aspect of the film. "From the stunning fall leaves in Central Park to Meg’s iconic chocolate brown bowler hat, [it’s] become known as a 'Nora' movie."

There's something special about watching these friends turned lovers help each other through the ups and downs of life, and with details like Ryan's iconic white sweater and walking through the foliage in Central Park, we get excited for fall as soon as the opener starts playing.

Sleepless In Seattle

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Sleepless in Seattle (1993) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
Sleepless In Seattle, which you can stream on HBO Max, takes us on a journey around the country when widower Sam's (Tom Hanks) son Jonah tells the world via talk radio that Sam is looking for love. Annie (Ryan) hears the show and decides to write Sam and ask him to meet her at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day. Even though the movie takes place after the new year, the romantic and family themes of the plot give us those same cozy feelings.
Sleepless feels very intimate and relatable because of Ephron's down-to-earth approach to telling the story. Ephron was incredibly detailed with character interactions, like when Sam realizes that Annie peels an apple just like his late wife. It's those small points in the film that make the characters feel relatable, even if we've never been in their specific scenario before.
"What’s the detail you remember about someone who leaves?” executive producer Lynda Obst says in the biography. “It’s the touching detail that you’ll never see again — it is touching, but it has no sentiment. It has uniqueness, texture, smell.”
The layered clothing and rainy setting add an aesthetic touch that's perfect for fall, but it's really the will-they-won't-they back-and-forth that makes us root for the couple. From Sam's reluctance to meet Annie to when their eyes meet from afar, we as the audience see how easy it is to almost miss your chance with someone — and how important that chance is in the first place.

You've Got Mail

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You've Got Mail (1998) Official Trailer - Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan Movie HD
If you ask us, You've Got Mail, which you can , might have the best fall vibes of all of Meg Ryan's movies. A cozy bookstore on the Upper West Side and plenty of sweaters, coffee, and pastries? Count us in. Ryan's Kathleen is pen pals with Tom Hanks' Joe, even though neither of them realizes they're real-world competitors.

"When you see You’ve Got Mail, you’re seeing Nora,” cinematographer John Lindley says in the biography. “What you’re seeing is her outlook on life, which is to be happy and embrace change.”

In an age of texting and swiping, being pen pals with someone feels like a classic take on romance that's extra swoon-worthy. The dreams and stubbornness of the leads make us root for them, and knowing their unknown feelings for one another makes this romance all the sweeter. Not to mention that it takes place in a bookstore, which is one location that will always make us feel cozy.

"What [Ephron] may not have anticipated is just how [fragmented] and divisive sections of America would become," Doidge writes. "Is that part of what makes her particular brand of optimism so appealing in this current moment? Possibly." When we're anxious or feeling sad, films like these offer us some light. We know that even though the characters go through realistic and difficult times in their lives, things turn out all right in the end.

These Meg Ryan movies are a great way to get you in the mood for fall. Before it's time to carve pumpkins or gather around the table for Friendsgiving, pour a cup of tea (our favorite is the Bigelow Vanilla Chai), throw on your favorite sweater, and snuggle up. We can't wait to watch them all.

Other Meg Ryan Movies We Love

  • Top Gun on Amazon
  • Promised Landon Apple TV
  • Joe Versus the Volcano on Amazon
  • Prelude to a Kiss on Starz
  • When a Man Loves a Woman on Amazon
  • Addicted to Love on Apple TV
  • Anastasia on Starz
  • City of Angels on Amazon
  • Hanging Up on Pluto TV
  • Kate & Leopold

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    Featured image via Castle Rock Entertainment/Nelson Entertainment/Columbia Pictures

    Every Pop Culture Reference In Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department," Explained.

    Taylor Swift loves to reference the past in her songs. Every new album adds another layer to a whole web of lore (as the kids say), and The Tortured Poets Department is no different! There are enough pop culture references to to keep you glued to Google for the whole weekend, which is why I read every single lyric to decode each movie and literary reference so you don't have to! Keep reading for the full scoop from our fearless leader: The Chairman of the Department ;).

    Literary References In The Tortured Poets Department

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    Down Bad — "Did You Take All My Old Clothes, Just To Leave Me Here, Naked And Alone"

    While "Down Bad" feels like a reference to aliens, it's also reminding us of the story of Adam and Eve, who were left naked in the Garden of Eden after eating the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The "experiments" Taylor Swift references in the first verse (plus the "Fortnight" music video) are also giving Mary Shelley/Frankenstein!

    Image via Amazon

    So Long, London — "You Left Me At The House By The Heath"

    Hampstead Heath is a beautiful area of London that reportedly inspired C.S. Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia in the late 30s and early 40s. As Narnia's self-proclaimed biggest fan, I'm totally claiming this indirect literary reference, especially since the Pevensies have to stay at the Professor's house when they're evacuated from London.

    Image via Amazon

    I Hate It Here — "I Hate It Here So I Will Go To Secret Gardens In My Mind People Need A Key To Get To"

    This Taylor Swift song is all about wishing she was somewhere else during an early period of her life, and referencing The Secret Garden makes total sense. In the book, lead character Mary has to access the Secret Garden to discover the hope, joy, and healing she's lost.

    Image via İlknur ERDURAN/Pexels

    thanK you aIMee — "I Pushed Each Boulder Up The Hill"

    This seems to be another Greek mythology reference, this time to Sisyphus. He was forced by the gods to roll a boulder up a hill — and then do it again when it rolled back down. Considering this song seems to reference Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and the drama that led to Reputation, it feels like a reference to the feud that rears its head over and over again.

    Image via Robin Erino/Pexels

    Cassandra — "So They Killed Cassandra First Cause She Feared The Worst And Tried To Tell The Town"

    In Greek mythology, Cassandra (whose name means "she who entangles men," FYI) was a beautiful woman, and princess of Troy. The god Apollo falls in love with her, and gives her the power of prophecy — that is, until she rejects him and he turns the gift into a curse where no one believes her anymore.

    Image via Amazon

    The Bolter — "She Fell Through The Ice, Then Came Out Alive"

    This is another indirect literary reference I'm claiming that totally reminds me of Amy March from Little Women. Amy falls through the ice when the March sisters are all children living in Massachusetts. Fans have historically hated her character, which is tied to the "A curious child, ever reviled // By everyone except her own father" lyric.

    Movie References In Taylor Swift's New Album

    Image courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

    My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys — "I Felt More When We Played Pretend Than With All The Kens"

    The internet has claimed Taylor Swift as the real-world version of Barbie, and after last year's blockbuster hit (and Taylor referencing Ken in "Hits Different") we get another nod to our favorite doll. Plus, this song reminds me of Syd from Toy Story destroying his toys, and "he was my best friend down at the sandlot" got me thinking about The Sandlot. So many movie references, so little time!

    Image via Michele K Short/Sony

    Guilty As Sin? — "How Can I Be Guilty As Sin?"

    Taylor Swift wrote "Carolina" for the book-to-movie adaptation of Where The Crawdads Sing. In "Carolina," she sings that Kya's community has "said that I was guilty as sin and sleep in a liar’s bed.”

    More Pop Culture References

    Image via Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

    • The Tortured Poets Department — Taylor Swift mentions poet & writer Dylan Thomas, singer-songwriter & poet Patti Smith, and American singer Charlie Puth, boygenius singer Lucy Dacus, producer Jack Antonoff.
    • But Daddy I Love Him — This is a line in both The Little Mermaid and The Notebook.
    • Florida!!! — Florence Welch is featured on this song, which mentions a hurricane. Florence + The Machine has a song titled "Hurricane Love."
    • Guilty As Sin? — Taylor also references "The Downtown Lights" by The Blue Nile, as well as the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus in The Bible.
    • Who's Afraid Of Little Old Me — Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf revolves around a bitter and aging couple who weaponize the youth of their guests against one another.
    • loml — "The coward claimed he was a lion" is a reference to The Wizard of Oz, while "Mr. Steal Your Girl" is a Trey Songz track.
    • I Can Do It With A Broken Heart — This whole song is about Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
    • The Alchemy + The Prophecy — In Taylor Swift's TIME interview, she references Harry Potter, which has huge themes around alchemy and prophecies.
    • Clara Bow — This song references Clara Bow, Stevie Nicks, and Taylor herself!
    • So High School — Taylor Swift Mentions video game Grand Theft Auto, Artistotle, and American Pie. She also mentions games like Kiss Marry Kill, Truth or Dare, and Spin the Bottle

    Which of these pop culture references in The Tortured Poets Department is your favorite? Check out the latest news on the album here!

    Lead image via Amazon

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    Meghan Markle And Prince Harry's Connection Is From A Fairy Tale – See Their Full Relationship Timeline Here

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's relationship has captivated us throughout the years. Their story has love, family, loss, and of course, royalty. But how did the Duke and Duchess of Sussex come to be the powerful, independent couple they are today? Here's everything we know about the pair's relationship timeline, starting from the first time they met!

    Mike Coppola / Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala

    July 2016: Meghan and Harry meet

    After initially meeting on Instagram (a classic plot point for 21st century relationships), Meghan and Harry met for a first date in London.

    “I was scrolling through my feed and someone who was a friend had this video of the two of them [and Meghan], it was like a Snapchat,” Harry said of is digital introduction to Meghan in the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries. He remembers asking himself, "Who is that?"

    Chris Jackson / Getty Images

    November 2016: Meghan and Harry reveal they are officially dating

    It was an official statement from Kensington Palace that confirmed Meghan and Harry's relationship.

    At the time, Meghan faced mass amounts of sexist and racist backlash through the media for her association with the royal family. Kensington Palace denounced the hate in a statement:

    “Some of this has been very public — the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and Web article comments,” the statement read. “Some of it has been hidden from the public — the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriends; the bombardment of nearly every friend, coworker, and loved one in her life.”

    Despite the hate, Meghan and Harry persevered as a couple.

    Chris Jackson / Getty Images

    September 2017: Meghan shines a light on her relationship with Harry

    Meghan revealed even more information about her connection with Harry in a Vanity Faircover story in September 2017.

    “We’re a couple. We’re in love,” she told Vanity Fair. “I’m sure there will be a time when we have to come forward and present ourselves, and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.”

    Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

    November 2017: Meghan and Harry are engaged

    Meghan officially moved to London in the fall of 2017 and the couple announced their engagement not long after.

    Harry proposed to Meghan at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace with a ring made from two of Princess Diana's diamonds, and she said "yes" on the spot!

    An official statement from the palace detailed their engagement further:

    “His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle,” it read. “His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle's parents.”

    Meghan recalled the moment Harry proposed on the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries:

    “He’s down on one knee and I was like, ‘Yes!’ I was so joyful and excited. I was like, ‘Ah we’re doing this."

    Ben Birchall / Getty Images

    May 2018: Meghan and Harry’s wedding

    Meghan and Harry got married at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. They admitted a few years later that they had actually exchanged vows three days before they walked down the aisle, for the sake of privacy.

    “No one knows that,” Meghan said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. “We called the archbishop and just said, look, this thing, this spectacle is for the world, but we want our union between us, so the vows that we have framed in our room are just the two of us in our backyard with the archbishop of Canterbury.”

    Millions of people tuned in for their televised wedding ceremony on May 19, 2018.

    October 2018: Meghan announced her first pregnancy

    On October 15, 2018, Kensington Palace released a statement informing the public that Meghan and Harry were expecting their first child the following spring.

    The news broke while Meghan and Harry were on a 16-day royal tour through Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. The pair returned home and settled in at Windsor Castle's Frogmore Cottage to start prepping for the baby.

    Dominic Lipinski / Getty Images

    May 2019: Meghan and Harry welcome their first child

    The couple welcomed their first son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on May 6, 2019."We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on May 6th, 2019. Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz," an Instagram post from @sussexroyal read. "The Duchess and baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of the public for their shared excitement and support during this very special time in their lives."

    Chris Jackson / Getty Images

    January 2020: The couple steps back from their roles in the royal family

    After "many months" of deliberation, Meghan and Harry had decided to "transition" from the royal family in early 2020.

    In an official statement, they shared their plans to step back as ‘senior’ members of the royal family, become financially independent from Her Majesty, and split time between the United States and United Kingdom.

    "This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity," the statement read. "We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties."

    They moved to the U.S. a couple months later, staying in Montecito, California until they bought a home in Santa Barbara in the summer of 2020.

    November 2020: Meghan announced she had a miscarriage with her second child

    Meghan admitted she experienced a miscarriage with her second pregnancy, writing in a vulnerable New York Times op-ed essay that the loss of her second pregnancy with Prince Harry felt like “an almost unbearable grief.”

    “I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second,” Meghan wrote. “Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal.”

    March 2021: Interview with Oprah

    The couple sat down for a very candidinterview with Oprah in March 2021, coming clean on multiple topics that had arose since living in the public eye. From Meghan’s mental health to the dynamic of the royal family – including the racism Meghan had experienced since becoming a member – they spoke honestly.

    Yui Mok / Getty Images

    June 2021: Meghan and Harry welcome their daughter, Lilibet

    The pair publicly announced their second pregnancy in February 2021, welcoming their daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten Windsor, a few months later.

    Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021 in Santa Barbara, California.

    Kirsty O'Connor / Getty Images

    June 2022: Meghan and Harry attend the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

    Meghan and Harry headed to Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, marking their first joint appearance in the U.K. in over two years at that point.

    The two weren’t publicly mingling with other senior royalty in attendance, though they reportedly introduced Lilibet to the Queen in private during their trip.

    "They aren't part of the [working] royal family anymore, and that's a decision they have taken — but maybe [the public] hasn't quite accepted that yet," a source close to the couple told Peoplein 2022. "Yes, they were low-key. They paid their respects and went home."

    September 2022: Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral

    Meghan and Harry were called to Windsor Castle on September 8, 2022, shortly after Queen Elizabeth II passed away at age 96.

    They briefly reunited with Kate Middleton and Prince William to support the royal family amid the news. According to Kensington Palace, the rare meeting was actually William's idea, with a source noting that it "was an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family."

    Sascha Schuermann / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

    December 2022: The Harry & Meghan docuseries drops

    The first volume Meghan & Harry Netflix docuseries hit screens on December 8, 2022. The pair addressed their full love story, their new family, and dived deeper on their reasons for distancing from the royal family in the three-part series.

    Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

    March 2023: Meghan and Harry were told to leave their royal residence in the U.K.

    Meghan and Harry were asked to “vacate” Frogmore Cottage in the spring of 2023.

    "We can confirm The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage," a spokesperson for the couple's Archewell Foundation told People.

    Andrew Chin / Getty Images

    January 2024: The truth comes to light about Queen Elizabeth’s blessing for Meghan and Harry’s daughter’s name

    An inside source disputed the claim that the late Queen Elizabeth had not given Meghan and Harry her blessing to name their daughter after her known nickname, Lilibet.

    “Meghan and Harry 100 percent got permission from the queen to use the name Lilibet,” the insider said. “The report is not true. [Harry and Meghan] don’t know where this is coming from...They’re shocked that this is coming now; it seems out of nowhere and out of left field. They just feel like it’s more of the same spear campaign that continues against them.”

    Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

    March 2024: Meghan and Harry were in Austin, Texas for SXSW

    Meghan was slated to speak on a South by Southwest panel for International Women’s Day 2024, so she and Harry traveled to Austin, Texas.

    While they were in Austin, the couple had a date night at Soho House Austin.

    “They were happy and in great spirits,” an eyewitness told People. “Harry was very animated throughout the dinner. They were super low key and seemed happy to be around the upbeat vibes at the lively venue.”

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    Lead photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation.

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    Why I’m Convinced Taylor Swift Is Already Hinting At TS12

    While I cannot see the future, I did accurately predict Taylor Swift's new album when she started walking around NYC in the cutest academia outfits last spring. It was giving college professor, it was giving Tumblr, and most importantly, it was giving The Tortured Poets Department. The album is dropping April 19, and while Swifties are busy whipping up Taylor Swift cocktails for their album release parties, Taylor's been giving us a ton of Easter eggs I think are already pointing us to TS12. Here's everything you need to know about my musings!!

    What are all the 2's Taylor Swift keeps referencing?

    Image via Taylor Swift/UMG/YouTube

    After holding up a lot of number 3's throughout the Midnights era, Taylor Swift has been intentionally referencing the number 2 during The Tortured Poets Department. She's played mashups of two different surprise songs, held up a two during her Grammys acceptance speech, and there's a countdown on her site ending at 2PM EST ahead of the TTPD release. Mix in the peace sign & double book copies at the TTPD library installation *and* her latest tweet, and it's clear that the number 2 and TTPD are now inseparable!

    While we did end up getting a second album, I do think this is all part of something even bigger. From the pocket watch in the "Bejeweled" music video promising "exile ends in 3...2...1..." to a new TTPD video showing Taylor's completed two out of three tallies (plus the viral "321" error message on Taylor's website), IMO, it's clear we're in the middle of a countdown.

    If Midnights was 3 and The Tortured Poets Department is 2, then my guess is that TS12 will feature endless references to the number 1. And then Taylor will release the album that is arguably one of her most important: TS13.

    What does 13 mean for Taylor Swift?

    Image via Larry Busacca/Getty Images

    13 is a very important number for Taylor Swift. Her birthday is on December 13, and she told MTV 13 is her lucky number because "I turned 13 on Friday the 13th. My first album went gold in 13 weeks. My first No. 1 song had a 13-second intro. Every time I’ve won an award I’ve been seated in either the 13th seat, the 13th row, the 13th section or row M, which is the 13th letter."

    Since the beginning of her career, Taylor Swift has paid special attention to the number, which totally warrants a huge countdown to TS13.

    What's with all the plane references?

    Image via Big Machine Records/YouTube

    In addition to all the numbers, there's one other thing Taylor has referenced the last few years: planes. She's name-dropped everything from manifests and co-pilots to timetables (which charts departures and arrivals of planes, buses, and trains), and @heather.hypnotic on TikTok ties everything into the "Look What You Made Me Do?" music video.

    At the end of the music video, a number of different Taylors from different eras stand in front of a plane with "Reputation" written across the side. "Call it the lost album, call it the Karma album, call it the original TS6, I think this is the one [in the countdown]," Heather says.

    Whether TS12 is the supposedly unreleased rock album Swifties have dubbed Karma, or a separate album entirely, Taylor is definitely cooking up something!

    What is the 12th Taylor Swift album?

    Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

    Considering we're still in the Tortured Poets Department era, we don't have any info on TS12 yet. But just like the shift from Midnights' 70s vibe to Taylor Swift's current Ralph Lauren-esque outfits signaled the beginning of TS11, any more aesthetic shakeups later this year or next year could signal a new era.

    This one Reddit theory suggests TS12 could have a golden theme based on Taylor's gold outfits, accessories, and nail polish. Considering two of my favorite Taylor Swift songs are "Daylight" and "Invisible String" (both of which talk about love being golden), I am more than okay with this theory ;).

    What is Taylor Swift's newest release?

    Image via UMG/Taylor Swift

    Taylor Swift's newest album after 1989 (Taylor's Version) is The Tortured Poets Department, which drops April 19, 2024. Based on the pattern of two re-recordings then one new album she's set up, it looks like we could get Reputation (Taylor's Version), Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version), and then TS12! But we know Taylor loves to shake things up, so she could totally pivot!

    What are the 4 unreleased Taylor songs?

    Image via Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

    The original edition of The Tortured Poets Department has four deluxe songs: "The Manuscript," "The Bolter," "The Albatross," and "The Black Dog."

    Do you think Taylor Swift has already planned the TS12 era? Do you think she's counting down to something bigger? Let us know on Facebook and check out The Taylor Swift Boyfriends You Love, And The Ones You Didn't Know She Dated for even more info on your favorite popstar.

    Lead image via YouTube/CBS/Paramount

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    15 Light Lunch Ideas For A Midday Pick-Me-Up

    Hearty dinner recipes are always going to be high on our list, but spring and summer tend to call for light lunch ideas to keep us energized and able to enjoy longer hours of sunshine everyday. I'll be the first to say that eating chicken pasta or pizza for lunch often makes me feel sluggish, so I try to stay away from them during the work day. Not only that, but I've noticed I feel better when I eat something that's a little fresher and healthier. If your summer plans include having as much energy as possible, here's 15 light lunch ideas to help you successfully get through your days!

    Light Lunch Ideas: Tasty Salads

    Chicken Tzatziki Avocado Salad

    Light lunch ideas don't have to be tasteless just because they don't cause you to feel sleepy in the middle of the day. One of the best ways to enjoy something tasty is to make a Mediterranean dish. This chicken tzatziki avocado salad is full of season, roasted chicken, feta, kale, and creamy tahini sauce. (via Half Baked Harvest)

    Roasted Golden Beet Salad with Farro

    This recipe had us at goat cheese! If you haven't had a chance to try it yet, this roasted golden beet salad with farro is a great way to introduce it to your palate. It also features shallots, thyme, and honey to balance out the crunch you'll get from the almonds! (via Brit + Co)

    Chicken Cobb Salad

    Add this chicken cobb salad your list of non-complicated light lunch ideas! It's full of tasty ingredients like avocados, cherry tomatoes, and eggs that'll hit the spot during lunchtime. (via Brit + Co)

    Strawberry and Asparagus Salad with Chicken

    Your salad needs an upgrade that involves lightweight fruit like strawberries. You can always exclude the chicken if you've been eating a meatless diet. (via Completely Delicious)

    Feta Green Goddess Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken

    We're not sure who made this rule but pasta salad just seems to be one of the light lunch ideas that works extremely well for summer. This recipe features a homemade green goddess dressing that lightly covers the delicious ingredients, making it one of our favorite meals. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

    Smashed Potato Spring Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing

    We love that this smashed potato spring salad can be eaten during summer. The Creamy lemon dressing complements the butter lettuce, asparagus, and green onions that you'll happily devour. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

    Simple Cold Pasta Salad

    Simple light lunch ideas are the stuff that our summer dreams are made of. After all, meals like this cold pasta salad are great alternatives if you're truly looking for something quick and lightweight. (via Barley and Sage)

    Summer Sesame Noodles

    Is it a salad or noodle dish? Maybe it's both! One thing we know is that you'll get a ton of healthy vegetables and noodles drizzled in a sauce that has sesame paste, vinegar, and more! (via Gastro Plant)

    Light Lunch Ideas: Creative Sandwiches, Tacos, and Wraps 

    Breakfast Bagel Sandwich with Smoked Salmon

    Skipped breakfast? It happens to the best of us! Make up for it during lunch with this breakfast bagel sandwich with smoked salmon. Our mouths are already craving the herbed cream cheese that's on it. (via Vikalinka)

    Smoked Turkey Sandwich with Spicy Mayo

    Craving a smoked turkey sandwich that has a kick to it? Make this dish for lunch, but don't forget to bring something soothing to drink that'll help counter the mayo's spiciness! (via The Original Dish)

    Tasty Tacos

    Tacos Rancheros

    This is technically another breakfast meal, but we like to think that some meals can double as light lunch ideas! This is a great option if you have to eat lunch early. (via Vanilla and Bean)

    Kale Chicken Caesar Wraps

    You've never had chicken caesar like this before. The dressing doesn't have a ton of calories so you'll get to eat something that's healthy and yummy! (via The Girl on Bloor)

    Light Lunch Ideas: Veggies

    Garlic Parmesan Zucchini

    Our mouths are watering looking at this garlic parmesan zucchini dish! The fresh garlic and parmesan make for a dish that's full of hearty flavors without making you feel sluggish. (via The Endless Meal)

    Mediterranean Sweet Potatoes

    Although these aren't considered sweet potato boats, you can think of them that way thanks to their shape. The spicy chickpeas in the center offset the sweetness of the sweet potatoes while the feta adds a lightweight flavor. (via Cozy Cravings)

    Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

    This roasted vegetable quinoa bowl is one of the best light lunch ideas we've come across and it's gluten-free! Not only does it feature sweet potatoes, but you'll also get to savor juicy yellow squash! (via Feel Good Foodie)

    Follow us on Pinterest for more light lunch ideas to cook this summer!

    Lead image via Vanilla and Bean

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    37 Mother's Day Gifts For Expecting Moms That'll Make Them Feel Appreciated

    Figuring out how to buy gifts for new moms that they actually like — and need — can feel hard. Should you go with the generic postpartum gifts or knock it out the park with something extravagant? These are extremely valid questions that will have different answers based on who you ask. But, the main person you should keep in mind is the mom you want to surprise. After all, entering motherhood for the first time can bring on a lot of emotions — just ask Ylleya Fields, mother of 6 and author of children’s book series, Princess Cupcake Jones.

    "The first couple of years [of motherhood] are not your own, especially when you have multiple children," Ylleya said. She also mentioned that postpartum depression is such a real thing that's not always fully understood until someone experiences it. Even if new moms don't experience it, she said, "Anyone can feel inadequate or have moments of sadness while going through it." It's something she felt with every child, but Ylleya and I both agree that these moments are temporary.

    That being said, she believes it's important for moms to receive gifts that will help them with their babies and self-care. Whether you're gifting a food delivery subscription or making sure baby can safely practice independent play, here are top 37 essential gifts for new moms!

    Gifts For New Expecting Moms

    Frida Mom Pregnancy Skincare Set

    Take it from a toddler mom — being gifted a skincare set is top tier. Sure things are shifting and stretching over a long period of time, so having items that prioritize a pregnant mom's skin is necessary.

    Urban Skin Rx Super C Body Bright Oil

    I can't speak for other moms, but I started developing body acne and more visible stretch marks when I was pregnant. I would've loved to use a body oil that's meant rejuvenate and refresh my skin. It also targets discoloration and premature aging of the skin, making it one of the perfect gifts for expecting moms.

    ESARORA Ice Roller

    Sometimes a puffy face during pregnancy is inevitable. It can be a little jarring for an expecting mom who's not used to it, so I recommend using an ice roller to help with any puffiness she may experience.

    Earth Mama A Little Something for Mama-to-Be Gift Set

    As much as it's important to make sure you growing baby is nourished and taken care of, mams deserve to pamper themselves too. Let this gift set serve as a little pick-me-up on the days where she feels drained by pregnancy.

    Boppy Multi-Use Total Body Pillow with Removable Pillow Cover

    "I used a Baby Bjorn pregnancy pillow during my pregnancies and feel like this is hands-down one of the most important gifts to give," Ylleya said.

    Michael Kors Extra-Large Pebbled Leather Reversible Tote Bag

    Although it's tempting to make sure a new mom has all the essentials she'll need in her hospital bag, don't forget to give her a 'just because' gift. Help her become comfortable with carrying tote bags by surprising her with Michael Kors' reversible design.

    Lila Maternity Labor & Postpartum Gown in Sage

    Gifts for expecting moms can be cute too! Although it may not matter to everyone, some moms would prefer to get out of their hospital gown after giving birth. This postpartum gown will be a real treat as mom recuperates from birthing her little one.

    Postpartum Gifts For New Moms

    Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Kit

    There are many recovery kits that moms should be gifted after giving birth, but I truly love that Frida mom has a c-section recovery kit. Not every mom experiences a vaginal birth, so this gift is a nice gesture to remind c-section mamas that their care is equally important.

    Frida Mom Postpartum Disposable Underwear

    Recovering from giving birth can get messy whether you've had a vaginal delivery or a C-section. One of the things that helped me tremendously during postpartum was investing in comfortable underwear things healed down there.

    Ingrid & Isabel Post Birth Gel Pack

    In addition to having postpartum underwear, moms who have recently given birth need something to help heal their perineal area. The unfortunate fact about vaginal births is that sometimes moms can experience perineal tearing so having something that helps soothe and heal that area makes a world of difference. Luckily Ingrid & Isabel offers a Post Birth Gel Pack that can help provide relief down there!

    Lansinoh Postpartum Essentials Recovery Bundle

    Go the extra mile and make sure the new mom in your life has access to as many healing postpartum products as possible! With Lansinoh's Postpartum Essentials Recovery Bundle, moms will have access to an upside down perineal bottle to help clean her tender areas during bathroom breaks, an herbal postpartum spray that soothes any aches she may be feeling down there, and two cooling packs for her to place in her postpartum underwear!

    Nurtured 9 The Peaceful Postpartum Gift Set

    Help the postpartum mom in your life ease into her new normal with this thoughtful gift set. She'll appreciate drinking tea that helps soothes her uterine cramps while wearing soft slippers.

    What's included:

    • Earth Mama Organic Periodic Tea
    • Blush Pink Slippers
    • Agni Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies for Postpartum
    • Nurtured 9 Bloom No. 2 Non-Toxic Candle
    • Nurtured 9 "Moment For Mama" Apothecary Matches

    Nurtured 9 The Soothing Recovery Postpartum Gift Box

    If you're truly in the giving mood, surprise a new mom with this soothing recovery postpartum gift box.

    What's included:

    • Nurtured 9 Maternity/Postpartum Pajama Set
    • Nurtured 9 Bloom No. 2 Non-Toxic Candle
    • Mother Mother Organic Postpartum Herbal Sitz Bath
    • The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother

    Untie The Bow Gifts Fall New Baby Gift Box

    This cute little gift box is a congratulatory set that includes items for baby and mom.

    Everyday Medical Store Post Surgery Abdominal Binder

    Ylleya said, "After carrying a baby for 10 months, the diastasis recti muscles aren't going to be the same. Having a belt that helps those muscles contract — especially if a new mom isn't breastfeeding [for whatever reason] — is something that's needed."

    Willow 360 Wearable Breast Pump

    If you know a new mom who interested in breastfeeding her newborn, take the pressure off her shoulders by giving her a hands-free breast pump system. It can be isolating to use one that has a bunch of wires, so be sure to add this to the top of your 'gifts for moms' list.

    Skims Maternity Nursing Sculpting Bra

    Don't forget to give the new mom in your life a nursing bra to go with her hands-free breast pump!

    Ode To Us Wellness French Terry Breastfeeding & Pumping Hoodie

    This breastfeeding and pumping hoodie is for all my cozy girls who love when fashion is combined with functionality. One of the best features are the dual zippers that'll make your nursing or pumping sessions super easy. If that's not enough to convince you, it also helps keep your temperature regulated.

    The Poppy Brand Crossbody Diaper Bag — Classic Black

    Carrying a huge diaper bag can be overwhelming for some moms, plus there's a chance she can get flustered when looking for her keys or wallet! Eliminate her stress by gifting her this compact and stylish crossbody diaper bag by The Poppy Brand. It has two zippered sections — one for her baby's essentials and one for anything she needs — to help her find what she needs when she's looking for it.

    It has features an elastic opening to store baby wipes and has a matching changing pad that can easily be folded to put back in the bag when she's not using it. Trust me, she'll love this gift!

    The Essentials Gift Set

    Made with no synthetic scents and organic ingredients, these bathing essentials are clean and refreshing for baby and their mamas. Enjoy the soothing scents of lavender and rosemary for a relaxing bath experience.

    Aura Cacia Shower Tablets - Refreshing Peppermint

    Chances are that a new mom won't be able to get to a spa, so bring it to her with these refreshing peppermint shower tablets.

    Farmacy Honey Milk Hydrating Essence

    Gifts for expecting moms should include something that's going to provide optimal hydrating for their skin. As their hormone levels balance out, they can experience dry and sensitive skin from head to toe. However, Farmacy's Honey Milk Hydrating Essence works to rebuild the skin's moisture balance with the aid of white honey, chamomile, and vitamin B5!

    NUDESTIX Peptide Body Creme

    This Peptide Body Creme is packed fulled of great ingredients like coconut oil and 3% AHA Complex to help repair a new moms skin while also moisturizing it. t's one of the most nourishing skincare gifts for expecting moms that just makes sense.

    Food-Related Gifts For Expecting Moms

    Hello Fresh Subscription

    This is self-explanatory, but the last thing a new mom will be thinking about is buying ingredients to cook a full-course meal. Gift her with a Hello Fresh subscription so figuring out what to cook doesn't feel like another chore.

    Stanley Cup The Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

    Whether she's breastfeeding or not, a new mom is going to be thirsty. Luckily, Stanley Cup has a 64 0z. tumbler that'll quench her thirst and then some.

    Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup

    And if she wasn't a big coffee drinker before, she'll likely need as much energy as she can get via coffee. Trust me — you can't go wrong with Keurig's single-serve coffee maker.

    Dunkin' French Vanilla Flavored Medium Roast Coffee Keurig K-Cup Pods

    Just don't forget to include a box of Keurig K-Cup Pods when you surprise her with a new coffee maker!

    Gifts For New Moms & Babies

    Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier

    If your new mom wants to do light housework without worrying about keeping an eye on her baby, she absolutely needs a baby carrier. "Baby carriers make things a little easier," said Ylleya.

    Nature Friends Baby Activity Chair

    Activity chairs are so adorable and will entertain a newborn like no one's business. Help the new mom in your life out by bringing this with you during your next house visit.

    Skip Hop x pbk Animal Friends Classic Activity Gym

    If a new mom isn't really keen on the idea of an activity chair, gift her this activity gym instead. It's one of those gifts for moms that'll help them encourage tummy time.

    Dreamland Baby Weighted Sleep Sack

    Weighted sleep sacks are a dream according to some moms I've talked to. It helps keep the baby safely in place while promoting a peaceful rest.

    MAM Matte Starter Set — Pacifiers & Baby Bottles (Set For Newborns)

    Whether a mom plans to breastfeed or not, having bottles nearby can be a big help for her. One of the brands that worked for my son was MAM because they have an anti-colic design that reduces the chance of newborns developing colic. The nipples on the bottles also have an anti-slip feature that ensures baby's milk will stay in their mouth instead of spilling down their chins.

    As a bonus, this gift set features three pacifiers for mom to keep handy in case she decides she wants to give one to her baby.

    HONEST Diaper Cake - Pandas, Deluxe

    I'm going to be candid — newborns go through a ton of diapers. This diaper cake by HONEST will be a blessing to a new mom for at least a month.

    Hatch Rest 2nd Gen

    Speaking of restful sleep, this dream machine is — wait for it — a dream for new moms. It helps baby get used to resting at night with soothing sounds that lull them to sleep.

    Nanit Baby Monitor with Camera

    Ylleya said, "I'm one of those moms who still has a baby monitor, especially for my younger kids. I like to see what's going on." To help ease any fears a new mom may have about letting their babies sleep in nurseries, bring this baby monitor with you if you plan on visiting after she's given birth.

    Pottery Barn Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner

    Recliners are essential for a new mom who will likely be up for late-night or early morning feedings. I spent countless hours in a rocking chair during the first few weeks after giving birth. It probably explains why my toddler prefers to be rocked to sleep now!

    Peg Perego Ypsi Stroller

    Gifts for expecting moms should benefit them as well as their little one like this Peg Perego stroller. It's designed to be easier to maneuver and collapse when not in use — two very important things that'll decrease a mom's stress! Also, the 360 degree wheels will help mom turn tight corners or simply walk through the grocery store without having to worry about the wheels locking while she's trying to pick up items.

    While you're at it, be sure to gift her Peg Perego's compatible baseless infant carseat!

    For the new moms who may be taking notes to share with their loved ones, Ylleya wants you to remember a few things. She said, "Don’t be hard on yourself if you're experiencing different emotions during postpartum. If you can, ask people to support you mentally or physically as you make the transition from being pregnant to caring for a child for the first time."

    By far, one of my favorite things she said during our conversation is, "Being a parent is a learn-as-you-go process. Even with being a mom of 6, I'm still learning and that's okay. You just have to trust yourself and the process."

    Which gifts for new moms are you thinking about adding to your holiday shopping budget? Let us know and sign up for our newsletter for more holiday gift guides!

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

    This post has been updated.

    Lead image via Nurtured 9.

    breastfeeding essentialsgifts for new momsnew mom essentialspostpartum giftsparentingmoms