It’s time for our favorite holiday that celebrates accordingly with chocolate, hearts and the color pink: Galentine's Day! The love between gal pals is undeniable and totally worth celebrating. During this stage of life that we so lovingly call “adulthood,” we rely on our girls to support us through our jobs, the modern and scary world of online dating and any and all quarter-life crises. Let’s face it: We love and need our girlfriends. That’s why a day like Galentine’s Day is quite possibly the best day of the year!
Today we’re teaming up with Studio Ink to show you how to host the most epic Galentine’s Day brunch. We’ve got everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine card writing stations. Studio Ink has an awesome collection of cards that are the perfect mix of sweet, sentimental, funny and cute. It’s not truly Galentine’s Day unless you send your besties Valentines… I mean, Galentines! Alright, let’s dive in.
What does Galentine mean?
Galentines are like Valentines, but for the girls! Though you may have a lover in your life, this holiday is all about celebrating your platonic friendships with your girl friends and just having fun with it! The holiday is slated for Feburary 13, the day before Valentine's Day, so you can have all the time to cherish your gal pals. Funnily enough, the day was coined by none other than the iconic Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation.
What food is eaten on Galentine's Day?
Your Galentine's Day grub is really up to you and the girls, but the most popular bites include dips and chips, stuffed peppers, veggie skewers, waffles, cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, deviled eggs, bruschettas and charcuterie snacks. Finger foods are always a good way to go for any gathering.
What do you bring to a Galentine's Day brunch?
For a Galentine's brunch, you can bring food items like cute snacks, desserts (topped with heart sprinkles, of course), healthy meals, drink mixers or mocktails. You can also bring handmade cards or gifts for each of your friends, and of course you have to bring your love!
The Spread
First, let’s talk about the food. It’s not brunch without a fabulous array of treats. For our Galentine’s Day brunch, the perfect setup includes: berry parfaits, donut skewers, mini muffins, bellinis and a red velvet waffle bar, displayed under a simple backdrop of letter balloons, paper hearts and tassels.
Decorate your table with a few gold bottles and single flower stems. You don’t want your table to be too cluttered, because you’ll want to also have space for all the card writing you’ll do!
Galentine’s Day Card Mailboxes
All your Galentine’s Day cards now have a home.
Add some stickers to your mailbox for extra cute flair. You can download these Studio Ink Galentine’s Day stickers here. Just print on sticker paper and cut them out!
You’ve got mail!
I see more mail in the future. <3
Check out how cute these cards are!
I don’t know about you… but all this card writing is getting me hungry. Which brings me to….
Galentine's Brunch Foods
These red velvet waffles were a hit when we tested the recipe at the Brit + Co kitchen, and they certainly will be a hit on your Galentine’s Day brunch table.
Red Velvet Heart Waffles With Cream Cheese Glaze
Make these waffles with your favorite mix or from your go-to cookbook. Place the waffles on a platter along with the glaze and other toppings. We’re using heart-shaped sprinkles, obviously.
Drizzle the glaze on your waffles with a spoon or with a pitcher. No matter how you do that drizz, your waffles will be delicious!
Mmm, delightful!
Okay, I already know I want seconds. What better way to wash down your second (and maybe third) helping of waffles than with a bellini? Check out this downloadable signature recipe here!
Brunch babes!
Check out our email newsletter for more Galentine's Day ideas!
This post has been updated.
Challengers is honestly just one giant tennis match. While we watch Zendaya's Tashi, Mike Faist's Art, and Josh O'Connor's Patrick play the game in a literal sense, we also see their personal relationship spiral, ricocheting back and forth as each character plays a different role every couple of years. And the crazy Challengers ending is a culmination of this intense emotional journey because it solidifies Patrick, Tashi, and Art's relationship — both to one another, but also to tennis itself.
What did the ending of The Challengers mean?
Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios
There is a lot of tension between Tashi, Art, and Patrick throughout the movie, and it all builds to the titular Challenger match. It's Art vs. Patrick, and they're playing for way more than just the title and the money (though of course, they're definitely playing for the title and the money) — this is one final chance to prove themselves to Tashi, who's sitting court-side looking very unimpressed.
Both men lose their cool during different sets, but it's in the third and final set that everything comes to a head. At the end of the match, Patrick confesses to sleeping with Tashi using a tennis ball and racket signal only Art recognizes. For a split second Art is is complete shock, and I expected him to completely lose it. And, technically, he does, but in a totally unexpected way. Rather than jump the net and punch Patrick in the face, Art channels his emotions into his tennis, and the fury he feels actually allows him break through whatever slump he's been stuck in.
Unable to have a conversation about Patrick's secret, Art and Patrick talk with their serves and returns. And because Tashi doesn't catch the signal, for the first time in the whole movie, she's cut out of the conversation.
Did Tashi love Art and Patrick?
Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios
Tashi's been pulling the strings ever since she met Art and Patrick, and she's never not been in control. After Patrick sends the signal, she knows something is going on between them, she just doesn't know what — and it unnerves her. Thanks to Zendaya's expert subtlety, the twitch of her eyebrow or the particularly anxious way she grips her hands are the only things that give her away. But her confusion, and the men's anger, quickly turn to pure joy in the final moments of the movie.
Patrick and Art end up playing so intensely that they meet at the net and embrace, prompting Tashi's iconic tennis yell before she gives one of her first genuine laughs of the film and the screen cuts to black. The first time I saw the movie, I thought "What?!" but the more I think about it, the clearer the Challengers ending is.
Patrick and Art (whose relationship begins six or seven years before the movie opens) haven't spoken since the big fight surrounding Tashi's injury, and their hug proves they're just happy to be playing together again. It's what they've always loved, and their fight over Tashi almost ended it forever. Tashi's pure elation shows she's happy to watch some good tennis, especially after she failed to help Art break out of his rut.
We've only seen Tashi scream like that once before, when she admits to a perfect tennis match. While Tashi does care for Patrick and Art, the end of Challengers proves the characters' true love was never really each other — it was always the game.
What did you think of the Challengers ending? After you rewatch the movie (and then rewatch it again), check out the other Most-Anticipated Spring Movies For 2024.
Lead image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios
In honor of International Women's Day (and month!), we're finding ways to celebrate and inspire all of the leading ladies in our life. That's why we've teamed up with Cambria Estate Winery, a female-led and operated winery leading the way toward empowering women in their industry. From sparking meaningful conversation to serving an amazing bottle of wine, we'll help you prep for hosting an outdoor get-together, in-person soirée, or Zoom call that will leave everyone feeling confident, energized, and empowered. Ready?
Celebrate International Women's Day With These Fun Ideas
Tip 1: Build a group playlist of your all-time favorite feminist anthems.
Good tunes can make or break the mood of a get-together, but there's no need to play DJ all night. The best hosts do a little work up front to make sure they can join in once the good conversation starts! Before you Zoom or have a few pod friends over, set up a shared playlist and ask each of your attendees to add their go-to empowering female artists to the musical line-up. You'll end the night with the knowledge of new songs and feel accomplished knowing that you all contributed to the party. Here's our Female Empowerment Playlist to get the evening started.
Tip 2: Invite everyone to bring a book that has impacted their year and inspired them to take action. Share + swap for good measure.
With 2023 in full swing, everyone is already itching to see what the year has in store. Your best gals have amazing taste and will know just what to recommend to motivate one another to make a difference. Allow each friend a moment to share about their newest book and make the trades. Bonus points if you have a take-home goodie to give, like this mouth-watering english toffee!
Tip 3: Treat your ladies to a bottle from a female-operated winery.
Everybody knows that the best conversations happen over a nice bottle of wine. This get-together is no exception. You'll want to stock up on our go-tos: Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir and Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay. Don't forget to mention to your pals that by sipping, they're also supporting a winery that recognizes and inspires female leaders. Unlike many others in the industry, Cambria Winery is women-owned and operated from top to bottom! Sounds like a win-win.
Tip 4: Serving a Pinot Noir? Pair it with a simple chicken recipe, like this Cheesy Mustard Chicken.
The hearty flavor of the chicken will pair well with the flavor notes in a red wine, like Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir. See the full recipe in our chicken breast recipe roundup and get ready to impress your guests!
Tip 5: For a Chardonnay, whip up some smoked salmon deviled eggs.
These picnic apps are a modern twist on a classic recipe (move over, paprika!) and will complement a tropically lush white wine, like Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay. You'll score extra kudos for serving a dish that is low-carb too! Get the full recipe here.
Tip 6: Use ice breakers that will prompt purposeful discussion.
When you’re surrounded by smart and interesting women, there’s no need to default to chit-chat about the weather.Help your guests skip the small talk in favor of some more stimulating dialogue by posing a few conversation starters throughout the evening:
What women inspire you and why?
What qualities make a great female leader?
How are we teaching the young girls in our lives to be strong women?
How do you want to make an impact this year?
Leave room to hear each unique perspective by separating into smaller conversations or going around the room in a group setting.
Tip 7: Most importantly: Remind your pals why you value their friendship and take time to encourage them.
Use the evening as an opportunity to lift up the women in your life for their strengths and courage. After all, your ultimate goal for the night is that everyone will leave feeling appreciated and inspired to continue to grow and lead!
Will you host an outdoor get-together or Zoom for your fave ladies? Share your International Women's Day plans with us on Twitter by tagging @BritandCo and @CambriaWines.
(Photos via Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co)
This post has been updated from a previous post.
While it's always nice to see something realistic represented in our favorite TV shows, there are few things more painful than watching a TV breakup. Even when we don't actually know fictional characters IRL, it's absolutely devastating to see them break each other's hearts. (Although, it's equally as bad as never seeing your favorite prospective couple get together — I will never forgive The 100 for what they did to Clarke and Bellamy!!).
Keep reading to see some of our most heartbreaking splits — and then check outWhat Being Team Conrad Or Jeremiah Says About Your Dream TV Boyfriendto put a smile back on your face.
Image via NBC
Ross and Rachel from Friends
Friends is one of the most iconic sitcoms of all times, and Ross and Rachel is definitely one of the most devastating TV breakups. In season 3, this iconic couple decides to take a break in and in "The One with the Morning After," Ross wakes up with another woman named Chloe at the exact moment Rachel shows up at his door. Rachel finds out about the affair, and after a fight in Monica's living room, the couple calls it quits.
Regardless of how you feel about Ross claiming they "were on a break" when he slept with Chloe, seeing Rachel's reaction (and knowing the trust between them was broken) is one of the worst moments in the whole show. Just thinking about it makes my stomach bottom out!
Image via The CW/WB
Rory and Jess from Gilmore Girls
This is one of my personal most-devastating TV breakups because it seems like, out of all of Rory's boyfriends, Rory and Jess are just perfect for each other when they start dating. Not only does their love of books bring them closer together, but their personalities are so compatible. But when Jess leaves for California at the end of season 3 — without saying anything to Rory, I might add — is unacceptable! It breaks my heart, and based on the final look he gives Rory during A Year in the Life, he also regrets it BIG TIME.
Image via The CW/WB
Damon and Elena from The Vampire Diaries
This Vampire Diaries couple was truly endgame, and the will-they-won't-they of it all was one of my favorite things about the show. So when they broke up (to my horror), I was devastated.
Damon and Elena admit they're bad for each other in the season 5 episode "While You Were Sleeping" (then Damon tells her he doesn't even want to be friends. Ouch!!), but it's the season finale, "Home," that makes me extra emotional. When Damon gets stuck with Bonnie on the Other Side, he says goodbye to Elena, who's begging him not to leave but can neither see nor hear him. Say it with me: gut! wrenching!
Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video
Conrad and Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty
The Summer I Turned Pretty fans are PASSIONATE about whether they're team Conrad or team Jeremiah (trick question, my OTP is Taylor and Stephen), and even the most dedicated Conrad stan hates the prom scene. You know, when he breaks up with Belly at her prom, in the rain. I know he just thinks Belly deserves better, but it's still very painful to watch.
Image via FOX
Schmidt and Cece from New Girl
When I hear "devastating TV breakup" I IMMEDIATELY think of Schmidt and Cece from New Girl. Schmidt gets away with a lot of ridiculous things throughout this show, but dating two girls at one time is not one of them. After Nick has a hard time keeping Schmidt's love life a secret, Schmidt finally comes clean to Cece in "Double Date," leaving both her and me in tears. No matter how many times you rewatch the show, it truly feels like their relationship (and maybe even the friend group) will never recover.
Image via BBC/Prime Video
Fleabag and The Priest on Fleabag
In the history of TV, I don't think I've ever heard anything as heartbreaking as "I love you," "It'll pass." Like, who approved that line?! The viral moment comes at the end of the Fleabag series finale, when Fleabag is sitting with The Priest at the bus stop. Over the course of the series, we not only see how much these two care about each other, but how well they know each other (like how The Priest recognizes when Fleabag zones out). To be loved is to be known, and that's what makes this devastating TV breakup even more devastating.
Image via HBO
Carrie and Aidan on Sex and the City
After so much back and forth, it's hard to accept Carrie and Aidan's final breakup on SATC. But in season 4's "Change of a Dress," Carrie realizes she's not ready for marriage and Aidan realizes he doesn't trust her after her affair with Big. The combo of broken trust and being at two different life stages makes this extra painful to watch, and I don't think any amount of rewatches (or And Just Like That binges) is going to change that.
What's YOUR most devastating TV breakup? Let us know on Facebook!
Lead image via The CW/The WB
Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris caused quite a stir at Elton John's Oscars afterparty, but for good reason! After dodging dating rumors for quite awhile, they dressed to impress and made their first public debut as a couple! Sophia even wore her best accessory — a mega-watt smile — that further confirms this blissful pair.
While some people love to know whencelebrity couples fell in love, the details about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris' relationship have people wondering when this couple actually got together. Well, our wait is over because Sophia decided to open about what led to her romance with Ashlyn Harris and why certain rumors hold no merit!
Since we're clearly tuned in to this love story, here's everything you need to know about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris's relationship!
Who is Sophia Bush?
Image via Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
Sophia Bush has had a lengthy career as an actress, and she's most recognized for her portrayal of Brooke Davis in the hit TV series One Tree Hill. She's also appeared in Nip/Tuck, Chicago Fire, Incredibles 2, and John Tucker Must Die. When she's not showing off her acting chops, she hosts the Drama Queens podcast alongside former One Tree Hill castmates Hilarie Burton and Bethany Joy Lenz!
Who is Ashlyn Harris?
Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for W Magazine
Ashlyn Harris is a former U.S. soccer player who had a successful run — no pun intended — as a goalkeeper during the career. She also won the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada and continued making an impressionable mark. However, she announced her retirementin 2022 and — per her Instagrampage — has gone on to become the Global Creative Advisor for Gotham FC and Adidas Football.
When did the dating rumors about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris start?
Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images and Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
June 2023
Rumors about a possible connection between Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris swirled last summer when Cosmopolitanreported they were on a panel at Cannes Lion International Festival of Creativity. Sophia shared a pic of the two at the festival on Instagramand wrote, "Love you @ashlynharris24 and @sophieannkelly" towards the end of her caption.
A source told Page Six, "It’s very new...They are definitely a couple.” But, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris didn't confirm or deny anything at that time.
When did Sophia Bush file for divorce from Grant Hughes?
Image via Leigh Vogel/Getty Images
August 2023
A couple of months after Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris were seen getting cozy together, Sophia filed for divorce from her former husband Grant Hughes. Peopleshared that they were only married for a little over a year — 13 months — but didn't end on a bad terms. A source then told Entertainment Tonight, "Grant and Sophia are better off as friends and they weren’t getting enough time with each other before their breakup."
When did Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger file for divorce?
Image via Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
October 2023
While things seemed to quiet down, Ashlyn Harris soon filed for divorce from Ali Krieger after getting married towards the end of 2019. What's interesting is that a source told Peoplethis decision wasn't surprising. "Although it’s new information to the public, Ashlyn and Ali’s divorce began months ago and they have been living apart since the summer,” the source said.
This is also around the time it was speculated Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris had their first official date. A rep told People, "Grant will always want the best for Sophia, and is supportive of all that makes her happy and fulfilled." We guess it helps he and Sophia had a solid friendship before getting married!
As for Ali Krieger, she basically let the world know things were business as usual with an Instagrampost. She captioned a pic of her playing soccer with, "Preparing for playoffs while in my Beyoncé lemonade era." A comment from user @lgbtlfg said, "the fact that a lot of players in these comment’s usually mind their business and stay out of drama but are supporting ali should tell everyone all they need to know."
The only thing Ashlyn said about it on Instagramis that she never intended for her and Ali's divorce to be made a public matter. A portion of her note says, "This process is never easy, but we were making our way through."
Have Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris publicly talked about their relationship?
Image via Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Tequila Don Julio
March 2024
Besides showing up to Elton John's Oscars afterparty together, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris were previously tight-lipped about their relationship. The only hint Sophia offered was much more of a reflective post about 2023 on Instagramat the beginning of January. She said, "This year taught me to listen to myself and no one else. To let go of expectation that wounds and grasp possibility that frees. To not care about optics and instead invest in honesty."
But, she's since chosen to own where she is in life.
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
Sophia Bush on the cover of Glamour Magazine
April 2024
Sophia Bush has now reached a point where she's publicly ready to stand in her truth regarding her life and her relationship status so much that she penned her own cover story for Glamour. The first thing she did was open up about how she really felt about her marriage and fertility struggles.
She wrote, "But after the wedding I found myself in the depths and heartbreak of the fertility process, which was the most clarifying experience of my life. It feels like society is finally making space for brutally honest conversations about how hard and painful any fertility journey is, but I kept mine private. I was trying to get through months of endless ultrasounds, hormone shots, so many blood draws that I have scar tissue in my veins, and retrieval after retrieval, while simultaneously realizing the person I had chosen to be my partner didn’t necessarily speak the same emotional language I did.”
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
As far as her relationship with Ashlyn Harris is concerned, the star is enjoying the love that exists between them. Contrary to alleged rumors, their initial relationship was a platonic one that stemmed from a place of understanding and support.
She told Glamour,“I didn’t expect to find love in this support system. I don’t know how else to say it other than: I didn’t see it until I saw it. And I think it’s very easy not to see something that’s been in front of your face for a long time when you’d never looked at it as an option and you had never been looked at as an option. What I saw was a friend with her big, happy life. And now I know she thought the same thing about me.”
She also added, "A lot of effort was made to be graceful with other people’s processing, their time and obligations, and their feelings. What felt like seconds after I started to see what was in front of me, the online rumor mill began to spit in the ugliest ways. There were blatant lies. Violent threats. There were the accusations of being a home-wrecker. The ones who said I’d left my ex because I suddenly realized I wanted to be with women—my partners have known what I’m into for as long as I have (so that’s not it, y’all, sorry!).”
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
It's safe to say that Sophia Bush is thoroughly comfortable with her love life and identity as a queer woman. She said, "I’ve experienced so much safety, respect, and love in the queer community, as an ally all of my life, that, as I came into myself, I already felt it was my home. I think I’ve always known that my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the word that best defines it is queer. I can’t say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great.”
And this is what it looks like to reclaim your narrative when so many people are looking at a brief glimpse of the lives of celebrities. We love that Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris are loving each other on their terms without feeling pressured to share anything before they were ready to. Our hope is that their love story continues to unfold beautifully.
Be sure to watch Sophia Bush's interview with Glamour's Editor-in-Chief Samantha Barry here!
Full Credits From Glamour Magazine:
Writer: Sophia Bush
Photographer: Lauren Dukoff
Stylist: Deborah Afshani
Hair: Matthew Collins
Makeup: Afton Williams
Manicure: Brittney Boyce
Have Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris made their official red carpet debut?
Image via Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Kimball Stroud & Associates
April 27, 2024
Per Glamour, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn made their official red carpet debut as a couple on Friday. They attended the White House Correspondent's dinner where they were dressed to impress in complementing black ensembles.
It's easy to see the glowing couple couldn't stop laughing and smiling as they posed for pictures that seemed to capture every good angle of their faces and style.
Image via Paul Morigi/Getty Images
After the dinner, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris posed for more pictures on the red carpet leading to the Correspondent's after-party. Now that we're able to see their full faces, we have to talk about how well their hair and makeup complements their outfits. It's clear that Ashlyn's contour and bronzer were expertly applied to her face while Sophia's blush gave her a natural flush.
*Sigh* Their smiles are the only confirmation we need that they're enjoying the bliss of being a couple.
Follow us on Facebookfor more entertainment news!
This article has been updated.
Lead image via Paul Morigi/Getty Images