ICYMI: Get a Free E-Class When You Pre-Order Our Book, Homemakers!

Jan 28, 2015

For serz! But this super sweet deal is only good through January 31. What? Yes. So you need to get on it! Not only will you be one of the first people you know with our book, Homemakers, hanging out stylishly on your coffee table, but you get a free e-class so you can start learning new things right this minute.

You can pre-order Homemakers through the online retailer of your choice, and then just like that you’ll get a FREE e-class of your choice! With 10 classes to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find a class that you love and you’ll come out of it with a brand new DIY skill. How sweet is that?

Getting your free e-class is simple. Once you complete your pre-order purchase, send your proof of purchase via email to homemakers@brit.co.

Then, we’ll send you a unique code and instructions on how to redeem your free e-class. That resolution to make more things? With one of our e-classes, it will be oh-so-much closer to being one you can check off the list!

Oh, and if you need a refresher on what this book is about, read on:

The rules of homemaking have radically changed. Today’s generation is digitally connected 24/7 and often more focused on climbing the career ladder at the office than the stepladder at home.

But the home “maker” evolution has just begun. Thanks to advances in technology, tomorrow’s men and women will find themselves using new gadgets and apps to cook, clean, decorate and even manufacture everything from decor to clothing, from right inside their homes.

In Homemakers, Brit Morin, founder of the wildly popular lifestyle brand, app, and website Brit + Co, reimagines homemaking for the twenty-first century, making it as simple as possible to go from amateur to pro with easy charts, tips, recipes, DIY projects and tech shortcuts. Simple, beautiful and stylish, it offers the digital generation a wealth of innovative ideas and how-tos for a more creative life.

Pre-order Homemakers ASAP, and don’t forget to redeem your free e-class… while supplies last.

Happy [home]making!

The Ultimate Guide to Roasting Veggies

In our new food series Foodie Fundamentals, we walk you through the basics on kitchen essentials like how to fry an egg and roast veggies in a snap.

Never sure how long to roast your veggies? Tend to toss everything together and then get frustrated when your broccoli and asparagus are all mushy and your potatoes are barely cooked? Same. Helpful gals that we are, we created a printable guide to make all of your roasted veggie dreams come true.

Inspired by a chart from our book Homemakers, this guide to roasting veggies is not only handy but also happens to be printable. With our printable templates, you can create wall art and a tea towel. Follow the easy steps below to see how to turn this guide into two perfect pieces of kitchen decor.

Veggie Roasting Guide

veggie roasting guide printable: 11 x 17-inch or 8 1/2 x 11-inch
frame
tea towel
iron-on photo transfer paper

Equipment:

iron

Directions:

1. For the wall art option, print out our 11 x 17-inch printable on high-quality paper. To add color, we layered a piece of patterned yellow fabric underneath our printed guide and framed it right up.

2. For the tea towel option, print out our 8 1/2 x 11-inch printable on iron-on transfer paper. Use an iron to iron it onto a white linen kitchen towel.

Find more easy recipes by following Brit + Co on Pinterest.

(Photos and illustrations via Brit + Co)

Stop Throwing Away Overripe Bananas! Make These 6 Delicious Recipes Instead

Nothing's more irritating than having to throw out fresh fruit you just bought because it either ripened too fast or was already festering with mold. And what food is the biggest culprit? Usually, it’s bananas. Unless you're fitting bananas in your everyday meal routine, it’s difficult to keep up with how quickly they brown (which can be anywhere from 24 hours to five days, depending on how green they were at the store when you grabbed them).

The good news is that there’s actually a lot you can do with overripe bananas. We turned to chefs for top tips (both creative and delicious) that will prevent you from throwing speckled bananas in the trash!

What To Do With Overripe Bananas

Image via Butternut Bakery

Banana Bread, Obviously

One of the most widespread baking recipes to make with overripe bananas is banana bread. Why? Because it’s simple, delicious, and an automatic crowd-pleaser. Check out our one bowl gluten-free banana bread recipe, our chocolate banana pumpkin bread, or these 40 recipes of banana bread that you need to make this weekend (the options are endless!).

(Writer’s note: My go-to recipe is the chocolate chip banana bread from Butternut Bakery — but I use dark chocolate chips instead!)

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Freeze Them For Your Smoothies

When in doubt, put your overripe bananas in the freezer. Then you’ll at least have time to think on what to do with them—and you can throw them in your morning smoothies. Bananas last up to three months in the freezer ideally, and pair well with a variety of different flavor profiles, like caramel, blueberry, chocolate, or orange.

This strawberry-banana colada smoothie from Half Baked Harvest may just be your new fav, or the cloudy summer smoothie which doubles as an Erewhon smoothie dupe. Chef Chris Morgan of Joon restaurant in Washington D.C. advises using overripe bananas and other raw fruits for your children at home (he makes little smoothies for his 7-month old baby—pure genius!).

Image via Food Faith Fitness

Make Banana Cookies

Substitute the flour for bananas in your baking with some tasty cookie options. The plus side of banana cookies is that they are often automatically gluten-free and can easily become dairy-free (but always check first!). These easy peanut banana oatmeal cookies from Food Faith Fitness are a great option. If you’re looking to ditch the peanut butter, try out these 4-ingredient banana oat cookies from Livvin Media.

Image via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Ice Cream, Anyone?

There is nothing better than sorbet or ice cream in the summer months. All you really need is frozen ripe bananas, any other frozen fruit you prefer, milk (whichever kind you enjoy— almond, oat, etc.) and some sweeteners like honey or vanilla extract. To fit your health goals, you can even throw in protein powder. This strawberry nice cream from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog only has five ingredients!

Image via Butternut Bakery

Upgrade Your Breakfast

Pancakes, overnight oats, and muffins are all incredibly tasty options to use up those ripe bananas and upgrade your breakfast game. Try Butternut Bakery’sbanana nut muffins for a quick snack or these healthy chia banana pancakes from Half Baked Harvest for a savory morning bite. You can also sift through Brit + Co’s 17 overnight oats recipes — keep in mind that overnight oats only last a few days in the fridge, though!

Photo by Anna Tarazevich/PEXELS

Make Dog Treats

Don’t leave out your furry friends— they love bananas too! Making long-lasting dog treats “relieves the pressure on the idea of food waste, plus there is a bonus that your pets are spoiled, happy, and nutritiously rewarded,” says pastry chef Susan Bae of the critically-acclaimed restaurant, Moon Rabbit in Washington D.C. Check out her go-to dog treat recipe below:

Chef Susan Bae’s Dog Treat Recipe:

250g organic whole wheat flour

240g organic peanut butter

70g organic, unsweetened apple sauce

56g mashed overripe banana

113g organic plain bone broth

25g organic shredded cheddar cheese

25g freeze dried blueberries

Preheat oven to 350F.

1.) Mix to combine whole wheat flour, peanut butter, apple sauce, bone broth and banana. Until a dough is lightly formed.

2.) Fold in shredded cheese and dried blueberries to evenly distribute in dough.

3.) Roll dough out to 1/4” thickness and use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out treats.

4.) Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and bake dog treats until firm and dry to touch (this varies with each oven) Check at 45 minutes.

5.) Store at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container or in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Need more recipe inspo? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter for even more!

Header image via Half Baked Harvest

food recipe roundup food hacks recipe ideas Recipes

30 Home Decor Items You Need Before You’re 30

When making the transition from dorm decor to an adult abode, you ought to have a grown-up aesthetic to go with it. But figuring out what you need when you’ve been living off of ramen and solo cups can be quite the struggle. Rather than guess your way to sophisticated style, let our decor finds be your guiding light. From bookshelves to bar carts, these home style solutions are everything you need to take adulthood by storm.

1. A Well-Stocked Bar Cart: You’re not a college drinker anymore. No, no. Now you’re a sophisticated adult(!), and there’s nothing like a beautiful bar cart to show just how good at being a grown up you’ve become. (via Gingersnaps)

2. Organized Bookshelves: A carefully curated bookshelf is an understated decor essential that can round out a room gorgeously. Plus, everyone will know how well-read and knowledgeable you are, without you having to say a word. (via The Fashion Eaters)

3. Candles: Candles are an easy accessory you can mix, match and change up on a whim. And in addition to looking and smelling nice, they’re awesome vibe-makers for a night in. Pick up this Paddywax Small Concrete Candle ($14) to really take your decor to the next level.

4. A Carafe: Otherwise known as a fancy pitcher, a carafe looks great in all its practical utility. Impress your friends with your grown-up hosting skills by busting out one of these at your next dinner party. (via Tasty Yummies)

5. Champagne Glasses: Every celebration is better with Champagne. So step up your celebration game with a matching set of Champagne glasses and toast to adulthood! You earned it. (via Brit + Co)

6. Coasters: The last thing you want to do is mess up your furniture with all that celebrating. Protect your tables in style with a nice set of matching coasters. (via Brit + Co)

View this post on Instagram
My DIY #ikeahack is finished! I love the designer coffee tables but I hate the price! I decided to purchase the @ikeausa Vittsjö nesting table for $59.99 and I spray painted it gold. Then I replaced the bottom shelf which was wood with a glass insert that cost $40.00 😍 The whole project cost me $103.72 and now I have a beautiful coffee table for half the price👌
A post shared by J A C L Y N (@jaclynmari_) on May 23, 2015 at 11:54am PDT

7. A Beautifully Styled Coffee Table: The coffee table is the centerpiece of most living rooms, so you want yours to shine. Style it with books and fresh flowers to create a sophisticated yet homey vibe.

8. Stylish Curtains: If you’ve been staring at the blinds that came with your apartment, it’s time for a change. This gorgeous set of Anthropologie Keila Curtains ($68+) will lighten up your space while punctuating your aesthetic.

9. Dining Area: You don’t need to give up meals in front of Netflix, but you can still pretend you do. A separate dining area, even if your space is small, will give your place a more layered, well-rounded look. (via Becki Owens)

10. A Statement Chair: If you plan on having anyone over at any point for any reason, extra seating is a must. The Urban Outfitters Andy Shaggy Chair ($498) is just what you need to leave your cramped dorm days behind you. Now your guests’ can luxuriate on some comfortable seats.

11. Fresh Flowers: Fresh flowers are among the easiest and best decor accents out there. Just make sure you have a proper vase to display your bouquet the way it deserves. (via 100 Layer Cake-let)

12. YA Curated Gallery Wall: Put your favorite prints, posters and photos in frames for a polished appearance with a ton of design possibilities. A gallery wall is a wonderful way to spice up a blank space. (via Brika)

13. Headboard: Few pleasures rival curling up after a long day in a beautiful bed. Take your mattress off the floor and cop a stylish headboard like the grown up that you are. (via Lindsay Marcella)

14. Jewelry Storage: Ever wanted to pull your hair out after trying to detangle a ball of necklaces? Put those troubles behind you for good with an equally stylish and practical jewelry organizer. Pick up this Urban Outfitters Sawyer Marble Jewelry Stand ($39) to start that organized life.

15. Area Rug: Now that you’re older, you know how to keep things nice… right? That means it’s time to invest in an area rug. Take off your shoes and step onto the next chapter of your life. (via Domino)

16. DIY Storage Jars: Putting essential food items in canisters is a small chore that makes a big difference. The more designated places you have to put things, the less chaos you’ll have in your space (and your brain). (via The Lovely Drawer)

17. Light Fixtures: Get rid of the decades-old light fixture that came with your apartment and replace it with a dazzling fixture or modern chandelier. The transformative powers a nice pendant light brings are very, very real. (via Apartment Therapy)

18. Statement Mirrors: Copping a nice wall mirror or two will make any room look larger while adding depth to your design. The Urban Outfitters Avery Circle Mirror ($19+) is a simple and easy way to dress up a wall that could use a little more lovin’.

19. DIY Modern Planter Upgrades: It’s time, friends. It’s time to breathe new life into your space with indoor plants. You won’t kill them this time because you’re an adult now,remember? You got this. (via In Honor of Design)

20. A Nice Set of Sheets: Quality linen sheets are one of life’s little luxuries. Don’t deprive yourself of it by hanging onto the cheap stuff you used in college. Check out the Linen Tales USA Ashes of Roses Linen Bed Set ($225) and get ready for the best (and prettiest) sleep of your life.

21. A Non-IKEA Couch: Futon, be gone! An investment in a quality comfortable couch is an investment in your future. Case in point? This Urban Outfitters Spencer Microfiber Sofa ($1,098).

22. A Legit Shower Curtain: If you’re still workin’ with an old plastic curtain, change it up. This Intelligent Design Nadia Shower Curtain ($66) will help you get fresh in style.

23. A Real Soap Dispenser: A soap dispenser is an effortless, economical decor touch that can improve the look of your bathroom exponentially. In other words, go get you one. This Urban Outfitters Lily Soap Dispenser ($24) is a good place to start.

24. Statement Art: A nice piece of statement art is the gift that keeps on giving. Leave the generic prints and posters behind with your college self and indulge in something a little more fancy, like this Kimberley Dhollander Dreamy Houses Print ($19-$399).

25. DIY Rope Basket: Adequate storage is the unsung hero of a sophisticated abode. Storage baskets come in a wide range of clever designs and make cleaning up and decluttering a cinch. (via iheartorganizing)

26. Storage Boxes: Storage baskets are great for blankets and throws, and storage boxes are great for everything else. Clean up chaos in any corner with a pretty Kate Spade Storage Box Set ($54).

27. Matching Plate Set: As you get older, more and more blow-out bashes become sit-down dinner parties. And a dinner party without matching dishes is like a frat party without solo cups. This Macy’s Le Creuset ($330, 16-piece set) set is serious #entertaining goals.

28. Quality Throw Blankets: A nice throw blanket offers cozy comfort at the same time as it provides aesthetic warmth. And with so many different textures, styles and colors to choose from, there’s a perfect one — like this Urban Outfitters Faux Lamb Throw Blanket ($179) — waiting to call your place home, no matter your style sensibility.

29. Throw Pillows: If you’re going to invest in a quality couch and a quality blanket, you need to have quality throws to go with ’em. It’s the rule. (via The Everygirl)

30. Pretty Towels: Drying your hair with an old beach towel? Have a hodge-podge of different towels of unknown origin? Pitch ’em and put a nice clean set of matching towels in their place. It’s the mature thing to do. Check out the Anthropologie Drye Hunee Towel ($78) to get started.

Looking for more ways to step up your adult game? Follow us on Pinterest!

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

Home Decor Homemakers NSFW Adulting

Run A Business In California? This Free Loan Tool Can Help You Grow

CA Small Business Loan Match

business loans

Are you a small business owner looking for a good loan to grow your business? California Small Business Loan Match makes it easier to find the right loan for you. Loan Match pre-vets mission-driven lenders and matches you with the best lender for your business, at no-cost. Get started in less than 10 minutes with a brief pre-application and no credit check required!

Loan Match is powered by IBank, a state government agency that helps to promote healthier economies and improve quality of life in California communities. All lenders are enrolled in IBank’s Loan Guarantee Program, which helps bridge the gap between responsible lenders and small businesses.

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Wondering if you're eligible? Any business operating in the state of California, with 1 to 750 employees, is eligible. You just need to be a business entity (Sole Proprietor, LLC, Cooperative, Corporation, Partnership, S-Corporation, or Not-For-Profit), and operate in an eligible industry according to the 2022 NAICS codes (read: a legit business).

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Fill out a short pre-application questionnaire that takes just minutes to complete. No credit check required!

Step 2: Based on your eligibility, they’ll match you with lenders who fit your needs.

Step 3: Review details about each lender, select the one you like, and they’ll connect you with them.

Step 4: The lender will reach out within three business days to complete the application process. (You’ll also get their contact info so you can follow up directly.)

Most California Small Business Loan Match lenders are certified as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which means they offer competitive rates but specialize in helping borrowers who don’t meet the rigid lending criteria of traditional banks — for example, small businesses that have a lower credit score, a prior defaulted loan, or no up-front collateral. CDFIs specialize in helping people in lower-income communities too, and offer a much more flexible and affordable repayment plan than online lenders or Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) loans.

Check them out to help you grow your business, meeting our mission to help you succeed! Good luck!

Hero photo by Amina Filkins

business owner california california small business career free loan tool ibank loan match small business small business advice small business loan small business owner small business tips sponsored trusted loans business

TaylorNation Reportedly Says “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” Could Drop Next Week

I am the opposite of a casual Reputation fan. Four of my five most-listened-to songs on Spotify are from the 2017 album, I wore a Rep-inspired outfit to my Eras Tour show, and I am constantly analyzing (and talking about) its symbolism. I stand by the fact that this album, as misunderstood as it is, is actually the key to understanding Taylor Swift herself, which is why its rerelease is the one I've been most looking forward to. With TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit, it feels like there's a new theory every day about when we'll get Reputation (Taylor's Version), but I'm pretty sure Taylor's been telling us the announcement date the whole time.

When is Taylor Swift releasing Reputation (Taylor's Version)?

Image via Source Pictures & Taylor Swift Productions

The cappuccino Easter egg from the "Karma" music video.

We don't have an official Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date yet, but all signs were originally pointing to an announcement on February 16, 2024. When the music video for "Karma" from Midnights came out, featuring a shot of Taylor holding a cappuccino, Swifties immediately picked up on the symbolism. The blue nail (which represents 1989 (Taylor's Version)) lines up with the 8 on the clock, and the black nail lines up with the 2 on the clock. Taylor ended up announcing 1989 TV on August 9 — and then announced The Tortured Poets Department(also known as TS11) onstage at the 2024 Grammys in February!

TaylorNation just teased the Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date by hopping on the latest internet trend, which uses the "You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me" lyric from "Who's Afraid Of Little Old Me?" Their Instagram carousel features images that have sent Swifties spiraling in the past, but there are two pics I'm paying special attention to: the "five holes in the fence" image from the Lover era, and a "Bejeweled" music video still of Taylor Swift pressing 3 in an elevator. May 3 (5/3) comes two weeks after the TTPD release, and since Taylor has been emphasizing her lead single "Fortnight" with the "For a Fortnight" challenge, it looks like it could line up perfectly.

There are plenty of other potential summer release dates too! Swifties know Taylor Swift lives and breathes the number 13, and that she's been making her recent rerecording announcements at her Eras Tour shows.

Well, this summer, Taylor is heading to Milan for a show on Saturday, July 13. X user @roranotaurora points out that the symbol for Milan is a snake (it's also a symbol for Rep!) AND that on July 13, 1977, there was a blackout across New York City. When Taylor announced the original Reputation in 2017, the "Don't Blame Me" singer blacked out all her social media. If she announced the album in July, there's a good chance we'd get it just in time for autumn, chilly weather, and Daylight Savings Time, all three of which go perfectly with the Reputation aesthetic.

There's another 13 we need to pay attention to as well: December 13, which is also Taylor Swift's birthday. The popstar had the date front and center in her Tortured Poets Department pop-up installation. Since the date falls on a Friday, it's the perfect day to drop some new music...

Are there any other clues that Reputation (Taylor's Version) will come out next?

Image via Amy Sussman

Taylor Swift attends the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 07, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.

Recently, Taylor showed up to the 81st Golden Globe Awards in an all green ensemble, which is already so Reputation-coded to begin with. However, fans noticed one teeeeeeeny tiny detail about her look that really leans into all the theories that Rep (TV) is next. If you zoom in on her rings, one of them is a snake that's wrapped around her finger. 🐍

And after Taylor Swift released a video teasing her new album, Swifties are analyzing all the snakeskin patterns (on the curtains, the floor, and the green couch), as well as the dark visuals. While the video moves from the dark room to a bright one for TTPD, I'm convinced we'll be returning — or continuing down the hallway where you can see a dark picture frame waiting for us...

All the surprise songs at her Tokyo Eras Tour shows referenced falling apart, and a huge part of the Reputation era was related to a quote from Taylor that says "when she fell, she fell apart." Before playing "The Outside" as her piano surprise song on February 9, she made a joke that the song was 175 years old — which has Swifties thinking August 2 (175 days from February 9) could be the album's release date. Considering "The Outside" is off her first album, it's also possible we're getting Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) in August!

A recent Disney+ ad that paired the Eras Tour film and Disney Pixar's Cars went viral on Twitter because its tagline is "Getaway Car," one of the most beloved songs on Reputation (Taylor's Version)! No matter when the album drops, having Taylor Swift's final two re-recordings be her name and her reputation is literally so iconic and I can't wait to listen.

What Taylor Swift songs are on Reputation (Taylor's Version)?

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

We know that, based on previous re-recordings, Reputation (Taylor's Version) will have the original tracklist and an unknown number of vault tracks that Taylor wrote ahead of the Reputation era. PEOPLE also confirmed we'll be able to hear Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)" in the new docuseries for the New England Patriots! You can also hear a snippet in the trailer for Ashley Benson's Wilderness ;). Here's what you can expect on Taylor Swift's Reputation (Taylor's Version). I'm really hoping the vault tracks include "I Don't Want To Live Forever"!

"Ready For It? (Taylor's Version)"
"End Game (Taylor's Version)"
"I Did Something Bad (Taylor's Version)"
"Don't Blame Me (Taylor's Version)"
"Delicate (Taylor's Version)"
"Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)"
"So It Goes... (Taylor's Version)"
"Gorgeous (Taylor's Version)"
"Getaway Car (Taylor's Version)"
"King Of My Heart (Taylor's Version)"
"Dancing With Our Hands Tied (Taylor's Version)"
"Dress (Taylor's Version)"
"This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things (Taylor's Version)"
"Call It What You Want (Taylor's Version)"
"New Year's Day (Taylor's Version)"

What is Taylor Swift wearing to Grammys 2024?

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Taylor Swift showed up to the 2024 Grammys in a sculptural white gown from Schiaparelli Couture. I love how Taylor has hopped on the corset trend. This is my favorite neckline in recent years! Even though the dress is white instead of black or green — and ended up going along with the Tortured Poets Department (or TS 11) announcement — I think it's still a Reputation (Taylor's Version) Easter egg. White is, of course, the opposite of black, so I think it's a more unexpected reference to the album, with black accessories like gloves, shoes, and jewelry being a direct nod. Plus, the watch necklace pays homage to Midnights! At the 2022 VMAs, Taylor wore another Reputation-coded outfit before she announced Midnights, so I think it's definitely a pattern.

Is there gonna be a Reputation Taylor's Version?

Image Paul Kane/Getty Images

Taylor Swift performs at Optus Stadium on October 19, 2018 in Perth, Australia.

Yes, we're getting a Reputation (Taylor's Version)! Taylor Swift has been very vocal about the fact she's rerecording her first five albums. However, she's been less direct about the order or the release schedule, which is honestly more fun! The official Taylor Nation account added fuel to the fire when they posted a photo of Taylor rehearsing for The Eras Tour — because, like @nashs_mom on TikTok says, the pose doesn't match up with any of the songs. While all the photos they've previously posted match up with numbers like "Enchanted" or "Illicit Affairs," the new pose seems to match up with "I Did Something Bad" (which is both the last Reputation surprise song left AND the perfect song to announce the rerecording).

"Hear me out," another TikTok user commented. "['I Did Something Bad'] was not part of the set list in 2023 but what if the first night of the tour in 2024 she performs [it] and announces REP TV."

"I literally ratatatataed as soon as I saw it," another user says, referencing the iconic production at the beginning of the song. We have less than a month before the Eras Tour starts up again, so I'm excited to see when we'll finally get a Reputation (Taylor's Version) announcement!

What caused Taylor Swift to make Reputation?

Image via Def Jam/UMG

Cover art for Kanye West's The Life Of Pablo, which features "Famous."

The primary catalyst for Taylor Swift's Reputation era was a phone call with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. After Taylor said Kanye did not have her permission to say he "made that b-tch famous" in "Famous," a video leak from Kim seemed to show Taylor did actually give her permission (it was later revealed the video was edited, and Taylor gave her permission to be mentioned, NOT to be called a b-tch).

"#TaylorSwiftIsOverParty" began trending on Twitter, and everyone from the media to the general public began calling her a snake. So she disappeared from the public eye for over a year, and Reputation was born. The era was moody — and full of snake imagery. Taylor says in her TIME interview that the album came from "a goth-punk moment of female rage at being gaslit by an entire social structure," and told Rolling Stone in 2019 that Reputation was a "metaphor" and her "playing a character."

How old was Taylor when she wrote Reputation?

Image via Christopher Polk/Getty Images for TAS

Charli XCX, Camila Cabello and Taylor Swift perform onstage during opening night of Taylor Swift's 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour at University of Phoenix Stadium on May 8, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona.

Taylor began writing Reputation in 2016, when she was 27. However, the stories she's telling go back farther than that since "Dancing With Our Hands Tied" talks about a relationship from when she was 25.

Is Reputation a love album?

Image via Big Machine Records

Cover art for Taylor Swift's Reputation.

While Reputation is sassy, moody, and satirical, I stand by the idea that it's actually a love album at its core. While the general public talked most about "Ready for It?" and "Look What You Made Me Do," songs like "Delicate," "Call It What You Want," and "New Year's Day" are all about healing after the media turned against her. The message of the album is all about how she wants to spend the the ins and outs of life with people she loves, because they make the boring days beautiful, which is also the sentiment running throughout "Lover."

"I want your midnights, but I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year's Day" and "We can leave the Christmas lights up 'til January" are the same!!

What are the Reputation Taylor's Version vault tracks?

Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment

A Horcrux from Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part I

While we don't have the tracklist for Reputation (Taylor's Version) yet, she did mention in her TIME interview that the vault tracks will be "fire."

"I’m collecting horcruxes,” she says of the rerecordings. “I’m collecting infinity stones. Gandalf’s voice is in my head every time I put out a new one. For me, it is a movie now.”

I'm going to be real honest, this is the line that sent me into a tailspin because the idea that Taylor loves stories like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and the MCU as much as I do is too much!! But it makes sense because after all, she IS a storyteller.

Do you think we'll get Reputation (Taylor's Version) in February 2024? Check out our Facebook for the latest Taylor Swift news and browse ourUltimate Taylor Swift Gift Guide!

Lead image via Big Machine Records

This post has been updated.

taylor swift entertainment pop culture music