This Conspiracy Theory About Bachelor Villain Corrine Will Blow Your Mind

It didn’t take long into Nick Viall’s season of The Bachelor for things to get cray.

From the show’s season premiere, when one of the contestants looking for love, Alexis, dressed up as a shark (though, to be fair, she thought she was dressing up as a dolphin), things were bound to be wacky. Others accidentally dressed in all red, causing some early drams, but it was a woman named Corinne — who we learned had a nanny not for a child, but for herself — that got the first kiss.

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😄because it's friYAY #teamcorn

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Ah, Corinne. Obvious attempts at setting her up to be the villain were made right from the start, and girl didn’t disappoint. From topless pool party whipped cream shenanigans to her sneaky attempts to get more one-on-one time with Nick, the rest of the women were pretty much mad at her from the get go, baffling us all as to how she was able to fit so much drama in between all those naps.

There were some suspicions in the fall that Nick might already actually be engaged, and with the recent shocking pic of Corinne wearing what looked like an engagement ring IRL, fans were starting to get shook. Luckily, it was quickly clarified that the ring belonged to a friend and Corinne was simply trying it on. And posing for photos in it. (Mmm hmmm. Sure!)

Of course, so much of the way The Bachelor is portraying Corinne is in service of the show’s narrative. But what if it’s not as contrived as we think? Get ready, because this conspiracy theory is gonna blow your mind (and make you LOL): Corinne is actually a teen merely trapped in an adult’s body.

NY Mag lays all the facts on the line — the naps, the nanny, the love of cheese pasta, her unfamiliarity with Backstreet Boys (whose heyday would’ve already come and gone if she were, in fact, a teen), the crying, her love of bouncy castles, the pool party antics — and did we mention the naps? All signs point to the obvious answer that she’s actually someone much younger than her proclaimed 24 years, at least in spirit… or maybe body too. What if she’s just lying about her age? We’re onto you, Corinne… and we’ll never be able to look at you the same way again.

What do you think the real story is with Corinne? Let us know over @BritandCo!

(h/t NY Mag, photo via @bachelorABC + Rick Rowell/Getty)

Fans who were left on the edge of their seats after watching the first part of AHS: Delicate last year won't have to wait longer for part two! Emma Roberts and Kim Kardashian are gearing up to pick up where their characters left off, and sinister twists are about to get much darker. While we know the focus revolves around their interactions, we can't wait to see how Gilmore Girls star Matt Czuchry fits into what's sure to be a big reveal.

Read on for a mini recap of part one of AHS: Delicateand learn all the juicy details about part two!

Recap of Kim Kardashian's involvement in AHS: Delicate

Image via FX Networks

Kim Kardashian as 'Siobhan' in "American Horror Story: Delicate"

As good as Kim Kardashian is as the icy publicist Siobhan on AHS: Delicate, don't expect her to watch herself onscreen. She appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live yesterday and explained why she hasn't seen herself in clips of the show when Jimmy Kimmel played and unsettling one.

Her character can be seen intimidating a fertility doctor to do her bidding as she pierces the top of his neck with a long orange fingernail. She smiled before saying "It's so funny, I can't watch it back," and then added, "I get so nervous."

She even talked about the difference between filming for TV and working as an actual actress. She said, "I called my sisters and I go, 'Guys. You — not to say you'd ever want to get into acting — but you are so lucky you can wake up and just, we can sit in bed and film, and you don't have to get up...like there is no schedule."

However, it seems like the budding actress took her new schedule in stride because Star Trek actor and AHS co-star Zachary Quinto applauded Kardashian’s acting chops.

“I did a cameo on this season of ‘American Horror Story’ and I got to meet her,” the actor told People. “She was so lovely and warm and, really, I don’t think she needs my advice.” Quinto added, sharing that Kardashian, was “really in her element” on set and he was “really impressed by her spirit and her openness…I really look forward to seeing this season because I think she’s gonna do a wonderful job.”

Recap of AHS: Delicate Part 1

Image via FX Networks

The first part of AHS: Delicate premiered on FX September 20, 2023 and centered around actress Anna Victoria Alcott's desire to become a mother. Played by Emma Roberts, viewers watched as her husband Dexter Harding (played by Matt Czuchry) was supportive of her IVF procedure so the couple could conceive their first child. Despite the previous struggles, the procedure is a success and the happy couple learn they have a baby on the way.

However, things go horribly wrong when Anna starts being followed and eventually experiences a violent miscarriage during her first trimester. Somehow the baby actually survives, but Anna still experiences a series of strange hallucinations and events. From losing her hair to vomiting a foreign object, she starts to wonder if something is wrong with her baby. There's also the fact that she told her publicist Siobhan (played by Kim Kardashian) that she'd do anything to remain at the top of the her career.

What's revealed is that a baby cult does exist and Dexter's dead first wife knew all about it. However, the cult still looks at him as a threat so it's only a matter of time before they close in.

If you need a refresher, catch up on the first part of AHS: Delicate on Hulu and be sure to check out the eery trailer for a look at part two! Also, get your hands on a copy of Danielle Valentine’s novel Delicate Condition to see how the story truly unfolds.

Watch The Official Trailer For AHS: Delicate Part 2

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American Horror Story: Delicate Part Two | Official Trailer - Emma Roberts, Kim Kardashian | FX

We suspected Siobhan may have a darker role than Anna thinks and the trailer confirms it. As Anna gets further along in her pregnancy, it's hinted that her growing baby may not be 'normal' and there's nothing she'll be able to do about it.

We're crossing our fingers for Anna and Dexter, but the baby cult may have the final say in AHS: Delicate Part 2.

The first portion of AHS: Delicate Part 2 premiered on FX April 3, 2024, but the series will come to a close beginning April 24. All we can say is things are about to get extremely bumpy 👀.

What do you think will happen during the final moments of AHS: Delicate Part 2? Let us know in the comments!

Stay updated on the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.
Header image via FX Networks

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

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

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

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

Image via Taylor Swift/YouTube Shorts

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

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

What has Donna Kelce said about TTPD?

Image via David Eulitt/Getty Images

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

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

Is there a Tortured Poets Department cardigan?

Image via UMG Store/Taylor Swift

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

What is TTPD the Anthology?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

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

How many songs will be on The Tortured Poets Department?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

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

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

  1. Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)
  2. The Tortured Poets Department
  3. My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
  4. Down Bad
  5. So Long, London
  6. But Daddy I Love Him
  7. Fresh Out the Slammer
  8. Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)
  9. Guilty as Sin?
  10. Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?
  11. I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
  12. loml
  13. I Can Do It With A Broken Heart
  14. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
  15. The Alchemy
  16. Clara Bow
  17. The Black Dog
  18. imgonnagetyouback
  19. The Albatross
  20. Chloe or Sam or Sophie or Marcus
  21. How Did It End?
  22. So High School
  23. I Hate It Here
  24. thanK you aIMee
  25. I Look in People's Windows
  26. The Porphecy
  27. Cassandra
  28. Peter
  29. The Bolter
  30. Robin
  31. The Manuscript

What is a tortured poets department?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

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

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

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

When is The Tortured Poets Department release date?

Image via Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

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

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

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

What is Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will The Tortured Poets Department be explicit?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

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

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

What is The Albatross about?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

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

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

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

What does loml mean?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

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

How can I buy The Tortured Poets Department?

Image via Taylor Swift store

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

Will The Tortured Poets Department have any featured artists?

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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

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

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

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

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

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

Lead image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

This post has been updated.

When anyone asks me for my favorite movie-viewing experiences, A Simple Favor (starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick) always makes the list. When I first watched the movie, I knew next to nothing about the plot, and it made the viewing experience ten times better, especially since I had a watch party with a bunch of friends who *also* had no expectations. I know A Simple Favor 2 is going to be just as sexy, unexpected, and gripping as the original. Keep reading for everything we know about the new movie, from the A Simple Favor 2 release date to casting announcements!

What is A Simple Favor 2 about?

Image via Lionsgate

A Simple Favor 2 will see the "return of Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman," according to the movie's synopsis (via People). "Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square."

The first leaked images show the aforementioned extravagant wedding, with Blake Lively's Emily in a wedding dress and Anna Kendrick's Stephanie standing by her side in a gorgeous floral midi dress. While the first A Simple Favor ended with Emily in prison, I have no doubt whatsoever that we'll see her make a grand escape to coastal Italy. The only thing chicer than martinis and crime at home is martinis and crime while basking in the Italian sun.

Is there A Simple Favor 2 movie?

Image via Lionsgate

Yes, Deadline confirmed in May of 2022 that we're getting A Simple Favor 2! The sequel film will be produced by Lionsgate and Amazon Studios, and reportedly, Paul Feig will direct again, while Jessica Sharzer will write the screenplay. I still talk about the script for A Simple Favor, so if Jessica is returning, I will be seated!

When is the A Simple Favor 2 release date?

Image via Lionsgate

I'm expecting A Simple Favor 2 to hit our screens in 2025. Filming was originally scheduled for the fall of 2023, but after the Hollywood strikes delayed a variety of projects, production on the film was pushed to 2024. A Simple Favor 2 will reportedly begin filming in April of 2024.

Who's in the A Simple Favor 2 cast?

Image via Lionsgate

We can expect to see Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick return for this sequel. Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack are also set to star in A Simple Favor 2. Glee fans will also love knowing that Alex Newell is joining the cast along with Allison Janey! We can't wait to see the characters they'll be playing!

How does A Simple Favor end in the book?

Image via Amazon

The A Simple Favor book ending is *wildly* different than the movie ending! Instead of Stephanie turning on Emily and joining Sean, and then Emily getting run over by a car and put in prison for the murder of her father and sister (plus, you know, all the other illegal activity), Stephanie actually takes Emily's side.

In the book, Sean stays in a hotel while Emily gets custody of Nicky. The novel ends with the police finding Emily's ring inside the car of her main victim (a move that was probably orchestrated by Stephanie since Sean gave her the ring), and Emily deciding to pack up her life and leave.

Are you excited for A Simple Favor 2? Do you prefer the ending to the A Simple Favor movie or the book? Follow us on Facebook for more movie news!

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

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Lead image via Lionsgate

We can't take all of the sweet baby news we've been hearing about! From Hilary Duff to Vanessa Hudgens, our beloved Disney stars are glowing mamas-to-be! The latest to join the list of growing families is High School Musical Alum Ashley Tisdale and her husband Christopher French! They've been a happy family of three for a while, but they're expanding with the announcement of Ashley's second pregnancy!

When did Ashley Tisdale announce her pregnancy?

Image via Frenshe

Yesterday Ashley Tisdale shared a mini carousel post on Instagram where she announced her second pregnancy in the most touching way! Pictured in a classic white button-up and slightly unzipped jeans, her cute baby bump is on full display! Her husband Christopher French and their daughter Jupiter also make a loving appearance in the post.

Has Ashley Tisdale shared her due date?

Image via Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Anastasia Beverly Hills

Since she just shared she's expecting baby no. 2, Ashley Tisdale hasn't disclosed her due date just yet.

What have Ashley Tisdale's friends said about her second pregnancy?

Image via Michael Buckner/Getty Images For Chrysalis

Several celebrities left sweet messages on Ashley Tisdale's Instagram post. Glee star Lea Michele wrote, "So happy for your beautiful family!!! 💓💓💓" while fellow High School Musical alum Corbin Bleu wrote, "Congratulations! ❤❤."

How do fans feel about Ashley Tisdale's second pregnancy?

Image via Noam Galai/Getty Images for goodnest

Fans are also ecstatic about Ashley Tisdale's pregnancy announcement. Instagram user @jsantam_20h, "So you mean to tell me that Sharpay and Gabriella are both preggars?? 😲🙌❤" in reference to Vanessa Hudgens also being pregnant right now. We highly doubt it was planned, but the timing couldn't be more perfect!

What has Ashley Tisdale's husband Christopher French said about their expanding family?

Image via Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

Christoper French shared a heartwarming image of himself, Ashley Tisdale, and their daughter on Instagramto share his excitement about their growing family. His caption says, "Beyond grateful. Thank you my beautiful love @ashleytisdale for another baby French 💘."

Ashley wrote, "I love you!!! Juju is just too cute we had to have another!!" in the comments and we couldn't agree more! The sweetness of it all is making us have baby fever.

How old is Ashley Tisdale's first child?

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Feeding America and North Valley Caring Services

Speaking of Ashley Tisdale and Christopher French's daughter Jupiter, she recently turned 3 on March 23! People announced her birth in 2021 and shared that the happy couple were doing well. We can only imagine how excited she is to be a big sister.

Has Ashley Tisdale shared baby bump updates since announcing her pregnancy?

Image via Ashley Tisdale/Instagram

Ashley Tisdale posted this cute pregnancy update on Instagram yesterday and she she wore a casual outfit that we want to replicate. Although she appears to be wearing straight leg jeans, she wrote a relatable caption about them. "the only jeans that will fit me right now," it reads.

Maternity jeans do exist, but it's possible she's not interested in wearing them right now and we don't blame her!

How do you feel about Ashley Tisdale expecting baby no. 2?

Keep up with us on Facebook for more celeb news and pregnancy updates!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

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

It may be the greatest city in the world, but let’s be real: it can be extremely exhausting to live in — and visit — New York City. There are plenty of spas where you can snag a $300+ deep tissue massage, but that's not always practical. Instead of constantly carrying that tension for days (and weeks and months and years) to come, I finally took my self care needs over to Bathhouse Williamsburg for a spa day.

Bathhouse Williamsburg isn't exactly a spa. You won't get a facial — or even cucumbers on your eyes — there, but you'll find relaxation in so many other tangible ways. From their available array of amenities included in the day pass to the specific treatments like scrubs and massages, Bathhouse is perfect for taking a step back from a city that requires oh-so-many steps.

When did bathhouses start?

Image via Bathhouse

The earliest bathhouses originated around 10,000 B.C. — AKA the Neolithic Age — according to the BBC. While some bathhouses in earlier years were used for religious purposes, many were social hubs that superseded socioeconomics. Essentially, bathhouses were for everyone to come, cleanse, and calm down.

The bathhouses we know today are more about getting R&R, but their ancient predecessors were meant to literally bathe people. If you think about it, people didn’t have showers and bathtubs in their homes back in the B.C. times. Irrigation for farming didn’t even exist until 6,000 B.C., let alone plumbing that went to and from individual houses.

At these public bathhouses, people could wash the week off with the rest of their community. And while health and hygiene was key during baths, this was also a time that people could come together and socialize with each other — extremely similar to what I saw during my own bathhouse experience.

Are bathhouses still a thing?

Image via Bathhouse

Yes! There are multiple bathhouses in New York City to chooses from, let alone across the world.

What are the benefits of a bathhouse?

Image via Bathhouse

A bathhouse experience isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are many elements to a bathhouse — saunas, hot tubs, cold tubs, etc. — so each time you go could help with something else. Here’s a rundown of what goodness you may get at your own bathhouse visit.

Saunas

It’s no secret that saunas are highly sought after self care luxuries. Forbes reported that of course there are more typical benefits of saunas like relaxation and pain relief, you could also improve your hearth health, immune system, and respiratory system.

Hot Tubs

Like saunas, hot tubs are really peaceful environments that can put you at ease, the Cleveland Clinic noted that there are a lot of other wins to dipping your toes in this water. With regular visits to the hot tub, you could lower your blood pressure, improve the quality of your sleep, and ultimately improve your heart health (alongside other factors like exercise and diet).

Cold Plunges

Cold plunges and ice baths aren't anything new — you've probably seen Tiktokers and athletes alike sinking into an icy tub — but why? According to TODAY, cold plunges decrease inflammation, increase dopamine and endorphins, and speed up physical recovery after a workout or training.

Massages

Massages are more than a part your honeymoon package at the hotel spa — they have very real physical benefits. Alongside reducing overall stress and muscle tension, the Mayo Clinic states that massages can actually help improve your immune system as well!

Body Scrubs

Although your skin sheds dead cells naturally, sometimes the process could use a little speeding up — especially after cold, winter months. Healthline said that body scrubs can aid in moisturizer absorption, clogged pores, and uneven complexion. Specific benefits can vary depending on the ingredients of your scrub, so be sure to understand what you want to work on while you pick out your own at-home or at-spa scrubs.

Do you wear clothes in a bathhouse?

Image via Bathhouse

While the early bathhouses of yore were likely fully nude, people typically wear swimsuits in modern bathhouses. Depending on what you’re signed up for, you may want to consider wearing a two-piece swimsuit — this makes treatments like scrubs and such much easier and more accessible.

Enter: Bathhouse Williamsburg

Image via Bathhouse

In typical Haley fashion, I was rushing to make my appointment. I huffed my way through the front door, and everything instantly slowed down. The bright, earthy reception area was exactly what I needed — real, down to earth, and above all...quiet. The hosts at the front desk checked me in, made sure I had my swimsuit, and made sure I understood the run down:

  1. Here are your towels.
  2. The locker room is around the corner and through those doors.
  3. No cell phones outside of the locker room and restaurant.

Image via Bathhouse

I headed off to the locker room, changed into my suit, and made my way to the pools. I'd never been to a bathhouse before, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Praying I wouldn't meet the eerie silence of a university library, I walked downstairs to the pools. It was definitely a soothing environment, but thankfully it wasn't sterile — people talked, people read, soaked, people lounged. A soothing music subtly played over the speakers, but nothing intrusive. It was exactly what I needed.

Image via Bathhouse

First thing's first, I needed to soak. Out of the three available pools, I picked the hot tub because I knew what I needed: to melt away my worries. Deadlines? Moving? Family? Didn't matter — I had a jet on my back and my head leaned back. My company rotated here and there, from friends chatting about a recent scandal to a family testing the literal waters to see how hot it was. All the while, I found myself finally and truly relaxing.

Image via Bathhouse

Next, I sauntered over to the tropical sauna, and it was toasty to say the least. The music from before is amplified here, with little-to-no conversation. The air smelled fresh as I focused on my breathing and tried to meditate. My muscles continued to relax, as the heat worked its way through my body. A little over five minutes later, and it was time to go get ready for my scrub.

Image via Bathhouse

After cooling down on the bench for a few minutes (and trust me, I could use the cool down), my esthetician took me back to my treatment room. She was super kind, willing to talk as much as my Chatty Cathy self wanted to, answering my every question. While I love the quiet at times, I feel the most comfortable when I can carry a conversation with someone. Maybe it's the journalist in me, maybe it's the ADHD, but talking takes the pressure off in a way.

Well, talking and peacefully poured warm water paired with a gentle body scrub. I was in for a Hammam scrub, described as their "take" on a more traditional Moroccan scrub. As I laid on the table, rotating from one side to another, she "buffed away dullness" from my body, washing the mixture away with buckets of water as she worked.

Post-scrub, my esthetician applied CBD oil on my skin and advised me to let it soak in the steam room. I'm not particularly a rule follower, but I figured my new friend wouldn't steer me wrong.

Image via Bathhouse

The steam room was a purple-blue filled with starry lights...and lots and LOTS of steam. I could hardly see in front of me enough to find a seat, but I eventually found my way as my eyes adjusted. I was completely engulfed in steam, feeling like I was on another planet — one where my muscles didn't know tension, but were very, very familiar with CBD oil's relaxing charms. After about five to ten minutes, I knew it was time to head out and rinse off in the rain shower.

Image via Bathhouse

A quick rinse later, and it was the perfect time to take my last moments in the neutral pool. The water temperature was wonderful, and there was plenty of space for the ever-circulating guests. I felt refreshed and ready to take on the rest of my day, so I snuck back into the locker room, washed off, and head to the restaurant for a little snack to send me off.

Image via Haley Sprankle

How often are your feeling mindful and relaxed by mid-afternoon on a Friday after a long week? Well, that was me for the first time in a really, really long time. With a crisp salad and glass of bubbly, I knew this wouldn't be my last visit to Bathhouse. For the rest of the weekend — and honestly well into Monday afternoon — I wasn't cracking my neck as much, my skin was incredibly soft, and I felt good.

Header image via Bathhouse

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