TODAY I WILL:  

Take the scenic route, even if I’m running late.

Are you ready for denim debates, friendship feels, and a little pop-star sparkle?

• We hope you didn’t get rid of your skinny jeans.

• Because making friends in your 20s (and 30s) isn’t easy.

• Chappell Roan just added “author” to her résumé.

• Rapunzel-core is officially trending.

• It’s Taylor’s world, and we’re just living in it.

Raise a glass of green juice.

Forget the hangover brunch—birthdays are getting a wellness makeover. Instead of bottle service or late-night blowouts, more people are celebrating their trips around the sun with sound baths, Pilates classes, spa days, and aura readings. The idea: Birthdays should leave you feeling recharged, not depleted.

This shift tracks with the rise of “clean fun” culture, where health and self-care are becoming the new luxury flex. Guests are more likely to leave with goodie bags filled with adaptogenic supplements and face masks than tequila shots and party favors. And with the wellness economy booming, boutique fitness studios, spas, and even hotels are tapping into the trend with curated birthday packages.

Wellness birthdays trade cake and champagne for connection and grounding rituals—and honestly, that feels like the real gift.

Which birthday party are you RSVPing to?

You may know her from Chucky or Daybreak—but Alyvia Alyn Lind is just getting started.

The powerhouse actress is making waves in Wayward, Netflix’s new psychological thriller that just claimed the #1 spot this week. Starring alongside Toni Collette and Mae Martin, Alyvia plays a sharp, resilient teen caught inside a sinister “therapeutic” school in a seemingly idyllic town, and sets the path to exposing the cult-like chaos within.

After binge-watching the entire eight episodes (yes, really), we caught up Alyvia to talk intense roles, breakout moments, and what it’s like leading Netflix’s latest hit.

Wayward dives into the dark world of the troubled teen industry. What drew you to this story—and to your character specifically?

I was immediately drawn to how raw and unflinching the story is. [My character] Leila felt complex and human—she’s strong but also deeply vulnerable, and I was eager to explore that balance.

How did you emotionally and mentally prepare for such a layered, intense role?

I did extensive research into the history of the troubled teen industry to get into the headspace of what it would be like to be trapped in a facility like Tall Pines. I also had many conversations with Mae and the writers to create Leila—it was a challenging space to sit in, but extremely rewarding.

Beyond the plot twists and eerie setting, Wayward seems to dig into something deeper. Is there an emotional thread that you think ties it all together?

The core of the show is about survival, connection, and generational trauma. Even in the darkest moments, the characters are fighting to find trust and belonging, which makes it universal.

You already have such a diverse resume—what type of character or genre is still on your dream list?

I’d love to dive into something completely different, like a big fantasy or action-adventure role. Something where I get to train, sword fight, or maybe even play a superhero would be a dream.

What’s currently in your Netflix queue—besides Wayward, of course?

Now that it's fall, I'm on a deep dive to rewatch every horror movie and comfort show I can find before October ends. Gilmore Girls with a hot coffee always does the trick.

Complete the sentence: “When I’m not on set, you’ll find me…”

Either locked in my room with my dog and guitar—or in the middle of nowhere on a 20+ hour road trip. There is no in-between.