5 New Apps for You to Eat, Sleep and Play Better

Feb 18, 2017

As we head into this three-day weekend, we’d love to take a moment and just think about 2017 so far. No, not what’s been happening in the world, but rather what’s been happening with ourselves. We’re midway through the second month of the year and thinking back to January 1 and our new year’s resolutions. And — we hate to admit it — we are not neeeearly as far along in our goals as we said we would like to be.

So we’re making a new President’s Day resolution to get back in the swing of making things better. And, as always, luckily we’ve got technology to help us out. Here we’ve got five brand-new apps that will help slay the days, weeks and months ahead. Don’t worry — we’ll be checking in on you.

1. VINA: Make some rad new lady friends with this app specifically designed to link women up with other awesome, like-minded women. You answer some questions about yourself and what you’re looking for in a friend, and then the app will make the introduction. You’ll be grabbing coffee or drinks with your new BFF ASAP.

DL It: Free on iOS

2. Lokeley: Discover new places around your town with new friends. Follow people who have the same tastes you do (and local experts), and ask them where in town you can find the best dive bar or taco truck or hair salon or whatever you’re looking for.

DL It: Free on iOS and Android

3. Alder: Focus your political action in this handy new app that will tell you one thing you can do to be more politically active every day. Whether that’s a tweet or a reminder to call your senator about a specific issue, this app will help you focus on the issues you want to focus on — without getting overwhelmed by EVERYTHING happening all at once. And bonus: When you buy the app, the money gets put forward via donations for Planned Parenthood, ACLU, NAACP, Electronic Frontier Foundation or The Natural Resource Defense Council.

DL It: $1.99 on iOS

4. Daylight: Our favorite thing about spring — bar none — is that the days get longer and sunnier. Keep track of just how much more sunlight we get every day with this simple (but kinda genius) app. Plus, it will let you know the exact time of sunrises and sunsets to help you plan your day.

DL It: Free on iOS and Android

5. EatHealthy Tracker: Not all food trackers are created equally. We love this one for its clean interface and its approach to *healthy eating* over weight loss or dieting. It’s the perfect app for people who could just stand to clean up their food act a bit.

DL It: Free on iOS

Which was your favorite app this week? Let us know @BritandCo!

8 Unbeatable Deals On Apple Products No One Wants You To Know About

Prime Day continues to impress us! Apple products like iPads, iPhones, AirPods, and more are almost never on sale for prices this low. This Prime Day, we’re seeing hundreds of dollars worth of savings, which is especially satisfying if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your current desk set-upor revamping your super old headphones. Scroll on for the 7 best deals on Apple products we’ve found, available for historic sale prices now.

Amazon

Apple Watch Series 9

$280, was $399

This powerful little sidekick is now $119 off for Prime Day! You can do practically everything you do on your iPhone with the Apple Watch, like talking, texting, navigation, and workout and sleep support. It easily syncs up with the rest of your Apple devices for a seamless experience. Plus, all of your activity will be super visible and bright, thanks to the Series 9's clear interface.

Amazon

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

$120, was $169

You can save nearly $50 on some brand-new AirPods this Prime Day. The 3rd generation model is snug-fitting, sweat and water resistant, and lightning fast when it comes to communicating with your devices. You get up to 6 hours of listening time with a single charge, which is ample time to listen to your new favorite album or audiobook on repeat!

Amazon

Apple iPad (10th Generation)

$450, was $499

If you like to get things done on the go, the iPad is a total lifesaver. It's way more compact than a laptop, but its small size is still perfectly suitable to see the screen clearly. You can snag it in storage sizes 64GB or 256GB and four different vibrant colors on Amazon right now! This pick is compatible with the Apple Pencil as well as the Magic Keyboard (both are $50 off for Prime Day) based on your usage needs.

Amazon

Apple AirTag

$24, was $29

The AirTag ensures you'll never lose track of your wallet, keys, or backpack ever again. It communicates with the Find My app on your Apple devices, so you can locate your items in a single press of a button! This model even has a built-in speaker than can ring out loud to help you track down what you've (seemingly) lost forever.

Amazon

Apple iPhone 12

$282, was $398

The classic iPhone really speaks for itself, but this $115 off Prime Day deal makes it even better. We all live on our phones, so whether it's for scrolling TikTok, messaging your long-distance pals, or playing games, this device does it all. You can shop from storage sizes 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB and 6 different colors on Amazon right now!

Amazon

Apple AirPods Max

$395, was $549

We're never far from a pair of headphones, and the AirPods Max are definitely the hottest style to rock right now. They deliver high-quality audio through the cushioned ear cups, and you can even toggle between several different noise-cancelling settings. These wear really light on the head and even offer some nice breathability, since the headband is made from a light mesh material. With a single charge, you get up to 20 hours of listening time – and at $154 off, that's a major score!

Amazon

Apple Magic Mouse

$80, was $99

If you've been searching for an excuse to upgrade your clunky computer mouse, this wireless Magic Mouse from Apple is gonna feel like a total treat. It's compatible with both Macs and iPads to help you get the job done. This mouse works silently, too, so you won't ever be distracted by noisy scrolling or clicking again. It even has an incredibly long battery life, operating at full power even if you haven't charged it in a couple weeks!

Amazon

Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)

$380, was $499

A slightly smaller iPad model, the Mini ($119 off) is still as great as the OG. It features a super bright and impressively clear screen display, fast wifi capability, and tons of storage to handle all your notes, apps, and photos. This model is available in storage sizes 64GB and 256GB and 4 different colorways on Amazon now.

Shop our Amazon storefront to snag more amazing Prime Day deals on beauty, home, fashion, books, and more!

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

20 Trader Joe's Finds That Will Make You Want To Eat Healthy This Year

Trader Joe’s, though very tempting with their vast array of sweet treats, is truly a secret weapon for eating healthy and sustaining a healthy diet. TJ’s aisles are packed full of nutritious (yet delicious) options, all of which are often easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Whether you’re focusing on fueling your workouts with protein, cutting back on sugar, or simply eating more whole foods in 2025, Trader Joe’s has plenty of affordable, wholesome finds to keep your diet inspired.

Below, find the best Trader Joe’s products that make sticking to your 2025 resolutions a breeze!

Trader Joe's

Creamy Dreamy Hummus

Hummus is an instant snack hack if you're trying to eat a high-protein diet – this $3 one from TJ's boasts a "thick, rich, and exquisitely creamy" texture. Slap it on a wrap or dip in some veggie sticks to give your meal a nice boost.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Root Chips

These veggie root chips make a deliciously healthy swap for your traditional potato chips as they're packed with fiber and plenty of color to enjoy!

Trader Joe's

Organic Super Bread

Though you might not guess it at first glance, this loaf contains whole wheat flour, organic rye flour, organic rolled oats, organic millet, organic pumpkin seeds, organic flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic carrots, organic dried apple, and organic dried banana – that's a mouthful! If your 2025 goal is to eat more whole foods without sacrificing a ton of familiar foods, this is the bread for you!

Trader Joe's

Cut Sweet Potatoes

These 'taters come already cut, so all you gotta do is toss 'em in some olive oil and spices, bake on a sheet pan, pair it with a protein, and voila! Dinner is served.

Trader Joe's

Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices

These mango slices make a great healthy snack to enjoy on the go. They taste just like candy, except without all the excess processed sugar.

Trader Joe's

Solid White Albacore Tuna

Protein fiends already know what's up with canned tuna. It's the perfect base for tuna salads, wraps, and bakes. Plus, one can goes for just $2 at TJ's – stock up!

Trader Joe's

Caesar Broccoli Bake Kit

This pre-made kit makes getting a side dish on the table super easy and healthy. It comes with all the fixings, like Caesar dressing, crouton crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

Trader Joe's

10 Minute Farro

Traditionally, farro takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to fully cook. This bag of Trader Joe's farro defies all tradition and is ready in just 10 minutes! The whole grain is really rich in protein and fiber, so you know you'll be eating healthy when you choose to chow down.

Trader Joe's

Vanilla Bean Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is *the* breakfast hack to rule all breakfast hacks. It's high in protein, plus is typically packed with plenty of probiotics to keep your gut real healthy. Enjoy a heaping scoop with some fresh (or frozen) fruit, granola, and honey to get a tasty start to the day.

Trader Joe's

Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars

Healthy snacks can be really hard to track down at TJ's, especially since they have so many sinful goodies on their shelves. Luckily, these trail mix bars exist, bringing a yummy medley of oats, nuts, raisins, and chocolatey bits to satisfy that sweet tooth without weighing you down during the day!

Trader Joe's

Carb Savvy Tortillas

If you're set on watching your intake of carbs, these tortillas are a must-have. They contain 21% of your daily recommended value of fiber (6 grams each) according to TJ's, and make an excellent addition to wraps, quesadillas, or just as a snack.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice Cake Thins

These rice cakes may be thinner than most, but they still boast an enjoyably dense texture, perfect for layering on some peanut butter and banana for an easy, fulfilling snack.

Trader Joe's

Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde

This fully-cooked chicken is ideal for people seeking a convenient, time-saving meal. The salsa verde flavoring instantly qualifies them for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos – the list goes on! Just pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes, and boom – time to eat!

Trader Joe's

Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar

This protein bar is called the Perfect Bar because it's literally perfect. The sweetness is at just the right level, the texture is so satisfying, and the high protein content (17 grams) fills you up easily if you're seeking a substantial mid-day snack.

Trader Joe's

Classic Greek Salad

With this ready-made salad kit, you won't have to think too hard at all about what you're having for a healthy lunch. Feel free to grab 5 at a time, because you will be hooked. Add some chicken or salmon on top to bulk it up with extra protein!

Trader Joe's

Stir Fry Veggie Blend

Why pick up 5 or more individual ingredients for stir fry when you can just grab this $3 bag, cook it, and call it a day? We highly recommend cheffing this up with TJ's Soyaki sauce and your protein of choice.

Trader Joe's

High Protein Organic Tofu

One serving of this tofu contains 14 grams of protein, which is higher than what you can typically find elsewhere. Plus, it's certifiably organic, so it's always gonna be clean eating-friendly.

Trader Joe's

Organic Tricolor Quinoa

Quinoa makes an impressive grain base for bowls and salads. This one boasts a healthy mix of white, red, and black quinoa for some good variety!

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

These 100% vegan bites are the ultimate movie snack and are way healthier than your average bag of theater popcorn. They're made with lentil flour and potato starch for a superb texture every time.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta

This organic, gluten-free pasta delivers 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making each meal nutritious as ever.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more of the best Trader Joe's products!

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This Amazon Portable Phone Charger Is The Best Gadget I've Ever Used

I am a very prepared person, which means I do my best to handle life's unexpected chaos with grace. A recent curveball that I did not prepare for was my phone dying in the middle of New York City. When you live in Manhattan, there's always a show to see, friends to grab margaritas with, and events to attend. That means you lose phone battery pretty quickly, which is exactly the one thing you don't want to go without in the middle of the city.

Ahead of my show at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, I was #influenced to buy this viral gadget to bring into the stadium with me — and it's the best portable phone charger I've ever used. I can't believe I've gone this long without it!

First Impressions

I grabbed the iWALK Small Portable Charger (which I got for $30), and the first thing I noticed was the size. The whole thing is smaller than my iPhone, meaning that it'll fit in just about any size bag and works with a lot of stadium concert rules!

It comes in multiple colors like pink and teal, but I got it in white.

The Timeline

I left for the concert at 2pm with a fully charged phone. I had to use Spotify, Google Maps, Uber, and my camera all before Taylor even came out, which means that by the time Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridgers had finished their opening acts (around 8 pm), my phone was on death's door.

The portable phone charger went right into the port and kept my phone alive for the rest of the night! It also didn't interfere with the audio in any of my recordings, which was super important to me.

Final Thoughts On This Portable Phone Charger

Image via Chloe Williams/B+C

This product really surpassed my expectations because of how much power you get from such a small device. I've used it multiple times, and every time I do, my phone ends up fully charged, meaning I have enough battery for another round of adventures and antics.

I'll definitely have it in my bag all summer long. You can search on the internet for some other portable phone chargers for your summer, but this is definitely my favorite.

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

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25 "Deep" Questions To Ask Yourself Before 2025 Begins

So, you've found your 2025 word of the year and are ready for the biggest reset of your life. Now all you have to do is map out how you're going to get there. You could opt for vague ideas that live only in your head, but when has that motivated you to achieve your goals in the past?

If you think we're putting you on the spot, we're not! We're here to encourage you to dream boldly by being detailed about what you actually want. Of course, we have the perfect list of deep questions and journal prompts so you can tap into the life you want to live.

Here are 25 deep questions to ask yourself and journal about to guide you toward your 2025 vision of personal growth and self-improvement:

Marcus Aurelius

Questions About Your Daily Routine

Please don't throw eggs at us! We know you don't want to feel governed by a schedule like you're in grade school, but there are benefits to having something to guide you daily. According to Northwestern Medicine, you can "reduce stress" and even "get better rest" by having a routine.

If you've been promising yourself to improve in these areas, here are 5 questions to ask yourself:

How many of hours of sleep do I typically get per night?
What distractions can I eliminate before bed so I'm not groggy in the morning? (i.e., no more binge watching my favorite TV shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok)?
Do I have a morning routine or do I rush through taking a shower, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast?
How do I usually feel when I get to work?
Am I okay with setting a reminder for myself to take a break during the work day so I can stretch my legs, eat lunch, or go for a quick walk?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Self-Care

Making time for your self-care is a part of your daily routine, but we want to dig deeper by sharing questions that'll help you reflect on how you treat yourself.

How do I want to feel about myself in 2025?
Did I have moments I looked in the mirror and didn't like the way my skin or body looked this year?
Have I been prioritizing my mental health?
Did I make space for exercising (i.e. walking, yoga, running, etc.)?
Did I create healthy boundaries with family, friends, or someone I'm dating?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Career

We almost said, "Here comes the fun part," but that would be unfair for people who consider other areas of their lives more important to chasing a career. If you are focused on pursuing something you're passionate about or simply want to earn a new promotion, here's what you can ask yourself:

What are my biggest career accomplishments this year?
What skills do I need to sharpen that align with the position I want?
How do I respond to constructive criticism?
What is my usual response to change or tight deadlines?
Do I ask for help when I don't understand a project or concept?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Home

Your home is anywhere that you live even if you're renting or living with your parents for the time being.

How did the energy in my home feel?
Did I do anything to make it feel like me?
How can I create a relaxing environment in my room that promotes rest and relaxation?
Do I want to have a certain aesthetic for my living room, office, etc.?
What does having a clean and organized home mean to me?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Relationships

Have you been making excuses for toxic friends or ignoring red flags? If it's okay, we're going to sit by you and gently suggest it's time for a change. The kind of life you want to live can't be weighed down by old habits of yours or some of the people you've been spending time with, especially if you've been feeling uncomfortable.

What kind of friendships do I want to have in 2025?
Do I have a reliable support system?
What did I love about my romantic relationship this year?
Are there certain conversations I need to have with family members, friends, or my partner that I've been avoiding?
Do I need to change the way I show up in my platonic or romantic relationships?

Get a jumpstart on transforming your space for 2025 with easy feng shui tips!

new years resolutions journal prompts journal challenge questions holidays

10 Epic Stores From The '90s We Can't Believe Are Gone

The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

Getty Images

1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

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2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

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3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

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4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

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5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

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7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

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8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

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9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!

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