How to Charge Your Gadgets Just by Walking

We need every ounce of motivation we can get to move our butts, but this one might actually work. AMPY is a wearable that captures your kinetic energy and turns it into juice for a charger, so you can rev up your phone or another USB-powered device. It will even STORE the energy, meaning you don’t necessarily have to go skip and hop around when you see your phone dying. But actually you should, because that would be funny.

AMPY is currently raising funds on Kickstarter, though they have already shattered their original goal, which means it’s really happening, guys. When this little thing ships (not ’til June 2015), you’ll be able to charge your phone using the power generated from either an average day of walking, an hour-long bike ride or a quick 30-minute run. That’ll make it last another three hours, and the same charge will power smartwatches and fitness trackers even longer. When you’re on the go, the last thing you want to do is wait around, plugged into a wall outlet, and AMPY charges your phone just as fast as a standard charger. You can even put it in your pocket or purse while it’s juicing up your cell!

The device’s internal battery should store about a week’s worth of activity, which can be used for months to come. While we highly recommend tying it to your dog’s collar and letting him do the work for you (as seen in their Kickstarter video), you can also charge AMPY by plugging it into the wall the old-fashioned way.

But the point is, you might not ever need to do that if you can charge your things so easily without an ounce of on-the-grid power. Not only does this thing promise to provide a reliable and renewable source of clean energy, but it also tracks your calories and carbon footprint offset from using the device, so you can get a glimpse of this win-win situation in metrics form. We, however, don’t need too much more convincing.

Would you use a charger like this? Why or why not?

It’s 2019, people, and we could all use an upgrade. We’re not talking upgrades on your shoe closet or that old kitchen appliance that needs replacing. We’re talking about sleek, fancy new electronics to bring your home into the 21st century. And it turns out, Jet.com is an ideal place to find the latest models, the best brands, and the downright *prettiest* electronics that will turn your home into a smart home. To go with a very smart homeowner (that’s you, just in case you weren’t sure). Check out some of these elegant, new “toys” that you may not have realized were just waiting to jump into your cart at Jet.com.

Happy birthday Rory Gilmore! Like the true Gilmore Girls fall gal she is, Rory's birthday is in the best autumn month: October. The bookworm would turn 40 on October 8 this year, and this milestone birthday had me thinking about Rory's 16th birthday. On a recent rewatch, I noticed one thing about the scene I'd never seen before: when Alexis leans over to blow out the candles on Rory's birthday cake, her boa almost catches on fire until Keiko Agena (who played Lane Kim on the series) saves it at the last moment!

What episode is Rory's 16th birthday?

Warner Bros. TV

In "Rory's Birthday Parties" (Gilmore Girls season 1, episode 6), Rory's turning 16 and both Lorelai and Emily have very different ideas of how they can celebrate. Emily and Richard throw Rory a posh get together, complete with all the Chilton students who don't actually like her, while Lor gathers the residents of Stars Hollow for a laidback party.

Sookie makes a delicious cake with Rory's face on it, and when Rory leans over the blow out the candles, there's a moment when her feather boa (and a bit of Alexis Bledel's hair) get a little too close to the fire. Good thing Keiko Agena swoops in to save the day!

Warner Bros. TV

This is one of my favorite Gilmore Girls episodes because it perfectly balances the zaniness of Stars Hollow (seen in Sookie's hilarious birthday cake) with something everyone can take part in, even if we can't visit Lorelai and Rory ;).

When is Rory Gilmore's birthday?

Warner Bros. TV

Rory Gilmore's birthday is October 8, 1984! That technically makes her a part of Gen X, but you know she's still our millennial queen!

What's Rory Gilmore's zodiac sign?

Warner Bros. TV

Rory Gilmore is a Libra, which makes SO much sense! She craves peace and harmony, but sometimes her inability to choose sides really gets her into trouble. Rory could honestly pro/con list her life until the end of time, but thankfully she has folks in her corner to eventually get her out of her own head.

How old was Lorelai when Rory was 16?

Warner Bros. TV

Lorelai had Rory when she was 16 years old, so on Rory's 16th birthday, Lorelai is 32.

In what episode does Rory turn 17?

Warner Bros. TV

Since Rory's 16th birthday party is in season 1, her 17th birthday would be in season 2. We know that Lorelai and Max were supposed to get married at the end of summer, which means season 2, episode 3, "Red Light on the Wedding Night," in which Lorelai calls off the wedding, would take probably place around the end of August, while episode 10, "The Bracebridge Dinner," is around Christmastime. My guess is Rory's 17th birthday is around episode 6 or 7.

Warner Bros. TV

Did you catch this moment from Rory's 16th birthday? Check out why TikTok’s Viral 'Demure Fall' Trend Is SO Rory Gilmore.

If you choose to tackle your commute, gym session, desk job, or grocery shopping with the aid of good music or your favorite podcast, chances are you’re spending a lot of time wearing headphones. With more of us plugged in to portable devices than ever, should we be worrying about the impact of sending sound straight into our eardrums? The World Health Organization thinks so: They’ve warned that listening to audio devices too loud and for too long is damaging the hearing of millions of teenagers and young adults. So how can we protect our hearing while also enjoying our favorite songs or podcasts? Listen up.

How Bad Are Headphones, Really?

This question has intrigued experts since the Walkman (RIP) came out in the late ‘80s, says Dr. Marco Jurado, an audiologist at Austin Regional Clinic in Texas. Dr. Jurado shares that the data is mixed: “Some studies have suggested that the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss was on the increase until the mid-2000s, whereas more recent studies have shown that it’s actually decreased in younger populations.” Regardless of how many young people are experiencing hearing loss, the experts agreed that the prevalence of headphones and earbuds have become a major contributing factor. “There are a number of causes of hearing loss, such as genetics or as a side effect of other illnesses, but the main culprit is noise, in particular, excessive use of headphones and earbuds,” says Dr. Leigh Hogan, an audiologist and founder of Hear Well Audiology.

It’s not simply that headphones are closer to your eardrums that makes them dangerous: As with any noise, it’s the volume that determines the impact on your hearing. Audiologist Dr. Meryl Hochdorf Miller from the Audiological Consultants of Atlanta in Georgia explains: “Sound loses energy, and therefore intensity, as it travels. If the sound coming out of your headphones is the same volume level as that emitted from a speaker, it is more dangerous, because the sound doesn’t travel as far to your eardrums.” The good news, then, is that headphones aren’t inherently damaging — but we have to use them responsibly.

What Makes for Good Headphones?

Given that the louder you listen, the more damage you’re doing, it’s best to look for headphones that reduce your urge to turn up the volume. Luckily, technology is here to help. “Noise-canceling or noise-reducing headphones mean you don’t have to increase the volume to overcome noise around you,” Dr. Miller points out. “Also, make sure that your headphones fit well. If they’re loose or tend to work their way out of your ears, you’re more likely to increase the volume to make up for the lost sound. If you have small ear canals, try over-the-ear headphones, earbuds that have a very small tip on the end, or having custom molds made.” That said, remember that it’s not just your hearing you have to think about when you’re walking down the street with your music blaring. “Be mindful of your surroundings when using noise canceling technology,” Dr. Jurado cautions. “There are some loud ambient sounds, like a car honk or approaching ambulance siren, that we still need to hear.”

If you feel comfortable broadcasting the fact you’re listening to a device and don’t mind carting around the extra bulk, headphones might be a better choice than earbuds. Dr. Whitney Hardy, a family medicine specialist with Ochsner Health System, warns, “Earbuds are more dangerous than headphones, because they sit closer to the eardrum and provide more direct vibration, increasing the decibel level of the sound by seven to nine decibels from its original level.” Solid justification for the headphones-as-accessory look.

What’s the Safest Usage?

The two key components of safe headphone use that all of our experts pointed to are, as Dr. Miller summarizes, how long and how loud? She describes a formula to keep in mind: “80 decibels (dB) is safe for up to eight hours: That’s about as loud as the garbage disposal in your sink. For every 3 dB you add to the volume, you have to cut the time in half. So if I listen to music at 83 dB and want to keep it at a safe level, I have to cut my listening time to four hours. At 86 dB, I will be safe at two hours, and so on.” So how do we make sure we’re not going over 80 dB? “Set the music so only you can hear it. If you turn headphones up loud enough that someone else in the same room can hear, it’s too loud.”

Don’t automatically trust your smartphone to protect you, either. “Many smartphones and MP3 players can reach a maximum volume as high as 100 dB, which is only safe for five minutes,” Dr. Hardy tells us. “A good rule to remember is the 60/60 rule, which is to listen for 60 minutes at 60 percent volume, then give your ears a break.”

One clue that the volume is too high, Dr. Jurado says, is tinnitus — that ringing in your ears you’ve probably experienced after going to a gig or a noisy nightclub. This specific form of tinnitus is known as a temporary threshold shift because it fades after a few hours, but “continuing use at this volume will certainly lead to hearing loss.” Unfortunately, it’s hard to know if overexposure to loud noises is damaging your hearing until it’s too late. Dr. Hogan says other symptoms to look out for are “feeling like your ears are full; difficulty understanding speech; having to ask people to repeat themselves; and having to turn the volume up on the TV or radio. If you notice any of these signs, get tested by a licensed audiologist.”

Even if you don’t — and especially if you use headphones a lot — Dr. Miller recommends getting tested to establish your baseline hearing, so you have a control to compare to later. Hearing safety might not be the height of rock ‘n’ roll, but take the careful approach now, and you can be tuning out the world with your headphones for years to come.

What headphones are your jam? Share them with us @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

Miracles happen once in a while, which is apparent because The Princess Diaries 3 is in the works at Disney, according to The Hollywood Reporter. It's been 20 years since we last saw Mia, Lily, and Queen Clarisse (and since all three took part in one of the greatest birthday party scenes in film history. Tons of snacks! Karaoke! Mattress surfing!).

The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2 remain heartfelt, uplifting, and empowering, and we'll never get tired of them. Plus, the resurgence of Y2K pop culture just makes dressing up like Mia more fun than it already was. While much of this reported film (including the cast) is still rumor-only, we do have a few tidbits to share and will keep updating as news is released.

Who's in The Princess Diaries 3 cast?

Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Studios

Anne Hathaway finally confirmed her return to the world of Genovia with an Instagram video in early October. But will Chris Pine be joining her?

"I don't know anything," the actor said on The Today Show on October 8. "Call Disney. Call Bob Iger. The answer is honestly I don’t know anything about it. I think it’s fantastic."

Chris' character Nicholas Devreaux, and his relationship with Mia in Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, was a lot of millennial and Gen Z viewers' first enemies-to-lovers relationship, and it's safe to say we've never been the same. While Chris Pine claims he has no clue whether he'll return, his recent haircut (which is very similar to Nicholas') has fans calling his bluff.

"I need Chris Pine to return as Nicholas Devereaux looking like this in Princess Diaries 3, and I will not be taking questions at this time," one X user tweeted, while another agrees, "oh he's definitely already taping the 3rd movie as we speak and you can't convince me otherwise."

Julie Andrews and Raven-Symoné have also been a part of the franchise, but there's no word on whether they'd return either. In December of 2022, Variety reported that Julie Andrews doubts that she'll be able to return to the franchise, but we're still holding out hope!

Stay tuned for the official Princess Diaries 3 cast list!

When is the Princess Diaries 3 release date?

Walt Disney Studios

Rom-com fans will be thrilled to know Adele Lim, who worked on Crazy Rich Asians (one of the best rom-coms of the 21st Century) will direct. We don't have a release date yet, but it appears pre-production has begun. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Supergirl and Quantum Leap writer Aadrita Mukerji is working on the script, and producer Debra Martin Chase (who worked on the first two films) is returning to produce. We're all in favor of women behind the scenes, so this news gets two thumbs up from us!

Anne Hathaway (whose new movie The Idea Of You is streaming on Prime Video now) recently revealed the movie's development is going very well. “We’re in a good place,” she tells V Magazine. “That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place.”

What has Anne Hathaway said about Julie Andrews?

Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Studios

In her recent cover story with Vanity Fair, Anne Hathaway talks about how working with Julie Andrews changed her life forever. “She respected that [fans] had a relationship to her work that spanned their entire lives and made it a beautiful experience for them,” she says of Julie stopping to sign autographs every day during The Princess Diaries. “I don’t know that I was always capable of that. So I’ve learned that I want to handle myself in a way that I’m going to be proud of at a later date.”

Anne also has a major appreciation for howThe Princess Diaries franchise as a whole turned her life upside down. "This was the film that changed my life," she says. "It felt so big at the time, and it wound up being so big, and it's kind of just gotten bigger as my life has progressed...So this is a total fusion of life and work, and all the things, and I'm just so proud to be in this movie."

What is The Princess Diaries 3 about?

Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Studios

We don't have an official script, but according to sources, the film might continue the storyline from the previous two movies. Based on the books by Meg Cabot, both films follow Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway), an awkward high schooler who learns she is next in line to be queen of Genovia. Makeovers, royal balls, romance, and tons of fun follow.

Gary Marshall, the director of the first two movies who passed away in 2016, told People that one idea he shared with Anne Hathaway was to set The Princess Diaries 3 in the big city: "It looks like we want to do Princess Diaries 3 in Manhattan." As someone who lives in New York City, I might be biased, but setting the story in Manhattan would be INCREDIBLE. Would Mia hang out at the Met? Would the movie feature any nods to The Devil Wears Prada? Anne Hathaway, if you need another background extra, hit me up!

Where can you watch The Princess Diaries 3?

Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Studios

It's TBD whether this film would release in theaters or on streaming, but you can watch both The Princess Diariesand The Princess Diaries 2on Disney+ now ;).

What's the Princess Diaries cast saying?

Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Studios

Don't fret, Princess Diaries fans, Chris Pine is TOTALLY on board for a Genovian reunion. "Yeah, I'm here! I'm here for it," Pine told Entertainment Tonight. "Give me a phone call or an email."

The actor (and our personal crush) played Lord Nicholas Deveraux in 2004's The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Deveraux rivaled Anne Hathaway's Princess Mia Thermopolis for the throne, becoming her friend and love interest.

Recently, Hathaway toldPeople that the a third installment in the franchise was still in development and far from production, but it was "thrilling" to "see the level of excitement for it." However, while the movie industry gears turn slowly, she is still very much advocating for the long-awaited three-quel.

Are you excited for The Princess Diaries 3? Tweet us your thoughts and follow us on Pinterest for more entertainment and pop culture content!

This story was originally published on December 14, 2022 and has been updated with new reporting.

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

While I love a good lipstick, sometimes you need something that's a little more understated and a lot more hydrating — that's where tinted lip balms come in. These are absolutely perfect for the coming colder months, giving you an opportunity to add a little color to your face, while also being practical and moisturizing in the face of harsh, chilly winds. So if you've ever thought to yourself, "The best tinted lip balm doesn't exist," get ready! Here are all the tinted lip balms we're obsessed with right now!

What's the most popular tinted lip balm?

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From what I've seen, Burt's Bee's Tinted Lip takes the cake! It was mentioned so many times on Reddit that I lost count. Meant to offer 8 hours of hydration, it's formulated with beeswax and is free of parabens, petrolatum, SLS, and phtalates! You can also find shea butter in the formula which adds to the moisturized feeling this claims to give.

If you're still not convinced, take a look at what customers are actually saying about this tinted lip balm.

What are people really saying about it?

Burt's Bees

You can count on customers to give their honest opinions, especially if those reviews are coming from Reddit. Here's what stood out to me about this tinted lip balm:

  • "I love Burt’s bees tinted lip balm. I use it all the time year round."
  • "Burt's Bees is my ride or die, so much so that I keep spare tubes in my backpack, purse and at home haha."
  • "Just tried Burt’s bees lip balm in shade Hibiscus…loved it!"
  • "It's got a nice amount of color and shine to look put together but it doesn't look like you are trying hard.

Shop The Best Tinted Lip Balm 

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Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm

More Tinted Lip Balms That Are Equally Perfect

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Kosas Moisturizing Wet Stick

If you're looking to add color and moisture, then this option from Kosas is perfect! With a 4.5 star rating on Amazon, users say that the "lightweight" Wet Stick "goes on very smoothly," and is "almost sheer with just enough color." Sounds like the perfect everyday tinted lip balm to me!

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Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

I've mentioned how much I love Summer Fridays before, but it hadn't dawned on me to give their lip butter balm a chance yet. What makes it unique is that it's actually performs just like a lip mask does, offering maximum hydration to lips that feel like Spongebob did when he tried to pretend he didn't need water in Sandy's tree dome. This tinted lip butter balm is full of shea and murumuru seed butters — perfect for adding moisture to your gorgeous pout!

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Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Made from beet root and sugar cane, this tinted lip balm is meant to last you 24 hours! The mauve color is darker than some of the more neutral balms, but don't worry — it's sheer and buildable, so you can make the color work for you! IMO, I would definitely grab this for all your fall beauty looks!

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Maybelline Green Edition Balmy Lip Blush

You and I may be looking for the best tinted lip balm, but Maybelline's version of it is considered a 'balmy blush' for the lips. As far as I'm concerned, it still does everything we're looking for. It glides on like a lipstick, but it offers a buttery feel that leaves behind a touch of color that makes it look like your lips are blushing...hence the name.

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Tower 28 JuiceBalm Tinted Lip Balm

We're big Tower 28 fans over here, so I'm excited to share this tinted lip balm with you! This balm has a shea butter base and features other great ingredients like mango seed oil, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C — so good for those days your lips need a little extra nourishing! The color is described as "natural-looking," so this is perfect when you need a little coverage without making a bold statement.

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bareMinerals Dewy Lipgloss-Balm

Don't sleep on bareMinerals — they have a dewy lipgloss balm that has a stellar 4.5 rating on Amazon. It's a vegan product that promises to give you 24 hours of juicy hydration, though I'm not sure if you'll need it for that long! Let's just say it'll get you through a full of classes, work, and happy hour with you friends.

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Keys Soulcare Comforting Tinted Lip Balm

Tinted lip balms are often described as buttery because of the butters in them, but Keys Soulcare is offering something silkier. It's not skimping on the moisture factor, so don't overlook it! One Amazon customer said this balm has the "perfect non-sticky feel" and isn't "overly glossy/shiny" — major win!

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Laura Gellar New York Moisturizing Tinted Lip Balm

I love when beauty products have names that get straight to the point — just like Laura Gellar New York's Moisturizing Tinted Lip Balm. It immediately lets you know your lips are in for a succulent treat because they'll be cushioned in comfort and sheer color that'll make people do a double-take when they pass you.

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Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm

Am I going to stop at one vegan lip balm? Of course not! I'm partial to anyone who with sensitive skin because it's no fun having allergic reactions to beauty products. It's also not fun simultaneously having an eczema flareup on your face, so why not use something that's soothing, moisturizing, and clean?

This lip balm is made with acai extracts and avocado oils without the aid of petrolatum, parrafins, parabens, synthetic fragrances, silicones, or mineral oils. Whew! Try saying that in one breath!

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e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine

Don't be alarmed by the name because this is still a conditioning and nourishing lip balm. It's just a little shinier than most formulas! I personally love the heart-shaped center because it feels like a nod to the care that e.l.f. usually puts into it's products.

You're essentially going to to get a 2-for-1 deal because this lip balm because the outer portion of it provides the sheer color you're craving while the interior is full of ingredients like Vitamin E. How fun is that?

Follow our Amazon Storefront for more of the beauty products we can't stop buying!

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