Before the Apple Watch: A Brief History

Katelan Cunningham
May 17, 2015

Remember back in the day when the only thing your watch could tell you was the time? No phone calls. No GPS. Nothing. But let’s keep in mind that when watches were in their infancy, these things were really high tech. 8,000 years ago, some brilliant person decided to make sun dials for people’s wrists, and since that first wearable, we’ve been getting techier with time. Over at Mr. Porter, they tracked some of the biggest timepiece advancements in designer history.

1. Watches went from pockets to wrists. In the 17th century, pocket watches were the way to go. But in 1903, wristwatches got a major advance. Wire lugs attached the face to the strap in a whole new, sleek way. Louis Cartier’s watch is known as the world’s first to flaunt this timeless design.

2. The first waterproof watch was luxurious. These days, it’s kind of expected that your watch is waterproof, but Rolex released the first waterproof piece in 1926 — it was called Oyster. To prove it, endurance swimmer Mercedes Gleitze swam the English Channel wearing a gold Rolex around her neck.

3. The pedometers in your fitness gadgets are old news. Pedometers were first counting the steps of President Thomas Jefferson in 1788, but they really picked up steam in 1965.

4. Digital watches were kind of a big deal. In 1969, Seiko unveiled their 35 SQ, which was the first-ever electronic quartz watch. People loved it so much, mechanical watches got old fast. Hamilton’s first LED watch in 1970 was priced at $2,100 — sound familiar, Apple Watch buyers?

5. It’s been a long time coming. It’s hard to look at a “vintage style” digital watch and think, “Wow, that’s pretty high tech,” but at the time, it totally was. 30 years from now, we’ll probably be telling time with wrist implants that glow from under our skin, and we’ll be thinking, “Apple Watch! Who wants to have to wear their electronics? That’s so 2015.”

What’s one old-fashioned watch feature that you love? Let’s talk time in the comments!

19 Affordable Summer Trends You Can Shop On Amazon Right Now

The easiest way to update your style this summer? Add a few extra-trendy accessories to your wardrobe staples and last-season essentials. While we're all for investing in the aforementioned timeless pieces, high price points don't always make sense for bold trends that are meant to be fun, not permanent. That's where Amazon comes in. If you know where to look (and we do), practically all the biggest trends can be found on the mega-retailer, making summer style accessible at every price point. Even a t-shirt and jeans can be transformed by slipping on acrylic rings (a major must-have right now), grabbing a bag in a summery new hue, and adding a cool pair of sunglasses. To upgrade your closet for the season, simply add a few of these playful picks to your cart.


Vintage Acrylic Rings ($14): Funky acrylic rings are everywhere right now, and there's no harm trying out the bold trend when they're so affordable.

Colorful Resin Rings ($10): For a slightly more subtle approach to the acrylic ring trend, these pretty colors are easier to style for everyday wear.

JW Pei Pouch Bag ($68): Combine a pastel palette with ruched shoulder style and you've found yourself the perfect summer bag.

Cloud Chain Bag ($30): Chunky chains are another big trend for summer, and the bold strap makes the popular cloud clutch so much easier to carry around.

Acrylic Beaded Bag ($27): Vintage beaded bags can be hard to find, but this adorable style still looks one-of-a-kind. Add to any outfit for a whimsical, summer look.

Vintage Aviator Sunglasses ($14): Vintage-style aviator sunglasses are everywhere right now, and this affordable version makes it easy to join in on the trend.

Driving Rectangle Sunglasses ($12): Tinted lenses are a lot easier to pair with face masks than all-black shades, so it's no surprise fun colors are the must-have style this summer.

Chain Belt ($16): Chain belts are a surprisingly cool way to dress up your athleisure pieces, like biker shorts and unitards.

Shower Slides ($17): Forget dad shoes — puffy slides are the new ugly-cute footwear trend to slip on for errands and workout classes.

Ruched Slides ($25): If you're looking for a less casual, yet still comfortable sandal for summer, ruched slides will check both boxes off for you.

WAYF Terry Bucket Hat ($45): Terry cloth is another emerging trend for spring and summer. Scoop up this cute terry hat version now so you wear it all season long.

Dad Baseball Cap ($10): You can never go wrong with a classic baseball cap. Add a new color to your rotation that goes with the rest of your seasonal hues.

Flower Pearl Necklace ($11): You'll be surprised how quickly you can transform an outfit for the warmer months by simply adding on this playful, throwback necklace.

Bohemian Bead Pearl Necklace ($15): You may have seen mixed metal necklaces everywhere for fall and winter, but this half-pearl, half-beaded necklace has reimagined the trend for summer.

Smiley Toggle Necklace ($24): After a long year, the cheer-y, smiley jewelry trend is a more than welcome addition to our wardrobes. When paired with a pearl chain and toggle clasp, you have the ultimate statement necklace for summer.

Cotton Crew Socks ($17): If you're embracing the socks with sandals trend, these colorful crew socks are the perfect choice. Of course, you can always wear them with your favorite sneakers, but it never hurts to have a fresh batch.

Crystal Bracelet Watch ($45): This retro-style watch will immediately elevate your outfit (without the investment required by most watches). Pair it with chunky gold bracelets for an even bolder look.

Tortoise Claw Clip ($12): Of all the Y2K trends returning for this season, claw clips may be the most sophisticated and functional of them all. Keep one handy to clip back your hair whenever you need.

Mini Acetate Clips ($10): Alternatively, use these colorful mini clips for a fun way to pull back shorter hair (or your outgrown curtain bangs) or experiment with more Y2K hair styles.

Tag us with all your summer fashion on Instagram!

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

fashion roundupaccessoriesaffordableamazonbagsfashionhatsjewelryproduct roundupproductsringsshoessummersummer accessoriestrendswatchesshopping

20 Party Games Better Than Cards Against Humanity

Party on! Game nights are the best nights, at least in our opinions. Seriously, what's more fun than sitting around the table playing a game, drinking a cocktail or two and laughing with friends?! We'd totally take that over a night sweating (and very awkwardly dancing) at the club.

We know you've made it through that Cards Against Humanity deck too many times to count, so refresh your adult game night stash with some of the best new party games around.

Game of Phones

Uncommon Goods

This techy card game prompts you and your friends to compete in smartphone-based tasks. With assignments ranging from “Find your best #selfie” to “Create an emoji masterpiece,” you’re guaranteed belly laughs and conversation starters galore. Just like with Cards Against Humanity, each round has a judge that picks the winner, so get your phone stacked with game changers now.

hella awk-ward Card Game

Shopify

If you want to spark real conversations with your guests, this is the game for you. By the end of this game, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of new pals. Play by drawing a card and answering the prompt to get to know friends and strangers alike on a deeper level.

What Do You Meme?

Amazon

This is the perfect game for anyone who has spent way too much time on the internet. Match funny captions with well-known internet memes (a rotating judge picks the best one) to create an afternoon or evening of hilarity.

Exploding Kittens Party Card Game

Amazon

This card game is like Russian Roulette “for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.” Count us in.

My Ex [A Deck of Conversation Starters]

Amazon

Gather your closest BFFs and spend the night with some good ol’ trash talking (therapeutically, of course). You’ll definitely find out who had the craziest ex. Gather friends that are down for the drama and start by pulling a card. Some of the topics you’ll fill-in-the-blank include: 1. The biggest red flag. 2. What is your ex up to now? 3. The worst rebound.

WHAT DO YOU MEME? for The Girls

Shopify

Grab your girlfriends and stir the pot with this hilarious card game. To play, whoever has the most Instagram followers goes first and rolls the die. “Whichever side of the die lands face-up, take the top card from the corresponding color deck. Read it aloud to the group & perform whatever action is on the card,” the instructions read. “Some cards involve just that player, some require the whole group. The player to their left then rolls the die & the game continues like this. Every winning card gets you a point. 1 Card = 1 Point. The player with the most cards at the end wins!”

Say Anything

Walmart

If you’re looking to reeeally get to know your friends, this is the game for you and your group (um, and maybe an invite to the new person you’ve been dating is in order). By reading questions and providing answers, you’ll quickly and creatively get inside the mind of all your party guests fast.

BAD CHOICES - The Have You Ever? Game + After Dark Edition Set

Amazon

You’ll really get to know the other party guests with this game. This might not be one to play with your new coworkers or mother-in-law!

To play, each player will draw six cards. “When it's your turn, choose one of your six question cards, then ask it to the player you think is most likely to answer YES. If they say YES, you get to discard your card. If they say NO you have to keep the card and try to use it again later,” the instructions read. With Skip Cards, Draw +1, Draw +2, and ALL PLAY cards, there's a surprising amount of strategy. The player who discards all of their cards first becomes the winner.

The Game of Things

Amazon

This provocative game will leave your jaw on the floor from the hilarious, creative and outrageous things your friends say. Simply by drawing topic cards like “Things a chimp thinks about when he sees you at the zoo,” responses are sure to be out of this world. After everyone writes down a response, and the best part starts — you all guess who said what. Let the finger pointing begin.

What’s Yours Like?

Walmart

Tell it like it is and you’ll excel at this one. Players have to guess words based off of creative word clues after asking the question, “What’s yours like?” Seriously, we wanna know.

If You Know You Know IYKYK - The Question Card Game

Amazon

Who knows each other best? This card game will (literally) put everyone’s cards on the table.

Getting started and playing this card game is super simple. A rotating judge asks the group a question about themselves from each of the three levels (indicated on the chosen card). Then, everyone chooses their answer. If you guess the judge's answer correctly, you get a point. The player with the most points wins.

That’s What She Said

Amazon

Are you basically Michael Scott from The Office? Any sucker for jokes and innuendos will love this saucy game.

Bananagrams

Shopify

This one is fun to do with the kids or you can spice it up with an adults-only game. Like speed scrabble, the game comes in a convenient banana-shaped pouch making it great to play on the go.

Never Have I Ever

Amazon

 You and your friends can put your trust to the test by sharing your deepest, most embarrassing secrets in this revealing game.

Secret Confessions Game- Adult Version

Amazon

Get ready to laugh the night away with this far too funny game. Each group member will take turns reading the cards’ prompts. With each prompt, every player will answer “yes” or “no.”

The Voting Game

Amazon

 In this game, instead of voting for the funniest answer, you vote for the player each card seems to describe. Talk about finding out who your real friends are.

Drawing Without Dignity

Amazon

It’s part Cards Against Humanity, part Pictionary. If you have friends who are particularly good artists (or even if they’re not), this game will bring you hours of fun.

Catan Strategy Board Game

Target

Like a medieval monopoly, full of knights, peasants, robbers and everything prehistoric. This game is focused around building settlements and protecting your land.

Relative Insanity

Walmart

Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, this game is based around familial interactions gone wrong with a Cards Against Humanity style of playing.

Influencers in the Wild

Amazon

If you follow the popular Instagram account, then you can probably guess the basics of this board game. Go places, gain followers and get famous to win this pop culture game.

We hope you've enjoyed this round-up of our favorite adult card games, and even if Cards Against Humanity is now somehow worth $500 Million your memories from these nights will always be priceless!

Keep you party going with Brit + Co.

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

This post has been updated.
cards against humanitycard gamesboard gamesparty gamesgames

Need Some Motivation? 33 Productivity Tips in 140 Characters or Less

If you're ready to jolt your productivity, we've got some quick little tips and tricks for Y-O-U. This list from Ethos3 compiles 33 brilliant ideas from people who know what they're talking about. We've picked out a few of our favorite productivity tips that we want to use in our daily routines, but make sure you check out the whole infographic here. Whether you're facing a big project at work or are a creative looking for inspiration, productivity equals happiness. And these tips will revamp your day and let you spend more time doing the things you love.

Know Your Peak Performance Hours: The genius 30/30 app operates on the idea that highest productivity happens when you focus on a single task, completely uninterrupted, for half an hour.


Keep It Simple: Don't over-commit to long work hours, because you'll just lose inspiration and stress yourself out. Makers stay creative on the daily by scheduling time for hobbies and creative projects.

Creative Space: We're not going to brag, but we're kind of pros on the whole workspace front. From organizational hacks to these workplace essentials we've got everything you need for the most productive office ever.

Sleep Habits: For obvious reasons, we're totally behind the nap idea. And according to this infographic on the sleep habits of creative people, naps are definitely part of the creative process.

Morning Routines: You probably don't want to hear this, but getting up early will give you extra time to get everything done in a more leisurely manner. Don't worry, we've got a few tips and tricks on how to become a morning person.

Make That List: Whether you prefer an app or a good old-fashioned paper to-do list, the mere act of writing things down will inspire you to start checking them off.

Plan Ahead: Take some time on Sunday to plan out your entire week. Write down things that must be accomplished this week and then figure out how to divide it up into manageable pieces.

Make It a Habit: Instead of putting “be creative" on your to-do list every day, just make it a habit by scheduling it in at the same time every day (see Morning Routines!).

Eat Breakfast: How many times do you have to be told not to skip breakfast? It is good for your health and for your productivity, and we've got some amazing breakfast ideas that can be made in no time. There is literally no excuse left.

Feeling inspired yet? Let us know how you use these productivity tips @BritandCo!

(h/t Ethos3)

This article was published in March 2015 and has been updated.

productivityworkinfographic

Every Holiday Movie You Can Stream On Netflix Starting Today

The holidays are here! Well, kind of. Thanksgiving isn’t until November 28 but as far as I’m concerned, November 1 is the day the festivities can begin. I’m pulling out my holiday candles, Christmas PJ’s, and even my How the Grinch Stole Christmas vinyl to make the dreary seasonal blues a little more cheerful. And a huge part of getting into the spirit is stacking up the perfect holiday movie marathon. Thankfully Netflix already has a bunch of holiday titles coming out over the next few weeks. Here are the best (new!!) holiday movies and specials coming to Netflix starting November 1.

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition — On Netflix Now Until December 10

Adam Rose/Netflix

Nothing says the holidays like tons of delicious meals, and Chef David Chang is cooking some amazing food for his celebrity friends — and he's doing it all live. (Because, a lot of TV cooking uses swaps and stylists to make it look better than it actually is). I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition is hosted by David Chang.

Meet Me Next Christmas — On Netflix November 6

Sophie Giraud/Netflix

Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience, and Layla's looking for her own fairytale romance this holiday season. And believe it or not, the ticket to finding her one true love is getting into the Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.

Meet Me Next Christmas streams November 6 and stars Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, Kalen Allen, Nikki Duval, and Wesley French.

Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

Nobody puts me in the holiday spirit like seeing Lacey Chabert onscreen, and this year, she's playing Kathy, a widow who happens to bring a handsome snowman to life. (I don't remember this in the "Frosty the Snowman" lyrics!). He helps Kathy reconnect with her emotions as they begin to fall for each other — and as he begins to melt.

Hot Frosty will stream on Netflix beginning November 13 and stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly, and Chrishell Stause.

Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas — On Netflix November 19

Petr Maur/Netflix

It's almost time for Virgin River season 6, which means we're getting closer to the ultimate cozy TV show. I mean, just look at those twinkly lights and pine trees in this preview image! It gives me the same exact feeling as drinking a mug of hot cocoa. This year, we're getting closer to Mel and Jack’s wedding, and confronting some serious secrets and drama along the way. This might not count as a Netflix holiday movie but I couldn't NOT include it!!!

Virgin River season 6 hits Netflix November 19 and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, John Allen Nelson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, Jessica Rothe, and Callum Kerr.

The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Remember that One Tree Hill episode where the Ravens take part in the "Boy Toy" charity auction? Complete with a shirtless fashion show? Consider this the Netflix holiday movie response. When former dancer Ashley learns her parents' performing venue is in danger, she puts together the ultimate Christmas-themed show to raise money. Shirts not included.

The Merry Gentlemen hits Netflix November 20 and stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel

Spellbound — On Netflix November 22

Skydance Animation/Netflix

Okay, this fantasy movie might not technically be a Christmas movie, but it has everything I need in my Netflix holiday movies: family, hope, and love. After her parents are turned into monsters, princess Ellian must go on the ultimate quest to put everything right.

Spellbound hits Netflix November 22 and stars Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27

Bob Mahoney/Netflix

If EXmas taught us anything, it's that spending the holidays with your ex is anything but calm. And in Lindsay Lohan's new movie, she finds herself at the same Christmas celebration as her ex when they realize their new SO's are siblings. No, that's not awkward at all.

Our Little Secret hits Netflix November 27 stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

Is It Cake? Holidays — On Netflix November 28

Netflix

The only thing more enjoyable than eating delicious food is watching master bakers create beautiful food. This holiday special features edible ice skates, nutcrackers, and reindeer that will change the way you look at baking forever. Watch it in one sitting and it definitely counts as a holiday movie ;).

Is It Cake? Holidays hits Netflix November 28 and stars Jonny Manganello, Andrew Fuller, April Julian, Elizabeth Rowe, Miko Kaw Hok Uy, Danya Smith, Henderson Gonzalez, Grace Pak, and Jujhar Mann, with judges Rachel Bloom, Hannah Berner, Tiffany Haddish, Devon Walker, James Austin Johnson, Chris Witaske, Sasheer Zamata, Terry Crews, Punkie Johnson, and Randall Park.

The Snow Sister — On Netflix November 29

Netflix

Julian's turning 11 on Christmas Eve, and even though it's usually the best day ever, this year is overshadowed by the death of his older sister. A newfound friendship with Hedwig helps him heal, but he can't help but feel like Hedwig's house — and the old man that's always around — are hiding secrets.

The Snow Sister hits Netflix November 29 and stars Mudit Gupta, Celina Meyer Hovland, Ole Steinkjer Øyen, Jan Sælid, Samsaya, Gunnar Eiriksson, and Advika.

Which Netflix holiday movie are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!

pop cultureholidaysnetflixentertainment

Upgrade Your Thanksgiving With A Crescent-Roll Cornucopia

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

holidaysthanksgivingthanksgiving dessertsthanksgiving recipesfood