Want to Brew Your Own Beer? There’s an App for That!

Kristin Appenbrink
Sep 25, 2013

Okay, it’s technically more than just an app, it’s a brewing system that connects with your smartphone, and it’s about to make brewing your own craft beers virtually foolproof. Thanks to Brewbot, a new Kickstarter project from the U.K., you’ll soon be able to ditch the thermometers and rely on an app instead. No more ruining a batch because you missed the window for adding the next ingredient.

Brewbot is a two-part system, the first is the actual brewer, which is quite an investment of both space and money, but it’s a perfect setup for the serious home brewer or even a small restaurant wanting to start their own line of house brews. The second component is the app, which automates the actual brewing process. To start out, upload your recipe into the app, or use one of the ones that comes preloaded. When you’re ready to start the batch, tap “Start Brew” in the app, and the Brewbot will heat the exact amount of water that your recipe requires. After that, the app will prompt you to add all the ingredients at just the right time. It’s as simple as that! It also helps you manage the fermentation process, which can be tricky.

But what we really love about Brewbot isn’t the fact that it makes the process virtually foolproof, but that it enables you to really focus on creating a new recipe. When you remove the worry about getting all the steps right, you can focus on making tiny tweaks to your recipe and taste-testing the results to make your house IPA or porter something incredibly unique. The app gives you license to get creative with your ingredients, and focus on coming up with new and interesting flavors. We love anything that gets that creativity brewing. Maybe it’s time to make a homemade pumpkin beer for our Pumpkin Cider Beertail!

Finally, the design of the Brewbot is awesome. Yes, we’re sure it adds to the cost (and it is an investment!), but if you’re going to take up space in your home, you might as well have a beautiful appliance, right? We’ll be excited to check one out in person. If you’re ready to get serious about making beer, this is the way to go. Take a look at the video for a complete picture of the Brewbot:

Have you ever tried making your own beer? Tell us what flavor you made and how it went in the comments!

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.

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Someone Alert Gossip Girl – Ed Westwick And Amy Jackson Have A Baby On The Way

Looks like our Chuck Bass has found his happily ever after. 😌 Ed Westwick, 36, who upholds the Bass namesake inGossip Girl, is now married to actress Amy Jackson. He originally popped the question on a couples-ski-trip-turned-romantic-getaway to Gstaad, Switzerland.

Jackson, 31, posted the news on Instagram, sharing a photo of the duo covered in ski gear, adding an enthused caption: “Hell YES 💍. ”Westwick soon relayed the engagement via an Instagram story of the post, saying “I hit the jackpot xxx.”

And now the couple's family is about to get bigger! Here’s to a lifetime full of love! ❤️ If you’re curious about the pair’s history, read on for a timeline of their sweet relationship.

Ed Westwick + Amy Jackson's Relationship Timeline

Tim P. Whitby / Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival

2021

Westwick and Jackson initially met at Silverstone race track through a mutual friend. The three of them chatted during the racing event and Westwick casually (and so cutely) asked Jackson on a date after the fact.

Westwick asked if Jackson and her poodle, Herbert, were up to meet for coffee with him and his Frenchie, Humphrey. Okay, puppy love!

“He knew how to win me over from the get-go… coffee and dogs,” Jackson told Lifestyle Asiafor a cover story last year.

Tristan Fewings / Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival

2022

Westwick and Jackson were spotted in public more frequently as their relationship started to grow, adventurously attending red carpets, events, and vacations hand-in-hand.

The duo shared some wholesome pics of one another on social media, too, and began commenting on each other’s posts more often to put their feelings on display.

The pair made things officially official in July 2022 and made their first debut as a couple at the Red Sea International Film Festival the following winter, according to India Today.

Commenting on the duo’s ability to keep calm and cool in the wake of fame, Westwick told Lifestyle Asia that “I embrace my public life and it’s always great to meet people and take pictures as long as people are polite, which most of the time they are. I also like to, you know, be away at home, walk my dogs, be with my family and enjoy my privacy. Balance is always good.”

Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

2023

One of the biggest happenings between Westwick and Jackson in 2023 was their couples’ trip to Mumbai in India, where Jackson had briefly lived in 2012 to 2015 to work on a few films.

Jackson reportedly took Westwick on a tour of the city, stopping at famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal and enjoying local fares from nearby restaurants.

The two of them were featured in acover story for Lifestyle Asia in 2023, where they dished more on their relationship and respective careers in acting.

Westwick told Lifestyle Asia that his love shared with Jackson is similar to what his parents had.

“There was something beautiful. They could always count on each other and had the utmost respect for one other and I think that is the most important thing,” he said.

2023 was also the year that they bought a house together in the countryside. Things were getting more serious!

Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

2024

That brings us to 2024! Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson got engaged during a ski trip to Switzerland mid-January.

Westwick asked Jackson to marry him on top of the Peak Walk by Tissot, a popular scenic hanging mountain bridge.

Jackson was happily surprised, as the picture of the exact moment shows her with her hands over her mouth. We love!

The couple got married in August and are now prepping for the arrival of their baby, according to People. They shared the sweetest announcement photos on Instagram and were met with tons of congratulatory comments.

Who is Ed Westwick?

Ed Westwick is an English actor best known for his role as Chuck Bass on Gossip Girl, which aired from 2007 to 2012. People named him one of 2008’s Sexiest Men Alive, he won Best TV Villain at the 2008 and 2009 Teen Choice Awards after the show’s success. He’s also in a band called For You, which dropped a single in 2023.

Who is Amy Jackson?

Amy Jackson is an award-winning English model and actress well-known for her acting within Indian cinema. She made her US acting debut with DC Comics’ Supergirl in 2017. Her modeling career was kickstarted after winning the Miss Teen World title in 2009.

Jackson is a mom to a 4-year-old child that she shares with her ex, George Panayiotou.

How long have Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson been together?

Joe Maher / Getty Images

Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson have been together for almost 2 years. They met in 2021, but didn’t make things official until the summer of 2022.

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This post has been updated.

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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.

Follow us on Facebook and check out our email newsletter for more life-changing products.

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

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'The Traitors' Season 3 Release Date Is Here!

Nothing says reality TV like drama, intrigue, and betrayal. At least, according to The Traitors! The hit TV show is back for season 3 and the star-studded cast is so good, I'm sure this will be the best season yet. Host Alan Cumming returns, along with 21 reality TV stars who will be competing for up to $250 thousand.

But according to the official synopsis, "hidden amongst the Faithful contestants are the Traitors, whose goal is to eliminate the Faithful and claim the prize for themselves. Under the cover of darkness, the Traitors ‘murder’ contestants one by one, but if the Faithful can banish all the Traitors before the end of the game, they’ll split the incredible prize." Here's everything you need to know about The Traitors season 3.

  • The Traitors season 3 coming back to Peacock with Alan Cumming as host.
  • The show will premiere in January 2025.
  • The Traitors cast includes Dylan Efron, Dorinda Medley, Chrishell Stause, Tom Sandoval, and Gabby Windey.

When can I watch The Traitors season 3?

Chris Haston/NBC

The Traitors Season 3 Release Date

The Traitors season 3 premieres on Peacock on January 9, 2025. Season 1 premiered in January 2023, while season 2 premiered in January 2024, so the timeline makes sense!

Who is on Traitors season 3?

www.youtube.com

The Traitors | Season 3 Cast Reveal | Peacock Original

The Traitors Season 3 Cast

The Traitors season 3 cast includes Bachelor in Paradise's Wells Adams, actor Sam Asghari,The Real Housewives of Dubai's Chanel Ayan, RuPaul's Drag Race's Bob the Drag Queen, Real Housewives of New Jersey's Dolores Catania, Survivor's Jeremy Collins, Real Housewives of Potomac's Robyn Dixon, Dylan Efron, Total Divas' Nikki Garcia, The Biggest Loser's Bob Harper, Big Brother's Britney Haynes, Survivor's "Boston" Rob Mariano,Real Housewives of New York City's Dorinda Medley, Summer House's Ciara Miller, Royal Lord Ivar Mountbatten, Big Brother's Danielle Reyes, Vanderpump Rules' Tom Sandoval, Selling Sunset's Chrishell Stause, Survivor's Tony Vlachos, Survivor's Carolyn Wiger and The Bachelorette's Gabby Windey.

What is The Traitors about?

Peacock

The Traitors Season 3 Plot

The Traitors is all about who can out-trick their components in the dreamiest murder mystery game. A variety of celebs gather in a Scottish castle, along with host Alan Cumming, to complete a series of missions and have the chance to win up to $250 thousand. While the Traitors are trying to "murder" the Faithful one by one, the Faithful work to unmask and banish the Traitors. Only one team can win!

How many seasons of Traitors are there?

Chris Haston/NBC

There are currently two seasons of The Traitors available to stream on Peacock now. You can stream season 3 starting January 9!

Let us know your thoughts and hopes for The Traitors season 3 on Facebook and check out The Best Reality TV Shows To Watch Right Now!

This post has been updated.

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After Addressing Sexuality, Shawn Mendes Says Camila Cabello Is Still "Teaching Me What Love Means"

Out of all the celebrity breakups I wasn't expecting, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes definitely tops the list. They were clearly very close, and Shawn even admitted that all of his songs are about Camila, even the ones he released before they dated! (Okay, cute). The couple split at the end of 2021, but after a very buzzy summer following rumors that Sabrina Carpenter's Short 'n Sweet references their love triangle, Shawn Mendes revealed Camila is still one of his closest friends.

  • Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes dated from 2019-2021, then reportedly reconnected in 2023.
  • Shawn recently opened up about how Camila is "one of my closest best friends."
  • He also reveals she's still the first person he would call in an emergency.

What does Shawn Mendes say about Camila Cabello?

Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for MTV

In a new interview with The New York Times, Shawn Mendes reveals just how much Camila Cabello means to him, and that it “bugs” him that the internet thinks they're “against each other in a weird way.”

"[She's] one of my closest best friends...I have nerves just even speaking about it, just what people would say," he reveals. “But honestly, if something was to happen in my family and if something was to happen to me, she’d probably be the first person I call, to this day...Our relationship is teaching me what love means, in a big way.”

The interview comes after Shawn Mendes spoke on his sexuality (something that, for some reason, has been a topic of conversation on the internet for years), and after the duo was in the spotlight following the release of Sabrina Carpenter's Short 'n Sweet, which seems to reference a love triangle between the three of them. Fans analyzed lyrics like "Oh I leave quite an impression" in "Taste" after Camila Cabello dyed her hair blonde, and "Your car drove itself from L.A. to her thighs" in "Coincidence" when Camila teased a lyric from "June Gloom" that says "If she's so amazing, why are you on this side of town?"

Have Shawn Mendes and Camila broken up?

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dcp

This isn't the first time the pair has broken the internet, and one of my favorite moments was when they performed "Señorita" at the AMAs in 2019. The chemistry! The vocals! The audience reactions!

And in November of 2021, the pair made a joint statement (which was posted to their individual Instagram stories) announcing their breakup.

"Hey guys, we’ve decided to end our romantic relationship but our love for one another as humans is stronger than ever,” the statement said. “We started our relationship as best friends and will continue to be best friends. We so appreciate your support from the beginning and moving forward. Camila and Shawn.”

Are Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello together again?

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes might have broken up, but they're definitely still in each other's lives. And there were rumors in 2023 that they had romantically reconnected. “They’ve practically moved in with each other,” an US Weekly sourcesaid last summer. “They each have their own places, but they’re spending every day they can together and traveling together.”

The pair has been spotted together more and more frequently, at Coachella, then at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, and even in the middle of New York City. The Us Weekly source also mentions that “it feels like a new relationship.”

However, according to a new source, the pair has broken up again — this time for good. “Shawn and Camila have a lot of history and they tested the waters again after coming back into each other’s lives," the source told The Sun. "In reality, both of them know they aren’t right for each other romantically and now they just want to move on.”

Despite the will-they-won't-they of it all, it seems like Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello will always be in each other's lives!

When did Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello date?

Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Global Citizen

After being friends for years (and that steamy VMAs performance), Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello dated from 2019-2021.

How old are Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello?

JC Olivera/Getty Images

Shawn Mendes is 26 years old and was born on August 8, 1998, while 27-year-old Camila Cabello was born on March 3, 1997. There's just a one-year age gap between them!

What do you think about Shawn's comments on his relationship with Camila? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Facebook for more breaking celebrity news.

This image has been updated.

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