5 Must-DL Apps This Week: Emoji Therapy, House Tours + More!

The holidays are a time for a lot of things. Wishbone snapping, dreidel spinning, tree trimming, White Elephant shopping. All of that stuff sounds like a blast, but we get it — IT IS ALSO STRESSFUL. Or at least everything all added up can be a bit of a nail biter. That’s why we’ll be coming at you every week with a few apps that hope to be the rays of sunshine in your snowy days. This week, What’s App-ening is filled with beautiful apps to take your mind off of things, an app that wants you to talk about your feelings and another that you can bring in the kitchen with you for all those upcoming Thanks/Friendsgiving festivities. Bon APP-etit!

1. Homes: Tiny Bop is back with a new adventure that lets little ones travel and explore beautifully illustrated homes around the world from your iPad or iPhone. Tour all the corners of Brooklyn brownstones and Mongolian Yer. Yes, this gorgeous work of digital art is for kids, but you’ll a) actually be okay with them getting lost in it and b) open this app up for a spin when they go down for a nap.

Cost: $3.99 on iOS

2. Emojiary: This app is like emoji therapy, meets emoji diary, meets emoji keyboard, meets your new favorite way to journal. Every day it will ask you how you’re feeling and you’ll respond with emoji and the option to put that into words if you want. As the days pass, you build a diary of emojified feelings that you can scroll through and reflect on at any point — there was that string of days that was, like [poop, skull and syringe], but after [sun, cha cha dancer, swirly pink hearts] everything’s coming up [cat with heart eyes].

As a bonus, they’ll throw in a new, can’t-find-anywhere-else emoji for you that you’ll be able to use when you open up the Emojiary keyboard in any convos. There better be a taco emoji in there. It’s just what we need on those poop-skull-syringe days.

Cost: Free on iOS

3. Simmer by Panna: This is the coolest cooking app we’ve clicked across in a while. From the bimonthly video cooking magazine, comes a way for aspiring chefs to cook together, the 2014/15 way. Simmer offers step-by-step video recipes that you can use to inspire your own culinary adventures or to inspire your own mini cooking show. Yes, this isn’t just about top chefs, you can create and share your own videos using just your iPhone and Grandma’s meatball recipe. The videos are broken down by step + easy to scrub through so you won’t miss a thing.

Cost: Free on iOS

4. Messenger: This Google-built messaging app will make you give iMessage the sideeye, iPhone users. It has all the bells and whistles you need and want in your go-to texting app — an option to take pictures and videos in the app, a way to send audio messages, an easy, quick search for finding specific contacts and convos — and it adds a beautiful design with colored text threads. Oo, there’s also the ability to block certain SMS senders.

Cost: Free on Android

5. Glow Nurture: There are a couple reasons this pregnancy health tracking app is back on our radar right now. First, you might have noticed Brit + Co articles in your feed. YES, you can read some of the top kids + parenting content from B+C on Glow Nurture too!

We’re also re-downloading (is that a thing?) Glow Nurture on our phones because their latest update brings something super crucial to the women using it: postpartum support. The app now offers a unique postpartum daily log to keep track of your symptoms and feelings, breastfeeding support, information and resources on postpartum depression and insights that no other apps out there are offering up.

Cost: Free on iOS

What was your favorite app download of the week? Share it with us below + let us know if YOU DL any of the above :)

2017 was a huge year for emojis, but everyone’s favorite emoticons — despite adding a pregnant woman emoji and even a mermaid emoji — are still lacking diversity. Although emojis took a huge step forward when they added different skin tone options, they’ve yet to expand their hair color and texture representation. Most notably, there is currently no natural hair emoji (!) which is pretty surprising considering the fact that not everyone has pin straight hair (duh).

Luckily, Unicode — the brand behind everyone’s favorite emoticons — announced their picks for potential new emojis for 2018, and we’re happy to report that “person with curly hair,” “which may be used to represent curly or afro hair” is in the running for finalization this month.

Unicode cited beauty blogger Ciara Anderson as inspiration for the new natural hair emoji, which features a similar shoulder length style.

However, the emoji is already stirring up some debate on the internet, and the new look isn’t without its critics.

On the flipside, many people are overjoyed with a natural-haired emoji. As one user said, “I’m tired of using the black people with straight hair” (totally valid point!). Whether you’re on board with the style itself, there’s no denying that the inclusion of different textures is a much needed one.

What’s your opinion on emoji’s interpretation of natural hair? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photo via Getty)

You weren’t the only one tearing up during90-minute finale of The White Lotus. Season 3 of Mike White’s series has officially concluded, with viewers left shocked, heartbroken, and all-around emotional. And it turns out, the cast felt the same (warning:lots of spoilers ahead).

In preparation for the series' end, Max took over the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, California, to create a Thailand-inspired White Lotus wellness oasis. The retreat included cooking and mixology classes with Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin, meditation sessions, and a moving panel discussion (hosted by Queer Eye’s Tan France) with the ensemble after they, too, watched the finale for the first time.

During the cast’s Q&A, we got the tea on how Aimee Lou Wood truly felt about her character’s death, plus Patrick Schwarzenegger’s initial reaction to the explosive ending.

Scroll to see The White Lotuscast's reaction to that heartbreaking season 3 finale...

HBO

The White Lotus Cast's Reactions to Chelsea and Rick’s Death

As audience members know, Chelsea and Rick were the characters that met a gruesome end.

Wood said of her character’s death, “For about two weeks before we shot it, I felt super weird. It was this odd, ominous thing that was just hanging over us.” Her character is a casualty of an intense gunfight ignited by her boyfriend Rick (played by Walton Goggins), who attempted to save her by carrying her to safety. “And then it was the hottest day ever. Walton had to carry me so many times, and it was so hard.

In that time, Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) achieves his vindication by shooting Rick in the back. “Chelsea doesn’t know what’s going to happen to her,” Wood said, adding that the scene “looked exactly how it felt, which was really strange.” There’s a final, dark shot of Chelsea dead, faced down in the pond and Rick faced up, mimicking a Yin and Yang symbol.

HBO

Meanwhile, Thapthimthong felt like his character’s actions were “justified.”

Thapthimthong said, “At first, I felt like, ‘I don’t want to shoot him in the back.’ I wish he would turn around and have a little gunfight with me so we can have a little action scene. But we had a discussion with Mike, and I remember he said, ‘Trust me,’ it will be justified. I feel like it really was.” Gaitok then goes on to receive the promotion he’s always wanted, so you can say things worked out for him.

HBO

Patrick Schwarzenegger, who arguably conveyed the biggest character arc in Saxon Ratliff, built a spiritual connection with Chelsea that translated IRL.

Schwarzenegger told France, “I knew something happened to Chelsea, but I didn’t know the extent of everything. It’s this really surreal weird feeling right now of just spending so much time with all of these cast members and then watching someone die. I don’t know how to describe it. You feel like something really happened.” We did too, Patrick, we did too.

As Aimee Lou Wood said on the panel, “There’s a lot in that episode that made me f---ing sob.” And we couldn’t think of a more perfect way to describe the series ending.

Other Can’t Miss Cast Quotes From The 'The White Lotus' Finale Panel:

HBO

Patrick Schwarzenegger (Saxon Ratliff)

“I think once it happened with Chelsea, I started crying in the theater. I looked over at Charlotte [Le Bon] — it was an emotional moment.”

HBO

Sarah Catherine Cook (Piper Ratliff)

“I was like, ‘Wow everyone in this episode really came to some enlightenment, and she’s trying to get enlightened the whole time.’ Then she’s like, ‘No, I guess I’m spoiled.’ I love that.”

HBO

Sam Nivola (Lochlan Ratliff)

“I've never died in anything before. It was fun to get to do that.”

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Leslie Bibb (Kate Bohr)

“I remember when we were filming because the girls were the first ones to shoot our villa, and we all read the scripts and we were like, ‘Oh, our storyline is boring’....I don't think, honestly, we thought that it was going to take off the way it is.”

HBO

Nicholas Duvernay (Zion Lindsey)

“Finally getting even just a little bit of justice for Tanya was amazing. Amazing to finally, over three seasons, give her that closure, essentially."

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Jon Gries (Greg Hunt)

“I think Season 2 surprised me more somehow. But I guess the enormity of the wealth surprised me.”

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Jason Isaacs (Timothy Ratliff)

“I look at my kids I love in real life, these three, and I love them on screen as well. I think there’s more to them. I doubted them, and they will be fine. They just won’t be fine in gigantic houses with huge Tesla trucks.”

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Welcome to another episode of Pies + DIYs, the Facebook Live show where we complete DIYs while eating pie. Tune in every week to see what DIY we will tackle next.

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This week, my coworker Erin joined me on Pies + DIYs to make an emoji Christmas garland. We upcycled old gold circle ornaments into emojis by adding paper details. Use scissors to cut out your emoji’s eyes and mouth and then attach to the ornament with hot glue. Once you have between five and eight emojis, start stringing them onto a long ribbon. We alternated emoji ornament, non-emoji ornament, and so on. Follow along above or you can check out more holiday garland ideas right here.

PS: Do you love our new set? Our friends over at Hovia Wallpaper made this design just for Pies + DIYs! This pink brick backdrop is called Rizzo and can be purchased on their website. If pink brick is too bright for your tastes (I understand!), you can check out all of their other brick-inspired wallpapers right here.

Tag us in your completed garlands on Instagram!

Hailee Steinfeld is no stranger to stealing scenes in movies, but her latest role in Ryan Coogler's Sinners is full of sexy and horrifying moments that'll leave audiences begging for more. Based on clips floating around the internet, the historical horror is set to provide a stage for Hailee's bewitching performance. Perhaps what makes us even more intrigued is how delighted the True Grit actress is about playing a character that'll have viewers talking long after the credits roll.

Scroll to see how Hailee Steinfeld feels about Sinners and learn more about the electrifying new movie!

What is 'Sinners' about?

Warner Bros. Pictures

When twin brothers Smoke and Stack return home for a new beginning, they're initially met with welcome arms. But as daylight turns to dusk and gives way to nightfall, unspeakable horrors expose themselves to the townspeople. Evil not only consumes everything in its path, it also changes Smoke and Stack in ways they could've never prepared for.

It's set in the 1930s South which means we'll get dialect, fashion, music, and more themes from that time period.

Who's Hailee Steinfeld starring as?

Warner Bros. Pictures

Hailee Steinfeld will be starring as Mary, the love interest of Stack. Since not much is known about her outside of that, we're assuming their romance is forbidden. What we do know is Hailee's a fan of her character and the overall themes of Sinners.

According to PEOPLE, the actress shared more of her thoughts in her newsletter Beau Society March 28. She wrote, "...This role is far removed from what I've done, but that's part of what drew me to it! I feel like I'm stepping into my own more and more as I get older, and this role mirrors that."

She also shared that it didn't take much for her to be a part of Sinners. "The minute I heard Ryan Coogler, I was in. Then I read his script and was like, 'Holy s---, this feels like a massive undertaking.' The story is so complex and layered," calling herself "fortunate and honored to even be remotely considered." So, how does Hailee Steinfeld feel about Sinners as a whole?

She says it's "thrilling and sexy and daring and dangerous — with bold representations."

Who else is starring in 'Sinners?'

Warner Bros. Pictures

Besides Hailee Steinfeld, Sinners has a robust cast that'll make the storyline even more rousing. In no particular order, viewers will see:

  • Michael B. Jordan as Smoke/Stack
  • Jack O'Connell as Remmick
  • Omar Benson Miller as Cornbread
  • Li Jun Li as Grace
  • Jayme Lawson as Pearline
  • Wunmi Mosaku as Annie
  • Delroy Lindo as Delta Slim
  • Lola Kirke as Joan
  • Miles Caton as Sammy

When can I watch 'Sinners?'

Warner Bros. Pictures

The Sinners movie debuts April 18, 2025, so start planning your trip to your local theater ASAP!

Watch The Official Trailer For 'Sinners'

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Trigger warning: There's a few jump scares in the Sinners movie trailer that feature bloody moments.

We think the tagline for the film says it best: "You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home," (via Warner Bros. Pictures).

Are you ready to see Hailee Steinfeld take on a new daring role in the Sinners movie? Share your thoughts on Facebook!

Spring is finally doing its thing, and one of our most favorite parts of the weather warming up is all the fun foods we can snack on outside, bring to backyard potlucks, and prep for picnics. Luckily, Aldi’s aisles are stuffed with exciting (and affordable!) finds that’ll definitely elevate your springtime grocery game this year.

From sweet snacks (hello, sandwich cookies and Easter candy) to savory dinner bites (mmm, frozen pizza), these 10 new Aldi offerings are not to be missed this April. Plenty of ‘em are limited-time teams, too, so make sure to head to your closest Aldi store ASAP!

Scroll on for the best Aldi finds under $10 to add to your cart this April!

Aldi

Bake Shop Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies

Oh em gee. These soft sandwich cookies remind us exactly of the Trader Joe's gingerbread dessert that went viral last year, but spring-ified – and we need 3 packs right now. Stuffed with a generous amount of cream cheese filling, the two chewy carrot cake-flavored cookies in this find suit it up to be the perfect spring snack for Easter Sunday and beyond. Plus, it's just $5 for a dozen!

Aldi

Merci European Chocolate Easter Assortment

Fancy European chocolates for Easter? Well, duh! This medley of individually-wrapped, stick-shaped chocolates from Merci highlight delicious flavors like coffee and cream, hazelnut almond, marzipan, and more for a nice lil' treat. Shop it for just $6!

Aldi

Specially Selected Mac & Cheese Pesto Pasta

While your typical frozen mac can be pretty basic, this $2.45 pesto-infused option in Aldi's frozen meal section is anything but. It highlights the luxe flavor notes of garlic and basil, alongside plenty of melty cheese. You can also find these shells in other varieties like Truffle Porcini Mushroom and Smoked Gouda this spring – yum!

Aldi

Emporium Selection Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese

It's giving bougie. It's giving decadent. It's giving unique! This $4 log of goat cheese is marinated in a wonderful blueberry-vanilla coating that lends it to a sweeter flavor – one that pairs extremely well with more savory crackers and salty prosciutto (or any other charcuterie meat you adore) for spring snackin'.

Aldi

Fremont Fish Market Oven Crispy Popcorn Shrimp

The fact that this crispy popcorn shrimp can be ready to eat within literal minutes already has us sold, but the fact that it's also only $6 really seals the deal. This heat-and-eat Aldi find would be perfect for a little outdoor at-home happy hour moment this spring, served alongside some homemade tartar sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon. We're drooling already!

Aldi

Breakfast Best Protein Buttermilk & Vanilla Waffles

You can mention protein once in conversation, and we're going crazy. That's why these new $4 protein-packed frozen waffles from Aldi have us reeling! One serving delivers 12 grams of protein in the form of a deliciously sweet waffle that you could easily enjoy for breakfast or as a stunning midnight snack to hit your personal protein goals!

Aldi

Bake Shop Banana Nut Muffins

Ugh, we are in dire need for a muffin right now. We'll definitely be running to Aldi as soon as humanly possible to add this $4 quartet of banana nut muffins to our cart! Big and bodacious, each one packs in a moist muffin base dotted with flavors of good ol' 'nana and some walnuts for crunch.

Aldi

Mama Cozzi's Thin & Crispy Spinach & Feta Pizza

This $5 find has spinach on it, so it's gotta be healthy, right?! Jokes aside, this frozen pizza topped with greens and feta is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when you just can't stand to cook anything super intricate this spring. It definitely delivers on seasonal flavors, too, drenched in a lighter white garlic sauce in place of the more-expected marinara.

Aldi

Breakfast Best Chocolate Hazelnut Mini Stuffed Pancakes

Shut up. Shut up! Stuffed pancakes?! Aldi, you're killing it. These $4 mini-sized pancakes are filled with a chocolate-hazelnut spread – reminiscent of your classic Nutella – that qualifies them as a tasty bite for both breakfast and dessert.

Aldi

Sundae Shoppe Dairy Free Lemon Blueberry Sorbet

Lemon and blueberry is a stunning flavor combo come springtime, and the fact that it comes ready to eat in a refreshing sorbet form for $4 from Aldi is just insane. We'll be stocking up to enjoy this one all season long!

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