Cycle Up to 20 Miles Per Hour Without Breaking a Sweat

Francesca Bean
Nov 11, 2013

Remember when we wrote about the Copenhagen Wheel a few weeks ago? Well, there’s a new bike wheel in the works. Introducing the FlyKly Smart Wheel. Currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, the FlyKly is a pedal assist that helps you ride your bike more efficiently.

How does it work? The wheel has a motor that activates when you pedal, helping you ride faster and farther. It can go up to 20 miles per hour for 30 miles and is controlled by the FlyKly app, which works with iOS, Android, and Pebble watches. You simply set your speed on the app and the wheel does the rest. You can also use the app to lock and track your bike, access navigation features, and share cycling data with your friends. Pretty neat.

The wheel itself is simple and sleek, and weighs only nine pounds. Plus, it comes in two sizes and eight colors. We’re digging the endless customization options. Worried about the install? The FlyKly simply takes the place of your rear wheel and can can be fitted to almost any bike. How easy is that?

The first Smart Wheels will roll out in May 2014. Interested in reserving one now? Head to FlyKly’s Kickstarter page before November 25th to back the project.

The Ninja Creami Is The Most Iconic Kitchen Appliance I’ve Ever Had

I’ve been living in blissful ice cream heaven for the past month. And though I could easily scamper on over to my neighborhood gelato spot or stock up on summer’s best frozen treats, I’ve been lazily crafting my own inside – courtesy of the Ninja Creami.

If you’ve been literally anywhere on the internet recently, you know that the Creami Craze has truly taken over. Everyone from food-fluencers to gym girlies have been basking in its glory – sharing recipes left and right for ice creams, sorbets, and even frozen cocktails. I admittedly thought the appliance was way too good to be true, and resumed my scrolling in favor of FoodTok and ‘fit checks for a while.

I didn’t realize the sheer magic this thing was capable of until I was thoughtfully gifted one to simply try out. Turns out, the influencers *aren’t* lying about its greatness. From my experience, here’s 5 surefire reasons why you need the Ninja Creami in your kitchen.

Reason 1: It's faster than fast.

The Creami gave me that instant gratification I crave from all cooking projects, no matter what I was making. The paddle tears through frozen-solid liquids in a matter of seconds, resulting in a dangerously thick, velvety ice cream consistency. I’m still in awe (and honestly, a tad confused) about how this thing works – because a blender could definitely *not* do what the Creami does. Perhaps it’s the mystery that keeps me going back.

Reason 2: It's hilariously easy to use.

Because all you have to do to form a fantastically frozen treat is freeze it first and press a few buttons. No, really, a literal monkey could operate the Ninja Creami. There were several times since I got the Creami that my ice cream hankering got so strong, I felt a borderline *astral* draw towards my nearest Sonic – but thankfully didn’t need to lift a finger. I remembered the dismally forgotten Creami bowl in the back of my freezer. From there, all it took was a few minutes to achieve better-than-Sonic-level ice cream. Boom.

Reason 3: It saved me a significant amount on my ice cream bill.

This means the demented dessert demon that arises within me every night once Sweet Treat O’ Clock hits was suppressed from spending money anywhere ice cream is sold. I was able to use ingredients I already had at home to batch out my Creami creations – averaging around 3 servings per bowl. A bang for your buck *and* delicious as can be? You simply cannot deny the deal.

Related: Best Ice Cream Maker

Here are the recipes I’ve made so far, with prices for each ingredient included. I’ve also noted the cost per serving, accounting for the average of 3 servings a bowl. A *steal* rather than a deal, methinks!

  • Chocolate Ice Cream: 2 cups Chocolate Fairlife ($4.19 for a bottle, so 2 cups costs ~$1.29) + 2 tbsp Chocolate Jell-o Mix ($1.39 for a pack, so 2 tbsp costs ~$0.70) = $0.66 per serving
  • Mint Cookie Chocolate Ice Cream: Chocolate Fairlife ($4.19 for a bottle, so 2 cups costs ~$1.29) + 4 Mint Oreo Thins ($4.59 a box, so 4 cookies costs ~$0.35) = $0.55 per serving
  • Lite Horchata Ice Cream: 2 cups Dream Horchata ($4.17 for a carton, so 2 cups costs ~$2.08) = $0.69 per serving
  • Lite Horchata Ice Cream with Cookie Dough: 2 cups Dream Horchata ($4.17 for a carton, so 2 cups costs ~$2.08) + 2 pieces Sweet Loren’s Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough ($6.59 for a dozen, so 2 pieces costs ~$1.08) = $1.05 per serving
  • Dole Whip Dupe:Frozen Pineapple Chunks (I used half a bag, so ~ $1.40) + 1 cup Almond Breeze ($2.39 for a quart, so 1 cup costs ~$0.60) = $0.67 per serving

Reason 4: Healthy dessert has *never* been easier.

Social media has given us an endless stream of easy, high-protein, low-calorie Ninja Creami recipes to try out, so there’s no excuse to *not* make yummy desserts that are actually good for your health. If you’re paradoxical in nature like me (love to eat healthy, but have a serious sweet tooth), it’s time to hop on the Creami bandwagon. The first and foremost reason being this Cosmic Brownie Protein Ice Cream that has 42 grams of protein for only 297 calories. Mind = blown.

Reason 5: It's so customizable.

Image generated via StableDiffusion

Whether your cravings fluctuate from chocolatey to fruity, there’s a Creami recipe out there for you. I found each batch to lend itself to customization with the easy-peasy Mix-In button on the appliance. I added Oreos and cookie dough to my creations, but have plans to experiment with my go-to candies, M&M’s and Reese’s.

What are your most favorite Ninja Creami recipes? Let us know @BritandCo!

Header image via Ninja

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24 Cozy 'Gilmore Girls' Gifts For Anyone Who'd Rather Be In Stars Hollow

If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"

Keep reading for 24 Gilmore Girls-themed gift ideas for 2024.

Amazon

The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir

Get all the behind the scenes info you could ever dream of when you pick up Kelly Bishop's new memoir!

Hot Topic

Loungefly Gilmore Girls Icons Mini Backpack

I was absolutely gagged the first time I saw this backpack. Tiny pizza slices, both the Luke's Diner and Chilton logos, AND the gazebo? I need this, like, right now.

Sunday Best

Sunday Best Peggy Sweater

Consider this white cable knit sweaterthe Rory Gilmore sweater for the season. I cannot stop wearing mine. It's super soft and the perfect medium weight (meaning you won't be cold but you also won't feel weighed down). It's also not itchy at all. I love wearing it with jeans, or tucked into trousers or a skirt.

Amazon

Cotton Baseball Hat

For a more subtle nod to the fashion on the show, a blue baseball cap gives major Luke Danes vibes without having to walk around wearing Gilmore Girls merchandise. Wear it with a crewneck and oversized coat now (hello '90s "It" girl!) and a tee shirt come spring.

Book of the Month

Book of the Month

Channel your inner Rory with the Book of the Month subscription service. The cool part about someone else picking out the books is that you'll find titles — and authors — you didn't even know to look for.

Nordstrom

Espresso Martini Statement Earrings

It wouldn't be an episode of Gilmore Girls without a cup of coffee, or a martini at one of Richard and Emily's Friday night dinners. Combine the two iconic beverages with these statement earrings! They're bold, they're quirky, and they'll be the talk of all your holiday parties.

Etsy

Stars Hollow "Autumn Festival" Travel Poster

Nothing screams Stars Hollow like a festival, and this autumnal poster celebrates the best parts of small town life. Whether you choose to display it in a gallery wall or on a bookshelf, you'll feel like you're coming home every time you look at it.

Etsy

Luke's Diner Mug

With a Luke's Diner mug, you can pretend you really are in Stars Hollow. Bonus points if you're also having a big stack of pancakes!

Etsy

Gilmore Iced Coffee Glass Cup

If you're more of an iced coffee fan, even in the winter (I wonder what Luke would have to say about that?), grab a glass with a super cute design. Not only do I love that Rory and Lorelai are featured in the design, but the color palette is beautiful, too!

Maisonette

Gina White Poodle

Getting your little into the Gilmore Girls spirit? They definitely need a lovable stuffed dog. Again I say, "Oy with the poodles already!"

Handker Bandanas

Colorful Bandana

For another low-key nod to the ultimate BFF's, grab a bandana in your favorite color (like this one that uses untreated, non-GMO cotton!). In true Y2K fashion, Sookie and Lorelai wear bandanas throughout the show, so this is a super fun way to incorporate their style into your own closet this winter.

Etsy

Dragonfly Necklace

A delicate dragonfly necklace is a beautiful layering piece that will add summer cheer to the dreariest of winter days and remind you of Dragonfly Inn at the same time. The fact that dragonflies represent new beginnings is just the cherry on top.

Etsy

Gilmore Girl Eras Shirt

Have you been binging Gilmore Girls during the day and watching Eras Tour TikTok livestreams at night? This T-shirt has your name written all over it. My personal favorite detail is that Kirk is in the debut square.

Etsy

Stars Hollow Christmas Festival Sweatshirt

There's nothing like layering a turtleneck, a crewneck, and a bunch of jewelry for a trip to your corner coffee shop, so swap your go-to crewneck for this festive Stars Hollow one! The gazebo is instantly recognizable for Gilmore Girls fans and just looking at the design makes me want to say, "I smell snow."

Walmart

Gilmore Girls: Complete Series Collection

One of my favorite Christmas presents in recent years was the full Gilmore Girls DVD set. This 42-disc DVD set has every single episode and even more hours of unaired clips, behind the scenes features, and episode commentaries. I'm geeking out just thinking about it.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook

Gilmore Girls recipes are always delicious, and always pretty easy (after all, Lorelai and Rory basically only eat takeout and Luke's!). The official cookbook will let you put your own spin on the food you seen onscreen, and then you can have a truly meta experience by eating your meal while you watch the Gilmores eat theirs.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: Trivia Deck and Episode Guide

Tried-and-true Gilmore Girls fans will love diving into this trivia book. Because this game (which features 200 questions) has an 88-page episode guide and goes through every. Single. Episode. Worth it!

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow

TBH, I think kids books are great for book lovers of any age. The art and simple storytelling really get my creative juices flowing. At Home In Stars Hollow will make you (or a family member or friend) love Gilmore Girls in a whole new way!

Cande Craft Company

Stars Hollow Scented Candle

This all-natural soy candle has every scent a Gilmore Girls fan will love: coffee, sweet cream, and vanilla. It's cozy and balances sweet and bitter in a really intoxicating way.

Amazon

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore Plush

Okay, I'll be honest. I want these plushes for myself! The design is a hilarious nod to the season one episode "The Lorelais' First Day At Chilton" and even features a tiny coffee mug and tiny book!

Rock Em Socks

Gilmore Girls Socks

Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.

Etsy

Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book

For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.

Favorite Child

Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag

Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.

Amazon

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember

Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.

Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!

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.

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The Top 9 Wellness Trends for 2022 (and Beyond) with Well+Good's Kate Spies

From the rise of vegan meat alternatives in 2020 to the home renovation craze of 2021, one brand has been successfully predicting the latest wellness trends for years: Popular women's lifestyle brand Well + Good. Senior Vice President and General Manager of Well + Good Kate Spies is here to share the brand's trend report for 2022 and break it all down for us.

In our conversation, we’ll get her top 2022 wellness predictions across all of our favorite categories from beauty and self-care, to fitness and superfood ingredients. Together, we'll also learn how to decipher which wellness trends for 2022 are actually worth the hype.

To learn more about all the things with Brit, subscribe to Teach Me Something New on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.


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Angelina Jolie Finally Opened Up About Her "Extremely Private" Kids & Motherhood

Angelina Jolie has always been mother — but she's also a literal mother to six kids whom she clearly cares about fiercely. Since she first adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax to giving birth to Vivienne and Knox, it's always been evident that her children are her entire world. While she rarely talks about her children (especially given her highly contested divorce at the moment), Angelina shared a little slice of her feelings on motherhood, insights on her children, and more with Good Morning America.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

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New Mom Shares Exactly How Much It Cost To Have A Baby In 2024 – Spoiler Alert, It’s A LOT

Just how expensive is it to have a baby in 2024? One woman sharing her experience on social media has sparked a much-needed conversation about financial transparency when it comes to starting (or growing) a family.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Josephine Anderson (@fosterthevalley)

Josephine Anderson, who posted a video on her Instagram @fosterthevalley, outlined the costs of her uncomplicated vaginal birth, and TBH, it was shocking.

The financial breakdown of her experience (with Cigna for insurance):

  • Routine office visits (including 2 ultrasounds): $1,266
  • Labs: $3,440.81
  • NIPT genetic testing: $15,319.36
  • Anatomy scan: $1,270
  • RhoGam: $360
  • Hospital for mom: $23,722.10
  • Hospital for baby: $7,402.80
  • OBGYN for delivery: $5,000
  • Epidural: $5,720
  • Breastfeeding support: $2,589.78
  • Pediatrician: $209
That all racks up to a whopping total of $66,299.85. After insurance was factored in (her deductible was $3,000 while her max out-of-pocket for in-network expenses was $11,000), the total cost for her uncomplicated vaginal birth was $4,788.98. Forbes Advisor reports the average cost of having a baby in 2024 is $2,854.

Instagram

Josephine’s video warranted thousands of comments, most of which were appalled by the costs of her experience:

“This needs to be shared in SexEd classes,” one commenter wrote.

“The US medical system is BROKEN,” another said.

“And people are still confused why more women are choosing to remain child free… we literally can’t afford it,” another user commented.

Mart Production / PEXELS

Brit + Co spoke with Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC and CEO/Founder of BOOBIE Superfoods to gauge if Josephine’s costs were typical for the care she received. Colson has significant insight into how insurance works not only from an employer’s perspective, but from personal experience as a patient with breast cancer.

“The $4,788.98 net amount she mentions is realistic given that her deductible was $3,000. If she had chosen a plan with a $1,000 deductible – which is a common ceiling for good coverage – the same scenario would have cost her around $2,789,” Colson said. “The video highlights the importance of understanding what you're getting with an insurance plan, especially when you anticipate major life events like childbirth.”

Sarah Chai / PEXELS

Colson primarily attributes unanticipated costs for medical care (like in Josephine’s case) to patients that choose their insurance plans with, well, no real plan.

“Many [people] opt for the [plan] with the lowest paycheck deductions without fully evaluating the benefits,” Colson said.

There’s often a tradeoff between paying less per paycheck and receiving your desired benefits: for example, if you elect to contribute less money towards your insurance per paycheck, you may end up paying more out of pocket for things like doctor’s office visits and prescriptions.

“Making an informed choice is key to saving money in the long run,” Colson continued. “In short, it's crucial to consider both the immediate costs (like paycheck deductions) and the potential future costs (like deductibles and copays) when choosing an insurance plan.”

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Another major cost Josephine mentions in her video was 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which cost her a total of $18,000 (in lost income).

Per the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, moms have a legal right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities, accommodate the legitimate interests of employers, and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.

Matilda Wormwood / PEXELS

It all sounds great until you realize the time off is indeed unpaid, which doesn't really aid in the amount of money parents end up owing after all is said and done in the pregnancy and childbirth processes.

Only 13 states plus the District of Columbia offer paid maternity leave. When you compare the United States’ laws to that of other industrialized nations, they don’t exactly measure up.

Colson says Sweden’s maternity leave policy is “one of the most generous,” offering 390 days of paid parental leave (shared between parents) and 80% of wages covered for a significant portion of the leave. In Germany, mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave plus a tax-free, income-based allowance straight from their insurance provider.

Jonathan Borba / PEXELS

Though it’s likely that US laws will never be that generous in terms of paid maternity leave, there are a few things you can do to make the blow of medical costs hurt a little less, says Colson.

“My advice is to be your own advocate,” she says. “If you’re planning to have a baby, start by understanding what your state provides in terms of paid leave to avoid surprises after delivery.”

To keep the cost of having your baby (if you’re planning to have one) transparent and free of surprises, Colson recommends:

  • Asking your physician’s office for a detailed breakdown of insurance billing codes, including:
    • Office visits
    • Lab work
    • Epidural (and the anesthesiologist’s separate fee)
    • Hospital admissions
    • Specialist consultations during admission
    • Optional procedures like circumcision, if desired
  • Email the insurance billing codes to your insurance provider, who can help calculate your out-of-pocket costs and deductible

“Having a baby is priceless,” Colson says. “By planning ahead – understanding your insurance options, healthcare costs, and available benefits – you can ensure peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: your growing family.”

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