11 Apps That’ll Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Dec 16, 2014

The neighbors are putting up their lights and radio stations are playing those holiday hits, so we decided to hop on that holiday spirit with 11 holiday apps. From awesome holiday cookbooks to holiday e-cards, these apps will get you putting on your ugliest holiday sweater while pouring yourself a glass of eggnog.

1. Shyp: With this app, you can say goodbye to the post office during this holiday season. Skip the long lines and just download the app, take a picture of what you want to “Shyp” out and a Shyp Hero (epic, right?) will come to your rescue and take your items off your hands. Every Shyp Hero takes the goods back to their HQ, where they pack and send out your packages to anywhere worldwide. Also! If you want to add a little Brit glamour to your presents, there are two Brit + Co-designed wrapping papers available under their on-demand gift wrapping section. (Free on iOS and Android Beta)

2. Holiday Recipes and Party Planning Guide: Holiday potlucks coming up, but you have absolutely no idea what to bring? We’ve definitely been there. This app is a “cookbook on steroids” that not only offers delicious recipes from seasoned cooks but also provides video tutorials on techniques so you can become a seasoned cook too. ($3.99 on iOS)

3. Smoopa: Isn’t it the worst when you see something you already bought on sale? Especially during the season of giving, where you need every penny so that you can happily give more and more without destroying your wallet. Smoopa lets you search, browse and scan bar codes for items you’re looking for, and you can either purchase your items in-store or directly from the list of trusted online retailers. Our favorite feature is that Smoopa notifies you if an item you want drops below a certain price. How awesome is that? (Free on iOS)

4. Kayak Pro: So your flight is booked, your hotel is reserved, you’re all packed with the essentials and you’re ready to go. But what if your flight gets delayed… by eight hours? Or what if you need to rent a car, and by the time you get there, there aren’t any available within your price range? Kayak helps you manage your way around the least expected while helping you lay out your itinerary so it’s all smooth traveling. ($0.99 on iOS)

5. Flipp: Alright, Mom mode ON. Take out your scissors, grocery store flyers and ads and — oh wait! With Flipp, you can mark your clippings in-app and they’ll all go straight to your shopping list. But be careful! Just because certain items are on sale doesn’t mean it’s the best price. Make sure you get the best deals at the grocery store for your holiday meals using the discount slider feature. Slide the discount bar to 10% off and the app will highlight the best deals on the store flyers. (Free on iOS and Android)

6. Ink: Instead of taking pictures to upload to your Instagram, upload your holiday pictures to Ink. You can personalize your family’s holiday greeting cards with a wide-angled group selfie and some fun typography. It’s a quick and easy way to send out your greeting cards from your phone. (Free on iOS and Android)

7. Doodle Jump Christmas Special: How could we resist not adding this cute, iconic fellow from our holiday apps roundup? This app will definitely put the kids in a fun holiday mood. ($0.99 on iOS)

8. Fireplace: For those times when you want to relax and wind down, you need some mood setters. Candles, dim lighting or even your very own pocket fireplace will do the trick. ($0.99 on iOS and free on Android)

9. Path Talk: Whether you want to make holiday dinner reservations for you and your boo or find out if an item is in stock, you can use Path Talk to message stores and restaurants instantly. No more late-night drives in the wet and cold weather just to find out that what you trekked to Target for is out of stock… again. (Free on iOS)

10. NORAD Tracks Santa: Can’t wait until Santa gets here? Neither can we. This countdown app not only tracks when Santa will come, but it also lets you explore around the North Pole (it’s a live feed, obviously). (Free on iOS)

11. Bitmoji: When you read a funny text from your BFFL, why send the overused, “LOL” when you can send an emoji-fied picture of you laughing? Bitmoji lets you create a set of emoji caricatures of you which you can send using iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and more. Wish all your friends a happy holidays with your emoji-fied face! (Free on iOS and Android)

Which apps got you into the holiday spirit? What’s your go-to holiday app? Tell us in the comment below!

Win Almost $4,000 Worth Of Prizes With Our Jolly All July Giveaway!

It may be summer, but we can't help missing the most wonderful time of the year right now — Christmas! The holidays are our favorite time to get together with friends and family, indulge in our favorite treats, and make our space shine for the season. While we can't speed up time, we can bring you a little holiday joy this July! We teamed up with Balsam Hill, Saint Jane Beauty, Surgarfina, Solawave, Cariloha, Kencko, Minkycouture, Better Homes and Gardens, Purewow, and Note To Self for the Jolly All July Giveaway!

Sign up now for our super fun sweepstakes for the chance to win almost $4,000 in prizes, from holiday home decor to skincare favorites!

The giveaway ends on July 31, so be sure to enter for your shot to win ASAP!

Here's what you can expect to win from this $3,801 prize!

Balsam Hill

6' Nordmann Fir Tree from Balsam Hill (ARV $899)

Not all fake Christmas trees are created equally, and this option from Balsam Hill is top tier. According to the brand, the trees are modeled after Nordmann Firs in Europe, with their slight curve and darker green color. This attention to detail makes sure you get all the classic Christmas tree look without all the classic Christmas tree hassle — no watering, or needle vacuuming necessary.

Saint Jane Skincare

Saint Jane Skincare Collection (ARV $622)

No matter the time of year, skincare is incredibly important! These serums, creams, and other stunning Saint Jane products are perfect for refreshing your skin and keeping it healthy. Whether you need vitamin C for some added brightness, retinol for some smoothing, or hyaluronic acid for hydration, there's a product here to revitalize your skincare routine!

20 Piece Candy Trunk (ARV $225) + 2024 Holiday Advent Calendar (ARV $55) + $250 Gift Card from Sugarfina

Nothing says the holiday season like sweet treats, and these delicious candies from Sugarfina are perfect for ringing in that vibe this July! You can taste all the different flavors with the candy trunk, or you can double down on your favorite with the $250 gift card! Regardless, I know that sweet tooth is calling as we speak...

Solawave

$450 Gift Card to Solawave

Like I said before, skincare is essential all year long, and the Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand is a great way to promote healthier skin. The four therapies included in this tiny little product — red light, microcurrent, warmth, and vibrations — combine to firm up your skin and promote collagen production! Plus, Solawave has products you can pair with the wand round out your routine!

Cariloha

$450 Gift Card to Cariloha

Comfort is absolutely key when it comes to the holiday season! Luckily, Cariloha has plenty of cushy, comfy options for you to snuggle up in! Choose from bedding, towels, robes, sleepwear, basics, and even mattresses!

kencko

$450 of kencko Online Store Credit

Okay, so if you're thinking smoothies don't scream Christmas, think again! How many times have you binged starches and cheeses and all the holiday goodies, wishing you had something fresh and fruity to break it all up? I know I have, and kencko has plenty of delish options for you!

Minky Couture

$400 Gift Card to Minky Couture

Finally, wrap yourself up in a luxurious blanket or robe from Minky Couture! Their products are incredibly soft and sumptuous, coming in plenty of different colors and patterns! I can already picture myself cozying up with a cup of tea, a good book, and a holiday playlist in one of these.

Sign up for a chance to win these amazing, high-value holiday prizes here!

Header image by Balsam Hill

Olivia Munn Bravely Shares Mastectomy Scars In Latest Skims Ad

Olivia Munn bared it all in her latest SKIMS ad, proving you don't have to hide your scars. The actress posed in a campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, supporting Susan G. Komen®and highlighting her own journey with the disease. She looked absolutely stunning in every photo, but the most gorgeous moment was the way Munn didn't shy away from showing her mastectomy scars. She spoke to TODAY about her experience during the shoot, and why she ultimately decided to ditch her insecurities. Here's what she had to say!

SKIMS

Munn shared with TODAYthat she didn't initially plan to show her scars on the set. The campaign was focused on her recovery post-breast cancer diagnosis, but the makeup artist had a hard time covering up the scars throughout the shoot. She explained that she took a look in the mirror and thought, "I’m done being insecure about my scars." From there, she took the idea to show them off to the SKIMS team — and the rest is history.

SKIMS

And while she was scared to be so vulnerable on camera, this was ultimately a really empowering move for Munn. She elaborated that there are "so many women that have these same scars" who feel just as insecure as she did about them — and she really hopes those women see this ad. "Skims is so iconic and associated with beauty and sex appeal, and cancer really doesn't have that same connotation," she said. "So I just really hope that other women who have gone through my same path feel a little better after seeing it."

SKIMS

The star also took to Instagram to give a behind-the-scenes explanation of her experience. She reiterated that she was "done being insecure" about her scars. "Every mark life has left behind on my body is proof of how hard I fought," she wrote. "I hope other women who have been self-conscious about their scars see these photos and feel all the love I’m sending."

She also shared that SKIMS will donate 10% of their bra sales (except bralettes) to Susan G. Komen® — a charity dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer — from October 23-31 in stores and online. "It’s really meaningful to be part of an initiative that supports research and helps countless individuals impacted by breast cancer," she said.

SKIMS

All of this comes on the heels of Munn's announcement earlier this year that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She revealed the diagnosis came after recently tested negatively for well-known breast cancer genes and had normal results from her annual mammogram — but her doctor to check her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score. The test showed Munn had a 37% risk of breast cancer, so she pushed for more answers that eventually lead to her diagnosis.

Since then, Munn shared with PEOPLE that she had 4 surgeries in 10 months and underwent medically-induced menopause — all the while juggling being a new mom with husband John Mulaney. She shared, "I'm lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day."

SKIMS

After that March announcement, it's clear Munn is dedicated to raising awareness for women's health — and particularly their options. While chatting about the SKIMS campaign, Munn told TODAY, "You've got to go your doctor and you inundate them with information and you don't stop until they give you the test you need."

If you want to test your own risk for breast cancer, the National Institute of Health has resources here.

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

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15 Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes To Make In 2024

If there’s one thing you can guarantee this holiday season, it’s that you can make plenty of leftover ham recipes. Out of all the dinner roasts, the salty, versatile meat has the best potential; it can be incorporated into quiche, soup, or even enchiladas. Whether you choose to have your holiday leftovers for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these 15 recipes will help you use up every last bit.

Leftover Ham Recipes You'll Love

Ham and Cheese Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

Who says you can’t continue to celebrate Easter throughout the rest of spring? Keep the family in town and invite them over for a mimosa-filled brunch with this cheesy, bready casserole as the main event. Plus, it's a make-ahead recipe, which just makes us love it even more. (via FoodieCrush)

Ham and Cheese Monkey Bread

We're pretty sure that monkey bread is our love language. If you and your S.O. need something tasty to snack on while you watch baseball, opt for this gooey bread. It'll definitely become the MVP of the night. (via Show Me the Yummy)

Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Waffles

If you're a ham and cheese fan, then you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the classic combination inside a hash brown. Take the crispiness to the next level by cooking the batter in a waffle maker because everything tastes better when you cook it in a waffle maker. (via Damn Delicious)

Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche

Filling, tasty, and oh-so-cheesy, you can’t go wrong with a quiche on a chilly spring morning. One forkful of this luscious dish, and you’ll be instantly transported to a French bistro. Once you get the hang of this recipe, you can try all kinds of quiche, from sausage to peppers. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

One-Pot Ham and Pea Pasta

Kids will jump for joy at the sight of this creamy, tasty pasta, and you'll jump for joy at the fact that it takes less than 30 minutes to make! They might even eat the peas if you’re lucky. (via Salt and Lavender)

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

In the days after a big holiday meal, make things easier with a tray of sliders to keep everyone well fed. Brush the tops of leftover buns with honey and Dijon mustard, stuff with Swiss cheese and ham, then pop those in the oven until melty and toasted. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

Sweet butternut squash lends some of its starch to make this risotto extra creamy. Salty, caramelized ham and a generous dose of Parmesan cheese help balance out the flavors and textures. (via Give It Some Thyme)

We Can Get Enough Of These Leftover Ham Recipes

Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas

Before you clean up the kitchen, prep these enchiladas for tomorrow's breakfast. All you'll have to do is roll out of bed, pop them in the oven, and enjoy the smoky, cheesy aroma. Top with salsa, sour cream, and avocados to make them extra yummy. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)

Leftover Ham Pizza

Ordering in might be tempting after the holidays, but there’s really no reason to when you have a fridge full of leftovers. Try making your own pizza using your heaps of leftover ham. You can even add pineapple to it if that’s your favorite combo. (via The Cookie Writer)

Potato Ham Chowder

Double the pork, double the fun. Add layers of flavor to this chowder with diced ham, salty bacon, and sweet corn. This is the perfect dish for any spring or summer day that ends up being chilly. (via Damn Delicious)

Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Bake

You won’t believe how easy this creamy rice bake is to prepare, but with Cream of Chicken soup, sour cream, and cheese, it won't taste like leftovers. (via Plain Chicken)

Healthy Ham and Cheese Casserole With Apples and Sage

Still craving hearty dishes but want to eat healthier as we enter the warmer months? Compromise with this better-for-you bake, made with whole-wheat penne, nonfat Greek yogurt, and fresh apples. (via Well Plated by Erin)

Ham and Cheese Pastry Puffs

These flaky treats are basically bite-size ham, cheese, and mustard sandwiches in puff pastry. The unexpected five-spice seasoning blend on top adds both beautiful color and serious flavor. Serve as baby shower apps or turn them into an unexpected brunch dish. (via Plain Chicken)

Hawaiian Fried Rice

Ham and pineapple are a classic culinary match, no matter what time of year it is. Add a fun kick to your spring menu with a zesty fried rice featuring the tried-and-true combo. (via The Recipe Critic)

Cheesy Garlic Butter Sandwich Skewers

Make your plain ham and cheese sandwiches exciting again. Thread them onto skewers and brush them with fragrant garlic butter for a meal that deserves five stars! (via The Cookie Rookie)

Follow Brit + Co on Pinterest for more leftover ham recipes.

Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston and Sara Cagle

This piece has been updated.

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The 'Severance' Season 2 Trailer Is Finally Here & I Have So Many Questions

The cast and crew of Severance are finally returned to the office after months of waiting for production to resume, and we finally have a first look from the new season! Apple TV+ just posted a teaser image from season 2 of cast member Adam Scott holding a bunch of blue balloons. We don't quite know the significance of this picture to the plot, but we do know we are pumped to see it!

Executive producer, Ben Stiller, spread the news about the Apple TV+ series’ return back in January 2024 with a quote tweet simply commenting, "back to work.”

Adam Scott also teased the Severance season 2 production in an Instagram post the same month, saying it’s “lovely being back at the office.” Severance season 2 is officially back on track. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming season!

Watch The Official 'Severance' Season 2 Trailer!

Adam Scott is back in the first teaser trailer for Severance season 2 — and spends the entire trailer running from his problems (relatable). It appears that despite the fact Mark's innie retreats at the end of season 1, it looks like he wakes back up in the elevator and has lots of surprises waiting for him in the office.

Is there a release date for Severance Season 2?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Release Date

Yes, we finally have a release date for Severance season 2! The sophomore season will hit Apple TV+ on January 17, 2025.

What is Severance about?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Plot

Severance is a fictitious psychological thriller TV series that’s focused on a biotech company named Lumon Industries. In the show, Lumon Industries has popularized a procedure called ‘severance’ that separates their employees’ work selves from their personal lives. Essentially, when Lumon employees are at work, they can’t recall anything outside of work, and vice-versa when they aren’t at the office.

The first season of Severance follows Lumon Industries employee, Mark (portrayed by Adam Scott). Throughout the first season’s nine episodes, Mark and his coworkers begin to learn more about the severance procedure, their double-lives, and Lumon Industries’ true objectives – and it all begins to unravel in a mysterious way.

Who stars in Severance?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Cast

Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, and Michael Chernus are all part of the main cast in Severance.

Deadline confirmed in 2022 that Gwendoline Christie, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Alia Shawkat, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and John Noble are part of the Severance season 2 cast.

Where can I watch Severance?

Apple TV+

You can stream season 1 of Severance on Apple TV+. If you don’t already have a subscription to Apple TV+, you can try the platform 7 days free before subscribing for $9.99/month.

Why is Severance season 2 taking so long?

Apple TV+

Severance season 2 is taking so long because production was halted in the wake of last year’s writers strike.

The cast and crew began filming season 2 on October 3, 2022, with production shutting down on May 8, 2023. Since SAG-AFTRA has struck a deal with AMPTP studios, it’s “back to work” on the Severance set per executive producer, Ben Stiller.

Is Severance creepy?

Apple TV+

Severance follows the horrors that come with working in an office, so yes, it’s creepy. Just kidding (sort of)!

The surreal tone of Severance definitely makes it creepy. There’s an ongoing feeling that someone – or something – is constantly keeping watch and wants to gain control. This tone, paired with the series’ clean, manicured (yet cold) visuals, chalks it up to be fairly disturbing.

The characters in the show become increasingly aware of this cryptic, surveillant presence, and the building tension definitely adds to the show’s creepiness. It’s also pretty existential, which is the creepiest feeling of them all.

Was Severance canceled?

Apple TV+

Severance was not canceled. (Thank goodness!) The production was put on pause due last May to 2023’s writers strikes, but it’s up and running now. We are enthused about the show’s return!

Never miss a new show or movie announcement by signing up for our weekly newsletter! Keep checking back here for more info.

This post has been updated.

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'Nobody Wants This' Season 2 Won't Feature This Controversial Couple

All it takes is a few episodes of Nobody Wants This to realize it's one of the best rom-coms of the year — and that Adam Brody is still super hot. The series, which also stars Kristen Bell, has gone viral for everything from its hilariously relatable approach to dating to "the best kiss of all time" to how eloquently it explains the fear that we're too much for a romantic partner. With an 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb, a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and literally millions of TikTok views, it's no surprise the show was just renewed for a second season. Here's everything we know about Nobody Wants This season 2.

What's going to happen in Nobody Wants This season 2?

Hopper Stone/Netflix

Creator Erin Foster just revealed Nobody Wants This season 2 is actually going to get rid of this tease from season 1: Morgan and Sasha's flirtationship. "I think we’re going to wrap up their weird 'Is it romantic?' thing. Because we want to see them together in season two, hanging out," she tells The Hollywood Reporter. "We want to see Esther. I think we went down that road enough that now we’re going to pull back and reposition so we can have them all in scenes together without [Morgan] being like, a full homewrecker. But we’re going to give Morgan something very fun. Justine [Lupe] came in and we pitched it to her and she was like, 'This is my dream storyline.'"

Is Morgan going to be swept off her feet? Or maybe she'll inherit a huge sum of money and become her own trophy wife. That would be SO Morgan.

Is there going to be a season 2 of Nobody Wants This?

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

Yes on October 10, Netflix announced that Nobody Wants This will be coming back for season 2. And (spoiler!!!) now that Joanne and Noah have decided to be together, and Noah's decided to give up his position as Head Rabbi, I have a feeling they'll have to deal with a lot of opinions. (Namely, Noah's mother).

"Creating Nobody Wants This will forever be a career highlight for me," creator Erin Foster says in a statement. "The incredible cast, crew, producers and executives all made this into the show it is today, and to experience viewers' reactions to this series now that it's out in the world has been more than anything I could have dreamed. I’m so lucky to be able to continue this story, and to do it alongside Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan, who I've been such a fan of since Girls... Justice for healthy relationships being the most romantic!”

When is Nobody Wants This season 2 coming out?

Netflix

We know season 2 is coming out in 2025, but stay tuned for an official Nobody Wants This season 2 release date.

Who's in the cast of Nobody Wants This season 2?

Netflix

The Nobody Wants This cast includes Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Stephanie Faracy, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Ben-Victor, Michael Hitchcock, Jackie Tohn, Sherry Cola, Shiloh Bearman, and Emily Arlook.

Does Nobody Wants This End on a Cliffhanger?

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Nobody Wants This might not end on the same kind of thrilling, dramatic cliffhanger as Outer Banks season 4 part 1, but it definitely leaves us with a ton of questions. How will Joanne and Noah's families react to the news? What does life look like as a couple? Will Joanne be able to flaunt their relationship in front of all the teenagers? No matter what comes, these two are very much in love, and I can't wait to see them continue to heal and grow together.

Adam Rose/Netflix

Check out 10 Reasons Nobody Wants This Is The Best TV Show Of The Year — and all the other October TV shows to watch this month!

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