Hosting a BBQ? Don’t Do It Without This Gadget!

We’re smack dab in the middle of National Barbecue Month and nothing will upgrade your grilling game like the iGrill Mini. The original iGrill made our list of Must Have Grilling Gadgets, and the iGrill Mini is even hotter. The pocket-sized bluetooth device allows you to pull off the perfect barbecue with ease. Once the small temperature-monitoring probe is stuck into your meat of choice, step away from the grill and wait for the signal delivered to your phone, letting you know that your meal is ready.

If you really think about it, cooking meat over an open flame is a little archaic, but this device takes your grilling into the future. Set up notifications through the accompanying iOS app to get a notification when the desired temperature is reached. The smart base station communicates with your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to let you know when your food is cooked to perfection. Just program, plug in the probe, toss your favorite food on the heat and walk away.

Instead of getting all up in that grill, checking and double checking under the lid, just leave the flames alone — play a yard game or whip up a batch of margaritas without having to worry about things getting scorched on the grates. Even without the mobile alerts, the Smart LED display on the magnetic-mounted base station lets you see the progress without ever lifting the lid.

If you don’t believe the iGrill Mini is a grilling gadget that’ll seriously change your life, you should know it has a 150-hour battery life and a 150-foot range. Plus, the compatible app puts the entire suite of iDevices on the same screen, so you can check your Kitchen Thermometer at the same time, making you a major multi-tasker. So what are you waiting for? Grab yours from the Apple store for $40, give your phone a break from photo editing and catching up on headlines and let it finally help you pull off a delicious backyard barbecue.

What’s your favorite grilling gadget? Would this stellar temperature keeper help you host your next ‘cue? Fire up the conversation below!

Women like Kristin Cavallariare giving a middle finger to outdated rules like who's allowed to have an age gap relationship or not, and it's refreshing to see. As much as we remember her for her time on The Hills, she's branched out as an author, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari. Speaking of her podcast, Kristin Cavallari didn't hold back in her when she dished about her ex-boyfriend Mark Estes.

At first listen, her giddy tone is evident and immediately captivated listeners for the 45 minutes she gushed about the key details that led her to a new relationship. Since then, the two had quite a public relationship even if was short-lived!

How did Kristin Cavallari meet her ex-boyfriend Mark Estes?

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We're truly living in a digital age because TikTok is the reason Kristin Cavallari was introduced to her ex-boyfriend Mark Estes. She told her best friend Justin Anderson that she was scrolling down her timeline when she came across what she called a "boy group" called The Montana Boyz and they both agreed one of them specifically is her type. She said, "He's gorgeous. Like, everything about him is perfect. But, he's also outdoorsy and manly."

Three weeks later, she got a DM from The Montana Boyz that said "I love you" and she immediately let them know she wanted to have them on her podcast. Although the podcast didn't happen, Kristin Cavallari appeared in one of their TikTok videos. Once Kristin Cavallari learned from her assistant that they were planning to move to Nashville, she arranged for a line dancing meet-up with The Montana Boyz and her staff. After they met, Kristin decided to call the guy who would become her ex-boyfriend "Montana." (Cavallari used Montana as a stand in for her boyfriend's real name during the podcast recording as she never names anyone explicitly on her show.)

Shortly after that, Kristin Cavallari hard launched her new relationship with ex-boyfriend Mark Estes on Instagram in February, and the rest is history!

How did she feel about their age gap?

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Kristin Cavallari didn't know how young The Montana Boyz were, but she wasn't interested in pursuing a relationship with Mark Estes at first. She did admit she had a brief issue with their age gap, but decided that Mark being 24 while she's 37 didn’t really bother her. Justin pointed out that she actually used to say she wouldn't date guys who were only 30 because she thought they were too young. However, she was more interested in who Mark was as a person and notes that life experiences and how you were raised is more indicative of one's maturity level than age alone.

Did Kristin Cavallari's kids like Mark Estes?

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Kristin Cavallari said her boys were so excited to meet Mark for the first time and she felt like they really wanted her to be happy. "I've been really good about separating my dating life from their [life]," she said. Her oldest son especially approved of Mark and it was shocking to Kristin because he's usually the toughest judge of whoever she's dating.

How did her career prepare her for public opinions about their relationship?

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Kristin Cavallari didn’t care what anyone thought about her ex-boyfriend. She's lived life in the public eye and is comfortable enough with herself to make decisions that make her happy. Kristin said, "...when this news came out, it's the first time in my entire life I 100% haven't given a sh-t what anyone thinks... My own mother is noticing a difference in me."

Did she mention anything about her divorce from Jay Cutler?

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Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler were married for seven years before announcing their divorce in 2020. She didn't go into detail about it during the podcast episode, but she did talk about the magnitude of her former relationship with her ex-boyfriend. "It's the first time I've gone public since my divorce," she said.

How did Mark Estes adjust to being in the public eye with Kristin Cavallari?

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Montana Boyz's Mark Estes Says He's a "TRUE ROMANTIC" With Girlfriend Kristin Cavallari | E! News

Mark Estes may be in the spotlight because he dated Kristin Cavallari, but that didn’t mean he was enthusiastic about it. E! News caught up with him at the CMT Awards and he said, "It comes with the territory, I guess...It is what it is." One thing his friend Kade Wilcox — another one of The Montana Boyz — mentioned is that Mark was quite the romanticist when it came to Kristin Cavallari. He told the outlet, "He's pretty good at date nights."

How did Kristin Cavallari feel about dating a younger man?

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Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes may have been in bliss for a short while, but the former knows having an age gap in a relationship isn't always applauded by others. " I understand what it looks like from the outside world of, like, yeah, I’m dating a 24-year-old, but no one in my life has been like, ‘This is weird.’ Everyone’s like, ’I get it. It makes sense,'" she said (via Bustle).

She also said, "...Emotionally, he’s able to step up to the plate, and he’s shown up for me more than anyone else I’ve ever dated," (via Bustle). And according to her, Mark's all in when it comes to her kids and they love him for it. "He loves my kids. He actually took my kids to school, and it's just—he fits in very well. And I'm really thankful for that," (via E! News).

It's not easy balancing being an attentive mom who has a full-fledged career and relationship, but Kristin seemed grateful for the way Mark stepped up to the plate. She said he made things feel "so easy" which is something all moms crave!

Watch The Full Campaign Video For Hard Feelings Eau De Parfum 

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Hard Feelings The Debut Eau De Parfum From Uncommon James

Since talking about everything from her time on Laguna Beach to her relationship, Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes appeared together in an ad campaign for her brand's new fragrance, Hard Feelings. It's described as an "alluring" scent that's meant to invigorate one's senses. With notes like pink pepper, hibiscus, and sandalwood, we don't doubt it's sensuality!

What's the steamy thing  Kristin revealed about her former relationship?

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During the "Truth or Drink with Mark Estes" episode on Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari, Kristin and Mark delved into steamy secrets about their relationship. The latter even dropped a bombshell when he admitted he enjoyed being intimate with Kristin. He said, "Yeah, you’re the best sex I've ever had for sure," which shocked her.

Though she liked his confession, she said she "didn't know that" before letting him know she felt the same. But, she attributed their hot sex to things like being "more present physically during sex" and being "wildly attracted" to Mark.

But, their relationship isn't all about their amazing romps in bed. Mark was “obviously so in love" with Kristin so that added to the spiciness factor!

Why did Kristin Cavallari And Mark Estes break up?

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Sadly, all of the passion Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes had fizzled out because they broke up after 7 months of being in a relationship (via Us Weekly). She told Alex Cooper, host of the Call Her Daddy podcast, the breakup was “fresh,” (via PEOPLE ).

It doesn’t seem like their breakup ended on a sour note, but we’ll see if they share more about it in the coming weeks!

What do you think about Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes’ breakup?

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.

There are so many plot lines in Gilmore Girls season 1 through A Year In The Life, that it's hard to imagine adding anything to the story. But every time I think about a prequel about Emily Gilmore, or the spinoff about Jess Mariano we never got, I can't help but think about what could have been. I mean a story about a 16-year-old Lorelai running off to Stars Hollow and raising Rory as a teenager? That is absolutely the kind of TV I'd eat up (alongside any one of these delicious Gilmore Girls recipes). Well, the latest Gilmore Girls spinoff idea has me spiraling just because of how good it is. And the fact it centers two completely underrated characters: Paris Geller and Lane Kim.

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"Ok who would’ve wanted to see this show [about Paris and Lane?]," one Reddit user asks. "Two intelligent beautiful girls making their way in the big city? Just getting out of college? Roommates? Girlfriends?"

Liza Weil as Paris has always been a standout Gilmore Girls character for me, especially after learning she originally auditioned for Rory and the writers liked her so much, they created Paris just for her. And Keiko Agena gives such a heartfelt and emotional performance as Lane Kim that she's widely regarded as one of the most beloved Gilmore Girls characters, period.

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"I honestly think GG would’ve been so much better had the three girls—Rory, Lane, and Paris—hung out more with each other," another user adds, while a third says, "I wish Lane could have gone to a community college in New Haven or something (idk if new haven has a cc, but tv magic ✨). They could have shared an apartment and we could have the wacky adventures of them."

Running around the city, going to parties, and going through the woes of dating and career life? That's the life Lane deserved!

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Gilmore Girls fans have never quite loved the way Lane's arc from repressed teen to wife and mother played out (neither did creator Amy Sherman-Palladino for that matter), and it's even more heartbreaking when Lane admits that "all of a sudden I'm this over-burdened mother. I barely got to do it Zack, I barely got the chance to be a person."

Brit + Co writer Aleena Malik questions, "Given how difficult [Lane's] upbringing was, couldn't the show have given her a win by having her be the one who gets to follow her dreams?" I, for one, would have loved to see Lane actually, permanently move in with Rory and Paris instead of just staying with them for a few weeks.

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And if Paris and Lane reached their mid-20s, realized how selfish and out-of-touch Rory can be, and moved to Hartford? More power to them. Both women are so smart and passionate about topics like music and writing that they'd never run out of things to talk about. Plus, Paris would encourage and drive Lane forward in her goals, while Lane would help Paris loosen up.

Because who are we kidding? Rory is always off in her own world, thinking about boys, books, or college. And Paris and Lane definitely deserve someone who will give them as much care, love, and intention as they offer their own relationships.

Netflix/Warner Bros Television; Illustration via Brit + Co

Check out even more reasons why Paris Geller Is Actually The Best Gilmore Girl Of Them All!

Dudes — do you own a flannel? Well, we're pretty sure that you do, so behold SIX different ideas for easy costumes for men using that one shirt! You're welcome. Even if you have a different Halloween party every day of the week, you'll have different costumes you can wear to each one. Not only are they made with things you already own, but they're also pretty comfortable if we do say so ourselves.

To make these epic Halloween costumes, we picked up this basic red flannel from our local thrift store for $5 and paired it with a bunch of basic clothes most men already have. Scroll on to see how we made these super easy (last-minute even!) halloween costumes!

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Thanks to Zane for rocking all of these looks!

The Brawny Man Halloween Costume

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Men, get those muscles and those pearly whites ready for this flannel shirt costume! In our eyes, the Brawny Man has everything we're looking for. He’s got that tough muscle bod to swoop us off our feet, the square jaw line to melt our hearts and the perfect dark hair that we just can’t wait to run our fingers through.

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First, shop the (hilarious) Muscle Shirt. Think of it like a push-up bra for your entire torso. Cut off the lower arm section of the muscle suit so you can roll up the flannel sleeves and get down to business. Don't forget to grab a pack of Brawny paper towels to complete the costume!

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Don't panic if you start saying things like, “Oh gosh, is that some dirt over there on your vanity mirror? Girl, I’ve got you. Let me fix that.”

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We're giving this two thumbs' up because it's such an easy costume for men!

Al Borland Halloween Costume

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Remember this 90s sidekick from Home Improvement? Go as him or just any tool-belt-loving fella ;).

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This is a super easy costume for men because if you're a workman, you probably already have the flannel, boot cut jeans, and work boots! The key to getting this look right, however, is all about the accessories. We purchased this basic tool belt from Amazon. Fill it with your tools (or a flask) to really get you in the Halloween spirit.

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We all hate measuring to hang up your favorite framed pieces of wall art. Don’t worry, Al is here to save the day!

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If you don't want to commit to a full bushel of a beard, we understand. We picked up this fake beard and find the look quite comical. You can trim it to get a look that you like best.

Larry The Cable Guy Halloween Costume

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“I'm happier than a tornado in a trailer park!" There's nothing better than a man who can make you laugh. Larry the Cable Guy has a particular kind of humor, but the one thing we can always count on him for is his sleeveless flannel shirts. I guess he must always be running warm.

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Get ready to release some anger, because you’ll need to rip off the sleeves for this look. (Meaning that if you're planning on using all of these costumes, you might want to save this one for last). Pair your sleeveless flannel with boot cut jeans, boots and a trucker-inspired baseball cap.

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This look says, “My cooking is probably subpar, but I can make you laugh while we try to cook together.” ;)

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Larry's signature look is his goatee-mustache combo. We weren't going to subject Zane to actually shaving for this costume, so instead we created the look with a fake goatee stick-on beard and a brown eyebrow pencil. Easy as pie.

The Hipster Halloween Costume

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Does your beer brewing side hobby need your constant attention?

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Zane completely dressed for this costume himself from his own wardrobe. Pair your flannel with a V-neck tee, cuffed slim-fitting jeans and your best pair of leather loafers. Accessories are a must — think thick-rimmed glasses, beanie hat and a cold beer. PBR or Tecate will do the trick, since you are already in the process of creating the perfect beer yourself ;)

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Need man bun styling tips? Or man braids if your hair is long enough.

Marty McFly Halloween Costume

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Okay, real talk – can you believe the year Marty traveled to in his time machine was 2015? How time flies (even if the cars don't).

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Marty’s iconic look is all about the layers, so be sure to add a jean jacket and that signature puffy vest over the flannel. Pair with boot cut jeans and the whitest pair of 90’s (dad) sneakers you own.

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Zach let us borrow his board but you can find an inexpensive skateboard on Amazon too.

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Keep the hair simple. We went for a side part and wind-blown vibes — traveling through time is windy, right?

Wind-blown Man Costume

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We’ve all had those bad umbrella days…All jokes aside, this look was our absolute favorite to create. We are just dying over the fact that no wind or fan was used in creating this photo.

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We had Zane dress in a normal everyday outfit, then added some wind-blown tweaks. You will want to stick wire down the inside of your tie to give it a rippled shape and then safety pin it to corner of the flannel. We also pinned up the bottom corner of the shirt and taped on some wind-blown newspaper ads to the knee of the pants. Most importantly, you’ll want a broken, inside-out umbrella to complete this costume.

And that's a wrap!

How do you feel about these flannel costumes? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to tag us in all your flannel costumes on Instagram!

How do you feel about these flannel costumes? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to tag us in all your flannel costumes on Instagram!

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.