5 Must-DL Apps This Week: The Best Weather App EVER + More!

Nov 29, 2014

After a week of cooking and assorted hostess prep, a day of feasting and a sweaty 25 minutes lugging that new 55” inch flat screen up your fourth floor walk up, it’s time to check back in with yourself. Which we recommend starting with an app refresh and one of this week’s must-download apps meant to make some sliver of your life better. Today, we’re focusing on your rap career, your sommelier status and your Masters in Meteorology + Meetings. Keep reading, and get to DLing!

1. Jigglist: As holiday party season heats up and the “we should grab a drink” straggler invites come rolling in, use this app to plan the latter. Its interactive chats let you find times in your friends’ schedules that work for all AND pick well-reviewed restaurants and bars to meet — all in the same chat. Bonus: With the chosen locale’s info right there in your convo, you’ll never have to answer the “what’s the addy?” texts again.

Cost: Free on iOS and coming soon to Android

2. Next Glass: Not sure what kinda beer to buy or, more importantly, which lager you’ll actually love? This app uses SCIENCE to predict which brewski you’ll swig and which wine you’ll pass on after a sip. Use it like Pandora, rating your favorite beers and wine to build your very own taste profile. While shopping, bust it out to scan barcodes of drinks you haven’t tried yet to get a personalized “score” that guesstimates how you’ll feel about that particular booze. One of our favorite features is that it connects with your friends’ profiles so you can find the perfect bottle of wine to bring to their next party.

Cost: Free on Android and iOS

3. Keezy Drummer: Now that 2014 is coming to a close, someone needs to start working on the next twerk anthem and you could be THAT PERSON with this beat-creating app. Either that, or use this well-designed DLable drum machine to win the next rap battle you find yourself stuck in.

Cost: Free on iOS

4. Weather or Not: A great weather app is, well, great, but a weather app that adds context to the forecast is better than great. This one syncs to your calendar events and maps out what the next week looks like for you and your plans with the weather in mind. All that and some good word play? You know we <3 that.

Cost: $2.99 on iOS

5. Super! This self-described “quirky, colorful and different” app looks like super fun — important because Jelly, Biz Stone’s most recent swing at a social app was, well, not super fun. This social experiment is about sharing pictures with a message (or is it about sharing a message with the help of pictures?). You type in your opinion and the app generates an image for you automatically or lets you upload your own. Users can use “starters” to kick off their own “I” statements or answer someone else’s with their thoughts. This one might not reach Twitter or Facebook heights, but it might be like a public, feel-good Whisper.

Cost: Free on Android and iOS

What was your favorite app of recent downloads? Going to try any of these? Share with us below!

What Would A TikTok Ban Mean For Small Businesses?

Amid dire concerns that TikTok threatens U.S. national security, bans against the app have spread like wildfire. Beyond just government devices, some universities initiated bans, with the latest policy talks going as far as to include personal devices as well. Though it’s unlikely that the platform will be completely banned (there are other proposed solutions, like selling the app or amending its data policies) due to free speech, the possibility of a ban raises another concern: the livelihood of small businesses.

TikTok is a central avenue for small businesses to promote their products and services, with special thanks to its algorithm, says Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO at Financer.com.

“The platform's unique algorithm, which prioritizes content discovery and virality, has enabled many small businesses to reach and connect with potential customers in a way that wasn't possible through traditional social media platforms,” says Larsson. “Since its growth has been exponential throughout the years as a key marketing channel, the ban triggered the markets for sure.”

TikTok also masters the art of connection. Your For You Page knows exactly what you like to see. This gives small businesses the ability to get closer to their audience and reach more success that way, says saysLynzee Krohne, Founder of branding agency LEO + LAINE.

"On TikTok, brands have the freedom and space to be more casual and less branded," Krohne said. "Because of the nature of TikTok, it allows brands to let their guard down a bit and create content that may be a little more rough around the edges—which helps them appear to be much more authentic to their audience."

Jessica Tran, founder of @jtmobiledetailing, says 60% of customers choose her car detailing shop because they saw it on TikTok. Jaz and Sam Sears, owners and operators of@aztaco.king, grew their business from a food cart in a parking lot to two restaurants in less than 6 months, due to their success on the app. Megan Gersch, a web designer and brand identity creator, says around half of her client base comes from TikTok, which often turn into 4 to 5-figure contracts.

This positive growth for small biz is commonly attributed to the app’s distinctive features that connect creators with consumers, such as live video streaming, a virality-driven algorithm, and the ability for users to personalize their daily feeds.

“TikTok has been a great tool for allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper level,” says Gersch. “There's a special magic that happens with video marketing that you can't achieve with a text or static image post. Your audience gets to know your quirks, your mannerisms, and they start to feel like they know you, even though you've never met. Every time you see a new video from one of your favorite creators, it's like a FaceTime call from a trusted friend.”

In its absence, small business TikTokers would have no choice but to adapt and pivot their marketing strategies, which is not always easy when they’re doing it DIY-style, says Larsson.

“While small businesses may be able to find success on other social media channels, the competition for visibility and engagement is often more intense [than on TikTok], making it harder for them to stand out. The time and effort required to establish a new presence and create content tailored to the specific characteristics of other platforms could be a significant burden on small business owners.”

Small businesses pivoting to other platforms might face different struggles for exposure, due to consumers being very platform-specific, according to Krohne.

"If [TikTok] brands begin to focus their content efforts on Instagram, they’re up against multiple types of content, and competing in a more content-saturated world," Krohne told us. "TikTok mostly has one content offering, and that’s why it’s insanely popular. There’s a difference between platforms. Brands must diversify their content and show up in other places to keep a steady stream of touchpoints to remain top of mind and memorable."

Though Gersch is no stranger to restrategizing, a potential TikTok ban would still impact her business as a web designer and brand creator.

“I've been a marketer for 16+ years, and one thing that I have learned along the way is that you need to constantly test, look at your analytics, and create where the attention is,” says Gersch. “If TikTok goes away, there will be a huge gap in the market that will need to be filled.”

TikTok recognizes the work that small business owners take on in order to find success, which is why the platform has committed $1 million each to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to elevate entrepreneurship in the Latin community, and Black Girl Ventures to support Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

“Five million US businesses turn to TikTok to take us inside their world in a fun, authentic way, and as a result, they are reaching new customers, hiring more employees and growing their business,” says Becca Sawyer, Global Head of SMB for TikTok. “By partnering with HHF and BGV and launching virtual workshops, we're strengthening our commitment to build an inclusive and supportive platform where small business owners and entrepreneurs can share their story, find their audience and drive real business results."

We can’t make a solid prediction for the destiny of the beloved app for now, but we do know that it’ll be dearly missed by small businesses and consumers alike if bans (at any capacity) go through.

“I don't want Tiktok to be banned - not only is it an integral part of my business, but I have also been able to connect with so many incredible people that I wouldn't have met otherwise,” says Gersch. “It's my go-to source for inspiration, learning, and even a good laugh.”

Sign up for our newsletter for more takes on current events. Follow us on TikTok to catch exclusive content!

Illustration by Claire Shadomy

55 Easy Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers That Satisfy The Whole Table

Whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving with your family or having a cozy dinner for two, you want some time to sit back and relax on Turkey Day – even to enjoy some fun holiday games and activities while you wait for the turkey to brown. Make the day way easier by whipping up any of these easy make-aheadThanksgivingappetizer recipes and give yourself an actual Thanksgiving break.

Brit + Co

Bread Cornucopia and Cheese

Nothing says Thanksgiving like a cornucopia, so a bread cornucopia is the perfect appetizer centerpiece for your pre-feast party. (via Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving appetizer. With this recipe, you can prep a creamy, buttery batch ahead of the big day and have it ready to go when your guests gather together. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mac + Cheese Donuts

Not every appetizer has to be high rent. Whether you're prepping for Friendsgiving or an Turkey Day with your closest family, these delicious edibles will be a crowd pleaser. (via Brit + Co)

The Cafe Sucre Farine

Rosemary Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles

These babies are actually pretty darn classy, and they showcase all the flavors of the spectrum. There's rosemary for herb lovers, pecan to add some nuttiness, and even Sriracha for a bit of heat. Pro tip: Serve with a basic crispy wafer so as not to detract from the spread. (via The Cafe Sucre Farine)

Nerds With Knives

Crostini With Bleu Cheese and Roasted Grapes

This recipe takes almost no time to make. Slice up some blue cheese and add grapes to your favorite baguette. (via Nerds With Knives)

Little Spice Jar

Gruyere, Mushroom, and Caramelized Onion Bites

Add Gruyere, mushrooms, and caramelized onions to puffed pastry for a simple and delicious appetizer. And the best part is, you can make this up to 48 hours ahead of time, giving you plenty of wiggle room for your Turkey Day prep. (via Little Spice Jar)

Better Homes & Gardens

Cran-Sage Rolls

Not only is there nothing wrong with using frozen dough once in a while, but it's actually kind of a perfect Thanksgiving treat. These rolls are flavored with cranberries and sage for an elegant holiday version of trust crescent rolls. (via Better Homes & Gardens)

Hello Little Home

Ranch Pumpkin Seeds

These pumpkin seeds are both salty and tangy, plus you get a nice crunch from baking them for a bit. (via Hello Little Home)

I Will Not Eat Oysters

Kabocha and Havarti Pockets

Prepare these hearty pockets a few days before Thanksgiving, stick them in the fridge, and bake on the day of. (via I Will Not Eat Oysters)

Real Housemoms

Onion, Cranberry, and Pecan Cheese Ball

Cheese balls are a classic appetizer. Add onion, cranberries, and pecans to make yours next-level. (via Real Housemoms)

Well Plated

Cranberry Baked Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Brie can get super messy. Make bites instead and pop some cranberry in them to Thanksgiving-ify. Serve with fresh cranberries or — our personal favorite — sweet cranberry sauce. (via Well Plated)

How Sweet Eats

Pomegranate Jeweled White Cheddar, Toasted Almond, and Crispy Sage Cheeseball

This big bundle of flavor is so cheesy. It's coated in pomegranate seeds, which makes it super festive and sweet. (via How Sweet Eats)

The Suburban Soapbox

Tomato Jam and Cheddar Palmiers

TBH the thought of tomato jam is a little scary. But, once you try this recipe, you and your fam will be totally hooked. Add a little cheddar to make these extra flavorful. (via The Suburban Soapbox)

Recipe Rebel

Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini

These tiny crostinis take the idea of bruschetta and turn it on its head. Instead of light, summery toppings, you'll be treated to festive cranberries, savory bacon, and gooey cheese. (via Recipe Rebel)

Home Is Where the Boat Is

Cha-Cha Chicken Salad

There's an unexpected sweetness to this chicken salad, and it comes from pineapples and cranberries. Top with a fresh sprig of rosemary. (via Home Is Where the Boat Is)

Chew Out Loud

Pumpkin Bacon Dip

Nothing says Thanksgiving more than pumpkin-flavored everything, and that doesn't stop at chips and dip. Top this dip with bacon and green onions for extra flavor. (via Chew Out Loud)

Gimme Some Oven

5-Ingredient Caprese Phyllo Cups

Caprese is one of those crowd-pleasing dishes that you really can't go wrong with. Drizzle these with pesto or balsamic vinaigrette for extra flavor, but wait to do that part until you're ready to serve — otherwise they may get soggy. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Deliciously Sprinkled

Pumpkin Dip

When it comes to dips, what could be more Thanksgiving-y than a concoction made with pumpkin? Serve with crackers, apples, or lightly sweetened cookies to tide your guests over until the big meal. (via Deliciously Sprinkled)

Food & Wine

Prosciutto-Fontina Pinwheels

Thinly sliced prosciutto, Fontina cheese, and puff pastry are just about all you need to make these pinwheels. The best part is that they totally make you into the best ever Turkey Day hostess. (via Food & Wine)

The Suburban Soapbox

Sweet and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Go for a not-so-traditional Thanksgiving food and cook up a batch of stuffed mushrooms. The sweet and spicy flavors of this app will make it go fast. (via The Suburban Soapbox)

Pip and Ebby

Antipasto Skewers

Assemble these skewers a day ahead of schedule. Put them on a tray and cover tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to serve. (via Pip and Ebby)

Amy in the Kitchen

Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp Dip

Dip toast points, pita chips, and breadsticks into this indulgent dip, which you can make a day before Thanksgiving and pop in the oven to warm up when you're ready to eat. We won't judge if you decide to toss the leftovers with some warm pasta and call it a meal. (via Amy in the Kitchen)

My Gorgeous Recipes

Quick Chicken Liver Pâté

Go old school this Thanksgiving, serving chicken liver pâté and toast points as an appetizer. The pâté will keep for a few days in the fridge; just let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature before you dig in. (via My Gorgeous Recipes)

Tara's Multicultural Table

Bavarian Cheese and Beer Spread

A robust cheese spread, made with beer, is an appropriately hearty start to your Thanksgiving feast. (via Tara's Multicultural Table)

Savory Tooth

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

We all have that family member who claims they don't like Brussels sprouts. Change their mind with these bacon-wrapped versions, which you can make ahead and heat in the oven just before serving (though they're delish at room temperature too). (via Savory Tooth)

The Home Cook's Kitchen

Mushroom Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Earthy mushrooms and tangy goat cheese create a balanced bite with this bruschetta recipe. Make sure your bread is extra toasty, so you can prep it without worrying about it getting soggy. (via The Home Cook's Kitchen)

No Spoon Necessary

Roasted Sweet Potato Harissa Hummus

Ditch the candied sweet potatoes and serve up this creamy hummus instead. It'll keep for at least a couple of days in the fridge, freeing up time for you to work on the rest of your seasonal cooking. (via No Spoon Necessary)

Sweet Peas and Saffron

Lasagna Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Make these stuffed mushrooms, freeze them, then pop 'em into the oven on Thanksgiving. Just try to resist eating so many you lose your appetite before the big meal. (via Sweet Peas and Saffron)

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Spicy Marinated Cheese

The cheese is marinated in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and spices, and gets better if you make it a day or two in advance. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Lisa's Dinnertime Dish

Italian Sausage and Bean Bruschetta

Loaded with Italian sausage and white beans, this take on bruschetta is hearty enough for colder weather. Warm it up slightly before serving with toasted baguette slices. (via Lisa's Dinnertime Dish)

Cathy's Gluten Free

Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon

A little sweet, a little salty, this paleo salad is a satisfying but healthy starter. Top it with toasted pecans to add some crunch to each bite. (via Cathy's Gluten Free)

Garlic & Zest

Prosciutto and Date Palmiers

Flaky, cheesy, and sweet, palmiers will definitely stimulate your tastebuds. (via Garlic & Zest)

Food Meanderings

Caesar Twice-Baked Potatoes

Mini potatoes seasoned with Caesar dressing are twice-baked for this recipe. You can assemble them ahead of time, then bake them for the second time right before they're served! (via Food Meanderings)

Half Baked Harvest

Baked French Onion Meatballs

Talk about yum. Beef up your classic French onion soup recipe with a few meatballs to add a hearty touch, and top them off with a bit of gruyere. Trust us: your guests are going to thank you. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Barley & Sage

Goat Cheese Risotto with Cherry Tomato Confit

This easy-peasy recipe is actually pretty darn classy and showcases all the flavors on the spectrum. There's basil for herb lovers, plump cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor, and a mix-in of goat cheese for an elevated flavor. (via Barley & Sage)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Caprese Bruschetta with Basil Pesto

This recipe takes almost no time to make. Slice up some mozzarellaslices, tomatoes, and drizzle some vinaigrette and pesto to your favorite baguette. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Where is My Spoon?

Puff Pastry Nibbles

Add sliced tomatoes, pesto (store-bought or homemade!), and sprinkle on some hard cheese to puff pastry pieces for a simple and delicious Thanksgiving appetizer. And the best part is, you can make this up to 48 hours ahead of time, giving you plenty of wiggle room for your Turkey Day prep. (via Where is My Spoon?)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Stuffed Mushrooms

We get it: either you love mushrooms or you hate them with a passion, but this recipe is bound to convert any hater. These mushrooms are jam-packed with parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs for a delectable Thanksgiving finger food. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Culinary Hill

2-Ingredient Italian Sausage Rolls

These 2-ingredient rolls are sure to please both the kids and adults tables this year. Make them ahead of time, then easily heat them back up once Thanksgiving Day rolls around. (via Culinary Hill)

A Spicy Perspective

Bacon Kalamata Cheese Puffs

For those who don't already know, kalamata is a type of olive… which makes these appetizers perfect for your vegetarian guests. Prepare these pockets a few days before Thanksgiving, stick them in the fridge, and bake the day of. (via A Spicy Perspective)

The Fast Recipe

Spicy Cajun Deviled Eggs

What *doesn't* sound good about these deviled eggs? Cajun seasoning and hot sauce give these otherwise totally traditionalfinger foods a savory, rich layer of flavor. (via The Fast Recipe)

The Bossy Kitchen

Cheese Straws with Feta and Poppy Seeds

To make these cheese straws, twist together some feta and a homemade dough, then bake. These taste ahh-mazing all on their own, but you can get creative with the toppings if you're feeling frisky. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

Takes Two Eggs

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Cheese bread is a classic appetizer. The cream cheese and honey butter in this recipe takes this to the next level. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Half Baked Harvest

Mini Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie Bites

Brie can get super messy. Make some tiny bites instead, and pop some cranberry in them to Thanksgiving-ify. Serve with fresh cranberries or — our personal favorite — sweet cranberry sauce. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Averie Cooks

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

While the term “cheese ball" might not sound particularly refined, this big bundle of flavor actually kinda is. It's coated in cheddar cheese, for one thing, which makes it a total crowd-pleaser. We recommend adding pickle slices to this bad boy for extra oomph. (via Averie Cooks)

The Endless Meal

Crispy Boursin Arancini

Crispy Boursin arancinis the perfect make-ahead appetizer that you can reheat in the oven. Once you try this recipe, you and your fam will be totally hooked. The Boursin center make these extra flavorful! (via The Endless Meal)

Cozy Cravings

Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Pinwheels

These spinach and ricotta pinwheels take pre-dinner bread to a whole other level. Enjoy a swirl of buttery puff pastry, salty parmesan, and gooey ricotta for the ultimate savory treat. (via Cozy Cravings)

The Bossy Kitchen

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Nothing says Thanksgiving more than cranberry-infused everything, and that doesn't stop at chips and dip! Top this dip with slivered almonds and green onions for extra flavor. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

Hello Little Home

Baked Brie with Cranberries & Pecans

There's an unexpected sweetness to this baked brie, and it comes from the cranberries. Prep ahead then bake to experience the ooey-gooey center. (via Hello Little Home)

The First Mess

Roasted Carrot & Harissa Chickpea Dip

When it comes to prepping ahead, dips of any kind are a crowd-pleasing dish that you really can't go wrong with. Top this spread with pine nuts and pomegranate pearls for extra flavor, but wait to do that part until you're ready to serve it — otherwise, it may all get mixed in. (via The First Mess)

Live Eat Learn

Leek Quiche Recipe with Goat Cheese

One of the best things about a quiche is that you can eat it at any time of year. Full of leeks and cheesy goodness, this recipe is a great way to sneak in some vegetables ahead of the big feast. (via Live Eat Learn)

The Endless Meal

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

This Thanksgiving, indulge in the traditional decadence that is a spinach and artichoke dip. The best part about a tried and true favorite like this is that it'll totally make you the best-ever Turkey Day hostess! (via The Endless Meal)

Rachel Mansfield

Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups

Speaking of spinach artichoke dip, opt for these lil' cups to avoid the mess. You definitely won't have to worry about forgetting the chips! (via Rachel Mansfield)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Cherry Arugula Farro Salad

Go for a not-so-traditional Thanksgiving food and whip up a light, yet filling salad. The sweet and crunchy texture of this appetizer will make it go fast. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Salt & Lavender

Easy Antipasto Skewers

Assemble these skewers a day ahead of schedule. Put them on a tray and cover tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate until you're ready to serve them. (via Salt & Lavender)

Join our newsletter for more make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers and other delicious recipe ideas!

This article has been updated with additional reporting by Maggie McCracken, Justina Huddleston, and Meredith Holser.

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9 Black App Creators You Need To Know

In an increasingly digital world, mobile apps change the way we access information, stay connected to friends and family, entertain ourselves, and even manage our mental health and anxiety. Behind every great app is an inspiring fleet of developers who have taken a spark of creativity and turned it into something totally new and useful.

This Black History Month, we’re celebrating some of our favorite Black app creators who have been instrumental in revolutionizing their respective industries. These talented women have used their passion for coding and design to create apps that are both innovative and indispensable.

Aurelia Edwards, Founder of Nailstry

Aurelia Edwards has created the ultimate destination for beauty lovers through her app Nailstry. This exclusive marketplace is tailored to help those aspiring to perfect their press-on nails with unique designs from nail art designers across the country. It doesn't stop there; Aurelia also seeks out opportunities that give back and donates a portion of her sales towards programs like Black Girls Code.

Damilola Awofisayo, Founder of TecHacks

Damilola Awofisay is a young leader making waves in driving the tech industry forward. She is using her coding skills to create apps that address issues such as sign language learning and dyslexia support for students, actively cultivating a more inclusive future of digital innovation. Moreover, she's making STEM more accessible for young women through TecHacks, a nonprofit that brings women and nonbinary individuals together virtually in hackathons.

Dayo Akinrinade, Founder of Wisdom

Dayo Akinrinade is empowering people everywhere with Wisdom, an app that connects users to inspiring advice and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Through the platform, users can learn from each other on topics ranging from business success to personal wellness in one inclusive setting. Through Wisdom, closed networks are replaced with limitless opportunities for knowledge sharing!

DeShuna Spencer, Founder of kweliTV

Deshuna Spencer translated her passion for storytelling and black culture into creating a platform that celebrated the intersection of the two. She launched kweliTV, a streaming app, features 550 titles from 450 global filmmakers. With almost 50,000 users, kweliTV has earned $800,000 in revenue, 60% of which goes directly back into the film community! This is innovation at its finest; disruption through creativity while still giving back to support others who share this same vision.

Janique Edwards, Co-Founder of EatOkra

Janique Edwards, along with her husband Anthony, are connecting foodies to Black-owned restaurants and culinary experiences through their app EatOkra. Seamlessly streamlining the discovery process, EatOkra is bridging audiences with over 11,000 black-owned eateries across the country.

Kaya Thomas, Founder of We Read Too

Kaya Thomas is a true inspiration! Combining her passions of reading, coding, and writing, she founded We Read Too, an app that enables young people to explore hundreds of books written by authors from diverse backgrounds and featuring characters who look like them. Through this innovative idea, Kaya is bringing equity and inclusion to the literary landscape for children across the globe.

Kimberly Seals Allers, Founder of Irth

Kimberly Seals Allers is an inspiring leader who was driven to make a difference. After her own negative hospital experience, she devoted herself to researching disparities in care for Black and Hispanic women during childbirth. This spurred the creation of Irth, an app designed specifically with these communities in mind so they can have equal access leading up to and beyond their child’s birth.

Simmone Taitt, Founder of Poppy Seed Health

Simmone Taitt is the visionary behind Poppy Seed Health, an incredible app that provides 24/7 on-demand access to midwives, doulas, and nurses for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Driven by her own pregnancy journey, Simmone recognized an opportunity in the tech startup scene to build a community for those embarking on one of life's most beautiful yet challenging journeys: parenthood. The culminating result? A warm digital refuge!

Tanya Van Court, Founder of Goalsetter

Tanya Van Court is the mastermind behind Goalsetter, a personal finance app that has empowered families to help their children realize their financial aspirations. Goalsetter is on an ambitious and compassionate mission. The goal they're setting? Striving for one million Black kids worldwide to open savings accounts!

These are just a few of the creators whose work is transforming industries, connecting communities, and promoting equity within our digital landscape. We hope that they serve as an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs who have bright ideas and big dreams. Be sure to support these incredible Black app creators and the amazing work they’re doing!

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Bye, PSL! The Starbucks Holiday Menu For 2024 Is Back

So long, pumpkin spice season: Starbucks’ holiday menu has officially returned, and it brings back a ton of seasonal favorites!

In addition to the classic Peppermint Mocha to the beloved Caramel Brûlée Latte, a new Refresher flavor, 6 unique cold foams, and 4 new bakery items are now available at Starbucks locations as the holidays draw near – including many items we predicted! The lineup is honestly wild. The Starbucks holiday menu hit stores on November 7.

If you just can’t wait to order off the Starbucks holiday menu, here’s every offering available at your closest cafe!

When will the Starbucks holiday drinks for 2024 come out?

Starbucks

The new holiday drinks and snacks from Starbucks came out on November 7, 2024.

Will there be holiday cups?

Starbucks

Yes, the Starbucks holiday menu includes some new holiday cup designs! You can peek at all the new designs for 2024 here.

What's missing from this year's rumored Starbucks holiday menu?

Starbucks

The Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread Loaf won't be returning to cafes for 2024. We're especially sad to see the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha not included, though the official menu lineup has yet to be released!

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Though there's no official word out about Red Cup Day for 2024, our best guess – based on the Red Cup Days of years past – is it'll return mid-November. In 2023, Red Cup Day fell on November 16. In 2022, the coffee chain held the event on November 17. Both dates landed on the third Thursday of November, so we predict it to hit on November 21 for 2024. Red Cup Day is when Starbucks customers can get a free reusable red cup when they order a seasonal drink off the holiday menu!

Initially introduced for fall 2024, it appears as though the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew will stay on the Starbucks menu well into winter. The salted, pecan-flavored cold foam offers that classic sweet n' salty twist you'd enjoy on fall snacks like trail mix or dipped pretzels. The best part is you can now also order the cold foam in non-dairy form!

Starbucks

Holiday Cold Foams

Starbs will also be bringing back four beloved holiday-flavored cold foamsand two new options for 2024. They're the perfect drink customization to add to your iced coffees and cold brews if you don't want to order an all-out holiday drink. See all the flavors below:

NEW! Gingerbread
NEW! Salted Pecan
Peppermint Chocolate
Sugar Cookie
Chestnut Praline
Caramel Brûlée

The Cranberry Bliss Bar has become an absolute staple on the Starbucks holiday menu, and for good reason! This blondie treat is smothered in a delicious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with orange zest and dried cranberries for added seasonal enjoyment.

What People Are Saying About The Leaked Starbucks Holiday Menu

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Famed foodie account @markie_devo was the first to leak the Starbucks holiday menu earlier this year. Though most commenters on @markie_devo's Starbucks holiday menu leak post seemed to be excited for the upcoming rumored menu items, some Starbs fans noticed a few things missing from the leaked lineup.

"Still missing eggnog 😢," someone noted.

"Where is the toasted white chocolate mocha 😢😢😢😢," another questioned.

"ALLLLLL these cold foams, and not the one people want: Irish Cream," one more commenter said.

"Ugh still no gingerbread loaf 😭," a disappointed user wrote. "Everything else looks bomb though!"

Despite the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread loaf not being part of this year's menu predictions, the holiday season is our favorite time of year at Starbucks. Many more users shared the same sentiment:

"So excited for all chestnut praline shaken espressos & cranberry bliss bars 🎄🎄🎄🎄," someone wrote.

"Oh hell yess all the chestnut praline offerings," another rejoiced.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay posted on the latest Starbucks news, including when the official holiday menu lineup drops!

This post has been updated.

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Amazon

This one from Ninja makes the perfect gift for anyone who still doesn’t know the absolute luxury of owning an air fryer. Its ability to fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate with little to no oil makes it the perfect blend of usefulness and thoughtfulness. It comes with a 20-recipe booklet filled with healthy treats.

See it on Amazon