New Party Prop? LifePrint is a Wireless Way to Print Photos on Demand

This next statement is the equivalent of saying we want to be Jennifer Lawrence’s BFF (YEAH WE GET IT YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE HERE, INTERNET) but we have to make it anyway: there is a lot of cool stuff on Kickstarter. Case in particular point: LifePrint.

LifePrint is a wireless (and social, we’ll get to that!) device that prints out photos instantly through an app on iPhone or Android devices. It’s as simple as, well, remember Polaroid cameras? It’s a lickety-split process like that! But no need for shaking. Unless you’re listening to “Hey Ya!” then go for it. You just take a pic on your smartphone, open up the LifePrint app, edit if you choose, and guess what’s next… yup! Print out that pic. All in about 60 seconds. Carry the very-portable LifePrint on you or keep it at home and send pictures to print there while you’re out and about living your Instagram-able life, girl!

A mini printer IS cool and all, but LifePrint’s social side is what makes it worthy of more than the bare minimum pledge IMHO. It serves as its own community, where you can follow friends and send each other photos to print. Think about coming home to a fridge or desk-worthy photograph of your newborn nephew who lives across the country, or your partner deployed across the globe. Warm and fuzzy, right? Just like thumbing through an actually developed roll used to feel back in the day.

Eventually you’ll be able to follow celebrities and artists through LifePrint, which sounds both cool (like a subscription service to your favorite photogs or a way to discover new ones!) and scary (we don’t need a stack of Justin Bieber shirtless selfie prints, thanks). You’ll be able to reject unwanted photos from the printer queue on the app or even keep your printer private, so it won’t get out of control.

LifePrint would be a LifeSaver at a wedding or party where guests could print out their own memories or send them to the happy couple to have and soon hold. And if the thought of what to do with all of those printed pix is making you nervous, we have some great ideas. A lot of great ideas. Tons.

Although we want it nooooow *cue Veruca Salt* LifePrint is still a Kickstarter dream with estimated delivery April 2015. $99 Early Bird pledges are still available for Android and iPhone users to snag a printer and 10 pieces of film or a $199 pledge will dib you a “sharing pack” of two printers and double the film for you and a bud.

Do you need LifePrint in your life? Do you print out your smartphone pix or do they live only through Instagram? Share below!

It’s no secret that us millennials love social media. We’re always sharing photos of everything we eat, double-tapping into the late hours of the night, and spending more time interacting online than with our own besties. So why aren’t we racking up thousands of followers yet?

We’ve teamed up with PicMonkey, our favorite photo and design editor program, to show you how you can easily use their online and mobile features to build an Instagram presence that is as cool as you are IRL. And guess what? You can get a sneak peek of the updated program while it’s still being finalized.

Ready? Scroll on for five simple ways to uplevel your social media presence.

TIP 1: PHOTOGRAPHY 101 IS KEY

If you didn’t snap a pic, did it even happen?! Creating a strong social media presence begins with taking interesting photos — this is when you want to stand out! Here are a few tried and true rules we’ve learned along the way:

Seek out colorful subjects. If you’ve stalked our Instagram, you’ve probably noticed we’re obsessed with capturing beautiful flowers, pattern walls, and intricate desserts. Basically, anything over the top that will grab our followers’ attention!

When styling or snapping photos, we love to focus on an odd number of items. It allows the photo to feel well balanced without being too symmetrical. For example, three stemmed roses are usually better than two.

Most importantly, turn your flash off, and embrace chasing that natural light. Look for bright spaces that will allow your photo to pop.

Psst: This online photography class will be your new best friend!

TIP#2: EXPERIMENT WITH CREATIVE TOOLS TO DIFFERENTIATE YOUR CONTENT
Whether it’s a collage, travel guide, or fun graphic, we’re all about getting outside of the box. Still, not everyone has the ability to set aside hours for one social media post. New PicMonkey is the perfect design solution for busy people to create, edit, and publish social content in a jiff!

When creating a new image, you can choose to directly upload an image, use a super cute pre-made template, or start from a blank canvas. We’re alllll about that custom life, so we started from scratch with a canvas in this case. New PicMonkey makes it easy to size your images perfectly by providing a canvas for every purpose you can think of! We’re talking Etsy icons, Facebook business covers, YouTube thumbnails, and more. Since we’re focusing on how to up our Instagram game, we used the “Instagram Stories” canvas to make our magic.

First things first: add photos! Get started by choosing your desired shape. For example, try a triangle! Once you’ve selected and sized a shape to your liking, it’s time to add texture. We chose to upload a custom image into our triangle by selecting “Add your own.” Turn the “Fade” tool all the way down to zero. Ta-da! Your image is cropped perfectly inside a shape. You can even move the image around within the crop.

New PicMonkey also introduces all kinds of pre-made textures. We’re partial to clouds, because #dreamy. Follow the same steps by creating a shape, adding texture, and adjusting your “Fade.”

For the final step, we used one of our favorite new features: the ability to erase parts of text. It gave our creation a little extra depth and quirk. See? New PicMonkey is the ultimate solution for making fun content in a pinch. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that everyone will think you’re a total design pro.

When you’re all finished, your image will automatically save to your Hub. With the mobile app, you can then directly upload the images into Instagram stories.

Bonus: Get access to New PicMonkey using this link. Then, if you hop over to your desktop to subscribe by 11:59pm PST on 6/21, PicMonkey will give you an additional 3 months free!

TIP #3: GET COZY WITH YOUR FOLLOWERS AND ONLINE FRIENDS

Treat your online pals the same way you would your friends! Respond to comments and messages, and always answer questions. Don’t be shy to share where you bought that new top or where you found that cute little cafe! Most importantly, take the time to invest back in the people who engage in your content. Not only will it help you get your content more exposure, but you’ll also build an online community and support system.

TIP #4: HOOK ‘EM WITH YOUR PROFILE PICTURE

Seriously! There’s nothing worse than having to squint to make out who is in a tiny, pixelated profile photo. Save your friends (and yourself) the trouble by choosing a clear and colorful photo that will stand out against the noise. We love that just seconds after taking a photo, we can use PicMonkey’s mobile app to edit it to perfection on-the-go.

Besides the ability to choose from tons of effects and filters, there are a few other features within the touch up category that will help enhance your profile photo. For example, we used the “Area” tool to soften the background of our photo. Did we mention that there’s even an option to add lip tint and mascara?

Pro tip: Use the “Instagram profile” canvas to size your image and crop to your liking!

TIP #5: GET STRATEGIC WITH HOW MUCH AND WHEN YOU POST
We’ve all heard the saying that timing is everything -— it’s true! Posting an hour earlier could be the difference between your beautiful photo receiving the attention it deserves and going unsung. You’ve put in the hard creative work. Now it’s time to act strategically!

Instagram loves to reward engagement and interaction by allowing your photo to have more visibility. Post consistently and pay attention to when your audience is most likely connect with your content. For example, people love to check their phones first thing in the morning. Try posting your photo around 7:00am before your followers dive into their work day.

See? We’re all in this together! Social media is constantly evolving — so leave room for trial and error! Even more important, find tools that allow you to stay creative, flexible, and wise with your time. You’ll thank yourself in long run and enjoy building your online brand more. After all, it’s about working smarter, not harder. You’ve totally got this!

Do you have any tips for nailing social media? We’d love to hear them! Share with us on Twitter by tagging @BritandCo and @PicMonkey.

Production & Styling: Kayla Haykin

Photography: Brittany Griffin

Modeling: Rebecca Fong & Kayla Haykin

My wallet should be scared – shaking-in-fear-level scared – because Mango’s dress section is packed with tons of purchase-worthy styles. And we all know nothing provides an instant confidence boost like a dress does! Mango dresses are utterly chic, no matter what kind of silhouette you’re shopping for. I scrolled through their entire collection and found some insanely cute minis, midis, maxis, long-sleeved, short-sleeved, and layered dresses (the list goes on) that span every kind of occasion you could possibly think of. These 12 Mango dresses are suitable beyond casual wear (though I would rock ‘em every day), providing the perfect uniform for happy hours, dinner dates, and even weddings. Boldly venture on to find your next favorite frock.

Mango

Check-Print Midi Dress

This dress' flowy nature makes it the ultimate piece to layer under different textures, like with a leather trench coat or a structured chore jacket. The plaid pattern and warm color palette flawlessly channel the fall season, too, so now's the time to snag it! I really like that the ruched waistline and draped neck details add some visual interest, taking your look up a notch with elegance –without overpowering the entire look.

Mango

Strapless Pinstripe Dress

This strapless pick is giving workwear realness, and I am 100% here for it. It's a definite step up from your typical trousers and blouse situation, but still feels right in line with office dress code, so long as you pair it with a fashionable cardigan or blazer – and don't forget some stellar loafers! Once work's over, simply toss off your layer of choice and prance on over to happy hour in style. This dress is also unbelievably flattering, as it hugs and accentuates your midsection with some slight ruching around the waist!

Mango

Printed Turtleneck Dress

Okay, yes. Yes, yes, and yes! This striped dress is the ideal wear during fall (and the holidays, of course!) because of its moody, deep green vibe. The subtle turtleneck and flared sleeves make it lean a bit retro, too, so you could easily pair it with some timeless tall boots to really complete the look. For a pinch of fun, the collar buttons along the back with a keyhole detail that makes it feel low-key luxe.

Mango

Contrasting Print Dress

If you're set on living out your Sex and the City fantasy (I can't stop watching!), this flirty (and most certainly Carrie-approved) mini dress is going to make you feel so chic. It's like if your favorite nighttime slip got the streetwear treatment. Not to mention the colors! The layered design will surely have everyone making a double take to peep at your outfit. Pair this flowy number with kitten heels (and a basic oversized blazer if it's chilly out), and you are set.

Mango

Polka-Dot Dress with Side Pleats

Big polka dots can make a statement, sure, but I think true chicness lies in tiny lil' dots like these. The pattern alone doesn't complete this midi dress, though – it's the adjustable side ruching and swingy skirt that serve as the cherry on top. They both shape your figure in the most flattering way, so much so that you'll want to show this dress off! I'd wear it casually with some combat boots and a jean jacket, or to dress it up more, with a lady jacket and some ballet flats.

Mango

Leather-Effect Sleeveless Dress

If you like to play around with textures in your outfits, this faux leather dress serves as the perfect base for piling on loose knits, denim jackets, or even more leathery layers for a matching moment. The mini-length a-line silhouette is undeniably comfy on the body, so you won't have to worry about feeling restricted. The high neckline offers a good amount of coverage, though the lower-cut sleeves feel a tad bit cheeky. 👀 I'd try pairing this pick with a bright cropped sweater (something like the Hattie Cardigan from Free People) and Mary Janes to channel an alt-preppy look.

Mango

Flared Dress with Ruffled Hem

Drop waists are gonna get me every single time. In combination with the severely scooped neckline, this maxi dress' lower-set waistline elongates your figure to the perfect proportion. It's a great style to reach for on cold winter days, thanks to the high-coverage long sleeves. Wears extremely well with flats for the easy and elegant balletcore outfit you've been dreaming of.

Mango

Leopard Print Draped Dress

The leopard print kind of muddles the intricate details on this number, so any outfit admirers will have to get up close and personal to truly experience the magic of this mini dress... not always a bad thing! 😉 It's fitted with tiny ruffles along the sleeves and layered ruching throughout the skirt to complete the look. The shortened sleeves and mock neckline offer ample coverage up top, too, and make the ensemble look more mature – ideal for office days or important meetings!

Mango

Asymmetrical Pleated Dress

Your next night out is calling... and it most definitely requires this show-stopping dress. I mean, from the off-the-shoulder sleeve to the asymmetrical skirt, this pick has it goin' on. The rich red color also adds a sultry air that makes a whole style statement on its own. Pick out your favorite heels and oversized hoop earrings to pair, and you've got the perfect going-out 'fit on your hands!

Mango

Polka Dots Draped Dress

I cannot resist a polka dot. Though I'm a fan of tiny dots, these bolder, bigger ones have much more head-turning appeal! Plus, the fit of this maxi dress is downright adorable. The bust, bodice, and very top of the skirt are ultra-ruched (and body-hugging!) before falling down to a sheer flowy skirt that starts around the thighs for elongating effect. The thin straps on this pick charmingly cross in the back so you can show off some skin with confidence! Cocktail hour, anyone?

Mango

Ruffled Paisley-Print Dress

On the more casual side, this loose-fitting paisley dress is a certain everyday staple because it's comfy, oh-so cute, and easily wearable with other neutral accessories. It reminds me of something you'd find in the Daisy Jones & The Six wardrobe! The olive green color is also very trendy at the moment, so your look will be totally on-point with this pick. Opt for brown boots and your most trusty handbag to step out stylishly.

Mango

Check Long Dress

This extremely-'90s-inspired maxi has everything I could ever want in a dress: a fun, playful pattern, bright colors, a very flattering (yet comfortable) fit, and endless styling potential. Plus, the bow tie on the front is ever-so femme, a vibe I like to bring to many of my outfits. You can easily wear this pick on its own, or layer it over a white baby tee or long sleeve top for more coverage and warmth.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Instagram and adventures really do go hand in hand; after all, studies show that many people actually travel for the ‘gram. Since sharing your pictures is even more fun (and impressive) when they look ultra-pro, we talked with a handful of photographers, travel bloggers, and IG influencers to get a few tips that’ll help you capture the best snapshots on your next trip. Scroll on for their insider secrets — no filters or editing needed.

1. Keep it clean and simple. Instagram influencer Sarah Funky advises keeping shots clean and simple. “Don’t overcomplicate it,” she tells us. “The more simple the background, oftentimes the better.” Funky makes her pictures look pretty by coordinating the colors in her Instagram feed and swears by sharing only your most top-notch stuff. “Quality is better than quantity, so make sure every photo has great lighting and a story behind it — even if you make it up! Aim for an excellent composition.”

Stephen Aviano, the director of photography at Travelzoo, agrees. “A clean composition is key,” he echoes. “Too much can be a distraction, so center your shot with one main focus.”

2. Make the most of golden hours. “Light plays a big part in how your pictures will turn out, and many of the best images are shot during the golden hour, which occurs twice a day,” professional photographer Alex Waltner of Swedish Nomad schools us. “Look for this kind of lighting in the morning before the sun rises and toward evening when the sun is going down.” Waltner says that taking advantage of one of the day’s natural golden hours is a legit way to get rid of sharp shadows or the too-bright light that shows up in shots midday.

Travel blogger Lindsay Stein agrees that good lighting makes all the difference when it comes to creating an image that stands out. “Yes, there are preset filters and apps that can fix lighting, but the best way to capture a quality image is taking advantage of natural light,” she affirms. “Personally, I love bright and colorful images since they really embody the beauty in different foods, cultures, and people.”

3. Get creative with how you position yourself. Waltner’s second tip will help you score photos from all sorts of angles. The trick? Switch up your position while photographing the same thing to capture heaps of snapshots that look and feel different. “To constantly photograph from the same angle or position will become boring,” he explains. “To keep it interesting and get great pictures, change your position towards the subject. Trying bending down, moving to the side, squatting, lying down, and so on. Use your imagination!” To test this technique, Watner suggests practicing with shots of animals or kids. “Try shooting at the same level as your subject,” he offers. “Then, take some shots from above. See how you can create the most vivid and compelling picture.”

Rachelle Lucas, a traveler who has experienced more than 50 countries, reminds us that you don’t need a drone to score unusual shots. “Back in my video production days, we used to scout parking garages for one that had the best view of the city from the top. It’s an easy way to get a high angle without using a drone. Plus, it’s a great place to capture a sunrise or sunset.”

4. Always be ready. Spontaneous shots can be the best ones, so train yourself to keep your eyes out for unique structures, scenery, or epic moments that happen to unfold right before your eyes. Even more, make sure whatever camera you carry works well and is ready to go. When it comes to the right kind of equipment, Aviano suggests buying a camera with Bluetooth and using a big memory card so you can snap away without running out of storage. Lucas cast her vote for a mirrorless camera. “This kind of camera is more compact and lightweight than a typical DSLR, and therefore easier to travel with,” she explains. “Plus, most have WiFi built-in and smartphone app connectivity so you can transfer your great shots directly to your phone to share on Instagram.”

How do you score great travel snapshots? Tweet us your top tips @BritandCo!

(Featured photo via Getty)

As a traveler who loves to explore on foot, I was surprised when I took my first cruise and actually loved it. Hear me out: It was my dad's 60th birthday trip and we had a group of about 10, all of different ages and with diverse interests. A cruise from NYC to Bermuda was the perfect way for all of us to enjoy a trip together, but also get what we wanted out of it. Some of us wanted to spend all day at the pool, some wanted to explore the town, some wanted to watch a live show, but we all met for dinner at the end of the day in the big dining hall and caught up on our days. And everything was all paid for before the trip!

After traveling to Spain with my mom on another trip and strolling at very different paces, I vote for family cruise every time. There are cruises for singles, adults-only, families and more. Here are five cruise experiences, from Alaska to Europe, to check out for your next sea escape.

Ersin Baştürk

These cruise escapes are aboard the top cruise lines, according to U.S. News Travel Best Cruises 2024. Bon voyage!

Jennifer Willis-Rivera

Carnival Alaskan Cruise

Set sail for Alaska from San Francisco or Seattle aboard The Edge, with ocean-facing pools, a rooftop garden, and the Magic Carpet, an open-air venue that transforms between live music, a bar, and a specialty restaurant. Dine everywhere from gourmet French bistros to fresh sushi and experience Alaska's breathtaking glaciers and rugged coastlines from the ship’s decks or your private balcony. Choose from a wide range of activities such as whale watching, dog sledding, hiking, or exploring Alaskan towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.

Shutterstock

Carnival Caribbean Cruise

Visit stunning Caribbean islands like the Antigua, Bahamas, Saint Lucia, and St. Thomas, where you can relax on white-sand beaches, snorkel in clear waters, or explore local culture. On the ship, enjoy live music, comedy performances, and a variety of dining options. There's a water park and the Cloud 9 Spa with massages, facials, and thermal suites. Got kids? There's a kids camp too!

Shutterstock

Viking European Cruise

Discover Scandinavia by sea with overnights in Stockholm, Oslo and scenic Bergen, plus day trips to charming Ålborg and Gdańsk, Berlin, and Copenhagen. Sail through majestic Norwegian fjords on this stunning escape. The ship offers multiple pools and shops, as well as a cinema, a live performance theater, a jazz lounge, a spa, a fitness center and a salon. Learn about each spot from the onboard historian, and learn about each destination's unique cuisine hands-on at the onboard cooking school.

Dana Tentis

Viking Mediterranean Cruise

Sail to historical cities like Rome, Athens, and Barcelona for an inspiring and relaxing escape. Onboard, enjoy spacious rooms, luxe amenities, and gourmet dining inspired by local Mediterranean flavors. Viking’s small, elegant ships provide a more intimate vibe, complete with cultural lectures, live music, and spa amenities.

Troy Squillaci

Holland America Hawaii Cruise

Sail to Hawaii’s lush landscapes and pristine beaches, visiting iconic destinations like Honolulu, Maui, and the Big Island. Onboard, enjoy ocean views from your roomy room and fun live events and great dining. Explore volcanic craters, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests during shore excursions for an unforgettable tropical escape.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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.

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!