LIFX: Genius Lightbulbs Controlled By Your Phone

Futuristic home gadgets are our jam. From all the different ways to automate your home to wearable tech, we can’t get enough of smarter versions of ordinary household things.

While it can be hard to take the leap and automate everything in your life, a good place to start is lighting. We’ve all grown up with timed outlet plug-ins for home security, so why not link up our phones with our lighting? And while we’re at it, let’s save some energy and money.

Introducing LIFX, or as we like to call it, the Lightbulb 2.0 :)

LIFX

INSTEON bulb, LIFX allows you to dim the lights from your phone, saving you all sorts of energy. But LIFX takes it to the next level by creating a highly creative and energy-efficient lighting system for your home.

You know those days when you’re working from home and suddenly you realize the sun has gone down and you are working in darkness? Set up timers for your lights or simply control from your phone. Control one at a time or many – everything is totally customizable.

Looking for a little mood lighting? LIFX has just about every color you can dream of in a light bulb.

It’s great for a seamless wake-up, even if the sun isn’t actually up. Use it to cue up the lights before you get home, or if you have a friend who’s crashing at your place and arriving late at night. It’s also a great nightlight for kids, as you can set it to turn all the way off an hour after you tuck the little ones in.

And yes, LIFX still works with your normal light switches – they just might get a little jealous that they don’t have all sorts of color and energy power to play with.

But wait, there’s more! Link LIFX to your phone and get visual notifications. If you’ve got your serious headphones on but are expecting a call, no better way to get your attention than turning your office into a strobe-light party. And speaking of music, you can also sync these bulbs with your tune taking the whole iTunes visualization thing to a whole new realm. (P.S. Be sure to watch the Kickstarter video for a shot of LIFX founder Phil Bosua doing the robot!)

Modern desk lamps are working hard for your money these days. Many come with built-in wireless charging pads, USB ports and touchpad settings that let you adjust the brightness and color with a simple tap. There are the task masters with adjustable arms and swivel heads for more control over the direction of thelight, which is particularly useful if you’re sharing a desk space or working on a specific task.

Energy efficiency is also a big plus — LED lights consume less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, so the planet will thank you too for the upgrade. They can even help reduce eye strain and accommodate different activities, whether you’re doing computer work, reading, or focusing on a specific craft.

Whatever you're looking for, Amazon has a great selection of desk lamps to choose from – here are our favorites in different styles to suit your home’s aesthetic.

Amazon

Globe Electric 18" Desk Lamp

This mid-century-inspired desk lamp in a classic matte brass comes with an adjustable arm so you can focus on the task at hand. Automate brightness based on season or time of day from your phone by adding a Globe Electric Smart bulb too!

Amazon

LED Dimmable Desk Lamp

This LED desk lamp has a dimmable feature with 50 different lighting choices to keep your eyes happy, day and night – no flickering light or harsh glare here. Recharge your smart phone via the built-in USB port too.

Amazon

Globe Electric 15" Desk Lamp

Mushroom shades are all the rage. This desk lamp is compatible with LED or incandescent bulbs and comes in a few fun colors.

Amazon

Modern Industrial Desk Lamp 22.2“

This LED lamp has a luxe finish with brass trimmings and an adjustable lampshade so you can put the spotlight on your work, creative or otherwise.

Amazon

Fenmzee Bedside Table Lamp

This dimmable lamp has a touch-sensitive sensor so you can adjust it to low, medium, and high. Power up to three devices at once too!

Amazon

Foldable Portable Desk Lamp

Bunny fans, here's one for you: This cute portable desk lamp has a built-in rechargeable battery and flicker-free, glare-free LED light.

Amazon

LED Desk Lamp with USB Charging Port

Color lovers will enjoy this LED desk lamp with USB charging port and auto-dimming feature, plus a goose-neck that flexes.

Amazon

Cordless LED Table Lamp with Dimmer

Old meets new with this antique brass cordless LED lamp, which offers a dimmer, built-in rechargeable battery, and three levels of brightness.

Amazon

Industrial Table Lamp with 2 USB Ports

This vintage-style desk lamp has a three-way dimmer and two USB ports to charge your devices while you work or sleep.

Amazon

Small Desk Lamp With Touch Control

Add some wee charm to your desk with this small touch-control LED lamp with a 360° adjustable neck and 20 levels of brightness. Pop your pens and things in the organizer base. It's great for kids too!

Amazon

Small Desk Lamp with Warm LED Bulb

This modern desk lamp with warm LED bulb comes in a unique frosted opal glass shade. The rotary switch design is super sleek and offers 20 levels of brightness to meet your needs, from morning meditation to burning the midnight oil.

Amazon

ED Desk Lamp with USB Port

Upgrade your workspace with this satin brass LED desk lamp that moves, head to arm. It has a built-in USB charging port too!

Amazon

Creative Desk Lamp with Changeable Shape

Sit back and get to work with this natural wood "person" lamp that can adjust to multiple positions, including seated on a stack of your favorite books. It's compatible with e26, LED, and incandescent bulbs.

Amazon

Mid-Century Modern Globe Desk lamp

Add some green shimmer, deskside, with this portable glass lamp inspired by mid-century lamps.

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Lead image via Amazon

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.

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For those of us who are passionate about design and decorating, of course, we want our homes to look stylish and put-together, but sometimes life gets in the way and our homes start to look a little neglected. I bought my home four years ago and I'm starting to notice smudges on the walls (lots of 'em), furniture that could use an upgrade, clutter where I never intended, and a lack of cohesion from room to room. This is all to say, no shame if you're guilty of making a few home decor mistakes – we've all been there! But if you're looking to make a few upgrades, here's where you can start, without spending a ton of money. Lighting, maintenance, and just clearing up clutter can make a huge difference in how your home looks, from rags to riches.;)

Home Decor Mistakes Making Your Space Look Cheap

Dated Lighting

Photo by Lina Kivaka

Instead: Look For Sculptural Lighting

Let's start from the top. Sometimes a simple upgrade like new lighting can make such an impact in the room, instantly giving it a more upscale look. Statement lighting in sculptural shapes are on trend and timeless. Think in levels too -- from ceiling to table lamps to create ambience. Too harsh or too dim can make a room feel uninviting and drab too so pay attention to lighting in a room before you completely overhaul it.

Cramped, Cluttered Spaces

Photo by Rachel Claire

Instead: Be Selective With Furniture And Decor

Less is more when it comes to looking elegant, and frankly, not cheap. Remove anything that doesn't feel right in a space (you may find a better spot for it later) and start with the bare minimum. Now start to fill it with furniture and decor that fits the space well and looks like they pair well. Overfilled rooms can make them look cramped and chaotic, and too much decor or mess can create visual clutter, which is not inviting.

Mismatched Styles

Photo by Element5 Digital

Instead: Create A Point Of View

As a home decor enthusiast, I love almost all of it: art deco, modern, vintage, all the trends. Not to say, these trends can't all go together – they totally can! But create a space where they all work together so it feels cohesive. Make sure furniture works well with each other (even ask design advice from retailers). If you add art deco elements to a modern space, keep that thread going throughout the home with similar shapes, materials and textures (without going overboard). Start with an idea, pair down to the necessities, and slowly add what feels right.

Old Paint, Broken Anything

Photo by Pixabay

Instead: Keep Up With Repairs

Walls with chipped or peeling paint can make a home look neglected so a fresh coat is always a good idea after three or so years. Fix broken fixtures too like light switches, faucets, or doorknobs to keep your home from looking old and unkempt.

Cheap Materials

Photo: Shutterstock

Instead: Opt For Natural Materials

Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon can appear low-end so use them sparingly. Of course, there are sometimes budget concerns but opting for a few quality linens, upholstery, or real wood furniture can elevate your home.

Dated Fixtures

Photography by Joao Canziani | Design: Arterberry Cooke,

Instead: Upgrade faucets, knobs, and handles

My mom was ready to remodel her whole bathroom until I told her that it was fine — she just needed to upgrade her faucet. She did and was so happy with the results. Something as small as a new bathroom faucet, kitchen handles, or new doorknobs can bring your home on trend and help eliminate embarrassing home decor mistakes.

Rental Blinds

Shutterstock

Instead: Don't Treat Windows As An Afterthought

While I do love the bare window look, it can sometimes make a room feel unfinished, especially if the windows are not new. As a renter, I couldn't stand the look of cheap rental blinds too. I'd remove them, make my own shades, and reinstall them when I moved out. Using flimsy or outdated blinds can ruin a perfectly beautiful room. It's like the final accessory to complete the look!

Lack of Scale And Proportion

Photo: Nils Timm

Instead: Create Balance

Area rugs should extend beyond the sofa and not be too small compared to the size of the room. Find furniture that fits the space and hang artwork that balances the room vs. puts it off kilter. This room by L.A. design firm House of Rolison feels harmonious and complete.

Generic Decor

Photo: Nils Timm | Design: House of Rolison

Instead: Add Personal Touches

Using generic, mass-produced decor items can make a home feel impersonal and bland. Create a sense of space and character by incorporating personal touches, such as family photos or unique decor and art pieces.

Overly Themed Rooms

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova

Instead: Scale Back On Thematic Pieces

Overdoing a specific theme, such as nautical or rustic, can feel kitschy and less sophisticated. Instead, use elements of a theme sparingly, like this woodland-themed kids room that features an animal print and little trinkets on a shelf for an adorable touch.

Main Photo by Rachel Claire

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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.

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!