5 Must-Download Apps This Week for Fun Nights, Smarter Homes + More!

Jul 05, 2014

We know what you’re thinking this AM: Ohhh, too many fireworks, too many haute dawgs and too many (okay, never too many) Likes on that picture of you with the Uncle Sam ‘stache. Make July 5th the second best day of the month with a few downloads for your smart home and your smart self on your smartphone down below. It’s an all-new episode of What’s App-ening, coming at you live, right here, right now. And you can enjoy it all from the comfort of your bed. <3

1. New MakerBot Apps: To compete with the pending army of apps and printers that let you 3D print straight from your phone, MakerBot goes mobile with apps for your iPhone or iPad. Their latest download lets you explore and shop items on Thingiverse, scroll through your MakerBot library and print anything you want straight from either place. Spy on whatever you’re printing so you can monitor the process and how much time you have remaining. And, of course, there are handy share options so you can show off the goods as soon as they’re made.

Cost: Free for iOS

2. Wink: The Internet of Quirky Things is about to get a serious upgrade to its unifying app. Starting July 7, your smart home will have a whole new home on your phone and 60 Wink-enabled products will be shoppable in Home Depot stores across the country to hook you up even further. Using Wink, sync your Aros AC, your Reter energy meter and, someday, Palette, your at-home nail polish maker to monitor and control su casa from su phone. These are home improvements we can approve of.

Cost: Free for Android and iOS

3. Polymo: This photo app turns your camera roll into its own carefully categorized social network for your eyes only to sift and browse through. Tag that photo from last night as Summer, July 4th and Friends and it will hang out in each category and show up whenever you search for each tag. Similar to Overswipe, which we talked about last week, this can even hide some photos in a private, password-protected folder.

Cost: $1.99 for iOS

4. YPlan: You know that friend that you don’t hang out with all the time, but when it’s time to party, you’re like, “Yo, girl, wuz up?” This is that app. But even better. It’s a going out gateway that wants to hook you up in the moment so you have a good tonight, every night. Open it up and it offers ideas and a two-tap purchase system for events nearby, happening that night. A couple coworkers and I used it to nab tickets to an after hours science museum event this week, and right this second, I could go get a flight of beer and apps (the other kind of apps) for only $19 at a brewery in my ‘hood. Uh… brb!

Cost: Free for Android and iOS

5. Facebook Messenger for iPad: If you’re not on a Facebook boycott right now (and you have every right to be) and you chat best with a tablet in your lap, Facebook Messenger now lets you send friends stickers, smiles and yes, plain text on your iPad.

Cost: Free for iPad (and all iOS devices)

BONUS: ICYMI Edition!!

We show you and your phone a good time all week here at Brit + Co, so to help you stay in the loop, I’m going to start rounding up our favorite apps from the ENTIRE week every Saturday in case you missed them the first write up around. Sound good? Thought so ;)

– Digital Detox Apps: Need some tips and downloads to help you chill out this weekend and beyond? Here are nine!

– Ringly: The prettier than the average wearable ring announced eight new apps that it will sync with once it’s on your dainty little finger come fall.

– Keep: This is one tap shopping at its awesomest.

– Passe-Parout: So you think you can choreograph a ballet from your tablet? Yeah, you can with this download.

– FitList: This app turns your phone into a personal trainer, tracking your workouts and helping you piece together new ones. #BikiniSeason

What apps did you download this week? Which app have you downloaded from our lists? Share it with us below!

25 Zany State Fair Food-Inspired Recipes

The season’s just not complete until you’ve seen a sculpture made of butter and stuffed your face full of charred sweet corn, funnel cakes and whatever absurd exotic meat you can find. Fairs are full of memories of candy and petting zoos (essentially every child's favorite things) and it's easier than you think to add some of your favorite state fair foods into your weeknight dinner — without having to leave the comfort of your home.

From the classic to the ridiculously ridiculous, we’ve dug up all sorts of recipes to help you make a feast of state fair-inspired foods at home. Your apartment and hair may forever smell like a deep-fryer afterwards, but it’s a small price to pay.

Image via Brit + Co

Homemade Funnel Cake

If you're a big fan of fried goodies, then you *have* to make this treat. It's the perfect mix of hot, sticky, and sweet, and definitely satisfies those fair food cravings. You can split it among a bunch of people like your friends or your family...or you can eat it all yourself.

Image via Saveur

State Fair Corn Dogs

Even with all the new, hyped-up, experimental foods each year, there’s nothing like a classic corn dog. This recipe calls for a Dutch oven in lieu of a deep fryer.

Image via Fresh Tart

Gluten-Free Fried Cheese Curds

FRIED. CHEESE. CURDS. It’s only fitting that a Minnesota blogger would get this wholly Midwestern indulgence exactly right.

Image via Leite’s Culinaria

Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

This might be the most American thing to ever have happened. We recommend you don’t skip the optional white chocolate ganache topping. U-S-A. U-S-A. U-S-A…

Image via Food.com

Puckerin’ Pickle Popsicles

Half of you are probably gagging right now, half (like us) are pretty excited to try this weird pickle juice pop. Cocktail possibilities, anyone?

Image via James vs. Burger

Krispy Kreme Burger

Apparently, Luther Vandross claimed to have come up with the Krispy Kreme burger while on tour. Because, why not?

Image via Kirbie’s Cravings

Fried Cookie Dough

We’re digging this fried cookie-dough concoction. It’s simple if you buy the store-bought stuff.

Image via Leite’s Culinaria

Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas

There’s always money in the banana stand. This recipe — which mixes the peanut coating with pieces of crispy bacon — is MONEY.

Image via Pioneer Woman

Caveman Pops (Roasted Turkey Legs)

Inspired by the behemoth meat drummies of state fairs and Medieval Times alike, a good brine makes this recipe a success.

Image via BS in the Kitchen

Cherry Pie

If you’re looking to take home a blue ribbon, here’s the secret.

Image via The Little Kitchen

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

It is your duty as an American to deep fry everything, including macaroni.

Image via Framed Cooks

Maple Chocolate Bacon Skewers

There’s nothing more fair-friendly than chocolate-covered bacon on a stick.

Image via The Messy Baker

Fried Avocado

Oh, California. You would try to keep healthy with your fair food. Well, not exactly healthy… but it’s no fried Coke.

Image via Serious Eats

Deep-Fried Coca-Cola

This dish involves infusing Bisquick batter with real Coca Cola — don’t you dare try to use diet in this Southern fair recipe.

Image via Bon Appétit

Deep-Fried Spaghetti and Meatballs On-a-Stick

Minnesota is at it again. Do the laws of physics even apply to this?

Image via Food Fire

Grilled Corn Sweet Corn

If you need a break from all the fried fodder, sweet corn is a must!

Image via Created by Diane

Fried Oreos

Anybody can fry a Snickers bar, but we are partial to the creamy, gooey Oreos.

Image via King Arthur Baking

Cream Puffs and Éclairs

This is Wisconsin’s official dessert. At their state fair, it’s served on a large dinner plate.

Image via Dude Foods

Beer and Bacon Battered Deep Fried White Castle Sliders

Get outta here, Orange County. What have you done?!

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Monster Crunchies

Just in time for the back-to-school season, these monster crunchies are a wacky snack the whole family will love.

Image via Tornadough Alli

Kool Aid Pickles

Kool-aid can be great by itself but pairing it with pickles creates a sweet and tangy treat you'll surprisingly want more of.

Image via Pink Owl Kitchen

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Deep fried foods and state fairs seem to go hand-in-hand. We're not complaining though.

Image via Where Is My Spoon

Puff Pastry Plum Tarts

Craving something sweet and sticky? Bake this easy puff pastry plum tarts recipe. You'll love the sweet blend of plums, brown sugar and flaky crust.

Image via Cilantro Parsley

Flamin Hot Cheetos Corn (Elote)

This is grilled sweet corn's spicier sister. With flaming hot cheetos baked on top, this corn on the cob recipe is going to quickly become a guilty food pleasure.

Image via Cozy Cravings

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies

What happens when you mix chocolate, peanut butter and rice krispies together? You get treats that are sure to give you a sugar rush.

What’s the craziest fair food you’ve ever eaten? Let us know on Instagram!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Kirbie’s Cravings

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

relationship advice wellness friendship relationships holidays

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

tiktok small biz small businesses tiktok users tiktok ban tiktok algorithm viral tik tok tik tok trends small business owner marketing social media marketing social media hispanic heritage foundation black girl ventures apps technology tech news small business

Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

Discover 83 Amazon products under $30 that are nothing short of pure gold. From stylish fashion finds to the latest beauty trends, these steals offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. We always ask, what's better than the perfect gift? Well, it's the gift that also doesn't break the bank! We're confident you'll find something in here to at least appease a few loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.