Meet Nima, the Adorable Little Device That’ll Test Your Food for Gluten

Here at CES 2017, there’s a lot of tech that’s trying to be the next big thing (like Samsung’s new QLED TV. WHAT?!). We’re at the end of day one, but we’re calling it: The Nima Sensor is hands down one of the coolest things we’ve seen this year. This little gadget isn’t just adorable — it’s potentially life saving too.

nima-feat

This portable little device will actually test your food for even trace amounts of gluten — 20 parts per million or the US FDA standard for gluten-free, to be exact. For anyone with a gluten-intolerance or Celiac’s, this device might just be a life-saver. And the makers aren’t just stopping at gluten. They’re rolling out peanut testing later in 2017 and are also developing a test for dairy and tree nuts as well. Folks everywhere with allergies, rejoice!

All you have to do is feed a pea-sized amount of your food into Nima’s one-time use test capsule. Then, insert the capsule into the device, turn it on and, using their custom technology, the Nima will test your food for gluten. These little capsules are definitely where the magic happens: They’re essentially mini chemistry labs that contain a testing strip and a small amount of Nima’s custom antigen-based testing fluid.

When testing is done, it’ll either show a smiley face if the food is gluten-free.

Otherwise, if gluten is detected, a wheat symbol will appear on the screen. It’s that easy.

And the best part is the Nima has a corresponding app that stores the info of all the foods you test. The app also connects you to a community of fellow food testers whose tests you can access, so you know which dishes at which restaurants are safe to eat and which aren’t. Restaurants are also given a “Nima Score” based on how much gluten is put into their dishes, so it makes restaurant selection a breeze.

Gluten-free eaters know the struggle is so real when it comes to finding good dishes that don't upset the ol' tummy. More often than not, making your own meals at home is the best way to play it safe from restaurant-induced stomach aches – but you can actually achieve restaurant-level appetizers, main courses, anddesserts super easily. Start off with one of these gluten-free appetizers, and experience the magic for yourself.

Forks and Foliage

Blistered Shishito Peppers

These blistered peppers with burrata cheese are a total fork-and-knife job, but they're so worth it. The spice mellows out perfectly, thanks to the creamy, light balls of cheese. (via Forks and Foliage for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Gluten-Free Avocado Fries

These avocado "fries" are coated in a gluten-free breadcrumb mixture for maximum enjoyment without ever weighing you down. Plus, any appetizer that doubles as a finger food is prime pickings in our book. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Honey Whipped Goat Cheese with Pomegranate

This whipped goat cheese absolutely deserves a spot on your dinner table. It's light, tangy, and sweet, which can help offer a nice flavor reprieve before a heartier, savory main course. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

The Edgy Veg

Vegan Grazing Platter

When in doubt, make a charcuterie board. Just load it up with all of your fave GF snacks, and boom, pre-dinner is taken care of. Take this pretty vegan platter as pure inspiration! (via The Edgy Veg)

Bowl of Delicious

Fried Halloumi Bites with Spicy Honey

Halloumi is so yum, so if you haven't tried it by now, try whipping these lil' bites up for your next spread of gluten-free appetizers. It's pungent and tangy, much like goat cheese, but has a lot firmer texture, which helps keep these fried finger foods intact! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Crowded Kitchen

Carrot Tart with Pesto

Use some GF dough or puff pastry to wrap up this savory tart, then slice it into small pieces to serve a crowd! The earthy carrots are complemented perfectly with pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and some cheese. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Half Baked Harvest

Crispy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Cauliflower Taquitos

These taquitos are wrapped with corn tortillas, making them certifiably gluten-free. Everyone's bound to love anything buffalo-flavored. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Averie Cooks

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are one of our favorite gluten-free appetizers to make, whether they're for a strictly GF crowd or not. This iteration is packed with a deliciously cheesy pimento filling that feels nothing but comforting. (via Averie Cooks)

A Spicy Perspective

Maple Glazed Prosciutto Wrapped Sweet Potatoes

Maple, prosciutto, and sweet potato? Consider us hooked. The saltiness of the meat will instantly balance out the sweetness of the sweet potato, so you can get a complex bite every time. Bonus points if you serve these bad boys with aioli or ranch. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Earthly Provisions

Easy Fresh Corn Salsa

This flawlessly fresh corn salsa is a tasty ode to summer produce. All the legwork lies in the chopping, but once you're done with the cutting board, you'll toss everything into a bowl, and viola! (via Earthly Provisions)

Vanilla and Bean

Charred Jalapeño-Lime Guacamole

Guac is a total classic gluten-free appetizer, as long as you serve it with some high-quality corn chips. This big green bowl also assumes some unique smoky flavors from the charred jalapeños! This makes a very reliable (and yummy) starter for Taco Tuesday. (via Vanilla and Bean)

The First Mess

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Vegan Green Goddess Dressing

Smashed potatoes truly are the best thing since sliced bread. Indulge in a starchy, crispy bite using this appetizer recipe. The green goddess dressing is non-negotiable. Mind = blown. (via The First Mess)

Forks & Foliage

Baked Feta with Olives and Honey

Grab some GF crackers or bread to dip into this sweet-yet-salty skillet appetizer! The feta will absorb all the honey and olive brine for a bite that's undeniably Mediterranean. (via Forks & Foliage)

Feel Good Foodie

Zucchini Tater Tots

Zucchini tater tots are a must-make when it comes to gluten-free appetizers. Once they're baked to browned perfection, you won't even taste the squash. (via Feel Good Foodie)

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Don’t you just love looking at crystals? If you’re just getting started in learning about them, it’s an expansive world to explore. What if I told you, as an astrologer and holistic life coach, that crystals can actually be used to enhance your zodiac sign?

Crystals hold specific energies and vibrations, and by harnessing their properties, you can step into your Sun sign’s potential. Working with crystals that align with your sign can restore your well-being, amplify your manifestation practice, and help you fulfill your life purpose. Continue reading to discover which crystal is best for your zodiac sign and how to work with them!

Scroll to find out which crystal matches up with your zodiac sign!

​The History of Crystals

Monstera Production

The use of crystals dates back as far as 4500 BCE, when they were valued for their beauty, healing, and protective properties. Throughout ancient history, cultures such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks adorned armor, amulets, talismans, and cosmetics with crystals — and even used them for medicinal purposes. A fascinating fact: in ancient Egypt, Queen Cleopatra used powdered lapis lazuli (deep blue) as eyeshadow and malachite (green) for her lower eyelids. It’s believed she used these crushed crystals to help her strategize through obstacles, enhancing her wisdom and cunningness.

Fast forward to modern times, and crystals saw a resurgence with the New Age movement of the 1970s, encouraging people to use them in spiritual practices. Some say the Victorian Era, often referred to as the "spiritual renaissance," also saw a crystal comeback, with seances and crystal ball gazing becoming popular ways to connect with the spirit world.

Beyond spiritual work and makeup, crystals have become more mainstream. For instance, quartz crystals are used in computers, clocks, and other devices that require precise timekeeping. These crystals vibrate at a frequency of 60 beats per minute when electricity is integrated — talk about magical!

How Can Crystals and Astrology Work Together?

Katrin Bolovtsova

Much like color therapy, crystals have unique vibrational properties that align with their color and purpose. Each zodiac sign embodies specific traits that may need support or balance, and crystals can serve as a powerful tool to heal, support, and amplify these qualities.

Your Sun sign represents a key aspect of your potential in life. When you work with a crystal that aligns with your Sun sign, you can restore balance, enhance your manifestation practices, and open up to new possibilities. Crystals act as supportive allies, helping you connect more deeply with your inner energy and emotions.

A good starting point for understanding how crystals can support your well-being is through the color spectrum. The colors of crystals offer insights into what you might need at a given time. Pay attention to what you're most drawn to in a metaphysical shop, as it can reveal your current energetic needs.

For example, if you’re drawn to darker, earth-toned crystals — such as black, brown, smoky, or gray — this may indicate a need for grounding and stability. On the other hand, if you’re attracted to lighter crystals — such as yellows, pinks, and whites — it could suggest that you’re ready to open up to new ideas and experiences. Your Sun sign crystal serves as a powerful conduit to help you live up to your potential, and it can be complemented by other crystals you choose to work with. If you feel called to work with other Sun sign crystals, it may be because there is a quality you aspire to embody. The key is to be intentional in your crystal work to attract the best results.

These Are The Best Crystals for Each Zodiac Sign!

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Carnelian

Ruled by Mars, Aries is known for its warrior energy, passion, and drive. Carnelian, with its vibrant orange hue, enhances vitality, motivation, and courage — perfect for the fire signs bold nature. It also helps ground the fiery energy of this sign, providing a boost in creativity and physical strength when needed.

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Taurus (April 21 – May 21): Pyrite

As a sign ruled by Venus, Taurus embodies qualities of abundance, luxury, and practicality. Pyrite, often called "Fool's Gold," is a stone of wealth and manifestation. It brings strength and continuous inspiration while supporting Taurus’ grounded nature, promoting confidence and protection, especially in financial and career endeavors.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 22 – June 21): Celestite

Ruled by Mercury, Gemini has a gift for communicating, intellect, and adaptability. Celestite, with its soft blue hue, enhances mental clarity, communication, and connection with higher realms. It helps Gemini stay mentally sharp while softening their dialogue, harmony, and spiritual growth.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 22 – July 22): Moonstone

Under the influence of the Moon, Cancer is deeply intuitive, emotional, and nurturing. Moonstone, the stone of intuition, aligns with Cancer’s sensitive nature, helping to bring emotional balance and clarity to inner wisdom. It supports Cancer’s connection to their feelings while it strengthens their inner knowing and empathy.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22): Tiger’s Eye

Ruled by the Sun, Leo is a natural leader with a charismatic presence. Tiger’s Eye, with its warm golden-brown tones, supports Leo’s fiery energy by boosting confidence, personal power, and courage. It helps Leo stay focused and grounded while encouraging them to make their dreams come to life.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Amazonite

As the sign ruled by Mercury, Virgo is analytical, detail-oriented, and practical. Amazonite, with its soothing blue-green color, aligns with Virgo’s desire for clarity and balance. This stone encourages a steady flow of ideas and helps Virgo stay centered, promoting mental clarity and emotional calm.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22): Pink Tourmaline

Ruled by Venus, Libra is all about harmony, beauty, and relationships. Pink Tourmaline, with its soft pink color, promotes emotional healing, compassion, and love. It helps Libra establish personal boundaries while it brings balance to their relationships and invites love, peace, and assertiveness into their lives.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Black Tourmaline

With Pluto and Mars as its rulers, Scorpio is intense, transformative, and deeply intuitive. Black Tourmaline is a powerful protective stone that shields Scorpio from negative energies. It also helps this sign hone their intuitive abilities by bringing balance and neutrality to the messages they receive. It grounds their powerful energy while offering emotional and spiritual protection, making it an ideal companion for this intense and transformative sign.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21): Turquoise

Ruled by the lucky planet Jupiter, Sagittarius is adventurous, optimistic, and philosophical. Turquoise, with its vibrant blue-green hue, enhances communication and supports Sagittarius’ quest for truth and wisdom. It encourages them to take risks and brings an abundance of positive energy and serendipitous moments into their journey. This crystal helps Sagittarius seek new experiences while promoting healing, inner peace, and spiritual growth.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 21 – January 19): Ruby

Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn is determined, ambitious, and disciplined. Ruby, with its rich red color, boosts vitality, passion, and motivation. It helps Capricorn stay focused on their goals while energizing their leadership abilities and drive to succeed in both personal and professional matters.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19): Moldavite

Ruled by Uranus, Aquarius is innovative, forward-thinking, and eccentric. Moldavite, a stone known for its intense energy and extraterrestrial origins, accelerates spiritual growth and deep transformation. It resonates with Aquarius’ progressive and unique nature, helping them expand their consciousness and explore new possibilities.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 20 – March 21): Fluorite

Ruled by Neptune, Pisces is intuitive, imaginative, and spiritually attuned. Fluorite, known for its stunning multi-colored energy, promotes mental clarity and spiritual healing. It helps Pisces stay grounded while supporting their intuitive abilities and connection to higher realms, enhancing their dreamlike, compassionate nature.

​How to Cleanse and Tune Into Your Crystal

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Once you’ve selected your crystal(s), it’s important to cleanse and activate them to ensure they are in alignment with your intentions. Crystals absorb energies — both positive and negative — and need to be cleared of any external influences before you begin working with them.

Here are some simple steps to cleanse and activate your crystals:

  1. Cleansing Your Crystal:
    • Selenite Slab: A selenite slab is a great tool for cleansing your crystals. Think of it as a "recharging station" for your stones.
    • Smudging: Light sage and hover the crystal over the smoke. Visualize any negative energy lifting away from the crystal.
    • Sun or Moonlight: Place your crystal in direct sunlight or moonlight for 4-5 hours. Be mindful, as some crystals may lose color in the sun.
  2. Invocation for Cleansing: You can also use a simple invocation to cleanse your crystal. Repeat this affirmation aloud: “I now ask that these crystals be surrounded with Divine white light. I ask that any negativity or density be cleansed and released into the light of the Divine. I ask that the full power of these healing stones be restored and their full light and healing energy be empowered to shine through. I ask according to Divine will for the highest and greatest good. And so it is.”
  3. Activating Your Crystal:
    • Hold the crystal in your hands and visualize light flowing from above into the crystal, energizing it with your intention. Focus on what you hope to achieve or manifest with the crystal’s support.
    • Once activated, you may feel a shift in energy — your crystal may feel lighter or even vibrate slightly. If it doesn’t, consider whether this crystal aligns with your goal.
    • Set your intention by saying, “I program this crystal for/to [state your purpose].”

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Once your crystal is cleansed and activated, carry it with you, wear it as jewelry, or place it in a space where you’ll see it daily to stay connected to your intention.

By intentionally selecting, cleansing, and programming your crystals, you’re not only aligning their energy with your Sun sign and goals, but also enhancing the overall flow of positive energy into your life. Crystals, when used mindfully, can be powerful allies in both your astrological and spiritual journey.

Do you wish to learn more about Lumi's work with astrology and her holistic approach? Lumi Pelinku invites you to dive deeper into your journey through an extended reading that can provide tailored insights and inspiration. Click here to book your reading today!

For more astrology advice, be sure to Ask Lumi for advice and follow the conversation on Facebook!

Move over, spiralized comfort foods – there’s more than one way to turn your favorite dishes low-carb and gluten-free. All aboard the zucchini train — err, zucchini boat. Once you halve a zucchini and scoop out the seeds, it’s the perfect vessel for makeshift tacos, pizza, or even burgers. As an added bonus, this hack is a totally clever way to make sure you’re eating your veggies (and not eating loads of gluten or carbs, if that’s your jam). Yes, sometimes our cravings are like those of a picky five-year-old, but with a little help from these stuffed zucchini boat recipes, you might find yourself making these easy dinner recipes every night.

Running to the Kitchen

Bruschetta Hummus Stuffed Zucchini

This bruschetta and hummus love affair is just the dish for a light meal or party snack. If you’re planning on serving it as an appetizer, halve your zucchini boats for more mileage and watch them go. (via Running to the Kitchen)

Destination Delish

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

If you’re the kind of person who carries hot sauce in her purse, buffalo chicken likely holds a special place in your heart. These buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats might be just the trick you needed to get on board with the green veggie. Now if only there was a safe way to carry these boats in your purse… (via Destination Delish)

Maebells

Chili Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Boats

You can take these boats to the next level by adding a hot dog and/or Fritos. The zucchini here just might beat the texture of a gluten-free bun, though. (via Maebells)

Cooking Classy

Zucchini Pizza Boats

How cute are these mini pepperonis? They're so cute, you’re going to want to eat these pizza boats all up. The best part of this easy recipe is not getting flour all over your kitchen like you would with actual pizza. That’s a win for lazy girls and healthy girls alike. (via Cooking Classy)

Food Faith Fitness

Lemon Asparagus Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Grilled Zucchini with Shrimp

For a totally healthy, flavorful meal, try this zucchini dish with cauliflower rice and grilled shrimp. Though it’ll seem like you spent tons of time on these boats, you can actually pull it off in 30 minutes. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Delicious Meets Healthy

Stuffed Zucchini Boats With Garlic Sauce

Even if you’re not a fan of zucchini, the garlic sauce topping this dish is made with might just change your mind. It’s like a lightened-up aioli, thanks to the addition of yogurt. (via Delicious Meets Healthy)

Real Food by Dad

Baked Potato Zucchini Boats

Recreate the glorious loaded baked potato with this healthy twist! Swap out your usual starchy spud for a zucchini or two, and you might not feel the pull of a food coma post-meal. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and hot sauce for the best not-a-baked-potato ever. (via Real Food by Dad)

Simply Quinoa

Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini Boats

This super simple dish works well as a side or a light main. It helps to have the cashew cream and quinoa prepared beforehand — as they do take some time to make — so get a head start on those ingredients over a lazy weekend. After that, these zucchini boats come together in a snap. (via Simply Quinoa)

Tastes Lovely

Quinoa & Black Bean Enchilada Stuffed Zucchinis

Up your healthy enchilada game by swapping in zucchinis for tortillas. They make the dish lighter, but still satisfying. The quinoa, black bean and zucchini makes for a fibrous combo that can’t be beat. (via Tastes Lovely)

Cooking Classy

Lasagna Zucchini Boats

Put a spin on veggie lasagna with these zucchinis filled with red sauce, ricotta cheese, and ground meat. It’s a solid option for a quick weeknight dinner. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this recipe, try diced mushrooms in place of ground meat for an even healthier take that still tastes meaty. (viaCooking Classy)

The Honour System

Roasted Zucchini Tuna Melts

Skip the deli and make this healthy version of a tuna melt at home! Since these are technically open-face sandwiches, the top layer of cheese and tuna gets extra melted and crispy with a little broiler action. Sorry, tuna melt — you’ve been replaced. (via The Honour System)

The Wholesome Dish

Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats

You can still get the flavors you love from chicken Parmesan in this zucchini-centric version. This recipe uses ground chicken instead of fried cutlets, which is both healthier and easier to prepare. (via The Wholesome Dish)

Connoisseurus Veg

Lentil Walnut Vegan Chorizo Stuffed Zucchini

Both non-vegans and vegan devotees will appreciate this stuffed zucchini boat. It’s loaded with a delicious mix of spices from cumin to cinnamon, so it’s definitely not lacking in flavor. This dish also boasts at least three different forms of protein to give you an energy boost to power you through the day. (via Connoisseurus Veg)

The Skinny Fork

Cheeseburger Stuffed Zucchini Boats

When a burger craving hits, it’s not always in line with your meal plans — whether your concerns are budget- or health-related. You can satisfy that craving guilt-free by cooking up these burger boats! Though the recipe calls for beef, any ground meat you prefer will do. Just don’t forget the ketchup and mustard. (via The Skinny Fork)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas!

This post has been updated.

Sunglasses can give your outfits the ultimate cool factor – as long as you're wearing the coolest styles, that is. There are several kinds of sunglasses that simply don’t cut it anymore and make you look downright ridiculous.

From blinged-out frames to teeny, tiny lenses that barely block the sun, these 6 “outdated” sunglasses trends should truly be banished from the fashion world in favor of more modern frames. The past is the past, after all!

Scroll on for the top 6 “outdated” sunglasses trends you need to skip in 2025 – plus some stylish suggestions on what to wear instead.

1. Shutter Shades

Amazon

Plastic Shutter Shades

These plastic frames peaked in the late 2000s, in the height of sleazy party culture – and they’ve been a symbol of those times ever since.

Amazon

White Shutter Shades

While they can look cool for very specific times and occasions, but let’s be real – without actual lenses, shutter shades offered zero sun protection and were more of a novelty than a functional fashion choice.

2. Brightly-Colored Lenses

NastyGal

NastyGal Yellow Tinted Lens Sunglasses

Brightly tinted-lenses like yellows, pinks, and blues definitely had their moment for adding a playful pop to any look. Over time, though, they began looking increasingly cheap-y.

Amazon

Vanlinker Retro Rectangle Sunglasses

Classic tints like browns and blacks are certainly more in-style now. Plus, they’re way easier to match with your outfits!

3. Cat Eye Frames

Michael Kors

Michael Kors Harbour Island Sunglasses

When we say ‘cat eye frames,’ we really mean the ultra-sharp, exaggerated versions that dominated the fashion world in the late 2010s. Due to their dramatic angles, cat eye frames don’t always flatter many face shapes and can oftentimes look too costume-like.

Amazon

Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses

Smoother, more organic sunglasses shapes have taken center stage these days – which we are very thankful for.

4. Flip-Up Sunglasses

Amazon

Frienda Flip-Up Sunglasses

If we had one word to describe this “outdated” sunglasses trend, it’d be ‘quirky.’ Flip-up sunglasses were once really cool for the novelty aspect, but in reality, they’re bulky, impractical, and easily breakable!

Amazon

Dollger Double Lens Clip-In Sunglasses

The same thing goes for clip-in sunglasses. Nowadays, we’re so glad prescription sunglasses were created for a more seamless wear.

5. John Lennon Sunnies

Amazon

Joopin Retro Small Round Sunglasses

The appeal of tiny, round wire-frame sunglasses has undoubtedly worn off. While they stunned in the 90s and early 2000s, they truly look awkward on most face shapes.

Amazon

Poraday Classic Circle Glasses

Plus, their ultra-small lenses offer little actual coverage from the sun. Unless you know for sure you can rock these, try opting for bolder, larger sunnies.

6. Heart-Shaped Frames

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Heart Sunglasses

While there can be a time and place for these cutesy heart-shaped frames, they’re not exactly suitable for everyday wear.

Amazon

Polarized Heart Shaped Sunglasses

Over the decades, they’ve earned themselves more of a novelty status than a style-forward one. Try on some more sophisticated pairs that’ll suit your own (grown) age.

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Considering the popularity of Spencer and Alex's relationship in 1923, it might surprise you to know Julia Schlaepfer was nervous to bring the "special" story to life with actor Brandon Sklenar. "I was a little nervous because I was like, 'This is such a big universe and I want [fans] to love it as much as they love 1883 and Yellowstone,'" she tells Brit + Co exclusively.

Here's what Julia Schlaepfer had to say about Brandon Sklenar, Alex and Spencer, and Harrison Ford in Brit + Co's exclusive 1923 season 2 interview.

Julia Schlaepfer says filming '1923' with Brandon Sklenar felt like a "secret."

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

"Brandon and I, when we were filming [season 1] in Africa, we would talk all the time about how it felt like we were making this really secret little indie movie together because we were so separate from the rest of the cast," she says. "Everything was so new to us, we were in Africa, and so it kind of felt like a secret. It felt like a very personal thing."

She didn't quite realize just how special 1923 was until she finally got to see the show's opener. "I'll never forget actually, [when] our producer Michael Friedman showed us the opening credits for the first time," Julia adds. "We were in Malta and we were doing the swimming sequence and he was like, 'I have to show this to you guys because I don't think you know how special it is.'"

"Our names pop up right after Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren and we all, like, cried together, and I think I was like, "Oh, this is so exciting and big,'" she continues. "It's been so special and I'm really glad that the fans like it."

But for the new episodes, Julia Schlaepfer and Brandon Sklenar "barely" saw each other.

Yep, after countless fan edits, I can confidently say fans love Alex and Spencer — but (to my utter heartbreak), Julia teases we'll see way less of her and Brandon onscreen together this time around after season 1 ended with their characters being split up.

"It was very separate," she says of filming. "I mean, we block shot as well, so we were all kind of coming in at different times to film, but no, we did not [see each other a lot...Season one we spent all our time together, this season we barely spent any time together. It was very much like, suddenly we were ripped apart. But that's what the characters are going through."

Now, this is a huge tease for what to expect from 1923 season 2 (and might even be a spoiler) because some fans' biggest question is: When are Alex and Spencer going to reunite?! Unfortunately, it looks like it'll take a bit before we see them together again.

Even though it was an "odd" and "isolating" thing, and a "totally opposite experience" from filming the first season, Julia says the split "works for the characters this season, you know. It was very helpful as an actor because that's what they're going through as well."

Fans can expect to see a whole new side to Alex in '1923' season 2.

Even though Alex is on her own, it was important to Julia that she still have that "sparkle" we all love. "It was about digging deep and finding a more scrappy side to her," she says. "It was tricky because I didn't want to lose Alex's sparkle, I didn't want to lose the vivacious, happy side of her, but she's going through something completely different. So bringing the core of who she is and what she stands for and how deeply she loves and how bravely she lives combined with, you know, the fear and the determination was, it was a really great challenge as an actor. But yeah, we see a lot more grit from her this season, I would say."

And not only does Julia love Alex's grit, but she's inspired by her ferocity.

"Since starting season one, I'm like, 'I have to live like that,'" she says. "She follows her happiness like so fiercely and I was like, 'Why aren't I doing that? What can I do to bring more joy to my life and to live as honestly as she lives?' I've learned a lot from her."

Read up on The 1923 Season 1 Ending, Deaths, & Betrayals, Explained before season 2 premieres! And check out our interview with actress Michelle Randolph, where she teases we'll finally "fill in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.