Get a First Look at the 250 New Emojis!

Oh, what, you think making new emojis appear on your phone is as easy as a wish, a dream and a system update? We learned today that it’s much more official than that (even if the result is the same: enhanced text messaging). Ahem, hear ye, hear ye, the Unicode Consortium has announced the next version of the Unicode Standard, which is a fancy way of saying, GUYS, we’re about to get new emojis, which is a boring way of saying:

MacRumors reports that version 7.0 of the Unicode Standard will bring with it about 250 new emojis. But this is not the upgrade we’ve been dying for. Or even the more multi-cultural, more diverse (more important) one we have been petitioning for.

The latest (a glimpse above!) are derived from characters you might remember in the prehistoric, pre-texting version of emojis — that’s right, Wingdings and Webdings are making a comeback as the inspiration for the next batch.

Emojipedia has a list of the 250 new emojis, though it appears to be down for now (stay tuned, we’ll be investigating as the news develops ;). From what we’ve read, this version sounds a little, um, more unique than what’s there currently. Look out for a chipmunk, a “man levitating in a business suit” and a “derelict house building” coming to a group text near you. Humph. Eh, we’ll make ‘em work! Just think of all of the songs and movies we’ll be able to translate.

If you could pick one new emoji, what would you add? Share below!

Living on the Outer Banks of North Carolina was something I didn't appreciate for a long time. There are so many aspects of coastal life that are truly unique from other parts of the country, or even other parts of the state. Every time I watch the sunrise with a latte from my favorite local coffee shop, read with my toes buried in the sand, or leave my shoes in the car to climb Jockey's Ridge (followed by an obligatory ice cream cone from the shopping center across the street), I really feel at peace.

When Netflix dropped its now-hit show Outer Banks in 2020, it became the talk of the town. It premiered a month into the COVID pandemic (meaning everyone was home to watch), and it was the perfect One Tree Hill meets The Outsiders mix of drama, intrigue, and adventure. All of my OBX Facebook groups went wild.

My family and I spent the entirety of season 1 cracking up at (and entirely engrossed in) the fictionalized version of our lives, including John B. and Sarah's trip to UNC-Chapel Hill, my alma mater. A lot of the negative opinions on the series' inaccuracies came from people who are much older than the characters, but it didn't matter — I was hooked.

As a Gen Z'er myself, I actually think there are aspects of the kids' experiences that feel like an authentic part of coming of age in the 2010s and 2020s. Even though there isn't a Pogue versus Kook feud, and you definitely can't take a ferry to Chapel Hill, I think Outer Banks does a fairly good job of translating the good parts of living on the beach. Because in my opinion, what the showrunners get right, they get really right.

The Treasure...Kind Of

While the wreck of the Royal Merchant isn't a part of OBX history, treasure is. The Outer Banks—specifically one of the southern islands called Ocracoke Island—became a location for a variety of pirates like Anne Bonney and Blackbeard. Starting at the end of the 17th Century, Ocracoke was one of the biggest ports in North Carolina. It was also riddled with hiding places where pirates could stash any treasure they had on hand.

I've never found any buried treasure, but never say never ;).

www.instagram.com

chloe on Instagram: "every time i go to the beach i remember my flip flops are broken"

All Day In The Water

When you live on the beach, especially when summer rolls around and it's warm enough to be outside, you really do spend all day in the water. Boating, paddle boarding, swimming, surfing. It's very common to surf before & after school, and spend all of Saturday at the beach. And even when I'm not actually in the water, I'm always hanging out on the boardwalk or dining at a restaurant's waterfront seating.

www.instagram.com

chloe on Instagram: "every time i go to the beach i remember my flip flops are broken"

The Clothes

Okay, this one might not seem like a big deal, but as a huge fan of television costuming in general, I will never stop talking about the clothes on this show. Costume designer Emmie Holmes came to the OBX before filming season one to scope out the way that the locals dress, and considers "the kids of the real OBX style icons."

The summer after the show premiered, I worked at a frozen yogurt shop and it was very obvious which young people were visiting the OBX because of the show. You could tell because before 2020, no one had ever come in wearing the signature bandana + unbuttoned shirt + backwards hat combo worn by John B. (season one's central character, played by Chase Stokes)!

I got to talk to Holmes about her costume design, which you should definitely check out if you're a costume nerd like me, but here's a glimpse into what she has to say about translating the personal character arc for Madelyn Cline's Sarah into her season two costumes. At this point in the story, Sarah has joined the rough-around-the-edges Pogues after uncovering some dark secrets about her family.

"As Sarah readjusts to her Pogue status, we see some Pogue details (like swapping that fan-favorite 'S' necklace with a bottle cap piece and choosing shorts with frayed edges). 'I made sure to harken back to her season one color palette with the whites and creams and pale yellows and soft blues, and it all just created such a vulnerable state for her,' Holmes says. 'All of a sudden it [goes] from "Oh, Sarah Cameron looks cute" to "Oh my gosh, she's not ready for all this."'"

www.instagram.com

chloe on Instagram: "gold rush by taylor swift at sunset is life changing"

The Complexity...

As a writer and avid reader, I love diving into character analysis, and I admire the way that Outer Banks has more of an interest in making their leads relatable than picture-perfect. Sarah is very kind, but makes continually bad romantic decisions. Madison Bailey's Kiara lashes out in season 2 as she processes her grief. Drew Starkey's Rafe, one of the main antagonists of the show, begins the series as a cocky older brother, but turns into a sociopath who will do anything to prove he's loyal to his dad.

The complexity of each character showcases how we can feel the need to box ourselves into one thing: one hobby, one personality type, even one aesthetic. Watching these characters try things that are outside the norm for their archetype, and help each other when they're in difficult situations, makes for some serious food for thought. It also emphasizes the freedom young people desire to make mistakes.

www.instagram.com

chloe on Instagram: "gold rush by taylor swift at sunset is life changing"

...And The Camaraderie

Just like with other small towns, the best part about living on the Outer Banks is how much everyone shows up for each other. When our house flooded during Hurricane Michael in 2018, our community rallied around us and came over to help clear out everything that had been ruined by water. When my sister got into a car accident, dozens of friends and neighbors stopped by to make sure she was okay as they drove past.

When tragedy strikes, or when we're all together celebrating events like Surfing For Autism, there is a real sense of community. The ride-or-die relationship between the Pogues feels like an excellent reflection of the way that people on the Outer Banks really care for each other.

Have you ever been to the Outer Banks? Are you excited for season 4? Let us know in the comments!

This post has been updated.

There are tons of things on sale for Prime Day this year, but you don't have to miss out on the savings if you're not necessarily planning to splurge on big-ticket items. Cleaning products and everyday essentials are going for the exact same discount as that fancy espresso machine you've been eyeing, and sometimes more! Prime Day offers the perfect chance for you to stock up on more practical purchases – from paper towels to vitamins – for less-than-typical prices. In case you need help completing your Prime Day checklist, let this post serve as the ultimate guide to the cleaning products, health + wellness essentials, and other miscellaneous home goods that are often left behind.

Cleaning Products

Amazon

Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags

$15, was $23

Taking out the trash surely isn't the most glamorous of all household chores, but it is necessary. These expertly-designed Glad bags make the task more manageable with unparalleled durability and stretch, two layers of leak protection, and a fresh Febreze scent. Stock up for 35% off during Prime Day.

Amazon

Blueland Toilet Bowl Cleaner Starter Set

$23, was $29

These plastic-free tabs make cleaning your toilet bowl as easy as 'drop and flush.' The fizzy formula dissolves to remove every type of blemish from rust and mineral deposits to limescale and hard water. You'll enjoy the 100% natural lemon-cedar fragrance after every cleaning sesh!

Amazon

Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray

$12, was $18

This powerful dish soap comes in a satisfying spray format, helping to erase hefty grease stains and food residue in a fraction of the time it'd take if you used a traditional liquid dish soap. You can use it beyond dirty dishes too: it works on kitchen counters, laundry stains, and grills.

Amazon

Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels

$4, was $5

For an "affordable and effective" clean, opt to order this cheap 2-pack of paper towel rolls that can handle everyday messes in a single tear for Prime Day.

Amazon

Clorox Free & Clear Compostable Cleaning Wipes

$14, was $18

These at-home compost-friendly Clorox wipes boast the Safer Choice stamp of approval from the EPA, so they're certifiably safe to use around kids, pets, and food. They work on a variety of surfaces to clean and disinfect whatever they come in contact with. We love using these for a quick and easy clean-up session around the kitchen and bathroom before guests come over!

Amazon

Natural Kitchen Sponges 12-Pack

$14, was $17

You won't need to do a restock on kitchen sponges for a while after snagging this handy 12-pack! They're made of plant-based fibers that not only supply a solid clean, but also prevent excess bacteria growth because of their extra-porous texture. After a sponge has reached the end of its lifespan, you can compost the white cellulose layer!

Amazon

Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets

$34, was $44

It only takes one of these 100% plastic-free detergent tablets to really freshen up a load of laundry. They're produced with enzymes proven to lift tough stains, plus the formula is completely hypoallergenic, so it's safe to use for kids' and pet laundry. This pack can tackle 120 rounds!

Amazon

Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner

$12, was $15

Though these all-purpose cleaning sprays have zero bleach, they still effectively tackle grease, grime, and soap scum with ease. They provide the powerful clean you're looking for around the kitchen, bathroom, and more – the formula is proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19. Snag the trio for only $4 a bottle during Prime Day!

Amazon

Windex Glass & Window Cleaner

$3, was $4

Windex is an absolutely undeniable staple for any cleaning lineup. It can wipe away dirt, smudges, fingerprints, and more, leaving a streak-free shine every time. Stock up for just $3 this Prime Day.

Vitamins + Supplements

Amazon

Ritual Multivitamin

$26, was $37

This vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free multivitamin formula brings a daily dose vitamins B12, D, E, and K12 along with folate, iron, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and boron. It's verified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a mark that less than 1% of multivitamins have. The capsules are also Non-GMO Project-verified, ensuring no heavy metals, major allergens, or microbes are present.

Amazon

Sugarbear Hair Vitamin Gummies

$24, was $39

These vitamin gummies claim to support healthy hair and nails through 6000 mcg of biotin, vitamins D, E, and B6, plus folate, calcium, zinc, sodium, iodine and a proprietary mix of European elderberry, inositol, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids. Each plant-based gummy has only 1 gram of sugar and 10 calories to suit a healthy routine. Most users have noticed a difference after 3 months of consistent use!

Amazon

OLLY Women's Multivitamin Gummies

$14, was $17

Another exceptional multivitamin, these OLLY gummies contain vitamins A, B, C, D, and E to help fight free radicals, support bone health, and amp up cellular energy production. There's even 500% of your daily value of biotin in each dose to encourage healthy hair, skin, and nails! They can help "fill in the gaps" of your eating habits to deliver all the nutrients your body needs on the daily.

Amazon

Lemme Matcha Superfood Energy Gummies

$24, was $30

These matcha-infused gummies give you a good boost of non-jittery energy when you need it most – think for that classic afternoon slump or post-workweek outing! They're made with organic matcha, vitamin B12, and CoQ10, a "powerful" antioxidant and coenzyme that assists in energy production. Each gummy is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, gelatin-free, and has no high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, or synthetic colors.

Amazon

Nature's Bounty Biotin

$7, was $20

For an affordable hair, skin, and nail vitamin, biotin is the way to go. In addition to the physical benefits, it can also help support a healthy nervous system and metabolism.

Amazon

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder

$34, was $42

Our favorite protein powder is on sale for Prime Day at 20% off! One serving contains 21 grams of plant-based protein, 1 gram of sugar, plus 6 grams of prebiotics and fiber and 9 essential amino acids. You can use it across shakes, smoothies, overnight oats, and even baked goods to get your protein fix. It's shoppable in 9 flavors, but our go-to is this vanilla iteration.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Amazon

Amazon Basics 24-Pack Rechargeable AA Batteries

$19, was $24

You never know when you're gonna need some extra batteries, so make sure you have some spares handy by stocking up with this 20% off Prime Day deal! These are rechargeable, too, ensuring you never run out of energy.

Amazon

Amazon Elements Baby Wipes

$19, was $22

A whole 810 wipes for $19? Count us in. These gentle, non-flushable baby wipes are formulated without fragrances, alchohol, bronopol, dyes, parabens, and pthalates, ensuring a safe clean for your little one every time.

Amazon

Levoit Air Purifier

$80, was $100

Though t's a bit of a bigger purchase, having an air purifier like this one at home is a super smart investment, especially if you are prone to environmental allergies (or just want to keep your place smelling fresh and clean). This compact model comes complete with a HEPA-grade filter that captures smoke, dust, dander, and more up to 1,095 square feet of space.

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

I’ve done everything in my power to try to alleviate my back painstretching, self-massaging, hot baths, self-cracking my bones (don’t come for me), yoga — but nothing has truly given me the relief I've been looking for more than the Theragun.

And it’s not just my back pain that irks me. It's symptoms of tech neck from working long days at my desk (or, more often than not, my couch), muscle soreness from indoor bouldering 3-4 times a week, and honestly, the movement everyday life requires, like walking my dog and taking care of household chores that mandate multiple trips up and down three flights of stairs in my old sans-elevator apartment building.

Meredith Holser

The Theragun (more specifically, the Prime model) claims to provide a multitude of benefits. According to Therabody, the Theragun Prime can:

  • Relieve pain and soreness
  • Reduce tightness and tension
  • Accelerate recovery
  • Improve circulation and flexibility

All great stuff, right? After seeing and reading lots of rave reviews about this beloved percussive therapy tool, I just had to put it to the test.

Meredith Holser

More than anything, I was concerned with two major problems – back pain and muscle soreness – I hoped the Theragun would help with. I attribute a majority of my back pain to a slight bout of scoliosis along with an unfortunate compression fracture I experienced a couple of years ago. These two reasons are likely to have exacerbated my tech neck aches, too. I’m talkin’ stiffness around my entire neck and some chronically-achy traps.

Piling on my passion for indoor bouldering only adds to the discomfort: sore forearms, lats, and calves and sharp knots along my shoulder blades. The sport requires that I put my body in all sorts of odd positions, use my muscles to sustain those unnatural stances, and brace for 6-foot falls (albeit safely, on well-padded floors). Needless to say, it all takes a physical toll.

After just a week of use and 5- to 10-minute-long sessions a day, the Theragun Prime has significantly lessened that burden and provided my back and upper body muscles with some super satisfying relief.

Here’s my full review, including what I loved and everything I didn’t.

Meredith Holser

My trial began with lots of sharp pain between my shoulder blades, which I was worried about not being able to reach with the Theragun on my own without someone else to help me. My worries instantly melted away after giving it a go, though – the patented triangular handle design (which claims to help you reach “80% of your body with multiple hand positions”) helped me quickly locate the most painful points in between my shoulder blades. Not only was I able to accurately pinpoint my discomfort, even the lowest of the 5 available speed settings delivered immediate relaxation. I was shocked at just how powerful this tool was!

I felt like a crazy woman in my apartment, groaning alone out of relief, but it felt so good. I also noticed that my back felt warmed after use, which I observed as the improved circulation the Theragun claims to encourage.

Meredith Holser

My shoulder blade pain carried on into day 2, along with some insane forearm soreness from bouldering. I took the Theragun to my arms at the lowest speed and found the same instant relief I did with my shoulder blades.

I repeated a routine of running the tool along my shoulder blades, entire back, and arms for days 3 and 4, too. By day 4, I could tell that the most painful points weren’t as sore as they were before I started my Theragun trial.

Meredith Holser

Day 5 was quite the opposite, though. I had attended a concert the night prior, and I think standing hours on hard floors reawakened every stiffness, soreness, and sharp pain I had been experiencing before. I woke up feeling geriatric as ever (I’m freakin’ 24, for crying out loud!) and knew I’d have to try out the Theragun on my screaming lower back and sore calves.

My neck felt extremely tweaked, too, likely from sleeping on it in a less-than-ideal position (tummy sleepers, unite). I went at all of these areas with the Theragun’s wide-set dampener attachment as I had the 4 days before, but turned the tool up to a higher speed. Oh, it felt like heaven! Again, I was surprised by how powerful of a punch the tool provided. It felt like a luxe massage technique, all possible by my hands.

Targeting my body more globally felt really nice at the faster setting, up until I was hitting my neck. The tool had a very heavy vibration that viciously rattled my teeth, ears, and eyes, which honestly distracted me from the relief I was looking for in the neck and traps area.

Meredith Holser

I was met with sore legs from a long bike ride and even more bouldering-induced stiffness on days 6 and 7. I found similar relief to what I experienced the week prior and was able to relax really well after a long, activity-filled weekend. I also tested out the multiple attachments the Theragun Prime came with on my neck and traps, like the thumb and cone toppers, which are sharper-shaped to hit more specific trigger points. I found these more-targeted attachments way more effective than the rounder dampener and ball, which didn't do as great a job at getting into the deep-set knots I deal with.

Meredith Holser

While I can’t claim my back pain and sore muscles are entirely gone with the help of the Theragun Prime, I can say that they’re noticeably lessened after 7 days of consistent use. I think it’s a very effective way to relieve any pains and aches you may be dealing with, especially if you have tried all other avenues of pain reduction. It was easy and intuitive to use myself, and I really enjoyed the range of relief I got from the tool, thanks to the customizable attachments and varying speed settings. The only quirk I didn’t quite like was the intensely distracting vibration that occurred in my head when I brought it up to my upper neck and traps.

Therabody

Theragun Prime

Now $209 (30% off) for Prime Big Deal Days!

At an original price point of $299 (it’s also HSA and FSA-friendly!), I certainly understand it can be a steep investment for some, but given that the average cost of a massage or chiropractic visit hits around $100 (sometimes more), I believe the Theragun offers comparable relief to those methods. Plus, you can use it anytime you like, as opposed to having to wait weeks for an appointment. It definitely is not a dependable replacement for more serious structural or muscular issues (which experts can better address), but it’s certainly appropriate for tackling everyday tightness, soreness, knots, and more.

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

This post has been updated.