5 Best Apps of the Week: The Best Photo App Yet + More

You don’t need me to tell you there’s an app where you can watch all that #MarchMadness sports stuff (sorry, guys, I’m a Syracuse fan, so sitting this year out :-X) so I won’t. Instead, let’s talk about a handful of beautiful new apps from this week, including two photo apps we just couldn’t choose between, an app that lets you make things appear IRL and a new app that wants to show you the weather in a way you might want to see it — even if spring looks 37 degrees and cloudy where you live.

1. Priime: You take the pretty shots of your friend’s silhouette against a beautiful nature-y backdrop and the snaps of that glorious sunset, and this photo app will suggest the perfect pro photographer-crafted filters to take your pics to the next level. Made by photographers for shutterbugs such as yourself, gorgeous filters with names like “sunbeam,” “elk” and “rebellion” just might inspire you to take better pictures to begin with.

DL It: Free on iOS, sale on filters

2. Tether: We’ve been talking about iBeacons and IoT for the last year or so, and this app for your Mac and iPhone connects your devices so the two know when the other is around. Probably most useful to hook up to your computer at work, especially if you’re in an open desk situation, the app on your smartphone will launch the screensaver on your computer once you walk away from it. When you’re close to your computer again, it will automatically unlock. The app is not flawless, but with every tech blog showing it some love, we hope it will give us a bug-fixing update in return.

DL It: Free on iOS

3. Weather: Universal Forecast: We were going to give Carrot’s new weather app a shoutout this week, but there needs to be some love for the Androids among us, amirite? This weather app ,available on both platforms (but more polished in its Android version), takes the swiping function (a little more Snapchat than Tinder tho) we love so much and brings it to the world of meteorology. The forecast is displayed on colorful, bright screens that you can swipe through for more information, more cities and at least eventually more sunshine.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

4. Enlight: There are gorgeous photo apps and there are beautiful art apps, and this one is actually a bit of both. Taking things past your standard filter picker, this download bills itself as every photo app you use or ever wanted to use in one place. And that big claim is, well, true. You can perfect photos in one step with simple Photoshop-like improvements and Instagram-esque filters. From there, personalize, paint and add anything from decals to special effects to your picture, which is now in the masterpiece category. You’re welcome.

DL It: $3.99 on iOS

5. Woodpost: With the tagline “woodprinting, made for mobile” this is a Brit + Co app made in downloadable heaven. Forget those apps that let you print out your photos — this recent addition to the App Store lets you print out your photos on sustainable plywood. Make wall art, something special for your desk or a sweet gift, and preserve the pictures that would normally live and die only on your phone, thanks to a few taps on your phone. Genius!

DL It: Free on iOS

What was your favorite app of the week? Share below!

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.”

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Illustration by Claire Shadomy

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

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

Ersin Baştürk

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

Jennifer Willis-Rivera

Carnival Alaskan Cruise

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

Shutterstock

Carnival Caribbean Cruise

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

Shutterstock

Viking European Cruise

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

Dana Tentis

Viking Mediterranean Cruise

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

Troy Squillaci

Holland America Hawaii Cruise

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

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In an increasingly digital world, mobile apps change the way we access information, stay connected to friends and family, entertain ourselves, and even manage our mental health and anxiety. Behind every great app is an inspiring fleet of developers who have taken a spark of creativity and turned it into something totally new and useful.

This Black History Month, we’re celebrating some of our favorite Black app creators who have been instrumental in revolutionizing their respective industries. These talented women have used their passion for coding and design to create apps that are both innovative and indispensable.

Aurelia Edwards, Founder of Nailstry

Aurelia Edwards has created the ultimate destination for beauty lovers through her app Nailstry. This exclusive marketplace is tailored to help those aspiring to perfect their press-on nails with unique designs from nail art designers across the country. It doesn't stop there; Aurelia also seeks out opportunities that give back and donates a portion of her sales towards programs like Black Girls Code.

Damilola Awofisayo, Founder of TecHacks

Damilola Awofisay is a young leader making waves in driving the tech industry forward. She is using her coding skills to create apps that address issues such as sign language learning and dyslexia support for students, actively cultivating a more inclusive future of digital innovation. Moreover, she's making STEM more accessible for young women through TecHacks, a nonprofit that brings women and nonbinary individuals together virtually in hackathons.

Dayo Akinrinade, Founder of Wisdom

Dayo Akinrinade is empowering people everywhere with Wisdom, an app that connects users to inspiring advice and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Through the platform, users can learn from each other on topics ranging from business success to personal wellness in one inclusive setting. Through Wisdom, closed networks are replaced with limitless opportunities for knowledge sharing!

DeShuna Spencer, Founder of kweliTV

Deshuna Spencer translated her passion for storytelling and black culture into creating a platform that celebrated the intersection of the two. She launched kweliTV, a streaming app, features 550 titles from 450 global filmmakers. With almost 50,000 users, kweliTV has earned $800,000 in revenue, 60% of which goes directly back into the film community! This is innovation at its finest; disruption through creativity while still giving back to support others who share this same vision.

Janique Edwards, Co-Founder of EatOkra

Janique Edwards, along with her husband Anthony, are connecting foodies to Black-owned restaurants and culinary experiences through their app EatOkra. Seamlessly streamlining the discovery process, EatOkra is bridging audiences with over 11,000 black-owned eateries across the country.

Kaya Thomas, Founder of We Read Too

Kaya Thomas is a true inspiration! Combining her passions of reading, coding, and writing, she founded We Read Too, an app that enables young people to explore hundreds of books written by authors from diverse backgrounds and featuring characters who look like them. Through this innovative idea, Kaya is bringing equity and inclusion to the literary landscape for children across the globe.

Kimberly Seals Allers, Founder of Irth

Kimberly Seals Allers is an inspiring leader who was driven to make a difference. After her own negative hospital experience, she devoted herself to researching disparities in care for Black and Hispanic women during childbirth. This spurred the creation of Irth, an app designed specifically with these communities in mind so they can have equal access leading up to and beyond their child’s birth.

Simmone Taitt, Founder of Poppy Seed Health

Simmone Taitt is the visionary behind Poppy Seed Health, an incredible app that provides 24/7 on-demand access to midwives, doulas, and nurses for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Driven by her own pregnancy journey, Simmone recognized an opportunity in the tech startup scene to build a community for those embarking on one of life's most beautiful yet challenging journeys: parenthood. The culminating result? A warm digital refuge!

Tanya Van Court, Founder of Goalsetter

Tanya Van Court is the mastermind behind Goalsetter, a personal finance app that has empowered families to help their children realize their financial aspirations. Goalsetter is on an ambitious and compassionate mission. The goal they're setting? Striving for one million Black kids worldwide to open savings accounts!

These are just a few of the creators whose work is transforming industries, connecting communities, and promoting equity within our digital landscape. We hope that they serve as an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs who have bright ideas and big dreams. Be sure to support these incredible Black app creators and the amazing work they’re doing!

All it takes is a few episodes of Nobody Wants This to realize it's one of the best rom-coms of the year — and that Adam Brody is still super hot. The series, which also stars Kristen Bell, has gone viral for everything from its hilariously relatable approach to dating to "the best kiss of all time" to how eloquently it explains the fear that we're too much for a romantic partner. With an 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb, a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and literally millions of TikTok views, it's no surprise the show was just renewed for a second season. Here's everything we know about Nobody Wants This season 2.

Is there going to be a season 2 of Nobody Wants This?

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

Yes on October 10, Netflix announced that Nobody Wants This will be coming back for season 2. And (spoiler!!!) now that Joanne and Noah have decided to be together, and Noah's decided to give up his position as Head Rabbi, I have a feeling they'll have to deal with a lot of opinions. (Namely, Noah's mother).

"Creating Nobody Wants This will forever be a career highlight for me," creator Erin Foster says in a statement. "The incredible cast, crew, producers and executives all made this into the show it is today, and to experience viewers' reactions to this series now that it's out in the world has been more than anything I could have dreamed. I’m so lucky to be able to continue this story, and to do it alongside Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan, who I've been such a fan of since Girls... Justice for healthy relationships being the most romantic!”

When is Nobody Wants This season 2 coming out?

Netflix

We know season 2 is coming out in 2025, but stay tuned for an official Nobody Wants This season 2 release date.

Who's in the cast of Nobody Wants This season 2?

Netflix

The Nobody Wants This cast includes Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Stephanie Faracy, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Ben-Victor, Michael Hitchcock, Jackie Tohn, Sherry Cola, Shiloh Bearman, and Emily Arlook.

Does Nobody Wants This End on a Cliffhanger?

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Nobody Wants This might not end on the same kind of thrilling, dramatic cliffhanger as Outer Banks season 4 part 1, but it definitely leaves us with a ton of questions. How will Joanne and Noah's families react to the news? What does life look like as a couple? Will Joanne be able to flaunt their relationship in front of all the teenagers? No matter what comes, these two are very much in love, and I can't wait to see them continue to heal and grow together.

Adam Rose/Netflix

Check out 10 Reasons Nobody Wants This Is The Best TV Show Of The Year — and all the other October TV shows to watch this month!

If you need an instant mood boost, cute dresses are the way to go. Nothing brings me joy like putting on an adorable mini or a flowy maxi, especially on days where I might not feel my absolute best. It's a special challenge to not only find cute dresses that fit my vibe, but also my body – to a tee. If there's one place I'm shopping for cute dresses for my curves, it's Amazon – and they have so many styles available right now. Scroll on for 12 cute dresses I found that will flatter your figure (and mine) for an unbeatable price!

Amazon

Ewedoos Tennis Dress

Nothing snatches you up quite like a workout dress. This stretchy, shaping mini supports your figure with built-in shorts (they have side pockets!) and a removable bra, which also help add coverage where you need it most. It even has adjustable straps that cross in the back for an eye-catching factor when you're not layering up with a cardigan or jacket.

Amazon

Prettygarden Swiss Dot Ruffle Dress

This pleated maxi dress undoubtedly draws attention to the girls, if you catch my drift. The upper half is thoughtfully designed with an empire waistline to elongate your torso and emphasize your bust, while the ruffled tie-up collar really, well, ties it all together. You'll fall in love with the soft, flowy texture of this subtly-dotted dress the moment you put it on!

Amazon

Prettygarden Wrap Flowy Dress

A wrap dress is gonna do it every time. Whether you're a plus-sized baddie or a petite gal, the waist-hugging nature of wrap dresses help give your body shape. I love that this one is more modest around the neckline, too, so you don't have to worry about tussling with major slips throughout the day. The pleated skirt and wide puff sleeves give it some real flirty flair that you can wear confidently anywhere!

Amazon

Cupshe Cutout Self-Tie Long Dress

More fit for the summer season – but equally stylish for fall – this maxi dress accentuates your waist to a tee. The twisted front detail is met by a playful open back design that lets you show some skin, all while looking ahh-mazing. This breezy number also comes in tons of colors and patterns to match your exact vibe!

Amazon

IHOT Faux Wrap Bodycon Dress

From the ruching along the sides to the tapered skirt, this bodycon dress means business. Though most skin-tight dresses give the impression of being entirely too uncomfortable, this one has just enough stretch to give you ample breathing room! The v-shaped neckline is big bust-friendly, as is the pencil skirt for bigger booties. No matter your body type, you will look on fire.

Amazon

Blencot Short Sleeve Square Neck Split Midi Dress

Milkmaid dresses are where it's at, y'all! This one's full of feminine flair, thanks to the fitted bodice, puff sleeves, and tie-up front. The midi-length skirt even features a high-cut leg slit for a dash of sexiness (and breathability). This pick will look just as cute with casual sneakers as it will with tall fall boots!

Amazon

Dokotoo Elegant Bow Tie Mini Dress

If you're on the shy side to show your arms completely, this fluttery mini is just the perfect piece to add to your dress collection. The flowy, oversized sleeves provide the ideal amount of coverage while still being stylish enough to amp up your outfit. The length is flattering all around, plus it boasts a cute little bow on the front for visual appeal!

Amazon

BTFBM Long Sleeve Ruffle Boho Dress

I think I just found my next fall dress. The ruffles! The sleeves! The florals! It's all working for me. This dress' flowy skirt will pair well with riding boots and a denim jacket for a cute-but-casual ensemble.

Amazon

The Drop Lana Maxi Slip Dress

I fear you can never go wrong with a slip dress. From curvy to straight body types, they just look utterly timeless and modelesque. Plus, slip dresses are fairly basic, so you can have fun dressing them up to your liking! This deep red color is the perfect hue for the season – it'll surely turn heads. Plus, the fit of this piece is meant to "follow the body," so it won't be too loose nor too tight.

Amazon

Prettygarden Spaghetti Strap Long Dress

This maxi dress is gonna become your go-to on days you don't necessarily want to wear pants, but still have to dress up a bit. The loose fit around your tummy and legs is super comfy, plus you won't have to worry about any coverage woes since the dress is quite long! The squiggly contrasting trim adds a youthful vibe to what would've been a very plain black maxi, which is always welcome for the sake of the 'fit check!

Amazon

Luxely Spaghetti Strap Angled Tiered Maxi Dress

Simple and chic – just the way I like it! This dress has the best of both worlds. I love the extra details via the side ruching and tiering on the maxi skirt, too. It'd be perfect for brunch parties, baby showers, and every special occasion in between!

Amazon

Sidefeel Button-Down Denim Dress

Denim dresses reign supreme, come fall. This one isn't just your ordinary denim dress, though: it's fitted with fun ruffled sleeves, buttons up along the front, and has plenty of interesting seam work to keep your look fresh.

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