This Smart Salt Shaker Is Here to Bring the Dance Party

Sarah Schuh
Jun 20, 2017

“Pass the salt” just took on a whole new meaning, thanks to SMALT, the world’s first smart salt shaker. With a Bluetooth speaker, music streaming capabilities, color-changing lights, and, of course, salt dispensing abilities, this little gem is bound to up your hosting game. Call it OTT or just brilliant AF — either way, it’s bound to be the catalyst of some great conversations at your next dinner party.

The gadget was developed by Herb & Body, a California-based lifestyle company that creates tech to make daily life a little easier. Their mission is to “[transform] ordinary kitchen tools that people have been using for centuries into experiences for the senses.” From providing background jams for get-togethers to dimming the lights to bringing out the flavor in your munchies, SMALT is certainly taking entertaining to an entirely new level.

Intrigued? Sign up to be alerted when the product is officially released so you can start throwing your most well-seasoned — and soundtracked — parties yet!

Would you order a SMALT? Tweet us @BritandCo!

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(Photos via SMALT)

Meet The Latest Apple Lineup – The New iPhone 15 And Apple Watch

Apple unveiled their latest and greatest today, most notably introducing the iPhone 15 suite, improved iCloud storage plan options, and the Apple Watch Series 9. The new products bring forth some reasonably big changes to Apple’s existing technology – the company saying ‘goodbye’ to the Lightning port is just one example. Read on for everything, new and improved, that was just announced at the Apple Event.

The iPhone 15

New iPhone

The latest iteration of iPhone is the iPhone 15, and it will also be available as the iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They’ll come in 5 colors: white, black, pink (rejoice!), green, and yellow. The Pro models are fitted with a strong, lightweight titanium casing, and have a 6.1-inch screen, while the Plus models boast a 6.7-inch screen.

No More Lightning Cables

And yes, you read it right – the Lighting charging ports are no more for new Apple products, including the iPhone 15. From now on, users will only be able to use a USB-C cord (that, according to Apple, ushers in potentially faster charging times) for charging their devices. The change makes things fairly easy for cross-functional purposes, as USB-C cords are also compatible with non-Apple products.

Action Button

The Lightning port isn’t the only thing that Apple said they’re retiring. The new iPhone no longer has a ring silencer slider on the side. Instead, it’s now called an “action button.” The action button will still silence alerts, texts, and calls by default, but will also be capable of other handy commands you tell it to complete.

Sharper-Than-Ever Camera

As expected, the iPhone 15 variations boast an updated camera system. The company’s stepped it up so that the smartphones have a 48-megapixel main camera with a larger sensor than ever before. The back camera also has a new “nanoscale coating” for handling lens flares and lowlight with expert skill. The camera system reportedly has more enhanced color, better image stabilization, and a 4K cinematic video mode.

Improved Connection

The new iPhones also feature an ultra wideband chip, which expands the device’s connection strength. This chip allows iPhones to connect to other devices from up to three times farther away. It’s incorporated into the “Find My’ technology that you may already use to find your friends, devices, and more.

Apple made sure to address pricing for the new iPhone, as well as existing models:

  • iPhone SE will start at $429.
  • iPhone 13 will start at $599.
  • iPhone 14 will start at $699.
  • iPhone 15 will start at $799.
  • iPhone 15 Plus will start at $899.
  • iPhone 15 Pro will start at $999.

The new iPhones start shipping and hitting stores on September 22.

Store More With New iCloud+ Plans

Apple also announced that starting September 18, iCloud+ will offer 6TB ($29.99/mo) and 12 TB ($59.99/mo) storage plans, which expands their previous largest offering of 2TB ($9.99/mo). The new plans are ideal for large photo and video libraries, or users of Apple’s Family Sharing.

Apple Watch Series 9

Shout Out To Sustainability

The company introduced the Apple Watch Series 9, which is reportedly Apple’s first-ever carbon-neutral product. They’ll also be making another sustainability effort by eliminating leather materials from the Apple Watch. The wristbands will no longer be made of leather, but instead, a material called “fine woven,” which is made from 68% post-consumer recycled content.

With The Tap Of A Finger

The most notable news surrounding the new Apple Watch is the introduction of hand gesture controls. With the watch on, users can tap their index finger and thumb together twice to answer (or end) phone calls, play and pause music, or snooze alarms. Siri can also take commands via the watch now.

Apple Watch Tune-Up

The Series 9 watch is now made with a custom S9 chip for faster processing, according to Apple. The screen features a new edge-to-edge display that doubles the brightness levels, plus the model is available in a new pink color!

Apple noted these updated prices for the Apple Watch:

  • Apple Watch SE starts at $249.
  • Apple Watch S9 starts at $399.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $799.

Stay in the loop on current events and happenings with Brit + Co.

Images via Apple.

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Elle Fanning Got Emotional Hearing Timothée Chalamet Sing As Bob Dylan

Austin Butler as Elvis, Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, and now Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan — there will never be enough biopics for me! (The real question is when are we going to get a Taylor Swift movie?). When pictures from the set of the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, hit Twitter, I had to do a double take because Timothée Chalamet looks so much like the musician I couldn't believe my eyes! You can watch the A Complete Unknown trailer here.

Timothée is going to be joined by Met Gala queen Elle Fanning, as well as Top Gun superstar Monica Barbaro. Here's everything you need to know about the movie — and our favorite Bob Dylan songs to listen to while you wait for its release.

Keep reading to see the latest updates from Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

  • Timothée Chalamet stars in A Complete Unknown, coming to theaters December 25, 2024.
  • He's joined by Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro.
  • The movie follows Bob Dylan's career in the 1960s as he rises to fame and later shifts from folk to rock'n'roll.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Timothée Chalamet revealed just how seriously he took the role of Bob Dylan, and said he "go to sleep panicked about, losing a moment of discovery as the character."

"I had three months of my life to play Bob Dylan, after five years of preparing to play him," he says. "So while I was in it, that was my eternal focus. He deserved that and then more.…God forbid I missed a step because I was being Timmy. I could be Timmy for the rest of my life!”

And that dedication paid off. Elle Fanning says that the first time she heard Timothée sing on set, it "gave [her] chills."

“He was singing ‘Masters of War’ and ‘A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,’ and I was like, ‘Jesus,’" she adds. "All of us were kind of shaking, because it was so surreal hearing someone do that. So perfectly done, but it wasn’t a caricature. It was still Timmy, but it’s Bob, and this kind of beautiful meld.”

She added during The Wrap's 2024 WrapWomen Power Women Summit on December 3 that she actually cried on set! "Timothée's so extraordinary in the movie," Elle says (via People). "I remember tearing up...he's a friend of mine [and we've] worked together before. And so seeing him accomplish this and this character in such a beautiful way [was moving]."

And as for her involvement? Elle Fanning couldn't believe she was a part of the film! “I wrote ‘Bob Dylan’ on my hand every day in middle school," she says. "It’s like I manifested this part.”

Did Timothée Chalamet take inspiration from Austin Butler’s Elvis?

Timothée Chalamet recently revealed that while he originally wanted to approach A Complete Unknown by taking direct inspiration from Bob Dylan, he quickly changed his tone...so to speak. "Somebody once said to me, you can't make a movie about a painter because it's not interesting to watch paint dry," he says in People's exclusive video. "Bob has that element because he's not one of these forward-facing musicians."

While Timmy saw Natalie Portman a sequence in Jackie "step-for-step exactly what Jackie did," and paid attention to "all this stuff that I saw my good friend Austin Butler crush it with on Elvis," he quickly realized "I gotta do none of this because this is not my style."

"Bob did not have a vocal coach," he continues. "He had two bottles of red wine and four packs of cigarettes. There's no way to impersonate that." One of my favorite things about biopics is seeing how a well-known actor portrays a recognizable figure, and you can see Timothée Chalamet's interpretation of Bob Dylan in theaters December 25!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

twitter.com

We got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

I was super impressed to learn Timothée showed up and sang live for the film. "It was important for me to play and sing on set because it was in the spirit of the movie to do it live," he says in a video from People. "Many of the artists through American pop culture that had the balls to turn their back on what was expected of them, that moment started with Bob. His words are relevant; 'Times They are A Changing' ' is relevant, 'Blowin' in the Wind' is relevant."

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

twitter.com

Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

twitter.com

Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

twitter.com

Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

H. Thompson/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Plot

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. The movie filmed around New York City in the spring of 2024, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

Amy Sussman/Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

A Complete Unknown Cast

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Release Date

A Complete Unknown will hit theaters on December 25, 2024. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect cozy movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for VH1

Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!

What are you most excited to see in Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown? Check out our Facebook for more movie news!

This post has been updated.

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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.”

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Illustration by Claire Shadomy

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Paris Hilton & Nicole Richie FINALLY Reunite In Hilarious 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' Trailer

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie created reality TV gold when The Simple Life debuted in 2003. Their antics were outlandish, but we couldn't help repeating their iconic phrases like "That's hot" or "Sanasa" during random moments in our own lives.

It's no secret the two didn't really act that way, but their 'characters' left a huge mark on a generation of millennials. "I knew what I was doing but the whole world didn’t, so it was kind of frustrating to me to be perceived in that way because it’s not who I am at all," Paris told People.

Even though she may have felt judged, it seems that Paris Hilton realizes how many people actually loved The Simple Life because she and Nicole Richie are teaming up to film a reunion special that'll debut on Peacock as we speak! Here's everything we know so far!

When did speculations about 'The Simple Life' reboot begin?

NBCUniversal Media

Peacock first shared a video clip on Instagram that hinted something special involving Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie is coming in May. A nostalgic TV set with a black and white screen can be seen while our favorite duo's voices can be hearing saying, "Sanasa, Sanasa."

Peacock captioned the post, "New Era. Same Besties. Coming soon to Peacock," and fans could barely contain their excitement. Even celebs like Naomi Campbell and Katy Perry commented on these hot vibes.

Bravo

Then Paris Hilton took to her own Instagram to share more about what fans could expect. She said, "As some of you may know, we are doing a reunion special to celebrate 20 years of our show The Simple Life and it's been so much fun."

Actress Selma Blair shared how much she's looking forward to this by commenting that she's "living for this."

So are we!

What was 'The Simple Life' about?

The Simple Life/20th Century Fox

The Simple Life showed Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as they basically traded their wealthy lifestyles for 'everyday' living. Cameras followed them from fast food jobs to dealing with getting out of sticky situations they'd supposedly never experienced. Needless to say, it was hilarious, iconic, and instant reality TV gold.

How long was 'The Simple Life' on air?

Peter Kramer/Getty Images

The Simple Life was on air from 2003 to 2007 with five successful seasons. It seemed like it wasn't going to be hit at first, but it defied expectations. By how much you ask?

According to reporting from The Cut, somewhere around 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's oddball take on daily life. That's a pretty huge deal if you ask us!

When will 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' debut?

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Paris & Nicole: The Encore will premiere on Peacock December 12! The two were previously seen at a Sonic drive-thru yesterday so it can be assumed filming is underway (via People)!

Sporting partial Sonic uniforms, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie added accent pieces that match their signature flairs. Paris wore a pair of reflective sunglasses, silver sequin heels, and added a pink flip phone to front of her blue apron. Nicole wore gold hoops and a pair of slingback pumps alongside her hotdog mascot costume. That's hot (dog).

How does Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie feel about reuniting for a reunion special?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Paris Hilton has expressed how much she loves to be sharing the screen with Nicole Richie again. "I'm so excited to be doing this with Nicole on Peacock. Nicole has been my best friend since we're 2 years old, every memory that I have is with her," (via E! News).

Nicole also posted a few throwback moments from The Simple Life on her Instagram, but the most notable one is the video mashup of them singing "Sanasa, Sanasa" over and over. "20 years ago, not only did we become television stars… we became song writers. Happy Anniversary Sill @parishilton#TheSimpleLife#sannnasaaaaa" she wrote in the caption.

What have Paris and Nicole said about their reunion special?

Peacock

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie sat down with W Magazine to let the world know the Paris & Nicole: The Encore show is on its way! Not only that, but fans can expect to see an Opera version of the show they fell in love with two decades ago. Paris said, "The idea of the opera was unexpected" while Nicole chimed in with, "What people need, even though they don't know it yet, is for 'Sanasa' to be an opera.'"

The two besties came up with the idea via a series of texts that started off as ideas between them. Nicole said everything "came up organically" for the two and we can only imagine the memories this brought up for them. OG influencer Paris even talked about how The Simple Life was an "important show in pop culture history" and we couldn't agree more!

Nicole truly wants people to enjoy themselves while watching Paris & Nicole: The Encore and "find the same joy" she had while filming it. According to Paris, she feels what they have is "magic" because "there's just so much history behind it."

It's not every day that you can get to have fun with your best friend while coming up with long-lasting memories that contribute to pop culture, but Paris and Nicole have always danced to the beat of their own drums.

Now we get to catch a glimpse of them in the official trailer for Paris & Nicole: The Encore! Watch it below:

The Official Trailer For 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore'

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

It starts off with Paris looking over at Nicole while saying, "I missed you, Bill" to which Nicole responds, "I missed you, Sill." The love and history shown in the first five seconds made my heart smile because I can't believe they're really back together onscreen.

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This post has been updated.

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16 Gifts Under $15 That Will Still Impress Your Bougie Friends

Who says thoughtful gifts have to come with a hefty price tag? With a little creativity (and even more searching online), you can find some pretty neat gifts under $15 that are sure to impress. These budget-friendly finds pack a big personality into a small price.

Check out the 16 best gifts under $15:

These are our top favorite gifts under $15!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Bistro Tile Monogram Mug

Nothing beats a personalized gift. Even if it's just their initial on a stylish mug like this one, they're gonna love it. Morning coffees will never be the same!

Anthropologie

Daily Practice Athletic Icon Socks

These socks will allow your giftee to truly start their day off with a smile. They're perfect for workouts, walks, or even just lazy days spent at home.

Flewd

Flewd Ache-Erasing Bath Soak

This bath soak is specially designed to work out and relieve tight knots in muscles and achy joints – the perfect gift under $15 for your pals who are always nagging about their back pain.

Amazon

Compendium ThoughtFulls Pop-Open Cards

This deck of thoughtful pop-open cards delivers 30 different inspiring messages that are sure to brighten anyone's day.

Amazon

Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Bar Variety Pack

This sustainably-made chocolate that comes in cheery rainbow packaging is an instant boost (sugar rush included) for anyone's holiday season. You could even divide up this 6-pack among different family members and friends for a tasty stocking stuffer.

Anthropologie

Capri Blue Mini Volcano Hand Cream

This stuff smells like heaven. Now, with this travel-size tube, they can take Capri Blue's iconic Volcano scent anywhere.

Urban Outfitters

Craighill Wilson Brass Keyring

For the always put-together and design forward, this brass keyring pushes the boundaries of what you thought you knew about carabiners.

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