8 Things You Should Be Telling Your Phone to Do

Anjelika Temple
Nov 26, 2014

We know you’re good at talking *on* your phone, but are you talking enough *at* your phone? We live and Tweet by our tech, and our smartphones are smart for a reason and yet we still do a lot of the work. Let them help you cross off your to do list, be the personal assistant you wish you had and prove you right when you’re in a heated debate about exactly what Britney is tasting in “Toxic” (a “poison paradise,” duh). To get you more acquainted with your phone’s talking capabilities beyond the occasional call, here are eight of our favorite things you should be telling your right (or left!) hand gadget to do for you.

Motorola’s Moto X

Lisa Raphael. This Android smartphone has a fun twist on the traditional voice control function — you set up a phrase so your Moto X knows when you need it to listen to you without having to press any buttons. You could set it up so that every time you say “Hey there girl,” “Listen up, phone” it knows you need it.

To summon Siri, you press down your iPhone’s home button. If you’re plugged into power, you can even use Siri in handsfree mode (most helpful when you’re driving and she is mapping your route). Cortana is there to help after tapping the search button on your Windows Phone or holding it down to launch the feature in listening mode. Got your phone’s voice assistant ready for your command? Let’s do this.

1. Say Hey to Your Friend in London… Or the One You’re Late to Meet: Texting can be tough when you’re running from A to B. Maybe your hands are filled with groceries, you’re trying to do five things at once or perhaps you’re even on your bike! Dictate a “thought of you today” message to a BFF across the country on WhatsApp or a quick text to tell your pal when you’re five minutes away from their apartment. Even if you’re more, like, eight… or fifteen minutes away.

2. Post Your Facebook Status: Trying to avoid Scandal spoilers (What!? Our friends on the East Coast watch it THREE HOURS before us!) but still want to make a joke to your FB friends about Jake’s dance moves in that last ep? Post a status to Facebook in a snap over voice control.

3. Help Prove You Right: Guys. Googling was so 2013. Now when you need a little friendly fact checking (you know what we’re talking about — heated pop culture debates that just need a little back up from a handy dandy search across the Interwebz), your phone is your source of information. Simply ask your phone those hard hitting questions, and let it do the dirty work for you. Perfect your “told you so” shrug now.

4. Get Me to Brunch: Whether you’re driving or walking, ask your phone to navigate the best way to get there.

5. Remind Me to Send Grandma a Birthday Card: It’s time to bring “note to self” back. Reminders are a #girlboss’s best friend so set them up whenever a light bulb goes off.

6. Play Taylor Swift. Again: Or any artist… but we know you want to watch the “Blank Space” video at least one more time. Co-DJ with your smartphone and ask her to open YouTube and queue up TayTay ASAP… without even touching your phone. That’s right — you can queue up any song you want totally hands-free.

7. Take an Epic Selfie: We love a good photo op, but would rather concentrate more on our pose than our tech. Ask your smartphone to take a selfie for you, so you don’t risk missing your good side while you fumble for the button.

8. Shut Up: Way harsh, Tai. But f’reals, as much as you love that lil gadget, sometimes you need it to shh for a sec. Moto X will adapt to you, which means it will learn to go silent during your meetings, lunches and other appointments. Not only is this clever, but it means that less people will accidentally discover that “No Flex Zone” is your anthem, er, ringtone.

What do YOU tell your phone to do? Tell US below ;) And follow hashtag #mymotox on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to see how other folks are talking to their phones.

Collaboration Hacks Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Verizon
verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces


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Luke Wasn’t The Best Stepfather For Rory — Max Was

If you love Gilmore Girls, then there's a very good chance you really love Luke Danes. Not only is he handsome, but his snarky realism is the perfect balance for Lorelai's chaotic, emotional idealism. But even though Luke is Lorelai's perfect match, one Reddit user thinks that there's another GG character who would make the ultimate stepdad for Rory: Max Medina.

  • While Luke was the perfect match for Lorelai, fans think Max would have been a better stepdad for Rory.
  • Max was honest and a great communicator.
  • He also would have helped Rory during that Gilmore Girls season 5 spiral.

Do Lorelai and Max get married on Gilmore Girls?

Warner Bros. TV

Lorelai and Max are engaged during Gilmore Girls season 1, but Lorelai ends up calling off the wedding. But while we're over the moon when Lorelai and Luke finally get together, some GG fans wish Max had stayed in Rory's life.

"I’m just going go say it — if Lorelai had ended up with Max, Rory would have been a much more successful adult," Reddit user @StregaCagna says. While Max wasn't Lorelai's perfect match, his particular mix of honesty and kindness would have been so good for Rory. "Those traits, combined with his background as an English teacher, would have meant he absolutely would have been straight with Rory on so many things. Like, can you just imagine how he would have reacted to Jess? Logan? Her dropping out of Yale? Her floating around in her 30s?"

Honestly, if the Gilmores (Richard and Emily included) didn't tiptoe around so many issues, and felt comfortable being vulnerable and honest with each other about the hard stuff, I think a lot of the characters' problems would have been solved. And Max's ability to tell the truth in love would have been a breath of fresh air! He wouldn't have let Rory get away with anything (remember how he doesn't let her take the Shakespeare test when she's late to school?), but that also means she'd develop an insane sense of trust with him.

Neil Jacobs/Netflix

"I think she would have written her book when she did, but instead of being the Editor of the Stars Hollow Gazette, she would have been, like, the most popular English professor at Wesleyan who had a strong professional network and also wrote for The Atlantic and The New Yorker," @StregaCagna continues.

Of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with small town papers — I love my small town paper! The root of Rory's issue is that she just completely stopped chasing her dreams, which seems to lead her to an unhappy adulthood. She's dating Paul (whom she can never remember), she's having an affair with Logan (who's engaged to someone else, ick), and she's become the kind of journalist who falls asleep on the job and doesn't have pitches prepared. I can't help but wonder if some structure during her teenage years would have set her up on a different path.

"I will never forget the scene where she’s interviewing [Max] and says she really wanted him to be her step father," user @StruggleDesigner8307 says. "She wanted that father figure and Max was so great."

Warner Bros. TV

I do think Rory's friendship with Paris (one of the greatest TV choices of all time) gives her some of that structure and drive, but it doesn't really balance out the way that Richard, Emily, and even Lorelai spoil her. And when you're not used to loving constructive criticism, unloving criticism hurts all the worse. Yes, I'm talking about Mitchum Huntzberger.

"I’ll always be sad that Rory lost out on yet another great father figure when she was saddled with Chris," user @wrenhawkeye says of Max's exit from the show. "A lot of people don’t understand that her spiral to Mitchum’s words wasn’t just because Rory’s 'weak' or whatever misogynistic BS. It’s because Rory has real problems with male validation since her father abandoned her. It also doesn’t hurt that Mitchum was a titan in his field."

GG fans know about THAT Gilmore Girls season 5 arc like the back of their hand, but this whole discussion is giving me more compassion for Rory than I've felt before. Because to be 20 and to hear you're supposedly not good enough for your life's one dream is hard — and to spiral to that degree after a man who has no stake in your life criticizes you just proves Rory put her entire identity into being a journalist. But you know who would have given Rory encouragement while reminding her she's more than just a writer? Max.

Warner Bros. TV

I can totally see a Gilmore Girls where Max stayed in Rory's life and offered her guidance on basically everything: boys, college applications, her career aspirations, and even drama with Paris. And I'm not the only one.

"I think they would have stayed in touch past high-school and college," @synalgo_12 says, "and he would be one of the people she'd thank in her work or would be part of her list of mentors or 'influenced by' had she ever gotten her own Wikipedia page or biography."

Somebody call Amy Sherman-Palladino because this is the Gilmore Girls spinoff we need!

​Why did Max Medina leave?

Warner Bros. TV

Max ends up leaving Gilmore Girls after Lorelai calls off their wedding. While he sticks around through seasons 2 and 3, and still has an insane amount of chemistry with Lorelai, the last time we see him is in season 3 episode 19 (coincidentally, right before Rory's life really goes off the rails in my opinion).

While we're talking about THAT GG season 5 arc, read why This Gilmore Girls Season 1 Moment Proves Rory Really DIDN'T Have What It Takes To Be A Journalist.

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How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon
verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

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Zoë Kravitz & Channing Tatum Have Broken Up

Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum made headlines for their whirlwind romanceafter they met while making Zoë's directorial debutBlink Twice. Fans were so excited to learn they were engaged, but on October 29, multiple sources reported that the couple had broken up — and called off their upcoming wedding. Here's a look back at their relationship timeline.

Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum's Relationship Timeline

Image via Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

February 10, 2017 — The Lego Batman Movie Premieres

Glimmers of their love story began in 2017 when Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum lent their voices to the hit animated film, The Lego Batman Movie. Little did they know that this animated connection would pave the way for their real-life love story a few years later.

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for ABA

Summer 2021 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Work Together Again

Kravitz was all set to work with Tatum in her directorial debut film P*ssy Island. This creative endeavor brought the two closer, both personally and professionally, setting the stage for a unique partnership. While working on the film, Tatum advised Kravitz not to take on too much, showcasing the supportive and collaborative nature of their relationship. Both stars had nothing but praise for each other's work and creativity.

Image via Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

August 2021 — Zoë Kravitz Gets A Fresh Start

At the start of 2021, Zoë Kravitz divorced her former spouse, eventually sparking rumors a possible romance with Channing Tatum. This marked the potential for the beginning of their exciting journey as a couple, with their personal lives becoming increasingly intertwined. August was a pivotal month for these two, too. Channing Tatum showed his love and support by following various fan-run Instagram accounts dedicated to Zoë Kravitz. It wasn't long before their relationship made its way into the public eye. And hello, did you see that Brooklyn bike ride? It was clear this couple was meant-to-be kinda cute from the beginning!

Images via Theo Wargo/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

September 13, 2021 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Make Their Red Carpet Debut

The couple made their debut — stepping up and out at the iconic Met Gala, a night filled with glamour and romance. Their joint appearance in multiple after party pictures confirmed their blossoming relationship to the world. Kravitz wore a sexy chain dress, while Tatum looked incredibly handsome in a black tux.

Image via Joe Maher/Getty Images

November 15, 2022 — Zoë Kravitz Calls Her Relationship With Channing Tatum "Sacred"

In a GQ interview, Zoë Kravitz opened up about her relationship with Tatum. She shared that they chose to keep their love story relatively low-key, wanting to keep it sacred and private for as long as possible. “He’s just a wonderful human," she says. "He makes me laugh and we both really love art and talking about art and the exploration of why we do what we do. We love to watch a film and break it down and talk about it and challenge each other."

“You want to keep it sacred and private as long as you can,” Kravitz continues. “So that you don’t have to even think about what the world thinks about it.”

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

January 17, 2023 — Channing Tatum Says He's A "Monogamist"

Channing Tatum candidly discussed the early days of his relationship with Zoë Kravtiz in Vanity Fair, revealing they briefly lost touch before rekindling their connection on the set of P*ssy Island. He also opened up about his struggles in matters of the heart.

“Relationships are hard for me,” Channing says. “I am a bit of a monogamist...but heart things, when it comes to people I love, I have a really hard time. I end up trying too hard, you know?”

Image via Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Kering

June 2023 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Are Taking Things Slowly

Sources close to the couple revealed to US Weeklythat Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum were in no hurry to get engaged, as both had experienced failed marriages before. "They are perfectly happy with where things are and cherish [their] special relationship," the source says. "Having a baby is a very real possibility. But they enjoy taking things slowly."

Images via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

October 31, 2023 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Are Engaged!

After a romantic date night in Paris during Fashion Week, Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum are getting married! In October, the lovebirds finally took the next step and got engaged, per PEOPLE, promising a future filled with love and adventure. YAY! We love love!

www.instagram.com

January 26, 2024 — Channing Tatum Supports Zoë Kravitz' New Movie

Channing recently took to Instagram to show his support of Zoë directing Blink Twice (formerly named P*ssy Island) and even shared a cute BTS video of them looking intently at a scene being filmed. "MISS DIRECTOR LADY HERSELF IN ACTION!!" he says in the caption. "ABSOLUTELY CRUSHING IT. CAN’T WAIT FOR YALL TO SEE."

Image via Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Kering

March 4, 2024 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Are Doing "Fantastic"

"Channing and Zoë are doing fantastic and could not be more in love," a source tells ET. "They’re so thrilled about their engagement and to be taking this next step together." The fact that *they're* excited about their engagement makes *me* even more excited for them!

August 9, 2024 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Attend The Blink Twice Premiere

Look out world because Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum have officially stepped out on the red carpet together! They stunned in gorgeous, minimalistic black ensembles at the premiere of Blink Twice and made us wish we could've been specks of dust on what they were wearing.

Zoë wore a satin Saint Laurent dress and kept the rest of her look simple while Channing took dapper to the next level with a tailored black suit. Honestly, this is one sexy couple whose engagement rumors we hope are true.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

August 14, 2024 — Lenny Kravitz Is Excited For Zoë's Wedding

Fans may be surprised to know Zoë Kravtiz and Channing Tatum didn't know each other before she shared her idea for Blink Twice. Spending time together snowballed into the romantic relationship they have today, but wedding bells aren't ringing soon. Though her dad, Lenny Kravitz announced he's excited for the couple's wedding (via Entertainment Tonight), Zoë admitted that she and Channing have talked about it "in passing," (via Esquire).

Also, you might want to erase the image of Zoë being a mother from your brain because she doesn't think she'll be taking on that role. It's something she used to be scared to admit, but feels more comfortable talking about these days (via Esquire).

"There’s a lot of pressure on women to have children, and there’s a feeling that if you don’t, you don’t have purpose here. But this movie, it feels like I gave birth," she said.

October 29, 2024 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Have Broken Up

Multiple sources told People that Channing Tatum and Zoë Kravitz have split after three years together, and called off their wedding. TMZ also confirmed the news. Check back here for statements from the actors.

​What are Channing Tatum & Zoë Kravitz ages?

Image via Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Channing Tatum was born on April 26, 1980, making him 43 years old. Zoë Kravitz (who's 35 years old) was born on December 1, 1988, so there's an 8-year age gap between the two.

Looking for more celeb news? Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter and if you love Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum's relationship, check out the latest news on Tom Holland And Zendaya and Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce!

Header image via Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

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Earthy Neutrals Are The Secret To Creating A Cozy Home

If neutrals aren’t your thing — or you’re ready to refresh your space — earthy accents are the perfect way to bring warmth and character into your home. Colors like chocolate and caramel, earthy greens, Bordeaux, and burgundy are making our neutral rooms a little richer and less monotone. Here’s how to create a modern earthy-neutral aesthetic that feels fresh, grounded, and cozy for a new season.

How To Create An Earthy-Neutral Aesthetic

Design: Allprace | Photography by Michael P.H. Clifford

  1. Layer textures: Mix natural materials like woven jute, natural fiber linens, and rustic ceramics to create a cozy, layered look. The more textures, the richer the effect!
  2. Choose warm neutrals: Instead of stark whites or cool grays, go for warm tones like sandy beige, terracotta, and clay that give you an organic, lived-in feel.
  3. Add greenery: Everything is better with plants. Bring in indoor trees, succulents, and hanging plants to accentuate that earthy vibe.
  4. Mix in wood and stone: These materials instantly ground a space. Think raw wood furniture or stone accents to capture an earthy, timeless vibe.
  5. Use earth-toned accents: From throw pillows to wall art, shop for decor in muted browns, greens, and rusty reds that echo the colors of nature.

Schoolhouse

Schoolhouse x Clare V. Felix Shag Wool Rug

This collab between two of our favorite brands created a cozy graphic rug for the living room or dining room in the season's earthy palette. Love!

Quince

Quince European Linen Duvet Cover Set

Available in a mix of colors, this European flax linen duvet cover is pre-washed so it's super soft for a more lived-in vibe.

Etsy

Etsy Terra Cotta Flatwoven Kilim Rug

Clay colors are having a moment this season, and this 100% cotton kilim rug is the perfect accent to your fall decor.

Anthroplogie

Anthropologie Cozy Cocoon Fringed Throw Blanket

Prepare to drape yourself in plaid this fall and winter with this wooly throw.

Etsy

Etsy Ceramic Table Lamp With Plaid Shade

I am swooning over this handmade brown ceramic lamp with darling plaid shade, such a unique piece for your fall decor.

CB2

CB2 Mongolian Sheepskin Fur Throw Pillow with Insert

Sink into these 100% Mongolian natural sheepskin pillows in the season's loveliest colors.

Joss & Main

Eleanne Coffee Table

Bring in woody accents like this modern and elegant round coffee table.

Wayfair

Howlan Natural Stoneware Vase

A stone vase elevates your room's decor, whether it sits on a mantel, bookshelf, or your dining table.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Scallop Edge Pinch Bowls, Set of 3

These scalloped edge bowls are perfect for meal prep and serving dips and spreads.

Wayfair

Solace Upholstered Barrel Chair

This barrel chair is versatile and timeless in a faux lambs wool and sleek shape.

Ruggable

Ruggable Cyrus Rose Gold Tufted Rug

This European-inspired rug has a distressed feel with a hint of rose gold and rich brown. It's water- and stain-resistant, machine-washable, and will instantly warm up your neutral decor.

Urban Outfitters

UO Palma Fringe Light Blocking Window Curtain

The mini tassels on this fringe-trimmed window curtain add a bit of whimsy and texture to your room.

Wayfair

Kelly Clarkson Home Side Chair, Set of 2

With an S shape inspired by 20th-century Danish design, this wicker duo gives both modern and cottage-core vibes.

Target

Studio McGee x Threshold Oval Table Lamp with Pleated Shade

This subtly textured table lamp comes with dimmable settings so you can set the mood just right. It makes the perfect statement piece to your neutral decor!

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