WTF Are Bitcoins? What You Need to Know About the Online Currency

It’s all about the bitcoins, baby — at least in 2014 it’s been sometimes about the online-only currency as it’s taken the leap from Deep Web to campus cash. If you’ve found yourself Googling, Yahooing or Ask Jeeves-ing “what the heck is bitcoin?” or “wait, is it ‘a bitcoin’?” we have a cheat sheet for you that might answer at least a couple of your burning Qs. Or get you asking even more, because we like that sort of stimulating convo around here.

Are bitcoins money?
Yes, bitcoin is a virtual currency! You can buy things with it. Not all things, a lot of things and way more things than you could as recently as last year.

So… bitcoin is a coin?
Bitcoin, the proper noun, is the payment network and bitcoin (lowercase style) is the unit of digital currency. Don’t let the picture we used here fool you, bitcoins can’t get stuck at the bottom of your purse or between the cushions of your couch.

How does the government feel about bitcoins?
Well, not great. They’re not involved with Bitcoin, which is decentralized and not controlled, created, or regulated by them or any central body. Instead, the currency is controlled by those who have it and use it. You can buy bitcoins on different websites by wiring money to someone else who has bitcoins, and you can sell them the same way. Once you’re flush with the dot com dough, you can stash your bitcoins in an “online wallet” on a secure third-party site.

Wait, isn’t bitcoin bad?
No, it just used to be an underground currency used to buy often bad things off of Silk Road, an illegal online marketplace. But now that the currency is reaching a mainstream audience, it also wants to clean up its rep. Here are a few things that might make Bitcoin seem more normal:

There Are Bitcoin Debit Cards: Xapo is a company that gives you an online vault to store your bitcoins and now they’re offering up a way for you to take your bitcoin wallet offline and purchase things in your day-to-day. Like… coffee, groceries — anything you would normally buy with plastic.

There Are Bitcoin ATMs: If you already have the virtual money, you can visit a bitcoin ATM that lets you use your bitcoin stash to take out cash. There aren’t that many and none in the US yet but a Canadian bitcoin ATM saw 81 transactions in its first day. Not too shabby.

There Are (Well, Could Someday Be) Bitcoin Pricetags: One designer-hacker set out to solve the problem of bitcoins’ changing rates. If the currency becomes as popular as the USD, we could see these pricetags on merchandise displaying a value that changes in real time.

Every MIT Student Gets $100 in Bitcoins: Remember “Campus Cash”? This is different. It does not come from your mom and isn’t only good for the best dorm caf’s pasta bar or sweatshirts with your logo on them. In the hopes of jumpstarting the bitcoin ecosystem, undergraduates at MIT will be given $100 worth of bitcoins this fall in a project led by a student and funded in part by an MIT alum.

You Can Survive on Bitcoins Alone: At least for a week. Forbes staffer Kashmir Hill tried out the experiment last year and couldn’t pay rent or feed herself every day. A year later and it’s a lot easier to survive. And survive well — her bitcoin-funded adventures this time around include Stumptown cold brew coffee at breakfast and a wine tour on the weekend.

Politicians Can Collect Bitcoins: This is not a House of Cards Season 3 subplot, but it might be. The Federal Election Commission will allow political committees to accept bitcoin donations in federally regulated campaigns.

There Is an Expedia For Bitcoins: From limos to nice hotels, you can book a pretty luxe little vacay using only bitcoins. Website Travel for Coins lets you book an entire trip through Expedia using the virtual currency and sites like cheapair.com accept them as well.

The more you know, right?

What questions do you have about bitcoins? Did this help at all!? Sound off below!

Spring is here, and it's time to swap out winter comfort foods for fresh, nourishing meals that make the most of the season’s best produce. But let’s be real — we need recipes that are as quick and easy as they are delicious and satisfying.

We’ve got you covered with 15-minute recipes to shake up your weekly rotation. Featuring Perdue® Fresh Cuts No Antibiotics Ever chicken and its convenient pan-ready packaging (read: no cutting board needed), these meals keep cleanup to a minimum while maximizing flavor.

Scroll for the recipes!

  • Healthy Spring Roll Chicken Bowls
  • Zesty Chicken Skewers over Spring Salad
  • Sheet-Pan Chicken Tacos with Spring Veggies

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Healthy Spring Roll Chicken Bowls

Serves 4

Switch things up for dinner with a deconstructed spring roll bowl — tender grilled chicken, crisp fresh veggies, and a generous drizzle of your favorite peanut sauce for a flavorful, fuss-free twist!

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces vermicelli rice noodles, cook according to pkg directions
  • 1/2 pkg Perdue® Fresh Cuts Chicken Breast Strips
  • 1 jar of peanut sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 head of green cabbage, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 small cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 mango, cubed
  • 1 pkg mung beans
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 spring onion, sliced
  • 1/3 roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • Optional herbs: cilantro, mint, thai basil
  • 1 lime, cut in wedges
  • Hot sauce

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup peanut sauce (thin with a little water if too thick) and chicken breast strips to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

2. On a grill pan or sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. With tongs, remove the chicken from the marinade and place directly onto pan in one layer. If the pan isn’t large enough, make in batches. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, not moving or flipping until well browned. Chicken is ready when an insta-read thermometer reads chicken at 165℉.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

4. Transfer grilled chicken to plate to rest while you assemble the bowls.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

5. To assemble bowls, equally divide the rice noodles into four bowls, top with cabbage, carrot, cucumbers, mango, mung beans and avocado.

6. Add sliced chicken with any reserved juices, and top with spring onions, peanuts and herbs.

7. Drizzle with peanut sauce (thin with a little water if too thick). Serve with lime wedges and favorite hot sauce.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Zesty Chicken Skewers over Spring Salad

Serves 4

Chicken makes everything better — especially when it’s grilled to perfection and tossed into this vibrant citrus-kissed salad. Packed with spring peas, crisp asparagus, watermelon radishes, and fresh greens, it’s the perfect way to kick off a healthy spring!

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Ingredients:

  • 1 jar Italian or citrus dressing
  • 1 pkg Perdue® Fresh Cuts Chicken Breast Diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 pkg spring lettuces
  • 1/4 radicchio head, torn in pieces
  • 1 pkg pea shoots, optional
  • 1/2 cup snow peas
  • 1 watermelon radish or 1/2 bunch radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, shaved
  • 2 asparagus spears, shaved
  • 2 asparagus spears, 1/2” slices
  • 1 pkg micro greens, optional
  • Goat cheese

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Directions:

1. Soak wooden skewers in water until chicken has finished marinating.

2. In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup Italian dressing and diced chicken breast to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Skewer 4-5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

3. On a grill pan or sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. Place skewers directly onto pan in one layer, in multiple batches. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, not moving or flipping until well browned. Chicken is ready when an insta-read thermometer reads chicken at 165℉.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

5. Transfer grilled chicken skewers to plate to rest while you assemble the salad.

6. To assemble salad, layer each plate with lettuces, pea shoots, snow peas, radishes, carrot, asparagus and top with micro greens, freshly cracked pepper and goat cheese. Drizzle your favorite Italian or citrus dressing and enjoy!

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Sheet-Pan Chicken Tacos with Spring Veggies

Serves 4

Let everyone load up their tacos with their favorite toppings for an easy, fun, and flavor-packed way to celebrate Taco Tuesday — or any day! Bake your chicken and veggies in just 15 minutes, thanks to Perdue® Fresh Cuts Chicken Breast Strips that are already pre-cut for you.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 pkg Perdue® Fresh Cuts Chicken Breast Strips
  • 1/4 head of cauliflower, small florets
  • Bunch of radishes, trimmed & quartered
  • Salt & pepper
  • Flour or corn tacos, grilled or warmed
  • 1/4 head of red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • Pickled red onions
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Cotija
  • 1/4 cup Mexican Crema, or sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a medium bowl, combine taco seasoning, olive oil and chicken and toss to coat. On a greased (or parchment-lined) sheet pan, arrange chicken and veggies into one layer. Season liberally with salt and fresh pepper.

2. Bake for 15 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chicken. Chicken is ready when an insta-read thermometer reads chicken at 165ºF. Set aside while preparing the tacos.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

3. To assemble the tacos, layer tortillas with cabbage, chicken, roasted vegetables, red onions, avocado and cotija and top with crema and cilantro.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Enjoy more Perdue® Fresh Cuts pre-cut chicken breast recipes!

Quince is already our go-to for luxe-lookingwardrobe essentials at shockingly good prices – and their new arrivals section is currently packed with tons of spring-ready finds you won’t want to miss.There are tons of breezy dresses, breathable tops, and flatteringjeanson deck, but we’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best finds you can grab for springtime. Quince totally nails high-quality staples at fair prices, so get ready to find your new favorite pieces, stat!

Scroll on to shop 10 stunning spring fashion finds from Quince!

Quince

100% European Linen Tank Mini Dress

A linen dress is absolutely a must-have for springtime. It's light and breezy, allowing your looks to breathe. This white one is an especially nice grab because it can pair well with just about anything.

Quince

100% Organic Cotton Gauze Short Sleeve Shirt

This button-up top is crafted from 100% organic cotton that's fashioned in a soft, gauzy feel. It's super light on the bod and could even be perfect for a swimsuit cover-up this summer!

Quince

Bella Stretch Barrel Jeans

Hop on the barrel jeans wave with this adorable light wash pair! The material has some nice stretch to it while still retaining structure, shaping your waist, hips, and legs in the best way possible.

Quince

100% European Linen Fitted Tank

Ooh, gotta love some gingham! It's the perfect pattern for spring since it's reminiscent of picnic blankets and good times spent outside. This linen tank hugs your body just a little bit to give you shape.

Quince

100% Organic Cotton Poplin Tiered Maxi Skirt

Tiered maxi skirts are so sweet and feminine, plus they're ultra-cozy for warmer weather moments when you don't exactly want to wear a mini skirt or short shorts. This white one is cut from 100% organic cotton poplin to ensure unmatched breathability.

Quince

100% European Linen Scoop Neck Midi Dress

Butter yellow dresses are where it's at. Rock spring's hottest color trend with this easy-wearing dress that you can easily dress up based on the occasion!

Quince

Lightweight Cotton Cashmere Link-Stitch Dolman Sweater

This smooth sweater boasts a stunning boatneck and slouchy sleeves for added coverage, if desired. It's the ultimate office-wear top that'll look immaculate alongside everything from slacks to dressy skirts!

Quince

100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt

The great thing about this linen top is that the long sleeves will block out the sun on hot days, preventing UV damage on your skin, but the material it's made of truly wears like a barely-there dream, so you won't be stuck excessively sweatin'.

Quince

100% European Linen Shorts

Linen is the look this spring. These comfy shorts will definitely become your new faves for the season since they're loose (but not too loose), tied comfortably at the waist, and have – you guessed it – pockets!

Quince

Drapey Twill Pleated Trouser

Made specifically for movement and comfort, these lightweight trousers surely do not feel like your typical formal pant. The high-waisted design is fitted with an elasticized back that makes fitting into them super streamlined, plus the TENCEL-cotton-linen blend is super soft to the touch.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more stunning new arrivals from your favorite stores!

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

Though plenty of beauty trends have come and gone, there are still a handful of makeup products that have stood the test of time. Though you might think these powders, foundations, lipsticks, and more lean pretty“old school,” tons of beauty fans still adore them for their ability to deliver the most stunning looks.

You might just want to give these classic makeup products a second chance after reading what makeup lovers say about their staying power!

Read on for 7 “old school” makeup products that are still total staples in today’s age.

Amazon

1. Airspun Loose Powder

I remember this loose powder being one of the very first makeup products I ever tried after seeing it in my mom's makeup kit. It's super nostalgic for many other beauty fans – and no wonder, because it first launched in 1935!

Formulated to have a "cloudlike softness" to it, this powder is ideal for setting foundation and concealer so your base stays in place.

Amazon

“I used Coty Airspun loose powder for years," one Redditor wrote about it. "I don't use powder anymore, but I still take a fond look at it in the makeup aisle. The packaging is so retro and pretty. It always made me feel very 1950's movie star.”

I will say that the main disconnect between this "old school" makeup product and today's beauty trends is that more and more brands tend to lean toward dewy, natural finishes rather than fully matte ones – this powder definitely delivers on the latter.

Amazon

2. L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara

This mascara launched in 1990 and it was quick to become a favorite amongst beauty fans looking for long, full lashes. Claiming to give lashes the appearance of 5 times their natural thickness, this formula goes on super easy, thanks to the streamlined wand design.

Amazon

This mascara has proved itself a mainstay in many makeup bags, and since its launch, L'Oreal's launched several different colors to play with. I myself am especially fond of the blue and purple mascaras if I just want to get a little playful with my makeup!

"I have tried other mascaras in the past but I find this one is the best for me. I have been using it for years," one reviewer wrote on Amazon. "I now find it difficult to to buy at the drug stores so I order it through Amazon. It goes on easily, dries quickly and does not flake. I wear the burgundy because I have green eyes."

Amazon

3. Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick

You probably recognized this one super quick. Clinique's Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey is renowned since it's said to be universally flattering and totally nails the natural look! Though it first hit the market in 1989, it's had an undeniable resurgence in the past couple years, further proving its iconic status.

Amazon

“My grandmother took me to a Clinique counter when I was 13 and bought me a lipstick and some eyeshadow. I used them until they were gone," one Redditor reminisced. "The only Clinique item I've used since then is Black Honey, which is in my bathroom today.”

Ulta

4. Benetint Liquid Lip & Cheek Stain

This beloved Benefit product hit shelves back in 1976, though it wasn't originally intended for use on the lips and cheeks. 👀 Benefit revealed that it was actually formulated for exotic dancers to use on their nipples to make them stand out!

Ulta

Since its introduction, it's been a great pick to reach for to add a natural flush to the cheeks and make the lips a bit bolder. Benefit's launched several different shades over the years to join the OG "rose" one.

Amazon

5. Max Factor Panstik Foundation

This "old school" makeup product was one of the first foundations that came in a convenient stick form. It launched in 1947, but you can still find it today! This creamy product is noticeably full-coverage and leaves a silky-matte finish once it's applied. A little truly goes a long way.

“I grew up in the 90s and remember using the Max Factor Panstik makeup. I can still remember the scent," one Redditor wrote. "It was a really great product for its time and I used it like a concealer.”

“I have this! What I like about it is it’s quick to apply when I don’t have the energy for liquid concealers," another Reddit user said. "The colour range isn’t impressive though.”

Amazon

6. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

Hitting the market back in 1957, it didn't take long for the Lustrous Lipstick from Revlon to become a cult classic. Many shades that the company developed in the latter half of the 20th century are still around today – several makeup fans on Reddit mentioned shades like Cherries In The Snow, Toast Of New York, Wine With Everything, Fire And Ice, and Sandalwood Beige are still their absolute favorites!

"Fire And Ice is one of my favourite lipsticks. It’s a wonderful bright corally red/pink..." one Redditor said. "It dates from the 50s. It’s quite nice to think I’m wearing the same colour as girls who were listening to Elvis.”

Amazon

7. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

This might just be the most old school of all the "old school" makeup products mentioned here. This rosy skin salve was introduced way back in 1838 to heal dry, cracked skin in need of hydration – lips, face, hands, and body included. It's crafted the same way it was back in the 1800's, with rose extract to calm irritation, and lanolin, cotton seed, and jojoba oil to moisturize. The company also sells lavender, mint, and vanilla varieties in addition to the OG rose.

Amazon

"I've been using C.O. Bigelow lavender salve for years and still love it. I rub it into my cuticles in the winter, spread the excess around my hands and top it with a layer of hand cream to seal it in," one Amazon reviewer wrote. "It works great to keep my skin from drying out and cracking and the lavender scent smells natural and not fake."

"Love this product! Worth every penny," another Amazon user said. "Use it on my lips, face and hands. Softens and is non greasy. My all time favorite product in my beauty stash!"

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more beloved beauty products, from makeup to skincare!

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