Recipes, Menus, Food & Wine

TV May 23, 2013

The Verdict Is In: Find Out Which Shows Have Been Renewed or Canceled

Following May's upfront presentations, we've gotten word on whether nearly all our favorite shows will be returning or not.

by Lisette Mejia

Following May's upfront presentations, we've gotten word on whether nearly all our favorite shows will be returning or not. Will we get to follow young Carrie Bradshaw for another year or return to Seattle Grace? Will Suburgatory's George and Tessa survive another year in the burbs, and will Selina Meyer continue to reign on HBO? Find out if your favorite shows have been dropped or picked up for another season by clicking through now, and keep checking back for other TV developments.

— Additional reporting by Shannon Vestal

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Spring May 23, 2013

7 Supercreative Lemonade Stand Alternatives

The weather's warming and that means one thing — no, not blooming flowers, but kids' lemonade stands.

by Lisette Mejia

The weather's warming and that means one thing — no, not blooming flowers, but kids' lemonade stands. They're happening everywhere across the country, and while we love a really good one, we can't help but think of all the other cool things kids can sell. Check out some creative ideas that don't require a single lemon squeeze. We have a feeling they'll be a hit because, really, who can turn down a budding entrepreneur?

Source: Instagram user alittlelark

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party planning May 23, 2013

25 Supersweet and Girlie Wedding Cakes

Remember the wedding you've been dreaming of since you were a little girl?

by Lisette Mejia

Remember the wedding you've been dreaming of since you were a little girl? The one filled with romantic details and pinks and pearls here and there? Well, here are some desserts that are just the, err, icing on the cake. These 25 feminine creations are romantic, whimsical, and dainty all at once, whether it's because of their heart designs or their pastel hues. In other words: they're just downright beautiful. Click on to check 'em out.

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recipes May 23, 2013

Got Extra Hard-Boiled Eggs? Here Are 8 Ideas For 'Em

Sure, your Easter eggs might be colored bright pink or have flower stickers on them, but that doesn't mean you have to throw them out.

by Lisette Mejia

Sure, your Easter eggs might be colored bright pink or have flower stickers on them, but that doesn't mean you have to throw them out. Whip up delicious dishes with these ideas on how to prepare them — grated, stuffed, you name it. Click on and get cracking.

Source: Flickr user jules:stonesoup, Shutterstock, Camilla Salem, Anna Monette Roberts

Asparagus With Grated Egg and Vinaigrette

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digital life May 21, 2013

Sweet Memory: USB Drives as Wedding Favors

Flash drives don't have the flyest reputation around (although some really cute ones do exist).

by Lisette Mejia

Flash drives don't have the flyest reputation around (although some really cute ones do exist). But that's probably because you aren't used to seeing ones as unique as this set. When it comes to weddings, we like to think of these as a way to say "thanks" to your guests or wedding party members because you can preupload them with photos of the big day and send them out as a sentimental gift. They're fun, they're functional — what else could you ask for? Go ahead, take a look.

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photography May 21, 2013

8 Great Grad Gifts For Budding Photographers

If there's one thing photographers can't get enough of, it's photo accessories to make them better shooters.

by Lisette Mejia

If there's one thing photographers can't get enough of, it's photo accessories to make them better shooters. Whether it's a new set of lenses or a camera bag that will get them excited about taking pictures, no small gift will go unused. For the photographer in your life who is fresh off the school boat, gift her with one of these photog essentials and consider your "thank you" all the awesome shots she'll soon be posting.

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Tech Shopping May 20, 2013

Never Lose Your Charger Again With These Sticker Solutions

Say sayonara to the days of confusing your phone charger with someone else's.

by Lisette Mejia

Say sayonara to the days of confusing your phone charger with someone else's. In a sea of white adapters and cords, we spotted a genius way to make yours stand out: awesome iPhone charger decals. Thanks to flashes of color, fun faces, or personalized options, we have a whole new way to keep track of this tech essential. Ahead, check out some of our favorites.

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photography May 20, 2013

7 Tips For Taking Beautiful Wedding Photos on Your Phone

There's no denying that DSLRs are great at taking quality photos.

by Lisette Mejia

There's no denying that DSLRs are great at taking quality photos. But you can take pictures that are just as great — truly! — straight from your phone with just a few pointers. If you're headed to a wedding soon, these tips will help you realize you don't have to be a professional to produce wonderful images that everyone will be sharing. Here, we break down how you can go from guest to wedding photographer in a, er, flash.

Look for the light: Great lighting will be your best friend when it comes to taking awesome photos. Pay attention to where natural light falls. For instance, if someone's back is to the bright sun shining overhead, she will come out looking dark. And steer clear of using flash: it only makes your photos look less authentic.
Set your focus and exposure: Once you know the shot you want to take, tap the screen on your phone's camera to set your focus and exposure where you want it. For instance, the thing you tap on will look sharp as opposed to blurry. And if you tap on the brightest object in the shot (a window, for instance), the rest of your photo will look especially dark. You'll have to practice based on your phone's settings, but giving thought to these two details will make all the difference between a mediocre and great photo.

There are even more pro tips for wedding day photos after the break.

job search May 20, 2013

Proper Handshake Etiquette — in GIFs

When it comes to making an impression during a job interview, it's the little things that count.

by Lisette Mejia

When it comes to making an impression during a job interview, it's the little things that count. Little things like a good handshake. You don't want it to be too limp (translation: "I'm weak") or too strong ("I'm trying too hard"). And you certainly don't want it to be an awkward encounter. For more "don'ts" in the handshake department, we're letting these awesome, funny, and cringe-worthy GIFs teach the lesson.

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digital life May 20, 2013

Digital "Handwritten" Cards That Would Fool Emily Post

Who says sending handwritten notes is a lost cause?

by Lisette Mejia

Who says sending handwritten notes is a lost cause? Times may be a-changin', but so are our options for delivering a card via snail mail. Today you can send your love straight from your smartphone, iPad, or computer, all thanks to practical apps and websites. You don't ever actually have to pick up a pen to send a thoughtful "handwritten note." Read on to find out how to make your life easier the next time all those birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries roll around.

Felt Cards

The Felt Cards iPad app (free) lets your finger, or a stylus, do the talking. Here's the process: choose an original card design, select an ink color, and write your message on your iPad. You can also write out the addresses on the envelope to complete the authenticity. Felt then prints and mails it, all for the cost of $4. Does it get any easier than that?

Postable

Because it features a digital address book that loved ones can fill out, Postable can be your one-stop shop for sending handwritten notes. Keep in mind that the site only offers thank you cards, but you won't be disappointed — the designs are fun and unique. Choose from realistic handwriting fonts to write your message, and the company will then stamp and mail the note out. All cards cost $2 plus the price of the stamp.

Discover more digitally "handwritten" options after the break.

Tech Shopping May 19, 2013

13 Fun Emoticon Finds to Put a :) on Your Face

Happy, sad, or confused?

by Lisette Mejia

Happy, sad, or confused? There's an emoticon for that. There's also probably a pillow or bookend to channel those feelings. If you're still not convinced, check out these awesome finds we've rounded up that are not only highly expressive (a disapproving face on a gym bag) but totally fun, too. Go ahead and emote.

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Geek gear May 18, 2013

Pack Your (Laptop) Bags For a Weekend Getaway

Ever feel like a bag lady when you go on a weekend trip?

by Lisette Mejia

Ever feel like a bag lady when you go on a weekend trip? Usually there's one bag for your clothes and another lugging around your laptop. Thankfully we've found some overnight totes and carryalls with built-in laptop pouches to solve that unnecessary problem. Shop on, and pack 'em up for those Fridays when you just want to get away.

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Tech News May 18, 2013

Tech Recap: All the News You Need to Know

The Google I/O conference, as big as it was, was just one of the many major things that went down this week.

by Lisette Mejia

The Google I/O conference, as big as it was, was just one of the many major things that went down this week. We're talking a new smartphone, late-night comedy laughs, a cool photo app, and more. If you missed some of this week's best tech news, don't fret. We've got you covered with the major highlights in this week's recap.

J.J. Abrams Takes Suggestions From Star Wars' Fans

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photography May 17, 2013

33 Must-Dos! The Ultimate Wedding Day Photo Checklist

You spend months planning your wedding, and then just like that, it's passed you by in a flash.

by Lisette Mejia

You spend months planning your wedding, and then just like that, it's passed you by in a flash. Thankfully, great photos can capture every aspect of the big day — even the tiny details you may have forgotten to notice. Without a doubt, there are certain shots no wedding should go without (like a bridesmaid powwow before sending the bride off). Here, we've broken down those must-snap moments so that even years from now, you can take a look at the pictures and feel like it happened just yesterday.

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Geek gear May 17, 2013

13 Clever Cuff Links For Geeky Grooms

Give guys a reason to wear their geek on their sleeve when they walk down the aisle.

by Lisette Mejia

Give guys a reason to wear their geek on their sleeve when they walk down the aisle. For the groom or groomsmen or just everyday dapper dudes, we've rounded up cuff links that are not only geeky, but stylish, too. Shop on, and let your well-dressed geek rock his fun personalities loud and proud.

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job search May 17, 2013

6 GIF-Worthy Signs You're on the Job Hunt

Like it or not, sometimes it's obvious when you're on the job hunt.

by Lisette Mejia

Like it or not, sometimes it's obvious when you're on the job hunt. All of a sudden you're crazy active on LinkedIn and all your connections know that you're looking for a new gig. Rather than spell out those telltale signs ourselves, we've left it up to cats, babies, and more to work their GIF magic and break it down.

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digital culture May 17, 2013

How to Discreetly Change Your Facebook Relationship Status

If you've watched a friend's Facebook relationship status go from "In a Relationship" to "Single" on your newsfeed, then you may have had one of two reactions: feeling sad or cringing.

by Lisette Mejia

If you've watched a friend's Facebook relationship status go from "In a Relationship" to "Single" on your newsfeed, then you may have had one of two reactions: feeling sad or cringing. There's just something uncomfortable about seeing heartbreak unfold before your eyes. If you're the person who's vowed to not let that happen to you and you suddenly find yourself in a relationship status switch, then read on. We promise there's an easy way to avoid the awkwardness of going single online (unless, of course, you actually want all your Facebook friends to know).

All it takes are a few simple steps to hide the announcement. First go to the "About" section on your timeline and scroll down to the "Relationship" section. Hit "Edit" on the upper right corner and change your privacy settings to "Only Me." Then change your status to "Single" or "It's Complicated" or whatever you situation is, and hit save.

Don't want any relationship status whatsoever to appear on your profile? Then simply select the blank area right above where it says "Single" on the dropdown.

If, for some reason, the status change still appears on your timeline, don't fret. Just go to "Edit or Remove" on the upper right corner of that post, and hit "Hide From Timeline." Poof — it disappears from your page and your friends' feeds. There you have it: a foolproof way to sever the ties without blasting the update to the Facebook world.

Source: Meme Generator

digital culture May 16, 2013

An App by A Beautiful Mess That's All About Photo Fun

Sure, apps that add type to photos are nothing new, but an app that does that plus a whole lot more?

by Lisette Mejia

Sure, apps that add type to photos are nothing new, but an app that does that plus a whole lot more? That's novel. Enter A Beautiful Mess ($1) — an app from the popular site of the same name — where scrapbooking meets Instagram meets blogging.

A Beautiful Mess gives you many ways to play with photos and make them look pretty and fun. First select the picture you want to spruce up, choose a filter and cutesy border, then add text to the image. Pick from four fonts, and move and resize the text in any color you wish. Go even further by adding doodles, like bikes and word bubbles, and throw on phrases like "Adventure!" The app even offers more doodles and fonts for $1 per pack. After you've created your masterpiece, of course, you can share it on social sites or email it.

There's no denying that the app is a great way to make your snaps stand out. For that, it sure does put the "beautiful" in beautiful mess.

digital culture May 16, 2013

Throwback Thursday: 12 Amazing Vintage Tech Ads

Sometimes you've gotta see things to believe them, and that's definitely the case with these hilarious throwback tech ads.

by Lisette Mejia

Sometimes you've gotta see things to believe them, and that's definitely the case with these hilarious throwback tech ads. Think: naked guy selling an Apple computer and the Bee Gees popping out of a cassette tape — yeah, they're that good. Some will make you laugh, others will make you scratch your head, and they're all in good fun. Click on to see what life was like way back then, when phrases like "electronic mail" were still a mystery.

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Travel May 16, 2013

The Best Places For 20-Somethings to Travel

Planning a graduation trip this Summer?

by Lisette Mejia

Planning a graduation trip this Summer? Heck, just looking for somewhere to escape to? Booking a vacation is exciting, of course, but it can also be stressful when it comes to choosing the right place to visit. To help you narrow down the oh-so-big world we live in, we've rounded up incredible places for fun-seeking spirits. All are beachside destinations that promise loads of excitement, so you can get your play — and your tan — on.

Source: Flickr

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