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.
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.
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.
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.
There are even more pro tips for wedding day photos after the break.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Documentaries can be powerful, turning a lens on the lives of amazing people and places. But if you think you don't have time to watch these docs, think again. Not all documentaries are two hours long, and Vimeo is filled with videos that are quite short (we're talking five minutes or less) while still managing to tell moving stories. Click on for five of our favorites that will get you smiling, crying, and everything in between.
Even your computer monitor could use some love every now and then, and that's where awesome toppers come in. These fun (and, in some cases, functional) computer accessories will keep you company while you work and watch over you day in and day out. Ahead, five friends that will have you smiling whenever you look up.
Been on a flight recently? Chances are, a few passengers didn't turn off their portable electronic devices — maybe you were one of them. Now, we have numbers regarding the rule breaking, thanks to new survey findings released last week. Two industry groups polled passengers and reported that 30 (yes, 30!) percent had left a device on during takeoff or landing.
When it comes to actually shutting off electronics, more than 20 percent said they just switch to airplane mode instead of shutting down completely. The gadget that's left on most often? No surprise: it's the cell phone.
While there's no official proof that these devices affect a plane's radio and electronic systems, the policy remains in place.
We want to know: what's your power-down policy?
What do yoga bears and pink chewing gum have to do with your phone? Plenty, if you're talking phone stands to hold them up. Functional and fun, these picks will let you watch your favorite videos and browse the Internet the easy way. Some are downright adorable, others just plain silly — either way, take your pick from this awesome batch.
These days, thanks to the wonders of tech, "3D glasses" means something totally different: edgy sunglasses made on 3D printing machines. Now hitting the mainstream market, these unique designs can be worn day in and day out. And the thing is, they're actually really stylish. Some you can shop right this moment — others you have to call to inquire about. Nonetheless, you'll want to check out these beauties stat. Let the three-dimensional inspiration flow!
If you haven't given in to the Great Gatsby craze yet, these tech finds might win you over. Feast your eyes on gilded art deco cases and stunning headphones and just try not to picture yourself decked out in Gatsby glory. Shop on, and you'll be plenty prepared for all the movie watching festivities.
Is it us, or does it seem like everyone has a "text from Mom" story? Whether it's an autocorrect fail or an emoji encounter, some are funny and some sweet — just like Mom herself. Click on to see 14 of the best texts moms have ever sent. We can't wait to see the ones that pop up after Mother's Day!
