5 Tricks to Taking Magazine-Quality Photos With Your iPhone

You’ve probably seen the Apple billboards and ads with gorgeous photos that read underneath, “Shot with an iPhone 6.” There’s even a photo competition for images taken with said smartphone. These cameras are getting so advanced that the old point-and-shoot is semi-retired at this point.

Recently, celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan, the man and mastermind behind “The Rachel” cut, shot a full editorial for Allure Magazine… with his iPhone 6. Yup, you heard us. An entire magazine-quality editorial that was taken with just an iPhone and by someone who is not a professional photographer. The man is a master of hairstyling, but a completely self-taught photog. You can check out all of the photos from the series on Mashable.

Chris is still Jennifer Aniston’s go-to hair guy, and his celeb roster also includes the likes of Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Meyer and Taylor Swift. But maybe it’s time for him to consider switching careers to be behind the lens full-time? Judging by his Instagram account, he definitely has an eye (and the touch!) for creating beautiful pics with his phone.

If you too aspire to be a pro iPhone photog, here are some tips and apps to help you achieve Instagram-pro status.

1. Turn on HDR:HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and basically means your camera will snap off a couple of photos in quick succession and blend them together to create a higher quality shot. What you should know, however, is that HDR takes longer to process, requires a bit more memory space and also is no good for moving subjects (so make sure you bribe your dog into sitting still with a treat). Just open your camera app, and up top there should be the HDR toggle. Tap on it and switch it to “On” or “Auto.”

2. Download a Photo-Editing App:Photo editing apps are a must if you hope to achieve a super-stylized look, and not all apps are created equal. Try the now-iconic VSCO Cam (free on iOS) or maybe check out Aviary (also free on iOS). And finally, the app Polarr is also available on your iPhone.

3. Adjust the Exposure:Depending on whether you want to go sunnier or moodier with your image, you can adjust the brightness on your pic. Brightening the exposure can sometimes help make out details in the photo that were previously not as clear. Of course, going the other direction is going to dim the look of your image. Play around with it and find your style.

4. Sharpen Your Image: What’s neat about sharpening an already pretty clear image is that it can take everything to HD. Just adjust it little by little until you get your pic to a really clear place. But don’t abuse the sharpen tool, or you could end up with a super grainy photo.

5. Play Around With Saturation:Saturation basically determines how much color you want in your picture. Brightening the saturation can really take a good photo to phenomenal, and is particularly good for scenery and outdoorsy shots, because Mother Nature is made to be in living color. On the flip side, dulling the saturation makes your photo more sepia-toned, which might be another stylistic choice.

Do you have any iPhone photo tricks? Share with us in the comments below!

(h/t Mashable, photos via @chrismcmillan)

"I love your aura." You may wonder what this means. We are now living in a time when we are beginning to wonder beyond the linear and physical reality of existence. The Age of Aquarius has been approaching these past years, encouraging us to look into spirituality and the collective consciousness. Our energy is precious – and learning about your aura can be the first stepping stone to level up your spirituality. Celebrities such as Emma Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Zosia Mamet have revealed their spiritual selves by promoting aura photography.

What are auras?

Getty/Aleksandra Konoplia

Auras are the unseen spiritual energy field surrounding all living things' bodies. They manifest as vibrations and colors throughout the body. Depending on what you are experiencing, it will manifest into the type of color filter around the body, revealing your spiritual and emotional self and state of wellness.

It is not always easily accessible to see auras, but it can be felt. Observe celebrities such as Taylor Swift or Beyonce. They have a magnetic yet powerful aura that swirls with creativity and prestige. Or suppose you are crossing paths with someone who gives off a warm and sunny persona. You can't help but smile. This indicates you are feeling or sensing their auric energy. The same also applies to those who store a negative vibe – only in this case, you decide (hopefully) not to engage due to the clashing of energies.

If you are an astrology lover like me, then there is a chance that you have invested time in learning about yourself, leading to non-stop Google searches. Learning about astrology can help you see things from an entirely new view because each zodiac sign holds strength and characteristics revealed in different aspects of energy and, best yet – self-acceptance.

How do I find my aura colors?

Lumi Pelinku

If you want to uncover your aura colors, one way is to get your aura photographed. A special camera, known as the Kirlian camera, captures your halo or colorful, energetic field using an electrified photographic plate. Or you can have a clairvoyant read your aura, and you will have a better idea about which parts of your birth chart you are in tune with your life story or address what needs work.

For example, five years ago, when I had my aura photographed, the most prominent colors in my energy field were bright red, green, and indigo. I was most in tune with my Mars, Venus, and rising sign. This was the time in my journey when I was unknowingly invested in my toxic relationship while over-compromising my individuality, which resulted in my Mars and Venus covering my indigo color. Last year, I took another photo of my aura that turned out burnt orange and murky while I still held on in the relationship. My indigo color was nowhere to be seen in my aura photo. This was a wake-up call and a red flag for me to realize what was in store for my well-being if I ignored my feelings about my relationship. Months later, and energetically depleted, I decided to part ways. Enlightening, isn't it?

Connecting with your aura will illuminate what part of your life needs attention. The colors of your aura correspond to one of the seven rays of the rainbow spectrum—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. With each life experience, traumatic or blissful, your colors are bound to change. It can appear clear and vibrant if you are on cloud nine or murky and dark if you are going through a tough time. The best part is that if you know this information, you can navigate past your life issues and figure out the core of your happiness, as each color has a theme.

However, everyone has a base color connected with their zodiac sign. Learning about your aura and what imbalances you will help you live a more authentic path in alignment with your sign.

Understanding your aura colors based on your zodiac sign

Getty/We Are

Aries

As the first sign of the zodiac, you are meant to step into the path of realizing the ability to initiate and set the tone of your success by being bold. The ram is notable for its ability to aim with its horns during conflict. Taking ownership of what you set your sights on will ignite willpower. You lead with great stride and confidence by emanating truth and authenticity behind your purpose. Hope and seeing life as a new conquest will help you see yourself through success.

Aura Color: Bright Red

You are the zodiac's spark of light radiating bright red in your aura. Red is the most primal and attention-grabbing of the colors. It connects with the Root Energy Center of the body, which stores your stability and security. This color embodies passion, sexuality, competitiveness, and persevering will – which are your major life themes. The ruling planet that is your support in this life is Mars, which adds fuel to your fiery spirit. This color adds momentum and confidence in pursuing your goals.

Imbalanced Aura

When imbalanced, Aries can hold an air of becoming overly authoritative, domineering, and untactful. To diffuse this tendency, this sign will have to shift the focus to the benefit of others instead of designating themselves as a priority.

Taurus

As an earthy and patient being, you are a stabilizing energy force. You are legendary for persistence and known to take your time in moving. As the bull sign, you are granular in your energetic makeup and persevering. Your will is so strong that you do not lose yourself due to mental conflict, resulting in you connecting with the sensuality of life by living in the moment, which so many aspire to master.

Aura Color: Jewel Green

Green is the color of relaxation, abundance, and love. With your Venus-ruled energy, this color is linked to the Heart Energy Center, and it can help support you by living more consciously with your decisions involving love – or, on the flip side of that, transmuting jealousy. Green is often used as a supportive color in healing by enhancing feelings of balance and renewal. As the earthy sign, this color is associated with nature and growth.

Imbalanced Aura

If your aura is imbalanced, you may be prone to indulging in the extreme of earthly pleasures such as food, materialism, inflexibility, and sex. Observe your life logically and change your patterns to balance out these extremes.

Gemini

Like the wind, you spiral out in different directions with your communication and ideas. As the messenger of the zodiac, you enable the conversations to flow in others. As seen in the Twins, this air sign reveals the polarity in situations and bridges the gaps of missed information. You are here to share the truth, strengthen yourself by confidently speaking openly, relate to all walks of life by embracing diversity, and engage the mind and instill this in others.

Aura Color: Yellow

Yellow is the most polarizing of all colors. This color transmutes your moods and emotional needs and invokes productivity and movement. With Mercury as your ruling planet, your thoughts formulate your reality. Solar Plexus energy center becomes the driving force behind you finding empowerment in alignment with your ideas.

Imbalanced Aura

If experiencing imbalance, it can manifest in scattered ideas and fall prey to playing out the messages in their head, and have a hard time developing the context of their findings. Grounding is essential to help you balance this tendency and ensure the practicality and meaning behind your motivations.

More aura colors and their meanings

Getty/Justin Lambert

Cancer

Naturally sensitive, you are here to establish your roots and build security in your relationships. Intuitive in nature, you are absorbent to the feelings of others and aim to extend empathy. Cancers are here to learn how to invoke self-care and safety to withstand the ebbs and flows of life while accepting help from others. Known to be compassionate and nurturing and possesses such camaraderie with humanity. You value tradition and have the talent for spreading wisdom to others.

Aura Color: Silvery White

White is the color in association with tranquility and surrender. However, it may be noted as an absence of color – quite the opposite. It stores all colors, like a spectrum. The Moon phases reflect your understanding of nature and experiences, and working with white helps you see and understand self-acceptance in alignment with your soul self.

Imbalanced Aura

With an imbalanced aura, you are prone to be excessively worried and become overly involved in others life problems, this leads to codependent routes in relationships. This stifling tendency can deplete your energetic capacity to build life as you see fit.

Leo

As the showstopper of the zodiac, you are the life of the party and child-like at heart. Even for Leos, who feel they are not outgoing, that spark hides somewhere. They lead by the heart and aim to immerse in their creativity. Leos are meant to stand on their pedestal, firmly holding their individuality. You generate your power by igniting and following through with your goals. As Leo instills hope, their inner radiance glows and inspires others to follow their dreams.

Aura Color: Orange

Orange combines the fiery energy of red with the optimism of yellow. With the Sun as your planetary guide, this color, too, emits the same effect of warmth, happiness, and high energy. Working with the color orange can curb procrastination and boost confidence to pursue your goals.

Imbalanced Aura

An unhappy Leo rarely goes unnoticed, and this is reflected in the aura. Imbalance manifests when you are not entirely accepted or feeling secure. To balance this out, look for the essential benefit of your life's work instead of surface-layered validation. This opens pathways for you to shine.

Virgo

As the service-oriented sign, you are here to extend the purity of purpose while assisting others. They have a strong work ethic, and measuring up to their promise of crystal-clear delivery is guaranteed. Virgos are to live out a path of finding order in their lives and becoming comfortable with inevitable chaos. With a sensitivity to environmental imbalances and external influences, it is crucial for you to honor your body with wholesome foods, clear away self-deprecating thoughts, and be flexible to life's rhythms.

Aura Color: Blue-Green

Blue is a primary color associated with logic, honesty, trust, and communication, while green is associated with the grounding element of the earth. These two colors fused align with Mercury as your ruler planet. Working with these colors instills a laser focus to look at the minor details and modify anything to perfection.

Imbalanced Aura

Experiencing the darker shade of your aura can manifest in excessive perfectionism, self-doubt, and criticism. Once you learn the art of self-acceptance and humility while making mistakes, you will feel stronger and at peace when things go haywire.

What is your aura color?

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Libra

Instilling balance within oneself while shifting the lens of the opposing forces of others is a part of your life purpose. You have a knack for challenging the status quo and aim to find justice and fairness in all aspects of life. Libra is also notable for their quest to find love. Attracting friendships or partnerships that challenge you will keep the spark alive. By having a natural gift of mediating amid conflict, you also desire to spread grace and beauty in the world.

Aura Color: Pink

Pink is associated with love, kindness, and compassion. Venus, your guiding planet, powers up your pink aura by supporting your mission to find beauty and love. Pink helps you connect with your heart center while boosting feelings of self-love.

Imbalanced Aura

An imbalanced aura manifests when you fall prey to codependent relationships or people-pleasing tendencies. Remaining in these scenarios to avoid confrontations dims your inner light and leads to delayed results in line with your goals. Mastering boundaries and sticking with assertion is vital for you to find balance.

Scorpio

Life is a rite of passage for you. Understanding the shadow and the light is not for the faint of heart, but as a Scorpio, you evolve and rise above life's trials. This stems from your psychic ability to see the darker depths of life and the shadows of others. The constant regenerating expression triggers inner conflict, but you emerge stronger as you learn to surrender to the process.

Aura Color: Indigo

Associated as the color of wealth, mystery, and spiritual awareness, you, too, hold these treasures within your auric field. With the shortest wavelength of light, this acts as a shield to your energy, protecting you from unwanted circumstances. Guided by the planet Pluto, this color extends support and boosts your connection to a higher level of awareness for creative flow and intuition work.

Imbalanced Aura

As the sign with its fair share of intensities in life, you have a gift of persevering. However, your inability to change your ways or views can result in a murky aura and, therefore, block opportunities to invite joy into your life. Embracing change and new opportunities leads to empowerment and soul fulfillment.

Sagittarius

As the archer sign, they are on the path to spreading their joyful experiences and helping others see the silver lining even when things appear bleak. Their expansive and bright auras can stretch out to the heavens, and when they learn to bridge this connection down to earth, they can find their stroke of luck. They are here to bridge the philosophical connection from their past experiences by breaking free from the primal nature of ego expression. Teaching and empowering others is a part of their soul's fulfillment.

Aura Color: Gold

Governed by the sign Jupiter, its expansive energy extends a stroke of luck in whatever you set your heart on. In connection with your gold aura, this planet infuses you with the ability to absorb information. It is also the color of independence, confidence, and motivation. Working with gold will allow you to go after your dreams while remaining levelheaded.

Imbalanced Aura

When you experience disappointment with your goals not being met, you lose faith, leading to an imbalanced auric field. This in itself can close you off from life and its opportunity. Aiming to see the big picture and becoming receptive to other ideas can lead to fulfillment and a rebalanced aura.

Zodiac aura colors continued

Getty/Glen Pearson

Capricorn

As a Capricorn, you are the zodiac's powerhouse and capable of achieving your goals. Honing in on instilling structure while embracing discipline will ensure success in life. You are here to mark upon the world by reaching heights of success that align with your passion honorably. As you tap into your ability to rise above the physical pull of greed and live by authenticity, it will inspire many to step into their light.

Aura Color: Violet

Your auric field extends a pull of prestige, honor, and respect. Guided by the planet Saturn, it instills the need to preserve humility while igniting strength to power through obstacles. Violet helps you find your purpose while finding solutions to unresolved issues.

Imbalanced Aura

Capricorns within the materially driven path lead them to isolation and constant suspicion of others' motives. If you are disconnected from your energy, your emotive ability will be nonexistent, resulting in living on autopilot. Honoring everyone as your equal will instill trust in life and lead to a clean auric field.

Aquarius

Your purpose is to live an exciting life filled with innovation and to be a service to humanity. Their brilliance and intellectual capability come at lightning speed due to being one of the most innovative signs of the zodiac. Becoming involved in a cause greater than yourself drives you towards your soul's fulfillment. The ability to reinvent oneself is not easy, but as the water bearer sign, you can ease into changes better than any other sun sign.

Aura Color: Electric Blue

With an electric blue aura, you are infused with wisdom and innovation that inspires people in your life. This color invokes energy, action, and excitement for your future vision while extending support to see through your vision. With Uranus, the future-oriented planet, as your guide, you are given access to information that helps humanity evolve to a better place.

Imbalanced Aura

Your pure and absorbent aura can absorb an overflow of information from people you connect with. The nature of the groups, negative or positive, can result in a murky aura. Remembering to honor your individuality and holding ground with your sense of self will enable you to discern your connections while keeping your aura pristine.

Pisces

As a Pisces Sun, you are here to find groundedness while extending wisdom. You hold an archive of information within your consciousness that is otherworldly and yet archaic. Your sign can read into the auras of those you connect with by just feeling or strictly intuition. You are on this path to freely share divine wisdom while extending the lessons for others to understand the importance of unconditional love and acceptance. Since you hold etheric baggage of past lifetimes, your role in this lifetime is to learn how to surrender karmic ties and to live more in the present.

Aura Color: Pastel Purple

This shade of purple is tethered to the higher realms of existence, helping you coordinate your understanding of how life works in the present moment. It is magical and infuses you with the ability to draw in information and creatively utilize it. With the mystical planet Neptune as your planet, it powers up your ability to extend wisdom and empathy to each person you meet.

Imbalanced Aura

With an imbalanced aura, you can fall victim to disconnecting from reality and lose yourself in the pain of others and your own. You may feel lost and unmotivated in life if you do not practice discernment and personal awareness. Human connection and letting others know about your fears and insecurities can help you feel more in control and grounded.

After Emily in Paris season 3 dropped on Netflix in December of 2022, we were hoping to get the fourth installment of the hit show in 2023. But production halted when the WGA writers' strike, then the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike went to affect, and our beloved cast and crew campaigned for better wages and industry protection. But with the end of the writers' strike, and new SAG negotiations, Emily in Paris season 4 finally began production in February 2024 — and I can already tell you there's sure to be plenty of drama and French fashion this time around.

Not only will we see Emily in Paris (see what I did there?!) but she's also pulling an Audrey Hepburn and taking a little Roman Holiday. That's right — our favorite Parisians are heading to Italy! If that doesn't sound like a dreamy comfort show then I don't know what does. Here's everything we know about the upcoming season of your favorite TV brain candy!!

Is Emily in Paris season 4 coming soon?

Image via Lily Collins/Instagram

Via Variety, Emily in Paris season 4 began production in Paris the week of January 15! "Did someone say Saison Quatre?!" Lily Collins says in her Instagram post announcing production. "Finally reunited with my @emilyinparis fam back in Paris and it feels so good. Although, I may need to brush up on my selfie skills for Emily’s sake…"

But this year won't be a normal year of filming for the show (although, because of COVID, what does "normal filming" even mean anymore?). Because of the 2024 Paris Olympics, all filming in the city will be shut down from June to September. Netflix's co-CEO just spilled on the release date (via The Hollywood Reporter) and great news — it's sooner than I expected! Alongside the new seasons of Squid Game and Outer Banks, we'll see Emily in Paris season 4 before the end of the year. I'm hoping for a fall release because Emily in Paris is the perfect escapist show for hibernation season, but season 2 and season 3 both premiered in December of their respective years so we could also see it just in time for the holidays!

Is Emily in Paris filmed in Paris?

Image via Lily Collins/Instagram

Yes, Emily in Paris is filmed on location in Paris! We got our first look at Emily in Paris season 4 when Lily Collins and Ashley Park were seen filming in the City of Love (via Daily Mail). The costumes for the series are still as bold and bright as ever, with Ashley's Mindy wearing cobalt and metallic boots, and Lily's Emily dressed head-to-toe in lemon yellow. I can't wait to see what these best friends get up to this season! Check out our Paris travel recommendations to live out your own Emily in Paris dreams ;).

On April 27, Lily Collins confirmed Emily in Paris season 4 had wrapped its France shoot and that the cast & crew have swapped the City of Love for the Eternal City! "When you’re the first ones on the dance floor at the Paris wrap party. Next stop: Rome!" she says on Instagram. Late spring is literally the perfect time to film in Italy and I just know this season is going to give me more wanderlust than ever before. I need gelato!

What's Emily In Paris season 4 about?

Image via Netflix

Season 3 left us with a huge cliffhanger: Alfie breaks up with Emily, Camille learns she's pregnant with Gabriel's baby, Benoit's "Mon Soleil" has been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest, and Emily and Gabriel realize they've been in love with each other the whole time. Whew.

Emily in Paris season 4 will have a ton of cliffhangers to bring full circle, and a bunch of damage that all the characters need to heal. We know from the Netflix TUDUM fan event that we might also see Emily have to deal with an ultimatum head-on, as well as an unexpected twist. Plus, it looks like she's heading on a "Roman holiday," according to lead actress Lily Collins. We'll take any nod to an Audrey Hepburn movie, please and thank you!

Is Alfie coming back in season 4 of Emily in Paris?

Image via Netflix

We don't have OFFICIAL word on whether Alfie (played by Lucien Laviscount) will return for Emily in Paris season 4, but we're hoping for his sake that he gets some closure. Lucien wants to come back as well! "[The dream is] to keep this gravy train going and just to kind of really live in this world a little bit longer," he says in an interview with Elle. " The writers on the show and the creators behind it and everyone that comes into contact with it is so amazing and fantastic. Their minds [have] way, way, way, way surpassed mine. So, yeah. I’ll let them do their thing.”

Who else is in the Emily in Paris season 4 cast?

Image via Netflix

We can expect the rest of the cast — Lily Collins as Emily, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, Ashley Park as Mindy, Camille Razat as Camille, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Samuel Arnold as Julian, and Bruno Gouery as Luc — to return.

Will there be a season 5 of Emily in Paris?

Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix

It looks like Emily in Paris season 4 will not be the final season, according to creator Darren Star. “There’s a lot more story to tell here and we’re not wrapping things up anytime soon,” Star tells Elle. “And also hopefully season four isn’t the end either. I feel like we’re all creatively feeling like we’re in the middle of something not heading towards the end.”

Darren also told Deadline season 4 is "not necessarily conceived as a final chapter. I think like every other show, it’s a rich ensemble. There’s no end in sight until everybody feels like it’s time to end. And I don’t think this show is limited by a number of seasons, I think it’s limited by everybody’s enthusiasm and excitement about doing it and telling stories about these characters."

We'll take as many seasons of Emily in Paris as they'll give us!!

What has the cast said about Emily in Paris season 4?

Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix

Lucas Bravo told People he's excited for a coming-of-age for Gabriel. "When you start a character, then there's a year where you experience the world and you mature, you become another person and you come back and it's exactly the day you left off," he says. "I'm happy that in season four I'll be able to bring more of what I became and what I've experienced in the past four years."

Even though Lily Collins is now an executive producer, she doesn't want to know TOO much about the future of the show. “Darren and I speak, on occasion, about where he’s thinking of going, but he also doesn’t wanna spoil too much for me because there is a fine line,” she tells Collider. “I don’t wanna know everything because I want to be led with the writing, but I am also curious because, as a producer wanting to celebrate the other characters, I’m very curious to see what their trajectories are."

What happened at the end of Emily in Paris season 3?

Image via Netflix

To be fully prepared for Emily in Paris season 4, it's important to remember just what happened during season 3! The junior season was a bumpy ride for Emily, and it ends with the craziest finale yet. After Camille and Gabriel decide to get married, Camille stops the wedding, saying she knows Gabriel is in love with Emily instead of her. This declaration leads Alfie to break up with our leading lady because he refuses to be her second choice (and honestly, I respect it). That's not the only shocker because Camille also reveals that she's pregnant with Gabriel's child, which comes as a surprise to everyone. Meanwhile, Mindy learns Benoit has submitted a song (specifically "Mon Soleil") to the Eurovision Song Contest and Laurent has his heart set on opening a club in Paris.

Are you excited for Emily in Paris Season 4? Give us your craziest theory in the comments, and check out our Facebook for more pop culture news. Read up on how This Emily In Paris Theory Could Be Why Emily And Gabriel Aren’t Together (Yet).

Lead image via Netflix.

This post has been updated.

When we think of Christmas, we think of gifts. And what's more special than the gift of life (okay, we know that's a little corny, but we're rolling with it)? Whether you just found out you're expecting or are about to pop, the holiday season is the BEST time to share your excitement with loved ones. Sneak a peek at these 11 ideas for a little inspiration for a festive Christmas baby announcement.

Minted Merriest Occasion Announcement

Share the big news with a foil-pressed announcement that can also serve as your holiday card - win, win! For a more festive approach, your shoes can be little Santa booties! Here are more pregnancy announcement ideas from Minted.

Sibling Wish List

If you already have kiddos, have one of them make a Wish List with the item "Brother or sister in {Month} 2021," and share the photo on social media. There's nothing cuter than your child's wishlist with a sibling listed as a gift. (via Blue i Style)

Winter Picnic

Pack up a cozy picnic and use some trendy chalkboard art to share the news. (via Alyssa Rock)

Minted Best Gift Ever Announcement

Shimmery rose gold add a festive flair to this sweet announcement. Belly photo optional!

Family of Snowmen

Don't let all that fresh powder go to waste. Build a family of snowmen and be sure to include any new ones on the way. (via Popcorn and Pandas)

Formal Affair

Leave all the gimmicks behind and strike a pose for a formal portrait. You'll look your best, and the baby will too. (via Emily Egan Photography / Pink Peonies)

Bow Tied Baby

Put a bow on it! Wrap some ribbon around that belly and create a giant gift tag for an adorable announcement. (via J Is for Jones)

Holiday Stockings Pregnancy Announcement

Santa's leaving something extra special in the mail for your relatives and close friends in the form of this cute holiday pregnancy announcement! They'll love placing it on their mantles or coffee tables. (via Minted)

The More, The Merrier Pregnancy Announcement

Spread your family's holiday cheer with this pregnancy announcement from Minted!

(via Minted)

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Letter Board

Savor your final silent nights and share the news via letter board with sweet holiday trimmings.

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Backlit Bump

Draw attention to your silhouette by backlighting yourself with a glowing Christmas tree. You'll get bonus points if there are gifts under it.

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Holiday Ornament

Announce the news with an ornament on the tree or tree stump.

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Santa Photo

A visit to Santa can serve as a holiday baby announcement for the ultimate #memories.

Tag us on your favorite Christmas pregnancy announcements @BritandCo and join our newsletter for more creative ideas and inspiration.

This post was updated in partnership with Minted. Shop Minted to find more creative birth announcements.

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

Lead image via Minted.

Now that flowers are starting to bloom, it’s due time to swap out the sad beiges and dark burgundies of your winter color palette with bright pinks, electric blues, and more. If you love a little paint on your nails at all times, these summer nail colors instantly evoke the carefree, childlike, and wondrous qualities of the best season around: summertime. ☀️

Essie 'Break It Sundown'

This orange feels like the epitome of a summer sunset. We can always count on Essie's vegan polish to deliver an opaque, satisfying wash of color, so this bottle will go a long way for your most colorful summer manis.

OPI 'Teal the Cows Come Home'

This summer nail color reminds us of crystal-clear pool water, so if you need that kind of energy in your life, go bold with a teal-blue.

Nailboo 'Amethyst' Gel Polish

It's giving "Lavender Haze," and we're obsessed. This shimmery shade is made from a gel formulation, so it goes on nice and smooth, and will last for a while. You could try layering it on top of another basic shade or style it on its own.

Nailboo 'Pink Lemonade' Gel Polish

Barbie would be proud of this summer nail color, for sure. Namely titled 'Pink Lemonade,' this vibrant pink hue is a nice refreshment for your nails and to welcome the warmer months.

PaintLab 'Fruity' Press-On Nails

It's time for a fun and flirty summer. Start the season off right by decking out your nails in some playful nail art, like these tiny little rainbow fruits from PaintLab! Some small silver gems join the party for extra stunning shine.

PLA 'Oopsie Daisy'

This pale yellow polish pairs extremely well with a tan. You can snag it in a gel formula or a regular polish, depending on how you like your summer manicures!

Nailboo 'Blueberry Milk' Gel Polish

First, there was latte makeup. Then, there were blueberry milk nails. This luxurious polish from Nailboo serves up a gorgeous wash of light blue with a slight purple tone for added visual interest.

Glamnetic 'Jelly Bean' Short Press-On Nails

Can't land on one summer nail color? Choose some tips like these that feature a few! You'll adore the practicality of the short almond shape, all while marveling at the colorful magic on your nails. Take only 5 minutes to apply these nails, then wear them for weeks!

Nailboo 'Cutecumber' Gel Polish

Your next summer mani is gonna be lookin' as cute as a cucumber with just a few layers this light green shade. The gel formulation ensures you get solid wear for days or even weeks.​ Vacay, here we come!

PaintLab 'Daisy Pink' Press-On Nails

Reflect the season's best blooms with these cutesy press-ons that have dotted daisies on them. The pink background just screams 'hot girl summer.' Putting these nail tips on is made easy with an included cuticle pusher, nail file, and tube of nail glue.

PLA 'Okay, Bloomer'

This easygoing lilac nail color delivers a super-shiny effect when you pair it with a nice clear top coat. Though pastels feel more spring-like, they're sure to look stunning even in the summer.

Chillhouse '90's Supermodel' Chill Tips

These eye-catching press-ons will help you paint the town red. Get out there and start testing the red nail theory for yourself. This nail kit comes complete with everything you need to stick the tips on, including a compact cuticle pusher, nail file, and nail glue. The best part is you can wear 'em over and over again.

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As the weather warms up and more and more people take to the streets and trails to pick up jogging or training for their next race, you might be wondering where to start your own running journey. As a lifelong runner, 4x marathoner, and former running store employee, I believe that finding the the best running shoes for you is the first step to falling in love with running.

There are a few things to look for when buying a running shoe. If you want the personalized experience, I recommend going to a run specialty store to get fitted and have your gait analyzed. However, here are some basic tips to help if you don’t want to do that.

Image via MarathonFoto.com

First, most people wear their running shoes too small. Almost everyone I have had to fit for running shoes for the first time has had to go a half to a full size up. Remember:

  • Running shoes do not stretch like leather shoes
  • Running shoes should notneed a break in period
  • Your feet do swell when you're running and walking

A good rule to follow is that you should have a finger tip’s length between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. This ensures your feet can swell properly, you won’t lose toenails, and you'll have less risk of injuries like plantar fasciitis and shin splints.

Next, there are two types of running shoes: neutral and stability shoes.

  • Neutral shoes are for people who do not overpronate
  • Stability shoes are for those who do overpronate.

Overpronation is when one’s arches and ankles collapse/roll inwards when standing on one leg, running, or walking. If you have low arches or flat feet, you will likely need a stability shoe as it will provide better arch support. Many people assume that if you have high arches you need a stability shoe with more arch support, but this is rarely the case. If you have a high arch and a neutral gait (no overpronation), you should let your feet and ankles do the work and not rely on a stability shoe. Luckily there are dozens of options for both types of feet, so let’s get into some of my favorites.

Best Running Shoes For Neutral Runners

Brooks Glycerin 21

The Glycerin 21 is a popular, highly-cushioned running shoe from Brooks. The Glycerin has become a fan favorite for its soft feel and unmatched bounce. Plus, being in its 21st iteration, you can feel secure knowing that the Glycerin has served runners well for years.

Best Running Shoes For Stability Runners

Asics GT 2000 12

The Asics GT 2000 version 12 is a lightweight and bouncy stability option from Asics. Many stability shoes feel heavy and clunky, but Asics has found a way to alleviate overpronation without sacrificing lightweight performance

Best Running Shoes For Trail Running

Brooks Cascadia 17

If you’re looking to hit the trails for a run, getting a shoe with better traction and grip is the best option. Trail shoes have lugs on the outsole that help with stabilizing your feet on wet rocks and slick mud. The Brooks Cascadia is a no frills, do it all shoe that will make trail miles fly by in comfort.

Best Running Shoes For A Lightweight Option

Hoka Mach 6

Whether you're doing sprints on the treadmill or have a 5k goal race in mind, a lightweight running shoe may be the best option for you. The Hoka Mach 6 is a neutral running shoe that weighs less than most shoes on the market, making it perfect if you want to pick up the pace or feel less weighed down.

Best Running Shoes For Looks

On Cloudeclipse

Although this is super subjective, I think On has some of the best looking running shoes out there. With a chunky midsole and a unique look, the On Cloudeclipse delivers on fashion and function. While this shoe may be categorized as neutral, there are stability elements, such as a plastic speedboard to add rigidity to the foam, making it a great shoe for people with all arch types.

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

Header image via MarathonFoto.com