Laura Marie Meyers
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Laura Marie Meyers

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digital culture

Forgot a Card? 4 Digital Ways to Say Happy Father's Day

If you're looking for a last-minute way to wish your dad a happy Father's Day, then we've come up with four thoughtful, creative alternatives he's sure to appreciate.


If you're looking for a last-minute way to wish your dad a happy Father's Day, then we've come up with four thoughtful, creative alternatives he's sure to appreciate. Whether you have two minutes or two hours to spare, these ideas will help you tell your father you love him. If paper cards aren't your thing, then here are four unique Father's Day greetings to consider:

  1. Email an ecard — Whether it's a quirky, sarcastic pick from Someecards.com or a more heartfelt note from an online greeting card provider, there are plenty of fun, free options across the web. Even better? The card appears instantly in his email, not in several days like with snail mail.
  2. Create a gif — Get in on the gif craze and make your own to share with your dad. Use the Gif Shop iOS App to create one right on your iPhone, then send it with some funny or thoughtful text to make it extra meaningful.
  3. Record an audio file — Can't make it home to celebrate? Sing a song, tell a joke, or say a sweet message, then send it to Dad as an mp3 file. That way he can hear your voice even if you're far from home.
  4. Make a Photoshop design — Create a funny magazine cover or a scrapbook-style collage in Photoshop. Another idea: go old-school with Microsoft Paint and draw a silly picture that's sure to make him laugh.
iPhone Apps

Celebrate the GIF's Birthday, Make Your Own

You go, GIF! The World Wide Web may not be able to agree on the pronunciation of the Internet's most indispensable moving image, but we're excited to celebrate its 26th year of existence.

You go, GIF! The World Wide Web may not be able to agree on the pronunciation of the Internet's most indispensable moving image, but we're excited to celebrate its 26th year of existence.

To celebrate the endless entertainment GIFs provide, why not play around and design your own? Whether you're a hard-core techie or a beginner who prefers to keep things simple, we've rounded up a variety of apps and websites to help you make a creative GIF.

Wedding Decor

From Capes to Comic Books: Creative Ideas For a Superhero Wedding

When it comes to fun, playful wedding ideas, a superhero theme is every comic fan's dream come true.

When it comes to fun, playful wedding ideas, a superhero theme is every comic fan's dream come true. Whether you're hoping for simple, subtle touches or all-out comic book mania, we've rounded up creative ideas to help you channel your favorite characters. From real wedding inspiration to affordable Etsy finds, here are 20 festive ways to channel your favorite superheroes on the big day.

digital culture

Father's Day Cards For Your Geeky Dad

For a fun, unique Father's Day card, look no further than Etsy; there are plenty of creative options there to suit your dad's geeky style.

For a fun, unique Father's Day card, look no further than Etsy; there are plenty of creative options there to suit your dad's geeky style. Whether he's a pop-culture nerd or an enthusiastic comic collector, we've found original, playful options for all types of geeky fathers. Looking for a way to say "I love you" before June 16? Choose from one of these great Father's Day card picks.

Editor's Pick

9 Must-Have Apps For Brides-to-Be

Guest lists, invitations, seating charts, decorations — planning a wedding forces you to manage countless details.

Guest lists, invitations, seating charts, decorations — planning a wedding forces you to manage countless details. Luckily, there are apps for that. Whether you're hunting for the perfect dress or trying to keep track of your expenses, these easy-to-use apps make the planning process much, much easier. From in-depth checklists to creative inspiration boards, here are nine must-have apps to help you organize your big day.

Father's Day

Darth to Szalinski: Our Favorite Geeky Fathers in Pop Culture

In celebration of Father's Day, we're taking a look at some of the most memorable geeky dads from film and television.

In celebration of Father's Day, we're taking a look at some of the most memorable geeky dads from film and television. Whether they were science nerds or die-hard dinosaur fanatics, these fathers had plenty of dorky quirks. From Danny Tanner to Darth Vader, here are 12 of our favorite geeky fathers in pop culture.

summer

How to Turn Your Backyard Into an Outdoor Movie Theater

The next time you crave a movie night, skip the local cinema and step into your backyard instead.

The next time you crave a movie night, skip the local cinema and step into your backyard instead. With minimal supplies and a simple, straightforward setup, you can create an outdoor theater for you and your friends. Hoping to soak up the warm evenings this season? Pop some popcorn, grab a few blankets, and follow these tips to watch your favorite flick right in your own backyard.

Choose the Space

  • You can't have a movie without power, so be sure to find a spot outdoors with access to outlets.
  • Design your setup with lighting in mind. Make sure that nearby house lights, street lights, or passing car headlights won't reflect against your movie screen.

Build a Screen

  • Can't afford a retractable projector screen? Not to worry: there are plenty of DIY options. Opt for a plain, white wall or crisp, white sheets, either tautly taped or sewn together, to act as the display.
  • For a clear, crisp image, create a makeshift blackout cloth by attaching dark fabric to the back of your white screen.
  • If you're worried that your sheet will wrinkle or shift in the wind, then you can secure it with a thin frame made of wood or lightweight piping.

Set Up the Technology

  • The gist: connect the video signal from your DVD player into the projector, then connect the audio signal from your DVD player into the speakers.
  • Sure, you can go all out with surround sound, but a pair of basic computer speakers are a perfectly fine, easy-to-set-up alternative.
  • Adjusting the size of your projection is as simple as moving the projector itself either closer to or farther from the screen.

Source: Flickr user plural

summer

Plan Smooth Summer Entertaining in Seven Apps

Let's face it, parties are awesome, but party planning can be more than a little stressful.

Let's face it, parties are awesome, but party planning can be more than a little stressful. Luckily, these apps will help you streamline your to-do lists and manage all aspects of the event, just in time for the kickoff of Summer. Whether you need a customized menu, drink recipes, or easy party games, we've found apps that are sure to simplify the planning process. Download these seven apps to make your next event the season's best.

summer

Sayonara, Sunburns! Apps For Staying Safe in the Summer Sun

Spending some time in the Summer sun is a blast — until you start to burn.

Spending some time in the Summer sun is a blast — until you start to burn. In honor of Don't Fry Day, the sun protection awareness day that takes place each Friday before Memorial Day, we've found a few apps to help keep your skin out of burn-and-peel territory. From local UV index forecasts to personalized product suggestions, these apps are sure to turn your beach days into smooth sailing. Hoping to avoid a postvacation sunburn nightmare? Download these apps to make smart sun protection a breeze.

Geek gear

11 Tech Items to Consider For Your Wedding Registry

Technology may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your wedding registry, but the gifting possibilities go beyond traditional fine china, fancy flatware, and bedding.

Technology may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your wedding registry, but the gifting possibilities go beyond traditional fine china, fancy flatware, and bedding. If you depend on geeky gadgets on a day-to-day basis, feel free to add a few to your list. This isn't to say that you should go nuts at Best Buy scanning each and every dream gift, but it's important to include items that you genuinely want and need.

A good place to start: learn the proper registry protocol. Etiquette experts at Emily Post offer smart wedding registry rules to help you navigate the formalities. Anna Post confirms that it's perfectly OK to create a more unconventional registry with camping or tech items, but you should also provide guests with a more traditional list, too. Hoping to include some technology, but not sure where to start? Here are a few basic items to consider:

  • DSLR camera, like the Nikon D800
  • Laptop
  • iPad
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Record player, like this affordable Wood Turntable
  • iPod speakers
  • Blu-Ray player
  • Gaming system
  • Stereo system with surround sound
  • The Nest Thermostat
  • High-tech washer/dryer

Current and former brides-to-be: Did you include any technology on your registry? If so, which items? Share your suggestions in the comments below!

Tech Style

Bachelorette Party Destinations For the Geek Girl and Crew

For a geeky bride's bachelorette bash, skip the standard Sin City routine and head for a nerd-friendly spots instead.

For a geeky bride's bachelorette bash, skip the standard Sin City routine and head for a nerd-friendly spots instead. Whether she's a hardcore Harry Potter nerd or a science enthusiast with a passion for astronomy, we've picked a variety of party destinations to suit her style. Check out these six cities to get inspired for a creative weekend where the bride and crew can let their geek flags fly.

Editor's Pick

10 Favorite Geeks From '90s TV Shows

Some of our all-time favorite geeks come from classic '90s television shows.

Some of our all-time favorite geeks come from classic '90s television shows. Whether it was their supersize specs or their strange, silly mannerisms, these nerds managed to win our hearts with their quirky, lovable personalities. From Steve Urkel to Screech Powers, here are 10 TV geeks we couldn't help but adore.

digital culture

Vintage Camera Apps Beyond Instagram

All about the photo filters, but craving some new tricks?

All about the photo filters, but craving some new tricks? These cool vintage camera apps can help you create fun, retro snaps with an old-school vibe without always defaulting to Valencia. From unique effects to mix-and-match lens and film combinations, you'll have access to hundreds of photo possibilities. To step up your smartphone snaps, check out these eight vintage camera app options.

Eco

5 Apps to Track Your Carbon Footprint

Looking for a great, simple way to go extra green this Spring?

Looking for a great, simple way to go extra green this Spring? Try calculating your carbon footprint on a regular basis with one of these straightforward, easy-to-use iPhone apps. Whether you're looking for an elaborate tracking method or a basic way to monitor fuel efficiency, here are five apps to help you become more eco-conscious.

Geek gear

Celebrate 3.14 With These Quirky Pi Products

Did you know that March 14 (3.14) is National Pi Day?

Did you know that March 14 (3.14) is National Pi Day? First found by San Francisco Exploratorium physicist and “Prince of Pi” Larry Shaw 25 years ago, this holiday is celebrated by number lovers all over the world. Get festive on this geekiest of days by checking out these fun pi products. From a polished pi flask to a cheeky pi pie pan (ha!), here are 10 great items to help you get in the mathematical spirit.

digital life

Get Crafty With These Must-Have DIY Apps

If you're all about the at-home design projects, then there's one item that definitely belongs in your toolbox: your smartphone.

If you're all about the at-home design projects, then there's one item that definitely belongs in your toolbox: your smartphone. With apps that cover everything from inspiration to measurements to step-by-step instructions, you'll develop a smoother, more efficient DIY routine. Whether you need a fresh new color palette or a cool project idea, these apps will help you make it happen. Hoping to step up your arts and crafts habit? Check out these eight must-have DIY apps to kickstart your creativity.

Grammys

Rock Out With These Cool Karaoke Apps

Whether you're a pitch-perfect singer or just a fun-loving karaoke enthusiast, we're celebrating the Grammys with apps that'll have you channeling your inner superstar.

Whether you're a pitch-perfect singer or just a fun-loving karaoke enthusiast, we're celebrating the Grammys with apps that'll have you channeling your inner superstar. We've found various apps to suit your singing style, with features ranging from advanced Auto-Tune to creative music video options. Love to perform? Check out these seven karaoke apps to amp up your recordings.

Geek Fitness

12 Apps For (Almost) Every Kind of Fitness Regimen

As you look to push your fitness routine this year, combine your love for technology and health with fitness apps that boost your training.

As you look to push your fitness routine this year, combine your love for technology and health with fitness apps that boost your training. Whether you're pushing to improve your run times or hoping to find a new cycling route, we've rounded up 12 of the best apps to enhance your workout experience and get you moving with a purpose.