Feed aggregator

The night that Shubhangini Prakash went into labor with her second child was the same night she learned about her acceptance into the prestigious Target accelerator — and it started right away. This meant that the owner of the waterless and nontoxic skincare brand Feather & Bone, the products for which she designs and formulates herself, was hard at work from her hospital bed, a brand new baby in her arms.

Now 39, Prakash was inspired to start her skincare line after battling a bad reaction to a product when she was just 12 years old, drawing on her family’s Indian heritage and natural ingredients, always with an eye toward sustainability.

“Our products are inspired by Indian traditions but backed by science,” she says. And while the business has been in the works for decades, it wasn’t until she became a mother that things really took off. 

Moms are often celebrated for being able to “do it all.” And while the multitasking of motherhood knows no bounds, there’s so much more to the story of building a business while raising kids at the same time. We caught up with Shubhangini Prakash over email about all things motherhood and business.

Tell us a little bit about you and your family

My name is Shubhangini aka Shubs. I am a mom of two little boys and we live in Jersey City. I am Indian but grew up in Dubai and went to boarding school in England. My husband is Polish so our house is always filled with a mix of Bollywood and Polish music. We are big music people. 

What is the “origin story” of your business?

When I was 12 years old, I had a bad skincare reaction to a face wash product I had used many times before. Nothing was calming it down — burning, itching, redness — and going to school with this reaction was terrifying.

I was too scared to try other products, especially after what a doctor gave me made the reaction worse. My mum, who is super into clean skincare, introduced me to Indian sandalwood. She said this will help with the burning, and it did instantly.

I started wondering about the skin and what we need, especially natural plant ingredients. I started to make all kinds of mixes and masks at home, and soon that led to formulating my first product, now known as the Face Gems. 

During business school, I was taking a mix of pricing and product development classes, which all led to an a-ha moment of evolving this formula into a tablet/bead. I sat in our chemistry lab at school and hand-pressed a bunch of tablets. Everyone around me thought this was a crazy idea. Why would anyone want this? But I felt there was something [there], so I took this bunch of hand-pressed tablets, a mockup of the packaging, and went to a Whole Foods trade show. I got an order for 30 stores…and so the journey began. 

Feather & Bone owner Shubhangini Prakash Credit: Photo courtesy of Shubhangini Prakash

What is the secret sauce to scaling a business while also juggling motherhood?

For me it is being patient and kind with myself. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been important to go through the ups and downs of the business and raising kids. As women we want to do it all and be great at it all but I have realized that it can be hard.

Some days if your kiddo is sick and you have been up all night you might be too tired to work. And that is OK. Or if you are at a conference and your kids miss you and you have mom guilt like no tomorrow, that is also OK. Allowing myself to take a day off or make mistakes has been huge. 

I also involve my kids with my work, not just in online content but taking them with me to the post office or helping me fill packages, etc. I get to hang out with them, teach them things. So I don’t always have to pick one or the other. Sometimes it can be together. And a lot of this has come from being patient and kind with myself. I’ve been able to create spaces where the two can live together. 

Is there anything about being a mom that has helped you with your career? Or vice versa? 

Personally one of the best things I have found with being crunched on time, my efficiency has improved dramatically. There are always hundreds of things to do, but I have learned to figure out quickly what is the most important task. I have learned the importance of grace and kindness to myself.

I realized if I want my kids to learn it — I have to do it, too! So in my madness, I carve out my 20 minutes of me time, my meditative time, and if things don't go as planned it is OK! 

Also the importance of being positive, leading by example, and thinking outside of the box: All of these have shown up in motherhood and career, but in different ways, which then opened up my thinking.

Feather & Bone owner Shubhangini Prakash with her children. Credit: Photo courtesy of Shubhangini Prakash Prakash learned that she was accepted into the Target accelerator program the night she went into labor. Credit: Photo courtesy of Shubhangini Prakash

When it comes to the content you create online under the Feather & Bone Instagram account, what is your "personal brand" — what are you hoping people will get from your content?

Be you. I am all about embracing your inner weird and not worrying about anyone judging you. I think my hope is that people watching feel inspired to also embrace their inner weird and let themselves be themselves.

It is so easy on social media to fall into a trap of thinking you're not enough or doing enough, so my hope is that people watching our content recognize that they are doing enough and are enough.

If I want my kids to be confident in who they are and stay positive, I have to show it, too, and live it, too. 

Top 3 things you can't live without as a mom (could be products, apps, even childcare — interpret as you wish!)

• My friends and family’s support: Whether that is to vent about the tough days or help when we need it or just to have a laugh about the silly moments of momhood. This also extends into the support from my son's school and the local mommy WhatsApp groups. 

• Disney+: Definitely helps when you need to get something done or even just a quiet moment! 

• Jersey City Recreation desk: Kids need all kinds of entertainment and classes can get super expensive. As a resident of Jersey City, we have access to extremely affordable (sometimes even free) sports, arts, and music classes. It has been amazing to teach the kids all kinds of activities. 

Top 3 things you can't live without in your professional role

• My people support system: From advisors to entrepreneur friends to my husband who all help me navigate the craziness of running a business, always keeping me grounded and reminding me why I am doing this when things get tough. 

• My to-do notebook: I am a big list maker, so having a notebook where I list all the things I need to do helps me be super organized. 

• Practicing resilience and reflection: Whether that is reading about others who practice it or doing it myself, it has helped me be rooted, creative, and a better problem solver. 

What do you wish more people knew/understood about working moms?

That we are essentially doing two jobs. Being a mom is a job. Yes I love my kids, but raising kids is a full-time job. 

What advice do you have for other moms looking to launch their own business?

The juggle is not easy, it’s not perfect. I remember after my second son was born it took over a year plus to figure out my routine. It was always just so hard to figure out the balance and the timing. I would end up not working at all or overworking and would just be exhausted all the time. 

So with that, have a clear understanding of what your goals are and the timeframe in which you want to achieve [them]. Because what you are thinking and the reality [of it] can be far apart.

Understand your support system from professional to personal — especially with your partner. You both need to understand how you launching a business will change things and evolve roles, especially if you are going from a stay-at-home mom to a working mom. And again, always be kind, patient, and loving to yourself. 

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

I'll be the first to admit that I did not need a $170 alarm clock to stop using my phone at night and actually get some good rest. After all, willpower is free, and in general, most alarm clocks are much cheaper.

Still, I was intrigued by the Loftie Clock, from the positive reviews it received across the board, often citing its pleasant "wakeup" sounds that replace the classic blaring alarm. As a lifelong night owl who now works East Coast hours from Los Angeles, I made the case over and over to myself about why I should invest in one — but I could never quite get over the sticker shock.

Loftie Clock $169.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

That was until I came across Loftie's refurbished section. Combined with a coupon from the Shop app, I got the $170 Loftie down to $96 for a refurbished clock in "Great" condition. Though $96 is still steep, it was at least below triple digits, and after spending nearly a year with it, I'm convinced I'll use this alarm clock until it dies.

Though it is technically a "smart" clock in that it can connect to an app, once I set it up with my phone, I can use all of its functions just with the clock. The biggest reason I wanted an alarm clock was so I could leave my phone outside of my bedroom at night, so this was a huge plus.

The night light is a godsend for anyone who's opposed to overhead lighting. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

What I appreciate most about this clock, however, was that it is maybe the only alarm I have ever used that doesn't jolt me awake. I have aspirations of being a person with a healthy REM cycle, but for the time being, I am not. If I want to wake up on time, I need an alarm. Unlike using a song to wake up (an excellent way to Pavlov yourself into hating the music you like) or a standard iPhone alarm (just generally grating), the Loftie clock comes with a two-alarm system that manages to nail the balance of soothing sounds that can actually wake you up.

The initial setup screen on the app clues you into how much this clock can do. Credit: Screenshot: Loftie The app interface after setup is easy to navigate, showing the essentials on the home page. Credit: Screenshot: Loftie

The system works by playing an initial "wakeup tone" followed by a "getup tone", which plays either nine, six, three, or zero minutes after the first one, depending on your settings. If the wakeup tone is akin to a sound bath, the getup tone is a bird gently chirping outside your window. In other words, the reviews about this clock being downright pleasant to wake up to weren't lying.

The Loftie's display is minimal, and though it's tinier than most standard alarm clocks, I can still read it from about a foot away, squinting, if I happen to wake up in the middle of the night. (For anyone unimpressed by that, I have a -6.5 prescription in both eyes). The smaller display also means I don't deal with a glaring light in my room. Once I moved in with my partner, we found that he was slightly more sensitive to the light, but switching to the clock's red mode did the trick. There's also an option to turn off the display altogether if you're extra sensitive to light.

The red light is much easier on the eyes when it's dark. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The features I've described so far are enough to make the clock worth it to me, and I say this as someone who's tried out other premium sleep tech. Additional features include:

• A bed signal alarm that can help remind you to wind down at night

• A Bluetooth speaker that allows you to stream audio directly from your phone

• A built-in night light that's easy to turn on and off in the middle of the night

• Preloaded sleep machine sounds, sound baths, and guided meditations

• Excellent customer service: I had a small issue connecting my clock to WiFi after a move, but when I reached out to the Loftie team (from my personal email), they responded within four minutes. You can also book 15-minute live support sessions if you need more hands-on help.

• The option for a Loftie+ membership, which comes out to $5.99 per month or $49.99 per year

It's not an absolute necessity, but it's definitely one of the nicer luxuries I've treated myself to. With the amount of use I get out of it (and the hours I've saved myself from doomscrolling), I would make the decision to pay $96 for it all over again. (Though, I can't say I recommend buying the Loftie at full price.)

Shop Loftie clocks and lamps Loftie Alarm Clock $169.99 at Amazon Shop Now Refurbished Loftie Clock $109.99 at Loftie Shop Now Loftie Lamp $449.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Not content to battle it out in the boardroom, crypto bros, tech executives and start-up founders have embraced an old-fashioned version of masculinity.

TL;DR: Bring home a powerful refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (3.1GHz i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for just $329.97 (reg. $1,499) through June 1, while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (3.1GHz i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $329.97
$1,499 Save $1,169.03 Get Deal

In the market for a new laptop? If you want a powerful device, but don’t want to shell out thousands of dollars, you have great timing. This refurbished MacBook Pro is currently on sale for $329.97 — $1,170 off the usual price tag — through June 1, while supplies last.

This MacBook Pro is packed with features for just $330

The MacBook Pro is Apple’s priciest laptop, but this amazing deal gives you access to all of its bells and whistles for a fraction of the usual price. The powerful 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of memory make multitasking a breeze. For more demanding tasks, it also has Turbo Boost technology that can ramp speeds up to 3.5GHz.

Looking for a laptop with enough storage for your files? The MacBook Pro has an ample 512GB of flash storage. If you need to connect an external hard drive or another device, there are four Thunderbolt 3 ports available for charging and connecting.

This particular model includes the Apple Touch Bar, a limited-edition feature that makes life a little easier by serving up shortcuts, spelling suggestions, and other customization buttons depending on what app you’re running. There’s also a Force Touch trackpad that provides precise cursor control and gesture recognition, and a backlit keyboard for easy typing even at night.

Though it’s packed with all these features, this MacBook Pro weighs just 3.02 pounds, so you can carry all this power anywhere. And you’re scoring it at a steal thanks to its grade A refurbished rating, which means it will arrive in near-mint condition (while you still enjoy a deep discount).

Tackle work or play on this MacBook Pro for just $329.97 (reg. $1,499) through June 1, while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Stay on top of your nutrition with a lifetime subscription to MacroSnap AI Calorie Tracker, now just $39.99 (reg. $209.97).

Opens in a new window Credit: With Bytes MacroSnap AI Calorie Tracker: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$209.97 Save $169.98 Get Deal

If you’re on a quest to eat healthier, why not let an app help? MacroSnap AI is a smart food logging app that makes food logging as easy as taking a photo with your phone. This handy app helps you track your nutrition easily, and a lifetime subscription can be yours now for just $39.99 (reg. $209.97).

Let AI help you eat healthier

If you want to keep track of your nutrition, MacroSnap AI is ready to make it effortless. Just take a photo of your food (or select one from your camera roll), and let MacroSnap’s advanced AI take over. It will identify the food and calculate nutrition information, including a detailed macronutrient breakdown.

If you’re looking to reach a specific goal, like muscle gain or weight loss, MacroSnap can help. It provides daily goals tailored to your body and lifestyle. You’ll receive real-time progress tracking with a dashboard that updates after every meal.

See your progress via daily, weekly, and monthly nutrition stats. And there’s even an AI nutrition coach on hand to provide custom advice, send you reminders and tips, and help you stay motivated.

Disclaimer: This app’s AI-based calorie estimates may not be accurate, and all nutrition plans are general recommendations. This lifetime subscription is available to new users and requires a working Google account to redeem your license.

Start eating healthier today with help from MacroSnap AI Calorie Tracker, now just $39.99 for life.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Power up efficiently with the TsumoCharge 100W USB-C silicone charging cable, now just $39.99 for a 4-pack (reg. $59.96) — the best price on the web.

Opens in a new window Credit: Statik Statik TsumoCharge 100W USB-C Silicone Charging Cable (4-Pack) $39.99
$59.96 Save $19.97 Get Deal

Tired of spending money on charging cables that inevitably fray and end up in the trash? The TsumoCharge charging cable offers a solution that is built to last, thanks to its thick silicone construction. And you can currently score a four-pack for just $39.99 (reg. $59.96) — the best price on the web.

Stop wasting money on basic charging cords

The TsumoCharge is a cable you can actually rely on, offering an impressively strong build ready to withstand 20,000 bends. Made of 6mm-thick, durable silicone, the TsumoCharge won’t fray or tangle. Even the plugs are sturdier, as they’re made from premium zinc alloy that’s ready for even the heaviest usage.

Aside from being more durable than your average cord, the TsumoCharge also offers ultra-fast charging with BlitzCharge, which delivers four times the power of standard cables, with a maximum output of 100W. It gets your devices — phones, laptops, drones, and tablets — powered up quickly.

Need to transfer data? That’s also speedy, with fast file transfer up to 480 Mbps between USB-C devices.

A smart chip monitors the charging status of your device and regulates current flow, so you can rest easy knowing your devices won’t be overcharged. And it comes with a leather cable wrap that keeps your TsumoCharge cable neat and safe.

Make your charging setup more durable and effective with the TsumoCharge 100W USB-C silicone charging cable, now just $10 a piece with this 4-pack for $39.99 (reg. $59.96).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Pump up the bass with these comfortable Sony ULT WEAR over-ear noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones, now just $89.99 (reg. $199.99).

Looking for headphones that feel as great as they sound? The Sony ULT WEAR Over-Ear Headphones combine powerful bass with all-day comfort and noise-cancellation so you can feel the beat and forget the outside noise. And right now, you can save $110 and get a pair for just $89.99.

These feature-packed headphones offer high-quality sound and comfort

Looking for a comfortable way to listen to your favorite content? The Sony ULT WEAR Over-Ear Headphones provide immersive and bold sound, with a ULT button to tap into ultra-deep bass whenever you really want to feel the music.

Planning to use these on your morning commute? You can block out the background noise and listen to your favorite podcast or go-to playlists in peace with the Sony ULT WEAR’s smart noise-canceling technology. Adaptive sound control determines where you are and what you’re doing, so ambient sound settings adjust depending on your activity.

If you’re kicking it old school, you’ll hear the music the way it was intended, thanks to the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine that produces high-quality sound closer to the original recording. And if you change up genres, you can set multiple presets depending on your preferences and change your listening experience as you go.

Thermo-foaming ear cushions make listening a comfy experience, and you can enjoy listening all day long thanks to an impressive 30-hour battery life. You can even rest easy knowing these headphones are sustainable — made from recycled materials, and packaged without plastic.

Curious how you’re saving 55%? These wireless headphones come with a grade “A” refurbished rating, which means they’ll arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition with virtually no sign of prior use.

Tune out in total comfort with the Sony ULT WEAR over-ear noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones, now only $89.99 (reg. $199.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT WEAR Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones (Refurbished) $89.99
$199.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Upgrade your PC for just $14.97 with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license, on sale through June 1.

Do you have an old computer that could use a refresh? Upgrade its operating system and give it new life with Windows 11 Pro, now just $14.97 (reg. $199) through June 1.

If you’ve got an older device lying around, you don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars for a brand new laptop. Just give it a new lease on life with this Windows 11 Pro upgrade. This new operating system is filled with features that can help you tackle both work and play.

What’s new in Windows 11 Pro?

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro was created with modern professionals in mind, but you don’t have to be tackling work to appreciate the new features. It offers a seamless interface that’s easy to navigate, snap layouts, improved voice typing, and a more powerful search experience everyone can benefit from.

We should all be taking our cybersecurity more seriously, and Windows 11 Pro offers advanced security measures like a biometric login, encrypted authentication, and advanced antivirus defenses to beef up your protection.

Need to get work done? Windows 11 Pro includes Microsoft Teams, and also offers some unique professional features. Azure AD lets you manage logins and permissions for employees, while Hyper-V makes it possible to create and run virtual machines to test things. You’ll also get Windows Sandbox, a way to test files safely without risking your computer.

If you’d like to ditch the mouse and keyboard, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro gives you the option to go touchscreen. And it also puts Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, right on your desktop.

Once you tackle all your responsibilities, it’s time to start gaming. Windows 11 Pro includes DirectX 12 Ultimate, with graphics that make you feel like you’re right there in the game.

Note: You’ll need 4GB RAM and 40GB of hard drive space to run Windows 11 Pro, and if you’re running Windows 11 but can’t install upgrades via Windows Update, you won’t be able to install this version either.

Elevate your PC experience with this lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, now just $14.97 (reg. $199) through June 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Windows Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $14.97
$199 Save $184.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 4) in the 2025 NBA playoffs for free on Ran.de. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 NBA playoffs are delivering exactly what fans wanted to see. We're getting really intense battles between the best teams, with the biggest stars shining brightly. Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder looks set to be another tough series, with Nikola Jokić going up against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his young squad of talented teammates.

If you want to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 4) in the 2025 NBA playoffs for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 4)?

Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 4) starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on May 11. This game takes place at Ball Arena.

How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 4) for free

Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 4) in the 2025 NBA playoffs is available to live stream for free on Ran.de.

Ran.de is geo-restricted to Germany, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Germany, meaning you can access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Germany

4. Connect to Ran.de

5. Watch Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 4) for free

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA playoffs before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Ran.de, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Germany

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 4) for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Save $417 on this AI stock-picking app that can help you navigate crazy markets and keep your cool.

I was watching the first of the month’s market crashes and wondered, ‘Does it make sense to invest right now?’ I’d always been curious about the stock market, at least in terms of how people actually got rich by practically gambling, but I didn’t have a single clue where to begin — let alone how to even buy a stock.

Once I saw a TikTok calling this period a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (take that with a grain of salt), I decided to take my chance. But I needed help researching everything: what stocks to choose and how to track them. That’s when I found Sterling Stock Picker, and made my first investment with their $68.99 lifetime subscription (reg. $486).

How I invested my first dollar

My biggest concern wasn’t that the market wouldn’t eventually recover, but that I would choose ‘bad’ stocks due to my lack of experience. Sterling Stock Picker helped me feel calm with the 5-minute questionnaire covering my wants and ability to handle risk.

Then, I started researching stocks with help from AI. I also learned about something called exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are like groups of stocks. I didn’t know what these were at first, so I consulted the AI assistant, Finley AI, and it told me that it’s like putting a stake into a huge nest of companies at once rather than individually.

Once I selected a few ETFs to invest in, I opened a free brokerage account (sadly, you can’t directly invest through Sterling Stock Picker). I purchased my shares and put the information into Sterling Stock Picker so I could view my portfolio with fun graphs and charts and get alerts when prices change — which may help me determine when to sell.

How it’s going

Well, it’s only been a little while since I’ve made my investments and, if you’ve been keeping up with the news, things have been up and down. One day, my $1,000 portfolio was up $100, and the next, it was down $20. 

As a total beginner, I won’t offer any formal advice to you other than to do your research and be well-informed, and Sterling Stock Picker is a great tool to do just that.

Get a Sterling Stock Picker lifetime subscription for $68.99 (reg. $486).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: SSP Software Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription $68.99
$486 Save $417.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Arkansas with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Your access to the online world is not always guaranteed. There are restrictions and blockades all over the place, and sometimes your favorite site will be behind a wall.

A number of states have introduced laws that require visitors to upload ID before accessing pornography sites. As a result, Pornhub has banned visitors from those states from accessing their website. There are complicated reasons for this ban, but the workaround is straightforward.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Arkansas, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Arkansas

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Pornhub for free in Arkansas with ExpressVPN.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

An email folder.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

INBOX

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Heard on Easter Sunday.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 11, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

RISEN

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A problem solver.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 11 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 11, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

FIXER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A subject.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 11 Hurdle Word 4 answer

THEME

Final Hurdle hint

A holy cup.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

DEBUG

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 11 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: To amuse

• Green: To avoid

• Blue: Seen in Minecraft, Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, etc.

• Purple: They share a second word

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Make happy

• Green: Evade

• Blue: Common video game features

• Purple: Mother ___

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #700 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Make happy: DELIGHT, PLEASE, SUIT, TICKLE

• Evade: DODGE, DUCK, SHAKE, SKIRT

• Common video game features: BOSS, HEALTH, LEVEL, POWER-UP

• Mother ___: EARTH, GOOSE, MAY I, SUPERIOR

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 11

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 10 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 11 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Happy ...

The words are holiday-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are ways to honor Mom.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Mothers Day

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for May 11

• Flowers

• Cards

• Mothers Day

• Breakfast

• Cards

• Party

• Drawings

• Hugs

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for May 10 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 11, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A wooden fastener.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

DOWEL.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 11

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is currently serving 11 years in prison for defrauding investors with her scam-laden blood testing start-up. Her partner, with whom she shares two children, is currently trying to raise $50 million for a blood testing start-up.

Despite the internet's initial response that it must be satire or fake...nope. This story is very real and reported in the Tony pages of the New York Times. Billy Evans' company is called Haemanthus — a flower also known as the blood lily — and bills itself as “the future of diagnostics” with “a radically new approach to health testing,” the Times reported. That sounds, well, pretty much exactly like Theranos.

You might wonder why Evans, described by the Times as an heir to a hotel fortune, wants to get into blood-testing of all businesses. And frankly, your guess is as good as mine. Maybe because technically it's the family business?

Citing unnamed sources, NPR reported Evans has "raised millions" so far, but mostly "among friends, family and other supporters." The company reportedly plans to begin testing pets for diseases before moving on to people.

The internet simply couldn't believe this whole story was real. One user on Bluesky poking fun at the headline had to clarify that no, the story was neither AI nor a joke.

The absolute fucking cackle I let out at this headline

[image or embed]

— Mrs. Detective Pikajew, Esq. (@clapifyoulikeme.favrd.social) May 10, 2025 at 11:32 AM

Stop asking me if this is fake or AI 😭😭😭 www.nytimes.com/2025/05/10/b...

[image or embed]

— Mrs. Detective Pikajew, Esq. (@clapifyoulikeme.favrd.social) May 10, 2025 at 12:33 PM

The internet, naturally, also had lots of jokes about Evans' start-up.

So ... I guess Elizabeth Holmes wasn't available for Surgeon General then?

— Stonekettle (@stonekettle.bsky.social) May 8, 2025 at 12:41 PM

It's so romantic that Elizabeth Holmes' boyfriend is starting his own fraudulent blood testing company while she's in prison for fraud

— Ian Boudreau (@ianboudreau.com) May 10, 2025 at 12:22 PM

This is a call from Camp Bryan Federal Prison from *deep voice* Elizabeth Press one to accept the charges. *BEEP* ELIZABETH HOLMES: I have another blood idea.

— Sen. Lemon Gogurt (@ugarles.bsky.social) May 10, 2025 at 12:34 PM

Has it occurred to anyone that maybe Elizabeth Holmes is just a very dainty vampire.

— Tim Carvell (@timcarvell.bsky.social) May 10, 2025 at 12:47 PM

In a time full of weird, unbelievable headlines, it's really remarkable that the news can still be surprising.

If you don't want AI to scrape your music to learn, then it might be time to leave Soundcloud.

The music streaming platform quietly updated its terms of service sometime last year to allow AI to train on audio uploaded to Soundcloud, TechCrunch reported this week.

“You explicitly agree that your Content may be used to inform, train, develop or serve as input to artificial intelligence or machine intelligence technologies or services as part of and for providing the services,” the terms read, via TechCrunch.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Not long after the TechCrunch report was published, Soundcloud clarified that it does not currently use audio uploaded by users to train AI. However, the company did not rule out doing so in the future.

"SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models, nor do we develop AI tools or allow third parties to scrape or use SoundCloud content from our platform for AI training purposes," Marni Greenberg, SVP and head of communications at SoundCloud, told The Verge. "In fact, we implemented technical safeguards, including a 'no AI tag' on our site to explicitly prohibit unauthorized use."

Greenberg further noted that music from major labels would be exempt from any AI training and confirmed that other users would have the opportunity to opt out of any such usage.

Greenberg told The Verge:

"The [terms of service] explicitly prohibits the use of licensed content, such as music from major labels, for training any AI models, including generative AI. For other types of content uploaded to SoundCloud, the TOS allows for the possibility of AI-related use.

Importantly, no such use has taken place to date, and SoundCloud will introduce robust internal permissioning controls to govern any potential future use. Should we ever consider using user content to train generative AI models, we would introduce clear opt-out mechanisms in advance—at a minimum—and remain committed to transparency with our creator community."

So as of right now, if you're uploading music, podcasts, or other audio to Soundcloud, it is not using it to train AI. But it seems Soundcloud is preparing for the day it will.

Google will pay Texas $1.4 billion to settle a pair of lawsuits alleging that the company violated people's privacy rights.

The lawsuit alleged that Google collected users' biometrics without express consent and tracked their locations even if the feature was disable.

SEE ALSO: Google's stock falls as Apple actively considers AI search for Safari

“In Texas, Big Tech is not above the law. For years, Google secretly tracked people’s movements, private searches, and even their voiceprints and facial geometry through their products and services. I fought back and won,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement this week. “This $1.375 billion settlement is a major win for Texans’ privacy and tells companies that they will pay for abusing our trust. I will always protect Texans by stopping Big Tech’s attempts to make a profit by selling away our rights and freedoms.”

The suit involved allegations that Google misused location history in Maps and data in Photos. Texas alleged, for instance, that Google used features in Photos to scan faces. The company told Engadget that Photos scanned faces for organizing purposes only. Google denied wrongdoing as it agreed to the settlement.

“This settles a raft of old claims, many of which have already been resolved elsewhere, concerning product policies we have long since changed,” Google spokesman Jose Castaneda told CNBC. “We are pleased to put them behind us, and we will continue to build robust privacy controls into our services.”

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, May 10, 2025:

AcrossCommon inclusion in a tourist's brochure

• The answer is Map.

Olympic honor

• The answer is Medal.

Any of a set of green plastic toys in "Toy Story"

• The answer is Soldier.

Still on the loose

• The answer is At large.

Driver's license or passport

• The answer is Photo ID.

Star of the Eras Tour

• The answer is Swift.

30, 45 or 50, on a beach bottle: Abbr.

• The answer is SPF.

DownChills (out)

• The answer is Mellows.

Prompt after swiping one's card at an iPad cash register

• The answer is Add a tip.

Form groups of two

• The answer is Pair off.

Flittering fliers around a flame

• The answer is Moths.

Totally authentic

• The answer is Legit.

Sticky stuff

• The answer is Sap.

"No turn on ___" (road sign)

• The answer is Red.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Living in Boston, I've adjusted to the sweltering summers. The best way to survive is a good AC unit and some well-timed trips out of town. So imagine my horror when, three years ago, I moved into an apartment that would make installing an AC unit impossible. With horizontally sliding windows, there was no way to make either a window or a portable AC unit work.

As someone who would probably get the most restful sleep of my life in a walk-in refrigerator, I was worried about being comfortable at night in the Northeast humidity without an AC. However, after some research, a former coworker recommended the Vornado 660 to get me through. And oh man, is it the best $100 I've ever spent.

Vornado 660 Fan $94.85 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $5.14 Shop Now

This table fan doesn't look like much. It doesn't oscillate and comes with just four speed settings, but don't judge a fan by its features. The Vornado 660 fan is the most powerful fan I've ever used. At max or even just medium-high speed, it circulates air vigorously, allowing me to sleep comfortably even when temperatures hit the 90s. That summer without AC, I slept easily and restfully thanks to the Vornado 660.

An air conditioner pulls warm air from a room and recycles it through a refrigerant system to push out cool air, while a fan works by circulating air that evaporates heat on your body. So, while an AC unit tackles the whole room, a fan works best when positioned directly at you. That's the case with the Vornado 660, too, which, when pointed directly at you, keeps your temperature crisp even when it's sweaty outside. But the Vornado also focuses on air circulation, creating a vortex in a room that bounces air flow off walls. While I can't see those air paths to testify to its efficacy, I can attest that using this fan always leaves my room feeling refreshed rather than dense with stale air.

The Vornado 660 only has four settings but oh man are they powerful. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

If I had any beef with the Vornado 660, it's that it is a dust magnet, frequently collecting dust in its grates. Luckily, it can be taken apart for a thorough clean; otherwise, I recommend just developing a regular dusting schedule. But otherwise, it's a fantastic AC alternative, especially since it uses a fraction of the electricity. Even if you could install an AC, if you want to save money on your electric bill, go for a fan instead.

Since procuring the Vornado 660 three years ago, I've bought a second one for our home office. I use the Vornado 660 year-round while sleeping, both as gentle white noise and extra cooling. Even though we now have an AC unit in our bedroom, the fan helps the air stay fresh. Our household is so passionate about the Vornado 660 that my partner and I bring it on vacation when we don't trust our accommodation's cooling options.

If you can't install an AC in your home this summer or want to save on your electric bill, the Vornado 660 fan is my favorite option for staying cool.