Time on TikTok Death Clock Running Out

We’re as close as ever to a complete TikTok ban and shutdown, but what does it mean?

We all know someone who is obsessed with TikTok, if it’s not you then it’s someone close to you, or both. One person I know who spends a great deal of time scrolling on the app is my wife. She’s not watching TV or streaming Netflix, she’s literally laughing out loud for hours at video after video. She’s also got her list of favorite social media influencers that she’s devoted to.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but I wonder what she and millions of others will do when and if it’s removed from the country.

Next Sunday, January 19^th is the day that the Federal law says it has to go unless its owner, based in China, sells the app to an American-based company.

The Supreme Court recently took another step closer to holding up that law leaving us all wondering if this is actually going to happen.

Many wonder if we can still use the app, and you’ll be happy to know that using it is not illegal. If it gets banned then no one knows for sure what exactly is going to happen. However, when TikTok was banned in India in 2020 it simply disappeared.

One of the things that will happen is that the app stores will no longer be able to offer it so if it’s not on your phone already you won’t be able to get it.

Over one hundred seventy million people in America already have it and won’t be able to get updates. The companies who provide the software updates will be forced to pay huge fines if they do so.

If you continue to use it after the ban it will become virtually unusable by freezing, moving extremely slowly, and basically not fun anymore. It will be similar to when you use an old laptop to access the internet, it will take a long time to view videos if they even play at all. Eventually, it will become completely obsolete.

There are some things you can do to continue enjoying it after the ban. One way being suggested is using the web to go to the TikTok website, however, it will be a bare-bones version so your experience will not be the same at all. There are other workarounds, but you’d be much more susceptible to being hacked.

Politicians are claiming they can save the app, and are asking to push back the date of the ban. This will give them more time to help negotiate a sale of the app, but there’s no way of knowing how long that could take.

Another possibility is that the government will allow the ban, but not enforce the law. Whatever happens, we should find out within the next week.

One thing I know will happen if TikTok is erased from our lives, my wife’s cute and fun laugh will be heard less in our house, and less laughter is never a good thing.

Whether the bride doesn’t enjoy spending hours dancing under neon lights or wants to skip the usual over-the-top bachelorette traditions, there are plenty of low-key and low-profile bachelorette party ideas. Some activities include fun ways to unwind and get your body moving to creative spins on classic party themes.

This year, I’ll be stepping into the bridesmaid role, and after chatting with the fabulous group of women in the wedding lineup (and reflecting on my own bachelorette party back in 2022) I’ve realized something important: not every bride wants to “turn up.” Translation: bar hopping and clubbing aren’t every bride’s cup of tea. Some prefer a vibe that’s more low-key and low-profile.

Maybe it’s about keeping it simple with just one special evening or skipping the extravagant bachelorette trip to save for something more meaningful. And honestly, who can blame them? When guests are already making travel plans for the big day, asking the bridal squad to dish out even more for a weekend getaway can feel like a big ask.

So, let’s embrace the idea that low-key doesn’t mean less fun—it just means curating a celebration that fits the bride’s style. Think cozy wine tastings, yoga retreats, DIY spa nights, or even nostalgic sleepovers with all the snacks. The key is creating a celebration that feels right for the bride and her friends.

Cooking together is both interactive and rewarding. Set up a sushi-making station with all the essentials and let everyone create their rolls. You can also try a personal pizza night. Prepare pizza dough and invite everyone to bring their favorite toppings. It’s budget-friendly and lets everyone get creative with flavors. Pair with drinks or desserts for a cozy evening at home.

For a more relaxed night, hire a private chef. This allows everyone to sit back, enjoy high-quality food, and focus on spending time together.

A trip to a board game bar combines food, drinks, and games in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s an easy way for everyone to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. Bonus: This is something you can easily do at someone's place. For a twist, try a themed trivia night where you can dress up to match the theme and create a hilarious team name,

Treat the group to a day of relaxation at a local spa or even a weekend retreat. Massages, facials, and sauna sessions are perfect for helping everyone feel refreshed and ready for the big day. If you're looking at a strict budget try recreating an at-home spa experience.

A private cabin with a hot tub and an open fire in nature whether it be surrounded by mountains or in the deep of the woods is a great way to unwind and celebrate. Spend the weekend soaking in the hot tub, enjoying the quiet, a bonfire and making memories.

If it’s been a while since you last visited an amusement park, this is your chance. Spend the day riding roller coasters, enjoying live shows, and indulging in classic treats like cotton candy and funnel cake. This is a simple and fun idea that doesn’t require much planning but guarantees plenty of laughs and good times. And it doesn't have to be a long drawn-out weekend.

For a bride who loves to stay active, combine movement and fun with a day of fitness and dance. Start with a group fitness class, like barre, yoga, or cycling, to energize everyone. Then, switch things up with a dance-focused activity, such as a private ballet or ballroom class, a swing dance outing, or even a hip-hop session. Wrap up the day by making fresh juices or smoothies together for a refreshing and healthy way to wind down.