Insider Picks 2019
These waterproof sneakers are more than just the perfect adventure shoes — they're lightweight and versatile enough to be your everyday pair
Vessi Founded in 2018, Vessi is a Vancouver-based startup specializing in sneakers that are lightweight, breathable, and 100% waterproof. Their shoes use a proprietary knit material called Dyma-tex, which allows heat and moisture in the form of sweat to escape, but prevents water from entering. In less than a year, the brand saw a 900% increase in sales and eventually sold out completely. Now the sneakers are back in stock, and we tested them out to see if they lived up to the hype and demand. Spoiler: they absolutely did. Product Embed: Product Name: Vessi Cityscape Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5cf82f5711e2052738066804&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% As consumers, we all hate when the things we want are sold out. But as a retailer, a completely sold out stock is actually a good problem to have — and it's one that Vancouver-based sneaker brand Vessi knows all too well. Founded in 2018 by Andy Wang, Tony Yu, and Mikaella Go, Vessi has gained notoriety for its 100% waterproof sneakers. We recently named them the best waterproof sneakers in our buying guide for waterproof footwear, and apparently we're not the only ones who like them so much. In less than one year, the startup went from selling 5,000 pairs a month to 50,000 pairs a month, accounting for a 900% increase in sales. The demand became so overwhelming that Vessi decided to shut down its website for a few weeks in August to catch up on orders and learn more about the thousands of customers who had already bought pairs. "During the period of halting orders, we answered all consumer queries, got on the phone to listen to direct feedback, and we were able to learn even more about what our core customers crave — from seamless policies to product improvements." Yu told Business Insider. Now, the shoes are back in stock, and Vessi is back in business. What makes Vessi's shoes different What separates Vessi from other sneaker brands is the innovative waterproofing technology it uses, and the fact that each pair only weighs 6.7 ounces. Vessi's are the lightest waterproof shoes in the world, making them far more versatile than clunky rain boots, heavy winter boots, or a lightweight shoe that's only water resistant. Its shoes are truly waterproof thanks to a proprietary knit material the brand created called Dyma-tex, which allows for breathability in a way most waterproof materials don't. Essentially, the Dyma-tex material has millions of tiny holes in the membrane to allow heat and moisture in the form of sweat to leave the shoe, while preventing water from seeping in. For good measure, the shoes are also treated with a water-repellent layer to allow dirt, stains, and water to bead right off the surface. Vessi sneakers have become a cult favorite among travelers in need of versatile, waterproof shoes, but they're equally as popular among everyday comfort seekers who would rather rely on a single pair of shoes for all types of weather. Shop all Vessi waterproof sneakers now. Check out our full review of Vessi sneakers:Vessi Everyday Sneaker Vessi Men's Everyday Sneaker, $135, available in three colors Women's Everyday Sneaker, $135, available in three colors The Vessi Everyday Sneaker has all of the basic elements of a knit sneaker from a sportswear brand, which makes it very easy to wear regularly. I've worn my pair a handful of times in New York City, but luckily didn't come in contact with any rain or puddles. So, to put them to the test, I submerged them in a bucket of water and the inside stayed completely dry. I'm confident that the only way your feet would get wet while wearing these is if they were fully submerged and water made its way in from the top. I think it's worth emphasizing that these are not just overpriced water shoes. Vessi sneakers are designed to keep water out, while water shoes typically welcome water. I probably wouldn't wear these in the snowy winter (I actually appreciate the bulkiness of boots when it's freezing cold outside), but I wouldn't hesitate to travel with these as my only pair of shoes for both walking and adventuring. — Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter Vessi Cityscape Vessi Men's Vessi Cityscape, $129, available in three colors Women's Vessi Cityscape, $129, available in three colors I wore my Vessi sneakers on a trip to Austin, Texas with the knowledge that I was going to be exploring springs and pools. I wanted to pack light, so they were the only pair of shoes I brought, and I crossed my fingers that they would work as they said. They turned out to be a great travel shoe because they were as comfortable as regular sneakers, but as practical as rain boots. I stepped my entire foot into a pool and no water seeped in. As it rained the entire weekend, the shoes also repelled the water effectively. It's a major plus that the soft and cushioned shoes don't have an obnoxious or obvious waterproof design. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks senior reporter Vessi Everyday Slip On Vessi Men's Everyday Slip On, $135, available in three colors Women's Everyday Slip On, $135, available in three colors The Vessi Everyday Slip On shoes are designed to function as lightweight, waterproof, versatile sneakers — and they deliver on all three. They held up well to New York City's brackish puddles without letting the water seep in, but they have great airflow despite the solid insulation. All in all, they'll stack up to expectations. Compared to the other two styles with laces, the Everyday Slip On is easy to put on and take off, and it's slightly less bulky. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter See Also:I found an Oxford dress shirt for cold weather that keeps my underarms cool and dry at work — here's how it stops sweat stainsInterior design startup Modsy uses 3D models to let you see furniture in your space before you buy it — here's how it helped me make the most of my small apartmentI use these suction plates and bowls so my toddler can't knock her food onto the floor — they've made mealtime in my house so much easier
< Insider Picks 2019, Sneakers, Features, Mens Shoes, women's shoes, product card, IP Review, Style, men's style, IP Style, Shopping, >
The best tablets for kids
Fun and educational, tablets can help your children learn and keep them entertained for hours on end. The best kids tablets have the appropriate content safety features and as well as device security measures to protect our children. This is why the best tablets for kids, in our opinion, is the 10.2-inch Apple iPad. It's got the power, support, versatility, and security that kids need today. Tablets have long been the educational tool of choice for children. Even dating back to the times before the inimitable iPad, kids' tablets were available to help your little ones learn and grow. The tablets of that time weren't very useful. They had few preinstalled educational games and apps, and it was only a matter of time before the child outgrew them. Want to download something? Oops! They didn't have app stores or even Wi-Fi. Things are much different today. There are tons of apps available for modern tablets, thanks to app stores and the countless developers who work to fill those stores up. Many tablets can be customized such that the child gains more functionality from their tablet as they grow older with it. It's almost inconceivable that a kid could go without a tablet in this day and age. It can store all of their books, has tons of interactive, educational content, and keeps them quiet when you need a moment or two to get things done. Need help deciding which one to get? A kids' tablet is ideally cheap, durable, and easy to use. We've poured our hearts into researching the best devices that fit this bill. Read on for our picks. Here are the best tablets for kids you can buy: Best tablet for kids overall: iPad (10.2-inch) Best value tablet for kids: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Best tablet for toddlers: Leapfrog Epic Academy Edition Best kid's tablet for Android apps: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-Inch Best kid's tablet for school: Microsoft Surface Go The best tablet for kids Shutterstock The latest 10.2-inch iPad is fluid, versatile, powerful, and safe enough for children of all ages. You may have guessed that a tablet made for kids might be the best tablet for kids, but I challenge that assumption with my personal experience. The iPad has been the only tablet that kids in my life care to use. Apple's ingenuity shines through with the latest 10.2-inch iPad. It's not child-friendly out of the box, but it's so simple to set up and use that your kids will catch on like wildfire. My nephew was using one just before turning three years old, for instance, and he knows how to power it on and launch the apps and games he wants to keep himself occupied. After a brief setup process, you can head into the App Store and download countless amounts of fun games and educational content. Almost every service and app in existence has an iPad counterpart, so you won't have any problems finding content for the new cartoons and shows your little ones love. Plus, the iPad Mini has more than enough power to play the huge collection of high-quality games available. While not perfect, iPad has parental control features to help protect your child from bad content, accidental purchases, and sharing location information. You'll still need to measure their time on your own, though the ScreenTime service helps. The baseline current-generation iPad sits on Amazon with nearly five whole stars to its name on the strength of over 6,000 reviews. "My kids love their iPads, and have used them to play Fortnite, watch YouTube and watch TV," said Amazon reviewer Jimmy Gorham. It's even sitting atop our list of the best iPads. Pros: Easy to set up and use, tons of apps available, sharp display, blazing performance, long-lasting battery, suitable for children of all ages Cons: A bit more expensive than other tablets, parental controls could be better The best value tablet for kids Amazon A protective case keeps the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet safe from your more destructive tykes, but its cheap cost makes it easily replaceable if it breaks. If you can't get an iPad, Amazon's tablets are among the best you can buy for a kid. The Amazon Fire HD 8 should be near the top of your list. We could point to the modest price tag and the inclusion of a kid-friendly protective case it ships with, and that'd be that. But, we can't forget about the other qualities, including a big, sharp 8-inch HD display and the Fire operating system (OS), based on Android, that offers a fun and safe multimedia experience. Amazon has spent years filling its own app store with an abundance of games, apps, books, and video content. Don't want to spend a ton on apps? Check out FreeTime, a cheap monthly subscription to enjoy premium content from over 20,000 sources, including Disney, Nickelodeon, and PBS. Oh, and did I mention you get a full year of that for free with a new Fire HD tablet purchase? Fire OS includes a wealth of great parental control features, including the ability to set screen time limits, education goals, and filtering out the bad stuff you don't want your kids viewing. You could even enable an adult profile for yourself whenever they aren't hogging the thing. Reviews from 3,400 buyers average out to a 4.1-star rating. User BrookCom says, "Great value for a kids tablet that you don't have to worry too much about getting broken." Wired scored it 8/10, saying, "The Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is a useful compromise of a device—durable, enjoyable, and at $130, way cheaper than an iPad mini." Pros: Affordable, comes with a protective case, uses Amazon's intuitive and kid-friendly Fire OS, comes with a year of FreeTime Unlimited Cons: Amazon app store updates lag behind Google Play and Apple's App Store The best tablet for toddlers Amazon The LeapFrog Epic Academy Edition Android-based tablet grows right alongside your little ones. Remember LeapFrog? This classic brand has been keeping kids entertained and educated for decades now. The company offers learning tablets, computers, toys, games, and more. The company is still at it as of 2020 with the LeapFrog Epic Academy Edition. Based on Android, it's not the most flexible device you will find, but LeapFrog uses its expertise in the field to deliver a tablet that children of all ages can figure out. One big claim to fame is that the tablet grows the more your child does. From the suggested age of three through nine, parents can add new content once their kids have exhausted all the material appropriate for their age. Much of that content will come from LeapFrog Academy, a subscription-based service (three months included) that serves up thousands of educational activities and games. Kids can learn both academic (math, science, and more) and life skills through them. They'll earn certificates and cool rewards for their accomplishments, like clothes for their interactive avatars that live in the educational environment they'll be exploring. As a parent, you can check in to see how they're progressing, and you can add even more content through the App Center. A web browser with powerful parental control tools is available to keep your options open. In a 4-star review, TrustedReviews concludes, "For under fives, the LeapFrog Epic is the perfect platform on which to begin a journey in tech, offering entertainment and education in a managed way." One buyer at Amazon considered an iPad over it but was worried about the potential for their child to stumble upon inappropriate content. It's "an incredibly affordable option to replace his iPad that eases my mind," they say. Pros: Comprehensive educational plan, access to fun apps and games, kid-friendly web browser lets your kids explore more without worry, doesn't cost a fortune, comes with a protective case and stylus Cons: Not as versatile as traditional tablets, some apps are too costly See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best men's bathrobesThe best bed sheetsThe best kitchen faucets
< Features, Parenting, Apple, iPad, Microsoft Surface Go, Samsung, Insider Picks 2019, Insider Picks Guides, Best Guides, Buying Guide, Insider Picks 2020, Apple iPad, Amazon, Amazon Fire HD 8, >
I found an Oxford dress shirt for cold weather that keeps my underarms cool and dry at work — here's how it stops sweat stains
Mack Weldon Mack Weldon's new 37.5 Oxford looks just like a classic Oxford shirt, but it's designed to keep your body temperature cool and comfortable. It does this by absorbing sweat vapors before they turn to liquid, which means you stay drier than you would in a classic cotton Oxford. I put the shirt to the test and found it to be far better technology than moisture-wicking materials that only try to make you comfortable after you've already begun sweating. Priced at $88, the Mack Weldon 37.5 Oxford is a worthwhile purchase for guys who value staying cool and comfortable throughout the entire day. Product Embed: Product Name: Mack Weldon 37.5 Oxford Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5da602b64af909725c276924&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% I once had a high school Spanish teacher who went through a whole day with a pair of underwear clinging on to the back of her shirt, presumably by static electricity formed while doing laundry. In true teenage fashion, not a single student said a word and she spent all of fifth period trying to figure out what was so funny every time she turned her back to write on the whiteboard. I can't think of another workplace wardrobe mishap that could possibly be as embarrassing as that, but if I had to pick a runner up, walking around the office with egregious sweat stains would be it. Nobody wants to walk into a midday meeting with huge wet armpit stains and a sweaty back as if they just competed in an Ironman Triathalon, but plenty of guys go through that daily.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:My puppy instantly loved the Casper dog bed — it's a comfortable memory foam bed that withstands diggingREI's January clearance event is running all week — save up to 50% on gear from The North Face, Patagonia, and moreM.Gemi's comfortable leather drivers have been wait-listed countless times — I've been wearing them for over a year now and they really are that great
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43 affordable tech gifts under $50 for Valentine's Day — ideas from Amazon, Google, Roku, and more
Crystal Cox/Alyssa Powell/Business Insider If you're shopping for tech enthusiasts this Valentine's Day season, but don't want to break the bank, we've rounded up some great options for under $50. Our picks include big-name devices, like a Google Home Mini and a Roku Streaming Stick, as well as some of the wackier tech we've this year, such as a wireless "small-in-one" printer and a 5-meal automatic pet feeder. Check out all of our 2020 gift guides for even more inspiration. Shopping for tech gifts can be a stressful experience — there's so much out there that it's hard to know where to start. But, don't worry: if you're having trouble finding quality tech gifts that are also affordable, we've got some ideas for you. Whether you're shopping for a friend, parent, child, cousin, colleague, or even a pet, you'll be able to find a tech gift here that suits your needs. The 5 best tech gifts under $50 for Valentine's Day: Lectrofan White Noise Machine Roku Streaming Stick Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker Tile Pro Bluetooth tracker Wyze Cam home security camera Scribd Subscription Scribd Scribd Subscription, available at Scribd, $25-$100 For any friend who loves to read, a Scribd subscription is the perfect gift. Scribd has a massive library of electronic books, magazines, audiobooks, and documents, from classics to the newest releases. Scribd is available for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, Nook, and all web browsers, so your friend can read on the go, wherever they are. Super Sonic Scrubber Amazon Super Sonic Scrubber, available at Amazon, $25.14 This is one of our reviewers' favorite cleaning gadgets. It can quickly and comprehensively clean any surface, from your bathroom sink to the roof of your car. It comes with five different brush heads to conquer all types of grime. Wyze Cam Avery Hartmans/Business Insider Wyze Cam, available at Amazon, $25.98 If your friend or relative is looking for a security camera, this is one of the best (and cheapest) gifts you can buy them. It captures excellent HD video, sends phone notifications when it detects movement, and is tiny enough to blend into its surroundings. Our reviewer called this device "a shockingly great home security camera." It's also one of the best cheap tech products I've ever tested — I've badgered multiple people into buying it for themselves. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:We tracked the 'frighteningly competitive' poaching war between rival investment banks. These are the 40 biggest dealmaker hires and exits of 2019.60 thoughtful gifts your girlfriend will love — at every budgetYou can save up to 60% on unique gifts during Etsy's Cyber Monday sale — here are 10 ideas to get you started
< Features, Insider Picks 2019, Gift guide 2019, Gifts, Insider Picks Holiday Gift Guides 2019, Tech, BI Photo, IP Graphics, Alyssa Powell, Crystal Cox, Insider Picks 2020, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts for Her, Valentine's Day Gifts for Him, >
The best FreeSync monitors
Monitors with FreeSync allow AMD gamers to play with zero screen tearing, input lag, and frame stuttering. The ASUS VG279Q monitor's IPS panel — combined with its fast 1ms, 144Hz performance — makes it the best FreeSync monitor you can buy for gaming. Have you ever played a computer game and the buildings, characters, and practically everything in the world seems to rip apart? It's not a bug and definitely isn't a visual enhancement. It's most often a symptom of screen tearing. Screen tearing occurs when the frame rate of the content — counted in frames per second, or "fps" — doesn't perfectly match the refresh rate of the monitor — measured in Hertz, or "Hz". To compensate, frames of in-game graphics sit your graphics card's memory until there's room in its frame buffer to deliver them to your monitor. The monitor is constantly refreshing its display contents to get those buffered frames in, and the imperfections in the loading and flushing of those frames create an ugly tearing effect that can ruin a movie or your gaming experience. It can also create a frame stutter that makes your game appear jittery or choppy. The old trick to fixing this issue was enabling virtual sync. It's a technology that's usually effective at reducing the effects of screen tear, but many swear it off due to the input lag it can cause. This is especially damning for esports gamers who need every advantage possible. That's where FreeSync comes in. FreeSync is the name of the variable refresh rate technology backed primarily by AMD. The monitor works directly with the graphics processor (GPU) to sync frames perfectly, so you completely eliminate the symptoms without the added input lag. Unfortunately, not all monitors support this technology, and you need an AMD GPU to take advantage of it. Nvidia support for the open standard is building, but G-Sync is what you want if you're in that camp. If you need help finding a monitor to step your game up, look no further. We've uncovered some of the best monitors with FreeSync no matter your budget, need, or style. Here are the best FreeSync monitors in 2020: Best FreeSync monitor overall: Asus VG279Q Best FreeSync monitor on a budget: ViewSonic VX2457 Best 4K FreeSync monitor: LG 27UK650-W Best curved FreeSync monitor: Samsung CHG70 Best ultrawide FreeSync monitor: LG 34UC80-B The best FreeSync monitor overall Amazon The Asus VG279Q monitor combines an IPS panel with a 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate for a decent price. If professional gaming is your squeeze, this Asus monitor is the one you want. This FreeSync-compatible monitor has all it needs for fast and crisp imagery. In-plane switching, or IPS, panels are known for their superior viewing angles and color reproduction, and experts like the folks at RTings say that it's simply unmatched in that regard. Asus checks all the necessary boxes for the hopeful esports professional, including a 1-millisecond (ms) response time and 144Hz refresh rate. Connection options on the VG279Q are versatile. There's one each of a DVI-D port, DisplayPort 1.2, and HDMI v1.4. Asus includes nice features like Eye Care technology to help reduce eye strain, as well as built-in gamer-centric overlays like an fps counter and crosshairs. It has built-in stereo speakers, but you'll probably want a dedicated set sitting on your desk. We're really big fans of the stand here. It allows you to pivot the screen to either a horizontal or vertical orientation alongside other choice adjustment options like height, swivel, and tilt. Its small footprint makes it easy to find space for it on your desk. The monitor also has razor-thin bezels. The main criticism we have of the monitor is the lack of USB ports. Pros: IPS panel makes for great viewing angles and quality, 1ms response time, 144hz refresh rate supports high-speed gaming, versatile stand offers plenty of options, stereo speakers Cons: Resolution limiting for some, USB port would be nice The best FreeSync monitor on a budget Amazon It won't set the world on fire, but a FreeSync monitor this cheap is a beautiful proposition, and that's exactly what the ViewSonic VX2457 is. Can't quite stretch for an IPS display? A monitor with a less sophisticated twisted pneumatic (TN) panel can perform nearly as nicely. Take ViewSonic's VX2457, for instance. Its 24-inch, 1080p panel is just over $100 and features a 2ms response time and 75Hz refresh rate. Pro gamers will want more, but this is a well-balanced display for pretty much anything else. The downside is that TN panels are notorious for their poor viewing angles and relatively washed out colors. That said, a good quality TN panel can still get the job done, and many swear by the value ViewSonic brings to the table here. You have your pick of HDMI, DisplayPort or VGA connectors for video, a 3.5mm jack for audio, and built-in speakers (though we wouldn't entrust it with providing a quality listening experience). The rear also houses USB 3.0 ports and standard VESA screw holes for mounting it on a wall or arm. ViewSonic isn't winning any design awards with the VX2457, but its stand offers some ergonomic flexibility with its ability to tilt forward and backward. You'll also find that the bezels are on the thick side, so if you're lining up multiple of these for a wide-screen gaming or movie experience then you'll want to keep that in mind. Don't let the price tag fool you: the VX2457 is a quality monitor. A 4.2-star rating at Amazon will tip you off to that much. Many folks are forgiving its biggest downside — that TN panel — due to the worth of the overall package. "This monitor is perhaps the best looking monitor I've seen in person, and it was not expensive at all," remarks Jolynn Bush. Pros: Amazingly affordable, fast performance, includes USB 3.0 ports, easily mountable, colors pop despite TN panel's shortcomings, basic stereo speakers Cons: No height adjustment The best 4K FreeSync monitor Amazon With HDR support and an IPS panel, LG's 27UK850-W is one of the best 4K monitors you can find, period. LG remains one of the top players in all facets of the display industry. Its monitors have built a reputation for bringing a level of quality and reliability that erases all doubt when ordering one, and judging by the reviews for the 27UK850-W, that hasn't changed. This 27-inch 4K monitor uses an LED-lit IPS display and HDR10 capabilities to deliver a crystal clear viewing experience. The combination of IPS technology and the billions of colors enabled by the wider color gamut will make any of your content more pleasing to behold. Being a 4K monitor, LG couldn't quite make it a gamer's tool. Its variable response time is 5ms to 14ms depending on which mode you're using. That said, it's still completely viable for all but the most competitive gamers, and this is a complete non-issue for movies, video editing, or what have you. LG includes HDCP 2.2 for its HDMI and DisplayPort users, so watching copy-protected 4K content on it — say, from your Blu-Ray player — happens without fail. This monitor also includes a USB-C slot for video delivery, two standard USB 3.0 slots, and 3.5mm audio. Flexibility in angle is also afforded by a height- and tilt-adjustable stand. Tom's Hardware says it's hard to get much better than the 27UK850, mentioning in a 4-star review that it's right up there with the best of them. Very few of those who purchased it from Amazon had any issues with it, and as beautiful as the picture is, everyone raves most about its embarrassment of connection options. Pros: Plenty of connection options, beautiful 4K picture, nice color accuracy thanks to 10-bit HDR, very thin bezels Cons: Maximum 60Hz refresh rate, speakers could be better See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best cloth diapersThe best streaming services you can sign up for onlineThe best floor cleaners
< Features, LG, Samsung, Asus, Gaming Monitor, Gaming, Insider Picks 2019, Insider Picks Guides, Best Guides, Buying Guide, Insider Picks 2020, Monitors, >
30 affordable tech gifts for Valentine's Day anyone will be happy to receive — all under $25
It's true that the best consumer tech products are generally pricey, but that doesn't mean there aren't gems out there for those on budget seeking ideal tech gifts. We've managed to find several excellent tech gifts for Valentine's Day at under $25, including the Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker, the Logitech G300s Optical Gaming Mouse, and more. Shopping for all kinds of gifts this season? Read all of our Valentine's Day gift guides on Insider Picks. It's well known by now that gadgets tend to be some of the most expensive gifts out there, which is tough when your Valentine is a total techy. However, you'd be surprised by the level of quality tech gifts you can find under this rather strict price range. For less than $25, you can find all sorts of fun, useful, entertaining, and creative tech gifts for Valentine's Day that at least one of your loved ones will love. Trust us, we've done the research. The top 5 cheap tech gifts for Valentine's Day under $25 include: Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker, $15.98 Magnasonic Projection Alarm Clock, $25 Omton Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard, $13.99 Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini for smart homes, $22.99 Google Cardboard DIY VR headset, $15 Regardless of whom you're shopping for, we think we've found at least one tech gift for Valentine's Day under $25 that would serve that loved one in your life well without running up your credit card bill.A fun phone case Case Mate Case-Mate Phone Cases for iPhone and Samsung, available on Amazon, starting at $13.12 Case-Mate has a wide range of cases for iPhones and Samsung phones, so you're sure to find one they'll love. Whether they want a leather case, a clear case, or one that's iridescent, full of glitter, or covered in real pressed flowers, Case-Mate has an option. A PopSocket Grip PopSocket PopSocket Grip, available on PopSocket, starting at $10.00 PopSocket grips stick on the back of any phone to provide a comfortable grip, but they can also be used as a stand. The thing that makes PopSockets so giftable is that they come in so many different styles. You can give your loved one a PopSocket with their favorite sports team, pop culture fandom, or animal on it. Tech-friendly touchscreen gloves Amazon Achiou Winter Knit Touchscreen Gloves, available on Amazon, starting at $6.99 One of the most frustrating things about being outside in the winter is that you either can't use your phone, or might freeze your hands off in doing so. Aichou's bestselling winter gloves have special pads on the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger that will allow you to use your phone comfortably. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:27 last-minute gift ideas from 'Shark Tank' that you can get from Amazon28 last-minute and work-appropriate gifts for your boss — all under $5038 clever gifts for coworkers that they'll actually be happy to receive
< Features, Tech, Insider Picks Gift Guides, Insider Picks Holiday Gift Guides, Insider Picks 2019, IP Roundup, IP Graphics, Alyssa Powell, Insider Picks 2020, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day gifts, Valentine's Day Gifts for Her, Valentine's Day Gifts for Him, Gifts for Men, gifts for her, >
How to watch UFC pay-per-view events on ESPN+ — including UFC 246 with Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone
Alyssa Powell/Business Insider ESPN+ is ESPN's new sports streaming service that provides unlimited streaming and original content, exclusive in-depth analysis, and more. It costs $5 a month, $50 annually, or $13 a month if bundled with Hulu and Disney Plus. New subscribers can choose to add an exclusive UFC pay-per-view event with an annual subscription for $85, or existing subscribers can pay $60 for each match. The next event is UFC 246 with Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone on January 18. See also: A full price breakdown for ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+ — here's everything you need to know Product Embed: Product Name: ESPN+ Subscription Service Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5da75fc94af9097b0e52c613&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% All UFC fights are now only available via pay-per-view (PPV) exclusively through ESPN+, ESPN's new streaming platform.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best online deals and sales happening nowHere are the holiday return policies for 31 popular retailers, including Best Buy, Apple, and AmazonThese are the best deals from The Home Depot's Black Friday sale
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The best smart light bulbs
Smart light bulbs bring your home into the 21st century, allowing you to control your lights straight from your phone or with your voice. After much testing, it's clear that the Philips Hue light bulbs are still the best ones you can buy because they are reliable, consistent, easy to use, and work remotely. If you're looking to smarten up your home, there are two things you can buy to get started. The first is a smart speaker with a smart assistant, like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The second is a set of smart light bulbs. These two are the easiest and most affordable entryways into building a smart home, and a gateway to future smart devices like smart plugs, security cameras and sensors, door locks, etc. When it comes to smart light bulbs, there are lots of different options available, with the most recognized ones being the Philips Hue bulbs. But before you settle on any particular brand, there are a number of things you should think about beforehand, especially if you plan on outfitting your entire home. Here's a quick rundown of things to consider: Color or white: Smart light bulbs generally come in two flavors — color bulbs or white bulbs. White bulbs, as you might assume, really only turn on and off like your standard light bulb, while color bulbs can change colors. Of course, white bulbs are also generally cheaper than color bulbs because they are less technically complex to create. The nice thing about either is they're dimmable. Connectivity: Most smart bulbs "talk" to a central hub (using a technology called Zigbee), which is then connected to a home's network via Wi-Fi (wireless) or Ethernet (wired). But some smart bulbs use other routes: The C by GE bulbs work through Bluetooth, for example. So, what are the pros and cons?Wi-Fi connectivity means that you can control your bulbs anywhere you have an internet connection, so you can turn them on or off remotely with your phone even if you're miles away. But as mentioned, you'll need a separate hub, and each brand will require its own dedicated hub. Bluetooth bulbs can only connect to a phone within a certain range (approximately up to 33 feet), but the trade-off is that Bluetooth bulbs don't require a hub and use less energy. Hub-based bulbs can work independently or as a collective and can be controlled by multiple users, while a Bluetooth bulb can only talk to one phone at a time. Smart home compatibility: Looking to integrate the bulbs with smart home platforms like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit? You might want to check that your bulbs are compatible before you buy them. That way, you can control your bulbs with your voice, and your bulbs can interact with other smart devices in your home. We tested several smart light bulbs to find the best ones you can buy. We picked bulbs at various price points and included some that don't need a hub. The lights that have hubs do work better and more consistently. The hub also enables you to control your lights remotely, so we think it's worth the price if you're really serious about building a smart home. You can also check out our guide to the best normal light bulbs if you're not convinced that smart bulbs are for you. Read on to learn all about our top picks for the best smart light bulbs. Here are the best smart light bulbs you can buy: Best smart light bulbs overall: Philips Hue Starter Kit Best smart light bulbs without a hub: LIFX bulb Best Bluetooth smart light bulbs: C by GE bulbs Best decorative smart lights: Nanoleaf Light Panel Starter Kit Best portable smart light: Philips Hue Go Best Zigbee smart light bulbs: Cree smart bulbs Updated on 11/27/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added related guides. The best smart light bulbs overall Philips The Philips Hue light bulbs are easy to use and set up, and they are the most reliable bulbs we've tested. Philips is arguably the most famous smart light bulb manufacturer, and for good reason. In our testing, not only were the Philips Hue light bulbs extremely easy to set up, but they were also easy to use and very consistent. Perhaps the best thing about the Philips Hue bulbs is their versatility. You could go for the color-changing bulbs, which are a little more expensive, but there's also the option for the simple white bulbs, which are cheaper and could offer a better option for those looking to set up their entire home. No matter which set you buy, all Hue bulbs are dimmable and can be controlled remotely with the Hue app. The light bulbs themselves output 800 lumens, which is more than enough for most small to medium-sized rooms, and while larger rooms could benefit from multiple bulbs, that's also true of your standard 60W light bulbs that your home may already be using. On top of that, they're relatively small, unlike bulbs from the likes of LIFX, so they'll be able to fit into most places that your average light bulbs fit. You can also control the bulbs with your voice if you have Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or Amazon Alexa. It's extremely convenient when you don't want to go get your phone or your hands are busy. You can also control the lights using the respective apps for the aforementioned platforms. The bulbs also support both Bluetooth and Zigbee, which means you can use them with or without a Hue Bridge hub that's included in the starter kit. There are a few downsides to using Philips Hue bulbs, including the high startup cost. The Hue Bridge hub will not support other brands' bulbs, even if they use Zigbee, but some Zigbee-certified hubs will support Hue bulbs. Of course, the upside to that is reliability and the ability to remotely control your lights, so it is well worth it. We weren't the only ones who liked the Philips Hue smart bulbs — both CNET and Trusted Reviews rated them highly. Experts and buyers alike agree that these bulbs are the best ones you can buy. Having purchased and tested various smart bulbs, Guides Editor Les Shu eventually settled on Philips Hue for his home, citing the easy set-up and operation with both HomeKit and Alexa. Pros: Reliable, versatile, easy to use, easy to set up, consistent, voice control, dimmable Cons: Hue Bridge hub not compatible with other smart bulbs, a little pricey The best smart light bulbs without a hub LIFX LIFX's bulbs are easy to use and offer a ton of customization in the awesome app, but best of all, they work without a hub. Interested in setting up your home with smart lighting but don't necessarily want to deal with a hub and the cost associated with one? LIFX's bulbs are probably your best bet. LIFX has been around for a while now, and the company makes some excellent bulbs that can be set up completely hub-free. Simply screw the bulb in and follow the instructions in the app. The app is pretty easy to use, and it allows you to control bulbs individually or in groups to set scenes, schedule the lights to turn on and off, and even turn on effects like a strobe light for parties. There are also a few different bulbs available, including the standard A19 bulb and the BR30 model, so you should be able to find the right bulb for most situations. There are a few downsides to these bulbs. For starters, they're somewhat large, and because there's so much tech packed into each individual bulb, the cost for a bulb is a little higher than the Philips Hue, though these LIFX bulbs don't require a hub. We also found in our testing that at times the app could be a little buggy and not recognize when bulbs were on, though that was rare. Budget alternative: We like the LIFX bulbs because they support Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit platforms. If you don't need HomeKit support, we recommend the Kasa smart light bulbs from TP-Link. We've had great success with Kasa bulbs, which work similarly to LIFX bulbs — no hub needed. A dimmable white bulb and a multicolor variant are both great affordable options. A dimmable soft white bulb and tunable white bulb (adjustable from soft white to bright white) are also available. Pros: Excellent app, very bright, easy to set up, no hub required Cons: Somewhat large, can sometimes have trouble connecting The best Bluetooth smart light bulbs C By GE The C by GE Bluetooth smart bulbs are easy to set up and use in the app, and they cost far less than Wi-Fi bulbs. Looking for a bulb that connects through Bluetooth? GE has the solution for you: C by GE light bulbs. This starter pack comes with two bulbs, called C-Life and C-Sleep, and each is designed for different uses. The C-Life is for everyday use, and the C-Sleep is for use in the bedroom. What's the difference between the bulbs? C-Life is really only a white color (if white can be a color), while C-Sleep offers three different settings: a cold light, to energize you in the morning, a normal white light, and a warm light to promote sleep at night. Because the bulbs connect through Bluetooth and don't require Wi-Fi, they're pretty small and also relatively cheap, because you don't need to factor in a hub — great for homeowners who are just stepping into the smart lighting world and aren't yet ready to commit to a full lighting system. This two-pack is also less expensive than our hub-less Wi-Fi options, the LIFX and TP-Link Kasa bulbs. The trade-off is that you have to be within Bluetooth range — 10 meters or 33 feet — to use the bulbs, so forget about using them while you're out of the house or even at the other end of the home. That can be a real problem for some users, especially those who want to really turn their home into a smart home. You may also run into connectivity issues. Still, that doesn't mean you shouldn't go for these bulbs. The app is quite easy to use — although perhaps not as easy as Philips and LIFX — and the C By GE bulbs represent a great introduction to smart lighting. The C by GE Life and Sleep bulbs also support Google Assistant, no hub necessary. With a device like a Google Nest Mini, you can control the bulbs with your voice or remotely. If you're looking to expand the C by GE bulbs' capabilities, connect them to the C by GE smart plug, which adds support for Amazon Alexa and Google Home, as well as away-from-home control. Pros: Cheap, easy to connect Cons: Limited color options, app could be more user-friendly See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:26 tactful gifts for your in-laws that will make a great impression10 artificial Christmas trees from Walmart that won't break your budgetThe best fitness trackersSEE ALSO: The best light bulbs you can buy
< Features, Insider Picks Guides, Tech, Smart Home, Smart Light, smart light bulbs, Philips Hue smart bulbs, Tech Insider, Insider Picks 2019, Buying Guide, Guide Update, Best Guides, >
M.Gemi's comfortable leather drivers have been wait-listed countless times — I've been wearing them for over a year now and they really are that great
M.Gemi Startup M.Gemi sells leather shoes handmade in small, family-owned Italian workshops. Styles range from timeless to on-trend and of-the-moment. The company's loafer, The Felize ($198), helped put them on the map, and as of 2019, it's been wait-listed over 36,000 times by shoppers. In person, they're a perfect leather travel shoe. They slip on and off quickly in airport security lines, mold into a custom-made fit over time, and look effortlessly stylish at the same time that they're extremely comfortable. The rubber sole also makes for more cushiony walking. Right now, the site is offering 20% off its suede colors (now $158), leather (now $158), Croco leather (now $182), and a leopard print calf-hair (now $238) until November 10. The discount will automatically apply at checkout. Product Embed: Product Name: M.Gemi The Felize Leather Moccasin Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5dc0ac207eece5423f05b9c5&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% Those who have heard of M.Gemi's shoes are just as likely to know the startup's tagline: "Made in Italy the old way and sold the new way." And that pretty much sums it up.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:This $130 carry-on suitcase has features that would normally cost a lot more including a USB port, fully rotating wheels, and clever dividersI tried pasture-raised beef and chicken from Crowd Cow, the company that connects meat eaters to independent farmsI use shearling insoles to transform my rain boots into winter boots — here's why it's such a great hack
< Insider Picks 2019, M.Gemi, Handmade, leather shoes, IP Reviews, product card, >
Everlane's classic Modern Loafer is being discontinued — they're nearly 50% off right now until all sizes and colors are sold out
Everlane/Facebook Everlane's Modern Loafers ($168) are structured classic staples made from premium leather that are versatile enough to be worn in and outside of the office. Four women tested the loafers and found that the shoes look great, but the loafers either fit the wearer just right or were too big even though Everlane suggests sizing up a half-size. January, 2020 update: Everlane is currently running a Final Farewell promo for the loafers, which are being discontinued — you can take almost 50% off all colors right now until they sell out. Product Embed: Product Name: Everlane The Modern Loafer Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5dc1a1743afd3746af518f94&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% Everlane is the place to go if you're looking for wardrobe basics at fair and transparent prices. Here at Insider Picks, we're always excited to try Everlane products. Interestingly, we had never tried one of Everlane's original and most classic shoes, The Modern Loafer, a structured loafer flat made with a 100% Italian leather upper, until now. These timeless loafers are versatile and can be worn with just about any outfit. The Modern Loafer comes in three leather colors: black, camel, and bone leather and one black suede option. Everlane suggests sizing a half size up as the shoes apparently run narrow. The loafers have received mixed reviews on Everlane's website — people tend to either love them or hate them. We tried the loafers out for ourselves, and although these structured shoes are truly a classic, we had mixed feelings when it came to the fit. UPDATE: Sadly, Everlane is discontinuing The Modern Loafer. Right now, you can take nearly 50% off all colors at final sale. We tried Everlane's Modern Loafer. Here are our thoughts:Everlane Black Modern Loafer, $90 I always find Everlane's shoes to be hit or miss. I'm either obsessed, as I am with the Day Glove flats (you can read our review here), or I'm...sort of lukewarm, as I am with these loafers. It's not that I don't love the way they look, or even how they feel after a couple of weeks of wear. It's that I've lost patience for shoes that require any significant break-in period, so I'd rather opt for Everlane's Day Loafers, which have an elastic back and flexible leather (here's our review of those too). I opted for a size 8 (I'm usually a 7.5 in sneakers and a 7.5 to 8 in loafers) and I thought I was going to have to send these back at first. I took a chance wearing the size 8 pair for a while, and after a couple of days, they really started to loosen up. It took about two weeks to break in my pair, and I had to wear socks with them to prevent blisters. For reference, I have medium-width feet. I won't say they're the best for walking, but they're comfortable enough to wear for a day. Overall, I do really like these loafers now that they're worn in, but if you really don't like to deal with that process, I'd say skip these in favor of the Day Loafer. —Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor Everlane Camel Modern Loafer, $90 I've heard great things about Everlane's shoes before and I'm a fan of its Glove Boot, so I was excited to try these loafers. But I gotta say, these were an unexpected let-down. I had such a hard time even fitting into these loafers that I almost gave up on them within five minutes of opening the box. I'm so glad I went with the brand's suggestion of sizing up to a 9 because the shoes are cut so narrow that my usual 8.5 would have been way too small.The leather was initially really stiff and tight, so I had to put my feet through a painful breaking-in process. After a few days of wearing them around the office though, the toe box molded to my feet and was much more comfortable. If you hate the idea of needing to break shoes in, you might not like these Everlane loafers. Depending on your shoe size, the pointy almond toe might make your feet look a little clown-ish. I was so self-conscious of how long my feet looked in the 9s and kept asking my coworkers their opinions. The general consensus was that it made my feet look "elegant," which is the polite way of saying, "Oh yes, definitely." I might recommend these loafers to someone with smaller, more narrow feet, but even so, the stiff leather and break-in period might be dealbreakers for some. If you're still interested in the loafers, though, I'd suggest going to an Everlane store or pop inside a Nordstrom to try on a pair first. —Jada Wong, Insider Picks editor Everlane Bone Modern Loafer, $90 I love Everlane's shoes. For the price, everything I have tried has been great quality and has been stylish too. The problem is, Everlane's footwear can be inconsistent in terms of fit. Out of the box, I was excited about this pair. I'm not a huge loafer girl, but the sturdy wood sole and polished cream leather looked undeniably classy. With a structured fit, I expected I would have to squeeze my foot into the shoe, but I was surprised that my feet slipped right in. I usually wear a size 7 or 7.5, but based on Everlane's suggestion to go up a half size I went for the 7.5. My feet were swimming in space, particularly at the heel, which continued to come up as I walked. These seem like beautiful, high-quality shoes, and I wish I had gone with my regular size so I could wear them comfortably. If you have narrower feet, I don't think sizing up is necessary. —Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:We tested 3 different styles of the Hunter rain boots you see everyone wearing — they're flexible, comfortable, and fully waterproof37 last-minute beauty gifts under $25 — including Le Labo lip balms, Mario Badescu facial mists, and moreI spend a lot of time working with my hands outdoors — this healing balm brings my dry and weathered skin back to life
< Features, Everlane, Women's Fashion, Leather, Insider Picks 2019, IP Reviews, Shoes, >
33 useful tech gifts for Valentine's Day to buy on Amazon at any budget
Alyssa Powell/Business Insider Amazon is a convenient place to shop for tech gifts for Valentine's Day, especially if you're a Prime subscriber. There's a lot for sale on Amazon, probably too much, but we've rounded up the 33 best Amazon tech gifts for Valentine's Day at all budgets. Whether you're looking for a laptop, speaker, headphones, or anything else, you're bound to love one of these Amazon tech gifts for Valentine's Day. Shopping elsewhere? Read all of our 2019 - 2020 holiday gift ideas here. If you don't live near a mall, can't find time to drive to the store, or would just prefer not to leave your couch, Amazon is here for all your tech-gifting needs this Valentine's Day. But, there's so much tech for sale that it can be hard to know where to start. Never fear: we've searched high and low for the best tech gifts for Valentine's Day available on Amazon to help you out. Some of these are budget-friendly small buys, while others are premium technology that should last several years. No matter what kind of tech you're looking for, you'll be able to find something here. The 5 best tech gifts on Amazon: The latest 4K and HDR Roku Streaming Stick, $48.99 A feature-packed RGB gaming keyboard, $144.45 Apple's most advanced AirPods to date, $249 Google's very best Chromebook yet, $649 Dell's flagship premium laptop, $1,3799.73 Check out all 33 Amazon tech gifts for Valentine's Day:An affordable wireless charging pad Anker Anker PowerWave Wireless Charging Pad, $9.99 A wireless charger is a great gift for anyone with a glass-backed smartphone that supports the feature. Our reviewer called this one "the perfect wireless charging pad." It charges quickly, looks nice, and can even accommodate thick phone cases. A cheap, effective headphone hanger Amazon Brainwavz Hengja Headphone Hanger, $12.99 This handy headphone hanger is super easy to screw onto a table, shelf, or even a thin wall. It's quite sturdy, and can hold pretty much any pair of on-ear or over-ear cans. A clever reusable notebook Amazon Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook, $16 This smart notebook is a great gift for students, journalists, or anyone else who takes a lot of notes. Write or draw on its 36 pages with the included FriXion pen, and you can easily save your work as a PDF or JPEG with your phone. The pages are also re-usable; just wipe them down with a wet cloth to start again. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best online deals and sales happening now60 clever gifts under $25 that won't end up getting regifted24 feminist gifts that give back to empower women and children around the world
< Features, BI Photo, Hollis Johnson, Alyssa Powell, IP Graphics, Insider Picks 2019, Insider Picks Gift Guides, Tech Guides, tech gifts, Insider Picks Guides, Insider Picks 2020, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day gifts, >
37 tech gifts that men will love for Valentine's Day
Hammacher Schlemmer From cars and audio to fitness and games, we've rounded up 37 gift ideas for men who love tech for Valentine's Day. After more ideas and inspiration? Check out all of Insider Picks' gift guides for 2019 and 2020. Guys are hard to shop for, especially for Valentine's day and even worse if they are into tech. We're here to the rescue: We've rounded up 37 tech gift ideas for men that are sure to satisfy because, well, they're just so darn cool. The best part: more than two dozen of them cost less than $100, and some are less than $50. We have also tested many of these products and can vouch for their cool factor. The best tech gifts for men include these affordable items: An R2-D2 coffee press ($30) A phone protector case and battery pack ($64) A home tap kegerator ($30) A slim and powerful penlight (from $46.55) A miniature Bluetooth speaker ($40) A connected smart scale ($30) A pair of effective noise-cancelling headphones ($60) A Sega Genesis Mini retro game console ($60) Whether it's cars, toys, fitness gear, or computing peripherals, there is sure to be a gift idea to satisfy the techie dude in your life this coming Valentine's Day. Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our gift guides in one place.A sleeve to protect AirPods Incase Incase Metallic Case for AirPods, available at Amazon, $29.95 This sheath protects an AirPods case from accidental scratches and drops while adding some color for individuality. A Bluetooth keyboard that folds up Plugable Plu gable Compact Bluetooth Folding Keyboard, available at Amazon, $44.95 This portable keyboard makes typing-on-the-go more comfortable, yet it folds up and doesn't take up much room in your bag. A drone you can fly nearly anywhere Les Shu/Business Insider DJI Mavic Mini, available at Best Buy, $399.99 Thanks to its light weight and form factor, you can pilot this easy-to-fly drone for cool aerial shots. (While it's exempt from FAA rules for consumer drone flying, do follow local regulations.) See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:27 thoughtful tech gifts that she'll love to get on Valentine's Day23 useful tech gifts moms will enjoy this Valentine's Day29 cool and unexpected gifts from Urban Outfitters for everyone on your listSEE ALSO: 16 personalized Father's Day gifts that aren't cheesy or overdone
< Gifts, Tech, Gadgets, Gift Guide, Gift Guides, Features, Insider Picks 2019, Insider Picks Holiday Gift Guides, Insider Picks Gift Guides, Tech Guides, Insider Picks 2020, Valentine's Day Gifts for Him, Valentine's Day, >
The best bubble bath for kids
Bubble baths are fun and soothing at the same time, making them the perfect activity for parents to have in their back pocket. Parents want to make sure the products their kids are soaking in are safe, so we talked to experts to find out which ingredients to avoid in bubble baths. We tested a number of brands and formulas to bring you the best options, with a focus on limited ingredients, unscented, tear-free bubble baths. Our top pick from The Honest Company creates great bubbles and leaves skin feeling smooth and soft. Bubble baths are one of the greatest parenting tools to have in your back pocket. Dirty kid? Bubble bath. Cranky kid? Bubble bath. Bored kid? Bubble bath. Exhausted parent? Bubble bath for them (or for you, once you finally get them tucked into bed). When it came time to buy bubble bath for my daughter for the first time, though, my Google search left me feeling overwhelmed with all of the options. So, to help make sense of the ingredients in kids' bubble baths, I spoke to dermatologist and skin allergy expert Dr. Sandy Skotnicki as well as Kelly Jayne, a dermatology physician assistant at Forefront Dermatology in Washington, DC. Now that I've done the research, spoken to experts, and tested out products, I've narrowed down the essential consideration for selecting a safe, effective bubble bath for kids. Here's what makes a great, safe bubble bath: Safe ingredients: All of our recommendations are free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and phthalates, two harmful ingredients commonly found in bubble bath. Sulfate can irritate children's skin, eyes, and lungs, while phthalates can disrupt hormones and are linked to asthma and allergies. According to Jayne, while sulfates are the key ingredient for creating abundant foamy soap suds, they can also strip the skin's natural oils and protective barrier, resulting in dryness and irritation. Dr. Skotnicki echoed the sentiment and also explained that fragrances and dyes are unnecessary. These ingredients can "irritate the delicate skin in children's private areas and lead to redness and soreness," she said. For these reasons, all of our picks are free of sulfates, phthalates, and dyes. Only our bedtime pick includes fragrance, and we include a detailed explanation of that fragrance.Children with sensitive skin and those with eczema are more likely to react to potentially harmful ingredients, but Jayne noted that every child's skin is different. No matter which product you choose, test a small amount on your child before submerging them in a bath full of bubbles. Bubble quality: Some of the bubble baths with safer ingredients don't make great bubbles (again it's the sulfates that often make great bubbles), which really defeats the purpose. All of our picks actually make enough bubbles, although some require more product than others to make a bath full of bubbles. To make the best bubbles, pour the bubble bath into the tub right beside the running water and then vigorously swish your hand in the water. Tear-free formula: All of our picks, except for one (Alaffia), have a tear-free formula to protect children's eyes from irritation. Overall bubble bath safety: Some pediatricians recommend against giving bubble baths to kids under 3 years old for fear that they might cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially if the suds aren't thoroughly rinsed off after the bath. However, there is little evidence that bubble baths cause UTIs. As with anything, make sure you're well informed and use your best judgment. And remember to never, even for a second, leave your child alone in the tub. With that said, we've narrowed down the contenders to find the best, safest options at the lowest price points. Here are the best bubble baths for kids you can buy: Best bubble bath for kids overall: The Honest Company Purely Sensitive Bubble Bath Best low-cost bubble bath for kids: BabyGanics Fragrance-Free Bubble Bath Best natural bubble bath for kids: Alaffia Unscented Shea Bubble Bath Best bubble bath for kids with sensitive skin: TruKid Eczema Care Bubble Podz Best bubble bath for bedtime: Hello Bello Lavender Bubble Bath The best bubble bath for kids overall The Honest Company The Honest Company Purely Sensitive Bubble Bath is a fragrance-free option that creates a long-lasting bath full of moisturizing bubbles. The Honest Company has different bubble bath options, but we recommend the "purely sensitive" option because it's fragrance-free. Read the full ingredients list here. It's made without sulfates, phthalates, fragrance, or dyes; makes a good amount of bubbles; and is a tear-free formula. This was the first bubble bath I ever bought my daughter, and it did not disappoint. The Honest Company recommends using two capfuls, but I found that I need to use double that to fill the tub with bubbles that last long enough for my daughter to enjoy a nice bubble bath (we really like bubbles around here). This formula doesn't dry out or irritate my daughter's skin. In fact, her skin always feels very soft after using this bubble bath, and there's no oily or slimy residue left behind. Jayne recommends the Honest Company Bubble Bath, and it's one of my favorites to use as well. The Strategist calls it's a game-changer, even for adults, saying, "It's hydrating thanks to a bouquet of botanical oils, but I never step out feeling slippery or like I may leave oil stains on my bathrobe." Pros: Lots of bubbles, moisturizing, fragrance-free, no oily or slimy residue Cons: Might need to use more product than recommended to make enough bubbles The best low-cost bubble bath Amazon BabyGanics Fragrance-Free Bubble Bath is moisturizing and gentle on skin. It rinses off easily so your child won't have residue left on their skin. Unfortunately, the cheapest bubble baths on the market don't meet our standards, so you're going to have to pay a bit more for companies that only include the best ingredients. However, BabyGanics does a good job of creating a lower-cost product that is still high quality, and you can save even more if you buy a two-pack. BabyGanics includes their full ingredients list on their site along with an explanation of where each ingredient comes from and its intended purpose. This transparency is what we want to see in a product. Some of the ingredients include organic oils and extracts that help soothe and moisturize skin. There are no sulfates, phthalates, fragrances, or dyes in this tear-free bubble bath. You'll be able to create a bath full of bubbles, but like The Honest Company, you'll need to use more of the product than some of our other picks, and you might need to top off the bath with more if your child stays in for a long time. Jayne recommends BabyGanics, and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) rated it as a low-hazard product. Jayne also said that even if a product is irritating to a child, that irritation can be mitigated if the product is completely rinsed off, which is very easy to do with this bubble bath. Pros: Lower cost than other safe options, transparency around ingredients, fragrance-free, easy to rinse off Cons: You might need to use a lot of product, bubbles dissolve quickly The best natural bubble bath Walmart Alaffia Unscented Shea Bubble Bath only has four ingredients and doesn't require too much product to create a lot of bubbles. While all of our picks are gentle and made of natural ingredients, Alaffia Shea Bubble Bath, Unscented, stands out as the best natural option. The gentle formulation has no fragrance and is also free of sulfates, phthalates, and dyes. It includes only four ingredients: dioscorea spp. (yam) leaf aqueous extract, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, and butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter. Alaffia Shea Bubble Bath creates an impressive amount of bubbles for a plant-based bubble bath that doesn't contain sulfates. You definitely won't need to use extra to fill up the tub with bubbles. Alaffia does have formulations made specifically for kids and babies, but our pick has fewer ingredients and is unscented. Our only complaint about Alaffia bubble bath is that it's not tear-free. The company told us that the bubbles might be slightly irritating if your child does get them in their eyes, so this pick would be better for older kids who are able to be more careful about keeping the product away from their eyes. Mama Natural named Alaffia one of the most simple and pure bubble baths on the market. Having tested the lavender-scented version (which has the same ingredients as the unscented, with lavender oil added), they highlight the safety of the ingredients and how the shea butter moisturizes skin. Pros: Limited ingredients, creates a lot of bubbles, includes moisturizing shea butter Cons: Not tear-free See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best gaming routersThe best meat thermometersThe best smart displays
< Features, Parenting, Kids, Insider Picks 2019, Insider Picks Guides, Best Guides, Buying Guide, Insider Picks 2020, IP Freelance, Parenting Guides, bubble bath, Toddlers, >
The best gaming routers
Gaming routers include all the extra hardware and features you need to keep your ping (and lag) as low as possible while playing real-time multiplayer games online. NETGEAR's Nighthawk XR500 has gaming-specific network optimization features, an intuitive user experience, and all the bandwidth you need for a fair price — it's our overall best gaming router. Nothing derails a gaming session like some hardcore lag, or a delay in time from when you press a button to when the corresponding action happens on-screen. Truly bad online lag sees your characters glitching throughout the game, teleporting them across the map and or forcing you to watching a practical slideshow of your match as attacks that are supposed to land simply aren't. That's why you should consider investing in a gaming router. There are many standard routers out there which can handle gaming perfectly fine, but the ones we're talking about today have all the ingredients to maximize the potential of your network for online gaming. An effective gaming router has multiple high-gain antennas, Gigabit speeds for both wireless and Ethernet connections, a fast chipset, extras like USB ports, network management tools such as traffic prioritization, and advanced wireless technologies, like beamforming (centering signals toward specific devices) and MU-MIMO (capacity for multiple data streams per connected device at once). Many of them strive to look the part, but aesthetics have no real bearing on performance. Even if you're not a gamer, you'll probably want a gaming router. The quality of your connection is just as important for activities like 4K video streaming, video calls, and more. With more households wth multiple people doing multiples of these activities simultaneously, these advanced routers give you enough power to handle all of that, and then some. Here are the best gaming routers you can buy: Best gaming router overall: Netgear Nighthawk XR500 Best cheap gaming router: TP-Link AC1900 Best gaming router for speed: ASUS ROG RT-AC5300 Best gaming router for custom firmware: Linksys WRT AC3200 Best WiFi 6 gaming router: Netgear Nighthawk AX12 The best gaming router overall Amazon The Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR500 offers blazing speed and all the gaming optimization essentials you need for a fair price. Netgear's Nighthawk XR500 has everything you need for lag-free gaming. There's enough networking bandwidth to support a full household of data-hungry electronics and gaming consoles. Simultaneous dual-band AC2600 WiFi — capable of speeds up to 2.6 gigabits per second — gives you two separate channels for networking, while MU-MIMO makes it possible for multiple devices to receive multiple streams of data simultaneously. Quality of Service and Beamforming+ support round out the gamer's list of essential technology to keep the ping low. With external antennas supporting the efforts, the XR500 shouldn't have a problem spreading signal throughout most moderately-sized houses. Four Ethernet Gigabit ports are there for those who want to dodge the pitfalls of wireless altogether, and two USB 3.0 ports allow easy sharing of printers and storage devices across your entire network. One of the biggest draws here is DumaOS, Netgear's gamer-centric firmware that includes neat features like geo-filtering to limit the distance of the servers you connect to. It also makes it incredibly easy to monitor your network performance and manage the devices connected to it. The Nighthawk XR500 is widely considered a top-tier gaming router that doesn't totally devastate your bank account. Its balance of power, features, and value helped critics like Tom's Guide writer Brian Nadel score the router highly among its peers. "Netgear's Nighthawk XR500 Pro Gaming Router is among the fastest systems we've seen, and our top pick for gaming routers," he says. Pros: Great throughput speed and range, diverse optimization options, DumaOS makes network management a breeze, dual USB 3.0 ports Cons: Geo-filtering only works with certain games The best cheap gaming router Amazon For an awfully low price, the TP-Link Archer A9 offers the bare necessities for a smooth and stable connection. You won't get the same power, speed, features, or even the edgy design other gaming routers have, but the TP-Link Archer A9 offers just enough to keep you from lag-induced defeat. The A9 is an AC1900 router that has punches well above its nearly two-figure price tag. MU-MIMO, Beamforming, and dual-band performance up to 1.9 Gigabits will keep your packets from dropping and stream buffering to a minimum. Easy to set up and use, TP-Link includes native Alexa support and If This Then That (IFTTT) integration for controlling and automating simpler network needs. A smartphone app picks up the rest of the load when managing settings like your QoS configuration, parental controls, and VPN. There's more than enough room for your hardwired devices with four Gigabit LAN ports. It's a bit disappointing that the USB port is one the dated 2.0 spec, but at least it's there. The TP-Link Archer A9 is one of the most popular routers at Amazon. Nearly 5,000 customers have chimed in with opinions about it, and there were enough positive ones to land it a 4.1-star average rating. Most customers love the easy setup, and the consensus is that its radios are powerful enough to reach all the corners of even a big family home. Pros: Very affordable, acceptable speed and power, easy setup, smart home capabilities Cons: Lacks USB 3.0 The best gaming router for speed Amazon With next-generation Wi-Fi capabilities and a high bandwidth ceiling, the ASUS ROG GT-AC5300 will serve your home or small business for years to come. PCMag calls the ASUS ROG GT-AC5300 "overkill" for most home users in its 4.5-star review, but serious gamers who want all the speed and optimization they can get should give it real consideration. This 4x4 tri-band router was conceived solely for the destruction of lag. If you can't use Ethernet, the GT-AC5300 offers three different wireless bands working at the much more capable 1024-QAM spec to keep network congestion low. You get your standard cocktail of 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands supporting speeds up to 1 and 2.1 Gigabits, respectively. A third dedicated 5GHz band — also supporting up to 2.1 gigabits — is there for your most important connections. Wireless signals are moved along with the help of eight dedicated antennas, as well as the latest wireless transmission technologies, like MU-MIMO and Beamforming. A 1.8GHz quad-core processor ensures it has enough power to handle all of this. Of course, the best performance comes through Gigabit Ethernet, and the GT-AC5300 offers eight of those ports, two of which can be combined for 2-Gigabit performance. Two of the ports get automatic bandwidth priority over the others, allowing you to ensure your gaming consoles will always be in the express lane. Joined by them on the rear of the router are two USB 3.0 ports. Being part of the Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, ASUS has done a job and a half to help you fine-tune and optimize your network with ease. The "ROG Gaming Center" gives you browser- and app-based access to your dashboard that makes it easy to analyze and optimize traffic, manage QoS, use smart home automation capabilities, secure your network, and a whole lot more. Pros: Tri-band 1024-QAM wireless, abundance of Ethernet, truly prioritizes gaming devices, great network management features Cons: Can be costly, big footprint See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best laptopsThe best bronzers for fair skinThe best meat thermometers
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This popular $28 glycolic acid peel made my skin softer overnight without turning me bright red
Maelove Maelove's Glycolic Acid cream, The Night Renewer ($27.95), was designed as a highly potent AHA cream that's gentle enough for sensitive skin. AHA helps create smoother, brighter skin by encouraging rapid cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. It's often used to fade scarring, reduce fine lines and pores, and soften skin. I used The Night Renewer for a few weeks consistently, and it made good on claims of delivering the benefits of a chemical peel without the harsh side effects. If you — like many of us lost souls — sometimes feel like you've been put on this earth just to complete a seemingly impossible crusade for effective, cheap skin care products, you may have already stumbled across newcomer Maelove. If not, take note: It's a line of skin-care basics meticulously formulated by MIT grads (with the help of some AI) and designed to work for all skin types. Best of all, each product is priced under $30. Maelove's line is full of standouts, but perhaps most noteworthy is the gentle Glycolic Acid cream, The Night Renewer ($27.95), that took the company two years to accomplish. It's noteworthy because, unlike many potent AHAs, it's not supposed to be too harsh for sensitive skin types to use. The Night Renewer combines 10% medical-grade glycolic acid to slough away dead skin overnight, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate and calm the skin. While AHA breaks down the glue holding tired, dull skin cells together to even tone, stimulate collagen production, and give you smoother skin overnight, ingredients like Vitamin E, Squalene, and Aloe nourish the skin.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also: These new 'invisible' acne patches are thin enough to wear in public — and they clear my acne in just 6 hours The Knickerbocker in Times Square is the perfect luxury base for first-time visitors to New York — here's whyThe best checked luggage you can buy
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The best laptops
If you're looking for the best laptop out there, there are a ton of different choices. However, the Dell XPS 13 is the best laptop we've ever used — hands down. When it comes to studying, working, or even playing, using one of the best laptops is essential if you want maximum power, efficiency, look and feel, or even value. That's because a laptop that doesn't work well is immediately noticeable, while one that's sufficient for your needs just works. With all of the various makes, models, and product types out there, buying the best laptop that suits your needs has become an awfully involved process. After all, laptops are complex machines, with differences even within the same line of product. So, here are the three key aspects to consider when buying that best laptop: Operating system: A laptop's operating system (OS) is the interface through which you access everything in the computer, from work apps to games and more. The most popular OS worldwide is Windows 10, found in hundreds of different laptops from Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and more. It's a widely adaptable OS and most supported by third-party app makers. Apple's macOS is exclusive to MacBooks, and is the most compatible with Apple's other products, like iPhones, but it is a popular and full-featured OS in itself. Finally, all Chromebooks run Chrome OS — the newest of the three — Google's Chrome browser-focused OS that works mainly off the cloud (online), particularly through Google's own suite of apps and services, like Google Drive and Gmail. Specs: The internal hardware that powers a laptop is considered the "specs," and will dictate how effective your laptop is at various tasks. The processor (CPU) and memory (RAM) impact the laptop's raw power or speed and multitasking capacity, respectively. The storage (hard disk drive or HDD, or solid-state drive or SSD) will determine how much space for files the laptop has. The graphics processor (GPU) dictates how effective the laptop is at rendering video and 3D visuals for games; many laptops, particularly in the low-to-midrange, utilize what's called internal graphics, which shares RAM with the CPU rather than a dedicated GPU. The laptop's display sharpness is determined by pixel density, with 1080p (or Full HD) being the generally desirable target.Finally, all of these factors contribute to the laptop's battery life, with eight hours generally being the minimum acceptable number — unless it's a gaming laptop. Size: Another thing you'll want to think about is how big the laptop is. A smaller laptop will ultimately be more portable, but a larger one will have a larger display, which is better for watching movies, photo editing, video production, and playing games. Common sizes for laptops are 13 inches and 15 inches, though 11 inches and 17 inches also appear every now and then. Of course, you'll want to think about the price. Although the very best laptops will cost you $1,000 or more, we've tried to offer a variety of laptops in different price ranges in this guide. You can also check out the best college laptops you can buy, the best Chromebooks to date, and the best budget laptops if money is tight. If you prefer Macs, we also have a guide on the best MacBooks. I've spent a decade covering technology, particularly laptops. I've tested and reviewed hundreds of laptops and tablets running Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and Google Chrome OS. This testing has been both anecdotal as well as supported by benchmarks, some of which I have developed myself in the past. All told, I've spent more than half of my career obsessing over laptops big and small, cheap and chic, to determine which laptops are the right fit for all sorts of users. Here are the best laptops you can buy: Best laptop overall: Dell XPS 13 Best 13-inch laptop: HP Envy 13t Best MacBook: Apple MacBook Air Best Chromebook: Google Pixelbook Go Best 15-inch laptop: LG Gram 17 Best budget laptop: Acer Chromebook 15 Best 2-in-1 laptop: Lenovo Yoga C940 (14-inch) Best Microsoft laptop: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15-inch) Best gaming laptop: Razer Blade 15 Updated on 01/14/2020 by Joe Osborne: Added several other products that we had considered for this buying guide, but didn't make the cut as an official pick.The best laptop overall Dell The Dell XPS 13 strikes an incredible balance between the most powerful mobile hardware to date in an attractive, thin, and light chassis for a reasonable high-end price. Dell's flagship 13-incher has been the overall best laptop for years, and this year is no different. Why? It's because the Dell XPS continues to be the best cross between power, portability, and looks for general users, making it the best laptop for most people. This year marks the Dell XPS 13 adopting the latest in Intel CPU technology: the 10th-generation Core chips built on the 10-nanometer (nm) process. This means exponentially more transistors on the same CPU die space, leading to even more power and longer battery life. The result is more than 19 hours of battery life from the Full HD (1080p) model, by Dell's claim. Dell's late 2019 update also carries over its most important change to the early 2019 model: moving the webcam back to the top of the display. The webcam remains 720p, but it comes equipped with far-field microphones for stronger smart-assistant performance. Better yet, Dell crammed not only two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C versatility at 40Gbps speeds) ports in the XPS 13, but managed to keep a microSD card slot. The base configuration Dell XPS 13 starts with an Intel Core i3 CPU, a 13.3-inch 1080p display, 4GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD — starting at $949.99. It comes in Platinum Silver with a black carbon-fiber palm rest — weighing just 2.7 pounds and measuring merely 0.3 inches thin. With several options in between, the laptop maxes out with an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD, and a 4K Ultra-High-Definition (UHD at 2160p) touchscreen with Rose Gold and Alpine White color options for $2,349.99 list price. Pros: Excellent design, long battery life, latest hardware, lots of ports Cons: Webcam should be 1080p, certain colors locked to higher specs The best 13-inch laptop HP The HP Envy 13t brings flagship performance, look, feel, and features to a more affordable price point. HP's Envy 13t is our pick for the best 13-inch laptop, bringing high-end hardware and decent looks to an approachable price point — and more so in some areas than our best overall pick, the Dell XPS 13. It's also even lighter than the laptop that tops this list, and has the option for dedicated graphics at higher-end configurations. The most affordable version of this laptop features Intel's eighth-generation CPUs, but that's still plenty of power for general users. Where the HP Envy 13t truly shines is in its additional features that few other laptops in its price range offer and help set it apart. Those features include a built-in webcam privacy shutter for when you're not using it, as well as a fingerprint reader integrated into the laptop for biometric login via Windows Hello. And, for the audio lovers out there, top-firing quad speakers beneath a geometric pattern speaker grill are tuned by Bang & Olufsen for premium sound. Oh, and its battery can charge up to 50% in just 45 minutes, lasting more than nine hours in many reviewers' tests. The cheapest HP Envy 13t model is surprisingly powerful, packing an eighth-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD — all behind a 13.3-inch, 1080p display — for a $999.99 list price but can often be found as low as $799.99. Options from there bump up the price quickly, but include options for Nvidia MX250 graphics, more RAM and storage, a touchscreen, as well more updated makes with 10th-gen Intel Core CPUs. All HP Envy 13t models come featuring two USB 3.1 ports, one USB-C 3.1 port, and an SD card reader, coming in "Natural Silver" and "Pale Gold" colors. Pros: Lots of power for the price, nifty webcam privacy shutter, fast-charging battery Cons: Upgrades get pricey quickly The best MacBook Apple The newest MacBook Air iterates on the 2018 design with more powerful hardware for a drop in price, making it our favorite laptop from Apple. The latest MacBook Air — running with the new design first established in 2018 — brings several modern niceties to Apple's most iconic laptop to date. Those include a beyond-HD (2,560 x 1,600), 13.3-inch screen, Apple's Touch ID fingerprint sensor (for login, online passwords and Apple Pay), and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. This MacBook Air display is exactly the same as what comes within the stronger and pricier 13-inch MacBook Pro. That means the screen also features Apple's True Tone technology, which matches the color gamut to the color tone of ambient light in its space. This is a blessing for users with sensitive eyes, particularly to blue light emitted by all electronic screens. True to its storied namesake, the 2019 MacBook Air is Apple's best laptop for battery life, claimed to last for up to 12 hours of wireless web browsing. With that, you can expect the MacBook Air to hold on for almost all intercontinental flights — something that not many, if any, Windows laptops can say. Apple offers the latest MacBook Air in its "Space Gray," silver, and gold colors. For its $1,099.99 starting list price, the laptop includes all of the above, driven by an eighth-generation, fanless dual-core Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. You can upgrade these components at checkout, just know that these get expensive almost immediately. Pros: Sharp and vibrant display, Touch ID, light and thin, long-lasting battery Cons: Fanless CPU, upgrades get pricey fast Check out our guide on the best MacBooks. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best sleds you can buy for winter funThe best duvet coversThe best women's slippersSEE ALSO: The best budget laptops you can buy
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Amazon's waterproof Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $85 right now — here's our full review of the excellent ebook reader
Guillermo Garszon/Business Insider The new Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof, holds thousands of ebooks, and costs just $85 now that it's on sale (originally $130), making it the best ebook reader for most people's needs. I read dozens of ebooks on the Kindle Paperwhite to put it to the test, and it's a wonderful reading experience. The small size makes it easy to travel with and it's waterproof enough to take a spill into the bathtub or pool without sustaining damage. If you've been on the fence about ebook readers, this is the one that will push you over the edge and convince you to give ebooks a try. Once you go digital, you never go back. We don't know how long this $45 discount will last, so if you're considering getting a Kindle, we recommend you jump on this deal. Amazon's Kindles are the most popular ebook readers by far, and they just keep getting better. For years, Kindles stayed largely the same: They were essentially 6-inch tablets with black-and-white E Ink screens encased in chubby, black plastic borders. The first Kindle Oasis shook things up with its slim, sleek design, and the second-generation Oasis did one better by being the first "waterproof" Kindle ever made. For ebook lovers everywhere, a Kindle that was water resistant enough to survive a two-hour dunk in a tub of water was a prayer finally answered.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The Knickerbocker in Times Square is the perfect luxury base for first-time visitors to New York — here's whyThe best checked luggage you can buyThe best whey protein powdersSEE ALSO: How to get ebooks on your Kindle — and other expert tips and tricks
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Brooklinen is running a surprise sale right now — save 15% sitewide through January 13
Brooklinen Brooklinen is starting off 2020 with a surprise sale. From January 11 through January 13, save 15% on your orders with no minimum purchase. Sheets, duvet covers, bathrobes, towels, and more are discounted. Exclusions apply for Space products. In our buying guides, we've named Brooklinen the maker of the best luxury sheets, the best sateen sheets, and the best duvet cover on the internet. Brooklinen is one of our favorite companies to cover. From its bed sheets, to its Brooklittles bedding line for babies and toddlers, to its shower curtain sets, there's a lot to love about the direct-to-consumer darling. But Brooklinen isn't known for running sales. The company typically only has two sales a year: one during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and the other to celebrate its anniversary in May. This year, they're shaking things up with a surprise January sale. From 12:01AM EST on Saturday, January 11 through 11:59PM User Time on Monday, January 13, you can save 15% on your orders, with the exception of non-Brooklinen products from the Spaces collection. Save 15% on your entire order during Brooklinen's surprise sale. Brooklinen is best known for its sheets, but you should also consider its plush bath towels, which come in various weights, and relatively new loungewear. Small accessories like candles are also part of the sale. Basically, it's pretty difficult to go wrong. Below, we put together a list of Brooklinen's bestsellers and our personal favorites to help guide your weekend shopping. The 5 best January surprise sale deals from Brooklinen: Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle (Queen), $212 (originally $249) [You save $37] Down Comforter (Queen), $297 (originally $349) [You save $52] Super-Plush Robe, $83 (originally $98) [You save $15] Super-Plush Complete Towel Set, $169 (originally $199) [You save $30] Luxe Duvet Cover (Full/Queen), $118 (originally $139) [You save $21] See Also:Target's Cyber Monday deals have been extended — here are the best deals you can still get during its Cyber Week saleWalmart Cyber Monday 2019: The best deals include a Roomba robot vacuum for less than $200 and $100 off a Theragun massage deviceSam's Club is discounting a handful of Vizio TVs by up to $420 today only
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The best whey protein powders
High-quality whey protein powders have a taste you can tolerate, pack maximum protein with minimal extras, and work well in beverages and baked goods. The Cellucor Whey Protein Isolate & Concentrate Blend Powder is our top pick because it mixes smoothly, tastes great, and only costs three cents per gram of protein. Protein, a macronutrient that every cell in your body contains, is essential for your health. If you're an athlete, casual gym-goer, or just looking to lose a few pounds, protein can help you build and retain muscle, too. Taking whey protein is an effective and inexpensive way to add more protein to your diet. In short, whey is the liquid leftovers that come from the cheese-making process. This liquid is dried into a powder, which is mixed with sweeteners while keeping the calories, carbohydrates, and fats to a minimum. What is whey protein, why it's beneficial, and how should you use it? There are three main types of whey protein: Whey protein concentrate (WPC): This is a concentrated protein that keeps more of the nutrients. Most non-isolate proteins are comprised of WPC. Whey protein isolate (WPI): This is similar to WPC, but most of the carbohydrates, fat, and fat-soluble vitamins have been removed, so the powder has a higher percentage of protein. Typically, isolate is digested more quickly and, therefore, more agreeable for some. For that reason, most trainers and registered dieticians recommend opting for WPI, though it's often more expensive. Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH): WPH is considered "pre-digested" since it breaks down peptides — the building blocks of proteins — to help with quicker absorption. In addition to my research and experience in testing whey protein products, we consulted two experts for this guide: Jeb Stuart Johnston, the head strength coach at Brooklyn Strong and a nutrition coach at Stronger U, and Maryann Walsh, a registered dietician and the owner of Walsh Nutrition. As for how much protein you need to consume, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is about a gram for every 3 pounds of body weight. So, if you weigh 180 pounds, that would equate to 60 grams of protein per day. Experts suggest taking up to twice that can still produce benefits. When it comes to fitness-specific goals, like gaining muscle or losing fat, Johnston recommends ingesting up to one gram per pound of bodyweight. His claim is backed up by a study by the University of Stirling. "For someone who is trying to gain muscle mass and work out, taking in more protein can help speed up protein synthesis [the process in which your muscle fibers utilize protein to repair itself and grow]," Johnston said. "For a person who is strictly trying to lose weight, taking in more protein can help you to retain the muscle that you already have." Based on Johnston's recommendations, a 200-pound man would have to consume 200 grams of protein per day. That's equivalent to 2 pounds of chicken breast. Supplementing with whey protein, he explains, is a convenient way to get more protein without grilling up another piece of bland chicken. About our expertise The co-author, Andrew Gutman, is an associate editor at Muscle & Fitness magazine, has competed in a bodybuilding show and two Strongman competitions, and has been lifting weights regularly for over a decade. He's tried dozens of different whey protein powders. Our guide features powders that have a taste you can stomach, a high protein content, and minimal fat, carbs, and calories. Guides Editor, Les Shu, is a former research chief at Men's Fitness who oversaw the fact-checking of the magazine's nutrition and exercise articles. Here are the best whey protein powders you can buy: Best whey protein powder overall: Cellucor Whey Protein Isolate & Concentrate Blend Powder Best sugar-free whey protein powder: Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey Best-tasting whey protein powder: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder Best fat-free whey protein powder: Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate Protein Best digestion-friendly whey protein powder: Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder Updated on 01/10/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated prices, links, and formatting.Is whey protein consumption safe? Syda Productions/Shutterstock Before you increase your protein intake significantly, you should check with your health-care professional since people with certain maladies, such as calcium deficiencies or low blood pressure, could experience adverse effects from whey protein. It's also important to note that protein powders aren't regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and some companies dilute their protein with useless fillers, which is why certain brands subject themselves to third-party testing as a way to verify the quality of their product. To know if a protein is tested, look for a seal from either NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Choice. That's not to say that untested proteins are a subpar product, but it's good to be aware. You are, after all, putting this stuff into your body. Other than looking for brands that are third-party tested, here are different ways to spot a quality protein: Ensure that protein is the first ingredient on the label. "When you look at a label, it's in descending order so the ingredient in the highest amount will be found at the top of the list," Walsh said. "Look for labels that have protein at the beginning with fewer ingredients accompanying them." Typically, you want a whey powder that contains at least 20 grams of protein per serving. All of our picks do. Try to steer clear of excess sugar. As for artificial sweeteners, research on how they affect our weight and health is mixed. The best overall whey protein powder Amazon If you're looking for a powder that mixes easily and tastes great, Cellucor Whey Protein Isolate & Concentrate Blend Powder is one of the best and most affordable options. The Cellucor Whey Protein Isolate & Concentrate Blend Powder not only tastes good and has 24 grams of protein per serving, but it's also the most affordable option in our guide at 71.4 cents per serving and 3 cents per gram of protein. Each serving also only has 1.5 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbs, and 120 calories. There are seven flavors to choose from, including whipped vanilla, molten chocolate, and cinnamon swirl. Cellucor recommends mixing two scoops with five to six ounces of your preferred beverage, but you can adjust the amount of liquid to fit your tastes. The company also suggests mixing the powder with yogurt, oatmeal, and pancakes. The Wirecutter test panelists liked the Cellucor Cor-Performance Whey because of taste. The reviewer notes that the texture is smooth, thick, and foamy, although some of its testers found it too sweet. BarBend's reviewer found it mixed easily, tasted great, and was relatively inexpensive. However, he did note that there is a fair amount of sodium (130 mg) and didn't like that it has sucralose, an artificial sweetener. — James Brains, reviewed by Andrew Gutman Pros: Great taste, affordable, mixes smoothly, 24 grams of protein per serving, excellent for baking, third-party tested Cons: 130 mg of sodium per serving, contains artificial sweeteners The best sugar-free whey protein powder Amazon The Platinum Hydrowhey by Optimum Nutrition may be expensive, but it mixes well and boasts 30 grams of protein per serving with zero grams of sugar. A single serving of Optimum Nutrition's Platinum Hydrowhey yields 140 calories, 30 grams of protein, one gram of fat, 3 grams of carbs, and no sugar. It's made of hydrolyzed whey protein, which breaks down the protein into smaller pieces for better absorption and easier digestion. You can choose from seven flavors: cookies and cream overdrive, chocolate mint, velocity vanilla, chocolate peanut butter, supercharged strawberry, turbo chocolate, and red velvet cake, which was the highest-rated flavor on Bodybuilding.com. I think that turbo chocolate tastes great, too. There is no sugar in this product, but Optimum Nutrition does use artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and high-fructose corn syrup. Customers praised Optimum Nutrition for making a protein that mixed smoothly and with virtually anything. The company claims that you can easily mix this protein with just a spoon, and I can confirm that this is true. While this may not sound like a strong selling point, I have forgotten my shaker bottle at home many times and have had to mix my protein with a spoon or knife at work. When I tried this with other brands, I always got clumpy, gross-tasting shakes. — Andrew Gutman Pros: 30 grams of protein per serving, third-party tested, superb mixability, no sugar Cons: Contains high-fructose corn syrup See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best checked luggage you can buyThe best raincoats for dogsThe best small safes for your home or office
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The Knickerbocker in Times Square is the perfect luxury base for first-time visitors to New York — here's why
Alyssa Powell/Business Insider The Knickerbocker Hotel is a historic property that's been reimagined as a five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Times Square with a rooftop bar, and restaurant from famed chef, Charlie Palmer. With rooms starting as low as $250 per night in slower seasons and averaging around $300 to $500 in high-occupancy periods, it's comparably priced to many other upscale New York hotels, and especially competitive for the five-star tier. I spent a night in a Deluxe Room and thought it was the perfect base for first-time visitors to New York and tourists looking for a high-end boutique hotel. Read all Insider Picks Hotel reviews here. As a New Yorker, the prospect of willingly entering Times Square can seem particularly bleak. Yet for first-time visitors to New York, it's the prime place to be, and stay. As such, there is no shortage of options for hotels in Times Square. Most are big offerings from the likes of Marriott or others, which are great for earning loyalty points but can sometimes feel overrun with tourists and large tour groups. For something a bit more understated, and with a level of sophistication that's hard to find in Times Square, my pick goes to the Knickerbocker Hotel. Affectionately dubbed The Knick, this historic property dating back to 1906 has been lovingly restored as one of the only five-star hotels in the heart of Times Square. It's relatively affordable and popular with visitors looking for upscale accommodations in the heart of New York, and business types seeking to close a deal over a steak dinner. The Knick also provides a level of boutique luxury unavailable at many big brand options nearby. I spent a Friday night in a Deluxe Room, which was comped for review purposes, but typically starts at about $250 per night, depending on the time of year. If you can find such a deal, that's incredibly affordable for New York luxury hotels. Even in higher season, when prices run closer to the $300 to $500 range, it's still on par with New York prices but gains an edge in being a luxury offering. For more New York hotel recommendations, read our list of the 20 best hotels in New York City in 2020. First impression The room On-site amenities What's nearby What others say What you need to know The bottom line Book the Knickerbocker Hotel starting at $250 per night Keep reading to see why I was so impressed by the Knickerbocker Hotel in Times Square.Business Insider Emily Hochberg/Business Insider It's in Times Square. Like, really in Times Square. Situated at the corner of 42nd Street and Broadway, you really can't get much closer to the action, and the exterior sidewalk will be quite busy with passing crowds. However, when I slipped inside the double doors, I found the lobby to be calming, dressed in shades of sleek brown and black hues. A concierge table was in front, with check-in a bit further back, past the elevators. This was actually a bit cumbersome when I arrived at 4 p.m. at peak check-in time. Many people (and their extensive luggage) were waiting for small elevators, and I had to squeeze by to find the check-in desk. Emily Hochberg/Business insider Staff were positioned behind a low desk and the process to get to them was a bit confusing. There wasn't one clear line, just a lot of people milling about waiting for their turn. Once I earned my spot in front, I found out I was booked in a Premier Room on the third floor, which offered direct views of Times Square. I think this is a great option for those who are new to the city and want to not only feel the electric pulse of it but see and savor it, too. However, as a light sleeper, the proposition of facing Times Square on such a low floor felt particularly risky. I asked if it might be possible to be placed in a quieter location but was informed all Premier Rooms face Times Square, and though windows have soundproofing, they might still carry some noise. Deluxe Rooms, on the other hand, were the same in size and amenities, just without the views. Sign me up. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:I've stayed at the Disneyland Hotel 10 times but you don't have to be a super fan to see its value with prime park access, an expansive pool, and themed roomsThe 11 best hotels in San FranciscoI stayed at the hip Freehand New York — you'll love the artsy decor, affordable price, and great locationSEE ALSO: Hotel Review: We spent a night at the boutique Park Terrace Hotel in Bryant Park and loved the mod room, free breakfast, and upscale amenities SEE ALSO: Hotel review: We stayed at the Moxy Chelsea and were impressed by its central location, co-working spaces, and great views SEE ALSO: Hotel review: We stayed at the Conrad New York Downtown — here's why the all-suite Hilton offering is worth the high price tag SEE ALSO: Hotel review: We stayed at the hip Freehand New York — you'll love the artsy decor, affordable price, and great location
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Allbirds' sustainable 'Tree' sneakers were a game changer when they debuted in 2018 — here's how they've held up after over a year of regular wear
Allbirds Sneaker startup Allbirds became famous for their cloud-like, super comfortable Merino wool sneakers. The direct-to-consumer brand has a deep commitment to sustainability, and as such, released a line of sneakers made from Eucalyptus pulp called the Tree collection. The collection features four styles, the Runners, the Skippers, the Loungers, the Toppers. We tried the the Runners and Skippers to see if they're just as comfortable as the originals. You can find our separate review of the Toppers here. Spoiler alert: They're amazing, and now they come in limited-edition colorways. Read our reviews, plus an update after a year of wear, below. Chances are you've heard about Allbirds, the internet-famous $95 sneaker made from a soft, almost cashmere-like Merino wool. Currently, Allbirds makes three types of wool shoes — the wool "Runners" (which is also available in a water-resistant style), the wool slip-on "Loungers," and the wool high-top "Runner-Up Mizzle" (which is water-resistant as well).See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:We tested 3 different styles of the Hunter rain boots you see everyone wearing — they're flexible, comfortable, and fully waterproof18 'Shark Tank' home products that are actually usefulThe North Face's Etip Gloves keep my hands warm and work effortlessly with touchscreens
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The best treadmills for your home gym
A proper treadmill allows you to workout from the comfort of your home and is a great addition to any at-home gym setup Though treadmill features vary depending on specific makes and models, the most important qualities are power and reliability For a great all-around treadmill that costs less than $1,000, the NordicTrack C 990 Treadmill is a great buy. When building a home gym, you'll find plenty of strange equipment on the market. There are at-home personal trainers masquerading as mirrors and interactive punching bags that turn your living room into a boxing gym. Some are even reminiscent of ancient torture devices rather than helpful weight-loss machines. But few at-home options have endured the changing landscape of at-home fitness quite like the treadmill. It's easy to see why, too. They're great for maintaining cardio fitness, preparing for road races like 2-milers or 5Ks, or serving as a complement to your weekly workout routine — especially for anyone who doesn't have time to always make it to a physical gym or run outside. Compared to other types of machines, treadmills are also just dead simple to use. You simply run or walk on the belt, and a motor moves the belt under your feet at whatever speed you select. But treadmills offer a whole host of different features that'll help you gain exactly the kinds of training and health benefits you need. Some treadmills are advanced, offering high-tech features like touchscreen displays and live-streamed classes, while others are more basic. We've included a variety of treadmill types at a number of price points to help you find the best option for your needs. Be aware, though, treadmills are expensive and cheaper models don't always last as long or work as well in the long run. Here are the best treadmills you can buy: Best treadmill overall: NordicTrack C 990 Treadmill Best treadmill for quiet workouts: 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill Best treadmill for race training: ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill Best budget treadmill: Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill Best shock-absorbing treadmill: LifeSpan TR3000i Folding Treadmill Best high-end treadmill: Peloton Tread Updated on 01/08/2020 by Rick Stella: Added Peloton Tread and updated prices.The best treadmill overall NordicTrack The NordicTrack C 990 Treadmill isn't a perfect treadmill, but its high-tech features and great running experience make it a great buy for less than $1,000 If you love to run, you'll want a good-quality treadmill that doesn't break the bank, and the NordicTrack C 990 Treadmill is a great option with its high-tech features, good motor, decent-sized running belt, and relatively affordable sub-$1,000 price tag. The 7-inch screen can connect to your Wi-fi so you can watch Netflix while you run or view the metrics for your workout. You can even pretend you're running outside with access to Google Maps. It even has a fan to cool you down. Top Fitness Magazine review says the touchscreen is a great addition that breaks up the monotony of running on a treadmill. Nordic Track offers several pre-set workouts from the iFit library, which is something Amazon buyers love. USA Home Gym says this treadmill has plenty of accessories to make your workout more enjoyable, including a tablet shelf, a port for your music player, a smartphone tray, and a water bottle holder. The treadmill has a belt size of 20 by 60 inches and a 3.0-horsepower motor, which should be adequate for most people. Considering its sub $1,000 price, the C 990 has some nice features for average runners, Fit Rated says. The only downside is that several Amazon reviewers report longevity problems, as well as poor customer service. Nordic Track does offer a lifetime frame and motor warranty, a 3-year parts warranty, and a one-year labor warranty. Pros: 7-inch screen, decent belt size, 3 horsepower motor, pre-set workouts, relatively affordable, entertainment features Cons: Longevity of treadmill is questionable, may have customer service problems The best treadmill for quiet workouts 3G Cardio The 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill delivers excellent performance and runs quieter than most treadmills. Few treadmills made for use at home will deliver the kind of quiet performance that the 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill delivers. It's made for tall or heavy runners looking a tough workout, but you'll pay more than $3,000 for the kind of quality that this 3G Cardio unit delivers. It has an Ortho Flex Shock suspension system to minimize the stress of impact for runners, and the 22 by 62-inch platform is perfect for running. Tall people will also love it, according to Home Treadmill Reviews. The 3G Cardio comes with many pre-programmed workouts and a fitness level test. You have access to speed and elevation settings, heart rate control, and workout customization. The 3G Cardio treadmill has a 4.0 horsepower motor and 3-inch rollers for great performance. Treadmill Reviews says the strong motor and the sturdy design of the treadmill ensure that it runs quietly, which is a blessing in a home gym. As you would expect with a treadmill with such a high price point, the 3G Cardio Elite consists of thick steel tubing in the frame. In its review, Best Fitness Equipment says both are key in providing longevity and good performance. If something should go wrong, 3G Cardio offers a 10-year parts warranty and two years of in-home repairs. One Amazon buyer speaks for many, saying that the 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill compares favorably to the types of high-quality treadmills found in professional gyms. The only big downside is how big and heavy it is at 400 pounds. It's also rather expensive, so this is really only for serious runners who want a treadmill that will last a lifetime. Pros: Strong steel frame that will support a lot of weight, unit runs quieter than most treadmills, large treadmill belt area for tall runners, includes a large motor to compare favorably to gym treadmills Cons: Extremely high price point, very heavy equipment that is difficult to move around The best treadmill for race training ProForm The ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill will help you train for your next road race indoors when the weather is bad. Runners who are looking for a treadmill with good all-around training capabilities will like the reasonably-priced ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill. It has a 3.5-horsepower motor, which allows it to stand up to daily use, and it boasts a belt deck that measures 22 by 60 inches, which is perfect for most runners. When you're training for races with hills, you'll appreciate this treadmill's ability to reach a 15% incline and a 3% decline, which better simulates hills than most other treadmills, according to the Top Fitness Magazine review. The ProForm treadmill also has a number of techy features, including a 7-inch screen that's compatible with iFit workouts, a music port for iPods, and many workout apps. It also has ProShox Cushioning to lessen the impact for runners. Overall, reviewers like this treadmill for average runners. Fit Rated says the Pro 2000 delivers a strong level of features and performance for an entry-level treadmill, as long as you don't need a heavy-duty cardio trainer. Treadmill Reviews agrees that it's a good option for the price. Buyers mostly praise the treadmill, and one Amazon reviewer says the ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill works well both for regular training runs as well as for interval training. However, several Amazon customers express disappointment with the level of customer service they received after having problems with the unit. Pros: Good motor, large running belt of 22 by 60 inches, includes both an incline and a decline setting, offers good interval training features Cons: Customer service may be disappointing if you have problems, very heavy treadmill See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best robot vacuumsThe best dog foodThe best immersion blendersSEE ALSO: The best dumbbells you can buy for your home gym
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This convertible tote is a near-perfect gym bag — it's machine washable and compact yet deceptively spacious
Caraa Sport Product Embed: Product Name: Caraa Sport Athena Tote Medium Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5dcf31d17eece518e84b7ff7&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% Caraa Sport makes some of our favorite backpacks, totes, weekenders, and now gym bags. The label blends style with functionality and versatility well, and its Athena Tote is a great example. The Athena Tote Medium ($195) is machine-washable, converts from a tote to a messenger bag, and keeps its bulk to a rectangular shape. Caraa Sport is the startup best known for their pricey but revered Studio bags. The brand has a recognizably modern, monochromatic style, but its customers most often rave about organization and performance — including us when we reviewed their Stratus Backpack ($195) and Cloud Cumulus Medium Tote ($195). One editor even said that, while there are other great options for much less, the $450 Studio Bag is pretty great for a weekender. Caraa Sport has a knack for balancing style with functionality and for solving issues that had inexplicably not been addressed sooner — like the weight and machine-washability of a gym bag.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best online deals and sales happening nowThe best men's corduroy pants25 useful Android accessories and compatible gadgets to use with your phone
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The best blenders
When selecting a blender for your kitchen, you're going to want one that's powerful enough to do whatever job you need, whether it's creating a simple smoothie or crushing ice. The Calphalon Auto-Speed Blender is the best one you can buy with its powerful motor, decent price tag, and easy-to-use preset blending functions. A blender seems like a simple kitchen tool, and for the most part, it is. Blenders give you a variety of settings to help you achieve the consistency you need for a particular recipe. And even if you don't use it specifically for cooking, a blender is essential when you want to whip up, say, kale smoothies or homemade vanilla milkshakes. Although blenders all seem to perform the same task, there are a few different types, each with its own unique features: conventional, multi-function, personal, and immersion. A conventional blender is the most common type for use in your home kitchen; it can perform a variety of functions from making soup to blending smoothies. Multi-function, professional-style blenders have powerful motors and are often used in restaurants. Finally, there's the personal blender, which is a small appliance that makes single servings and may run from a battery for portability. We left immersion blenders (also called hand blenders) off of this list because they have their own comprehensive buying guide, which you can check out here. When choosing a blender, think about how you want to use it. The motor is the most important part of any blender, and the higher the wattage, the better the performance. Always get a blender with a motor that's more than 500 watts. If you want to make frozen drinks, you may need one with 1,000 watts of power. You'll also want to look at the type of blades on each blender. Some blenders have blades made for solid objects like ice, while others are better equipped for blending softer foods. Stainless steel blades are best. The size and material of the blender jar are also key factors, as is the tightness of the lid. Here are the best blenders you can buy: Best blender overall: Calphalon Auto-Speed Blender Best budget blender: KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender Best high-power blender: Ninja Professional Blender BL660 Best professional-style blender: Vitamix 750 Best vacuum blender: Breville Super Q Blender and Vac Q attachment Best personal blender: Breville Boss to Go Sport Updated on 1/8/2020 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices, links, and copy. The best blender overall Calphalon True to its name, the Calphalon Auto-Speed Blender automatically senses the correct speed for the ingredients you're blending and can be used for smoothies, dips, and milkshakes. The Calphalon Auto-Speed Blender has four preset functions, 10 adjustable speeds, and a 1100-watt motor that automatically senses the thickness of your ingredients. It applies the power necessary so all the manual guess-work is taken out of blending, making it convenient to use and resulting in a great final product whether you're making a smoothie or a salsa. Having tested this blender myself, I can personally attest to how well it works. Call me a creature of habit, but my morning smoothie is an almost daily ritual — one that's been going on for close to eight years now — so a high-quality blender I can count on is a must. I put the Calphalon Auto-Speed through its paces, and it's held up well to daily use, resulting in thick, silky smoothies. I can tell you firsthand how unpleasant it is to encounter an unexpected spinach leaf or chunk of banana in a poorly blended smoothie, but that hasn't happened once since I've started using this blender. The Calphalon Auto-Speed can do much more than make smoothies, which makes it a great multi-purpose tool to have on your kitchen counter. The pulse feature allows for food prep and chopping — and results in a great salsa. There are also four preset functions for dips, milkshakes, frozen drinks, and smoothies as well as adjustable speeds for more hands-on control. I especially like the addition of the reverse pulse button which helps pull the ingredients further down into the blade if necessary to prevent any jams, resulting in a smooth blend. The 6-point stainless steel blades are both durable and easy to clean thanks to the way they're angled. Each part of the blender that attaches to the base is also dishwasher safe for further convenience. I've cleaned each of these parts in our own dishwasher multiple times with no issue. With such a powerful motor, this blender is much quieter than I expected. It's by no means silent, but it's much less deafening than others I've used in the past, making it a little less grating to listen to in the morning if you're a breakfast smoothie fanatic like myself. When blending, you can either use the 2-Liter pitcher for larger quantities, or the convenient 25-ounce Blend-N-Go Jar for single-serving-sized smoothies and drinks. While I liked using the Blend-N-Go Jar, I did find the drinking lid that comes with it slightly awkward to use. It prevented any spills, but the attached cap was sometimes more of a nuisance than anything else. As far as quality and ease of use go, I was not disappointed. The lids to both the pitcher and the jar seal tightly, and I had no issues with any splatter or leaking while blending. The blade attachment fits easily onto the base and removes just as easily when you're finished blending. While this blender is on the expensive side, if it's a tool you know you'll be using often, it's a worthwhile investment that you'll be able to rely on for durability, great results, and ease of use. Presets and speeds are controlled by a dial on the front that's clearly labeled, and you can start, pause, pulse and reverse pulse at the push of a button. The easy to read digital interface is also a nice touch, showing you how long you've been blending, or counting down to the finish if you choose to use one of the preset functions. — Kylie Joyner Pros: 1100-watt motor that automatically senses ingredients and adjusts for best results, four preset functions, 10 adjustable speeds, easy to clean, features durable stainless steel blades, comes with a Blend-N-Go jar for added convenience Cons: On the expensive side, lid that goes with smoothie cup is slightly awkward to use The best budget blender KitchenAid The KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender is a solid, affordable blender that can make soups and smoothies easily. Although you certainly can spend hundreds of dollars on a blender, you don't have to if you only want an occasional smoothie, soup, or blended dessert. I've owned the KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender for several years, and it's still going strong. The Die Cast Metal Base is sturdy, so it doesn't shake as it blends, which is something that a lot of cheap blenders tend to do. Although it's not as powerful as many of the blenders in our guide, the KitchenAid has a perfectly capable motor that helps the stainless steel blades blend just about anything with little effort. KitchenAid's Intelli-Speed Motor Control tech ensures that ingredients are blended equally. The 56-ounce BPA-Free pitcher is easy to clean, as is the two-piece lid. Years of use haven't harmed the sturdy plastic pitcher or the lid, which still fits snugly. Expert reviewers praise the KitchenAid blender, too, citing its low price as the main attraction. CNET and Good Housekeeping were impressed with it, and Wirecutter also recommends it as the best budget blender. — Malarie Gokey Pros: Sturdy, affordable, makes good smoothies, decent motor, five speeds Cons: Not as powerful as others The best high-power blender Ninja The affordable Ninja Professional Blender delivers plenty of power to crush ice and blend a variety of ingredients to create perfect smoothies every time. If you're looking to create great-tasting smoothies at home, you'll want a blender with plenty of power to ensure the ingredients are well mixed and delivered at the desired texture. The Ninja Professional Blender has the features needed to pulverize ice and create the highest quality smoothies possible. It boasts 1,100 watts of power with three speeds, a pulse setting, and a single-serve function. Ninja also includes two 16-ounce to-go cups so you can take your breakfast smoothie with you. The blender's 72-ounce pitcher is a good size and it has a form-fitting lid and a nice big handle. Guides Editor Les Shu has seen the Ninja in action. The multiple sharp blades, while befitting of the Ninja name, look both frightening and ridiculous. When it's running, the blender is jet-engine loud. But it did a terrific job cutting through ice and fresh pineapple for piña coladas. Indeed, the Ninja blender does a great job with all kinds of blending needs, including crushing and pureeing for smoothies, according to the Healthy But Smart review. It's the perfect choice for people who don't want to invest in our top pick but still need a powerful blender. In its review, Easy Healthy Smoothie says this blender makes perfect smoothies and it's very affordable, considering the power it offers. As for downsides, the Kitchen Gear Pro says the Ninja blender is difficult to take apart and clean, in large part because of the sharpness of the blades. The lid also has some crevasses that are tough to clean properly. But otherwise, this is a great budget pick. — Kyle Schurman Pros: Perfect option for creating smoothies at home, good price point, offers many different kinds of blending options, works to crush ice, blends many kinds of foods successfully Cons: Unit's lid can be difficult to clean, blades are sharp when you take blender apart for cleaning See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:This affordable leather recliner and ottoman set is perfect for lounging — its USB ports and power outlet ensure you'll never get out of itWe compared Casper's foam mattress to its new hybrid mattress to determine which bed you should buyThe best smart speaker you can buy: Amazon Echo vs. Google Home vs. Sonos OneSEE ALSO: The best immersion blenders you can buy
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The internet can't stop talking about these leggings made of recycled water bottles — and now I understand why
Girlfriend Collective I own nearly 20 pairs of black leggings, but Girlfriend Collective's Classic High-Rise ($68) has been my all-time favorite for athleisure for two years now. Girlfriend Collective leggings are made from a flattering and helpful compression material that never pills. The well-placed seams elongate and slim. Each legging is made from 25 recycled water bottles, and the company prioritizes ethical and sustainable production, which they're transparent about. Girlfriend Collective leggings are sold at prices as low as $58, which is a steal in terms of industry standards and quality. Product Embed: Product Name: Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Leggings Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e14b282f442310681133ec4&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% I own a lot of leggings. At the same time that I was running a little over 20 miles a week in a different pair every day, the athleisure trend hit — and I subsequently buried myself in black semi-spandex.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:18 'Shark Tank' home products that are actually usefulThe best running shoes for womenThe best women's workout clothesSEE ALSO: These Adidas are made from recycled ocean plastic, and they're the most comfortable running sneakers I've tried
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This affordable leather recliner and ottoman set is perfect for lounging — its USB ports and power outlet ensure you'll never get out of it
Coddle/Facebook A high-quality recliner is comfortable to lounge on in a variety of positions, has an attractive look that complements your home, and is easy to clean. I like the Coddle Toggle Reclining Chair and Ottoman because you can choose from luxurious leather or microfiber, the pieces are easy to assemble, and the chair has become a spot for everyone in the family to relax, including our pets. Though the set is in the middle of the pack price-wise (currently $599 from Coddle), the chair features two USB ports and a 120V outlet, and if you don't like it, you can return the set within 60 days for a full refund. Product Embed: Product Name: Coddle Toggle Reclining Chair Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5dcdd7503afd376a714ddc85&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150%Product Embed: Product Name: Coddle Toggle Ottoman Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5dcdd7db3afd376b204ecc23&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% Nothing pairs better with a good book or binge-watching your favorite shows quite like a comfy recliner. If your body isn't supported right by a chair that feels good in a variety of positions, you'll get antsy and need to pull yourself away from your media. This was never a problem with the Coddle Toggle Reclining Chair and Ottoman. I recently tried this set and was impressed by the luxurious look and feel. And when I needed to charge my phone, I didn't need to find a wall outlet — the built-in socket had me covered. Read on to learn more about what sets this chair apart.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:This Melissa & Doug wooden toy chest is the toy box I didn't know I needed — it's sturdy, safe for tiny fingers, and looks great in my living roomI've been using this foundation every day for more than 4 years now — here's why I won't use anything elseWe tested 3 different styles of the Hunter rain boots you see everyone wearing — they're flexible, comfortable, and fully waterproof
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The best dog harnesses, according to professional dog trainers
The best dog harnesses are ones that make walks and other adventures with your dog easy while keeping them comfortable, secure, and pain-free. As a professional dog trainer who has tested harnesses on hundreds of dogs, I've found different harnesses work best for dogs of different sizes, needs, and abilities. For leash pulling, for example, a no-pull harness with a front clip is likely your best bet, while small dogs often benefit from a vest-style harness. Our pick for the best dog harness overall is the PetSafe 3-in-1 Harness. It's a versatile, affordable harness that fits well without restricting movement. Of all the commitments you made to your dog when you agreed to be their guardian, daily walks are among the most important. Walks aren't just essential to your dog's physical and mental health; for most, it's the only opportunity they have to explore their world. For us humans, though, walks can be among the more complicated tasks our dogs require of us. Just figuring out what equipment to use is a challenge. Harnesses, as opposed to collars, are the best option for walking a dog safely and comfortably. Walking a dog on even the softest collar can cause choking and poses even greater risks. "As a general rule, I don't like anything that puts too much pressure on the neck," Dr. Carlo Siracusa, DVM, associate professor of clinical animal behavior and welfare at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, told Insider Picks. "Pressure to the neck can cause problems to the trachea and to the bone structure of the neck, itself." Studies even suggest that too much pressure on the neck can cause eye problems, including glaucoma. Selecting which harness to use isn't simple, though. A style that works well on a 4-pound apple-headed Chihuahua may be a terrible fit for a long-legged, barrel-chested Great Dane. Nor does finding the right harness depend solely on fit. The best harness for your dog is the one that makes walks and other adventures easy while keeping them comfortable, secure, and pain-free. Dogs that pull on leash, for example, need something different than older or injured dogs with limited mobility. Dog harnesses generally fall into three major categories: Front clip: Harnesses that clip to a leash at the front of the chest are anti-pull. They slow your dog down by putting your control ahead of them instead of at their back. Back clip: Harnesses that clip to a leash at the back are for dogs that don't pull, no matter whether they're super-active or couch potato. Front and back clip: These harnesses have both options, providing versatility for dogs and people whose needs change over time. As a certified professional dog trainer, I have 10 years of experience testing harnesses on hundreds of dogs of all types — from tiny floofs to big bruisers, from the most reserved to the overly friendly. After consulting with other dog professionals, including Erika Slovikoski, a certified professional dog trainer with more than a decade of experience, and Michelle Sanchez, a pet care provider, rescue maven, and member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, I've narrowed down a crowded field of more than two dozen options to find the six best harnesses for dogs of different sizes, needs, and abilities. Here are the best dog harnesses you can buy: Best dog harness overall: PetSafe 3-in-1 Harness Best harness for small dogs: Puppia RiteFit Harness Best harness for large dogs: Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness Best harness for dogs that pull: Blue-9 Pet Products Balance Harness Best harness for active dogs: Hurtta Weekend Warrior Harness Best harness for injured or senior dogs: Ruffwear Web Master Harness Updated 1/07/2020 by Shoshi Parks: Updated categories, products, and text.The best dog harness overall PetSafe The affordable PetSafe 3 in 1 Harness fits dogs of all sizes well, and with two places to clip the leash, it functions as both a traditional and no-pull dog harness. For the cost, the PetSafe 3 in 1 is the most versatile harness out there, working well for both dogs that pull on leash and those that are confident loose-leash walkers. The additional strap on the back is made for car rides — most seatbelts will fit snugly through the loop, keeping your dog safely restrained. In my decade as a professional dog trainer, I haven't found a dog or human yet that the PetSafe 3 in 1 doesn't have some positive function for. Dogs that pull on leash benefit from the V-strap design that doesn't restrict the movement of the front legs when the leash is clipped to the D-ring at the chest. When the leash is attached to the D-ring on the back, the harness is great for walking or jogging with dogs that do not pull on leash. It's also the ideal place to connect a long-line for safely teaching a dog recall. This harness serves those who prefer double-ended leashes as well. Even if the only thing you ever use this harness for is car rides, it doesn't require any additional equipment to ensure your dog's safety as you drive (although it's worth noting that these harnesses have not been crash-tested and traveling with your dog in a secured crate is always the safest option). With your dog in the backseat, just slip a seat belt through the strap on the back of the harness and buckle it. Although the PetSafe only comes in four sizes (extra-small to large), it has five points of adjustment around the neck and chest. The martingale at the front D-ring also tightens slightly to keep the harness snug when walking a puller. Three buckles on the harness — one on the neck strap and two on the chest strap — mean you never have to slip a loop over your dog's head or lift their feet to put it on, a welcome feature for those with shy or handling-sensitive pups. All those buckles, though, can also make the harness somewhat confusing. I've caught myself putting it on upside-down more than once. While it may not be as comfortable as a vest-style harness, the straps of the harness are lined with a light neoprene padding for extra comfort, and the whole thing is stitched together with reflective thread for better visibility at night. The PetSafe 3 in 1 Harness is only available in three colors — black, teal, and plum — but for the price, this versatile harness is a steal. Pros: Affordable, easy to fit, works for dogs of all sizes, good for dogs that pull, good for dogs that walk well on leash, allows freedom of movement, accommodates double-ended leash, reflective stitching for use after dark Cons: Only four sizes and three colors, can be confusing to put on correctly The best harness for small dogs Amazon The soft, flexible, and easy-to-fit Puppia RiteFit Harness is an ultra-affordable option for small dogs. For small dogs that don't pull on leash, I like to use a soft vest-style harness. Puppia harnesses have been a comfortable, affordable option for years, and now the company has improved on its original design with the RiteFit, a more adjustable model that makes it easier to get an appropriate fit. Puppia's RiteFit is made from cushiony polyester covered in tiny pinholes for breathability. It's a handsome harness that comes in nine different colors, and while it's only offered in four sizes, it has three points of adjustment, two around the neck and one around the chest. The leash clips two metal D-rings together at the back for added peace of mind. The whole thing washes easily in the laundry if your dog, like many I know, thinks rolling in stinky stuff is the best thing in the world. Although I've never seen it happen, students in my dog training classes have occasionally reported their dog slipping out of a Puppia RiteFit Harness. Whether these outliers can be chalked up to human error or design failure is hard to say. Either way, it suggests that the harness isn't 100% secure. If you have a dog that tends to dart on leash or is a known escape artist, you would do better with the more secure Gooby Escape Free Sport Harness, included in the list of other harnesses we considered. For most small dogs, though, the Puppia RiteFit Harness is a secure, comfortable, budget-friendly solution for walks. Pros: Soft, breathable, flexible, affordable, easy to adjust for size, easy to clean, comes in nine colors Cons: Only four sizes, dogs may be able to wiggle out of the harness The best harness for large dogs Kurgo The high-quality padded Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness has both front and back leash clips for effortless walks with large dogs of all breeds. My biggest concern when it comes to choosing a harness for a large breed dog is whether I can trust its strength and durability. Lightweight harnesses that work well for 10-pound dogs could prove dangerous when an 80-pounder gets to pulling. The last thing I want to worry about on a walk is whether my harness will withstand the journey. Kurgo approaches this problem right, constructing their Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness with ripstop fabric, heavy-duty stitching, and strong D-rings at the chest and back for connecting the leash. It even comes with a lifetime warranty. This vest-style harness has a padded chest plate that can be fit snugly using four points of adjustment, two at the neck and two at the chest. Kurgo also added a loop at the spine for connecting a seatbelt. The harness even comes with its own 10-inch strap with a carabiner at one end and a loop to slip over a backseat belt on the other. The Kurgo Tru-Fit is easy to put on and requires only slipping the front loop over the head then clipping either side of the chest loop to the strap along the spine. No leg-lifting needed (though pulling material over the head may be frightening for shy or handling-sensitive dogs). It's offered in five sizes and four basic colors. Unfortunately, neither reflective patterns nor stitching is included. Although the Kurgo Tru-Fit Harness has the front leash clip, this isn't my first choice as an anti-pull harness, as the vest is prone to shifting and riding up on some dogs. If you're looking for an anti-pull harness for a large breed, stick with the Blue-9 Balance Harness or the PetSafe 3-in-1 recommended in our best no-pull harness and best overall harness categories. But if your dog already walks on a loose leash and you'll be using the back D-ring, the Kurgo Tru-Fit is a comfortable, reliable harness for everyday walks with big dogs. Pros: High-quality materials, four points of adjustability, two places to connect the leash, comes with a seatbelt for car travel, padded, five sizes, fits dogs up to 110 pounds Cons: Only four colors, no reflective accents, vest may ride up when leashing to front D-ring See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best basic tool kits for DIY home projectsThe best shaving soapThe best shaving cream for menSEE ALSO: The best cleaning products for pet owners that can tackle any mess
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The best swim gear and accessories
Competitive swimmers train with gear that, when used properly, can help improve their technique, strength, and endurance. As a recreational swimmer, I find certain items like my cap, a pair of goggles, and my waterproof iPod Shuffle essential to completing laps efficiently. Before jumping into the pool, grab a few or more of these 14 items to elevate your next swimming session. If I arrive at the pool without a cap, a pair of goggles, or my waterproof iPod shuffle, my workout is doomed. These three items are essential to me completing any lap at a brisk pace. I know I'm not alone, too. So often I see recreational swimmers use other accessories to aid their workouts, but I didn't always understand their purposes. With several competitive (high school, club, collegiate, U.S. Masters) swimmers in my family, however, I learned about the advantages of different items. If used properly, gear like hand paddles, fins, and even snorkels can help any swimmer practice stroke mechanics and build strength and endurance. Whether you're training to improve your swim technique for competition or just like to hop in the pool for exercise, here are 14 pieces of gear designed to help boost your aquatic workouts.Goggles to see underwater and protect your eyes Swim Outlet Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Mirrored Swim Goggles, $21.99, available on Swim Outlet Whether you're swimming 20 or 200 laps, goggles are a vital piece of your swim kit. Besides allowing you to see clearly underwater, goggles protect your eyes from pool water, dirt, chlorine, and other cleaning chemicals. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, chlorine washes away your eyes' protective layers of tears, leaving them vulnerable to irritating chemicals and harmful bacteria. Nobody wants anything to do with conjunctivitis — i.e. Pink eye. I've worn the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Mirrored Swim Goggles for years. They're streamlined, comfortable, effectively keep water out, and provide fine underwater visibility. Anti-fog spray to prevent fog build-up Swim Outlet JAWS Quick Spit Antifog Spray, $7.16 on sale (originally $7.95), available on Swim Outlet Fogged-up goggle lenses are a nuisance. Even worse, clearing them up means having to full stop, only to see them fog up again by the next lap. As gross (and potentially conjunctivitis-causing) as is sounds, I used to spit in my goggles, spread saliva on the inner lenses, and rinse them to prevent fogging. Then my competitive swimmer daughter shared her hack of using baby shampoo. But who's actually toting along baby shampoo and tissues (which you need to keep dry)? Instead, opt for the JAWS Quick Spit Antifog Spray. Made in the USA with natural ingredients, this convenient spray is hypo-allergenic, alcohol-free, effective, easy to use, and much cleaner than actual saliva in preventing fogged-up lenses. A swim cap to reduce drag Amazon Arena Classic Silicone Swim Cap, $5.64 on sale (originally $6.99), available on Amazon Even after pulling your hair back in a ponytail, stray strands always find a way to float into your face. Swimming like that is a drag — that also creates drag. Whether you have long or short hair, a cap creates a more streamlined head for better hydrodynamics. Although a cap doesn't keep hair dry, it is a barrier that prevents pool water from soaking it while offering protection from chlorine and keeping stray hair out of the pool (and filters). A cap also helps retain heat, which you lose quickly through your head. Some swimmers even wear two caps for extra warmth. Whether you wear one or two caps, you'll have a choice between going for silicone or latex. Silicone caps work well in avoiding pulling on your hair and are thicker than their latex counterparts. Though latex caps are thinner and more likely to pull your hair, they are more economical. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:21 simple accessories to help you declutter your workspace — all under $25The best online deals and sales happening nowEverything you need to know about CES 2020 — the biggest tech show of the year
< Features, Insider Picks 2019, IP Freelance, Swim gear, Swim, Swimming, IP Roundup, Insider Picks 2020, >
21 unique Monopoly editions that will bring all kinds of fun to your game nights
If you're tired of playing the original Monopoly game during game night, try one of these 21 cool and unique editions. They feature themes from movies, TV, and video games, or they have new rules and twists to make the game more exciting. Though some can cost up to $60, they generally cost around $20, so it's not too expensive to upgrade your next game night. Monopoly is the board game of all board games. Everyone has a box set in their game cabinet, and you most likely have fond (or terrible) memories connected to the colorful paper money, small property pieces, and the phrase "Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200." Monopoly has origins dating back to 1903, and it was first officially published in 1935. Since then, it has been licensed and printed in numerous languages all around the world. While the original version will always be a classic that's guaranteed to help you pass a few hours with some analog fun, there are also tons of special collector's editions and themed editions that breathe new life into the game. These versions of Monopoly take your favorite pop culture characters and moments and incorporate them into the game. They might also feature new and interesting gameplay rules or twists to make the game more exciting. Try one of these 21 cool and unique Monopoly editions during your next game night. Super Mario Bros. Amazon Monopoly Super Mario Bros Collector's Edition, $39, available at Amazon Play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, a Super Mushroom, or a 1-up Mushroom in this 8-bit-style edition of Monopoly, where each property is a different world and you claim your stake with flagpoles and castles. "Friends" Amazon Monopoly "Friends" Edition, $38.55, available at Amazon It's the 25th anniversary of the iconic TV show and if you can't make it to the NYC pop-up experience, you can at least indulge your obsession with this Monopoly edition. We'd call it "The One Where Game Night Dissolves Into a Tear-Filled Screaming Match." Ultimate Banking Amazon Monopoly Ultimate Banking Edition, $24.95, available at Amazon "This store is a cash-free establishment." This version feels more fitting for modern life — instead of paper bills, you use tap cards and an electronic banking system to track your wealth. It's also faster-paced, and you can finish a game in one hour. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:21 simple accessories to help you declutter your workspace — all under $25Everything you need to know about CES 2020 — the biggest tech show of the yearThe best baby monitors
< Features, Insider Picks 2019, Games, Board Games, Monopoly, >
This classic dog toy is the one thing I tell every new dog owner to buy — here's why I love it so much that I bought 5
Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider The Kong Classic addresses a variety of dogs' needs: It is a durable chew and fetch toy plus a food dispenser. If you have a dog prone to separation anxiety, this dog toy may lessen their stress when left alone. One of the most popular uses for this multipurpose dog toy is food-dispensing. A frozen, treat-stuffed Kong can occupy my dog for up to 40 minutes. This toy is so popular that users share their own Kong recipes widely across the internet. Product Embed: Product Name: Kong Classic Dog Toy Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5db6e9a8dee0192ea60301d3&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:I tried this best-selling comforter from Amazon that seemed too good to be true — and it's actually way better than I expected for the low priceThis nontoxic baby balm is the only one I've found that eases my toddler's eczemaWithings' Steel HR combines the classic look of an analog watch with the features of a smartwatch
< Dogs, Dog Toys, Pets, Insider Picks 2019, IP Reviews, product card, >
The North Face re-released its iconic '95 Denali Jacket in 100% recycled fleece — here's how it stacks up against the original in a side-by-side comparison
Asim Ismael/Business Insider The North Face's Denali fleece has been around for more than 30 years, but the most iconic version, the '95 Denali Jacket, was just re-released in original form with a few notable updates. The new '95 Retro Denali Jacket is made with 100% recycled fleece and features an updated adjustable hem. Priced at $199 for the men's and women's versions, The North Face '95 Retro Denali Jacket is a solid outerwear option for this fall and winter. I compared it to my brother's original Denali from 1995 to see just how it stacked up to the mid-'90s icon, and the '95 Retro Denali Jacket turned out to be better than the original. Read on to find out why. Product Embed: Product Name: The North Face 1995 Retro Denali Jacket Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5d9cf40c122bd517dc772bf3&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% The North Face is one of, if not the first brands to come to mind when many people think of fleece jackets, and it's all thanks to Denali Jacket. While the immensely popular fleece has become the go-to cold-weather layer for people of all ages from all walks of life, its origins are very much rooted in high performance.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best sports brasThe best dog foodThe best turntables
< Insider Picks 2019, IP Reviews, The North Face, Fleeces, Jackets, >
I tried Tippsy, an online marketplace that makes it easy to order and learn about sake
Tippsy In the US, the consumer sake market suffers from lack of education, high mark-ups, and lack of access. Tippsy puts premium Japanese sake in the spotlight. It sells more than 200 sake products and also has a monthly subscription box option to help you discover your sake preferences. Buying sake online through Tippsy is convenient, affordable, and informative. I tried three different types of sake through the Tippsy Sake Box ($49-$59 per box). The experience was a great first step towards a deeper understanding and appreciation of sake. Product Embed: Product Name: Tippsy Sake Box Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5db9863adee01941d632dc02&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best sleep trackers20 fun stocking stuffers your baby will love — from novelty holiday bibs to animal-shaped teethersThe best sports bras
< Insider Picks 2019, Alcohol, Sake, Delivery, Online delivery, Subscription, product card, Food, Wine, >
21 simple accessories to help you declutter your workspace — all under $25
A clean, organized office desk helps you be more focused and productive at work. If you can't ever seem to find the supply you need or your drawers are overflowing with snacks, it's time to add some organizational structure to your workspace. From bin systems to cord organizers, these accessories will get you more organized, and they all cost under $25. Driven by the teachings of Marie Kondo, a fervent desire to clean up and reorganize our lives has gripped the Insider Picks team and pretty much everyone we know. While most people are focused on organizing their closets, kitchens, and living rooms, another important place in need of tidying and where you actually spend the majority of your days is your office desk. Elbows tucked in as you type because you have no space for any other position or uses of the words "dig" or "paw" to describe how you sift through your filing cabinet drawers are a couple tell-tale signs of a desk in desperate need of a makeover. A cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind, and if you're busy handling important sales calls, reviewing the company budget, or creating presentation decks for clients, you (and your boss) won't appreciate the mess. As you optimize your space with necessary supplies and accessories designed to improve your focus and productivity, make sure to also keep them organized. This organized foundation will show in your work. It won't cost much to organize your desk. These 21 desk organization ideas all cost under $25:A monitor stand riser with a built-in drawer Amazon SimpleHouseware Metal Desk Monitor Stand Riser with Organizer Drawer, $19.97, available at Amazon This desk accessory pulls double duty, lifting your monitor to a comfortable viewing height and adding space below to store your most-used supplies. An interlocking bin system for your drawer supplies Amazon Made Smart Madesmart Interlocking Drawer Organizer (8 Bin), $11.49, available at Amazon You can mix and match the different bins in this set to fit any size drawer. There are three small, three medium, and two large bins you can interlock with each other. Adhesive cable clips Amazon Cable Clips & Cord Management System, $8.99, available at Amazon Manage the cord chaos on your desk with these handy helpers, which will stick to any flat surface. They'll work with any cord up to 0.25 inches in diameter: charging cables, USB cords, headphone cords, and more. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:18 'Shark Tank' home products that are actually usefulEverything you need to know about CES 2020 — the biggest tech show of the yearThe best shaving cream for women
< Features, Insider Picks 2019, Organization, Office, Productivity, IP Roundup, >
18 'Shark Tank' home products that are actually useful
"Shark Tank" often impresses us with its wide variety of creative solutions to everyday problems. In the home and kitchen, products from the show are helping us clean and cook more efficiently, waste less, and sleep better. From smart kitchen gadgets to pet products, these 18 "Shark Tank" alums have earned their spots in your home. Ten seasons in and hundreds of products later, the show "Shark Tank" continues to entertain us as well as the panel of celebrity investors with creative pitches. However, that doesn't always mean the products are actually good. Some end up being a little too creative or out-there and border on plain gimmicky or "Who would even use that?" We looked through all the "Shark Tank" products available for purchase and came away with a selection of star products for the home that made us curse and ask ourselves, "Why didn't we think of this earlier?" Many solve for the wasteful design of many common products you already use, while others address the annoying inconveniences that everyone experiences. Check out the "Shark Tank" home products that are worth buying below.A spring-loaded laundry hamper Amazon Household Essentials Lifter Hamper, $29.56, available at Amazon This hamper drops down as you add clothes and rises as you remove them, meaning doing laundry will no longer be that uncomfortable chore you never look forward to. It eases the strain on your lower back, so it's especially great for expecting mothers, people with bad backs, and the elderly. A rapid ramen cooker Amazon Rapid Ramen Cooker (Red), $9.99, available at Amazon Granted ramen is already a pretty convenient meal to make, this tool makes the process even easier. The water line stops you from overfilling the bowl, the bowl doesn't get overly hot, and you don't need to use a pot and stove. It's perfect for anyone who doesn't have access to a kitchen, including students living in dorms and office workers. A tiny spatula to get every last drop of sauce or makeup Amazon The Spatty and Spatty Daddy Spatula Tool Set, $11.99, available at Amazon Think about all the ketchup, nail polish, and foundation that goes wasted because you can't get to the last remnants in the bottle. This small tool helps you get in all the nooks and crannies of bottles — so you're really getting your money's worth. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:20 fun stocking stuffers your baby will love — from novelty holiday bibs to animal-shaped teethersThe best paper towelsThe best toilet plungers
< Home, Shark Tank, Kitchen Essentials, Startups, Insider Picks 2019, IP Roundup, Fitness, Parenting, Kitchen appliances, Baking, cookware, Kitchen Tools, >
The North Face's Etip Gloves keep my hands warm and work effortlessly with touchscreens
Amir Ismael/Business Insider As much as I dislike cold weather, I've always hated to wear gloves because they're uncomfortable and inconvenient when it comes to using touchscreen devices and doing tasks that require dexterity. Then I came across the North Face Etip Gloves, and they're everything I've been looking for in winter gloves. They're warm, comfortable, and tech-friendly. At $45, they are considerably expensive for gloves, but their usability makes them well worth it for anyone who has to brave cold weather. Product Embed: Product Name: The North Face Etip Gloves Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5dfbfb4c855cc229ea785165&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% I've lived in the Northeast for my entire life, and even after 26 winters, I've never really gotten used to cold weather. When temperatures drop below freezing, you better believe I'm going all out with the warmest clothing and gear. But as much as I dislike the cold, there was always one winter essential that I couldn't stand to wear: gloves. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:Vizio has some great 4K TV deals at Walmart and Sam's Club — they may still arrive in time for ChristmasThe best thermal glovesWe tested the Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Roku Ultra to determine which streaming player is better for most buyers — and the affordable Roku Ultra is the winner
< Insider Picks 2019, IP Review, The North Face, Gloves, Tech, >
I tried this best-selling comforter from Amazon that seemed too good to be true — and it's actually way better than I expected for the low price
Amazon Comforters should be comfortable, warm, and breathable, a combination of criteria that's not always easy to find — and means you can pay up to hundreds of dollars when you do. The Equinox Comforter (currently $29 for queen currently on Amazon) is an exception, and thousands of satisfied sleepers can attest to its value. After trying the comforter for myself, I'm convinced that you don't always have to spend a lot for a quality piece of bedding. Product Embed: Product Name: Equinox All-Season White Quilted Comforter (Queen) Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e148acb855cc24b31201e65&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best lawn mowersThe best sleep trackersThis adjustable pillow from Helix is the cheapest we've seen yet at 40% offSEE ALSO: The best mattresses you can buy
< Bedding, Home, Comforter, Sleep, IP Reviews, Insider Picks 2019, Bedroom, >
We put Alo Yoga's popular Airlift leggings to the test — after months of wearing and washing our pairs, we still think they're some of the best out there
Alo Yoga Alo Yoga exercise gear has gained respect among yogis and celebrities since its 2007 founding. The company makes flattering, trend-focused performance gear that can be worn from "studio to street." To see how it stacks up in person, three reporters tested the popular Airlift leggings. The bottom line? We all loved them from the start, and we still swear by them after months of wear. Find our personal reviews below. Still looking? Read about the best women's workout clothes you can buy. If you've ever tapped on an Instagram post of a supermodel working out, aimlessly wondering where those cute leggings are from, I'd be willing to bet that, more often than not, said model will be sporting Alo Yoga, a relatively young LA brand with an outsized following. Since its founding in 2007, the company has become a mainstay in both diehard yogi camps and the earth's small but hyper-visible population of models and artists. Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, Chrissy Teigen, Jenna Dewan, Olivia Culpo, Hailey Beiber... the list of high-profile patrons goes on. So, what gives? To see for ourselves, we tested a few pairs of Alo Yoga Airlift leggings in our own (very normal) lives. The verdict: flattering, silky, and buttery soft. Despite the fact that they're trend- and fashion-focused, that shouldn't translate to impracticality; these leggings manage to look good and perform during exercise. A few things to note if you're looking to buy: some reviews note sweat showing through lighter colors; the capris run slightly longer than average; and the site sells out quickly. So, if you find something you love, it may be better not to wait. The company also has a 30-day return policy for unworn gear in case the fit isn't perfect in person. Here's what we thought after testing the Airlift leggings:7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging Carbon38 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging, $114, available at Alo and Carbon38 High-Waist Airlift Capri, $104, available at Alo These leggings feel like a second skin, but one that's so stretchy you could bend into a pretzel and you wouldn't feel any pulling, digging, or resistance. Every time they come out of the wash, they're the first pair I put on for a workout or day of running errands. The material is silky and soft, the stretch is just enough to hold them in place without digging, and they're breathable without being sheer. They're definitely best for anything that involves bending or stretching a lot (they were designed for doing yoga, obviously), but I've worn them running plenty of times and they held up really well. The 7/8 version fits like full-length leggings on me, but the capri version is my favorite since they fit like ankle leggings on my five-foot frame. UPDATE: It's been seven months since I first tried these leggings and I'm still deeply obsessed. So much so that I've thrown out most of my other leggings and bought another pair of these. The sheen has sort of faded in the wash after all this time, but that's probably because I haven't followed the hand-washing directions, nor do I ever remember to turn the leggings inside out before machine-washing. Kind of my own fault. Regardless, I still love them deeply and wear them all the time! — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor High-Waist Airlift Legging Carbon38 High-Waist Airlift Legging, $82.99-$118, available at Alo, Backcountry, and Carbon38 Looking at these leggings, you'd think they're just like any other pair, but the difference is clear once you feel them. They're buttery smooth and feel great on your legs, and they stretch very well. You can and should take advantage of the variety of color options because they're a nice change from traditional black. Although I'm of average height (5-foot-6), my legs are on the shorter side, so I found with this legging length that some fabric did bunch up — I had to choose between my ankle or knee areas. If I could go back, I'd maybe do the Capri style instead. But the overall feel and performance of the leggings is awesome. I personally wear them for running and weight training. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter High-Waist Airlift Capri Goop High-Waist Airlift Capri, $104, available at Alo and Nordstrom I was surprised by how much I loved these leggings. Typically, when I see performance gear being billed as "studio-to-street," I assume that's code for athleisure rather than gear that's actually compatible with hot, sweaty cardio sessions. But Alo's High-Waist Airlift Capri ($114) impressed me — the four-way stretch fabric fits like a flexible, breathable second-skin during exercise, and I've used them far more frequently for HIIT than I have for streetwear. They're also, admittedly, pretty flattering. The creamy, silky material isn't stuffy and compressive, but it still manages to lengthen the silhouette into a lean, seamless shape. Or, as Alo puts it, they're "engineered to lift, sculpt, contour and smooth." They're not exactly Spanx, but when I put them on for the first time my first thought was, "Ah, I get why celebrities wear these so much now." The one thing I'd note is that the capris run a little long, meaning they're still great for my 5'7 frame, but may end up being full-length for petites. And while I didn't notice sweat showing through on the dark cherry color I tested, other reviews mentioned seeing the sweat in lighter colors. The price is steep at $118, and I've found cheaper options that are just as breathable, but, if you're thinking of getting them, I'd wager you'll love them. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter See Also:5 women tried Outdoor Voices' TechSweat leggings — we unanimously agreed that they're some of the best we've ever wornThe best hand creams for dry, chapped hands18 pairs of workout leggings we swear by for everything from yoga to distance running
< Insider Picks 2019, athletic apparel, Yoga pants, Leggings, Workout gear, Athleisure, >
Frank And Oak makes sustainable, heavy-duty coats with down-free insulation — we put them to the test in blistering cold New York City weather
Les Shu/Business Insider Sustainable clothing startup Frank And Oak has released a new collection of performance winter outerwear. Inspired by and built for harsh Canadian winters, the outerwear collection includes a variety of parkas and puffers for adults. The down-free coats are made mostly of recycled polyester and wool. We put four of the coats to the test by wearing them in blistering cold New York City weather. Priced from $250 and up, the Frank And Oak outerwear collection is expensive, but we put four of the coats to the test by wearing them in blistering cold New York City weather and came away supremely impressed by the level of warmth they offer. While thick down jackets with fur-trimmed hoods might seem like the only way to stay warm in blistering weather, it's still possible to find styles that are environmentally friendly and warm. Canadian clothing company Frank And Oak is one brand proving that you don't have to sacrifice your values to stay truly warm this winter, thanks to its collection of sustainable performance coats.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:32 cool last-minute gifts for kids of all ages85 last-minute gift ideas for everyone on your list — all under $100The best sewing machines
< Insider Picks 2019, IP Review, Style, Frank and Oak, Outerwear, Sustainability, >
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is one of the best phones of 2019, and it's over $300 off on eBay
The Galaxy Note 10 is one of Samsung's flagship smartphones, and one of the best Android phones out there. This phablet sports a massive 6.3-inch screen, a speedy processor, and Samsung's S Pen stylus. You can get the Note 10 on eBay right now for just $643.99. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is one of the company's flagship smartphones, with a massive screen and killer specs. But, it's also a pricey device, with a suggested price of $949.99. Right now, however, you can get it at an impressive discount through a reliable third-party seller on eBay. The phone is listed at $643.99, which is $306 off its original price. Our reviewer dubbed the Note 10 "the most 'Android' phone you can buy." Its AMOLED screen is great for watching videos, browsing the web, playing games, or even writing and drawing with the S-Pen. And it comes with 256GB of storage, which should be more than enough for most users. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: A podiatrist explains heel spurs, the medical condition Trump said earned him a medical deferment from VietnamSee Also:Powerbeats Pro are $50 off on Amazon — and they're the best AirPods alternativeI found $69 headphones that outperform pairs that cost triple the price when it comes to battery life and Bluetooth rangeNew Sling TV subscribers can get a free Google Nest Hub — here's how to sign up
< Galaxy Note 10, Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Smartphones, Tech, Insider Picks 2019, IP Deals, Tech Deals, Deals, >
Gobble's meal delivery plan saved me so much time before my wedding — it only took 25 minutes to make each dish
Gobble My husband and I needed all the time we could get on weeknights to plan our wedding — we didn't want to spend an hour cooking dinner every night. We tried Gobble for two weeks and saved so much time cooking. The meals took 25 or so minutes to make, though the company says you can do it in 15 or less. Unlike other meal plans that have complicated recipes and still require you to prep, cut, and cook, Gobble's meals are much more simple and remove a lot of the prep work. Right now, Gobble is offering 6 meals for $36 for three meals a week for two people, and $144 for three meals for four people. There are lunch plans that start around $48 for three meals for two people. Product Embed: Product Name: Gobble Meal Kits Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5dbad765dee01931e962ede5&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: How to find water when you're stuck in the desertSee Also:Sling TV is by far the most economical way for me to watch live TV without cable — its channel selection and streaming quality are top-notchThe consistently hip Ace Hotel in NoMad is a go-to base for creative typesThe best fishing lines
< IP Reviews, Insider Picks 2019, Gobble, meal delivery service, Weddings, product card, Food, Dining, >
These Supima cotton sheets showed me why it's worth paying more for bedding
Facebook My husband and I have no trouble sleeping. You'll find us wiped out on trains, in the middle seat in economy, in the middle of casinos while standing up — we can fall asleep anywhere. We were using two-year-old bed sheets from Amazon, which were fine, but when we moved apartments, we decided that we needed more than one set of bed sheets. We tried out these $150 Gryphon sheets after moving into a new apartment, and they feel like silk but are surprisingly made of cotton. They've gotten softer with every wash and held up well in the six months we've had them. The fabric wrinkles very easily though — even during regular washing and drying — but we don't mind since we're not really looking at our bed sheets when we're sleeping. Product Embed: Product Name: Gryphon Luxury Suite Sheet Set (Queen) Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e0f4744855cc24a0725efe2&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:This water bottle is the infuser you need for your tea and all things hot this winterThis electrolyte powder is used by athletes and firefighters to rehydrate quickly — it also helps me curb dehydration from alcohol, workouts, and sicknessI found $69 headphones that outperform pairs that cost triple the price when it comes to battery life and Bluetooth range
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This electrolyte powder is used by athletes and firefighters to rehydrate quickly — it also helps me curb dehydration from alcohol, workouts, and sickness
DripDrop/Instagram While we may brush off dehydration as an easily preventable problem caused by a hard workout or alcohol consumption, it can be a life-threatening issue in other parts of the world. DripDrop is an oral rehydration solution (ORS) originally created by a doctor to treat victims of cholera. It follows formulation guidelines set by UNICEF and the WHO and tastes better than previous forms of ORS. In addition to cholera and natural disaster victims, it's used by firefighters, the military, and athletes to quickly replenish lost fluids. DripDrop is also suitable for you and me. The individual powder packets contain essential electrolytes (and half the sugar of sports drinks) to help you recover from sickness, a workout, heat exposure, or a hangover. Product Embed: Product Name: DripDrop Electrolyte Powder (24 count) Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5da714c1cc4a0a28e84d60e7&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% When you're dehydrated, you notice. You're thirsty, restless, and moody, and you might even faint. Whether you've just completed a tough workout or woken up after a Friday night out, the first thing you probably do to replenish those lost fluids is reach for water or an electrolyte drink. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:These are the best deals from The Home Depot's Black Friday saleBest Buy Black Friday deals are still available: Save on lots of great TVs, KitchenAids, Roombas, MacBooks, and more5 women put Everlane's $75 rain boots to the test in New York City — here's how they've held up over the last 6 months
< Insider Picks 2019, hydration, Sports, drink, Fitness, IP Reviews, product card, Health, >
5 women tried Outdoor Voices' TechSweat leggings — we unanimously agreed that they're some of the best we've ever worn
In 2018, Outdoor Voices launched TechSweat — a collection of lightweight workout gear that's cool to the touch and specially designed for hot, sweaty workouts. TechSweat includes staples ranging from leggings to crop tops and skorts, and prices from $45 to $95 per item. Recently, the TechSweat leggings underwent a fit update that gave them a new waistband, along with new colors. To see how the leggings stacks up, Insider Picks tested the new TechSweat leggings ($75-$95) in our own workouts. Find our (unanimously positive) verdicts below. Outdoor Voices (OV) is, in large, partly defined by its unusual ability to appeal to both athletes and leggings-are-for-Sunday-errands athleisurites. The company recently released an athletic collection that manages to keep its cool aesthetic intact while supercharging the clothing's functionality. TechSweat, built for severely sweaty, no-frills workout classes, gets its namesake from OV's relatively new TechSweat material: breathable, sweat-wicking, surprisingly cool-to-the-touch, and extremely pliable thanks to four-way stretch. The shorts promise to be the lightest and smoothest you'll ever wear, and the leggings to withstand the high-intensity, high-sweat exercises that feel like they're being hosted in the fiery brimstone of hell on a Monday morning. You can shop it in all your workout basics — leggings, bras/crops, tanks, shorts/skorts — and prices range from $45 for crop tops and flex shorts to $76 (originally $95) for two-tone leggings. To see if the TechSweat material was really all it was chalked up to be, we had five women on the Insider Picks team put the TechSweat leggings to the test. You can find our personal experiences below, but the gist of it is this: these are great workout leggings. At first glance, the collection looks like any other Instagrammable pair designed by the company: high waists; flattering, intuitive seaming; and rich colors with names like Papaya and Baltic. But on the body — and, more importantly, in your spin class — there's no mistake that these leggings were built first and foremost for exercise. The material is soft and smooth and still works to somewhat sculpt the body, but doesn't catch or hold heat. It's responsive, flexible, and lightweight enough to escape notice during exercise. For us, it meant our attention could remain on our exercise, rather than on how quickly we could bail. All in all, TechSweat gear manages to marry OV's calling card style with a high, unexpectedly utilitarian performance level. We suggest ordering your typical size. Expect to spend a lot of time in them. We worked out in Outdoor Voices' TechSweat leggings. Here's what we thought:TechSweat 3/4 Leggings Outdoor Voices TechSweat 3/4 Leggings, $85 I am supremely picky about leggings. I don't like to own pairs that are specifically for workouts or specifically for lounging — I want the pairs that I'm happy to wear for either of those things, and the TechSweats do not disappoint. The material is incredibly stretchy and thin, but I never worry that it'll become see-through when I bend over. Instead, the thinness contributes to their breathability, responsiveness, and gentle supportiveness. The waistband is high and thick, so it stays secure over my hips, but it's not so stiff that I feel like I'm being squeezed in half, which is a huge pet peeve of mine with a lot of HIIT-specific leggings. They fit true-to-size, Overall, I just really love this pair and I wear them all the time, both at the gym and on the weekends. I didn't have a great experience with the Springs leggings, so I'm really glad I gave OV a second chance with these. And now they're the ones I recommend to any friends (or readers) looking for a good pair. —Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor TechSweat Two-Tone Kneecap Outdoor Voices TechSweat Two-Tone Kneecap, $45 (originally $75) After trying a different pair of OV leggings and not loving them, I have to admit that I was ready to write off the brand. However, these TechSweat leggings have whirled me around 180-degrees to become a fan. At first glance, I thought I maybe should've sized up, but they turned out to be very stretchy and forgiving, and my usual size fit perfectly. The waistband is a little stiffer than the legs, providing structure and support, while the rest of the leggings are flexible and breathable. If you have an intense workout or tend to sweat more in general, I do think the fabric will show your sweat — but if you don't care, you'll love the fit and feel for activities from running to HIIT workouts. I appreciate the inclusion of the back pocket, though to quell my paranoia, I do wish it was a zipped one instead. The brand's signature color-blocking design looks great. I have this idea in my head that cropped leggings make my already-short legs look even shorter, so I normally only buy full-length leggings, but OV's design (I got the Provincial Blue/Baltic color) really flatters my body! — Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter TechSweat 7/8 Two-Tone Leggings Outdoor Vocies TechSweat 7/8 Two-Tone Leggings, $76 (originally $95) I'm particularly picky when it comes to leggings — it's hard to find a pair that are comfortable, can power through all kinds of workouts, and look great, too. When I find that trifecta, I get a little obsessed, like I am with this pair from Outdoor Voices. The first thing I noticed slipping these on was how soft, stretchy, and lightweight they are. I'm always a little hesitant about such lightweight leggings as many lack support, but these are equal parts supportive and breathable — a winning combination for sweaty workouts. The high waistband keeps everything secure while you run, stretch, or bend, but it doesn't dig into your stomach like other high-waisted pants have a tendency to do. The two-toned blue color is really pretty, but also super flattering and although these are lighter colors, I haven't had any issues with sweat marks. Beyond practicalities, I love the way these make my legs and butt look and I would (actually, make that will) definitely buy another pair. — Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:33 unique and interesting gifts you didn't know you could find on AmazonThe best men's gym shortsAll the new movies you can watch on Disney+ — from the live-action 'Lady and the Tramp' to holiday comedy 'Noelle'
< Features, athletic apparel, Outdoor apparel, Leggings, Insider Picks 2019, IP Roundup, >
This platform helps you find cool dining experiences like intimate dinners in people's homes in more than 130 countries — here's what it's like to use
If you want a change of scene from conventional restaurants and dinner parties, Eatwith provides unique and memorable alternatives for a delicious meal. Through an Eatwith experience such as a dinner, cooking class, or food tour, you'll enjoy great food, meet fellow locals or travelers, and strengthen your connection to your city. The food experiences are available in more than 130 countries. It's easy to find and book an experience that fits your needs and preferences. I tried an Eatwith dinner hosted in Brooklyn, New York, and loved how it brought together a group of strangers in an intimate space, as well as the restaurant-quality food we enjoyed. In New York, a city renowned for its restaurant and food scene, you would think it's easy to lock down dinner plans for any given night. But as much as I enjoy exploring restaurants and trying all types of cuisines, the practice of eating out can feel tired and tiring. In response to the formalities and time commitment of dining out, people are ordering in more than ever and the market for food delivery services like Doordash is booming. An increasing number of millennials are also hosting their own dinners, prioritizing the social aspect of bringing friends and family together over the quality of the food itself. The problem is, neither of those alternatives is perfect. When you order in, you might miss out on the rituals of a sit-down dinner. When you host a dinner party, no matter how casual, you still have to deal with food preparation and post-event cleanup. Eatwith lets you experience dining in a new and fresh way, and it doesn't involve going to a stuffy restaurant, ordering greasy food delivery, or washing piles of plates after a dinner party. It's a platform to find unique dining experiences hosted in cool locations all around the world by professional chefs and home chefs. Through an Eatwith experience, you'll enjoy great food, meet fellow locals or travelers, and strengthen your connection to your city. Cofounder Camille Rumani told Business Insider, "An Eatwith experience is more than just a meal — it's also the best way to get a true taste of a city, culture, and cuisine thanks to our local hosts. Every day we read reviews that speak to the serendipitous and magical moments that happen at our tables. Reviews like, 'This was our first Eatwith experience and it was the highlight of our trip' are received daily!" I love both going out for dinner and staying in, but interesting food experiences like the ones Eatwith offers also intrigue me, so I tried the platform out for myself. Here's what it's like to find, book, and enjoy an Eatwith experience: Eatwith offers many ways to make your next food experience more memorable and exciting. Eatwith You can browse and book three different types of food experiences: Dining experiences (brunches, lunches, dinners, parties, and more) Cooking classes Food tours (sights, shops, and markets) These experiences are available in more than 130 countries in major cities like Paris, New York, Barcelona, and Lisbon. Whether you're a local or a first-time visitor to these cities, Eatwith offers the opportunity to have an authentic interaction with the city's food and people. Some of the most searched experiences on Eatwith include rooftop brunches in New York, pasta making classes in Rome, and canal house dining in Amsterdam. To narrow down your search, start with your location. Eatwith You'll be able to filter further by date, number of guests, price per person, cuisine type, special diet, and more. Prices can vary dramatically depending on what type of experience you choose. For example, a simple rooftop brunch in Barcelona costs $55 while a beautiful sunset hike and picnic in Dubrovnik costs $137. Generally, Eatwith's experiences aren't going to be cheaper than going out to eat at a restaurant, but they'll certainly be different. Choose an experience to learn more about your host, details about the menu, class, or tour, and reviews from other Eatwith customers. Request a booking, pay the fee, and you're all set for your meal, class, or tour. You'll receive confirmation and additional details about your booking via email. All Eatwith events are covered by a comprehensive insurance policy, and full refunds are given for any cancellations before each event's cancellation deadline. Find and book a unique food experience with Eatwith What can you expect from an Eatwith dinner? I attended one in Brooklyn, New York, to find out. Connie Chen/Business Insider The specific dinner I went to was holiday-themed and took place in the hosts' home, a cozy brownstone apartment in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:Everything you need to know about CES 2020 — the biggest tech show of the yearThe London West Hollywood is an all-suite, five-star hotel with rooftop pool, breakfast included, and posh design — and it's more affordable than you'd thinkBeach House in Hermosa Beach is an all-suite hotel where rooms vary in price only by view — here's why I skip Venice and only stay here when hitting the beach in LA
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The best running shoes for women
Running doesn't require a lot of equipment, but a good pair of running shoes is a must-have to prevent injury. The Brooks Ghost 11 is the ultimate workhorse of women's running shoes with a lightweight yet cushioned feel, a breathable upper, and the durability to grind out a lot of miles. See also: The best running socks you can buy Whether you're beginning your running journey, or you're an experienced runner looking for a new shoe to try, finding a quality pair of running shoes is the first step to guaranteeing your future running endeavors will be enjoyable. It wasn't long ago that little thought was given to the difference between male and female runners, as well as their separate needs as athletes. The go-to phrase was, "shrink 'em and pink 'em." Luckily, athletic companies have moved away from this simplistic — not to mention sexist — standard and have taken into consideration that women's bodies are different than men's. This included an understanding that women need running shoes made specifically for them. With so many women representing the running population, it's a smart move, too. In 2016, women made up 58% of all 5k races in the United States and 43% of all marathons. Women's vs. men's running shoes What makes a woman's running shoe differ from a man's starts with the difference in foot shape. Women tend to have smaller heels in relation to the forefoot, so the shape of the shoe needs to be slightly different. A lower body mass also results in slightly less foam in the midsole of the shoe, while deeper grooves make it easier to flex the midsole when toeing off. Men and women also have different Q-angles, or the angle of incidence between the quad muscle and the kneecap, as women generally have wider hips than men. This tends to cause pronation, which requires different types of cushioning. Overpronation vs. underpronation If you overpronate, your foot tends to roll inward too far as you run, and your body isn't absorbing shock as efficiently. For overpronation, you'll want a more supportive motion-control shoe to help correct your foot motion. If you underpronate, your foot isn't rolling in far enough, making the outside of it take the brunt of the impact after the initial heel strike. If this is the case, you'll want a more neutral-cushioned shoe that encourages natural foot motion. This is one of the most important things to consider when buying running shoes, as overpronation or underpronation often causes serious injury over time if not addressed. Different shoes for different types of running You'll also want to consider the type of running you'll be doing. Are you planning on doing a lot of road racing? If so, a lightweight shoe should likely be your go-to. Do you tend to do long runs on trails? Then you may want a shoe designed specifically for trail running. If you're looking for a simple training shoe for casual running, then durability won't be a big concern. However, if you're the type of runner who lives in their running shoes, finding a high mileage shoe gives you the best quality for your money. The ins and outs of finding a worthy runny shoe may sound overwhelming but we've done the research for you and found what we think are the best women's running shoes based on a variety of running needs. Here are the best women's running shoes: Best overall: Brooks Ghost 11 Best for support: New Balance 860v10 Best for trail running: Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 Best lightweight shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon Best for high mileage: Under Armour HOVR Infinite Updated on 1/2/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated prices, links, merchants, and formatting. The best running shoes overall Brooks Sports The Brooks Ghost 11 shoes are durable enough for long runs, light enough for speedwork, and are even more responsive than the Ghost 10 thanks to a new sole unit. If you're looking for a cushioned neutral running shoe, the Brooks Ghost 11 is your pick. The latest model of the Ghose line-up, the Ghost 11 provides both comfort and durability, and can tackle anything from long distances to short and snappy speed work. The Ghost is known for out-of-the-box comfort, which I can personally speak to as an owner of the Ghost 10. You won't have to worry about any break-in period with these. The Ghost 11 keeps much of what worked in the Ghost 10, including the 12mm heel-to-toe drop for a smooth ride. There have also been some significant design changes. Most notable is the new sole unit. While the Ghost 10 featured a thick layer of Brooks' DNA foam, the new design cuts down on the foam and integrates DNA loft foam under the heel. According to Brooks, this foam is "engineered to be lightweight and ultra-soft without giving out underneath the foot." The rest of the sole keeps the original DNA foam which gives it the cushioned and responsive feel the Ghost line is known for. As with any sole redesign, this does change the initial feel of the shoe. In this case, some reviewers say it gives the shoe a firmer feel. This is great for speedwork but could lead to some discomfort for longer distances. Keep in mind, every runner is different and much of this comes down to personal preference. Most reviewers feel that the new version is just a continued improvement on an already fantastic running shoe. Sueby, a reviewer from brooksrunning.com says, "These are amazing shoes with exceptional cushion. I have several pairs and they just keep getting better." The sole isn't the only thing that has changed. The upper also received a full redesign with a seamless, engineered mesh. It promotes airflow while keeping dirt and debris out — it also gives the shoe a sleeker, more modern look. One tongue loop was kept in the redesign which does help keep the tongue of the shoe from slipping around while running. Having run in shoes that don't have this feature, this seems like a small thing until you have to stop and retie your shoes in order to readjust the tongue. When it comes to running shoes, little things like this make a big difference. In keeping what works combined with some innovative design changes, it comes as no surprise that the Ghost 11 has yet again received the Editor's Choice Award from Runner's World. While it is heavier than many of the lightweight running shoes available, weighing in at 9.5 ounces, its design allows it to keep a fast and responsive feel usually found in lightweight models. The comfort and increased responsiveness, as well as a consistent price, make it worth upgrading to the Ghost 11. Another benefit? The price for every new Brooks Ghost model remained the same for the past five years ($120) but it's now available for $95. Pros: Well-cushioned while still having a light feel, smooth heel to toe transition, new seamless upper design for added breathability and comfort, new DNA loft foam allows for more responsiveness, versatile design is ideal for both speed work and long distances Cons: On the heavier side, won't provide enough support for overpronation, some reviewers feel the sole redesign creates a firmer feel that could become uncomfortable on long distances The best running shoes for support New Balance The New Balance 860 line is specifically designed for those who overpronate, providing a smooth, comfortable ride from heel to toe. As a tried-and-true stability shoe, the New Balance 860 line is solely (pun intended) dedicated to helping those who overpronate, providing the stability needed to help prevent any unnecessary running injuries. The newest version keeps the dual-density TruFuse midsole for a soft, yet supportive feel and the 10mm heel drop also remains the same. The upper has received some welcome updates, but the toe box remains roomy. This allows the toes ample room to splay out for push-off, adding to the smooth, natural-feeling ride. The upper has received another update from the 860v9, allowing for more breathability and comfort with seamless engineered mesh. It also keeps the shoe looking modern and fresh despite being on its 9th version. Stability shoes often look bulky but that isn't the case with the 860v10. The midfoot of the upper now features fewer overlays, which add to its sleek look, while targeted stitching adds better support. There are currently four different color schemes available, ranging from neutral to flashy, so you can easily find a style to match your running wardrobe. These shoes are on the heavier side but unlike many stability shoes, the 860v10 finds the balance between providing the right amount of support without completely weighing you down. The T-Beam stability shaft that runs under the midsole helps correct overpronation and still allows for a snappy and responsive feel often found in lighter running shoes. The blown rubber outsole is designed to last and does well in both wet and dry conditions so you won't have to put your run on hold just because of a little rain or snow. The 860v10 excels at providing a steady and well-supported run. The comfort alone makes this shoe a winner in the support department — especially if you have wide feet. As mentioned above, the toe box is roomy, but there are narrow, wide and extra-wide widths available to accommodate different feet. The durability of this shoe makes it ideal for high-mileage, so if you're looking for a pair capable of withstanding daily training, the 896v10 is well worth considering. Most reviewers report having great experiences with the 860v10. Even those who don't run regularly, or just want added support throughout the day at work or while running errands, find themselves turning to this stability shoe. Pros: Great support for overpronation, cushioning provides a comfortable ride, newly designed mesh upper provides more breathability, T-Beam shaft for additional stability, 10mm drop provides a more natural heel to toe motion Cons: On the heavier side, not ideal for neutral runners who don't need additional support, some runners found the mesh upper too breathable in cold weather The best running shoes for trails Hoka One One The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 shoes are designed to handle rough terrain on the trails with maximum cushioning and rugged soles, but the lightweight feel allows you to transition from the trail to the road anytime you want. While some trail shoes tend to be on the heavy side, the Hoka One One (pronounced o-nay o-nay) Challenger ATR 5 manages to provide maximum cushioning while still being lightweight. They're responsive, rugged, and won't weigh you down while you conquer the trails. The newest version in the Challenger ATR line weighs in at a surprising 7.7 ounces. All you have to do is look at the shoes to see that they fall into the maximal cushioning running shoe category. While they may not be the prettiest running shoes on the market, all of that cushioning offers less stress and impact on the body. This combined with a rugged outsole makes the Challenger ATR 5 the perfect shoe for tackling long trail runs. If you begin or end your runs on the road, the traction and grip performance of this shoe works just as well on trails and rough mountain terrain as it does on the pavement, and its lightweight feel provides a seamless transition. It should be noted that despite the cushioning, the Challenger ATR 5 is considered a neutral running shoe, so it won't offer much in terms of support for overpronators. The shoe's toe box is reinforced with thermoplastic polyurethane to help protect your feet from protruding rocks and roots on the trail. It does have a narrower design, but to remedy this, the Challenger ATR 5 now has a wide width option. This was an issue with previous models for those with wider feet, so it's nice to see that Hoka listened and delivered. The sole of the shoe also received a slight update: The distance between the 4mm lugs shifted to allow for a more comfortable feel on hard surfaces and a stronger grip on technical terrain. The upper of the shoe is designed to be durable, and durability is something the entire design of this shoe excels at. Running Shoes Guru gave the latest model high marks, stating "It performs well on dirt trails but also works well on rocks, roots, boulders, and steep climbs." The tester plans to wear them in an upcoming 50k, and "has no doubt it will be comfortable and perform well." Its rugged durability makes this shoe a favorite for casual trail runners as well as the racing shoe of choice for ultra-marathoners. Whether you want a more cushioned ride for casual trail runs, or you're a modern-day Wonder Woman tackling your next ultra-marathon, the Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 is worth considering. Pros: Fantastic cushioning to weight ratio, rugged outsole with 4 mm lugs provides good traction on both trails and roads, toe box offers substantial protection from rocks and roots, wide width is now available Cons: Not suited for overpronators, some reviewers felt this shoe was on the expensive side See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best women's workout clothesThe best hand creams for dry, chapped handsI tried Turo, a car share company that connects vehicle owners and renters — here's why I'll never use a traditional car rental again
< Features, Insider Picks Guides, Buying Guide, Sports, Running, running shoes, Women, Insider Picks 2019, Best Guides, >
The best women's workout clothes
With the right clothes, you'll actually want to get to the gym and show off your style before meeting friends for a much-deserved drink afterward. Sweaty Betty makes our favorite workout gear for women that's as functional as it is fashion-forward. Faking it until you make it becomes a lot easier when you look the part. So when it comes to feigning enjoyment at the gym, you're going to need some gear to get yourself in character. Luckily, there are plenty of options these days to help you look as though you're ready for the toughest kickboxing session, because who better to motivate you than the person staring back at you in the mirror? One of our favorite aspects of today's workout gear for women is that it's no longer relegated to the spinning studio or the weight room. Rather, some of our favorite options will take you from barre class to the neighborhood bar, and have the technology to ensure that you don't have to worry about sweat stains or smells when you make that transition. With moisture-wicking fabric, cleverly-placed mesh panels, and thoughtful cut-outs, much of today's athletic clothing is truly meant for athletic pursuits. It's a far cry from our days of grabbing the oldest shirt in our closet, cutting off the sleeves, and calling it a top. When it comes to figuring out what workout gear will best suit your needs, listen to your body. After all, it'll be your primary tool during your workouts, so if you're uncomfortable in any way, everything else is moot. You'll also want to consider the type of workout you're most likely to engage in. If you prefer running to yoga, you'll be in need of different support. You'll also want to keep durability in mind. You're not only putting your workout gear through the ringer at the gym, but you're also going to be putting it through the laundry quite a few times. So even if you're able to save a few dollars on the initial purpose by buying something that's a bit flimsier, you'll have to exercise your credit card again when you find your gear starting to rip after a few cycles. Finally, of course, price comes into consideration. Given that most workout gear doubles as everyday attire these days, you can (to some extent) think of these pieces as serving two purposes for the price of one. That said, there are some options that are more costly than others, so your budget may be a determining factor. Here are the best workout clothes for women in 2019: Best workout clothes overall: Sweaty Betty Best workout clothes from a fitness company: Nike Best affordable workout clothes: Old Navy Best beachy workout clothes: Vuori Best comfortable workout clothes: Bandier Best workout clothes that you can wear all day: ADAY Best high-end workout clothes: Live the Process Updated on 1/2/2020 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices and formatting. Added related guides.The best workout clothes overall Sweaty Betty/Facebook Sweaty Betty makes workout gear that can withstand a tough time at the gym and take you out into society without breaking a sweat. Much of today's workout gear seems so focused on taking you seamlessly from barre to the bar that it forgets its primary function — being functional during your workout. But that is certainly not the case with Sweaty Betty. As this brand's name suggests, you'll be able to perspire in these workout clothes without getting uncomfortable, and more importantly, you'll feel supported throughout your time at the gym. Sweaty Betty's Zero Gravity leggings are made of ultra-lightweight Italian fabric, which is both sweat-wicking and quick drying for even your most intense sessions. Plus, the leggings are muscle-compressing to help you get even more out of your workout. They're great for just about any type of exercise, whether you prefer to spend your time spinning or doing a HIIT class. And while all those squats will certainly help shape your bum, so too will these leggings. A super satisfied customer gave a five-star review, commending the "very flattering" print and the pocket that is perfect for holding your smartphone during your run. When paired with the High-Intensity Run Bra, you'll feel prepared to spend your whole day actively. The high support sports bra features sweat-wicking fabric, and more importantly, extremely comfortable soft padded straps that won't bite into sensitive skin. While some "sports" bras seem suitable only for rather anaerobic activities, the High Intensity Run Bra was designed for running and HIIT workouts. Popsugar also calls this bra one of the best for women with larger busts. Both pieces are sleek and stylish but don't sacrifice their usefulness for the sake of aesthetics. Sweaty Betty also makes our favorite running tights for the gym and many other great leggings and sports bras. Pros: Quick drying material, snug fit, great for any type of workout Cons: Some customers found that the High Intensity Run Bra does not provide enough side coverage The best affordable workout gear Old Navy Old Navy has excellent, affordable workout gear that performs just as well as pricier brands' sportswear. Not everyone wants to spend hundreds on workout gear, so if you're on a budget or you just don't fancy spending that much on gym clothes, check out Old Navy's activewear collection. You can get a decent sports bra for $12 to $30, depending on the level of support you need, and we've found their running tights to be great, budget-friendly options as well. Old Navy also has numerous shirts, leggings, jackets, and more to complete your gym look. Although the gear may not be as long-lasting or high-end as our other picks, it'll serve you well in the gym. Pros: Affordable, many styles, comfortable, good for workouts Cons: Not as long-lasting as pricier brands' gear The best workout gear from a traditional sportswear company Nike Nike is probably the first brand you think of when it comes to sportswear because its gear is just that good. Nike offers a wide selection of workout gear, including our favorite running tights overall. Top athletes in just about any sport use Nike gear during practice and at the game. Although we can't all be Serena Williams, we can at least dress like her when we work out. When it comes to tights, we like Nike's Epic Lux line best because they're designed to feel good, provide support, and offer complete coverage. The biggest difference between the Epic Lux tights and other Nike tights lies in the fabric. The Epic Lux running tights contain more spandex, allowing for a more comfortable and supportive fit. Along with a higher quality mix of synthetic fabrics, these tights contain moisture-wicking Dri-FIT technology to help you stay cool and dry even during those super sweaty workouts. We're also fond of Nike's many different sports bras, which are known for moisture wicking and great support. No matter what piece of workout gear you need, Nike probably has it. Pros: Made for professional athletes, long history of sportswear, moisture-wicking tech, cool designs Cons: Expensive See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best hand creams for dry, chapped hands18 pairs of workout leggings we swear by for everything from yoga to distance runningThe 10 best books you'll want to read this January, according to Amazon's editors
< Features, Insider Picks Guides, Workout, workout clothes, Women, Fitness, Insider Picks 2019, Best Guides, Buying Guide, >
Sling Orange vs. Sling Blue: We break down the main differences and our winner is clear
Alyssa Powell/Business Insider Sling TV remains one of the most affordable live TV streaming services on the market, starting at just $30 a month. They offer two streaming options, Orange or Blue, which contain many of the same channels but have some key differences in what they offer. Sling Orange subscribers can access ESPN and Disney, while Sling Blue offers channels like Bravo, USA, a suite of Fox channels, and in certain regions, local NBC and Fox channels. If you can't decide between services, you can combine the two for $45 a month and receive a small multi-service discount. Product Embed: Product Name: Sling TV Streaming Packages Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5da63b964af909432430f8b2&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% For the money-savvy cord-cutter, Sling's live TV streaming service can't be beaten. At $30 a month for over 30 channels, it's easily one of the most affordable streaming services on the market, beating competitors Hulu + Live TV ($44.99/mo.), AT&T TV Now ($50/mo.), and YouTubeTV ($50) by a wide margin.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best home gym equipmentPrime Video Channels lets you add specific channels like HBO, STARZ, and Showtime to your account — here's how it can help you cut the cord without sacrificing anythingI tried Tippsy, an online marketplace that makes it easy to order and learn about sake
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I found $69 headphones that outperform pairs that cost triple the price when it comes to battery life and Bluetooth range
Owen Burke/Business Insider Over-ear headphones can often be unnecessarily pricey, as can earbuds, even without the best sound quality. Inexpensive wireless headphones with Bluetooth can be found, however. Soul's new Ultra Wireless ($55-$69) over-ear headphones came out this month, and we've been putting them to the test for the past few weeks. The playtime and sound quality are solid for a pair of headphones at their price point. Product Embed: Product Name: Soul Ultra Wireless Headphones Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5da0a640cc4a0a4a755fb17b&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% I've been testing Soul's new Ultra Wireless over-ear headphones, which came out at the first of this month, for a month straight, and for headphones within the $75 range, we're convinced they're as good as they get.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The Polar Ignite is the GPS fitness watch I've been looking for to replace my aging Fitbit — here's what it's like to useNew Sling TV subscribers can get a free Google Nest Hub — here's how to sign upThis water bottle is the infuser you need for your tea and all things hot this winter
< Insider Picks 2019, IP Reviews, Headphones, Tech, product card, >
Powerbeats Pro are $50 off on Amazon — and they're the best AirPods alternative
Hollis Johnson/Business Insider Powerbeats Pro are the best AirPods alternatives you can buy. They offer a comfortable design, deep audio, and excellent battery life. Amazon is currently selling the Powerbeats Pro for $50 off, bringing the price down to $199.95. Looking for true wireless earbuds, but don't want to shell out $250 for the new AirPods Pro? Check out this deal instead. Amazon is currently selling the wireless Powerbeats Pro for $50 off their usual price of $249.95. That means you can get them for just $199.95. For that price, you'll get a pair of headphones that our reviewer deemed "the best AirPods alternative." They're not quite as compact as AirPods, in that they have ear hooks, but they're barely noticeable and still look great. The hooks also help the buds stay in your ears through vigorous workouts, and even sweat won't dislodge them.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: Patrón Tequila sells a bottle for up to $7,500 — here's why the brand is so expensiveSee Also:Amazon is having a huge sale on Echo devices right now — save up to 33% on the Echo Dot, Echo Show 5, and moreOnline learning platform Udemy is having a huge sale on all kinds of courses — from Python programming to digital marketingClassPass is offering a one-month free trial for the New Year — here's how it works
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10 notable retail companies that defined the 2010s
Warby Parker/Instagram The last 10 years of retail have been tumultuous, yes, but they've also been exciting to witness thanks to advancements in product tech, physical shopping experiences, and online shopping. Our list for the top 10 most notable retail companies of the decade includes tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Google, along with brand-new entrants like Rent the Runway and Glossier. When we look back on the 2010s, we'll remember these 10 notable companies for their impressive sales, commitments to larger social values, innovative products, and industry-wide impact. Retail has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. The products themselves, along with how we shop for them, learn about them, and receive them, have all evolved — overall, for the better, we think. In this decade, retail companies attacked problems of sustainability, convenience, and accessibility in new and creative ways, including (but not limited to) packaging design, physical shopping experiences, and shipping logistics. The rise of online shopping hasn't made the transition easy, but many companies have risen to the challenge and written the beginnings of a playbook for how to succeed as a brand or retailer in the upcoming years. Having covered and reviewed all types of products and companies, both old and new, I put together a hall of fame for the retail world of the 2010s, taking the following criteria into account: Sales, growth, and funding figures Mission-driven actions and practices Product innovation ("newness" and creativity) Influence on the retail industry or world at large Below, I outline why I believe they're so notable and call out one product that made them famous this decade. We'll remember the retail world of the 2010s by these 10 notable companies: Amazon: An inescapable presence in your home Hollis Johnson/Business Insider Shop devices at Amazon Through devices like Echo speakers and Fire TV streamers, Amazon has wiggled its way into our daily lives beyond just free two-day shipping. These convenient electronics let people gather information and enjoy entertainment in new ways, and their connection to Amazon's existing services was so seamless that you had no choice but to become entrenched in the ecosystem. In 2014, Amazon introduced the Echo and forever condemned anyone with the name "Alexa" to a lifetime of smart-assistant jokes. The Echo smart speaker was a major innovation at the time in that unlike Siri and Google Assistant, it didn't require a screen in order to interact with it. Even though some models were more successful than other experimentations (RIP, Echo Look), Echo devices are now a standard in the smart home world, holding their own against the devices from other tech giants like Google and Apple. According to Amazon's SVP of devices and services, more than 100 million devices with Alexa built-in have been sold (as of January 2019). The last decade at Amazon also saw the introductions of the Fire tablet (2011) and the Fire TV (2014), in addition to improvements on the Kindle e-reader and the acquisitions of Ring, Twitch, and Whole Foods. So whether you wanted to play games, watch shows and movies, read, keep your home secure, or shop for groceries, there's now a way to do it with an Amazon device or service. Product Embed: Product Name: Amazon Echo (3rd Gen) Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5db75856dee0195fea0b7a94&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% Warby Parker: The first of many direct-to-consumer successes Warby Parker/Instagram Shop glasses and contacts at Warby Parker Warby Parker is one of the most well-known examples of a new startup revolutionizing a long-neglected industry through the now-cliched method of "cutting out the middleman." Anyone who has ever tried getting new, stylish glasses knows the problem: they've long been expensive and difficult to buy. By offering competitive prices (starting at $95 including prescription lenses), a variety of designs, and the ability to try on more than a few pairs at home, Warby Parker has made shopping for glasses much more affordable, convenient, and enjoyable. We could say that the eyecare startup walked so other digitally native brands could run, but Warby is still running, opening stores across the nation (some of which even offer eye exams) and recently launching a contacts business. And, it's still raising money for more expansions to come. Over eight rounds, it has raised nearly $300 million. Its impact outside of business growth also can't be ignored. Since its first day of launch in 2010, Warby has helped distribute glasses to people in need in partnership with VisionSpring as part of its Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. Product Embed: Product Name: Warby Parker Percey Glasses Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5df80874fd9db26bd252a6e1&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% Everlane: Succeeding with simplicity and 'radical transparency' Everlane/Instagram Shop clothing and accessories at Everlane Transparency in the fashion world is rare, and if it means higher clothing prices, some consumers actually prefer to turn away and shop in ignorant bliss. Online clothing brand Everlane, on the other hand, abides by a concept it terms "radical transparency." With every single item, it tells you the true costs of the materials, production, labor, and transportation involved, along with information about the factory it was made in (craftsmanship, worker safety, and eco-friendly practices are top factors). What's also "radical" and surprising about this popular clothing brand is that its fashion isn't focused on of-the-moment trends. Since its beginnings, Everlane has stuck to classic, ageless basics like straight jeans, plain leather flats, and crewneck cashmere sweaters. In fact, in 2010, the debut item that prompted a waitlist of 60,000 people in five days was ... a T-shirt. Everlane is also nontraditional in that it doesn't hold regular sales. However, you can "Choose What You Pay" and get discounts of up to 50% off on select items. The combination of ethical practices and versatile, high-quality style has struck a chord with millennial shoppers who are increasingly thoughtful about where and how their clothing is made and the longevity of their closets. In 2016, its revenue was $100 million, and while no new data has been released since, it's probably safe to say the brand has grown even more. Product Embed: Product Name: Everlane Day Market Tote Card Type: small https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5da8b9644af9090f85723d22&type=small&live=true Width: 100% Height: 150% See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:The best alarm clocksThe best meal kit delivery servicesThe Polar Ignite is the GPS fitness watch I've been looking for to replace my aging Fitbit — here's what it's like to use
< Insider Picks 2019, Retail, Shopping, Tech, Electronics, Clothing, Home, Beauty, Target, Google, Amazon, Everlane, Patagonia, Glossier, Rent The Runway, Startup, Direct to consumer, >