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The 32 best things we ever bought on Amazon for under $25

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

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  • Some of the best parts of shopping on Amazon are the wide selections and low costs, but those things can also make it difficult to root out what's really worth spending your money on.
  • My favorite way to make sense of what's great on Amazon is by getting recommendations from friends and coworkers.
  • I asked my Business Insider colleagues about the best things they've bought on Amazon for under $25 and unearthed some interesting finds.

Amazon, land of 1 million things you need and 5 million options for each of them, has quickly become the one-stop shop for an insane amount of online purchases. For me, that's because they have a wide selection, carry most of the brands I want, list them at near the lowest or the lowest prices I've seen in price comparison research (with shipping in mind), and, last but absolutely not least, because I'm a Prime member and the internet has made me a glutton for instant gratification — something that two-day (or two-hour) shipping panders well to.

Some of the best parts of shopping on Amazon are the wide selections and low costs, but those things can also make it difficult to root out what's really worth spending your money on before you've stretched your checkbook too thin. It can also be hard to tell which affordable options are similar (or better) in performance to their higher-priced competitors to save you some money. The huge selection and low costs can be a great advantage if you have the inside scoop needed to navigate them confidently — if not, it can be a huge drain on time scrolling through reviews and trying to parse out who means what they're saying.

My favorite way to make sense of what's great on Amazon is by getting recommendations from friends. As a result, I decided to ask my colleagues at Business Insider about the best things they've bought on Amazon for under $25 — in the hopes of finding some new things to try without wasting time or money discovering them. Hopefully, they're as helpful to you as they were to me. 

Below are the 32 best things we've bought on Amazon that cost us less than $25:

DON'T MISS: The best college supplies and dorm room essentials

A pair of $10 anti-glare, blue-light-blocking computer glasses.

Eyekepper Vintage UV Protection Glasses with Anti-Reflective Coating, $10

"This is the best thing I've ever purchased on Amazon! They are blue-light-blocking, anti-glare glasses, which are super helpful for looking at a computer/phone screen all day long. I don't normally wear glasses, but I wanted to try them out before buying a pair from Felix Gray or Eyebuydirect.com. These are so cute and they actually work... plus they are $8.99! Can't beat it." — Madison Conley

"These are by far the cheapest blue-light-blocking glasses that I've found, and they work really well. I was having headaches nearly every day of my last semester of college from working full-time and taking night classes — both of which relied heavily upon screens. These were truly lifesavers, and I've rarely gotten so much use out of $9. I've written a review of them before, and I'm wearing them now." — Mara Leighton



An easy-to-use, versatile cast iron skillet.

T-fal E83407 Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Durable 10.5 inch Cast Iron Skillet, $21.30

"Can't say enough great things about this cast iron skillet. It heats evenly and consistently on the stove top, and has zero issues with tossing it directly in the oven or broiler. I use it for roasted chicken, bacon, roasted potatoes, frittatas, eggs, steak, and sauteing veggies. It's also super easy to clean, which is something that scares people away from cooking with cast iron. It's also on Prime." — Stephanie Asymkos



A natural clay mask that has a cult-following.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with 100% Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay, $10.95

"This mask, as seen on INSIDER. It transformed my skin and is probably my most recommended product. The best part? It's $9!" — Chelsey Hoffman



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We drove a $46,000 Subaru Ascent SUV that will take on Toyota, Honda, and Ford — here are its best features

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Subaru Ascent 0386

  • The 2019 Subaru Ascent is one of the newest contenders in the mid-size family SUV market.
  • Recently, Business Insider spent a week with a new Subaru Ascent Touring in Magnetite Gray Metallic.
  • The Ascent impressed up with its well-designed cabin, peppy driving dynamics, strong infotainment, and a solid suite of standard safety features. 
  • The base 2019 Subaru Ascent starts at $31,995, while our top-of-the-line Ascent Touring starts at $44,695. With fees, our test car carried an as-test price of $45,670.

In 2018, more than 2.5 million new mid-size crossovers and SUVs rolled out of American dealerships accounting for 14.7% of US auto sales for the year.

Subaru's Outback off-road wagon has long been a big seller in the segment. But it has been years since the brand had a true three-row family SUV to take on the likes of the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.

Subaru tried to crack the mid-size SUV market in 2005 with the B9 Tribeca. The Tribeca's odd styling, diminutive size, and tepid performance prevented it from gaining traction in the market. Even a 2008 facelift and the addition of a more powerful engine couldn't save the Tribeca, which soldiered on for nearly a decade before Subaru pulled the plug on the SUV in 2014.

For 2019, Subie is back with the all-new Indiana-built Ascent.

The Ascent will slot in above the Outback wagon in Subaru's lineup and will be its most expensive offering.

Recently, Business Insider had the chance to spend a week with a new Magnetite Gray Metallic Subaru Ascent Touring.

Read more: We drove a $46,000 Subaru Ascent SUV to see if it's ready to challenge Honda, Toyota, and Ford — here's the verdict.

The base 2019 Subaru Ascent starts at $31,995, while our top-of-the-line Ascent Touring starts at $44,695. With fees, our test car carried an as-test price of $45,670.

The Subaru Ascent is available with an impressive array of standard and optional tech, safety, and luxury features.

Here's a look at the coolest of the bunch: 

SEE ALSO: We drove a $39,000 Volkswagen Tiguan and a $35,000 Mazda CX-5 to see which is the better compact crossover SUV — here's the verdict

FOLLOW US: On Facebook for more car and transportation content!

1. All versions of the Ascent are powered by a brand new 2.4-liter turbocharged, flat-four-cylinder engine. The motor produces a stout 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The new engine felt strong and robust with a solid punch off the line.



2. A well-designed interior. The cabin is traditional Subaru — very conservative but effective and easy to use. Ergonomics are terrific, with no oddly placed buttons or knobs to report. The interior feels solidly put together with good-quality materials. The leather upholstery is soft to the touch, and the plastics look and feel robust.



3. The Subaru Ascent can be configured to hold up to eight people. Our Touring test car came with the optional second-row captain's chairs.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 50 most high-tech cities in the world

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Most high tech cities in the world

Silicon Valley may be home to huge tech companies like Google and Facebook, but the San Francisco metro area isn't the most innovative city in the world, according to annual rankings compiled by data firm 2thinknow.

Instead, the top spot belongs to Tokyo, Japan, according to the 2018 Innovation Cities Index. This is the first time that an Asian city has claimed the title as world's most innovative city since 2thinknow first started compiling the annual rankings in 2007.

Of the top 50, the city with the biggest jump in the rankings was Austin, Texas, which moved up 18 spots from 2017 to claim No. 29. Meanwhile, Barcelona dropped to No. 30 in the index, a 17-spot decrease from last year.

Cities are assessed based on 31 segments of their industries and economy, and 162 indicators of innovation. However, the firm's data analysts compile each city's index score, out of 60, from three key factors: cultural assets, human infrastructure, and networked markets.

Here is the current ranking of the 50 most innovative cities in the world:

50. Orlando, Florida

Change from 2017 ranking: +11

Companies that call this city home: AAA, FreeCast, Immune Therapeutics, Solodev



49. Dublin, Ireland

Change from 2017 ranking: no change

Companies that call this city home: Accenture, Storyful, Zalando, Udemy



48. Moscow, Russia

Change from 2017 ranking: -5

Companies that call this city home: Yandex, Gazprom, Sistema, Mobile TeleSystems



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

An LA mega-mansion listed at $250 million in 2017 has had its price slashed by $100 million, and it's still not selling — here's a look inside

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bel air house

  • A Los Angeles mega-mansion went on the market two years ago for $250 million, making it the most expensive listing in the US at the time.
  • But nobody wanted to buy it, and it got a $62 million price cut 15 months later.
  • Now, after yet another price chop, it's back on the market for $150 million — a staggering $100 million less than its original asking price.
  • The extravagant property includes a helipad, five bars, a bowling alley, a 40-seat movie theater, an 85-foot infinity pool, and a massive candy wall.

 

A mega-mansion in Los Angeles that was once the most expensive listing in the US is now selling at a $100 million discount.

When it first went on the market in January 2017, the home was asking $250 million, as Business Insider previously reported. Fifteen months later, in April 2018, it went back on the market for $188 million— a whopping $62 million price cut. Now the price has been cut again, down to $150 million.

Luxury developer Bruce Makowsky said the price was adjusted to reflect global market conditions.

"Today's billionaire and mega-wealthy homebuyer just isn't ready to spend $200 million on a home at this current place in time so we've relisted it with a price tag that will open the door to a significantly larger audience," Makowsky said in a press release.

The Bel Air mansion, nicknamed "Billionaire," includes 38,000 square feet of indoor living space and 17,000 square feet of outdoor entertainment decks. It has two master suites, 10 VIP guest suites, and 21 bathrooms.

Other over-the-top amenities include a non-functional rooftop helipad, an 85-foot infinity pool, a 40-seat movie theater, a massage studio and wellness spa, a bowling alley, and a massive candy wall.

"The goal with 'Billionaire' was simple; every inch of the property in the home had to be innovative, flawless, and meticulously curated," Makowsky wrote on the property's website. "The budget was there is no budget."

The home at 924 Bel Air Road is listed by Branden Williams and Rayni Williams with Hilton & Hyland and Shawn Elliott of Nest Seekers.

Here's what it looks like.

SEE ALSO: A Mega Millions lottery winner is selling his California mountain estate for $26 million — and the massive property comes with a buffalo ranch, steakhouse, and saloon

DON'T MISS: Shaq is selling his lakeside Florida mansion for $22 million, and it comes with a 17-car garage and a 6,000-square-foot basketball court — here's a look inside

A four-level Los Angeles mega-mansion once listed for $250 million — making it the most expensive home for sale in the US at the time — is now selling at a $100 million price cut.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.,Business Insider



The home was originally listed for $250 million back in January 2017. It's nestled in the hills of Bel Air, a "lush private oasis" that's "home to the most affluent people in the world" according to developer Bruce Makowsky.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.



The house, nicknamed "Billionaire," is now selling for $150 million, which is $100 million less than its original asking price. From the master deck, the home has unbeatable views of Los Angeles. It has 17,000 square feet of outdoor entertainment space ...

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The warnings are getting more and more stark — Trump's government shutdown is getting catastrophic for the economy

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Trump Jamie Dimon

  • The US government shutdown is now the longest in the country's history and has shown no signs of abating. 
  • JP Morgan's CEO Jamie Dimon previously suggested US growth could go to zero, one analyst says it could even go negative.  
  • The US-China trade war and a looming conflict about the debt ceiling are creating a perfect storm. 

We're 26 days into the record-breaking government shutdown and while most economists agree that it will weigh on US economic growth, the chorus of warnings about doomsday scenarios is getting louder.

Most government shutdowns typically last a few days or a couple of weeks, but the current fight between President Donald Trump and Democrats appears to be set to continue for much longer. According to economists, the negative impact from the shutdown will only grow as the ripple effects from the 800,000 federal employees and millions of government contractors going without pay spread throughout the economy.

Adding to the gloom is the negative impact of the US-China trade war, falling stock prices, growing worries about a slowdown in international growth, and a looming conflict about the debt ceiling.

Given all of the worries facing the US economy, the warning about the shutdown are only getting louder:

  • Bank of America Merrill Lynch reiterated their concern about the economic cost of the shutdown on Wednesday. "It [the shutdown] definitely becomes a significant shock if it lasts for months rather than weeks," Ethan Harris, head of global economics research at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, told the Financial Times. "There is a sensitivity in the markets to signs of dysfunction in Washington."
  • Standard & Poor's pointed out that the cost of the shutdown will soon outpace the Trump's $5 billion demand for a wall.
  • The White House even increased their own internal estimate of the GDP hit. A White House official confirmed to Business Insider that the Trump administration's own model estimated that the shutdown would shave off 0.13 percentage points from GDP for every week of the shutdown. This is higher than the 0.08 percentage points originally assumed.
  • JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said Tuesday that the shutdown is a serious problem for the US economy and cited research that showed US GDP growth could go to zero if the shutdown continued.  
  • Pantheon Macroeconomics' Ian Shepherdson was even more bearish, warning that if the shutdown lasts through March, then the US' first-quarter GDP could be negative.
  • BAML's own figures actually suggest that for each week the government is shutdown, US GDP growth is cut by 0.05%. This is half the economic impact of the 2013 shutdown because the current shutdown only affects part of the government. But the economists warned that the pain could get exponentially worse as the fight continues.
  • Another major concern is the possibility that the shutdown impacts the US's credit rating. During the 2013 shutdown fight over the debt ceiling, the US was downgraded to AA+ by S&P, a historic first for the country. While Fitch maintained the US' AAA rating in 2013, James McCormack, the agency's global head of sovereign ratings, warned that a downgrade was possible in 2019.

"The longer this shutdown drags on, the more collateral damage the economy will suffer," analysts at Standard & Poor’s said last week. "The longer this shutdown drags on, the more collateral damage the economy will suffer."

There are a variety of reasons for the shutdown slowdown. For instance, figures from 2013 suggest federal workers spent 10-15% less during the time they went unpaid, reducing consumer spending. 

The shutdown also exacerbates worried about the future, potentially more economically damaging, fights in Congress. The most pressing of which is the need to raise the debt ceiling in the coming months.

As it stands the debt ceiling, or the statutory limit on the amount of debt the federal government can hold, kicks back in on March 1. While the US Treasury can maintain funding through special measures, the ceiling will still need to be lifted by Congress sometime over the summer.

Some analysts believe that the historic dysfunction over the shutdown sets a nasty precedent for the debt ceiling fight. Without an increase in the ceiling the US could default on some of its debt, a unprecedented move that would send shockwaves throughout the global economy.

"Normally, the debt ceiling ends up being lifted, but with deadlock in Congress" there's added risk, said Neil MacKinnon, Global Macro Strategist at VTB Capital.

SEE ALSO: Even the White House knows the government shutdown is causing serious economic problems for the US

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The equity chief at $6.3 trillion BlackRock weighs in on the trade war, a possible recession, and offers her best investing advice for a tricky 2019 landscape

We drove a $211,000 Porsche Panamera to see if it's a hybrid supercar for the whole family. Here's the verdict.

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Porsche Panamera Turbo S E Hybrid Sport Turismo

  • The Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is a hybrid version of Porsche's first ever production wagon
  • Turbo S E-Hybrid is powered by a 550 horsepower, 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 along with a 136 horsepower hybrid drive unit to produce 680 horsepower. 
  • The hybrid drive system is inspired by the million-dollar 918 hybrid hypercar. 
  • According to Porsche, the hybrid V8 wagon can go from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 192 mph. 
  • Once again, we were impressed by the Panamera's power, luxury, technology, and versatility. However, it wasn't as fast as we had expected and it's very pricey. 
  • The base Porsche Panamera sedan starts at $86,3000 while our Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo wagon starts at $188,400. Options and fees pushed the as-tested price up to $210,940.

The Porsche Panamera is one of our favorites here at Business Insider. In fact, the Panamera sedan won our 2017 Business Insider Car of the Year award

But Porsche is not one to rest on its laurels. This company is known to offer its cars in a multitude of flavors. Right now, you can select from more than two dozen variations of the 911 sports car.

So it's not all that surprising when I tell you that there are 18 versions of the Panamera on sale in the US. 

They range from the $86,300 base Panamera sedan to the Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive sedan with a starting price of $196,600. There is also a multitude of Sport Turismo wagon variants in the mix as well. 

Read more: The legendary Toyota Supra sports car has returned to America after a 20-year absence to take on Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes.

And power output ranges from a stout 330 horsepower in the base Panamera to a supercar-shaming 680 ponies in the Turbo S E-Hybrid. 

Recently, we got a chance to experience "peak Panamera" for ourselves when Porsche dropped off a 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo wagon at Business Insider's suburban New Jersey road test center. 

We ended up spending a week with the Sapphire Blue Metallic Panamera. 

Our 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo test car starts at $188,400. Options and fees pushed the as-tested price up to $210,940. 

Here's a closer look at the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. 

SEE ALSO: We drove a $246,000 Bentley Bentayga SUV to see if it's ready to do battle with Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini. Here's the verdict.

FOLLOW US: On Facebook for more car and transportation content!

The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo was a new addition to Porsche lineup for 2018.



It's a higher performance hybrid variant of the Panamera Sport Turismo wagon we tested in mid-2018.

Click here to read our review of the Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo.



The Sport Turismo wagon is based on the second generation Panamera sedan that we first checked out in late 2016.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Donald Trump is the first billionaire to serve as president of the United States — here's how he spends his $3.1 billion fortune, from his 24-karat gold-plated helicopter to the $350,000 in annual alimony to his first wife

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donald trump president

  • Donald Trump, with a net worth of $3.1 billion according to Forbes, is the first billionaire in history to serve as president of the United States.
  • From his New York real estate to his golf clubs around the world, he rakes in millions of dollars of revenue annually.
  • Here's how Trump spends his fortune.

Donald Trump is worth an estimated $3.1 billion, according to Forbes, making him the first billionaire in US history to serve as president.

From emblazoning a private helicopter in 24-karat gold, right down to the seatbelts, to a 100-cabin yacht dubbed "Trump Princess," here's how the real-estate titan spends his fortune.

SEE ALSO: Bill Gates is worth $95 billion and he plans to give most of it away — here's how he spends his money now, from a luxury car collection to incredible real estate

DON'T MISS: From a 58-bedroom estate to a helicopter fleet, here's how the Trump family spends their billions

Forbes currently estimates Donald Trump's net worth to be $3.1 billion, a $400 million drop since he took presidential office in January 2017.

Source: Forbes



During his presidential campaign, Trump claimed he had a net worth of $10 billion —three times as much as it really was.

Source: Business Insider and Time



Still, he's made history as the first billionaire to serve as President of the United States.

Source: Time



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best places to shop for women's ski gear online

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

the best place for women to buy ski gear

  • Ski gear must be assembled piece by piece from a variety of places to ensure that you get the best gear for your every need.
  • In our experience, Spyder makes the best ski jackets, Sweaty Betty has great base layers,Burton's gear is super comfortable, The North Face is known for high-performing basics, andArc'teryx has multi-functional pieces that work for more than just skiing.

If you don't look good coming down the slopes, did you come down the slopes at all? The answer to answer that most pressing of metaphysical questions, of course, lies in your wardrobe. With ski season well underway, it simply must be the case that you're looking to make an impression on your skis or your board — not only with your technical abilities but with your aesthetic as well.

While ski gear may have once been purely functional, in recent years, it's been clear that fashion has made its way into everyone's favorite winter sport as well. And that means that there are now plenty of purveyors of quality ski jackets and base layers that can help you look and feel your best.

When it comes to great places to buy your ski gear, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, you'll want to be kept warm and toasty. While spending hours on end gliding through the snow tends to help you work up a sweat, you'll still want to be sure that you're not overly exposed to the elements. By the same token, however, you'll also want your ski gear to be breathable enough to prevent a sauna-esque environment from developing underneath your layers.

Similarly, you'll want to keep certain bells and whistles in mind, like fur or gortex linings. If you're a fan of the (faux) fur look, there are a couple of shops that have more extensive selections than others. If, on the other hand, you're looking for more of a sleek, minimalist look, you may want to go elsewhere altogether.

Naturally, you'll also want to consider the type of skiing you tend to do — downhill and cross country skiing may require different jackets, and if your major contribution to the family ski vacation tends to be manning the hot chocolate station, you may want something separate, too.

Regardless of which of our favorite ski gear purveyors you decide to patronize, we're sure you won't go wrong.

Here is where to buy the best ski gear for women:

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best ski gear overall

Why you'll love it: Spyder makes ski gear that combines form and function in an elegant and effortless way.

For ladies who want to stay warm without adding tons of bulk to their body, Spyder may just be one of the best ways to go. This brand offers a wide range of sleek jackets that are form-fitting without being constricting, and warm without being overly marshmallow-y.

Whereas some other brands make little differentiation between their men’s and women’s offerings, Spyder designs ski gear that is very clearly gendered, and I mean that in the best of ways. The jackets and pants fit a woman’s body better than most, and while you don’t need pretty floral patterns or bright colors to feel like a woman if you want them, Spyder has them for you.

Powder Magazine recently named the Spyder Solitude Down hoody one of the best ski jackets around, thanks to its flattering cut, which is long enough to cover your whole torso, and its elastic waistband, which allows it to hug your hips. As you’re moving around on the slopes, you won’t have your jacket flapping about around you.

This jacket also features 500-fill power down, which means that it has plenty of feathers to help keep you toasty. And with its DWR treatment, you can be sure that you’ll stay warm even on colder ski days.

The brand also offers a range of ski pants and base layers. The Winner Tailored GTX Pant can be purchased in colors and patterns to match your Spyder jacket and features 40g 3M Thinsulate and two layers of Gore-tex in order to help keep you warm. Plus, watertight seams, an elastic grip snow gaiter, an adjustable waist, and reinforced knee construction will help you move.

Pros: Extremely warm, durable construction, flattering fits, wide array of patterns and colors

Cons: Spyder gear does not come cheap

Check out Spyder gear here



The best ski gear and base layers

Why you'll love it: Sweaty Betty doesn't just make fantastic yoga and running gear — its ski gear, particularly its base layers, are top notch, too.

There are more than enough athleisure brands to go around, what with the Lululemon, Athleta, and Sweaty Betty's of the world all vying for your attention. But only one offers technical ski gear for women — and that's Sweaty Betty.

In fact, a whole decade ago, Tamara Hill-Norton, the founder and creative director of Sweaty Betty started offering a true ski collection, and today it remains one of the company's most popular offerings. And it's not hard to see why.

I'm particularly enamored by Sweaty Betty's base layers, which are some of the warmest, most comfortable, and certainly most attractive I've donned. The brand has brought its unique aesthetic to the ski game, and I love the Black Snowfall Jacquard print that is available in both tops and bottoms.

The tops feature quarter zips so that you can decide for yourself just how warm you want to be, and thanks to little details like thumb holes, this is a particularly useful piece of clothing. The material is sweat-wicking features enough elastane to help it move with your body.

If you're looking for outerwear, Sweaty Betty can deliver as well. The bestselling Exploration Softshell Ski Jacket has a fleece back and Primaloft thermal insulation to keep you warm, as well as an adjustable hood with a fur trim that. Plus, there are storm cuffs with thumbholes and a dedicated sleeve pocket for your lift pass.

In honor of Sweaty Betty's 20th anniversary, the brand has recently created a limited edition mini base layer in sizes 3T and 4T, marking the first time that the company is offering ski gear for your toddlers.

Pros: Comfortable and versatile base layers, great prints, functional and attractive design, availability of ski gear for tots

Cons: Slightly more limited selection than other ski gear purveyors

Check out Sweaty Betty's ski collection here



The best comfortable ski gear

Why you'll love it: Burton offers fantastic and roomy ski gear that will keep you warm while allowing you to move.

High on any skier's or snowboarder’s list of must-have brands is Burton, and once you’ve pulled on one of these jackets yourself, it’s not hard to see why. The brand makes wide use of Gore-Tex to help keep athletes warm and dry. Burton also utilizes warm, comfortable materials so that you’re able to brave the coldest days for hours on end.

Especially inspiring is the Kimmy Fasani-inspired three-layer design, which does a great job standing up to wetter conditions. That’s thanks to fully taped seams and water-resistant zippers, and of course, the use of Gore-Tex throughout the jacket. There’s also a side-entry zipper that makes this jacket an easy one to take on and off, even if you have a helmet on.

You could also look to the Rubix Ski Jacket, which Snow Magazine describes as boasting a long and spacious cut for maximum comfort and protection from the elements. Two layers of Gore-Tex will keep you cozy, and there’s also Thermolite insulation for extra warmth. Pockets are available both on the outside and inside of the coat, and there are a wide range of colors and patterns.

Also worth mentioning are the brand’s Gore-Tex mittens, as well as its long underwear. Because no matter how great your top layer is, your bottom layer will still come into play, too.

Pros: Extremely warm, element-proof thanks to layers of Gore-tex, plenty of styles and patterns

Cons: Like many other high-end ski brands, Burton doesn’t come cheap

Shop Burton’s women’s ski collection on Amazon



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LuLaRoe founder says the company is 'starting over' amid seller exodus and looming $63 million legal battle

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DeAnne Stidham

  • LuLaRoe's top executives said the multilevel-marketing company is "starting over" and "being reinvented."
  • "I love that everybody is saying 'LuLaRoe 2.0,'" LuLaRoe founder DeAnne Stidham said in a video the company shared online. "I think that’s really what it is, because you know, we’re starting over."
  • LuLaRoe's reinvention comes as it faces an exodus of sellers and a $63 million lawsuit from its chief supplier, Providence Industries.
  • The suit originally sought $49 million in damages. In an amended complaint filed in California state court on Monday, Providence raised the damages sought to $63 million.
  • LuLaRoe has denied the allegations in the lawsuit. 

LuLaRoe's top executives said the company is "starting over" and "being reinvented" as it faces an exodus of sellers and a $63 million lawsuit from its chief supplier.

"I love that everybody is saying 'LuLaRoe 2.0,'" LuLaRoe founder and president DeAnne Stidham said in a video that LuLaRoe produced and shared online on Tuesday. "I think that’s really what it is, because you know, we’re starting over. And we like to do that because we want it fresh, and we want new items for everybody to get excited about."

Stidham's husband and LuLaRoe's CEO, Mark Stidham, also chimed in on "LuLaRoe 2.0," saying the company is being "reinvented" after learning about "what our retailers need from us and really narrowing in on the tools that we need to develop for them and the products that we need to develop."

"It's fresh, and it's kind of being reinvented, but it's being reinvented on the shoulders of those things that we have learned in the past," he said.

Read more: LuLaRoe faces a probe by the Washington State Attorney General's Office, sources say

In a separate video posted to DeAnne Stidham's Instagram page on Sunday, the LuLaRoe founder alluded to the company's problems with defective clothing.

"There was a glitch in the fabrics and the prints and everything, and it just took us a little bit to say, 'Hey, we gotta get busy and make it better … a better situation, a better life, a better experience for all of you," she said. 

She encouraged people to continue selling LuLaRoe clothing, saying, "those of you that have stuck with us are going to reap the benefits 10 times or more."

Read more: LuLaRoe is facing mounting debt, layoffs, and an exodus of top sellers, and sources say the $2.3 billion legging empire could be imploding

She also appeared to allude to refunds owed to former retailers, saying, "amazing things are going to happen with refunds." 

Hundreds of LuLaRoe sellers have said they've been waiting months, some more than a year, for refund checks after exiting the business. 

In response to this story, a LuLaRoe spokesman said, "LuLaRoe is always working to find new ways to improve and implement key learnings into the business."

The Stidhams' remarks on the company's reinvention come as LuLaRoe grapples with a loss of sellers, or consultants. Consultants buy clothing from LuLaRoe at wholesale prices and sell it to customers at a markup. 

Read more: LuLaRoe's CEO tearfully addresses inventory problems in leaked audio

LuLaRoe had fewer than 35,000 consultants in September, down from the more than 77,000 it had in February 2017, according to estimates provided in a sworn statement by Patrick Winget, LuLaRoe's former head designer. 

At the same time, LuLaRoe is facing a lawsuit from its chief supplier, Providence Industries. The lawsuit alleges the clothing company has failed to pay its bills for months.

Read more: LuLaRoe supplier demands immediate seizure of $34 million worth of assets after the CEO's alleged threats to 'jump ship' with its riches

The suit originally sought $49 million in damages. In an amended complaint filed in California state court on Monday, Providence raised the damages sought to $63 million.

LuLaRoe has denied the allegations in the lawsuit.

"We believe the claims in this case are completely without merit and will fight vigorously against them," a LuLaRoe spokesman said. "Given this is pending litigation, we cannot comment on the specifics."

The next hearing for the case is scheduled for January 28.

SEE ALSO: 'Ain’t nobody gonna take your crap:' LuLaRoe founder calls critics 'trolls' and orders her followers to 'snip' them out and 'protect' her

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NOW WATCH: These expensive Asian fish cost as much as a new car — and people have gone to jail trying to sell them in the US

This bag comes with me from work to the gym to dinner — it's no wonder why NYC women love them

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mz

  • Finding a versatile bag that's actually practical and doesn't sacrifice style can be a tough feat.
  • MZ Wallace started making bags in 2000 to meet the needs of modern women who value both fashion and function. 
  • The Large Sutton bag ($245) embodies these ideals and, for it's timeless style and practical features, has been my go-to-bag since moving to New York City.

A good bag is not only an integral part of your outfit, but integral to the flow of your day. I need a bag that can hold my gym clothes for the morning, my lunch to bring to work, keep my metro card easily accessible so I don't create a line at the subway turnstile — and of course, look nice enough that I can feel good about bringing it out to dinner at a nice restaurant. If you think that's a lot to ask from a bag, you haven't met MZ Wallace.

Monica Zwirner and Lucy Wallace Eustice, the company's founders and namesakes, set out to meet needs like mine— and more — in 2000. Their goal was to create thoughtful, unique accessories for the modern woman.

As two native New Yorkers with experience in the fashion industry, they have a strong sense of what today's woman wants and what looks great. If there's a secret sauce to finding the fine line where fashion meets function, you can be sure MZ Wallace has it. In Manhattan, I spot their signature quilted-nylon just about everywhere I go — while I'm riding on the subway, waiting in the line at Trader Joe's, packing up in the locker room at the gym, or walking down the street. As an owner of an MZ Wallace myself, I understand why the bags are popping up on shoulders everywhere — the brand just gets it.

MZ Wallace offers a wide variety of styles, from trendy little belt bags to large weekender bags, and plenty of shapes and sizes in between. After hearing friends and family rave about the bags for a while, I decided it would be a perfect work bag. I settled on getting theLarge Sutton, and it's since proved to be an amazing choice — I use it just about everyday. 

At $245, the Large Sutton bag is not cheap, but I think the price is fair for what you get. For starters, you're paying for high-quality materials. The bag is made with a soft, lightweight nylon that's both water and stain-resistant — a feature that proves particularly important when braving the elements of city streets and crowded subways. I chose the color magnet, which is a nice, deep gray that's a great neutral for everyday. There's a nice sheen on the quilted fabric, which, along with the nude leather accents and gold hardware, make the bag undeniably stylish. The look of the bag is timeless, something that you can wear with any outfit today, or in a few years. This all makes sense given both of the founders' fashion backgrounds, but what really sets the Large Sutton apart is its functionality.

sutton

It's like the founders of MZ Wallace predicted all of the qualms you could have with the bag and found the solutions before you even had the chance to experience any frustration. For example, since the bag is so large, it can get pretty heavy, depending on what you fill it with. If you find the handles — which are padded for extra comfort, by the way— to be too much to hold, clip on the adjustable nylon strap, convert the bag from a tote to a crossbody, and give your shoulder a break. You can also clip down the sides of the bag to make it smaller if you'd like it to be more compact. 

I've already made my case for the outside of the bag, but the interior of the Large Sutton is just as impressive. To give you a sense of how much you can hold, it's large enough to fit a 15 inch laptop, and the inside has plenty of pockets and pouches to keep you organized. There are three detachable pockets a small, medium, and large size — which I've found to be super practical. Keep the pouches clipped in the bag for easy access or un-clip them and move them around. I like to keep the pouches filled with some everyday necessities, like travel-sized toiletries and pens, in case I ever need. And, since the pouches are already full, I can easily move them to another bag.

You'll also find six interior pockets, some zippered and some open, to keep items easily accessible. The phone pocket keeps your device close for those inevitable times when you need it at a moment's notice. My personal favorite feature is the key ring strap, which saves me from fumbling for my keys at my front door, especially on those freezing New York nights. 

Ultimately, my purchase of an MZ Wallace bag proved to be a great move and if you're looking for a bag that's equally smart and stylish, I think you might like this one.

Shop the Large Sutton bag at MZ Wallace here

Shop all bags at MZ Wallace here

You can also find MZ Wallace bags at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Saks Fifth Avenue

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The best champagne and sparkling wine you can buy online

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champagne 4x3

  • Don't get intimidated by all that elegant French on champagne bottles. Remember: It's just wine, and it's meant for drinking.
  • We've researched and tested dozens of champagnes and sparkling wines to find the best ones you can buy online, and Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2008 is our favorite.

Does champagne have to be vintage and aged for years and years to be enjoyed? Of course not. It's all about where and with whom you pop it. And there are ways to doctor up even the lowliest of sparkling wines. Cut them with a splash of OJ or toss in a sugar cube, and a glass or bottle of cruddy new world sparkling wine will go down like candy.

But, of course, there are bottles of champagne worth cherishing, and if you're going to go ahead and dish out, you want to make sure you're not getting duped, right? I do, at least, which is why I got in touch with a few sommeliers and wine importers to make sense of it all and to find the best champagne and sparkling wine you can get at a variety of price points.

First things first: It's widely believed that Dom Pérignon discovered Champagne in 1693, but bottle fermentation has been traced back to at least 1531 in Limoux, France. Also, Champagne originates from Champagne, France, and particularly five districts: AubeCôte des BlancsCôte de SézanneMontagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne.

These districts are about 90 miles northeast of Paris, and they're known for exceptionally sweet grapes, hence the widely beloved Champagne grape Cognac. This is why Californian "Champagne," despite what the Korbel might say, isn't Champagne at all, and anything available for anywhere south of about $30 might as well not be, either.

Once you get into a higher price range, you enter a bit of a gray, and highly subjective area where it comes down to minute personal preference if anything at all.

Ashleigh Barrowman, a France-based sommelier put it best: "Champagne is the classic example of perfect competition. It's all the same stuff, really."

This is especially true of non-vintage champagnes, Pierre Haury of Luneau USA Inc. Wine Imports further explained to me: "If you can’t afford champagne but you want a quality sparkling wine from France, Crémant, from outside Champagne (from Loire, best is Bourgogne) is better at [about] $18 than bad champagne at $25. It's drier than Prosecco, and a little more expensive, but much, much better.”

Yes, sparkling wines from outside the region, confusingly enough, are also sometimes called "Champagne" thanks to a loophole, though that's a technicality mostly decided by customs and trade agreements, and only certain brands outside of Champagne are allowed to label their wine as "Champagne" — don't be fooled by Californian sparkling wine). True champagne is a delicate matter, and if you're not willing or able to dish out for it, Italian Prosecco and Spanish Cava more than suffice and often pair better with a wider array of foods.

If you do want to sip and savor your rosé or get your hands on a special brut to ask a special something of a special someone, we've got picks for you, too.

Fun fact: Champagne used to be exponentially sweeter, varying in sweetness depending on the country of destination — Russian Champagne, or "Champagne Soviétique," as it was labeled, was traditionally the sweetest. Even into the 20th century, Champagne was most commonly served as a dessert wine.

Here is the best champagne you can buy online:

Read on in the slides below to learn more about our top picks.

The best champagne overall

Why you'll love it: Louis Roederer Cristal Brute 2008 has been aged for 10 years and might be the champagne house's best yet, according to many critics and sommeliers.

There's a lot of hype around Cristal champagne, thanks in no small part to Jay-Z and his affinity for Armand de Brignac (which he now owns). More than one sommelier expressed sentiments of it being overpriced, but it's still a lovely wine produced by several of the oldest and most revered Champagne houses.

Cristal is the flagship cuvée of Louis Roederer champagne house, one of the more prized and environmentally responsible in the region.

First made in 1876 for Russian Czar Alexander II, the bottle was — and still is — uniquely made with a flat bottom and no punt because the fearful leader was worried someone would plant an explosive in one and blow him to kingdom come. If that doesn't lend it to gangsta rap, it's hard to say what would.

There's also no real consensus as to why champagne and wine bottles even have a punt in the first place, and it may just be a remnant from when bottles were hand-blown.

But to get to the wine, Roederer's Cristal 2008 was bottle-aged for eight years and then left to rest for eight months or more, and this is Roederer's first 10-year-aged Cristal. It's a 60%/40% blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Roederer's own vineyards, which are mostly biodynamic, lending a powerful palate with hints of citrus and stone fruit on the nose.

This might otherwise be an offensively bold wine, but the exceptionally long aging process gave it time to mellow.

Pros: Lofty critical acclaim, heavily aged, balanced, historic 

Cons: Probably best saved for a few years, a lot of critics say to wait until at least 2020, if not 2025

Buy Louis Roederer Cristal Brute 2008 from Wine.com for $259.97

Shop Roederer on Wine.com



The best vintage champagne

Why you'll love it: Ruinart Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2006 makes our favorite vintage champagne with its fresh, fruity taste.

If you're going to dish out the better part of a Benjamin for a bottle of bubbly, apart from dazzling your taste buds, it'd better come with a story. For starters, Ruinart is the oldest champagne house in Champagne, and thereby the world.

Founded in 1729, the Ruinart family could be credited with the first true champagne, too. But it's had its ups and downs: At the end of World War II, the company was down to some 800 cases and a mere 17 hectares.

Needless to say, the family has bounced back, and then some. It's difficult to discuss champagne at any length without mentioning Ruinart, which apart from being the oldest, is lauded for the fresh and fruity aromatics of the Chardonnay grapes they use.

Pros: History as the oldest champagne house in the world, fresh, fruity, somewhat eco-friendly

Cons: Not cheap

Buy Ruinart Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2006 from Wine.com for $179.97

Shop Ruinart champagne on Wine.com



The best non-vintage champagne

Why you'll love it: Moët & Chandon's standard bottle of Imperial brut isn't cheap by any means, but it's $10 cheaper than our other non-vintage pick, Veuve Clicquot, and if it's within your budget, you can't go wrong.

Moët & Chandon is another classic we all know and love, and its wines range from remarkably reasonable to unimaginably unaffordable. In short? The house puts out some 28 million bottles a year, and there's something for all.

Moët produces bottles ranging from about $45 up to, well, the sky's the limit. I might add that the company is the producer of the illustrious Dom Pérignon, which can run you hundreds.

Now, Moët & Chandon owns Veuve Clicquot, and like Pierre Haury of Luneau USA told me, it's more or less all the same stuff. He finds Veuve to be fruitier and more effervescent, which might please some palates more than others.

There may be no more subjective substance on Earth than champagne. In short, to each their own, and at this price range, you can't go wrong with either.

Pros: Reliable consistency, moderately affordable, both popular names most will know and appreciate

Cons: Not the most sustainable, some might consider Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot overpriced

Buy Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut from Wine.com for $44.97

Buy Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut from Wine.com for $54.97

Shop Moët & Chandon on Wine.com

Shop Veuve Clicquot on Wine.com

Buy Dom Pérignon from Wine.com for $159.97 and up



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The best robot vacuums you can buy

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best robot vacuum

  • Vacuuming is a real pain, but robot vacuum cleaners can suck up the dust for you.
  • Of all the robot vacuum cleaners we tried, the iRobot Roomba 690 proved to be the best for most people with its easy-to-use app, smart features, great suction, and affordable price.

Nobody likes household chores, but they have to be done. Unfortunately, we don't live like the Jetsons yet, but you can get capable robot vacuum cleaners to take care of the dust and dirt for you. Robot vacuums can't completely replace manual cleaning, but they can help cut down on the amount of time you spend waging war on dust bunnies.

Robot vacuums work best in smaller homes and normal-sized apartments between 800 and 1,200 square feet. They handle hard floors and short carpets best, though they can get stuck now and then. Robot vacuums need a good motor for powerful suction, decent battery life, a brush roll, and enough smarts to be self-sufficient. Many robot vacuums work with apps on your phone and some will even run when you tell them to with voice commands if you have Amazon's Alexa at home.

You can get robot vacuums for as little as $220, but the high-end models run up to $1,000 or more. We tested out a number of highly reviewed robot vacuums that run the gamut from $220 to $1,100. We also included a $170 robot mop and duster in our guide because it's a great vacuum alternative for basic cleaning. 

Here are the best robot vacuums you can buy:

Updated on 01/16/2019 by James Brains and Lulu Chang: Based on testing, we added the iRobot Roomba i7+ as the best self-cleaning robovac and the Ecovacs Deebot 711 as a great option for $350. Also updated prices and formatting.

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best vacuums you can buy for less than $300

Best robot vacuum overall

Why you'll love it: The iRobot Roomba 690 sucks up dirt and debris, responds to voice commands, and costs less than high-end bots.

You don't have to spend a fortune to own a robot vacuum cleaner, but you don't have to go with a low-powered one, either. The iRobot Roomba 690 sits right in the middle of the road, making it the best robot vacuum for most people. It has strong suction and smart features like voice control that put it above most budget vacuums. It's an even better deal now, coming in at $300.

iRobot's three-stage cleaning system loosens dirt and debris so it's easy to suck up. The vacuum has a spinning side brush, which is very effective. Setup is easy and the companion app is excellent. You even get introductory videos with tips to help you get started. It's so easy to use that we had our bot up and running in about 10 minutes. 

The Roomba 690 can clean carpet, rugs, tile, hardwood, and laminate floors without any problems. It navigates around obstacles like furniture, clutter, and other objects. You can also set up barriers, so your bot doesn't clean the wrong room or stumble onto your thick shag carpet and stop running. We created a barrier between our hardwood and tile floors so we could separate the rooms better.

We tested out the iRobot Roomba 690 and came away very impressed. It picked up dirt, dust, cat and human hair, cat litter, crumbs, and just about everything else we threw at it. It wasn't quite as powerful as the $700+ robot vacuums we tested, and it did get stuck on a stray shoelace, but overall, it impressed us, and we think it offers the best bang for your buck.

Since it's a smart vacuum that's Wi-Fi-enabled, you can set a schedule for it to clean during specific times and more in the companion app. You can even control it with your voice using Amazon's Alexa or the Google Assistant. We tried it a few times, and it really felt like living in the future. 

The Roomba 690 runs for 60 minutes and returns to its base for charging as soon as it runs out of juice. It's funny to see your robot amble its way home without any assistance. The robot vacuum played nice with our cat, too, so have no fear that your Roomba will run over your pets. If anything, be worried that your cat may pounce on your Roomba. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Affordable for a smart robot vacuum, voice control, app-controlled, can be programmed

Cons: Not as powerful as high-end models, doesn't clean the whole house in one go like the 960

Buy the iRobot Roomba 690 on Amazon for $299.99 (originally $374.99)



The best robot vacuum for less than $250

Why you'll love it: For just $220, the Eufy RoboVac 11S is significantly cheaper than every other robot vacuum we tested, but it's just as good at cleaning.

Who says you have to pay an arm and a leg to robotically clean your home? Certainly not the startup Eufy, which launched its budget-friendly RoboVac line last year. We tried the 11 and we loved it, but the startup's latest robot vacuum, the Eufy 11S, is our new budget pick because it has a slimmer profile that fits in tighter spaces, a slightly longer runtime, and improved features.

Most importantly, the 11S will help you do your chores, so you can save time and money. Because it only costs $220, we called it the smartest investment you'll make all year in our full review.

While the 11S is smaller than previous RoboVac models, the 11S boasts a larger dustbin to collect more dirt, and 30% stronger suction to clean floors even more efficiently. Although the 11S is only 2.85-inches tall, its diminutive size allows it to sneak under bed frames, cabinets, and other tight spaces without getting stuck. It navigated across hardwood, tile, and carpet effortlessly.

The 11S gets 100 minutes of battery life while cleaning, and its suction has also been upgraded, so it is better equipped to pick up dirt and debris from your carpets or cracks in your floor.

One of the RoboVac 11S' most notable strengths is that it has several modes. Spot mode, for instance, will focus on cleaning a small, specific area for two minutes, while Single Room mode will start a 30-minute cleaning session in a certain space.

The RoboVac's remote also lets you set up a schedule, so you can start your vacuum before you go to work, and return home to spotless floors.

Overall, the vacuum maneuvers pretty gracefully around furniture and molding, and picks up all the dust, hair, and everything else that amasses in a home with ease. Sure, you may be horrified when you empty the dustbin every couple of days to see just how much stuff is collecting on your floor, but hey, it beats dealing with it on your own. And with a price tag this low, it won’t feel like a robotic vacuum is a luxury, but rather a necessity.

It may not have all the smart features like app or voice control, but it cleans just as well as our top pick and costs almost $200 less. The only reason it wasn't our top pick is that it is lacking smart features like voice and app control, and we're nerdy enough to wish for those features. However, if those things don't matter to you, it's an excellent deal. — Lulu Chang and Malarie Gokey

Pros: Extremely affordable without sacrificing key functionality, low profile allows the vacuum to get into small spaces

Cons: No voice control or connectivity

Buy the Eufy RoboVac 11S on Amazon for $219.99



The best robot vacuum for $350

Why you'll love it: The Deebot 711 is the latest robotic vacuum from Ecovacs, and with its Smart Navi Mapping Technology and 110-minute battery life, this may just be one of the most effective robots on the market.

The Ecovacs family of vacuums has long been a shopper and Business Insider favorite. They’re some of the best-selling robovacs on Amazon, and back in June, we just couldn’t get enough of the Ecovacs Deebot 900. But now, the team has come out with yet another iteration of its popular cleaning assistant, and this one — the Deebot 711— is $50 cheaper and just as effective. Plus, it has nearly two hours of battery life, which makes it an excellent candidate for even the dirtiest floors.

What I’ve been most impressed by in my few weeks with the new Deebot is its ability to map my home and quickly learn which areas are most in need of cleaning. That’s thanks to the robot’s Smart Navi Mapping Technology, which not only helps it adapt to any environment with ease, but also helps it to avoid bumping into furniture or avoid falling down stairs.

The Smart Navi Mapping Technology is capable of creating an optimized and systematic cleaning path that covers up to 1,300 square feet, which makes it more than enough for at least one floor of your home — if not your whole home.

Thanks to the Deebot’s compatibility with both Alexa and Google Assistant, you can begin cleaning simply by telling the robot to do so. Either use a voice command or download the companion smartphone app to start the cleaning process, and you’ll be able to spend your time doing more important things.

Of course, if you’d like to exercise a bit more control over the cleaning process, you can use the app to direct the robot, or schedule a cleaning. You can also ask for status updates while you’re away so that you know exactly what the Deebot has and hasn’t done.

The Deebot 711 features a maximum power suction mode, which doubles the suction power of the machine and helps it take care of tough stains like dirt and grime on either hardwood or carpeted floors. Plus, the Deebot features two specialized cleaning modes — edge and spot mode — which allow you (by proxy, that is) to tackle hard to reach and often-missed areas of the room. — Lulu Chang

Pros: Smart mapping, voice commands, easy to use, cleans well, decent price

Cons: Not as precise as a Roomba

Buy the Ecovacs Deebot 711 on Amazon for $350



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20 cold-weather men's styles at Nordstrom that are equally functional and fashionable

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Nordstrom Men

  • If you're looking for winter-appropriate clothes that aren't dreary or boring, Nordstrom Men has an impressive selection of apparel, footwear, and gear.
  • The retailer also launched a curated collection of cold-weather gear from 20 brands called New Concepts: Out Cold, making it easier to discover the newest and best in winter style.
  • We rounded up 20 of our favorite winter pieces from across the Nordstrom that are equal parts fashion and function.

Finding clothes that are seasonally appropriate and stylish can be a tall task during the winter. For the sake of trying to stay warm and dry, many people look to outdoor and sportswear brands for their apparel, paying little regard to how the clothes actually look.

Rather than sacrificing fashion for function (or vice versa), there are plenty of pieces of apparel that are equal parts both — and Nordstrom has a huge selection of cold-weather styles. 

The retailer recently launched a new shopping experience called New Concepts: Out Cold, which will feature collections of apparel and gear curated by Nordstrom Men's Fashion VP Sam Lobban. Just in time for the height of winter, the first collection takes a winter theme, compiling cold-weather picks fitting for ski trips, city streets, or anywhere in between. In addition to the collection, Nordstrom's overall selection of winter boots and jackets are excellent places to shop.

To help you get fitted for the winter in style, rounded up 20 of our favorite items from the curated collection as well as some of our other personal favorites from Nordstrom. With everything from waterproof ski jackets, puffer jackets, and fleece pullovers to all-terrain sneakers, shearling-lined boots, and tech-friendly gloves, this list will help you prepare for the weather without leaving your look behind.

Shop the New Concepts: Out Cold Collection here.

Shop all menswear at Nordstrom here.

Check out our favorite picks, below:

Arc'Teryx Beta AR Jacket

Arc'Teryx Beta AR Jacket, available in two colors, $575

Featuring Gore-Tex Pro fabric, the Beta AR is a lightweight, packable, windproof, and waterproof jacket. Layer over a fleece pullover or sweater for added warmth.



Kjus Macun Waterproof Ski Jacket

Kjus Macun Waterproof Ski Jacket, available in two colors, $799

Designed for the slopes, the Macun Ski Jacket is a weatherproof shell jacket with four-way-stretch, providing skiers and snowboarders with the mobility they need. Pair with outdoor performance pants like the Houdini Skiffers, or your favorite jeans and boots for casual weekend wear.



K-Way Le Vrai 3.0 Leon Windbreaker

K-Way Le Vrai 3.0 Leon Windbreaker, available in five colors, $100

As a compact and packable garment, the Le Vrai 3.0 Leon makes a great option to bring on any adventure. Keep it stowed away until you need some added protection from the rain and wind. Available in muted colors like grey and white, or bolder colors like orange and red, you can style it to match your personality.



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Iowa could be the next state to amend its constitution and restore voting rights to tens of thousands of ex-felons

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iowa governor kim reynolds

  • Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa proposed Tuesday that the state amend its constitution to remove its lifetime voting ban on people with felony convictions.
  • The amendment could restore voting rights to 52,000 Iowans.
  • Florida residents voted on a similar constitutional amendment last year, and if Iowa follows suit, only two US states will have lifetime voting bans for all felons.

Iowa could soon do away with its practice of permanently revoking the voting rights of people convicted of felonies — a move that would leave just two US states with lifetime voting bans for all felons.

The state's Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, proposed in her Condition of the State address on Tuesday that the state amend its constitution to remove lifetime voting bans, as Florida residents voted to do during last year's midterm elections.

Iowa, Kentucky, and Virginia are the only three states with lifetime voting bans that can be overturned only through individual clemencies from governors. Virginia's governor, however, restores those rights individually to all who complete the terms of their sentence.

A constitutional amendment in Iowa could restore voting rights to an estimated 52,000 Iowans, according to The Des Moines Register.

"Our founders gave us a process to amend the constitution, should the passage of time change our view," Reynolds said Tuesday. "Let's begin that process now. I believe Iowans recognize the power of redemption — let's put this issue in their hands."

Read more: Floridians with felony convictions are beginning to register to vote after the state restored voting rights to 1.5 million people

felony disenfranchisement

Reynolds has previously cited her own brushes with the criminal-justice system, telling local media that she is a "recipient of second chances."

Reynolds was arrested twice, in 1999 and 2000, on drunken-driving charges. She has been open about her alcoholism and lauded her community for supporting her through her treatment.

Reynolds said in her Condition of the State remarks on Tuesday that she recently met an Iowan whose voting rights she had restored through clemency and who told her how much the gesture meant to him.

"When he stepped into the voting booth, he felt a dignity that had been missing, even after leaving prison," Reynolds said. "I don't think this man and others like him who have completed their sentences should have to wait for my say, or any future governor's say, before they get that dignity back."

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NOW WATCH: MSNBC host Chris Hayes thinks President Trump's stance on China is 'not at all crazy'

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard just listed their 4-story Brooklyn townhouse for $4.59 million — here's a look inside the home and its private garden

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  • Actors Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard have listed their four-story Brooklyn townhouse for $4.59 million.
  • They purchased the home 12 years ago for $1.91 million, as The Wall Street Journal reports.
  • The past several months have seen an assortment of high-profile real estate transactions in Brooklyn, including Matt Damon purchasing Brooklyn's most expensive apartment in late December.

Hollywood power couple Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard are selling their 3,600-square-foot Brooklyn townhouse for $4.599 million.

As The Wall Street Journal reports, they purchased the home at 36 Sterling in Park Slope in 2006 for $1.9 million. The couple moved in while Gyllenhaal was pregnant with their first daughter; now that both daughters are attending schools outside the neighborhood, they're listing the house.

According to the Sotheby's listing, the house has four bedrooms, a fireplace, and a south-facing garden.

Read more: Shaq is selling his lakeside Florida mansion for $22 million, and it comes with a 17-car garage and a 6,000-square-foot basketball court — here's a look inside

The past several months have seen a variety of high-profile celebrity real estate transactions in Brooklyn. Matt Damon bought the borough's most expensive home — a $16.7 million penthouse— in December. And, in January, Curbed reported that celebrity couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski splashed out $11 million for a condo in the same building as Damon.

Gyllenhaal and Sarsgaard's four-story townhouse is listed with Debbie Korb of Sotheby's International Realty.

Below, take a look at the property.

SEE ALSO: Hollywood-style trailers, exclusive dinner parties, and 'Instagram museums': The CEO of a real estate PR firm dishes on how he sells multimillion-dollar mansions to the super-rich

READ MORE: A SoHo triplex penthouse got a $5.5 million price chop, but it could still break the record for the most expensive apartment ever sold in downtown NYC

Celebrity couple Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard got married in May 2009 and, in 2012, purchased a Park Slope, Brooklyn, townhouse for a reported $1.9 million.

Source: People, The Wall Street Journal



The couple has two daughters and, according to The Wall Street Journal, is selling the house because both girls are going to school outside of the neighborhood.

Source: The Wall Street Journal



The couple's home is in Park Slope, an expensive Brooklyn neighborhood that borders Prospect Park to the east.

Source: Google Maps



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A $21 million lawsuit filed in New York alleges that a sophisticated web of real estate brokers used Airbnb illegally to trick 75,000 unknowing guests

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Kips Bay

  • A $21 million lawsuit is accusing a web of real estate brokers of using Airbnb to illegally rent over 250 listings to nearly 76,000 unknowing guests.
  • The lawsuit, filed in New York City on Jan. 14, accuses Metropolitan Property Group, a real estate brokerage firm, of using a litany of fake identities to rent out 130 former apartment listings, which were converted from permanent residences to accommodate travelers — including a whole entire building in East Harlem.
  • New York City is Airbnb's largest market in the US, with over 50,000 listings. It is illegal to rent out an apartment for fewer than 30 days in some buildings unless the permanent resident is present. 

A $21 million lawsuit filed in New York City is accusing a prominent real estate brokerage firm of using a sophisticated litany of fake identities in order to transform 130 apartment listings into traveler accommodated suites — including an entire building in East Harlem — featured on Airbnb. 

The lawsuit, the largest of its kind being brought by the city, lists Metropolitan Property Group as its primary defendant. The group is accused of illegally advertising 250 short-term rentals via 101 host accounts to nearly 76,000 unknowing guests. 

"[...] Almost 13,700 illegal short-term rental reservations took place, generating a total of approximately $21 million in revenue from 2015 to 2018," the lawsuit said about listings associated with MPG. 

In New York, it is illegal to rent out apartments, in most buildings, for less than 30-days unless the primary tenant is present. Airbnb said commercial operators, such as those detailed in the lawsuit, are not common on its site via a statement made to The New York Times.

Though, many Airbnb users may already be aware of the sophisticated web of real estate brokers on the platform. Some listings in any one building can look remarkably the same, in terms of decor and descriptive language, and feature the same host. Some listings in New York City even include instructions to guests to not disclose they are staying in an Airbnb to neighbors.

The Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement, which enforces short-term listings on sites such as Airbnb and HomeAway, found one phone number associated with at least 19 different Airbnb host accounts, linking several defendants listed in the lawsuit. 

And though the lawsuit does not list Airbnb as a defendant, it marks a significant win for skeptics who have been outspoken about the platform and how some utilize it. A spokesperson for Airbnb was not immediately available to comment.

New York City is Airbnb's largest market in the US, with over 50,000 listings.

The lawsuit comes less than two weeks after a federal judge blocked a New York City law from taking effect that would require Airbnb to hand over data each month about people who use its apartment listing service. The law was passed last July and was scheduled to go into effect next month

Airbnb was last valued at $31 billion in 2017 and has said it plans to go public in mid-2019. 

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NOW WATCH: We tested out $30 tiny spy cameras from Amazon by spying on our co-workers

A resort in the middle of the jungle has the world's 'most stunning views.' Here's a look inside the 44 private villas and at its famous swimming pool

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  • The Hanging Gardens of Bali is a luxurious resort in the middle of the jungle in Bali.
  • It has 44 villas, a twin-tiered pool, and was just named as having "the most stunning views" in the 2018 Boutique Hotel Awards.
  • But the views will cost you: A stay at the hotel ranges from $645 to $6,200 per night.

Set in the middle of the jungle, with views of a valley, and surrounded by a rainforest: How could a resort like that offer anything but spectacular views?

The Hanging Gardens of Bali were recently awarded the title of "the most stunning views" by the Boutique Hotel Awards.

The resort was completed in 2005 and is built into a mountainside with a 45-degree slope. It consists of 44 villas.

The Boutique Hotel Awards are in their eighth year. According to their website, nominations are made by industry experts, luxury hotel journalists, and self-nominations. This year, winners were selected from more than 300 nominations across 80 countries. It's also the first year the awards have included a "most stunning views" category.

Also up for consideration in the same category were five other hotels in Sri Lanka, Belize, Mexico, Kenya, and Spain, respectively.

The resort joins a host of other popular destinations across the island of Bali, including a pool that's become so popular the resort recently chose to ban the use of electronics as part of an "In The Moment" movement, and the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, where tourists pay $3 to risk wild monkeys stealing their phones and jewelry.

Take a look inside the Hanging Gardens of Bali below.

SEE ALSO: The top 14 boutique hotels in the world, from a romantic retreat in South Africa to a private villa in Thailand

READ MORE: A luxury Bali resort that's popular with influencers has banned phones at its famous swimming pool

The Hanging Gardens of Bali is located near the village of Payangan in the heart of Bali.

Source: Hanging Gardens of Bali



The luxurious resort has had multiple claims to fame since it first opened in 2005, most of them focused on its iconic twin-tiered swimming pool.

Source: Hanging Gardens of Bali



The resort consists of 44 private villas.

Source: Hanging Gardens of Bali



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The top 25 grocery chains with the most loyal shoppers in America

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Kroger

  • Brand-loyal customers can seriously bolster a grocery chain's sales.
  • But which grocers inspire the most loyalty from shoppers?
  • A report from marketing platform inMarket revealed that Fry's Food & Drug Stores enjoy the most frequent monthly visits from returning customers.

What grocery chains inspire the most loyalty from customers?

Advertising platform inMarket decided to find out in its 2018 grocery loyalty report, which Business Insider was able to exclusively review. 

The report measured the average frequency that returning customers visited each chain on a monthly basis. In order to generate this report, inMarket sifted through anonymous location data from 50 million grocery customers. Only chains with at least 50 stores were analyzed.

Read more: The CEO of Kroger, America's largest supermarket chain, explains why the company's merger with the country's 6th-favorite grocer puts them in the perfect position to take on Amazon and Whole Foods

Here's a look at some chains that had no problems getting shoppers to come back again and again:

SEE ALSO: Target is reportedly growing its same-day delivery options as the war for speedy shipping heats up

DON'T MISS: Experts dish on what makes Costco wines such a good deal

25. Big Y Foods

Frequency of returning customers' visits per month: 1.54

Store count: 68



24. Jewel-Osco

Frequency of returning customers' visits per month: 1.56

Store count: 182



23. Giant Food Stores

Frequency of returning customers' visits per month: 1.57

Store count: 142



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Save up to 60% on dress shoes and boots at Allen Edmonds — and more of today's best deals from around the web

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TheInsider Picksteam writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best bargains for you to shop in one convenient place.

J.Crew

1. Save an extra 50% on sale styles at J.Crew

J.Crew is making a final push to clear out styles from previous seasons. Right now, you can save an extra 50% on final sale styles by using the promo code "BIGGERSALE" at checkout. Today is the last day of the sale, so don't miss out on the deals. Here, you'll find discounted sweaters, button-ups, blouses, jeans, chinos, and more.

Shop the J.Crew sale now.

TurboTax 

2. Save $35 on Intuit TurboTax Software

Tax season is almost here. If you don't want to spend a fortune paying an accountant, you can do them by yourself and even save money on the software needed. Right now, you can pick up the simple and fast TurboTax software for $35 off on Amazon. The software is available for MacOS and Windows users.

Intuit TurboTax Premier + State 2018 Tax Software, $54.99 (Originally $89.99) [You save $35]

Allen Edmonds

3. Save up to 60% on clearance styles at Allen Edmonds

Every man needs to have a solid pair of dress shoes in his closet, whether they're worn every day in the office or only on special occasion. Allen Edmonds has a massive selection of well-made footwear and the prices are pretty affordable for the level of quality you're getting. Right now, you can save an extra 20% on already discounted clearance items by using the promo code "PLUS20" at checkout. With the promo code, you'll save up to 60% on shoes, clothing, belts, and other accessories.

Shop the Allen Edmonds sale now.

Sharp

4. Save $150 on a 43-inch Sharp 4K Ultra HD TV with Roku at Best Buy

You can find great deals on all of the electronics and tech you need at Best Buy, but some prices are only good for one day. Today, that's the circumstance for this 43-inch Sharp 4K Ultra HDTV with built-in Roku. As a deal of the day, you can pick one up for $199 — a $150 savings. If you're looking for a high resolution TV, this under-$200 option is an amazing bang for your buck.

Sharp 43-inch 4K Ultra HD RokuTV, $199 (Originally $349) [You save $150]

Wayfair

5. Save up to 70% on nursery items at Wayfair

Wayfair has great products for all across your home, but right now some of its best deals are on nursery items. Currently, you can save up to 70% on items cribs, dressers, rocking chairs, baby-friendly decor, and much more. Whether you're shopping for a baby shower gift or furnishing your own kid's room, you'll find many items at hard to beat prices here.

Shop the Wayfair nursery sale now

Timberland

6. Save an extra 25% on select styles at Timberland

In addition to making dependable and rugged footwear, Timberland also has a wide selection of apparel and outwear that are equally great. Right now, the brand is having a huge winter clearance sale with an extra 25% on already reduced sale styles. Whether you're looking for boots, hats, gloves, sweatshirts, flannels, or parkas, you'll be able to find all the winter gear you need on sale here. Discounts are automatically taken off at checkout.

Shop the Timberland sale now.

Cloud Cam

7.Save up to $70 on Amazon Cloud Cams

The Amazon Cloud Cam is the security camera you want protecting your home. It provides video surveillance in 1080p Full HD quality and its smart home connectivity allows you to access the feed from anywhere. By using the Cloud Cam App, you can check in to view the feed from your smartphone and use two-way audio to communicate with family. In addition to security, they also work great as baby monitors.

Amazon Cloud Cam 2-Pack Bundle, $199.98 (Originally $239.98) [You save $40]

Amazon Cloud Cam 3-Pack Bundle, $289.97 (Originally $359.97)[You save $70]

Happy Socks

8. Save 40% on socks at Happy Socks

If you're looking for simple, yet effective ways to liven up your style, a great place to start is by improving your sock game. Happy Socks makes a huge variety of fun and stylish socks — and they're on sale right now. During the brand's winter sale, you can save up to 40% and get free shipping.

Shop the Happy Socks winter sale now.

Brooklyn Bedding

9. Save 25% on Brooklyn Bedding Mattresses

Holiday weekends are usually a great time to catch mattress sales, and bedding startup Brooklyn Bedding is having a great deal for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Today through January 21, you can save an extra 25% on mattresses by using the promo code "MLK" at checkout. And don't worry about buying a mattress online. Brooklyn Bedding offers a 120-night trial period, free shipping and returns, and extended warranties on every product sold.

Shop the Brooklyn Bedding sale now

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This electrolyte powder is a low-sugar way to replenish fluids and prevent dehydration after workouts or long nights out

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

hydrant electrolytes

  • Drinking electrolyte water to replenish missing fluids and electrolytes is not a new concept, but many of the current options aren't doing enough and may not be as good for your body as you think.  
  • Hydrant, a powdered electrolyte mix, is an exception. It contains an efficient balance of only the ingredients you need to refuel after you work out, fall sick, or drink alcohol. 
  • They taste good, absorb quickly into your body, and combat the effects of dehydration effectively. 

After working out, falling sick, or a night of drinking, what's the first thing after water you reach for? For many, it's a bottle of Pedialyte, Gatorade, or Vitaminwater.

You understand vaguely that they'll replenish your body with the electrolytes and fluids you've lost. I, for one, grew up drinking a lot of Gatorade after sports games and even up until recently drank it to nurse hangovers. 

However, a closer look at their contents reveals they're filled with artificial ingredients, an excessive amount of sugar, or an improper balance of electrolytes. It's not surprising, then, that after chugging one of these drinks, you only feel minimally better and not as re-energized as you'd expect. 

From using powdered rehydration packets as a child whenever he was sick to revisiting them after rugby games and nights out while attending Oxford University, Hydrant cofounder John Sherwin has also experienced his fair share of dehydration experimentation.

He realized while working alongside constantly tired coworkers that they were chronically dehydrated, but this time around, he wanted to find electrolyte powder packets that were actually good for them. The search for clean electrolytes turned up empty-handed, so in typical startup founder fashion, Sherwin created his own, combining his personal experience with his background in biology. 

hydrant electrolytes 1

Each 8.7-gram packet of Hydrant contains eight ingredients and only what your body needs, including sodium citrate, potassium citrate, salt, magnesium citrate, and zinc gluconate. Its balance of electrolytes are based on the World Health Organization's standard for oral rehydration. 

Hydrant does contain cane sugar, but only just enough to activate the sodium-glucose transport mechanism that gets water and electrolytes into your bloodstream faster. Since it doesn't have too much sugar or any artificial sweeteners, it won't lead to a crash and upset stomach later. 

It also has low osmolarity, which means your body can more easily and quickly absorb the ingredients and feel their effects. 

hydrant electrolytes 2

Because Hydrant is a portable powder, you can drink it anywhere, provided you have a bottle of water to mix it with. Depending on which bulk pack you buy, each packet costs $2 or less, making it less expensive (and less wasteful) than bottled electrolyte drinks. 

It tastes pretty good, like a tangy lime (from lime juice powder) with a hint of salt. Taste is an underrated but important factor considering all the times you'll want to reach for Hydrant: during and after airplane travel, a workout, alcohol consumption, or a stressful work day where you haven't had the time or thought to drink something.

If you notice muscle or brain fatigue, headaches, or nausea, chances are you're experiencing the effects of dehydration. The efficient, clean, and tasty fix to replenish the culprit — those missing fluids and electrolytes — is a packet of Hydrant. 

Shop electrolyte powder packets, available in packs of 10 to 120, at Hydrant here

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