• The 15th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey has revealed the most expensive cities to live in around the world.
• The study looked at 309 housing markets in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, and the US.
• It uses the "mean multiple" approach — the median house price divided by the median household income.

The most expensive cities to live in around the world in 2019 have been revealed in the 15th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey.

The study analysed 309 housing markets (and 91 major markets with populations over a million) in eight countries — Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, and the US.

To produce the ranking, it looked at data from the third quarter of 2018 using the "mean multiple" approach — the median house price divided by the median household income.

The survey shows that the most "severely unaffordable major housing markets" are currently in Australia, New Zealand, and China.

Scroll down to see the 10 most expensive cities to live in around the world in 2019, ranked my mean multiple in ascending order.

10. San Francisco, California, US — 8.8

9. Auckland, New Zealand — 9.0

8. Tauranga-Western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand — 9.1

• Kay, Zales, and Jared are all in trouble after a weak holiday season.
• Signet Jewelers CEO Virginia Drosos recently indicated in a statement that store closures are on the horizon.
• It's just the latest instance of bad news for the jewelry giant, as millennials are increasingly avoiding diamonds.

Diamonds aren't necessarily millennials' best friends. At the very least, the jewelry-shopping habits of young people are a world away from that of their parents' precious gem preferences.

And that's part of the reason why it was a rough holiday season for jewelry retailers Kay, Zales, and Jared.

Millennials have more options when it comes to glitz, including non-traditional rings and cheaper lab-grown diamonds, which cost 30% to 40% less than their mined counterparts. The Financial Times reported that certain legacy brands like Tiffany & Co. and Cartier have also been more adept at capturing the category of millennials on the lookout for luxe offerings.

While De Beers Chief Financial Officer Nimesh Patel told Business Insider last year that the perception that millennials are saying no to diamonds is a "fallacy," he noted that younger people are increasingly buying the gems for themselves — rather than for loved ones.

But this likely comes as cold comfort to chain jewelers like Kay, Zales, and Jared. Signet Jewelers, the jewelry giant that owns all three retailers, reported that its same-store sales were down 1.3% for the nine weeks leading up to January 5, 2019.

"Our holiday season performance fell short of our expectations," CEO Virginia Drosos said in a statement to investors on January 17. "Early improvements in refreshed merchandise assortment, digital marketing and OmniChannel were more than offset by larger than expected declines in legacy product lines."

Drosos went onto say that the sluggish holiday sales indicate that Signet must double down on its efforts to "right-size" its store base. This likely means that the future holds store closures for Kay, Zales, and Jared, Fortune reported.

Read more:'Psychologically scarred' millennials are killing countless industries from napkins to Applebee's — here are the businesses they like the least

A Signet Jewelers spokesperson told Business Insider that the company has not yet announced any store closings or openings for the next fiscal year. The spokesperson said that specific announcements regarding Signet's store base will likely not take place when the company's fiscal year-end results are released on March 14.

While it's not clear whether or not store closures are imminent, the holiday sales numbers certainly make for gloomy news for the jeweler giant, which is domiciled in Bermuda and headquartered in Akron, Ohio. And it's just the latest in a string of ill tidings for the company.

At the very end of 2018, Gracian Capital short-seller Matthew Kliber called Zales overvalued and predicted that Amazon would ultimately step in and take a bite out of the jeweler's business. Back in November, Signet Jewelers' shares dropped 25% after the company announced a major loss. In 2017, critics cut into the company for its practice of "forcing employees to sign away their right to sue for sexual harassment."

Still, Drosos offered some insight into how Signet Jewelers plans to turn things around.

"We expect to accelerate initiatives to enhance our product assortment, marketing personalization and analytics, promotional effectiveness, service offerings, and e-commerce to deliver a more seamless and engaging omnichannel customer experience," Drosos said.

SEE ALSO: Signet Jewelers craters 25% after issuing a warning for 2018

DON'T MISS: Signet Jewelers has agreed to an $11M settlement for alleged fake accounts

SEE ALSO: One huge company embodies everything vile that new #metoo legislation is working to fix

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How to tell if a diamond is real or fake

• The partial government shutdown is now in day 32.
• While many services are closed during the shutdown, the US Postal Service is still fully functional.
• This is because the USPS has been self-sustaining since 1982 and receives almost no congressionally appropriated funding.
• The shutdown only affects congressional funding that is approved annually, so self-sustaining operations like the Postal Service are spared. 

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor government shutdown can slow down the US Postal Service, as the ongoing fight between President Donald Trump and Democrats has done nothing to disrupt the flow of mail around the country.

In fact, due to the unique structure of the USPS, government shutdowns never touch the mail delivery service.

Since the funding lapses that cause shutdowns only apply to annually-appropriated funding, permanently funded services or services funded through user fees are not affected by the shutdown. So self-sustaining programs, like the Postal Service or passport issuance, or permanently-funded programs, like Social Security, do not get caught up in the budget battle.

The USPS generates most of its own funding through the roughly $70 billion in operating revenue taken in each year from the sale of stamps, cost of shipping, and other operations. 

"As an 'independent establishment of the Executive Branch of the Government of the United States,' we receive no tax dollars for ongoing operations and have not received an appropriation for operational costs since 1982," the USPS said in its annual financial filing. "We fund our operations chiefly through cash generated from operations and by borrowing from the Federal Financing Bank ('FFB'), a government-owned corporation under the general supervision of the Secretary of the Treasury."

The Postal Service became fully independent in 1971 and drew some congressional funding until 1982, when the USPS was totally weaned off of taxpayer money.

There are also some technical issues related to the way the USPS is treated in the budgeting process, but for the most part the USPS is self-sustaining and not subject to congressional funding squabbles. And while the service has faced some financial issues in recent years, many of those problems were caused by the USPS's inability to raise prices to stay competitive with the private sector, not the lack of taxpayer money. 

The only consistent appropriation given to the USPS by Congress is reimbursement for low-cost postage that is given to the blind and for overseas absentee ballots.

While the USPS is spared, there are still wide-ranging effects from the shutdown as it drags into a second month. From airports to food programs to 800,000 unpaid federal workers the shutdown is starting to get real.

• Fro more coverage of the government shutdown:
• The warnings are getting starker: Trump's government shutdown is becoming catastrophic for the economy
• Trump's strategy for the government shutdown is a mess and most Americans aren't on board
• Here's what happens to food stamps and other federal food programs during the government shutdown
• Most Americans would rather spend the $5 billion Trump is demanding for the border wall on infrastructure, education, or healthcare

Join the conversation about this story »

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

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.

1. Save $30 on the Fire HD 8 Tablet on Amazon

Featuring an 8-inch HD display, up to 32 GB of storage, and a built-in Alexa, the Fire HD 8 Tablet has everything you could want in a handheld tablet at an affordable price. Today only, you can save $30 on either the 16 GB or 32 GB version. It's available in five colors, so you'll be able to choose the one that best matches your personality.

Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet 16 GB, $49.99 (Originally $79.99) [You save $30]

Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet 32 GB, $79.99 (Originally $109.99) [You save $30]

2. Save up to 35% on winter gear at Columbia

Premium winter gear like ski jackets, insulated gloves, and snow boots can be pretty expensive — especially if you're looking to buy all three. Right now, Columbia is having a huge sale that makes buying cold weather gear a lot more affordable. For a limited time, you can save up to 35% on select winter apparel, gear, and footwear. Discounts are automatically taken off at checkout.

Shop the Columbia sale now. 

3. Save an extra 70% on sale styles at J.Crew

Today only, you can save an extra 70% on sale styles by using the promo code "GOFORIT" at checkout. You can also save 25% on full-price new arrivals by using the same code. With discounts this big, you'll want to take a look at the sale selection, even if you're not searching for something specific.

Shop the J.Crew sale now. 

4. Save $35 on Photoshop Elements 2019 at Best Buy

With a 4.5 out of a 5-star rating, Photoshop is the photo editing software of choice for creatives. Designed for all skill levels, you can do simple edits like resizing and cropping or advanced edits like color correction, collages, and more. As a Best Buy deal of the day, you can save $35 on the photo editing software. 

Photoshop Elements 2019, $64.99 (Originally $99.99) [You save $35]

5. Save 25% on your order at L.L.Bean

As temperatures dip below freezing all over the country, we're likely only seeing the beginning of what winter has to offer. Luckily, L.L.Bean is having a big sale on winter gear with all the essentials to stay warm, dry, and on-trend. Right now, you can save 25% on new arrivals and already-reduced sale styles with the promo code "WINTER" at checkout. Today is the last day to take advantage of the sale, so stock up now.

Shop the L.L.Bean sale now.

6.Save up to $200 on a Leesa mattress and get a free pillow

Leesa's weekend sale is still going on and there are a ton of great deals on its sleep-related products including mattresses, sheets, pillows. Right now, you can save up to $200 on a Sapira Hybrid Mattress, plus a free pillow valued at $75. If you're not in the market for a new mattress, you can save up to 30% on sheets, pillows, and blankets.

Shop the Leesa Sleep sale now.

7. Save up to 70% on final sale styles at Frank And Oak

Not every article of clothing in your closet needs to be a super unique standout piece. If you're in need of high quality, fashionable basics to work into your wardrobe, Frank And Oak is a great place to shop — and right now its end-of-season sale includes price drops on many of its popular pieces. You can save up to 70% final sale styles for men and women. Since trying the Style Plan subscription last year, Frank and Oak has become my first choice for solid-color staples. 

Shop the Frank And Oak men's sale here. 

Shop the Frank And Oak women's sale here. 

8. Save 30% shelving and drawer systems at The Container Store

Achieving a well-organized and tidy home starts with creating the best use of your space, and The Container Store has everything you need to do that. Right now you can save 30% on all Elfa shelving and drawer systems. You can also save 30% on installation if you'd prefer to have a professional assemble it. Whether you're organizing your kitchen, closet, or garage, you'll find a variety of useful shelf and drawer setups here.

Shop The Container Store sale now. 

9. Save an extra 50% on final sale styles at Bonobos

With the heart of a startup and the backing of a retail giant Walmart, Bonobos is arguably one of the fastest-growing brands in men's fashion. Right now, you can save an extra 50% on already-reduced final sale styles by using the promo code "METALDETECTOR" at checkout. The sale includes chinos, jeans, button-ups, outerwear, and much more. 

Shop the Bonobos sale now. 

Join the conversation about this story »

• Super Bowl tickets don't come cheap.
• The average resale price for a Super Bowl 2019 ticket in Atlanta, Georgia, is about $5,320 as of January 22, according to resale site SeatGeek.
• Fans attending the Super Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will enjoy the retractable roof, beautiful lounges, a bar the length of a football field, and stunning views of the city's skyline.

Year after year, football fans put up big money for Super Bowl tickets.

The New England Patriots will take on the Los Angeles Rams at Super Bowl LIII. The game will take place on February 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the swankiest arenas in the entire NFL, reported Business Insider's Cork Gaines and Meredith Cash.

Fans at the stadium — home to the Atlanta Falcons — enjoy a retractable roof, beautiful lounges, a bar the length of a football field, and stunning views of the city's skyline during games. And the experience won't come cheap.

A single ticket for Super Bowl 2019 starts at $3,675 on Ticketmaster. But the tickets only come in pairs and there's a hefty service fee, so the final cost comes out to nearly $10,000 total. 

According to SeatGeek, a ticket resale market, the average resale price for a Super Bowl ticket is about $5,328 as of January 22, which is fairly close to the average price of a ticket at this time for last year's Super Bowl. The cheapest ticket is listed for about $3,770, including fees.

The cheapest pair of tickets listed on TicketIQ, another resale service, come out to about $3,200 a piece including fees, as of January 22. You can also find tickets on StubHub or Vivid Seats.

Maroon 5 is scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl 2019 halftime show, but over 87,000 people have signed a petition at Change.org asking the band to drop out in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who kneeled during the national anthem to protest racism and police brutality. Rihanna reportedly turned down a spot to perform, and Jay Z is reportedly trying to dissuade Travis Scott from performing.

The Super Bowl kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 3 and will air on CBS.

Read all of Business Insider's Super Bowl LIII coverage here.

SEE ALSO: Shaq explains why he's renting a baseball stadium to throw a Super Bowl party that's 'part music festival, part carnival, part circus'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This tiny building in Wilmington, Delaware is home to 300,000 businesses

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.

• On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I brought a waterproof bag to keep my things dry in case I came across a rainy microclimate while hiking.
• Not only did my Earth Pak dry bag do that, but it saved my things from getting soaked after I accidentally kicked it into a pool. You can bet I'm taking it with me on future trips.
• Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bags have a 5-star rating on Amazon, with bags in several colors, sizes, and styles to fit your personality and needs. Each order also comes with a waterproof phone case you can wear around your neck.

Packing for a week-long trip to Costa Rica means you have to prepare for the unexpected. You're presumably going to the country to hike through rainforests and cloud forests dotted with various microclimates, swim around magical waterfalls straight out of fairy tales, and experience that Costa Rican pura vida. Except you don't know if you'll hit a patch of rain on your hike or if there are any dry rocks to place your things by the falls.  

That's why my fiancé and I packed for every scenario and weather condition on our recent trip. In addition to our clothes (including hiking boots, water shoes, fleece jackets, and windbreakers), toiletries, camera gear, and a first aid kit, we also brought our Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bags. Basically, they're really durable waterproof bags with a roll-top closure and a cross-body strap or double book bag straps, depending on the size you get. We just needed a waterproof (not just water-resistant) bag that would keep our things dry in case it started raining while we were hiking — or in case I accidentally kick it into a pool.

During our trip, my fiancé and I hiked the Arenal volcano to visit the La Fortuna waterfall. We threw towels, camera gear, snacks, water, and an extra set of clothes into our bags and set off. Several people along the hiking trail commented on how useful the Earth Paks seemed and that they'd buy it for their next trip — except for one guy who questioned the usefulness of our bags while his regular book bag slowly leaked after his water bottle had busted open.

Just as we were about to swim around the base of the waterfall after leaving our things on nearby rocks, I accidentally kicked my bag — which included an expensive camera and dry clothes — right into the pool. Thankfully, when I grabbed my bag and checked inside, nothing was wet. In fact, my bag kind of bobbled around because the tight "seal" and waterproof material retained some air after packing my things. Whew.

The Earth Pak bags come in a variety of colors to fit any personality (ours are black because we're New Yorkers) and five sizes depending on your needs — 10L, 20L, 30L, and 40L. The smaller 10L and 20L sizes have a single crossbody strap and hold just the essentials like a cell phone, water bottle, keys, camera, and a towel or change of clothes. We didn't think these two sizes were useful so we went with the larger 30L and 40L sizes, both of which are equipped with book bag straps and can hold at least a weekend's worth of clothes and gear.

After you throw everything in, you compress the air out of the bag and roll the opening a few times to "seal" it, and then buckle it up. Now, there's no actual seal like a Ziploc bag, so if your dry bag is submerged in water for a while, your things might get wet. But because the opening is hidden within the rolls, nothing will really happen if you accidentally drop it into water — I can attest to that. In terms of aesthetics, let's just say they look like potato sacks with straps.

These bags aren't the prettiest but they're definitely durable, waterproof, and coming with us on our next trip to Hawaii — and that's kind of all we need. Pura vida, right?

Buy the 10L Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag for $20.97 from Amazon

Buy the 20L Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag for $24.97 from Amazon

Buy the 30L Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag for $27.97 from Amazon

Buy the 40L Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag for $31.97 from Amazon

SEE ALSO: Every traveler should get this $9 luggage scale before their next international flight

Join the conversation about this story »

• Chick-fil-A has been serving up its original chicken sandwich since 1964, according to the restaurant's website.
• The chain recently said the sandwich was the fourth-best-selling item on the menu in 2018, behind waffle fries, soft drinks, and chicken nuggets.
• From the secret blend of spices and seasonings to the unique pressure fryer and the precise placement of pickles, there's a lot that goes into the making of this seemingly simple sandwich.
• Chick-fil-A follows the "lean" process, which employs ever-evolving methods of reducing waste and creating the best customer experience possible to produce fresh food in a short time.
• Since all fillets are breaded by hand daily and assembled to order, Chick-fil-A has specified every step of the process down to the minute across all locations.
• I went behind the counter at the Chick-fil-A on Fulton Street in Manhattan to have a look at the busy kitchen, and I got the chance to see exactly how the chain's No. 1 sandwich is made.

SEE ALSO: Shake Shack's new chicken nuggets will soon be served nationwide. Here's how they stack up next to the ones served at Chick-fil-A.

Truett Cathy founded Chick-fil-A on his secret recipe for success — the recipe for what's now the chain's original chicken sandwich.

He modeled the cooking process on the way his mother would fry chicken at home: She would put a lid over the stove to create a sort of pressure cooker, allowing the chicken to cook more quickly and evenly.

Cathy took this idea and brought it to Henny Penny, a food-equipment manufacturing company, and came up with a special pressure fryer that's now used in all Chick-fil-A locations. I got to see how it works! But more on that later.

Source: Henny Penny

Serena Williams is on the cusp of making even more history.

The 37-year-old has banked more than $88 million from prize money in tennis, has won 72 Women's Tennis Association singles titles, and is hoping to win her 24th Grand Slam title — which would equal the record set by Margaret Court 46 years ago.

Victory at the 2019 Australian Open would exorcise her notorious straight sets loss to Naomi Osaka in September, 2018, when she was slapped with a hat-trick of code violations.

The aftermath has seen her lampooned in the Australian newspaper The Herald Sun, where she was drawn as an angry baby with grossly exaggerated features like oversized lips, a big nose, and wiry hair. The cartoon was called "racist and misogynistic" by Williams' husband the Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.

Williams was then slammed as "no feminist hero," while umpires consider a boycott of her future matches because she called the US Open umpire a "liar" and a "thief" too.

The 2019 tennis season has begun with great positivity, however. She began the year playing a historic doubles match against Roger Federer, praising him afterwards as the "greatest of all time."

Read more: Serena Williams praised Roger Federer as 'the greatest of all time' after losing to him in a historic doubles match

At the Australian Open itself Williams has created headlines for her post-match interviews as well as her extraordinary tennis. Recently she claimed that she does not even know where trophies are, and that she has watched Frozen 3,000 times.

What remains clear is that Williams is a fierce competitor. But in order to maintain her sporting dominance, Williams has to eat right before a match. So what sort of food does a 23-time tennis major champion serve up?

Here's everything Williams likes to have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

SEE ALSO: Serena Williams looked mortified and turned around after walking onto the Australian Open court while 'world number one' Simona Halep was being announced

DON'T MISS: Serena Williams says she and Venus were never 'afraid to be black' in tennis, and she wants her own daughter to be confident in her body

UP NEXT: Serena Williams praised Roger Federer as 'the greatest of all time' after losing to him in a historic doubles match

This is Serena Williams, a superstar tennis player who has reached two Grand Slam tournament finals in 2018 since returning to the sport after taking time out to give birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. This week, she is looking to reach the final of another major — the 2019 Australian Open.

Before a game, Williams "usually can't" eat and says it may be down to nerves. However, if she was going to have a meal, it would be a "protein and carb" combo like turkey sausage and baked potato.

Source: Glamour.

When Williams is away from the court, she spares no expense and orders a delicious and healthy looking platter for breakfast including staples like smoothies and fruits.

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• The government shutdown is in its 32nd day and there is no end in sight.
• The US Department of Agriculture will still send out Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, benefits for January and February despite the shutdown.
• The USDA's Child Nutrition Programs will also be funded into February, but it is unclear what will happen if the shutdown continues after that.
• Other food programs such as Commodity Supplemental Food Program and WIC will not receive federal funding during the shutdown, but may continue using state and local funds.

With no sign of ending anytime soon, the government shutdown is starting to take its toll on federal services and workers. But for recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, there is some good news — for now.

According to a plan released by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), SNAP benefits will be available during the start of the shutdown as previously appropriated funding is carried over to meet the needs of the program.

In the initial USDA release about the shutdown, the department said SNAP benefits for January would be available but there was no commitment for February. In a later announcement, the USDA said that the department will send money for February's benefits to states that administer the program.

Benefits for the month of February have already been sent out, well ahead of the typical timing. Usually the funds would go out on or after February 1, but in order to ensure that the money is available the USDA told state agencies that administer the program benefits had to be sent out by January 20.

USDA officials could not commit to providing SNAP benefits in March and it appears unlikely that the funds will be there if the shutdown were to run that long.

Given the fact that President Donald Trump threatened to shut the government down for "months or even years" during a meeting with congressional leaders on Friday, the uncertainty of SNAP benefits beyond February could become a problem for the millions of people who rely on the program.

Another problem has popped up with the SNAP benefits as well. Around 2,500 retailers are unable to renew their licenses to accept the SNAP payments, meaning customers in those stores can't use their Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, cards to purchase groceries.

Sarah Jackson, an employee at a store in Arkansas, told PBS that her store's license expired during the shutdown and the retailers did not make the cutoff to renew the license to accept SNAP benefits.

"Because of an argument about a wall, I have to look people in the eyes every day and tell them they can't pay for their food, for their children's food," Jackson said.

The USDA said in a statement to the Chicago Tribune that only a small group of stores have lost their ability to accept SNAP benefits and the stores themselves were responsible for the problem.

"There is a small percentage of stores that failed to complete a required reauthorization process that was due on December 21," the spokesperson said. "Due to non-response, those stores were removed from the program, per standard procedure. These stores can take steps to update their status once FNS funding is restored and the necessary staff are in place to process the applications."

Funding for the USDA's Child Nutrition Programs including "School Lunch, School Breakfast, Child and Adult Care Feeding, Summer Food Service and Special Milk" will also continue into mid-February, according to the USDA's plan, but it is also unclear what will happen after that point.

Some school districts around the country are scaling back their food offerings due to the extended shutdown, as it is unclear when funding could run out. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue tweeted on January 18 that school lunch programs are funded through March since they are paid for quarterly.

Read more:Here's what happens to Social Security and disability benefits during a government shutdown»

But while SNAP and the Child Nutrition Program are safe for now, other food programs under the USDA's purview are not as lucky.

Other non-SNAP domestic food programs are no longer receiving federal funding, but may be sustained through state and local funding. The programs that are no longer receiving USDA funds include the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, a program focusing on low-income seniors; The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

95% the staff at the office of Food and Nutrition Services— which oversees SNAP benefits and other food programs — is now on furlough and no longer receiving pay.

Read more:The effects of the shutdown are only going to get exponentially worse as the fight drags on»

In addition to the food programs, other essential USDA duties including the inspection of eggs, dairy, and other food products will continue. Those services deemed non-essential, such as research or the staffing of some national forests, are discontinued.

The shutdown is now in its 32nd day and there is no clear end in sight.

SEE ALSO: From airport lines to food inspections, here are all the ways the government shutdown is impacting the lives of average Americans

Join the conversation about this story »

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

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.

• I have never been able to do an at-home blowout. Whenever necessary, I'd gladly fork over high salon fees to avoid the inconvenience.
• The T3 1.75-inch BodyWaver ($129) is my solution. It requires minimal effort, but it gives me the shine, body, and loose waves of a professional blowout from home. 
• If you're looking for a curling iron, don't buy this. If you're looking for a "blowout with a big round brush" look in 30 minutes without a hair dryer, you'll probably love it. 

My battle with thick, frizzy hair is a well-documented one on the internet. Before I built an arsenal of airtight products over the course of my early 20s, my signature hairstyle was a sheepish, please-don't-look-at-me bun that was good at covering the sins of an imperfect genetic lottery. Stylists would go into salon appointments optimistic and then fall back, calling in reinforcements of — at a personal record — three other pairs of expert hands to get the job finished in time. 

In high school, I got my hair cut every two months, motivated by the manageability of frequent blowouts more than healthy ends. In New York, where great haircuts can run a much higher tab than those in Minneapolis suburbs, this is no longer a sustainable solution. Instead, I got the T3 1.75-inch BodyWaver for $129 — which is about the price of two NYC DryBar blowouts with tip.

I get that some magical people can manipulate a round brush and a hair dryer at home and like the result. They do not need this tool. I, however, am not one of them. And while I'm sure I could master the technique if I really tried, I just don't want to. Given all the other skills I could hone with that time instead, this is one I'm willing to cut corners on.

To be honest, I'd rather just buy something — and that's what led me to the T3 1.75-inch BodyWaver. It gives me the same shiny, bouncy loose waves of a salon blowout — but without the blowdryer or inconvenience. 

Even for a hot tool, it's simple to use: the handle is ergonomic, a nine-foot 360-degree swivel cord moves with you, and T3's signature Tourmaline SinglePass radial technology means there's always even and consistent heat, which also means the process is faster and requires fewer damaging second passes on sections. The T3 Tourmaline and ceramic seal the cuticle to produce that salon-level shine, and five heat settings adjust for any hair type or condition. And there's both a cool tip and a one-hour auto-off for safety. I've been using mine without issue for a year, but Sephora notes a two-year warranty. 

Instead of an ongoing salon fee, a permanent bun, or battling through a Youtube tutorial on using a round brush at home, I trade 30 minutes in for polished hair. And there's no roar of a blowdryer, so the time is usually maximized by watching a show or listening to a podcast anyway. Every time I use it, friends and coworkers ask if I got my hair cut. Given my prior track record, I assign all the credit to the BodyWaver. 

Having said that, you shouldn't buy it if you're looking for a traditional curling iron, or if your hair is so short that a 1.75-inch tool won't make much of a difference. But if you're looking for a life hack that lets you skip the blow dryer and salon for the volume and wave of a blowout look in 30 minutes, then you'll probably love it. It's worth noting though that some Amazon reviews note receiving a BodyWaver that didn't turn on once plugged in, though one possible explanation is that the BodyWaver is turned on by twisting the power and temperature dial and not immediately once it's plugged in for the first time. When it's on, the indicator light will flash during heat up and then turn solid when the barrel reaches the temperature you set. 

All in all, the T3 has been a lifesaver. It helps me save money on unnecessary salon visits without compromising on frizzy hair or an at-home chore I dread. The T3 SinglePass tech means less damage to my hair, and the exchange of 30 minutes at home for the look of a professional blowout is pretty unbeatable.

Buy the T3 BodyWaver 1.75” Professional Ceramic Styling Iron, available on Sephora and Amazon, $129

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un is 35 — here's how he became one of the world's scariest dictators

• Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady comprise one of the most successful power couples.
• One is one of the most successful supermodels in the world and the other is the greatest quarterback ever.
• Together, Gisele and Brady have a quiet, but lavish, lifestyle. 

Gisele Bündchen is one of the most successful supermodels in the world. According to Forbes, she was the highest-earning model in the world for 10 consecutive years before retiring from the runway in 2015, but even today she is still one of the world's highest paid models.

Her husband, Tom Brady, is the greatest quarterback of all time. Brady has five Super Bowl rings and three league MVP awards, and he's still leading the New England Patriots even though he is well into his 40s.

Bündchen and Brady married in 2009 and together they lead an extremely fabulous life.

At one point, the duo owned a $20 million castle complete with a moat and have since bought a lavish NYC apartment overlooking the water. They co-chaired the Met Gala in 2017 and have partnerships with a number of luxury brands.

Take a peek into the couple's opulent lifestyle below:

Tony Manfred contributed to this report.

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen and superstar quarterback Tom Brady make up one of the most powerful celebrity couples on the planet.

Brady is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time after earning five Super Bowl rings and three league MVP awards in his 19-year NFL career.

Source: Spotrac

Bundchen reigned over the modeling world for well over a decade and was the top-earning supermodel for 10 consecutive years. Even though she retired in 2015, Bündchen was still one of the top-5 highest paid models of 2018.

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.

• We create about 88 pounds of plastic a year — per person. And even if you sort your plastics into the right bins, less than 9% of plastic is actually recycled.
• That's because some things like single-use straws and utensils are too small to be processed by recycling plants and get dumped in a landfill only to then make their way into the ocean.
• This five-piece set of metal straws from Amazon is an easy alternative to using plastic straws, and I'll never use anything else ever again.

I'd like to think that I was always pretty green — I reuse plastic bags from the grocery store as garbage bags, I donate clothes instead of throwing them out, and I sort my recyclables accordingly. But it wasn't until I started reading about the disastrous effects of single-use plastics that I realized just how un-eco-friendly I really was. Suddenly, I started noticing just how many of the plastic straws I'd pilfered from my office were strewn across my apartment.

Now, you might think that plastic straws can just go into the recycling bin, but you'd be wrong. In fact, maddeningly enough, most plastic straws don't even get recycled. They're so thin and small that recycling plants can't process them so they get chucked out into a landfill along with the rest of the trash and float out into the ocean sooner or later.

So, in an effort to actually live more eco-friendly this time and reduce my own plastic usage, I started using metal straws. This $10 set from Amazoncomes with two angled straws for normal drinks like water or juice, two straight straws for thick drinks like smoothies, and a cleaning brush not unlike a pipe cleaner or mascara spoolie brush that you run through the straw to get rid of gunk.

The straws are made of food-grade stainless steel that won't rust and is free of BPA (which comes from hard plastics), phthalates, and lead. When I first used them, I was worried that I might taste that distinctive, and frankly, disgusting metal tang, but they actually didn't taste like anything or change the taste of my drinks at all. In fact, most of the time, I don't even register that I'm using a metal straw — to me, it's just a straw. I use them at home and at work, though I haven't graduated to bringing them out to a restaurant yet. In those situations, I just tell the waiter that I don't want a plastic straw.

Of course, I need to acknowledge that forgoing plastic straws isn't going to make a difference if we're still using plastic bags or water bottles, or if recycling plants can't figure out a way to properly process them, but for me, at least it's a start. In fact, it has led to other good habits like refusing plastic utensils from my takeout orders, bringing my own tote bags to the grocery store, and even composting.

Buy the Greens Steel Stainless Steel Straw Set for $9.99 from Amazon

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• Be sure to take into account the character of the person giving you career advice when deciding whether or not to accept it.  
• Remember that what works in one industry might not work in another, but there are certain principles and standards that are universal.
• One of the best career moves I ever made was to utterly reject a piece of advice a former boss gave me.
• His advice: "Learn how to lie."

Before I began writing full time, I worked in the film industry in Los Angeles.

After graduating from film school, I settled in LA and found work on a number of productions, working on the sets of TV shows, a few television commercials, and music video shoots. Within a year or so, I found a steadier job at a major studio and worked in marketing and acquisitions for the next two years.

After that, I moved to a talent and literary agency, where I would work for three and a half years until finally making the switch to self-employment as a writer.

It was during my time at the agency that I got a piece of advice that has stuck with me and helped me greatly ever since precisely because I outright rejected it. The advice was this: "If you want to be good at this job, learn how to lie."

Learn how to lie.

That was the guidance my boss gave me in his attempt to act as a mentor. And he said it with pride and conviction; indeed, the advice was coming right from his own former boss, a venerable, respected agent in his own right.

To tell you the truth (which is kind of the point here) lots of people working in Hollywood really do lie all the time. Every manager has read the script that client is asking about. Every talent agent watched that actor's audition tape. Every producer has the funding secured and the director signed on.

In the years I spent working in various areas of the film and TV industry, I heard more misleading statements, half-truths, and outright lies than I could possibly count.

But I had never heard someone take ownership of the dishonesty so directly. This wasn't someone recommending a lie, but lying writ large; lying as the modus operandi whenever it served.

Read more:I asked 9 executives how to build a career to be proud of, and came away with 5 key lessons

I can't recall exactly how I reacted in that moment, but I know I neither agreed nor protested, at least not in words. Likely I gave some sort of half nod of acknowledgement (that may well have seemed like tacit approval, frankly) and went on with things. I was in my late 20s at the time and far from naive, but I was also not so jaundiced by life that I didn't immediately albeit internally recoil from the counsel. What I did not immediately realize was that the exchange would become a touchstone for me.

Striving for integrity

In the months and years that have followed, that moment has flashed into my mind on multiple occasions when a challenge has faced me in the course of my work.

When presented with a situation where obfuscation might serve as a quick fix, I have heard the "learn how to lie" mantra echo in my head and had a commitment to honesty and ownership of the issues refreshed. While a lie often temporarily gets us past the problem at hand, in doing so it creates yet another problem that will also have to be confronted: the lie itself.

Beyond helping me establish a clear boundary between integrity and falsehood in my professional life, my former boss's career advice gave me one other benefit, repugnant as the implication may be. If he could so proudly, almost gleefully advise me to be dishonest, how many other people were being more subtly deceptive?

I try to be a trusting person, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to take everything at face value. And trust me, that's a wise approach.

SEE ALSO: These 25 US counties are paying most of the federal income taxes

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NOW WATCH: Barbara Corcoran doesn't invest in rich kids because poor kids have one trait that makes them more likely to succeed

• Apple is running a contest to identify 10 of the best photos taken on an iPhone.
• The photos will be judged by a panel of 10 people including Barack Obama's former personal photographer. 
• Winners of the contest will see their photo used in Apple marketing. 
• To enter, tag your iPhone photos with #shotoniPhone and post them to Instagram or Twitter. 

Think some of your smartphone photos are award quality? 

Apple is giving people around the world a chance to submit photos shot on an iPhone to a global photography contest. 

The prize? If you took one of the 10 photos chosen, your shot could be used on billboards, in Apple stores, and on Apple's Instagram. "No substitutions or cash redemptions. Prize has no cash value," Apple said in its rules for the contest. 

From the contest announcement: 

"Ten winning photos will be featured on Apple Newsroom, Apple’s Instagram channels, apple.com, in Apple retail stores, Apple WeChat, Apple Twitter accounts, Apple Weibo accounts and billboards around the world. Winners will be notified on or about February 26, 2019."

The contest started today, and it's running through February 7. Entering is easy:

• Follow Apple on either Instagram or Twitter. 
• Your tweets and Instagram feed must be set to public. 
• Post your photo, which was taken with an iPhone, to social media with the hashtag #shotoniPhone. 
• Include the specific iPhone model you used in the caption. 

There are also ways to submit your photos through email or Weibo, for Chinese consumers. Of course, Apple won't evaluate photos with copyright violations, nudity, or obscenity. 

Apple has run several advertising campaigns centered around "shot with iPhone." As Apple's phones have increasingly become advanced cameras, some of the photos taken can stand toe-to-toe with professional camera rigs. It's also a way for Apple to crowdsource its marketing from its millions of users. 

Anyone who submits a photo is giving Apple a royalty-free, irrevocable, non-exclusive license to use the picture in conjunction with the contest, and for winners, it gives Apple an exclusive licenses to use, modify, publish and display the photo. The official rules are available here. 

Apple is going to chose 10 winners, and has assembled a panel of 10 judges, including Pete Souza, the former chief White House photographer for President Barack Obama, and three Apple employees who work on camera software and marketing. 

Here's a photo Apple published to give you an idea of what it's looking for:

SEE ALSO: Apple is reportedly planning to change a key component of every iPhone lineup by 2020, and now one of its major suppliers is scrambling

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We compared Apple's $159 AirPods to Xiaomi's $30 AirDots and the winner was clear

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• 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 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, you can pick up the shoe in twelve suede colors ($198), six leather colors ($198), and one leopard print calf-hair ($298). 

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.

Founder Maria Gangemi grew up along the olive tree-lined streets of Sicily. She would go on to mount a career in merchandising and creative for footwear and accessories brands, always reserving a special appreciation for the artistry bestowed upon shoes made in the mom-and-pop operations so commonly found in Italy. Three things ruled the hot, intimate shops clustered in town: quality, attention, and pride in one’s work.

But it’s not always easy to schedule a trip to Italy every time you need a new pair of flats. Which is what led Gangemi to create M.Gemi — a startup that now connects anyone with internet access to shoes done “the old way” in Italy with the same quality as luxury names like Prada, for a fraction of the cost. No plane ticket, upside down map, or twisted ankles on cobblestone required.

One style — known unofficially as M. Gemi’s gateway shoe for how many first-time shoppers buy it before loading up on more styles — is The Felize.

The Felize ($198) is the classic driver that moonlights as the perfect travel shoe. It slips off easily for airport security lines, combines an effortless timeless style with extremely sensible comfort, and is made from a nice leather (or suede) and leather lining that gets better with time — molding to cup your foot like a custom-fit glove. A rubber sole in the suede pair and a rubber peg sole in the pebbled leather pair make for distinctly cushiony steps for a signature driver. It's the deceptively chic sub-in for sneakers on grocery trips, weekend mornings, or travel days.

It’s versatility, quality, and the still-achievable price is probably why The Felize has been waitlisted over 36,000 times. About 14,000 more and the shoe will have as many patient fans as The Colosseum has seats.

Part of the company’s small-scale — and decidedly human, handmade process — means limited batches. And that can mean frequent sellouts, so not all colors and sizes are regularly available. However, the dexterity of a lean family-owned factory means that, overall, you’ve still got plenty of options. (This company is also known for dropping new styles every single week — specifically, every Monday). The Felize, for example, has been produced in over 160 unique color and material combinations since its debut. M.Gemi itself is only just 5 years old. 

Now, you can pick up The Felize in twelve suede colors ($198), six leather colors ($198), and one leopard print calf-hair ($298). The pairs are handmade in Tuscany in a tiny workshop that's been running for over 30 years. M.Gemi's partner artisan, Norina, oversees every detail — "including a tiny flame [taken] to the edges to singe away any loose threads." Plus, they're virtually seasonless. 

I have The Felize in green suede, and I’m happy to report that they’re relatively true to size and required zero break-in time. My only fit tip is that they begin snug and grow looser and more custom-fit over time, meaning you should size a half size up for a looser fit immediately. For what it's worth, my regular size allowed for socks. 

I take them to brunch, the office, and the airport — making them one of the most versatile pairs of comfortable shoes I own. It also doesn’t hurt that they’ve answered the age-old question of whether to prioritize strategic packing and polite outfits to the airport or the shameless, slothlike comfort that would horrify my mother.

If you're looking for a chic shoe that can go anywhere, The Felize ($198) is my go-to recommendation for anyone that deems the price reasonable. Quality, style, fit, and comfort will deliver — so it really does come down to budget. If you're willing to spend a little bit more upfront to replace them less often, either because the fit isn't great, you're less ecstatic about the style or wear breaks down your cheaper pair, these are worth the splurge in my opinion. And, like other shoppers, you may find yourself returning to grab another handmade Italian shoe from the startup before the year is up.

Buy The Felize in suede, available at M.Gemi, $198 [available in twelve colors]

Buy The Felize in pebbled leather, available at M.Gemi, $198 [available in six colors]

Buy The Felize in leopard calf-skin hair, $298

Join the conversation about this story »

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.

• Vrai & Oro comes up in every jewelry shopper's search for alternative and affordable fine jewelry sites. 
• What makes shoppers stay and stick with the company boils down to these factors: beautiful styles, high quality, transparency, and customizability. 
• With Valentine's Day coming up, Vrai & Oro's 14-18-karat gold and ethically grown diamond pieces make a thoughtful gift for yourself or a loved one. 

For a jewelry company that stands by the values of quality, simplicity, and transparency, Vrai & Oro, which translates to "truth" (French) and "gold" (Spanish), couldn't be a more appropriate name. 

Founded in 2014, Vrai & Oro is where you can find simple, timeless, and beautiful fine jewelry — no vermeil, only 14-karat and 18-karat gold here — at a better price and through a less stressful shopping process than traditional fine jewelry retailers. 

Its story has only become more interesting in the last two years. It was acquired by Diamond Foundry, a company that grows above-ground diamonds using 100% solar energy, and it launched an engagement collection, which also includes a Design Your Own Ring feature. 

All of its pieces are designed and manufactured in downtown Los Angeles, with its Diamond Foundry diamonds traveling south from San Francisco. This unique localization and amount of control over the entire process allows Vrai & Oro to ensure ethical labor practices, maintain quality standards, and keep prices low. 

Vrai & Oro is part of a growing movement of online jewelry startups that want to do things differently and are rewarded with loyal fan bases.

The decision to partner with Diamond Foundry, for example, was a no-brainer because of founder Vanessa Stofenmacher's desire to bring change to the industry and highlight the availability of high-quality diamonds unmarked by social and environmental issues. 

Meanwhile, Vrai & Oro Weddings (VOW) and the custom design studio give newfound power to the shopper. If you don't want to go with the crowd and stand anxiously inside a jewelry store, you can instead shop stunning options online with no pressure. You're not even missing out on the physical experience of trying on rings because Vrai & Oro will send you three ring samples through its Home Try On program.

If you don't see a combination you like, that's fine, too, because the design studio lets you choose every ring feature imaginable: the setting, prong, band width, metal type, polish, engraving, diamond type, and more. There are over 3,500 style combinations possible and each ring is made to order. 

Since Vrai & Oro's jewelry follows a minimalist and dainty aesthetic, you'll be hard-pressed to find something you can't see yourself wearing at your most dressed up or laid back.

Plain gold bands start at just $55, and most bracelets and necklaces are $200 to $300. More luxurious pieces aren't out of the picture: the brand's gleaming Round-Brilliant Diamond Necklace is $3,290 and Baguette Diamond Tennis Bracelet is $5,890. 

Find our 12 favorite Vrai & Oro pieces below, or shop all fine jewelry at Vrai & Oro here

Earrings for when you can't decide between studs or hoops

Door Knocker Studs, $2,425, available in 18-karat yellow, white, and rose gold

A personalized bar bracelet

Bar Bracelet, $335, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold

Add an engraving for $10. 

A sophisticated baguette ring

Baguette Diamond Ring, $365, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold

• People around the world have a variety of simple ways of staying satisfied and healthy without gaining weight — none of which require restrictive dieting.
• On Tuesday, the Canadian government released a new national food guide aimed at helping people eat less processed food, cook more at home, and consume more whole grains.
• Here are 18 tips about healthy eating from cultures around the globe.

If you want to eat healthier in 2019, perhaps it's time to get cooking. 

On Tuesday, the Canadian government released a new national food guide designed help people eat less processed food, cook more meals at home, and eat more whole grains and plant-based proteins. The new guidelines are an attempt to make a dent in skyrocketing rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes, while encouraging more Canadian youngsters to create healthy eating habits for life. 

Of course, these health risks aren't limited to Canada; diets in the US have changed for the worse as well. The portion sizes of everything from a muffin to a slice of pizza have gotten as much as 138% bigger since the 1970s. Americans now eat far more chicken than they did in 1975, but less beef. And in 2014, people started spending more money eating out than they did on eating at home for the first time in US history, according to the Department of Agriculture. That likely means regular restaurant-goers are eating more sugar and consuming more calories, while getting fewer belly-filling nutrients than they would if they ate at home.

Weight-loss trends have also shifted: Whereas dieters used to opt for low-fat foods, sugar has increasingly emerged as the main culprit when it comes to weight gain. There's also a growing emphasis on plant-based eating plans, although some dieters still count calories or banish entire food groups. 

In other countries around the world, people take a variety of approaches to healthy eating. In Argentina, many people sip appetite-suppressing Yerba mate tea, while Ethiopians nibble bread made from a mineral-rich, protein-packed grain called teff.

Here are a few of the savviest, most surprising ways people around the world stay trim and satisfied without sacrificing taste.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best exercises for toning your body right now

Japan boasts one of highest life expectancies in the world — 83.7 years — and it probably has to do with the way the Japanese eat.

Source: Business Insider

Some Japanese people abide by a Confucian teaching called "hara hachi bu," which means they eat until their belly is 80% full, not 100%.

Okinawans have historically been some of the healthiest, most disease-free people in the world. Researchers studied more than 900 people from Okinawa who made it past 100 years old and found that their arteries remained young-looking and clean into old age. Those Japanese elders were at much lower risk of developing coronary heart disease or suffering strokes.

But that healthy paradigm is beginning to shift as more western foods seep into the Okinawan diet.

Canada's re-vamped national food guide encourages Canadians to cook more meals at home and incorporate more healthy fats from nuts, fish and avocados into their diets.

Monounsaturated fats like those found in nuts and seeds can actively lower your bad LDL cholesterol level, while the Omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish like salmon and tuna can reduce the amount of fat in your blood and lower blood pressure slightly. 

• New Yellies characters are hitting shelves in 2019, as Lizards and Bunnies join the "Spooders." 
• Many people were disturbed or confused by the idea of Yellies, which have the tagline: "The louder you yell, the faster they go." 
• Despite some backlash, the toys are a hit, with sales tripling over the holiday season and selling out at certain retailers. 

New Yellies characters are hitting shelves after viral success and an explosive holiday sales season. 

Hasbro is debuting new Lizard Yellies this month, followed by Bunnies in March, the maker of the controversial toy told Business Insider.

Yellies quickly gained both fame and infamy with the arachnid-esque "Spooders" in 2018. The basic concept: The louder kids yell, the faster the Yellies scoot.

Read more:People are freaking out about a toy that chases kids faster the louder they yell and 'feeds off of screams of terror'

Many people were perplexed and disturbed by the concept. After all, giving a child a toy that requires yelling — specifically, yelling at increasingly aggressive volumes — seems like a declaration of war against anyone trying to enjoy a quiet, peaceful Christmas.

"Who on earth thought inventing this toy would be a good idea?!" Karen Alpert, the writer behind the parenting blog Baby Sideburns, said on Facebook.

Business Insider had a chance to try out the Yellies before they hit shelves. Here is what to expect from the new Yellies:

SEE ALSO: People don't want to work at chains like McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts, and it's creating massive problems for the fast-food industry

The new Yellies options will cost $14.99 each.

There are four new characters in the new animal archetypes.

The Lizards' names are Lizabelle, Sal E. Mander, Scalez, and Echo Gecko.

• The government shutdown is in day 32.
• President Donald Trump has continued to demand $5.7 billion for a portion of the long-promised wall along the US-Mexico border, but Democrats are not backing down.
• More and more economists are warning that the shutdown could cause major problems for the US economy.
• If Trump does not find an end to the shutdown, the continued strength of the US economy — one of his favorite things to boast about — could be at risk.
• But Trump could also face blowback from hardline conservatives if he does not secure funds for the border wall.
• This leaves Trump in a bit of a pickle.

As the government shutdown enters its second month, the pressure on President Donald Trump to make a deal is growing. But the battle over government funding could put the president in a tight spot.

Trump has long touted the relative strength of the US economy as one of the major successes of his presidency, crowing about better-than-expected GDP numbers and gains for the labor market. But now Trump's demands for border-wall funding could put the strength of the economy at risk, unless the president can find a way to cut a deal.

According to a growing number of economists, the ongoing government shutdown is taking a bite out of the US economy. Even the White House projects that the shutdown will shave 0.13 percentage points off first-quarter GDP growth for every week the closure continues.

In fact, according to an analysis by S&P Global, the cost of the shutdown will soon eclipse the $5.7 billion Trump is demanding as a down payment for the wall. Even more stark are warnings from economists that first-quarter GDP could actually go negative if the shutdown continues into March.

Read more: The warnings are getting starker: Trump's government shutdown is becoming catastrophic for the economy

Trump could end the economic woes at any time by signaling a willingness to delay the wall fight and sign bills reopening the government that do not include the border-wall money, as Democrats have advocated. The president first sparked shutdown concerns in late December by suddenly changing his mind on a funding extension that did not include border wall funds.

But much like the initial plan to push the wall fight off, any move to open the government without border-wall money would likely draw blowback from hardline conservatives and pundits, the same people who seemed to convince Trump to shut the government down in the first place.

So it would seem Trump has a choice. He could: A) stand firm on the border wall funding, please the most vocal part of his base, and risk hurting the economy, or B) give in on the border wall, anger his base, and ease the pain on the economy.

But it does appear that there is be a third way Trump could go: actually make a deal.

The president seemingly made an attempt at this over the weekend with a plan presented on Saturday. But the idea — $5.7 billion for the wall in exchange for a three-year extension of protections for people under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration program and an extension of other immigration protections — was roundly rejected by Democrats.

As immigration experts and critics said, Trump is offering an extremely limited set of protections in exchange for a permanent wall. Democrats also blasted the idea as grandstanding since Trump had already made a similar offer and was already rejected. 

Read more: Trump's 'common-sense compromise' on immigration to end the government shutdown isn't a compromise at all, critics say

But Rep. James Clyburn, the third-highest-ranking Democrat in the House, seemed to offer some way forward on Sunday. The South Carolina Democrat suggested that "a permanent fix" for the DACA immigration program in exchange for border-wall funding could make the foundation of a deal.

Where the talks go from here is unclear, but the economic concerns and disruptions caused by the shutdown seem to be pushing Trump toward the negotiating table.

But if Trump fails to reach a deal with Democrats, the president faces a choice: continue to play hard ball and risk the short-term economic health of the US or face the wrath of conservative advocates by pushing off the border-wall fight.

SEE ALSO: Here's what happens to Social Security and disability benefits during a government shutdown

Join the conversation about this story »

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

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• With society's growing reliance on technology, educators are putting a greater emphasis on learning STEM skills (science, tech, engineering, and math).
• LittleBits has emerged as one of the leaders in STEM learning resources for all genders at home and in the classroom.
• The Avengers Hero Inventor Kit pairs with your iOS or Android smart device and encourages creativity, teaches coding, and gives the basics of circuits and electrical engineering.
• Though the LittleBits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit is expensive (currently $150 on Amazon), there are more than 18 in-app activities, limitless customization, and you can use the kit with other LittleBits sets.

One of the biggest challenges in my house is limiting my sons' screen time. Jerome, who's 15, usually streams YouTube videos while playing first-person shooter games. And we had to block YouTube for Bucky, who's five, because there is just too much garbage on there that kids can get to. Now, he enjoys Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, PJ Masks, and other kid favorites. New toys tend to divert their attention from screens for a short time, but they generally lose interest and are quickly back to zoning out in front of the tube.

This is where STEM learning toys are helpful. The best STEM toys have open play, where your child can use their imagination to create their own experience. LittleBits is one of the top makers of kits that nurture science, tech, engineering, arts, and math. We had the opportunity to try out the new Avengers Hero Inventor Kit recently for free. Here are our experiences with it.

Getting started with the Avengers Hero Inventor Kit

The Avengers Hero Inventor Kit comes with an Iron Man arm and stand, a gauntlet, two sheets of decals, and nine "bits." Bits are circuitry building blocks that serve as the basis for each of LittleBits' kits. Your child can use the bits for various creations.

Everything you need comes in the box, except you will need a smart device that runs on iOS 10.0 or later or Android 5.0 or later. Once you download the app, your child can easily follow the step-by-step interactive tutorials to get started. For example, one of the first creations is connecting the power supply bit to the LED matrix bit to get the matrix to light up. The circuitry then slides into the gauntlet and can be worn on the forearm and hand of your young one.

Playing with the kit

As is his MO, Jerome immediately went to work on the basic setup: getting the gauntlet to light up and putting it on his brother's arm. Then, Jerome was done with the kit. He's advanced past the basic STEM learning toys, and his video games were calling.

On the other hand, Bucky kept coming back to the kit. The kit is designed for kids eight years and older. At 5, Bucky is a little too young to enjoy all that the kit has to offer, but there were still plenty of features he could enjoy with my help. I like toys that keep him busy when I'm trying to get work done, and this is not the toy for that. But, it did a great job of facilitating rewarding father-son time.

About once a week, he'd see the set sitting on the shelf and ask to play with it, and we'd spend about 30 to 60 minutes with it. When it came to self-directed playing, his favorite part was changing the colors and patterns on the LED matrix. He liked creating robot faces.

With the step-by-step instructions, videos, and tutorials, there's essentially no learning curve to this device. Your child just follows the directions, and they're on their way to superherodom. Or, in my case, I followed the instructions, and Bucky was on his way to superherodom.

I really like that the bits from the Avengers Kit can be used with other LittleBits toys, including the Droid Inventor Kit that we already have. Plus, there are dozens of other bits you can purchase à la carte on the LittleBits website.

I was also impressed by the seemingly limitless possibilities for play thanks to the block coding fundamentals it teaches. By following the simple in-app steps, we were able to create a gauntlet that made cool superhero sounds and displayed our custom designs with different movements.

I'm excited to watch Bucky grow into this toy. As he learns to read, he'll be able to follow the directions on his own and get into the coding aspect to make his own creations. This is in stark contrast to the toy cars that he's been into recently and will likely grow out of.

A few quirks to consider

I learned the hard way that Bucky needs to be supervised when playing with the Avengers Hero Inventor Kit. At some point, he damaged the LED matrix, and it would no longer light. He didn't mention it to me — probably because he thought he might get in trouble. I just noticed that he hadn't played with the kit in a while. Fortunately, LittleBits has excellent customer service. I contacted them, and without flashing any media credentials, they happily sent me a replacement.

There were times when the app would just crash on us. I was not able to pinpoint what was doing it, but I think it may have had something to do with the Bluetooth functionality. At one point, when I disconnected the Bluetooth bit, the app crashed. Fortunately, it never crashed at critical moments.

The bottom line

At its current price of $150, I would be unlikely to buy the Avengers Hero Inventor Kit over other kits that LittleBits offers. The price is a bit steep, and the company offers several other excellent alternatives at a more affordable price point. Fortunately, in the last few months, the price has dipped significantly lower, and I'd assume the price will decrease again in the future. If you find the kit offered at a lower price, I strongly recommend buying it if you have a child aged eight years or older in your life who is interested in the STEM disciplines.

Though your child will still utilize a screen to play with the Avengers Hero Inventor Kit, it will be positive screen time that will engage both sides of their brain. So, you can feel less guilt!

Buy the LittleBits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit on Amazon for $150

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