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An entrepreneur who's running for president explains how he'd give every American $1,000 a month and solve the 'fake news' problem

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Andrew Yang

  • Andrew Yang is an entrepreneur, author, and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.
  • He's passionate about providing every American with a universal basic income of $1,000 a month, saying that would help the working class adjust to an increasingly automated economy.
  • Yang recently spoke with INSIDER's politics editor, Anthony Fisher, about universal basic income, foreign policy, and his plans to support local journalism and battle "fake news," remake America's healthcare system, and overcome his low name recognition and get on the nationally televised debate stages starting in June.

Andrew Yang is seeking the 2020 Democratic nomination for president on a platform built on giving every American a universal basic income— which he called a "freedom dividend" — of $1,000 a month. His website outlines an unusually robust and specific set of policies on everything from healthcare to marijuana legalization to paying NCAA athletes.

Yang, 44, is an entrepreneur most notable for founding Venture for America, a fellowship program that matches recent college graduates with startups across the country. He's also the author of "The War on Normal People: The Truth about America's Disappearing Jobs and Why Universal Basic Income is Our Future."

Yang recently spoke with INSIDER's politics editor, Anthony Fisher, about universal basic income, foreign policy, and his plans to support local journalism and battle "fake news," remake America's healthcare system, and overcome low name recognition and get on the nationally televised debate stages starting in June.

Editor's note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. You can watch a portion of it on "Business Insider Today."

Anthony Fisher: There's a number of high-profile Democratic candidates who are getting immediate, widespread media attention. How do you plan to compete with them?

Andrew Yang: The truth is most Americans are not paying any attention to the 2020 election right now. If they see anything, they just see a graphic with a whole crowd of faces on the TV screen. So people are going to start tuning in in earnest when the debates start, and I'm going to be there. And the great thing is this campaign's growing organically all the time, and we're going to peak when it's most important.

Read more:A Democrat running for president in 2020 is testing a basic income proposal by giving $1,000 per month to a family

Fisher: How do you plan on getting on the debate stage?

Yang: The Democratic National Committee has already announced that criteria to make the debate stage. We're going to meet both of them, and you only need to meet one.

The first criteria is polling at 1% either nationally or in the early states, and we're already polling at 1% nationally, according to Monmouth. And the second criteria is getting 65,000 individual contributors by May 15. We're at about 46,000. We're getting another 1,500 a day and should be past the 65,000-donor threshold in about a month.

So I'm going to be on the debate stage in June and July.

Andrew Yang 2020

Fisher: What's the one issue that you'd like to be known for?

Yang: We're in the midst of automating away the most common jobs in our economy. And the reason why Donald Trump's our president today is that we automated away 4 million manufacturing jobs in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, all the swing states. And we're about to do the same thing to millions of retail jobs, call-center jobs, fast-food jobs, truck-driving jobs, and on and on.

So my signature policy proposal's that every American should receive $1,000 a month in a freedom dividend to be able to make adjustments for the future and manage this transition.

Fisher: So that's universal basic income. Why do you think that would be better than, say, a jobs guarantee?

Yang: Well, a universal basic income is much, much easier to administer and much more powerful and effective to getting resources into people's hands.

Let's say tomorrow the federal government said, "We're going to administer a jobs guarantee." Does that mean millions of Americans will wake up and say, "Oh, I know where I'm going: I'm going to go to that job." Of course not. You'd have to set up this massive bureaucracy and infrastructure. What are the jobs? What if someone doesn't like their job? What if someone's not working out? Is this really the way we want Americans to have to be able to feed themselves?

So if you're going to make a move and you're going to make it actually work on a reasonable timeframe, a universal basic income is a much more powerful and effective way to go.

Read more:Meet the Democratic businessman who wants to beat Trump in 2020 and give every American a basic income: 'Donald Trump gives entrepreneurs a bad name'

Fisher: You've proposed several initiatives built around massive cash infusions for journalism, especially local journalism. Can you talk a little bit about that?

Yang: Over 1,200 local newspapers have gone out of business in the past number of years because they relied upon classified ads that now no longer exist in the age of Craigslist. So the local papers die and then democracy does not function as well, because if you have no idea what's happening in your town, how can you vote? Studies have shown that in those situations voters tend to go more towards extremes, and democracy suffers. So if you believe in democracy, then you have to believe in local journalism.

Local journalism does not have any market support right now. We as a country should come together and say, "We need to find a new business model" — let's say a public-private partnership that's operating in conjunction with local organizations, perhaps the local library, perhaps some of the local businesses or the municipal government.

If we think journalism is important — if we think democracy's important — we should come up with a new sustainable runway for these newspapers.

Fisher: You've also proposed the creation of a Federal Communications Commission ombudsman that would punish news outlets for running "fake news." Can you talk a little bit about that?

Yang: If you look at the threats to our democracy, one of them is rampant misinformation.

It's one thing to make a mistake — we all make mistakes — but it's another thing to purposely try and misinform a segment of the American public to undermine our democracy. And right now, foreign actors are doing that. We know that the Russians have tens of thousands of bots that are just spreading various rumors.

We can't just throw up our hands and say, "Well, I guess that's just the way it's going to be." You need to have some sort of penalty for purposely spreading false information. The British already do this: They already have an ombudsman who comes and says, "This stuff was untrue, and you knew it was untrue," and then there's some sort of penalty associated with that.

Fisher: The FCC inherently has a political tilt. It has five commissioners, and whichever party the president is in, three will be from that party. What would you say to someone concerned about the idea of an FCC ombudsman being subject to political interests and biases?

Yang: You have to gauge various risk-reward scenarios. What's the greater risk at this point: that we just aren't sure what's true, or that there's going to be some government agency that somehow becomes overly politicized to a point where it somehow washes out all objective journalism? I suggest the first one is a much more real concern right now. And at this point with the internet, it'd be very, very hard for any government agency to do more than just nibble at the edges of a particular set of political viewpoints.

Fisher: Even under a Trump administration which regularly disparages legitimate news outlets as fake news? If Trump had an ombudsman available to him, would there be the possibility of abusing that authority?

Yang: I struggle to see it. Let's say that this ombudsman then went and said, "Hey, New York Times, you reported on this," and The New York Times was like, "It's actually true." It's not that there's no process involved — as long as you can present the facts and say, "Our reporting is objective," then it's not like you're just going to be arbitrarily punished. As you said, it's not perfect.

Fisher: There was a BuzzFeed News story earlier this year that seemed to implicate the president in impeachable crimes. Then Robert Mueller's office took the extraordinary step of saying the story is not accurate. If Trump had the power to say that is fake news, again, could be an FCC ombudsman for fake news be something that could be abused by a bad actor in office?

Yang: I think that the potential for that sort of abuse is much lower than people imagine. This is not an age where there are three or four TV networks — at this point, there are tens of thousands of news outlets, and it would be virtually impossible for the government t0 meaningfully suppress journalism.

Fisher: You've proposed sunsetting old laws. Can you talk a little bit about why this issue is important to you?

Yang: America's legal code is filled with laws that are written and then never go away. Some of these laws stopped making sense years ago, but there's just no mechanism to reexamine them and say, "Does this regulation still make sense? Does it still serve a useful public purpose?"

So if laws are important, then they would be renewed. But if a law has outlived its usefulness, then there should be some kind of mechanism for us to examine it and say, "This law shouldn't be on the books anymore because it doesn't make any sense."

Fisher: You're for "Medicare for All," but you've also described the ideal system as one that provides "holistic care." Can you explain what that is?

Yang: We're in the worst of all situations, where we're spending twice as much as other countries on healthcare for the worst results.

As a CEO and business owner, I know our healthcare system makes it harder to hire. It makes it harder to treat people as full-time employees, because you always want to just treat them as contractors. It makes it harder to start a business. It makes it harder for people to switch jobs.

Right now it's this massive impediment on our economy, and it's immoral, the fact that if we get sick or injured we're more stressed out about trying to navigate the system than we are with getting well. We need to move to a single-payer system, particularly because right now 94% of new jobs are temporary gig or contract jobs — they don't have healthcare benefits. So tying healthcare to employment makes less and less sense.

In terms of holistic medicine, there are different approaches to getting well. And it's not that there's any one discipline that has all the answers. So if someone wants to seek care from a practitioner or a discipline that may work for them, they should have the freedom to do so.

Fisher: To touch on foreign policy: We still have a military presence in Afghanistan, Iraq, as well as a small presence in Syria. As president, how would you manage the military in these hotspots?

Yang: I think we have to examine each of them, and if we have forces there, we ask, "What are they accomplishing? What is the timeframe? How does it improve upon our ability to achieve certain goals?" And then if you reach a conclusion that we are not actually going to further our goals, then you pull them out to the extent possible.

In the big picture, the US has deluded itself into thinking it could get things done in various parts of the world that have ended up costing hundreds of billions of dollars and thousands of American lives and tens of thousands of civilian lives, sometimes to very unclear benefits. So one of my big ideas is going to try to be more restrained and judicious in our foreign policy.

I think our foreign policy actually reflects how we're doing at home, and we're not doing well at home. If you look at our numbers domestically, our life expectancy is declining for the last three years because of a surge in suicides and drug overdoses — like, the depths of despair, mental-health crises. We're falling apart and disintegrating at home. And so our foreign policy ends up seeming unreliable and erratic to many of our long-standing allies, and those things are very much connected.

To me, the way we become stronger abroad and have a more sustained foreign-policy agenda is if we're more strong and whole at home.

Read more:Success in America has nothing to do with hard work — and we're in the middle of a 'war on normal people'

Fisher: Another foreign-policy hotspot that is becoming an issue for quite a few 2020 candidates is the crisis in Venezuela. As president, would you recognize Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's interim president?

Yang: My goal as president would be to help assist the Venezuelan people in any way we can — any sort of humanitarian intervention that would help ease the suffering.

I do not think it's the US's place to engage in regime change. Our track record on making decisions for other countries is very, very uneven at best. So certainly if there's anything we can do to support on a humanitarian level, I'd be eager to do it, but I don't think we should be choosing other nations' leaders.

Fisher: To be clear, the National Assembly, which is basically the last legitimately democratically elected body in Venezuela, decided that Guaidó is the legitimate leader of the country. And the United States, along with about 50 other countries, have agreed to recognize him as such. As US president, would you recognize Guaidó as Venezuela's interim president?

Yang: Yes, I'd recognize him. I just wouldn't militarily intervene to depose Nicolás Maduro and insert him.

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Fisher: Most Americans aren't familiar with you at this point. What do you want them to know about you as a person?

Yang: I think the main thing is that I'm a parent. I'm running for office because I see what's happening to our country in terms of artificial intelligence's near-term impact on American workers, and I don't want to raise my kids in a country that is falling apart — I want to raise them in a country that I'm still excited about and proud of, that resembles the country I grew up in myself and the country my parents came here to form a better life for myself and my brother.

The big theme of this era is that if we continue to see ourselves as inputs into a machine of capital efficiency, we're going to lose on an epic, historic, catastrophic scale to artificial intelligence, software, robots, and things that can do things much more cheaply and efficiently than any of us can. It's not that a radiologist was somehow bad at school; it's just that artificial intelligence can see shades of gray that human eyes cannot and can reference millions of films.

So we're in a race right now that we cannot win, and our only path forward is to start reshaping our economy around us — make it so that the economy serves us instead of us being inputs into the machine.

If we succeed in this, then we can give rise to a human-centered economy, a trickle-up economy, from people, families, and communities up. It would be an immense catalyst to entrepreneurship and arts and creativity and service and humanities and nurturing and everything else — if we were just to start valuing ourselves intrinsically and declare a dividend for all Americans of $1,000 a month.

SEE ALSO: Here's everyone who has officially announced they are running for president in 2020

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NOW WATCH: What happens when the president declares a national emergency


Walmart has backed a new online mattress startup — I slept on one of the mattresses for 45 nights and my body is thanking me

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  • As more and more Americans become fed up with the high-pressure, less-than-honest in-person mattress shopping experience, they are turning to online mattress brands.
  • With the backing of Walmart, Allswell launched in February as a design-centric home brand with a focus on the bedroom. It immediately entered the fairly saturated "bed-in-a-box" space.
  • I was impressed with how easy it was to set up the Allswell mattress and how firm the mattress is compared to other memory foam options.
  • The Allswell Luxe Classic Firmer Mattress is affordable for a luxury mattress (it's currently $585 for a queen size on the Allswell website), and it is backed by a 10-year warranty and 100-night risk-free trial.

"You spend a third of your life sleeping." We've all heard this worn-out cliché. And, as a writer, I'm not supposed to trot it out. But, judging by how many people deal with restless nights of unsatisfying sleep, few of us truly take this saying to heart. How much would you spend and how much research would you do to ensure that a third of your life was relaxing and productive? The chances are your answer is "quite a bit." This is why choosing a quality mattress is one of the most important decisions you can make.

When shopping for products I'm going to sleep on, I pay more attention to quality than price. That's because I will use these items frequently, and since they will likely last for a decade or longer, the cost is relatively insignificant. So, when a representative from Allswell contacted me a few months ago to see if I wanted to try out their Luxe Classic Firmer Mattress for free, I took the opportunity seriously.

Below, I will explore some of the features of the mattress, share my experiences sleeping on it, and let you know who it is best suited for.

Why consider Allswell?

Before they contacted me, I hadn't heard of Allswell. That's because this design-centric, online-only home brand first launched in February of 2018 with the backing of the largest retailer in the United States.

With the goal of cutting into the market share of the bed-in-a-box heavy-hitters, like Leesa and Casper, Allswell's first collection aims to create a seamless digital experience for consumers crafting their dream bed. They've enlisted the help of top names in interior design, including Jeremiah Brent and Genevieve Gorder. Currently, Allswell offers an array of bedding solutions, including blankets, throws, duvet covers, pillows, and sheets.

What's special about the Allswell Luxe Classic mattresses?

Allswell offers two types of mattresses:

The "Allswell Luxe Classic" is their signature mattress and is designed to meet the needs of most sleepers. There are layers of memory foam along with a plush topper. It's rated as a medium-to-soft firmness.

The "Allswell Luxe Classic Firmer" is slightly firmer than the signature mattress. This is a hybrid mattress featuring memory foam and hundreds of individually wrapped coils that curb motion transfer and up the firmness. This is the mattress I tested.

Both mattresses come in Twin, Full, Queen, and King, which they call "Supreme Queen." I tested the Queen. All of the sizes are 12" thick. As a heavier person, I've found mattresses that are any less than 10" thick tend not to be supportive enough.

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One of the most important bed-in-a-box features is the trial period. Though there are brands that give you up to a year, Allswell is closer to the industry standard with its 100-night trial policy. The return process is also quite easy: You contact them, and they send one of their partners to come pick up the mattress. In other words, you don't have to worry about somehow stuffing the mattress back in the box and handing it over to the UPS person.

Both mattresses are backed by a 10-year warranty, which covers significant mattress deterioration, physical flaws, and defects.

Lastly, having the right foundation for your mattress is a major factor in your overall comfort. To ensure I was getting the most out of their mattress, I contacted a representative for Allswell to find out which platform would be ideal. She informed me it was all about personal preference and that both a box spring and slats would work well for their mattresses. I went with the Zinus Modern Studio 14" Platform Metal Bed Frame and was happy with my decision.

My first experiences with the Allswell Luxe Classic Firmer Mattress

Allswell offers a "White Glove" delivery option. For $99 in select areas, you can have someone carry the mattress into your room, unbox it, put it on the frame, and clean up the packaging. If you agree to waive the 100-day trial, they will also remove your old mattress. Or, you can pay $149 for the mattress removal and retain your trial period.

Since I wanted to get the full buyer experience, I waived the opportunity for the white glove treatment. The mattress arrived in a battered box that was the size of a mini fridge and weighed about 90 pounds. I'm a strong guy, but I had someone help me carry it up the two flights of winding stairs to our bedroom.

When opening the box, the first thing you find is an Allswell pouch with documents thanking you for your purchase, a branded eye mask, and a letter opener. My wife has found the eye mask to be an invaluable tool for mornings when she wants to sleep in. The envelope slitter-style letter opener is a nice touch because it gives you a sharp edge to easily cut open the plastic surrounding the mattress without fear of slicing into the mattress, which is always a risk with scissors or knives.

Once the seal was broken, the mattress immediately started inflating. I opened the mattress on my own, but I would recommend that you get help if you are opening anything larger than a full-size mattress. There's no sense in risking unnecessary back pain, but for me, setup was painless.

How the Allswell Luxe Classic Firmer Mattress performed

I'm a side sleeper, and I'm used to sleeping on a soft coil mattress with a memory foam topper. In theory, a mattress this firm would not provide much pressure relief. However, I did not find this to be the case. I'm pretty hard on my body: I bike, run, and play roller derby. I take a beating. Yet, the Luxe Classic Firmer gave my hips, knees, and shoulders cushy support. My wife, a back sleeper, also enjoyed the comfort, though she would have preferred something softer.

I'm also an incredibly light sleeper. If a bed has poor motion transfer, I will wake up when my wife moves, my preschooler hops in bed, or a cat decides to sneak in. With the Allswell Luxe Classic Firmer Mattress, this wasn't an issue. I would often wake up in the morning to find that my wife had already started her day. I was completely undisturbed.

To further test the motion transfer abilities, I placed a full bowl of cereal on the mattress and punched all around it. This was basically my impromptu version of the classic Bowling Ball Test. I had to punch pretty hard within inches of the bowl to cause any spillage. This demonstrated that the individually-wrapped coils were able to provide unwavering support even when the nearby coils were disturbed. Again, this is important for an undisturbed night sleep.

My wife and I are both bigger than average. And, when you add in a full-body pillow and our kid occasionally sneaking in, the queen-sized mattress gets a bit crowded. Fortunately, thanks to the excellent edge support of the mattress, I never felt like I was about to fall off the bed.

I've only had the mattress for about a month and a half so it's hard to comment on durability. However, I haven't noticed any degradation of the mattress. There are no sunken spots where we usually sleep. And, visually, it looks the same as the day it arrived.

Before I get into the problem areas, I would be remiss if I didn't touch on one of the more important uses of a mattress. According to Sleepopolis, the best mattresses for romantic intimacy allow for easy movement, bouncing, edge support, comfort, and they don't produce much noise. Thanks to the combination of firmness and memory foam cushioning, the Allswell mattress performed well in each of these areas.

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Some concerns about the mattress

For the most part, I was impressed with the performance of this mattress, but it wasn't flawless. The biggest problem I had was the odor. With any memory foam product, you are going to have "off-gassing" when you first release it from the vacuum seal. Usually, the smell dissipates within a few days. However, I was still catching whiffs of it two weeks later.

I contacted a representative for Allswell about this, and she assured me that the odor wasn't harmful in any way. It comes from how the foam is made, how long it is left to cure, and how long it is in the package. They are attempting to mitigate the scent by adding active charcoal and green tea extract. But, if you want to get rid of the stench faster, she recommends leaving the mattress in a well-ventilated space for three days after unboxing it as well as using charcoal odor eliminators or Febreze.

As mentioned previously, I was used to a softer bed, and I needed a couple weeks to get used to the mattress. However, I did not have any problems sleeping. It was simply a comfort issue. If you have scoliosis, rheumatism, arthritis, or other lower back problems, you may want to steer clear of firm mattresses. The softer Luxe Classic may be the better option.

My third concern isn't really Allswell's fault. It's more of a cautionary tale. If you are a bigger person and share your bed with someone, I'd recommend going with the Supreme Queen mattress. The Queen got crowded at times, but it should be plenty big if you have it to yourself.

What others are saying about the mattress

Several of the expert sleep sites recommend the Allswell mattress. Sleepopolis appreciated that this mattress provides a luxury experience at a value price. The reviewer found it was especially good for stomach sleepers since it left the spine aligned nicely. It also gave excellent support for heavier individuals in their tests. Our Sleep Guide recommends the Luxe Classic Firmer Mattress because it has minimal motion transfer, provides strong edge support, and is made of high-quality materials. Lastly, Sleep Sherpa was also impressed with how the mattress handled motion transfer.

On the Allswell website, the Luxe Classic Firmer Mattress has an average customer rating of 4.7 stars. The most helpful reviewer would recommend it because of the simple ordering and unpacking process. They also appreciated the firmness and the eye mask that came with the mattress. However, after two weeks, they were still bothered by the off-gassing. The most common pros were that the mattress provided good support and prevented motion transfer. The biggest negative is the odor that seems to linger.

Bottom line

Overall, the Allswell mattress is an excellent buy. Considering you spend approximately a third of your life on your bed, it's worth putting thought and spending a little extra on a mattress that is as comfortable for your specific sleeping habits as possible. The biggest downfall is the initial odor, which is non-toxic and does dissipate eventually.

Though the Allswell Luxe Classic Firmer Mattress is affordable for a luxury mattress, it's still fairly expensive. Fortunately, you get a 100-night trial period to find out if the mattress is right for you, and the 10-year warranty should also help you sleep comfortably.

Buy the Luxe Classic Firmer Mattress (Queen) from Allswell for $585.

DON'T MISS: This startup makes completely personalized pillows that fit your exact sleeping needs — here's my experience with it

SEE ALSO: 20 products and apps we swear by to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up well-rested

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This $86 weighted blanket has hugely impacted the quality of my sleep — here's why it's worth the internet hype

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  • YnM's weighted blanket ($64 - $129) is a best seller on Amazon with nearly 2,000 5-star reviews.
  • Weighted blankets create the illusion of being "grounded" or hugged – similar to swaddling babies or putting "thunder jackets" on animals – and decrease stress and anxiety while improving sleep and potentially overall health.
  • I've been sleeping under the 15-pound, 60" x 80" weighted YnM blanket ($86) for a few weeks, and it has helped me fall asleep faster, wake up less frequently throughout the night, and feel more rested during the day. 
  • The YnM blanket is among the cheapest options, big enough to be used as an adult blanket (or shared by a couple), has segments so the weighted beads stay evenly distributed, and fits inside a duvet cover.

Before I tried one, the simplicity of a weighted blanket – literally, a blanket with weights in it – seemed disproportionate to the miracle it promised to perform: natural calm, dissipated stress and anxiety, and deeper, more restful sleep.

But there's a bit more to it than just fabric and a heavy filler.

Weighted blankets work through deep pressure touch simulation therapy (or DPTS) – a simple but effective aspect of our biology that we've been employing for years: swaddling babies, placing "thunder jackets" on dogs, and using weighted blankets for therapeutic treatment of sensory disorders, anxiety, depression, autism, insomnia, and more. While light touches can alert the nervous system, deep pressure (such as a good massage or tight and heavy blanket) has a relaxing, calming effect on the body. 

More specifically for sleep, deep pressure relaxes the nervous system and encourages serotonin and dopamine production, which makes you happier. Then, serotonin converts to melatonin, and that makes you sleepy. The tangential feelings of calm, safety, relief, and comfort only aid in your body's natural processes.

There are studies that actually demonstrate how grounding the human body during sleep measurably reduces or eliminates pain and stress. This is why weighted blankets aren't the gimmick their simplicity – and zeitgeist enthusiasm – may suggest to the uninitiated.

For the last couple of weeks, I've been sleeping under the 15-pound, 60" x 80" weighted YnM blanket ($86), which is a little over 10% of my body weight (the preferred method of calculating which weight to purchase). It's a best seller, has nearly 2,000 5-star reviews, and comes in 10 colors and 12 sizes – a greater breadth of options than I've typically found. The real draw is that YnM's version is relatively inexpensive, made from breathable cotton, has segments that prevent the weighted beads from dispersing unevenly, and comes in sizes large enough to span your bed as a normal blanket rather than only personal-sized. 

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I'll get into the nitty gritty below, but I didn't know how much of an improvement there was to make in my sleep until I started using weighted blankets. I admittedly love comfort more than the average person, but I'd call them one of few products that bring me closest to the high bar of genuine "joy" Marie Kondo famously uses as a selective litmus test for possessions you should keep or throw out. When used for relaxation, I feel cozy, and when used at night I fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, and feel more refreshed the next day. When I'm traveling, I miss it. I've recommended it to friends who suffer from insomnia and heard similarly enthusiastic feedback.

My only complaint with weighted blankets is that they can work too well. My sleep is deeper and more satisfying, but that can be accompanied by a groggier morning. Instead of feeling fully awake when my alarm goes off, getting adjusted to the day can be more difficult. Having said that, this is a con I'm fine living with for better sleep and more stable energy. You could potentially mitigate this with an alarm that tracks your sleep and wakes you when you're closest to consciousness, but my indiscriminate Echo alarm can be abrupt.

The YnM blanket specifically is a good version of the weighted blanket. Along with the material, segmentation, and size and color options, you can also cover it with your own choice of removable duvet cover (not included) since the functional fabric may not mix with a fashion-forward decor. It's thin and compact enough to be unobtrusive if you choose to keep it underneath a larger comforter, and has what the company calls a "unique seven-layer system" that's designed to comfortably surround your body and form to your shape. Additionally, YnM supposedly uses more beads and less fiberfill for better overall temperature control. I haven't cut it into pieces and assessed the ratio myself, but it has been a more breathable weighted blanket than I expected.

All in all, YnM's weighted blanket is a great option; it's breathable, versatile, uniformly weighted, and comes on the less expensive end of the weighted blanket spectrum. It has markedly improved the quality of my sleep, and it's something that has made me genuinely excited to climb into bed after a long day. If you want better sleep or a new natural tool to combat anxiety or stress, I highly recommend you give it a shot. 

YnM Weighted Blanket, available in 12 sizes and 10 colors, $64 - $129

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19 feminist gifts that give back to empower women and children around the world

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  • There's no better gift to give a feminist than a gift that gives back to empower women and children around the world.
  • We've rounded up 19 feminist gifts that either donate a portion of the proceeds to charities and organizations or support women artists and artisans.

All too often, products that say they're feminist are actually just mass produced goods that don't represent the principles and values that feminists hold dear.

We've done the research to find feminist gifts that give back to women and children around the world, so you can feel good about the gifts you give. Some of the brands we've included donate a portion of the proceeds for every item purchased from their stores, while others have special collections of products that give back.

No matter which gifts you choose from our guide, the feminist in your life will probably love the story behind them just as much as the gifts themselves.

Most of these items are available with expedited shipping, and some should arrive within a few days' time, so don't stress too hard about your last-minute shopping — just remember that the sooner you order, the better your chances of a timely arrival.

Keep scrolling to check out the best feminist gifts that give back to women and children.

Clothing and accessories that give 100% of the price to charity

J.Crew Garments for Good Collection

This holiday season, J.Crew has partnered with Girls Inc., HRC, and charity: water to create special collections of products that give back. 

You can choose from 18 different styles, including sweatshirts, tote bags, T-shirts, and accessories for each charity. We love the Girls Inc. Sweatshirt, which says "girls" in several different languages.

Girls Inc. is a nonprofit that was founded in 1864 to empower girls and young women from age 6 to 18. The charity provides "safe spaces, mentorship and programming to help them build lasting skills to succeed and create systemic change." 

HRC and charity: water are also wonderful organizations to support. HRC works to ensure equal rights for LGBTQ people and charity: water provides fresh drinking water to those who don't have access to it.



Gifts that are handmade by women artisans

Shop all artisan handmade goods at GlobeIn 

GlobeIn sells Fair Trade, handmade products that are produced in ethical working conditions by workers who are compensated fairly for their labor. Many of the workers are women who would otherwise have no employment or means of supporting themselves or their families. Each product description says where it was made and who made it. You can also read about the positive impact GlobeIn's special gift boxes have had on local communities.



Feminist clothing that fights back with every purchase

Shop all Wildfang clothing and accessories

Wild Feminist Pride Edition T-Shirt, $27

Wildfang was founded by a woman and continues to be run by women. The brand's offerings include cool basics, suiting, gender neutral apparel, as well as feminist clothing and accessories. We really love the Wild Feminist line, which includes T-shirts, beanies, button-up shirts, sweatshirts, and accessories. Wildfang makes a donation to select charities with every single purchase.

"We walk the walk, giving back $400,000 and counting this year," Wildfang's website says, "In 2017, we helped raise over $75,000 for charities including Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, Joyful Heart, and the Tegan and Sara Foundation ... Additionally, a percentage of all full price goods across our entire site go directly to a rotating monthly charity." You can see all the charities Wildfang has supported here.

 

 

 



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Step inside the most expensive home for sale in the Seattle area — a $45 million waterfront mansion that's minutes from Bill Gates' house and once housed a $317 million art collection

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hunts point mansion

  • A $45 million ultra-modern mansion is the most expensive home in the Seattle area.
  • The home sits on the shores of Lake Washington in affluent Hunts Point, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Seattle.
  • The 9,420-square-foot, three-bedroom mansion includes 300 feet of prime waterfront, a private boat dock, and a rooftop deck complete with a fireplace and native plant garden. 
  • It once housed a legendary $317 million art collection.

Los Angeles is typically known for its sprawling, multi-million-dollar mansions, but it's not the only city that has them.

In Washington state, an ultra-modern waterfront mansion is selling for $45 million, making it the most expensive home currently for sale in the Seattle area. It sits on the shores of Lake Washington in Hunts Point, a small town about a 20-minute drive from downtown Seattle.

The peninsula community also neighbors Medina, a wealthy Seattle suburb that's home to billionaires Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.

Read more: See inside the secretive Seattle suburb that's home to Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, where streets are lined with opulent waterfront mansions behind tall gates and security cameras

The house belonged to Barney A. Ebsworth, a travel entrepreneur and legendary art collector who kept pieces by Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, and more in the Hunts Point house. The collection was auctioned off after Ebsworth's death in April 2018 for more than $317 million.

Tere Foster of Compass holds the listing.

Here's a look inside the ultra-modern home.  

SEE ALSO: I toured the first residential building to open in Hudson Yards, NYC's new $25 billion neighborhood — and it was clear it's selling much more than just real estate

DON'T MISS: A $135 million mansion with 210 feet of private beach is one of the most expensive homes for sale in Florida, and it's right down the street from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club

A $45 million mansion on the shores of Lake Washington is the most expensive home for sale in the Seattle area.

Source: Compass



The ultra-modern home is in Hunts Point, a small affluent town on Lake Washington.

Source: Compass, Curbed



Hunts Point is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Seattle.

Source: Google Maps



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Forget duck-pattern sheets and DIY wallpaper: Wealthy New Yorkers are dropping up to $100,000 on nurseries for their kids with details like gold cribs and fine art

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  • At this point, every room in an influencer's apartment must be Instagram-worthy, including the nursery. 
  • According to the New York Post, some New Yorkers are spending upwards of $100,000 decorating their baby's rooms — with high-end cribs with 24-karat-gold bases, custom wallpaper, and one-of-a-kind, pricey art.
  • Many top-tier interior designers are being put to an unusual, but increasingly frequent task: Designing spaces, made for children, while navigating the demands of picky parents. 

New Yorkers are known for being extreme — so extreme, in fact, that many are spending upwards of $100,000 on making their child's nursery into a picture-perfect dream.

According to a new report by the New York Post, some New York-based parents are eliciting the help of top-tier interior designers to go all out on nurseries and investing deeply in eye-catching aesthetics that can include details like 24-karat cribs that go for as much as $6,000.

“Everyone is excited to show off their space — and their personalities via their space — more than ever before," Malorie Goldberg, co-president of Noa Blake Design in Marlboro, NJ, told the Post

Zoya Bograd, a Murray Hill-based interior designer, estimated that her clients spend $10,000 to $100,000 decorating their child's nursery, while Keren Richter, a designer in Williamsburg, told the Post most of these big spenders are moms in their 40s with a level of financial stability. 

But when money isn't an object, finding the right furniture, art, and even wallpaper becomes a great task. Brett Helsham, a mom featured in the Post piece, said she had a $4,000 custom wall pattern made after she was inspired by a similar print by de Gournay. The cost of her baby's entire nursery? $18,000. 

Spending significant amounts of money on nurseries may just be the new status symbol for wealthy New Yorkers on par with, as Business Insider previously reported, being seen with a luxury pram, or "bougie buggy" stroller.

And it begs the question: Is this all because of the overwhelming amount of mood boards and perfectly curated feeds inspired by the likes of Instagram and Pinterest?

Read more: Wealthy New York moms are embracing a $600 'uniform' that signals a change in how people display their money

Goldberg seems to think so, telling the Post, "The honest truth, I think it’s really for social media."

It's far from the only trend to develop directly in reaction to social media. In fact, a $15,000-per-month NYC penthouse was designed specifically for social media; influencers rent the pink, perfectly curated space for lifestyle shoots. And similarly, new travel destinations are suddenly seeing an uptick in tourism, be that a bygone luxury destination like the Catskills that's reinventing itself with Instagrammable lodges and wellness retreats, or the Insta-famous blue city in the hills of Morocco that's been seen skyrocketing popularity thanks to the social platform.

Read the full article on the New York Post here

SEE ALSO: Forget shiny Rolexes and Louis Vuitton handbags — rich people are investing more in education and health, and it shows that discreet wealth is the new status symbol

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How to make a bouquet of bacon roses for Valentine's Day

6 charts that show the glaring gap between men and women's salaries

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womens march

  • Even though a lot of progress has been made on the gender wage gap, there is still work to be done.
  • The median full-time female worker makes just 80.7 cents for every dollar her male counterpart makes.
  • That gap in pay varies widely based on location, race, and several other factors.

Over half a century after the US passed the Equal Pay Act, American women still face a substantial gender wage gap across the spectrum.

Today, on average, a woman working full time earns 80.7 cents for every dollar a man working full time earns. Additionally, women's median annual earnings are $9,909 less than men's, according to data from the US Census Bureau.

While progress has been made toward pay parity between the sexes, the Institute for Women's Policy Research estimates that it will not be reached until 2059.

The six charts below illustrate the significant pay discrepancies between men and women based on race, age, geographical location, and more.

SEE ALSO: One chart shows how much more men make than women in 25 major cities

DON'T MISS: Equal pay for equal work is not the way to close the gender pay gap

The gender wage gap varies widely depending on the state

According to data from the US Census Bureau, the average gender pay gap in the United States is around 19.3%, meaning that a woman working a full-time, year-round job earns 80.7% as much as her male counterpart earns. That gap can be larger or smaller, depending on the state someone lives in.

In Louisiana, for instance, the gender pay gap is 31.2%, the biggest wage gap in the nation. In 28 states, the  gender pay gap is larger than the national average.

Most states have implemented laws against gender discrimination, and the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects women at the federal level. Yet disparities persist.

California has the smallest pay gap at 10.9%, with full-time, year-round women over 16 making a median salary of $46,783, while men make $52,487.



Cities show an even bigger discrepancy, especially for people of color

As Business Insider's Leanna Garfield reported, salaries in 25 major US cities show an even greater range of pay discrepancy, particularly for women of color.

That analysis came from a report from the American Association of University Women, a nonprofit that advocates for gender equality, which Business Insider updated with the most recently available data.

Large disparities exist between men's and women's salaries in each of these cities, with the widest gaps appearing to exist between Hispanic women and white men. In Houston, Hispanic women earn around 53% of what white men make.

Out of the 25 metros, the narrowest gender wage gap overall is in Los Angeles, where women make approximately 90.7% of the median salary for men — higher than the national average.

That said, the ratios for Hispanic and black women there are 49% and 59%, respectively, compared to white men. And white women in Los Angeles earn 83% of white men's salaries.



Overall, black and Hispanic women face the biggest pay gap when compared to white men

Black and Hispanic women are most affected by the wage gap, especially when compared to white men, who make up the largest demographic segment of the workforce.

Asian women face the smallest wage gap — they earn 97% of what white men earn, resulting in a pay gap of just 3%. White women earn 79% of what white men do, while black women earn 67% and Hispanic women earn 58%.

When compared to black men, black women earn 89% of what black men do, and Hispanic women make 86% of what Hispanic men do.

The larger disparity between white men's and women of color's earnings could be attributed to the fact that "women of color suffer both because of their gender and their race," according to an April 2016 report released by the Senate Joint Economic Committee's Democratic Staff.



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16 standout home deals from West Elm's big pre-spring sale

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

West Elm Winter Sale

March is upon us, and it's about time we begin coming out of hibernation and checking off our home to-do lists. Spring cleaning is an obvious (and strenuous) necessity, but sprucing up your place with some new furniture or home decor might be enough to take the pain away from tidying up.

West Elm is offering some great deals on furniture, bedding, and decor items like floor lamps and mirrors. A quick visit to the website reveals discounts like 30% off bedroom furniture, 25% off rugs, and 25% off bedding — not to mention deals on tons of decor styles to fit anyone’s needs.

On top of the promoted sales, you can receive 25% off one item with free shipping by entering the code “YESWAY” at checkout. 

Shop all sale items at West Elm now.

Browse through 16 great deals on furniture, bedding, and decor below:

Souk Wool Rug

$149-$1,274 (Originally $199-$1,699) [Save up to $425]



Tencel Duvet Cover and Shams

$19.99-$119 (Originally $29-$159) [Save up to $40]



Pictograph Six-Drawer Dresser

$599.99 (Originally $1,199) [You save $599.01]



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The best face cream for sensitive skin

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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.

best face cream sensitive skin

  • Sensitive complexions benefit from simple moisturizers with nourishing textures and few bells and whistles.
  • First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is a gift for easily irritated skin, packed with calming ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and shea butter.

After washing my face, moisturizing is my favorite skin-care routine step. In addition to delivering hydration, applying face cream is just plain fun. Plus, I have sensitive skin with rosacea on my cheeks, and my face is usually parched by the time I’m finished scrubbing all my makeup off at the end of the night. Moisturizer is essential.

But not all creams are created equal, especially where reactive skin is concerned. You want richly hydrating formulas made without potential irritants like added fragrance, alcohol, or parabens. I look for ultra-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter combined with skin-soothers like colloidal oatmeal, nourishing oils, or ceramides.

As far as texture goes, I gravitate toward water gel moisturizers in the summer and thicker consistencies in the winter. Really, it’s all about personal choice. But the five picks on this list are some of the most highly recommended picks on the market.

Here are the best face creams for sensitive skin:

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

The best face cream for sensitive skin overall

Why you’ll love it: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is a holy grail moisturizer jam-packed with soothing hydrators like ceramides, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal.

I don’t often fall in immediate love with skin-care products. It takes time to figure out exactly how your skin will react to a new serum or moisturizer. But I’ve been obsessed with First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream since the very first time I massaged it into my face.

FAB is one of the few brands I’ve encountered that practices what it preaches in terms of being gentle enough for even the most reactive skin types. Packed with soothing colloidal oatmeal, ceramide 3, shea butter, and the proprietary First Aid Beauty Antioxidant Booster, this cream works for all skin types, including those prone to eczema and rosacea.

Ultra Repair Cream is extremely hydrating but not thick. It blends down to a velvety smooth, non-greasy finish. I appreciate the large jar size because I’m not afraid to pile this stuff onto other areas that get dry, like my elbows or knees in the winter. The cream has a clean, inoffensive scent but no added fragrance.

This is a popular product — it has a 4.6 Sephora rating based on 6,100+ reviews and has been featured by countless publications including Byrdie, Marie Claire, Rank + Style, and Women’s Health.

Pros: Fragrance-free, allergy-tested, can be used on eczema and rashes, large size

Cons: Might not be hydrating enough for super dry skin

Buy First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream at Sephora for $32



The best drugstore face cream for sensitive skin

Why you’ll love it: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is an expert-approved drugstore moisturizer that hydrates as well as its high-end counterparts thanks to hyaluronic acid.

I’m a big fan of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost range, and the Hydro Boost Water Gel moisturizer is no exception. My skin drinks hyaluronic acid like, well, water. Luckily, this lightweight face cream is absolutely loaded with the stuff.

This is one of my favorite summertime moisturizers because of the weightless texture, but it’s hydrating enough to use during any season. It’s also a great pick daytime pick for underneath makeup because it goes on wet but dries down quickly.

The hyaluronic acid has a nice plumping effect that instantly quenches rough, red patches. Oil-free and non-comedogenic, this is a great pick if you get greasy and shiny throughout the day.

Hydro Boost Water Gel is a fan favorite, with 4.3 stars on Amazon, based on 1,600+ reviews and comes recommended by dermatologists and beauty editors at The Strategist, Women’s Health, Reviews.com, and Marie Claire.

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, oil-free

Cons: Strong scent

Buy Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel on Amazon for $16.07 (originally $18.98)



The best luxury face cream for sensitive skin

Why you’ll love it: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream is a luxe, airy, moisturizer suitable for all skin types.

The Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream sounds very similar to Neutrogena Hydro Boost on paper. It, too, is a light, airy cream packed with hyaluronic acid, albeit more luxe. When it sinks into the skin it becomes watery before drying down to an undetectable finish.

But if the strong scent of Hydro Boost turns you off or irritates your complexion, this is another fantastic option. The texture is even more weightless and the formula even more soothing. In addition to hyaluronic acid that claims to hydrate for up to 72 hours, the cream contains elderberry extract, ceramides, and silk proteins.

This is an especially great option for those with oily or acne-prone skin that reacts negatively to harsh ingredients.

“I have extremely dry skin and relatively sensitive skin. This is the only moisturizer that I find works. I can be flaky when I go to bed, put this on, and in the morning I am good as [new]. It doesn't clog my pores and interfere with any of my acne medications,” writes one Sephora shopper.

Overall, Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream has a 4.4 out of five stars based on 851 Sephora reviews. It has also been featured by Marie Claire.

Pros: Lightweight, minimal fragrance, works well under makeup

Cons: Pricey

Buy Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream at Sephora for $52



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I stayed at Hong Kong's first 'capsule hotel' to see what it's like to live in micro — and the experience was a nightmare

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HongKongCapsuleHotel (4 of 20)

  • SLEEEP is Hong Kong's first capsule hotel, a concept invented in Japan in the late 1970s that aims to provide cheap, convenient "sleeping pods" for travelers who do not require the services of a full hotel.
  • I stayed at SLEEEP last March on a business trip to Hong Kong. It cost around $75 USD per night, cheap for a hotel on Hong Kong island, but other accommodations on Airbnb or in budget hotels can be had for cheaper.
  • SLEEEP is ideally located and well-designed aesthetically, but its capsules get hot quickly and do not block out sound, making for a poor night of sleep.

It sounds great on paper: A budget hotel completely designed around getting you the best night of sleep. That's the idea behind SLEEEP, Hong Kong's first capsule hotel.

The reality, however, isn't quite so relaxing.

Located in Sheung Wan, a hip neighborhood on Hong Kong Island near the main business district, SLEEEP caters to solo tourists, overworked Hong Kongers, and harried business travelers by offering them "a breathing space within a suffocating environment," in the words of Jun Rivers, who co-founded the hotel with childhood friend Alex Klot.

"We truly believe that high-quality, sufficient sleep can take us further in both our personal and professional lives," Rivers told Lifestyle Asia last year, shortly after it opened.

While it is ideally located and designed with an Apple-esque eye for minimalist design — it won silver for Design for Asia Awards 2017 — the hotel fails at its most basic purpose.

I stayed at SLEEEP last March on a business trip to Hong Kong. After a long couple of days reporting in Macau, I arrived at the hotel excited for an excellent night of sleep. Instead I found myself overheated, woken multiple times, and altogether turned off by the entire concept.

SEE ALSO: One picture shows how absurdly tiny apartments are in Hong Kong — and people are paying a premium for them

DON'T MISS: Inside the most expensive part of the world's most expensive city, the Hong Kong billionaire enclave where Alibaba founder Jack Ma may have bought a $191 million mansion

SLEEEP is located between Queen's Road Central and Gough Street, two winding roads in the Sheung Wan neighborhood of Hong Kong. There's a staircase halfway down the street. Walk up it to find SLEEEP.



It feels a little like looking for a secret passageway. When you start to see the cheeky messages related to sleep, you'll know you found it.



One of the best things about the hotel is how streamlined the experience is. There are no receptionists or keycards. You just walk up to the touchpad outside the door.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

23 home deals from Wayfair's spring renovation sale to inspire your next DIY project

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. We receive a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

1177LF Cassidy™ Pot Filler

  • Spring is just around the corner, which means time for spring cleaning and sprucing up your home.
  • Whether you're looking to take on a project as big as redoing your flooring or as small as changing the cabinet knobs in your bathroom, Wayfair is the one-stop shop for your renovation needs.
  • Going on now through April 2, Wayfair is hosting a home renovation sale where items for your kitchen, bathroom, living room, and more are up to 70% off.
  • We've selected 23 essential home renovation items for you, and they all have a rating of over 4 out of 5 stars on Wayfair.
  • Enjoy additional savings at Wayfair with a little help from Business Insider Coupons, where you can find coupons and promo codes for your favorite online stores.

Springtime means a lot of things: daylight-saving time, spring cleaning, and renovating your home. After you've adjusted your clocks and thrown out the unwanted items you blindly collected this winter, the only thing left to do is transform the spaces in your home — you know, out with the old, in with the new.

With spring just around the corner, there's no better time than now to stop complaining about the kitchen sink that's broken and do something about it. You'll only need to look to one place for all your home renovation needs: Wayfair.

The hub for your spring project supplies is having an epic deal that's hard to pass up. From now through April 2, you can save hundreds on items for every room in the house, from your kitchen to your bathroom. All because Wayfair is having an exclusive home renovation sale where you can save up to 70% off

Here are 23 home renovation must-haves that you can get for up to 70% on Wayfair right now:

SEE ALSO: 19 great finds from The Container Store's kitchen and pantry sale that'll help you get a head start on spring cleaning

These counter-height stools

Brought 24 inch Bar Stool (set of 2), $98 [you save: $9.98]

These counter-height stools come in two varieties: white base with gray faux leather or white base with tan fabric. The saddle-style seats are adorn with a nailhead trim that adds an industrial touch to its simple design.



A spa shower head

SH0040 2.5 GPM Rainfall 2 Piece Jet Shower Head and Handheld Shower Wand Set, $39.89 [you save: $30.10]

Easily turn your shower into a spa with this dual-head nozzle. The rainfall and massage jets will enhance your daily showers while the ABS thermo material will keep the unit from getting hot to the touch. 



A wine cooler

46-Bottle Dual Zone Built-In Wine Cooler, $571.88 [you save: $788.11]

If you entertain guests often or just thoroughly enjoy wine, adding a wine cooler to your kitchen, basement, or outdoor space is worth the investment. The cooler has two zones so you can chill various bottles (up to 46) to their suggested temperature.



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22 ways to support International Women’s Day when you shop online today

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

wildfang

  • Friday, March 8, 2019, is International Women's Day. 
  • Among the many ways to support and lift women up today (and every other day of the year), you can shop at female-founded retail companies
  • The 22 startups below make products that are designed to improve the lives of women.
  • On International Women's Day, many are donating a portion of proceeds to non-profits dedicated to advancing the social and economic positions of women. 

Today is International Women's Day (IWD), a day to both celebrate the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women and continue the push towards women's equality. In the business world, women are founding companies at record rates. According to the National Women's Business Council, their businesses employ over 8 million workers and generate over $1.4 trillion in revenue.

They still only comprise 36% of the country's businesses and there's a lot of progress to be made. However, as part of a team that has its finger on the pulse of up-and-coming consumer brands, I have to say we're certainly witnessing a wave of female entrepreneurship that provides inspiration and hope for the road ahead.

These female-founded startups should always be on your radar for the innovative products and services they offer, but especially today on IWD as many of these brands are putting forth powerful initiatives and campaigns to empower and support other women. 

Learn more about the 22 female-centric companies and their International Women's Day promotions below. 

Find more International Women's Day retail coverage here:

SEE ALSO: 11 San Francisco-based clothing startups that prove New York City isn't the only capital of fashion

ThirdLove

Shop bras at ThirdLove

Bra company ThirdLove offers a Try Before Buying program that lets customers try out bras for 30 days. When these gently worn bras are returned, they're hand-sorted and then donated. In 2018 alone, the company donated more than $4 million worth of bras, including to victims of the recent California wildfires.

It also expanded its bra sizing and now carries 70 bra sizes, compared to the industry average of 30. You might've also heard about the company when CEO Heidi Zak took out a full-page ad in the New York Times to critique comments made by the CMO of Victoria's Secret about plus-size and transgender models.

 

 



ADAY

Shop the #Future is Feminine Tank for $58 at ADAY

Conscious shoppers love ADAY because of its seasonless, technical apparel that looks great, feels great, and is made from sustainable materials. 

On International Women's Day, you have another reason to support ADAY: 100% of the proceeds from sales of its limited-edition #Future is Feminine Tank will go to the Stonewall Community Foundation in support of numerous LGBTQ+ projects and funds

 

 



Sugarfina

Shop the Barbie candy collection at Sugarfina

Before co-founding Sugarfina, Rosie O'Neill started her career at Barbie, the iconic doll brand that is now celebrating its 60th anniversary. To celebrate 60 years of Barbie careers, including astronaut, firefighter, and news anchor, Sugarfina has created a collection of themed candies. 100% of net proceeds from this limited-edition series will go to Step Up



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

11 great deals you'll find at Home Depot's appliance and lighting sale — including Whirlpool refrigerators and Maytag dishwashers

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Home Depot Winter Sale

It's about that time of year when people start venturing into the wood-scented aisles of The Home Depot in an effort take care of mandatory home fix-ups, appliance replacements, and lofty (but doable) projects. You don't have to be a handyman to know that its the best place to shop when you're trying to complete a DIY project.

Even for ambitious tasks, The Home Depot is there to help — and for a limited time, the store is offering some pretty great deals like up to 30% off appliances, up to 15% off select floor and wall tiles, and up to 40% off bathroom essentials.

Below, we've rounded up some of the best deals from the sale as a jumping-off point.

Shop all sales and deals at The Home Depot now.

Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator

$1898 (Originally $2,499) [You save $601]



Home Decorators Collection Corner Medicine Cabinet

$139.30 (Originally $199) [You save $59.70]



Anzzi Sprayer Kitchen Faucet

$174.99 (Originally $240.25) [You save $65.26]



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Save up to 30% at Brooks Brothers, Lands' End, and Mackage — and more of today's best deals from around the web

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

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. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out our coupons page.

Brooks Brothers

1. Save 25% on two or more women's styles at Brooks Brothers

Brooks Brothers is celebrating International Women's Day with a sale on its women's collection. Today only, you can save 25% when you buy two or more full-priced items. Whether you're looking for spring sweaters, works shirts, dresses or suits, you'll find them here. For more deals and promotions at Brooks Brothers, check out Business Insider Coupons here.

Shop the Brooks Brothers sale.

Lands' End

2. Save 30% on new arrivals at Lands' End

As the weather begins to warm up, you're going to want some new clothes for enjoying the outdoors — and Lands' End is a great place to shop. Now through March 11, you can save 30% on new arrivals by using the promo code "CLOVER" at checkout. With everything from rain jackets, polo shirts, chinos, bathing suits, and more, you'll find plenty of great pieces for the spring and summer. For more deals and promotions at Lands' End, check out our coupons page here

Shop the Lands' End sale

Fossil

3. Save up to $73 on smartwatches, handbags, and wallets at Fossil

Fossil is loved for its dependable mechanics, modern styles, and affordable prices. And in addition to watches, the company has plenty of other quality accessories, including bags adn wallets. For a limited time, you can save up to $73 a selection smartwatches, handbags, and wallets for men and women. For more deals and promotions at Fossil, check out Business Insider Coupons here.

Shop the Fossil sale

Kindle Paperwhite

4. Save 25% when you trade in your old Kindle for a new model on Amazon

If you're still using your old Kindle e-reader, Amazon is making it easier than ever to upgrade. Right now, you can trade in select previous models and receive an Amazon gift card for the appraised value of the device, plus a 25% off credit towards a new Kindle. 

Learn more about upgrading your Kindle

Mackage

5. Save up to 30% on sale styles at Mackage

Contemporary outerwear brand Mackage has specialized in making luxury apparel that's both fashionable and functional. While its designs are usually pretty pricey, a current winter sale is making them a lot more affordable. For a limited time, you can save up to 30% on outwear and other high-end accessories like hats, gloves, scarves, and bags. 

Shop the Mackage winter sale.

Target

6. Save 25% on curtains and window treatments at Target

In continuation of Target's Spring Deal Days promotion that's been running all week long, the retailer is now putting window treatments on sale. Today only, you can save 25% on curtains, curtain rods, and all the required hardware for installation. For more deals and savings at Target, check out Business Insider Coupons here.

Shop the Target sale

Best Buy

7. Save big on computers, TVs, and other tech at Best Buy

Until tomorrow (March 9), Best Buy is having a big sale with deals on all the latest tech items. With such a wide selection of products on sale, you'll want to head over to the site to see the specific deals on laptops, desktops, TVs, cameras, appliances, and more. Anybody can shop the sale, but My Best Buy members will get the best bargains as most purchases will earn double rewards points. For more deals and promotions at Best Buy, visit Business Insider Coupons here.

Shop the Best Buy three-day sale.

Avocado mattress Presidents' Day sale

8. Save $150 on green and vegan mattresses at Avocado Mattress

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The best placemats you can buy for your dining table

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best placemats

  • Placemats can liven up your dining room decor while also protecting your dining room table from food spills and water stains.
  • Cultiver makes our favorite placemats with its classic, simple linen fabric that's easy to wash.

Does anything say adulthood quite like evolving beyond placing your plates directly on your kitchen table? You're a sophisticated grown-up keen on preserving your reclaimed wood or sleek glass tabletop, which is why you've invested in placemats. Both aesthetically pleasing and functional, placemats are undoubtedly a staple of any well-meaning kitchen. Because you weren't raised in a barn.

When thinking about how to enter adulthood and purchase your first set of placemats, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, what material are you most drawn to? Different materials will serve different purposes, and be either more or less easy to keep clean. For example, if you're intrigued by a linen placemat, you'll want to consider that they'll be considerably harder to reuse between washes than, say, a plastic or wooden placemat.

Along a similar vein, you'll want to think about how often you're hoping to use your placemats. Indeed, you may want to have one set for everyday use, and another for guest appearances.

Also key to consider will be your color scheme and pattern preference. Placemats can make quite the statement in an otherwise monochromatic dining space, so take this as your opportunity to introduce some color into your life.

You may also want to keep in mind the temperature of your average bowl or plate — if you tend to serve hot soup rather than cold salads, you may need a placemat that is capable of standing up to warmer foods.

Finally, as ever, you'll want to consider price points. While placemats probably won't ever be the most expensive items in your kitchen, some are certainly more expensive than others. But regardless which of our favorite placemats you choose to try, we're certain you won't go wrong.

Here are the best placemats you can buy:

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

The best placemats overall

Why you'll love them: Cultiver’s classic linen placemats are beautiful, easy to care for, and durable.

You may know Cultiver best for its beautiful linen bedding, but the company is here to prove that linen belongs everywhere in your home — including the kitchen and dining room. If you’re looking for a set of placemats that are elegant and sophisticated, yet surprisingly long-lasting and easy to care for, Cultiver has an answer for you.

The linen construction of these placemats lends a sense of style to any kitchen or dining table. They drape easily and are just as appropriate for a small family meal as they are for a more formal get-together. These placemats are woven from European flax and pre-washed for maximum softness. They are double-layered in order to protect your table and also protect themselves from heavy usage.

I love that you can mix and match these placemats with Cultiver’s linen napkins, adding surprising pops of color to your table setting. And while you won’t find any crazy patterns or neon colors from Cultiver, you will find six classic hues — white, smoke grey, charcoal grey, navy, natural, and blush. All placemats are 43 by 58 centimeters or 17 by 23 inches.

While these placemats are admittedly quite expensive at $60 for a set of four, their durability and beautiful design make them well worth the extra money.

Pros: Beautiful colors, pre-washed softness, elegant for both casual and formal settings, great color selection

Cons: At $15 a pop, these aren’t cheap

Buy a set of four Cultiver linen placemats for $60



The best protective placemats for your table

Why you'll love them: If your primary purpose in purchasing placemats is to protect your table, then Pauwer Placemats are the way to go.

There’s a reason Pauwer Placemats are among the best-selling options on Amazon. Not only are they affordable at just $10 for a set of four, but they’re also made from a heat-resistant PVC material. That means that if you’re putting down a particularly hot plate or steaming bowl, you won’t need to worry about leaving a mark on your table.

While you shouldn’t test the heat resistant qualities of the PVC, Pauwer notes that its high-quality placemat is actually flame retardant. Plus, the vinyl is easy to clean. In fact, you don’t even need to throw these placemats through the wash. Simply wipe them down when you’re done with your meal, and let them live to see another day.

Pauwer placemats also dry surprisingly quickly, so after you take a sponge to these guys, you won’t have to let them air out for hours on end. Rather, I’ve generally rolled them up and put them away shortly thereafter, and haven’t had to deal with any mildewy or moldy smells upon my next usage. Because these placemats are so flexible, they’re also exceedingly easy to store.

These mats come in sets of four, six, and eight, and while each one is 17.7 by 11.8 inches, you can trim them down easily to be the appropriate size and shape for your table, should you need to. There are also 10 colors and designs to choose from for maximal customization.

Pros: Heat-resistant, protective, easy to clean, affordable, wide range of colors

Cons: These placemats slip around a bit, but you can put another placemat beneath them to stop that

Buy a set of 4 Pauwer Placemats on Amazon for $9.99 (price varies by color)



The best decorative placemats

Why you'll love them: If you’re looking to make a statement with your placemats, the Benson Mills Blossom Pressed Vinyl Placemats will help you do just that.

If you tend to have trouble getting the conversation going around your dinner table, you could get a set of placemats that are conversation starters in and of themselves. Benson Mills Blossom Pressed Vinyl Placemats are precisely those placemats, what with their unique webbed design and luxurious metallic colors.

While you — and more importantly, your guests — may think that these placemats belong at a wedding reception or Michelin-starred restaurant rather than your home, you’ll be delighted to find that a set of four of these eye-catching mats will set you back just $11 on Amazon. Made of pressed vinyl, they’re not only easy on the eyes, but easy to clean as well with a sponge or damp cloth.

Of course, these placemats are intended for use at your kitchen or dining room table, but I’ve also found that they make beautiful settings for vases, decorative plates, and a wide range of other trinkets that need just a little bit of extra elegance to help them look their best. And thanks to their affordable price point, you can certainly grab a few extra sets to use around the house.

Nearly 200 customers on Amazon have given these placemats 4.7 out of 5 stars, with one happy reviewer noting, “I purchased these silver placemats to complete my dining room table for Christmas. They’re perfect! They look beautiful both on the table cloth or on the bare wood table.”

The placemats come in five different colors and designs, so you can mix and match based on your aesthetic.

Pros: Beautiful, unique design, affordable price point, vinyl makes for easy cleaning and caring  

Cons: Because of the webbed design, these aren’t the best for keeping liquid off your table

Buy the Benson Mills Pressed Vinyl Placemat on Amazon for $10.99



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RANKED: The 19 best countries to live in if you're a woman

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Canada Canadian woman maple leaf

  • The US News & World Report has released its annual ranking of the Best Countries for Women.
  • Based on a survey of nearly 9,000 women around the world, the list is part of the wider Best Countries ranking.
  • To produce the Best Countries for Women list, 80 countries were given scores across five attributes: human rights, gender equality, income equality, progress, and safety.
  • Unsurprisingly, Scandinavian countries dominated.

Sweden has regained its place as the best country for women to live in, having lost the top spot in an annual ranking from US News & World Report to Denmark last year.

Released ahead of International Women's Day on Friday, March 8, the Best Countries for Women ranking was put together following a survey of nearly 9,000 women as part of the media organisation's wider Best Countries ranking.

The full 2019 Best Countries List surveyed 20,000 "informed elites," "business decision-makers," and members of the general public worldwide to discover how 80 different countries are perceived on a global scale for 65 different attributes grouped into nine categories, including quality of life, adventure, citizenship, and power.

Read more: 2018's best countries to live in if you're a woman

Each country was also given an equally-weighted score across five attributes in order to produce the women-focused ranking: care about human rights, gender equality, income equality, progress, and safety.

Unsurprisingly, Scandinavian countries dominated the list.

Keep reading to see 2019's 19 best countries in the world to live in if you're a woman, ranked in ascending order.

19. Spain. Down one spot since 2018, Spain only scored a 5.8 for gender quality and human rights, and an extremely low 1.0 for income equality.



18. Japan. Scoring only a 0.8 for gender quality, Japan made up its score with 10.0 for being "progressive."



17. Italy. With average scores on gender equality and human rights, Italy scored poorly for income quality at 1.1



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A Facebook funeral party at its HQ once descended into violence, and security suspected gang involvement (FB)

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facebook campus party

In July 2013, Facebook's beloved head chef Josef Desimone died in a motorcycle accident.

To commemorate him, the company threw a blowout party on campus at its Silicon Valley headquarters one Saturday the following month. Hundreds of people were invited, and booze flowed freely as Facebook's employees and contract workers gathered to celebrate Desimone's life.

And then it descended into chaos.

Multiple fights broke out among attendees, which security staff believe were gang-related, sources said. The event culminated in one kitchen worker being beaten so badly by another attendee on Facebook grounds that they were hospitalised.

The assailant was barred from Facebook's campus but he continued to sneak back — to visit his mother who worked there.

The incident highlights the challenges Facebook's security team faces as it polices the Silicon Valley technology firm — not only to defend the company from outside threats but also, sometimes, to protect workers from one another.

Business Insider has spoken with current and former employees and reviewed internal documents for an in-depth investigation into how Facebook handles its corporate security, which you can read here.

Sources described a hidden world of stalkers, stolen prototypes, state-sponsored espionage concerns, secret armed guards, car-bomb concerns, and more. Today, there are a staggering 6,000 people in Facebook's global security organisation, working to safeguard Facebook's 80,000-strong workforce of employees and contractors around the world.

When numerous employees' headphones were disappearing a couple of years ago, the company installed a covert mobile camera to monitor desks, a source said. (The sting operation caught an employee stealing them to sell online. A Facebook spokesperson said items are sometimes misplaced during office moves, and then misreported as thefts.)

But Silicon Valley's tradition of openness can complicate things, such as the time when an old prototype of an Oculus virtual-reality headset was stolen from a conference room. Facebook — like many companies — doesn't have surveillance cameras inside its offices, and the enormous open-plan design of the office meant that the pool of suspects would likely be hundreds of people, with no way to narrow it down. There was nothing security could do; the prototype was never recovered.

"The business has identified that we really need that open office environment that promotes our collaboration, and so that's the risk we're willing to accept inside an office is that open office environment," Facebook corporate-security chief Nick Lovrien said about Facebook's approach to openness. "So what we then look at is how we mitigate that risk," from proactively sifting through intelligence to putting physical checkpoints in place and manning the perimeter of the offices.

At least one employee has been caught letting in tourists who wanted to take unauthorized tours of the facilities, and employees are also caught having sex in the office about every three months, on average. (Human resources may be alerted, but the couple isn't typically fired.)

Read the investigation into Facebook's corporate security »


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7 dangerous foods that could raise your risk of developing cancer

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hot dog eating

  • Some cancers are genetic, but many are connected to certain lifestyle choices, like smoking and diet.
  • One of the simplest ways to reduce your cancer risk is to cut down on certain foods, especially processed meat and packaged convenience foods.
  • Here are seven items to avoid.

Some cancers are unavoidable. Cancer can be determined by our genes, and some cases are prompted by environmental factors we have little control over, like air pollution, radiation, or workplace chemicals.

But nearly half of US cancer cases and deaths are linked to preventable risk factors, and scientific research has revealed that it's possible to lower your chances of getting sick. The biggest cancer-causing culprit is smoking. Being overweight and not getting enough exercise are also major contributors.

One of the simplest, quickest ways to reduce your cancer risk, however, is to cut down on certain foods that we know are linked to more cancer cases.

Here are seven of the riskiest foods: 

SEE ALSO: 32 science-backed ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer

Eating more processed food can up your cancer risk.

Scientists in France recently zeroed in on a troubling link: people who eat more ultra-processed foods, including items like chips, candy, soda, frozen dinners and instant ramen, develop more cancer than those who cook with raw ingredients at home. So food that comes pre-packaged in plastic wrap or on a microwaveable tray should be eaten only sparingly. 



Red meat has a protein that can damage our intestines, making it easier to get colon cancer.

Red meat isn't officially listed as a cancer-causer, but it's got a compound called "haem" or heme protein, which is what makes it red. Unfortunately, haem can also damage our intestinal lining.



Processed meats like sausage, bacon, and hot dogs can up a person's cancer risk, especially if they're eaten on a regular basis.

Eating large quantities of meat that has been salted, cured, or smoked, — like ham, sausage, bacon, and hot dogs — can cause stomach and bowel cancers. That is largely because processed meats are treated with nitrates: chemical additions that help keep the color of the meat pink and the flavor tasty and salty. The same can even be true of so-called "nitrate free" varieties of processed meat.



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The best accessories for beer drinkers

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

best beer accessories

  • Craft beer is taking over coolers and fridges all over the country, and beer festivals and tours are becoming more popular.
  • There are tons of accessories to help you enjoy the beer experience more fully, so we've rounded up our favorites.
  • Whether you want a great growler, a bottle opener, a nice looking cooler, a durable pint glass, or a way to keep your beer cold and carbonated for hours, we have a beer drinking accessory for you.

Not so long ago, beer was just something you drank, but now it has become more of a hobby for many craft beer enthusiasts. Beer festivals, launch events, and low-volume releases are everywhere, and often, the waiting in line is as much fun as the drinking itself.

Whether you enjoy a beer at the bar, by the pool or in the comfort of your own home, most of us love relaxing with a cold one.

We’ve rounded up our favorite ways to drink, transport, and enjoy a delicious brew so that you or someone you love drinking with, can enjoy that beer just a little more.

Here are the best beer accessories you can buy:

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

The best way to keep beer cold

Why you’ll love it: Yeti’s Colster keeps beer cold for hours on end, it also cuts down on waste, and is dishwasher safe.

Beer coozies are everywhere these days. You probably have at least a dozen stuffed into drawers, hanging out in backpacks and lingering in the space under the back seat of your car where you dare not go. So why would you buy a new one? Because it’s better, that’s why.

Yeti’s colster keeps beer cooler way longer than any foam or plastic coozie, and unlike those disposable beer jackets, this one will last far longer than one afternoon by the pool. We loved how long it kept beer cool on hot days, and the added width of the colster also prevented beer loss to spillage.

As one Amazon shopper put it, “If you own a boat, you need this dude. With its wide base and low center of gravity, your chances of sitting in a puddle of pilsner are greatly decreased. Also, stainless steel is great in direct sun as it reflects the rays.” Through months of testing the Colster, we didn’t lose a single drop.

If you happen to prefer drinking beer from bottles, Yeti has you covered, the innovative rubber gasket holds your bottle in place below the neck. Now your beer is colder, your bottle balances on the ground more easily, and you’re less likely to break it. Perhaps that is why one reviewer described the Colster as “fully sick” and added “this is going to be a prezzy for all beverage loving folk in my life.”

In all seriousness, this is the best coozie I’ve ever used. It takes a lot of design flair to innovate something better and worth buying from a product which has existed for decades and is generally given away for free. Yes, this is a twenty five dollar coozie, and yes that seems expensive, but I have purchased these for my father, father-in-law, and friends, and they never fail to show me they’re still using them years later every time we get together to drink outdoors.

Pros: Keeps beer cold for hours, holds bottles and cans

Cons: Cost

Buy the Rambler Colster from Yeti for $24.99



The best growler

Why you’ll love it: Otterbox’s stainless steel growler keeps your beer cold wherever you want to take it.

Sometimes you’re enjoying a brew so much that you don’t want to leave it at the bar. But with a lot of craft beer that's only offered on tap, you can’t just pick up a six pack. Growlers are a great way to take a few pints home or to a party, but many of them are made of glass and tend to be fragile. Otterbox’s Elevation 64 Growler is not only made from virtually unbreakable stainless steel, it also insulates your beer to keep it colder for longer.

I found the Elevation’s 64-ounce capacity just right. It’s enough for four 16-ounce pours, which makes a nice amount for sharing an interesting beer with a couple of friends. The large volume also makes it a great choice for people who work outside and want to bring cold water along with them on hot days. The secure lid keeps your beer cold and prevents your precious beer from spilling on the way to your party.

The Elevation is more expensive than glass growlers, but for the money, you get a growler which won’t shatter and leave your car full of glass or hold onto residual flavors. It also does double duty as a great insulated water bottle as buyers noted. And, being brand neutral means most bars should fill it and you’ll have plenty of space for stickers from your favorite breweries.

Pros: Indestructible, insulated

Cons: Cost

Buy the Elevation 64 Growler from Otterbox for $69.99



The best pint glass

Why you’ll love it: Hydro Flask’s 16-ounce glass combines the feel of glass with insulation and indestructibility, so it’ll be your beer buddy for life.

We don’t really put enough thought into what we drink our beer from. Often it’s a standard shaker pint glass, a mason jar, or even a red plastic cup. But glassware can impact flavor and it certainly influences temperature. Whenever I pour myself a cold one at home, or out on the trail, I like to keep it cold by drinking from a Hydro Flask True Pint.

The True Pint isn’t just your run of the mill stainless steel pint glass. It uses double wall vacuum insulation to keep your drink cold, which has the added benefit of preventing condensation or temperature transfer, so you won’t need to use a coaster.

Rather than a bulbous lip, the True Pint’s rim is gently contoured and feels just like a quality pint glass. Amazon shoppers also liked the textured exterior, which is grippy and never feels too cold to the touch.

The True Pint has a ridge about two inches from the bottom to allow it to be stacked and stored. This, combined with its virtually indestructible construction, means that you can store and take your True Pint glasses anywhere without worrying about them breaking, meaning you can enjoy a beer at the pool or beach (if it’s legal) where glass vessels are not allowed.

Pros: Indestructible and stackable, keeps your beer cold

Cons: Some people still prefer glass to metal containers

Buy the Hydro Flask True Pint from REI for $24.95



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16 popular skin-care products on sale now — and what skin concerns they're good for

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

thayers toner rose

  • The internet has many perks. One of them is not having to rely on a department store's bargain bin for sourcing your skin-care product discounts.
  • Below, I've rounded up 16 of the best skin-care products on sale right now across the internet, and which stores to find them at.
  • If you're in need of a new toner, face wash, serum, or mask, consider one of these while they're discounted.
  • More:17 cheap and effective skin-care products under $25 we swear by in our everyday lives

As a rule, every suburban department store must include an island for discounted skin-care products to go and die quietly. You know the signs: half-priced stickers, luxury products haphazardly tossed on top of cheap drugstore buys, and a flickering fluorescent light bulb all set the scene. At age 13, the number of products — and the indiscriminate heap they were arranged in — was exciting. In my mid-twenties, it's overwhelming — and a little dismal.

But, a decade and change later, it's now possible to source relatively good deals on skin care online, without having to brave the mosh pit of serums at your local Macy's. You can be more selective with what you buy, letting reviews and ingredient lists guide your wallet more than the primal response to a red 40% off sticker. 

Below, I've rounded up 16 of the best skin products currently on sale, plus where you can find them and a little bit about why people love each one. If you're looking for a new serum, face mask, or cleanser — and you like the sound of any here — now may be a good time to buy. 

Tip: If you purchase something from Soko Glamthe Sephora of K-Beauty and purveyor of the personalized 10-Step routine— you'll also get a free sample of their new "Holy Grail product" launching March 18 with any order while supplies last. 

Below are 16 skin care products on sale right now, and where to find them:

Thayers Witch Hazel Toner

Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner, on sale at Amazon, $6.99 (originally $11) [You save $4]

Thayers' witch hazel toner is a cult favorite of the online beauty community. It has over 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and is consistently one of the site's most popular skin care products under $25. Rose water, aloe vera, and a proprietary Witch Hazel extract work gently and efficiently to cleanse and hydrate skin, tighten pores, and control oil production. 

Thayers supposedly creates the only Witch Hazel products made of non-distilled extract from the Witch Hazel shrub, meaning they should maintain the highest levels of therapeutic tannins (the mild antioxidants that nourish the skin). 



TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum, on sale at Amazon, $35.99 (originally $59.99) [You save $24]

Some Vitamin C serums go for $150 and up, but this one has garnered a loyal following for much less (you should also check out Maelove's $28 Glow Maker). It lightens dark spots, reduces fine lines, and improves clarity with a blend of nutrients designed to aid collagen production. It uses a blend of vitamin C, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, MSM, Witch Hazel, and organic Jojoba oil to nourish skin. 



Foreo Luna Mini

Foreo Luna Mini, on sale at Sephora, $139 (originally $169) [You save $30]

The Foreo Luna 2 is the facial cleansing brush multiple Insider Picks reporters recommend as the best option out there— and worth the added expense. The mini Luna version is a bit more economical but has the same technology that makes using the device so effective.

It's made from a gentle, antibacterial silicone that deep-cleans without creating micro-scratches on the skin's surface or allowing bacteria to breed on the device itself. T-Sonic pulsations help the silicone touch-points remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and remove the day's residue. In independent clinical trials, it removed 99.5% of dirt and 98.5% of makeup residue. 



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