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3 women tried Patagonia's sustainable workout leggings — here are our reviews of everything from fit to function

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Patagonia Leggings 4x3

  • We tried leggings from Patagonia that are made from recycled polyester and have built-in odor control. Below, you'll find three women's reviews. 
  • Our experiences with the Centered Tights ($79) and Centered Crops ($69) prove the outdoor company can compete with fitness brands that specialize in workout apparel. 
  • They're stretchy, compressive, and sweat-wicking — perfect for a range of physical activities, including yoga, running, and hiking. 

Patagonia might be best known for its sweaters, vests, and outdoor gear, but a recent test of some of its leggings now has us repping the socially and environmentally responsibly brand at the gym, too. 

After flying under the radar (ours at least), its Centered Tights ($79) and Centered Crops ($69) join our favorite leggings, alongside pairs from fitness-focused brands like Alo Yoga and Under Armour, for their comfort, versatility, and thoughtful construction. 

These compressive, high-performance leggings are made from spandex and recycled polyester and further enhanced with the addition of miDori bioSoft and Polygiene. The former wicks away moisture quickly and gives the leggings a comfortable, soft feel, while the latter provides odor control by stopping the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the surface of the fabric. In short, you can move flexibly, feel good, and smell fresh in these leggings. Other notable features include the small hidden key pocket and the selection of both solid and printed styles. 

They're also Fair Trade Certified sewn as part of Patagonia's larger mission of paying workers equitably and promoting worker health and safety. The company says it holds the distinction of having more Fair Trade Certified styles than any other apparel brand.

Though the product description for these leggings taps them for yoga, we think they're just as good for high-intensity activities in both indoor and outdoor settings. Wear them to the gym or on a hike, and your legs will thank you.

Read on for our detailed reviews of Patagonia's responsibly produced and performance-oriented leggings. 

Patagonia Centered Tights review:

patagonia leggings 4

Centered Tights, $79, available in 4 colors at Patagonia

When I'm preparing for the day ahead of me and packing my gym bag, I don't want to do the mental work of thinking about what type of workout or class I'm going to do, and then what pair of leggings would go best with it. These leggings are the perfect works-for-everything pair that perform whether I'm cycling, weight training, or running. At 8 a.m., I might not have decided how I want to exercise today, but it's good to know that at 6 p.m., I'll feel comfortable and supported as I sweat it out.

The fabric is soft, stretchy, and compressive, and the waistband is nice and wide to hold everything in. I usually sweat a lot, which you can tell over time by the smell of my workout apparel, but the Polygiene odor control built into this pair makes a noticeable difference. I don't have to wash them as often and can wear them more times in a row during the week. I chose the funky Rain Fern print to make my leggings drawer a little more exciting, and like my colorful Athleta Contender leggings, the Patagonia tights definitely stand out at the gym.  —Connie Chen, reporter 

Patagonia Centered Crops review: 

patagonia leggings 5

Centered Crops, $69, available in 6 colors at Patagonia

I'm a big Patagonia fan and have been for years. The brand consistently delivers high-quality and well-made clothing and gear, so each item you buy should last a long time. My quilted Snap-T Pullover is a few years old, but it wears its age really well despite countless washings.

And the hallmarks of Patagonia construction are all also present in the design of the Centered Crops. No joke, I think I've worn these leggings every day for the last two weeks. They're so comfy for just lounging around! But they're also great for working out since they're made of a thick-ish polyester/spandex knit fabric that offers plenty of stretch, wicks moisture, and resists odor. I usually re-wear my workout clothes a few times before washing them (in an effort to conserve water where I can), and these leggings make for less smelly gym sessions. Ellen Hoffman, director of content strategy

My fellow reviewers are braver than me — I still have to wash these between gym sessions because I like to get disgustingly sweaty and gross during a workout. However, I have noticed that these smell better than the rest of my gym clothes when they're sitting in the hamper!

As for comfort, these are up at the top of my list. I'm unbelievably picky about my leggings, but this pair has all the qualities I like: It's breathable, super stretchy, high-waisted, and the waist band isn't so tight that it squeezes my organs apart (in fact it's just perfectly supportive and not constricting at all). My one gripe was that there was a tag sewn on with fabric info inside that I felt was unnecessary and itchy, and I didn't love that I had to cut it out of the pair and throw it away. Hopefully it's biodegradable or something? 

In general, it's really nice to know that these are a more sustainable option than a lot of other workout leggings out there. I love shopping at Patagonia because I can trust that my purchase will align with my values of conscious consumption. —Sally Kaplan, editor

If you want low-maintenance, high-performing leggings that cost under $100 and are responsibly made to boot, try Patagonia's Centered Tights and Centered Crops. You can shop all color options at Patagonia here

For more leggings we love, check out these reviews:

Join the conversation about this story »


THEN AND NOW: Here are all the ways being a public-school teacher has changed in the last 50 years

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elementary school teacher 1985

  • Here are 20 pictures that show how being a teacher has changed in the last 50 years. 
  • The profession became overwhelmingly female since the late 1970s.
  • Teachers once decided their curriculum, but standardization of coursework and teaching styles has limited their autonomy.
  • Wages for teachers have stagnated over this time period, resulting in a wave of protests across the country in 2018.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The American classroom looks nothing like it did in the 1970s. 

Chalkboards are now smart boards. Students are using standing desks and stability balls instead of chairs

With changes in education, K-12 teachers must adapt to new initiatives and reforms.

Read more:THEN AND NOW: Here's how being a nurse has changed in the last 50 years

Some changes to education, such as the increased use of technology, have made teachers' lives easier. But decreased investment in public school has left teachers with stagnant wages and limited resources, leading to waves of protests and strikes across the country.

Here is a look at all the ways being a teacher has changed over the last 50 years.

If you're a teacher with a story to share, email aakhtar@businessinsider.com.

SEE ALSO: Here are all the ways being a flight attendant has changed in the last 50 years

The late 1960s and early 1970s were defined by waves of teacher-led protests and strikes. Teachers in urban areas like Chicago and San Francisco called for better wages, smaller class sizes, and better benefits.

Source: TIME



Teacher unions helped lead the push toward collective-bargaining agreements for teachers. By the late 1970s, 72% of public-school teachers had collective-bargaining agreements, and union membership soared.

Source: TIME



Not everyone befitted from union membership. In 1968, white teachers in New York City went on strike after being dismissed from teaching at a majority black and Latino school. The strike flamed race-related tension between union leaders, who took the side of the white teachers, and teachers from communities of color.

Nearly 60,000 teachers went on strike in September and November 1968, resulting in a loss of one-fifth of the school year's instructional time, and impacting 1 million children.

Source: The Nation



The late 1970s is also when the number of female teachers began to increase. Women made up two in three teachers as of 1981. Today, they make up 76% of the teacher population, which has grown from 2.5 million to about 4.5 million since the '80s.

Source: The Atlantic



In 1983, President Ronald Reagan's administration released the "A Nation at Risk" report, which condemned American public schools for failing to keep students competitive with those in foreign countries.



Before Reagan's report, teachers had autonomy to decide their curriculum and how they wanted to conduct the classroom. The "A Nation at Risk" report, however, led to a movement to standardize teaching across the country.



Schools adopted academic standards, and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards was established in 1987.

Source: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, The National Education Association



Even today, teachers follow mandated curricula and predetermined lesson plans, and have little say in a school's budgetary and professional-development decisions.

Source: Harvard Business Review



The 1990s marks the introduction of new technologies into American classrooms.



Smart boards (interactive digital white boards) were introduced in 1991 by SMART Technologies. They began appearing in classrooms in the late '90s.

Source: Sutori



Teachers say technology has had "mostly positive" impacts on student research skills, but nearly 90% believe digital tools were leading to shorter attention spans in the classroom, according to a 2012 Pew survey.

Source: The New York Times



The 1990s is also when teacher wages began stagnating and the job became less lucrative than other careers that required a college degree.

Source: TIME



In 1994, public school teachers earned about 1.8% less per week than workers in other professions that required a college degree.

Source: TIME, The Economic Policy Institute



Today, the pay gap between teachers and comparable professions has widened to 18.7%. What's worse, teachers earn less on average in inflation-adjusted dollars than they did in 1990, according to the Department of Education.

Source: TIME



Many teachers today struggle financially. One in six teachers work multiple jobs to make ends meet, according to Pew Research Center.

Source: Pew Research Center



The 2010s have been marked with declining government investment in K-12 education, resulting in larger class sizes and less resources for teachers.

Source: Harvard Business Review, TIME



29 states provided less overall state funding per student in 2015 than they did in 2008, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Source: CBPP



94% of teachers say they spend their own money on school supplies, according to a federal survey.

Source: The New York Times



Today's teachers also spend more time in the classroom than almost every other developed nation. As a result, 93% of teachers reported high stress levels in a 2017 survey. Only 7% of teachers self identified as “well-adjusted.”

Source: National Education AssociationJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions



This decade gave way to a resurgence in activism. After educators in West Virginia walked out in April 2018, fellow teachers in other states followed suit to demand higher wages and increased K-12 spending.



The race to $1 billion — how startups Glossier, Casper, Rent the Runway, and Away became retail unicorns

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Retail unicorns 4x3

  • In the business world, a "unicorn" is a startup with a valuation of at least $1 billion. This year, four popular online retail startups — Casper, Rent the Runway, Glossier, Away— officially became unicorns. 
  • Though their journeys to unicorn-dom differ vastly, they share similarities that contributed to their success.
  • They've raised and used VC funding carefully and strategically; realized the importance of thoughtful, personalized design; identified opportunities for disruption through a diverse set of sources; and devised engaging ways to keep their customers invested. 
  • The year's only half over, but if these four startups are any indication, there's much to look forward to for the future of the retail industry. 

It's the year for unicorn spottings.

In the first half of 2019, four major retail startups — Casper, Rent the Runway, Glossier, and Away— have become "unicorns," a company with a valuation of at least $1 billion. The exclusive unicorn club, according to CB Insights, comprises just over 350 members worldwide, from fintech companies like Stripe and Robinhood to delivery services like DoorDash and Instacart. 

Part of their high valuations includes the venture capital (VC) funding they've raised in order to grow their businesses. Sridhar Tayur, professor of operations management at CMU's Tepper School of Business, underlines the importance of VC: "Beyond capital, they bring experience and networks, which helps in recruiting key executive talent, market messaging, competitive positioning, and strategic partnering with established insiders in an industry." 

There's no universal formula to acquiring or using VC funding successfully, but any aspiring entrepreneur could take some notes from these retail unicorns that can seem to do no wrong. 

retail unicorns 4

This particular wave of funding and valuation success is exciting because the startups represent a variety of industries (home, fashion, beauty, and travel), signaling the broad potential of the future of retail. 

At a glance, here's what they do:

  • Casper: Sells sleep-related products, including foam mattresses, bedding, and bed frames 
  • Rent the Runway: Rents out designer clothing pieces, which can be rented individually or on an unlimited basis through a monthly membership
  • Glossier: Sells beauty and makeup products
  • Away: Sells travel-related products, including suitcases, bags, and interior organizers 

These startups manage to make basic products — a mattress, a suitcase — demand greater attention than something far glitzier or more convenient to obtain. Cassie Young, the chief commercial officer at marketing automation company Sailthru, points out that to stand out from under the looming shadow of Amazon is a difficult and impressive feat.

Every year, Sailthru's Retail Personalization Index ranks retail brands based on how well they personalize the customer experience. Companies at the top of the list prioritize what makes their brand unique, what makes their buyer unique, and what they can do that is unique compared to Amazon.

Young says, "If you look at the retail brands that have achieved unicorn status, they are very deep in a particular category, which allows for effective differentiation vis-a-vis the Amazon platform." 

Away's suitcases, for example, are instantly recognizable in a lineup of luggage. Its core collection of colors are stylish, but the company also regularly offers trendy, limited-edition colors and personalization options, which range from luxe leather stickers to hand-painted, engraved, or embroidered monogramming. 

retail unicorns

Beyond personalized, aesthetically pleasing designs, Away is appealing to millennial sensibilities by incorporating features like a built-in battery pack to accompany their tech-fueled lives, and making its suitcases part of a larger story about travel.

Its spin-off travel magazine, "Here," has nearly 50,000 Instagram followers and shares picturesque locales around the world and journal-like entries that dive deeper into each destination. Implicit to the enjoyment of these travels is the knowledge that an Away suitcase helped get the traveler there. 

As a result, Away's growth is soaring relative to its category. According to data provided by Rakuten Intelligence, sales are up 96% year over year, and the brand has spread itself more evenly across age demographics than its competitors. 

Also notable: three of the four startups were founded by women.

In 2018, only 2.3% of all capital invested in venture-backed startups in the US went to companies founded solely by women. While efforts by female-founded venture capital firms are contributing to progress, the VC gender gap is still clear and wide. 

Megan Bent, founder and managing partner of Harbinger Ventures, which works exclusively with early-stage female or mixed-gender-founded companies in the consumer sector, says that "Having female representation within CPG company leadership can be a significant advantage. Neither men nor women are necessarily better at innovating, but more diverse teams will inherently identify more diverse opportunities for disruption." 

And the opportunities for disruption are truly ripe.

retail unicorns 7

Bain Capital Ventures has participated IN every single funding round for Rent the Runway, including its seed round and most recent capital raise that brought the company to unicorn status. Partner Scott Friend says the firm began discussing the idea of the "sharing economy" and penchant for renting a decade ago, an interest that coincided nicely with a meeting with Rent the Runway founders Jennifer Hyman and Jenny Fleiss. He believes "this new behavior of having a 'closet in the cloud'" is still in its "early innings" and has massive potential. 

Rent the Runway's consistent raising of capital over the years has been funneled aggressively towards inventory growth. The careful selection, purchase, and processing of fashion-forward designer pieces is integral to serving the company's rapidly increasing member base, who are always looking for new styles to introduce to their closet.

It's also being used to expand into more product categories (it recently launched a kids' line and announced a partnership with West Elm), open a second distribution warehouse, and open a new store in San Francisco. 

The art of customer engagement and community-building isn't lost on these companies. They've all figured out that the fans provide the hype. 

These four startups are talented at managing and maintaining relationships with their customers, who end up being better marketing tools than any internal strategy.

Social media makes it easy for brands to interact directly with customers, who often use the platform to discuss new products they'd like to see and rave about their experiences (or air any grievances). When they feel like they have a stake and influence in the operations of a brand they love, they're more likely to feel valued as a customer and make repeat purchases. 

It's also where they proudly show others how they styled their latest Rent the Runway pieces, incorporated a Glossier product into their daily makeup routine, spent a blissful weekend morning in on their Casper mattress, or packed their Away carry-on in preparation for a tropical vacation.

What is essentially free advertising confirms the quality of the products while feeling more authentic than a paid placement. By encouraging this type of behavior, and continuing to make quality products to prompt it in the first place, the unicorn startups can ensure growth that's not only quick, but also — more importantly —  sustainable. 

retail unicorns 6

So, with such a strong start to 2019, what can we expect in the retail VC landscape for the remainder of the year? 

Bain Capital Ventures partner Scott Friend says that investors are increasingly interested in how products are distributed and experienced before purchase. He says investors are "realizing that the most disruptively interesting opportunities in commerce are less about new brands, per se, and more about new forms of distribution — concepts that are replacing traditional brick-and-mortar retail shopping with a better, faster, higher, ROI value for the consumer." 

"I also expect we'll see more investment in exciting new experiential retail concepts, leveraging virtual and augmented reality to create experiences for consumers that are physical, social, and associated with commerce." 

We're already seeing hints of these practices being implemented. Casper, Away, Rent the Runway, and Glossier all have a limited number of retail shops nationwide where customers can discover and shop in real life.

Compared to that of traditional brick-and-mortars, the design of the shops tends to be less aggressive about selling and more intent on introducing the brand to new potential customers. Aside from its Sleep Shop retail concepts, Casper has even opened a nap room called The Dreamery, which offers a 45-minute moment of respite for weary travelers and office workers. 

These 2019 retail unicorns are showing no sign of stopping as they reinvent online shopping. Learn more about their beginnings and stories, below. 

Rent the Runway

Rent designer clothing from Rent the Runway here

Founded: In November 2009 by Jennifer Hyman and Jenny Fleiss

Valuation: $1 billion (reached March 2019) 

The story: Own a house, own a car, own the clothes in your closet. The long-standing American paradigm prides ownership above all else, but Rent the Runway is flipping the script and proving that renting can be preferable to buying. You may have heard of it as the place where you go to find a nice dress for prom, a wedding, or other formal event. Increasingly, however, it's becoming known for its membership model, which lets you rent out unlimited styles every month and encourages fashion discoveries and risks, without the burden of ownership. 

The best products to buy:

Learn more about Rent the Runway: 



Away

Shop suitcases at Away here

Founded: In February 2015 by Steph Korey and Jen Rubio

Valuation: $1.4 billion (reached May 2019) 

The story: Of the four startups, Away is the fastest to reach unicorn status. Travel isn't a difficult thing to get excited about — everyone is always looking at their next vacation or planning a new itinerary — but the actual products, like suitcases and packing cubes, tend not to incite the same reaction. Away understands that if the suitcase is thoughtfully designed, made from durable materials, and looks beautiful, you'll be as happy to pack your suitcase as you are to explore a cool destination. 

The best products to buy:

Learn more about Away: 



Casper

Shop mattresses and bedding at Casper here

Founded: In November 2013 by Constantin Eis, Gabriel Flateman, Jeff Chapin, Neil Parikh, Philip Krim, T. Luke Sherwin

Valuation: $1.1 billion (reached March 2019) 

The story: One of the earliest bed-in-a-box startups, Casper is obsessed with sleep and getting you to stay in bed all morning long. Its original, award-winning mattress is its core business and probably always will be, but its expansion into pillows, bedding, bed frames, and small accessories like a sleep light and night stand shows it really wants to take over your entire bedroom. Famous athletes, musicians, and actors are all investors in this buzzy, universally loved company. 

The best products to buy:

Learn more about Casper: 



Glossier

Shop beauty and makeup at Glossier here

Founded: In October 2014 by Emily Weiss 

Valuation: $1.2 billion (reached March 2019) 

The story: From editorial skin-care and beauty site Into the Gloss emerged Glossier, the shop that calls itself a "people-powered beauty ecosystem." It practically invented the obsession with glowy, dewy skin, and many of its products focus on bringing out your best natural features. Such messages of "less is more" are aligning well with the minimalist living trends of today and are surprisingly effective at attracting lines out the door at Glossier's stores and pop-ups. 

The best products to buy:

Learn more about Glossier:



Mansions and penthouses are lingering on the market in major US luxury markets. Plummeting interest among foreign buyers is largely to blame.

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Luxury real estate

Multimillion-dollar homes in the most popular markets across the US aren't selling.

In the first quarter of 2019, homes sales listed at $2 million and above saw a year-over-year decrease of 16%. And, while homes sales fell, inventory rose by 14%.

The Wall Street Journal's Laura Kusisto reported that one of the reasons there's a glut of luxury residential real estate across the US is because foreign buyers are buying less. Industry professionals told Kusisto the pullback can be traced back to a slowing global economy, a stronger US dollar, President Trump's anti-immigration rhetoric, and the trade war with China.

According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, foreign buyers bought $77.9 billion worth of residential real estate from April 2018 to March 2019. That's a 36% decrease — down from $121 billion — from the year prior.

The report also shows that despite China being the biggest buyer of US residential real estate — purchasing 17% of all the properties sold to foreign buyers — the number of purchases made by Chinese buyers dropped 56% compared to the year prior.

Read more:7 multimillion-dollar homes that have been sitting on the market for years

The luxury market in 2019 is a tale of many price cuts

Some of the country's major luxury markets — including Miami, Manhattan, and Los Angeles— are feeling the effects.

Business Insider's Hillary Hoffower summed up the status of the luxury market, writing, "NYC has a penthouse problem, LA has a mansion problem, and Miami has a condo problem."

Just consider Miami Beach, where high-end condo sales are on the decline. In the first quarter of 2019, there were 691 condo sales, down 24% compared to the first quarter of 2015.

And then there's the glut of mega-mansions in Los Angeles, many of which are getting massive price cuts. In January, Business Insider's Katie Warren reported that the LA mega-mansion dubbed "Billionaire," which was at one point the most expensive listing in the US, got a $100 million price chop. 

Real-estate agents and developers in Los Angeles are so desperate to get mega-mansions off the market that they are throwing $100,000 parties in them and making Hollywood-style movie trailers for the homes to attract buyers.

But the desperation doesn't stop there. Over on the East Coast, too, brokers are slashing prices at high speed. In the first five months of 2018, Mansion Global reported that over half of Manhattan's luxury homes listed for $4 million and above were sold at discounted prices. 

SEE ALSO: Hong Kong locals desperate for housing are considering putting in offers on haunted houses, and it's a sign of how unaffordable property in the city is

DON'T MISS: An LA estate that was featured in 'The Beverly Hillbillies' and was once the most expensive home for sale in the US just got a $50 million price cut — take a look at the mansion

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Most hurricanes that hit the US come from the same exact spot in the world

Sustainable bedding startup Buffy released a new comforter made entirely from eucalyptus fiber — and it's worth the $210 if you like to stay cool at night

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buffy comforter

  • Online bedding startup Buffy incorporated eucalyptus into its first product, the Cloud Comforter.
  • On Earth Day, it went a step further by releasing a new product made entirely from eucalyptus called the Breeze Comforter ($180-$260). 
  • This sustainable material uses less water to process and lends its naturally soothing, hypoallergenic, and temperature-regulating properties to a piece of bedding that's often overheating.
  • The 30-day free trial lets you experience the comforter for yourself before you decide to the commit to it.

Sustainable bedding startup Buffy, which launched in late 2017 with its now-best-selling Cloud Comforter, is back with another product, and it's even cooler than the last. 

Aptly introduced on Earth Day 2019, the Breeze Comforter ($180-$260) is 100% plant-based and promises to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. 

While Buffy's inaugural comforter featured a eucalyptus fiber outer shell and reclaimed PET bottle inner fill, the new Breeze is made entirely from eucalyptus, resulting in a light, soft, and comfortable blanket that might be very difficult to extract yourself from in the morning. 

Read more: I tried Buffy, a popular down-alternative comforter made of recycled plastic bottles — and it was super effective at regulating temperature

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Bedtime under the Breeze 

Out of its compressed packaging, the Breeze comforter might be thinner than you'd expect, but it quickly fluffs up within a few nights' sleep. It feels light and airy, exactly what you want as seasons change and temperatures warm up. 

In the case of bedding, what's on the outside counts as much as what's inside. Complementing the loose and fluffy eucalyptus fiber fill is a woven eucalyptus fiber shell that rests cool and silky smooth on your skin. The naturally breathable, temperature-regulating composition is a godsend to anyone who tends to overheat while sleeping and has tried every tactic in the book — swinging one leg outside of their comforter, running a fan through the night, wearing silky PJs, and the like. The hypoallergenic, non-irritating material benefits sensitive skin as well. 

The Breeze has a wavy stitched pattern, rather than a traditional grid pattern, which the company says helps keep the fill in place. It's also simply more aesthetically pleasing and calming to look at. 

Read more: This $249 weighted blanket is made from eucalyptus trees — it's breathable, biodegradable, and helps me sleep better

buffy comforter 3

Better for you, better for the planet 

As much as Buffy obviously cares about giving you a more comfortable sleep experience, its concerted effort to use eucalyptus has far-reaching impact beyond your bedroom. Eucalyptus consumes up to 10 times less water than cotton, and Buffy has helped conserve over 100 million gallons of water to date while producing its comforters. During this first week of launch, it's planting a tree for every Breeze comforter sold, in partnership with non-profit conservancy group American Forests.

Because it's 100% plant-based, a first in the mass bedding market, it's fully compostable. And it ships within one business day via certified carbon-neutral shipping. 

The Breeze is worth the splurge, but you have 30 days to decide for yourself 

Unsurprisingly, a comforter that successfully balances human-friendly and Earth-friendly functionality comes at a premium cost: $220 for a full/queen and $260 for a king/California king.

You do get a 30-day free trial to see whether you want to pay that much, though it personally only took me a week to decide that I needed this luxurious soft and breathable comforter for spring and summer snoozing. 

Shop the Breeze Comforter ($180-$260) at Buffy here

Shop the Cloud Comforter ($130-$200) at Buffy here 

Join the conversation about this story »

The best notebooks you can buy

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  • Notebooks are essential tools for writers, artists, students, and anyone who wants to keep track of their daily thoughts.
  • The best notebook for most people is the Miquelrius Flexible Black Leather Cover Notebook because of its durable, eco-friendly exterior that binds 300 sheets of high-quality extra opaque paper.

Chances are you already have a note-taking app on your smartphone or tablet, but despite this technological convenience, many people still prefer to keep a notebook handy for personal reflection and organization.

Psychologists have noted the many health benefits of journaling, too. It can help you clarify your thoughts and feelings, reduce stress, and solve problems more efficiently. Skeptical of this type of pop psychology? Then put your faith in literary icon Joan Didion, who writes about the profound ways in which you can learn about yourself simply by recording daily observations. If soul-searching isn't your thing, having a notebook, or a planner, is also a practical way of keeping your life in order.

The ideal notebook should be durable enough to use over a long period of time and contain high-quality paper that won't deteriorate in storage. The type of paper you choose should depend on your intended use for the notebook. Artists and those who prefer to write with fountain pens will want a notebook containing thick paper, with a high gram per square meter (gsm) count. Lighter paper is better for note-taking, as it tends to be smoother and allows you to write faster. We researched and tested both varieties to find the best of thick and thin.

Additional features like paper size, sheet style (ruled, dotted, graph or blank), and format are also important factors to consider before purchasing a notebook. We've rounded up the best of several different styles to help you find a notebook that will match your specific needs.

Here are the best notebooks you can buy:

Keep reading for more details about our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best planners for students and professionals

The best notebook overall

The Miquelrius Flexible Handmade Leather Journal is bound by bendable but tough recycled leather and packed thick with 300 sheets of smooth, wide-ruled paper.

The Miquelrius Flexible Handmade Leather Journal is handcrafted in Spain by a company that has been crafting stationery for 179 years. The lightweight, extra-opaque paper (70 gsm) is smooth to the touch and the margins are wider than some of its more popular competitors, like Moleskine.

Although the paper is thinner than other notebooks, the strong opacity allows you to write with any style of pen, without your words "ghosting" the back of the page. I prefer to use a felt-tip with this notebook because I think it complements the smoothness of the paper and makes it easier to write fast.

The paper is bound by glue as opposed to the more traditional thread-stitching. This isn't always the most dependable method, but my notebook has survived for more than two years without the binding showing any signs of wear, and I take it with me everywhere I go.

One Amazon reviewer, who described the Miquelrius as a go-to journal, said, "So far, I have never had the journal come apart/lose pages. I use these every day and they take quite a bit of handling, so they seem quite durable."

The recycled leather has a coarse surface that is virtually impenetrable to scratches and scuff marks. But at the same time, the material is elastic, so the cover and binding fold in half with ease. This ensures the notebook will lay flat when opened to any page. And since the binding isn't stiff, you don't need to keep your writing hand grounded in order to keep the pages from turning unintentionally.

The Miquelrius Flexible Handmade Leather Journal comes in two different sizes: 6 by 8.2 inches and a smaller 4 by 5.75 inches. We recommend the larger option that uses an A5 sheet size. This format gives you just the right amount of space on the page. Anything larger would make the notebook bulky, given its hefty page-count.

This size comes in two sheet styles: lined and graph. Miquelrius notebooks are certainly not cheap, but they are good investments.

Note: This product ships internationally and may incur an extra shipping cost.

Pros: Durable leather cover, smooth pages, generous page count

Cons: Expensive



The best notebook for traveling

The Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Hard Cover Notebook uses a special paper that repels water, sweat, grease, and mud. 

Designed specifically for outdoor use, Rite in the Rain notebooks are the ideal travel companions for writers on the go. The notebook uses wood-based, recyclable paper protected by a patented coating that the company has been innovating for more than 100 years.

Rite in the Rain's 32-pound paper (120 gsm) also meets the standard for archival quality paper, ensuring your travel memories will endure through years of storage. One fan, whose father fought in the Navy during World War II, said, "His 1942 Rite in the Rain journal is still intact, containing daily accounts of life during the war."

For its hardcovers, Rite in the Rain uses Fabrikoid, a unique type of imitation leather made from cotton cloth. The company's softcover notebooks have a more flexible paper-based cover. But for travelers, we suggest the hardcover option. Even if your itinerary is more city walking tour than rainforest excursion, it's always a good idea to have a little extra protection when you take a notebook to take on the road.

The thread-stitched binding and glue are also designed to be weather resistant. One Amazon reviewer confirmed that they last, saying, "The pages feel like they're great quality. The binding is great. The cover is durable. And yes ... the pages repel water."

An important factor to consider, however, is the limitation on writing instruments that are compatible with the water-resistant paper. When the paper is wet, you are limited to writing with pencils, wax markers, crayons or Rite in the Rain's specially-designed pens. When it's dry you can use permanent markers and ballpoint pens, but the paper will not work with gel pens, fountain pens, or highlighters. If you're traveling and lose your writing instrument, this can be frustrating.

Rite in the Rain's Weatherproof Hard Cover Notebook comes in several different field-specific sheet styles, but also the standard lined and grid formats. At 80 sheets, the notebook won't weigh you down, but it still provides enough paper to last your entire trip.

Pros: Designed to fight the elements, ideal size for travel

Cons: Water-resistant paper only works with certain writing instruments



The best notebook for artists

The Speedball Travelogue Watercolor Book has an elegant natural-linen binding and uses paper that works well with both paint and ink.

There are several different types of watercolor paper. The Speedball Travelogue Watercolor Book uses cold-pressed paper, which is more textured than hot-pressed but smoother than rough watercolor paper. This makes the Travelogue Watercolor Book functional for its intended purpose, but also compatible with mixed media compositions and ink sketches.

One art blogger compared it to a similar Moleskine notebook, saying, "I prefer the cold press paper here than the Moleskine. It's suitable for pen ink and watercolor. The sizing on both sides of the paper is more consistent. And it handles wet on wet slightly better than the Moleskine."

To get an idea of the thickness, the paper is 200 gsm, which is a common weight for Manila folders and index cards. And since all fine artists have an eye for visual aesthetics, this notebook gets a few extra points for its elegant natural-linen cover. The exterior is also quite durable and includes an elastic closure.

The Speedball Travelogue Watercolor Book is bound by a combination of glue and thread stitching. One Amazon user complained about the glue spreading and sticking to the pages, but after contacting the company, the buyer received a free replacement notebook that earned a new 5-star review.

The large landscape format seems to be the most popular among watercolor painters, but the notebook also comes in two portrait sizes, a square size, and a unique pocket panorama format. The notebook only contains 60 pages, but given the high-quality paper, it's still a value pick.

Note: This product was previously known as the Global Art Materials Travelogue Watercolor Book.

Pros: Meant for watercolor, but also works great with ink

Cons: It's only 60 pages



The best notebook for note-taking

The ultra-smooth texture and wide margins inside the Midori MD Notebook make note-taking fast and easy.

When it comes to note-taking, speed is the name of the game. Students and professionals who need to jot down information quickly will appreciate the fact that Midori's paper is made from broad-leaved trees instead of more common conifer trees, which gives an added smoothness.

The Japanese company takes a lot of pride in how they make paper (its website provides an in-depth look at the process) and after continuous use, I found that the paper is the main reason why the Midori MD Notebook is the best for note-taking.

A close second, however, is the margins. When I'm writing fast, my handwriting gets much larger, and the wide margins help reduce sloppy note-taking. It also has a unique bold centerline in the middle of each page, so you can divide the upper and lower sections and organize accordingly.

Midori notebooks are known for their clean, minimalist aesthetic. The exterior consists of a blank sheet of paraffin paper instead of a traditional cover. Although the coverless design is attractive, after a while, it will show signs of ware. This isn't a good notebook for extended use outside of the classroom or office space.

The thread-stitched binding, however, is quite durable. It's only covered by a strip of cheesecloth mesh tape, so you can crease the binding — just like you would a paperback novel. This feature also keeps your writing hand at a comfortable angle, allowing you to take notes over a period of time without cramping up.

A Wired review noted how Midori "pairs a minimalist look with maximalist functionality: Open the notebook at any page and it'll lie at a flat 180 degrees."

I prefer the A5 sheet size. Midori offers this version in lined, gridded, and blank. It's also available in A4, A6, and a slimmer B4, but not all versions are easy to find in the United States. At 88 pages, the notebook is the perfect length to dedicate to a class or work project.

Pros: Smooth paper for writing fast, large margins, attractive minimalist design

Cons: It doesn't have a cover



The best notebook for lefties

The Lemome A5 Wide Ruled Hardcover Writing Notebook is ideal for left-handed writers because of its extra-thick paper that dries quickly and prevents smudging.

Lefties living in the right-handed world know the struggle of finding products that accommodate our unique predicament. Especially when it comes to writing, we seek out pens that don't bleed, steer clear of wire-bound notebooks, and loathe having to constantly wash the ink off the side of our hands. But these inconveniences can be avoided by using a notebook like the Lemome A5 Wide Ruled Hardcover Writing Notebook, which boasts thick, 125-gsm paper that dries fast and prevents smudging.

Lemome says its paper is 30% to 50% thicker than normal notebooks. With more than 600 customer reviews on Amazon, the notebook maintains a 4.7 out of 5 rating, and much of the acclaim is due to the quality of the paper. One reviewer, who noted the exceptional balance, said, "The paper is coated enough that the ink does not bleed out but also absorbs/dries fast enough to not smear."

The faux leather exterior guards the front and back cover of the notebook, but not the thread-stitched binding. Lefties will enjoy this unique feature because it adds protection without reducing the flexibility of the notebook. That means the front cover won't rise up against your hand while you're trying to write — a constant nuisance for lefties who prefer hardcover notebooks. Some people, however, have had issues with the binding coming undone.

The one sacrifice lefties have to make when opting for thick paper is smoothness. The 125-gsm paper is admittedly coarse and it's hard to write fast on it, which can be frustrating at times. But an added plus, there's virtually no bleed or ghosting, even with wet ink.

The notebook contains 90 sheets, and as a hardcover, the price is very reasonable (usually around $15 on Amazon). It comes in the standard blank, dot, grid, and ruled sheet styles, with an A5 paper size. It also has an elastic closure and an elastic pen holder on the outside of the binding.

Pros: Paper dries quickly, the firm binding lays the notebook flat

Cons: Paper thickness makes it less smooth, some users have had issues with the binding



Check out our guide to the best smart notebooks

The best smart notebooks you can buy to keep your notes in the cloud

A smart notebook can make your note-taking more interactive and intuitive. The Moleskine Smart Writing Set is our favorite because it's a high-quality notebook with a great pen and an easy-to-use app that syncs all your notes.

We also like the Wacom Bamboo Slate for people who enjoy drawing, because this notebook is easy to use and comes in two sizes, making it a great option for artists and note-takers alike. You can also get it in a larger, more professional Folio notebook style.

If you're looking for a notebook that will last forever, the Rocketbook Everlast is about as close as you can get. It uses special paper and pens so you can just wipe down the page after it's served its purpose. The company also makes the Rocketbook Wave, which saves your notes to the cloud lets you microwave it to erase the pages when you're done.

 

 



How to boot your Windows 10 computer into 'Safe Mode,' to diagnose and troubleshoot problems

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  • If you're having problems with Windows, you can troubleshoot by booting your computer into Safe Mode, which doesn't use most of the files and drivers associated with a full version of Windows.   
  • There are several ways to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10, depending upon how serious your problems are. You can start Safe Mode from Settings, the sign-in screen, and even a completely blank, unresponsive display.
  • You can boot into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 10, depending upon whether you will need internet access to solve your computer problems.  
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Safe Mode is a startup mode for Windows that uses a basic set of drivers and files as a sort of "clean slate" for troubleshooting a problematic computer. 

There are several ways to start in Safe Mode in Windows 10, and you can use the one that's most practical given the kind of problem you are having with your computer. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 Home (From $129.99 on Amazon)

How to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 from Settings

If your computer is running and you can see the Windows desktop, you should be able to start Safe Mode from Settings. 

1. Open Settings from the Start menu. 

2. Click "Update & Security."

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3. In the pane on the left, click "Recovery."

4. In the Advanced startup section, click "Restart now."

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5. When your computer restarts, you'll see the "Choose an option" screen. Click "Troubleshoot."

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6. Click "Advanced options," click "Startup settings," and then click "Restart."

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7. After the computer restarts again, you'll see a list of restart options. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select "4" (or press F4) to start in Safe Mode, or, if you need access to the Internet, select "5" (or press F5).

How to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 from the sign-in screen

1. If your computer won't boot all the way to the desktop, or you can't open Settings, you can start Safe Mode form the sign-in screen instead. 

2. On the sign-in screen, hold the Shift key while you click "Power" and then "Restart."

3. After the computer restarts, you'll see the "Choose an option" screen. Click "Troubleshoot."

4. Click "Advanced options," click "Startup settings," and then click "Restart."

5. After the computer restarts again, you'll see a list of restart options. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select "4" (or press F4) to start in Safe Mode, or, if you need access to the Internet, select "5" (or press F5).

How to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 from a blank screen

If you can't see anything at all on your screen, all hope is not lost — you can still get to Safe Mode for troubleshooting. You'll need to restart your computer several times, so follow these steps carefully:

1. Hold the computer's power button for 10 seconds until the computer shuts off.

2. Press the power button to turn the computer on.

3. As soon as you see that Windows is starting, hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn it off again. 

4. Press the power button to turn it on. 

5. When your computer starts, it should now be in the Windows Recover Environment and showing the "Choose an option" screen. Click "Troubleshoot."

6. Click "Advanced options," click "Startup settings," and then click "Restart."

7. After the computer restarts again, you'll see a list of restart options. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select "4" (or press F4) to start in Safe Mode, or, if you need access to the Internet, select "5" (or press F5).

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best budget Windows laptops you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How Area 51 became the center of alien conspiracy theories

How to log out of Twitter on your computer or mobile device to protect your account's security

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If you have a Twitter account, chances are you log in on a daily basis — or maybe even multiple times a day — to scroll through your timeline. 

Whether it's looking for updates from your favorite celebrity, posting your thoughts on the most recent episode of your favorite TV show, or just passing the time, more than 300 million users log on around the world every month, which is pretty impressive. 

If you're only logging in on your phone or personal computer, you may like the idea of staying logged in at all times. However, there may be times when you need to log out of your Twitter account.

Maybe someone else wants to log into their account on your laptop or you simply want to preserve the security of your account when you're not actively using the site. 

Here's the quick and easy way to log out of Twitter.

How to log out of Twitter on a computer

1. Go to https://www.twitter.com and log into your account. If your previous login is still active, there's no need to enter your user name and password. 

2. On your Twitter home screen, locate the three horizontal dots at the bottom of the menu bar on the left side of your screen and click to reveal a list of menu options. Note that these three dots should appear at the bottom, just beneath the icon of your profile photo. 

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3. At the bottom of the menu, locate the Log Out option and click it to be logged out of your account. 

How to log out of Twitter on a mobile device

1. On your phone's home screen, locate the Twitter app icon and tap to open. 

2. Tap the magnifying glass at the bottom of the screen to go to the app's search page. 

3. On the upper right hand corner of your screen, to the right of the Twitter search bar, tap the cog icon to reveal the Settings and privacy menu. 

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4. Under your username, tap Account. 

5. Locate the "Log out" option in red text at the bottom of your screen. Tap this option to log out of your Twitter account. 

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Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks you can buy

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NOW WATCH: Here's why phone companies like Verizon and AT&T charge more for extra data


A Tesla driver parked his Model 3 on a stranger's lawn in Florida and left the car plugged in at the house for 12 hours

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  • A TeslaModel 3 owner in Florida parked his car on a stranger's lawn and left the vehicle plugged into the person's home for over 12 hours, ABC affiliate WPBF News reported.
  • The vehicle's owner reportedly told the home's owner, Phil Fraumeni, that the Model 3 had run out of battery the previous night as he was driving to visit a friend nearby.
  • Fraumeni did not press charges against the Model 3 owner and did not ask him to pay for the electricity he used to charge the vehicle, WPBF News reported.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

A Tesla Model 3 owner in Florida parked his car on a stranger's lawn and left the vehicle plugged into the person's home for over 12 hours, ABC affiliate WPBF News reported. The station did not specify the vehicle's model, but it appears to be a Model 3, based on photographs of the vehicle shown during a segment on the incident.

The home's owner, Phil Fraumeni, told WPBF that he was told early in the morning on July 19 to move his car from his lawn. Fraumeni told the station he went outside to find the Model 3 parked on the lawn and sidewalk outside his home with an extension cord running from an outlet on his home.

Read more:An Audi dealer blocked Tesla Supercharger stalls with e-trons

He called the police a few hours later, and they determined the vehicle was not stolen, according to the WPBF News report. The vehicle's owner reportedly arrived later and said the Model 3 had run out of battery the previous night as he was driving to visit a friend nearby, so he started charging the vehicle around midnight.

Fraumeni did not press charges against the Model 3 owner and did not ask him to pay for the electricity he used to charge the vehicle, WPBF News reported.

Watch WPBF's full story here.

Have you worked for Tesla? Do you have a story to share? Contact this reporter at mmatousek@businessinsider.com.

 

SEE ALSO: A major Wall Street analyst recently suggested that Tesla is 'strategically undervalued,' but is that true?

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How Area 51 became the center of alien conspiracy theories

I tried a $60 teeth-whitening kit that was personalized to my level of sensitivity and discoloration — here’s what it’s like

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glowup teeth whitening

  • At-home teeth-whitening kits are an affordable and convenient alternative to professional teeth-whitening treatments.
  • The problem is that they can be painful for people with sensitive teeth and aren't specific to any particular type of stains you're concerned with.
  • A new teeth-whitening kit called Glowup ($60) is designed with teeth sensitivity in mind and uses whitening agents that are personalized to your teeth.
  • It's quick and effective: each treatment takes just 16 minutes and can yield up to eight shades of difference in brightness after a week of use. 

A smile changes everything. That's probably why we're always looking to improve our smiles, whether through teeth straightening services, oral care subscriptions like electric toothbrushes, and teeth-whitening products.

If you're someone who's looked into at-home teeth-whitening solutions, you'll know that they're cheaper and more convenient than professional treatments, but they can also be painful or ineffective, and depending on the design, still expensive and inconvenient. 

A new startup called Glowup is making one of the most affordable and innovative teeth-whitening solutions. Glowup's teeth-whitening kit combines a whitening agent personalized to the user's teeth sensitivity and discoloration level with a 16-minute light treatment to deliver pain-free and noticeable results. It costs $60 and is available only on its website. 

glowup teeth whitening 5

Prior to starting Glowup, CEO David Tao tried nearly every type of teeth-whitening product on the market, but most experiences caused unbearable pain for his sensitive teeth. Direct-to-consumer brands like Harry's and Dollar Shave Club inspired him to create a new teeth-whitening concept. He says, "I noticed remarkable similarities between the shaving and teeth-whitening experience: controlled by large players, high mark-ups, terrible in-store buying experience, and paralysis of choice."  

Glowup further differentiates itself in the teeth-whitening space with its personalization process. Tao says, "The hypothesis [is] that if a product is personalized, it can be pain-free and effective for everyone."

The Glowup team is currently comprised entirely of current UC Berkeley students and recent graduates. In the short amount of time since its launch (April 2019), it has secured angel funding from the founders of Curology, as well as a seed grant from a student fund at Berkeley's Haas School of Business. 

I tried out this new teeth-whitening kit to see if it was really as simple and effective as it seemed.

What it's like to use Glowup to whiten your teeth 

First, you need to visit Glowup's website to take a short quiz that will determine the type of whitening agent you receive in your kit. The questionnaire asks about your brushing and flossing habits, your level of teeth sensitivity, and how often you consume stain-causing food and drinks, such as coffee. 

The kit you receive in the mail will look like the below. Each kit includes a whitening light in the form of a mouthpiece, two USB adapters, three customized whitening gels, and a user guide. 

Read more: SmileDirectClub's $79 LED whitening kit worked exceptionally well — and it didn't cause me any tooth sensitivity

glowup teeth whitening 2

Like SmileDirectClub's teeth-whitening kit, the mouthpiece is powered by your phone, so there's no need to stand attached to a wall. You can use it any time you have your phone on you. 

To use the kit, I applied the gel to the top and bottom of the mouthpiece, placed it in my mouth, plugged it into my phone's charger port, and pressed the "on" button. Wearing the light isn't exactly the most natural position to hold your mouth, but overall the experience isn't too uncomfortable and it only lasts 16 minutes. The light automatically turns off once the treatment is completed. 

Read more: The best teeth-whitening kits you can buy

glowup teeth whitening 3

Glowup uses the same enamel-safe whitening agent as dentists, plus natural, anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile and aloe leaf to prevent against sensitivity and pain. My teeth are a little sensitive, and I experienced no pain while using Glowup's whitening kit. 

The results of my testing process 

The three gels should last six to nine treatments (about a week's supply). Glowup suggests using its kit every day until you reach your desired result. I try to avoid some of the worst teeth-staining offenders like coffee and red wine, so my teeth aren't too obviously discolored, but I still have always wished my teeth were whiter.

I'll admit I wasn't good about consistently using the kit at the recommended daily interval, and I was closer to a couple times a week. However, I still saw results and improvements in the color and brightness of my teeth. Depending on the level you start at, Glowup says customers can see up to eight shades of difference in brightness after a week of use. 

The bottom line

Overall, Glowup's teeth-whitening kit was easy to use and really works. Though less convenient than teeth-whitening strips, it didn't intrude too much on my weekly personal care routine, and it's more affordable than other light treatment whitening kits. I also loved that it was customized to my specific needs, not just a general catch-all product. If you have sensitive teeth and have been let down by other teeth-whitening kits out there, it's time to try Glowup

Take the quiz and order your Glowup teeth-whitening kit for $60 here

Join the conversation about this story »

Logan Paul is holding a race to find the fastest YouTuber, and the winner gets $100,000. Here's who is competing.

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  • Logan Paul is holding a track-and-field tournament this upcoming weekend for YouTubers and video creators to compete in events like long jump, hurdles, and relay races.
  • Paul is betting $100,000 that he's the fastest YouTuber, and will compete against challengers for the prize in the 100-meter sprint.
  • These are some of the biggest online video creators who will be competing, including Jake Paul, Tana Mongeau, and Mr Beast.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Logan Paul is betting $100,000 that he's the fastest YouTuber, and is holding a track-and-field event this weekend to put that claim to the test.

Paul and more than 100 online video creators will be competing Saturday in the Challenger Games, a track-and-field-style competition. Fans can purchase tickets to see creators race in events including hurdles, long jump, and shot put. Proceeds from the event will go to charity, the Eventbrite page for Challenger Games says.

However, the headlining event will be the 100-meter sprint. Paul has been claiming that he's the fastest YouTuber on platforms from Twitter to Fox Business. He's putting $100,000 on the line to back his bet, which isn't much considering the YouTuber made $14.5 million in a year.

Paul appeared on Fox Business on Monday in a bizarre interview that left many on social media buzzing with questions. In between explaining that he's an "ex-controversial" YouTuber and admitting he's recently spent more money than he's brought it, Paul reiterated his claim that he's the fastest YouTuber.

"If I'm being quite honest with you, I'm the fastest YouTuber. I'm the fastest entertainer on the planet. I could be the quickest man on the planet," Paul said on Fox Business. "I'm betting $100,000 that I'm the fastest man on the planet."

Read more:The 10 highest-paid YouTubers include the Paul brothers and a 7-year-old toy reviewer — here's the full list

The Challenger Games will take place Saturday night at Long Beach City College. Tickets to attend the event range from $30 to sit in the upper level, to $250 VIP packages.

These are some of the biggest YouTubers and video creators who will be competing in the Challenger Games:

SEE ALSO: Meet Belle Delphine, the Instagram star who sold her bathwater to 'thirsty gamer boys' and had her account shut down over a rules violation

Logan Paul, who has 19.6 million YouTube subscribers, is betting $100,000 that he's the "fastest entertainer on the planet."

Source: Business Insider



Alex Wassabi — whose real name is Alex Burriss — runs the YouTube channel Wassabi, which produces challenge videos and sketch comedy skits.



Amanda Cerny garnered popularity on the now-defunct app Vine, but has more than 25 million followers now on Instagram.



Austin Mcbroom is known online as the father figure of the ACE Family, who documents their pranks on each other on YouTube. Mcbroom was once a NCAA basketball star playing for St. Louis University.

Source: The ACE Family on YouTube, SLU Billikens



Bradley Martyn, a bodybuilder and fitness influencer, has over 2 million YouTube subscribers. He documented how he's been training for the Challenger Games race in a video posted online.

Source: Bradley Martyn on YouTube



Brent Rivera also garnered his social media following first on Vine, but now has over 9 million followers on YouTube



Filmmaker and YouTube vlogger Casey Neistat, who recently moved from New York to Los Angeles, will be making an appearance at the Challenger Games.

Source: Pedestrian TV



Another athlete-turned-YouTuber who has thrown his hat into the ring is Donald De La Haye, known online as Deestroying. A former kicker for the University of Central Florida, De La Haye is now a Canadian footballer who says the race against Paul "can put destroying on the map."

Source: SB Nation, Deestroying on YouTube



Drake Bell, now 33, was once a star of Nickelodeon TV show "Drake & Josh." Bell has recently appeared in YouTube videos alongside former costar Josh Peck and released music. He will now go head-to-head with video creators at the Challenger Games.

Source: Josh Peck on YouTube, DrakeBellVEVO



Known online as FaZe Rug, Brian Awadis has more than 12 million YouTube followers who watch the 22-year-old play pranks on unsuspecting family members and strangers. He's also been deemed one of the directors for professional esports team FaZe Clan.

Source: FaZe Rug on YouTube



Two other members of FaZe Clan will also be participating. FaZe Adapt and FaZe Banks each have more than 5 million YouTube subscribers who follow their lives as part of the notable gaming crew.

Source: FaZe Clan on YouTube



Fousey, whose real name is Yousef Erakat, has largely disappeared from social media in the past year to deal with mental health issues. But Fousey revived his YouTube channel recently, and will show up at the Challenger Games.

Source: Tubefilter, DOSEofFOUSEY on YouTube



Jake Paul, Logan Paul's younger brother, will also be competing. The race is just one day before the 22-year-old Jake Paul is scheduled to get married to fellow YouTuber Tana Mongeau in a Las Vegas wedding that MTV will film.

Source: Business Insider, People



Jordyn Jones is known for showing off her dance moves on reality TV shows and to her 5.3 million followers on short-form video app TikTok.

Source: Jordyn Jones on YouTube



Juanpa Zurita's claim to fame is his comedic sketches on Vine, but the Mexican vlogger still creates skits on YouTube with stars like Lele Pons and Hannah Stocking.

Source: Shots Studios on YouTube



Andrew Bachelor — aka King Bach — was the most-followed person on Vine before it shut down. The comedy star will appear alongside other former Vine personalities at the Challenger Games.



One of the most popular users on TikTok is Kristen Hancher, who has more than 23 million followers on the app. She's also a member of Team 10, a group of young influencers headed up by Jake Paul.



LaurDIY (whose real name is Lauren Riihimaki) is a popular beauty and lifestyle YouTuber with more than 9 million subscribers. In announcing her participation in the Challenger Games, Riihimaki wrote on Twitter, "I’m coming out of retirement and putting the cake pops down."

Source: LaurDIY on Twitter



Saudi Arabian model and social media star Model Roz confirmed her participation on Instagram to her 10.8 million followers. "Watch you back!!! I'm gonna smoke you," she wrote in her photo caption.

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MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, has amassed more than 21 million YouTube subscribers. He's known for his video-gaming videos and challenges where he gives winners thousands of dollars, but he'll now be competing in a foot race for his own shot at $100,000.

Source: MrBeast on YouTube



Peyton List first found fame as part of the cast of the Disney Channel TV show "Jessie" alongside Debby Ryan and Cameron Boyce. The actress has nearly 16 million followers on Instagram.



YouTuber Rebecca Zamolo was worth as estimated $3.2 million in 2018. Her 7 million subscribers will watch her compete in the Challenger Games.

Source: Gazette Review



RiceGum, aka Bryan Le, has 10.8 million subscribers on YouTube, but he's well-known for his diss about Jake Paul and critiques of other online creators. It remains to be seen how he'll hold up against other YouTubers at the Challenger Games.



Model Sommer Ray has amassed more than 21 million Instagram followers since she started as a fitness influencer. Now, she'll race this weekend with Amanda Cerny, with whom she hosts a podcast.



Tana Mongeau will be competing at the Challenger Games alongside her fiancé, Jake Paul, before the two get married the next day in Las Vegas.

Source: Business Insider



Tanner Fox is a stunt scooter rider and avid car racer with 8.8 million YouTuber subscribers.



Tim Chantarangsu, who goes by Timothy DeLaGhetto on YouTube, has gained a following online for his comedy sketches and rap parodies.



VitalyzTV, also known as Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, stars in elaborate pranks for his more than 10 million YouTube subscribers. He's recently gained notoriety when his girlfriend ran onto the field in the middle of the Champions League soccer final.

Source: New York Post



Besides these influencers, there are dozens of other creators who have committed to the Challenger Games. Watch the teaser video for the Challenger Games to see more creators who are competing.

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Amex Platinum vs Delta Reserve: Both get you into any Delta lounge, but one goes even further

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The American Express Platinum Card and the Delta Reserve Credit Card have a lot in common. They both have high annual fees putting them squarely in the "premium" card space, they both get you access to Delta Sky Club airport lounges when you fly Delta, and they're both issued by American Express.

The fact that both get you access to Delta Sky Clubs means that people often look at the two cards as relatively interchangeable. However, the two cards are actually pretty different. Here's what to consider when deciding between the two.

Amex Platinum vs. Delta Reserve: Comparing welcome offers

The Platinum Card has a standard welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 on the card in your first three months. Before you apply, though, check the CardMatch tool to see if you're eligible for a higher offer of 100,000 points with the same spending requirement.

Meanwhile, the Delta Reserve is offering 40,000 Delta SkyMiles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) when you spend $3,000 in the first three months. It occasionally offers an elevated bonus of 75,000 miles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) when you spend $5,000 in the first three months, but that's not currently available. 

The Platinum card actually beats the Reserve for earning points on Delta flights

The Platinum Card earns a whopping 5x points on flights purchased directly from an airline or through Amex Travel services. It also earns 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to a handful of airline frequent flyer partners, including Delta.

That means that the Platinum Card actually beats the Delta Reserve for earning on Delta flights — the Reserve only offers 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta, and 1x mile on everything else.

The Platinum card offers more extensive lounge access

Both the Amex Platinum Card and the Delta Reserve Card offer access to Delta Sky Club lounges, as long as the cardholder is flying with Delta that day.

However, the Platinum Card also offers access to Amex's network of Centurion Lounges. There are currently eight locations in the US, one in Hong Kong, and more set to open in the near future, with more likely on the way. While these lounges can sometimes get a bit crowded — Amex has recently expanded several locations to better handle their popularity — they offer ample seating, fast Wi-Fi, complimentary meals, cocktails, and coffee, and snacks.

The Platinum Card also comes with a complimentary membership in Priority Pass, a network of more than 1,200 airport lounges around the world, including 60-70 in the US (lounges occasionally join or leave the program). Several other cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, also include this, and Priority Pass is actually more limited on Amex cards, because Amex recently eliminated non-lounge Priority Pass access, so airport restaurants are excluded from your membership.

There are alsointernational Amex-branded lounges you can access as a Platinum cardholder, including in Mumbai, Delhi, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Sydney, and, most recently announced, Melbourne.

Then, there are a handful of other random lounges, including ones that fall under the Plaza Premium, Air Space, and Escapes brands — these number more than 50.

Overall, the Platinum Card's lounge access is significantly more extensive — if you prioritize the greatest access, don't always fly Delta, and want to enjoy Centurion Lounges, the Platinum Card is the best option. However, if you only fly Delta and mainly visit airports with Sky Clubs, the Reserve should suffice.

Both cards offer in-flight perks

One of the Platinum Card's benefits is up to $200 each calendar year in airline fee credits. Each year, you choose one US airline for the credits to apply. Then, anytime you use your card for things like on-board food or drinks, upgrades to extra leg-room seats, checked bags, lounge passes for guests, or other expenses, the credit will be automatically applied.

The Delta Reserve offers a handful of direct benefits anytime you fly Delta. You'll get one free checked bag for each person on the cardholder's reservation (up to nine people total), priority boarding so you can settle in sooner and snag space in the overhead compartments, a 20% discount in the form of a statement credit on Delta in-flight purchases, and no foreign-transaction fees.

The Reserve also offers a potentially big, rarely discussed perk for Delta Medallion, or elite, frequent flyers.

Delta Medallion flyers are eligible for complimentary, space-available upgrades to first class and Delta One on flights within the US and the region, including Mexico and Central America, and extra-legroom seats on international flights.

Upgrades clear in hierarchical order based on a number of factors, including each passenger's Medallion status level, the original fare class they booked, and a few other factors. The first tiebreaker for people with the same Medallion level and fare class: whether they hold the Delta Reserve card. Reserve cardholders will be prioritized over those without. If there's only one seat left and two members are still tied and both have the Reserve, it continues down the list of tiebreakers.

For travelers who fly a lot and frequently find themselves one or two upgrade-list spots away from getting that first-class seat, holding the Reserve can be extremely valuable.

Both cards have high annual fees

As premium cards, both the Amex Platinum and the Delta Reserve have high annual fees, but the benefits may make up for them.

The Amex Platinum's fee is $550. However, this is offset by up to $200 in airline fee credits each calendar year, up to $200 in Uber credits each cardmember year, up to $100 in shopping credits each year, and benefits like lounge access and rewards. When you factor in the statement credits, the annual fee is virtually wiped out, making it a positive value for any user who can use the full credits.

The Delta Reserve's fee is $450. It doesn't have comparable annual credits, but the benefits like lounge access and upgrade priority makes the fee worthwhile for some.

The Reserve offers an MQD waiver and bonus MQMs

Each level of Delta Medallion frequent flyer status requires you to have flown and spent a certain amount with the airline. Medallion Qualification Miles, or MQMs, are earned based on how many miles you fly with Delta (or partner airlines). The first level of Medallion status, Silver, requires 25,000 MQMs. Medallion Qualification Dollars, or MQDs, are based on how much you've spent. In most cases, MQDs are earned based on the ticket price paid, excluding taxes and fees that can make up a significant portion of the ticket. Silver Medallion requires 3,000 MQDs.

When you have the Delta Reserve (or the mid-tier Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express), and you spend $25,000 in a calendar year, you'll be waived from the coming year's MQD requirement for any Medallion level except for the highest (Diamond).

If you have the Reserve and spend another $5,000, for a total of $30,000 in a calendar year, you'll get a bonus of 15,000 MQMs and 15,000 redeemable SkyMiles.

As an airline-agnostic card, the Amex Platinum Card doesn't offer anything comparable. However, only big spenders and frequent Delta flyers who wouldn't otherwise qualify for the next level of status can make use of this benefit.

Platinum also offers hotel benefits, PreCheck, and Global Entry

The Platinum Cardcomes with complimentary Gold-level elite status in both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs. If you stay at hotels even a few nights a year, these benefits can be extremely valuable — especially because Hilton Honors Gold status entitles you to free breakfast, which can save a lot of money each morning.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry (which comes with PreCheck) are absolute musts for just about any traveler. Once you enroll, you can use special lanes to breeze through airport security — you won't have to remove shoes and light coats, and you can leave your laptop in your bag. With Global Entry, you can use a fast lane when you return to the US from abroad, which makes clearing immigration and customs easy and quick. The programs cost $85-$100, and American Express will provide an up-to-$100 credit for that fee every four years (memberships are valid for five years).

Amex also offers Platinum cardmembers access to the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program. When you book participating hotels through Amex Travel (there are nearly 1,000 worldwide), you'll enjoy valuable perks including room upgrades, free breakfast, late checkout, free Wi-Fi, and a unique amenity at each hotel, like a credit to use at on-property spas or restaurants.

Reserve also offers a free annual companion pass for domestic flights

Each year on your Delta Reserve cardmember anniversary, you'll get a complimentary domestic companion pass, good for a first class or main cabin round-trip within the continental US.

A companion pass is essentially a buy-one-get-one-free coupon. When you book flight for yourself anywhere within the continental US, you can get a second ticket for free, other than minimal taxes and fees. The Platinum Delta SkyMiles card also comes with a companion pass, although that one is only good for economy flights.

Bottom line: Both cards are useful if you fly Delta

Both cards come with useful benefits for anyone who flies Delta. Which card is better ultimately comes down to personal preference and your own travel habits.

Learn more about the Amex Platinum Card from Insider Picks' partner The Points Guy.

Learn more about the Delta Reserve AmEx card from Insider Picks' partner The Points Guy.

SEE ALSO: The best credit card rewards, bonuses, and benefits of 2019

Join the conversation about this story »

How to post a GIF on Instagram using a free GIF-making app for iPhone and Android

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instagram app

  • You can post GIFs on Instagram to make an amusing, interesting, and eye-catching post.
  • You cannot simply share a GIF you've saved directly to Instagram, however — it will appear as a static image if you do so.
  • Using the free GIPHY Cam app will let you share animated GIFs on Instagram, and the posting process only takes a minute longer than a standard Instagram post.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If a picture says a thousand words, then a great GIF can say a million. 

Whether you want to share a short animated clip that's funny, poignant, informative, or shocking, posting a GIF on Instagram is a great way to share memorable media. 

But you can't simply post a GIF to Instagram from your phone's camera roll. You have to use a third-party app to convert the GIF into a file type that Instagram allows, and then upload it.

Fortunately several such apps exist, and one of the easiest to use, GIPHY Cam, also happens to be free. So, to post a GIF on Instagram, just follow these steps.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $729 at Apple)

Google Pixel 3 (From $799.99 at Best Buy)

How to post a GIF on Instagram

1. Download and set up the GIPHY Cam app on your iPhone or Android phone.

IMG_3448.PNG

2. Make sure that you have the GIF you want to post saved to your Camera Roll.

3. Open the GIPHY Cam app and tap the icon of the camera roll, or the thumbnail of a picture from your camera roll to open your smartphone camera library.

4. Tap the GIF you want to post, then tap the ">" icon to convert the GIF.

5. Hit the word "Next" to convert the GIF into a video format Instagram allows.

6. Tap the Instagram logo and then proceed as you would to make a standard Instagram post.

IMG_4901

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Why Apple's Mac Pro 'trash can' was a colossal failure

Save up to $480 on summer-weight suits at Indochino — and 7 other sales and deals happening now

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We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening online today, with savings at Indochino, Dell, Dockers, and Barneys New York. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

Indochino

1. Save up to 60% on summer suits at Indochino

A good suit should always be tailored to your body, never just purchased off a rack. Indochino is leading the way in made-to-order custom suits online, and the brand is having a massive mid-summer sale. For a limited time, you can save up to 60% on suits including summer and all-season suits. Originally priced at $799, select suits can be had for $319 — a $480 savings.

Shop the Indochino sale now

Dell

2. Save up to $300 on PCs and up to 30% on electronics at Dell

Dell is kicking off its back-to-school sale with savings on all the electronics you'll need for the fall semester. For a limited time, you can save up to $300 on PCs and laptops and up to 30% on other accessories like keyboards, mice, and monitors. Visit Business Insider Coupons for more deals and sales at Dell

Shop the Dell sale now

nordstrom rack

3. Save an extra 25% on clearance items at Nordstrom Rack

Although Nordstrom's huge Anniversary sale is going on now, Nordstrom Rack is having a sale of its own. Today only, Nordy Club members can save an extra 25% on already reduced items by entering a phone number or using a Nordstrom credit card at checkout. You can find apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty products, and much more deeply discounted at Nordstrom Rack regularly, so this is your best chance to maximize savings. Visit Business Insider Coupons for the most up-to-date deals at Nordstrom Rack.

Shop the Nordstrom Rack sale now

Foot Locker

4. Save 20% on orders of $99 or more at Foot Locker

With sneakers and apparel from top brands like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Reebok, New Balance, and Puma, Foot Locker is exactly where you'll want to shop for the freshest sportswear. For a limited time, you can save 20% on orders of $99 or more by using the promo code "HOTDEALS" at checkout. Visit Business Insider Coupons for the latest promotions at Foot Locker.

Shop the Foot Locker sale now

Snapfish

5. Save 55% on photo gifts at Snapfish

Instead of keeping all of your photos locked away on an SD card or computer hard drive, bring them to life with Snapfish prints. Now through July 27, you can save 55% on photo gift orders of $29 or more or 30% on all other orders with the promo code "55JULY30". From photo albums and canvases to printed mugs and calendars, Snapfish has a great selection of items to share and display your best memories.  Visit Business Insider Coupons for the latest sale and deals at Snapfish.

Shop the Snapfish sale now

Dockers

6. Save 30% on your order at Dockers

Dockers is a dependable place to find both casual and workwear staples. Regardless of what you're shopping for specifically, the brand is running a sale you'll want to shop. Today only, you can save 30% on your order by using the promo code "ALLSTAR" at checkout. The sale includes T-shirts, short-sleeve button-ups, chino shorts, polos, and as expected, dress shirts, and khakis.

Shop the Dockers sale now

Barneys New York

7. Save up to 75% on designer brands at Barneys New York

High-end designer clothing might be out of your normal budget, but Barneys New York is having a huge sale that's making these brands much more affordable. For a limited time, you can save up to 75% on designer brands including Balenciaga, Maison Margiela, Chloé, Givenchy, Balmain, OFF-WHITE, and more. With discounts on clothes, shoes, handbags, belts, hats, and more, you'll find great deals without splurging too much.

Shop the Barneys New York sale now

Avocado Mattress

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

Avocado separates itself from other legacy brands and startups by making organic and vegan mattresses. Not only are they sustainably made and good for the environment, but they're also very comfortable. Right now, you can save $150 on the brand's mattresses by using the promo code "ORGANIC150" at checkout. Verified military personnel can save an additional $50. If you prefer two free pillows (valued at $198) rather than the $150 discount, you can use the promo code "2FREEPILLOWS" at checkout.

Shop the Avocado Mattress sale.

Join the conversation about this story »

We compared Casper’s foam mattress to its new hybrid mattress to determine which bed you should buy

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Casper hybrid vs Casper normal 4x3

A good mattress will last you for decades, and you'll spend a third of your daily life on it. When considering such an important purchase, you should be able to spend significant time sleeping on the mattress. Fortunately, Casper allows you to test drive all of its mattresses for 100 nights risk-free, and the company now has samples all over the country — at Target and in their own brick-and-mortar stores — for you to see and feel in person.

Recently, Casper updated its flagship mattress and introduced the Casper Hybrid mattress. The updated flagship Casper features a new zoned support foam layer that focuses on providing pressure relief and support that is firmer under the hips and softer under the shoulders.

The new Hybrid also has the zoned support layer along with the other three foam layers found in the updated Casper. What sets the Casper Hybrid apart is its individual coil springs designed to provide added lift and increased airflow.

Casper recently sent me both mattresses to test. Each has weaknesses and advantages. Below, we compare the updated all-foam Casper mattress to the Casper Hybrid mattress in a few key categories: price, style, return policy, warranty, set-up process, comfort, edge support, and motion transfer.

Keep scrolling to see how the flagship Casper mattress and Hybrid mattress compare:

Prices and specs compared

Winner: No matter what size you choose, the Casper mattress is less expensive than the Casper Hybrid.

The Casper Hybrid and the flagship all-foam Casper share several features, but there are a few differences. The biggest one is that the Hybrid has coiled springs, while the regular Casper mattress is all foam.

Since you are adding individually-wrapped pocket coils, the Casper Hybrid mattress is more expensive than the updated Casper mattress. If you are purchasing the Twin-sized mattress the difference in price is only $155, but if you want a Cal King or King, you can expect to pay an extra $400 for the hybrid experience.

You should look at costs when buying a bed, but don't make price the most important factor. Keep in mind that you will spend a significant part of your life on this mattress. Over the lifetime of the bed, differences in price work out to only a few cents per day. Also, if money is a concern, Casper allows you to pay for its mattresses with monthly payments at 0% APR.

If you plan on sleeping alone, a Twin, Twin XL, or Full mattress is your best bet. Twin works for smaller individuals, Twin XL is for taller folks, and Full is best if you are on the huskier side. Couples can share a Queen, King, or Cal King, though if you are a bigger couple go with a King. Taller couples will benefit from the Cal King.

As for looks, the mattresses are nearly identical. Both have gray sides with the all-foam Casper a slightly lighter gray. Both are white on top. The cover is removable and washable. However, you'll still want to use a fitted sheet.

Buy the updated Casper mattress from Casper for $595 (Twin), $645 (Twin XL), $895 (Full), $1,095 (Queen), $1,295 (King and Cal King)

Buy the Casper Hybrid mattress from Casper for $795 (Twin), $845 (Twin XL), $1,095 (Full), $1,295 (Queen), $1,495 (King and Cal King)



Return policy and warranty compared

Winner: This is a draw. Casper offers the same return policy and warranty for all of its mattresses.

Though the return policy and warranty are not good ways to differentiate these mattresses, it's important for you to know what's available. You can try out both mattresses with Casper's 100-night risk-free trial. If you don't like the mattress for any reason within 100 nights of its arrival, you can let the company know, and it will send out a local charity or recycling center to take it away for you. You then get a full refund within two weeks.

The mattresses are also backed by 10-year limited warranties. So, if you find any manufacturing defects, physical flaws, or the mattress just experiences significant (an inch or more) indentation, Casper will fix or replace your mattress. The warranty is only valid if you use a supportive foundation, care for the bed properly, and if you use it normally.



Set-up process compared

Winner: The flagship Casper mattress wins by a hair in terms of set up because it weighs less and seemed to have less odor.

Before I dive into my experiences setting these mattresses up, I want to point out that you can pay Casper to set up your mattress for you. For a fee ($149 where I live in Lansing, Michigan), the company will send someone to deliver, unbox, and set up your mattress and bed frame. They will also remove the packaging, your old mattress, and foundation.

I didn't go this route. Instead, I did it all myself. Both mattresses come with instructions for how to unbox and set them up. The mattresses took five minutes to completely unpackage. Then, I let the mattresses air out for a couple of days before using them because memory foam tends to have an odor associated with it.

The queen-sized Hybrid weighs 106 pounds, while the all-foam Casper weighs 85 pounds. The light weight and firmness of the all-foam mattress made it easier to set up. Additionally, I never noticed any odor from the all-foam bed, while the Hybrid did have a noticeable odor.



Comfort compared

Winner: As a side sleeper, I found the softness of the Casper Hybrid served me better than the firm original Casper.

When it comes to mattresses, comfort depends on a lot of factors that vary from person-to-person. Heavier individuals, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and people with back pain generally benefit more from firmer mattresses. Lighter people and side sleepers tend to feel more comfortable on softer mattresses.

I'm telling you all of this because — unless you're 6-feet tall, weigh 250 pounds, and sleep on your side — you should take my preferences with a grain of salt.

For me, the updated Casper mattress is too firm. It wasn't comfortable sleeping on my side. Instead, I was forced to sleep on my stomach, which I naturally do part of the time, but it was unfortunate that I couldn't switch it up with some side sleeping. The Casper Hybrid is more of a "Goldilocks-fit" for me. The softness makes side and stomach sleeping comfortable.

I'm a hot sleeper and both mattresses did a good job of dissipating heat, but the all-foam Casper slept cooler than the Casper Hybrid. When temperatures dipped into the 30s at night, I found I actually had to add an extra blanket. With the Hybrid, I felt just right with one blanket, even when the mercury fell. If you are a hot sleeper, the all-foam Casper may be a smart choice during the hot summer months.



Edge support compared

Winner: The firm memory foam layers of the flagship Casper mattress extend all the way to the edges offering superior support.

Edge support is important for a number of reasons. First, you don't want your mattress to sag on the sides and give you the feeling you might fall off. It's hard to sleep like that. Secondly, it's nice to sit on the edge of the bed, whether you're putting your socks and shoes on or slowly transitioning from laying to standing.

Both mattresses offer good edge support, but the all-foam Casper mattress is better. I laid on the very edge of the flagship mattress and was actually comfortable there. I didn't feel like I was about to fall. Whereas with the Hybrid, I could feel more give on the edge. However, when I shared the Hybrid with my wife, I never felt like I might fall off, despite her attempts to annex my side of the bed.



Motion transfer compared

Winner: The all-foam Casper mattress passed our motion transfer tests, while the Hybrid failed each time.

Motion transfer isolation or dampening is an important mattress feature because it will help you get a good night's sleep even when your partner is tossing and turning. The fewer times you wake up, the more productive your sleep will be.

Based on my research, I created a makeshift motion transfer test with the materials I had available. First, I placed a 12-ounce can of soda upright on the center of each mattress. Then, I dropped a 20-pound weight from four feet above the mattress so that it landed 12 inches from the can. If the can stayed upright after several iterations, the mattress has good motion transfer dampening properties. If the can fell over consistently, the mattress has poor motion transfer properties.

In my tests on the Casper all-foam mattress, the can remained upright each time. With the Hybrid, the can always fell over. My subjective experience backed these results up. I shared the Hybrid bed with my wife, and she occasionally woke me up with her sleep troubles — a common problem for her.

Though I did not share the all-foam mattress with my wife, I did have a stream of pets walking on it while I slept. They didn't wake me up. The only evidence I had that they were there were random toys and occasionally they would be asleep next to me when I awoke in the morning.

These results tell me that the Hybrid may be better for individuals who mainly sleep alone or are heavy sleepers. The all-foam Casper mattress does a better job of isolating motion transfer, which is ideal for couples sharing a bed.

I also want to point out that poor motion transfer isolation usually translates to more bounciness. Bounce is nice to have when engaged in intimate activities. Yet, neither mattress exhibited much bounce. This may have been due to the foundation (i.e., our floor) having zero give. The all-foam Casper was nice because it did allow for easier movement on top of the mattress, which is helpful for a variety of reasons.

 



The bottom line

Overall winner: Though I personally would choose the Hybrid, I think the overall better mattress is the all-foam Casper.

During my testing schedule, I found myself looking forward to sleeping on the Hybrid but not the flagship Casper mattress. In the above categories, the only one in which the Hybrid is the clear winner in comfort, but that is an important enough factor that it beats out all others in my opinion. But, keep in mind that I'm a heavy person who sleeps on his side.

If you are a back sleeper, stomach sleeper, are carrying a few extra pounds, or have back pain, you might benefit from the all-foam Casper. This is especially true if you share a bed with someone and want good motion transfer isolation. You can also save hundreds of dollars by going with this option.

You could conceivably try one mattress for up to 100 days, and if you don't like it, return it and try the other for up to 100 days more.

If this seems a bit extreme, I recommend setting up an appointment for a 30-minute nap session at one of Casper's many locations across the United States. Casper is also available at Target stores everywhere.

As you may have gathered, the best mattress is a matter of personal preference. If you look at the above categories and some are more important to you than others, use the important categories to guide your buying decision. You can always return your mattress if you don't like it. 

Buy the updated Casper mattress from Casper for $595 (Twin), $645 (Twin XL), $895 (Full), $1,095 (Queen), $1,295 (King and Cal King)

Buy the Casper Hybrid mattress from Casper for $795 (Twin), $845 (Twin XL), $1,095 (Full), $1,295 (Queen), $1,495 (King and Cal King)



Check out more mattress reviews and our mattress buying guide

The best mattresses you can buy

A great mattress can be the difference between a good night's sleep that results in a productive day or a horrible night that makes you feel like you didn't sleep at all.

We've tested a lot of mattresses to find the best ones you can buy online, and these are our picks:


You can also read our full reviews of the Casper mattresses here:




The 10 most difficult places to invest in real estate in the US right now

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Suburbs

First-time homebuyers in the US are on the hunt for affordable homes in prosperous markets — but scoring a deal like that is easier said than done.

According to Zillow, first-time homebuyers account for 46% of all homebuyers and are more likely than veteran homebuyers to go over their budgets.

Read more:The 10 best places in the US for first-time homebuyers to invest in real estate right now

In order to make a good investment, first-time homebuyers — like all homebuyers — have to understand which market trends are considered red flags. Just consider markets like San Francisco and Seattle, which, according to Zillow, show trends of competitive prices, low inventory, and weak home value appreciation forecasts.

To establish alist of the most challenging markets for first-time homebuyers, Zillow evaluated metropolitan areas on four data points: current median home value; strength of home value appreciation forecast; size of current inventory; and current percentage of listings with a price cut. All four data points were given equal weighting. Listing and home-value data for all cities listed below has been sourced from Zillow, and represents each market as of June 2019.

Keep reading for a ranking of the top 10 most difficult metros for first-time homebuyers.

SEE ALSO: The 25 US suburbs where home values are growing the fastest, ranked

DON'T MISS: The most expensive and affordable states to buy a house, ranked

10. Boston, Massachusetts

Share of listings with a price cut: 14.6%

The median home value in the Boston, Massachusetts metro area is $464,400 and the median listing price per square foot is $302.

According to Zillow, home values have increased by 2.7% since June 2018.



9. San Jose, California

Share of listings with a price cut: 18.4%

The median home value in the San Jose, California metro area is $1,160,800 and the median listing price per square foot is $678.

According to Zillow, home values have decreased by 8.2% since June 2018.



8. San Diego, California

Share of listings with a price cut: 19.9%

The median home value in the San Diego, California metro area is $590,000 and the median listing price per square foot is $384.

According to Zillow, home values have increased by 1% since June 2018.



7. Denver, Colorado

Share of listings with a price cut: 19.2%

The median home value in the Denver, Colorado metro area is $408,000 and the median listing price per square foot is $269.

According to Zillow, home values have increased by 3% since June 2018.



6. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Share of listings with a price cut: 13.3%

The median home value in the Minneapolis, Minnesota metro area is $272,000 and the median listing price per square foot is $206.

According to Zillow, home values have increased by 4.8% since June 2018.



5. Sacramento, California

Share of listings with a price cut: 16.7%

The median home value in the Sacramento, California metro area is $411,000 and the median listing price per square foot is $248.

According to Zillow, home values have increased by 3.1% since June 2018.



4. Los Angeles, California

Share of listings with a price cut: 15.7%

The median home value in the Los Angeles, California metro area is $649,600 and the median listing price per square foot is $438.

According to Zillow, home values have increased by .9% since June 2018.



3. Washington, D.C.

Share of listings with a price cut: 14.8%

The median home value in the Washington, D.C. metro area is $407,200 and the median listing price per square foot is $238.

According to Zillow, home values have increased by 2% since June 2018.



2. Seattle, Washington

Share of listings with a price cut: 15.6%

The median home value in the Seattle, Washington metro area is $489,400 and the median listing price per square foot is $295.

According to Zillow, home values have increased by .4% since June 2018.



1. San Francisco, California

Share of listings with a price cut: 13.4%

The median home value in the San Francisco, California metro area is $942,800 and the median listing price per square foot is $503.

According to Zillow, home values have not increased since June 2018.



The best duvet covers you can buy

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  • Your cozy down-filled duvet needs a stylish cover to keep it clean and add some spice to your bedroom's décor.
  • Our favorite is the Classic Duvet Cover from Brooklinen with its reasonable price tag and high-quality fabric.

Duvets and their covers are a popular bedding choice. Cozy and comfortable, stylish and versatile, and available in a huge range of fashionable colors, designs, and fabrics, there's a duvet cover for every taste, whether you're young, old, or somewhere in between. Sometimes, however, too much choice makes it nearly impossible to make a decision; your brain bogs down in an overload of options. That's where we step in.

We've whittled down your buying choices to just those options that really deserve a second look. We conducted the research — testing, studying the top consumer buying websites, as well as listening to what experts in the field and actual buyers of the products have to say — and present our findings to you. So, if you'd like to give your bedroom a style makeover — after all, changing your bedding is the fastest and easiest way to give the space a whole new look — then read on. We've rounded up the five duvet covers likeliest to suit your style, budget, and needs.

Here are the best duvet covers you can buy:

Updated on 07/24/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

Keep reading for more details about our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best sheets you can buy for your bed

SEE ALSO: The best sheets you can buy for kids

The best duvet cover overall

Not too hot, not too stiff, and not too boring — the Classic Duvet Cover from Brooklinen is just right.

Here at Insider Picks, we're pretty jazzed about Brooklinen. We chose their bed sheets as one of our best picks in that category, and we're in full agreement with all of the internet buzz garnered by the new-to-the-scene bed linens company. So it's no surprise that we picked its Classic Duvet Cover as our best-of-the-best duvet cover as well. 

The Classic Duvet Cover is crafted from 100% premium long-staple cotton and has a 270-thread count. One of the things we love about Brooklinen is that it doesn't artificially inflate thread counts like so many other manufacturers do. The lightweight percale weave is slightly crisp against your skin, but still pleasantly soft enough to fuel your sweet dreams. There are internal ties to simplify bed making, and large buttons to close the duvet cover once the duvet is inside.

Brooklinen customers heap praise on the duvet cover. Out of the 2,164 reviews on the site at the time of this writing, it has a 4.7 average rating (out of 5-star). "Cool," "comfortable," "soft," and "crisp" are the words that appear over and over in customer reviews.

Choose from several neutral solid colors, including navy blue. Brooklinen also offers the duvet cover in stripes or dots. If you aren't pleased with your duvet cover, Brooklinen has a 60-nights risk-free return policy, plus a lifetime warranty on its products.

The Wirecutter also chose Brooklinen's duvet cover as its favorite, praising its reasonable price, long-fiber cotton, and the crisp, breathable feel of the fabric. We can't help but agree.

Pros: High quality, soft feel, lovely colors

Cons: A bit pricey, does not include shams



The best budget duvet cover

The HC Collection Duvet Cover Set adds plenty of pizzazz to your sleeping space without costing you a fortune.

Made from the softest, finest, double-brushed microfiber, the HC Collection Duvet Cover Set is silky and cool against your skin. It's also a great choice for allergy sufferers because microfiber resists dust mites and other allergens. It's also easily machine-washable to further remove tiny particles that might cause asthma or allergy flare-ups.

Although the HC Collection duvet cover is woven from threads even finer than silk, it resists pilling, wrinkling, shrinking, and staining. The duvet cover is strong and durable, and fairly breathable as well, although microfiber will never beat 100% cotton in that regard. Still, if you are counting your pennies, this is a great deal that looks far more expensive than its actual price.

This is one of the best-selling duvet cover sets on Amazon, with 9,800-plus reviews and an average of 4.1 stars. Buyers like the duvet cover's softness, calling it "silky and velvety at the same time." Most customers also appreciate the lightweight feel of the duvet cover, as well as its durability, easy-care, and luxurious appearance.

On the downside, some customers felt the manufacturer's claims of "Egyptian quality" were deceptive, as those words describe cotton, not microfiber. Still, the vast majority of customers were very pleased with their purchase.

The duvet set closes with buttons, but it has no inner ties to simplify bed making. The set — which includes two matching shams — comes in 15 different solid colors, including black, navy, lavender, taupe, and chocolate brown.

Pros: Inexpensive price, soft feel, easy-care, lots of colors to choose from

Cons: No inner ties, no twin size, microfiber is not as breathable as cotton



The best zip-up duvet cover

Crane & Canopy's Nova Duvet Cover has a clever zip-up design that makes it easy to use, plus, it has attractive piping along the edges for added style.

Putting your comforter into your duvet and making sure it stays put is a difficult task more often than not, but if you have Crane & Canopy's Nova Duvet Cover, it's a lot easier, thanks to built-in ties that hold the duvet and comforter in place and a clever zipper that seals the comforter inside. 

Decorative piping along the edges of the duvet cover effectively hides the zipper from view, too, so you're left with a sleek, attractive bed that looks like it belongs in a fancy hotel. A couple members of the Insider Picks team — myself included — have tried the Nova Duvet Cover in our own homes, and we love it.

The 400 thread count, extra long staple cotton fabric is exceptionally soft right out of the package, thanks to the sateen weave Crane & Canopy uses. You can get the Nova Duvet Cover in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit your style.

I had a remarkably hard time choosing between the many lovely patterns and colors but settled on the Avery Blue with its classic diamond pattern that mixes a heavenly shade of blue with crisp white and subtle green accents. It is the softest duvet cover I own, and it's also the easiest to put on top of my Ikea comforter. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Easy to use, great zipper, fun colors and patterns, soft cotton, innovative design

Cons: Pricey



The best patterned duvet cover

The Cool Supima duvet cover from Casper is made from one of the best cottons you can buy.

Supima is the name given to a specific US-grown cotton with "extra-long staple fiber that gives the cotton its premium properties: strength, softness, and color retention," according to the organization that licenses that name to companies that use Supima. When used in sheets, like Casper's Cool Supima, you get a high-quality product that feels soft and incredibly well-made.

Both Insider Picks reporter, Connie Chen, and director of content strategy, Ellen Hoffman, tested the Cool Supima duvet cover and would recommend it. Connie said the duvet cover had a balanced weight and was well-designed, while Ellen praised the "superior design details that solve for the annoying inconveniences of typical duvet covers." There are hidden openings that let you easily readjust the quilt if it shifts around. It has a good weight, but not so heavy that it overwhelms.

Available in 14 colors, Casper's Cool Supima Duvet Cover skew toward pricey, but it's competitively priced when pitted against other high-quality sheets. You're also getting a product sourced from high-quality cotton from the US, which is what you're paying for.

Pros: Made from high-quality US-grown cotton, cool and crisp, balanced weight, well-designed

Cons: On the pricey side



The best duvet cover for kids

The Reversible Duvet Cover from Where the Polka Dots Roam brings an entire zoo's worth of creatures to keep your child company on the trip to dreamland.

What kid doesn't love animals? Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Butterflies, penguins, llamas, foxes, alligators, pandas, and many more cute and colorful creatures adorn Where the Polka Dots Roam's Reversible Duvet Cover in animal print. Sure, there are lots of cutesy kids' bedding prints out there. But not all of them will appeal to as vast a range of children (and let's admit it, plenty of adults as well) like this adorable, and yet not too sweet, bedding set.  

The animal-print Reversible Duvet Cover Set is made from soft, durable, and easy-care microfiber. That means that it will be cozy-soft against your child's skin, is hypoallergenic, shrugs off stains and spills, and easily washes clean without pilling, shrinking, wrinkling, or becoming scratchy. Plus, your little one might even be eager for bedtime when an entire menagerie is waiting to share in the sleepy time fun. That's a win-win all the way around.

The duvet set has a 4.4 star average on Amazon, with buyers commenting on how much their children love the animal designs. One reviewer said, "He sits on his bed and just points at/talks to the animals!" Parents also appreciate the duvet cover's construction and soft feel. A few did comment that the fabric was a bit thin, however.

There are inner ties for the duvet, and the cover closes with a row of buttons. The set includes one pillowcase with the twin duvet cover and two pillowcases with the full/queen set.

Pros: Super cute and very easy care

Cons: None really, other than if your child doesn't care for animals



Everything you need to know about duvet covers

What's the difference between a duvet, a duvet cover, and a comforter?

Although duvets were used for centuries in northern Europe, they didn't really catch on in the UK until the 1970s, and they then spread across the pond to the US a couple of decades later. As duvets and duvet covers are a bit new on the bedding scene in the United States, there's still some confusion over exactly what they are, and how they differ from a comforter.

  • What is a duvet? A duvet (pronounce it "due-vay" not "dove-it"; the word comes from the Old French for "down") is a type of quilt that is typically solid white and stuffed with feathers, down, or a down alternative. You'll sometimes find duvets referred to as "down comforters" in the United States. Duvets are generally warm and snug, although some are lightweight for use in the summertime.
  • Why does it need a cover? A duvet cover is a fabric "envelope" that is used to cover and protect a duvet, in the same way a pillowcase covers and protects a bed pillow. In Europe, it's unusual to use a top sheet; the duvet cover serves the same purpose and is removed for washing along with the fitted sheet. The duvet cover adds color and style to the bedroom, as well. One edge of the duvet cover closes with ties, buttons, or a zipper so you can insert or remove the duvet when it's time to wash the cover.
  • How is it different from a comforter? Comforters are usually colored or patterned, not solid white, so they don't require a cover to add style. And because comforters are normally used over a top sheet, they don't require an additional layer of fabric for protection from skin oil, sweat, and other nighttime body detritus, either. Comforters are most often stuffed with synthetic fill, although you can also find down-filled comforters.

How to choose a duvet cover

For the most part, the right duvet cover is the one you like best. There are nearly endless colors and patterns available, so choose whatever complements your bedroom's décor and brings a smile to your face. Aside from style, there are just a few things to know about buying a duvet cover:

  • Size: Duvet covers are sized the same as regular bedding, so choose the size that matches your duvet; don't go larger or smaller. You'll find many duvet covers sold with matching shams. That makes it easy to coordinate your bed's good looks.
  • Materials: Duvet covers are made from the same fabrics as bed sheets. Many are cotton, and as with cotton sheets, the softest, highest quality comes from Egyptian, Supima, or Pima cotton. But don't assume you need a duvet cover with the highest thread-count: 250 to 500 is generally sufficient. While cotton is very popular, you'll also find microfiber and other synthetics, flannel, and jersey duvet covers.
  • Care: The easier the care, the more often you'll be willing to wash your bedding, so look for duvet covers that safely machine-wash and dry.


How to put a duvet cover on your comforter

The struggle is real: putting your duvet into its cover

The frustration over putting a duvet inside its cover is enough to drive many people back to comforters. But don't give up. Here's how to do it without breaking a sweat or pulling out your hair.

  1. Start by turning your duvet cover inside out, and then spreading it across your mattress with its opening at the foot of the bed.
  2. Lay your duvet on top of its cover.
  3. If your duvet and duvet cover have inner ties, fasten them now. If not, you can use safety pins to fasten the corners of the cover to the duvet, or simply do without.
  4. Roll the duvet and its cover together like a burrito, starting from the head of your bed. It's easiest if you have a partner, but if not, switch from side to side as you work.
  5. When your "burrito" is rolled, fold the duvet cover opening back around the bedding bundle.
  6. Close your duvet cover with its zipper, buttons, or ties.
  7. Unroll your "burrito" towards the top of the bed.
  8. Fluff as necessary, and voila! Your duvet is back in its cover. 


Check out our other great bedding buying guides



30 men's clothing and accessory deals you can score major savings on during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

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Pyscho Bunny

  • The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is currently running from July 19 to August 4, with thousands of deals across the entire Nordstrom site.
  • Every year, all of the best deals sell out before the Anniversary Sale ends.
  • To help you weed through the nearly 1,400 discounts in the men's section, we rounded up the best deals on men's clothing and accessories.

Nordstrom is currently holding its biggest sale of the year, where customers can shop thousands of deals across the entire site. From July 19 through August 4, Nordstrom shoppers can rack up huge savings in categories like fashion, home, and beauty — on August 5, the prices will go back up.

Clothing is the most shopped category during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale simply because the deals are that good. You can save on everything from dress shirts and suits for the office to lightweight chinos for summer and fleece jackets for winter. But by the last days of the sale, many of the best deals will be sold out, so you should  buy sooner rather than later.

In addition to rare deals on many of your favorite men's clothing brands (Patagonia, The North Face, Nike, Theory, etc.), deals on accessories like backpacks, watches, sunglasses, and belts are also some of the best they'll be all year. To help you shop the Anniversary Sale, we rounded up 30 of the best deals on men's clothing and accessories below. 

For more deals on menswear check out the best sneakers on sale and the best dress shoes and boots up for discounts. You can also browse other Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals for each of the following categories:

Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale now. Check out our picks for the best deals on men's clothing and accessories, below:

Patagonia Better Sweater Zip Jacket

Patagonia Better Sweater Zip Jacket, $109.90 (after sale $149)[You save $39.10]

Patagonia rarely holds sales, so the Anniversary Sale is a good opportunity to shop its sustainable clothing at a price that may feel more affordable to you. This full-zip Better Sweater fleece is a cozy and warm layer that's ideal for outdoor adventures and casual wears alike.



Tommy John Second Skin Crewneck Undershirt

Tommy John Second Skin Crewneck Undershirt, $27.90 (after sale $43)[You save $15.10]

Redesigned for the 21st century, Tommy John's undershirts are hands-down the most comfortable undergarments you can buy. The slim design won't bunch or bulge under your shirt and it always stays tucked in.



Bonobos Summer Weight Slim Fit Stretch Chinos

Bonobos Summer Weight Chinos, $58.90 (after sale $88)[You save $29.10]

Available in fours colors, these lightweight chinos are a summer staple.



Nordstrom Men's Shop Marco Burnished Leather Belt

Nordstrom Men's Shop Marco Burnished Leather Belt, $58.90 (after sale $79.50)[You save $20.60]

Even with all the unique pieces available, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale also has many wardrobe essentials. This tan burnished belt is a piece you can wear with your lighter brown dress shoes.



Topman Stripe Button-Up Camp Shirt

Topman Stripe Button-Up Camp Shirt, $35.90 (after sale $55)[You save $19.10]

Featuring blue, aqua, black, and white stripes, this button-up shirt gives off a bold vibe.



Nike SB Camo Packable Hooded Anorak

Nike SB Camo Packable Hooded Anorak, $65.90 (after sale $90) [You save $24.10]

For lovers of camouflage, this Nike SB anorak will serve as a nice wardrobe addition. Its water-repellent outer and packable design make it a useful piece to carry around in case of rain.



Quay Australia x ARod Evasive Sunglasses

Quay Australia x ARod Evasive Sunglasses, $39.90 (after sale $60)[You save $20.10]

Designed in collaboration with baseball legend Alex Rodriguez, these shades feature a similar style to Ran-Bans Clubmaster — and they're a lot more affordable.



Good Man Brand Shirt Jacket

Good Man Brand Shirt Jacket, $164.90 (after sale $248)[You save $83.10]

Whether you call it a shirt jacket or a shacket, this button-up makes for a trendy top layer.



Psycho Bunny Classic Piqué Polo

Psycho Bunny Classic Piqué Polo, $55.90 (after sale $85)[You save $29.10]

The Psycho Bunny Classic Piqué polo is made of soft, breathable pima cotton. The signature bunny-and-crossbones patch logo makes it a lot more unique than most polos.



Nordstrom Men's Shop Trim Fit Non-Iron Dress Shirt

Nordstrom Men's Shop Trim Fit Non-Iron Dress Shirt, $35.90 (after sale $49.50) [You save $13.60]

Even at full price, Nordstrom Men's Shop's dress shirts are an affordable option. The Anniversary Sale makes it the perfect time to stock up for the office.



Ted Baker London Jay Trim Fit Solid Wool Suit

Ted Baker London Jay Trim Fit Solid Wool Suit, $499.90 (after sale $748)[You save $248.10]

Made of rich wool, this charcoal grey suit from Ted Baker is extremely good looking — and at $500, it's at lot more affordable than it looks.



Nordstrom Men's Shop Bryce Paisley Silk Tie

Nordstrom Men's Shop Bryce Paisley Silk Tie, $35.90 (after sale $49.50)[You save $13.60]

This silk paisley tie is just one of the many ties you'll find from Nordstrom Men's Shop during the Anniversary Sale.



Nike Brasillia Convertible Duffle Backpack

Nike Brasillia Convertible Duffle Backpack, $35.90 (after sale $55) [You save $19.10]

With the ability to be carried in-hand, worn across the body, or on your back, this convertible Nike Duffle Backpack is extremely versatile. Its spacious size is great for carrying to the gym or on weekend trips.



Polo Ralph Lauren Supersoft Socks 3-Pack

Polo Ralph Lauren Supersoft Socks 3-Pack, $14.90 (after sale $23) [You save $8.10]

You can never have too many good dress socks. This three-pack from Ralph Lauren will provide you with the main colors you need for formal attire — navy, black, and grey.



Tommy John Air Colorblock Trunks

Tommy John Air Colorblock Trunks, $24.90 (after sale $40)[You save $15.10]

Tommy John is by far my favorite underwear brand — and most of the Insider Picks team agrees with me. This pair is constructed from the brand's Air material to keep things light, cool, and airy.



Nike Sportswear Windrunner Jacket

Nike Windrunner Jacket, $74.90 (after sale $100)[You save $25.10]

Using a water-resistant material, this Nike Windrunner Jacket is sporty, stylish, and lightweight.



Barbour Lowerdale Quilted Vest

Barbour Lowerdale Quilted Vest, $89.90 (after sale $180)[You save $90.10]

When full jackets are too warm, vests are perfect for layering over long-sleeve shirts or flannels. The Barbour Lowerdale has a quilted pattern that will never go out of style.



Bonobos Floral Button-Down Sport Shirt

Bonobos Floral Button-Down Sport Shirt, $45.90 (after sale $68)[You save $22.10]

This floral button-down from Bonobos is a fun summertime option for wearing on the beach or poolside.



Movado Bold Bracelet Watch

Movado Bold Bracelet Watch, $499.90 (after sale $750)[You save $250.10]

As the name suggests, this 43mm watch from Movado is bold in style. It has a silver bracelet, a gunmetal bezel, and the signature Movado dot at 12 o'clock.



Topman Blowout Skinny Fit Jeans

Topman Blowout Skinny Fit Jeans, $49.90 (after sale $75)[You save $25.10]

Topman always does a good job of making on-trend styles affordable. These ripped skinny jeans will save you the hassle of potentially botching your favorite pants with a DIY.



Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover

Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover, $85.90 (after sale $119)[You save $33.10]

As my personal favorite style from Patagonia, the Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover is warm, comfortable, and versatile enough to be worn by outdoorsman and corporate professionals alike.

 



Polo Ralph Lauren Pony Print Shorts

Polo Ralph Lauren Pony Print Shorts, $20.90 (after sale $32)[You save $11.10]

Made of soft cotton and covered in Ralph Lauren logos, these shorts are comfortable and unique.



HUGO BOSS Genius Trim Fit Solid Wool Suit

HUGO BOSS Genius Trim Fit Solid Wool Suit, $598 (after sale $895)[You save $297]

Every man should own a blue suit. This trim-fit suit from HUGO BOSS is a great deal on an otherwise expensive suit, as the two-button jacket and pleated trousers are made from Italian wool.



Adidas Originals Mono Windbreaker

Adidas Originals Mono Windbreaker, $59.90 (after sale $90)[You save $30.10]

Fitted with an all-over Trefoil logo pattern and Three Stripes marks on both sleeves, the Mono Windbreaker has all of Adidas Originals' signature elements.



Allsaints Holt Leather Biker Jacket

ALLSAINTS Holt Leather Biker Jacket, $329.90 (after sale $498)[You save $168.10]

Priced at $330, the Allsaints Holt is a great buy for anyone shopping for a genuine leather jacket.



Tumi Bravo Sheppard Deluxe 15-Inch Laptop Backpack

Tumi Bravo Sheppard Deluxe 15-Inch Laptop Backpack, $317.90 (after sale $475) [You save $157.10]

The Tumi Bravo Sheppard Deluxe was made for professionals who like the functionality of backpacks, but don't want that college student look. The bag is made of ballistic nylon and leather accents for a balance between durability and style.



Nordstrom Men's Shop Trim Fit Non-Iron Gingham Dress Shirt

Nordstrom Men's Shop Trim Fit Non-Iron Gingham Dress Shirt, $35.90 (after sale $49.50)[You save $13.60]

If the solid dress shirts on sale are too plain for you, this Gingham-patterned shirt is a nice alternative.

 



The North Face Momentum Fleece Jacket

The North Face Momentum Fleece Jacket, $69.90 (after sale $99)[You save $29.10]

The North Face Momentum Fleece was designed to be lightweight and sporty. It'll keep you warm while you're active without weighing you down too much.

 



Patagonia Down Sweater Hooded Jacket

Patagonia Down Sweater Hooded Jacket, $199.90 (after sale $279)[You save $79.10]

It might not be cold outside right now, but the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is the perfect item to hold onto until winter. It features goose-down insulation with an 800-fill-power rating, a durable water-resistant outer and hand-warmer pockets.



MCM Visetos Card Case

MCM Visetos Card Case, $99.90 (After Sale $150)[You save $50.10]

Founded in 1976 MCM is a luxury fashion brand that's seen a huge resurgence in recent years. Since designer items like this typically never go on sale, this is the perfect opportunity to splurge on something you probably wouldn't buy at full price. Using high-quality leather in black and white color, the wallet features an all-over MCM pattern.



Here's how much it costs to rent a one-bedroom apartment in 15 major US cities

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new york city subway skyline

Rents across major US cities continue to soar. 

The national median price for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,216 as of June 2019 — a 1.5% increase year to date.

Business Insider's Hillary Hoffower previously reported that rents are so high in major cities that some residents are resorting to living in the exurbs — the area beyond the suburbs — and living in vehicles to work around the cost of housing.

Read more:Here's the salary you'll need if you want to afford a mortgage in 17 major US cities

To get a sense of just how much it costs to be a renter in America, Business Insider compiled information from Zillow and StreetEasy on the median asking prices for one-bedroom rentals in 15 major US cities as of May 2019. Of the provided cities, Phoenix, Arizona, had the most affordable median rent: $1,171. On the other end of the pricing spectrum, two of the top three most expensive cities for rentals are in California. 

Data on each city's median household income was obtained from the home-ownership-investment company Unison's 2019 Home Affordability Report.

Keep reading to see just how much you'd have to pay to live in these cities, ranked from most affordable to least affordable:

SEE ALSO: The salary you need to afford rent in every state, ranked

DON'T MISS: Here's how much money you need to have saved if you want to get married and buy a home in the same year in 25 cities

Phoenix: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Phoenix, Arizona is $1,171.

The median household income in Phoenix is $52,849.



Houston: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Houston, Texas is $1,269.

The median household income in Houston is $51,914.



Charlotte: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Charlotte, North Carolina is $1,330.

The median household income in Charlotte is $58,833.



Dallas: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Dallas, Texas is $1,375.

The median household income in Dallas is $50,386.



Philadelphia: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $1,500.

The median household income in Philadelphia is $45,267.



Atlanta: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Atlanta, Georgia is $1,590.

The median household income in Atlanta is $55,881.



Chicago: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Chicago, Illinois is $1,650.

The median household income in Chicago is $55,528.



Denver: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Denver, Colorado is $1,682.

The median household income in Denver is $64,784.



Miami: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Miami, Florida is $1,995.

The median household income in Miami is $35,221. 



Seattle: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Seattle, Washington is $2,049.

The median household income in Seattle is $85,936.



Boston: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Boston, Massachusetts is $2,150.

The median household income in Boston is $64,553. 



Washington, D.C.: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Washington, D.C. is $2,347.

The median household income in Washington, D.C. is $82,192.



Los Angeles: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Los Angeles, California is $2,362.

The median household income in Los Angeles is $58,043.



New York City: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in New York City is $2,650.

The median household income in New York City is $61,816. 



San Francisco: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in San Francisco, California is $3,600.

The median household income in San Francisco is $102,300.



How to open a RAR file on your Mac computer, for downloading or sharing a large number of files

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mac using headphones

  • You can open RAR files on your Mac computer with free apps like The Unarchiver. 
  • RAR is a compressed file format – similar to ZIP – that can hold many files in one place, and is especially useful for sending or downloading a large number of files.  
  • When you open a RAR file on your Mac, it will turn into a folder where you can access all of the decompressed files.   
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There are many ways to share files on a Mac computer: AirDrop, a Google Drive folder, Dropbox, and more. 

If you want to share or receive a large volume of files over email or via web download, the Roshal Archive Compressed (RAR) file format is especially useful.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

MacBook Pro (From $1,299 at Apple)

What is RAR?

RAR is basically a folder filled with documents. 

However, unlike a normal file folder, a RAR file is compressed and needs special software to open. 

Its function is similar to another popular compression format  the .zip file. Instead, RAR files have a .rar file extension.

If you've downloaded software from the web, you may have gotten a RAR file, because the compression makes the download go more quickly. 

The RAR file format is also sometimes used for sensitive files, since it can be password protected.

How to open RAR on a Mac with The Unarchiver app

You can't click on a RAR file and open it immediately – you'll need an app to reverse the file compression so you can open the files inside. Luckily, there are numerous free apps that do this. 

Here's how to open a RAR file with The Unarchiver app on a Mac computer. 

1. Go to the App Store and download The Unarchiver. It's a free download.

The Unarchiver in the App Store

2. The app will prompt you to open it after it finishes downloading. A screen will appear where you can select the types of files you want The Unarchiver to open for you. The most common types are already selected.

Choose file formats to open with The Unarchiver

3. Click on the Extraction tab and select how you want the app to handle the folder that's created when you open a RAR file.

Choose Extraction options in The Unarchiver

4. Your RAR file should display The Unarchiver icon. If it doesn't, right click on the file, choose Open With, and select The Unarchiver.

Right click on file and choose Open With to see the app

5. Double click on your .rar file. 

6. The Unarchiver will open a file window where you can choose the destination folder for your RAR extraction folder. You also have the option to create a new folder.

This screen appears after you double click your .rar file   choose folder destination

7. Once you have selected your folder destination, click the Extract button at the bottom right of the window.

8. Your RAR file is now a folder, and you should be able to access all of the files that were compressed into the RAR.

Files in folder from RAR extraction

Once you have opened your RAR file, the files inside behave just like regular files. You can move them to other folders, copy them, and, if you have the right software, edit them.

SEE ALSO: The best Macbooks you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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