• As a whole, the Insider Picks team tests out a lot of products each year. So, when something stands out, we take note. 
• There's nothing better than finding a seemingly random product that turns out to be incredibly practical. Through product testing and buying new products for ourselves, we've been impressed by plenty of useful products over the past year. 
• From an $8 lemon juicer to a $170 robot vacuum, we've rounded up 38 of the most useful products we've tried so far. 

The Insider Picks team has tested out a lot of products over the past few years. There are plenty of items that stand out for being innovative, practical, comfortable, and adding value to our lives in a plethora of other ways. Then, there are the products that are so useful we cannot imagine what we'd do without them.

These items, whether we've purchased them ourselves or tested them out for work, have become mainstays in our lives, helping us to solve even the most mundane of life's inconveniences. From big-ticket items like a $600 space heater to small ones like a $10 nylon bag, these are the most useful products we have tried or bought, and know we will continue using for years to come. 

Check out our list of the 38 most useful products we've discovered, below:

A robovac that vacuums your home even when you really don't want to

Eufy Boost IQ RoboVac 11S, $239.99, available at Amazon

I've saved probably five hours a week worth of cleaning time because of this vacuum. All I have to do is set it on an automatic timer to run its course every day, and it travels around my apartment, clearing molding between rooms with ease. This one isn't advanced enough to track its route so sometimes it'll go over the same spots, but the ones with all those special features tend to cost a lot more than this one (which is pretty reasonable in my opinion). In addition to scheduling cleanings, you can also use the remote control to clean a specific area by directing the vacuum's route yourself. It's slim enough to make it under dressers and couches with low clearance, and strong enough to suck up all the cat hair and litter in my apartment. — Sally Kaplan

A headband that makes falling asleep to music easy

AcousticSheep SleepPhones Bluetooth Headphones, $99.95, available at Amazon

I like to fall asleep to music, but it's a notoriously difficult task to find headphones that are comfortable (ie. slim enough) to sleep on top of at night without waking up with a sore neck. These AcousticSheep headphones look a bit like a science experiment, but they're the best ones I've found yet: comfortable, loud (but not loud enough to disturb others), and a battery life that lasts all night. You can listen to soothing sounds from an app or your favorite Spotify playlist via Bluetooth. — Mara Leighton

A smartwatch that costs less than $100

Amazfit Bip Smartwatch, $79.99, available at Amazon

I use this affordable smartwatch to track my daily activity and sleep as well as for handy features like the timer, alarm clock, and text notifications. It's an all-in-one accessory, which is why it's under-$100 price is even more amazing. Since I hate the constant cycle of charging that comes with owning a lot of tech, the month-long battery life is another reason why I recommend it often to friends. The watch doesn't take a lot of time to set up and get used to, but it will give back in many different ways. — Connie Chen

A wireless phone charger that's compatible with most phones and even thick cases

Anker PowerWave Wireless Charging Stand, $49.99, available at Amazon

Anker's PowerWave Wireless Charging Stand sits on my desk so I can top off my iPhone's battery when it's running low. The charger is powerful enough to charge through thick cases, and it even charges through my PopSocket if I angle my phone right, which is amazing. No other wireless charger has been able to do that. I also like that it's a stand because I can check my phone while it charges. Ever since I plugged the PowerWave in at my desk, my phone has always been full when I head home from work. — Malarie Gokey

A button-up duvet cover that is convenient and comfortable

Cool Supima Duvet Cover, $260, available at Casper

I can't praise Casper's duvet cover enough for its superior design details that solve for the annoying inconveniences of typical duvet covers. There's no way you'll button up the wrong buttons and have to start all over again because there are no buttons, just a zipper and snaps in the corners. And if your duvet shifts around inside, there are hidden openings that let you adjust the duvet without having to undo the whole cover. — Ellen Hoffman

A well-designed set of pillowcases

Luxe Pillowcases, $44 for set of two, available at Brooklinen

My favorite bedding brand Brooklinen recently updated the design of its pillowcases to include envelope closures, which means there are no open ends, and there's never any annoying pillow spillage. It's small, clever improvements like this that keep me coming back to the brand time and again for new sheets, comforters, bath towels, and even scented candles. — Ellen Hoffman

A set of packing cubes that are great organizers and space savers

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set, $38 (two-pack), available at Amazon

If you're planning on traveling anytime soon, do yourself a favor and pick up some of these packing cubes before you go. These water-resistant, nylon bags help you keep clothing organized so you won't waste time digging through your suitcase searching for what you need. Most importantly, they are great space-savers thanks to compression zippers that help you squeeze a lot of clothing into your small luggage.— Remi Rosmarin

An easy, affordable device that centralizes your favorite streaming platforms

Fire TV Stick, $39.99, available at Amazon 

(in stock October 6, 2019)

Life in my apartment would be much less interesting without our Fire TV Stick, which makes it easy to browse and watch almost any show or movie we feel like. Since each of my roommates subscribes to a different streaming service (Hulu, Netflix, Prime, etc.), we can combine them all into one central hub and never miss out on the latest film or episode. The menus are easy to navigate, it's Alexa-compatible, and the Fire TV app lets you control everything from your phone when you can't find the remote. The stick is compact and portable, and you can bring it with you when you travel as long as your hotel room has a TV and WiFi. — Connie Chen

A waterproof power pack that can withstand the elements of the outdoors

LIFEACTIV P0wer Pack, $44.99, available at Amazon

Until now, I have never carried around a power pack with me because I knew I'd get it wet in no time and that would be that. LifeProof has finally made a submersible battery pack along the lines of their phone case (which I also fully endorse), and I couldn't be more relieved. I don't know how many times I've been out and about with a dead phone and wanting a little GPS assistance passing through a reef or hiking out of a high-alpine trout stream. This might well be a lifesaver for me, and I can't recommend it enough. Also, the four-mode flashlight, while not necessarily unique, is much appreciated. — Owen Burke

A small, but very useful citrus press

Cucisina Citrus Press, $7.68, available at Amazon

If your cooking calls for a lot of juiced lemons or limes, or you just make a lot of guacamole, you need this $8 tool in your life. It's a serious game changer. Lemon seeds falling into your food will be a thing of the past. — Ellen Hoffman

A pair of wireless headphones that stay put while you run

Jaybird RUN True Wireless In-Ear Headphones, $112, available at Amazon and Best Buy

I spent a long time looking for wireless earbuds that both felt secure and were loud enough to drown out the monotony of pounding feet on a treadmill, and these are the best I've ever come across. They fit the bill perfectly, and they're tiny enough to fit in my jacket pocket or purse even in their charging case. They never fall out – or feel like they could – and they've got a great battery life: 12 hours on a full charge, and only five minutes in the charging case equaling one hour of playtime. They're also dirt-, sweat-, and water-resistant. Thanks to their convenience, I've even started using them on my commute or as a space-friendly travel alternative to bulky headphones for short trips. If I lost them, I'd easily fork over $150 to replace them. — Mara Leighton

A stylish reusable bag that is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic

Standard BAGGU Reusable Bag, $12, available at BAGGU

Nothing fancy here — it's a nylon bag, but a sturdy, stylish, and versatile one at that. I carry one with me most days to bring product samples home from the office, lug heavy groceries (which I inevitably overbuy at the market every time), and pack random knickknacks when I travel. Coming from a state where plastic bags are banned, I'm used to carrying reusable bags. They're so much better for the environment, and they're light and won't weigh you down. BAGGU's even folds down to a 5" x 5" square. — Connie Chen

An adhesive that gives you get the best grip on your tech

PopSocket Collapsible Grip & Stand, $14.99, available at Amazon

PopSocket grips are honestly one of the greatest inventions known to humankind. They make holding your tech a heck of a lot easier, especially when commuting. I avoided using them for a long time because I'm a contrarian and I hate giving in to popular trends, which was honestly no excuse. They are incredibly useful, and now I have one on every device including my phone, tablet, and Kindle. I even use the one on my phone to neatly wrap and store my headphones sometimes. — Sally Kaplan

I don't do trendy things as a rule, either, so I'm relieved I got my PopSocket before it was cool. I can't imagine using my phone without one now. The PopSocket grips aren't just cute and fun to look at, they're incredibly practical. They make holding and navigating your phone one-handed a breeze, and PopSockets double as a stand when you want to watch a video on your phone. — Malarie Gokey

A window perch your cat will thank you for

Kitty Cot Original World's Best Cat Perch, $44.95, available at Amazon

I went through my Amazon order history for 2018 and, yes, this window perch that I bought back in March definitely qualifies as useful — well, for my cat, at least. She uses it to sunbathe, watch birds and construction workers on nearby rooftops, and of course, to nap. She is very satisfied by the purchase, albeit she didn't offer to help pay for it...— Ellen Hoffman

A well-thought-out dish rack that will motivate you to wash your dishes

Farberware 3-Piece Dish Rack Set, $33.99, available at Amazon

A large dish rack may not seem like a worthwhile investment, but believe me, it is. I bought Farberware's dish rack last summer, and it's changed my kitchen cleaning game. The rack has three holders for utensils, three spots on the side to dry glasses, and enough room in its main section to dry a sink-load of dishes. The rack itself is slightly slanted, so water can drain from your dishes directly into the sink. I realized that I wasn't doing my dishes as often as I should have because the idea of doing it in several loads was annoying. Now that I don't have that problem, the only thing I see when I look into the sink is the drain. — Brandt Ranj

A two-in-one heater and fan that can help lower your electricity bill

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link, $599.99, available at Best Buy

This winter my tiny, poorly insulated NYC apartment racked up over a $500 monthly electricity bill while we struggled to find a convenient, cost-effective solution. Savings on a big purchase like the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link usually add up gradually over time, but we saw returns on the investment within the first few months – cutting our bill by hundreds of dollars and evenly heating our apartment without demanding much space. It's attractive and compact enough to keep in a main area, evenly circulates heat, removes 99.97% of pollutants and allergens according to the company, and can operate via voice control and a seven-day schedule (complete with night-time mode) so you can walk in the door to a toasty warm living room in December. It was a lifesaver. — Mara Leighton

A great water bottle for keeping beverages ice-cold on the go

40 oz. Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle (available in 11 colors), $42.95, available at REI

After using the Hydro Flask Rocks Cup and True Pint Glass for my hot and cold drinks at work, I wanted to get something that I could use when I'm not in the office. I went with the 40 oz. Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle and I've used it just about every day since purchasing it. Originally, I thought I'd only carry it to the gym since it holds enough water to get me through my workouts, but I've started to carry it with me whenever I know I'll be away from home for a while. Compared to normal water bottles, the Hydro Flask keeps my water cold for a much longer time. If I fill it with water and ice cubes in the morning, the ice cubes are usually still in there by the end of the day — even if it's very hot outside. — Amir Ismael

Quick-drying, lightweight towels that are great for humid weather

Fouta Towels, starting at $4, available at Crane & Canopy

One of the worst things about humid, hot weather is that nothing dries — least of all the towels you have to use to dry off from multiple cold showers each day. I was lucky enough to get Crane & Canopy's lightweight Fouta Turkish cotton towels just in time for a heat wave, and I love them. They dry super quickly, they don't feel heavy on your body when it's hot, and they're really cute in your bathroom. —Malarie Gokey

A set of giant, cozy shower towels

Egyptian Cotton Towels, $24.95, available at L.L.Bean

I am not super tall (quite the opposite), but get cold very easily, which means that the moment I get out of the shower, I'm freezing. These bath sheets are huge (40 x 60), soft, dense, and warm me right up. I also like that they're not so plush that they don't dry easily or anything like that. You can also have them monogrammed for $8.— Grace High 

A book membership service that will satisfy avid readers

Scribd membership, $8.99 a month, available at Scribd

Scribd is a reading app that gives subscribers unlimited access to hundreds of thousands of audiobooks, e-books, magazines, sheet music, and more for $9 per month. You can download titles for offline reading and add highlights and notes. In my experience, it's the best and broadest collection of titles for less than I pay for coffee in a week. It helps me read more, and it's about the only subscription I've been loyal to for a year and remained totally content with. — Mara Leighton

A super-convenient utensil holder

OXO Good Grips Rotating Utensil Holder, $19.99, available at Amazon

As an avid home chef I've accumulated way too many tools and utensils to fit in my kitchen drawers. I bought OXO's rotating utensil holder earlier this year, and never looked back. The holder is partitioned into three sections, so you can easily organize your tools based on which ones you use for certain types of cooking. And as silly as it may seem, the fact that this holder rotates makes it easy to get quick access to every tool you have stored inside. — Brandt Ranj

An affordable espresso maker that looks and feels like a luxury one

Flair Signature Espresso Maker, $199, available at Amazon

I've been hunting for an affordable alternative to a $5,000 espresso machine for most of my adult life. Regular coffee is not an option for me, and while I love my simple stovetop Moka pots, getting it to work right can be a challenge, if not a nuisance. The Flair pulls perfect shots every time, and looks great on my counter. At the cost of most espresso pod machines, you'll get something along the lines of a real espresso shot with fresh coffee grounds. It's also kind of fun to use, and, I might add, looks great on the kitchen counter. — Owen Burke

A quick-drying microfiber towel that can be compactly stored

REI Co-op Multi-Towel Lite, $11.95-$37.95, available at REI

I never thought I needed a microfiber towel, but they're seriously convenient. They're super absorbent and only take a few hours to dry completely. If you're in a pinch for time, you can easily ring the towel out to the point where it's just damp. The best part is the towel fits into a little nylon pouch, so you can easily tote it to the beach, on a hike, or travelling when you need to save luggage space, plus the nylon makes sure everything else in your bag stays dry. — Remi Rosmarin

Hydrocolloid patches that help pesky pimples disappear

Mighty Patch Hydrocolloid Acne Absorbing Spot Dots, $11.88, available at Amazon

These Mighty Patch stickers are the most effective acne weapon I've ever found, and both myself and fellow Insider Picks reporter Connie Chen have sung their praises many times. Stick the spot dot over a blemish at night when one crops up, and you'll find that it is either gone or vastly diminished in severity and inflammation the next morning. The Hydrocolloid – originally used for treating wounds – draws impurities out from pores without harsh chemicals or drying products, and the sticker cover protects blemishes from your wandering hands as well as dirt, dust, and germs so it can recover quickly and effectively. If you ever get a blemish and want the power to gently solve it overnight, you should try these.  — Mara Leighton

Sunscreen that won't ruin your makeup or make you feel greasy during the middle of the day

Supergoop! Setting Mist with SPF 50, $30, available at Sephora

I don't love applying sunscreen, but I know I need it, so I do each morning. Even as an avid SPF-user, unless I'm lounging on the beach or doing some other outdoor activities in the sun, I'm usually not applying as frequently as I should. This setting mist delivers SPF 50 with an easy-to-apply spritz. It won't ruin your makeup, make your hands greasy, or add an unwanted white cast to your skin, but it will protect your skin and give your skin a nice refresh in the meantime. — Remi Rosmarin

A customizable, Alexa-enabled lighting system

Philips Hue White Ambiance Smart Bulb Starter Kit,  $107, available at Amazon

My apartment is small and it operates with master switches — meaning one switch controls every outlet in a given room. Since most of my outlets are covered by furniture, I got the Philips Hue smart bulbs (after hearing so many positive recommendations from colleagues) so I could  control the lights by my Amazon Echo or Hue app on my phone, and wake up to a warm glow on dark and dismal winter mornings. I've said it before, but the Philips Hue smart bulbs have surprised my by being one of the best and most convenient home upgrades I've ever made — not to mention fantastic for creating the ideal atmosphere (these have 50,000 shades of white light for you to play with, from night light to "energize").— Mara Leighton

An all-natural sunscreen that is better for your body and the environment

Raw Elements Face and Body Natural Sunscreen, $17.49, available at Amazon

Chemical-based sunscreen is really noxious stuff, and as someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, the last thing I want to do is poison the very reefs which both dazzle and feed me. Oxybenzone, one of the primary ingredients in chemical-based sunscreens, is a chemical that we know almost nothing about, other than it kills corals.

The other side of the coin is that natural, mineral-based sunscreens are predominantly made with thick, gloppy zinc that leaves us looking like The Friendly Ghost. Raw Elements' Face and Body is among the best solutions I've tried, and if you make sure to apply it well ahead of your day outside, it will soak in very well, and stay there better than most chemical-based alternatives. Their plastic-free tins are also a nice touch, and I reuse them for just about anything and everything. — Owen Burke

Boxes that help easily organize a big shoe collection

Men's Drop-Front Shoe Box, $9.99 each or $53.94 for a six-pack, available at The Container Store

The Container Store's Drop-Front Shoe Boxes are easily the best investment I've made in keeping my large (and growing) shoe collection organized. Stacking regular shoe boxes turns out to be a total mess when you want a pair from the bottom, but with these clever shoe boxes, that's not a problem. They're designed to stack as high as you'd like and since you can open them from the front, you'll never have to unstack boxes to get a pair of shoes out. You can read my full review here. — Amir Ismael

A backpack cooler that you can take anywhere

Hopper Backflip 24, $299.99, available at YETI

This cooler has become one of my best friends this year. It's so compact and well-sealed that I can take it just about anywhere, and transporting food and drink — be it on the train, to the park or beach for a picnic, or anywhere, really — has become much less of a chore. Backpack coolers have been a big hit this year, and I'm also a big fan of the IceMule BOSS for bigger, longer trips, the YETI BackFlip has been my all-around favorite this year. Oh, and it also holds ice for a really long time. — Owen Burke

A dry bag that keeps your belongings easily accessible and dry

Sidekick Dry, $49.99, available at YETI

The Sidekick Dry has to be one of my favorite innovations from YETI yet. If there's one issue I've had with every dry bag I've owned, it's been opening and closing it, especially with wet or dirty hands in the outdoors. Dry bags require about three or four even rolls at the top in order to seal properly, and if you find yourself needing to get in and out of them repeatedly, they become a real pain. The Sidekick Dry eliminates that conundrum as much as anything could. A sturdy Velcro tab and a zip-lock-like magnetic seal accommodate even the most debilitated, preoccupied hands, and I've been able to pull out all sorts of essentials in a heartbeat thanks to it. — Owen Burke

A travel mug that's smarter so you don't have to be

Contigo West Loop Autoseal Stainless Steel Travel Mug, $16.99, available at Amazon

Most travel mugs can keep your drinks hot, but oddly enough, they don't really seem made for moving. This Contigo iteration will change your mind about travel mugs. Autoseal technology will automatically reseal your mug, so even if you forget to close the top after taking a sip, you don't have to worry about leaks or spills. The leak- and spill-proof seal really works as well as they say. If you want to learn more you can read my whole rave review here. — Remi Rosmarin

A small hand steamer and iron that perks up your clothes in a pinch

Rowenta Hand-Held Steamer and Iron, $31.95, available at Amazon

This hybrid iron and steamer has taken the place of two devices for me. Though it's not ideal for ironing large pieces of clothing or linen sheets, it's perfect for steaming out wrinkles on most things in my closet and crisping up collars and sleeves. — Sally Kaplan

A drain protector that catches all hairs that cross its path

TubShroom Drain Protector, $12.99, available at Amazon

Much to my partner's chagrin, my hair is constantly clogging the shower drain. So on a whim, I bought the internet famous TubShroom (it has nearly 15,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.2-star rating) to mitigate the problem. And it's not a gimmick. It works like a charm, it's easy to clean, and best of all, it's only $13. — Ellen Hoffman

A deceivingly comfortable pair of chinos

Men's Tech Chinos, $138, available at Bonobos 

I wear pants a lot and this is my absolute favorite pair. They are not cheap at $168 per pair and they seem to be immune to Bonobos' sales, but I still love them anyway. In November of 2017 I called them "the perfect pair of pants" and I stand by that. I bought two more pairs this year. They look professional but feel like casual pants so I even find myself wearing them on weekends. These pants are water and stain resistant, stretch, fit great and once you buy a pair you'll see what I'm talking about. We've featured them in a few other stories, one of which you can read here, if you need further convincing. — Breton Fischetti

A pair of glasses that protect your eyes from the harsh blue light of computers, phones, and other tech

ZENNI Blue Light Glasses, starting at $6.95, available at ZENNI

These under-$20 blue light reflecting glasses were among the most life-changing accessories I've acquired this year. I only wish I'd gotten them sooner. I've always noticed that my eyes were exhausted by the end of a day's worth of glaring at a computer screen, but I never really thought to do anything about it. I've tried a few different pairs, but ZENNI's have been my favorite, far and away. I don't feel like I have to go find some sort of dark chamber in which to regather my vision after a day in the office.  — Owen Burke

The only backpack you need for everyday use

EveryDay Backpack 2oL, $259.95, available at Peak Design

Peak's 20L EveryDay Backpack is basically the perfect backpack for, well, every day. It doubles as a camera bag, but works for just about everything else, too. Movable, adjustable shelves let you reconfigure the bag on the fly, and comfortable, well-designed padding and straps make it easy to carry even when it's full.  It's become my go-to commute bag, as well as my camera day bag for when I'm traveling. You can read my full review here. — David Slotnick

Vacuum seal bags that seriously maximize your storage space

SpaceSaver Premium Reusable Vacuum Storage Bags, $29.99, available at Amazon

Despite having a thimble-sized closet, I resisted buying vacuum storage bags for a long time – at 23, they seemed too intimately related to infomercials and old age. But, now that I have them, I can't readily name a better use of $30 (which gets you six "jumbo" bags). They've freed up about 60% of my storage space, are incredibly simple to use and reuse, and slide easily under my bed so I don't have to look at or think about them. — Mara Leighton

Instant coffee that works when you need a good brew in a pinch

Starbucks Via Medium Roast Colombia Instant Coffee, 26-count, $21.47, available at Amazon

When I'm out and about and can't rely on the freshly-brewed coffee of either the Business Insider office or at home, I love the Starbucks VIA Columbia as a great backup. All I have to do is mix this instant-coffee packet into a cup of hot water, and it mixes to the perfect strength and texture. — Shalom Goodman

• I went to six weddings between Memorial Day and Labor Day this year.
• I spent a total of $192.43 on wedding gifts.
• Rideshares, buses, and an Amtrak ride added up to $194.48, and hotels for two of the weddings cost $96.85 total.
• I ordered four cheap dresses on Amazon for $115.66.
• I spent a grand total of $599.42 on weddings throughout the summer.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

I became something of a serial wedding guest this summer.

While I have nothing on Jane from "27 Dresses," did I attend six weddings between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

I'm honored to have been included in my friends' milestones. I witnessed a beautiful variety of ceremonies and even played an official role in a wedding ritual for the first time.

But my wallet definitely took a hit.

Read more: Here's the astronomical amount of money people spend to attend a wedding — and tips on how to save on this huge expense

Wedding guest expenses have a way of adding up, especially if you're in the wedding party and are paying for bridal showers, bachelor parties, and a coordinating outfit on top of everything else. A NerdWallet study found that 41% of millennials have skipped or considered skipping a wedding because they couldn't afford to attend.

Thankfully, I was able to be at every wedding I was invited to. But I was a little bit afraid to tally up how much I actually spent by September.

In the name of tackling taboos that often surround discussing one's finances, here's a full breakdown of my summer of six weddings.

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I spent a total of $192.43 on wedding gifts.

I deliberated the etiquette of breaking down exactly how much I spent on every gift for this story. On the one hand, it's pretty much the journalistic equivalent of leaving the price tag on. On the other hand, the couples registered for the items themselves so they already know how much everything cost.

In the end, I've decided to share it all. Here's how this summer's wedding gifts added up:

• Mixing bowl from Bed Bath and Beyond: $30.47.
• Warming tray from Amazon: $64. Split two ways, I paid $32.
• Honeymoon fund donation on MyRegistry: $72 plus fees. Split two ways, I paid $37.96.
• Throw pillows from Bed Bath and Beyond: $25.
• Spice Rack from Bed Bath and Beyond: $54.43. Split two ways, I paid $27.
• Toaster oven from Zola: $80. Split two ways, I paid $40.

Total gift expenses: $192.43.

Transportation added up to $194.48.

Most of the events I attended were in the tri-state area, but some required travel and accommodations.

One of the weddings was accessible by subway, making it free with my monthly Metrocard. For another one of the weddings, I got a ride from my roommate's fiancé. For the other four, plus one bridal shower, here's what transportation cost:

• Lyft to a bridal shower in the Bronx: $26.88.
• Borrowing my brother's car, which included a highway toll pass, to drive upstate: $28.85 for gas.
• Jitney bus to New Jersey: $11 round trip.
• Lyft to New Jersey: $65.25 round trip. Split between three people each way, I paid $21.75.
• Amtrak to Washington, DC: $106. This was a splurge, but I didn't want to deal with traffic getting back into the city after a holiday weekend and it was an hour shorter than a bus would have been. Definitely worth it.

Total transportation expenses: $194.48.

I spent $96.85 on accommodations for two out-of-town weddings.

Two of the weddings required overnight stays outside of the New York metropolitan area:

• Hotel upstate: $119.98. Split two ways, I paid $60.
• Hotel in Washington, DC: $137.35. I booked through my credit card's rewards website and used $63.64 worth of points, bringing the cost to $73.71. Split two ways, I paid $36.85.

Total accommodation expenses: $96.85.

For my outfits, I spent $115.66 on four dresses.

After a few unsuccessful department store trips, I decided to try ordering cheap dresses on Amazon for the convenience factor. Not all of them were winners, but I kept these four and rotated them out throughout the summer:

• Genhoo Women's Vintage Tea Dress: $34.99.
• AONOUR Women's Vintage Floral Lace Swing Dress: $36.69.
• VFSHOW Elegant Velvet Flutter Sleeve Sheath Dress: $17.99.
•  
• Lamilus Midi Swing Dress with Pockets: $25.99. As a side note, I cannot recommend this dress enough. It's comfortable, has pockets deep enough to hold all the essentials without looking bulky, and I got tons of compliments on it.

Total outfit expenses: $115.66.

I spent a grand total of $599.42 as a wedding guest this summer — about $100 per wedding.

The Knot found that wedding guests spend an average of $776 per wedding. My total of just under $600 for six weddings didn't come close to that. This is likely because most of the weddings I went to were local, so I didn't have to book any expensive flights or accommodations for more than one night.

I can honestly say that spending my summer celebrating love in all its splendors was worth every penny. But if you're a frequent wedding guest on a budget like myself, here are a few ways I'd recommend saving money:

• Split costs with others when possible. Fill every available seat in rideshares. Buddy up for hotel rooms or Airbnbs. Some registries also let you contribute smaller amounts towards more expensive items or gift an amount of your choice to a cash fund.
• Join hotel rewards clubs. With many chains, all you have to do is set up a free account online for perks like cheaper member rates and late checkout. If you go to enough weddings and rack up enough points, you can earn a free stay.
• Take advantage of credit card rewards. Save up credit card points and cashback rewards for big occasions that come with big expenses. Business Insider named Chase Freedom Unlimited as the best card for everyday spending, and it served me well this summer by paying for almost half of one of my hotel stays.
• Repeat outfits. There is literally nothing wrong with wearing an item of clothing that you own more than once. Just don't wear white.

• Read more:
• Here's how popular first dance songs at weddings have changed over the years
• The best Chase credit cards you can sign up for in 2019
• These couples took engagement photos in their favorite stores, and fluorescent lighting has never looked more romantic
• Here's how much it costs to get married in 25 of the biggest US cities

• You should know how to remove your Apple ID from an iPad before you sell or give away the device, and in doing so, wipe all of your personal data from the iPad so it can't be stolen.
• Removing your Apple ID from an iPad only takes a few minutes, but restoring the device will take much longer, so don't take your ID off the iPad unless you're certain it's going to someone new.
• You can also remove your Apple ID from an iPad remotely using iCloud, so if your iPad is lost or stolen, you can still protect your personal information.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When connected to your Apple ID, an iPad is a powerful tool. In a matter of seconds, you can pull up your iTunes library, connect to email and text messaging, and access endless stores of personal data stored by iCloud.

This also means that in the wrong hands, an iPad with your Apple ID on it gives far too much access to your personal and private information. So before sell or give away your iPad, make sure to remove your Apple ID. 

And before you do that, make sure all the pictures, documents, videos, and other materials are backed up to the cloud. Because once you remove your Apple ID from your iPad, you'll lose access to most of your files.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPad (From $329 at Best Buy)

How to remove your Apple ID from an iPad

1. Launch the Settings app and tap on your name or image at the top-left of the screen.

2. Tap the "iTunes & App Store" tab.

3. Tap the Apple ID tab at the top of the screen.

4. Tap "View Apple ID" in the popup window and, if prompted, enter your password.

5. Tap "Remove this Device" near the bottom of the page.

6. You will be redirected to an Apple ID website. Enter your Apple ID (the email associated with the account) and password when prompted.

7. In the menu presented, choose "Devices," and then tap the iPad you wish to remove.

8. Tap "Remove" and then confirm your choice.

To remove your Apple ID from an iPad remotely, log into your iCloud account, go to the "Find My Phone" section, and then select "All Devices." 

Locate the iPad, and then click and confirm "Remove from Account."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change your Apple ID on an iPad

• 'Why is my iPad so slow?': How to get your iPad running smoothly again

• How to clear the cache on your iPad to make it run faster

• How to restore your iPad from a backup after resetting it

SEE ALSO: The best iPads you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 5 things wrong with Apple's lightning cable

• You can create a company page on LinkedIn to give your business a place to provide information and job opportunities.
• You'll need to have an existing LinkedIn account and use the desktop version of the site to create a company page, while meeting requirements for the page name and URL. 
• Here's how to make a company page for your business on Linkedin.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you have a business, a LinkedIn company page can be a useful tool to provide information about your  business and give people a central location to view job opportunities. 

Before you get started, however, keep in mind that you'll need to have an existing LinkedIn account and use the desktop version of the site (rather than the mobile app) to create your company page. 

You'll also need to have a verified email address (otherwise you'll be asked to verify one during the process), and you need to have "enough" connections to create a page (basically, LinkedIn wants to make sure you have an active account).

In addition, the URL for your page can't already exist, and it has to have at least one non-numeric character and can't use back-to-back hyphens.

With that in mind, here's what you'll need to do to create your company page on the site:

How to create a company page on LinkedIn

1. Go to linkedin.com and log into your account, if necessary. 

2. Click the "Work" icon in the top-right corner of the screen, scroll to the bottom of the pop-up and select "Create a Company Page."

3. Select the kind of business you want to create a page for.

4. Add your company or institution details, page identity, and other profile details.

5. Check the verification box, which affirms that you have the authority to create and take ownership of the page.

6. Click "Create Page."

Once your company page has been created, you'll be able to fill it in with more details. 

To do that, click "Start building your page!" – that's where you'll be able to upload a logo, and add a more detailed description and location details. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to contact customer support on LinkedIn through the Help Center and forum

• 'How much is LinkedIn Premium?': A cost breakdown of all 4 of LinkedIn's paid membership tiers

• How to upload your resume on LinkedIn and display it on your profile

• How to endorse someone on LinkedIn, or accept a LinkedIn endorsement for your profile

SEE ALSO: The best budget laptops you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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• You should reset your Fitbit Flex and wipe its data clean if you're giving it to a new user. 
• You can also reset a Fitbit Flex to help a malfunctioning tracker work properly again as you reset the software to factory settings (though you will lose your data). 
• To reset a Fitbit Flex, you'll need an official Fitbit Flex charger, a paperclip, and a computer with a USB port to which you can connect the charging cable.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If your Fitbit Flex isn't working properly, you might need to refresh the software and ensure your tracker is accurately keeping tabs on your calorie burn, steps taken, and many other biometric stats. 

The solution? A quick reset.

Resetting your Fitbit Flex restores it to its factory settings and should jolt the software back to proper function. 

It will, however, erase all of your data, so don't reset a Flex unless the device is definitely malfunctioning, or unless you are going to sell the tracker, give it away, or send it back to the company.

To reset a Fitbit Flex, you need to have an official Fitbit charger, a USB power outlet, and a standard paperclip that has been unfolded to free up a straight segment (or a similar tool).

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Fitbit Flex (From $79.99 at Amazon)

How to reset a Fitbit Flex

1. Connect the Fitbit Flex to its charger.

2. On the back of the charger, insert the paperclip into the small hole.

3. Gently press down for four seconds.

4. Remove the Fitbit from the charger.

The unit should now be restored to its factory settings. Try connecting to it with your phone or computer to be sure, and repeat the reset process if it does not work the first time.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change the time on a Fitbit using the Fitbit mobile app or website

• How a Fitbit is able to accurately track your movement, and how to check your step count on it

• How to charge a Fitbit Flex in 3 simple steps

• How to sync your Fitbit with an iPhone and track all of your fitness data in one app

SEE ALSO: The best Fitbit you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch SpaceX's 'most difficult launch ever'

• Despite strong sales and rapid growth, dollar store brands are receiving increasing backlash for dubious practices like selling expired products and contributing to food deserts by taking over retail space in low-income rural communities.
• Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar were collectively fined $1.2 million for selling expired over-the-counter medicine, faulty motor oil, and failing to comply with New York state law policies regarding bottle deposits. 
• Politicians and industry leaders have started speaking out against the exploitative practices of dollar stores. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

As the retail apocalypse wages on, discount stores like Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar have been seemingly impervious to large-scale closures and substantial sales dips. However, not everyone is viewing the growth of this multi-billion industry as positive. 

The backlash continues to swell against dollar stores, largely as a result of their rapid growth in the rural middle- and low-income communities where they're edging out full-service grocery due to perceived competition and lack of retail space. In turn, many individuals in these regions lack access to healthy grocery options and depend on dollar store offerings that lack fresh produce. 

Read more:Dollar General is dominating in America. Here's how it keeps its prices so low.

Also adding fuel to the fire is a series of recent lawsuits against the three retailers for selling expired over-the-counter drugs, faulty motor oil, and failing to comply with New York's bottle deposit law. Here's a closer look at the reputational issues plaguing the dollar store industry.

SEE ALSO: Dollar stores are a billion-dollar industry. Here's how they get customers to spend more money.

Taking action against food deserts

Across the three major dollar store companies, there are a total of 30,000 dollar stores in the United States in 2019, up from 10,000 in 2009, CNN Business reported. These stores are effectively displacing and disincentivizing full-service grocery stores from opening in the rural, low-income communities where dollar stores thrive. 

"The business model for these stores is built on saturation," Julia McCarthy, senior policy associate at the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, told CNN Business. "When you have so many dollar stores in one neighborhood, there's no incentive for a full-service grocery store to come in."

As a result, many community members are relying on dollar stores for their nutritional needs — despite the retailer's inventory of sugary and fatty packaged foods and lack of fresh fruit and vegetables. To counter this, politicans have started taking matters into their own hands. 

In July, the Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, Alabama passed an amendment to prohibit further dollar store openings as part of an effort to prevent food deserts in parts of the city. The legislation demonstrates larger scale efforts to push back on the ubiquity of dollar stores. 

"Healthy foods are the cornerstone of a healthy community," Josh Carpenter, director of Birmingham's Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, said in a statement. "What we are trying to do is show our community that healthy residents make healthy workers, which will lead to a healthier economy. Making sure that people have access to healthier foods is fundamental to our work in not only recruiting grocery stores but other businesses.''

The outcry comes after Dollar General announced a pilot program of DG Fresh in March 2019, an effort to shift to self-distribution of frozen and refrigerated goods. Though Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said on a call with investors last week that the initiative will provide the company with increased autonomy around grocery, with the hopes of integrating fresh fruit and vegetable in the future, it doesn't seem like its in the cards any time soon. 

"DG Fresh will eventually allow us to control our own destiny on our assortment in these categories," Vasos said on the call. "This could include a wider selection of both national and private brands as well as an enhanced offering for our better-for-you items. And while produce is not included in our initial rollout plans, we believe DG Fresh could provide the potential path forward to expanding our produce offerings to more stores in the future."

How dollar store products are endangering consumers

Also complicating matters is a series of lawsuits against the major dollar stores for collectively selling expired products, resulting in total fines and damages of $1.2 million. On August 26, New York Attorney General Leticia James announced the culmination of a months-long investigation on the sale of expired drugs and unsuitable motor oil, as well as illegal practices regarding the bottle deposit law in the state of New York. 

"It's a tough pill for New Yorkers to swallow that the over-the-counter drugs they were buying may have been expired," James said in a statement. "New York consumers have a right to expect that products on store shelves are safe, fresh and suitable for their advertised use."

The fines will also effectively ensure that Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar improve their business practices and update their policies moving forward to avoid further legal action. 

Among the most troubling findings, investigators discovered that Dollar General-branded motor oil is not viable for most engines created after 1930, and that the store failed to notify consumers otherwise. Additionally, several over-the-counter medications were months beyond the expiration date. 

Moving forward, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar have a significant amount of work to do to pay their debts, turn business practices around, and stop the acceleration of food deserts in the US. 

• Cockatiels require a healthy diet for long-term wellness, but it is your choice whether to feed a nutritionally balanced pellet or seed mix.
• Whichever you choose, make sure it meets your bird's nutritional requirements and is made with wholesome, natural ingredients.
• Nutritionally complete and scientifically proven to increase foraging behavior, Lafeber's Classic Nutri-Berries are our top pick for the best cockatiel food overall.

Easily one of the most popular companion birds, the cockatiel is an outgoing, comical breed known for the yellow crest on top of its head through which it displays emotion. The cockatiel is the smallest member of the cockatoo family but still fairly large compared to other pet birds. These birds stand up to 12 inches tall and can live for 15 years or more with proper care.

It all involves providing the bird with a roomy cage, a healthy diet, and plenty of daily interaction. Wild cockatiels forage on the ground for food and eat a variety of seeds, fruits, and vegetables, and you should mimic that mix with the food you provide for them.

Many bird enthusiasts advocate for the feeding of commercial pellets that are nutritionally balanced but somewhat less appealing to birds than seed. The problem with seed mixes is that many birds pick out only the seeds they like, leading to an unbalanced diet.

It is the cockatiel owner responsibility to make sure the bird's nutritional needs are met. If you choose to feed a cockatiel a seed mix, you may have to supplement its diet to ensure balanced nutrition. If you choose a pelleted diet, you might have to work with your bird to transition it off of seed.

No matter what type of diet you choose, we've researched and assembled a list of our top picks for some of the best cockatiel food to help you make your choice.

Here is the best cockatiel food you can buy in 2019:

• Best cockatiel food overall: Lafeber's Classic Nutri-Berries for Cockatiels
• Best affordable cockatiel food: Kaytee Exact Optimal Nutrition Diet for Cockatiels
• Best seed mix cockatiel food: Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend Cockatiel Food
• Best cockatiel pellets: Harrison's Adult Lifetime Fine Pellets
• Best foraging food for cockatiels: Lafeber's Avi-Cakes Original Flavor for Cockatiels

Updated on 09/04/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

The best cockatiel food overall

Lafeber's Classic Nutri-Berries for Cockatiels are nutritionally complete and helps to increase foraging behavior in your beloved bird.

The best cockatiel food will be one that provides for your cockatiel's nutritional requirements while also appealing to his tastes and foraging behavior. It should be made with wholesome natural ingredients and formulated for balanced nutrition as well. Our top pick for the best cockatiel food overall is Lafeber's Classic Nutri-Berries for Cockatiels.

These Lafeber's Classic Nutri-Berries are a blend of premium quality ingredients that deliver balanced nutrition similar to pellets but twice the foraging. They come in a unique round shape to enable beak play and exercise, helping to prevent bird boredom which can lead to feather picking and other destructive behaviors.

These Nutri-Berries are made with human-grade, non-GMO ingredients free from artificial additives but loaded with antioxidants and omega fatty acids. They also come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

A detailed review from tge Windy City Parrot blog praises Lafeber's Nutri-Berries as a premium source of nutrition in a form irresistible to birds, especially foraging birds like cockatiels.

These Lafeber's Classic Nutri-Berries for Cockatiels have a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, from more than 300 shoppers who left reviews. Bird owners love the foraging-inspiring design and balanced nutrition, though there are comments about some shipments arriving with clumps stuck together and concerns about the product spoiling quickly if exposed to moisture.

Pros: Nutritional balance of pellets with twice the foraging, human-grade non-GMO ingredients, rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, no artificial additives, nutritionally complete

Cons: May spoil quickly if exposed to moisture, Nutri-Berries may stick together in large clumps, can make a mess when broken up, significantly more expensive than seed mixes

The best affordable food for cockatiels

Affordably priced and formulated to deliver balanced nutrition with every bite, Kaytee Exact Optimal Nutrition Diet is a great affordable food for cockatiels.

Cockatiels may not be the biggest pet birds you'll come across, but they eat significantly more than smaller breeds like budgies and finches. A responsible bird owner will feed their cockatiel a balanced diet which, in most cases, means a seed mix or pellet supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. If you're concerned about feeding your cockatiel a high-quality product without going over budget, try Kaytee Exact Optimal Nutrition Diet for Cockatiels.

Kaytee Exact Optimal Nutrition Diet for Cockatiels is our top pick for the best affordable food for cockatiels. Priced under $15, these pellets offer a nutritionally complete daily diet designed to meet the nutritional requirements of cockatiels.

Every nugget is made with healthy natural ingredients and beneficial supplements to ensure 100% consumable nutrition. With no seed hulls to worry about, you'll have less mess and the shape and texture of the nuggets is designed to provide enrichment and mental stimulation.

One buyer review compared Kaytee Exact Optimal Nutrition Diet for Cockatiels to a similar product, Zupreem Natural Medium Bird Food, commenting that her cockatiels preferred the Kaytee recipe. Dr. Fox Magazine includes several other Kaytee recipes in its picks for the best cockatiel foods, though we chose this for its price and nutritional balance.

This food has a 4.2-star rating on Amazon with more than 150 reviews. Bird owners love the price and how easy it is to feed, though there are some comments about birds refusing the food and some concerns about the pellets being too large.

Pros: Priced under $15, each bite is nutritionally complete, supplemented with nutrients and probiotics, designed to provide enrichment, no seed hulls means less mess

Cons: Some birds have trouble transitioning onto a pelleted diet, new formulation may have pellets too large for some birds

The best seed mix for cockatiels

Loaded with a variety of premium-quality seeds, dried fruits, and nutritional supplements, Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend Cockatiel Food is sure to be a hit with your cockatiel.

Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend Cockatiel Food features a blend of premium-quality ingredients including dried fruits, seeds, and nuts to give your cockatiel a healthy diet balanced through variety.

This seed mix is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, plus supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion. It is also packed with omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy skin and feather but free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Breedsy calls it the best cockatiel seed mix due to the variety of flavors and textures it has to offer. The reviewer also commented on the high omega-3 content that supports your cockatiel's skin and feathers. Squeaks and Nibbles blog also includes this product in its list of favorite cockatiel seed mixes, noting the use of supplemental probiotics for digestive support.

Amazon shoppers love the variety of seeds and other ingredients, though there are comments about the price being too high for the type of product.

Pros: Premier blend of natural ingredients, variety of flavors and textures, enriched with essential nutrients, balanced omega fatty acid content, supplemented with probiotics

Cons: Seeds may spoil if they get wet, some birds will pick out certain types of seeds, price is higher than for similar products

The best pellets for cockatiels

Nutritionally balanced with every bite, Harrison's Adult Lifetime Fine Pellets are made with premium-quality, certified organic ingredients and sealed for freshness and flavor.

Bird owners will always argue for and against pelleted diets. The primary benefit of a pelleted diet is the assurance that each bite is nutritionally complete. With seed mixes, many birds pick out the seeds they like and fail to consume the ideal balance of nutrients.

Switching your bird to a pelleted diet can be a challenge, but the nutritional benefits are worth it. Our top pick for the best pellets for cockatiels is Harrison's Adult Lifetime Fine Pellets.

Harrison's Bird Foods has a reputation for producing high-quality products made with organic natural ingredients and these Adult Lifetime Fine Pellets are no exception. Formulated and sized for small-to-medium birds like your cockatiel, these pellets are made with premium, certified organic ingredients and sealed for freshness. They are free from chemicals, preservatives, and artificial additives but loaded with healthy and balanced nutrition.

Dr. Fox Magazine recommends these pellets, commenting on the quality ingredients and USDA NOP organic seal that keeps them safe and fresh. Cockatiel Review also includes this product in its top picks, noting that each bite contains only high-quality, balanced nutrition with no chemicals or sweeteners.

These Harrison's Adult Lifetime Fine Pellets have a 4.7-star rating on Amazon with more than 200 reviews. Bird owners love the nutritional quality and ease of feeding, though some had trouble getting their cockatiels to eat the food (particularly when switching from seed).

Pros: Nutritionally complete in every bite, premium-quality organic certified ingredients, sealed for freshness, no preservatives or artificial additives, formulated for small-to-medium birds

Cons: May be difficult to transition bird onto a pelleted diet, doesn't encourage foraging as well as seed mixes, pellets may be too small for some birds

The best foraging cockatiel food

Lafeber's Avi-Cakes are a 50/50 blend of premium seeds and nutritionally balanced pellets that will meet your cockatiel's nutritional requirements, while also meeting its needs for foraging and exercise.

Many birds spend a significant portion of their day on the ground foraging for food. Just because your cockatiel lives in a cage doesn't mean that his natural behavior will just disappear — foraging is still an important aspect of feeding your cockatiel, and it provides him with exercise and enrichment at the same time. Our top pick for the best foraging cockatiel food is Lafeber's Avi-Cakes Original Flavor for Cockatiels.

Lafeber's Avi-Cakes are a 50/50 blend of premium seeds and nutritionally balanced pellets, held together with a molasses binder. These cakes feature a unique square shape to enable beak play and encourage foraging exercise for your cockatiel while also providing for his nutritional needs.

Made with human-grade, non-GMO ingredients, these Avi-Cakes are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives but loaded with antioxidants and omega fatty acids. Plus, they come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Cockatiel Review likes the varied combination of seeds and pellets. The site also notes that the pieces can make a mess when broken into pieces. A detailed review of Lafeber's Avi-Cakes and NutriBerries from the Windy City Parrot blog hails this product as the perfect middle ground between a seed mix and pelleted diet.

These Lafeber's Avi-Cakes have a 4.7-star review on Amazon with more than 200 buyer reviews and carry an Amazon's Choice award as well. Bird owners love the quality ingredients, but there are comments that some shipments arrived stale and some birds simply don't like the taste.

Pros: Nutritionally complete, unique square shape ideal for foraging, encourages exercise and enrichment, helps prevent boredom, rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids

Cons: Some birds just don't like the taste, may make a mess when broken up, some shipments arrived stale

• Follain is a curated one-stop shop for the best in clean beauty. The company tests thousands of non-toxic products and only the ones they love (about 10% of what they test) gets stocked.
• Follain's personalized Skin Quiz matches you with clean beauty products that specifically cater to your skin type, concerns, and budget. 
• Follain gave me the chance to try the clean beauty products the quiz recommended for me and, surprisingly, I really liked them all.
• You can take the Skin Quiz here for your own customized results, and if you don't love any of the products, Follain will refund you or initiate a return. 

Clean beauty, while increasingly mainstream, is still tough to demystify. We like the idea of non-toxic products, but far fewer of us are willing to spend the money and time figuring out which clean products work just as well or better than the imperfect products we already know work for us.

While a few companies like Beautycounter have demonstrated that clean beauty can come without performance compromises, there's still a need for a central place to discover and shop non-toxic skin care, body care, makeup, and other products. 

Enter Follain, a startup founded by Tara Foley in 2013 to address the "blind spot" of leading a healthy life by eating and exercising well, without taking a closer look at the ingredients in her skin and body products.

Follain tests thousands of non-toxic beauty products to curate a store full of great options. You can shop it on your own like any other online marketplace, or with a little extra direction from the experts. The aim is to make clean beauty more accessible and easy to navigate, so it developed a personalized recommendation system where you fill out a quiz about your complexion, and Follain recommends products specifically for your skin. Follain also instituted a perfect match guarantee so you can return or be refunded for any product that missed the mark. And, most importantly, the company only stocks products it has actually vetted. Only about 10% make it into the store.

You can find everything from makeup to hair products, but Follain's Skin Quiz is especially helpful in narrowing clean beauty down to a few hero products. It asks about things like your skin concerns, how much you typically spend on skin-care products, what kinds of products you generally like, and other preferences (no scent? vegan? need SPF?). Then, Follain emails you a copy of your results and send you to a page where you can shop the best products for your skin specifically. 

The company's approval process includes researching products from new and legacy brands, a safety review (check out its restricted ingredients list) and a performance review in which a panel of real women test the products for four to six weeks. From there, Follain's founder and CEO, Tara Foley, tries it and gives the final executive decision.

I tried the Skin Quiz to see if the recommendations felt truly customized and, most importantly, if the non-toxic products I was told to buy were actually as good — if not better than — the products I'd filled my cabinet with without ever checking the ingredients label. 

Shop clean skin care at Follain

Keep reading for my experience with the products I tried after the Follain Skin Quiz recommended them to me:  

Osea Ocean Cleanser

Ocean Cleanser, $48

I don't like the way this facial cleanser smells (to me, like an orangesicle) and think $48 is too much to spend on one, but that's where my complaints end. While the price is a lot to ask, I will say the bottle is pretty big and a little goes a long way — five ounces should last me six months, easily. 

Thanks to algae extract and jojoba seed oil, it's a smooth, lush cleanser that doesn't strip my skin. Algae's antioxidants help fight free radicals and shield the skin's collagen from damage, and the Jojoba Seed oil is non-comedogenic and packed with vitamins and antioxidants as well. I'll probably go back to my all-time favorite gel cleanser after this bottle runs out since it's cheaper, uses hydroxy acids for a more exfoliating effect, and is also plant-based, but I do love  and look forward to using this one now. 

Ursa Major Fortifying Face Balm

Fortifying Face Balm, $36

This Face Balm is a cooling jar of magic that makes my skin feel calm, soft, and hydrated. My one complaint is that it tends to ball up — though that could be from me simply applying too much of it.

The major players are witch hazel, sunflower seed oil, and myrtle oil in this formula. Witch hazel, with its natural ability to purify the skin and tighten pores, is probably a household name for anyone who has dealt with acne. Sunflower seed oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E that hydrates and prevents moisture loss, and myrtle oil acts as an astringent and antiseptic — another combatant against excess oil and acne. 

Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil

Squalane Facial Oil, $14

This is quite simply a vial of squalane oil. Squalane oil, if you haven't already been introduced to skin care's new "it" ingredient, is a byproduct of squalene — something the body produces naturally. It's an emollient, so it'll lock moisture into your skin and work to reduce fine lines and pigmentation. 

The vial I got is small — 0.34 fluid ounces — but a little goes a long way, as with most oils. It's lightweight, deeply hydrating, and I don't wake up with a grimy residue. My skin drinks this up — and it's more evenly balanced (not super oily, nor dry halfway through the day) when I use it consistently. 

My impressions overall

All in all, I was surprised by a few things.

Firstly, how great the products were. I forgot the ethos was clean beauty. It's great that they're non-toxic, but it's even better that you don't think of them as clean-beauty products — they're just great skin-care that you're excited to use. 

Secondly, how well the algorithm worked. I was surprised by how truly personal the recommendations felt. I marked skin clarity as a concern in the Skin Quiz, and the cleanser and face balm both had clearly been designed to keep blemishes at bay. 

All in all, I suggest giving it a try if you're interested in clean beauty but need some guidance. If you don't love a product, reach out to the customer service and let them make it right with a refund or return. Just prepare for the fact that you may end up liking every one. 

Take the Follain Skin Quiz or shop clean skin care at Follain

• Leggings may not be pants, but that doesn't mean that you can't wear them to work.
• The tights of today have come a long way since, say, 2010. In fact, there are now a number of companies making leggings that look a whole lot like pants — minus the discomfort, annoying buttons, and general constriction.
• The best leggings for the office can keep you comfortable and chic all day long, and we love ADAY's leggings best of all.

Who says going to work has to be like going to purgatory? At least, insofar as your wardrobe is concerned — as for the content of your work itself, that's a totally different story. In fact, I submit to you that the right pair of leggings are the perfect bottoms for days when you just can't bring yourself to pull on slacks, a skirt, or a dress. 

I'm not suggesting that you run around in sheer pantyhose-esque leggings for all to see, but as it turns out, the tights of today have come a long way since, say, 2010. There are now a number of companies making leggings that look a whole lot like pants — minus the discomfort, annoying buttons, and general constriction.

When it comes to picking your favorite pair of work-appropriate leggings, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, your leggings must be comfortable. If they're not, then you might as well just go back to your more quotidian wardrobe options. Luckily, most leggings these days are indeed extremely soft, breathable, and livable, which makes them an excellent alternative to anything else in your closet.

Second, you'll want to be sure that the leggings are opaque and structured enough that you don't feel the need to constantly cover your rear. You know what I'm talking about — if you're wearing the wrong pair of tights, you're constantly pulling down your shirt or opting for boxier, looser tops that cover your derriere. But that, my friends, is no way to live.

You'll also want to keep in mind the formality of your office. There are some tights that could get you near the business formal zone, but of course, you'll want to exercise caution and determine just what you can get away with.

And finally, you'll want to keep price points in mind. While office-appropriate leggings may cost you a bit more than your run-of-the-mill leggings, they still shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg.

No matter which of our favorite office-appropriate leggings you choose, we're sure you'll love your new work apparel.

Here are the best leggings for work you can buy:

• Best leggings for work overall: ADAY
• Best ethically made leggings for work: Everlane
• Best variety of leggings for work: Spanx
• Best petite-friendly leggings for work: Banana Republic
• Best size-inclusive leggings for work: Universal Standard

Updated on 09/04/2019 by Mara Leighton: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added option for petite-friendly leggings and size-inclusive leggings.

The best leggings for work overall

ADAY's leggings not only look great and feel comfortable, they also have pockets and other great little details.

It is a universally accepted truth that pockets make clothes better, and ADAY understands this concept well. The only way to make work-appropriate leggings even more of a blessing is to give them pockets. And that's exactly what ADAY has done with its leggings.

ADAY is all about simplicity and seeks to create fabrics and clothing that are multipurpose, long-lasting, and sustainable. And that's incredibly evident in the brand's leggings. You'll want to check out both the Crop & Roll and Throw & Roll options. Thanks to small details like gunmetal snaps, zippered pockets, and slit details at the ankle, these tights look too good for a workout (but would certainly stand up to one).

While the Throw & Roll leggings actually have zippered pockets, which I frequently use to hold small things like keys, lip balm, and the like, the Crop & Roll leggings also have a discreet compartment large enough for your phone or perhaps a small wallet.

While most tights don't have any space for pockets, ADAY somehow manages to incorporate this very necessary detail in a way that looks effortless and chic. It's also certainly the aspect of these tights that I appreciate the most. After all, how often do you get to pull your phone right out of your leggings?

Both pairs of tights are made of material that is quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and sunscreen- and oil-resistant. Plus, they have an elastic waistband with an adjuster so that you can keep the tights tighter during a workout and looser during the workday.

While many other work-appropriate leggings are, at their core, workout leggings that just so happen to be good work clothes, too, ADAY takes the opposite approach. The company has a wide range of tops, jackets, and even jumpsuits that pair nicely with its fabulous leggings.

ADAY leggings aren't necessarily cheap (they start at $98, but our two favorites cost $125 each), but that price is more in line with high-end athleisure lines like Lululemon or Sweaty Betty that charge similar prices for workout-only gear. — Lulu Chang

Pros: Leggings that are truly made for work, convenient pockets, little details add sophistication

Cons: While less expensive than some other brands, ADAY leggings are still quite pricey

Shop all of ADAY's leggings here

The best ethically made leggings for work

Everlane's pants are comfortable and stylish, plus, they offer transparent pricing and were made in ethical working conditions.

Everlane clothes always look good, but more importantly, they make you feel good too. And we're not just talking about the brand's soft, durable construction — we're also referencing its ethical and transparent sourcing and production methods.

When it comes to work-appropriate leggings, Everlane has quite a few options from which to choose. And it just so happens that two of my favorites are very much on sale right now. Take, for example, the Stretch Ponte Skinny Pant. They're in Everlane's "choose what you pay" section, and cost just $47. And they just might be the best $47 you've ever spent. The Ponte Pant definitely feels like a great pair of tights, but looks far more refined.

As the name suggests, the final effect is of a slimming skinny pant, and the midweight ponte knit makes it appropriate all year round. It's also stretchy enough to keep you breathing, but fitted enough to hug you in all the right places. Thanks to an elastic waistband and a side zipper, these pants give you a flattering, elongating effect.

I also love the Stretch Ponte Crop Pant, which closely resembles its skinny sibling, but has an even more flattering length for the more petite gals out there. And while cropped pants sometimes make me look like a truncated version of myself, these leggings somehow make my legs look just a bit longer. Plus, they're great for showing off your favorite pair of shoes. — Lulu Chang

Pros: Affordable, comfortable, extremely easy to care for, ethical production processes

Cons: When these on-sale items go away, you may have to wait a bit for new work-appropriate leggings from Everlane

Shop Everlane's bottoms collection here

The best variety of leggings for work

You may not think that you can wear Spanx as pants, but the brand has come a long way to prove you wrong.

Believe it or not, your favorite butt, thigh, and midsection shaping Spandex tights can now be worn to work. And before you try to tell me that you don't work at a tech startup and consequently couldn't possibly get away with wearing Spanx as pants, let me redirect you to the brand's new and improved offerings, which now far exceed expectations.

The folks over at Who What Wear have been styling Spanx leggings as pants for quite some time, and although I was skeptical at first, I've since become a full-fledged Spanx convert. The real draw of Spanx, of course, is that they are absolutely leggings. They're not comfortable pants or tights-esque bottoms — they're just leggings. That means that by design, they're stretchy, form-flattering, and comfortable. Plus, because they're Spanx, they also help maintain your shape and help you live your best and most fabulous life.

If you're working in a more casual office environment, I'm a huge fan of the brand's jeans-like leggings, which are available in petite, regular, and tall inseams. They're not made of denim (they're mostly cotton, with some polyester and Spandex for stretch), but they have an extremely convincing denim print that is flattering on just about any body. These jeans also have Spandex's patented Gut Check shaping technology to keep your midsection in check, and fully functional back pockets combine form with function.

I'm also a huge fan of the brand's velvet leggings (sizes XS to 3X, equivalent to sizes 0 to 28). While you may raise your eyebrows at such a seemingly gaudy pair of bottoms, you'll be convinced otherwise once you don them yourself. Available in four elegant yet unique colors, these tights look beautiful paired with a chunky sweater or under a dress. They add just the right level of sophistication and intrigue, and believe me, no one will ever believe that they're Spanx.

Of course, if you want to err on the side of caution, you could always go for the brand's seamless offerings, which prevent any embarrassing camel toe situations in the office. For the most daring of all among us, there's the faux leather look, which I've often paired with a simple black top for a sleek effect. All in all, Spanx's leggings are comfortable to wear, easy to care for, and best of all, appropriate for the workplace. — Lulu Chang

Pros: Wide selection of styles and colors, great shaping technology, less expensive than some other brands, inclusive sizing

Cons: Some women have found the shaping technology too constricting

Shop Spanx's collection of leggings here

The best petite-friendly leggings for work

Banana Republic's petite leggings are fitted and structured like traditional workwear, and have slight compression for a sleek fit. 

Banana Republic is one of our team's go-to destinations for reliable petite work pants, and theirPetite Devon Legging is a great example for why. 

ThePetite Devonsits at the waist, runs fitted through the leg to the ankle, and is offered in three inseams that produce the effect of nicely tailored workwear. The three leg lengths are 26-inch petite, 28-inch regular, and 31-inch long. Petite sizes go from 00 up to 14.

The bi-stretch material (a blend of cotton, rayon, and elastane) is machine-washable, stretchy even after multiple washes, and has a mild compression for a sculpting and smoothing look. It moves with your body throughout the day and offers targeted support in necessary areas. A hidden zipper keeps the look streamlined, and darts added in the back lend a figure-flattering fit. 

This option is on the expensive side at $89.50, but it's not unusual for high-quality workwear — especially if you'll be wearing them often and skipping the dry cleaner fees. It's also worth noting that some reviewers encountered quality issues with the zipper, though most people tipped their hat to fit, versatility, and comfort. 

Another benefit to shopping at a big store like Banana Republic is catching your favorite items on sale. While 40% off styles may be unlikely at smaller startups, it's commonplace here. If you shop strategically, it's more likely you can get a deal. — Mara Leighton

Pros: Comfy "legging-fit" with the look of a work trouser, stretchy fabric that withstands multiple washes

Cons: Slightly pricey, some reviewers noted quality issues with the zipper

Shop Banana Republic's collection of leggings here

The best size-inclusive leggings for work

Universal Standard's sizing ranges from 4XS to 4XL, and the site's Fit Liberty policy states that if your size shifts, they'll replace the eligible clothes for free. 

Universal Standard was founded to address the fact that while 67% of the women in the U.S. reportedly wear a size 14 or higher, the options available on the market typically don't reflect that.

The company's sizing options range from 4XS to 4XL (the equivalents of sizes 00 to 40). And to reflect their mission to provide all women with a shopping experience focused on style rather than size, the line spans basics, trendy pieces, workwear, and luxe staples like premium leather jackets. 

Universal Standard's Moro Pocket Ponte Pants are technically pants, but they have the feeling of leggings. The midweight ponte material is soft and designed to be pill-resistant, and they have a flattering high waist with a flat band that won't roll or twist. As the name suggests, there's also an out-of-the-way pocket and matte black zippers at the ankles for dressing them up or down. If you need a petite version, Universal Standard offers that too. 

The company also guarantees that if your size shifts up or down within a year of purchase, it will exchange any piece in its Fit Liberty collection for your new size, for free. The Moro Pocket Ponte Pants are included in the collection. 

In terms of cons, the Ponte Pants are available in only two colors (black and olive) though that tends to be the standard for work-adjacent leggings, and are recommended for hand wash and hang dry. At $80, they may also be a bit more expensive than you're hoping to spend, but the Fit Liberty policy does sweeten the deal a little bit. — Mara Leighton

Pros: Wide selection of sizes, petite styles, generous fit policy

Cons: Relatively more involved fabric care, slightly pricey

Shop Universal Standard's collection of leggings here

• Shopping on Amazon can be complicated thanks to similar product listings and constant sales.
• CamelCamelCamel.com provides free price tracking and price alerts so you can see the lowest possible price on Amazon products.
• Fakespot will scan product listings to make sure the reviews are real and you're not buying counterfeit items. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Shopping on Amazon can be tricky business, with constantly shifting prices and dozens of product listings that look the same. Even in the midst of major sales like Amazon Prime Day, the sheer number of sales can make it difficult to figure out which products actually provide the best value.

Whether you're looking for bluetooth headphones, new shoes, or garden tools, you'll need to be ready to sift through hundreds of product listings to find the right item, and even then it's hard to guarantee that you're getting the best price.

Read more: These 8 Amazon shopping tricks will help you get the best deals possible on Prime Day

Whenever you're shopping on Amazon, you should consider using these two easy online tools to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.

SEE ALSO: 5 hidden Amazon pages for scoring deals and discounts that you didn't know about

Use CamelCamelCamel.com to see how much a product has been discounted in the past.

CamelCamelCamel.com is a handy price tracking tool that lets you see how far a product's price has dropped in the past. While hundreds of Amazon items are constantly on sale, their prices often fluctuate over time. Even if something is a few dollars off now, CamelCamelCamel will let you know the item's lowest lifetime price so you can judge the deal before you buy.

For example, I recently saw a Hamilton Beach blender on sale for about 20% off, which isn't bad, but checking CamelCamelCamel showed that the same blender was selling for nearly 50% off just a few weeks earlier.

To save yourself some time, you can install the CamelCamelCamel browser extension to get the price tracking information whenever you visit an Amazon product page. As an added bonus, CamelCamelCamel will let you set price alerts so you'll automatically receive an email when a product hits the price you want.

Fakespot automatically scans product listings to check for counterfeit products and fake reviews.

Fakespot will automatically check product reviews to see if other people have received counterfeit products after ordering. This can be particularly important when checking deals on discounted electronics and clothing, as some sellers might try and ship a non-official product in place of the original.

Fakespot will provide you with common keywords that reviewers used to describe the product, like great, cheap, or quality. The app will also try and determine whether the seller is using fake reviews to boost their rating.

Fakespot also has a browser extension like CamelCamelCamel that will pop up automatically when you visit Amazon and a few other websites, like Best Buy, Walmart, TripAdvisor and Yelp.

While these tools will do most of the work, you'll still have to use your own judgement to make sure you're getting the best deal. Happy shopping!

CamelCamelCamel and Fakespot make it much easier to navigate Amazon's sales, but you'll still need to decide which deals are best for you. 

• You can cancel a Pandora Premium subscription on your iPhone at any time, but the method to do so varies depending on how you subscribed to the service.
• If you subscribed to Premium via the Pandora website, you'll need to use the Pandora website to cancel it.
• If you subscribed via iTunes, you'll need to cancel your subscription using the iTunes settings on your iPhone.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.   

Pandora is a popular streaming music site that recommends music based on songs you already like — it analyzes the DNA of your favorite music and offers similar tunes. 

You can listen to Pandora for free, but there are benefits to subscribing. Pandora Plus, for example, has no advertisements, adds the ability to listen to podcasts, lets you further personalize your stations, and lets you skip an unlimited number of tracks. 

Pandora Premium also adds the ability to search for and play any song (as opposed to only listening to tracks Pandora chooses for you) as well as sharing custom playlists. 

If you want to terminate your Pandora Premium subscription, it's easy to do, but how you do it depends on how you subscribed in the first place. 

If you signed up for a subscription using iTunes, you will need to use the iTunes app on your iPhone to cancel. If you subscribed via Pandora directly, you must cancel the subscription via the Pandora website, which you can also access on an iPhone. 

No matter how you signed up, you can't cancel using the Pandora app.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

How to cancel Pandora Premium using the Pandora website

1. Open a web browser and navigate to Pandora.com. You can do this on your iPhone using Safari or on a computer. If you use Safari, click the Share button at the bottom of the screen and tap "Request Desktop Site." It's much easier to do this on a computer, though, since the Pandora website doesn't fit on a phone very well. 

2. If you're not already signed into your account, do that now. 

3. Click your avatar at the top right of the screen and click "Settings."

4. On the left side of the screen, click "Subscription."

5. At the bottom of the screen, click "Switch Plan."

6. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Cancel Subscription." 

7. Enter your Pandora password and click "Switch My Plan."

How to cancel Pandora Premium using iTunes on an iPhone

If you signed up for Pandora via iTunes, you can't cancel your subscription using the Pandora website. You'll have to do it through your iTunes settings on your iPhone.

1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.

3. Tap "iTunes & App Store."

4. Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen, and then tap "View Apple ID" in the pop-up window. 

5. Tap "Subscriptions."

6. In the list of subscriptions, you should see your Pandora Premium account. Tap it. 

7. Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm this is what you really want to do. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to sign up for Spotify Premium on your iPhone or desktop computer, and get a free trial

• How to cancel your Spotify Premium account on an iPhone in 2 ways (though you can't do it through the Spotify app)

• How to listen to podcasts on your iPhone, where you can access over 700,000 podcasts from Apple's catalog

• The best apps for downloading and listening to free music on your iPhone

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Jeff Bezos is worth over $160 billion — here's how the world's richest man makes and spends his money

• According to a report by the New York Post, Spencer Dinwiddie, a point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, is in contract to buy the highest penthouse in Brooklyn.
• The penthouse is located in Downtown Brooklyn in Brooklyn Point, the tallest building in Brooklyn.
• The New York Post also reported that, according to sources, the asking price was around $3.9 million.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Spencer Dinwiddie, a point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, is in contract to buy the highest penthouse in Brooklyn, the New York Post's Jennifer Gould Keil reported.

The penthouse is located in Downtown Brooklyn in Brooklyn Point, a 68-story mixed-use condominium tower.

Read more: In the 1940s, you could rent a Brooklyn apartment for $20 a month. Today, the median rent has skyrocketed to $3,000.

The tower, which is still under construction, is the tallest building in Brooklyn. It will be finished in 2020.

According to Keil, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouse spans 1,455 square feet and is located on the 68th floor. Keil also reported that, according to sources, the asking price was around $3.9 million.

Keep reading for a look inside the penthouse. Note that because the building is not complete, the slideshow below features rendered images.

SEE ALSO: A private island 60 miles outside of Manhattan just hit the market for less than $1 million, and it comes with a 4-bedroom home — take a look inside the property.

DON'T MISS: A paranormal investigator just bought the infamous Los Angeles home where the Charles Manson murders took place 50 years ago

Brooklyn Point is located in Downtown Brooklyn. It is just a 15 minute subway ride away from Lower Manhattan.

Source:Google Maps

At 720 feet tall, Brooklyn Point is the tallest tower in Brooklyn. It is still under construction, but is expected to be completed in 2020.

Source:Business Insider

Below is a rendered image of what the tower will look like when it is completed.

The New York Post has reported that Spencer Dinwiddie is in contract to buy the penthouse on the 68th floor — the building's top floor.

Source:New York Post

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom unit spans 1,455 square feet.

Source:New York Post

The New York Post has also reported that, according to sources, the asking price was around $3.9 million.

Source:New York Post

The building has 40,000 square feet of amenities and boasts the highest residential infinity pool in the Western Hemisphere, which is, fittingly, located on the rooftop.

Source:Brooklyn Point

Other amenities include a screening and performance room, a wine library, a children's playroom, a terrace bar and fire pit, a fitness center, a rock-climbing wall, and an indoor pool.

Source:Brooklyn Point

• If your Fitbit won't sync properly, there are a number of steps you can take to troubleshoot and solve your problem. 
• Start by making sure your Fitbit is fully charged. It's also a good idea to reset your Fitbit before moving on with other steps. 
• Follow these instructions to fix your Fitbit sync problem by checking software, Bluetooth, and other settings on the iPhone, Android, PC, and Mac. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When everything is working properly, your Fitbit works effortlessly in the background, syncing with your phone or computer and keeping you informed about your health and fitness data whenever you need it. 

Of course, technology doesn't always work the way you expect, and you might occasionally find that your Fitbit stubbornly refuses to sync. 

If you can usually sync but your Fitbit suddenly refuses to work, it's usually the result of a problem with your wireless connection, so toggling your device's Bluetooth can help. Performing a reset on the Fitbit or the device you're syncing with can also resolve a lot of common issues.

Before you try any specific troubleshooting for your phone or computer, make sure your Fitbit is charged. If necessary, place it on its charger for 30 minutes. 

It might also be a good idea to restart your Fitbit to make sure it's working properly. The exact process for restarting a Fitbit varies by model, but for many models, you can place it in the charger and hold its side button until you see it restart. For specific instructions for restarting each model, you can see Fitbit's help article.  

For specific advice on getting your Fitbit to sync with your iPhone, Android, PC, or Mac, read on. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Fitbit Inspire (From $99.95 at Best Buy)

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $799.99 at Best Buy)

HP 14-inch laptop (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

MacBook Air (From $1,099.99 at Best Buy)

Fitbit Wireless Sync Dongle (For $14.99 at Amazon)

How to get your Fitbit to sync with your iPhone

If your Fitbit isn't syncing with your iPhone, try each of these troubleshooting steps. After each step, try to sync and see if that solved your problem. 

1. Your Fitbit app might be misbehaving, so start by forcing the app to close and then restart it. You can find instructions on how to close an app in "How to close apps on any model of iPhone." Restart the Fitbit app and see if that fixed the problem. 

2. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on – from any screen, pull down the Control Center from the upper right (or the bottom on older iPhone models) and make sure the Bluetooth icon is enabled. If it's on, toggle it off and back on again. 

3. Ensure your Fitbit is connected to the phone via Bluetooth. Start the Settings app and tap "Bluetooth." Find the entry for your Fitbit in the list and if it's not connected, tap it to try to connect. If it doesn't work, tap the "i" and choose "Forget this device," then repeat the setup for your Fitbit to reconnect it to your phone. 

How to get your Fitbit to sync with your Android

All the same troubleshooting steps apply for Android, though the exact procedure will vary. See if the Fitbit will sync after each step.

1. Your Fitbit app might not be working properly, so close the app and try again. Tap the three vertical lines at the bottom right of the screen to get to the app switcher, find the Fitbit app, and swipe it up to close. 

2. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Pull down the Notification drawer from the top of the screen to see the Quick Settings icons. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

3. Make sure your Fitbit is connected to the Android via Bluetooth. Start the Settings app and tap "Connections," then tap "Bluetooth." Find the entry for your Fitbit in the list and if it's not connected, tap it to try to connect. If it doesn't work, tap the gear icon and tap "Un pair," then repeat the setup for your Fitbit to reconnect it to your phone. 

How to get your Fitbit to sync with your PC

1. Fitbit syncing is only compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 8.1. Make sure you are trying to sync on a compatible computer and that you have the most recent version of the Fitbit app for Windows installed. 

2. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Click the Start button, then Settings (which is shaped like a gear). In the Windows Settings search box, type "Bluetooth" and click "Bluetooth and other device settings." Turn on Bluetooth if needed. If it's already on, toggle it off and then back on again. 

3. Make sure your Fitbit is connected. If not, click the entry for the Fitbit and click "Remove device," then repeat the setup for your Fitbit to connect it to your computer. 

4. If your computer doesn't have Bluetooth, or your computer's Bluetooth doesn't seem to work with your Fitbit, you can get a Bluetooth dongle from Fitbit.

5. Remove any other Fitbit devices you might have associated with your account from the Fitbit app, as well as from the list of Bluetooth devices in Settings. 

6. Reboot your computer and try again. 

How to get your Fitbit to sync with your Mac

1. Make sure the latest version of Fitbit Connect is installed. If it's not, you should run the setup to install it. 

2. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and that your Fitbit is paired with and connected to your Mac. You can check by starting System Preferences and then clicking "Bluetooth." Toggle Bluetooth off and back on again. 

3. If you're having trouble getting your computer to connect to the Fitbit, you can get a Bluetooth dongle from Fitbit. (product for dongles)

4. If you sync your Bluetooth with multiple devices (such as a phone in addition to your computer), make sure the other devices are not in range. Move them further away or turn them off. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'Which Fitbit is waterproof?': A guide to the water-resistance of every Fitbit model

• How a Fitbit is able to accurately track your sleep, and how to see your sleep stats

• Here's how long it takes a Fitbit to charge, and how long its charge should last

• How to sync your Fitbit with an iPhone and track all of your fitness data in one app

SEE ALSO: The best Fitbit you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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• You can reset a Fitbit Blaze to solve issues with syncing, sluggish performance, or problems with the screen display.
• It takes less than 20 seconds to reset your Fitbit Blaze and your data will not be deleted, so don't hesitate to reset the tracker whenever needed.
• There is no way to manually reset a Fitbit Blaze to its factory settings, but deleting the device from your Fitbit account should remove your personal data from the tracker.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you are having issues with your Fitbit Blaze, the easiest way to get the tracker working properly again is a simple restart. 

Whether you're having trouble syncing your device with a phone or computer, or your Fitbit Blaze isn't responding quickly, a restart can refresh the device and should alleviate most common problems.

Unlike some Fitbit trackers, the Fitbit Blaze cannot be reverted to its factory settings, but deleting the device from your Fitbit account and erasing any messages associated with the device should wipe your data clean.

To restart and reset a Fitbit Blaze, follow these simple steps. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Fitbit Blaze (From $154.99 at Amazon)

How to reset your Fitbit Blaze

1. Press the left-hand button and right lower button simultaneously.

2. Hold the buttons for 10 to 12 seconds. 

3. Wait until the Fitbit logo displays on the screen (the tracker will likely vibrate as well).

4. Release the buttons.

Your Fitbit Blaze has now restarted and should work properly again. If you still have problems with the device, contact Fitbit's customer support team directly, as there is no other fix available on the user end.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to charge a Fitbit Blaze in 4 simple steps

• How to reset or factory reset a Fitbit Charge 2 to fix issues with the device

• How to reset a Fitbit Surge to fix issues with the device, or factory reset it through the Fitbit website

• How to restart your Fitbit Alta in 3 simple steps to fix issues with the device

SEE ALSO: The best Fitbit you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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• You can set alarms on your Fitbit throughout the day, which will cause your Fitbit to vibrate silently when they go off.
• If you have a Fitbit smartwatch, you can set an alarm on the Fitbit itself. For other Fitbit models, you can set alarms using the app or website. 
• You can create alarms that go off once, or which repeat throughout the week. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Most Fitbit devices have a "silent alarm" feature that alerts you at the designated time with a vibration, like the silent or vibrate mode on your phone. 

Depending upon which Fitbit model you own, you can set an alarm on the device itself, or on the iPhone and Android app or website. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Fitbit Blaze (From $154.99 at Amazon)

Fitbit Ionic (From $249.95 at Amazon)

Fitbit Versa (From $199.95 at Best Buy)

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $799.99 at Best Buy)

How to set an alarm using your Fitbit

If you have a Fitbit smartwatch, such as the Fitbit Blaze, Ionic, or Versa, you can set an alarm using the device itself. 

1. On your Fitbit, choose the Alarms app. 

2. Tap "+ New Alarm." If you already have existing alarms, you'll need to swipe up to see this option. 

3. Tap "12:00" and then swipe to set the desired time. 

4. Press the Back button on the Fitbit and tap the days you want the alarm to go off. 

5. Press the Back button one more time. You should now see your new alarm added to the list of alarms. 

How to set an alarm using the Fitbit app on your smartphone

1. Start the Fitbit app. 

2. Tap the Today button at the bottom of the screen.

3. Tap your avatar at the top left of the screen, and then tap your Fitbit in the list of devices on the Account page. 

4. Tap "Silent Alarms."

5. Tap "Set a New Alarm."

6. Set the time for the alarm and, if you want, tap "Repeat" and choose the days of the week you want the alarm to go off. 

7. Tap "Save."

The alarm won't appear on the Fitbit until it syncs. This usually happens automatically throughout the day, but you can start a manual sync by swiping the screen down in the app. Check out our article "How to sync your Fitbit with an iPhone and track all of your fitness data in one app" for more information on syncing.

How to set an alarm on the Fitbit website

1. Navigate to fitbit.com in a web browser and log into your account, if necessary.

2. Click the gear icon at the top right of the screen and then choose your Fitbit device.

3. Click "Silent Alarms."

4. Click "Add New Alarm." 

5. Enter the time you want the alarm to go off. If you want, you can set the occurrence to "Recurring" and choose on which days you want the alarm to go off. 

6. When you're done, click "Submit."

This alarm will appear on the Fitbit the next time it syncs with your phone. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change the time on a Fitbit using the Fitbit mobile app or website

• How a Fitbit is able to accurately track your movement, and how to check your step count on it

• How to delete your Fitbit account and erase your personal data

• How to sync your Fitbit with an iPhone and track all of your fitness data in one app

SEE ALSO: The best Fitbits you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: All the ways Amazon is taking over your house

• Samsung relaunched its Galaxy Foldfoldable smartphone at the IFA event in Berlin, Germany on Thursday.
• The company has updated several aspects of the Galaxy Fold's design and fixed flaws that led to issues experienced by some reviewers when the phone was originally launched in April. 
• The fixes include new covers over gaps that could have allowed dust and debris into the phone's interior, an updated protective layer that's not as easy to remove as the original, and several updates to the device's hinge. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Samsung unveiled its revised Galaxy Fold foldable smartphone in Berlin on Thursday, a do-over launch for a groundbreaking device initially introduced in April but delayed after early review units suffered quality problems.

Business Insider never faced any issues with its own Galaxy Fold review unit, although some reviewers found issues ranging from small bumps appearing under the display to screens malfunctioning after removing a protective layer that wasn't designed to be removed. 

Samsung's revisions are largely direct fixes to the issues, with some other minor improvements as a bonus. 

The Galaxy Fold, which was re-launched Thursday at the IFA consumer electronics conference in Germany, will go on sale in Korea starting Friday, and it's expected to hit the US on September 27. 

Check out Samsung's fixes to the Galaxy Fold:

SEE ALSO: Samsung’s Galaxy Fold is expected to launch on September 27 in the US

Samsung added covers to the gaps where the hinge and screen folded.

The new caps covering the hinge gaps at the top and bottom of the screen are designed to prevent dust from getting into the hinge mechanism, which can potentially cause damage, according to Engadget. 

Dust or other debris may have caused one of the issues that The Verge experienced with its Galaxy Fold review unit, where a visible bump appeared from under the screen. 

The protective layer that some reviewers mistakenly peeled off is now much harder, if not impossible, to peel off.

Samsung extended the Galaxy Fold screen's protective polymer layer under the phone's bezels, making the protective layer hard to notice and more difficult to remove, according to CNet. 

Indeed, the protective polymer layer on the original Galaxy Fold review units looked like a regular screen protector that some phones ship with, and it was clearly visible, as it didn't quite extend to the very edges of the screen. It almost made it impossible not to pick at.

That protective layer wasn't meant to be removed, as it was an integral part to the Galaxy Fold's screen.But Samsung didn't make that clear enough. Some reviewers peeled the protective layer off the Galaxy Fold's screen, which resulted in malfunctioning screens. 

The hinge isn't as bulky as the original version.

The Galaxy Fold's hinge doesn't protrude outwards on the revised design, according to PCMag, and it sits flush against the rest of the phone's body when unfolded. It looks like the hinge becomes completely covered by the Fold's two halves when it's unfolded. 

There's an extra layer of metal under the screen to make the screen more sturdy.

This extra layer of metal under the display makes the screen feel more sturdy, and prevents users from feeling the internals while you tap on the screen, according to Engadget.

Some outlets say it's also meant to address the crease that ran along the Fold's screen, but some outlets say the crease is still there. 

The Galaxy Fold is easier to fold and unfold with an updated hinge mechanism.

The updated hinge mechanism distributes the weight more evenly and feels sturdier, and it makes the Fold easier to fold and unfold, according to PCMag. 

The gap between the two halves of the Galaxy Fold when folded is trimmed down from the original.

There was a noticeable gap at the hinge between the two halves of the earlier Galaxy Fold when it was folded, but that gap has been reduced, according to The Verge. 

• Facebook on Thursday launched its in-app dating service in the United States.
• A key feature of Facebook Dating is Secret Crush, a list each user compiles of existing friends for who they harbor romantic feelings. You're only notified of a secret crush if two people both put each other on their crush lists.
• On Thursday, Facebook announced it would now let users include Instagram followers on their Secret Crush lists, incentivizing a younger audience to opt in who has largely moved away from Facebook.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Facebook's dating service just launched Thursday in the US, and the company is already calling on Instagram — its younger, much cooler sibling — for help in attracting millenials to the aging platform.

Facebook Dating is now available to users in 20 countries around the world who are looking for potential matches in other Facebook users. To coincide with its US debut, Facebook also announced Thursday an important addition to a feature called Secret Crush, which lets you secretly pick out nine existing Facebook Friends you have a romantic interest in.

The feature was previously announced, but now, you can include Instagram followers among those chosen nine on your Secret Crush list. The feature will still work similarly: Those on your Secret Crush list will only be notified they're there if they have also listed you as a Secret Crush. If they haven't listed you, or aren't on Facebook Dating, that crush you're harboring on a friend will remain a secret.

Read more:Facebook just launched its dating service in the US, and it has a clear advantage that could help it beat out Tinder and Bumble

On one hand, this addition could be seen simply as a move by Facebook to further unify its various apps— Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp — under one brand.

However, it's more likely Facebook is taking advantage of Instagram's stature as an app more frequented and preferred among millenials and young adults, who make up a key demographic in the digital dating sphere. A 2018 report from eMarketer found that hundreds of thousands of millennial-age online users were leaving Facebook in favor of apps like Snapchat and Instagram. More and more, Facebook has become inundated with parents and their friends, which in turn has led teens to find other platforms free from adult oversight.

On some of the most popular dating apps — Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge — a significant chunk of users are people under 30. If Facebook Dating wants to be able to compete with these apps, it needs to incentivize users to return to Facebook for the best pool of romantic interests. And the sheer possibility of finding out that your Instagram crush-from-afar is crushing on you, too, may be enough of a pull.

SEE ALSO: Influencers are fighting for attention as Instagram tests removing likes from its platform: 'There’s no audience applause at the end of a performance'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The incredible story behind Slack, the app that's taken over offices everywhere

• To find a lost Fitbit, you should start by looking in obvious places, like near your charger, but there are a few methods you can use to track the device down.  
• Check your phone to see when your Fitbit last synced. You can concentrate your search on wherever your phone was at that time. 
• There are Fitbit finder apps which can triangulate your band's Bluetooth signal, but they aren't endorsed or certified by Fitbit. If all else fails, install one of these apps and use it to search. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Your Fitbit is small, which means it's easy to lose. 

Most of the time, it's probably still sitting in its charger, or on the bathroom sink where you took it off to take a shower. But if you've looked in all the usual locations and still can't find it, here are the best ways to track your Fitbit down.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $799.99 at Best Buy)

Fitbit Versa (From $169.95 at Best Buy)

Check your Fitbit app or dashboard for clues 

Open the Fitbit app on your phone or check the website and see when your Fitbit last synced. 

In the app, tap your avatar in the upper left corner and then tap the Fitbit in the device list. You should see when it last synced at the top of the screen. Try to determine where your phone was at the time of the last sync, and concentrate your search there. 

Use your phone to sniff out the Fitbit 

Take the phone that you've paired with your Fitbit and bring it to where you might have last seen the Fitbit, or think it might be lost. 

Try to sync the phone with the Fitbit (pull down the app screen to start a manual sync). If it syncs, your Fitbit is within about 30 feet of that location. 

Use a Bluetooth-tracking app 

Apps like Find My Fitbit (available for both iPhone and Android), Fitbit Finder (iOS only), and Bluetooth Finder (Android) are apps that use the Bluetooth signal from your Fitbit to help you locate it. (There are others in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.) None of these apps are affiliated with or certified by Fitbit, however.

With an approximate 100-foot range, you can use your phone to zero in on a misplaced band for as long as the Fitbit still has battery power. You don't need to "pair" the band with the app in advance, so you can download and try one of these apps even after losing your Fitbit. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change the time on a Fitbit using the Fitbit mobile app or website

• How a Fitbit is able to accurately track your movement, and how to check your step count on it

• How to delete your Fitbit account and erase your personal data

• 'Which Fitbit is waterproof?': A guide to the water-resistance of every Fitbit model

SEE ALSO: The best Fitbits you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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• The new Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof, holds thousands of ebooks, and costs just $130, making it the best ebook reader for most people's needs.
• I read dozens of ebooks on the Kindle Paperwhite to put it to the test, and it's a wonderful reading experience.
• The small size makes it easy to travel with and it's waterproof enough to take a spill into the bathtub or pool without sustaining damage.
• If you've been on the fence about ebook readers, this is the one that will push you over the edge and convince you to give ebooks a try. Once you go digital, you never go back.

Amazon's Kindles are the most popular ebook readers by far, and they just keep getting better. For years, Kindles stayed largely the same: They were essentially 6-inch tablets with black-and-white E Ink screens encased in chubby, black plastic borders.

The first Kindle Oasis shook things up with its slim, sleek design, and the second-generation Oasis did one better by being the first "waterproof" Kindle ever made. For ebook lovers everywhere, a Kindle that was water resistant enough to survive a two-hour dunk in a tub of water was a prayer finally answered.

There was just one problem: The price.

The Kindle Oasis cost $250 while the Kindle Paperwhite cost $130, and the entry-level Kindle cost just $80. Although a waterproof Kindle was nice to have, a lot of people balked at the big price jump.

Amazon seems to have heard the protests of Kindle owners everywhere, and in 2018, the company answered with the water-resistant Kindle Paperwhite.

I've tested many Kindles and ebook readers over my past six years as a tech-product reviewer, including the $80 Kindle, the older Paperwhite, the high-end Oasis, and several ebook readers from Kobo, Amazon's main competitor in the space. Although I'm a firm believer that the Oasis is actually worth its high price and it's my ebook reader of choice, I know not everyone has that kind of money to spend on an ebook reader.

I've been testing the 2018 Kindle Paperwhite for several months, and I can confidently say that it's the best Kindle for your money, and arguably the best ebook reader as well.

Here's my full review.

Finally — a water-resistant Kindle you can take to the beach

Let's start with the design and key specs.

The biggest improvement to the new Kindle Paperwhite is that it is finally water resistant. Thanks to its IPX68 water-resistance rating, you can drop this Kindle in fresh water for up to 30 minutes without destroying your ebook reader. That means you can finally take it to the beach, pool, or bath and read in peace.

The 2018 Paperwhite has the same 6-inch E Ink screen in black and white as the previous version. The text looks crisp and clear, thanks to the sharp resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Like all other Kindles, it has fairly chunky black bezels and a nice grippy feel to it. There are no page-turning buttons, so all you have is the power button and Micro-USB charging port.

The ebook reader also has a built-in backlight so you can read in the dark without turning a light on. I find this feature especially useful when I'm reading at night, because I don't have to worry about disturbing my partner. It's also great for reading on flights when they turn off the overhead lights. The backlight is the reason I've never really liked the basic, entry-level Kindle — its lack of a backlight means no reading in the dark, which makes it more or less like a physical book.

Beyond the screen, the most important specs are battery life and storage, and the Paperwhite has both — in spades.

With the 8GB model, you can have thousands of ebooks on your Kindle, so most people won't even need the 32GB version. You can also connect the Paperwhite to a pair of wireless headphones or a wireless speaker and listen to Audible audiobooks, thanks to its new Bluetooth connectivity.

As for the battery, if you read half an hour a day with wireless off and the light setting at 13, the battery should last for six weeks. In testing, I found Amazon's battery-life claim to be entirely accurate. The Paperwhite's battery lasts a long time with normal use, and I've rarely had to charge it.

If you jack up the brightness or read more hours a day, battery life gets shorter, of course. If you don't turn the Wi-Fi off by hitting the little Airplane icon, you will lose battery much faster and have to recharge sooner, so definitely turn Airplane mode on whenever you're not browsing for ebooks to buy on the Kindle store or downloading new ebooks.

The Bluetooth feature will also drain the battery because it requires Airplane mode to be turned off so your Kindle can connect to headphones or the speaker, so if you're listening to audiobooks with your Kindle, you'll have to charge it more often.

Here are all the specs and dimensions

• Screen: 6-inch E Ink Carta, built-in light, 300ppi, optimized font technology, 16-level gray scale
• Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.6 x 0.3 inches (167 x 116 x 8.18 mm)
• Weight: 6.4 ounces (Wi-Fi) or 6.8 oz (LTE version)
• Storage: 8 GB or 32 GB — holds thousands of books
• Battery Life: 6 weeks, based on a half hour of reading per day with wireless off and the light setting at 13
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi with LTE; Bluetooth
• Supported ebook formats: Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, PMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX)
• Waterproofing: IPX8 water resistance rating, can withstand immersion in 2 meters of fresh water for 60 minutes

What it's like to read on the Kindle Paperwhite

I never thought that I'd enjoy reading on an ebook reader. I was completely a physical paper book person until I became a tech reporter and found myself traveling all the time and always running out of room for books in my carry-on bag. I started reviewing ebook readers, and I simply fell in love.

The ebook reader that converted me was the Kindle Oasis, mainly because of its page-turning buttons and slim design, which make it easy to hold and read one-handed. It's still my go-to ebook reader, but the new Kindle Paperwhite is the one I'd recommend to most people. I fully admit that the $250 price tag of the Oasis is too much for most people, and the Paperwhite has nearly all the same features for just $130.

Although I miss the page-turning buttons, the Paperwhite makes it a pleasure to read. It's comfortable to hold, thanks to its thicker, rubbery bezels and grippy plastic back. Turning pages is easy with a simple tap of my finger, and I can easily adjust the brightness, font, and text size to suit my preferences. I also love to highlight quotations from the books I'm reading and share them on Goodreads, the social network for readers, which is built right into the all Kindles.

Because I already use a Kindle, all my ebooks from my Amazon account automatically appeared on the Paperwhite when I signed in with my email address. I then chose which ones to download, waited for them to finish, and then turned on Airplane mode to save battery.

Amazon has tons of ebooks available, so you should be able to find most titles easily. If you want to get deals on ebooks, you can subscribe to BookBub, a free service that sends you a daily email with ebook deals and discounts.

You can also get a lot of ebooks for free from a variety fo sources. Prime subscribers can read a selection of ebooks for free with Prime Reading, and anyone can browse all the free Kindle ebooks on Amazon or check out Project Gutenberg's collection of free classics.

I also like to get ebooks from my local library, which is super easy to do with the Libby or Overdrive apps. You simply sign into your library with your card number and PIN and search for Amazon-friendly ebooks that are available to borrow. When you go to borrow the ebook, you can ask it to send to your Kindle once you sign in with your Amazon account. The next time you connect to Wi-Fi with the Kindle, the library ebook will download.

You can learn how to get library ebooks on your Kindle and other great tips and tricks in my full guide to how to use a Kindle.

The bottom line

Amazon's new Kindle Paperwhite still has many of the same specifications as older Kindle Paperwhite ebook readers. The biggest changes come from the addition of waterproofing, which allows you to safely take your Kindle to the beach or in the bath without worrying about it getting wet; and Bluetooth technology, which allows you to listen to Audible ebooks when you pair your Kindle with Bluetooth headphones or a speaker. 

Both of these changes are very welcome and make the new Paperwhite a worthwhile upgrade for those of you who have older Kindles from several years ago. It's also the most fully-featured Kindle you can buy for $130, though if you want to get a slimmer design and the benefit of page-turning buttons, you'll have to spend $120 more to get the Kindle Oasis, Amazon's most high-end ebook reader.

• Should you buy it? Yes. Unless you want to spend $120 more to get the slim design and page-turning buttons of the Kindle Oasis, the Paperwhite is the best ebook reader you can buy.
• Which model should you get? We recommend the 8GB model, because it holds thousands of ebooks and if you ever exceed the onboard storage, you can keep all your other ebooks in the cloud. If you really hate ads on your lockscreen, you may want to pay extra for the ad-free version, but it's not necessary, as the ads aren't really intrusive.
• What are your alternatives? The other Kindle we recommend is the Oasis, but again, it will cost you $120 more. If you don't want to get an Amazon-based ebook reader, we recommend the Kobo Aura H2O Edition 2. Kobo is Amazon's main competitor, and it supports more ebook formats, including EPUB files. The Aura H2O Edition 2 is just as water resistant as the Kindle Paperwhite and it holds just as many ebooks.

The Kindle Paperwhite is a great buy, and we highly recommend it. If you do decide to buy the Paperwhite, I also have a full guide on how to use your Kindle, including how to get free ebooks and more. 

Pros: Water resistant enough to take to the beach, holds thousands of ebooks, has a backlight, supports many ebook formats, easy to use, huge library of ebooks available, comfortable to hold, long battery life

Cons: Not as cheap as the entry-level Kindle, not as slim as the Kindle Oasis, no page-turning buttons, Amazon ebook format locks you in

Buy the Kindle Paperwhite on Amazon for $129.99

SEE ALSO: How to get ebooks on your Kindle — and other expert tips and tricks

Join the conversation about this story »

• Uber founder and board member Travis Kalanick has purchased a $36.5 million penthouse in New York City, according to property records seen by the New York Times.
• The condo, which features a private pool and rooftop terrace, is in a Renzo Piano-designed building in SoHo, in Manhattan.
• Take a look at the 6,700-square-foot, four-bed, four-and-a-half-bath residence, which was the most expensive sale in New York City in August. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Some of Travis Kalanick's darkest moments are being laid out in public view for the first time this month, but the new book isn't keeping Uber's ousted founder down.

The 43-year-old purchased a posh duplex penthouse atop a new luxury building in New York City last month for a cool $36.5 million, the New York Times first reported. It was the most expensive real estate purchase in the month of August in the city, the paper said.

Located on Broome Street in Manhattan's fashionable SoHo neighborhood, the building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Italian "starchitect" Renzo Piano, and the glass facade bears resemblance to his last New York project, the Whitney Museum of American Art.

According to sale documents, the condo was purchased through an LLC called "377 Holdings," of which the Times reports a former Uber employee Tara Dhingra is also a director. 

Kalanick's neighbors at the still half-empty building will include Novak Djokovic who in 2017 purchased two units in the building for an undisclosed amount, the Wall Street Journal reported at the time.

Here's a look inside the billionaire's latest home:

SEE ALSO: A former Uber executive hired to clean up ousted founder Travis Kalanick's mess has joined WeWork's board of directors as it gears up for a massive IPO

On the ground floor, what appears to be future retail space was very much still under construction on a recent September afternoon.

On the Broome Street side, however, where residents will enter and exit their condos, the building is open for business. A few people streamed in and out during the few minutes Business Insider gawked from across the street.

Next to the entrance will eventually be the driveway for a 42-spot robotic parking garage. According to the building's management, the glass garage has an elevator that's open to the street so that "passerbys can watch as cars are moved by automated lift from the driveway on ground level up through the glass to a higher, private climate and humidity controlled garage where the cars are stored."

Retrieving your car via the app takes 210 seconds, the company said.

Kalanick's pad is the smaller of the building's two penthouses, with four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms as well as three outdoor terraces totaling another 2,500 square-feet.

From the street-level, you can see some trees or shrubbery peeking slightly over the terrace's railing.

The unit features an eat-in kitchen, with modern fixtures, in addition to the main dining room that seats at least 10 people.

The upper floors are partially open, allowing for a double-height ceiling above the main living room where the private elevator opens into the residence.

Here's the main living room, with the stairs that lead up to the second level.

Above the unit, on a third floor, is the massive private outdoor patio complete with swimming pool, dining area, and sun deck.

From the pool, Kalanick and his guests will have sweeping views of Manhattan and the Hudson River from their perch just above the entrance to the Holland Tunnel.

And the views don't end there. Even the master bathroom has massive windows next to a large bathtub and a shower that could rival the size of many Manhattan bedrooms.

Kalanick's not the only Uber director shelling out big bucks for an expensive home now that the company has gone public.

CEO Dara Khosrowshahi's family is said to be renting the pricey Venice, California pad,  Variety reported this week. 

Read more: 

• 'I'm a terrible person': Inside ousted Uber CEO Travis Kalanick's tantrum in a fellow executive's townhouse when he realized it was all over
• Uber's ousted founder Travis Kalanick would like you to call him 'T-bone'