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How to change the alarm sound on a Samsung Galaxy S10 in 3 ways

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Samsung S10 Smartphone

It's easy to tire of the default alarm sound when you use the Samsung Galaxy S10's Clock app, but it's even easier to change that sound when you create a new alarm. You can also edit the sound for an existing alarm. 

Not only can you choose from among the phone's many built-in ringtones, but you can also pick a song that's downloaded to your phone, or let Bixby read the time, weather, and news to you as you wake up. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

How to change the alarm sound on your Samsung Galaxy S10

1. Start the Clock app. 

2. If you're not already on the Alarm page, tap "Alarm" at the bottom of the screen.

3. Create a new alarm by tapping the + sign, or tap an existing alarm to edit it. 

4. Tap "Alarm sound."

alarm 2

You now have three choices. Do one of the following:

  • If you want your alarm to be Bixby reading the time, weather, and news, tap "Bixby alarm." Then tap the back button in the top-left corner of the screen.

alarm 3

  • If you want to choose your alarm sound from among your phone's built-in ringtones, make sure "Ringtone" is selected, and then tap "Selected ringtone." Choose the ringtone you want to use as an alarm sound. As you tap each ringtone, a preview will play so you can hear what it sounds like. When you hear one you want to use, tap the back button in the top-left corner of the screen. 

alarm 4

  • If you want your alarm to be a song you've downloaded to your phone, make sure "Ringtone" is selected. Then tap "Selected ringtone" and then the + sign at the top right of the screen. Choose the song you want to use, and then tap "Done." Then tap the back button in the top-left corner of the screen.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best wireless chargers you can buy

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How to send a video from an iPhone to an Android phone in 3 different ways

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iphone video

  • You can send a video from an iPhone to an Android phone in a few different ways. 
  • It's easy to send a video from iPhone to Android through email or text, as long as the video is short and the file isn't too big to send. 
  • If you want to send a longer video (or any large file) from iPhone to Android, cloud services and third-party apps are your best option.  
  • You can't use AirDrop to send a video from iPhone to Android (AirDrop only works between Apple devices), but one of these methods should work just as well. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

AirDrop is one of the coolest features on the iPhone and other Apple devices. 

With a few quick taps on the screen, you can share photos, notes, contact information, and many more types of data. AirDrop even allows iOS devices to share large files, like videos, in a matter of seconds with minimal effort.

The issue is that the AirDrop feature is strictly limited to communication between Apple devices. If you want to share a video with someone who uses an Android smartphone, you're going to have to get a bit more creative.

Here are the best ways to do it.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3a XL (From $479.99 at Best Buy)

How to send a video from an iPhone to an Android phone through email or text 

If you're trying to send a video from an iPhone to an Android device and the clip is less than 15 or 20 seconds long, you can usually send it as an attachment via email or text. 

The email size limit is 20 megabytes for some platforms, and 25 MB for others, but in most cases short videos will go through just fine.

Text messages can handle shorter video attachments and are often more convenient than email, but they too have limits, especially when using an SMS or MMS format — iMessages can handle much larger file transfers.

How to send a longer video from an iPhone to an Android phone using a cloud service

There are multiple cloud services out there, with Google Drive being a superb choice due to its ease of use and the fact that it's free (up to a certain volume of data).

To share a file from your iPhone to an Android phone via Drive, first install the free Drive app or open it if you already use it.

1. In the Drive app, press the colorful plus (+) symbol at the bottom right corner, and then tap "Upload."

2. Next, choose "Photos and Videos" then find the video you want to send from your iPhone library.

IMG_5599

3. Upload the file, then locate the video in your Drive by searching for recent files. 

4. Tap the three dots beside the file, select share, and then enter the email address of the Android user.

How to send a video from iPhone to Android using another third-party app

The Send Anywhere app makes it easy to share videos (and other files) from iPhone to Android. 

Just install the free app, allow it to access your media library, and then find the video you want to send. Tap the circle to the left of the video to select it and then hit send.

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The app will generate a six-digit code and then begin searching for nearby devices.

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Once one is found, like your friend's Android phone, they will be prompted to use the same code, and then the transfer will commence.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

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NOW WATCH: I cleaned my entire apartment with 4 of Amazon's highest-rated cleaning robots, but I could've done a much better job myself

Mini-retirements can help prevent burnout, but returning to the workforce afterward can be tough. Here's how to pull it off, from 4 people who have actually done it.

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mini retirement

The daily grind can be exhausting.

For some, a mini-retirement — a meaningful respite in which you take a break from your career — can be the right move to overcome burnout and refocus your purpose.

Once you have enough money saved, leaving work for a mini-retirement can feel like an easy decision. But re-entering the rat race after it's over may be a harder battle to face. However, if you play your cards right, getting back into the workforce is more manageable than it sounds.

Here's what four people who've actually been through the process have to say about it.

Talk to your boss before your mini-retirement.

Before your mini-retirement, first see what kind of advantages you can set up with your employer.

"Always try to negotiate taking the time off unpaid from your current employer if you think you might want to return there," Jillian Johnsrud, who has taken five mini-retirements, told Business Insider. "Even if it's without pay or healthcare, it can give you peace of mind while you're gone. I've seen people be granted anywhere from a month to a year off with a promise of a job when they return."

You could even negotiate temporarily reducing your work hours and working remotely instead of fully stopping work. Mark Tew, who moved to Nicaragua with his wife and four children for a year, told Business Insider that with more flexible work arrangements than ever before, it's not uncommon for employers to allow employees to work remotely part-time. Doing this, he said, "will help you keep your foot in the door."

"I know several people who have successfully made arrangements with their employers to allow them to work remotely through a mini-retirement," he said, adding that such a scenario would be a mini-semi-retirement.

Read more: An American family who moved to Nicaragua for a year to live cheaply ended up blowing their $30,000 budget thanks to unexpected costs — but still spent less than life at home in the US

Be good at your job and know your value.

"Be very good at your job before you leave to take a mini-retirement," Kyle Stimpson, who took a six-month mini-retirement at age 27, told Business Insider. "If you work hard and have talent, companies will always be looking to find great people, so you will have a leg up on the competition. If you don't put in any effort at your old job and then burn bridges as you leave, that will get around and come back to bite you."

Chris Durheim, who took a year-long mini-retirement, is of a similar mindset.

"In order to get to the point where you financially could take a mini-retirement, you had to have been pretty successful in your earlier career," he told Business Insider. He said he struggled with self-confidence during the job hunting process because he feared he was no longer hireable. He ultimately ended up making a successful transition to a new industry, switching from medical device development to web development.

"Whether you're feeling the self-confidence or not, know that you're capable of getting back in and that your skills are highly valuable," Durheim said. "Don't be afraid to push for the things that are really important to you in a new career; with your time in mini-retirement, you may find that you value some things differently than you did before. This is a great opportunity to reinforce those new values."

Jillian Johnsrud

Maintain your network before, during, and after.

Johnsrud suggests emailing your close contacts to let them know you're leaving; mention how much you loved the field and that you're looking forward to returning to it after your mini-retirement. She recommends keeping it brief, such as: "I'm excited to be traveling these next six months, but if you happen to hear about an interesting opportunity in this field, I'd love for you to connect me."

"You might get a few great job offers while you're gone," she said. "I've seen people leverage their mini-retirement into much more interesting, better-fitting and well-paid jobs."

Read more: Forget early retirement — people who saved enough money to travel for weeks or years say a 'mini-retirement' is just as rewarding

Johnsrud said staying connected to your network while you're gone is just as important — you should touch base every few months to stay on the radar.

Stimpson also seconds leveraging your contacts and recruiters to make connections. He returned to work as a sales engineer, which he was able to do by reaching out to recruiters and contacts in his industry. However, he said it helped that he worked in a niche market.

"One just needs to be consistent and patient," he said. "Keep working new angles and expect for the process to take two to three months at least, which is why it's important to still have sufficient savings left even when you are ready to go back to work."

Consider self-employment.

Mini-retirement can serve as a good transition to self-employment, Tew said. During his mini-retirement, Tew did tax and accounting work on the side. Once it was over, he pursued his lifelong desire of becoming a CFP and is now self-employed.

"I remember watching a TED talk called 'The Power of Time Off,' and I believe I experienced some of the things the speaker talked about," he said. "The creative juices flow so much more freely when you get away from it all. You can use that year or that six months to lay the foundation for a new life."

He added: "With so many US workers already participating in the 'gig economy' by having side freelance work, it's just a matter of taking those side gigs and scaling them up into full-fledged businesses. Either route is doable!"

SEE ALSO: How to tell you're on track for a mini-retirement, according to 2 people who have taken a break from their careers to travel

DON'T MISS: A 24-year-old who's traveling the world says her 'mini-retirement' is more productive than a corporate job

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I booked a last minute, discounted flight on 'the best US airline' for around $100, and I still can't believe how incredible the deal was

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alaska selfie

  • Alaska Airlines has been ranked the best airline in the US two years in a row by Money, and it's been named the best traditional airline in North America by JD Power and Associates for 12 years straight.
  • I recently flew with Alaska Air one-way from New York to Los Angeles for about $100 during a holiday weekend thanks to the airline's Saver Fare, which is essentially a basic economy ticket.
  • I decided to take a last-minute trip to LA to visit my best friend for his birthday, and Alaska Airlines had the best available price online, which was well within my budget.
  • Even though I booked my ticket only three weeks before my flight, the price was excellent, and I was shocked to find that I didn't have to compromise on the experience.
  • I was able to bring a personal item and a carry-on bag for no additional cost, I received my seat assignment when I purchased my ticket, I was later given the option to upgrade my seat to a better class, and my in-flight experience was the same as someone else who'd paid more for a main cabin economy ticket.
  • I was so impressed with the price, in fact, that I reached out to Scott Keyes, founder and CEO of discounted airfare newsletter Scott's Cheap Flights, to see how I scored such an excellent deal.
  • Keyes told Business Insider that airlines no longer make the majority of their money from economy fares. Instead, they rely heavily on upgrades, first-class fares, miles, and cargo space to make their money. So don't be too surprised if you find your own discounted fare on an economy seat.
  • I would hop on another basic economy flight with Alaska in a heartbeat. Here's why.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

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I arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport at approximately 6:20 a.m. — just a little more than an hour before my flight. As soon as I stepped into the airport, all I had to do was look to the left to see where Alaska's patrons check-in.



But I didn't have to check-in because I checked in the day before from my phone.



And I didn't need to check any bags because I only had one carry-on suitcase and one personal item. Stowing these bags in the airplane cabin is included in the price of the ticket.



The line at security wasn't too long, and before I knew it I was headed to my gate. On the way, I saw Alaska airplanes out the airport windows.



Alaska had its own cluster of gates at my terminal in Newark Airport, and in the center, there is food available for purchase.



At 7 a.m., some of the gates were mostly empty ...



... but a few others, like mine, were very crowded.



I decided to sit across from my gate so that I could see what was going on without sacrificing my personal space.



When I got settled, I began rearranging my personal bag, since it was hand-checked by the TSA.



While waiting to board, I enjoyed the morning light coming in through the windows all around the diameter of the room.



I also decided to check out the Alaska Air app to see what it had to offer me.



The app included basic information about my flight and my boarding pass.



It also showed me my seat assignment ...



... included a tracker of my plane's route ...



... and some more information that one might find helpful...



... like the type of plane I was about to board, which was a Boeing 737-900 Aircraft.



The app also showed menu items available for purchase on my flight complete with descriptions and pictures.



While scrolling through the app, it also informed me that for an additional $100, I could upgrade to premium class. For a sweet moment, I thought about this, but then I was swept back to reality when it was time to board.



I was in group E, the last group to board the plane. "E for everyone" the gate employee called out when it was my group's turn to board.



The boarding process began 30 minutes later than scheduled, so people seemed anxious about getting to their seats.



When we got to the actual plane, I noticed that there were still employees packing luggage into the plane.



I was starting to think I would arrive in LA later than expected as I was welcomed aboard.



My seat was at the very back of the plane, so I knew I had a long way to go as we inched deeper and deeper into the cabin.



My seat was very close to the bathrooms.



But I had an aisle seat, which was nice ...



... especially considering the amount of leg room I had directly in front of me. The seat pitch was around 32 inches, which is average for an economy seat, according to Trip Savvy — not the worst, but not the roomiest, either.

Source: Trip Savvy



By the time I was settled, a flight attendant was already demonstrating emergency safety procedures.



While she was talking, I noticed how thin the seats seemed. They weren't especially comfortable or uncomfortable.



The seats were 17 inches wide, they reclined, and their slim form allowed for more negative space between seats and rows.



Though I couldn't help but long for a slightly larger tray table.



It couldn't fit much more than my Nintendo DS and a soda.



There were printed menus in the pocket on the seat in front of each person.



They showed meals available for all flights, rather than only the meals available for the current flight.



For entertainment, Alaska Air patrons were encouraged to download the Gogo Entertainment app, which has hundreds of options for movies and shows to watch. Unfortunately, none of these options sounded good to me on my tiny phone screen. I prefer when flights have screens on the back of each seat.



Not too long after taking off, flight attendants came around with food and beverage carts.



The only available free snack was this tiny package of Biscoff cookies ...



... which I devoured in seconds.



Luckily, I brought my own snacks.



I was able to charge my phone during the flight, thanks to the USB port in front of me. Alaska has USB ports for each seat on all of their planes, while many competing airlines only offer this luxury on some of their planes, according to Lifehacker.

Source: Lifehacker



The plane had all the passenger controls that most flights have.



This plane had three bathrooms, so the lines stayed short.



The bathroom I used was tiny. This didn't bother me, but it might bother a larger person.



The time between take off and landing went by fairly uneventfully.



Luckily I brought my own devices to help pass the time during my six-hour flight.



Although the plane took off a little late, I was pleasantly surprised when we landed in Los Angeles 15 minutes early. Overall, this was a sufficiently average economy flight —much better than I was expecting considering the cost — and it was definitely worth the low price.



I packed for a 5-day trip using the $395 Cuyana leather weekender — it fit enough gear to run a half-marathon, attend a nice dinner, and explore the city

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TripleZipper Cuyana Womenswear SU19 triple zipper weekender_LP2

The last time I checked a bag, it was six years ago and I was moving to New York from the Midwest. In the years since, physics-defying bags like Cotopaxi's Allpa 35 ($200) have made an otherwise masochistic carry-on-only rule effortless to live by, even on two-week international vacations

Recently, though, I upgraded to Cuyana's Triple Zipper Weekender for the trips on which I want a more stylish companion than the burly blue polyester and ballistic nylon bag. At $395, it's not by any means a cheap investment, but a few things make it easier to justify: a great design, quality leather that should grow even more supple over time, a timeless aesthetic that will age gracefully, and the comparative prices of similar leather weekenders with designs I didn't find nearly as useful

Cuyana's Triple Zipper is made in Turkey from premium pebbled leather, has three compartments for organized packing, and three large interior pockets in the main compartment for items like shoes and loose essentials. The crossbody strap is removable, it has small metal feet for bottom protection, and there are two slim side pockets for things like snacks and a travel wallet. You can also have it monogrammed for $15 if you want. It's a great example of function and form intersecting. 

This is the bag I packed when I went home to meet my boyfriend's family for the first time. And it's the one I plan to pack for an upcoming five-day trip that ranges from running a half-marathon to dressing up for a five-star dinner to exploring the city.

I fit everything you see below into the Triple Zipper: seven shirts, four pairs of socks, three pairs of shoes (heels, sneakers, sandals), two exercise tanks, two pairs of pants, one pajama set, one pair of leggings, one sweater, one dress, undergarments, one baseball cap, one book, one laptop, the T3 curling iron I use to cheat my way to a loose blowout look, and other travel essentials (my favorite Passport Holder, the the Mejuri Travel Case for jewelry, the removable pouch included in the Vanity Case Set for makeup, and my tiny but powerful Jaybird Vista earbuds). 

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After packing everything you see above into the weekender, my bag looked like this: stuffed, but zipped and organized. I put my chargers, inflatable water bottle, everyday wallet, toothbrush, and some snacks in another small purse. 

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With fewer things inside, you can clip the thin leather strap on top to the opposite compartment in order to keep the silhouette compact. You can use this for three-day trips just as well as trips double that duration.  

In the outer side pocket, you can see the blue passport holder I keep there for easy access while traveling. The pockets are relatively deep, but the holder is designed for airplane tickets, so it's tall enough to peek out a few inches.

IMG_3327 2Typically, I like to keep one external compartment organized into labeled cloth bags for undergarments, electronics, and travel essentials like my wallet and toothbrush, but that's a) difficult to decipher in pictures and b) better for trips that require fewer pairs of shoes.

Internally, I used the three side pockets for my makeup bag, the jewelry organizer, sandals, and perfume. Unlike many weekenders, the Triple Zipper has nailed the just-enough organization factor; there aren't so many pockets I forget which holds what. Ultimately, I know exactly where each item is without dumping the contents out.

The Cuyana Weekender is leather and a true duffel weekender, so it can fit less than my Cotopaxi Allpa 35 and isn't as lightweight, but it is a beautifully made, well-organized, deceptively cavernous bag that I will use for years to come for both short and long domestic and international trips. If you're looking for a stylish weekender with plenty of space and elevated organizational design — and you can justify $395 on a purchase comfortably — I highly recommend checking this one out for yourself. 

Cuyana Triple Zipper Weekender, $395

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The 20 best new products we saw at IFA 2019

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ifa 2019

  • IFA is the largest consumer electronics show in Europe. It's the equivalent of America's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV.
  • Nearly 2,000 companies flocked to Berlin, Germany to showcase their new products in 2019.
  • We went to the show to find the best new products in tech, home, kitchen, and more.
  • Here are our 20 favorite new products, from smartphones and laptops to TVs and kitchen appliances.

In 1924, the first IFA trade show (IFA stands for Internationale Funkausstellung, which translates to "Radio Exhibition") was held in Berlin, Germany to showcase the latest advancements in radio tech.

Since then, IFA has grown to be the largest consumer tech show in Europe and one of the most popular such events in the world. It's now on par with the most famous American consumer tech show, CES (Consumer Electronics Show), which takes place in Las Vegas, NV each January.

Every year, thousands of companies head to IFA in Berlin to showcase their nest new tech, home, and kitchen products. We went to the show to check out all the latest and greatest products, from smart blenders and robotic cleaning machines to shiny new smartphones, laptops, and big-screen TVs.

We've rounded up the best products that we saw at the show. Many of them are available to buy or pre-order right now, and many more will be coming soon.

Here are the 20 best new products from IFA 2019:

The best TV

Samsung's 55-inch Class Q900 QLED Smart 8K UHD TV ($2,999.99 — available now)

Right now, you can get excellent 4K TVs for budget prices, especially if you find a good sale. As 4K TVs become more mainstream, TV manufacturers are pushing beyond 4K to 8K, and they want you to know that you can have an 8K TV today — not tomorrow.

Samsung's $3,000 8K QLED TV is still wildly inaccessible for most people, but it is one of the most affordable 8K TVs you can buy. If you're considering buying a top-of-the-line 4K TV, you'll pay about the same price. By Samsung's reasoning, that begs the question: Why not buy this 8K one instead?



The best innovative TV

Panasonic Transparent OLED TV (available in 2020 for unknown amounts of money)

Panasonic's Transparent OLED TV is an absolute marvel to behold in person. It is, essentially, a transparent screen that lives in a classy wooden frame. When it is off, all you see is the frame and a pane of glass — not a black box — but when you turn it on, it can be translucent or fully on like a normal TV. I saw it, and I was very impressed with the quality of the image, given the fact that it's a transparent screen. It's unclear how much it will cost when it comes out in 2020, but it'll likely be very pricey.



The best soundbar

Nebula Soundbar – Fire TV Edition ($229.99 — available now)

The Nebula Soundbar is the first soundbar to have a Fire TV streaming device built right into it. That means the soundbar acts like a streaming stick and a soundbar at the same time. You can stream 4K Ultra HD video from all the popular streaming apps that work with the Fire TV without having to have a separate Fire TV streaming stick or a smart TV at home.

It comes with a nice Alexa-powered voice remote, which also has physical buttons for when you don't want to ask Alexa for things. You do have to use the remote to summon Alexa with your voice, as the soundbar itself does not have microphones in it that are listening for you to say, "Alexa." It also has digital optical, HDMI, USB, and AUX ports so you can connect a variety of devices.



The best gaming laptop

Razer Blade Stealth Gaming Laptop ($1,499.99+ —  available in September 2019)

Razer has long made some of the best gaming laptops and gaming accessories you can buy. Now, it has a fancy, super slim new gaming laptop called the Blade Stealth. The 13-inch gaming laptop weighs just 3 pounds and it's very thin at 0.6-inches thick. Best of all, you can game at 60 frames per second with a 1080p resolution when the graphics settings are turned all the way up. It comes in three versions so you can choose your processing and graphics power as well as the screen's resolution.



The best laptop

Lenovo Yoga C940 ($1,250 — available in October 2019)

Lenovo's Yoga laptop lineup is known for its sleek, smartly designed, powerful 2-in-1 laptops. The new C940 is a beautiful, slim 14-inch laptop with a crisp, bright UHD 500-nit screen. Thanks to Intel's Project Athena efforts and the 10th-generation processor inside, this laptop is made to start up in mere seconds, much like a smartphone or a Chromebook. It also has Alexa for voice controls and cool software features to boost performance, improve battery life, and more.



The best computer mouse

Logitech MX Master 3 ($99.99 — available now)

Logitech's previous MX Master was widely regarded to be the best computer mouse you can buy, and now it's new 3rd-generation one is here to replace it. It has a comfortable, ergonomic design and a super-fast scrolling wheel. You can even customize its speed depending on your task. So, if you're trying to scroll super fast through a page to get to the end, it can zip right along, but if you need to scroll very, very s l o w l y, you can do that, too.



The best fitness tracker

Garmin Venu ($399.99 — pre-order now)

If you like to keep track of your workouts and you also want some smartwatch features, Garmin's new Venu smartwatch is a good option. The 43mm smartwatch has a 390 x 390 pixel OLED screen that's bright and beautiful. You can set the screen to be on all the time so you never have to tap on the screen to wake it up.

It has built-in GPS, it can stream music from Spotify and other platforms (you can also download music so you can leave your phone behind), and it has Garmin Pay, so you can buy things on the go. The watch face will even show you how to properly execute certain exercises and help you track them. It keeps tabs on many metrics, including heart rate, hydration, respiration, sleep, blood oxygen level, and stress tracking. The Venu can last five days in smartwatch mode and six hours with GPS and music mode, which is quite good for a smartwatch with this many power-hungry features.



The best smartwatch

Michael Kors MKGO ($221.25 — available now)

Smartwatches are often far thicker than your average wristwatch, but Michael Kors' MKGO is a bit slimmer in profile than many of its competitors. It's also more lightweight, thanks to its 43mm aluminum casing and silicone strap. The watch comes in red, black, white, and pink. The red one is quite striking in person.

In addition to the new design, the MKGO has new tech inside. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform, which means that it offers heart rate tracking, Google Assistant voice controls, Google Pay, and GPS tracking. You can also swim with the watch, as it's water resistant for up to 30 meters.



The best speaker

Sonos Move ($399 — pre-order to get on September 24)

If you always wanted a portable version of the Sonos One smart speaker, you're in luck. The Sonos Move can be lifted out of its base and moved around your house. You get 10 hours in a charge, which is pretty good. It is heavy at 6.61 pounds, so it's not exactly a speaker you're carrying around with you, but the key thing is that you can move it!

It offers touch and voice controls (Alexa and Google Assistant) as well as Sonos app and AirPlay 2 support. The Move can stream audio via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so you can take it outside your home and still play music. It's got an IP56 water resistance rating, so it is safe to use outside in humid air, but probably not in intense rain and definitely not in the pool or other deep waters. The casing is also shock resistant, so if you drop it, it's okay.



The best headphones

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3 ($399.99 — available now)

Sennheiser makes some of the best headphones you can buy, and its new Momentum Wireless 3 over-ear headphones are no exception. We listened to these exceptional headphones in a crowded, deafening loud conference center that was packed to the brim with speakers and TVs blasting sound, and we could only hear the music. That's thanks to the headphones active noise cancellation. If you do want to hear some ambient noise, you can let it in with the Transparent Hearing feature.

You can also access the voice assistant of your choice — Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant — and you can keep track of where your headphones are thanks to a nifty integration with Bluetooth tracker company Tile. The black ones are available now, but the white ones are coming in November.



The best wireless earbuds

Audio Technica ATH-CK3TW earbuds ($99 — available in November 2019)

Audio Technica's new true wireless earbuds are set to be affordable, great-sounding alternatives to Apple's AirPods. They'll cost $99 when they arrive in stores and online in November. We took a quick listen to them at IFA on the noisy show floor and were impressed by the audio quality.

They're small, comfortable, and good-looking. I really liked the red ones, but they also come in black and white. You can also connect to Alexa or the Google Assistant with these earbuds or use the touch controls on the buds. They have six hours of battery life, which is decent for truly wireless earbuds at this price.



The best camera

Insta360 GO ($199.99 — pre-order now)

Insta360's super tiny GO action camera is so small you can wear it as a necklace and not get (too many) funny looks (at least in some circles). It weighs less than an ounce, it's not even 2 inches tall, and it's less than an inch wide. The GO comes with a nifty charging case, a stand, a clip so you can wear it on your clothes, a magnetized pendant so you can wear it as a necklace, and a sticky mount for placing it on a flat surface. It can record still photos or video, and it has Insta360's excellent "FlowState 6-Axis Gyro Stabilization" to keep action-packed videos super smooth.



The best budget smartphone

Nokia 7.2 ($330 — pre-order now)

The Nokia 7.2 is a great budget phone that will get monthly security updates directly from Google. It has a clean Android software experience, too. The 6.3-inch Full HD screen has minimal bezels, and it looked crisp and bright in person. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor and 4GB or 6GB of RAM. On the back, it has three cameras: a 48-megapixel 1/2-inch Quad Pixel, 5-megapixel depth sensor, 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide lens. The selfie cam is also sharp at 20 megapixels. It comes with 64 or 128GB of storage, which is expandable up by to 512GB, thanks to a MicroSD card slot.



The best innovative smartphone

Samsung Galaxy Fold ($1,980 — coming in September 2019)

Samsung's innovative folding phone launched in April 2019, but it had to be pulled due to serious problems with the design. Now, those design flaws have been addressed, and Samsung is actually going to sell this phone to all the cutting-edge tech lovers who have been salivating over its foldable 7.3-inch screen. We saw the latest version of the Fold at IFA in a private briefing, and it was undeniably impressive. The screen looks crisp and bright when you unfold it. It feels like a short, fat tablet, and I definitely needed two hands to wield it.

The processing was so slick that there was no delay when I started to open an app on the small front screen and then opened it up to see it on the large 7.3-inch interior screen. It's definitely a weird, new piece of tech that will baffle many people, but it's also the most exciting phone I've seen in years. Phone innovation has been just new camera tech, faster processors, and larger displays with smaller bezels for so long now that I'd almost forgotten how intriguing a truly new phone can be. Holding the Fold was as weird and wonderful as holding the dual-screened Yotaphone, which had a black-and-white E INK screen AND a regular full-color screen.



The best smart display

Lenovo Smart Display 7 ($129.99 — coming in October 2019)

Lenovo's new 7-inch smart display is the one we all probably really wanted when it launched the 10-inch version. It's small enough to fit in anywhere, but not so small that it's pointless for watching videos on. Just like Lenovo's other great smart displays, the new one looks sleek and simple. It has good audio quality, so it's quite nice for playing music, watching a short recipe video on YouTube, or setting timers. This smart display would be very at home in a kitchen, which is where we demoed it. 



The best robot vacuum

Roborock S5 Max ($599 — coming in 2019)

If you've ever wished your robot vacuum could also mop your floors, you're in luck — there are many robo vacs that also mop. Roborock's new S5 Max is another one that does both. Just like other high-end robot vacuums, the S5 Max maps your house out to vacuum efficiently and smartly avoids barriers and other obstacles it encounters as it cleans. You can control it with voice commands, thanks to Alexa and Google Assistant support.

We watched it vacuum and mop the same half carpeted and half tiled floor for several minutes. It picked up all the weird debris it ran into on the shag carpet and then it smoothly transitioned to mop the white tiles to a glorious shine.



The best fridge

Samsung Bespoke Fridge (price and release date for US are unknown)

Have you ever looked at your fridge and wished it was way better looking? Samsung bets that you have. Its new Bespoke fridges are completely customizable: You can choose the interior storage layout, the fridge and freezer configuration, and even the exterior color and design.

So, if you want, say, a turquoise fridge that is super slim and tall with a large fridge and a small freezer, you got it. If you want a larger red and yellow fridge with extra space and multiple doors, you got it. There are even cool artist collabs, so you can get a super custom design. We're guessing this'll be expensive, but they sure are cool.



The best kitchen appliance

Ninja Foodi 8-Quart All-in-One Multi-Cooker ($279 — available now)

Ninja's Foodi 8-Quart All-in-One Multi-Cooker has been in the US already for a short time, but it is new to European markets (and therefore "new" for our purposes here). This appliance can do just about everything: It can air fry, roast, slow cook, pressure cook, crisp, and braise foods.

Its 8-quart capacity allows you to feed the whole family in one shot or to meal prep for the whole week. It comes with all the accessories you need, including a crisping lid, pressure lid, 8-quart ceramic pot, 5-quart ceramic "cook & crisp basket," stainless steel rack, and a recipe book. Although it is a bit large, it's actually not much wider or fatter than the smaller versions of the same appliance — it's just a bit taller.



The best coffee maker

Jura Ena 8 ($1899-$2699 — availability unknown)

Jura makes high-tech coffee makers and espresso machines that are super sleek and efficient. The Ena 8 has a small touchscreen so you can select your drink and have it made for you in minutes. It's an automatic specialty coffee machine that does all the work for you. It grinds the coffee right, brews your coffee, and foams the milk to suit the specific drink you asked for.

It made me a lovely cappuccino very quickly right there on the showfloor. You can also get it in solid, machined aluminum, which looks absolutely gorgeous.

 



The best hair dryer

Panasonic Nanoe Double Mineral Hair Dryer EH-NA98 (price and availability are unknown)

Hair dryers may seem like simple appliances, but they can be very high tech, it turns out. Panasonic's latest hair dryer harnesses the power of science to put moisture back into your hair while you're drying it.

From what I understood of the explanation I got, the hair dryer takes nano-sized moisture ions out of the air and sends them into your hair while it dries to seal the moisture into your strands, scalp, and even your skin. It's been tested by proDERM Germany, and it's shown to reduce split ends, frizz, and hair damage over time.



This weighted sleep sack mimics the feeling of your hand on your baby’s stomach or back — my 1-year-old daughter sleeps 12-hour nights now

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zen sack

  • The light weight of the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack (starting at $37.99) helps my baby daughter sleep more soundly by making it feel like my hand is on her back all night.
  • It's a wearable blanket with weight ranging from 1 to 5 ounces. Sizes range from 3 to 24 months, and can be used with babies heavier than 7 pounds, so this product can grow with your baby until he or she is ready to have comfort items in their crib.
  • The blanket meets mandatory and voluntary safety standards, and only works with safety laboratories that are accredited by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, but talk to your pediatrician first as every parent or baby's situation is unique. 

Parents of babies and toddlers will do almost anything to get their kids to sleep. Stand on my head while singing "Mary Had a Little Lamb" backwards? You got it. For my daughter Ellie, one thing that always seems to do the trick is gently patting her back.

I have no problem rubbing and patting her back to comfort her, but it becomes a problem when her eyes would pop wide open the second I take my hand away. Before I had the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack, I would keep my hand on her back until I was sure she was asleep, then I would very, very slowly lift my hand off her back so she wouldn't notice the difference. It was a time consuming and exhausting process.

When I decided to try the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack, it made putting Ellie to bed so much easier. The Zen Sack has a very light weight made out of non-toxic poly-beads that actually mimics the feeling of my hand on her back. Gone are the days of hovering and patting until I'm sure she's completely asleep.

Design

The Zen Sack is a sleep sack, or wearable blanket, that comes in many sizes — 3 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, and 15 to 24 months. The brand also offers swaddles, bodysuits, and footie pajamas with the same weighted feature.

For the Zen Sack, there is a Classic, Premier, and Winter version, each with a different TOG, or thermal insulation. The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleep sack. The Premier has the lowest at .3, the Classic is .5, and the Winter is 2.5. The Premier is also made with a blend of bamboo and cotton, while the Classic and Winter are both 100% cotton.

We have the Classic version in the Grey Mist and Flying Adventures of Bunny prints, and we layer it over a long-sleeve footed pajama. We keep the room around 70 degrees, so Ellie always seems to be comfortable at night.

The material is really soft, and it's simple to get the sack on and off. The top snaps at the shoulders with a looser and tighter option. There is also a two-way zipper that starts under one armpit and follows the outside seam around to the opposite bottom corner; it's a nice feature for middle-of-the night diaper changes.

For the smaller sizes (12 months and under), the weight is concentrated in an oval on the baby's chest. Ellie is a tummy sleeper and was starting to roll on her own, so we actually put the Zen Sack backwards so that the weight is on her back when she sleeps — which the brand says is fine to do for babies who are starting roll. For the 15 to 24 month size, the weight is evenly distributed across the chest (or back, depending on how you use it).

Safety

I do my best to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidelines, which rule out many comfort items in the bassinet or crib for infants such as blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals. So the thought of putting Ellie to bed with a weight on her really scared me at first — what if it weighed her down and she wasn't strong enough to roll over?

Nested Bean addresses this fear on its website: "The weight is light and flexible, so it will nearly flatten underneath your baby's body. Physiotherapy standards were used to determine the appropriate weight in the Zen Sleepwear. These weight requirements ensure that the weight to body-weight ratio is maintained well below the recommended physiotherapy standard of 1:10. Depending on the size of the product, the weighted parts range from 1 to 5 ounces."

Nested Bean also cautions parents to not put babies or toddlers in the weighted sack and the weighted pajamas at the same time.

Once I actually felt the weighted beads inside the Zen Sack, I could tell that it was not too heavy, but just enough to help Ellie feel secure. Sometimes she even sleeps on her back with the weight underneath her, and it never seems to bother her that she is lying on top of it.

But all babies are different, and although I'm confident Ellie can easily move around in the Zen Sack, please check with your pediatrician first if you have concerns or questions.

Standout features

What really sets this sleep sack apart from all the others is the weight feature. Nested Bean calls this the Cuddle Effect — babies are naturally calmed and soothed by touch, and feeling that gentle pressure activates that effect. 

It's basically like keeping your hand on top of your child's tummy or back to put them to sleep, but a lot easier.

Potential cons

You never really know how your baby is going to respond to a product; some babies may show no improvement in his or her sleep by using this product. 

And although Ellie never seems to mind the weight underneath her if she sleeps on her back, it does seem to me like the lump the weight forms might be mildly uncomfortable.

The bottom line

If you're struggling with putting your baby or toddler to sleep, or are trying to transition out of a swaddle, the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack might be able to help. I personally found it helpful with Ellie, but understandably, every parent and child is different so check in with your pediatrician first and make sure you understand how the weighted feature works.

If you're deciding between the three styles offered, consider the Winter line for very cold climates or bedrooms, otherwise, the Classic and Premier options would be ideal. Most importantly, make sure you're buying the correct size for your baby so you don't get a product with a weight that is too heavy and can lead to potential suffocation.

If you're looking for other sleep sacks to try, Burt's Bees Baby has a line of wearable blankets made with 100% organic cotton. You could also try the HALO Early Walker Sleep Sack for babies who insist on pacing in their crib.

Nothing is a replacement for loving human touch, but the Nested Bean Zen Sleepsack was the next best thing so that Ellie and I could both get some rest.

Pros: light weight mimics parent's touch, follows safe sleep standards, keeps baby warm

Cons: weight could be uncomfortable for some 

Buy the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack on Amazon (various sizes) from $37.99

Buy the 0.5 TOG Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack at Target for $34.99

Join the conversation about this story »


Jeff Bezos had a wild summer of yacht-hopping and jetting off to Wimbledon with his girlfriend. Here's how the world's wealthiest person spent his time.

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Jeff Bezos Lauren Sanchez

Jeff Bezos has had a busy year.

He continued to helm Amazon and invest in advancements like space exploration, but his personal life was put on display in a whole new way. He and MacKenzie Bezosfinalized their divorce in July, and he dated Lauren Sanchez.

Read more:Here's how Jeff Bezos, the world's richest person, makes and spends his billions

And what do you wear if you're a billionaire taking trips to Venice and yachting around the coast of Spain? In Bezos' case, it looks like the answer is octopus-print Vilebrequin swim trunks and Prada flip flops that cost roughly $500.

Here's a look at what Bezos has been up to this summer, from the exotic locales he's visited to the famous friends he's spent time with.

A company representative declined to comment on Bezos' summer travels when reached by Business Insider.

SEE ALSO: Jeff Bezos just sold about $1.8 billion worth of stock. Here's how the world's richest person makes and spends his billions.

DON'T MISS: Jeff Bezos and his early Amazon employees used desks made out of recycled doors, and the reason behind it helps explain why Amazon became so successful

In January, Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos announced that they were divorcing after 25 years of marriage. Their record-breaking divorce agreement was finalized in July, kickstarting a new phase of life for the Amazon CEO.

The settlement left MacKenzie with a roughly $37 billion stake in Amazon and made her the third-richest woman in the world. Jeff is still the richest man in the world.



That new phase of Bezos' life includes exclusive events and traveling extensively with his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez.

As Business Insider's Isobel Asher Hamilton reported, Sanchez has a pretty cool life. In addition to being a former TV anchor, she is a licensed helicopter pilot who also founded an aerial filming company.



Bezos started the summer early by attending the Met Gala in May. While he didn't participate in the "camp" theme, he did mingle with several members of the Kardashian family and Jared Leto.

While Bezos was in New York City for the first Monday in May, he spent the weekend before in Louisville at the Kentucky Derby.

While there, he attended a gala and met the superstar NFL quarterback Tom Brady.



Later in the month, he rubbed elbows with Hillary Clinton, David Letterman, Michael Bloomberg, and Oprah Winfrey at the Statue of Liberty Museum opening.

He also spent time with close friends like the billionaire Barry Diller and his designer wife, Diane von Furstenberg, according to The Wall Street Journal.



Bezos and Sanchez attended Wimbledon in early July.

The pair sat behind the royals at the five-hour men's Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.



They were all smiles at their first public outing post-divorce.

Photos of the couple at the event show them laughing and whispering to each other.

As Business Insider's Bradley Saacks reported, Bezos and Sanchez weren't the only famous faces in the crowd that night — Tom Hiddleston and Benedict Cumberbatch were also at the match.



Since then, Bezos and Sanchez have been traveling all over together. In early August, they were pictured partying with the entertainment mogul David Geffen aboard his superyacht off the coast of Spain, in the Balearic Islands.

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Other guests on Geffen's megayacht, the Rising Sun, included former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein and the founder of Thrive Capital, Josh Kushner, along with his supermodel wife, Karlie Kloss.



Geffen's Rising Sun, which reportedly cost $590 million, can accommodate 18 guests and even has a basketball court.

When Bezos was spotted aboard, he was already making headlines — reports surfaced that he owned a $400 million megayacht himself.

The yacht in question went viral after being spotted off the coast of Turkey, but in a statement to Business Insider, Amazon denied that it belonged to Bezos.



Bezos continued to spend plenty of time on yachts this summer. Shortly after cruising the Balearics with Geffen, he and Sanchez were seen off the coast of Italy on von Furstenberg's sailing yacht.

Bezos is close with von Furstenberg and Diller. The couples spent time exploring Venice, Page Six reported.



Diller and von Furstenberg's superyacht is the largest privately owned sailing yacht in the world, at 305 feet, according to Architectural Digest.

Not much is known about the yacht, but it is said to have a glass staircase and a private Jacuzzi and can accommodate up to 16 guests, according to Architectural Digest.

That means there was plenty of room for other guests to join the outing. According to Page Six, the entrepreneur Ricky Van Veen and the movie producer Jason Blum were on board too.



Bezos also partied with Katy Perry and Lil Nas X in Seattle at the end of August. The two celebrities performed at a concert for roughly 45,000 Amazon employees to celebrate a successful Prime Day.

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Read more:Jeff Bezos partied with Katy Perry and Lil Nas X at a concert for thousands of Amazon employees



Bezos even threw on the graffiti jacket Lil Nas X wore during his performance for a fun Instagram post.

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Now the question is: Where will Bezos be spending his winter months?



An abandoned former tuberculosis hospital in upstate New York just sold at auction for $55,100 — take a look inside the crumbling sanatorium

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Saratoga County Homestead

A one-time tuberculosis hospital will have new life as a retreat for war veterans — if the property's new owner sees his plans come to fruition.

Saratoga County Homestead, a decrepit former sanatorium in upstate New York, was put up on Auctions International by county officials. The county-owned property has long been rumored to be haunted, and it's a popular spot for paranormal "tourists," despite the hazardous condition of the long-abandoned building.

Read more: 21 photos of the most bizarre real estate projects around the world that were left in ruins

James Walk of Texas placed the winning bid of $55,100 before the auction closed on August 28, 2019. Now, he says he intends to renovate the ruinous property and turn it into a retreat for veterans.

Read on for a closer look at the former asylum.

SEE ALSO: 12 abandoned mansions around the world that likely used to be worth millions

DON'T MISS: 10 abandoned underwater sites and the history behind them

Bidding on the dilapidated Saratoga County Homestead started on July 24, 2019.

Source: Auctions International



The property sits on over 28 acres of land in Providence, New York — roughly 45 miles north of Albany.

Source: The Daily Gazette, New York Post



Built in 1913 and opened in 1914, it first served as a tuberculosis sanatorium until 1960.

Source: The Daily Gazette



The Homestead reopened in 1961 as The Saratoga County Infirmary, a public nursing home.

Source: The Daily Gazette



The decrepit asylum (and the caretaker's house on the same land) remained untouched for 46 years.

The Saratoga County Homestead was once owned by Bruce Houran, a man based in Florida, according to the Daily Gazette. After the owner failed to keep up with the property taxes, Saratoga County took ownership of the former hospital.



The county put the property up for auction. Despite needing massive renovations, a bidding war erupted.

SourceNew York Post



The old hospital (spanning 31,000 square feet) has a caved-in roof, missing doors, broken windows, and is covered in overgrowth.

Source: Times Union



It's also a popular spot for paranormal enthusiasts and abandoned site explorers, given its rumored hauntings. These "guests" have also covered the building in graffiti.

Source: New York Post



Bidding closed on August 28, 2019. The Homestead sold to a Texas-based man named James Walk, who pledged the winning bid of $55,100 under the username "jwalk2515."

Source: Times Union



The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors approved the sale on September 11.

Source: Times Union



One county official, Providence Supervisor Sandra Winney, told the Times Union that she was glad the county no longer had ownership of the property: "So many kids would go up there because they thought it was haunted. I was worried someone would get hurt."

Source: Times Union



In fact, officials had sealed off the "haunted hospital" in March 2012, after the January death of a high school student in a car accident just down the road from the former infirmary.

Providence's volunteer firefighters told reporters for the Daily Gazette that the teens wouldn't have been in the area if not for the decrepit building.



Walk, who never saw the property in person before shelling out $55,100 for it, told the Daily Gazette that he'd like to turn it into a retreat for war veterans.

"I just looked as it as a serene place, [a] place where veterans could come," Walk told the Gazette. "Like most things in life, I strive for something that exceeds my grasp. I work for a large company, and one of the bosses' mottos is, if you believe it and work at it, it will happen."

Walk is a veteran of the Iraq War.



"I looked at it and the first thing I saw was beautiful old architecture, it was a historic building and I wanted to restore that sense of something grand," he said. "I was looking for land, but not necessarily a project this big."

Source: The Daily Gazette



Walk has started up a GoFundMe page with the intention of raising money for the restoration project, which will likely cost millions of dollars.

Source: The Daily Gazette, GoFundMe



"I realize [the restoration] might not be finished in my lifetime, [but] I will be the person to start it," said Walk, who still lives in Texas but expects to relocate to New York in the future.

Source: The Daily Gazette



NYC could start imposing a tax on second homes valued over $5 million. Luxury real-estate leaders in the city say it would be an 'irrevocably damaging' move.

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Manhattan view from Empire State Building

  • New York State Senator Brad Hoylman is hoping to revive the pied-à-terre tax, which was booted this past spring, The Real Deal reported.
  • The pied-à-terre tax was proposed as a mandated annual tax on second homes worth $5 million or more.
  • Instead, it was replaced with the progressive mansion tax, a one-time fee that affects home sales of $2 million or more starting at 1%, capping at a 3.9% tax on home sales of $25 million or more.
  • Business Insider asked three industry leaders for their reactions to the pied-à-terre tax. They all said the passing of the tax on top of the already-existing mansion tax would be detrimental to the city's luxury real-estate market.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Owning a home in New York City is expensive. Owning a second home in New York City may soon become even more expensive.

That's because New York State Senator Brad Hoylman is on a mission to bring back the pied-à-terre tax that was, most recently, turned down in March, The Real Deal reported.

The pied-à-terre tax was proposed as a mandated annual tax on second homes worth $5 million or more. However, fueled by the fear that the tax would cripple New York City's already-slow luxury residential market, industry leaders rallied against it, and the proposal was squashed.

Now, less than a year later, Hoylman told The Real Deal that he's working on the "technical aspects" that got the bill booted in the first place and that he's hoping to bring it back to the floor at the start of the Senate's January session.

Here's how the proposed tax would have worked, and why industry leaders are so against it.

Who would the pied-à-terre tax have affected?

If the second-home tax passed in the spring, it would have directly affected ultra-wealthy New York residents. The booted proposal suggested an annual tax on non-primary residences worth $5 million or more.

The bill was backed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, and estimates put the bill's anticipated revenue at around $650 million a year, according to The New York Times. The funds from the tax would have been used to support and improve the city's subway system.

A proposed pied-à-terre tax has been floating around New York City for years

Hoylman first introduced the bill back in 2014. But, according to a report by 6sqft, it was rejected by the Republicans in the Senate.

In January of 2019, billionaire Ken Griffin purchased a $238 million Manhattan apartment— the most expensive home ever sold in the US. The purchase acted as a catalyst for lawmakers aiming to push the second-home tax through.

However, the pied-à-terre tax was booted and instead, the progressive mansion tax was passed

What is the progressive mansion tax? 

Three months after Griffin's purchase was made public, lawmakers passed two new sales taxes on multimillion-dollar homes in New York City.

First, the progressive mansion tax — a one-time fee that affects home sales of $2 million or more — was implemented. The fee increases with the price of the home.

breaking down new mansion tax rate table

Second, a .25% transfer tax was put into place on homes that sell for $3 million or more.

The passing of the revised mansion tax instead of the proposed pied-à-terre tax sent waves of relief through New York City's luxury market. 

"We probably dodged a bullet here," Steven James, CEO of Douglas Elliman's New York City division, told Bloomberg in an interview.

How are industry leaders reacting to Hoylman's plan to revive the pied-à-terre tax?

With the revival of the pied-à-terre tax looming over the luxury market, industry leaders are once again fearing its impact.

"If you keep adding taxes to buyers in this segment, it will eventually depress real estate values," Cody Vichinsky, co-owner and founder of the luxury real-estate brokerage Bespoke Real Estate, told Business Insider in an email.

"This move does not have the potential to drive real estate purchases, especially with the mansion tax already in effect," he continued.

Vichinsky isn't the only industry leader who has expressed concern.

Barbara Fox, founder and president of the real-estate brokerage Fox Residential, told Business Insider that a pied-à-terre tax would be "irrevocably damaging to the Manhattan/NYC real estate market." 

"There are so many new buildings going up currently that will all be dependent on pied-à-terre buyers — who will become non-existent with the institution of this tax," she told Business Insider in an email. "There are so very many aging baby boomers who are pied-à-terre owners in NYC who will definitely sell their current properties and leave NYC for good, or, if they wish to continue spending time in the city, they will most likely rent. We must stop this movement which will destroy the already suffering residential market."

The luxury residential market has been suffering, and some fear an added tax will only make it worse

Business Insider previously reported that, according to recent data from the listing website StreetEasy, one in four luxury apartments in New York City is currently unsold.

"While New York City has gone through an impressive economic expansion in the last five years, demand for high-priced condos seems likely to be an early casualty of a potential future recession," Grant Long, a senior economist at StreetEasy, wrote in a blog post.

There are fears, too, that the added tax would jeopardize what little stability there currently is in the real-estate market.

"The Manhattan residential real-estate market is finally starting to stabilize after three years of steady decline, and this tax will surely reverse that trend and bring in a new period of falling prices," Warburg Realty real-estate broker Rachel Ostow Lustbader told Business Insider in an email. 

Hoylman, however, remains confident.

"I think the overall issue is that a lot of New Yorkers believe a lot of nonresident wealthy owners of condos … aren't paying their fair share," he told The Real Deal. "I and many of my colleagues think there should be a premium on that investment." 

There is no word yet on whether or not elements of the bill will differ from past iterations.

Brad Hoylman's office did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Animated map shows where American accents came from

This $60 mattress topper softened my firm mattress, and helped alleviate my neck and back pain

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linenspa mattress topper

  • After sleeping on the Linenspa 2-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper for a few weeks to soften up my firm mattress, I realized that it actually helped alleviate my back and pain issues.
  • Even after a few months now, it's held up great and makes my mattress feel like a totally new one.
  • It's a gel-infused memory foam mattress topper designed to make firm mattresses feel softer and help prevent overheating, so it's a great option for hot-blooded sleepers as well. 
  • It holds a 4.3 star rating on Amazon with more than 70% of reviewers giving it a perfect 5-star rating. It's also one of the most affordable quality mattress toppers. Prices range from $39.99 for a Twin up to $79.99 for a California King.

Once upon a time, my husband and I were sleeping on really hard Queen-sized mattress.

Almost every night I would toss and turn, waking up with a stiff back and neck. It wasn't fun. I complained to my husband — a lot.

"Why didn't you just buy a new mattress?" you're probably thinking. Well, here's the scenario — we didn't want to buy a new King-sized bed — and all the accompanying bedroom furniture — until we bought our forever house. And we didn't want to invest in an expensive new mattress that we would only use for a year or so either.

Finally, one night, while I was lost in the black hole that is Amazon Prime, I started looking at mattress toppers.

It seemed like a logical temporary solution to my problem that would require little investment  — or not. My innocent little search proved to be a bit overwhelming to say the least, as there areprobably hundreds available of varying thicknesses, materials and price points. For example, a 3-inch Tempur-Pedic can set you back more than $250, while a 1-inch egg crate foam can cost less than $20.

After I got over the initial overwhelmed feeling, I went straight to the page for Amazon's Choice products, which consists of "highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately." Then I looked at the number of reviews and average star rating — if a product manages to get a 4+ star rating with thousands of reviews, it's likely pretty legit to me. I found my favorite leggings this way, so I'd say this strategy has a good track record.

And that's how I landed on the Linenspa 2-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper too — which it didn't disappoint at all. But the best part? It cost me just a little more than $50.

Specs

  • The mattress topper is available in several different sizes:
    • Cal King: 71 inches x 83 inches x 2 inches
    • Full: 52.5inches x 74 inches x 2 inches
    • King: 75 inches x 79 inches x 2 inches
    • Queen: 59 inches x 79 inches x 2 inches
    • Twin: 37.5 inches x 74 inches x 2i nches
    • Twin Xl: 37.5 inches x 79 inches x 2 inches
  • Materials
    • 100% Polyurethane Memory Foam
    • Gel Beads

The foam is CertiPUR-US® Certified, meaning it has been analyzed by independent, accredited testing laboratories, and meets CertiPUR-US standards for content, emissions, and durability. 

Set-up process 

The mattress topper arrived the next day (because Amazon Prime rules) in vacuum-sealed packaging and was easy to unroll. It looked super flat at first, and then quickly expanded to its full two-inches. The pad itself is blue, and the memory foam is infused with a cooling gel that supposedly captures and distributes body heat in order to help regulate temperature and keep you cool at night. I didn't really notice this aspect of the topper a lot since I just wanted to sleep on a softer surface, but we didn't wake up sweaty so I guess it helped a little.  

Depending on when you get your topper, I'd suggest opening it in the morning, placing it on your bed, and allowing it to "breathe" for several hours before sleeping on it. Some reviewers complain that it has an odor, but that wasn't my experience. 

Some mattress toppers come with a cover, but this one doesn't, so you might want to order one. Alternatively, you can place it under a mattress pad, which is what I did. Or you can just place it directly on your mattress and put the bed sheets on top.

The first night sleeping on our doctored-up bed was honestly pretty awesome. While I can't say it was like sleeping on a cloud, it definitely transformed our hard slab to a plusher, more body-conforming mattress. It seriously felt like we were sleeping on a new mattress.

After sleeping on the bed for several weeks, my husband noticed that my back and neck pain complaints subsided substantially too. In retrospect, I should have gone with the 3-inch version instead for a little more cushioning. 

After several months, the topper is still in great condition. I haven't noticed any sagging or denting, and it continues to do the trick.

The bottom line

The Linenspa 2-inch Gel Infused Mattress Mattress Topper was an incredibly small investment for such a huge improvement in our quality of sleep.

I'm really glad that I didn't spend hundreds of dollars on a topper, especially because this one did the trick just fine. As I mentioned before, if I could go back in time I might've chosen the plusher 3-inch option, which only costs $20 more. But we're still happy with our 2-incher — now my husband doesn't have to listen to me complain about my neck and back.

Pros: Inexpensive, highly-rated, can soften a firm mattress, comes in various sizes 

Cons: Choosing between the ideal thickness for your needs might be a gamble, warranty might be limiting

Buy the Linenspa 2-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper on Amazon, starting at $39.99

Buy the Linenspa 3-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper on Amazon, starting at $59.99

Join the conversation about this story »

How to zoom in or out in any app on an iPhone using Accessibility features

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  • To do a standard zoom-in on an iPhone, you'll place two fingers on the screen of an applicable app and move them apart, or move them closer together to zoom out.
  • iOS includes its own built-in zooming options that let you zoom in at any time, which you can activate in your Accessibility settings.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Depending on the size of your iPhone's screen, there may be times when you can't quite see the details of what you're looking at. 

Whether it's the writing on someone's shirt in an Instagram photo, or the fine print on a webpage, you'll probably need to make use of iPhone's zoom features at some point. 

While there's a standard and straightforward way to zoom within certain apps that allow it, if you need more permanent zooming capabilities, you can set your preferences via the Accessibility menu.

Both methods offer the same result, in a sense, and thankfully, they're each easy to use.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone XS (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

How to zoom in and out on an iPhone in apps that allow it natively

If you're looking at a photo in your Photos app, using Safari, reading an email, or using many other apps, you can zoom in with just a finger gesture.

To use the standard zoom feature: 

1. Within the app you want to zoom in on, place two fingers on the area of the screen you want to magnify. 

2. Still applying light pressure on the screen with your fingers, begin to move them apart. The part of the screen beneath your fingers should begin to zoom in as the gap between your fingers grows. 

3. If you want to zoom back out, place your fingers on the screen again, and begin to move them closer together. In many cases, you can also zoom out by quickly tapping the screen twice.

Note that this method of zooming does not work in all apps or on all sites. In all other cases, you should use the Accessibility menu. 

How to zoom in or out on your iPhone using the Accessibility menu

1. On your iPhone's home screen, tap the Settings app icon to open it. 

2. Tap "General," then find the Accessibility menu. Tap it to open the customization options. 

3. Tap "Zoom," which will likely currently be marked as "Off." 

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4. In the Zoom menu, tap the toggle beside the Zoom button so that it appears green, indicating the feature is turned on. 

5. Once Zoom is enabled, you can enable and disable it on the fly by double tapping with three fingers anywhere on the screen. 

6. If you then tap the "Zoom Region" tab, you can select whether you'd like a "Full Screen Zoom" or a "Window Zoom." Full Screen Zoom will magnify the entire screen at once, meaning that you'll only be able to see part of the screen at any given time. Window Zoom will open a small window that will magnify anything under it. You can drag the window around by pressing the bar at the bottom of it and moving your finger.

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7. Double-tapping with three fingers also allows you to resize the Zoom lens, which is set by 5x by default but can be changed to Zoom from between 1x and 15x the normal size. If you're using Window Zoom, you can change your zoom level by tapping the bar at the bottom of the zoom window and use the toolbar in the menu that appears.

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Note that you can disable the Zoom feature permanently at any time by toggling the Zoom button so that it's no longer green. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone accessories from cases to lightning cables

Join the conversation about this story »

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

7 ways to figure out who the hiring manager is when it's not listed in a job posting

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Cover Letter

Just because a job posting omits the name of the person in charge of the hiring process doesn't mean you should address your cover letter "To whom it may concern."

According to Amanda Augustine, a career advice expert for TopResume, you'll always want to direct your cover letter to a specific individual (unless the posting is anonymous). Otherwise, you might give the impression that you didn't put any effort into your application or you don't pay attention to detail.

So how do you figure out who's doing the hiring? Augustine shares her top strategies:

DON'T MISS: 11 tips to help you move on from a job rejection

Reread the job description.

Before you panic and conclude that there's no name listed, go back and reread the job posting very carefully. There might be a name and email address lurking at the bottom of the posting that you missed the first time.



Use the email address provided to search for a name.

Sometimes companies will direct candidates to send their applications to a specific email address without providing a name to go along with it.

That's a big clue.

There's a good chance the email address is the person's first initial and last name (for example, mine is slebowitz@businessinsider.com), or maybe just their first name. Once you have that information, you can run a Google search for "S Lebowitz Business Insider" or "Shana Business Insider" and see what you come up with. 



Look for the person who created the posting.

If you found the job posting on LinkedIn, sometimes you'll see it was created by a specific recruiter or hiring manager, depending on the size of the company.

In that case, you should address your cover letter to him or her because that person is obviously directly involved in the hiring process.



Look for information about who you'd be reporting to.

Maybe the job posting says you'd be reporting to the director of marketing analytics, but doesn't give that persons' name. Run an advanced search on LinkedIn for any current directors of marketing analytics at the company and see who comes up.

If that doesn't work, you can run a standard Google search for "director of marketing analytics" and the company name. You might even find that person's spoken at a recent conference, for example, which would give you some insight into what interests her and what kinds of information you should include in your cover letter.



Search the recruiting agency's website.

If the job posting was created by a specific recruiting agency, go to that agency's website and look at the bios of all the recruiters who work there.

See which one works primarily with the company you're applying to.



Google part of the job posting.

It's possible that the website where you spotted the job opening isn't where it was originally posted.

To find out, take a portion of the job description that lists the specific role or requirements, put it in quotation marks, and hit search. You might find the original posting, which includes the name and/or email address of the person in charge of the hiring process.



Leverage your network.

Here's where a large professional network comes in handy.

Run an advanced search on LinkedIn to see if you have any connections who currently work at the company you're applying to. Ask that person if he or she a) knows who you should address your cover letter to, and b) would be willing to pass your application onto the appropriate person.

You can use the same strategy if there's a company employee you met once at a networking event. Simply email that person: "I don't know if you'll remember me, but…" Express your interest in the position and ask if he or she can direct you to the appropriate person.

This tactic is especially effective, since studies suggest that applicants with someone to vouch for them are more likely to land the job.

Make sure you submit your application through the standard method as well as through your mutual connection. The company may want to track each application that comes in for their records.



Former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Elaine Welteroth shares the best early career lessons that changed the trajectory of her life

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  • Dan Schawbel is a bestselling author, speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the " 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel" podcast, where he interviews world-class humans by asking them just five questions in under 10 minutes.
  • He recently interviewed Elaine Welteroth, the former editor-in-chief at Teen Vogue and the author of More Than Enough.
  • A lesson Elaine learned early in her career is that discovering what you don't want to do is just as important as finding what you do want. 
  • "We should think about our lives and our careers as a series of dreams realized" and choose purpose over job titles, she says. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

While you may see Elaine Welteroth on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon or as a judge on Bravo's Project Runway, her journey hasn't been easy. As a minority, she's had to break barriers to get to the top of the media and entertainment world.

Raised in Newark, California to a white father and an African American mother, she was educated as a journalist. After an unpaid internship at Ebony Magazine, she relentlessly pursued a role as editor-in-chief Harriette Cole's assistant. After working in that role, she became the magazine's beauty and style editor. Then, Elaine joined Condé Nast as the beauty and style editor at Glamour Magazine. All of these experiences prepared Elaine for her big moment in 2017, when she became the first ever African American beauty and health director at Teen Vogue, then stepped up as the youngest ever editor-in-chief. Her journey is captured in her new book, "More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)."

In the below conversation, Elaine shares how she breaks barriers as being a minority, what she learned early in her life that has helped her today, how being authentic makes you more confident, who has influenced her the most and her best career advice.

Dan Schawbel: How did you break the barriers in your career as a minority?

Elaine Welteroth: Having a game plan is what turns any dream into a reality for anyone. I didn't recognize that I was a barrier-breaker until I had already signed up for a job that didn't come with that label as part of it. When it was announced to the world in a headline that way it became a turning point for me to recognize that being first to do something, being the youngest to do something, being one of the only people of color or minorities to have a position or a say in a space where we once did not comes with a real responsibility. And for me that responsibility was showing up more authentically and recognizing the value of my voice as an outsider. I had to realize that assimilating is what helped me get into the room, but it was not going to help me change the game. And so I had to lean into my authentic self, my voice, my background, my community, and pull those stories and those experiences that previously had made me feel other and less than and unqualified and unworthy and recognize that those were the very things that were my superpowers. They gave me a point of difference that was actually quite valuable as an editor, storyteller, and creative person.

Read more:I went from being a nanny and cocktail server to a multi-millionaire. Here's my 3 tips for achieving your dreams.

Dan: What lessons did you learn early on that allowed you to make better decisions today?

Elaine: Discovering what you don't want is just as important as finding out what you do want. We go through life being asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up? What do you want to do? What's your passion?" Answering that is a process of exploration and you have to do the things that actually ultimately aren't right for you in order to be pointed in the direction of what you are meant to do and what does feel good and right. That's in relationship as well as friendships and work. You never have to have it all figured out from the beginning. You just have to put one step in front of the other and keep discovering what works for you and what doesn't work for you. Allow enthusiasm to guide you on your journey. Follow the voice of enthusiasm, not the voice of fear.

Dan: How can being authentic, instead of blending in, build self-confidence?

Elaine: My most transformative work happened only when I was willing to take off the mask that I was wearing. What I mean by that is that doing creative work that connects with people requires a level of vulnerability and risk-taking. Playing it safe served almost no one if the goal is to push the world forward. My mom has always said, "What comes from the heart touches the heart." In order to do work that is from the heart, you have to be true to your authentic voice and who you are. In my career, like for many other people of color or women who are the only ones in a male dominated industry, you have to learn how to stop assimilating. The pressure to assimilate, to conform, to fit the mold, to play by the old rules is something that we learn as survival tactics that help us become successful. 

Read more: My husband paid me $15 an hour to be a stay-at-home mom. Here's what I learned.

But, what will ultimately make us transformative is unlearning all of those assimilation tactics and finding a way to bring more of our authentic self to the work that we're doing. And when we do that, it will find its audience and a deeper level of connection out in the world. When you get that positive momentum going where you have an audience of people or a consumer base who is responding to the work that you're doing from an authentic place, there is nothing like that in terms of building your self confidence. There is nothing better, nothing sweeter than bringing more of you do the work and then finding that there are people in the world who have been waiting for that very thing that only you can give. I think everyone on this earth has a zone of genius. Our obligation is to figure out what that is and eventually to operate from it and to fight against all the forces in the world and internally to make sure that we're spending more of our time in our zone of genius, which I define as doing that which only you can do. When you're in that place, there's no self-confidence like that self-confidence that comes from being who you truly are in doing work that only you can do.

Dan: Who has most influenced your thinking and what changes have you made as a result?

Elaine: I would say my mom has been my ultimate source of strength, identity, and power. All good things flow through my mom in my life, straight to me. I think those who have had a really loving, supportive mother or father figure are lucky, and I consider myself very, very lucky. In my life growing up as a child of the product of an interracial marriage, navigating my racial identity was tricky for me. Finding self confidence in my skin when I didn't look like a lot of the people that I grew up with was challenging, and my mom was always there to point me back in the direction of who I am and she helped instill a sense of pride in me even when the world was telling me to shrink. I always say, "When the world tells you to shrink, expand." And that message came from my mother. 

Dan: What is your best piece of career advice?

Elaine: Job titles are temporary, but purpose is everlasting. It's important that we remind ourselves of that because so often we claim two job titles or a certain salary or certain career paths as part of our identity, as the things that come to define us in the world. The truth is that purpose looks a lot of different ways and it can unfold in a lot of different ways. We should think about our lives and our careers as a series of dreams realized. You do not have to be defined by just one thing. You do not have to just be one title for the rest of your life. Your salary will look different over time, but it's important to stay rooted to your purpose and let that guide your career decisions.

Subscribe to the "5 Questions with Dan Schawbel" podcast on iTunesSpotifyOvercast, or others.

SEE ALSO: 32 attributes of ridiculously successful, well-liked leaders that you can teach yourself

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Kylie Jenner is the world's second highest-paid celebrity. Here's how she makes and spends her $1 billion.


The best flats for women

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  • It's surprisingly hard to find comfortable flats that actually look good with most outfits, but the Everlane Day Glove flats are the answer.
  • They won't give you blisters or create an awkward leg line when you wear dresses — what more could you want?

One of the most cliché but true pieces of fashion advice that every woman comes across at one point or another is this: Buy at least one good pair of flats. Heels are great and all, but flats are the shoes that you can really live your life in. They don't hold you back — unless they give you massive blisters, of course.

To use another cliché, comfort is key here. Otherwise, what's the point? Just wear those heeled booties that everyone pretends are comfortable but actually make your back ache by midday. Your flats should be cozy enough to wear morning and night, cute enough to elevate a basic outfit, but simple enough to go with most of the items in your closet.

But for shoes that profess to be comfortable, flats have given me some of the worst foot pain of my life. Even the pointiest stilettos can't hurt me the way a stiff pair of leather ballet flats can. We've rounded up four pairs of flats with the best reviews to help you break the cycle of hope and bleeding ankles that so often comes with shopping for the perfect pair of everyday shoes.

Here are the best ballet flats for women:

Updated on 09/13/2019 by Connie Chen: Updated links, formatting, and prices. Added three new options for travel-friendly flat (Allbirds), sustainable flat (Rothy's) and for wide feet (Margaux).

SEE ALSO: The best strapless bras you can buy

The best flats overall

The hardest part of shopping for flats is finding a pair that combines comfort, style, and versatility. Enter: The Day Glove flats by Everlane.

This is it — the wear-with-anything shoe you've been waiting for all your life. Everlane's leather Day Glove flat is an almost (but not quite) ballet slipper guaranteed to go with just about all your clothing, even workwear. It's like the perfect "nothing" shoe. It's cute enough not to ruin your outfit but plain enough not to make a huge statement.

Everlane's product description boasts "a snug, glove-like fit" that "will give with time and mold to the shape of your foot." Not only will the flats last, they'll get more comfortable over time! The shoes also feature pull tabs, ventilation holes, and comfy insoles to eliminate some of the most common comfort-related issues flats pose.

The Day Glove flats come in 14 colors, including classics like black and white as well as some fun shades like Rose and Pale Lemon, and they cost $115. While not inexpensive, this is a great deal for shoes that will last you more than one season. Since the Day Glove flat first launched in 2018, it has become the number one bestseller at Everlane. The Insider Picks team wrote up a full review after test-driving these flats, and they remain an all-time favorite from the brand

"Everlane's Day Glove flats are much more comfortable than any other flats I've tried," writes Insider Picks guides editor Malarie Gokey, "They actually fit my foot and move with me — not against me."

The shoes also garnered several rave reviews on The Cut, and Bustle editor Olivia Muenter reported that 100 Everlane customers who tried the shoes before the official launch had overwhelmingly positive feedback: "While the 100 reviewers all had slightly different takeaways from the shoes overall, there was one description that came up again and again: that they actually fit like gloves."

In addition to the original leather style, you might also consider the ReKnit version, which has a textured, breathable knit upper and is made from recycled materials. It's not available in as many colors, but it is more affordable at $98 and is just as comfortable as its predecessor— Erin Mayer

Pros: Molds to your foot shape over time cushioned insoles for support, ventilated, pull tab for easy slip-on

Cons: On the pricey side, reviewers noted that snug fit means you may want to size up, Everlane only has four retail locations so you'll likely need to order online.



The best travel-friendly flats

You don't have to resort to wearing sneakers when you travel thanks to the soft, pliable, and supportive Allbirds Tree Breezer.

Allbirds is probably better known for its Silicon Valley uniform-mandated sneakers like the Wool Runners and Tree Runners. But when you don't want to wear sneakers but still need the same comfort and support, you're better off with its flat silhouette, the Tree Breezer.

These are the flats you'll want to pack in your suitcase because a) they're very light and you can fold them up to maximize packing space, and b) you can walk around in them all day long.

Quell any fears you have of hobbling through a walking tour or calling it an early night because your feet have become one giant blister. The Breezer have bouncy outsoles made from sugarcane and soft, odor-minimizing merino wool-lined insoles. The knit collar wraps onto your foot securely, and the rest of the shoe's knit body is breathable and feels silky smooth against your skin. 

Since the style is more sleek and formal than Allbirds' other shoes, they won't look out of place in a dressier environment. Instead of packing multiple pairs of shoes, you can just bring your all-in-one Tree Breezer flats. If you don't have a chance to try them first before you board your flight, don't worry — most of the Insider Picks team didn't need to break them in. — Connie Chen

Pros: First Allbirds style available in half sizes, lightweight, foldable, machine-washable 

Cons: High popularity and limited stock mean many sizes or colors are often sold out 



The best sustainable flat

On top of being versatile, lightweight, and machine-washable, the Rothy's Flat is sustainably made, and comes in a pointed-toe silhouette. It's the ideal shoe for the conscious consumer. 

Shoe brand Rothy's was born out of the desire to repurpose wasteful, single-use plastics into something beautiful and practical. All of its knit shoes are made from 100% post-consumer plastic water bottles, which are hot washed, sterilized, then fused into a fiber that is knit into yarn. 

The insoles contain recycled foam, while the rubber soles are carbon-free. The adhesives used are non-toxic and vegan. Even the packaging is made from post-consumer recycled materials and is biodegradable.

The lofty challenge of reducing your impact on the planet feels more manageable when you start with the things you use in your everyday life. Thanks to Rothy's, the endeavor won't compromise style or comfort.

Rothy's Flat is the choice for many modern working women because it boasts zero break-in time, a sleek look, and moisture-wicking breathability. You'll feel the difference immediately after slipping your feet in; the flats are very light and flexible, with a bit of give, and there aren't any uncomfortable seams or edges. They come in both round toe and pointed-toe silhouettes. 

Keeping them in top shape is as easy as throwing them in the washing machine. You can also buy extra insoles to help prolong their life. After wearing them often (and you will because of their versatility), you might wonder if they'll actually hold up. But we've been wearing and washing our pairs for more than a year and they look and feel as good as they did on day one. 

As a Vox article highlights, some women are such fans of the look and comfort that they wear the flats almost exclusively. It's also not unexpected to own multiple pairs since Rothy's offers many different colors and patterns. Most of them have limited runs, so don't wait too long on a style that catches your eye, and check back on the site often for new colors. —Connie Chen

Pros: Eco-friendly construction, machine-washable, don't stretch out over time, good variety of rotating colors and patterns 

Cons: Fit might be narrow (particularly the pointed-toe style), so could need to size up 



The best flats for wide feet

Margaux's Demi Flat comes in three different shoe widths, so you never have to miss out on a cute flat style because of your foot shape. 

Ballet flats look deceptively simple. You know if you're reading this guide that it's hard to get the fit just right — some pairs gape, while others rely on uncomfortable heel elastics to stay on your foot. 

You won't encounter this problem with Margaux. It makes flats in a large range of sizes (from 3 through 14), including half sizes. Instead of suggesting you size up or down for wide and narrow feet, the company ensures fit precision by offering each size in Narrow, Medium, and Wide widths. There's also a made-to-order option for a truly custom fit. 

The Demi Flat from Margaux is a simple and elegant ballet flat that benefits from this sizing design. Editor Sally Kaplan, who has tried both Medium and Wide pairs of the flat, realized, "With all the walking I do, my feet end up swelling a bit, and the wide pair is more comfortable for long days out."

They feature plush foam padding to give your foot some support, as well as a small heel so you're not walking completely flat on the ground. The bow at the top of the shoe is adjustable in case you want to give your foot even more breathing room. 

You can get the flats in two luxuriously soft and flexible materials, Italian suede or Italian napa leather, which each come in a small selection of colors that show off the materials beautifully.

Though they're more expensive than average at $155 a pair, one online reviewer sums up the appeal of Margaux's flats perfectly: "I'd rather own a single solid pair of ballet flats than a whole bunch of fun, but poorly made ones." — Connie Chen

Pros: Available in half sizes and three widths, elegant design, high-quality construction

Cons: Smaller color and pattern variety than other flat brands, can take some break-in time at the heel



The best luxury flats

The Stellato Sacchetto flats by M. Gemi have the look of a loafer and a pointy flat combined, and they're made of a buttery suede.

Cheap finds are amazing, but sometimes you want to shell out a little more cash for something that will really last. Flat shoes make a great style investment because they are more classic than they are trendy, and you can wear them with so many different pieces.

People online seem especially into The Stellato Sacchetto flats by the brand M. Gemi. Made in Toscana, Italy, these suede shoes feature an elegant pointed toe design. They come in eight different colors, from staples like black and cocoa brown to bolder shades like boysenberry and cerulean.

The Stellato Sacchetto shoes are made using the sacchetto technique, "meaning it's formed from one piece of suede, sans the stiff insole." Like the Everlane Day Glove, the brand claims these shoes will mold to fit the unique contours of your feet the more you wear them. Most things in life don't bend to your will the same way, so I think that's a major selling point.

Brit & Co. lists these shoes in its article "20 Pairs of Flats You'll Wear Every Day," and the flats have tons of glowing reviews on the M. Gemi website. "I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and craftsmanship of the shoe and adored the personalized packaging upon receiving it. Classy, elegant, comfortable and made in Italy at a reasonable price — need I say more?" says one customer.

"I love this shoe. I wear it almost everyday to work and will wear on the weekends when running errands cause it's more comfortable than a sneaker (and way cuter 😉)," writes another, who notes that she's had the same pair for three years running. — Erin Mayer

Note: Many colors are currently sold out. Add your name to the waitlist for an upcoming restock. 

Pros: Sophisticated and elegant design, high-quality, comfortable, made to last

Cons: Not an all-weather shoe due to the suede material



The best ballet flats

The Sam Edelman 'Felicia' Flats are the perfect ballet flats because they're not too prim and proper, but not particularly edgy, either. 

You're either a ballet flat person or you're so not a ballet flat person. While any rounded toe shoe could technically be included in this category, I only count the ones with ballet-esque detailing as true ballet flats. It's the former dancer in me — She's bored and has nothing better to do than critique Natalie Portman's technique in "Black Swan" and judge your footwear.

Sam Edelman 'Felicia' Flat really does look like a ballet slipper I used to buy at my local dance supply store, with its softly rounded upper and elastic bows on the toes. It comes in a ton of different materials and colors, from your classic black leather to mulberry suede. There are even a few patterned options if that's more your speed.

These shoes have a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Nordstrom's website, based on 1,600 reviews. Additionally, Best Products included the 'Felicia' flat in its list of best ballet flats for women.

"[T]hese flats felt like slippers from the moment I took them out of the box," writes one buyer. "I'm so happy with them I am donating all my other ballerina flats that hurt but are cute. These were definitely worth every penny."

Several reviewers said they loved these flats so much they bought them in multiple colors. The main con people mentioned had to do with sizing. The shoes run a little small, so consider sizing up. — Erin Mayer

Pros: Tons of color and fabric options, reasonably priced, comfortable

Cons: May not run true to size



My dad and I are running the New York City Marathon together — here's how we're training for it at 26 and 56.

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Lydia and Chris Ramsey marathon story

For many New Yorkers, the first Sunday of November can be a remarkable day.

About 52,000 people took to the streets in 2018 to run from Staten Island to Brooklyn, to Queens, to the Bronx, before finally making their way after 26.2 miles to New York's Central Park as part of the TCS New York City Marathon. Lining the streets are roughly 1 million spectators cheering them on

For my dad and me, it'll be an especially remarkable day. It'll be the first time either of us has run the marathon. 

We're no strangers to the distance — each of us ran the Chicago marathon last October, and we both have a number of half marathons under our belt.

But we'll be facing different challenges with New York. While Chicago was an extremely flat course, we'll have to contend with bridges and hills along the way. Plus, I took close to two weeks off intense marathon prep while honeymooning in Spain. We'll also be contending with what could be the coolest temperatures we've run marathons in — which could be for better or worse. 

For Business Insider, we'll be writing about our experience training for and running the route for the first time. To kick it off, here's a bit about us, how we're training, and what our hopes are for the big day. 

Lydia in Prospect Park

Lydia, 26 — Just here to finish

When did you start running? I started running in 2014 as a way to stay active while at school, and it gave me a chance to take advantage of the lakefront paths in Evanston, Illinois.

After I graduated and moved to New York, it was my way to get out and explore the new neighborhoods I lived in.

My first big race was in October 2016, when my dad and I ran the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Brooklyn. 

Training gear: Nike and Outdoor Voices make up the bulk of my current workout wardrobe, along with race tees from past races.

You can almost always find me out running in Brooklyn's Prospect Park in my trusty Cubs hat listening to a podcast. 

While I usually race in versions of Brooks' Ghost line, I'm currently running in a pair of Hoka One One Mach 2.

To track my runs, I use Strava. I like getting to give my friends "kudos" through the app, and it's an easy way for me to see my mileage for the week. 

Last race: I ran the New York City Half Marathon on March 17. The race was one of the coldest I've run, and it was the first time I'd run between Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Needless to say, my knees weren't too pleased with me after the fact, and I had to take a few weeks off. I'm hoping I won't have the same problem with the marathon. 

Lydia at the New York Half

Total marathons: One, last year's Chicago Marathon. As I finished, I thought "Wow, I've been running for such a long time." 

Training so far: Over the summer, I worked to get consistent with my runs, aiming to run or cross-train with yoga every day of the workweek, with a longer run on the weekend. I got married in August, which threw me off my training regimen for a little bit. I did manage to get one run in with my dad and one of my bridesmaids the weekend of the wedding and a few runs in on my honeymoon in Spain. 

Wedding weekend run

How I'm training from now until the race: It's time to ramp up the mileage. My plan is to go for frequency rather than distance, so I'll aim to run 4-5 weekdays around Prospect Park (between 3 and 4 miles). This past weekend, I went for a 9-mile run, and I'll plan to keep increasing that distance over the next few weeks. Prior to Chicago, the longest I'd run was 14 miles in my training, but I'm thinking I might want a bit more length this time around. 

I also plan to prepare for the hills by focusing on them in my training, either by picking hillier routes or planning to run up and down a hill in intervals. I'll supplement my running with yoga, with the hope of preventing any knee issues this time around. 

Goal for New York City Marathon: I'm looking forward to running the course beyond where I've cheered on others in the past. My only big goal for the race is to survive the hills and bridges. Running last year in Chicago showed me that I can run a marathon, but it remains to be seen if I can run a marathon on something other than flat terrain. 

Chris running in New Orleans

Chris, 56 — So excited to run the New York City Marathon with my daughter!

When did you start running? I've run on and off since my college years, but hadn't run any organized races until my 50s.

I really started running consistently after a doctor visit in 2011 said my cholesterol was high. I figured that to stay in the habit I needed to run every day, so I go seven days a week. At a follow-up doctor visit a few months later, I was told my cholesterol was better, and I didn't need medication. So I was thrilled that exercise could help.

Brooklyn Half Marathon, our first bigA few years later, Lydia suggested running in a local Turkey Trot, which we did together a few times. Then in 2016, she suggested we run in a half marathon in Brooklyn.

Before the Brooklyn run, I had been using Hoka Cliftons, and a couple weeks prior switched to a different model of Hoka. The week before the race, I developed tendinitis in my left Achilles tendon. The doctor prescribed a rehab boot to wear, and said I couldn't run the race. 

But I still travelled to Brooklyn, dressed for the race, accompanied Lydia to the start, and then said, "What the heck", and ran it anyway.

Well, hopped it really.

It was definitely more tiring to hop the race in the boot than simply running. But I did finish the 13.1 miles in a reasonable time for my first true half. I did get many fun comments from other runners and spectators along the way, like, "Does your doctor know you're doing this?"

Then I was completely hooked on full-scale organized runs.

Training gear:Hoka One One Cliftons. Before an organized race I buy a brand new pair of Cliftons and use them for the first time on race day. I like that Hokas have a lot of cushioning and using a brand new pair means the cushioning is at its maximum.

Last race: I ran the New Orleans Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in February 2019 and the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in July 2019.

Total marathons: Three, hopefully four by November. I'm signed up for the Chicago Marathon in October.

Training so far: My training has been to continue running my daily distance of 4.8 miles, which takes me about 40 minutes. 

I typically don't run long runs because I find they wipe me out for too long after. Plus, I'd need to figure out how to stay hydrated along my route. Before a race, I'll run six miles once or twice in preparation.

How I'm training from now until the race: Make it through the Chicago Marathon with a reasonable finish time. Then I'll take a few days off and resume my daily routine for a couple more weeks. I'm hopeful that I will be fully recovered from it in a week or so. My practice is to take the two days before a marathon completely off of running. Before a half-marathon I'll take the one day off before the run.

Goal for New York City Marathon: Enjoy the scenery, the spectators, and the neighborhoods! One of my favorite things about running marathons is to see city neighborhoods up close at jogging speed.

My goal will be to soak up the atmosphere, see the five boroughs, and run with Lydia!

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The surprising differences between giving birth in your 20s versus your 30s

22 of the most expensive watches worn by the world's top athletes, including the $2 million timepiece Odell Beckham Jr. wore to warm up for 'Monday Night Football'

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Odell Beckham Jr Richard Mille Watch

Expensive Swiss mechanical watches don't have much practical use on the field, court, or track, though it's not uncommon to see the world's biggest athletes wearing high-end, luxury timepieces during their events.

Odell Beckham Jr. made headlines when he helped the Cleveland Browns beat the New York Jets 23-3 on September 16; he wore a $2 million watch during the game's warm-up. Similarly, Rafael Nadal won his 19th Grand Slam title at the US Open on September 8, putting him right behind Roger Federer's record 20 Grand Slam titles. While Nadal played, he was wearing his famed Richard Mille timepiece, which retails for roughly $725,000.

Read more: Rafael Nadal and Odell Beckham Jr. may play in their stupidly expensive watches, but that doesn't mean you should too

That kind of athletic prowess is a marketing tool. Watch brands are eager to sponsor elite athletes, from tennis champions like Nadal and Federer to fighters like Floyd Mayweather, not for their horological expertise but for their aura — which sells.

We got a helping hand from the experts at Crown & Caliber to determine the makes and models of 21 timepieces worn by the world's top athletes. They are listed here in ascending order of price.

SEE ALSO: How Rafael Nadal spends his fortune

DON'T MISS: There are 3 key questions you should ask before buying a vintage watch, according to a Christie's luxury watch specialist

Neymar — Gaga Milano, $2,100.

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Neymar's love of watches is well documented, with a 2017 trip to a Gaga Milano store ending in a $180,000 purchase and an endorsement deal.

Despite his own line of timepieces being on the lower end of the luxury watch bracket, it looks as though he has some special editions worth much more in his collection. 

Price according to Gaga Milano.



Andy Murray — Rado Hyperchrome XXL, $3,475.

When Andy Murray won his first Wimbledon Championship in 2013, he was a Rado brand ambassador, and as soon as he won, he reportedly hurried to slap on his Rado Hyperchrome.

He put it on so quickly he didn't notice that it was seven hours out. He has since dropped Rado as a sponsor and instead works with brands such as Jaguar and Under Armour.

Price according to the Daily Mirror.



David Beckham— Tudor Black Bay Chrono, $5,100.

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David Beckham is one of the major sponsors for Tudor's Born to Dare campaign and is often seen wearing one of the brand's highly popular watches.

Beckham sits alongside other high-profile ambassadors of Tudor such as Lady Gaga and the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team.

Price according to Tudor.



Tom Brady — TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 01, $5,450.

Six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady partnered with Tag Heuer in 2015.

"His jaw is famous. His hair is famous. His right arm is famous. Now his left wrist is, too," Alex Williams wrote for The New York Times that year.

In 2017, Tag Heuer released a special edition Tom Brady chronograph, which retailed at $5,600.

Price according to Tag Heuer.



Rory McIlroy — Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, $6,350.

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Rory McIlroy seems to be very happy with his partnership with Omega, according to his Instagram. He must have a pretty big collection of them by now, as not only will Omega gift him certain watches (see clip above), but he is also given a new timepiece when he wins certain golf tournaments.

Price according to Omega.



Tiger Woods — Rolex Sea Dweller, $11,350.

Tiger Woods made a ridiculous comeback to the zenith of golf and Rolex is breathing a sigh of relief, as they bet big on the golf star's return to the top when many brands were dropping him from their rosters

"Tiger Woods still has a long career ahead of him, and […] has all the qualities required to continue to mark the history of golf," the company said in 2011 when they announced the sponsorship deal.

It looks like their investment is finally paying dividends.

Price according to Rolex.



Roger Federer — Rolex Sky-Dweller in stainless steel, $14,400.

Roger Federer is one of Rolex's best-known ambassadors, and you won't see him lifting a trophy without one of the luxury watches on his wrist, each of them hand-picked to match the tournament.

At the Australian Open in January 2017, Federer lifted an impossible-to-find Rolex Sky-Dweller in stainless steel along with the trophy.

The Sky-Dweller is the most complicated watch that Rolex makes, according to Hodinkee

While this watch was probably provided for him by Rolex, Federer wouldn't have much of an issue buying it, as he was the highest-paid tennis player of 2019, according to Forbes.

Price according to Rolex.



Cristiano Ronaldo — Tag Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T, $24,500.

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Cristano Ronaldo is the second highest-paid athlete in the world according to Forbes, and a lot of that money comes from his numerous endorsements, one of which is Tag Heuer.

While it's a mystery exactly which and how many watches he owns, above he's wearing the Tag Heuer CARRERA Heuer-02T. The price of his exact model is unknown as it is listed as "unique," but the most closely related timepiece retails for $24,500.

Price according to Tag Heuer.



Phil Mickelson — Rolex Yachtmaster 40, $26,200.

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To go along with his three green jackets, golfer Phil Mickelson has a sponsorship deal with Rolex and has been seen wearing various models. Here, he is proudly showing off a Yachtmaster 40, which comes with Rolex's patented Oysterflex bracelet and is made from rose gold.

Price according to Rolex.



Lewis Hamilton — IWC Big Pilot Special Edition, $33,300.

Lewis Hamilton and the entire Mercedes F1 team is sponsored by IWC. Therefore, Hamilton gets to wear a lot of rare and limited edition IWC watches.

The one pictured above is believed to be an IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar in yellow gold, but no price for this watch can be found publicly.

The 2019 version of the limited edition watch is valued at 33,000 Swiss Francs (or about $33,300).

Price according to Monochrome Watches.



Michael Jordan — IWC Big Pilot Platinum Limited Edition, $35,500.

In 2016, NBA legend Michael Jordan received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama — you may remember the memes.

What you may not remember, though, was Jordan's wristwear, which happened to be an IWC Big Pilot Platinum Limited Edition, ref. 5002-02, according to Hodinkee.

The limited edition timepiece was made in only 500 pieces, according to Watchfinder&Co., and was on sale from roughly 2003 to 2006.

Watchdetails projects that the retail price for this limited edition watch, if you can find it, falls around $35,500.



Elina Svitolina — Ulysse Nardin Marine Lady Chronometer, $35,800.

Elina Svitolina is one of the Ukraine's top tennis stars and is currently ranked number three in the world by the WTA. Since she has partnered up with Swiss brand Ulysse Nardin, she has been spotted wearing multiple models by them.

Here she is wearing the rose gold and diamond covered Marine Chronometer.

Price according to Ulysse Nardin.



Conor McGregor — Rolex Sky Dweller, $39,550.

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Conor McGregor is known for his massive displays of wealth and love of all things expensive. Here you can see him wearing a yellow gold Rolex Sky Dweller on a brown alligator strap.

While this is perfect for a man who is constantly in different time zones, McGregor is also known for having a varied collection.

Price according to Rolex.

Read more: Conor McGregor just claimed he's a billionaire in an Instagram post — but the numbers likely don't check out. Here's how the UFC fighter makes and spends his fortune, from Lamborghinis and yachts to outrageous designer suits



Usain Bolt — Hublot Big Bang UNICO, $39,900.

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These were produced by Hublot at the start of the 2016 athletics season to commemorate Bolt's career and his final season on the track.

With a depiction of his silhouette doing his signature lightning pose in one of the subdials, the watch is truly one of a kind, just like Bolt himself.

Price according to Hublot.



LeBron James — Customized Audemars Royal Oak Offshore, $49,500.

James' Audemars Piguet is customized in 18k gold, but you can buy a similar regular version on Crown & Caliber for $49,500.



Stephen Curry — Santos de Cartier Skeleton, $63,500.

Cartier's new take on its classic caused quite a stir in the horological community when it was relaunched in April 2018, and it was largely agreed to be a stunning piece of design.

The price tag is unlikely to make much of a dent in the wallet of the Warriors star, though — his $40 million salary makes him the highest-earning player in the NBA.

Curry's elegant Santos is a refreshing break from the louder timepieces worn by his NBA colleagues, who tend to opt for Hublot Big Bangs, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshores, and garish Richard Milles.

Price according to Cartier.



Paul Pogba — Richard Mille RM 30 White Rush, $166,500.

Manchester United's Paul Pogba has a basic salary of £290,000 (roughly $357,512) a week, according to Goal.com, which goes some way to explaining how the French midfielder is able to afford a $166,500 timepiece.

It's even less surprising when you consider that Pogba signed a 10-year sponsorship deal with Adidas in 2016 worth about $44 million. 

Price according to Chrono24.



Anthony Joshua — Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Off-Shore, $431,375.

Joshua is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in UK and international sports.

Away from fighting, Joshua's company AJ Boxing and Commercial makes money through 12 sponsors, gym ownership, and an athlete management business.

One such sponsor is Audemars Piguet, who likely gifted him this watch, valued at about £350,000 (or $431,375) in 2017.

Price according to Business Insider.



Rafael Nadal — Richard Mille RM27-02, $725,000.

Nadal is a big ambassador for Richard Mille and one of the very few athletes on this list who wears their watch while competing.

His specially designed Richard Mille RM27-02 was made with top-of-the-line shock absorption technology for a mechanical watch with a design inspired by racing car chassis, making it virtually indestructible. There is also orange in the design to reflect the clay courts of Roland Garros, where Nadal has dominated for so many years.

Price according to Forbes.



Serena Williams — Audemars Piguet Diamond Outrage, $1.25 million.

Williams topped her male counterparts when she wore this ludicrously opulent Audemars Piguet Diamond Outrage to the Met Gala in 2017.

The truly absurd looking spiked bracelet watch is made of white gold and encrusted with 65 carats' worth of precious stones. The watch face itself is hidden beneath one of the spikes and is powered by a caliber 2701 quartz movement.

Williams has been sponsored by Audemars Piguet since 2014.

Price according to Forbes.



Odell Beckham Jr. — Richard Mille RM56-01, $1.95 million

As Business Insider previously reported, Odell Beckham Jr. played his debut game with the Cleveland Browns on September 8 while wearing a RM 11-03, which he bought for $189,500.

In his most recent Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets, he upped the ante even more by rocking a nearly $2 million Richard Mille timepiece instead.

This time, he only wore the pricey watch during warmups and took it off before the game. While it was at first widely reported that Beckham wore an RM 56-02, the experts at Professional Watches reported that it actually looks more like the older RM 56-01 — which is marginally less expensive at $1.95 million instead of $2.02 million.

Price according to Professional Watches.

Read more: Odell Beckham Jr. wore a $2 million watch for 'Monday Night Football,' then got taken off the field to change his gold-tinted visor



Floyd Mayweather — Jacob & Co. 'Billionaire Watch', $18 million.

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The most expensive addition to Floyd "Money" Mayweather's vast watch collection is the $18 million Billionaire diamond tourbillon watch.

The Billionaire is set with 260 carats of emerald-cut diamonds, and even the bracelet is diamond-set.

Mayweather used the watch to insult rapper 50 Cent in a feud, saying in an Instagram post, "You're Not Supposed To Be Beefing With Me. You're Supposed To Be Beefing With My WATCH. Me And You Are Not On The Same Level!!!"

Price according to Forbes.

Russell Sheldrake contributed to an earlier version of this article.



18 countries with more exhausting workweeks than the US

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Brazil commute cable car

Some countries have a work ethic that makes the US workweek look like a walk in the park.

The average US workweek is 38.6 hours long. That may feel like forever to some people, but it's nothing compared to some countries' workweeks. According to a 40-country annual survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the international average workweek was 36.8 hours in 2018. We looked at the OECD's Better Life Index to find out why workweeks were so long in some places, but not in others.

Next time you're feeling envious of the Dutch workweek (at 29 hours long on average, it's the shortest on the OECD's ranking), remember that some workers spend a lot more time at the office than you do.

Here are the countries with the world's longest workweeks.

SEE ALSO: From San Diego to Austin and Seattle, these are the 15 best US cities to launch a startup

19. The United States has a 38.6-hour workweek.

In the US, 11% of workers work over 50 hours a week, in line with the OECD's average of 11%. US workers also have 14.4 hours to themselves outside of work, slightly less than the 15-hour OECD average.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,766



18. Lithuania has a 38.7-hour workweek.

Lithuania follows the same five-day, eight-hour workweek as the US, and workers usually come in between 8 and 8:30 am. Occasionally, workers clock in for an extra workday on Saturdays. Workers also get an average of four weeks of paid vacation, which is also standard among other European Union member states.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,616



17. Iceland has a 38.8-hour workweek.

Iceland's workweek hovers below the 40-hour mark, but sources like Iceland Review say it's much longer — 45 hours a week. 

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,469



16. Greece has a 38.8-hour workweek.

Greek workers spend more time working than most of their European counterparts, but that number used to be much higher. A Greek workweek in 1975 was 48 hours long, compared to today's norm of just under 40 hours a week.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,956



15. Slovenia has a 39-hour workweek.

Like Greece, Slovenians spend around 39 hours working each week. Slovenians only work 1,603 hours a year on average, unlike Greek workers, who spend 1,956 hours working a year. This is mainly due to far fewer vacation days available in Greece.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,603



14. Latvia has a 39.1-hour workweek.

Only 1.3% of Latvians work over 50 hours a week, compared with the OECD average of 11%.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,699



13. Slovakia has a 39.1-hour workweek.

The average worker in Slovakia makes about 912 euro a month ($1,022). The most lucrative jobs are in finance and insurance (1,747 euros a month), while some of the lowest-paying jobs are in restaurants (512 euros a month).

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,698



12. The Czech Republic has a 39.4-hour workweek.

Like most countries in the European Union, the Czech Republic gives workers about 20 vacation days a year, and at least one of the holiday that workers take must be two weeks long.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,792



11. Portugal has a 39.5-hour workweek.

Despite having a longer average workweek, only 8% of Portuguese workers work over 50 hours a week, compared with the OECD average of 11%.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,722



10. Brazil has a 39.5-hour workweek.

Brazilian workers spend less of their day outside of work than most countries — 14.6 hours are reserved for eating, sleeping, and socializing, compared the OECD average of 15 hours

Average annual hours worked per worker: N/A



9. Hungary has a 39.6-hour workweek.

Women in Hungary have lower fertility rates than women in other OECD countries, partly because there aren't many resources for working mothers to take care of their children aside from parental leave. Only 11% of children under age three are in some form of day care.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,741



8. Poland has a 39.8-hour workweek.

Poland's employment rate is 66% for people aged 15 to 64, slightly below the OECD average of 68%.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,792



7. Israel has a 40.6-hour workweek.

Israel may not have the longest workweek, but it spends a lot of time working over the course of the year, as shown by their annual hours worked. Around 15.4% of employees work 50 hours or more, and the average Israeli worker only has 13.4 hours outside of work each day, including sleep.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,910



6. Chile has a 42.8-hour workweek.

Chile is no. 38 out of 40 on OECD's ranking for the most average leisure time. That means many Chilean workers don't have much time to themselves outside of work — just 13.3 hours compared to the OECD's 15-hour average. 

Average annual hours worked per worker: 1,941



5. South Africa has a 42.9-hour workweek.

Only 44% of South Africans aged 15 to 64 have paid jobs, far below the OECD average of 68%. For those who do have jobs, 18% of South Africans work over 50 hours in a week, more than the OECD average of 11%.

Average annual hours worked per worker: N/A



4. Costa Rica has a 44.5-hour workweek.

Costa Ricans not only have long workweeks, they also have the second-highest annual hours worked, just behind Mexico.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 2,121



3. Mexico has a 45.1-hour workweek.

In Mexico, a whopping 28.7% of workers stay in the office over 50 hours a week, and Mexican workers only have 12.4 hours of free time outside of work each day. Despite not having the longest workday, the average Mexican worker puts in more hours at the office annually than any other nationality.

Average annual hours worked per worker: 2,148



2. Turkey has a 47-hour workweek.

Turkey works longer hours than any other OECD country: 32% of workers report working more than 50 hours a week. However, many of them still find free time outside of work: Turkish workers spend 14.8 hours outside the office a day, just below the OECD average of 15 hours.

Average annual hours worked per worker: N/A



1. Colombia has a 47.7-hour workweek.

Colombia is in last place for the OECD's overall work-life balance index for a number of reasons. Aside from having the longest average workweek, Colombians have less free time than any other nationality outside of work: only 12 hours a day on average. They're also ranked no. 38 out of 40 for workers working over 50 hours a week — 26.6% of workers work long hours, behind only Mexico and Turkey.

Average annual hours worked per worker: N/A



The best hand creams you can buy for dry, chapped hands

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  • When it comes to dry, irritated, and chapped skin, fast-acting and effective moisture is important.
  • O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream delivers relief and lasting moisture, making it our top pick, hands down.

Winters can be harsh all-around, but the dry, cracked skin that the winter weather brings makes the season particularly difficult to cope with. When your hands are dry and chapped, doing simple chores like washing the dishes can be painful and irritating. Unfortunately, you can go through dozens of products before you find the right cream to help heal and prevent chapped hands. That's why we've done the work for you.

I'm no stranger to dry, chapped hands. I have horses at home, which means I'm outside at least four or five times each day, even in the harshest of winter weather. I also wash my hands frequently, which only makes the problem worse. Because of my dry skin, I've accumulated a significant collection of lotions and hand creams. Many of them didn't solve the problem — but some of them did.

The products in this guide are intended for anyone who deals with dry skin in the winter or even year-round. I've tested many of them and tried to select products that aren't heavily scented, greasy, or that require frequent applications throughout the day.

To get the best results from these products, apply them according to the brand's directions. Using these products after washing your hands or showering can get you positive results, and try to make a habit of using your lotion or hand cream before bed for overnight moisturizing.  

Here are the best hand creams for dry, chapped hands:

Updated on 9/17/19 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated copy, formatting, links, and prices.

The best hand cream overall

O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream offers healing and protective properties in a greaseless formula.

For valuable healing paired with protective properties, you can't go wrong with O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream. This hand cream is designed to heal, relieve, and repair extremely dry, cracked hands.

This cream contains paraffin, which helps to establish a barrier that protects your skin from losing water. At the same time, glycerin draws moisture to your skin in order to accelerate the hydration process. The cream is greaseless, yet effectively reduces the rate of evaporation on your hands, helping to restore your hands' moisture balance while healing your cracked, irritated skin.

Available in both a jar and in a tube, this hand cream is scentless, so you can put it on before leaving the house and no one will know. It's recommended that you use it multiple times a day, which is easy to do because the cream absorbs so easily into your hands.

The rim of the jar is textured for extra grip, but I've found I've never needed that texture because the cream doesn't leave my hands greasy. I have personally had excellent results using this product, and I make a point of applying it after coming in from the barn, before bed, and always after shoveling snow.

O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, based on nearly 10,000 reviews.

Bob Duncan of Scrollsaw Woodworking & Crafts attests to the value that this hand cream offers woodworkers, writing, "The salve is the consistency of cold hard butter and it literally melts into your skin. Within a few seconds, the dry skin stops itching and burning, and you can go back to work without worrying about wood or tools slipping out of your grip."

ToolGuyd also posted a favorable review of this hand cream, writing, "It does relieve dryness. I have only used it a few times and once overnight, but I can definitely tell that it's working."

This cream is safe for diabetics to use, and it's affordable enough to keep a jar in your home, your workplace, and anywhere else where you need protective and healing relief.

Pros: Greaseless, odorless, highly affordable

Cons: Can sting a bit when applied to cracked hands



The best lotion for soothing relief

Formulated for very rough, dry skin, Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion both gently exfoliates and conditions for healthier skin.

Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion is a rich, creamy lotion that has long-lasting effects. The triple-acting formula moisturizes, exfoliates, and conditions. The gentle exfoliating nature helps to improve the appearance of dry or rough skin, and the moisturizer offers intense hydration that helps to create smooth, comfortable skin. This fragrance-free formula won't clog pores.

This is one of my favorite lotions. The pump bottle is quick and easy to use when you're on the go, and this formula provides soothing relief, even when my hands are at their worst. I particularly like that this lotion is unscented, and it's easy to massage into my hands.

There is a bit of a film left on my hands after use, but wiping my hands off with a tissue solves the issue. This lotion is versatile, too; you can also use it on your feet, arms, and other problem areas.

Eucerin Intensive Repair Enriched Lotion has a 4.3 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, based on more than 900 reviews.

Sandy N. wrote, "This lotion is heaven sent! I get very dry skin during the winter to the point of rashes, itching, burning, you name it. This lotion has saved my skin. It's very thick, so I usually apply at night, but it moisturizes like no other lotion I've tried."

Pros: Fragrance-free, gentle exfoliating action, won't clog pores, use on hands, feet, and more

Cons: May increase skin's sensitivity to the sun and increase the chance of sunburn



The best organic lotion for dry, chapped hands

Certified organic and available in nine different scents, The Naked Bee Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion softens and hydrates your skin.

The Naked Bee Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion is made in the US and is certified organic. There's no worrying about chemicals and irritants in your hand lotion with The Naked Bee. This lotion contains natural ingredients including certified organic sunflower seed oil, glycerin, beeswax, white and green tea leaf extract, arnica extract, honey, and more.

You can choose from delicious scents like the Orange Blossom Honey, Chai Tea, Coconut & Honey, Grapefruit Blossom Honey, and more. There are no dyes or pigment in this lotion.

While the ingredients in this lotion have been carefully selected for their healing and moisturizing effects, the ingredients you won't find are just as important. The Naked Bee makes products without parabens, propylene glycol, mineral oil, or lauryl sulfate. Additionally, this company never tests its products on animals. 

The Naked Bee Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion has a 4.3 out of 5-star Amazon rating, based on more than 600 customer reviews.

Pros: Available in multiple scents, certified organic, made in the USA

Cons: Some scents are more potent than others



The best hand cream for intense repair

For hands that take a beating, Duke Cannon Bloody Knuckles Hand Repair Balm offers deep moisturizing without a greasy feel.

Duke Cannon Bloody Knuckles Hand Repair Balm is designed to repair hard-working hands in need of moisture. This balm is made with lanolin and shea butter, which help to moisturize your hands without a sticky or greasy feeling.

You can quickly massage the balm into your hands, and it's ideal for use on dry, cracked skin. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from this repair balm benefits US veterans, so you can feel good about your purchase.

One major advantage of this balm is that you can often see results after just a few uses. It's much thicker than most lotions, so a little bit goes a long way. With its rapid absorption, you can put a bit of this balm on and go right back to work.

One Amazon shopper, Edward H,states that this balm is a non-greasy solution to dry hands: "So glad I found this hand cream. I work in the medical field so I am constantly washing my hands and they get so dry and cracked. I've tried so many hand creams but they usually leave your hands greasy which is impossible to use during the day. This stuff is great. It leaves your hands feeling moisturized without the greasy residue. I put it on and continue to go about my day. It does wash off when you wash your hands so you just have to reapply it but I love this stuff and will continue to buy it."

Pros: Made with premium ingredients, offers intense moisturization, no greasy feel

Cons: Has a faint natural scent (though no scent is actually added to the balm), more expensive than some other similar products



The best time-saving treatment

Put on your NatraCure Gel Moisturizing Gloves for just 20 minutes to get a full moisturizing hand treatment.

Lotions, creams, and balms are great ways to treat your irritated hands, but for a deep-moisturizing treatment, NatraCure Gel Moisturizing Gloves give you the intensity that you're looking for. A non-breathable gel lining locks in moisture, steeping your hands in hydration.

The instructions say to wear these dermatologist-tested gloves for just 20 minutes two to three times per week. They're even backed by a satisfaction guarantee, so you can return them to Amazon in the first 30 days if they aren't just right for you.

I've used these gloves for the past three years and they've made a significant difference in my skin. I often put them on while watching TV at night, and my hands feel immediately smoother and softer after removing the gloves.

The lining contains jojoba oil, olive oil, and grapeseed oil which is released by the heat of your hands. It's like a mini spa treatment in the comfort of your own home. Best of all, these gloves are reusable.

The NatraCure Gel Moisturizing Gloves have a 3.8 out of 5-star review on Amazon based on 410 reviews. A reviewer called Pam Hogarth says these gloves cleared up her eczema: "I wear them to sleep and, although I feel like Minnie Mouse in them, they have cleared up my eczema! It's still there. I can feel it lurking: The deep itch is still occasionally there, but my skin is clear, with minimal flaking and my nails are long again."

You can also use these gloves with your favorite lotion.

Pros: Use for just 20 minutes a few times a week, hypoallergenic, deep moisturizing treatment

Cons: Gloves can be difficult to put on (but a little talcum powder can help)



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