• YETI coolers have earned the title of status symbol in the US since they first appeared on the market in 2006.
• The brand's expensive, high-tech coolers range between $200 and $1,300— there is some debate on whether they're worth the price tag.
• The company went public in 2018 and is currently valued at $2.25 billion.
• Both technology and highly effective marketing campaigns have made YETI not just a popular cooler company but also an aspirational lifestyle brand.
• The company now makes apparel, drinkware like the YETI rambler and tumbler, functional bags like backpacks, and pet products, among other things. 
• Here's a look at how the coolers are made, why they're so expensive.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

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YETI is known for its expensive coolers that have become a status symbol in America.

This is their most expensive, the 82-gallon Tundra 350.

It retails for $1,300.

Since the company was founded in 2006, YETI has become an iconic brand.

And they now make a lot more than just coolers.

Their product lineup includes things like drinkware ...

... apparel ...

... and even dog bowls.

But the coolers are what the brand is best known for ...

... like the popular Tundra 35 that retails for $250.

But you can get a comparably-sized cooler from legacy brands like Coleman and Igloo ...

... for closer to $40.

So why are YETI coolers so expensive?

There are two pretty simple answers: technology ...

... and marketing.

The Austin, Texas-based company was founded by the Seiders brothers.

They're two avid outdoorsmen who felt there weren't any coolers on the market that kept their catches ...

... kills ...

... and beverages cold enough for long enough.

They teamed up with a factory in the Philippines to create a cooler that they described as indestructible ...

... with superior ice retention.

Their first cooler hit the market in 2006, and if you were serious about keeping your catches, kills, and "brewskies" as cold as possible, you needed a YETI.

So, how do they work?

The cooler's shell is made of a common plastic called polyethylene with a process called rotomolding.

Rotomolding uses high temperature and low pressure to create one piece of hollow plastic.

It's the same process used to make kayaks.

The shell is pressure injected with up to three inches of commercial-grade polyurethane foam.

And that's what keeps your beers, catches, and kills cold for so long.

The coolers feature a full-frame, freezer-quality gasket that seals around the entire lid to minimize air exchange.

And from our personal experience with the coolers, they work.

But are they worth the high price tag?

So we asked a people on Facebook, and the responses were mixed.

One person said, "Definitely."

Another pointed out that "They're heavy AF" — we agree that they are heavy.

And one responder just said, "No."

Another commenter wrote that "There are cheaper brands that work just as well."

That person isn't wrong. There are some rotomolded YETI competitors like Orca, OtterBox, and RTIC, that are slightly cheaper, but still comparably priced.

But none of them have been able to create the brand phenomenon that YETI has seen.

In October of 2018, YETI went public when they filed an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.

The company's market cap is now estimated at $2.25 billion.

Source: Markets Insider

So, how are YETI coolers able to carry that high price tag? Marketing. Highly-effective marketing.

And their campaign to ramp up the population of YETI nation is just getting started.

The company hired Melisa Goldie, the former head of marketing for Calvin Klein, to be its Chief Marketing Officer.

And the company's effective use of the all-American, rugged, outdoor lifestyle keeps customers coming back for more.

• Wristwatches are a fun fashion accessory, and the choices are nearly endless.
• Keeping in mind style, durability, and size, we did the research and rounded up the best under-$200 options on the internet.
• The Fossil Jacqueline watch is our top pick because the look of it makes it a great everyday accessory that will add a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe for a budget-friendly friendly price. 

Smartwatches and high-tech fitness trackers are gaining in popularity, but there's something to be said about the humble analog watch. Truth be told, there are plenty of traditional watches out there that aren't all that humble in terms of price or style.

Whether you want a timeless and understated look or you want to make a statement, there are plenty of watches to choose from — and that's where the challenge arises.

There is an overwhelming number of women's watches to choose from in terms of both style and brand. We realize time is of the essence (both literally and figuratively) so we've scoured the reviews and done the research for you to find five different watches that look good, but won't have you maxing out your credit card.

All our picks for this guide come in at $150 or less, but even though they are budget-friendly, you won't be sacrificing quality with these watches.

Here the best watches for women under $200 you can buy:

• Best watch overall:Fossil Jacqueline
• Best fashion statement watch: Kate Spade New York Metro
• Best boyfriend style watch: Wristology Scalloped Boyfriend
• Best watch for a modern look: Mondaine Classic
• Best bracelet style watch: Fossil Virginia Stainless Steel
• Best minimalist watch: MVMT Hermosa

Updated on 10/21/2019 by Mara Leighton: Updated prices and formatting. We are currently testing new products, so we'll update this guide soon.

The best watch overall

The Fossil Jacqueline watch is a classic go-to for everyday wear that can be dressed up or down.

The Fossil Jacqueline watch has a classic Roman numeral watch face, a simple yet comfortable leather band, and a variety of neutral color combos to choose from making it the best watch for everyday wear. The dial of the watch face is subtly textured and keeps time with three hands and Roman numerals. A small window on the bottom of the dial will also tell you what day of the month it is.

The medium case measures 36mm, but the slim band keeps it from looking overly bulky, so it's an ideal watch no matter your wrist size. It also comes in a wide range of colors, including silver and black, rose gold and navy, silver with pink, silver with brown, or rose gold with pink, so you can match it to the type of jewelry you wear and the colors you like best.

Though this watch is described as having a classic style, in this case, the word "classic" shouldn't be misunderstood as "old-fashioned." The Jacqueline has been designed with a modern aesthetic kept in mind.  If you want a watch that you can wear almost daily because it is versatile enough to be dressed up or down, this watch won't fail you.

I personally own this watch and find myself reaching for it often — especially when I want to pull together an outfit. It stands out just enough to get a compliment here and there, but it isn't trying to win any trend-setting awards. While there's certainly a place for fashion-forward accessories, it's also nice to have the daily wardrobe staples. Think of this watch as the little black dress of your accessory collection. It's a classic piece that won't be going out of style anytime soon, and it's almost always guaranteed to look good.

Durability and comfort are especially important in the watch you wear every day. Fossil is known for producing affordable, high-quality watches and other accessories, so have no fear about this watch's durability. It keeps time accurately with a quartz movement. The leather strap is comfortable, and it's compatible with any other 14 mm strap from Fossil if you want to switch it out.

It's also rated at 3 ATM for water resistance, so it will withstand splashes and brief submersion in water. It gave me some peace of mind that if I were to accidentally splash water on it while washing my hands, it wouldn't mean the end of this timepiece. 

Overall, the Jacqueline has received positive reviews from buyers. Many dubbed it the "perfect every day watch" and say that "it looks elegant without being bulky" thanks to the slim band that accompanies the larger face.

Some buyers with smaller wrists (including myself) did notice that the watch has a tendency to slip around. A slightly shorter band option for this would be ideal, but I found that when I have the strap adjusted to its smallest circumference, it minimizes most of the slippage. For me, this wasn't inconvenient enough to take away from the many positives the Jacqueline has to offer. Its classic look and modern charm make it an accessory piece you'll be able to count on, even as style trends come and go.

Pros: Versatile enough to dress up and down, comfortable band, durable construction, comes in multiple color options, displays the day of the month

Cons: Tends to slip around on smaller wrists

Shop all Fossil Watches on Amazon

The best fashion statement watch

The cute details of the Kate Spade New York 5 O'Clock Metro watch will add a touch of whimsy to any outfit.

Fashion watches come in all sorts of styles, but Kate Spade has mastered the art of creating a watch that makes just enough of a fashion statement without being too over the top. The thoughtful little details present in the 5 O'clock Metro watch are a perfect example of that design aesthetic.

The watch takes inspiration from New York City because Kate Spade has its roots in the city that never sleeps. Whether you're the type who looks forward to happy hour with your friends and co-workers, or you prefer to unwind with your pajama pants and a glass of wine, you'll still be able to appreciate the "It's 5 o'clock Somewhere" sentiment of this watch.

The charming details of the 5 O'Clock Metro watch make it a great accessory if you're looking for a little something extra to add to your outfit. The face has "somewhere…" in script, and a martini glass is cleverly placed at the 5 o'clock mark. The spade symbol, which is synonymous with the Kate Spade brand, is at the 12 o'clock mark. As a final touch, the second hand is covered with a striped design in some models.

It may be cute, but this watch is still functional and durable, featuring a leather band. The rest of the dial is marked with Arabic numerals and is easy to read, and the time stays accurate thanks to the quartz movement. This watch is water-resistant to withstand splashes and brief submersion, but you won't want to swim or bathe with it.

Along with the whimsical details on the watch face, the thoughtful design continues with other color themes and designs, like the gold with white model available on Amazon and the blue and rose gold available on Nordstrom, so you can find something that best suits your personal style and your wardrobe. The case measures 34mm across, putting it in the medium-sized category.

Overall, buyers love the whimsical details and were happy with both the quality and the functionality. Some reviewers did complain that the leather strap felt a bit rough and stiff at first but loved everything else about the watch. Though this watch may not be as versatile as some, it makes just enough of a fashion statement and will add some fun to your everyday ensemble at a far more affordable price than most luxury fashion watches. Cheers to that!

Pros: Fun details, accurate timekeeping, durable design, water-resistant

Cons: Some reviewers thought the band was too stiff

Shop all Kate Spade Watches on Amazon

The best boyfriend-style watch

Wristology adds feminine appeal to a boyfriend watch that can be dressed up or down and offers style and functionality for an extremely affordable price.

The Olivia Rose Gold Scalloped Boyfriend watch is all about style. While some boyfriend watches go the tomboy route with bulky features and a sportier look, the Olivia does the opposite. It features scalloped detailing on the outside of a watch face that has no numbers or indices which give it a sleek, modern appeal.

Unlike many fashion watches, this watch also comes in under $50 — an affordable price for a watch that looks more expensive than it is thanks to the thoughtful design. Versatility is another winning point here that will allow you to make the most of an already affordable timepiece. This is the type of watch that can be dressed up or down, going from casual weekend wear to the office or a night out.

It should be noted that if you have an especially petite wrist, you may find the 38mm case a little on the large side. However, if you want an accessory that will make a statement, and you want your watch to be one of the main focuses of your outfit, you won't be disappointed with the Olivia.

Since the dial of the watch doesn't feature any time indicators, some may find it a little trickier to quickly read this watch. The scalloped pattern does correspond with where the numbers would be to make it possible to still read the time, which is kept with quartz movement for accuracy.

The Olivia doesn't skimp on durability either, which is a plus since this is meant to be a watch you can wear daily. The watch band is made of leather (some styles come with a patent leather band) for added durability, and the band can also be easily switched out for any other Wristology 18mm band, adding to its versatile nature. The Olivia also comes in multiple color options to go along with the rose gold case, including rose gold and gray,  rose gold with black, rose gold with wine.

It's rated at 3 ATM for water resistance, meaning it can withstand splashes and brief submersion in water. However, like the other watches on this list, it isn't meant to be worn while swimming or bathing. If anything does happen to your watch, it comes with a two-year warranty.

Most buyers were happy with their purchase of this watch, but some did note that the ticking was louder than they'd prefer, and some buyers with petite wrists wished the band were smaller. Otherwise, most loved its versatility, the clean and simple design, and its reasonable price.

If you want to add a stylish accessory to your collection without going over budget, or you plan on having more than one watch in your collection, this is an affordable way to give yourself options. The Olivia makes a fashion statement, but won't make you cringe the next time you look at your bank statement. You can also check out Wristology's other watches.

Pros: Feminine design, durable construction, can be dressed up or down, interchangeable watch band, water resistant, affordable

Cons: Lack of indices or numbers could make it harder to tell the time, some with petite wrists may find it too bulky, some reviewers thought the ticking was too loud

Shop all Wristology Watches on Amazon

The best watch for a modern look

The Mondaine Classic watch takes its inspiration from the Official Swiss Railways Clock, with its accurate timekeeping and distinct red second hand.

Mondaine is a Swiss watch company known for its expertly designed, high-quality watches. The inspiration comes from the Official Swiss Railways Clock, designed by Swiss engineer and designer Hans Hilfiker in 1944. This clock became the icon of the Federal Swiss Railways, which were known for their punctuality.

In 1986, the Mondaine Watch Company took the blueprint from the clock, and applied it to its watch collection. The Mondaine Classic watch showcases the simplicity of the Swiss Railways Clock, but also has a modern look and feel that translates well into everyday wear.

The iconic red paddle style second hand gives it a fun pop of color, as does the red underside of the black leather band. If you're looking for a unique timepiece to add to your accessories collection that will still go with most your wardrobe, the Mondaine Classic is a good choice.

Those with petite wrists will appreciate the 30mm case diameter. The dial features black indices to mark the time, and the two bold minute and hour hands are complemented by the red second hand. All of this is set against a white background for easy reading. The stainless-steel case, durable mineral crystal used to cover the watch face, and the leather band make for a watch that's meant to stand the test of time.

When it comes to actually telling the time, you can count on the Mondaine for accuracy as well, thanks to the Swiss Quartz movement. The Mondaine is also water-resistant, so it will withstand splashes of water and it will be safe if you get caught in the rain, but it isn't meant to be submerged in water for any length of time. In the case of any manufacturing defects, Mondaine offers a 2-year warranty.

The minimalistic design and elegance of the Mondaine Classic, as well as its accurate timekeeping is a hit with most buyers. Reviewer Liz loved the versatility it offers as well, commenting that the red color on the underside of the band "makes the watch very unique to the wearer, but also very conservative and suitable for all occasions and outfits."

The only caveat that could be found while reading the reviews was some buyers didn't care for having the Mondaine logo on the front of the watch. This could be considered a downside, especially since the highlight of this watch is the thoughtfully designed watch face, but it's also not uncommon — most watches do feature their logo here.

If you're looking for a unique timepiece with an equally interesting backstory that is versatile enough to go with most of your outfits, the Mondaine Classic is for you.

Pros: Unique watch face design, accurate timekeeping, durable, water-resistant, can be dressed up or down

Cons: Some reviewers didn't like having the logo on the watch face

The best bracelet-style watch

For the times when you need an accessory to dress up with, the bracelet-style Fossil Virginia stainless steel watch won't let you down. 

While an everyday watch that you can dress up or down is a great wardrobe staple to have, sometimes you need something specific to go with that little black dress. The Fossil Virginia watch is made for special occasions and will add some eye-catching sparkle to any outfit thanks to its crystal-set bezel, the crystal detailing on the band, and the crystal hour markers.

The Virginia comes in both rose gold and silver tones, so you'll be able to match it to the rest of your jewelry ensemble for a put-together look, and the 30mm case looks flattering on a wide range of wrist sizes.

There's more to this watch than just sparkle. It's an accurate timekeeper with quartz movement and an analog display. Roman numerals mark the 12, 3, 6, and 9 hour points and the rest are marked by the stacked crystal hour markers. This combo, along with the three-hand design, make for easy time reading.

There is no connecting leather band here as this is a bracelet style watch, but it's made of durable stainless steel with a closure to keep it securely on your wrist. This Adjust-O-Matic closure allows for self-adjustment by link removal so you'll be able to fit it to your wrist size. The Virginia is rated at 5 ATM for water resistance, so it will withstand short periods of submersion in shallow water, but it isn't meant for driving or snorkeling.

It should be noted that some buyers did have trouble finding their perfect fit with the link removable band, as they were between sizes. Others felt that the band enclosure was hard to open. Despite the challenges that some had with the band, others found the links easy to remove and adjust, and liked that the watch face didn't look too bulky on their wrists.

Its elegance and shine, high quality at an affordable price, and ability to dress up an outfit make the Virginia a chic addition to any outfit. Whether you've got a big client meeting, a formal event to attend, or it's date night with your other half — a little extra sparkle never hurts.

Pros: Elegant design, crystal detailing to dress up an outfit, durable and adjustable band, water-resistant

Cons: Some reviewers had trouble with adjusting and opening and closing the band

Shop all Fossil Watches on Amazon

The best minimalist watch

MVMT makes gorgeous minimalist watches for far less than most other companies, and the Hermosa is our favorite.

If you like the look of minimalist design, you'll love MVMT's watches. The company was founded in 2013 by Jake Kassan and Kramer LaPlante, and quickly reached its crowdfunding goal on Indiegogo. Since then, it's been a favorite among budget watch buyers.

The Insider Picks team has loved MVMT watches since the start and has tested several of the brand's most popular styles. The Hermosa watch is one of our favorites with its simple all metal look and 38mm case. It has a mesh metal band that never snags on your arm hair or clothes, and its super slim profile makes it light and comfortable to wear all day.

As a former tech journalist, the only watches I've worn for the past few years have been chunky smartwatches and hybrid models. I had forgotten how slim and pretty women's watches could be until I swapped my semi-smart hybrid watch for the MVMT Hermosa watch.

It's so slim, light, and elegant that I almost forget I'm wearing it. The rose gold coloring goes with everything, and I love the mesh metal strap. The minimalist watch face design is appealing and easy to read, too.

The vast majority of the 227 reviews on MVMT's site are positive, and most are five stars. The only negative comments centered around the clasp, with some buyers saying it broke. In our experience, the clasp does take some getting used to, but it hasn't broke on us after nearly a year of wear.

Overall, the MVMT Hermosa watch is a great pick for people who like the all metal look and its fine mesh metal bracelet band. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Affordable, attractive, minimalist, stainless steel mesh band, comfortable to wear, slim

Cons: Not as cheap as some other options

Shop all MVMT Watches

• On Saturday, tennis star Rafael Nadal married his long-time girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello in a stunning, 350-person ceremony in Majorca, Spain.
• According to media reports, the couple married at "La Fortaleza," a fortress believed to be Spain's most expensive property.
• The 19-time Grand Slam champion and his now-wife hosted a number of impressive guests at the lavish affair, including former King of Spain Juan Carlos I.
• Photos posted to the US Open Instagram page show the happy newlyweds posing together in front of a beautiful waterfront landscape.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Tennis star Rafael Nadal — who has won 19 Grand Slam tournament titles in his illustrious career — married long-time girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello on Saturday in their home country of Spain.

According to media reports, the couple married at "La Fortaleza," a seaside fortress in Majorca, Spain, believed to be the most expensive property in the entire country. The 33-year-old Nadal and his now-wife hosted a number of impressive guests at the lavish, 350-person affair, including the former King of Spain Juan Carlos I.

Nadal and Perello have managed to keep the wedding fairly under wraps. According to local outlet Mundo Deportivo, the pair requested that guests leave their phones in lockers and wrote notes reminding attendees not to take any photos.

Still, some details of the reception have been publicized. Spanish dress designer Rosa Clara shared a video on Instagram confirming that she designed Perello's dress.

Clara designed an elegant but understated white dress with full sleeves, an embroidered top, and a long, satin skirt. 

Just a few days after the ceremony, fans were able to get a glimpse of Perello in the gown, as the US Open Instagram account shared photos that show her and her now-husband posing together in front of a beautiful waterfront landscape.

Read more: 15-year-old American Cori 'Coco' Gauff — the heir apparent to Serena Williams' throne — has jumped 614 places in the world tennis rankings after one extraordinary season

• Read more:
• Carli Lloyd is serious about becoming an NFL kicker after finishing her USWNT career — 'I'm entertaining it'
• WNBA star Skylar Diggins-Smith played an entire season with the Dallas Wings while pregnant and 'didn't tell a soul'
• A speed climber dubbed 'Spider-Woman' destroyed a world record while injured in a mind-boggling gold-medal climb
• No. 1 NBA draft pick Zion Williamson will miss the start of the NBA season with a knee injury, but it could be a blessing in disguise for the Pelicans

Join the conversation about this story »

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• It can be hard to get your kids to brush their teeth, but once you find the right toothpaste, things get a little easier.
• To find the best kids' toothpaste, we consulted a pediatric dentist, reviewed American Dental Association recommendations, and tested products.
• Our top pick for the best kids' toothpaste is Tom's of Maine Silly Strawberry Toothpaste because it's all-natural, effective, and appealing to kids.

Going under the dental drill is no one's idea of a good time. I wouldn't wish a cavity on the most annoying telemarketer, let alone my kid.

We know that maintaining good dental hygiene is paramount in preventing tooth decay and other yucky oral conditions, but convincing a child to commit to a twice-a-day brushing habit can be even harder than forcing yourself to cleanse and floss before you fall facedown into bed at night. That's why choosing a kids' toothpaste that checks all the necessary boxes is key to managing your family's oral health.

The perfect kids' toothpaste for your family should taste pleasant enough that your mini-me wants to brush while using safe and healthy ingredients to offer stellar cleaning power.

We did the research, interviewed a pediatric dentist, reviewed the current pediatric dentistry recommendations, and even tested top brands on both my daughter and myself. Here are our top picks for the best kids' toothpaste you can buy.

Here is the best toothpaste for kids:

• Best toothpaste for kids overall: Tom's of Maine Natural Children's Toothpaste in Silly Strawberry
• Best toothpaste for kids with braces: The Natural Dentist Cavity Zapper for Kids
• Best toothpaste for cavity-prone kids: Aquafresh Kids Toothpaste, Bubble Mint
• Best non-fluoride kids' toothpaste: Kiss My Face Kids Toothpaste in Berry Smart

Updated 10/21/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added related guides. We are currently testing new products, so we'll update this guide soon.

The best toothpaste for kids overall

With a sweet but mild fruity flavor, natural ingredients, and powerful cleaning capacity, your kid will be happy with Tom's Natural Toothpaste in Silly Strawberry.

Is it possible to strike a workable balance between health, great taste, and killer cleaning power in a toothpaste made for kids? Tom's of Maine says yes, and so does my daughter (not to mention hundreds of reviewers on Amazon). Tom's Silly Strawberry toothpaste was the very first dental hygiene product my daughter ever used, and though we've tested tons more, we keep coming back to it.

The tingly feeling you get from most minty toothpaste can be too strong or "spicy" for kids, and my daughter is no exception. Instead, she loves the little hint of strawberry in Tom's toothpaste. It's gently sweetened with natural flavor but isn't so candy-like that it would make her want to swallow too much, which is a no-no.

Many moms have said that this is the only toothpaste their kids will use. However, some reviewers noted that their kids didn't like the subtle strawberry taste and needed something a bit bolder and sweeter to seduce them to brush.

Personally, I love the lack of harsh dyes and nasty chemicals. Although the ingredients are certified 100% all-natural, the toothpaste does list hydrated silica (a mild abrasive) as an ingredient, which some people find controversial. Tom's of Maine explains why it thinks hydrated silica is safe on its website. 

The current guidelines from the American Dental Association recommend using a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste for kids over two, and just a little smidge on the toothbrush for infants under 24-months, since they typically can't spit it out at that age. So, although the Tom's of Maine brand offers an option sans fluoride, our pick is the kind that does contain the classic cavity-fighting ingredient and is therefore approved by the ADA.

Our family's pediatric dentist recommended we go for it starting at my tiny one's very first tooth, especially since we live in Portland, Oregon, where our public water is non-fluoridated.

And finally, Tom's of Maine partnered up with acclaimed children's musician, Laurie Berkner, to create a catchy two-minute song designed to help kids brush for the right amount of time. You can play the song here on YouTube.

Pros: All natural, subtly sweet taste with proven cleaning power, ADA approved

Cons: The flavor is too subtle for some

Buy a 2-pack of Tom's of Maine Natural Silly Strawberry Toothpaste on Amazon for $9.93

The best toothpaste for kids with braces

The Natural Dentist Cavity Zapper for Kids is tough on yucky stuff, but gentle on teeth, gums, and orthodontics.

Kids, tweens, and teens with braces may not absolutely need a specialized toothpaste, but if you're a mom or dad who loves to do the most, here's one that helps address some of the common woes of a kid with orthodontics. While formulated to work well on any kid's teeth, The Natural Dentist Cavity Zapper for Kids will especially appeal to those with problems caused by their hardware.

Depending on the type of braces or retainer your kid wears, they might have concerns like extra sensitivity, canker sores, painful gums from rubbing or poking, and of course, lots of food getting stuck in hard to reach places. Soothing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil calm painful spots, while plant-based flavoring and polishing agents taste great and clean nooks and crannies gently. 

The toothpaste also contains .24% sodium fluoride, which is a powerhouse tool to prevent cavities that might be caused by bacteria getting stuck in between tight spots.

With 70% of Amazon reviewers giving this toothpaste a full five stars, there's lots to like about the grape and berry flavors, though not everyone was a fan of the taste. A major plus is the lack of sodium lauryl sulfate, which is commonly found in personal care products, but potentially harmful.

Pros: Contains gentle, soothing ingredients that work, fluoride

Cons: Hard to find 

Buy the Natural Dentist Cavity Zapper for Kids on Walmart for $5.36

The best toothpaste for cavity-prone kids

Aquafresh Kids Cavity Protection toothpaste in Bubble Mint comes in a no-mess pump bottle and has a foamy texture that coats every surface of your kid's teeth.

You might expect that bubble gum and mint wouldn't go together well as a flavor, but in actuality, it's weirdly appealing. The taste of Aquafresh's kids' toothpaste reminded me of those powdery soft after-dinner mints that used to be popular decades ago. My daughter liked it, too, but still prefers her strawberry Tom's of Maine.

Everyone has their preferences, though, and if you have a precocious child who just can't wait to be a grown-up doing everything themselves, this crossover flavor between childish bubble gum and all-adult mint will appeal to them, as will the easy-to-use pump that parents say is wonderful for DIY brushing without a mess.

The pump is fun to squeeze and doesn't force little fingers to fiddle with a screw-on cap in order to stay fresh. That also means extra paste won't leak out onto your bathroom counter if someone leaves the cap off. Plus, maybe it's just me, but there's something so nostalgic about Aquafresh's signature red, white, and blue tri-color pattern. Of course, that comes from artificial dyes, which not everyone loves. Still, it reminds me of the eighties just looking at it.

The combination of a healthy dose of fluoride and natural calcium mixed with its gel-to-foam texture that gets in nooks and crannies, makes this toothpaste a great choice for kids who struggle with frequent cavities. The flip side of the foaming action is that it's caused by the addition of sodium lauryl sulfate in the recipe, which is cause for concern if you want to use totally green products with no chemical irritants.

This is the most affordable kids' toothpaste in the bunch, however, as all natural cleaners tend to cost more.

Pros: Inexpensive, great cavity-fighter, less mess

Cons: Contains a controversial ingredient or two, so you'll have to make a personal choice

Buy Aquafresh Kids Cavity Protection in Bubble Mint on Amazon for $2.08

The best non-fluoride toothpaste for kids

Kiss My Face Kids Fluoride Free Toothpaste in Berry Smart contains strong yet gentle ingredients. 

Let me reiterate that while fluoride was once considered a no-no for kids under two because they tend to swallow their toothpaste instead of spit, the ADA recommendations have changed, and now say that fluoridated toothpaste is the best option for all ages (just put a little less on an infant's brush).

Still, you're in charge of your family's welfare, and if you have a toddler who goes nuts trying to suck sweet toothpaste right off the brush, then the Kiss My Face Kids Fluoride Free Toothpaste in Berry Smart is a terrific non-fluoride option.

Kiss My Face is a trusted name in natural family care products and it probably won't surprise you to learn that the ingredients in this green toothpaste are incredibly gentle, non-toxic, and safe to swallow. I spoke with Dr. Staci Whitman, a board-certified pediatric dentist and co-owner of World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Portland, Oregon, who told me that this is her top recommendation for non-fluoride toothpaste.

In addition to natural flavors, this paste gets its taste from Xylitol, a natural sweetener and alternative cleaning agent, which is important if you're not getting the anti-cavity power of fluoride. Dr. Whitman also said that both her own daughters use this brand and flavor, but she chooses the version that does have fluoride.

There are other comparable ultra-natural options, but they tend to be more expensive or harder to find. This Kiss My Face toothpaste is more expensive than some of the mainstream brands on our list at about seven dollars on Amazon, but it's still a decent price.

Pros: An extra natural, gentle product, nice berry flavor

Cons: Won't provide the same cavity-fighting power as fluoride, more expensive 

Buy Kiss My Face Kids Fluoride Free Toothpaste in Berry Smart on Amazon for $7.00

Check out our other great kids' personal-care products guides

The best toothbrushes for kids

The earlier you instill good oral hygiene habits in your kids, the easier it will be for the children to take over their own proper oral care once they're old enough. Different ages and stages of development call for different types of toothbrush, so make sure you are always using the right kind of toothbrush for your child's mouth.

Here are the best toothbrushes for kids:

Best kids' toothbrush overall: RADIUS Totz Plus Toothbrush

Best toothbrush for babies: The Brushies Baby and Toddler Toothbrush

Best toothbrush for toddlers: Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush and Teether

Best transition toothbrush: Fridababy SmileFrida Toothhugger 3-Sided Toothbrush

Best electric kids' toothbrush: Philips Sonicare Bluetooth Connected Toothbrush

The best shampoo for toddlers

Toddler hair can be thick, soft, curly, or unruly — kind of like toddlers themselves. You need a gentle shampoo that's easy on the hair and ideally helps to make bath time easier — or at least as easy as it can get with young kids.

Here are the best shampoos for toddlers:

• Best shampoo overall: Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
• Best shampoo for curly hair: Shea Moisture Mango & Carrot Kids Shampoo
• Best smelling shampoo: Honest Shampoo & Body Wash
• Best 2-in1: Fresh Monster Shampoo & Conditioner
• Best lice-prevention shampoo: Rosemary Repel Lice Prevention by Fairy Tales

• Wes Modes, a professor and artist from California, spends his summers on 20-foot-long, 8-foot-wide shantyboat.
• Modes travels through river communities across the country and records the stories of the people who live in them.
• The construction of the boat began in 2012 and was completed in 2014, the year of Modes' first expedition.
• In a tell-all interview with Business Insider, Modes explains how he built the boat from scratch and what life is like during these expeditions.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

"It doesn't cost much to live on the river."

That's what Wes Modes, an artist and a university lecturer, told Business Insider about the lifestyle he's chosen for himself every summer.

During the school year, Modes teaches art and design at the California State University at Monterey Bay and the University of California in Santa Cruz. But during the summers, he lives on a 20-foot-long, 8-foot-wide shantyboat he built, and travels through river communities across the country.

Read more: An architect who built his dream tiny home in Colorado shares 30 photos that go behind the scenes of designing a tiny house

The creation of Modes' shantyboat, which is named Dotty, began in 2012. Modes told Business Insider that prior to the shantyboat, he would partake in what is called punk rafting — the art of building a raft out of scavenged materials. With his rafts, he would set sail for several weeks at a time on various rivers. 

Eventually, Modes decided he wanted something more permanent

Modes wanted to be more than just an observer and decided he would use a homemade shantyboat to explore river communities and river cultures around the country.

"Rather than just being a tourist who floats through towns, I wanted to give something back to these communities," he told Business Insider. "I thought I might be able to give back the gift of listening."

So, during the summers, with one or more shipmates, Modes lives on the shantyboat and moves through various river communities recording the stories of the people who live in them.

Since its maiden voyage down the Mississippi River, Dotty has sailed through rivers all over the US: the Tennessee River, the Sacramento River, the Hudson River, and the Ohio River. Over the last six years, Dotty has traveled 1,800 miles on five different rivers and through 16 states, Modes told Business Insider.

"When I'm not teaching, I'm on the river," he said.

Keep reading for a look inside the boat.

Are you living in a tiny home, boat or any alternate means of housing? If you want to share your story, email this reporter at lbrandt@businessinsider.com.

SEE ALSO: A mobile home in one of America's most exclusive trailer parks is on the market for $2.4 million. Here's a look inside the luxurious Malibu house.

DON'T MISS: Here's what living in a tiny house is really like, according to people who traded their homes for minimalism

Wes Modes is an artist and a university lecturer. During the summers, he lives on a shantyboat and travels through river communities all over the country.

Source:Wes Modes

Modes' shantyboat, which is named Dotty, is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide.

Source:Wes Modes

In 2012, with the help of his friends, Modes began constructing Dotty from scratch.

Source:Wes Modes

Below is an early drawing of the cabin layout.

From the beginning of construction in 2012 to the launch in 2014, Modes told Business Insider that he spent about $5,000 on the boat's materials.

Source:Wes Modes

It was completed in 2014, just days before it set sail on its maiden voyage on the Upper Mississippi River.

Though it's tiny, the cabin includes a small kitchen area, windows, bookshelves, and a couch.

"It doesn't cost much to live on the river," Modes told Business Insider.

However, Modes pointed out that they are always working on the boat.

"We are always wanting to improve this or fix that," Modes said.

"The most important piece of equipment on the entire boat is our mocha pot," Modes jokingly told Business Insider.

Though Dotty is just 20 feet long and 8 feet wide, during voyages, Modes and his shipmates eat, sleep, and bathe on the boat.

Above the living area is the captain's quarters, which is a loft area with a mattress.

When it comes time to sleep, Modes and his shipmates disperse to the loft area, the couch, and the floor.

Here's a closer look at the captain's quarters.

There's even a small bathroom area on the boat.

During the summer voyages, Modes, along with a few shipmates, moves through various river communities and records the stories of the people who live in them.

Modes told Business Insider that the most challenging part of the project is connecting with people whose stories aren't normally told in history books.

"We work hard to make sure that what we do represents that untold, or invisible history," he told Business Insider. "The hardest thing, I think, is to try to connect with communities in which I might not be a part."

Modes chronicles his project, "A Secret History of American River People," online.

He told Business Insider that his favorite days during these voyages are travel days.

"Our favorite days are travel days, days when we are just getting where we are going," he told Business Insider.

On these days, Modes and his shipmates will nap, fish, and spend time with each other.

Modes and his shipmates also exhibit the project. They have at least one major exhibition every year and will do pop-up exhibitions along the rivers they travel through, he explained to Business Insider.

They take care of things like laundry, food shopping, and WiFi when they are exploring towns along the rivers. And, when it comes to charging their phones and heating up the stovetop for coffee and cooking, the crew relies on a couple of batteries aboard the boat.

Over the last six years, Dotty has traveled 1,800 miles on five different rivers and through 16 states, Modes told Business Insider.

Source:Wes Modes

On land, in order to get the boat from point A to point B, Dotty is towed by a truck. According to the book "Cabin Porn: Inside," the boat has traveled along 26,000 miles of road.

Source:Cabin Porn: Inside

• Airbnb has revealed the top 20 destinations they expect travelers will want to visit in 2020. 
• The company determined the top destinations by analyzing their internal booking data, comparing which cities, regions, and countries were trending more heavily this year in comparison to the same time in 2018. 
• Overall, Airbnb predicts that tourists in 2020 will lean towards "eco-conscious" and environmentally friendly locations, such as Courtenay, British Columbia, and determined that travelers will be forgoing trips to traditionally popular cities in exchange for "hidden gems" throughout the world. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories

Airbnb has released its list of the top 20 destinations to visit in the year 2020.

The destinations were determined after the company analyzed their internal data for the cities and countries booked for 2020 trips as of September 2019, compared to destinations that were most heavily booked around the same time last year.

In general, Airbnb is forecasting that people will be traveling more to eco-conscious destinations and will eschew traditionally popular tourist cities for "hidden gems" around the world. 

Read more: Milwaukee is the world's hottest new travel destination, according to Airbnb. Here's why it won the top spot.

Among the globe-spanning list is Luxembourg, the tiny hill-top country landlocked in Europe, as well as Cape Canaveral, Florida, which sits in the heart of the Space Coast, soon to be the launch site of NASA's Mars 2020 Exploration Program.

Here are the other locations that made Airbnb's list.

Note: All booking increase percentages are from Airbnb.

SEE ALSO: The 17 best resorts in the world, according to travelers

DON'T MISS: 19 of the best ski resorts in North America that don't cost a fortune

20. Maastricht, Netherlands

For 2020, this Dutch city was one of the locations chosen to host The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) — one of the world's largest art fairs.

Maastricht rivals Amsterdam with its number of historic buildings, and it's home to many museums, rich in Roman history. 

Maastricht saw a 55% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source: TEFAF.com ,Airbnb

19. Malindi, Kenya

Known for its Swahili architecture, this village has a mixture of African, Arab, and European influences. The village is home to many natural wonders, fresh sea food, and pristine beaches, making it an idyllic hot spot for divers and sightseers.

In addition, Kenya pledged at the UN Climate Action Summit to plant nearly two billion trees by the year 2022 and committed to accelerating energy efficiency by 3% each year. 

The village of Malindi, in particular, had a 88% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source: Climatechangenews.com, Airbnb

18. Kerala, India

Home to the colorful harvest celebration of Onam, Kerala has developed a reputation for being one of most beautiful states in India. Located on the edge of the Arabian sea, Kerala is home to lakes, mountains, and waterfalls.

The state also runs a Responsible Tourism program, which aims to encourage residents to enjoy the state's beautiful culture, while also conserving it. 

Kerala had a 95% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020. 

Source: KeralaTourism.org, Airbnb

17. Tokyo, Japan

Home to the 2020 Summer Olympics, Japan's capital is bound to be a hot spot next year. In addition, the city has committed itself to becoming environmentally friendly and will ensure that the 2020 Olympic Games will follow suit. 

Tokyo had a 103% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020. 

Source: Olympic.org,Airbnb

T16. Les Contamines-Montjoie, France

Located in the heart of the Mont Blanc region, this village is ideal for mountain climbing during the summer seasons and skiing during the winter months. 

Les Contamines-Montjoie had a 108% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source: Airbnb

T16. Ubatuba, Brazil

This city has over 100 beaches and is known as the surfing capital of the São Paulo state. It also has various hiking trails through the Atlantic rainforest. 

Ubatuba had a 108% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source: Airbnb

14. Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada

Located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, this city is surrounded by mountains and meadows.

Courtenay saw a 114% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020.

Source: Airbnb

13. Aberdeen, Scotland

Known as the Granite City, Aberdeen is not only home to stunning coastal views but also to numerous museums, restaurants, and galleries. And here's a bonus for royal family fans: Queen Elizabeth II's summer home, Balmoral Castle, is less than 30 minutes away.

Aberdeen saw a 119% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020.

Source: Touwnandcountymag.com, Airbnb

12. Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA

Located on the Florida Space Coast, Cape Canaveral is best known as the home to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The city also sits on a stretch of beautiful sandy beaches, and next year, it will host NASA's 2020 Mars Exploration Program. 

Cape Canaveral had a 136% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source: mars.nasa.gov,  Airbnb

11. Cali, Colombia

Known as the salsa capital of the world, this city is a melting pot of Afro-Colombian and indigenous cultures. At about 1,000 meters above the sea level, the area also enjoys a mild climate.

Cali had a 137% rise in interest for 2020 compared to in 2019. 

Source: Airbnb

10. Vanuatu

This nation is located nearly 2,000 miles east of Australia and consists of over 80 islands, with over 100 native languages across them. From volcano hiking to scuba diving, there is no shortage of activities to be found here.

Vanuatu had a 140% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source: Airbnb

9. Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara is Mexico's second-most populous city and is known for its impressive architecture, lively festivals, and cultural museums. 

Guadalajara had a 158% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020.

Source: Airbnb

8. Luxembourg

This hilly European country's capital, Luxembourg City, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It's home to numerous medieval castles and charming hill-top villages. 

Luxembourg had a 167% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source: Airbnb

7. Eugene, Oregon, USA

Known for being a culinary hub, this mountain-surrounded ciy is home to a bustling organic food scene.

Eugene had a 213% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020.

Source: Airbnb

6. Xi’an, China

Xi'an is noted for being the birthplace of Chinese civilization, and it's home to the famous Terracotta Warriors exhibit.

Today, it is known as "China's outdoor museum" and is set to introduce a new tourism program which will see 30 nighttime tour routes through the city, highlighting its rich and historic culture. 

Xi'an had a 255% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source: prnewswire.com, Airbnb

5. Romania

Ranked No. 5 in ecosystem vitality, this hilly country is known for its rural villages and lush forests. Plus, as a bonus for the horror buffs, the country is home to Bran Castle — more commonly known as Dracula's Castle. 

Romania had a 298% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source:bran-castle.com, Airbnb

4. Sunbury, Victoria, Australia

Known for its vineyards and Victoria-era architecture, this town will likely see visitors from all over the world as Melbourne is set to host the final match of the International Cricket Council's T20 World Cup next year.

Sunbury saw a whopping 356% year-over-year rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source: Airbnb

3. Buriram, Thailand

Home to some of the most ancient relics in all of Thailand, the Buriram province is known for its stunning natural landscapes and the preservation of its rich, cultural monuments. 

Next year, the province is set to host the MotoGP racing event at the Chang International Circuit. 

Buriram had a 383% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source:motogp.com, Airbnb

2. Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao won European City of the Year in 2018, and for a good reason. Home to a lively restaurant scene and striking architecture, this city has quickly risen in the ranks to become one of the hottest spots in all of Spain. 

The city is also home to a Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. 

Bilbao had a 402% rise in interest for 2020 compared to in 2019. 

Source: Airbnb

1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Milwaukee is set to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

Located on Lake Michigan, the city is also home to various cultural museums and is home to over 105 miles of bike lanes. 

Milwaukee had an enormous 729% rise in bookings for 2020 compared to 2019. 

Source: Airbnb

Read more: Milwaukee is the world's hottest new travel destination, according to Airbnb. Here's why it won the top spot.

• You can deactivate a primary PS4 console from Sony's website when you no longer own or use it, or deactivate it from the console itself. 
• To deactivate it from the web, open the PlayStation Network website and choose the deactivation option in the "Device Management" section — however, it's important to know that you can only do this once every six months. 
• After deactivating the PS4 as your primary device, you can activate a different console as the primary device on your account.  
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you are no longer using your PS4 because you have replaced it, sold it, or given it away, you need to deactivate it so it's no longer associated with your account, and so that you can set up another PS4 using the same account. 

It's important to have the correct console designated as the primary PS4, because this is where pre-ordered games are automatically installed. Other gamers can also share games on your primary PS4, and if you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber you can use the primary console for multiplayer gaming.

It's easy to deactivate the PS4 from the console. Using the controller, select "Settings," select "Account Management," and then select "Activate as Your Primary PS4." Select "Deactivate" and confirm your decision.

But if you didn't have a chance to do this while you still had the PS4 and no longer have access to it, don't worry — you can still deactivate the PS4 using the Sony website — although Sony only allows you to deactivate consoles from the web sites once every six months.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

PlayStation 4 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

PlayStation Plus 12-Month Membership (From $59.99 at Best Buy)

How to deactivate your primary PS4 from the Sony website 

1. On a computer, open the PlayStation Network sign-in page in a web browser and sign in using your account information.

2. In the navigation pane on the left, click "Device Management."

3. Click "PlayStation Systems (Games)."

4. Click "Deactivate All Devices" and then confirm this decision.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'Why won't my PS4 turn on?': How to troubleshoot your PS4 if it won't turn on, using 4 different methods

• How to sign into your Playstation Network account on a PS4, and set up two-step verification for added security

• How to update your PS4 console in 2 different ways, to access its latest features and security improvements

• How to change your PS4 password, or reset your password if you've forgotten it

SEE ALSO: 8 affordable PlayStation 4 accessories that'll help you make the most of your console

Join the conversation about this story »

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• It's easy to remove a credit card from your PS4 if you no longer want to store your information to make purchases. 
• You can add up to three credit cards on a PS4, and change which one is the default payment at any time.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Connecting your credit card to your PS4 account is essential if you want to make purchases in the PlayStation Store on your console. 

You can use the Settings menu on your PS4 to add, remove, and modify your credit card information. 

Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

PlayStation 4 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

How to add a credit card on your PS4

1. Using the controller, select "Settings" on your PS4.

2. Select "Account Management."

3. Select "Account Information."

4. Select "Wallet" and then select "Payment Methods."

5. If you already have a payment method on your PS4, you'll need to enter your password. Otherwise, you can proceed directly to selecting the type of payment method you want to use, such as "Add a Credit/Debit Card" or "Add a PayPal Account," and follow the instructions to enter the payment details. 

How to remove or edit a credit card on your PS4

1. Using the controller, select "Settings" on your PS4.

2. Select "Account Management."

3. Select "Account Information."

4. Select "Wallet" and then select "Payment Methods," then enter your PS4 password. 

5. Select a credit card and then do one of the following:

• If you have more than one card connected to your account and want to change the default used for payments, select "Set as Default" and confirm your choice.
• If you want to modify the details of your credit card, select "Edit Card Information" and follow the instructions to change the card details. 
• If you want to remove the card completely, select "Delete" and then select "Yes" to confirm. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to stream live gameplay on your PS4 to Twitch, YouTube, or other streaming sites

• How to gameshare between two PlayStation 4 consoles with Sony's 'Share Play' feature

• How to download games on your PS4 in 2 different ways

• How to charge a PlayStation 4 controller using your PS4 console

SEE ALSO: 8 affordable PlayStation 4 accessories that'll help you make the most of your console

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 7 lesser-known benefits of Amazon Prime

• Prince Jean-Christophe Napoleon Bonaparte, a descendant of the famous conqueror, has married an Austrian countess, Olympia von und zu Arco-Zinneberg.
• Coincidentally, Countess Olympia is the great-great-great niece of Archduchess Marie-Louise, who married Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810 to help end conflicts between France and Austria.
• Despite this, Jean-Christophe has previously said that his relationship with Countess Olympia is based on love, not history, according to the Daily Mail's report after their May engagement.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Prince Jean-Christophe Napoleon Bonaparte married Countess Olympia von und zu Arco-Zinnberg over the weekend, Harper's Bazaar Australia reports.

The French prince is a descendant of Napoleon Bonaparte; Prince Jean-Christophe currently works as a private equity professional at The Blackstone Group in the United Kingdom, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The royal's marriage to Countess Olympia has made headlines throughout the world, as it was revealed that his Austrian bride is the great-great-great niece of Archduchess Marie-Louise of Austria — also known as the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Still, Jean-Christophe stressed that this union is out of love, not history. 

"It's a story of love rather than a nod to history. When I met Olympia, I plunged into her eyes and not into her family tree," Jean-Christophe said in an interview after their engagement, according to the Daily Mail.

Read more: Napoleon's heir helped recover a $1.1 million family jewel after a thief stole it from his car without realizing its value

The pair met when Olympia was studying abroad in Paris during her college years at Yale. They became engaged in May 2019 and married at the Les Invalides in Paris — which also, ironically, happens to be the burial site of Napoleon. 

Keep reading for a closer look into the lavish wedding and to learn more about the couple and their families' history. 

SEE ALSO: Princess Beatrice is engaged to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Here's everything we know about the property tycoon and single dad descended from Italian aristocracy.

DON'T MISS: The 10 richest royal families in Europe, ranked

Prince Jean-Christophe, 33, and Countess Olympia, 31, married on October 19 in a lavish ceremony in Paris.

Source: Vogue Australia 

The wedding ceremony was held at Les Invalides in Paris and was attended by royal guests, including Princess Beatrice of York.

Source: Harper's Bazaar AU

The countess wore a gown by Oscar de la Renta with white pumps — and of course, a diamond tiara. Perhaps most notably, her engagement ring contains a 40-carat diamond from the crown of Eugenie de Montijo, Napoleon III's wife and the last empress of France.

Source: Harper's Bazaar AU, Vanity Fair

The reception was held at the Château de Fontainebleau, a medieval palace that Napoleon had restored and refurbished during his time as Emperor.

Instagram Embed:
//instagram.com/p/B32Rj3zHVpL/embed
Width: 540px

Source:Instagram, Napoleon.org

Jean-Christophe is a descendant of military general Napoleon Bonaparte, the first emperor of France. Napoleon Bonaparte was known for implementing Napoleonic Code, also known as French Civil Code, and leading the Napoleonic Wars, which lasted from 1803 to 1815. In 1815, Bonaparte was forced to abdicate power, and was exiled to the island of Elba.

French Civil Code "forbade privileges based on birth, allowed freedom of religion, and stated that government jobs must be given to the most qualified."

The Napoleonic Wars allowed for the French empire to expand into other countries such as Italy, Sweden, and Spain.

Source: Biography.com

But a year later, in 1816, Napoleon fled back to Paris and returned to power — only to abdicate once more, after his defeat in the Battle of Waterloo. He was then exiled to the island of St. Helena, where he later died.

Source: Biography.com

Countess Olympia, meanwhile, is the great-great-great niece of Archduchess Marie-Louise, the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Marie-Louise, a member of the house of Hapsburg, was the eldest daughter of Francis I of Austria and a niece of Marie-Antoinette, the former queen of France.

Source: Britannica, Vogue Australia 

Historians generally agree that Napoleon Bonaparte and Marie-Louise were in a loveless marriage, in a political union that aimed to end conflicts between France and Austria.

After Napoleon's death, Marie-Louise married twice and is now buried in Vienna.

Source: Britannica, Vogue Australia 

But now, nearly 200 years later, the House of Hapsburg and Imperial House of France are unified once more, this time in a decidedly loving ceremony. As Jean-Christophe said, the relationship between himself and his now-wife is "a story of love," rather than a "nod to history."

That said, the French prince did admit that the two were later "able to smile at this historical coincidence."

Source: Harper's Bazaar AU, Daily Mail

• If you have an Amex card, you're eligible for Amex Offers.
• Amex Offers are deals for cash back or bonus points when you shop at different retailers, and they vary from cardholder to cardholder.
• Some Amex cardholders are currently eligible to receive $25 back or 2,500 Membership Rewards points when they make a purchase of $50 or more with Instacart.
• Even better, you can use this offer up to two times, for up to $50 back or 5,000 points.
• I saw this offer attached to the Platinum Card® from American Express when I logged in to my account, but you could see it attached to a different card in your account.
• Read more personal finance coverage.

If you have an Amex card, you may want to check your account to see if you're eligible for this new Amex Offer. Some cardholders can currently get $25 back or 2,500 Amex Membership Rewards points when they spend at least $50 with Instacart.

Offer details

Eligible cardholders who add this offer to their account can earn $25 back or 2,500 Amex points when they spend $50 or more through Instacart, either at Instacart.com or via the Instacart app. The offer expires on December 31, 2019.

If you're eligible for this Amex Offer, you'll either get the cash-back or points version. In my case, I see an offer for 2,500 points back.

This offer was attached to my Amex Platinum card, though you could see it attached to another Amex card. Unfortunately, I didn't see it on my American Express® Gold Card account — that would be ideal, since that card earns 4x points on the first $25,000 spent at US supermarkets each year (then 1x), and Instacart reportedly counts for the 4x. Still, the opportunity to earn 2,500 points is probably worth using the Amex Platinum if I decide to do some grocery shopping through Instacart before the end of the year.

Unlike some other Amex Offers, this one can be used more than once. The terms and conditions state that you can use it up to two times. So in my case, if I make two purchases of $50 or more through Instacart, I could get 5,000 Amex points. The Points Guy values Amex Membership Rewards points at 2 cents apiece for booking travel, which means that 5,000 points could be worth as much as $100.

Read more:The best Amex Offers available now

How Amex Offers work

Amex Offers are targeted, which means that not everyone will see the same deals when they log in to their account. The more Amex cards you have, the better your chance at having a certain offer. 

You need to add the offer to your Amex account before you make the purchase in order to get the bonus Amex points or the cash back. Here's how you do that: 

1. Log in to your online Amex account.
2. You'll see icons in the top right for each of the cards you hold. Click which one you want to find offers for.
3. Once you're viewing the correct card, scroll down on the main account page. Keep scrolling and click "View All" to see all available offers on that card.
4. When you find one you want to use, click "Add to Card." If you want to confirm that it's been activated, click the
5. "Added to Card" tab.
6. Repeat for each card you have.

Read more:How Amex Offers can save you money and earn you bonus points

Amex Offers aren't the only reason to consider an Amex credit or charge card, but they're a valuable perk, especially since offers change all the time and you can find deals from brands like Levi's, Starbucks, Adidas, and Best Buy.

If you don't have an Amex card, here are some great ones to consider:

• The Platinum Card from American Express — It has a $550 annual fee, but more perks than just about any other rewards credit card. Get up to $200 in Uber credits each year, up to $200 in airline incidental fee credits each year, and up to $100 in Saks credits each year. You'll earn 5x points on flights booked directly with the airlines or Amex Travel, and get access to various airport lounges.
• American Express® Gold Card— If you eat out, this card can be a very rewarding option, because it earns 4x points at restaurants. You also get up to $10 each month in the form of statement credits when you make a purchase at GrubHub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shacks. There's a $250 annual fee.
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express— If cash back is more up your alley, the Blue Cash Preferred is a great choice thanks to 6% back at US supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% back) and on select US streaming services, and 3% back on transit and at US gas stations (and 1% on back everything else). There's a $95 annual fee.

Click here to learn more about the Amex Gold card.

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• Best rewards credit cards

Join the conversation about this story »

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• To add a friend on your PS4, go to the Friends menu and search for the person you want to add. It might help to include a personal message so they know who you are.   
• When you add someone to your PS4's friends list, you can see their status and gaming activities, and send them direct messages.
• You can accept friend requests from other people on the Friends page as well. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Adding friends on your PS4 makes it easy to stay connected with people you care about. 

After adding a friend, you can see their status and what games they're playing. You can also quickly and easily message them. 

And since that person automatically follows you in return, they can stay on top of your activities, too. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Playstation 4 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

How to add friends on your PS4

1. Using the PS4 controller, select "Friends."

2. Select "Search" on the left side of the screen.

3. Look for the person you want to add by entering their PlayStation ID if you know it, or you can search using their real name. You'll see a list of names appear on the screen. 

4. To see more about a person, select their name to see details about their profile and activity. Then select the friend request button at the top left of their profile page. Or, if you prefer, you can immediately send a friend request by selecting the smiley face/plus sign button to the right of the person you want to add.

5. On the Send Friend Request screen, enter a personal message so they know who you are, and then select "Send."

6. You may also receive friend requests. To check, select "Friend Requests" at the bottom right of the Friends page. Select "Accept" to add that friend to your Friends List. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to sign into your Playstation Network account on a PS4, and set up two-step verification for added security

• 'Why won't my PS4 controller charge?': How to troubleshoot your controller in 4 ways

• 'Why won't my PS4 turn on?': How to troubleshoot your PS4 if it won't turn on, using 4 different methods

• How to remove a credit card from your PS4, and edit or add other cards to make purchases from the PlayStation Store

SEE ALSO: 8 affordable PlayStation 4 accessories that'll help you make the most of your console

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Ice cube trays are made of different materials and produce ice cubes of different sizes, shapes, and flavors.
• The best everyday ice cube tray for most people is the OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray.

Baby, it's hot out there. But there's a simple way to beat the heat this summer: Enjoy a cold drink over ice. While many of us have refrigerators with built-in ice makers, you may well choose to make additional ice cubes, too.

Americans have been making their own ice cubes since the advent of home refrigeration in the 1930s. Back then, aluminum trays were the norm. In the 1950s, stainless steel trays showed up on the scene, but they were mostly replaced by plastic in the 1960s. By the 1980s, ice cube trays with lids started appearing. In the early 2000s, silicone trays popped up. Their pliable nature meant you could pop out innovatively-shaped ice cubes with relative ease.

Today, there are hundreds of different styles of ice cube trays on the market that will transform water into ice of different sizes and shapes. Novelty or gimmick ice cube trays have become increasingly popular in recent years, likely because they are a relatively inexpensive way to add a blast of fun to a special occasion.

For the purpose of making "regular" ice cubes at home, there are several things to consider. Basically, you are looking for a tray that allows you to extract the ice easily and one that doesn't impart distasteful odors — or freezer-burn — to the cubes. You'll also want trays that let you pop out ice easily unlike those awful hard plastic ones from your youth.

These are the best ice cube trays you can buy to keep your drinks cold. We've included trays with lids, silicone ones, an old-fashioned metal option, and a cool ice ball mold. 

Here are the best ice cube trays you can buy:

• Best ice cube tray overall: OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray
• Best ice cube tray with a lid: Peaks Ice Works Everyday Ice Tray
• Best silicone ice cube tray: Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Trays
• Best stainless steel ice cube tray: Onyx 18/8 Stainless Steel Slot Ice Cube Tray
• Best ice ball mold: Zoku Ice-Ball Ice Sphere Mold

Updated on 10/22/19 by Connie Chen: Updated prices and links. 

The best ice tray overall

The OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray is affordable, easy to use, and produces attractive half-moon shaped ice cubes.

OXO was founded in New York City circa 1990. One of the company's guiding philosophies is to use "universal design" to create products that are usable by as many people as possible. OXO has succeeded in spades with these easy-to-use ice trays.

The dishwasher-safe tray produces 14 attractive half-moon-shaped ice cubes that pop out of the mold easily. In fact, one of the main selling points is that you can release one of the ice cubes without impacting the other cubes. The unique, patented cover not only helps you easily stack the trays in your freezer, but it reduces odors, resulting in fresher cubes.

You can get one tray from Bed Bath & Beyond for about $10, or get a set of two from Amazon for less than $20. Either way, you won't be disappointed. There are more than 700 user reviews on Amazon for these trays, and most of them are highly positive.

"These are the best Ice Cube trays that I have ever used. They fill easily enough and then are covered so that foreign things don't end up in your ice and more importantly so that they can be stacked. However, my favorite feature is the ease at which all of the cubes just release from the ice tray … You can remove a few or all with a small twist of the tray ….no more banging or holding the tray under hot water," said one verified purchaser in November 2016. 

RJ, another verified buyer, echoed similar sentiments in October 2016: "Best ice tray I've used. Cubes slide out like butter. Cover prevents debris. Perfection." Some Amazon users complain that the lids are difficult to manage, but most are okay with the design.

Across the web, professional reviewers give high marks to the OXO Good Grips Ice Tray, including those at The Wirecutter and Gizmodo. Reviewers at those sites named this ice tray as their top pick. 

Pros: Elegantly-shaped cubes, easy extraction, sturdy plastic construction, lids make for easy stacking and fewer odors

Cons: Lids can be difficult to maneuver

The best tray with a lid

The Peak Ice Works Everyday Ice Tray is a stylish silicone tray with a convenient lid that lets you easily extract one ice cube at a time.

The Peak Ice Works Everyday Tray is our second favorite tray, and it's almost as great as our top pick from OXO. Available in three colors — charcoal, peak blue, and white — this stylish ice cube tray makes 12 ice cubes and comes with a protective lid that keeps freezer burn out while allowing for easy stacking in your freezer. 

It is simple to push individual ice cubes out of the flexible silicone tray while leaving the others intact. Peak also makes trays that produce oversized ice cubes, as well as trays for crushed ice. The price is fairly reasonable, too.

There are more than 30 customer reviews on Amazon, many of which are positive. Some reviewers can hardly contain their excitement, like Brendan G., who wrote: "THIS. PRODUCT. IS. AWESOME! I never believed in a better ice cube tray until I met the Peak tray. Removing individual cubes is so easy because of the material and how they're individually slotted into the ice cube tray. The lid is great because you can put things on top of it while they freeze. It's so sturdily built. I mean, really, I never thought I would be so excited to write a review about an ice cube tray."

Professional reviewers like the Peak Ice Works Everyday Tray, including Marian Bull at GQ who says it is her all-time favorite.

Pros: Stylish, convenient lid, easy to extract individual ice cube, sturdy silicone construction

Cons: Cubes are not perfectly formed, some users complain of a bad taste

The best silicone tray

The Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Tray produces oversized ice cubes that are perfect for cooling down drinks without diluting them too quickly.

The Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Trays come in nine bright colors, including fuschia, ice blue, and vivid violet. These fun BPA-free silicone trays produce 15 perfectly uniform one-inch ice cubes that can make your cocktail look like it was made by a professional mixologist. You can pop the ice cubes out easily. There is no twisting required: Simply push from behind with your finger. Each tray measures 7 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches.

Guides editor Malarie Gokey has two of these Tovolo ice cube trays in her freezer, and after about five years of use, they're still going strong. After struggling with hard plastic ice cube trays for her entire life, using silicone trays was a game changer. It's just so easy to get cubes out of the trays.

There are more than 2,200 user reviews on Amazon, and most of them are very positive. Buyers describe the trays as "fun" and they love the perfectly-sized ice cubes. Other positive remarks include how easy it is to extract the ice cubes and to clean the trays. 

"I love the large ice cubes and how easily they come out," wrote verified purchaser Faith Richardson on April 7, 2017. 

"I remember having to use standard plastic ice cube trays growing up where I would either break the tray trying to remove cubes or have everything come fly out at me in one chunk. I can't live without these trays anymore; the silicone makes removing the cubes so easy," wrote another verified purchaser in February 2017.

That said, a fair number of Amazon users claim that they find it difficult to remove the ice cubes and others add that they experience a "rubbery taste" with their cubes. We've never had these problems with the trays.

Across the web, professional reviewers praise the Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Trays, including  New York Magazine which deemed it the very best ice cube tray to buy. Reviewer Belle Cushing seemed quite enamored with the tray, writing that using it "brings me deep joy."

Pros: Creates uniform ice cubes, easy to extract cubes, colorful and fun, easy to clean, ideal for freezing broth and baby food

Cons: Some claim the trays leave a rubbery taste in the cubes

The best stainless steel tray

The Onyx Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray has a fun vintage look and freezes water quickly.

If you are of a certain age, you may remember the old steel ice cube trays that showed up on the American scene in the 1950s. When you mention them to anyone, you'll likely hear some variation of, "My grandmother had those!" The most distinguishing characteristic of these trays was the lever that you had to pull to crack the ice into cubes.

Now, Onyx, a manufacturer of non-plastic storage containers, has recreated this old style stainless steel tray that makes 18 "slanted" cubes by pulling the easy-release handle.

There are more than 550 Amazon user reviews, many of which are positive. "These are the best … well worth the cost …. A true champion in an arena filled with plastic and rubber imposters," wrote one reviewer on May 19, 2017. Many reviewers say they are pleased to get away from aluminum and plastic trays, and also offer a tip to make the trays work easier: don't overfill them! 

Negative reviews note that it is difficult to remove the cubes without running the tray under warm water.

Across the web, professional reviewers, including those at Real Simple and Gizmodo tout the benefits of the Onyx 18/8 Stainless Steel # ICE001 18 Slot Ice Cube Tray. They both point out the retro appeal and the sturdy stainless steel construction.

Pros: Retro appeal, sturdy stainless-steel construction, freezes ice cubes quickly, no plastic or aluminum

Cons: Hard to extract ice, expensive

The best ice ball mold

The Zoku Ice Sphere Mold easily makes large ice balls to enhance your cocktails and keep them cold for hours.

If you want to take your cocktail party game to the next level, it may be time to invest in an ice ball mold. The appeal is obvious: The giant sphere in your glass in downright intriguing. But there's more to it than that: Ice balls last longer and stay colder than regular ice cubes, so it helps cocktails stay cool — with less dilution — all night long.

The Zoku Ice Ball Mold comes with two units that create 2.5-inch balls. The silicon units are easy to use. To release the ice balls after freezing simply pull the halves apart, flip over the mold, and push on the bottom of it. The ice balls should snap right out. The units are designed to stack in your freezer, but the bright red design is attractive enough to display on your bar.

There are more than 200 user reviews on Amazon, most of which are very positive. "The product, and the concept, are absolutely fantastic … Product makes perfectly spherical shaped ice The ice is very dense and melts VERY slowly," wrote one verified purchaser in August 2014. 

"Best Ice Mold I have ever purchased, they are easy to fill only take 6 to 8 hours to freeze. The ice balls release with very little effort & last a very long time ... They are Awesome!," wrote another reviewer on February 4, 2017. Negative reviews include complaints that there is a "weird" taste and that the balls break in half.

Around the web, professional reviewers, including those at All Top Brands like the high quality of the Zoku Ice Ball Mold.

Pros: Easy to use, stylish, inexpensive compared to other ice ball molds

Cons: Some users report a weird taste

Check out our other buying guides

The best drinking glasses you can buy

High-quality drinking glasses can handle hot and cold liquids, are resistant to breaking when dropped, and don't spill easily. The Libbey Polaris Drinking Glasses are our top pick because they are inexpensive, feature a weighted base, and have an attractive design. 

Here are our picks for the best drinking glasses you can buy:

• Best drinking glasses overall: Libbey Polaris Drinking Glasses
• Best plastic drinking glasses: Tervis Tumblers
• Best colorful drinking glasses: Vibrant Splash Highball Glasses
• Best stackable drinking glasses: Bormioli Rocco Rock Bar Stackable Glasses
• Best drinking glass design: Duralex Picardie Clear Tumblers

The best frozen dessert makers you can buy

When the summer weather heats things up, the best way to keep your cool is with ice-cold sweets. The Yonanas Classic Healthy Frozen Dessert Maker can produce delicious frozen treats using nothing more than fruit, but you can always add chocolate, sprinkles, rum, and all your other favorite ingredients, too.

Here are the best frozen dessert makers you can buy:

• Best overall: Yonanas Classic Healthy Frozen Dessert Maker
• Best ice cream machine: Cuisinart ICE-30R Pure Indulgence Ice Cream Maker
• Best shaved ice maker: Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900 Shaved Ice Machine
• Best frozen drink maker: Margaritaville Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker
• Best fun dessert maker: Yaylabs! SoftShell Ice Cream Ball

The best ice cream makers you can buy

If you love ice cream so much that you want to make your own from scratch, you need a good ice cream maker. The Cuisinart ICE-30 Pure Indulgence is our top pick because it makes creating your own delicious ice cream at home a breeze.

So if you're looking for a fun option to add to your dessert repertoire, check out these ice cream makers.

Here are the top ice cream makers:

• Best ice cream maker overall: Cuisinart ICE-30 Pure Indulgence
• Best fast ice cream maker: Chef'n Sweet Spot Instant Ice Cream Maker 
• Best compression maker: Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream Maker 
• Best for frozen desserts: Yonanas Frozen Dessert Maker 
• Best affordable option: Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker

• You can't watch Netflix on a Nintendo Switch, but you can stream content with YouTube, Hulu, and other supported apps. 
• Until January 2019, you could watch Netflix on an original Nintendo Wii, but the service was discontinued that month — although you can still access Netflix via the Wii U console. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There's a lot you can do with a Nintendo Switch beyond battling enemies in "Breath of the Wild" or racing against Wario and Bowser in "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe." 

In fact, the Switch can also serve as your connection to some of your favorite programming. It supports apps for YouTube, Hulu, and more — and you can also connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV for an even better viewing experience. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Nintendo Switch (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

Nintendo Wii U (Pre-owned from $119.99 at GameStop)

You can't watch Netflix on a Nintendo Switch, but you can on Wii U

If you want to watch Netflix, you'd better look for something other than a Nintendo Switch, because at the time of this writing, you can't get Netflix on the latest Nintendo gaming console.

There's a good chance there will be a Netflix app for the Switch in the future: the companies have had discussions in the past, and even partnered together on other Nintendo devices. 

For years, you could watch Netflix programs using your Nintendo Wii console, but that option was suspended in January of 2019. However, you can still watch Netflix on Wii U, the console intended to replace the Wii (the Switch was far more popular instead). 

It's not inconceivable that Neflix access on the Wii U may also sunset soon — ideally with access to the streaming platform popping up on the Switch in its place.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'Can you watch Hulu on a Nintendo Switch?': Yes, you can — here's how to set up the Switch's Hulu app

• 'Can you watch YouTube on a Nintendo Switch?': Yes, you can — here's how to download and use the YouTube app

• 'What comes with a Nintendo Switch?': A guide to what's included with a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite

• How to connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV, and what to do if it won't connect

SEE ALSO: The best Nintendo Switch accessories you can buy

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• While you can't permanently delete messages on your PS4, you can use the "Leave" command in the Options menu to remove messages from your screen. They'll come back, though, if you continue the conversation with that person.
• The PS4 has a Messages app you can use to chat with friends. You can check for messages by selecting Messages using the controller, and you can send messages by selecting someone in your friends list or by searching by name.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Messages app on your PS4 works more or less the same as the Messages app on your phone — you can send messages to other PlayStation users and delete unwanted messages. 

Deleted messages are still stored on the PlayStation Network servers, though. If you delete a message from a friend and later message that person, the older messages will reappear as a part of the message thread — so you can't permanently delete them.  

To check for new messages, just select "Messages" using your PS4 controller. You'll see any new messages waiting for you on the Messages screen. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

PlayStation 4 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

How to send a message on your PS4

1. Using your PS4 controller, select "Messages."

2. On the Messages screen, select "Create Message."

3. Select the person to whom you want to send the message. Enter the message and then select "Send."

How to delete messages on your PS4

1. Using your PS4 controller, select "Messages."

2. Select the message you want to delete and then press the "Options" button on the PS4 controller. Then, press "Leave."

3. Confirm you want to delete the message by selecting "Leave" again. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to add friends on your PS4 in 6 simple steps

• 'How much is PS4 online?': A cost and features breakdown of PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now

• How to deactivate your primary PS4 console from Sony's website, so you can set a new PS4 as your primary device

• How to update your PS4 console in 2 different ways, to access its latest features and security improvements

SEE ALSO: 8 affordable PlayStation 4 accessories that'll help you make the most of your console

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• Stovetop espresso makers are easy to use, make excellent strong espresso-like coffee, and last for decades.
• The Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker has been around since 1933, and it is still the best stovetop espresso maker you can buy to make strong, delicious coffee right at home.

True coffee lovers know there's more than one way to make a cuppa, and they've tried them all: French press, drip coffee, cold brew, fancy espresso machines, and so on. One of the most humble and effective machines for making a strong cup of coffee is the stovetop espresso maker also known as the moka pot.

The moka pot, or macchinetta del caffè, which literally translates to "small coffee machine," is a stovetop machine that moves boiling water, pressurized by steam, through ground coffee to make a delicious brew.

Back in 1933, an Italian inventor named Luigi De Ponti patented the design for Alfonso Bialetti, and the company is still making stovetop espresso makers with the same basic design. Bialetti's classic moka pot is so reliable, that it remains the best stovetop espresso maker you can buy. 

If you want to learn more about how stovetop espresso machines work, jump ahead to our explainer page. We've tested several stovetop espresso makers over the years and we've done a lot of research to find the best ones you can buy. 

Here are the best stovetop espresso makers you can buy:

• Best overall: Bialetti 6-Cup Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker
• Best for gas stoves: GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker
• Best expensive moka pot: Cuisinox Roma 6-Cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Maker
• Best affordable moka pot: Bialetti Kitty Espresso Coffee Maker
• Best espresso-esque shots: Bialetti Mini Express Espresso Maker
• Best-looking moka pot: 6-Cup Alessi Pulcina Stovetop Espresso Maker
• Best electric moka pot: Delonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Coffee Maker 

Updated on 10/22/2019 by Owen Burke: Updated prices and formatting. Added related links.

SEE ALSO: The best milk frothers you can buy

The best stovetop espresso maker overall

The Italian Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker was the first moka pot, and after all these years, it's still the very best.

Bialetti made the first stovetop espresso maker back in 1933, and it's still using the exact same patented moka pot design. The company may make many different models now, but the original Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker is still the very best one you can buy.

Unlike the cheap imitations you'll find in kitchen stores, the Bialetti is made right in Italy with craftsmanship and care. Although it's made of aluminum and not stainless steel, it's a sturdy, durable little machine that will last you a lifetime. I've had mine for seven years, and it works like new after daily use.

The aluminum pot has an eight-sided base that diffuses heat equally, resulting in evenly brewed coffee with a delicious rich flavor. To make coffee, you simply fill the base up to the water line, spoon moka ground coffee into the funnel, and twist the top closed securely over the grounds and water. 

Put a gas burner on low so the flame doesn't go outside of the pot's base and burn the handle. You can also use it on an electric stove, just be careful to place the handle well away from the heating element.

Using less heat ensures that your coffee doesn't burn, either. A few minutes later, you'll hear the pot begin to gurgle as the steam-pressurized boiling water passes through the grounds and up through the spout of the moka pot to become strong, rich coffee.

You can get the Bialetti Moka Express in a variety of sizes from 3 cups to 12 cups. The 6-cup machine is best for most people, but if you like to entertain or you have a big family, the 12-cup machine will be just right. I actually own both the 6-cup and 12-cup machines, so that I always make the perfect amount of coffee for every situation.

The traditional moka pot comes in silvery aluminum, but you can also get it in blue, orange, red, and purple color options.

If you're still on the fence, experts, reviewers, and websites like Best Products, Espresso Corner, Coffee Gear At Home, Good Housekeeping, Espresso Perfecto, Little Coffee Place, and Home Grounds all recommend the Bialetti Moka Express. It's also a number one best-seller on Amazon with consistently high reviews.

Pros: Inexpensive, comes in fun colors and different sizes, makes great coffee, easy to clean, made in Italy, and it has a two-year warranty

Cons: Handle melts off quickly if you leave it unattended (which, of course, one should never do), but you can buy a replacement.

The best for gas stoves

GROSCHE's stovetop espresso pot has a heavy-duty extended handle that's made with heat-resistant rubber-coated plastic and sits away from your heat source so it won't melt on gas stoves.

While Bialetti is a tried-and-true favorite coming up on its centennial anniversary, if you're anything like me or some other members of the Insider Picks team, you've probably burned through any number of them over the years. Not because the aluminum gave way, but that cheap, plastic handle the company has been attaching to their oh-so-iconic moka pot in recent history. While Bialetti used to make its pots with stainless steel handles, the new, markedly cheaper plastic handle does not survive the hands of hapless fools such as I.

So, after a third Bialetti handle melted on me this year (it's admittedly more a reflection on me and my ilk than Bialetti, which I still hold dearly), I decided to set out on a quest to find a somewhat more foolproof and final replacement.

Enter GROSCHE — The company eliminates the melting handle problem in two ways. One, the handle is farther from the unit and your stove burner, so it's not sitting directly over heat. Two, the handle is also made out of a soft rubber-coated heat-resistant plastic, so in case you do make the ill-advised decision to leave the kitchen with a burner on the stove going, you won't be out an espresso pot and $20 to replace it.

The Grosche comes in 3-, 6-, and 9-cup models, and is made out of aluminum.

Founded in 2006, Grosche is a newer company, but it's already won customers who've left applause on Amazon to the tune of: "Have worn out 6 or so well-loved Bialettis similar to this one."

Reviews left by 159 people average out to a respectable 4.2/5-star rating, and 73% of those reviews included 5-star ratings.

The cherry on top? Through the Safe Water Project, Grosche pledges to provide 50+ days of safe drinking water for people in need for every product they sell. — Owen Burke

Pros: Handle is heat-resistant, socially responsible company

Cons: None yet, at time of writing

The best expensive option

The Cuisinox Roma 6-cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Maker lasts a lifetime, and it brews delicious strong coffee.

If Bialetti's Moka Express is too old-fashioned and quaint for you, you'll love the slick modern look of the Cuisinox Roma Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Maker. It's a high-end, fancy moka pot that's not made out of aluminum. You will pay a premium for it — it's nearly five times more than the Bialetti — but it has a 25-year warranty and top-notch reviews.

Cuisinox used stainless steel to make its stovetop espresso maker, so you know it's going to be durable. The design is more slick, shiny, and curvy than the traditional 8-sided aluminum Bialetti moka pot. Since it doesn't have corners, the insides are easier to clean. However, just like with the other moka pots in this guide, you really don't need to scrub it like crazy.

The process of making coffee in the Roma is the same, too. You simply fill the base up to the water line, spoon moka ground coffee into the funnel, and twist the top closed securely over the grounds and water.

Put a gas burner on low so the flame doesn't go outside of the pot's base and burn the handle. You can also use it on an electric stove, just be careful to place the handle well away from the heating element.

Using less heat ensures that your coffee doesn't burn, either. A few minutes later, you'll hear the pot begin to gurgle as the steam-pressurized boiling water passes through the grounds and up through the spout of the moka pot to become strong, rich coffee.

You can get the Cuisinox Roma in 4-cup, 6-cup, and 10-cup sizes to suit your needs. The 6-cup model will be best for most users, but bigger families will want the 10-cup machine.

Most reviewers consider the Cuisinox Roma to be the best stainless steel stovetop espresso maker and recommend it right alongside the Bialetti. Coffee Gear at Home, Espresso Perfecto, Little Coffee Place, and Home Grounds all say the Roma is a great machine for making strong coffee at home.

Reviews on Amazon are incredibly positive, too. One reviewer expressed "unreserved admiration" for the moka pot and even pitted it against high-end espresso machines. Although it's not made in Italy like the Bialetti, the Cuisinox Roma is very high quality and reviewers on Amazon praise the build quality and durability.

Pros: Stainless steel design, comes in multiple sizes, easy to clean, affordable compared to high-end machines, it works on gas or electric stoves, and it has a 25-year warranty

Cons: Expensive

The best affordable stainless steel option

The Bialetti Kitty Espresso Coffee Maker is made out of stainless steel to create a classic look and brew great coffee.

If you want a stainless steel stovetop espresso maker but you're not looking to spend $100+ on one, Bialetti's Kitty Espresso Coffee Maker is the answer.

This stovetop espresso maker is made from 18/10 stainless steel, making it more durable and very attractive to look at. The Kitty looks elegant and classy next to our top pick, the angular Moka Express. It also has a nice wide handle that's easy to grip when you need to serve the espresso.

The Kitty works on gas, electric, and ceramic stovetops, so it should work in most kitchens. You can get it in several different sizes, but we recommend the one that brews 6 cups of espresso or about 12 fluid ounces of coffee.

As with any stovetop espresso machine, you need to follow the instructions precisely to get a good brew. Never overfill the water chamber and always make sure that you use only coffee grounds in the built-in filter.

Most people who bought the Bialetti Kitty gave it positive reviews on Amazon. Negative reviews mention defective units and poor brewing, though some of those bad stories may be down to a faulty technique. The Kitty comes with a two-year warranty in case you run into problems.

Pros: Stainless steel build, durable, attractive design, great handle, affordable, makes great coffee

Cons: It's pricier than the standard aluminum Bialetti Moka Express

The best for espresso shots

Bialetti's Mini Express Espresso Maker produces rich, crema-capped espresso shots more consistently than any other stovetop espresso pot I've tried.

Bialetti's Mini Express Espresso Maker isn't for everyone, but for those seeking a café-quality espresso shot rich with crema could do no better at this price or anywhere south of about $200. I'll concede that reviews have been mixed for this model, but I've had a wonderful experience with it.

Granted, using it requires a little finesse. You want to make sure that your grounds are fine enough for these devices to build up a little pressure. Too often people complain that they don't get a result anywhere near espresso when they're either using the wrong beans or not grinding them finely enough for such a desired outcome.

Also, as always with espresso, use a light roast to achieve a thicker, creamier shot. I also find that the Mini Express produces a shot far quicker than any other stovetop device I've used. Otherwise, it's similar to Bialetti's standard moka pots.

The Mini Express comes in two models: a single-spout and a double. The double can, on occasion, produce uneven shots, but try to get your grounds as even as possible in the basin and it should work out well more often than not. — Owen Burke

Pros: Fast, rich shots

Cons: Requires some finesse

Read our full review of the Mini Express.

The best-looking stovetop espresso maker

The 6-Cup Alessi Pulcina Stovetop Espresso Maker looks like a piece of modern art and it makes excellent coffee, too.

If Bialetti's Moka Express is the everyman stovetop espresso maker, Alessi's Pulcina is the high-brow moka pot for artsy types. Alessi's espresso makers are literally works of art that live in MoMA and other design museums around the world. 

Alessi has been designing radically different products since 1921, and its moka pots are well known. The Pulcina was designed by espresso maker Illy and Michele De Lucchi, a famous Italian designer who has worked for Olivetti, Compaq Computers, Philips, Siemens, and Vitra over the course of his long career. 

According to Alessi, the Pulcina has a special boiler design that stops filtering the coffee at the "right moment and thus eliminates the 'eruption phase' - the final filtering stage that can generate a burnt aftertaste – thus enhancing its full-bodied and rounded aroma" of your coffee. The pot also has a 'V' shaped spout, which is supposed to be "reminiscent of a baby chick's beak."

The name Pulcina (baby chick) comes from the beak-like spout and the curvy chick-like shape inside of the machine. It also refers to the fact that De Lucchi designed it in the chicken coop where his studio is set up.

Esoteric design talk aside, Alessi is a trusted brand for stovetop espresso makers, and the Pulcina is a great option. Reviews on Amazon are few, but mostly positive. It works just like other stovetop espresso makers, so you put water in the base and coffee grounds in the filter. However, the Pulcina doesn't work on induction stovetops, so you'll need a gas stove if you buy this stovetop espresso maker. 

The Pulcina comes in two sizes: 3-cup and 6-cup models with your choice of a red or black handle. The 6-cup one will be best for most people.

Pros: Cool design by Michele De Lucchi, fun color options for the handle, multiple sizes, and it makes great coffee

Cons: Expensive and it doesn't work on induction stoves, wildly different pricing based on colors (see below)

The best electric espresso maker (no stovetop needed)

The DeLonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Coffee Maker is great if you don't have a stove, but you still want the taste of stovetop coffee.

If you want to have a moka pot in an apartment, dorm room, or office without a stove, you'll need an electric one like the DeLonghi Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Maker. It's a modern take on Bialetti's age-old design that combines the tried and true moka pot technique with an electric heating element.

You can make 3 to 6 cups of espresso with it and watch the clear container at the top fill with coffee as it brews. It has an automatic shut-off function that prevents burned coffee and dangerous overflows. The DeLonghi Alicia will even keep your espresso warm for 30 minutes after it's brewed in case you can't drink it fast enough or you like to have two cups before you head out the door.

You can also take the pot off the heating base to take your espresso to the table if you prefer. The base has an on/off switch that lights up when the pot is heating up. You follow the same process of putting water in the base and coffee grounds in the filter before you screw on the top part and pop the pot on the electric heating base.

The moka pot part looks exactly like a traditional Bialetti, the boiler is made out of aluminum, and the entire pot is BPA-free. Even though the top is clear plastic, most reviewers don't seem to mind it. A few reviewers did note that the plastic leaves a taste to the coffee, so beware.

Overall, reviewers on Amazon love how fuss-free and easy to use the DeLonghi Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Maker is and most chose it over a Bialetti because it won't boil over when you're not looking. It's a nice safety feature for families with your children or just busy adult households. The price is also great and comparable to some Bialetti moka pots (if they're not on sale).

Pros: Great for people who don't have a stove, electric heater is easy to use, decent price, it makes good coffee, and it keeps your coffee warm longer

Cons: It may not last as long as a Bialetti

Everything you need to know about stovetop espresso machines

Moka pot vs. fancy espresso machine

Although moka pots don't technically make espresso — because they use lower pressures of 1 to 2 bar and real espresso machines use 9 bar of pressure — the coffee you get is very rich and strong. Some machines will even produce a bit of crema just like high-end espresso machines. If you're using this to make cappuccinos or lattes at home, you'll be more than satisfied, but if you want shots of thick, creamy espresso, you need a real espresso machine.

How many cups do you need?

Most moka pots come in a few different sizes: 1-cup, 3-cup, 6-cup, 9/10-cup, and 12-cup. Keep in mind that the cups in question are small espresso shots — not full cups of coffee as Americans think of them. The 6-cup size is best for couples or people who want to drink two normal cups of coffee with milk on top. The 9/10/12-cup machines are good for families or when you have guests over. I personally own both a 6-cup and a 12-cup Bialetti Moka Express.

Will it work with a gas or electric stove?

Some stovetop espresso makers only work on gas stoves, while others can handle either gas or electric stovetops. We've noted which of our picks work with both kinds of stoves.

Aluminum vs. Stainless steel

Stovetop espresso makers come in either aluminum or stainless steel varieties. Stainless steel models are more fancy, durable, and typically easier to clean. Aluminum machines are typically just as good, provided you buy one from real Italian companies like Bialetti and Alessi. If you buy a cheap aluminum one for $5 at a kitchen store, you may not get the same quality coffee out of it. That's why we recommend you stick to our top pick, the Bialetti Moka Express.

Care and maintenance

It's easy to keep your stovetop espresso maker in good working order. All you have to do is rinse it out after each use and make sure all the ground are out of the filter. No soap or scrubbing is needed. The best moka pots are the ones that have been loved well and the ones that have aged.

Moka pots can last years — decades, even — so long as you don't burn the handle or otherwise harm it. The only thing you'll need to replace periodically is the rubber gasket and filter that prevent the grounds from infiltrating your coffee.

Check out our other great coffee gear guides

The best coffee makers you can buy

We've included top picks for all of these different types of coffee makers. We've tested the majority of our top picks and heavily researched those we have yet to use to bring you the best of all coffee makers.

• Best drip coffee maker: Bonavita BV1900TS Drip Coffee Maker

• Best coffee maker under $40: Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT Machine

• Best coffee maker under $50: Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Coffee Maker

• Best coffee maker and grinder: Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Automatic

• Best pour-over coffee: Melitta Ready Set Joe Single Cup Coffee Brewer

• Best French Press: SterlingPro French Press

• Best cold brew machine: OXO Good Grips 4-Cup Cold Brew Coffee Maker

• Best pod coffee machine: Keurig K575 Pod Machine

• Best stovetop espresso maker: Bialetti 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

• Best espresso machine: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

You can also read our other coffee guides on espresso machines, French Presses, stovetop espresso makers, coffee grinders, milk frothers, and pour-over gear.

• The best polarized sunglasses for you are going to vary based on the shape of your face and the activities you plan to engage in.
• Our favorite all-around unisex pick for those who plan to do a bit of everything is Ray-Ban's Clubmasters with an aluminum frame.
• You can also check out our guides to the best men's sunglasses.

While sunscreen and skin care have been a popular topic in light of a recent FDA ruling on ingredient listing requirements, many of us neglect to give our eyes the protection they deserve. Cheaply designed sunglasses that we don't mind scratching may seem like the way to go when they're so easy to lose and scratch regardless of cost, but poorly designed sunglasses often leave our retinas exposed to harmful UV rays that can lead to macular degeneration, cataracts, and myriad other troubles down the line.

Then there are more immediate matters for concern, like snow blindness, especially when we're near water, which is highly reflective in all its physical states. While snow blindness clears after a few days, it will leave you with the unpleasant sensation of having something along the lines of smoldering embers trapped inside your eyes, which is a mild nuisance at very best.

When choosing a pair of sunglasses — no matter how much you want to spend, and whether they're polarized or not — make certain that the lenses have a UV rating of 400, which indicates that they effectively prevent the maximum wavelength of UV rays (measured in nanometers) from passing through to your own lenses.

Also, take into account frames. Full wrap-around frames are the best option for protection, as they keep out stray light that would otherwise have you squinting all day. But then they're not exactly necessary (or savvy) on the street, and we get that, so we have thin-framed options below, too.

Polarized lenses add another level of protection by reducing glare brought on by reflection, or horizontal light. While not always necessary (and often frustrating, especially when trying to operate electronics), polarized lenses are generally worth having, even if you go for a cheap pair. The main difference with a cheap pair of polarized shades is that you won't have the clarity of a high-grain glass or quality resin, which might leave you squinting a lot, and you'll have a harder time seeing your phone screen while wearing them, which, in our opinion, is worth dropping a few extra dollars for most people.

Here are the best polarized sunglasses you can buy:

• Best polarized sunglasses overall: Ray-Ban Clubmasters with aluminum frames
• Best budget polarized sunglasses: Gamma Ray Polarized Cheaters and Wrap Around Sports 
• Best polarized sunglasses for outdoors: Smith Optics ChromaPop
• Best sustainable polarized sunglasses: Costa x Bureo's Untangled collection
• Best prescription polarized sunglasses: Warby Parker prescription sunglasses
• Best folding polarized sunglasses: Persol 714

Updated on 10/22/2019 by Owen Burke: Updated links, formatting, and prices.

SEE ALSO: The best sunglasses for women

DON'T MISS: The best sunglasses for men

The best polarized sunglasses overall

The lightweight but sturdy aluminum frame and thick, scratch- and shatter-resistant metal-rimmed glass lenses keep the timeless Ray-Ban Clubmasters on par with the best.

Thick glass lenses held by an aluminum frame make the Ray-Ban Clubmasters an easy, nearly indestructible choice for people on the move, and while they're still among the more popular — and arguably tired — designs, they at least give the Aviator and Wayfarer shapes a rest.

I was gifted a pair a couple of years ago, and while it's safe to say almost every pair of shades I've owned before or since has taken on a scratch or two at least, this pair has survived just about everything. I should add that I'm extremely rough on sunglasses. I even managed to sit on this pair — strictly for testing purposes — and unbend it from an unnatural 45-degree angle without creasing, let alone snapping the bridge piece.

I've also dropped and kicked them (again, for testing) across fiberglass decks, marble floors, and concrete sidewalks, and they've somehow survived it all. These things are just simply not like the others.

Aesthetically, the Clubmasters seem to suit just about every face shape and outfit, no matter how formal or relaxed, and perhaps that's why they're so iconic. While they lack the full wraparound protection of sportier options, we don't assume most of you will be bopping about town in what could reasonably be mistaken for a tinted pair of safety goggles pilfered from your father's workshop — we certainly won't be. But we'll never judge, and if we're completely out of touch, there's an option below for you, too.

Pros: Fit for any occasion, sturdy

Cons: Pricey, a small amount of light passes through the sides, which doesn't make for the best protection in direct sunlight

The best budget polarized sunglasses

Gamma Ray's Polarized Wraparound Sport and Cheaters are fully serviceable shades for an exponentially lower price than the rest of the sunglasses we recommend, so losing them won't keep you up at night.

If you're looking for a cheap pair of driving lenses, or just aren't willing to dish out for another pair of Ray-Bans or Maui Jims because you've lost and broken so many that it hurts, a pair or three of either Gamma Ray's Polarized Cheaters (a Wayfarer-style) or Wrap Around Sports (the sportier version pictured above) should do you well.

While they're nowhere near as durable as the other sunglasses we're recommending here, they do come with a lifetime warranty (though we haven't tested it, yet) against both scratching and shattering. If you can manage to find a case for them, they might last a whole lot longer.

Gamma Ray has gotten praise from both Wirecutter for the Cheater model, and Lifehacker for its computer glasses. Meanwhile, more than 1,200 Amazon buyers gave the Wrap Around Sports an average of 4 stars, and more than 400 Amazon buyers also gave the Cheaters an average of 4 stars.

Pros: Metal-reinforced hinges, budget-friendly

Cons: Cheap nylon frames will break if you're not careful

The best for outdoors

Smith Optics' ChromaPop lens technology filters two wavelengths of light that cause color confusion, while the brand's array of lens tints is designed to cover every kind of light (and water) condition you might face in the great outdoors.

In 1965, orthodontist and ski bum Dr. Bob Smith developed the first sealed thermal lens and vent foam goggles, what came to be known and revered as the modern ski goggle. But he didn't stop there, and his line of sunglasses is no less revolutionary.

Smith'sChromaPop lenses come in six different tints, all geared toward different lighting, so whether you're inshore fishing on a gray day or offshore on a bluebird one, they've got the lens for you. On a recent fly fishing trip in Hawaii, I realized, perhaps a little too late in the day, that the shades I'd brought along were not defining the elusive bonefish I was trying to spot — not as well as my guide's Smiths were. We switched glasses at the end of the day and I was suddenly spotting the "gray ghosts" left and right. I'm still kicking myself.

Granted, to run the gamut of light situations you'll encounter as an angler, you'll need at least two pairs of sunglasses. This, of course, isn't cheap, but then performance optics hardly ever are.

But Smith doesn't just cater to anglers; the brand also has a performance line designed for runners and cyclists with removable lenses — I only wish they'd offer interchangeable lenses with their ChromaPop fishing line.

Around the web, Amazon users give Smith a formidable 4.7-star rating overall, and premier fly fishing publication Hatch calls Smith's Techlite Polarchromic Copper lenses "the most versatile pair of fishing sunglasses on the market."

Pros: Lens tints for all light, fishing-, performance-, and lifestyle-specific frames

Cons: Can be pricey

The best sustainable polarized sunglasses

Detailed but still sleek, Costa x Bureo's polarized sunglass frames are made with plastic recovered from fishing nets off the coast of Chile and Costa Del Mar's top-notch plastic or glass frames.

Sunglass manufacturer Costa recently teamed up with skateboard company Bureo, which has been producing these sunglasses with frames made entirely from recycled fishing nets. Now that Costa is popping its high-end glass lenses into the glasses, they're a little pricier, but we think they're much more scratch-resistant now, and they're worth it. Plus, you get to help out the environment and a Chilean fishing community through your purchase.

A slightly sportier take on classic Wayfarers, Costa x Bureo's are tumble-finished for a detailed finish and grip to keep them neatly propped on the bridge of your nose. The lenses are Costa's patented 580 Lightwave plastic or glass, and they offer full 400-nm UV protection while selectively filtering out high energy visible light (blue light) and yellows to cut haze and offer better crispness, which any angler ought to appreciate.

Oh, and In-Fisherman digs them, too.

For a less-expensive, similarly eco-friendly and sustainable pair of sunnies, check out Swell Vision's glasses, which are made from bamboo. They're ultra-lightweight, come with sturdy double-jointed metal hinges that allow for a little play in the temples, and did we mention that they float?

Pros: Sustainably made, high-end lenses, full 400-nm UV protection

Cons: Pricey

The best for prescription lenses

If you don't want to spend upward of $500 on a pair of prescription sunnies, Warby Parker has a ton of styles ranging from $175 for a basic prescription to $375 for progressive lenses.

Born out of necessity by traveling students who were fed up with replacing overpriced glasses, Warby Parker has established itself as the budget-friendly, socially-responsible option for prescription lenses and sunglasses alike.

While you'll spend a small fortune ordering prescription lenses along with some of the other frames on this list, Warby Parker covers a good swathe of styles while staying kind to your wallet. The company also promises that for every pair of glasses sold, a pair will be donated to someone in need.

If you can afford them, it would be hard to build a case for not buying your sunglasses from Warby Parker, but they do fall short of offering a set of frames that cater to sportier souls who might like or require a pair that offers a little better protection from stray light.

In almost every aspect, Warby Parker should probably have you covered. We like the sleekness of the unisex Durand model, but they touch on everything from aviators and wayfarers to Lennons and Jackies.

Pros: Affordable, durable

Cons: No warranty (apart from one-year scratch repairs), no thick frames for protection from intense, direct sunlight

The best folding polarized sunglasses

Persol's folding 714 sunglasses are made with scratch-resistant crystal lenses, robust hardware, timeless style.

While we recommend Ray-Ban overall for polarized shades, we've found Persol to hold better quality and hardware overall, especially since they're still made the same way they were when the brand was founded over 100 years ago. Their hardware is more robust, and their lenses are more scratch-resistant.

Ray-Ban's a wonderful brand again, despite having undergone some changes and some serious quality fluctuations in the early aughts that would have spelled death for most any other brand, thanks almost entirely to Luxottica (ironically or not, also the proprietor of Persol, for what it's worth).

But with folding shades — which you're going to end up putting in your pocket, without a case — require a robust set of hardware, and heavier-duty lenses, of which Persol's crystal ones are exemplary.

The 714 sunglasses are a folding version of the brand's 649, save for a few minor details. And this iteration of them is hardly any different from the original, other than that they fold inward, rather than downward, which seems to make more sense overall. Still, make sure to have a sunglasses screwdriver on hand to keep the screws in place (you'll only have to do this every once in a while).

I've been wearing the McQueens for several months now and I've had them in and out of airports, shirt pockets, car consoles, and the sea. And, more often than not, as is my wont, I've done so without a case (yes, shame on me indeed). I've yet to scratch them. My Ray-Ban Aviators and Wayfarers? I'm sad to say they live deep in my glove compartment (also careless) for emergencies, rest their souls.

If you're looking for a sturdy pair of shades you can toss around (but most certainly shouldn't) and won't get scratched like plastic or regular, thinner glass, the Person 714 sunglasses will remain timeless through your final years, however distant they may be.

Pros: Scratch-resistant crystal lenses, robust hardware, timeless style

Cons: Spendy

What else we considered

I've been testing polarized sunglasses since I started wearing them to fish when I was about 10 years old, and in the interim, I've tested dozens upon dozens of them. There are a few key features that make a good pair of polarized shades, and the brands below all tick those boxes, but for reasons discussed below, they're not on our main list of picks.

• Maui Jim (starting at $229): While polarized lenses are a given, the best sunglasses for a day at sea are only as good as their frames. And since most of us won't probably succumb to wearing cataract sunglasses or the like— at least not until our rightful time — Maui Jim's World Cup shades more than suffice. The only reason we didn't include them as a main pick is that the brand doesn't offer as much style versatility as Ray-Ban or Persol, nor does it make shades for specific light levels.
• Native Eyeware ($81.75-$109): A similar, more affordable on-the-water option is Native Eyewear's Sightcaster, which is similar in design and profile, but about half the price. The Sightcasters come with Native's interchangeable N3 lenses, which is something we wish Smith Optics would do, but Natives aren't quite as technical compared with Smith's. Still, they're wonderful fishing-specific glasses, and if you're on a budget but still want some high-quality lenses, look no further.
• Persol (starting at $280): Persol offers an elevated look (at an elevated price), but you get the best hardware around, and there's something to be said for that. While we know and love Persol well, their prices are prohibitive for most people, so we didn't include them in our top picks. That said, if you have the extra money and degree of care, they'll last a lifetime.

• When you've got a sound machine, noisy nights don't have to equal a lack of sleep.
• Many sound machines incorporate several white noise variations in the form of nature sounds, such as wind, waves, rain, or burbling streams.
• Of all the sound machines we researched, the Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sound Machine is our favorite because it eases your way into a refreshing night of deep sleep with many different customizable sounds.

The dog next door is barking, someone nearby is beeping their horn, your significant other is snoring like a chainsaw, and you're staring at the ceiling in frustration rather than sleeping soundly. Or maybe it's not you having trouble sleeping. Instead, your baby or young child wakes up at every sound, which means that in turn, they wake you up with their unhappiness.

Noise — it's hard to escape, especially at those times you'd most like a little peace and quiet. And that's exactly why sound machines, also called white noise machines or sound therapy machines, were invented.

These handy devices aren't intended to play so loudly that they overwhelm outside disruptions. Instead, they work with your brain's natural tendency to mostly notice new or variable sounds while tuning out steady, repetitious noise. That's why people who live near freeways or in big cities tend to "get used to" steady traffic sounds, yet awaken when a taxi blares its horn, a helicopter flies overhead, or a dog suddenly barks.

White noise machines, with their soft, steady, repeating loops of sound, help mask sudden or unusual noise, thus lulling your brain into relaxation, and eventually, sweet sweet sleep. Of course, really loud or irregular noise, such as your baby's crying, is still going to break through, but in general, you'll sleep far more soundly with white noise playing in the background than without.

What is white noise?

If you're old enough, you probably remember the sound of static after a television station went off the air for the night or the hissing sound between radio stations. That's the sound of true white noise. It's made up of all the frequencies audible to the human ear playing all at once and at the same intensity. With no variation entering your ears, your brain interprets the sound as a steady hiss.  

But white isn't the only "color" of sound. There's also pink noise, which is white noise, but with the higher frequencies somewhat muted. This makes it more soothing than white noise. If you've ever peacefully fallen asleep to the sound of steady rain, you've enjoyed pink noise.

Brown noise is another popular variation of multi-frequency sound. It's basically pink noise with even more muting of the highest frequencies. It's also found in the natural world. Think of waves crashing on the shoreline or the sound of high winds.  

Many sound machines incorporate several white noise variations in the form of nature sounds, such as wind, waves, rain, or burbling streams.

Here at Insider Picks, we take our sleep seriously. That's why we've analyzed information on the many sound machines available and whittled the choices down to the ones we feel are best.

Here are the best sound machines you can buy:

• Best sound machine overall: Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sound Machine
• Best white noise sound machine: LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine
• Best budget sound machine: Big Red Rooster Sound Machine
• Best sound machine for travel: Homedics Portable White Noise Sound Machine
• Best sound machine for babies: WavHello SoundBub White Noise Machine and Speaker
• Best sound machine for kids: Bubzi Co Sleep Soother

Updated on 10/22/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

The best sound machine overall

The Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sound Machine offers up just about every feature you could ask for in a sound machine. 

Want to drift off to the peaceful sound of crickets and wind in a meadow? How about adding some birdsong and buzzing bees? Or maybe you prefer to fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves. If that's not enough, go ahead and add in some crying seagulls. Still need more? You can add in barking seals and a foghorn.

That's just the start of the versatility offered by the Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sound Machine. There are ten basic sounds to choose from: fireplace, waterfall, white noise, meditation, brook, rainfall, train, city, meadow, and ocean.

You can add two additional levels of sound to each of those basics. For example, train starts with the clackety-clack of wheels on track. Two additional levels add in bells, train whistles, and the sound of train couplers tapping against each other. You also get white noise, pink noise, and brown noise options.

And these aren't short, annoying loops, or synthesized sound. You get naturally recorded high fidelity sounds carefully mastered to relax you into sleep. Plus, the machine "listens" to the ambient noise in your bedroom, and then adjusts its volume as necessary to help protect your sleep.

Amazon buyers love the Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sound Machine. It has more than 4,200 reviews and a 4.1-star average rating. Customers especially appreciate the adaptive technology that adjusts to room noise and the wide variety of sounds. A typical comment: "So far this sound machine has been completely effective in masking the sounds of a snoring spouse and a barking neighbor's dog."

If your bed partner doesn't want any sound at all, there's a headphone jack so you can enjoy the peaceful tones on your own. Let the machine run all night, or set the timer to shut off after 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. The AC power cord is included.

Pros: Amazingly versatile, high-quality sound, many options to choose from, timer

Cons: Expensive

The best white noise sound machine

If you're just looking for white noise, and plenty of it, you've found your match with the LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine. 

The LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine is just that: a white noise machine. There are no nature sounds to choose from, but that doesn't mean your sound selection is limited. This high fidelity device has ten levels of fan sounds, including everything from industrial fan to oscillating fan. It's also got 10 levels of white noise ranging from pure white to pink to brown.

The large top speaker produces excellent sound and does a great job of masking outside noise, including tough-to-sleep-through disrupters like snoring or barking dogs.

Wirecutter chose the LectroFan as the best white noise machine, praising its excellent performance, small size, and easy-to-use controls. Amazon buyers back that up. The LectroFan has more than 6,000 reviews and an average of 4.4-star rating. Buyers rave about its ability to block out all manner of annoying sounds, including barking dogs, traffic, crying babies, and snoring spouses.

You can run the device all night long, or set the timer in hour-increments. The LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine comes with a USB power cable and AC adapter, so you can power it up just about anywhere. It's available in black or white.

Pros: Excellent sound quality and a large range of fan sounds and white noise, including pink and brown noise.

Cons: None to speak of, unless you're looking for a machine with nature sounds as well as white noise.

The best budget sound machine

The Big Red Rooster Sound Machine will set your mind at ease with its quality nature sounds and low price. 

You don't have to pay a lot of money for a good sound machine — The Big Red Rooster Sound Machine is proof of that. This straightforward device offers six sounds: summer night, white noise, rain, brook, ocean, and thunder. The sound quality is excellent, and the loop is unobtrusive, so you won't feel like you're listening to a broken record.

With more than 10,000 reviews and an average of 4.1-star rating, this is one of the most popular sound machines on Amazon. Buyers like the quality of the sound, the lack of bright or annoying light on the machine's control panel, and the high level of volume control.

Says one pleased owner, "I cannot begin to say how much I've enjoyed my little sleep enhancer. I've had it for almost a year now and use it every night and daytime naps. I think my cats are becoming addicted to it, too."

The Big Red Rooster Sound Machine includes an AC adapter, or you can run it off batteries for use while traveling. Let it run all night long, or set the timer to turn the device off after 15, 30, or 60 minutes.

Pros: Great price, good sound quality, doesn't take up much room on your nightstand.

Cons: Not many sounds to choose from.

The best sound machine for travel

The Homedics Portable White Noise Sound Machine is compact enough to fit in any piece of luggage, so you'll always have a comforting noise maker when you're on the road.

The Homedics Portable White Noise Sound Machine plays four sounds, including steady white noise, summer night, ocean waves, or rain. Instead of using a dial, it uses buttons that hop from one output level to the next.

This is a travel sound machine not intended for everyday use. As for the volume options, you can always move the unit closer or farther from your bed or your kid's crib, and you can always face it down on the nightstand or muffle it if you can't find the perfect setting.

And yeah, sure, it only plays four sounds. But it also only costs about thirteen bucks, making it a wildly affordable option. At that low price, you won't mind replacing the batteries now and then and replacing the whole device eventually if it conks out after a few years of intermittent use.

Most Amazon customers love this affordable little sound machine, echoing the sentiments of a customer named Megan who called it a "great travel sound machine" that is ideal for "hotels." She notes the timer and fact that it can "fit in the palm of [the] hand."

And for the record, I've used several Homedics sound machines over the years, both on the road, in my bedroom, and for my kids, and they have always performed well for more than long enough based on their low cost. — Steven John

Pros: Very portable, tiny price tag, easy to use

Cons: Some units fail fast with heavy use, middling volume control

The best sound machine for babies

Not only is every WavHello SoundBub White Noise Machine and Bluetooth Speaker charming, but they are also easy to use and portable.

The ability to create a calming, comfortable place for your baby or young child even when you are away from home is almost priceless. So a thirty-dollar sound machine that can create a familiar and soothing environment just about anywhere? Yeah, it's well worth its price. And with the WavHello SoundBub White Noise Machine and Bluetooth Speaker, that anywhere isn't hyperbolic.

These compact sound makers feature a built-in rechargeable battery and a large hook that can also double as a stand, so they are ready to go wherever you go, no plug required. Hang them on the stroller, the car seat, the crib, or anywhere else you need to create a sleep environment. And for the record, I'm saying "them" because SoundBub comes in the option of an owl, bunny, and bear. We have the bear, of course.

The SoundBub comes with a few sounds pre-programmed, such as rain and constant white noise. When you get the free app, you gain access to 12 more sounds. You can set the sounds to play for 30, 60, or 90 minutes or to run until you shut the thing off yourself. When used as a compact Bluetooth speaker, the SoundBub can play any song or sound you want once connected to your phone or tablet.

With 673 reviews posted on Amazon, currently, the WavHello SoundBub has a solid 4-star average rating. One mom says she "loves that this is portable" and says she "takes it with [her] wherever [her] baby sleeps." Another parent loves that the unit is "teething friendly and soft."

Do note that a few people complained about the unit's LED light being too bright (and impossible to turn off), and a few relate issues charging the unit when it's not set at a specific angle. — Steven John

Pros: Compact and portable, comes in three varieties, easy to use and versatile

Cons: Occasional charging issues

The best sound machine for kids

If your baby or young child wakes up at every sound, you'll both find sweet relief with the adorable and effective Bubzi Co Sleep Soother.

While some babies and toddlers can sleep through seemingly anything, others awaken at the slightest sound. And those are the kids who most need the Bubzi Co Sleep Soother. With its cute owl design, this sure-to-thrill-the-PreK-and-kindergarten-crowd sound machine is also blessed relief for tired parents.

The device plays ten different lullabies, including Are You Sleeping, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Brahms Lullaby, and London Bridge. There's also a heartbeat sound and birdsong. The sound machine shuts off after 30 minutes. Surprisingly, there is no way to leave it on longer, but most babies and toddlers are long off to dreamland before the time is up, anyway.

But the Bubzi Co Sleep Soother isn't just a sound machine. It also has a soft nightlight that projects stars and color onto your child's bedroom ceiling and walls, creating a light show that shuts off after 30 minutes. Plus, it has a Velcro strap for easy portability.

Pleased Amazon buyers give the Sleep Soother an average of 4.4 stars, and most comments echo this happy owner: "Best money I've ever spent. My four-month-old LOVES this. Plays with it, hugs it, stares at the lights, and the music puts him to sleep."

The body of the owl is soft plush, perfect for kissing, hugging, and riding along in the stroller or car seat. It's also washable; just remove the battery pack first.

The Sleep Soother runs off three AAA batteries, which are included. A few buyers complained the sound machine ran through batteries too quickly, but most owners felt that wasn't a problem.

Pros: Soft and cuddly, cute owl design, several lullabies to choose from, light show feature

Cons: Only stays on for 30 minutes at a time, older children may find it babyish.

Check out all of our great bedding guides

The best sheets you can buy

You spend nearly a third of your lifespan sleeping on your bed, so why wouldn't you want the best sheets possible? Not only do you want something soft and comfortable, but you also want something that's durable and can hold up to washes. Here are the best bed sheets you can buy:

• Best sheets overall: L.L. Bean 280-thread-count Pima Cotton Percale Sheets 
• Best sateen cotton sheets: Brooklinen Luxe Sheets
• Best linen sheets: MagicLinen
• Best Supima sheets: Casper Cool Supima
• Best sheets with patterns and colors: Crane & Canopy Sheet Sets
• Best flannel sheets: Pinzon Velvet Flannel Sheets
• Best organic cotton sheets: Boll & Branch Signature Soft Hemmed Sheet Set
• Best modal sheets: Pure Beech Modal Sateen Sheets
• Best microfiber sheets: Brooklyn Bedding Microfiber Sheets
• Best budget sheets: Room Essentials Jersey Sheet Set

The best mattresses

A great mattress can be the difference between a good night's sleep that results in a productive day or a horrible night that makes you feel like you didn't sleep at all. We've tested and researched dozens of mattresses to bring you our top picks for the best mattresses you can buy:

• Best mattress overall: Leesa Hybrid Mattress
• Best high-end mattress: Tempur-Pedic PRObreeze Mattress
• Best all-foam mattress: The Casper Mattress
• Best mattress for people with back pain: Saatva Classic Mattress
• Best natural mattress: Birch Mattress by Helix
• Best ultra-firm mattress: Plank Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding

The best pillows

A good pillow means a good night's sleep. We reviewed dozens of pillows to narrow down the choices to the ones you'll love best. Here are our top picks for the best pillows you can buy:

• Best budget pillow: Le'vista Hotel Collection Pillow
• Best down pillow: Royal Hotel Goose Down Pillow
• Best buckwheat hull pillow: Zen Chi Buckwheat Hull Pillow
• Best memory foam pillow: Sleep Innovations Cool Contour Memory Foam Pillow
• Best bolster pillow: Half-Moon Bolster Pillow
• Best gel pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
• Best body pillow: Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Full Body Pillow

The best duvet covers you can buy

Your cozy down-filled duvet needs a stylish cover to keep it clean and add some spice to your bedroom's decor. Here are our favorite duvet covers:

• Best duvet cover overall: Brooklinen Classic Duvet Cover
• Best affordable duvet cover: HC Collection Duvet Cover Set
• Best zip-up duvet cover: Crane & Canopy's Nova Duvet Cover
• Best high-quality duvet cover: Casper Cool Supima
• Best kids duvet cover: Animal-print Reversible Duvet Cover set from Where the Polka Dots Roam

• Running doesn't require a lot of equipment, but a good pair of running shoes is a must-have to prevent injury.
• The Brooks Ghost 11 is the ultimate workhorse of women's running shoes with a lightweight yet cushioned feel, a breathable upper, and the durability to grind out a lot of miles.
• See also: The best running socks you can buy
  

Whether you're just beginning your running journey, or you're an experienced runner looking for a new shoe to try out, finding a quality pair of running shoes is the first step to guaranteeing that your future running endeavors will be enjoyable. It wasn't so long ago that not much thought was given to the difference between male and female runners and their separate needs as athletes. The go-to phrase was, "shrink 'em and pink 'em."

Luckily, athletic companies have moved away from this simplistic — not to mention sexist — standard and have taken into consideration that women's bodies are different than men's, so they need running shoes made specifically for them. With so many women representing the running population, this is a smart move. In 2016, women made up 58% of all the 5k races in the United States and 43% of all marathons.

Women's vs. men's running shoes

So what makes a woman's model of a running shoe different than a man's? First off, women tend to have smaller heels in relation to the forefoot, so the shape of the shoe will be slightly different. A lower body mass results in slightly less foam in the midsole of the shoe and deeper grooves make it easier to flex the midsole when toeing off. Men and women also have different Q-angles, or the angle of incidence between the quad muscle and the kneecap, as women generally have wider hips than men. This can cause pronation to occur, which requires different types of cushioning.

Overpronation vs. underpronation

If you overpronate, your foot tends to roll inward too far as you run, and your body isn't absorbing shock as efficiently. For overpronation, you'll want a more supportive motion-control shoe to help correct your foot motion. If you underpronate, your foot isn't rolling in far enough, making the outside of it take the brunt of the impact after the initial heel strike. If this is the case, you'll want a more neutral-cushioned shoe that will encourage a more natural foot motion. This is one of the most important things to consider when buying running shoes, as overpronation or underpronation can cause serious injury over time if it's not addressed.

Different shoes for different types of running

You'll also want to consider the type of running you'll be doing. Are you planning on doing a lot of road racing? A lightweight shoe will likely be best. Do you tend to do your long runs on trails? Then you may want a shoe designed specifically for trail running. If you're looking for a simple training shoe for casual running, then durability may not be a big concern. However, if you're the type of runner who lives in their running shoes, finding a high mileage shoe will give you the best quality for your money.

It may sound overwhelming, but luckily we've done the research for you and chosen what we think are the best women's running shoes based on a variety of running needs. 

Here are the best women's running shoes:

• Best overall: Brooks Ghost 11
• Best for support: New Balance 860v10
• Best for trail running: Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5
• Best lightweight shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon
• Best for high mileage: Under Armour HOVR Infinite

Updated on 10/22/2019 by Mara Leighton: Updated prices, merchants, and formatting. 

The best running shoes overall

The Brooks Ghost 11 shoes are durable enough for long runs, light enough for speedwork, and are even more responsive than the Ghost 10 thanks to the new sole unit. 

If you're looking for a cushioned neutral running shoe, the Brooks Ghost 11 should be considered for your new go-to. The latest model of the line-up, the Ghost 11 provides both comfort and durability, and can tackle anything from long distances to short and snappy speed work. The Ghost is known for out-of-the-box comfort, which I can personally speak to as an owner of the Ghost 10. You won't have to worry about any break-in period with these. 

The Brooks Ghost 11 keeps much of what worked in the Ghost 10, including the 12mm heel to toe drop for a smooth ride. However, there have also been some significant design changes. Most notable is the new sole unit. While the Ghost 10 featured a thick layer of Brooks' DNA foam, the new design cuts down on the foam and integrates DNA loft foam under the heel.

According to Brooks, this foam is "engineered to be lightweight and ultra-soft without giving out underneath the foot." The rest of the sole keeps the original DNA foam which gives it the cushioned and responsive feel that the Ghost line is known for. 

As with any sole redesign, this does change the initial feel of the shoe. In this case, some reviewers say it gives the shoe a firmer feel. This is great for speedwork but could lead to some discomfort for long distances. Keep in mind, every runner is different and much of this comes down to personal preference.

Most reviewers feel that the new version is just a continued improvement on an already fantastic running shoe. Sueby, a reviewer from brooksrunning.com says, "These are amazing shoes with exceptional cushion. I have several pairs and they just keep getting better."

The sole isn't the only thing that has changed. The upper has also received a full redesign with seamless, engineered mesh. It keeps the airflow going while keeping dirt and debris out, and also gives the shoe a sleeker, more modern look. One tongue loop was kept in the redesign which does help keep the tongue of the shoe from slipping around while you're running. Having run in shoes that don't have this feature, this seems like a small thing until you have to stop and retie your shoes to readjust the tongue. When it comes to running shoes, little things like this can make a big difference.

In keeping what works combined with some innovative design changes, it comes as no surprise that the Ghost 11 has yet again received the Editor's Choice Award from Runner's World. While it is heavier than many of the lightweight running shoes available, weighing in at 9.5 ounces, its design allows it to keep a fast and responsive feel usually found in lightweight models. 

The comfort and increased responsiveness, as well as a consistent price, make it worth upgrading to the Ghost 11. Another benefit? The price for every new Brooks Ghost model has remained the same for the past five years, coming in at $120.

Pros: Well-cushioned while still having a light feel, smooth heel to toe transition, new seamless upper design for added breathability and comfort, new DNA loft foam allows for more responsiveness, versatile design is ideal for both speed work and long distances

Cons: On the heavier side, won't provide enough support for overpronation, some reviewers feel the sole redesign creates a firmer feel that could become uncomfortable on long distances

The best running shoes for support

The New Balance 860 line is specifically designed for those who overpronate, providing a smooth, comfortable ride from heel to toe. 

As a tried and true stability shoe, the New Balance 860 line is solely (pun intended) dedicated to helping those who overpronate, providing the stability needed to help prevent any unnecessary running injuries. 

The newest version keeps the dual-density TruFuse midsole for a soft, yet supportive feel and the 10mm heel drop also remains the same. The upper has received some welcome updates, but the toe box remains roomy. This allows the toes ample room to splay out for push-off, adding to the smooth, natural-feeling ride. 

The upper has received another update from the 860v9, allowing for more breathability and comfort with seamless engineered mesh. It also keeps the shoe looking modern and fresh despite being on its 9th version. Often, stability shoes look bulky, but that isn't the case with the 860v10. The midfoot of the upper now features fewer overlays, which add to that sleek look, and more targeted stitching for even better support. There are currently four different color schemes available, ranging from neutral to flashy so you can easily find a style to match your running wardrobe style. 

These shoes are on the heavier side, but unlike many stability shoes, the 860v10 finds the balance between providing the right amount of support without completely weighing you down. The T-Beam stability shaft that runs under the midsole helps correct overpronation and still allows for a snappy and responsive feel often found in lighter running shoes. The blown rubber outsole is designed to last and does well in both wet and dry conditions so you won't have to put your run on hold just because of a little rain or snow. 

The 860v10 excels at providing a steady and well-supported run. The comfort alone makes this shoe a winner in the support department — especially if you have wide feet. As mentioned above, the toe box is roomy, but there are narrow, wide and extra-wide widths available to accommodate different feet. 

The durability of this shoe makes it ideal for high-mileage, so if you're looking for a pair that can withstand daily training, the 896v10 is well worth considering. Most reviewers have had a great experience with the 860v10. Even those who don't run regularly, or just want added support throughout the day at work or while running errands find themselves turning to this stability shoe.

Pros: Great support for overpronation, cushioning provides a comfortable ride, newly designed mesh upper provides more breathability, T-Beam shaft for additional stability, 10mm drop provides a more natural heel to toe motion

Cons: On the heavier side, not ideal for neutral runners who don't need additional support, some runners found the mesh upper too breathable in cold weather

The best running shoes for trails

The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 shoes are designed to handle rough terrain on the trails with maximum cushioning and rugged soles, but the lightweight feel allows you to transition from the trail to the road anytime you want. 

While some trail shoes tend to be on the heavy side, the Hoka One One (pronounced o-nay o-nay) Challenger ATR 5 shoes manage to provide maximum cushioning while still being lightweight. They're responsive, rugged, and won't weigh you down while you conquer the trails.

The newest version in the Challenger ATR line weighs in at a surprising 7.7 ounces. All you have to do is look at the Challenger ATR 5 shoes to see that they fall into the maximal cushioning running shoe category. While they may not be the prettiest running shoes on the market, all of that cushioning offers less stress and impact to the body. This combined with a rugged outsole make the Challenger ATR 5 the perfect shoe for tackling long trail runs.

If you begin or end your runs on the road, the traction and grip performance of this shoe works just as well on trails and rough mountain terrain as it does on the pavement, and its lightweight feel will provide you with a seamless transition. It should be noted that despite all the cushioning, the Challenger ATR 5 is considered a neutral running shoe, so it won't offer much in terms of support for overpronators. 

The toe box of the Challenger ATR 5 is reinforced with thermoplastic polyurethane to help protect your feet from protruding rocks and roots on the trail. It does have a narrower design, but to remedy this, the Challenger ATR 5 now has a wide width option. This was an issue with previous models for those who have wider feet, so it's nice to see that the company listened and delivered. The sole of the shoe has also received a slight update: The distance between the 4mm lugs has been shifted to allow for an even more comfortable feel on hard surfaces, and stronger grip on technical terrain. 

The upper of the shoe is designed to be durable, and durability is something the entire design of this shoe excels at. Running Shoes Guru gave the latest model high marks, stating that "It performs well on dirt trail, but also works well on rocks, roots, boulders and steep climbs." The tester plans to wear them in an upcoming 50k, and "has no doubt it will be comfortable and perform well." Its rugged durability makes this shoe a favorite for casual trail runners as well as the racing shoe of choice for ultra-marathoners.

Whether you want a more cushioned ride for casual trail runs, or you're a modern-day Wonder Woman tackling your next ultra-marathon, the Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 is definitely worth considering.

Pros: Fantastic cushioning to weight ratio, rugged outsole with 4 mm lugs provides good traction on both trails and roads, toe box offers substantial protection from rocks and roots, wide width is now available

Cons: Not suited for overpronators, some reviewers felt this shoe was on the expensive side

The best lightweight running shoes

The New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon running shoes provide a super lightweight feel without sacrificing cushioned comfort, and they're versatile enough to tackle both short and long runs.

If you're looking for a neutral lightweight running shoe with a cushioned feel, the New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon just might become your go-to shoe. The women's model weighs in at a mere 6.2 ounces, which seems almost impossible with all the foam cushioning involved.

The magic lies in what's known as Fresh Foam Ground Contact. This is the material that makes up the sole unit. It's ultra-light so you won't feel weighed down while running but provides a soft and responsive feel. Combined with a seamless upper unit, the result is a comfortable neutral running shoe that may look simple but certainly doesn't skimp on quality. 

The block of Fresh Foam GC that makes up the sole of the shoe is specifically designed to withstand impact and wear over time. The concave and convex hexagon design isn't just there for aesthetics — the sculpted shapes are specifically placed to provide cushion and stability where it's needed most. From heel to toe there is a 6mm drop, ideal for neutral runners. 

The sole does have quite a bit of exposed foam, with five spots of reinforced rubber lugs for durability. While most running shoes can handle up to 500 miles on the high end, because of the exposed foam, the Beacon is likely to hold up for 250 to 300 miles. However, the rubber lugs are placed under the heel and forefoot — areas that see the most impact.

Testers from roadtrailrun.com were impressed with how well the sole of the shoe held up saying, "New Balance has done some serious work to make a midsole used as an outsole as durable as this."

When it comes to the upper of the Beacon, the thoughtful design continues. While basic, the all knit upper it does its job well, allowing for comfort, breathability, and stretch. The simple 'N' on the sides of the shoe isn't just a logo — it's also highly reflective. If you are running in low light at dusk or dawn, these shoes are great for visibility. 

Being both lightweight and cushioned makes the Beacon a great shoe for both short and long runs. They allow you to pick up the pace, but won't leave your legs and feet feeling fatigued even after running long miles. Amazon reviewer Rachel W. has dubbed these her "new marathon shoe" saying, "they are super light but cushioned enough to run a marathon in!" She, along with many other reviewers, do advise going half a size up to ensure a comfortable fit. 

Since testing, New Balance has also released a new version, the Beacon v2 ($119.99).

Pros: Super lightweight, cushioned feel, comfortable upper, reflective, versatile enough for both short and long runs 

Cons: May not be able to handle as many miles as some running shoes, some reviewers had to size up to find their perfect fit

The best running shoes for high mileage

The Under Armour HOVR Infinite is specifically designed for long runs, with responsive cushioning, a durable outsole, and a built-in chip that will help you track your running progress.

Whether you're training for a marathon, or simply enjoy taking long runs for the mental and physical benefits, the new Under Armour HOVR is a shoe that should be on your radar. Not only has it been designed for long runs in mind, but it's also what's known as "connected foot wear" featuring Under Armour's Record Sensor Technology.

What does this mean? A sensor in the form of a removable chip is embedded in the insole of the shoe to track your speed, distance, stride length, and cadence. This data can be uploaded to the Under Armour Map My Run app post run, so you can view your stats in one place. Unfortunately, the data can only be uploaded to the one app (for now) but it still serves as a nice back up in case your GPS watch dies, or you simply want to geek out and compare stats. 

Even if you could care less about the connectivity aspect, the shoe itself is still worth considering. They clock in at $120, and at this amount, they cost around the same as many running shoes on the market that don't offer the same feature. So, no sweat (and no money wasted) if you choose not to take advantage of this high-tech bonus. 

A neutral running shoe, the HOVR Infinite has just the right amount of cushion to keep your legs feeling fresh even as you pile on the miles, and the responsiveness to keep you up to speed. This is thanks to the high energy return HOVR foam that's used in the entire midsole. The outsole is comprised of blown rubber and carbon rubber for extra durability, a must for shoes that are expected to withstand high mileage runs.

While this does add some extra weight to the shoe, it's not enough to leave you feeling bogged down. This tester from Runner's World says, "I've worn the shoes for 40 miles at the beginning of my marathon training and am impressed by the comfortable cushion on long runs, but also the lightness on the track."

There is a distinct difference between the men's and women's versions of these shoes. Under Armour took the anatomy of the female foot into consideration. The result is a better fit, with a contoured sock liner, and the tongue of the shoe being softer and higher than the men's version. The rest of the engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, and there is a cushioned heel collar for added comfort. 

Between the connectivity feature and the effective, well-thought-out design, it comes as no surprise that the HOVR Infinite was a winner of the 2019 Runner's World "Recommended" Award. Some reviewers did have to size up to find their perfect fit, but most were extremely happy with the comfort and support these shoes offer, and were impressed with the Record Sensor technology. 

Pros: Cushioned comfort, responsive feel, durable outsole, gender-specific design, digitally connected so you can track your running stats

Cons: Some runners needed to size up to find their perfect fit, the connectivity feature is currently only compatible with the MapMyRun app

• Chase Ultimate Rewards points give you many redemption options, including exclusive events just for people with Chase credit cards.
• Experiences include concerts, sporting events, and unique restaurant experiences, such as a recent cooking and dining experience at Michelin-starred restaurant Gwen.
• I attended this event and had an amazing time. I got to cook with celebrity chef Curtis Stone and then enjoy incredible meal.
• Read more personal finance coverage.

If you think of yourself as a foodie, you should know about the exclusive Sapphire events hosted by Chase. I was lucky enough to attend one of these events with celebrity chef Curtis Stone at his Michelin-starred restaurant Gwen in Hollywood. This wasn't just some fancy dinner; it was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you're looking for unique opportunities for fine dining, concerts, or sporting events, Chase points earned from the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve may be the key to unlocking amazing memories. Here's how my first-ever Chase event went, and why these experiences may be a good use of your valuable points.

Keep in mind that we're focusing on the rewards and perks that make these credit cards great options, not things like interest rates and late fees, which will far outweigh the value of any points or miles. It's important to practice financial discipline when using credit cards by paying your balances in full each month, making payments on time, and only spending what you can afford to pay back. 

Read more:The best Chase cards

Chase Sapphire experiences

I've earned hundreds of thousands of points with my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which I upgraded from the Chase Sapphire Preferred. In the past I've only redeemed points for travel — mostly flights — but that's definitely not the only redemption option.

Chase holds events periodically around the country in big markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, among others. A member of the Chase event team shared that their goal is to "make an already interesting life more memorable." They certainly hit the mark with the event at Gwen, which put every attendee elbow to elbow with Curtis Stone, whose name was on the list when I searched for "most famous chefs in the world" on Google.

This experience came with two options. I was lucky enough to enjoy the first option, though a good-sized group came in just for the dinner with the second package.



• Option 1:Cook and dine with Chef Curtis Stone & Teresa Cabansag, $495 (49,500 points)– includes quickfire cooking class with the chefs, multi-course meal with menu discussion and wine pairings, welcome reception and more
• Option 2:Dine out with Chef Curtis Stone & Teresa Cabansag, $350 (35,000 points)– includes multi-course meal with menu discussion and wine pairings, welcome reception and more

An evening at Michelin-starred Gwen LA

Guests were welcomed with free valet parking and a delicious beverage. All food and drink was included for the entire evening with the event reservation. I enjoyed a mezcal chartreuse cocktail as I took in the beautiful setting and hors d'oeuvres.

Since I opted for the first package, we started out with a cooking competition where every attendee had an opportunity to cook a dish just like a Top Chef challenge. All of our dishes included chorizo that was prepared in-house at Gwen's butcher shop.

From there, we went down to the main restaurant, where every guest enjoyed a wine-paired dinner complete with wagyu beef and other delicacies. The entire menu was customized just for us, and it really did feel like an event like no other.

I've eaten well at restaurants around the world, and this one definitely ranked among the top. My sister, a self-proclaimed foodie and food traveler, was jealous that I had an evening with one of her favorite TV chefs. She has a Sapphire Reserve card too, so an event like this may be in her future.

Unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences

"Chase was doing a program where they wanted to give guests great restaurant experiences," shared Stone. "We have the space upstairs that we really never use for events like this… Doing stuff that's out of the ordinary is always fun."

Chase does research on major passion points in the lives of its customers and tries to create unique events around those themes. Lately, those have included speakeasy and cocktail events, chef events like the one I attended, and meet-and-greets at exclusive, small-venue concerts with artists like Lennon Stella.

I'm always hesitant to cash in Chase Ultimate Reward points for anything less than top-dollar values. That usually leads to airfare. But you can't put a price on a dinner with your favorite chef at a restaurant where you may not be able to get a reservation otherwise. You can't put a dollar value on taking your kids to sit on the sidelines for a home game of your favorite team. That's where it's up to you to decide if the event is a good use of your points.

Read more:How to earn, redeem, and maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards points

Picking the right Chase event for you

Different cards unlock different levels of experiences in your Chase account online. All Chase customers can access "Select" level events. Preferred and Reserve tiers become available with higher-level cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred Credit Card (Preferred experiences) as well as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and J.P. Morgan Reserve cards (Reserve experiences).

Now that I've been to a Chase experience, I'm very much open to trying one again in the future. If you have a growing stockpile of Ultimate Rewards points and want to try a once-in-a-lifetime experience, log in to Ultimate Rewards and click on the "Experiences" tab at the top of the page. From there, your dream night out could be just a few clicks away.

Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

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• Flexible space, or flex space, is a term used to describe the flexible use of space in industrial or commercial buildings to boost portfolio flexibility, increase collaboration, and lower occupancy costs, according to the real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).
• A recent study by the real-estate company CBRE found that, as of the second quarter of 2019, the 10 largest flex space operators in the US make up 68% of the nation's 71 million-square-foot flex space market.
• The study found that WeWork is currently the largest flex space with a total of 23.4 million square feet of flexible space.
• The other nine largest contenders, together, total over 24 million square feet of flex office space.
• According to the study's mid-growth scenario, by 2030, flexible office space could make up around 13% of the United States' total office supply. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

While WeWork is again dominating headlines for a leadership shake-up, the coworking giant is notably the largest flex space operator in the US with, as of the second quarter of 2019, a total of 23.4 million square feet of flexible space.

Flex space is a term used to describe the flexible use of space in industrial or commercial buildings to boost portfolio flexibility, increase collaboration, and lower occupancy costs, according to the real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). These spaces often house coworking spaces, executive suites, or incubators.

According to a recent study by the real-estate company CBRE, as of the second quarter of 2019, there is 71 million square feet of flexible office space in the US — a number that has increased by over 600% since 2010.

According to the study's mid-growth scenario, by 2030, flexible office space could make up around 13% of the United States' total office supply. However, currently, it accounts for less than 2% of the nation's total office inventory.

Read more: How WeWork spiraled from a $47 billion valuation to talk of bankruptcy in just 6 weeks

And, while it's no surprise that WeWork has taken the number one spot, according to CBRE, the other nine largest contenders total 24.7 million square feet of flex office space and saw over 3 million square feet of year-over-year growth.

The flex space market is expected to grow.

WeWork's biggest competition in terms of size is Regus, a multinational company that provides office and meeting spaces to clients, which ranked number two with a total of 12.4 million square feet of flex office space in the US. 

Next on the list, over 9 million square feet less than Regus, is Spaces, another multinational coworking company. Currently, Spaces has a total of 3.8 million square feet of flexible office space in the US.

Though Spaces ranked number three, it was the second largest year-over-year growth, adding 1.63 million square feet of space to its US portfolio since the second quarter of 2018.

Each of the next seven contenders have a total square footage that falls under 3 million. They include Knotel, Industrious, Convene, Novel Coworking, Premier Workspaces, MakeOffices, and Carr Workplaces.

According to CBRE, these top 10 contenders make up 68% of the nation's flex space market.

Read the full CBRE study here»

SEE ALSO: White Americans make up a disproportionate number of US homeowners, and it's most extreme in New York City

DON'T MISS: The 10 US cities least likely to see a housing market crash when the next recession happens

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