Quantcast
Channel: Business Insider
Viewing all 116192 articles
Browse latest View live

How to watch live TV on Hulu with a paid subscription, to access more than 60 major channels and record shows

$
0
0

hulu tv logo

  • You can watch live TV on Hulu by paying extra for a Hulu + Live TV subscription, which starts at $44.99 per month and also includes the original service's extensive library of movies and shows.
  • The subscription offers access to more than 60 live TV channels ranging categories like sports, news, kids, and movies, and you can record programming to watch later. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Hulu has an amazing range of shows and movies, but sometimes even the best content library just can't match the magic of live TV. 

Whether you want to watch a sporting event or live newscast in real time, Hulu can be your platform of choice. You're just going to have to pay extra for it.

Check out the products mentioned in this article: 

Hulu + Live TV (From $44.99/month)

How to watch live TV on Hulu

At a base price of $44.99 per month, Hulu + Live TV is comparable to (or cheaper than) most cable TV plans, and it comes with access to that massive content library as well.

Hulu + Live TV comes with access to more than 60 TV channels including broadcast stalwarts like NBC and CBS as well as many cable channels, like Disney, ESPN, CNN, and History.

hulu tv channels

Before you can start watching live TV with Hulu, you may need to sign up for a Hulu account and select Hulu + Live TV in the process (with the option of a one-week free trial). 

If you already have Hulu, navigate to your account by clicking your name in the top right corner of the Hulu home screen. From there, click "MANAGE PLAN" and choose the Hulu + Live TV option that suits you.

Now navigate to the Hulu homepage and click the "LIVE TV" link at the top of the screen.

hulu_live

You will be taken to a screen where you can scroll up and down to see everything that's live, or you can search by category. 

livetvhulu

You can also use the search bar to seek out programs, and you can click on shows in the future and select to record them.

recordhulu

You can record up to 50 hours of content with a standard Hulu + Live TV subscription, or increase your storage to 200 total recorded hours for an added $9.99 per month. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best 4K TVs you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Why it's so hard for planes to land on water


31 clever gifts from Amazon that work for everyone on your list — all under $50

$
0
0

echo dot holiday amazon deal

  • Great news: Affordable gifts can be just as useful as expensive gifts. 
  • Below are 31 presents that anyone will actually be excited to receive. You can get them all on Amazon (come on in, last-minute shoppers) and for less than $50. 

Not everyone on your gifting list this year wants or needs an expensive gift, but you'd probably still like to find them something thoughtful regardless. For that tall order, I've rounded up 31 of the best finds on Amazon below — with all the perks of easy, fast shipping and saved payment information.

These are unique but affordable gifts for the slew of people in your life not waiting for the keys to a new Tesla. They're thoughtful, useful, and may even make life in 2019 easier for your giftee. 

Below are 31 great Amazon gifts that will cost you less than $50:

A vacuum insulated stainless steel water bottle people swear by

Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Bottle, $39.95

These cult-favorite, vacuum insulated stainless steel water bottles work really well. It'll keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours, and cold drinks cold up to twenty-four hours. 



A powerful external battery

Portable 6000 mAh Charger, $32.99

It's not groundbreaking to give someone a portable charger, but they'll find themselves grateful for it more times than they can count. It's perfect for traveling, commuting, and insurance for long days away from home and on the go. We rated this model by Jackery the best portable charger iPhone users can buy. It reportedly charges iPhones twice as fast as the original iPhone charger.



A media streamer that can turn a basic TV into a smart one

Fire TV Stick 4K, Alexa-Enabled Voice Remote, $49.99

The all-new Fire TV Stick has a new Wi-Fi antenna design optimized for 4K Ultra-HD streaming and more storage for apps and games. Essentially, though, it's still your standard media streaming stick, and can convert a basic TV into a smart one that can stream Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and more. It's Alexa-enabled, too, so you can control it by voice — turning the volume up on your sound bar and dimming the lights simultaneously. 



Anthony Bourdain's best-selling culinary and travel memoir

"A Cook's Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines" by Anthony Bourdain, from $7.39

This is Anthony Bourdain's New York Times best-selling chronicle of traveling the world in search the globe's greatest culinary adventures. From California to Cambodia, Bourdain spent much of his adult life searching for the perfect meal.



A durable, inexpensive Fire tablet

Fire 7 Tablet, $49.99

Amazon's Fire tablets are a relatively great deal for a tablet if you're not looking for anything super high-performance driven or luxe. For the average user, they're a good fit. It's Alexa-enabled, so you can ask for quick access to music and entertainment or messages and calling, and it has up to seven hours of battery life. 

You can shop the latest versions for a bit more money here.



A popular reusable shopping bag in a fun print

Baggu Standard Reusable Shopping Bag (3-pack), $36

Baggu bags are popular for a reason — they come in tons of fun prints and can fold down to pretty much nothing even though they can hold 50 pounds of stuff. 



An all-new Echo Dot

3rd Generation Echo Dot, $49.99

The newest Echo Dot is a great gift for expert or amateur tech users. It has thousands of skills, but doesn't require much once it's set up. Alexa can control smart lights, outlets, TVs, and more to make life more seamless, and she can tell you the forecast, find and check recipes, and play music or set alarms and timers. For $60, you can pre-order one with a built-in clock now, too.



One of the year's most noteworthy books

"On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel" by Ocean Vuong, $14.88

Ocean Vuong is an American poet, and "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" is his much-anticipated debut novel. Published in 2019, it's a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read that delves into family history, addiction, violence, trauma, and compassion and tenderness. If they're a bookworm looking for the next bittersweet American classic, you may want to start here.



An electric bottle opener

Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter, $17.99

This slim device cuts foil and uncorks wine bottles seamlessly, then stows easily out of sight. It has to be charged, but it'll open 30 bottles per charge. 



Highly rated in-ear earbuds

Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud Headphones, from $9.64

Whether for everyday use, the gym, as a backup, or just for travel when Bluetooth headphones won't connect to the in-flight entertainment, there are ample uses for really solid in-ear buds with a stereo plug. This pair has an extended cord, three sets of ear pads for the perfect fit, and is "Amazon's Choice" with over 38,000 five-star reviews. 



A candle that pays homage to their favorite place on earth

Homesick Candles, available at Amazon, $29.95

This is a great gift for pretty much anyone. Gift them a candle customized to smell like their beloved hometown, college town, or favorite getaway to show that you know them and want to bring their most loved spots a little closer to home.



A portable and waterproof speaker

JBL Clip Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, $69.95

This wireless Bluetooth speaker is waterproof, durable, and comes with a carabiner attached so it can be clipped for easy carrying. It has 10 hours of playtime and maintains sound quality even at high volumes. 



The cult-favorite clay mask that took over the internet

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Facial & Body Mask, $9.99

The Aztec Clay Mask is one of those cult-favorite products of the internet that's driven from the obscure depths of Amazon to beauty vlogs, Youtube testimonials with over 4 million views, and even the Sephora beauty blog. Right now, it has over 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. 

It's been called "the world's most powerful facial," and it's also under $10. It can be mixed with water, but it works best with a little bit of apple cider vinegar. You can read a full review here.



A cast iron skillet with almost 10,000 five-star reviews

Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, $14.79

This 10.25 cast iron skillet has nearly 10,000 five-star reviews, and Lodge has been making cast iron cookware since 1896, so they've learned a thing or two about what makes a great kitchen tool. 



One of the best-selling fiction books of 2018

"Little fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng, from $14.58

This was one of the most popular fiction books purchased on Amazon in 2018, and it's also one of our favorite books of 2018. That's all to say that it's a safe gift for the bookworm or friend headed out for a January vacation with a long plane ride ahead.



A famous hot sauce made from peppers grown in over 30 community gardens in the Bronx

Small Axe Peppers Variety 3-Pack, $29.99

This all-natural, tangy hot sauce is best known for its part in the popular Youtube series "Hot Ones." It's made from Serrano peppers grown in over 30 community gardens throughout the Bronx.



A cold brew coffee maker

Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker, $18.99 

This cold brew maker is as inexpensive as it is convenient, and it saves me hundreds of dollars per year. It easily fits into most refrigerator doors, is simple to use, and makes a good amount of cold brew at once. If they need more than one quart, there's also a two-quart option under $20. 



A salt plank for cooking

Himalayan Salt Plate and Holder Set, $51.78

A salt block is the multitasking tool more and more kitchens are adopting. They're a stable crystal structure, which means they can hold a temperature very well. It can be chilled to use as a serving platter for sushi, or heated over a grill or stovetop to cook veggies infused with flavor. Himalayan salt is more nuanced than table salt, and the amount of saltiness imparted varies with the type of food (moist foods absorb more salt, fatty foods repel it, etc.). It's also long-lasting and naturally antibacterial. 



A universal USB wall charger that fits four devices

Anker 4-Port USB Wall Charger with Foldable Plug, $25.99

Double the outlet space with this four-port USB wall charger. Its advanced charging capacity also means their tech will charge faster than average.



An Atlas Obscura calendar full of daily photos and tidbits about the world's strangest and coolest places or festivals

Atlas Obscura Page-A-Day 2020 Calendar, $10.23

The Atlas Obscura calendar is a fun, novel way to infuse each day with an anchor of appreciation and wonder for the world. There are hundreds of photos that celebrate the world's strangest and coolest places, festivals, and foods. Travelers and life-long learners are particularly good candidates for this one.



A delicious gift basket of caramel, chocolate, and crunchy gourmet treats

Chocolate, Caramel and Crunch Grand Gift Basket, $37

For less than $40, you can gift gourmet chocolates and caramels already pre-wrapped in a keepsake basket. The set includes seasonal favorites like caramel corn, chocolate pretzels, and peanut brittle. 



A hair turban that will cut drying time in half

Aquis Original Microfiber Hair Turban, from $20

Aquis' cult-favorite hair towels have inspired a slew of rave reviews online, including one from our own team of product reviewers.

The towels are made from a proprietary fabric called Aquitex that's composed of ultra-fine fibers (finer than silk) that work to reduce the amount of friction the hair experiences while in its weakest state. It also prevents hygral fatigue — the stretching and swelling of wet hair that makes it vulnerable to frizz and damage — by cutting the hair's drying time by 50%.



A charging case that protects and charges wireless devices on the go

Mophie Wireless Power Capsule External Battery Charger, $16.96 (originally $39.95)

This compact, travel-friendly case charges wearables like the Fitbit Flex, Beats by Dre, and JBL Wireless Earbuds on the go. The 1,4000 mAh rechargeable battery translates to about 60 hours of audio playback in wireless earbuds. 



A milk frother so they can make their favorite coffee or hot chocolate drinks from home

PowerLix Milk Frother, $13.97

A milk frother is an unexpectedly convenient tool to have around the house, and it can make an otherwise normal cup of coffee or hot chocolate closer to what you'd buy at the cafe. With it, they can make lattes, cappuccinos, and frothy coffees every morning for less.



A soap bar that's a great life hack for tough stains

The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar, $5.38

This may qualify as more of a stocking stuffer due to its miniature size, but it's a great gift in any form. This is another early Insider Picks favorite because it's relatively cheap and works exceptionally well. The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar is one of the only things that can bring white clothes back from the brink of donation piles, as we've attested in our roundup of the best things we bought on Amazon under $25



The best travel pillow we've found

Trtl Travel Pillow, $29.99

We know it sounds gimmicky, but these travel pillows from Trtl really do make a difference, which is why we've voted them the best travel pillows you can buy. It won't make the frequent traveler feel like they're in bed at home, but it will offer a better, more restful sleep on the move.



A hilarious card game

What Do You Meme? Party Game, $29.99

This hilarious popular card game brings together the funniest memes of the Internet with over 350 caption cards for funny combinations. 



Alexa-enabled smart plugs

Wemo Mini Smart WiFi-Enabled Plug, $20.99

These plugs turn your devices into smart tech. They help your giftee control their lights and appliances from a free app on their phone, or by voice using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. 



A highly rated pump with universal wine stoppers to keep open bottles fresh for longer

The Original Vacu Vin Wine Saver with Two Vacuum Stoppers, $11.89

This hyper-popular pump and universal wine stopper set keeps open bottles of wine from prolonged exposure to the air, which is what causes the breakdown of its character and taste. This version makes a "click" sound when the user has managed to create an airtight seal, and has almost 3,000 five-star reviews.



A keychain that finds their keys for them

Tile Pro with Replaceable Battery, $25.40

Never let them lose their keys again. This new Tile keychain pairs with their smartphone so they'll always be able to locate them. Conversely, you can press the Tile button to locate your phone if it's lost, even if it's on silent mode. 



A photo book from one of the most renowned wildlife photographers

"Polar Obsession" by Paul Nicklen, $35.24

Paul Nicklen is an acclaimed Canadian photographer, film-maker, and marine biologist known especially for his work in and deep understanding of the Arctic. He's a frequent contributor to National Geographic and has won the BBC Wildlife Photographer award of the year as well as the prestigious World Press Photo award for photojournalism. 

Nicklen's photos reflect a reverence for creatures in isolated or endangered environments, and "Polar Obsession" is an incredible homage.



33 unique and interesting gifts you didn't know you could find on Amazon

$
0
0

knock knock $13

From laptops and fresh groceries to a pair of socks— or even a car— it seems like you can find pretty much anything on Amazon. The sheer breadth of products is one of the many benefits of shopping with the e-commerce giant, but it can also become one of the frustrations. With so many options to choose from, you can end up spending far too much time scanning the site for what you want, or in a shopping black hole for something you definitely didn't need in the first place. 

In a sea of choices that nearly everyone has access to, you might not think of Amazon as a spot to find truly unique gifts. But if you're willing to do some digging (that's what we're here for), you can find some pretty cool things. Amazon handmade offers locally made and artisan products from small businesses around the country and Amazon has even curated gift lists and ideas catered to different hobbies, styles, and more. 

If you want to get straight to the point, keep scrolling. We skimmed through the site and found lots of unique products that will make great gifts this season.

Most of these items are available with two-day shipping, so don't stress too hard if you're last-minute shopping — just remember that the sooner you order, the better your chances of a timely arrival.

Looking for more gift ideas?Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2019 here.

A crumb collector that'll keep their table tidy

Alessi AC06 Ala Crumb Collector, $28.59

Transform your dining room into a fancy restaurant with this stainless steel crumb collector that will keep their table clean at dinner parties. 



A trio of handmade sweet sauces

Bushwick Kitchen Trees Knees Gingerbread Maple Syrup, $13.99

If they can't bear the thought of a meal without something sweet, upgrade their condiments with this funky-flavored syrup from Bushwick Kitchen. 



Buildable magnets that will keep adults entertained

Speks Magnetic Toy, $27.95

The fidget spinner had its moment, and now it's Speks' turn. This set of over 500 magnets can be mashed, rolled, and molded into different shapes. It's a productivity toy that even adults will love to play with.



A leather wallet and notebook combo

Coal Creek Leather Field Notes Cover, $45

This leather Field Notes cover is completely handmade in the United States. With card slots and a memo book included, it's a great gift for someone who's about to embark on a new adventure, or anyone who loves to travel.

 



A set of modern, geometric coasters

Hexa Drink Coaster Set (set of 6), $22.75

While coasters are a pretty basic household accessory, there are plenty of ways to make them more fun — like this unique set that is made with geometric designs. While the tops are colorful, the sides are a clear acrylic which creates a prism-like effect when sunlight passes through. 



A retro rice cooker

Dash Mini Rice Cooker, $27.26

This little gadget not only cooks rice but can make stew, oatmeal, soup, pasta, veggies and more. The style and colorful enamel coating add a retro look to their kitchen.



A cute and practical phone holder

Dinosaur Silicone Phone Holder, $9.99

This endearing little dino isn't just a piece of decor, it can actually can hold their phone. It comes in over ten colors, so you can find one in their favorite color.



A brownie pan that only makes edge pieces

Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan, $35.95

If they have a major sweet tooth and are always fighting for the end pieces of the brownie, they'll go crazy for this pan where every piece is an end piece. 



A charging stand for all of their devices

elago Charging Hub, $24.99

This gift is a no-brainer for loyal Apple users. Instead of dealing with a tangle of chords from charging all of their products, they can streamline with this singular hub, which has a designated spot for their iPhone, Airpods, and Apple Watch. 



A hydrating face cream that the French swear by

Embryolisse Lait Cream Fluide, $35

French pharmacies are known for their readily-available, high-quality skincare products. Gifting your buddy a ticket to Paris may be out of the budget, but you can still snag them some of these cult-favorite products, like this seriously hydrating face cream.



An adorable eye mask for some beauty sleep

Plush Rabbit Eye Mask, $16.99

Improving their sleep is a gift in itself. This eye mask will help them get some shut-eye, plus the bunny ears and plush fabric make it super cute and cozy.



A little fan to deal with their unpredictable office temperatures

Fred & Friends Little Big USB Fan, $25.99

Office dwellers know how unpredictable temperatures can get. To save them when their office transitions from an icebox to a desert, gift them this little portable fan. It's small, portable, and plugs into any USB for a quick, cold breeze. 



A mini teepee-style tent to pamper their pet

Free Love Dog Bed, $49.90

They love their furry friend more than anything, so get them a gift that shows you know that. This dog bed is one of the cutest we've seen, and we're sure their precious pet will enjoy having their very own fort. 



A punny apron that reminds them of their favorite show

GOT "Dinner is Coming" Apron, $25

If you're looking for the right gift for that special person who loves "Game of Thrones," is always cooking, and has a great sense of humor — we think we've found it. 



A bright and colorful hamper

Pehr Designs Pom Pom Hamper, $65.36

No one wants to see a giant pile of dirty laundry on the floor. Help them conceal their mess with this hamper, which is actually nice to look at and adds a pop of color to their room. 



Relaxing and detoxifying bath salts

Herbivore Botanicals Dead Sea Bath Salts, $18

Everyone deserves some relaxation, which is why these calming bath salts make such a great gift. Inside there's vanilla, ylang ylang essential oil, and Himalayan pink salt crystals, which together help soothe the body. 



A candle that smells just like home

Homesick Scented Candle, $29.95

One of our editors recently asserted that "candles are the most classic gift of all time." We have to agree, and while there are many to choose from, we love the sentimentality and customization Homesick candles offers. They have candles made to smell like each of the 50 states, many cities, and even experiences like watching Friday night football or taking a road trip. No matter where they call home, one of these candles is sure to bring them a rush of nostalgia.  



An insulated pint glass that keeps your brew cool

BruMate HOPSULATOR, $24.99

If they like their beverages ice-cold, they'll appreciate this thoughtful bottle holder. It can hold 12 oz. cans, 16-ounce cans, or be used as a pint glass holding 16 fluid ounces, so it's really a three-in-one gadget. When they need a break from beer, this is perfect for keeping their water bottles chilled too. 



A portable printer that lets them print instantly

Kodak HD Wireless Mobile Instant Photo Printer, $69

Nowadays, most of our photos live on our smartphones and social media apps, but many of us still love getting to look through or hang up printed pictures. This portable printer lets them do this super easily, with no wires so they can print pictures in a snap.



A creative journal that’ll help them get some sleep

"The Nocturnal Journal" by Lee Crutchley, $12.42

A great night's sleep is essential to our well-being, but getting those eight hours in each night can be easier said than done. If you know any night owls who need to catch up on their sleep, this journal will make a great gift. It's full of prompts, illustrations, and questions to put their minds at ease when they're up in the wee hours of the night.



A pack of sticky notes to keep them on track

Knock Knock "To Accomplish" Sticky Notes, $11.93

For the friend who likes to keep it really organized, help them stay on track with this thoughtful set of sticky notes. With categories like "To Ponder," "To Remember," and "To Buy," they can keep track of everything they need to accomplish in the near future. 



The cutest hot chocolate mugs

Ceramic Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Mugs, $27.99

Imagine the warm and fuzzy feeling that you get sipping on a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows. These mugs embody that and all other kinds of cozy feels. 



A phone case for Disney lovers

OtterBox Symmetry Series Disney Classic Case (iPhone 7/ 8 plus), $26.95

There are plenty of Mickey-themed gifts for the Disney lover in your life. We love this phone case because it not only has a cute design but the signature durability of OtterBox, too.



A set of Moscow Mule mugs to add to their bar cart

Moscow Mule Copper Mugs (set of 4), $19.97

Whether they use them to drink the namesake cocktail or not, these copper mugs make drinking any beverage more fun. 



A breakfast station with everything they need to make the most important meal of the day

Nostalgia Breakfast Station, $65.35

If a classic American breakfast sounds like their perfect morning, give them this clever kitchen gadget that can do it all — crunchy toast, crispy fried eggs, and a hot cup of coffee. 



A fruity hand cream that’ll look great on their counter

TonyMoly Peach Hand Cream, $12

This rich hand cream is made with shea butter and peach extract to moisturize seriously dry skin. We love the refreshing, light peach scent and the adorable container, which looks just like a peach. 



A Pikachu backpack for some Pokemon on the go

Pokemon Pikachu Backpack with Puff Pocket, $19.99

This bag is just as great for young kids as it is for the adults whose fondest childhood memories consist of trading Pokemon cards. Who doesn't love Pikachu?



The perfect socks for pizza lovers

Pizza Socks Box (4 pairs), $25.99

From pizza ovens to pizza apparel, there's no shortage of gifts catered to pizza lovers out there. We're partial to these socks for their packaging, which is made to look like an actual pizza in an actual pizza box. 



Simple illustrated prints to hang around the house

Dream Big Printables Botanical Prints (set of 4), $25.99

Finding unique home decor that's also affordable can be a tough feat, but these artistic prints check off all the boxes. The illustrations of plants make a great addition to their kitchen, or even their bedroom if they want to show off their green thumb.



Reusable lunch bags that they’ll actually want to use

Diweiya Reusable Snack Bags, $11.99

Plastic bags are an unnecessary expense when you could just have reusable ones. Their environmentally-conscious and frugal sides will thank you for these sandwich and snack bags, which are dishwasher safe and BPA free. They'll save a ton of money and plastic waste by using these, plus the colorful patterns are much more fun than clear plastic. 



A travel pillow that actually works

Trtl Travel Pillow, $29.99

We've sung the praises of the Trtl Pillow before — it's an essential for any traveler. The cozy and supportive neck pillow is a great gift for any frequent travelers or anyone who's about to head out on a trip. 

 



A cutting board of their favorite place

Totally Bamboo State Cutting Board, $30

Entertainers and those with state pride will love this cutting board. You can find a board shaped like any of the 50 states or Puerto Rico, each laser engraved with important landmarks, cities, and sights. It's a fun, personal gift that they're sure to love. 



An aptly-labeled canvas pouch

The Cotton & Canvas Co. Pencil Graphic Case, $9.99

Give all the loose pens and pencils in their bag a home with this canvas pouch. It's small, lightweight, and boasts a useful graphic, so they'll never have to second-guess what's inside. 



How to send an invoice on eBay to remind your customers to pay you

$
0
0

FILE PHOTO: An eBay sign is seen at an office building in San Jose, California May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Beck Diefenbach/File Photo

More often than not, eBay sellers and buyers both enjoy a smooth sales process. Once a customer has won an eBay auction (or jumped on the higher "Buy It Now" price), they tend to quickly pay for the item, and most sellers ship it out just as fast.

Sometimes, though, getting paid for your eBay sale can be more involved. As the company doesn't require automatic or immediate payment at the time of purchase, it's on the buyer to take the step of actually issuing payment. 

If a buyer doesn't send their payment within two days after they secure the purchase, sending an eBay invoice is a gentle way to remind the person to pay up.

Here's how to send an eBay invoice.

How to send an invoice on eBay

1. Go to eBay's homepage log in, and then hover over the "My eBay" link at the top right and select "Selling" from the dropdown menu.

selling

2. Hover over the "Orders" link under "Seller Hub" and then select "Awaiting payment."

Screen Shot 2019 11 11 at 8.37.40 AM

3. Click the words "Send Invoice" on the order in question.

4. On the next page, check that the shipping fee is correct, as well as the preferred shipping method, and add a note to the buyer if you wish, and then hit the "Send Invoice" button at the bottom of the screen.

send invoice ebay

And now, you wait for a response — ideally with an attached payment. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: 17 cool things Business Insider readers are buying on Amazon right now — some of which really surprised us

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch Elon Musk unveil his latest plan for conquering Mars

How to log out of a Gmail account on your iPhone by removing the Google account from your device

$
0
0

gmail on iphone

The standard Google account is tied to all sorts of data, much of which is potentially sensitive in nature. 

Google stores data in your Drive folders, Google Docs and Sheets, Google Calendar, and of course to the emails sent and received via your Gmail address.

If you use Gmail or other Google platforms on your iPhone, it's a good idea to make sure you are logged out of Google before you ever give that iPhone to anyone else. 

And the best way to be sure you are logged out of Gmail on your iPhone is to remove your Google account from the phone entirely.

Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to log out of Gmail on your iPhone

1. Open the Gmail app or the app for a similar Google product, like Google Docs or Drive.

2. Tap on your icon (your picture) at the top right corner of the screen (or in Docs, tap the three lines at the top left, then tap your image).

gmail1

3. Tap "Manage accounts on this device."

gmail2

4. Tap "Remove from this device."

gmail111

Removing your account from a Google app like Google Drive will also remove your account from Gmail. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Apple just released iOS 13.2 with 60 new emoji and emoji variations. Here's how everyday people submit their own emoji.

My favorite iPhone case just got a major update for the iPhone 11 lineup — here's why it's the only case I'll use

$
0
0

 

Scooch Wingman iPhone 11 Pro Max case

  • I recently upgraded to the iPhone 11 Pro Max, and after trying nearly a dozen cases, the Scooch Wingman remains my favorite.
  • The Scooch Wingman case has a built-in grip, kickstand, and car mount. I loved using it on my iPhone XS Max, but after trying the upgraded design with wireless charger compatibility, it's the only case I'll ever use.
  • The Scooch Wingman is available for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max for $39.99, which makes it far cheaper than buying a case, grip, and car mount separately.

I've always picked one phone case and used it for the life of my device, but being a product reviewer has given me the opportunity to try more iPhone cases than I know what to do with. Still, there's one case that I always return to: the Scooch Wingman.

After reviewing the iPhone XS Max version in January 2019, it quickly became my go-to iPhone case. I like it so much that I even got one for the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus I reviewed earlier this year, too. 

Recently, I upgraded to the new iPhone 11 Pro Max and quickly opted for the Scooch Wingman case with an updated design. I ultimately confirmed it to be the best overall iPhone case for me — and probably for you, as well.

The Scooch Wingman features a built-in wing that acts as a grip, a kickstand, and a car mount. And now it's new design makes wireless charging possible. Not only does it have many great features, but at $40, it's a lot cheaper than buying a bunch of accessories like a case, PopSocket, and dash mount.

Keep reading to learn why the Scooch Wingman is the only case I'll use on my phone:

Scooch Wingman

It works as a phone grip

When I upgraded to the iPhone XS Max last year, it was the first time I'd owned a large phone. Over the last year, I've grown accustomed to the larger screen, and now I can't see myself ever going back to a small phone. However, one thing I haven't gotten used to is comfortably holding the phone with one hand. You really need to have some big hands to feel like you have a secure grip — that is unless you have the Scooch Wingman case.

Simply push down on the middle of the wing and it sticks out, giving you extra grip when you need it most. While the grip is great for taking casual selfies, I've also used it to take pictures from the top of the Vessel at Hudson Yards in New York City and to record videos while on the edge of a Hornblower ship in Niagara Falls — two places you absolutely do not want to fumble and drop your phone — and it was the Scooch Wingman case that gave me the confidence to do so. 

Scooch Wingman iPhone 11 Pro case

The kickstand allows me to watch videos hands-free

Just about every smartphone user today streams videos via their device. I personally have Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video on my phone, so you could say I hold thousands of movies and TV shows in the palm of my hand...but I'd rather not actually hold my phone to watch. Instead of spending countless hours holding my phone in front of my face or constantly trying to find something to prop it up, the Wingman allows me to set the phone down and watch comfortably.

The kickstand also works vertically, so it's good for FaceTiming or taking hands-free front-facing pictures with a timer.

Scooch Wingman 11 Pro case

The case doubles as a car mount for safer driving

I'm all for things that make people safer drivers, namely dash mounts, but the Scooch Wingman case has essentially rendered them useless for me. Since owning my first Scooch case, I've tried a handful of dash mounts all with different designs and features, but each time I installed one, I quickly removed it in favor of the more simple Scooch.

I'm a huge stickler for aesthetics when it comes to my car, so I would much rather use a mount that can be easily removed rather than having an eyesore suction-cupped to my windshield or glued to my dashboard. I love that Scooch Wingman can be removed in an instant, bringing the interior of the car back to its original glory. 

Scooch Wingman case

The new design supports wireless charging

When I reviewed the Scooch Wingman case for the XS Max, I called out its incompatibility with wireless chargers as the only shortcoming. Every day for nearly a year, I would take the case off to use the wireless charger at my desk, but now with the new design for the 11 Pro Max, I don't have to. The wing itself blocked the phone's wireless charging zone in my old model, so Scooch updated the design to feature a removable wing. 

Scooch back

Once the wing is taken off, it'll work flawlessly with any Qi wireless charger. It only takes a second or two to remove the wing, which is hardly an inconvenience. This is a huge improvement in design. 

Scooch charging

The bottom line

With the launch of the new line of iPhones, I've tried nearly a dozen different cases, but the Scooch Wingman is the one I prefer. It kept my last phone in excellent condition, and I trust it will keep my 11 Pro Max looking like new. Admittingly, a good screen protector also plays a big part in preserving phones.

When I first reviewed the Scooch Wingman for the XS Max, I called it an amazing value at $45 considering it's a case, a grip, a kickstand, and a car mount, and now the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max versions are an even better value. With each version priced at $39.99, you'll get all of the same usability, plus the convenience of wireless charging. 

Buy the Scooch Wingman case, $39.99 on Amazon: iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone 11 Pro Max

Join the conversation about this story »

How to gift games on Steam to anyone in your Friends List, and add a personalized message to your gift

$
0
0

Steam Valve games

  • You can gift games on Steam to the people on your Steam Friends List in a few steps. 
  • This is done by purchasing a game and designating the game as a gift, which will send a copy to your friend's Steam Inventory page. 
  • When gifting games, you don't have to worry about entering codes or clicking links — the game will be transferred automatically.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Steam, the popular digital gaming service, has an easy and convenient way to send games as gifts to your friends, as well as customizing that gift by attaching a personalized message to it.

You can gift a game to send that game directly into their Steam inventory, without the need for sending digital codes. All you need is a Steam account of your own.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Steam Gift Card (From $20 at Best Buy)

Lenovo IdeaPad (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

MacBook Pro (From $1,299.99 at Best Buy)

How to gift games on Steam

1. Open the Steam store, preferably using the Steam application on your PC or Mac, and find the game you want to gift.

2. Add the game to your cart — click the green "Add to cart" button next to the game's title and price — to go into the purchasing options. 

3. Select "Purchase as a gift." If you already own the game, then purchasing it as a gift will be the only option.

Screenshot_1

4.Pick the friend you want to gift it to from your Friends List. You can also select "Schedule delivery" to have the game sent to them on a set time or date — so you can purchase birthday presents in advance, for example.

Screenshot_2

5. Steam will suggest writing a note to attach to the present to personalize it. This will be their name, a 160 character message, and a "sentiment" you can pick from drop-down menu — these are sign-offs like "Best Wishes."

Screenshot_3

6. Pay for the game as if you were buying it for yourself.

7. You'll be emailed a receipt, and the gift will be sent to the friend's account. To receive it, they'll have to go to their Inventory, which can be found by scrolling over your username at the top of the screen and selecting "Inventory" in the drop-down menu.

8. You can click "Games" in the menu bar at the top of the screen, and select "Manage gifts and guest passes" to check when the other person has received and accepted their gift.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best gaming mice you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: People are still debating the pink or grey sneaker, 2 years after it went viral. Here's the real color explained.

How to stop Steam from opening on startup on Mac or PC, so your computer starts up faster

$
0
0

Steam application icon

  • To stop Steam from opening at startup, you'll need to remove it from your computer's startup applications list.
  • When you install it, Steam is set as a default application, meaning it will open whenever you log into your computer.
  • The method to stop Steam from opening on startup differs slightly between Windows 10 and macOS, but you can also do it through the Steam application on any OS.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

You have a Steam account to play your favorite computer games, but the truth is you don't play games that much. Or, at the very least, not on a specific computer. 

So when Steam is constantly in your face whenever you turn on your computer, slowing down your startup times, it might be the first item on your chopping block. 

Fortunately, you don't have to uninstall Steam— you can instead stop it from opening on startup, so it only launches when you want to use it.

You can disable Steam from opening at startup in several ways, including through the application itself, or through your operating system.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Steam Gift Card (From $20 at Best Buy)

MacBook Pro (From $1,299.99 at Best Buy)

Lenovo IdeaPad 130 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

How to stop Steam from opening at startup 

Through Steam itself

1. Click "Steam" in the top-left corner of the screen, and select "Settings" if you're on PC, or "Preferences" if you're on a Mac.

2. In the menu that opens, select "Interface" in the left sidebar.

3. Uncheck the box next to "Run Steam when my computer starts."

Screen Shot 2019 11 11 at 12.08.48 PM

In Windows 10

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, or click the logo at the bottom left of your screen, and search for "Startup applications."

2. Click "Startup" in the search results. It should be the first option.

3. Find "Steam Client Bootstrapper" in the list of applications. If it's switched "On," click the switch to toggle it off.

Screenshot_1

Alternatively, you can also disable applications from launching at startup through your Task Manager. This method also works in Windows 8.

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete. In the menu that appears, select "Open Task Manager." You can also search for Task Manager in the Windows menu, or right-click the Windows logo and select "Task Manager" from the right-click menu.

2. At the top of Task Manager, click the "Startup" tab.

3. Find Steam in the list of startup programs and right-click it, and then select "Disable."

On a Mac

1. Click the Apple logo icon at the top-left of your screen.

2. Select "System Preferences..."

3. Select "Users and Groups."

4. Click the lock at the bottom-left of the menu and enter your password to make changes, and then select "Login Items" at the top of the menu.

Screen Shot 2019 11 11 at 12.13.52 PM

5. Click on Steam in this menu to highlight it, then click on the "-" symbol at the bottom of the menu to remove it from startup.

Screen Shot 2019 11 11 at 12.11.27 PM

Alternatively, if the Steam application icon is in the dock at the bottom of your screen:

1. Right-click on the icon.

2. In the right-click menu, hover your mouse over "Options."

3. If "Open at Login" has a checkmark next to it, click it to toggle that off.

Regardless of what operating system you've done this for, Steam will now only open when you choose to open it — whenever that may be.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best gaming mice you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 8 weird robots NASA wants to send to space


How to get a free week of Disney Plus, Disney's new ad-free streaming service

$
0
0

Disney plus (covers) 4x3

The new Disney-centric streaming service, Disney Plus, is set to launch on November 12, 2019.

If you're a fan of everything Disney — meaning Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox — you're probably thinking of signing up for the monthly or yearly subscription on the Disney Plus website the moment you can.

But if you're just a casual Disney fan or you're not sure whether you'll like this new service, you don't have to commit to a subscription ($6.99/month or $69.99/year) quite yet.  

How to try Disney Plus for free 

Disney Plus offers a free seven-day trial. This will give you the chance to browse and watch all of the movies and shows on the service. The free trial is only available to new subscribers. 

In addition to classic features such as the Disney and Pixar movies you grew up watching and new, recently released movies such as "Captain Marvel" and "Lion King," Disney Plus has all-new, exclusive original programming. We recommend using the trial as an opportunity to see whether these original movies and shows are worth the monthly cost. 

Disney Plus extras to consider

Once Disney Plus officially launches on November 12, there will also be a bundled package option. For $12.99 a month, you can get Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN+. Signing up for all three of the services individually would cost $18. 

Read everything else you should know about Disney Plus:

  1. Disney Plus: Everything you need to know about Disney's ad-free streaming service launching on November 12
  2. All the new movies you can watch on Disney Plus — from the live-action 'Lady and the Tramp' to holiday comedy 'Noelle'
  3. Every single Star Wars movie will be available on Disney Plus — here's how to watch
  4. All the Marvel movies and shows you can stream on Disney Plus — from 'Iron Man' to the new 'Loki'
  5. All the Pixar films and shorts you can stream on Disney Plus — from 'Toy Story' to 'Inside Out'
  6. All the kids' movies you can stream on Disney Plus — from 'Snow White' to 'Frozen'

SEE ALSO: 30 fun gifts that grown-up Disney and Mickey Mouse fans will love

Join the conversation about this story »

How to update your Steam games manually or automatically, or update to a beta version of a game

$
0
0

Steam valve logo website

Steam will default to updating games automatically as content is released for them. If you live with capped internet, or if Steam is running slowly, you may have disabled automatic updates. 

Or you may want to update into a beta release of a game, which Steam will not do by default.

Here's how you change your update settings, or update your games into beta versions.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Steam Gift Card (From $20 at Best Buy)

MacBook Pro (From $1,299.99 at Best Buy)

Lenovo IdeaPad 130 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

How to update Steam games

1. Open the Steam application your PC or Mac and click "Library" at the top of the window.

2. Right-click the game in your library that you want to change the update settings of, and select "Properties" from the drop-down menu.

Screenshot_1

3. Select the "Updates" tab.

4. If you want the game to update automatically when an update is released, select "Always keep this game up to date" from the automatic updates menu. If you want to choose when the game is updated, choose "Only update this game when I launch it."

Screenshot_2

5. If the update you want to install is an alpha or a beta, and not the current public release, then open the Betas tab (if one is available for this game).

6. Open the drop-down menu and select the alpha or beta version you'd like to opt into. You may need to enter a code.

Screenshot_3

7. Steam will begin updating your game to the latest version you've selected.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best gaming mice you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Apple just released iOS 13.2 with 60 new emoji and emoji variations. Here's how everyday people submit their own emoji.

Black Friday is on November 29, 2019 — here's everything you need to know leading up to the biggest sales holiday of the year, including early deals

$
0
0

Best Black Friday Deals 4x3

  • Black Friday falls on November 29, 2019.
  • The sales holiday often features some of the biggest online deals of the year on tech, home goods, clothing, and more, like $15 off the rarely discounted Apple AirPods and $45 off the Kindle Paperwhite. Participating retailers include both big brands and small startups. 
  • Bookmark this page to stay updated on all the latest news about Black Friday's 2019 deals. 
  • To potentially save more on Black Friday deals this year, visit Business Insider Coupons to find the most up-to-date coupons and promo codes.

Now that Halloween is over, it's full steam ahead into the holiday season. This month, the big shopping event on everyone's mind is Black Friday. Below, learn everything you need to know about Black Friday, including where to shop, what to buy, and what deals you can already start taking advantage of. 

Best early Black Friday deals of 2019:

These deals are already live. 

What is Black Friday? 

Black Friday is an annual sales event that traditionally happens at the end of November and marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. It's one of the biggest shopping holidays of the year — sales are so high that the day can push a retailer into "the black," or solvency

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, it falls on November 29. 

Stay updated on the start and end times of all the best Black Friday sales here.

Where can you shop Black Friday sales? 

You can find Black Friday sales both in stores and online, in every category you can imagine: tech, home and kitchen, clothing, beauty, pets, appliances, and more. 

The biggest retailers offering Black Friday sales include Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Kohl's, Amazon, Nordstrom, and Macy's

We'll be rounding up the best deals from your favorite retailers here:

  1. Walmart Black Friday deals
  2. Target Black Friday deals
  3. Best Buy Black Friday deals
  4. Kohl's Black Friday deals
  5. Amazon Black Friday deals
  6. Nordstrom Black Friday deals
  7. The Home Depot Black Friday deals

What should you buy on Black Friday? 

Since it falls a few weeks before December holidays, Black Friday provides excellent opportunities to buy — and save on all your holiday gifts— before the last-minute rush. 

We recommend focusing on the following categories if you want the best deals: 

  • TVs
  • Smart home devices
  • Gaming consoles
  • Video games
  • Kitchen appliances

Is Black Friday or Cyber Monday better?

It depends. We learned some rules of thumb in the classic Black Friday versus Cyber Monday debate and learned that it's better to shop on Black Friday in these situations:

  • For expensive products
  • For major stores
  • For this year's products
  • If you plan to shop in stores 

We'll be searching through all the sales across the internet to find you only the best of the best Black Friday 2019 deals.

Our favorite online retailers on Black Friday will include Amazon, Target, and Best Buy. Retail startups such as Leesa and Brooklinen also offer really competitive deals. For some startups, Black Friday will be the only time of the year when their products are discounted, so we recommend shopping at these smaller brands as well. 

Visit our Black Friday 2019 hub for up-to-date information on deals and store openings this year. 

Bookmark this page to stay updated on all the latest news on Black Friday 2019 deals. 

Here's everything else you should know about Black Friday: 

These are the best early and anticipated Black Friday deals we already know about:

1. Eufy Robovac 30C

Available at Amazon 11/11 only: Eufy Robovac 30C, $189 (originally $300) [You save $111]



2. Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Digital Camera

Available at Amazon now: Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Digital Camera, $398 (originally $598) [You save $200]



3. KitchenAid Double Wall Oven + $200 Best Buy gift card

Available at Best Buy now through December 5: Free $200 Best Buy Gift Card with purchase of KitchenAid 30" Built-In Double Electric Convection Wall Oven, $2,700 (originally $3,240) [You save $540]



4. Apple AirPods

Available at Walmart now: Apple AirPods with Charging Case, $144 (originally $159) [You save $15] 



5. TCL Roku Smart 4K TV

Available at Target now: TCL 65" Roku Smart 4K UHD HDR TV, $450 (originally $750) [You save $300] 



6. 23andMe DNA Test - Health + Ancestry

Available at Amazon now: 23andMe DNA Test - Health + Ancestry, $99 (originally $199) [You save $100] 



7. Shark Ion Robot Vacuum

Available at Walmart now: Shark Ion Robot Vacuum Cleaning System, $269 (originally $449) [You save $180] 



8. Unlocked iPhones

Available at Best Buy now through December 28: Buy an unlocked iPhone XRiPhone XSiPhone XS MaxiPhone 11iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max and get three free months of Apple Music (new subscribers only) and one free month of iCloud storage (new subscribers only).



9. Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1

Available at Target through 11/11: Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker, $65 (originally $100) [You save $35] 



How to resize an image on your iPhone in 2 different ways

$
0
0

iphone camera

  • You can resize an image on your iPhone in the Photos app, or by using a third-party app for more editing options. 
  • The Photos app only allows you to resize an image to a few preset dimensions, whereas Image Size lets you resize a picture with custom dimensions. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Your iPhone's camera is a powerful tool with great resolution, multiple photo formats, and even built-in editing tools. 

You can use your Photos app to brighten or darken the image, change color saturation, crop the picture, and more. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to resize an image on an iPhone in Photos

It's also possible to resize an image in the Photos app, with a variety of common dimensions available through the "Edit" feature to ensure the printed image fits a standard picture frame.

IMG_6335

While all of these iPhone image editing tools are decent, what none of them can do is resize the image in a carefully customized way — nor can they be used to control image resolution. 

To ensure a given picture is of high enough resolution, you'll need a third-party photo editing app.

How to resize an image on an iPhone using Image Size

Image Size is one of the best iPhone photo-resizing apps, and as long as you're willing to view the occasional ad, it's totally free.

Once you launch the Image Size app and grant it access to your photos, using it is easy. 

Tap the icon of a photo at the top left of the app screen (it looks like a mountain inside a box) and select the photo you want to resize from your Photos library.

Now select the measurement format you wish to work with (from pixels to millimeters to inches) and enter the size you want the image to be, noting the maximum allowed.

IMG_6333

As you enter the new size values, you'll see the new size of the image displayed at the bottom of the screen. 

Once you are happy with your picture's shape and file size (and you have made any other edits within the app), tap the arrow facing down to a line at the bottom of the app to save the resized image back to your Camera Roll.

Read more coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Why it's so hard for planes to land on water

I tried a customized multivitamin subscription that took into consideration my DNA and lifestyle — here's how it works and how I felt after taking it

$
0
0

 

Rootine

  • I like Rootine because the company makes vitamins based on your lifestyle and a test of your DNA, they're delivered to your house once a month, and the microbead design allows for optimal delivery of nutrients.
  • Though it's quite expensive (currently $60 for a 30-day supply), Rootine avoids overloading you with megadoses of vitamins and minerals that could be harmful to you.
  • Before taking supplements, it's always a good idea to check with your healthcare professional first to determine if the supplement is right for you.

I've tried dozens of multivitamins over the years: everything from the cheap generic grocery store brands to expensive options designed to aid in achieving specific health goals. For the most part, I haven't noticed much of a difference when taking the vitamins, though I feel sluggish when I don't take any multivitamin.

However, when I recently tried Rootine vitamins, it was a bit different. I felt a little sharper mentally and physically. And in the month I tried Rootine, my health was excellent. I didn't experience any noticeable sickness or illness. Whether or not these observations can be attributed to the vitamin, I can't say. But based on my experience, Rootine is a unique multivitamin worth checking out. 

Before we explore my experiences with this multivitamin, I need to provide a few disclaimers: First, this review is based on my opinion — this is not a scientific review of the vitamin. Our health editor has looked at the research, and there is a lack of evidence affirming Rootine's claims that a DNA test can provide a beneficial multivitamin. 

Additionally, before taking supplements, it's always a good idea to check with your healthcare professional first to determine if the supplement is right for you. And lastly, be careful to keep these vitamins out of reach of children. 

How Rootine works

Rootine is different from other multivitamins because the company creates a custom multivitamin based on your lifestyle, health history, and a DNA test. 

To get my custom-made vitamin pack, I first answered an 18-question lifestyle quiz. This includes questions like:

  • "Do you follow any specific diet?"
  • "Do you smoke cigarettes?"
  • "How tall and heavy are you?"

The quiz takes about 10 minutes. You then enter your contact information so Rootine can send you a DNA test kit. If you already have DNA test results from 23andMe, Ancestry, or similar services, you can simply upload your genetic data, and Rootine will analyze it. This is much faster (one or two days) than doing a DNA test from scratch. You can also upload blood panel results from a health care professional to provide even more data to help Rootine craft a custom multivitamin.

I chose to submit my DNA via Rootine's kit. With the kit, you swab out your mouth first thing in the morning. You then send it back to them in the postage-paid box. Collecting the DNA samples takes about 15 minutes.

Six weeks after I mailed the DNA test back, I received my first month of vitamins. 

What you get with a Rootine subscription

Rootine is a subscription service. So after the initial quiz and DNA test, you receive 30 packs of vitamins each month for $60 per month. Each pack is filled with microbeads that you're supposed to take with a meal each morning. 

Printed on the box containing my packs were the supplement facts and ingredients. Though the numbers will vary based on your personal profile, my packs each had at least 100% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate, iron, zinc, and selenium. There were also significant amounts of fiber (5g), calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, alpha-lipoic acid, CoQ10, MSM, and phytosterol. 

When you access your Rootine account, you can see why your multivitamin contains the nutrients it does. For example, my vitamin has 506 mg calcium, which is higher than most because Rootine determined my lifestyle and genes warranted an elevated dose. My profile also shows me what the vitamins are intended for. For instance, as the most abundant mineral in the body, calcium is needed for strong, healthy, bones.

What makes Rootine multivitamins stand out

Rootine was co-founded by Dr. Daniel Wallerstorfer, who is a leading genetic scientist and has more than a decade of experience building genetics and nutrient labs. 

Rootine VitaminsI had the opportunity to ask him about Rootine over email, and he gave me a long list of examples for why taking DNA, lifestyle, and blood nutrient levels into consideration is important when choosing a multivitamin. We don't have room to cover all of them in this review, and there's an easy-to-understand explanation here, but here are a few ways a custom-made vitamin could be advantageous for you, according to Dr. Wallerstorfer:

I liked that there were no megadoses of any of the vitamins or minerals. At the most extreme, my vitamin C dose was 182% the RDA. Though there is no specific definition of "megadose," it's usually used to describe taking many times the recommended amount.

Cons to consider

You need to follow the directions for how to ingest the microbeads. I figured I'd just toss them in a bottle of water and drink them. This was a mistake. I had trouble getting the beads down my gullet. They would stick to the water bottle and the crevasses between my teeth. You need to put them in a thicker substance that doesn't need chewing. A thick smoothie might work okay (add after blending) or you might sprinkle it on top of yogurt. My favorite method for swallowing the beads was to pour a little at a time directly onto my tongue — this takes some practice — and take a swig of water.  

I found the microbeads annoying, but they may be a nice option if you have trouble swallowing large multivitamins. Also, Rootine co-founder Rachel Sanders told me the design "ensures the best quality product and optimal delivery for vitamins and minerals." She added, "The innovative slow-release microbeads deliver a customized dosage of vitamins into your bloodstream throughout the day, which is aligned with how the human body would absorb nutrients from food."

The DNA test was a little bit of a pain. You're supposed to swab out your mouth first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything. I need espresso to exist and down shots almost before I even open my eyes. It took some real trickery to derail my normal routine to do the DNA test. 

Once I sent the test back, it seemed like there was a huge window — six weeks — before I finally got my vitamins. Fortunately, they told me this would be the case ahead of time and sent updates throughout the process. Plus, you only have to do the test once before the vitamins arrive like clockwork. You might also consider skipping the DNA test altogether since the efficacy of it is questionable.

The bottom line

After the long customization process and once I got the hang of the microbeads, I found Rootine to be an outstanding multivitamin that, based on my opinion, kept my health on track even when my eating was less than exemplary. But is it worth the $2 a day price tag? 

Most multivitamins take a one-size-fits-all approach, which is great if you've done your research and can determine that the supplement has exactly what you need. If you are in the dark and want to get the vitamins and minerals you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it might be worth spending the money to get a supplement designed for you. Also, if you find that you take a cocktail of supplements in the morning, it might be worth it to consolidate into one catch-all pack.

What are your alternatives?

If after reading all of the above you decide Rootine is not for you, you might consider some of the options in our guides to the best women's multivitamins and men's multivitamins

However, if you can afford it, I strongly recommend trying Rootine. You can't beat a multivitamin that attempts to take your lifestyle and genetics into consideration to keep you healthier. 

Pros: Customized multivitamins, microbeads may be easier for users to swallow than the usual large pills, vegetarian/vegan, no megadosing

Cons: Expensive, long lead-up time if doing the DNA test, swallowing the microbeads takes some practice

 

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 9 items to avoid buying at Costco

Michaels is having a big Christmas tree sale — save up to 60% on all artificial trees

$
0
0

michaelstree

  • Michaels is currently running its annual "Tremendous Tree Event," where Christmas trees are on sale for up to 60% off. Many bestsellers that are typically well over $100, are now below $40.
  • You'll also get free shipping on any tree that costs $49 or more.
  • Michaels makes the tree-shopping process easy. You can search by size, shape, lights, color, and price.

 

'Tis the season for holiday sales— and not just the ones on Christmas gifts. Right now, Michaels is running its annual "Tremendous Tree Event," which means you can save up to 60% on faux Christmas trees. The brand is also having a sale on festive decor, most of which is currently 50% off. 

As part of the sale, many bestselling Christmas trees that are normally over $100 are now under $40. Plus, trees that are $49 and up will ship for free, making this sale especially timely for anyone who wants to avoid a trip to the store or tree farm.

You can shop by tree size, shape, lights, color, and price. And since most Michaels trees are backed by limited warranties, you won't have to worry about replacing your tree any time soon.

Shop Michaels Christmas tree sale

See more useful Christmas gift and decor guides:

Join the conversation about this story »

22 clever gift ideas for your boyfriend — all available on Amazon

$
0
0

Portable Charger Jackery Bolt

  • Finding a great gift for your boyfriend isn't always easy, especially not if it's a new relationship.
  • If you'd appreciate a shopping list of solid, tried-and-true gifts that don't require you to leave Amazon, you can find one from the 20+ options below.
  • Still looking? Check out all our holiday 2019 gift guides here.

The holidays are both great and terrible. The former, because they're an opportunity to make the lives of your loved ones a little better, and the latter, because that knowledge can put pressure on you during an already hectic time of the year.

To make it easier, I've cherrypicked a few of our favorite tried-and-true gifts from Amazon that would work for most boyfriends, no matter how long (or short) you've been together. Check out 20+ options available on Amazon below, and if you still need some ideas, you can find all of our holiday gift guides right here

Below are 22 gifts for your boyfriend that you can find on Amazon:

A water bottle that keeps his drinks hot for up to 12 hours straight

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle, $44.95 (prices vary based on size)

Hydro Flask has become a cult favorite thanks to water bottles that keep cold drinks cold up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. 



The best travel wallet you can buy

Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet, $119

Bellroy is one of our favorite brands for men's wallets and they make the best men's travel wallet you can buy. It's designed around the size of a passport, and it holds everything in designated sections: travel documents, money, cards, passport, and a pen just in case. An RFID blocking material protects cards and passports from being skimmed. 



Really nice new sheets from a popular online startup

Brooklinen Luxe 7-Piece Sheet Set, Queen, $243

We recommend Brooklinen often, and for good reason. We think they make the best high-end sheets at the best price, and most of the Insider Picks team sleeps with Brooklinen on their own beds. Pick up the Luxe Sateen Set in a classic color and prepare for tougher mornings getting out of bed. 



A leather dopp kit that will age gracefully

Leatherology Multi Pocket Toiletry Bag, $150

Leatherology is a startup we recommend for its affordable high-end leather goods, and you can shop it directly from Amazon now. This particular leather toiletry bag comes in a handful of classic colors and has compartments for pretty much everything. It's the sort of gift that they'll wind up using often, and that'll age well with them. 



Smart outlets that let him control devices from the couch or his phone

Amazon Smart Plug, $24.99

Amazon's Smart Plug lets you control devices and appliances remotely or with your voice. He'll be able to schedule lights and appliances to turn off or on through an app or tell his Alexa-enabled speaker to do it for him, so there's no need to get up off the couch before movie night begins. 

 



Truly wireless and waterproof sport earbuds

Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth Sport Earbuds, $179.99

Jaybird makes some of the most trusted wireless headphones, and we think its Vista earbuds are the best version yet. They're sweatproof and waterproof, and a quick charge of five minutes translates to an hour of play time. Fully charged, he'll have six hours of audio play and, with the case, an additional 10 hours. 



The best pressure cooker you can buy

Instant Pot DUO60, $67.99

The Instant Pot is another cult-favorite product that's worth its hype. It combines seven kitchen appliances into one, from a rice cooker to a steamer. It makes weekday meals easier and helps maximize space. We've also ranked it the best pressure cooker you can buy



An assorted pack of fun, colorful socks to dress up a professional wardrobe

Happy Socks Assorted Socks, 4-Pack, from $23

Happy Socks is another startup we like that you can find on Amazon. The company makes fun, multi-colored socks that are an easy way to add some color into a professional wardrobe. 



50 years of iconic photos and articles from "Rolling Stone"

50 Years of Rolling Stone: The Music, Politics and People that Changed Our Culture, $41.29

If he's into music, this coffee table book from "Rolling Stone" is a good candidate for something he'll love to own but would probably never buy for himself. It distills the last 50 years of music journalism and cultural criticism into one volume with plenty of pictures from the 1960s to now. 



The best travel pillow he can get

Trtl Travel Pillow, $29.99

Whether he's constantly traveling or just values good sleep above all else, Trtl is the way to go if you're looking for the best travel pillow. A soft, lightweight fleece is wrapped around a plastic neck support on one side, so you can rest it on either shoulder or your chest to keep your head in a comfortable position. We also highly recommend the newest version, Trtl Pillow Plus ($59.99)



A weighted blanket for better sleep

YnM Weighted Blanket, $64.90

YnM's weighted blanket is an affordable loophole in a relatively pricey category, and it's one of the more breathable versions out there. The idea is that weighted blankets create more restful sleep and can help decrease anxiety by creating the sort of comforting pressure used when swaddling babies or in thunder jackets for dogs. Pick up one that's about 10% of his body weight.  You can find a full review here



Bose's cult-favorite noise-canceling headphones with great sound

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, $349

If you're looking for one of the most useful high-end gifts you can give, this is a good place to start. Bose QuietComfort headphones have earned their reputation among audiophiles for their noise-cancellation and balanced audio performance. They're also Alexa-enabled for voice access to music and information. 



An Echo Dot smart speaker

Echo Dot (3rd Gen), $59.99

The Echo Dot is Amazon's most popular smart speaker precisely because of its small size and thousands of Alexa skills. He can hook up other smart devices to it, play music, ask it for information like the weather or news, and set alarms. 



A streaming media player

Roku Premiere Streaming Media Player, $29

Turn a dumb TV into a smart one with a streaming stick that provides access to services like Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Now, Showtime, Sling TV, and more.



LEGO's NASA Model Rocket

LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn Outer Space Model Rocket for Kids and Adults, $89.99

Is he into NASA, or LEGOs, or any excuse to spend hours building a model (or adult toy)? Congratulations, your gifting journey ends here. 



Lavish shaving cream

The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream Sandalwood, $23.72

Sometimes personal upkeep is the only ritual we have that's just about us, and a little upgrade to daily grooming can make an outsized impact. The Art of Shaving makes a luxurious cream that softens the beard for a close, comfortable shave that protects the skin from razor burn. Even if he wouldn't buy it for himself, he'll probably like using this. 



A cute food-related card

I Love You More Than Tacos Card, $4.50

Say it with food. Maybe also pick up tacos. 



Great soaps that support active-duty military members and veterans

Duke Cannon "Great American Frontier" Men's Big Brick of Soap Set, $26.42

Duke Cannon makes military-inspired grooming products that go beyond gimmicky. We actually really like using them, and the company supports active-duty military members and veterans by donating 5% of its net profits to causes that benefit them. In the past, that's included K9s for Warriors and Fisher House. While we stand by the products and the mission, the branding can be pretty heavily macho and a little off-putting for some. If that's not on-brand for your boyfriend, skip it. 



Leather touchscreen gloves

Harrms Leather Touchscreen Gloves, from $21.99

Sleek and functional leather touchscreen gloves will let him use devices in the bitter cold. Plus, this pair has touchscreen tech in all ten fingers and palm rather than a couple of fingers on each hand.  



A powerful portable phone charger

Jackery Portable Charger, $32.99

It may not be the most surprising gift, but it's definitely one of the most convenient and useful. If he's always leaving the house with a half-dead phone or has the sort of long days that outlast a single charge, this will keep him with backup on commutes or travel. We ranked this one the best portable charger iPhone users can buy



A beer-brewing kit he can use to make his own beer

Craft A Brew Home Brewing Kit for Beer, $43.25

This is one of the highest-rated home brewing kits under $50 on Amazon, and it comes with all the essentials. The equipment is also reusable, so if he enjoys using it, he can brew another batch later on.



Bluetooth Tiles that help him locate missing items

Tile Pro, 2-Pack, $59.99

If he's been known to lose his keys, wallet, or other important belongings, Tile may be his favorite gift of the year. He can use a smartphone to ring his wallet or keys if they're within 400 feet.



See more gift guides from Insider Picks




Wag's dog walkers are secretly rating your precious pet

$
0
0

wag dog walking app

  • Wag, an app that lets you book a dog walker on demand, is testing a new app feature that lets walkers rate their experience.
  • The goal is to give walkers a safe — and private — space to raise issues about the home, the app, or their interaction with the dog.
  • Wag's head of trust and safety comes from Uber, which also lets the service provider (the driver) score the user (the passenger).
  • Unlike Uber ratings, Wag users can't see their dog's walk score.
  • Click here for more BI Prime stories.

Most people know that they can rate their Uber driver, and that the Uber driver can rate passengers in return. If you slip far below the average passenger rating, you may even get booted from the service.

Now, the app perhaps best known as "Uber for dogs" has released a new feature that lets dog walkers do the same for your fur baby.

Wag, an app that lets you book a dog walker on demand, is testing an app feature that lets walkers rate their dog-walking experience on a scale of one to five paw prints. The rating is only visible to Wag, as a way to give walkers a safe space to lodge complaints or offer feedback, said Heather Rothenberg, who left a job as head of trust and safety at Uber to take a similar position at the Uber-for-dogs.

The feature comes at a time when Wag is fighting to gain the trust of users as it loses market share to its biggest competitor, Rover. Wag's sales have flattened over the last year, according to data analytics firm Second Measure, as the Los Angeles startup faces heavy scrutiny for dogs running away or, in rare cases, dying in its care. The company's new rate-your-walk feature could be a salve, helping walkers alert Wag to issues before something goes really wrong.

"Wag is a community of people who love dogs — walkers, pet parents, and the employees who work here," said Rothenberg, Wag's vice president of corporate affairs and trust and safety. "So we recognize that the experience has to feel safe and fun and useful for everyone.

"... The walkers and the pet parents need to feel like they're getting the kind of attention, care, and thoughtfulness that they deserve."

Only Wag can see the walker's rating

Wag's dog ratings might not be the slippery slope that sends us into the feared "social credit" systems of dystopian movies (or, of China). But if a social credit system were ever to take root in the US, it's a sign that you can probably expect your pet to be rated too.

Here's how Wag's dog ratings works:

At the end of a dog walk, the walker answers a series of prompts. They can leave notes to help other walkers who match with a particular pet in the future, such as where to find parking and what triggers, like skateboards or squirrels, riled up the dog. The walker also sends a report card to the pet parent. It includes the length and distance of the walk, if the dog pottied, a photo, and other notes.

In September, Wag added a prompt for rating their experience.

wag rate your dog

For now, dog owners can't see the walker's rating. That's in part to protect the walker's privacy, Rothenberg said. If a user has only booked two walks on the app, and the dog's score tanks after the second walk, it would be pretty clear to the dog owner who gave them a bad rating. And a poorly rated walk might not be the dog's fault. The app asks the walker what went wrong, and they can choose from prompts like faulty equipment or issues with the app.

"It may be that this person decided that they really don't want to handle a 100-pound Mastiff"

It's important to note that the rating is a reflection of the overall walk, and is not based alone on the interaction with the dog.

If the walker reports feeling like the dog should be removed from the app, they're encouraged to call Wag's trust and safety team. It will interview the walker about what happened, as well as the dog owner, to get a "holistic picture" of what happened, Rothenberg said.

"It may be that this person decided that they really don't want to handle a 100-pound Mastiff. It's a large dog that they thought they would be OK with, but they're not," Rothenberg said. "But that doesn't necessarily mean the dog shouldn't be on the platform."

Wag has raised $361 million in venture capital funding, mostly from investment juggernaut SoftBank. Its struggles have led the company to seek a potential buyer, according to a recent report in Recode.

SEE ALSO: Dog-walking startup Wag got a whopping $300 million from SoftBank and hired a new CEO

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The pedigree dog market is growing. Here's why dogs like pugs and Samoyeds are so expensive.

How to sharpen an image in Photoshop automatically, to reduce blurriness in your images

$
0
0

Photoshop Logo Website

Capturing sharp images is ideal, but not realistic in all photo scenarios.

Taking a picture with little to no blur is particularly hard in low light conditions, settings where the color of your subject approximates the color of the background, or in action shots where you need to account for motion.

Fortunately, it's incredibly easy to sharpen a shot in Photoshop 2020.

In fact, it only takes three steps. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Adobe Photoshop (From $129.99 at Best Buy)

MacBook Pro (From $1,299.99 at Best Buy)

Lenovo IdeaPad 130 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

How to sharpen an image in Photoshop

1. Open Photoshop and load the image you want to sharpen onto the canvas.

2. Open "Filter," located in the main toolbar at the top of the application. 

3. Scroll to "Sharpen." Scroll through the options until you see "Smart Sharpen..." and select it.

SharpenImage2

And just like that, your image will be crisp as a cucumber.

While Smart Sharpen automatically calibrates a sharper image, if you want to customize the filter further, there are adjustments available for you to tinker with and test, include removing lens or motion blur.

SharpenImage3

There's also a Sharpen brush, which you can use to sharpen specific parts of the image manually. You can find it in your tool palette on the left side of the screen — right-click the icon that looks like a water droplet (between the paint bucket and zoom tools), and select "Sharpen Tool."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best keyboards you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Most maps of Louisiana aren't entirely right. Here's what the state really looks like.

4 of the most expensive watches at America's biggest luxury watch event, including the $800,000 Breguet that Cristiano Ronaldo was seen wearing

$
0
0

Jaquet Droz

America's largest luxury watch event took place on October 25 and 26 in New York City.

A total of 37 brands were presenting their high-end timepieces at WatchTime New York 2019, an annual showing hosted by watch magazine WatchTime. These included centuries-old watchmakers like Omega and Breguet, as well as younger independent brands like Romain Gauthier, Armin Strom, and Tulloch, the latter of which made its worldwide debut as a company at the event.

While some of the most inexpensive watches went for $16,500, many were priced well into the six-figure range. To keep prices in context, a vintage Patek Philippe sold at auction on Saturday went for a record-smashing $31 million.

Here's a look at four of the priciest timepieces that were on display at WatchTime's annual event.

SEE ALSO: The woman who found a $250,000 Rolex in her thrift-store couch 'did all the right things,' according to the expert collector who later bought her watch himself

DON'T MISS: One of the world's biggest luxury watch shows is undergoing major changes in 2020

1. Armin Strom Minute Repeater Resonance

Released in a limited collection of just 10 pieces, this watch celebrates the 10th anniversary of Armin Strom.

The company also touts it as the world's first and only resonance chiming wristwatch, offering two complications — resonance and minute repeater — in one timepiece.



According to press materials, the watch was inspired by the Zytglogge, a watch tower that's been standing in Bern's center for more than eight centuries.

The Armin Strom Minute Repeater Resonance is valued at $350,000, a spokesperson for WatchTime told Business Insider.



2. Jaquet Droz Tropical Bird Repeater

Touted by the company as "the only one of its kind in the world," this 2018 model is inspired by a tropical landscape.



It features delicately hand-crafted birds and scenery.

The Jaquet Droz Tropical Bird Repeater is valued at $661,500, a spokesperson for WatchTime told Business Insider.



3. Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Technique

This watch model is being sold in a limited collection.



Only 11 pieces were made.

The Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Technique in Blue Ceramic is valued at $695,000, a spokesperson for WatchTime told Business Insider.



4. Breguet Double Tourbillon

The "Grande Complication" platinum watch has twin rotating tourbillons and a bezel paved with 107 baguette-cut diamonds.



Cristiano Ronaldo was seen wearing this particular timepiece in a September Instagram post, a spokesperson for WatchTime told Business Insider.

Instagram Embed:
//instagram.com/p/B2WHH5Go1jt/embed
Width: 540px

A spokesperson for WatchTime told Business Insider that the Breguet Double Tourbillon is valued at $800,000, making it among the event's priciest watches.



25 hidden gems on Amazon that make thoughtful and personal gifts for anyone on your list

$
0
0

rivet, $29.99+

  • You can get pretty much anything on Amazon, but the site may not seem like the most likely place to find unique gifts. 
  • Surprisingly, Amazon has a large selection of cool, one-of-a-kind products that make thoughtful gifts for everyone in your life — and the Amazon gift finder will help you discover them. 
  • Check out our list of 25 hidden gems on Amazon that make thoughtful and personal gifts. 

Amazon is one of the retailers you can rely on to get you your gifts on time, especially if you're a Prime member. Yet, many people feel that finding a present in Amazon's sea of millions of products can result in gifts that feel lackluster and a little impersonal. I was once in that camp as well, admittedly finding it difficult to pinpoint the hidden gems in my broad searches for "minimalist succulent planters" or "shaggy throw pillows."

I recently discovered Amazon's gift finder, which helps you find curated selections of unique gifts. I was impressed by how in-depth the customization process was and how it yielded such accurate results for what I was looking for. 

You can search by category, interests, price, and more. If anything, this proved to me that you can, in fact, find gifts on Amazon that still feel thoughtful and personal. Using the gift-finder tool, we curated a list of 25 great gifts on Amazon for everyone on your list. 

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2019 here

For the musician

Audio-Technica Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable, $99

Musicians and music lovers alike can agree that nothing sounds better than vinyl. If they have a record collection, they'll appreciate this turntable. If they don't have a record collection, start them off with a record or two and introduce them to the unique vinyl sound with this record player — they'll thank you. 



For the 'green thumb'

Back to the Roots Garden-in-a-Can Herb Garden, $14.99

Give them the tools to keep up with their gardening habit all year long. Each garden-in-a-can is super easy to use — just add water and some sunshine — and will have them with fresh cilantro, basil, and mint garnishes in no time. 



For the coffee lover

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, $499.96

For the hardcore coffee lover, an instant coffee maker might not cut it. If nothing would make them happier in the morning than sipping on an espresso that tastes like the one from their favorite cafe, they need this Breville espresso machine. If you love the idea, but are looking for something a little more affordable, check out our guide to the best espresso machines you can buy



For the cat lady

Camilee Designs Sterling Silver Cat Stud Earrings, $24

Even if you don't have a cat yourself, you probably understand that owning one isn't just a choice — it's a lifestyle. Show your favorite cat lover you get it with these adorable silver studs. From afar they look like just another simple silver pair of studs, but a look up close reveals they're actually super-cute kittens. 



For the host

Slate Cheese Board Set, $32.99

Help them amp up their hosting with this slate cheese board. It comes with two ceramic bowls to hold snacks and spreads, four cheese knives, and chalk so they can label their assortment of cheeses, crudite, or charcuterie. This setting will be a sure standout at their next dinner party. 



For the commuter

Audible Subscription, $15/month

Add some excitement to their monotonous, everyday commute with an Audible subscription. For $15 a month, they'll get one audiobook and two Audible Originals that they can listen to anytime and anywhere. Plus, when you gift Audible the recipient will get 30% off any additional audiobooks they want to purchase on their own. You can choose to gift memberships for either one, three, six, or 12 months. 



For the frequent flyer

Trtl Travel Pillow, $29.99

Travel pillows take up valuable carry-on space, yet many don't deliver when it comes to helping you fall asleep. The Trtl Pillow looks like a scarf and provides serious neck support, so they can actually get some sleep and wake up without a sore neck. The soft, lightweight fleece also is really cozy, and it packs down pretty small for flights, road trips, train rides, and more. 

 



For the serious home chef

ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide, $203.11

If they don't have one yet, any home cook needs this sous vide machine. With little effort, they can make juicy, tender meats of restaurant-level quality. They'll impress themselves and their guests alike with how delicious their dishes turn out. 



For the aspiring mixologist

Foster & Rye Camping Style Speckled Enamel Cocktail Shaker Set, $18.17

Some like to unwind after a long day with a cold beer or a heavy pour of merlot, some would rather shake up a Martini or a Cosmopolitan. If they're the latter, they'll appreciate this stylish and durable shaker set to help them flex their mixology muscles. 



For the photographer

HP Sprocket Select Portable Photo Printer, $149.95

Whether they're a photography pro or have never used a camera besides the one on their iPhone, just about anyone will have fun with this portable printer. It connects to an app on their phone so they can instantly print pictures wherever they are. It's a fun gadget and a great gift for anyone who loves to have tangible photos of their favorite memories. 



For the outdoors enthusiast

Earth Pak Dry Bag, from $18.99

Whether they're hiking, fishing, camping, or doing any outdoor activities with unpredictable weather, they'll appreciate this dry bag to keep all of their belongings safe. With sizes from 10 to 40 liters, you can pick one that's right for their needs. It even comes with a clear, waterproof phone case, so they can document their adventures with pictures, without a broken smartphone at the end of the day.



For the eco-friendly

Baggu Duck Tote, $34

Being sustainable doesn't mean they have to sacrifice style. This tote from Baggu is roomy, adjustable, comes in plenty of fun patterns, and is made from 100% recycled cotton. If you think they'd like something a little smaller, Baggu's nylon bags are really popular, cute, and just $10. 



For the artist

Vigorfun Deluxe Art Set in Wooden Case, $35.99

Help them get their creative juices flowing with this set of art supplies that'll let them create everything from pencil sketches to beautiful watercolors. Inside they'll find 85 pieces, including a range of paints, pencils, brushes and more. Everything comes in a nice wooden box with a handle, so they can easily take this with them wherever they go. 

 



For the spa regular

KayaSoaps Rose Mini Gift Set, $21

This set of rose products are homemade in small batches and loaded with nourishing organic ingredients. The rose soap, rose lip balm, and rose solid lotion bar make a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to indulge in some quality "me time." Plus, anyone will love smelling like a fresh bouquet of roses. 



For the football fan

The Northwest Company NFL Handwarmer, $15.99

Football fans are willing to brave the cold for their favorite team, but you can help make game day a little more bearable with this hand warmer. The weatherproof exterior and plush, insulated interior will keep their hands warm and dry, so they can focus on the game — and not the fact that their fingers are freezing. 



For the bookworm

Alice in Wonderland Bookmark, $22

Add some whimsy to their next read with this Alice in Wonderland bookmark. It's sure to catch their attention, and you can be sure they'll never lose their place again. 



For the student

LapGear Designer Lap Desk, $39.99

You don't even have to be a student to appreciate this lap desk — it works for just about anyone who likes to get work done from the comfort of their own bed. While the top surface is flat and sturdy enough to write on, the bottom is a tapered pillow that's comfortable to hold on your lap. It'll also keep your legs from overheating. 



For the fitness enthusiast

NextRoller 3-Speed Vibrating Foam Roller, $99.95

Anyone who exercises often knows that a foam roller is an essential fitness tool. Not only does it relieve muscle and joint pain, a foam roller can improve flexibility, circulation, and even help speed up injury recovery. This vibrating foam roller lets them choose just the right amount of pressure to soothe sore joints and muscles, plus it feels like a massage (which you can be sure they'll appreciate). 



For the traveler

Travelambo Passport Holder Wallet, $9.99

Traveling is exciting and fun, but losing important documents and cards can put a damper on the whole experience. Ensure that doesn't happen by gifting your favorite traveler this wallet. With room for plenty of cards, cash, their passport, and tickets, they can keep everything important consolidated in one place. 



For the pet parent

Enchanted Home Pet Dreamcatcher Dog Sofa, $111.53

For the pet parent whose furry friend is their world, get them a gift that their pet will find useful and comfy. This classy couch has been miniaturized to fit small dogs and cats. It's also a great gift for pet owners who don't want their pets to perch on their real couch, but still want to give them a place to sit in the living room. 



For new homeowners

Primitives by Kathy Striped Throw Pillow, $27.95

Getting settled into a new home takes a lot of time, and a lot of decorating. If you know anyone who just moved in, this throw pillow is a thoughtful way to bring them one step closer to making their new place feel like home. 



For the home decorator

Rivet Modern Ceramic Vase, $39.99

From their statement couch to the art on their walls, their home is impeccably decorated and, frankly, buying them a piece of home decor can be intimidating. If you so choose, go for one of these funky vases. They're simple enough to accentuate all kinds of spaces, but the bright blues and greens make them unique. 



For the foodie

Sabatino Truffles Pasta Night, $50

This set made it into Oprah's exclusive Favorite Things giveaway this year — and if it's one of Oprah's favorite things, you can be sure the foodie in your life will love it too. White truffle oil, truffle zest, and a truffle-infused, gluten-free pasta will make for a deliciously decadent pasta night. 



For the homebody

Warm and Cozy Soy Candle, $17.99

Their favorite winter pastime is curling up by a warm fire wrapped in a fuzzy blanket. Their home smells like hot cocoa, freshly baked cookies, and everything else you want on a cold day. This hand-poured soy candle — with notes of pine, orange, cinnamon, cypress, and fir — is just what they need to make their home feel even homier this holiday season. 



For the techie

Echo Plus (2nd generation) Bundle with Sengled Smart Bulb, $159.98

While there are many Amazon devices to choose from, the Echo Plus is our favorite for anyone who is expanding their smart home. The device centralizes all of their smart home devices, making it easy for Alexa to control everything from smart bulbs to plugs. This set even comes with a smart bulb to get them started — or add to their existing collection of smart appliances. 



Looking for more gift ideas? We've got you covered.



The world's largest brewer, which produces Corona and Budweiser, is about to get even bigger. Meet AB InBev's famously private CEO, who has only one hobby and doesn't like company perks.

$
0
0

Carlos Brito

The world's largest brewer is about to get even bigger.

The brewery titan Anheuser-Busch InBev is said to be acquiring Craft Brew Alliance, according to the Wall Street Journal. The deal will add Kona Brewing Co., Omission Brewing Co., Redhook Brewery and Cisco Brewers., into AB InBev's already extensive portfolio of beers.

Despite the ubiquity of the company, AB InBev's Brazilian-born CEO is known to be extremely private. Keep reading to take a look into the life of Carlos Brito.

SEE ALSO: What George Soros' life is really like: How the former hedge-fund manager built his $8.3 billion fortune, purchased a sprawling network of New York homes, and became the topic of international conspiracy theories

DON'T MISS: French billionaires have made more money this year than their ultrawealthy counterparts in any other country — and they partially have China to thank

Carlos Alves De Brito, 59, was born in Brazil. He has said he uses his heritage to guide his business decisions.

Brito has cited Brazil's business culture as a reason for AB InBev's success, according to the BBC.

The Brazil-based InBev leadership team was known for its tendency to implement sharp cost-cutting measures without hesitation, the BBC reported. According to the Financial Times, Brito showed up at Anheuser-Busch's St. Louis headquarters to start making changes just 24 hours after its acquisition by InBev was announced.

Brito now lives in New York, according to Fortune.



Brito has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Brito earned a bachelor's degree from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, according to Bloomberg. Before getting his master's at Stanford, he was an executive at Shell. Brito persuaded the former Brazil tennis star Jorge Paulo Lemann to fund his time at Stanford, according to the Financial Times.

He has since returned to Stanford to speak with MBA students, NBC News reported.



Brito is a private person.

The AB InBev leader rarely gives interviews, and not much is known about his personal life.

NBC News reported that the company even declined to confirm that Brito was married and had four children, saying "We don't give details on his private life."



Brito doesn't have a lot of hobbies.

"My life is the company and my family," Brito told the Financial Times.

He also said his only pastime was taking a daily 30-minute walk on a treadmill.



Most of his time is dedicated to Anheuser-Busch InBev, which he has run since 2008.

Brito first came to AmBev in 1989 and worked in finance, operations, and sales before becoming its chief executive in 2004.

InBev was formed in 2004, and Brito became the CEO of the company in 2005. In 2008, InBev acquired Anheuser-Busch, and Brito became the CEO of the larger group, Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Brito was paid 1.48 million euros, or $1.6 million, by AB InBev in 2017, according to the Financial Times, in addition to his ownership of an options grant that was worth 250 million euros, or about $469 million in today's dollars, at the time.



Brito isn't a fan of company perks, including free beer.

Brito doesn't use a company car to get around or have a dedicated desk at AB InBev's headquarters, NBC News reported. According to the Financial Times, he asks to be called "Brito," not "Mr. Brito."

He doesn't even take advantage of one of the more basic perks of running the world's largest brewer: free beer.

"I don't want the company to give me free beer," Brito told Stanford MBA students in 2008, according to NBC News. "I can buy my own beer."



Brito is known for his tough management style.

Brito asks that all employees' performance be monitored constantly and formally reviewed each year, according to the Financial Times. He reportedly doesn't hesitate to let go of employees who aren't up to par if they don't improve in six to nine months.

"Great people attract more great people," Brito said, according to the BBC. "That's obvious, but the opposite is even more dangerous. Mediocre people attract more of the same."



AB InBev hasn't always flourished under Brito's leadership.

Brito and CFO Felipe Dutra lost their annual bonuses in 2017 after the brewer saw its first decline in core earnings since its formation, according to the St. Louis Business Journal.



Even so, AB InBev calls itself the world's largest brewer.

AB InBev makes Budweiser, Bud Light, Corona, Stella Artois, and numerous other beers, according to its website.

The company held the world's second-largest IPO of 2019 in Hong Kong on September 23, raising $5 billion in a single day, Reuters reported. Only Uber's May IPO was worth more.



Now, it's getting even bigger. The company announced Tuesday that it is acquiring Kona Brewing Co. parent Craft Brew Alliance, according to the Wall Street Journal.

AB InBev already owns 31.2% of Craft Brew, and will close its $321 million purchase of the rest of the company in fiscal year 2020, the Journal reported.

The move comes at a time when the company's beer sales by volume in the US are seeing a decline. Part of that can be attributed, as Business Insider's Kate Taylor previously reported, to millennials' shifting interests: They are simply not drinking as much beer as past generations did.



Viewing all 116192 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images