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This $52 green moisturizer is so good at reducing redness I don't even need foundation after I use it

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Color Correcting moisturizer

  • Color-correcting is a common makeup trick that uses principles from the color wheel to neutralize discoloration like redness, sallowness, and more.
  • The mint-green color in Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 helps neutralize redness on my cheeks and around my nose so well that I don't even need foundation.  
  • It also moisturizes and protects with SPF 30 so I can streamline my skin-care routine.

Even though I've been writing about beauty for several years, I haven't tried any color-correcting makeup in fear that I'll wind up looking like a Twister map with multi-colored dots all over my face.

But I finally decided to try this color-correcting moisturizer from Dr. Jart+ after several recommendations and seeing more than 1,000 reviews on Sephora — and I'm so glad I did.  

Color-correcting is a makeup technique that uses color wheel principles to help neutralize redness and dark spots, brighten up dark undereye circles, or perk up a dull complexion. Products range from primers, moisturizers, concealers, foundations, and more in shades of green, peach, purple, and yellow to neutralize discoloration before you apply makeup.

When done correctly, color-correction can help make your skin look like you slept 10 hours and drank a gallon of water. But if you use too much product or don't blend completely, you might end up looking patchy.

"I don't think it's super necessary to use so much color-correction daily, but it helps brighten under the eyes, and for redness," makeup artist Deanna Melluso says. "Just remember to keep it super light."

Dr. Jart+2

One of the more common color-correctors on the market are green-tinged products meant to counter redness.

Cue Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30. It's light green in the jar, but transforms into a beige color as you blend the product onto your skin.

After my usual skin-care routine of cleanser, essence, toner, and serum, I'll use a bit of the Dr. Jart moisturizer all over my face, focusing on my cheeks and around my nose where I have some redness. It's slightly thick so a little goes a long way, and I have to work the product into my skin well otherwise I wind up looking like a ghost. But the extra 15 seconds of work is worth it for me because I can skip foundation and concealer afterwards. It also has SPF 30 so my skin is protected from sun damage too.

Most (if not all) mornings, I'm running late so I'm always looking for ways to streamline my beauty routine. This little green tub of magic takes care of my moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation, and concealer — so yea, it's pretty clutch.

I have a fair skin tone so the beige color (once the product is blended) works for me, but I can see how this moisturizer might not work for everyone. It contains titanium dioxide, an ingredient that powers mineral sunscreen and dries opaque. According to Emmy award-winning makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor, titanium dioxide can look gray or ashy on deeper skin tones. If you have a deeper skin tone but still want to use this moisturizer to help cut down on redness, you might find that you still need to use your regular foundation or concealer afterwards.   

There are a ton of green color-correctors out there if you're looking for one, but this moisturizer from Dr. Jart+ checks all the boxes for me. It's easy to use, it simplifies my beauty routine, and because a little bit goes a long way, the $52 investment will last me for a while.

Buy the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 for $52 from Sephora

Buy the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 for $51 from Amazon

SEE ALSO: I tried the buzzy new Billie razor for women — and now I actually look forward to shaving my legs

DON'T MISS: I started using a $30 facial steamer to clear my pores and my whiteheads are completely gone

Join the conversation about this story »


Here's how many people in each state were born outside the US

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foreign born share state map

 

  • Immigrants make up a big part of the American population across all 50 states.
  • Recently released Census data shows the share of each state's population that was born outside the US.
  • California and New York had the largest percentages of foreign-born residents, while West Virginia, Mississippi, and Montana had the lowest.

America is largely a nation of immigrants, and immigrants today live all across the country.

The US Census Bureau recently released statistics from the 2017 American Community Survey, an annual program that asks millions of Americans each year about several social, economic, and demographic attributes. The Bureau publishes figures for each of the 50 states and Washington DC.

Read more: All 50 states and Washington DC, ranked from least to most average

One of the items asked on the survey is where respondents were born, which then tells us how many people in each state immigrated to the US from another country.

The share of the population born outside the US varied widely across the states, from lows of 1.6% of the population in West Virginia and 2.2% in both Mississippi and Montana to highs of 22.9% in New York and a whopping 26.9% in California.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella: America's immigration policy is one of our biggest competitive advantages

13 tips for getting the best deals on wine at Costco (COST)

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  • Costco wines prove to be a major draw for some members. 
  • Business Insider spoke to Costco Wine Blog founder Andrew Cullen and reviewer Erin Reyes about their top strategies for finding great wines at a good value. 
  • They recommended tips like always checking the vintage year and making friends with the warehouse wine advisor.

Costco wines, like just about everything else at the warehouse chain, have accrued somewhat of a cult following.

There's a whole blog — aptly named the Costco Wine Blog— dedicated to reviewing all the whites, reds, rosés, and bubblies the retailer has to offer. The blog is completely independent of Costco, and it's attracted a community of fans.

"Costco is almost like a curated wine collection for members," blog founder and editor Andrew Cullen told Business Insider. "You're not going to go there and find whatever bottle you may be looking for."

Business Insider recently spoke to Cullen and contributing reviewer Erin Reyes to get their top tips on how to make the most of your next wine run at Costco. Both agreed that the chain tends to offer high-quality wines for reasonable prices.

"We all want to find really good wine at really good prices," Cullen said. "Costco's a really good place to do that."

Here are their top tips for buying wine at Costco:

SEE ALSO: From entire lawn sets to used toilets, these are the most ridiculous returns employees from Costco, Walmart, and Target say they've ever gotten

DON'T MISS: Costco sells millions of pumpkin pies every year — and the recipe has apparently been the same since 1987

SEE ALSO: 50 foods that Costco employees and members love

Look out for Kirkland wines ...

"Having access to the selection of Kirkland Signature wines is a huge, huge benefit for any Costco member and wine shopper," Cullen said. "You can only get them at Costco. You're getting access to really good wines from top wine regions at really good prices, typically."



... and take a closer look at the labels.

Costco has a history of partnering up with quality brands in order to craft its Kirkland products. Kirkland wines are no exception. And there's a subtle strategy for checking out where your wine is coming from.

Cullen said that occasionally, Costco wines list the winemaker on the back of the bottle.

"Then you can Google him or her and find out where they're producing wine," he said. "Then you can narrow it down and be like, 'Well it's so and so winemaker, and he's in Washington state, and they produce from this vineyard, so this is probably coming from this area or this vineyard.'"



Don't be afraid to dig around.

Cullen said that he's never afraid to dig around in the wine section of the warehouse.

"People think you're really weird when you're doing that, but it's totally worth it," he said.

That's because different vintages tend to be thrown in the bins together.

"Don't just grab the first bottle," Reyes said. She said that while vintage might not matter as much for lower-end wines, for high-ticket bottles it's far more crucial.

Cullen described finding separate vintages at the same price.  

"If there are a bunch of '15s on top, you might dig down and find a '14," he said. "You might even find a '13 vintage, stuck in there. It doesn't hurt to look."

Cullen also recommended checking beneath the wooden racks, where you might also find a forgotten bottle of an otherwise sold-out wine. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best chain we ate at all year was a cult-favorite Texas taco chain that's trying to take over America

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Torchy's

  • After a year filled with fast-food consumption, a few chains rise above the rest. The one chain to rule them all: Torchy's, a taco chain with a cult following in Texas. 
  • As we look back at 2018, we decided we said it best the first time: "We weren't disappointed by a single thing, except for the fact that there is not one in New York City." 
  • Here is our review of Torchy's, first published in July. 

We believe tacos are our future.

For too long, the burrito has ruled supreme over the world of Tex-Mex, at least since Chipotle's tentacles spread across the United States with the promise of a mainstream Mission-style burrito. But now, the burrito's reign is coming to an end— if Torchy's Tacos has anything to say about it.

The taco chain started in a trailer in Austin, Texas, in 2006. Since then, it has grown a cult following in Texas and expanded to more than 50 locations.

Toppling "big burrito," however, will require more than some Texan pride. Torchy's needs to back its heady expansion goals with food that lives up to its enviable reputation.

We visited a Torchy's location in Dallas to see whether the chain lived up to the hype. What we found was a chain that could transform the Tex-Mex landscape forever:

We arrived at Torchy's near Southern Methodist University — a prime location for a chain built for hungry students seeking some reasonably priced tacos.



We were initially paralyzed with indecision while trying to take in the long list of tacos. Torchy's serves 20 traditional tacos plus breakfast tacos, sides, and a handful of other entrées. And, there's a full bar! Clink, clink.



Before noon, the restaurant was already packed. Hungover college students were inhaling tacos alongside families and World Cup fans sipping beers.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We drove an $87,000 Jaguar I-PACE electric SUV to see if it can take on Tesla, Mercedes, and Audi. Here's the verdict.

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Jaguar I PACE 12

  • The Jaguar I-PACE first luxury crossover SUV to hit the market.
  • The I-PACE is driven by dual electric motors that produce 394 horsepower.
  • According to Jaguar, its EV can do 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
  • The Jag has a 90kWh battery pack that and a range of 234 miles on a single charge. 
  • The I-PACE will be the only electric compact crossover available until the Audi E-Tron, Mercedes-Benz EQ C, and Tesla Model Y hits showrooms.
  • The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE starts at $69,500 while our top-spec HSE variant starts at $80,500. With options and fees, our test car came to $86,720.

Electric cars are the future. Even though people have been saying this for years, only recently have the world's mainstream automakers really taken this to heart. Sure, relatively affordable EVs have been on the road a decade now. But for far too many brands, going electric was more of a strategically prudent way to satisfy increasingly stringent emissions standards than a true commitment to electric mobility.

Things are different now. Tesla can't make enough of its electric cars to keep up with demand. GM and Nissan are fully committed to production EVs. While luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche have all prepared purpose-built EVs set to hit the market in the near future. 

And then there's Jaguar.

Once the byword for stodgy British retro luxury, Jag is now all-in on electric. In fact, Jaguar beat out its rivals to become the first mainstream luxury brand to have an EV with enough range to legitimately compete against Tesla. 

Read more: We drove a $211,000 Porsche Panamera to see if it's a hybrid supercar with room for the whole family. Here's the verdict.

The Jaguar I-PACE enters the market in a unique position in that it's the only car in its segment. Including the I-PACE, there are only four luxury EVs on the market and three of them are the Tesla Model S, Model X, and Model 3.

With the Model X the only other SUV. However, it should be noted that the Model X is a larger, mid-size three-row crossover SUV and doesn't compete directly with I-PACE that is significantly less expensive. 

Specifically, the Jag will be the only electric compact crossover available until the Audi E-Tron, Mercedes-Benz EQ C, and Tesla Model Y hits showrooms.

Recently, Business Insider spent a week with a 2019 Jaguar I-PACE EV400 HSE test car in Corris Gray. The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE starts at $69,500 while the top-spec HSE variant starts at $80,500. With options and fees, our test car came to $86,720.

Here's a closer look at the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE EV400 HSE:

SEE ALSO: We drove a $50,000 Infiniti QX50 luxury SUV to see if it's ready to rival Audi, Acura, and BMW. Here's the verdict.

FOLLOW US: On Facebook for more car and transportation content!

Earlier this year, we had the chance to drive the I-PACE at Jaguar Land Rover's North American headquarters in Mahwah, New Jersey. However, it was just for a few minutes and around a track in their parking lot.



So, we brought the electric Jag back for a more in-depth experience.



The I-PACE is currently the lone player in the in the electric luxury compact crossover SUV segment. However, it won't be for long.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

I visited what's possibly the most polluted city in the world, and realized Americans have no idea how good they have it

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CiaroPyramids.JPG

  • Cairo, Egypt is one of the most polluted cities in the world, if not the No.1 most polluted.
  • I recently visited and found that, even after just a day in the city, I could feel the effects on my breathing, sleep, and skin. 
  • The experience reminded me of how lucky I, as an American, am to have the air quality in the country I live. I think most Americans have no conception of what it is like to live in a heavily polluted city like much of the world in Egypt, China, India, or elsewhere.
  • The Egyptian government is taking steps to improve air quality, with a plan to reduce air pollution by 50% by 2023. 

 

I don't think I understood what it was like to live in a truly polluted city until I'd been to one.

As an American, I'd never really experienced a place choked with smog. New York, my home, is only the 21st most polluted city in the world, according to a recent study by Eco Experts, which combines data on air quality, noise pollution, and light pollution. Los Angeles, which I've been to a few times, comes in tenth.

That's a far cry from the cities that top the list, where checking particulate matter levels, or PM, is as routine as checking the weather.

I got my first taste of the smog life in April, when I visited Shanghai and Beijing, seventh and third on the Eco Experts' list, respectively.

While the pollution was noticeable — I saw a blue sky only a few times on that trip — I was in town during comparatively the best time of the year, pollution-wise. The winter in Beijing, when millions are burning coal for heat, is when the real pollution rolls in.

Cairo is one of the most polluted cities in the world, and you can feel it

But, as I rode in a taxi from the Cairo Airport this past week, it hit me that I'd entered the big leagues.

A city of more than 20 million people, Cairo is the most-populated city in the Middle East and the second-most populated in Africa. It feels like it.

Every highway, road, and alleyway is clogged with cars and motorbikes spewing fumes into the air. The honking never stops: long honks, short beeps, and everything in between. The cars, and their drivers, are in every kind of conversation imaginable. Other noises proliferate, from street-side shouts to the rumble of construction. Every street seems to have a construction site and a building under renovation or being built.

Cairo is the most polluted city in the world, according to the Eco Experts' report. WHO's Global Ambient Air Quality Database, which solely focuses on multiple measures of air quality, ranks Cairo second worst for PM10, or particulate matter that is 10 micrometers in diameter or less. When judging by PM2.5, or particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or less — the worst kind of pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency — Cairo is not quite as bad, but still near the bottom.

Particulate pollution is made up a mix of solid and liquid droplets in the air, including sulfates, nitrates, and carbon. It's largely caused by energy used by homes, automobile traffic, manufacturing, and power plants. Sand or desert dust can add to the air pollution. In Cairo's case, the city is located in a valley and has a large industrial sector, tons of traffic, poor waste management, and a dusty climate, according to Arab News.

“Air pollution threatens us all, but the poorest and most marginalized people bear the brunt of the burden,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's director general, said in a statement regarding its most recent report.

On average, residents of Cairo breathe in air suffused with 11.7 times the WHO recommended safe level of PM2.5 and 14.2 times the safe level of PM10. Translation: The air is really bad, and you can feel it.

Dry mouth, itchy eyes, and rashes — bad pollution can have immediate effects

CairoPollution

Within a day of being in Cairo, the effects started to settle in. When I woke in the morning to look out the window the first few days, a thick haze lay over the city.

After a few hours walking around in even one of the more green neighborhoods — the embassy-populated, moderately wealthy island of Zamalek — I found myself severely dehydrated despite having a water bottle by my side the whole time. The taste in my mouth was bitter, my nostrils felt caked in dust, and my eyes had grown itchy. The best way to describe it is that it feels like you are constantly at a construction site, with sawdust or concrete dust in the air. After a few days, I'd found that my skin, unused to the pollution, was breaking out in hives on my face.

And that's just the air pollution.

Cairo's noise pollution is arguably even worse, though it is rarely talked about. Eco Experts' research found that Cairo is the third loudest city in the world, after Guangzhou and Delhi. A report by the Egyptian National Research Center found noise pollution in Cairo reaches a daily average of 85 decibels or, in the words of Eco Experts, “like spending all day inside a factory.”  Even at 3 a.m., the honks don't stop.

facewipecairo

The aforementioned honking, shouting, and construction noises are ever-present, no matter where you are in the city. It literally leaves your ears ringing. Even as a New Yorker who lived for years above bars in the rambunctious East Village, I found the noise to be a shock.

Combine that with the light pollution — Eco Experts reported Cairo the third-brightest city in the world, with artificial light 85 times brighter than the natural sky — and it all makes for a bad night of sleep.

Every night, I slept with blackout curtains drawn and earplugs in. And still, I found myself to be getting terrible sleep. Every day, I overslept and woke up groggy. Before you assume jet lag, I was in the region for three weeks and slept fine while in the United Arab Emirates.

Pollution can have devastating effects over time

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All of this after a week. Imagine living in it for a few months, a year, or your whole life.

My partner, who has more sensitive lungs than I do, contracted pneumonia and a respiratory infection halfway through a semester studying in Shanghai. When we visited Shanghai in April, she'd contracted a wheezing cough after a day in the city.

Researchers and scientists are still studying the effects of pollution on humans, but it has been connected to health conditions like asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, according to WHO and the EPA. Researchers suspect that pollution is connected to obesity, insomnia, depression, as well as effects on the immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems.

One recent study out of Beijing Normal University's school of statistics found that long-term exposure to particulate matter was correlated with cognitive declines in study participants as they aged.

The Egyptian government pushed back on the Eco Experts report shortly after it was published, criticizing the methodology of the study. But there's no denying the pollution in Cairo. It would appear the Egyptian government agrees with that much.

Earlier this year, the government announced a plan to reduce air pollution by 50% by 2023 and began an initiative to plant one million fruit trees in public spaces throughout the country.

A major pollution issue for Egypt since 1997 has been farmers' yearly burning of leftover rice straw from September to November, which can create a "dark cloud" over Cairo. To tackle the issue, the government has offered to buy the straw from farmers for $3 a ton, Mohamed Salah, head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency said in October.

"Today, the dark cloud season is over and all citizens in Egypt are saying that they have not sensed any problem relating to this, unlike what had happened in previous years," Salah said.

But, for this American in Cairo, I found the city to be stark reminder of how lucky the US is when it comes to air quality and pollution and how little we bear the burden of global manufacturing and other polluting industries around the world.

When I told one Beijing resident in April that I head to the countryside outside New York City when I want fresh air, he looked at me incredulously. “You have to understand, we think of New York City air as pristine,” he said. 

SEE ALSO: Dubai has the world's largest, completely automated, driverless metro line — and it shows how far behind the US really is

DON'T MISS: If you've ever wanted to visit Dubai, there's likely never been a better time than right now. Here's why.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: An undercover investigation reveals air quality on a cruise ship deck could be worse than the world’s most polluted cities

If you're feeling less comfortable sharing photos to Facebook, here's why you should try Apple's solution instead (AAPL, FB)

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  • Facebook has been dealing with more data scandals and internal controversies this year, which makes me feel less comfortable sharing photos to the social network.
  • Instead, I've been increasingly sharing photos with friends and family using Apple's iCloud service.
  • iCloud is private and secure, and is capable of accomplishing the same end result as sharing photos with friends over Facebook.

You just got back from vacation, or an outing with coworkers, or even just a really delicious dinner.

You probably amassed a ton of photos on your smartphone. You might even want to share those photos with friends and family.

Lots of people use Facebook or Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, to share their photos. But after the Cambridge Analytica scandal earlier this year, the hack in October that affected 30 million users, the recent reports of turmoil within the company, and the latest news of how Facebook has been quietly sharing your personal data with tech companies for years, I personally feel less comfortable sharing my photos, which I consider very personal data, to those sites.

Instead of Facebook or Instagram, I've been increasingly sharing my photos with friends and family through iCloud, Apple's built-in cloud service that works across Apple devices, but also the web (in case you don't own an Apple device).

You should consider giving it a try yourself.

The case for iCloud

One of the other reasons I prefer iCloud is because it's private and secure — I get to choose everyone who sees the photos, and I know Apple isn't using my photos in other ways, like scanning them for additional descriptive data to better target advertisements.

Apple clearly cares about user privacy and security: It has an entire webpage dedicated to both of those things, just so customers can understand what Apple is (and isn't) doing with their data. Apple makes it clear that it doesn't sell your photos or personal data to third-parties, and that all personal data, including login and transaction data, is fully encrypted.

So for convenience and security reasons, I prefer iCloud.

I also like it because, unlike Facebook, I don't feel like I'm vying for the Likes and attention of friends and family that may not necessarily care about seeing my pictures. With iCloud, I'm sharing photos with specific people because I know they'll enjoy my photos.

iCloud is surprisingly robust, too. Even if your potential recipients don't have Apple devices, they can visit iCloud.com and view and comment on the photos there. It's very similar to Facebook, just without the massive built-in network.

If you're feeling leery about Facebook, I highly recommend giving iCloud Photo Sharing a try. It's simple, secure, and gives you more control over who can see your photos. It also comes down to trust, and Facebook has suffered one too many dings this year to make me feel totally comfortable posting there.

How to share a photo album through iCloud

Sharing photos through iCloud is easy.

Take any Apple device you have that's connected to iCloud and your Apple ID, open your Photos app, select a handful of photos, and press the share button in the bottom-right corner — the little box with an arrow sticking out the top of it.

One of the first options you should see has an icon of Apple's Photos app, but it's called "Shared Albums." Click that to share those photos you selected — you can create a new album for those photos, or select a previous album you already made. You can add comments, or just click "Post." That's it! You made a shared photo album on iCloud.


Read moreWe compared Google Drive with Apple's iCloud and Dropbox to find the best cloud storage solution — and the winner is clear


The best part of iCloud is how you can choose who views your photos, and how others can contribute their own photos to your album.

To let others see your photos or add their own, visit your Shared Album and you should see a toggle at the bottom with two options: "People" and "Photos." Click the "People" toggle, and a slew of new options will pop up: You can invite people to the album (you only need their email address or phone number) and choose a handful of other settings, like letting subscribers post their own photos and videos to your album, or letting your album exist on a public website on iCloud.com.

That's all there is to it. All of these processes happen within your Photos app, which makes it hard to mess up.

SEE ALSO: Apple charges a ton of money for built-in storage — here's how to get around it

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic plan on taking you to space

We tested the futuristic $349 oven that some say could replace every cooking appliance that you own, and we were blown away by it

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tovala 1020

  • Tovala has created a smart oven and meal-kit service intended to simplify home cooking.
  • The oven is a countertop machine that essentially combines four types of appliances: a broiler, a steamer, an oven, and a toaster.
  • We got a chance to test it out — here's what it was like.

Meal kits have become one of the biggest trends in food retail in recent years, with dozens of new companies cropping up and even traditional retailers jumping on the bandwagon, hoping to cash in on time-strapped consumers who are seeking easy, healthy meals.

But the backlash has already begun. Some say the market is oversaturated with meal-kit options, and industry innovators such as Blue Apron have found themselves losing customers.

Tovala, a gourmet meal-kit service that uses a smart oven, is hoping to swoop in and woo these customers on the assumption that they still crave good food and convenience.

The Tovala oven is a countertop machine that combines four types of appliances: a broiler, a steamer, an oven, and a toaster. The oven is Wi-Fi-enabled and connects to an app with hundreds of recipes. The user simply needs to select a recipe on the app or scan the barcode on one of the service's prepared meals, and the oven will then do all of the work.

In February, Tovala received an undisclosed amount of funding from the food giant Tyson Foods. The capital raised was to be used to support Tovala's growth, including adding staff across all departments, geographic expansion, and investment in product, operations, technology, and marketing, Tovala said in a press release at the time.

In November, Tovala launched its new and improved second-generation machine, which is lighter than its predecessor and has a new function that enables users to cook without using the app. The first machine was rolled out in 2017.

Find out how it works below:

SEE ALSO: These are the brands that blew up in 2018

The new oven works in the same way as the original version. There are two options: to cook independently using the machine or to subscribe to its prepared meal kits.

There are two main differences between the two models: The new model is 15% smaller and lighter than its predecessor, and users are now able to cook on the oven without having to use the app.

According to the company's CEO, David Rabie, not being able to use the oven without the app was one of the biggest complaints customers had about the original version. 



If you opt for the meal kits, you have the choice between three, four, six, eight, nine, or 12 meals a week.

Customers who sign up for 100 Tovala meals within the first 12 months of their purchase are eligible for $100 off the oven. 

The oven itself costs $349 and comes with a 180-day return policy. 

 



Each meal costs $12 and is meant to feed one person. If you're ordering as a couple or feeding a family, you'd need to order more of each variety.

Customers are required to pick which meals they want on a Wednesday for the following Monday. 

There are eight meals to choose from each week. 

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 11 most tech-friendly airlines in the world (DAL, ALK, JBLU)

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Alaska Airlines cabin redesign

As connectivity becomes an increasingly integral part of modern life, so has the need to remain connected to the outside world while we fly. 

Traveloka, an Indonesian digital travel-booking platform compiled a list of the most tech-friendly airlines in the world. In this particular survey, Traveloka collected information relating to airline WiFi access, power outlet availability, live TV, in-flight entertainment, mid-air text messaging and phone calls, essentially looking to find which airline leaves its passengers best connected while they are flying. 

Read more: The 10 American airports people hate flying into the most.

"Staying connected is a key part of traveling. Gone are the days when you’d venture abroad with little more than a paper map to find your way — today smartphones, laptops, and iPads all play an important role in getting us from A to B," Caesar Indra, Senior Vice President Business Development at Traveloka, said in a statement. 

"It’s not unreasonable to assume the airlines with the best reputation or most expensive seats will offer the best in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi, but our research proves this isn’t always the case. In fact, some budget-friendly carriers, such as JetBlue Airways, are going above and beyond to guarantee their customers reliable connectivity." 

Coming out on top is Qatar Airways, which launched its Super Wi-Fi promotion in April, offering passengers high-speed broadband access throughout the flight. 

Delta Air Lines was the highest ranking domestic carrier on the list, owing to the fact it offers free mobile messaging through WhatsApp, Facebook, and iMessage, as well as $16 all-day WiFi access. 

The 50 airlines featured in Traveloka's list were taken from the top 50 in the latest rankings by Skytrax, a UK-based consumer aviation website.

Take a look below at Traveloka's list of the world's most tech-friendly airlines:

SEE ALSO: RANKED: The 20 best airlines in the world

FOLLOW US: on Facebook for more car and transportation content!

10. Oman Air (Score 77.4 out of 100 — Tie)



10. Eva Air (Score: 77.4 out of 100 — Tie)



9. Etihad Airways (Score: 78.6)



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here's how to use your FSA dollars before you lose them — and get a discount on supplies you'd need to buy anyway

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you’ll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

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  • The pre-tax money you contribute to your FSA must be used on eligible healthcare products and services, which can be as mundane as Advil.
  • FSA dollars work on a use-it-or-lose-it provision. If you don't use your FSA money by December 31 of each year (or March 15 of the new year for many), you lose it. 
  • Every year, more than $400 million of earned money is forfeited because employees either miss or forget the deadline.
  • FSAstore.com makes it easy to spend that money before it's gone. They've got over 4,000 items that are guaranteed to be covered by your FSA, so you don't have to waste time researching just to use your own money.
  • From now through December 31, use our code "25BUSIN" to get $25 off orders of $300 or more and get free shipping, or code "50BUSIN" to get $50 off orders of $400.

It's time to use or lose your FSA dollars. Read on to learn more about what that means, and how you can avoid letting your money go to waste. 

What is FSA?

Many employers offer access to Flexible Spending Accounts, which lets you put away pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare products and services (think everything from a surgery and medical bills to smoking cessation programs to thermometers and first aid kits).

According to the IRS, the maximum you can put into these accounts is $2,650 in 2018, ($50 up from 2017). If you're in the 30% tax bracket and contribute the full amount, you'll have saved $795 in 2018 that would have otherwise gone toward taxes. In 2019, the FSA contribution level maximum will be $2,700.

Storing money in an FSA account is a great deal, provided that you spend it; FSA operates on a use-it-or-lose-it provision. You must spend the money in your FSA account by the end of the year or risk losing it for good. Many employers offer either more flexibility with a two-and-a-half months grace period (until March 15, 2019, rather than December 31, 2018) or let you roll $500 into the next year. They can't offer both.

More than $400 million is forfeited every year in FSA funds because employees either miss or forget their spending deadlines. It's your money — and it's pre-tax. It doesn't make sense not to use it. 

You can use FSA dollars to pay for medical expenses that aren't covered by a health plan, like co-pays, deductibles, dental and vision care or dependent day care, though eligible expenses can vary based on the plan. But if it's nearing the end of the year and you haven't used your money to help meet your deductible or pay medical expenses, you have the option of spending it on supplies like over-the-counter medication.

What can you buy with your FSA money?

The nitty-gritty details depend on the plan your employer has in place, but you can skip the burden of research by shopping the selection at FSA store. They do the homework for you, and curate more than 4,000 products that are guaranteed to be covered. If they're somehow not, you get your money back. 

Here are a few items on FSAstore.com that you can buy with your pre-tax money before you lose it: sunscreen, first aid kits, vitamins, condoms, high-tech healthcare (at-home defibrillator, nausea relief bands, vibrating shoe insoles, ovulation predictors), and travel pillows with orthopedic neck support.

And since the new Affordable Care Act required over-the-counter medications (like Advil and Benadryl) to come with a prescription from a doctor for FSA reimbursement, FSAstore created a Prescription Process (pictured below) which will contact your doctor for you, so you can get the information you need to complete the purchase. 

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How to save even more money with Business Insider's exclusive offer:

Save $25 off orders of $300 or more + free shipping with the code: "25BUSIN" at checkout, or save $50 off orders of $400 or more (and get free shipping) with the code "50BUSIN" at checkout. (Cannot be combined with other offers).

Shop thousands of FSA-eligible items here for before you lose it for good>>

SEE ALSO: Jet.com is often compared to Amazon — here’s how the startup is different

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The safest way to walk on ice is to impersonate a penguin — here's why

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As winter storms roll through, folks who live in icy areas have to re-acquaint themselves with how to navigate a slick icy surface. For some, it comes naturally. For others, that tailbone is going to take a beating. When in doubt, just remember: Walk like the penguins. The following is a transcription of the video:

Don’t let winter slip you up!

The secret to avoiding icy tumbles: Impersonate a penguin!

When we walk, we keep our center of gravity between our legs, so each leg supports half our weight. Because the leg is at an angle, we’re more vulnerable to losing our balance.

But penguins don’t walk this way. Their legs are too short, so they must waddle, keeping all their weight on one leg at a time. When on the ice, do as the penguins do.

Maintain your center of gravity over one leg at a time and take tiny steps, even if it looks funny. Keep your hands out of your pockets and if you do fall, try landing on your thigh, hip or shoulder. Falling onto your hands could injure your wrists.

Follow these steps, and you could be at home in the Antarctic.

You may need a tuxedo to fit in.

This video was originally published in February 2017.

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Gap will shutter its old flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City

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Gap store

  • Gap is closing its three-level store in Midtown, New York. The location was once its flagship store. 
  • The store, which is located in one of Manhattan's prime retail spots on Fifth Avenue, will reportedly close on 20 January. 
  • Gap Inc CEO Art Peck announced in November that the retailer would close hundreds of its Gap stores, including flagship locations, in the near future.

Gap is closing one of its New York stores. 

The New York Post was first to report on Tuesday that Gap would be closing its three-level store in New York's Midtown area. The store, which is located in one of Manhattan's prime retail spots on Fifth Avenue, will reportedly close on 20 January. 

This location was formerly Gap's flagship store in New York City up until 2017 when its current flagship store was opened in Times Square.

A spokesperson for Gap did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment. 

In the company's most recent earnings call, Gap Inc CEO Art Peck first announced that the retailer would be looking to close hundreds of its stores, including flagship locations, as the brand continues to struggle. Its parent company reported that same-store sales at were down 7% at Gap during the most recent quarter.

Read more:Old Navy is one of the most successful stores in retail right now — but Gap's struggles are raining on its parade

"This is the piece of the business that we are firmly committed to addressing with urgency," Peck said at the time, adding that the company would be closing stores that were unprofitable, had low traffic, or didn't offer a good customer experience.

He continued: "We have had a lot of stores that are in the bottom half of the fleet that have continued to deteriorate over time. And it is my strong belief that we've kicked the can down the road on this and offered a deteriorating customer experience ... These stores are a drag on the health and a drag on the performance of the brand."

Ralph Lauren also closed its flagship polo store, which was across the road on Fifth Avenue, in April last year.

SEE ALSO: We visited Ralph Lauren's flagship Polo store hours after the company said it would close

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Millennials and teens are making Gucci cool again — here's how the brand nearly doubled its sales in 2018

We compared Amazon and Costco prices to see which company offers better deals. Here's the verdict. (AMZN, COST)

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  • Amazon and Costco sell just about everything. 
  • Both stores sell in bulk, offer free two-day shipping with membership, and sell inexpensive private-label products
  • We compared prices across a few categories at both stores and found Costco was generally less expensive. Here's how they stack up.

Amazon and Costco sell just about everything. 

The two companies have a lot in common, including their membership programs, two-day delivery on online orders, and selling in massive bulk quantities. 

Both online stores also sell a ton of private-label products. Costco has its beloved Kirkland Signature brand to help keep prices low, and Amazon offers more than 80 of its own private-label products. 

While Costco requires a membership to shop in its stores, it doesn't require one to shop online. Both Amazon Prime and Costco's membership offer free two-day shipping for online orders. Prime costs $119 a year, and a basic Costco membership costs $60 a year. 

When we compared shopping online at each store, we found that Amazon had lower prices on home cleaning supplies like paper towels and dish soap, but almost everything else was less expensive at Costco.

Here's how the two compare: 

SEE ALSO: Costco, Target, and Trader Joe's all use the same secret weapon for keeping prices so low

A 12-pack of Bounty paper towels is listed on Amazon for $28.92. At Costco, it costs $29.99.

Amazon price:$28.92

Costco price:$29.99

Verdict: Amazon.



Amazon was also less expensive for cleaning supplies. An 8-count pack of Dawn dishwashing soap was listed at $39.40 on Amazon, and Costco charged $41.19 for the product.

Amazon price: $39.40

Costco price:$41.19

Verdict: Amazon.



Costco and Amazon don't always list the exact same products. Costco carried a 140-count pack of 13-gallon trash bags for $18.99, and Amazon carried an 80-count pack for $15.54. For a few dollars more, you can get double the amount at Costco.

Amazon price: $15.54 for an 80-count box

Costco price: $18.99 for a 140-count box

Verdict: Costco. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Border Patrol is getting help from the Coast Guard, Pentagon, and CDC for migrant children in custody, after an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy died

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Texas Border Patrol Child

  • The Department of Homeland Security has requested help from the Coast Guard, CDC, and Department of Defense to provide medical care to detained migrant children.
  • The move comes after an 8-year-old migrant boy died in custody on December 24, after he was detained in various Border Patrol holding facilities for nearly a week.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said she has ordered medical checks on all migrant children in custody, though it's unknown how many are currently detained.

The Department of Homeland Security has asked the US Coast Guard, the Department of Defense, and the Centers for Disease Control to help provide healthcare to migrant children in its custody after an 8-year-old boy died on Monday.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a statement Wednesday afternoon that she has requested the CDC "investigate the uptick in sick children crossing our borders," the Coast Guard review the current medical programs migrants receive, and that the Pentagon provide medical support staff.

Nielsen said she's also visiting the border this week to see first-hand what the Border Patrol stations and medical screenings look like.

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency said in an earlier statement that it's "considering options for surge medical assistance" from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Read more: The 8-year-old migrant boy who died on Christmas Eve was held in US custody for nearly a week — against Border Patrol's own rules

kirstjen nielsen

The move comes after the deaths of two young children in Border Patrol custody this month. Guatemalan authorities identified the 8-year-old boy as Felipe Gómez Alonzo, and a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl named Jakelin Caal Maquin reportedly died on December 8.

Both children were arrested with their fathers while crossing the US-Mexico border, before being detained in holding facilities. In Alonzo's case, he was detained by Border Patrol at multiple facilities for nearly a full week, according to a CBP timeline.

The timeline said Border Patrol agents first noticed Alonzo was ill on the morning of December 24, and brought him to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a cold, given a prescription antibiotic, and sent back to the holding facility.

Later that evening, when Alonzo became ill again, they moved him back to the hospital where he died shortly before midnight, according to the CBP timeline.

border patrol

In her statement on Wednesday, Nielsen blamed the surge in migrant families and children crossing the US-Mexico border, and pleaded that migrant parents not bring or send their children to the US.

"Our system has been pushed to a breaking point by those who seek open borders. Smugglers, traffickers, and their own parents put these minors at risk by embarking on the dangerous and arduous journey north," Nielsen said. "I once again ask – beg – parents to not place their children at risk by taking a dangerous journey north. 

In the wake of Alonzo's death, CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan ordered medical checks on all migrant children in custody, according to the CBP statement. The statement went on to say that the agency is reviewing its policies on detaining children younger than 10 — particularly when they're held in custody beyond 24 hours.

In a previous statement on Tuesday, the agency also said it notified Congress of the death, following a newly implemented policy to flag in-custody deaths to lawmakers, the US media, and foreign embassies within 24 hours.

Trump administration under scrutiny for deaths

border patrol

The Trump administration has been heavily criticized for the deaths, with immigration advocates arguing that Border Patrol should not be holding young children in custody — and especially not for extended periods of time.

"This is a horrific tragedy. CBP must be held accountable and stopped from jailing children," the American Civil Liberties Union tweeted on Tuesday. "The next Congress should make an investigation into [the Department of Homeland Security] one of its first items on the agenda."

CBP has defended itself against much of the criticism by noting that a surge in migrant families and unaccompanied children arriving in the US are overwhelming the Border Patrol holding facilities and causing a backlog in the shelter system and long-term detention centers.

But top Trump officials have even acknowledged in recent weeks that the Border Patrol stations were built to temporarily house adults for processing, not to detain children.

"DHS has continued to see a dramatic increase in unaccompanied children and family units arriving at our borders illegally or without authorization," CBP said in its Tuesday statement. "Consistent with existing law, these individuals are held at federal facilities pending their removal or release into the interior of the United States with a notice to appear at a court hearing."

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Anthony Scaramucci claims Trump isn't a nationalist: 'He likes saying that because it irks these intellectual elitists'

Shake Shack is giving away free burgers this week. Here's how to get one. (SHACK)

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Shake Shack Shack Burger

  • Shake Shack is giving away free burgers during a promotion that starts December 26 and ends January 2.
  • It's a buy-one-get-one-free deal, and all customers need to do is buy a Shack Burger using the restaurant's app with code "THANKYOU18" to get an extra burger for no additional cost.
  • The chain is expanding rapidly throughout the US and internationally.

Shake Shack is putting its money where its customers' mouths are.

The chain on Wednesday announced in a year-end email to customers a new promotion for free Shack Burgers if customers follow a few steps. A Shake Shack spokesperson confirmed the offer to Business Insider.

The promotion is a buy-one-get-one-free deal, requiring that customers purchase a Shack Burger using the restaurant's order-ahead app. Entering the code "THANKYOU18" triggers the promotion, letting customers get an extra burger for free. 

The promotion is good for only one use, and it is available for only a week, starting December 26 and ending January 2. Orders must be more than $10 to redeem the offer. The deal is available nationwide, but it is not redeemable at airports, ballparks, or stadiums.

Read more:Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer reveals why he believes delivery is an increasingly powerful force in the restaurant industry

The promotion is being offered as a "thank you from our team," the burger chain's CEO, Randy Garutti, wrote in an end-of-year-wrap-up email sent to customers on Wednesday.

"In 2018, we expanded across the globe, we connected with our guests, we supported causes we believe in, and we learned — a lot!" Garutti wrote. "What better way to celebrate an incredible year than over a burger with friends?"

Shake Shack did indeed have a busy year, opening 50 new restaurants with 11 of them in cities where the chain had no previous presence. There are now 200 Shake Shacks worldwide.

SEE ALSO: Here's why Walmart put an empty gift card in your online order without asking

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: A wheel of parmesan can cost over $1,000 — here's why the cheese is so expensive


25 useful Android accessories and compatible gadgets to use with your new phone

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

fossil smartwatch

From the first smartphone I owned, I've always been an Android user. Much to the chagrin of nearly all my friends and peers, I really do like the operating system and my Samsung phone. However, I do have to admit the world of tech accessories is made for iPhone users and the number and variety of options are tipped in their favor. 

If you have an Android phone user in your life who you generally regard with suspicion and is already causing you a lot of stress in the gift-hunting search, fear not — and just be glad they don't have a Windows phone. We're here to help you find some cool Android accessories they'll appreciate. Some are specially optimized for Android devices, while others are just great accessory gifts for all types of phones. 

These 25 phone accessories and compatible gadgets prove gifting an Android user isn't actually as difficult as you think. 

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

SEE ALSO: All of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides, in one place

DON'T MISS: 25 creative and unexpected gifts for 'Star Wars' fans of all ages

A camera lens kit for enthusiastic phone photographers

Xenvo Camera Lens Kit Pro, $39.99, available at Amazon

Take breathtaking landscape photos and detailed close-ups with the 140-degree, wide-angle lens and the 10x macro lens in this kit. Simply clip it to the phone and align it with its camera to start snapping high-quality pictures. 



Comfortable, high-quality wireless earbuds

Master & Dynamic MW07 True Wireless In-Ear Headphones, $299.98, available at Best Buy

These true wireless earbuds topped even the Apple Airpods in our guide, a testament to their beautiful design and excellent sound quality. Since it's more expensive than most models, it makes sense to splurge for them during the holidays. 

 

 

 

 



A flexible car mount

iOttie Easy One Touch Qi Wireless Fast Charge Car Mount, $49.94, available at Amazon

This accessory pulls double duty by charging their phone while holding it securely on their dash. The telescopic arm extends up to eight inches and pivots on a wide arc for easy readability and access. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

A luxury hotel in Times Square hosts a rooftop New Year's Eve party where guests are only 150 feet from the ball drop and box seats cost up to $125,000

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The Knickerbocker Hotel

  • The Knickerbocker Hotel was built in 1906 by John Jacob Astor IV in 1906, who died in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. It sits on the corner of 42nd street and Broadway.
  • After closing its doors in 1921, the hotel reopened in 2015 and began hosting luxury New Year's Eve rooftop parties, just 150 feet from the ball drop in Times Square. 
  • You can enjoy the exclusive party with three experiences ranging from $4,335 to $125,000. 
  • Each package includes two tickets, a minimum two-night stay at the hotel, access to a buffet and top-shelf open bar, and live entertainment, among other perks.

An estimated one million people crowd into sectioned-off quarters of Times Square every year to see the famous countdown and ball drop on New Year's Eve.

But that's not the only way to enjoy the celebratory night in person. You can experience an exclusive party at The Knickerbocker Hotel's St. Cloud rooftop, just 150 feet from the ball drop — if you're willing to pay at least $4,335.

The hotel sits on the corner of 42nd street and Broadway, giving guests the Times Square experience without the crowded streets. The site was built in 1906 by Jacob Astor IV, whose family line is also responsible for several other properties in New York City, including the St. Regis Hotel

The Knickerbocker Hotel claims several historical moments happened within its walls, including the creation of the first-ever martini and the debut of the red velvet rope to help control dinner crowds.

But one of its most luxurious creations is an exclusive rooftop experience to ring in the new year. Check out what up to $125,000 could buy you on New Year's Eve at the historic hotel. 

SEE ALSO: 30 highly successful people share their New Year's resolutions for 2018

DON'T MISS: The 27 best under-the-radar places to spend New Year's Eve, according to the world's leading travel experts

You can enjoy New Year's Eve 150 feet away from the iconic ball drop atop The Knickerbocker Hotel with a choice of three experiences: Gold, Platinum, or VIP box seats.

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Source: The Knickerbocker Hotel



Each package includes two tickets, a minimum two-night stay at the hotel, access to the St. Cloud rooftop, hors d'oeuvres, buffet, top-shelf open bar, live entertainment, party favors (including hand warmers) and a champagne toast at midnight.

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Source: The Knickerbocker Hotel



Here's what it looked like last year...

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Rich people can now celebrate New Year's Eve twice with a private jet company that flies them around the world in a Gulfstream G550 for $250,000

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friends private jet champagne

  • An extravagant private jet package will let you celebrate New Year's Eve twice, in Sydney, Australia, and then in Los Angeles.
  • The party starts in Sydney on December 31 at 8 p.m. and then guests make the 13.5-hour flight to Los Angeles.
  • The package costs $255,500 to charter the entire aircraft or $31,950 per person if eight friends book together.
  • The private jet will be festively decorated and outfitted with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, as well as cuvée Champagne, and dishes such as caviar, lamb tartare, and lobster.

 

A luxurious private jet package will let you celebrate New Year's Eve twice on two different continents, first in Sydney, Australia, and then in Los Angeles.

Carol Cork, marketing director of PrivateFly, the private jet booking company offering the package, said in a press release that the package is the ultimate way to ring in the new year "in two of the world's most iconic locations."

"The flight time from Sydney to LA in a Gulfstream G550 is 13.5 hours, so with the 19-hour time difference, you get to replay over 5.5 hours of party time, by flying eastwards," she continued.

Cork added that the flight timing is so tight that it's only possible by private jet. The package costs $255,500 to charter the entire aircraft or $31,950 per person if eight friends book together.

It's quite the jam-packed itinerary. The party starts at 8:00 p.m. on December 31 in Sydney, at "one of the city's glamorous nightstops or VIP parties," according to PrivateFly.

Guests celebrate the New Year at midnight with a view of the famous fireworks in the harbor.

Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks

At 2:00 a.m., partygoers will take off from Sydney in a Gulfstream G550, one of the most popular private jet models.

PrivateFly notes that the time in LA is 19 hours behind Sydney, so if you can make the journey between the two cities in less time than that, you can fly "back in time" and arrive several hours before you left. 

The plane lands in Los Angeles at 8:30 p.m. California time, "where the night is still young and there’s time to head to your party of choice," PrivateFly says. 

Gulfstream g550 interior

Guests then ring in the New Year a second time in the City of Angels.

PrivateFly offers two different in-flight experiences: The "Wellness" package or the "Festive Flight."

For the Wellness experience, the private flight attendant will adjust the lighting and temperature of the jet's cabin for the "optimum restful flight experience," according to PrivateFly. Passengers can lounge in designer pajamas and slippers, pamper their skin with luxury skincare products and masks, and sip detox juices. There's also a "VIP vitamin-packed" catering menu. The cabin includes a master bedroom and separate flat single beds, outfitted with deluxe bedding.

The "Festive Flight," on the other hand, is for "those looking to continue the celebrations at 45,000 feet," reads PrivateFly's press release. Guests can party in the festively-decorated cabin with the help of state-of-the-art music and entertainment systems, cuvée Champagne, and dishes such as caviar, lamb tartare, and lobster.

SEE ALSO: Outrageous photos show what flying on private jets is really like, from private bedrooms with plush bedding to exquisitely crafted meals served with Champagne

DON'T MISS: The president of a company that designs private plane interiors says ultra-wealthy clients no longer want their private jets to look like private jets

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NOW WATCH: 4 tricks that will make hosting Thanksgiving dinner much easier this year

Nordstrom's huge Half Yearly Sale is officially on — here's what to buy

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Nordstrom's big Half-Yearly Sale kicked off on December 26, and it will run until January 2. 

If you got a gift card or found a pile of cold hard cash buried in the backyard over the holidays, now is a good time to spend it — especially if you have essentials you know you'll more than likely shell out for soon, or have a stacked wish list with things you can only justify with a discount. Nordstrom also has free shipping and returns, and you can read about the new free rewards program here. It's also worth noting you can order online and schedule a free pick-up in store.

To save you time, we raked through the site to put some of the best deals you can get all in one shoppable place. Check them out below, or shop the sale directly here.

Shop the women's sale here.

Shop the men's sale here.

Shop the kids' sale here.

Below are 30 of the best items included in Nordstrom's Half-Yearly sale this year: 

SEE ALSO: Save up to 50% at L.L.Bean, Nordstrom, Nike, and Ralph Lauren — and more of today's best deals from around the web

Topshop Lily Midi Coat

Topshop Lily Knit Back Midi Coat, $74.99 (originally $125)

This longline jacket adds sophistication to any cold-weather outfit, and it's available in three versatile colors. 



Hunter Original Rain Bootie

Hunter Original Refined Rain Bootie, $72.50 (originally $145)

Hunter's fan-favorite, handcrafted rain boot gets a slim update in thinner, more flexible rubber and a tailored, slimmer silhouette.



Good American Good Legs Jeans

Good American Good Legs High Waist Skinny Jeans, $95.40 (originally $159)

Designed with a contoured waistband and advanced stretch recovery for a flawless fit, these svelte skinnies flaunt every curve from top to bottom.



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Mark Cuban just bought a $19 million Laguna Beach vacation home that comes with concierge service and walls that open up to views of the Pacific Ocean. Here's a look inside.

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mark cuban vacation home

  • Mark Cuban just bought a $19 million beachfront mansion in California to use as a vacation home. 
  • The Laguna Beach villa is part of an exclusive community that gives residents access to hotel amenities that include a concierge, room service, housekeeping, and a spa.
  • The modern, six-bedroom home includes walls that disappear to open up to the outdoor space and a private pool.

A $19 million beachfront California mansion just sold to the billionaire investor and "Shark Tank" star Mark Cuban.

Cuban bought the villa as a vacation home, according to Villa Real Estate. John Stanaland, who sold the house to Cuban last week, said it was the highest sale in Laguna Beach's exclusive Montage Residences community in 2018. Cuban will have access to Montage's hotel amenities, including a concierge, room service, housekeeping, and a spa.

Take a look inside the ultramodern and luxurious 3 Montage Way, Cuban's new vacation spot.

SEE ALSO: A billionaire movie producer is selling a one-bedroom apartment that takes up an entire floor of NYC's Ritz-Carlton for nearly $40 million

DON'T MISS: This $245 million Los Angeles mansion is the most expensive home for sale in the US — and it costs 960 times more than a typical US home

Mark Cuban just bought a California vacation home in Laguna Beach for $19 million.

Source: Villa Real Estate



It's part of an exclusive oceanfront community called Montage Residences, where residents can access hotel amenities that include the concierge, room service, housekeeping, and a spa.

Source: Villa Real Estate



The home has 7,867 square feet of living space and is decorated in an airy and bright California style.



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