• If your Mac computer is malfunctioning or you're looking to sell it, it might be time to perform a factory reset on the device. 
• A factory reset will wipe all your data and applications off the Mac, restoring it to its original, default state.
• Performing a factory reset on a Mac only takes a few minutes, but it may not work directly the same way on every computer.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Everyone's heard the old troubleshooting tip: "Just turn it off and back on again." It's a tip that works surprisingly often — but if you're stuck in a situation where your Mac is bugging out and nothing is fixing it, it might be time to try a more extreme solution: factory resetting.

A factory reset will wipe your Mac computer, restoring its software to the state it was in when it left the factory. That means that all your personal files and data will disappear. This is a good idea if all other troubleshooting has failed for your Mac, you're trying to wipe out your private data, or if you're selling or giving away your Mac to someone else.

Here's how to factory reset your Mac, wiping out all data, including a few tips in case it doesn't work.

How to factory reset a Mac computer

Before anything, if you don't want to lose the files you have saved on your computer, you should back them up. You can do this through Time Machine, Apple's official backup application, which will copy all your files onto an external drive. You can also backup onto iCloud, or manually move the files you want to save onto an external drive.

If you're giving your computer away, also make sure that you've signed out of iTunes, iCloud, and iMessage— there's a chance your Apple ID data will remain on the drive after you reset it, and you don't want anyone gaining access to your account.

Once you're ready:

1. Turn your Mac computer off.

2. Press the power button to turn it on, then immediately press and hold Command (⌘) + R. Keep holding it until you see either the Apple logo, or an animation of a spinning globe.

3. After a few moments, the macOS Utilities window should appear — this is known as Recovery Mode.

4. Select "Disk Utility" and click "Continue."

5. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, select View > Show All Devices.

6. In Disk Utility's sidebar, which displays all the currently installed disks and volumes, select the drive you want to erase. Although you can erase whatever you like, in most cases, it's best to erase the whole disk — the tab highest up in the tree.

7. Click the "Erase" button at the top of the screen, and fill out the fields it opens:

• Fill in a name for the disk. It's a good idea to just copy the name that already exists, for clarity's sake.
• Choose the format. Disk Utility will choose a compatible format by default. If you're erasing your disk before installing macOS High Sierra or later for the first time, will be using the disk with a Mac that isn't using High Sierra or later, or are going to use the disk as a Time Machine backup, choose "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)."
• If shown, choose the scheme. In almost all cases, you should choose GUID Partition Map.

8. Click "Erase."

9. It will take a few moments for the disk to erase. Once it's done, click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen, and click "Quit Disk Utility."

At this point, if you're just trying to erase your disk, you're done. If you want to set things back up, however, you can navigate back to the macOS Utilities menu and select either:

• "Restore From Time Machine Backup," which will restore your files if you used Time Machine to back them up.
• "Reinstall macOS," which will install a new copy of macOS onto your system.

What if my computer won't boot into recovery mode?

There's a chance that when you start your computer holding down Command (⌘) + R, it will simply boot up normally and proceed right to your login screen, or just a blank screen. If this is the case, there's a chance that you may not have a Recovery Partition — the part of your disk that allows you to factory reset. Here's how to check if you have one:

1. Open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight or Finder.
2. Type "diskutil list" and press Return.
3. Terminal will show you all the volumes and partitions on your disk. The first section (called "/dev/disk0") should have a partition called "Apple_Boot Recovery HD."

If it doesn't have that partition, chances are that you don't have a Recovery Partition.

At this point, there's a few different steps you can take. You can try resetting your Mac through Internet Recovery — press and hold Command (⌘) + Option + R — which will connect to the internet to create a Recovery Partition and activate Recovery Mode. Not having a Recovery Partition isn't a good sign for your system, so it's worth trying to reinstall your macOS, even if you weren't originally planning on it.

If this doesn't work either, you should contact Apple directly, or consider using third-party applications designed to create Recovery Partitions.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to clear the cache on your Mac computer to make it run more efficiently

• How to uninstall apps on a Mac computer in three different ways

• How to AirDrop files from a Mac computer to other Apple devices

• How to easily record your screen on a Mac computer

SEE ALSO: The best laptop you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Disney Plus is set to have more than 500 movies and 7,500 TV shows. Here's a look at which ones you'll find.

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening today to save you time, with savings on Skagen watches, shoes at J.Crew, and Dyson vacuums. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

1. Save up to 60% on sale items at Skagen

Danish watch company Skagen offers a beautiful assortment of contemporary, minimalist timepieces for men and women. While the watches are already relatively affordable, the brand is having a sale to bring prices even lower. Now through May 5, you can save up to 25% on select watches and up to 60% on sale items. Prices are as marked, so you won't need a promo code to save. 

Shop the Skagen sale now. 

2. Save 20% sitewide at Brooklinen

As the maker of the best luxury sheets, the best sateen sheets, and the best duvet cover we've tested, Brooklinen is easily one of Insider Picks' favorite brands. To celebrate being in business for five years, the brand is having a big sale. Now through May 7, you can save 20% sitewide on orders of $150 or more. Whether you were an early adopter and want to refresh some of your favorite items, or a new customer looking to see what all the buzz is about, this is a great chance to save.

Shop the Brooklinen sale now. 

3. Save 25% at Happy Socks

In celebration of Mother's Day, Happy Socks is having a big sale — but you don't have to be a mom to take advantage of it. Now through May 12, you can save 25% on your order by using the promo code "HAPPYMOM25" at checkout. You won't see the sale promoted anywhere on the site, but the code does work. In addition to socks, you'll find underwear and swimwear on sale. 

Shop the Happy Socks sale now.

4. Save $100 on the Dyson V7 Fluffy Cord-Free Stick Vacuum at Best Buy

Dyson's cordless vacuums have the most powerful suction of any cord-free option and feature a lightweight design that's easy to use on carpets, floors, and hard-to-reach areas that traditional vacuums struggle with. As a Best Buy deal of the day, you can save $100 on the Dyson V7 Fluffy vacuum at Best Buy. To potentially save more at Best Buy, visit Business Insider Coupons here. 

Dyson V7 Fluffy Cord-Free Stick Vacuum, $249.99 (Originally $349.99) [You save $100]

5. Save up to 50% on shoes at J.Crew

J.Crew is always a good place to find deals on clothing, but its their shoes that are on sale right now. Until May 5, you can save up to 50% on shoes for men and women. The sale includes sneakers, dress shoes, boots, sandals, flip flops, heels, wedges, and more. For more deals and savings at J.Crew, visit Business Insider Coupons here. 

Shop men's shoes and women's shoes at J.Crew now.

6. Save up to 40% on bags at Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons specializes in everyday work and travel bags that aren't too heavy or techy. For a limited time, you can save up to 40% on bags during the brand's Mother's Day sale. With totes, crossbody bags, overnight bags, and backpacks, you can find the perfect style to give the busy the moms in your life.

Shop the Lo & Son sale now. 

7. Save an extra 30% on thousands of items at Macy's

With Mother's Day and graduation season coming up, you're probably looking for deals on gifts. Macy's is home to pretty much everything you (or they) could want. You'll find clothes, shoes, jewelry, luggage, and bedding, nearly all at discounted prices. Right now, to make the savings even better, Macy's is currently holding its Friends and Family sale. Simply use the promo code "FRIEND" at checkout to save an extra 30%. To potentially save more at Macy's, visit Business Insider Coupons here.

Shop the Macy's sale now.

8. Save up to $200 on Bear Mattresses and get two free pillows

Named the best mattress for hot sleepers in our buying guide, Bear Mattresses are designed to keep you cool and comfortable at night. They feature Celliant, a material that converts heat from the body into far infrared — a type of energy that's been proven to help rebuild cells, which can reduce aches and pains and promote a better night's sleep. Right now, you can save $100 on any purchase of $500 or more by using the promo code "SPRING100" or get $200 off any purchase of $1,200 or more by using the promo code "SPRING200" at checkout. Plus, you'll receive two free pillows.

Shop the Bear Mattress sale now.

Join the conversation about this story »

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Lovevery is a new toy brand created by early childhood development experts and offer curated play kits with age-appropriate toys sorted into two- to three-month age groups.
• You can subscribe to a plan or buy kits separately; subscriptions start at $36 a month and solo kits start at $80.
• Each kit comes with a number of toys as well as a comprehensive guide that helps parents present toys and activities at the right times and in ways that are most enjoyable and stimulating for their children.
• Lovevery toys are designed to entertain, but also to help a child's rapidly developing brain form connections between the billions of nerve cells just waiting to link up.

Finding the best toys for babies and toddlers can be a serious challenge.

If I had a nickel every time my son or daughter pushed a toy aside and instead played with a spatula or shoe, I'd have enough money to go buy another toy they might reject.

So how to find the very best toys for a young child? With my son Ben, who is now five and a half and onto Legos, writing and illustrating stories, and (limited) use of technology, it was a genuine struggle. My wife and I wanted to make sure he had great toys that would make playtime both fun and meaningful in terms of motor and mental development, and usually this meant doing a lot of research and buying things on a one-off basis. We found plenty of great toys, but his collection was never as cohesive as we would've liked and it grew a bit too large after a while too because we were constantly playing a guessing game with our purchases.

In the past year, my wife and I have found that trusting toy curation to the team of experts Lovevery works out quite well. The experts come from the fields of psychology, development, occupational therapy, and education, so when these folks set out to create a company that produces toy and activity kits that would help foster brain development, they went all in.

But calling Lovevery a toy company would be like calling a forest a place with trees. Yes, there are trees, but there's so much more going on among them.

Read more: The best educational toys for kids

Lovevery play kits are broken out into six kits (or subscriptions, if you choose that plan) intended to be swapped out every two months for babies, and into four kits intended to be swapped every three months for the brand-new toddler kits. Each kit contains carefully selected items that will engage, entertain, and enlighten youngsters. 

There's the Looker Play Kit intended for newborns and babies through the first eight weeks of life. It contains things like a soft silicone rattle, cards with simple high-contrast images, and mittens with geometric patterns. Most of the objects in the Looker kit use only bold black and white colors because that's what a newborn's eyes can see, and the toys are designed for use by a little human who's not yet using his or her hands with any sense of control, or is just rolling over and still acting largely by instinct. 

As for the instincts that make them put toys into their mouths — each item included in these kits is made with nontoxic water-based paints or dyes, organic fabric, sustainably-sourced wood, and other safe, eco-friendly materials.

For older children that are between 11 and 12 months, the Thinker Play Kit contains a colorful doll, weighted balls, books with full-color images, and multiple toys that require manipulation and basic dexterity.

Basically, what each of these kits contain are objects that are developmentally-appropriate for kids of the respective age. But kids don't simply move on from the earlier toys when they outgrow the kit's intended age group; instead the way a child engages with the toys evolves as their abilities and interests expand.

Our daughter Scarlett still loves many of the toys she has played with for a year, and now she carries them around while walking and talking (well, babbling) instead of kicking at them as she lays on her back on a play mat. The lasting power of these toys makes the $40 monthly expense seem quite affordable for my wife and I, especially compared with what we'd spend buying toy after toy that'd be rapidly discarded for a spatula.

New this summer are play kits designed for toddlers. As kids enter their first full year, their development continues rapidly, but each child will hit milestones at different times, so the kits are spread over three months instead of six, with four kits making up the whole year.

"Year-two play kits cover three months of play to accommodate more divergent development paths [with] more complex products," explains Emily Tetz, Director of Marketing from Lovevery.

Read more: The best STEM toys you can buy for kids

The toddler kits are larger and include more items in each box, allowing parents (or caregivers) to consider which toys to introduce over each three-month period to meet the abilities of a growing child and coax out their best efforts at problem solving and critical thinking. This might be hard to believe, but don't worry, the kids will have fun in the process — they'll just form some new neural pathways while doing it.

While the kits are great, the play guide that comes with each kit is what truly sets Lovevery apart. The guides, which include full-color images and are broken down into easily-digested sections ("What and When," "The Playthings," and "More Activities") show parents and caregivers when and how each toy or item should be introduced and advise on how an adult can help a child engage with the item.

Going beyond the toys themselves, these guides also explain what's going on with your child ("Learning to control his arms and legs" or "Recognizes people who take care of him," to name two examples out of dozens), what each toy is designed to help with (like sensory exploration or making connections), and even what you as a parent are likely experiencing at each stage.

The guides even offer ideas for other activities beyond using they toys themselves, helping educate a parent of caregiver on how to make interactions meaningful and beneficial for both parties. 

Now, I'm not a doctor so I definitely suggest talking to yours before incorporating these toys into playtime. In my experience though, these are wonderful toys and well-curated kits that my daughter loved playing with. But to my wife and I, they're more than that. They're developmental tools that greatly benefits the child and caregiver who's also engaged in a learning process.

Shop Lovevery play kits here.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Warren Buffett, the third-richest person in the world, is also one of the most frugal billionaires. Here's how he makes and spends his fortune.

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• Capital One Venture and Spark Miles users can transfer their miles to JetBlue's frequent flyer program starting today.
• For the month of May, Capital One will offer a 50% bonus on top of the usual 2:1 transfer ratio, meaning that for every 1,000 Capital One miles you transfer, you'll get 750 JetBlue miles.
• If you're looking to earn more transferable Capital One miles, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card currently offers 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
• The Capital One Spark Miles for Business offers 50,000 miles when you spent $4,500 in the first three months

The most valuable kind of credit card reward is transferable points— points that can be transferred to hotel and airline partners.

At the very end of last year, Capital One brought its travel rewards program in line with long-time top contenders like Chase and AmEx by introducing transferability to the Venture and Spark Miles cards. Every mile you earned with the cards — which earn 2x miles on every dollar spent — could still be redeemed to "erase" travel purchases, but could also be transferred to any of 14 airline frequent flyer partners.

Wednesday, May 1, Capital One announced a 15th partner — and its first domestic US airline partner.

Starting right away, Capital One miles cardholders can transfer their miles to JetBlue's TrueBlue frequent flyer program.

Additionally, for the month of May, Capital One is offering a 50% bonus on miles transferred to JetBlue. Normally, they can be transferred at a 2:1 ratio, where every two Capital One miles will equal one JetBlue mile. During the promotion, the ratio will be effectively 2:1.5. In context, 1000 Capital One miles will equal 750 JetBlue miles during the introductory bonus, and 500 miles when transferred after that.

While Chase's Ultimate Rewards program transfers miles to programs — including JetBlue — at a 1:1 ratio, Capital One's advantage is that you earn 2x mile per dollar on everything. Chase cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited earn 1.5x points (marketed as 1.5% cash back) on everything; the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 2x miles on dining and travel and 1x on everything else, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3x points on the same bonus categories.

This is Capital One's second-ever transfer bonus. In March, the program offered a 100% bonus on miles transferred to Emirates' Skywards frequent flyer program.

JetBlue will join Emirates and Singapore Airlines in the 2:1 transfer ratio tier; the other 12 transfer partners are all at a 1.5:1 ratio.

The Capital One Venture is a formidable rewards card, offering 10x miles per dollar spent at Hotels.com (when the reservation is made through Hotels.com/Venture), and 2x miles per dollar on everything else.

Plus, you can earn a sign-up bonus of 50,000 Capital One miles when you spend $3,000 in your first three months with the card.

If you own a small business — or even if you have a solo side gig — the Capital One Spark Miles for Business offers 50,000 miles when you spent $4,500 in the first three months.

Click here to learn more about the Capital One Venture from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

Click here to learn more about the Capital One Spark Miles from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

Click here to learn more about the Capital One Spark Miles for Business from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

SEE ALSO: The best credit card rewards, bonuses, and benefits of 2019

Join the conversation about this story »

• There are many ways to get free stuff on Amazon, whether or not you subscribe to Amazon Prime.
• Amazon Giveaway is continuously updated to give you the opportunity to win thousands of products.   
• If you aren't a Prime member, there are also ways to download free books, music, and more. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Amazon has always aspired to be the world's largest retailer, even back when the site's very first slogan was "Earth's Biggest Bookstore." And hand-in-hand with the site's growth as a store has been its apparent generosity at giving away free stuff to keep customers happy.

Sure, some programs have disappeared — there used to be a way to get free sample-size products included with your shipments, for example — and the company's flagship Amazon Prime program has steadily increased in cost, making some people question if it's still worthwhile.

Read more:How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership

Still, perhaps the single best reason to subscribe to Amazon Prime is its free shipping, as Amazon offers free two-day shipping on all in-stock Amazon Prime products within the US.

But if you're looking for ways to make your dollar go further and get free stuff from the biggest store on earth, and in particular without making the plunge into an Amazon Prime membership, there are still a lot of options.

SEE ALSO: The best ways to contact Amazon for help when you have a problem with your account

Win free stuff in an Amazon Giveaway

While most of the free stuff you can get on Amazon requires you to invest $119 in an annual Amazon Prime subscription, there's a way to potentially win free merchandise on Amazon without spending a penny.

One of Amazon's best-kept secrets, Amazon runs thousands of giveaways every week on the Amazon Giveaway page. You can potentially win instantly with just a click (and you may need to watch a promotional video), but even if you don't win, simply entering the giveaway often guarantees you a discount that can range as high as 40% off the retail price.

Download Kindle books and magazines

Amazon makes thousands of its Kindle books available for free to everyone (even non-Prime members).

If you happen to be an Amazon Prime member, you get to download one free Kindle book per month in the Amazon First Reads program. And that's not all: You can "borrow" up to 10 titles at a time — which includes both books and magazines — with Amazon Prime Reading.

But even if you're not a Prime member, just go to the Kindle store, search for "free," and then use the genre browsing tools on the left side of the page to sort for free books you might like.

Download free music

There's so much free and nearly free music online these days (Spotify has a free ad-supported player, for example) that it hardly seems worth mentioning, but if you're a music lover, you shouldn't pass up the free tracks on tap at Amazon.

If you're a Prime subscriber, you get access to Amazon Music Prime, and that includes 2 million tracks (the more comprehensive Amazon Music Unlimited has 50 million tracks for an additional cost). But regardless of whether you are a Prime member, you can download and listen to thousands of free songs at Amazon Music.

• Google Slide presentations are the new PowerPoint, and adding music to them from YouTube or Spotify is fairly easy, but it isn't straightforward.
• That's because adding music to slides isn't a feature that Google natively includes in its presentation tool.
• The workarounds aren't perfect — but they may do the trick if you're willing to compromise a bit.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Slideshows can either be the best thing since sliced bread, or the most boring part of the workday. One way to avoid the latter experience is adding audio or music — but that feature is not actually available through Google Slides.

Still, there are ways to get the effect anyway. You just have to know the workarounds. But be aware that each one has its own pros and cons.

Here's how to get it done on Google Slides:

How to add music to Google Slides using the video function

Audio by itself may not be supported by Google Slides just yet, but videos are, and Google currently lets you use those from the following sources:

• YouTube
• URL
• Google Drive

But because this method is a workaround, rather than a feature, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of (discussed later). Until then, here are the steps you need to take if you go with the video option:

1. Find and copy the share link or video URL that has the music you want to use in your presentation.

2. Go to slides.google.com.

3. Open your slideshow and navigate to the correct slide, or create a new presentation.

4. Click "Insert" and then select "Video."

5. Insert the link the appropriate area (the thumbnail will pop up below) then hit the search button — this will insert the video onto the slide. Click "Select."

6. Right-click on the video and select "Format Options."

7. Click the down-carrot under "Video Playback."

8. Click "Autoplay when presenting."

9. Close out the right sidebar.

10. Resize the video so that it is as small as possible and position it wherever seems best (in a corner or behind a banner, for example).

11. Select the video and copy it, then in the left sidebar click the next slide you'd like the music to continue through and paste it in, repeating for each slide you'd like the sound to play beneath.

Keep in mind that there will be a slight pause in the music when you move from slide to slide. And in order for the music to carry over as it's supposed to, between each slide, you'll have to time things out. For example, if you give each slide a minute-long window, you'd have to update the start time (located under "Video Playback") for each subsequent slide. Otherwise, the video will restart every time you advance to the next slide.

It isn't ideal for those who want music to run through the entire presentation, but it's doable for those who just want an accent for a slide or two.

How to add Spotify tracks to Google Slides

It's surprisingly easy, but there are still drawbacks. Here's how to add a Spotify track to your presentation:

1. Open Spotify and find the right track.

2. Right click on the track, then hover over "Share" and click "Copy Song Link."

3. Go into your presentation and go to the first slide you want the music to play under

4. Select a bit of text (or an image) on the slide, click "Insert link" and paste in your Spotify link.

On the day of your presentation, make sure that you login to the browser version of Spotify. And while your giving the presentation, you'll need to access the computer that plays the slideshow. That way, when that linked slide appears, you'll be able to click it, and that will open a new window where you can click on the play button before toggling back over to your slides.

This method sacrifices the smoothness of your transitions (and completely misses the point of spontaneity, if that's what you're going for), but it's a much better option if you want seamless multi-slide playing.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to share photos, PDFs, and other files on Google Drive

• How to create and share a Google Drive folder with customized sharing settings

• How to change the margins on your Google Docs in two ways

• How to create and customize a Google Form for polls and questionnaires

SEE ALSO: How to change your default Google account

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: I tried the $1,980 Samsung Galaxy Fold and it's impressive for a first-generation foldable phone, though far from perfect

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• If you work in an office with a business casual or stricter dress policy, there's a fine line between dressing appropriately for hot summer weather and wearing a suitable outfit for work.
• Many menswear brands are now designing dress shirts with dri-fit technology usually used in athletic gear to help control sweating and keep you cool throughout the day. 
• We tried nine of these performance shirts and found that they'll help wick away sweat without looking like you're dressing for casual Friday every day.  

For men in business casual office settings (or even stricter ones), summertime is not all about eating lunch outside, cold beers at Thursday happy hours, and fun in the sun. It means several months of yellow armpit stains, uncomfortably damp backs, and musty commutes.

In the past, the only solution to this problem was having back-up undershirts hidden under your desk and a few spare deodorants in your file cabinet.

But in a stroke of genius, many brands have utilized the fabrics and materials designed to wick away sweat in athletic gear and applied it to clothing more appropriate for a work setting. These may look like your typical dress shirt, but they're designed to resist moisture, keep your body cooler for longer, and made of a stretchy fabric that offers enhanced movement and flexibility. While the prices are usually higher than the standard dress shirt, ending your day without Pig Pen-levels of stink-lines emanating from your body is most definitely worth the added cost.

Two of us on the Insider Picks team tried nine of these performance shirts around New York City and we can attest that it is possible to dress appropriately for our office in warm weather without ending the day drenched in a layer of sweat.

Check out our favorite performance shirts that will help you stay cool throughout the day:

Southern Tide Brrr Intercoastal Performance Sport Shirt

Mainstay Plaid Brrr Intercoastal Performance Sport Shirt, $125, from Dillards

Beyond wicking away sweat and moisture, the fabric in this shirt works to actively cool your body. I tested this shirt on one of the first warm days of the year, and beyond reducing sweat, the fabric really helped keep me cool throughout the day. The shirt is exceptionally stretchy, and is perfect for the transition from the office to happy hour.

Southern Tide has a reputation for being a brand more well-suited for college parties than a day at the office, but the Brrr Intercoastal Performance Sport Shirt can be relied upon as a go-to option for anyone in a business casual setting.

— Danny Bakst, Insider Picks content producer

Twillory Performance Dress Shirts

Twillory Performance Dress Shirts, $99 each, two for $119, three for $175, or four+ for $54 each

Featuring a four-way stretch material made from cotton, Lycra, and the brand's Cool Max fabric, Twillory Performance Dress Shirts are designed for men on the move. The material wicks away moisture to keep your body cool, and is very easy to maintain as it's wrinkle-resistant.

What I like best about the shirt is the cotton lining in the sleeves and shoulders. It gives two areas that are usually very stiff and uncomfortable on dress shirts a T-shirt-like feeling. The brand offers three different fits — traditional, tailored, and extra trim.

While Twillory isn't the stretchiest performance dress shirt you can buy, I've found it to be the best in value — especially if you wear a dress shirt every day and need to stock up. Since every man should definitely have more than one dress shirt in their closet, it's well worth buying four or more for $54 each.

Read our full review here. 

— Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter

Mizzen+Main Kennedy Shirt

Mizzen+Main Kennedy Shirt, $125, from Mizzen+Main

Mizzen+Main is one of the leaders in performance dress shirts for good reason. It makes clothing that is equally effective in the boardroom and at the gym. While it's not as actively cooling as Southern Tide, Mizzen+Main's performance shirt still drapes the skin nicely and offers a comparable stretchiness.

However, unlike Southern Tide, Mizzen+Main has a wide variety of design options so you can choose whichever best fits your style, or stock your entire closet with different versions of this incredibly breathable and effective performance shirt.

The online shop also has a cool feature that helps you find the right size. I tend to hover between extra large and large for my dress shirts, so I used the tool to figure out the right size option for me. I just entered my measurements and the recommended large fit perfectly. 

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Holly & Tanager is a Chicago-based bag startup that makes stylish and functional luxury work, daytime, and travel bags for women. 
• The bags are made from Italian leather and range in price from $85 for the Insider Card Holder Wallet, to $550 for the Professional Convertible Backpack Purse. They're pricey, but versatile. 
• As a team of busy city-dwellers who are constantly on the go, we tested out the bags under real-life conditions and found that they lived up to their promise of style and functionality.

It's hard to come across a luxury work bag these days that seamlessly blends style with function. Most of the ones that keep up with fashion's newest trends aren't utilitarian enough. At the other end of the spectrum, you'll find plenty of bags that are convenient and efficient, yet drastically miss the mark on style points.

This is the gap in the market that Holly & Tanager seeks to fill.

A Chicago-based company with founders who know what it's like to be on the go all the time, Holly & Tanager makes timeless and versatile work and travel bags for busy women. The current collection comprises six adaptable bags made from Italian leather, along with  suite of wallets, tech accessories, and travel essentials. With prices ranging from $85 for a wallet to $550 for a convertible backpack/purse, the styles definitely aren't cheap — but they're not Prada, either. 

Though the designs continuously evolve based on customer feedback, the initial blueprints were inspired by the daily annoyances that founders Lindsay Lingle and Kathryn Rogers faced.

"We experienced the pain of not having a handbag that was practical, organized, and versatile for our travel lifestyle," Lingle and Rogers told Business Insider. "We saw that other women were facing the same issue of merging function with fashion in their daily lives, so we decided to create a solution to allow them to own their day — not the other way around." 

I describe myself as an avid traveler, and when I'm not hopping on a plane, my day-to-day consists of chaotic commutes and spur-of-the-moment grocery runs. I genuinely identify with the troubles voiced by other active women, which is why I was eager to see if something as simple as a bag could actually take some strain out of my routine.

I was given the chance to to try The Professional ($550)— the company's top seller and a favorite of the founders. The bag converts from a backpack to a tote to a crossbody in a few effortless steps, which is ideal for anyone that doesn't get the chance to drop off their stuff at home throughout the day.

The style was on point, but the real reason I love the bag is its basic functionality. The Professional has five interior pockets, four smaller slip pockets, a laptop sleeve, suitcase handle sleeve, and a bottom compartment. All my work items fit seamlessly and stayed organized in the main compartment, and the bottom section is perfect for my water bottle and umbrella. It's expensive, yes, but I like to think of it as three bags in one. The value will depend on how much you use it, but a style as versatile as this one is bound to get a lot of wear.

I asked a few of my coworkers to test some of the other bags, and to share what functions they appreciated most from the Holly & Tanager bags they used.

Insider Picks reporter Connie Chen tried The Wanderer ($350):

The Wanderer ($350) first caught my eye because of its cool and sharp angular front flap, and that's what anyone else who admires the bag points out first, too. On the front, there are also angular pockets where I stash my building ID and Metrocard for easy access, while the interior's zippered and slip pockets keep my other essentials well-organized.

Though slim, the structured bag can also hold everything I need for a day out (wallet, Kindle, small water bottle, sunglasses, etc.), and its soft leather construction and adjustable strap feel comfortable against my body. My one critique is that the flap magnets don't easily line up with the bag, so I have to be more intentional about closing it. Overall, however, I love the look and functionality so much that it's a small gripe to deal with. 

Insider Picks reporter Mara Leighton tried the Convertible Belt Bag ($240):

This Convertible Belt Bag ($240) has quickly risen through the ranks of my most useful belongings. The adjustable belt makes it easy to transition between belt bag, crossbody, purse, or clutch depending on the day's needs — and the strap is thick enough to remain stable even when slung slightly loose around my hips. In only a couple of weeks I've already used it as a crossbody, purse, and my carry-on companion since it perfectly fits a passport, wallet, keys, lip balm, and headphones (bonus that it goes unnoticed if you're already pushing the two-bag rule). And when I head to Europe this summer, this is the bag I plan on taking out for morning-to-night tourism.

Insider Picks reporter Remi Rosmarin tried the Explorer ($295):

The Explorer ($295) comes in a range of neutrals and more unique, bright shades, in both patent leather and suede. I went for the emerald green color in the crinkly, patent leather.

The green is a really rich color that is still neutral enough to wear with almost any outfit, and the patent leather adds a nice sheen. The bag can we worn as a clutch, crossbody, or extended crossbody (where the fold-over is pulled upright to create more room), and it's super easy to convert. I love the versatility and size of this bag — it's more than enough room for a day's worth of essentials, whatever way you choose to hold it. My only qualm is I didn't find the extended crossbody style to work naturally — the top part of the angled flap didn't fold over seamlessly, which made it look a little awkward. Personally, I probably wouldn't wear the bag as an extended crossbody anyway — the regular crossbody is more than roomy enough for me — so I can easily ignore this aspect and enjoy the bag in the other two styles.

The bottom line

It's clear that Holly & Tanager prioritizes quality and style, and that all its bags are designed with utility in mind. If you're looking for a great, splurge-worthy work bag, you've come to the right place.

It also doesn't hurt that the company is committed to supporting the empowerment of women and youth through their partnership with After School Matters. The non-profit organization provides Chicago high school teens with after-school opportunities that encourage communication, leadership, education, and sports involvement. You can purchase their Girl Power Canvas Tote for $10 and all the proceeds from the bag go to After School Matters.

Check out all the styles on the Holly & Tanager site.

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• My favorite email newsletter to get caught up on everything happening in the business world is Morning Brew. 
• This daily newsletter, originally geared towards college business students, wastes no words in telling you what you should know about finance, tech, media, retail, international news, and more. 
• At the same time, it's fun to read, so learning the news every morning doesn't feel like a chore. 
• You can subscribe to the Morning Brew for free here. 

There aren't many email newsletters that I open and read on a consistent basis. 

After years of subscribing to and unsubscribing from newsletters that mostly only succeeded in cluttering my inbox, I've finally narrowed my morning reading material down to just two pieces of content. 

One, The New York Times' Daily Briefing, covers general news. The other, which I stumbled across as an undergrad majoring in business administration, is a business and tech newsletter called Morning Brew. 

Founded in 2015 by two business students at the University of Michigan, Morning Brew delivers the important business news of the day with a concise, approachable, and witty style. It greets its one million subscribers, who are mainly in their mid-to-late-20s and work in finance, tech, and consulting, every weekday around 7 a.m., informing them about what's happening in the business world, and why they should care.

Though the formatting has changed over the years and continues to evolve, you can usually expect the following:

• News blurbs covering the latest in any industry going through change, not only finance and tech, but also media and entertainment, auto, manufacturing, food, retail, and real estate. International news, the government, and the economy also frequently make their way into the newsletter. 
• An easy-to-read summary of the stock markets
• An earnings announcement calendar for the week
• Sponsored content relating to a useful service or product 
• A news quiz

What Morning Brew does especially well — and why it's popular among millennials in particular — is holding the limited attentions of its readers through a personable tone and easy-to-read format.

It's organized well and broken down into sections, which are often further split into bullet-pointed facts and insights. A GIF or two scattered in the newsletter is not an uncommon sight, and brainteasers or word puzzles also keep things interesting. 

Founders Alex Lieberman and Austin Rief started Morning Brew to help their fellow students understand the business world without confusing them or putting them to sleep.

Its readership has since expanded past the college student, but the desire for engaging and relatable, yet useful and informative content remains the same. After taking a few minutes to read Morning Brew, you feel like you've just had a chat with your friend who reads all the major papers cover to cover and tells you all the highlights. 

It's free to subscribe to and read Morning Brew. To unlock access to its weekend newsletter, Light Roast, and earn other rewards, you can refer your friends to subscribe as well.

Subscribe to the Morning Brew newsletter here

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• The Amazon Fire TV is a media player that streams video, music, and games to your TV.
• It plugs into the HDMI port of your television and turns any TV into a smart TV.
• There are several models, including the Fire TV Stick, which is like the Roku Streaming Stick, and the premium-priced Fire TV Cube.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Amazon Fire TV is a video streaming device created by Amazon.

Amazon released the first version of the Fire TV in 2014, and since that time has sold several different versions and models.

What Amazon Fire TV can do

The Fire TV is similar to other media players, like the Roku family of streaming boxes, Google Chromecast, and the Apple TV. It is a device that connects to a TV via an HDMI port and lets you choose from among thousands of streaming channels (like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and many others).

In that way, the Fire TV turns an ordinary TV into a "smart" TV. You can also connect Fire TV to a smart TV, though the benefits won't be as significant, since the TV can already do at least some of the things Fire TV can do.

How Amazon Fire TV differs from its competitors

The Fire TV line of streaming devices stands out from competing products in a couple of important ways.

First and foremost, since it's an Amazon product, it emphasizes Amazon services in its menus. Of course, you have access to a vast array of channels, but Amazon makes sure you can't miss Prime Video and Prime Music.

In addition, while some other streamers include voice control, Fire TV relies on Alexa, the same personal assistant found in Echo smart speakers.

It comes in three models

The Fire TV comes in three models: The Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Stick 4K, and the Fire TV Cube. All three products work basically the same way.

They include a library of tens of thousands of streaming channels, work with Amazon Alexa for voice control of the TV and media functions, and also include music (via services like Amazon Prime Music and Spotify) and a large selection of games.

The Fire TV Stick is the least expensive at $40 and is a good choice if you don't need 4K video (it delivers 1080P high definition resolution). Like the Roku Stick, it's a self-contained media player that looks like a USB flash drive and plugs directly into the HDMI port of your TV.

The Fire TV Stick 4K is a step up. At $50, it upgrades the video resolution to 4K, but is otherwise the same. It's a good choice if you have a 4K TV.

Amazon's Fire TV Cube costs $120 and is, as the name suggests, cube-shaped. It sits on your media console and includes a built-in speaker. And while Fire TV Sticks require the remote control for Alexa voice control (there is a microphone built into the remote), the Cube understands your voice from across the room, without the need to speak into the remote. The Cube also has built-in Ethernet support, so you can wire it directly to your internet router if you want to; the Fire TV Sticks require Wi-Fi or an optional Ethernet adapter.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'What can the Amazon Echo do?': Everything you need to know about Amazon's smart speakers

• All the ways you can watch Amazon Prime Video on your TV

• A beginner's guide to the Roku Streaming Stick: How to install and use the device

• 'What is Google Chromecast?': How to use Google's smart device for TVs and monitors

SEE ALSO: How to connect your iPhone to a TV in two different ways

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We unboxed the $1,980 Samsung Galaxy Fold — here's what comes inside

• Amazon allows you to download TV shows and movies from Amazon Prime Video onto your mobile device — both your phone and tablet.
• There are some download restrictions. You can't download to a laptop or desktop computer, and not all content on Amazon Prime Video is available for download.
• You'll see a Download button (with a downward arrow) on the details page for any video that you're allowed to download.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Streaming movies and TV shows to your mobile device is decadently convenient, but there are times when streaming isn't an option. If you're going somewhere that doesn't have Wi-Fi — like a plane, or a remote cabin in the woods, you might want to plan ahead by downloading video onto your phone or tablet in advance.

Amazon makes it possible to download content so you can watch it offline, but there are caveats. You can't download to a computer, for example — downloads are only permitted to mobile apps. That means you can't store Amazon Prime videos on a laptop. And even on your phone or tablet, not everything can be downloaded.

Amazon warns that "Only selected Prime Video titles are available to download, and the time period you have to view a downloaded title while your device is offline varies by title." You might also find that some content is only available for download in certain geographic regions, and Amazon may impose a limit on the total number of shows you can download at once, so to download more, you may see a notification to delete something you've already seen.

For the most part, though, you don't need to worry about most of that. If you want to download a show, simply open it in your Prime Video app and see if it can be downloaded. If it can, proceed.

How to download an Amazon Prime video on a phone or tablet

1. Open the Prime Video app.

2. Search or browse for the TV show or movie that you want to download. Tap on it to open the video's Details page.

3. If it's available for download, you should see a downward arrow.

• To download a movie, tap the Download arrow.

• To download a TV show, you can often choose to download the entire season with a single tap (look for "Download Season" at the top of the screen), or to download individual episodes. Tap whichever you prefer.

How to view a downloaded Amazon Prime video

Once you've downloaded a video, you can watch it the same way that you'd ordinarily view it using streaming.

1. Open the Prime Video app.

2. Search for the show or movie you want to watch. Tap on it to open the video's Details page.

3. You should see a check mark next to any show that is downloaded to your device. Tap the Play button to start watching. Note that if you don't have an internet connection, downloaded video will play fine, but anything that isn't downloaded will display an error message if you try to tap the Play button.

How to delete a downloaded Amazon Prime video you no longer need

After you watch a downloaded video, you might want to remove it from your mobile device to get the storage space back, especially if your phone or tablet is running low on space.

1. Open the Prime Video app.

2. Search or browse for the TV show or movie that you want to delete from your device. Tap on it to open the video's Details page.

• If you want to delete a movie, tap the "Options" button to the right of the "Downloaded" message and then tap "Delete Download."
• If you want to delete a TV show episode, tap the checkmark that indicates it has been downloaded. It should reveal a button marked "Delete" (on tablets) or "Delete download" (on phones). Tap it.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• All the ways you can watch Amazon Prime Video on your TV

•  

• How to get free stuff on Amazon without an Amazon Prime membership

• 'What is Amazon Fire TV?': Everything you need to know about Amazon's media streaming devices

• How to redeem an Amazon gift card on Amazon's website or mobile app

•  

SEE ALSO: How to sell books on Amazon

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We unboxed the $1,980 Samsung Galaxy Fold — here's what comes inside

Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network if you apply for a credit card, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Starting Wednesday, May 1, AmEx cardholders can use their Membership Rewards points to bid on discounted flight upgrades.
• Under a new partnership with a company called Plusgrade, you can bid on upgrades with around 20 different airlines.
• If you're looking to build up your stash of AmEx points, consider snagging a welcome bonus on the redesigned American Express® Gold Card or the Platinum Card® from American Express.

When you fly on certain airlines, you might see an option to bid for an upgrade in the days or weeks leading up to check-in. There's often a minimum amount you have to bid, but depending on how many seats are available and how much you bid, it can be possible to grab a first class or business class seat for a fraction of the normal upgrade price.

On many airlines, this whole process is managed by a third-party system called Plusgrade, which coordinates with the airlines' seat inventory and passengers bids. Plusgrade is a back-end system, so passengers only see the bid option in the airline's reservation page.

Normally, the only option is to bid cash, or to use an airline's proprietary frequent flyer miles to upgrade. Starting Wednesday, though, there's a third choice: American Express cardholders can place bids using their Membership Rewards points.

Eligible AmEx cardholders will be able to bid on upgrades to premium economy, business class, or first class using points, or a combination of points and cash. Flights on about 20 airlines are eligible, including Aeromexico, Air Canada, Etihad, Norwegian, Qantas, SAS, Singapore Airlines, and TAP Portugal.

Learn more about the AmEx Gold Card at Business Insider's partner The Points Guy »

Each Membership Rewards point will be worth approximately $0.01 towards a bid, according to a spokesperson for AmEx, where 1,000 points is worth $10. Points are generally worth a half-cent each as cash back, or up to $0.01 each when used to book flights through AmEx travel, so this represents a solid valuation. The best value from points, however, can be had by transferring them to one of AmEx's 21 airline or hotel partners, and booking flights or hotel stays that way. 

To bid for an upgrade using your Membership Rewards points, visit americanexpress.com/upgrade and enter your reservation details. If your bid is accepted, you'll receive an e-mail.

Learn more about the AmEx Platinum Card at Business Insider's partner The Points Guy »

If you're looking to stock up on AmEx points to use for a flight or an upgrade, take a look at our list of the best credit card bonuses available right now. One solid option is the American Express Gold Card. You'll get a new member bonus of 35,000 points when you spend $2,000 in the first three months. You'll also earn 4x points per dollar spent at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 each year — 1x point per dollar after that) and US restaurants, 3x points on flights booked directly with the airline or at amextravel.com, and 1x point on everything else.

Click here to learn more about the AmEx Gold Card at Business Insider's partner: The Points Guy.

Click here to learn more about the AmEx Platinum Card at Business Insider's partner: The Points Guy.

SEE ALSO: The best credit card rewards, bonuses, and benefits of 2019

Join the conversation about this story »

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• The ritual of exfoliating with a bristled brush against dry skin, commonly called dry brushing, has been around for centuries.
• Dry brushing leaves skin soft and smooth, but it's also said to improve blood flow (if temporarily) and aid in stimulating lymphatic drainage.
• We spoke with board-certified dermatologic surgeon and celebrity dermatologistDr. Engelman to learn about the process and its benefits.
• Below, you'll find a guide on how to dry brush properly. 

Dry brushing is getting a lot of traction as a wellness trend, but it's actually been around for centuries.

In essence, it's an exfoliating technique that uses a bristled brush to slough off dead skin cells and increase blood flow. It's this increased blood flow that's said to stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps cellular debris to move through and out of the body, but I'll say it outright: Dry brushing is best for exfoliating, and there's not much data out there to support other claims about disappearing cellulite or "detoxification." 

If you're interested in dry brushing, we're about to break down the why, what, and how to help you get started. We consulted board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Engelman to help us (and you) understand the process in more scientific terms.

What is dry brushing?

Dry brushing is a manual form of exfoliation that involves brushing dry skin with a soft-bristled brush. It sits somewhere between a massage and an exfoliating treatment. The bristles slough off dead skin cells and the pressure of the brush combined with the sweeping motions can help to stimulate lymphatic drainage, which helps the body to rid itself of molecular debris. Lymphatic drainage can improve a slew of ailments, including fatigue, headaches, swelling, and the common cold. But remember, there isn't much data out there to say that dry brushing can make a huge difference for these particular issues.

That said, dry brushing does offer a host of benefits for your skin, and according to Dr. Engelman, there are other potential benefits to the practice.

Here are the possible benefits, according to Dr. Engelman:

1. Dry brushing, through exfoliation, improves skin appearance by removing the top layers of dull and dead skin cells and revealing the healthy cells underneath.
2. Manual exfoliation helps to increase blood flow to the area and reduce inflammation. This stimulates the lymphatic system as blood increases in that area, and can help eliminate cellular waste.
3. Dry brushing increases blood flow and circulation, which can help with cellulite, though any effect is short-lived and probably due to the removal of excess fluid.

What do I need to get started?

A dry brush. Easy enough, right?

Well, it gets a little more complicated when you consider that there are thousands of dry brush options out there. Here's how to narrow it down:

Bristles: Can be made of synthetic materials, boar bristles, cactus bristles, or other natural materials. Check for bristle stiffness — stiffer bristles may feel harsher on skin.

Handle:Some options have long handles, others are small and fit right in your palm. If you want to get to hard-to-reach areas, go for the long handle. If you're looking for more control, go for handheld.

Here are some top-rated dry brush options to get you started:

• Handheld dry brush: Wholesome Beauty Dry Skin Body Brush ($10)
• Long-handle dry brush:Rengöra Dry Brush ($19)
• Vegan dry brush:Skin Gym Dry Body Brush ($36)

How do I dry brush properly?

1. To start, get your dry brush. My personal favorite is from Esker Beauty, and it has thick, soft bristles that are comfortable on the skin.
2. Place the brush directly on dry skin, applying gentle pressure. Brush upwards in sweeping motions towards the heart, starting all the way at your ankles and wrists, and moving in from there. 
3. When all areas of the skin are exfoliated, rinse off as you would normally.
4. While not necessary, a bonus step is to moisturize with a light cream or oil after your shower. This will add even more hydration for maximum smoothness. 

When should I dry brush?

Dr. Engelman suggests dry brushing every day to see results. She recommends dry brushing to her patients, but cautions that it's possible to over-exfoliate if you're using extreme pressure on sensitive skin. Here's your reminder to always brush gently.

Now, all you need is a dry brush of your own and you're one step closer to smooth skin and, hopefully, feeling better overall.

Learn more about our experiences with dry brushing

Get the Skin Gym Body Brush at Nordstrom for $36

Get the Wholesome Beauty Dry Skin Body Brush at Amazon for $9.95

Get the Rengöra Dry Brush at Amazon for $18.97

Get the Kiehl's Creme de Corps Nourishing Body Oil at Sephora for $34

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Sundance Now is a streaming service that aims to showcase stories told by unique voices, created in the likeness of the Sundance Institute (the non-profit that puts on the Sundance Film Festival program).
• It carries true-crime series, original dramas, thrillers, foreign and independent films, and more — all streaming free of commercials. Some of its notable indie darlings include "Monster," "Memento," and "Short Term 12". 
• You can join free for seven days. After, it's $4.99 per month for an annual membership and $6.99 for a monthly membership. 
• You can stream Sundance Now using the Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Xbox One.
• See all the series available on Sundance Now here, and all the films available here. 

In 2018, 125,000 people congregated in Park City, Utah — a ski town whose population wouldn't top 9,000 in the US Census of the same year — for the largest independent film festival in the United States: Sundance.

Put on by the Sundance Institute, the festival functions as both a showcase and competition of new work from American and international independent filmmakers. Entries range from dramatic and documentary features and short films; series and episodic content; and New Frontier, which the Institute describes as "emerging media in the form of multimedia installations, performances, and films."

But you may be able to skip the flight, crowds, and $300-$4,000 ticket and still get close to the experience.

Sundance Now, founded in 2014, aims to bring Sundance Festival's ethos to the home viewer.

It's a streaming service that carries original and exclusive dramas, comedies, and true-crime series, in addition to award-winning movies from every genre, including foreign-language and documentary features — all streaming commercial-free. Each selection was chosen for its storytelling, unique voice, and/or unexpected global perspective.

It can be streamed using the Apple app store, Google Play, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Xbox One. Monthly, it'll cost you between $5 and $7. 

Apart from using the Sundance Festival's principles as guides, the service also invites filmmakers who have made an impact at the Festival to create watch-lists of their favorite films as guest curators, sometimes with brief text introductions. As of March 2019, the collections include curations from Lisa Gardner, Danny Glover, and David Lowery, among others. 

How to use it:

1. Create an account for a free seven day trial of Sundance Now.  
2. Choose between an annual membership ($4.99 per month, billed once as $59.99), or monthly ($6.99 per month). 
3. If you'd rather not continue with the service, just make sure to cancel before the trial ends. 
4. Start streaming.

To help you navigate, there are the typical streaming service curations: Must-watch series, new arrivals, Oscar-nominated films, true crime, indie hits, and a mix of popular genres you can click on like suspense, comedy, foreign, drama, and documentary. There’s also a slew of topically curated categories for Women’s History Month like leading ladies, women in history, and female filmmakers. 

There's also a surprising variety for a service that could, at first blush, just sound like a library of cerebral foreign films. While the streaming service offers gritty indie hits like "Monster" and "Memento", the same user could also find "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" or "Friends with Money" with Jennifer Aniston, Joan Cusack, and Frances McDormand. You can use member reviews to help guide your selections, and save titles to your "list" for later viewing. 

If you're looking for a way to watch everything from classic to hard-to-find indie films, and do it on multiple devices — or even a way to discover new ones worth playing at home — Sundance Now may be worth looking into. Either way, you can check out the service for free for a week to see if it has enough to keep you interested. And, if it's worth re-upping, it'll cost you less than a large coffee at Starbucks. 

Start your seven-day trail for free here

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• In San Francisco, a group of people paid $2.25 an hour to work in a parking space called WePark.
• Victor Pontis told BBC he set up WePark last week after being inspired by a funny tweet.
• WePark is the latest trend highlighting just how expensive and crowded San Francisco has become.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

What do you get when the office meets the parking lot? 

Look no further for an answer than San Francisco, where some people are paying $2.25 an hour to work in a parking space, according to the NBC News reporter Scott Budman.

"Get this: San Francisco has become so crowded and expensive, people are paying $2.25/hr to work...in a parking space. It's being called #WePark," Budman tweeted.

WePark pays for the parking space, which doubles as an office using free nearby WiFi or mobile-phone hot spots, Sophie Williams of BBC reported.

Victor Pontis set up WePark on April 25 near San Francisco City Hall after being inspired by Twitter, he told Williams: "Somebody posted a photo of a truck that someone set up with bike parking on it and somebody mentioned 'What if you could work out of a parking spot?' I thought it was a pretty funny idea."

About 30 people showed up the first day, Williams reported. "We live in a very expensive real estate market," the WePark visitor Jean Walsh told Williams. "It's just so crazy to think the way we use our street is not reflective of that and so those parking spaces are just dirt cheap compared to all of the other real estate in San Francisco."

In San Francisco, the median price of listed homes nears $1.3 million and the median rent is $3,300, according to Zillow. That's overwhelmingly more than the national medians of $285,000 and $1,675, respectively. 

Read more: The Bay Area is so expensive that employees at Apple, Uber, Google, and other tech giants are putting off having kids — and it's a sign of a much larger trend

Homes are so expensive that only 12% of households can afford them, with nearly 60% of tech employees unable to afford them, Business Insider previously reported. The pricey real-estate market is even causing some residents to delay having kids, decide to live in their cars, or leave the city altogether.

Tech giants have crowded the city with more people and have, in part, fueled the soaring real-estate prices. San Francisco also deals with a crowded homeless population of 7,500 and a consequent poop problem, Business Insider's Ben Gilbert reported.

Some people on Twitter are wondering if WePark is a parody — but either way, its creation highlights how unaffordable and crowded San Francisco has become.

"WePark is serious! But it's also a joke," Pontis told Business Insider. "Setting up a desk and chair on a busy street is absurd."

One way or another, the idea has spread to Toulouse, France.

SEE ALSO: San Francisco could be home to thousands of new millionaires by the end of 2019, and it's sparking a 'housing madness' in the already wildly expensive city

DON'T MISS: California real estate is so expensive that families, retirees, and even tech workers are living in cars and vans

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 9 of the most exclusive Disney spots to visit, including the invite-only suite where Tom Cruise and Mariah Carey have stayed

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• For those who are able, running is one accessible way to get in your daily dose of aerobic activity.
• While you don't need much equipment to get started, having the right accessories can make your runs easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable overall. 
• We asked the avid runners on our team to share the accessories they use to make their runs smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the 17 picks they shared. 

One of the best parts about running is that you don't need much equipment to do it — just lace up your sneakers and go. 

But, just because it's a simple activity doesn't mean it's always enjoyable or easy. A lot of us hate running. I did for a long time. That was, until I realized there were a few things I could add to my runs to make them more enjoyable. You can't buy a positive attitude, but being armed with some great accessories to make you feel safer, comfier, and faster just might be the motivation you need.

For me, it starts with a great pair of headphones that let me block out the noises around me and blast the playlists I actually want to hear. Since everyone's different, I reached out to my cohort of coworkers to see what their favorite running accessories are.

From compression tights that keep your muscles feeling good through long distances to watches that make your runs feel a little less like a chore, these are the 17 running accessories we count on to make our runs more enjoyable.

Garmin Vivoactive Smartwatch

Garmin's Vivoactive 3 Music GPS Smartwatch, $250, available at Garmin and Amazon

I run with Garmin's Vivoactive 3 Music smartwatch because it has built-in music storage so I can run without my phone and still listen to music via Bluetooth headphones. It also tracks a lot of key metrics for runners, including VO2 Max, mileage, heart rate, calories burned, pace, cadence, and stride length. Plus, it provides a map of the route I run, thanks to the built-in GPS. — Malarie Gokey, editor

TaoTronics Bluetooth Headphones

TaoTronics Neckband Bluetooth Headphones with Active Noise Cancelling, $45.99, available at Amazon

TaoTronics' Neckband Bluetooth headphones are fairly affordable for noise-cancelling wireless earbuds, and they sound quite good. The neckband design ensures that they stay in place while I run and the noise-cancellation blocks out most ambient noise. — Malarie Gokey, editor

BioLite Headlamp

BioLite Headlamp 330, $49.95, available at Amazon

Running comfort, for me, means running with peace of mind. I used to wear a basic, flashing LED that clipped onto my shirt, but since testing BioLite's rechargeable Headlamp 330 for a review, I've incorporated it into my workout. It is super-bright for illuminating the road in front of me, but I usually use the strobe function so that I don't blind drivers. BioLite engineered it to fit comfortably on the head for lost-lasting wear, and the elastic won't smell even if you sweat profusely. — Les Shu, editor

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

If you aren't sure what to get Mom this Mother's Day, you've found the right gift guide.

We've put together a list of 48 gifts to impress all moms — even yours. Whether she's into the latest and greatest tech, likes to cook, runs her own business, wants to update her wardrobe, or trains for marathons (and puts your mile time to shame!), there's something for her in this list. After all, there's no one "mom" mold that women with kids must fit into.

As a professional product reviewer and as someone who's given her own mom many of the gifts included in this list over the years, I can safely say that your mom will love them all.

Most of these Mother's Day gifts are available with expedited shipping and should arrive within a few days' time — just remember that the sooner you order, the better your chances of a timely arrival.

• The best online flower delivery services to send freshly cut blooms and live plants on Mother's Day
• 30 inexpensive, but thoughtful Mother's Day gifts under $25
• 34 Prime-eligible Mother's Day gifts on Amazon that are all under $25
• 55 perfect Mother's Day gifts that are all under $50
• 61 of the best Mother's Day gifts you can give for under $100
• 21 Amazon Prime-eligible gifts for Mother's Day — all under $100
• 15 tech gifts moms will actually love to get this Mother's Day
• 20 skin-care gifts your mom will actually use every day — from a $25 sheet mask set to a $325 facial toning device
• 26 funny and inexpensive Mother's Day gifts that are guaranteed to make her laugh
• We asked female founders and CEOs of popular retail startups like Parachute, Brandless, and Cuyana for their top Mother's Day gift ideas
• 35 unique Mother's Day gifts new moms will undoubtedly appreciate
• 20 great Mother's Day gifts for another important mom in your life — your grandma
• 25 last-minute Mother's Day gifts that are still thoughtful and unique

SEE ALSO: All of Insider Picks' Mother's Day gift ideas, in one place

DON'T MISS: This candle startup has a beautiful gifting and unboxing experience that's a home run for Mother's Day

Soft, crisp sheets and bedding

Brooklinen Queen Classic Hardcore Sheet Bundle, $219, available at Brooklinen

Brooklinen Queen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle, $249.75, available at Brooklinen

Brooklinen's luxe sheets are the ones I always recommend to friends, family, and Insider Picks readers who email me, for their affordable price, sophisticated look, and unbelievable comfort.

The company's Hardcore Sheet Bundles have everything she needs to completely makeover her bed — and stay nice and cozy all year long. Each bundle includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, duvet cover, and four pillowcases. Brooklinen also sells comforters, pillows, candles, and blankets. 

This month, Brooklinen is celebrating turning 5 years old with its biggest sale of the year. From May 1 through May 7, save 20% on your entire order of $150 or more during the company's anniversary sale. 

A fancy candle set

Otherland Candles The Threesome, $89, available at Otherland

Candles make any home smell great, and this fancy candle set from Otherland will look gorgeous in any room in her house. The set includes three coconut and soy wax blend candles in beautiful glass vessels. Each candle burns for 55 hours — that's a lot of time that your mom can spend enjoying this gift.

A loungewear and underwear gift set

Tommy John E-Gift Card, $25-$250, available at Tommy John

Tommy John Mother's Day Gift Set, $178, available at Tommy John

The women on the Insider Picks team are positively smitten with Tommy John's loungewear and underwear. So much so that we named the latter the best women's underwear in our buying guide, so you can be sure Mom will love it too. Pick up an e-gift card ($25-$250) or a specially curated gift set for Mother's Day that comes with a tank and short set (pictured above) and four different underwear styles for $178. 

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• If you're looking for beautiful, unique arrangements and reliable delivery to send your mom Mother's Day flowers, look no further than online company The Bouqs Co.
• The Bouqs Co. delivers fresh, hand-cut flowers from sustainable farms all over the world, with bouquets starting at around $40. 
• Find all our recommended online flower delivery services here, then shop more Mother's Day gift ideas once you've successfully placed your flower order. 

Mother's Day is coming up soon and if you haven't thought about what to get your mom, now's the time to start brainstorming. Whatever you decide to gift or plan, an arrangement of fresh flowers is never a bad idea to include.

With more than 65 beautiful bouquets still available for delivery by May 12, The Bouqs Co. is one online flower company we come back to time and time again. (You can read about how the The Bouqs Co. wowed "Shark Tank" investor Robert Herjavec here.)

It partners with sustainable farmers all over the world and local florists to get you the best flowers for your special day, plus you can get them as soon as the next day. But since Mother's Day is a busy time, you should order your flowers sooner rather than later to ensure you get the bouquet you want. It'll cost $12 to deliver them to Mom, but delivery is free for weekday orders of at least $100. 

We picked out a few of our favorites, which you can see below. Each page features background information about the farmer involved, and you can add a vase to any bouquet for an additional fee.

If you're looking for more Mother's Day gift ideas, we have you covered: 

• 50 Mother's Day gifts for every budget
• 30 Mother's Day gifts under $25
• 54 Mother's Day gifts under $50
• 61 Mother's Day gifts under $100
• 35 Mother's Day gifts for new moms
• 27 customizable Mother's Day gifts
• 23 tech gifts for women that she'll love to get
• 26 funny Mother's Day gifts
• 25 Amazon Prime-eligible Mother's Day gifts
• 20 great Mother's Day gifts for your grandma

Shop all Mother's Day flowers at The Bouqs Co. here.

Mixed roses

Order them here >>

Mix it up with pink, purple, yellow, and white roses in this special Exuberance arrangement. Available in three sizes: original (12 roses, $49), deluxe (24 roses, $64), and grand (36 roses, $79) 

Sunflowers

Order them here >>

The Hello Sunshine bouquet's bright sunflowers and aster accents will bring a smile to anyone's face. Add a signature vase to your purchase for only $12. Available in three sizes: original (12 mixed stems, $49), deluxe (24 mixed stems, $64), and grand (36 mixed stems, $79) 

A desert inspired bouquet

Order them here >>

This mixed arrangement is paired with trendy, eco-friendly succulents in the Never Desert You bouquet. Available in three sizes: original (12 mixed stems with succulents, $54), deluxe (24 mixed stems with succulents, $69), and grand (36 mixed stems with succulents, $84) 

• Robocalls are getting more and more prevalent. 
• In 2018, Americans were hit with 26.3 billion robocalls — a whopping 46% increase compared to 2017. 
• While it's nearly impossible to be 100% robocall-free, here are some tactics you can adopt to limit your number of robocalls.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In November 2018 alone, Americans received an estimated 5.1 billion scam calls from automated machines — more than any month on record, according to YouMail's robocall index.

That number was about 2.9 billion in the beginning of 2018, and the spike didn't come out of nowhere.  Consumer advocates worry the number will only continue to increase, now that the FCC has removed an Obama-era definition of auto-dialers that the agency thought was too broad.

In 2018, Americans were hit with 26.3 billion robocalls — a whopping 46% increase compared to 2017, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Federal agencies are taking action, holding robocallers accountable and searching for new ways to regulate as robocallers continue to become more sophisticated with their tactics. FCC chairman Ajit Pai sent a letter in November to more than a dozen phone providers demanding they adopt "a robust call authentication system to combat illegal caller ID spoofing." Pai warned that the FCC "will take action" if it doesn't see any progress in creating such a system by 2019.

Policies are in the works to address "neighborhood spoofing," which is the extremely effective tactic used by robocallers to make calls look like they're coming from recipients' own area code so they're more willing to answer. So far, no policy has been successful in preventing those. 

Even when consumers don't fall for the scam and share personal information, being inundated with robocalls can be a liability: there's no way to know whether the unknown number dialing you is a time-wasting scam, or a real-life emergency. So while lawmakers and regulators work to figure out the best way to subside the number of outgoing scam calls, agencies and companies have come up with solutions to block the ones that get through. 

It's nearly impossible to be 100% robocall-free, but here are some tactics you can adopt to limit your number of robocalls:

SEE ALSO: This viral video of a chimpanzee scrolling through Instagram proves how easy it is to get sucked into the app

Add your name to the FTC's "Do not call" registry, and report the calls you get anyway.

Registration for the service began in 2003 and sign-ups don't expire, yet the FTC reported receiving 4. 5 million complaints in 2017, at "an average of more than 375,000 robocall complaints per month," compared to 2013's 2.18 million.

It it isn't completely effective, but the people who signed up probably get fewer calls than they would have if they hadn't. 

Use your phone's Do Not Disturb mode so that you only get calls from people in your contact list.

This way you don't have to see the calls come through or have to ignore them. Keep in mind this strategy won't work for any professional hoping to hear from new clients or those who receive regular calls from unknown numbers are part of their job, but it's a great option if you have a separate, non-work phone.

If you don't want to block all new numbers, block them as they come by going into the callers' contact information in your phone.

This is especially helpful if there are a few numbers you get calls from frequently. If you choose the route of answering unknown numbers instead of waiting for a voicemail, keep a couple of things in mind: 

Don't engage by speaking OR by pressing a number even to be taken off a list, according to the FTC: "Doing so will probably lead to more unwanted calls. Instead, hang up and file a complaint with the FTC." 

Train yourself to answer questions by repeating them instead of saying "yes," because that can be used as a vocal signature to make unauthorized credit card charges. For example, the answer to "Can you hear me?" should be "I can hear you," instead of "Yes."

• Whole Foods went through many phases before being acquired by Amazon for $13.7 billion in 2017.
• Before Whole Foods became Amazon's biggest subsidiary, it was a tiny organic grocery store in Austin, Texas.
• This is the story of how it got there.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Whole Foods has had quite the ride.

Over the course of 39 years, CEO and cofounder John Mackey has taken Whole Foods from a small natural foods store in the hippie haven of Austin, Texas, to an international behemoth.

At the beginning, Whole Foods was only 10,500 square feet and had 19 employees. But the idea of natural food stores was only beginning, and as one of the first in the country, the seed that Mackey planted blossomed over time.

Through acquisitions of natural food stores around the country, the chain became larger and had ambitious growth plans. But it was also humbled a few times in its history — before being purchased by Amazon for $13.7 billion in 2017, Whole Foods weathered a flood, financial downturns, and FTC probes.

Now that it's owned by Amazon, a new chapter is about to begin. Plenty has been said about what might change for the chain now, but it's also important to see what has changed for the chain in the past.

We've put together a timeline with some of the most important moments in Whole Foods' history:

SEE ALSO: Jeff Bezos has said that Amazon has had failures worth billions of dollars — here are some of the biggest ones

In 1978, John Mackey opened Safer Way Natural Foods in Austin, Texas.

By 1980, it had merged with another local natural food store, Clarksville Natural Grocery, to open the first Whole Foods Market. This original store was destroyed in a flood in 1981, but the community rallied around it, and it ended up only being out of business for 28 days.

Much of Whole Foods' growth was through mergers and acquisitions. It frequently moved into new markets by buying a local chain and converting it into a Whole Foods. By 1984, Whole Foods had expanded to nearby Houston and had 600 employees. In 1988, the chain bought the Whole Food Company in New Orleans for its first expansion outside of Texas.