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.

• Online startups that make pet products, whether they focus exclusively on pets or make pet versions of popular human products, are thriving in a pet-obsessed economy. 
• Fresh and healthy food, comfortable memory foam dog beds, and luxe leashes and toys are among the innovative pet products being favored over the products from traditional competitors. 
• Shop these 11 cool pet startups if you don't like to shop the large, overwhelming aisles of pet specialty stores. 

The American Pet Products Association estimates that US shoppers spent about $72 million on their pets in 2018, up from $69.5 million in 2017 and $66.7 million in 2016. 

Having seen my mom bring home a new outfit for our dog every time she visited Target, I believe in the strength of our obsession with our pets, and these rising spending habits come as no surprise. 

In the era of direct-to-consumer brands, startups making pet products find themselves in the perfect position to compete with traditional pet brands and win over pet parents. 

These startups have more distinct personalities than their traditional competitors and don't compete on the overwhelming, cluttered shelves of pet specialty stores. Living on the internet does bring its own set of challenges, but so far these 11 companies have been faring quite well among animal-loving shoppers. 

For everything your pet needs, you can shop at these 11 startups making innovative pet products:

Fresh pet food delivery: Ollie, PetPlate, The Farmer's Dog, and NomNomNow

Order dog food from Ollie here

Order dog food from PetPlate here

Order dog food from The Farmer's Dog here 

Order dog or cat food from NomNomNow here

As humans become more health-conscious and careful about the food they consume, they're extending the same caution with the food they feed their pets. These pet food delivery startups, which make individual meals from fresh, nutritious ingredients you recognize and probably eat yourself, are underscoring the links between diet and health.

Though our pets have loved all of them, there are some subtle differences. For example, Ollie's meals start at just $3 a day for small dogs, making it one of the cheaper options. The Farmer's Dog also makes fairly affordable meals but they come in flat bags that have to be emptied into a bowl rather than trays. PetPlate's meals are resealable and thus easier to store, and NomNomNow rounds out the pack by offering both dog and cat food. 

Read our full reviews here:

• Ollie makes healthy, vet-approved food that's tailored to your dog's specific needs
• I tested The Farmer’s Dog, a meal plan service that sends your dog fresh food for as little as $3 a day — here's what it's like
• I compared PetPlate and Ollie — both fresh dog food delivery services kept my 14-year-old pup happy
• We tested NomNomNow, a monthly delivery service for healthy, human-grade cat and dog food — here's what our cats thought

Dog beds: Casper, Parachute, and Purple

The Casper Dog Bed, from $125, available at Casper

The Purple Pet Bed, from $149, available at Purple

Dog Bed, from $129, available at Parachute

Each of these three online startups that humans love, Casper, Purple, and Parachute, sell miniature, pet-approved versions of their best selling sleep products. People who shop with these innovative companies tend to be heavily invested in their overall missions and brands, so it's no surprise that they want matching beds for their pets. 

Casper's dog bed combines pressure-relieving memory foam and durable support foam, while Purple's features its signature Smart Comfort Grid, a polymer design that adapts to your dog's movements. Parachute's favors a polyester filling over a foam one. 

Read our full reviews here:

• Casper has a new line of dog beds — I got one for my new puppy, and he's in love with it

DNA tests: Embark

Dog DNA Test Kit, $199, available at Embark

If humans have their own at-home DNA tests to discover more about themselves, why not dogs? Embark, which partners with Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, determines your dog's breed and checks for over 175 genetic health conditions and traits. You'll not only satisfy your curiosity about your dog's origins, but also better understand important things about its health. 

Read our full review here: 

• Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg spent more than $59 million on two adjacent Lake Tahoe properties last winter, Katherine Clarke of The Wall Street Journal reported.
• Zuckerberg has purchased 10 properties across four locations: Palo Alto, California; San Francisco; Lake Tahoe; and Kauai Island, Hawaii.
• Zuckerberg tends to buy surrounding properties to ensure privacy.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The billionaire Mark Zuckerberg recently expanded his real-estate portfolio and summer vacation options.

The Facebook CEO dropped more than $59 million on two adjacent Lake Tahoe properties last winter, Katherine Clarke of The Wall Street Journal reported. The purchase happened privately through a limited-liability company and a high-end wealth manager, according to Clarke.

It's just the latest addition to Zuckerberg's collection of properties in the western US — he also owns properties in Palo Alto, California; San Francisco; and the Hawaiian island of Kauai, making Tahoe his fourth location.

Collectively, Zuckerberg has purchased 10 properties, though he has a knack for also buying surrounding properties to ensure his privacy — he bought four homes surrounding his main Palo Alto residence and a stake in a beach adjacent to a plantation he purchased in Kauai.

Zuckerberg's also known for getting embroiled in a bit of real-estate conflict — there was a dispute over the landlocked parcels on the plantation, and neighbors reportedly weren't pleased with the effects of Zuckerberg's year-plus renovation on his San Francisco townhouse.

Take a look at Zuckerberg's real-estate portfolio.

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Mark Zuckerberg lives in a 5,000-square-foot estate in Palo Alto, California.

He purchased the Crescent Park neighborhood home in May 2011 for $7 million, Business Insider's Tanza Loudenback reported. He's since tricked it out with a "custom-made artificially intelligent assistant," according to CNBC.

Compared with Zuckerberg's $71.5 billion net worth, the five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is quite modest.

Architectural Digest described it as a "'no frills' abode" that chooses function over extravagance. Outside, it features a big backyard, a pool, and lush, detailed landscaping. Inside, there is a spacious kitchen and plenty of windows allowing for sunlight.

The following year, Zuckerberg began buying four homes surrounding his Palo Alto residence.

He spent more than $43 million on these properties, Katherine Clarke of the Wall Street Journal reported, citing public records. After leasing the homes back to their former owners, he planned to demolish and rebuild them in 2016.

According to Claudine Zap of Realtor, city officials didn't approve this plan, and Zuckerberg filed a new plan that allowed him to renovate two of the homes and rebuild the other two as single-story homes, creating a sort of compound.

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.

• It might be spring where you are but for some, it's still a winter wonderland with fresh snow, which also means potential increased risk of avalanches. 
• To enjoy winter sports like backcountry skiing, hiking, and mountaineering, everyone should be aware of the risk of avalanches and have the right gear.
• Taking training courses to familiarize yourself with potential dangers, situations, and gear are key to being able to safely enjoy the snow. 

The weather across the US is so different, but sometimes, it's hard to imagine that it could be freezing or snowing somewhere while you're looking for cherry blossoms somewhere else. Case in point — while some people were enjoying the first weeks of spring in April, skiers at the Red Bull Raid in Squaw, Valley California enjoyed fresh backcountry powder and incredible skiing conditions. 

If you love to ski yourself or know someone who does, you'll know that this year has seen incredible amounts of powder on the mountains in western America. This might be great for powder hounds and ski towns, but it's not good news for people who like to access the backcountry without boards and skis attached to their boots.

The increased snowpack might also mean a higher risk of avalanches and other snow-related complications for hikers, mountaineers, and anyone who normally spends their summers in the high country. This doesn't mean you shouldn't go outside at all, but it does mean that there are things that you should know before you head out.

That's why I spoke to Doug Workman, a Mammut Snow and Avalanche Technical Representative, about how to best avoid avalanche risks and what safety gear to take with you. His first piece of advice was to read the terrain: "If you have a question about the stability, terrain is the answer."  

Secondly, you'll need to look at the weather. "Hazard is oftentimes generated by change in the weather more than simply from any additional snow," he says. "Meaning, if it snows every day all winter, you may actually enjoy a relatively stable snowpack. However, a snowstorm after a drought is likely dangerous."

Of course, the terrain and weather are by no means easy to read. That's why the most important thing you can do is take an actual course on the topic. The American Avalanche Institute offers a series of thorough online courses for a small fee and the Utah Avalanche Center offers a free course.  

Once you've taken your course, you'll need to get the right gear. Workman told us that "[even] in the spring and summer in [places like] Grand Teton National Park, slips on snow are the cause of a large percentage of accidents. Be sure to use proper boots that can kick steps in snow, and if in doubt, carry crampons and an ice axe." He specifies that "backcountry skiers should always carry a beacon, shovel, and probe."

Unfortunately, no one can guarantee your safety and you should always do research on the area you're hiking or skiing in, but at least you'll be in a better position with safety gear and some educational classes.

Below, you'll find our picks for avalanche and snow safety gear:

A durable backpack

Buy the Evoc Line R.A.S. 20L Backpack from Backcountry for $187.46

Buy the Pro Protection Airbag 3.0 from Mammut for $779.95

The Evoc Line R.A.S. 20L isn't just a great backpack for carrying your snacks and spare clothes, it's also designed with snow safety in mind. 

An easily-accessible compartment can hold your avalanche probe and transceiver, and even has instructions for avalanche safety and rescue printed on the inside. There's also a specially-designed pocket for Mammut's removable airbag (sold separately, currently $779.95 at Mammut),which acts to create space and prevent injury in the event of an avalanche; one pull of the handle will deploy the airbag in three seconds if the worst should happen.

The backpack offers a body-hugging fit, is lightweight, and has straps that can secure helmets, ice axes, and ski skins. The pack also opens from the back and not the top, meaning that your gear stays organized as you search around for a pair of gloves or granola bar.

The clips and zips are all easy to use with thick gloves, and even when loaded down with climbing gear, the bag evenly distributed weight and didn't cut into our shoulders. This would be a great choice for backcountry skiing or day hikes in the snow.

A good pair of boots

Buy the Sportiva Trango Cube GTX from Backcountry for $399.99

The Sportiva Trango Cube GTX is the boot Goldilocks would go to the mountains with.

It's not too flimsy to kick steps or use with crampons, but it isn't too stiff to hike in either. It isn't too hot and clammy to wear in warmer weather, or too light for below-freezing days. The heel welt allows you to use hybrid crampons, but this boot is far lighter than many mountaineering-specific boots. It has a seamless construction, waterproof fabric, and Gore-Tex coating so that your feet will stay dry in wet snow too.

I found the sole itself to be grippy on rock and ice, and flexible enough for days of mixed condition hiking. In short, if you want to travel by foot in the winter, this is a great boot.

A pair of crampons that fits your boot type

Buy the Black Diamond Contact from Backcountry for $129.95

When looking for crampons, you should start with your boot type. There are three basic types of crampon — step-in, hybrid, and strap — with each one fitting a specific type of boot.

Step-in crampons require a booth with a toe bail and heel tab that allows them to lock onto a specially-designed boot. Hybrid crampons use a toe loop made out of plastic and a locking heel tab. Strap crampons don't require special boot attachments and instead, use straps to attach to any boot as the name suggests.

You'll also run up against 10- and 12-point models — 10-point models are fine for general snow travel and 12-point designs are really only required for technical ice climbing and mountaineering. Likewise, with vertical front points, you won't really need unless you plan on getting into some technical ice climbing.

We love the Black Diamond Contact crampons because they come in step-in, strap, and hybrid models. The anti-balling plates do a good job of keeping snow from sticking to the spikes and the adjustable straps works with a huge range of boots and shoes. The horizontal front points will help you stay upright in steep snow, but note that this isn't an ice climbing crampon.

The steel points should last a long time compared to more lightweight and aggressive aluminum models. These are relatively flexible too, making them suitable for use with a normal boot or shoe. Stiffer crampons will work better with mountaineering specific boots, but these make a great all-around starter crampon for footwear you're already hiking in.

• Google Express is an online shopping site with a selection similar to Amazon, but the shopping experience is more akin to searching with Google than browsing on Amazon.
• There's no subscription or membership fee, and most orders over about $15 can include free delivery.
• Most Google Express items are delivered within about three days, with same-day and overnight delivery available from many stores.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Google Express is an online shopping service owned, as the name implies, by Google.

Meant to compete with Amazon, Google Express is akin to a virtual mall that offers products from thousands of retailers, both online-only and brick-and-mortar.

Indeed, you'd be hard-pressed to find a store that isn't represented on Google Express, from Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and Walgreens, to Society6 and Shoes.com.

Notably absent, of course, is Amazon and retailers owned by Amazon, like Zappos.

How to order from Google Express

You can explore the Google Express storefront in a web browser on your computer. You can also browse the store using the Google Express app for the iPhone or the Google Express app for Android.  

When you use Google Express, though, be prepared for a slightly different experience than what you get on Amazon. Yes, you can browse products by store or category, but since this store is powered by Google technology, the site's real strength is in search.

You can search for products by name ("Xbox") or by its general description ("cookies"). Product pages contain full descriptions and reviews, like you may be used to on other sites like Amazon.

That's not all – you can also use voice commands to place an order. In much the same way that you can place orders to Amazon verbally with an Amazon Echo, you can tell a Google smart speaker like the Google Home to place orders for you. And if you have Google Assistant configured on your phone, you can order by voice there as well. Just say, "OK Google, order some cookies," and your phone will display items that you can choose to add to your cart. Google will even let you know when you've ordered enough items to qualify for free delivery.

What Google Express offers

Given the vast array of stores that are a part of Google Express, you can find an astonishing array of products. Google Express has almost two-dozen categories, including groceries, electronics, healthy & beauty, toys & games, office supplies, pet supplies, and automotives. In general, if you can find an item in a Target, Costco, or Best Buy, you can expect to find it on Google Express.

Google Express delivery times

Google Express offers quick delivery, ranging from same day to three-day delivery, depending upon the store and your geographic location. In general, you can expect overnight or two-day delivery on most orders. Google warns, though, that delivery can take a week or more in the case of some stores.

What Google Express costs

There is no membership or subscription service for Google Express, so it has no annual or monthly fee.

Delivery is free for many purchases over $15 (or $25 to $35, depending upon the retailer) and there's no subscription fee, making it an attractive option compared to Amazon Prime or a membership retailer like Costco.

If you don't order enough to qualify for free delivery, you'll pay between $5 to $7 for delivery, depending upon whether the items are shipped by Google or the retailer.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change your Google password, or recover it if you've forgotten it

• How to change your default Google account

• I just cleared out my Gmail using a simple trick that took only a few minutes — here's how to do it

• How to change your Google username's display in Gmail

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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.

• Nordstrom carries everything from luxury designer staples to buzzy new startup gear, but it has a lesser-known wealth of 20+ in-house brands that deliver on style for a lower cost.
• Below, you'll find a cheat sheet to Nordstrom's in-house brands.

Nordstrom is home to both luxe designer goods, buzzy new startups (ever heard of Pop-Ins?), and the sort of loyal customer base that comes from having in-store pickup, loyalty perks, and lovely customer service.

It also has more than twenty in-house brands, most of which probably escape the notice of its shoppers.

Brands like Zella, BP., and Halogen are the brainchildren of a national department store that has regularly screened the most appealing trends of the season since 1901 and, inevitably, decided to apply those learnings to their own trendy — and slightly more affordable — collections. 

You'll find activewear at Zella, on-point juniors clothing at BP., casual loungewear at Make + Model, savvy men's streetwear at The Rail, workwear essentials like good suits from John W. Nordstrom and Italian-made shoes at the Nordstrom Men's Shop, and the list goes on.

Below, find a who's who guide to Nordstrom's in-house brands.

Here's a guide to Nordstrom's in-house brands — what they are, what they make, and where to shop them:

1901

Shop 1901

Named for the year Nordstrom opened their first store, 1901 embodies combines old-school tailoring and American prep with updated prints and colors. In other words, it's the company's reimagined heritage pieces. 

BP.

Shop BP.

BP is the on-trend juniors line that spans everything from jeans and sweaters to party dresses, accessories, and jewelry — all made relatively affordable.

Calibrate

Shop Calibrate 

Calibrate makes the clean, sharp styles guys can wear to the office, dinner, or weekend events. The line features trim silhouettes and contemporary details.

• A California developer is building a super-luxe gated community in Malibu with only five homes.
• The houses in the 24-acre development, called The Case, cost between $40 million and $100 million.
• The Case's "layers of security," which include a manned guardhouse and gate with 24/7 security, were overseen by Gavin de Becker, the same security expert who was tapped by Jeff Bezos to lead the investigation into his leaked text messages.
• Each home comes with water cannons that rise from the ground to fight fires. 

A real-estate developer in California is building a super-luxe, high-security gated community with only five homes that cost between $40 million and $100 million.

The 24-acre development, called The Case, is the vision of Scott Gillen, a designer, architect, and developer based in Malibu. The project was inspired by the Case Study homes of the 1950s and 1960s designed by architects such as Richard Neutra, Charles and Ray Eames, and Eero Saarinen.

"There are only three gated communities in Malibu, and it is unlikely that another gated community will be built here given that [The Case] took 11 years to get the project approved," Gillen told Business Insider. "Being a sprawling 24-acre property, we are able to offer very large lots; the smallest is just over 2.5 acres and the largest is almost 6 acres. The size of The Case and its unobstructed views of the ocean and mountains creates the feeling of a private enclave. Once you come through the gate you have this sense that you are in your own unique community."

The Case will be made up of five homes that range from about 10,000 square feet to 12,500 square feet and are designed in a mid-century modern style. 

"With my houses, I use large open spaces and contemporary design, and by the selection of materials and finishings, I incorporate a lot of warmth, which is very Malibu. Living here for 32 years, I have a very good sense of Malibu," Gillen said.

Each house will come with its own private pool in addition to a rather unusual amenity: water cannons that rise from the ground to fight fires.

"In the event of a fire, there will be water cannons on the property to assist firefighters," Gillen said. "If you have an event that is extremely large, the community firefighters are doing as much as they can, but we have the means to add that extra protection, including the use of private firefighters, which can be made available to this particular community."

The project was designed with security at top of mind.

"First, there is a manned guardhouse and gate with 24/7 security," Gillen said. "Second, there will be many other layers of security, some seen and others unseen."

Gillen said he wouldn't go into more details about security "as that is the whole point," but he revealed he worked with security expert Gavin de Becker to design the security of the development. That's the same Gavin de Becker who was tapped by Jeff Bezos to lead the investigation into his leaked text messages. De Becker was hired to consult on the project to make The Case "as paparazzi-proof as possible," Gillen told The Wall Street Journal.

One of The Case's homes has already been gone into contract for just under $40 million to "a well-known Malibu resident with a family," Gillen told the Journal. He says he expects the rest of the buyers to be "really successful individuals" looking for the best.

"For some The Case may be their principle home, and for others it may be one of many homes they own and they may spend only a few months or weeks here," Gillen said.

The Case is expected to be finished sometime in 2020.

SEE ALSO: People aren't buying the most expensive homes in the Hamptons. Here's what it's like living in the ritzy seaside community's priciest ZIP code, where the median home price is $5.5 million

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Join the conversation about this story »

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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.

• Soft, stretchy, and well-fitting loungers are the not-so-secret secret to staying comfortable at home. 
• The Insider Picks team has a few favorites that are incredibly comfortable and look composed enough to wear outdoors for walks and quick errands. 
• The brands that make them are Tommy John, MeUndies, Sheex, and Roots. 
• These loungers average around $70, but we think they're worth every penny. 

There was a time, a dark time long ago, when I would wear jeans all day — yes, even once I got home and didn't have to. Ever since I realized there are pant options 100 times more comfortable than even my most comfortable pair of jeans, I try not to dwell on this haunted past. 

Having discovered loungers and joggers made from the softest, stretchiest fabrics and realized the error of my ways, I am no longer foolish enough to keep my outdoor pants on after walking through the door. You can bet the moment I change into my smooth and cozy loungers that I will not be going back outside. Or, if I do, I could care less about what other people think. They're probably just jealous that my pants look so comfortable.

My colleagues own comfortable lounge pants that make them feel the same way, a soft-burning appreciation for $70-$100 bottoms that turns into a fiery speech whenever they have to explain that yes, these lounge pants are worth every penny. 

Invest in these 5 incredibly comfortable loungers and joggers to enjoy in your home, and you won't regret it. 

SEE ALSO: 7 super-comfortable, go-to 'travel uniforms' we swear by for planes and trains

Tommy John Lounge Jogger

Women's Lounge Jogger, $78, available in 5 colors at Tommy John

"Does Tommy John ever get it wrong?" That's the question our team is constantly asking ourselves. If its new Women's Lounge Joggers are any indication, though, then no. Tommy John says they're made of an innovative stretch material that always keeps its shape, and so far, I can validate that claim. The fabric is also still super soft after its first washing. Additional details like tapered legs, side pockets, and a tagless label make this pair of lounge pants an instant favorite. I look forward to going home and putting them on. —Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks senior editor 

As Ellen already hinted, every piece I've ever tried from Tommy John elicits the same bemused chuckle: They've done it again. The company's feather-light, super-soft underwear, camisoles, and tank tops are all standouts in my closet — and these joggers are some of the best. The side pockets, tagless label, and tapered fit are all perks, but the real highlight is the tri-blend fabric — unbelievably soft, airy, and hasn't stretched out yet. It's hard to wear another pair to bed. —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter 

I had never tried anything from Tommy John, but my coworkers had raved about how comfortable all of their Tommy John loungewear is — they were onto something. These joggers are super soft, lightweight, and have a nice, tapered fit. They feel like pajamas, but look presentable enough to wear out of the house, which I did and was pretty happy about. —Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter 

MeUndies Lounge Pant (Men's)

Men's Lounge Pant, $68, available in 9 colors at MeUndies

MeUndies makes incredibly comfortable loungewear. I'm not even a big lounge pant guy, but MeUndies' are thin enough that I don't mind walking around in them. They're stylish enough that I've worn them out of the house on short walks to my corner bodega. —Brandt Ranj, Insider Picks reporter 

Sheex Modern Jogger

Sheex 828 Motion Women's Modern Jogger, $64, available in 2 colors at Amazon

I agree that Tommy John's women's joggers are amazing, but you probably already get the idea, so I'll put in a good word for my other favorite pair of joggers, made by a company known for its innovative performance fabric bedding and sleepwear.

The Sheex slim-fit joggers are lighter and thinner than most so you can wear them during warmer days without overheating. If you're prone to overheating regardless of the weather, you're in luck because the fabric is temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking. As you settle into your bed, couch, or giant beanbag chair, both you and your legs can breathe easy. —Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter 

• Success isn't confined to just one measure or definition.
• We rounded up some of the most successful people of the past year based on their influence and achievements in their field and industry.
• From the leaders shaping Silicon Valley to the creatives who are making Hollywood more diverse, the list spans a variety of industries with various types of impact.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There's no one way to define success— it comes in many shapes and forms.

Looking at various measures of success, we rounded up some of the most accomplished, influential people of the past year. We determined this list based on candidates' achievements in their field or industry and influence throughout 2018 and into the first four months of 2019. We also took net worth and name recognition into consideration.

From tech and sports to entertainment and fashion, the list spans a variety of industries. There's the world's youngest self-made billionaire, the Salinger of the millennial generation, the record-breaking superstar, the athlete with the most Super Bowl wins, the leaders shaping Silicon Valley, and the creatives who have opened up the door for diversity in Hollywood.

See below for some of the most successful people in the past year, ranked by birth year from youngest to oldest.

SEE ALSO: Meet the world's richest millennials, who have a collective net worth of more than $235 billion

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Chloe Kim, now 19, became the youngest halfpipe medalist in Olympics history in 2018.

Year born: 2000

Snowboarder Chloe Kim became a breakout star at the 2018 Winter Olympics, taking home a gold medal at age 17, which made her the youngest halfpipe medalist in Olympics history. In February, she added yet another world championship to her name after winning the women's snowboard halfpipe final at the freestyle ski and snowboard world championships in Park City, Utah. She's now an X Games, US Open, and world champion.

Kylie Jenner, 21, is the world's youngest self-made billionaire.

Year born: 1997

In March, Kylie Jenner became the youngest self-made billionaire ever at the ripe age of 21, according to Forbes. Her net worth comes largely from her eponymous, self-owned cosmetic line, Kylie Cosmetics, which she launched in 2015. Three years later, the company is worth $900 million.

Jenner was named the most influential celebrity on Lyst's 2018 Year in Fashion Report and has immense social media clout — she's one of the top 10 most followed celebrities on Instagram.

Ariana Grande, 25, broke YouTube records with the release of her single, "thank u, next" in February 2019.

Year born: 1993

Starting her career on Broadway and in Nickelodeon series Victorious, Ariana Grande is now one of pop music's biggest names. Her fourth and highly anticipated album "Sweetener" earned recognition after its August release. Just two months later, Grande surprised fans by releasing the smash hit "thank u, next" — a single whose music video later broke records on YouTube with 55.4 million views in 24 hours— and later announcing another new album under the same name.

Grande is currently on tour performing songs from both albums and she headlined Coachella in April, making her the youngest performer in the festival's history. Billboard named her 2018's Woman of the Year. 

• A job application process starts with a résumé.
• The résumé is a good way to showcase your accomplishments, but mistakes could also be holding you back from landing your dream job.
• Here's what you need to remove from your résumé immediately.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Every job application starts with a résumé.

Hiring managers gather résumés to determine when to interview promising candidates — and many use robots to eliminate bad ones before it even reaches a human being.

Read more:15 email etiquette rules every professional should know

If you want to pass that test, you need to have the perfect résumé to highlight your qualifications.

Here are 31 things you should never include on your résumé.

Jacquelyn Smith, Vivian Giang, and Natalie Walters contributed to earlier versions of this article.

SEE ALSO: 9 things you should never do during your first week of work

Don't put an objective on your résumé.

If you applied, it's already obvious you want the job.

The exception: If you're in a unique situation, such as changing industries completely, it may be useful to include a brief summary.

Leave irrelevant work experience out.

Yes, you might have been the "king of making milkshakes" at the restaurant you worked for in high school. But unless you are planning on redeeming that title, it's time to get rid of all that clutter.

But as Alyssa Gelbard, career expert and founder of career-consulting firm Résumé Strategists, points out: Past work experience that might not appear to be directly relevant to the job at hand might show another dimension, depth, ability, or skill that actually is relevant or applicable.

Only include this experience if it really showcases additional skills that can translate to the position you're applying for.

You don't need to disclose your relationship status in a professional résumé.

Don't include your marital status, religious preference, or Social Security number.

This might have been the standard in the past, but all of this information is now illegal for your employer to ask from you, so there's no need to include it.

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. This list includes Sponsored Products that have been suggested by Orgain and that also meet our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.*

We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening today to save you time, with savings on Levi's denim, Star Wars LEGOs, and outdoor gear and apparel at L.L.Bean. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

1. Save up to 70% on sale styles at Levi's

Jeans are a year-round staple, and Levi's is having a massive sale on all sorts of styles that'll make you want to stock up. Now through May 7, you can save up to 70% on deeply discounted sale styles during the brand's warehouse sale. All you have to do is sign up with your email to gain access to the sale. Prices are as marked, so you won't need a promo code. For more deals and savings at Levi's visit Business Insider Coupons here. 

Shop the Levi's warehouse sale now. 

2. Save on Star Wars LEGOs for May the 4th

Tomorrow, May the 4th, is Star Wars Day, and LEGO is celebrating with a big sale. Until May 6, you can save on a variety of Star Wars-themed LEGO sets. You can also receive a free "Battle of Hoth" Lego when you spend $75 or more other Star Wars Legos. For more deals and savings at Lego, visit Business Insider Coupons here. 

Shop the LEGO sale now. 

3. Save 30% on protein shakes at Orgain

Orgain is an organic alternative to artificial and genetically-modified nutrition supplements. Whether you're looking for healthy products to use for weight loss, strength gain, meal replacements, or daily nutrition, you may want to check out the brand's current sale. Right now, you can save 30% on protein shakes and almond milk by using the promo code "SHAKE30" at checkout. You can also save 30% on orders of $100 or more including anything by using the promo code "BEHEALTHY" at checkout.

* Sponsored by Orgain

Shop the Orgain sale now.

4. Save 20% on women's clothes and shoes at L.L.Bean

In preparation for Mother's Day, L.L.Bean is having a big sale on women's items  — and it's the perfect time to pick up outdoor gear and apparel for the outdoorsy or adventurous moms in your life. Now through May 6, you can save 20% on women's clothing, footwear, and outerwear by using the promo code "MOM20" at checkout. To potentially save even more at L.L.Bean, visit Business Insider Coupons here.

Shop the L.L.Bean sale now.

5. Save $20 on SmileDirectClub's teeth whitening kit on Amazon

SmileDirectClub's teeth whitening kit is cheaper than going to the dentist and more effective than traditional whitening strips — and it's on sale now. Right now, you can save $20 on the kit, by purchasing it on Amazon. The 12-month supply whitening kit includes nine hydrogen peroxide pens and an LED accelerator light. Insider Picks reporter Mara Leighton tested the kit and was pleased with the results. Read her full review here. 

Bright On teeth whitening kit, $59 (Originally $79) [You save $20]

6. Save up to 70% on outdoor furniture at Wayfair

If you're planning on hosting a backyard graduation or Memorial Day party, you'll want to make sure your outdoor space is a fun and comfortable place to hang out — and Wayfair has the perfect sale going on right now. For a limited time, you can save up to 70% on all things outdoor. The sale includes seating, gazebos, fire pits, outdoor lighting, trampolines, swing sets, bird baths, and much more. To potentially save even more at Wayfair visit Business Insider Coupons here.

Shop the Wayfair sale now.

7. Try the Frank And Oak Style Plan subscription for free

Frank And Oak is a Montreal-based clothing startup that's dedicated to helping people dress better with its sustainably made clothing — and its subscription box is the best way to start filling your closet. For a limited time, you can try the Style Plan subscription risk-free by having the $25 styling fee waived for the first month. Simply use the promo code "NOFEE" at checkout to save. I tried Frank And Oak's Style Plan and it was the first clothing subscription I tried where I wanted to keep everything included. For more deals and savings, visit Business Insider Coupons here.

Sign up for Frank And Oak Style Plan now. 

8. Save up to $160 on Helix Sleep Mattresses

If your current mattress isn't living up to your comfort standards, it's time to upgrade. And, if you're looking for a deal on comfortable mattresses, there's one happening now on a Helix Sleep Mattress (which is what I personally sleep on). The brand designs custom mattresses based on data collected from your comfort and sleep quiz. Right now, you can save $75 on the original Helix Mattress and $125 on the Luxe Mattress automatically, and $160 on the new Nightfall Mattress with the promo code "INSIDER160." To learn more about the customization process, check out my review.

Shop the Helix Sleep sale now.

Join the conversation about this story »

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.

• Chase is a big player in the credit card rewards and benefits space. Regardless of which card you choose, you'll gain access to plenty of perks and benefits. We break down which card is best for different people's needs.

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the best Chase card you can have with its generous sign-up bonus, travel rewards, and points system.

Credit card rewards points and frequent flyer miles can be incredibly useful, no matter what kinds of points you earn or what you eventually choose to do with them. While there are a few different types of points, you benefit regardless of which kind your card earns by collecting a rebate on your everyday spending — as long as you practice financial discipline and pay off your statement in full each month.

Aside from rewards, a lot of credit cards come with perks, benefits, and complimentary services that can be extraordinarily useful and valuable. Think airport lounge access, roadside assistance, free primary rental car insurance, purchase protections, and more.

Over the past few years, Chase has become a powerhouse in the credit card rewards and benefits space, growing its Ultimate Rewards program with the lucrative Sapphire Preferred card, and then launching the premium Sapphire Reserve in 2016 with a massive introductory sign-up bonus of 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points.

While that bonus has since dropped, the card remains a powerhouse of value, and the Ultimate Rewards program is fiercely competitive, with a ton of different ways to redeem points and a number of different cards available with varied benefits

If you're looking for a new Chase card to boost your stores of Ultimate Rewards points, or you're interested in getting access to new benefits or perks, it might be worth opening a new Chase card — just make sure that you know how opening a new card for the sign-up bonus or benefits can affect your credit.

Take a look below at our choices of the best available Chase cards, including our overall winner, the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Keep in mind that, unless it's otherwise noted in the card description, we're focusing on benefits, perks, and rewards that make these cards great options, not things like interest rates and late fees, which can far outweigh the value of any rewards.

When you're working to earn credit-card rewards, it's important to practice financial discipline, like paying your balances off in full each month, making payments on time, and not spending more than you can afford to pay back — or spending more than you would otherwise. Basically, with a few rare exceptions, you should treat your credit card like a debit card.

Here are our top picks for the best Chase cards:

• Best overall: Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Best with a lower annual fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Best for everyday spending: Chase Freedom Unlimited
• Best for small businesses, freelancers, and side-gigs: Chase Ink Business Preferred
• Best for bonuses: Chase Freedom

Read on in the slides below to see which Chase card is right for you.

The best Chase card overall

Why you'll love it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve makes it easy to earn rewards for travel and more with a great sign-up bonus and a lucrative points-earning scheme.

Sign-up Bonus: 50,000 points (after spending $4,000 in the first three months)

Not only is the Sapphire Reserve our favorite Chase card — it's our pick for the best rewards credit card overall.

The best Chase card with a lower annual fee

Why you'll love it: Chase Sapphire Preferred has a lower annual fee than the Sapphire Reserve and it's easy to rack up points.

Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points (after spending $4,000 in the first three months)

The Reserve's older sibling, the Sapphire Preferred offers a number of similar features, and an even higher sign-up bonus, for a lower annual fee. The card earns two times the Ultimate Rewards points instead of the Reserve's three times the points on dining and travel, and one times the points on everything else.

Points are worth a lower 1.25¢ on travel booked through Chase, but can still be transferred to frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs. There's no annual travel credit, but there's still car rental primary coverage, as well as slightly less-generous trip delay coverage and purchase protection. The annual fee is a more manageable $95, and it's waived the first year.

While the Sapphire Preferred was the all-around best card for a long time, the Sapphire Reserve has made it a harder choice. While the Preferred earns fewer points on bonus spending categories than the Reserve, and the value of the points on travel booked through Chase is less.

The no-hassle travel credit on the Sapphire Reserve makes the annual fee on that card effectively $150 (accounting for the $300 you get back through the credit), so — depending on your spending habits — it can be worth paying more up front for the Sapphire Reserve.

Pros: Good sign-up bonus, transferable points, travel perks, lower annual fee than the Sapphire Reserve card (and it's waived the first year)

Cons: Lower point value when purchasing travel through Chase, no annual travel credit, earns points more slowly than the Sapphire Reserve

Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

The best Chase card for everyday spending

Why you'll love it: Chase Freedom Unlimited helps you earn points for normal purchases and get cash back with no annual fee.

Sign-up Bonus: Double rewards for your first year: 3% cash back (or 3x points per dollar spent) for your first year with the card on up to $20,000 of spend

If you already have the Sapphire Reserve or the Preferred and are saving your points for something, the Freedom Unlimited can give your balance a nice boost. While Chase markets the card as "cash back," it actually earns Ultimate Rewards points that you can redeem for cash (1 point = 1¢).

If you have a premium card like the Sapphire Reserve, you can pool your points from the two cards. The Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5 points per dollar spent, so paired with a Sapphire Reserve, it's a great card to use for purchases that aren't made on travel expenses or dining.

The card used to offer a 15,000 point (or $150) sign-up bonus, but recently replaced that with something new. Now, for your first year, you'll earn double rewards on up to $20,000 of spend. If you spend more than $10,000 in those first 12 months, you'll come out on top compared to the old bonus.

Best of all, the card has no annual fee and often has 0% APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, there's a 17.24%–25.99% variable APR. If you have a major purchase ahead of you, that introductory offer can be useful.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a fantastic all-around card. However, to get the most value when it's time to spend your points, you need the Sapphire Reserve or Preferred card, too, so you can pool your points. Otherwise, points are only worth 1¢ each no matter how you use them and they can't be transferred to airline or hotel partners.

Pros: Decent sign-up bonus, earn points on regular purchases, no annual fee, zero percent APR for first 15 months (and a 17.24%–25.99% variable APR after that)

Cons: One point only equals one cent for cash back, to get a better value you'll need to pair it with a premium Sapphire card

Click here to learn more about the Chase Freedom Unlimited from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

• Cookies are small text files used by Google Chrome and other web browsers to remember settings and preferences about web sites you visit. They make your browsing better and it's recommended that you enable them.
• You can enable cookies in Google Chrome on your computer in the Settings menu's Content settings tab.
• You can enable cookies in Chrome on Android in the Settings menu's Site settings tab.  
• Cookies are always enabled in Chrome on the iPhone and cannot be turned off.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If cookies are disabled in your web browser, web browsing is probably a bit harder for you than it needs to be. Cookies are small text files used by web sites to save information about you and your visit.

That means cookies can customize your browsing experience, helping the site keep you logged in, know who you are, and remember your preferences. Cookies can remember what's in your cart on shopping sites and display articles you are interested in on news sites.

It's easy to find advice online suggesting that you disable cookies because of (often overblown) privacy concerns, but it's generally a good idea to leave them turned on.

If you or someone else has disabled cookies in your Google Chrome web browser on a computer or mobile device, you can enable them again with just a few clicks.

How to enable cookies in Google Chrome on a computer

1. Open Chrome.

2. Click the three dots at the top right of the Chrome window to display the menu.

3. Click "Settings."

4. Scroll down the Settings page. If you can only see a few settings that end with a section called "On startup," you need to expand the advanced settings. Click "Advanced" at the bottom of the page.

5. In the Privacy and security section, click "Content settings."

6. Click "Cookies."

7. On the Cookies page, make sure that "Allow sites to save and read cookie data (recommended)" is turned on by sliding the switch to the right, so it turns blue.

Cookies have now been enabled in Chrome. You can always return here to turn them off, or customize the way Chrome handles cookies — for example, if you wanted to, you could block certain sites.

How to enable cookies in Google Chrome on Android

1. Open the Chrome app.

2. Tap the three dots in the lower right corner of the screen to display the menu.

3. Tap "Settings," and then tap "Site settings."

4. Tap "Cookies."

5. On the Cookies page, make sure that "Cookies" is turned on by sliding the switch to the right, so it turns blue.

Enable cookies in Google Chrome on the iPhone

iOS browsers keep things simple — on the iPhone and iPad, the Chrome app (as well as other browsers) automatically enables cookies, and it isn't possible to turn them off. So you don't have to do anything in particular to use Chrome with cookies in iOS.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to clear and manage cookies on your Mac computer's Safari browser

• How to enable cookies on an iPhone to help streamline your web browsing

• How to clear your browsing history on an iPad in three different ways

• How to clear the cache on a Google Chrome browser to make it run more efficiently

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.

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.

• Save 40% on flowers for Mother's Day when you check out with Chase Pay at 1800Flowers.com/ChasePay40 and use promo code CHASEPAY40.
• Anyone with a Chase credit card can use Chase Pay to get the discount.
• If you don't have a Chase card, our suggestion for the best one to open is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
• Still looking for the right flowers? Check out our guide to the best flower delivery services to send freshly cut blooms and live plants on Mother's Day.

Mother's Day is just over a week away. If you haven't placed an order for a gift or flowers yet, there's still time.

For all the procrastinators out there, Chase and 1-800-Flowers have a special promotion to help you save and get your order through on time.

You'll save 40% when you place an order at 1800Flowers.com/ChasePay40, use promo code CHASEPAY40, and check out with Chase Pay. The offer is valid through Mother's Day, which falls on May 12.

Chase Pay is Chase's mobile wallet service, a competitor to options like Apple Pay, which works across devices so you can use it from your smartphone at a cash register, or on your computer at a website.

If you have a credit card, just choose the Chase Pay option when you check out — you can find it under "Express Checkout Options." Log in to your Chase account when prompted, and choose the Chase card you want to pay with.

Only the options on the special Chase Pay landing page are eligible for the discount, but there is a huge range of options, whether you're looking for roses, tulips, specially designed bouquets, gift baskets, or more. 

Remember to enter the promo code in order to get the discount.

We'd suggest maximizing your rewards points by paying with the Chase Freedom Unlimited, which offers 1.5% cash back (or 1.5x points per dollar) on every purchase. Alternatively, if you don't have a Chase card yet, we recommend starting with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which has a highest-ever sign-up bonus of 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months.

Click here to check out the included options at 1-800-Flowers.

Click here to learn more about the Chase Freedom Unlimited at Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred at Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

SEE ALSO: 50 unique gifts your mom actually wants to get for Mother's Day — for every budget

Join the conversation about this story »

• You can download new fonts on your Mac computer to give apps a little something extra.
• Your Font Book is where all of your Mac's fonts are housed, and it's where you'll add, delete, or disable fonts.
• You may choose to use an external site, like Da Font, to source your new fonts.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Sometimes you want a little something extra when it comes to the look of the things you write within any given app on your Mac computer. Installing a new font can do the trick, and it's a relatively simple process.

Your Mac's fonts are all housed in the Font Book, which you can find in your Applications folder. You can either add a font directly into it (in addition to deleting or disabling unwanted fonts), or you can use a site like Da Font to download one of their free fonts into your collection.

Here's how to install a new font onto your Mac using either method:

Installing new fonts on your Mac using Font Book

Before you install any fonts, you need to download them. Some are already available for downloading within the Font Book app. You can download other font files from websites like Da Font (which we talk about more below), FontSquirrel, and more.

Once you've downloaded a font file:

1. Double click a font you've downloaded in your Finder — this will prompt a new preview window to open.

2. Click "Install font."

Your Mac will then validate the font, and if successful, it will be installed to your Font Book. Then you'll be able to use that font with any of your apps.

If you want to go back and check which fonts you have access to, or make them available to other user accounts on your computer, you'll need to go back into the Font Book. You can get there via your launchpad, which is located in the apps bar at the bottom of your screen.

From there, you can access your Font Book Preferences to allow another user access to any newly downloaded fonts.

Installing new fonts on your Mac using Da Font

Da Font is a popular, free font database. For those with Mac OS X 10.3 or above, installation is easy:

1. Go to DaFont.com.

2. Browse or search for your preferred font.

3. Double click "Download" to get the font file — this will prompt a zip drive to download, double click to open it.

4. Double click on the new folder in your downloads and double click on the font name — another pop up window will appear with a preview of the font.

5. Click "Install font" at the bottom of the preview.

This process will also download your new font into your Font Book, making it easily accessible for all of your Mac's apps.

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: How to reset a Mac computer to its factory default settings

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 5G networks will be 10 times faster than 4G LTE, but we shouldn't get too excited yet

• Cars in 2019 are marvels of technology and connectedness.
• But just a few decades ago, there was very little connected tech in vehicles, prior to the advent of cellphones and the internet.
• Everything is easier — and safer! — now. But I miss the old days, when you could hit the road and disappear.

These days, it's nearly impossible to get into a car and disconnect from the internet. New vehicles typically have some sort of smartphone interface (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) or enable a certain degree of smartphone integration with a car's infotainment system.

Even if all that's lacking, you can still remain connected via your phone.

That's just the reality of driving a car in 2019. However, back in the early 2000s, it was still possible to find new and used cars that were pretty much no-tech. It was particularly easy on the used front, as the mid-to-late 1990s were the period just before infotainment tech started to take off, first with GPS navigation and later with more elaborate systems.

I owned several vehicles from the 1990s — a 1992 Mazda 323 and a 1993 Mazda Miata, as well as a 1998 Saab 900S — and a few cars from the 2000s, including a 2000 Volvo V40. I even had a Volvo 240 from 1987. Prior to all that, I drove a 1989 Honda Accord and a 1983 Buick Regal. Even my 2007 Honda Odyssey was fairly barebones — it was a base model with just a radio and CD player.

If it sounds like torture to lack all 21st tech in a vehicle ... well, it actually wasn't. But obviously, if you were to buy a pre-tech car today, it would take some getting used to. Here's why:

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

Up front, I should note that "no-tech" doesn't mean an antique with a carburetor, no airbags, and lap-belt seat belts. I'm talking mainly about cars from the 1990s.

Here I am with the 1998 Saab — my most recent no-tech vehicle.

I sold it in 2014 and now own a 2011 Toyota Prius, whose tech is outdated but at least 21st-century caliber.

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 a great last-minute gift, you can't go wrong with flowers. They're beautiful, and with services like UrbanStem you can get them delivered in as little as one day.
• To help make Mother's Day flowers extra special this year, UrbanStems is pairing three of its most popular bouquets with gifts like candles, candies, and cologne. 
• Check out UrbanStems Mother's Day collection below or the rest of our Mother's Day gift guides here for more inspiration.

Mother's Day is quickly approaching, and if you're still not sure what to get your mom, you can't go wrong with flowers. 

They're vibrant, fresh, and smell delightful. What's not to love?

A nice bouquet of flowers is sure to put a smile on Mom's face — really, science says so too. But sometimes they're seen as a complement to another gift rather than the whole gift itself, so you're left scrambling to pair the bouquet with a nice vase or another small item that will outlive the buds themselves.

If that's the case for you, then UrbanStems has answered your Mother's Day gifting prayers. 

UrbanStems is one of our favorite places for unique floral bouquets with a seamless delivery service. The company offers affordable florals and plants sourced from ethical farms around the world, and arrangements are made by UrbanStems' in-house floral designers to ensure they're just right. The bouquets are delivered anywhere in the US via free one-day FedEx delivery, but only from Tuesdays through Fridays — something to note if you're planning for a last-minute gift. If the recipient lives in DC or NYC specifically, an UrbanStems courier will hand-deliver by bicycle or car any day of the week.  

This Mother's Day, UrbanStems has paired three of its most popular bouquets with vases and gifts that complement the scents, colors, and all around aesthetics of the bouquets. Choose from the playful "Sweet Retreat,"romantic "English Garden," and calming "Santorini Sunrise" to find the gift set that's just right for Mom. And with the quick delivery options, this is the perfect last-minute gift too. 

Learn more about all of the products in the UrbanStems Mother's Day collection, below:

Sweet Retreat, $100

This stylish gold-dipped vase is filled with flowers like mums, carnations, and hydrangeas in pretty pastel colors. To add even more sweetness, you'll find some Sugarfina confections like peach bellini gummies, rosé gummies, and dark chocolate sea salt caramels. 

The English Garden, $130

This simple white vase is filled to the brim with lush hydrangeas and soft-pink garden roses. To complement the fresh arrangement is a Jo Malone English & Pear Freesia perfume that will transport Mom to a day spent wandering through an English garden.

The Santorini Sunrise, $110

Various shades of roses, carnations, and scabiosa mimic the colors of a sunrise, even more so when placed inside the included watercolor glass vase inspired by the Mediterranean Ocean. To complement the bouquet, you'll find a Skeem White Tea and Thyme candle that Mom can light when she needs some aromatic relaxation.

Shop the Mother's Day collection at UrbanStems here

Join the conversation about this story »

• You should take steps to backup up your Mac computer if you want to guard against damage, technological mishaps, or any other potential issue that may arise.
• Macs are built with backup methods in place, making it a little easier to accomplish the task that many people ignore, despite the risks.
• Time Machine and iCloud are two built-in backup systems that are both easy to set up and use.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Backing up your computer is probably not something you think about every day. But even if it hasn't been at the top of your mind lately, it will inevitably become important.

Just think about how your computer will work two or three or five years from now — what will happen to all of your data if your Mac suddenly goes black-screen on you?

Even though most people know they should backup their information, the motivation isn't always strong enough to make it happen. Luckily, Macs are really easy to back up.

In fact, they're designed to do it, all you have to do is pick a backup method and set it up.

A couple solid methods for backing up your Mac are:

1. Time Machine: a program that works with an external storage device to make digital copies of your Mac, including everything from information to look and feel.
2. iCloud: wireless syncing for all of your Mac's apps that can be accessed from any of your Apple devices.

Here's how to set up and use either backup system.

How to backup your Mac using Time Machine

Time Machine is a built-in backup feature on your Mac. It automatically makes hourly backup versions of your computer that cover the past 24 hours as well as daily and weekly versions to cover the past month and all previous months, respectively.

And everything maintains the look you created — that way, you can look back at your stuff as it was when you set it up, instead of having to recreate it as best as you can remember.

But to create actual backups with Time Machine, you'll need an external storage device, and of course a way of connecting it to your computer — whether that's a physical cord connecting to an external hard drive or using an AirPort Time Capsule.

Here's how to backup with Time Machine and an external storage device:

1. Connect the device; once your computer recognizes that you've done so, a popup window may appear asking if you want to use it with Time Machine.

2. You can choose to encrypt your backup disk or not by ticking or unticking the box (it is recommended to encrypt), then click "Use as backup disk."

If your Mac doesn't ask you to use Time Machine, follow the directions below:

1. Click the Time Machine symbol in your top toolbar (it looks like a curving arrow pointing backward, surrounding a clock face) and click "Open Time Machine Preferences..."

2. Click "Select Backup Disk" (it may also say "Select Disk," or "Add or Remove Backup Disk").

3. Click on your external drive and click "Use Disk."

If your drive isn't properly formatted for Time Machine, you'll be asked to erase everything from it so it can be set up in a compatible way.

After you've selected your backup method and set up Time Machine on your Mac, it will automatically begin making those periodic copies of your Mac, mentioned above. Keep in mind that the first sync may take a long time, depending on how many files you have.

You can also opt to create a backup manually by going back up to the Time Machine icon in the top toolbar and selecting "Back up now."

How to backup your Mac using iCloud

Another option for backing up your Mac is using iCloud to store your data and documents. To get started, you'll need to set it up:

1. Make sure your Mac is fully updated by going to the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen and clicking "App Store" — you may need to login using your Apple ID — then click "Updates" in the left sidebar.

2. Go back up to the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen and select "System Preferences" then "iCloud."

3. Log in using your Apple ID and agree the terms and conditions.

4. Choose whether or not to use iCloud for: your documents and data; the use of Find My Mac.

After completing the process outlined above, you'll be able to see which apps you can include or exclude from your iCloud account, as well as how much storage data your information currently takes up, out of 5 free GB. If necessary, you may choose to upgrade to a larger iCloud account — for a range of monthly fees.

From there on, the information you dictate will be automatically updated as your documents change and grow. And your stored data can then be accessed from any other device, so long as you use the same Apple ID.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to reset a Mac computer to its factory default settings

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

• How to backup your iPad to iCloud or a computer

• How to backup an iPhone to iCloud, your computer, or an external hard drive

SEE ALSO: How to download and install new fonts on a Mac computer

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch Mark Zuckerberg outline Facebook's new 6-principle approach to privacy

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 Mophie Powerstation XL external battery is one of my most essential items, but it's admittedly a hassle to carry. I found a great solution with another Mophie product.
• The Mophie Juice Pack Access is the brand's newest charging case available for the latest generation of iPhones X, Xs, Xs Max, and Xr. It uses wireless charging to give and receive a charge, so it works completely independent of the lightning port.
• At $99.99, the Mophie Juice Pack Access is a convenient and cost-effective alternative to buying a good case and separate external battery. It's also cheaper and better-looking than Apple's $129 battery case.

In more ways than I'm willing to count, smartphones have become the center of our lives.

Okay, maybe I'll count. Our phones are much more than telephones; they're the modern version of carrying around an MP3 player, daily newspaper, your favorite books, car navigation system, digital camera, and a bunch of other things all in one. Without them, most people would be literally and figuratively lost in this world — and that's why a "low battery" notification is usually more alarming than those annoying emergency blasts for flash floods and amber alerts.

Luckily, external batteries have saved us from fiendishly looking for wall outlets to get a few minutes worth of juice while on the go, and Mophie is much to thank for that. But with the convenience of external batteries also comes the hassle of having to carry around that one extra item all day. 

Don't get me wrong, I still swear by my Mophie Powerstation XL because I can depend on it to keep my phone charged for days at a time, but when I'm not carrying a bag, it can be a burden to stuff into my pocket or juggle between my hands.

I was looking for an alternative for daily use when I have a lighter load and I found it with another Mophie item — the Juice Pack Access.

The Juice Pack Access (currently $99.99 at Best Buy) is Mophie's newest battery case for the latest generation of iPhones (the X, Xs, Xs Max, and Xr). Combining the protection of traditional phone case and the charging convenience of an external battery, the Juice Pack Access features a slip-in design that ensures your phone stays secure and a built-in 2,200mAh battery for a streamlined design. 

I think that wireless charging is one of the best modern smartphone features and settling for a case that completely eliminates that function can be a hard pill to swallow. Fortunately, the Juice Pack Access is built around that technology.

How it works

You can charge the case via the USB-C port at the bottom or with a wireless charger. Regardless of how you decide to charge the device, Priority+ Charging will send power to your iPhone before charging the case itself. When you're ready to use the case, just hold the power button on the back for four seconds and it'll begin charging your phone.

It essentially acts as a wireless charger itself, so it works completely independent of the lightning port.  That means you can charge your phone via the case and still have access to the lightning port to listen to music with wired headphones. 

Its durability as a phone case

In terms of serving as a case, I was more than happy with the protection it provided. I accidentally left my phone on my lap while getting out of my car and it went flying. The case suffered a few small gashes, but it still gives and takes a charge as it should and my phone itself was completely fine. For what it's worth, that same accident completely annihilated the screen on one of my previous iPhones with what I thought was a good case. 

It's worth noting that the finish of the case shows imperfections very clearly, so if you have oily or sticky hands, it'll transfer. That might annoy some people, but I regularly wipe my phone and case off anyway (and you should too), so it wasn't a big deal for me.

The bottom line

While the Juice Pack Access Case isn't the only charging case available, I'd argue that it's the best. Apple's version is $30 more and in my opinion, has a less flattering design with the bulging battery on the back. Granted, the Juice Pack Access sticks out a little too, but it's definitely more streamlined.

Considering that an external battery will cost you about $60 (I paid $70 for my Powerstation XL) and a decent protective iPhone case is about $40, I found the Juice Pack Access Case to be a valuable and inexpensive accessory at $100.

The iPhone Xs Max is rated at 25 hours of battery life, but with the case, I had about 31. The extra six hours was more than enough to get me through the rest of the day or at least to someplace where I could charge my phone. Even if you're a daredevil that waits until you're on 1% to start charging your phone, the extra power can be a lifesaver.

If you're tired forcing yourself to limit your phone usage and still end up with a dead battery, pick up the Mophie Juice Pack Access and never go without a charge again.

Mophie Juice Pack Access Wireless Charging Battery Case, $99.99, available for iPhone X, Xs, Xs Max, and XR

Also available in various colors on Amazon for $99.95

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• You can now eat dinner 100ft in the sky above London.
• London in the Sky offers a one-hour, three-course dinner with wine for £199 ($259).
• I went to the press launch and strapped into a harness to see what it was like.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you're bored of conventional restaurants, it's time to take things to new heights.

To be specific, 100ft high.

Flying above the O2 arena in London, you'll find two huge dinner tables suspended from cranes, where London in the Sky has just been erected for another year.

Offering incredible views over the skyline paired with delicious food, this is a whole new level of dining experience.

Read more: You can now fly from London to Paris on a private jet for less than $850, fine dining and Champagne included

It costs £199 ($259) for a one-hour, three-course dinner with wine, but there are cheaper options such as breakfast or afternoon tea.

On a chilly spring evening, I went to the press launch to experience the dinner. This is what it was like.

I arrived at an area by the side of the O2 to see two huge cranes which would be used to hoist us into the sky.

The entrance area had been nicely done, and I could imagine it would be lovely on a warmer, more summery day.

Sadly it wasn't really deck-chair weather when I visited.

I had a quick look at the 22-seat table which would soon be raised 100ft into the sky, and I was pleased to see a cover, should the ominous heavens decide to open.

• Paul Simon is selling his 32-acre Connecticut estate for $13.9 million.
• The 8,500-square-foot main house has seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, three half bathrooms, five fireplaces, and a three-car garage.
• The property includes a terraced pool, formal walled gardens, courtyards, and sweeping meadows.
• A 2,400-square-foot guest cottage served as Simon's private recording studio, where the musician recorded his last four albums.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Seven months after the end of his farewell tour, musician Paul Simon put his 32-acre Connecticut estate on the market for $13.9 million.

The New Canaan property includes an 8,500-square-foot brick main house with seven bedrooms, a three-car garage, and an outdoor swimming pool.

The 77-year-old musician used the 2,400-square-foot guest cottage as a private recording studio and recorded his last four albums there, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Simon has owned the home for 17 years — he bought it for $16.5 million in 2002.

Leslie Razook and Anne Krieger of William Pitt - Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty are the listing agents.

Here's a look at the legendary musician's 32-acre property. 

SEE ALSO: Ralph Lauren just bought a charming Hamptons home for $16 million. Here's a look inside the 4-bedroom house — and its 200 feet of oceanfront.

DON'T MISS: The Beverly Hills estate that Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt spent 3 years renovating before their divorce is for sale for $56 million. Here's a look inside the 4-bedroom home.

Paul Simon is selling his 32-acre Connecticut estate for $13.9 million.

Source: Los Angeles Times

The main house is surrounded by formal walled gardens, courtyards, and a terraced pool.

Source: William Pitt - Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

The property is located in New Canaan, about a 1.5 hour drive from New York City.

Source: Google Maps