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How to put an iPhone into 'recovery mode' using iTunes, and repair it when it's malfunctioning

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iPhone 8

  • An iPhone's recovery mode is a fail-safe troubleshooting mode that lets iTunes try to repair the iPhone's operating system if something goes badly awry.
  • You enter recovery mode by connecting the phone to a computer, starting iTunes, and then performing a force restart.
  • If you cannot repair your iPhone using recovery mode, you might need to have it repaired or replaced by Apple support.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Like any high-tech device, the iPhone is designed to be as trouble-free as possible, and most people will own one for years without ever experiencing a serious issue. But sometimes things can go wrong, and if your iPhone is unresponsive — and all other troubleshooting steps have not solved the problem – then you might need to enter recovery mode.

To be clear, recovery mode should never be the first thing you try to resolve an issue. For example, you might want to follow the steps outlined in our article "Why won't my iPhone turn on?"

Here are some reasons why you might need recovery mode:

  • The display shows nothing but the Apple logo for a very long time and it never fully turns on.
  • During an iOS update, the phone gets stuck in a loop of continuously restarting.
  • The phone won't turn on, turn off, and is completely unresponsive.
  • You connect the phone to a computer and iTunes cannot see the phone.

recovery 1

How to put your phone in recovery mode

1. On your computer, if you are already running iTunes, close the program. (It's not a bad idea to completely restart your computer before proceeding to be sure iTunes isn't still running in the background.)

2. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB connection cable.

3. Start iTunes on your computer.

4. Force restart your iPhone by following the steps outlined in  our article, "How to restart and force-restart any iPhone model."

5. Don't release the buttons you're holding to force-restart the iPhone when you see the Apple logo. Continue to hold the buttons until you see the "connect to iTunes" screen.

recovery 2

6. On the computer, you should see a dialog box appear that says there is a problem with your iPhone. Click "Update." At this point, iTunes will try to repair the operating system without erasing any of the apps or data on the device.

recovery 3

7. If the update process fails, you can repeat the procedure, but this time choose to restore the phone instead of updating. This process will erase your apps and data, and you will need to choose to restore the phone to its factory state or restore a recent backup.

After the update or restore process is complete, your phone should be repaired and it will exit recovery mode on its own. If it is still not working properly — meaning that both the update and restore options failed — then you are probably out of options you can perform at home, and you should have your phone serviced by Apple.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 9 simple ways to protect your data that don't take much time, but could have huge security benefits


I thought paying $20 for a single pair of socks was crazy, but then I tried Smartwool socks and did a complete 180

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Insider Pickswrites 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.

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  • It may seem odd to wear wool socks in the summer, but merino wool actually wicks away moisture, regulates temperature, and resists odor, making it a great fabric for all weather.
  • Smartwool makes performance clothing and accessories out of versatile merino wool.
  • I'm a huge fan of the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Micro Socks ($18.95); they're durable, comfortable, and keep your feet cozy and dry through just about any activity.

Wool? In the summer? Are you crazy?!

This was my internal dialogue as I stood in REI and a salesperson directed me to a rack of wool socks, suggesting I purchase them for a summer trip in Southeast Asia, where summer is monsoon season with forecasts that are undeniably hot, sticky, and humid. The thought of bundling my toes in the same thick knit used to make cozy winter sweaters and mittens seemed kind of crazy. And that wasn't the only crazy thing about these socks — they cost about $20 a pair. That's more than I'd usually pay for a pack of six socks or more.

But, like any good salesperson does, they sold me on the socks. All it took was a little explaining about the power of  versatile, sweat-wicking, and temperature-regulating merino wool. 

The specs of the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Micro Socks

Talking about specs when it comes to socks may sound a little funny. After all, these are just socks, not a high-tech gadget. But, the technical design of Smartwool socks is what make them unique, and if you ask me, worth the price.

Smartwool makes plenty of merino wool socks of different heights and thicknesses. I have the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Micro Socks, a lighter, shorter pair that's made for hiking and beyond. 

Smartwool's PhD line is a collection of high-performance socks and clothing made from merino wool. There are a few things that set these socks apart from the value-pack options, but one that I find makes Smartwool special (as the name suggests) is the use of ZQ-certified Merino wool.

Whether you're hiking, running, or just traveling, merino wool is a great choice. The fabric helps regulate body temperature, so your feet won't freeze when it's cold or overheat when it's hot. It wicks away moisture at a vapor level, so even when your feet sweat you won't feel damp. Merino wool also resists odors, a particularly great feature if you're looking for socks that are great for traveling. Since they resist odor, they can go longer without being washed and won't stink up your bag as much as regular cotton socks. The ZQ-certification means that this wool is high-quality and adheres to high standards for animal welfare, environmental care, and sustainability. 

smartwool

Beyond the fabric, Smartwool has seriously thought out every detail of these socks.

The socks have a narrower profile to accommodate women's feet. There's a light cushion on the sole that is ideal for running over terrain that may not be perfectly smooth, like hiking trails and cobblestone streets. There are mesh ventilation zones across the sock to maximize breathability and wick away the most moisture. The seams are virtually seamless, so you don't get that annoying seam feeling on your toes while you move. And with extra flexibility around the ankle, these stay put and won't bunch up no matter how much you move. 

All of these features work together to make one of the most comfortable, in both feel and fit, pairs of socks you've ever worn. 

The bottom line

I got a few pairs of these socks for hiking and traveling, but now I wear them just about every day. They're now my go-to pairs; since trying them, the rest of my old socks really do feel inferior. They're soft, durable, and keep my feet feeling comfortable whether I'm hiking on a dusty trail or running around a well-paved city.

While socks usually wear out pretty fast, the fact that these haven't changed at all since I got them makes me feel they're worth the price. Whether you want a pair of no-shows, running socks, or high socks, Smartwool has a huge range an options for you.

I really never thought I'd care much about socks, but as a Smartwool convert, I can't recommend its products enough. 

Grab a pair of Smartwool's PhD Outdoor Light Micro Socks for $18.95 a pair at Smartwool. They're available for women and men

Shop all Smartwool women's socks at REI and Smartwool.

Shop all Smartwool men's socks at REI and Smartwool.

Join the conversation about this story »

The 16 most expensive paintings ever sold

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Wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, Brigitte looks at paintings by Spanish painter Pablo Picasso flanked by the painter's grandson Olivier as they visit the

  • Sotheby's New York just sold Claude Monet's 1890 painting "Meules" for $110.7 million.
  • They claim it is the most an Impressionist work has ever sold for.
  • $110.7 million is almost a bargain — there are many works of art that have sold for much more, like a painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci that was sold for $450.3 million in 2017.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

 

Claude Monet's 1890 painting "Meules" sold at auction after only eight minutes — for a whopping $110.7 million, according to the New York Times. Sotheby's claims it is the most an Impressionist work has ever sold for.

In May 2018, Sotheby's New York broke its own sales record selling Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani's "Nu couché (sur le côté gauche)" for $157.2 million.

But neither of those even come close to the prices fetched by some other works of art, like a painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci that was sold for $450.3 million in 2017.

Below, take a look at the 16 most expensive paintings that have sold during auctions or via private sales.

SEE ALSO: A photographer spent 25 years documenting rich people — meet some of her most memorable subjects

16. Claude Monet's "Meules" — $110.7 million

Date sold: March 15, 2019

Price: $110.7 million

Type of sale: Sotheby's New York, auction

 



15. Jackson Pollock's "No. 5, 1948" — $140 million

Date sold: November 2, 2006

Price: $140 million

Type of sale: Private sale via Sotheby's

 



14. Francis Bacon's "Three Studies of Lucian Freud" — $142.4 million

Date sold: November 12, 2013

Price: $142.4 million

Type of sale: Christie's, New York, auction 



13. Gustav Klimt's "Adele Bloch-Bauer II" — $150 million

Date sold: 2016

Price: $150 million

Type of sale: Private sale via Larry Gagosian



12. Pablo Picasso's "Le Rêve" — $155 million

Date sold: March 26, 2013

Price: $155 million

Type of sale: Private sale

 



11. Amedeo Modigliani's "Nu couché (sur le côté gauche)" — $157.2 million

Date sold: May 14, 2018

Price: $157.2 million

Type of sale: Sotheby's auction 

 



10. Roy Lichtenstein's "Masterpiece" — $165 million

Date sold: January 2017

Price: $165 million

Type of sale: Private

 



9. Amedeo Modigliani's "Nu Couché" — $170.4 million

Date sold: November 9, 2015

Price: $170.4 million

Type of sale: Christie's, New York, auction 

 



8. Picasso's "Les Femmes d'Alger ("Version O")" — $179.4 million

Date sold: May 11, 2015

Price: $179.4 million

Type of sale: Christie's, New York auction

 



7. Rembrandt's "Pendant portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit" — $180 million

Date sold: September 2015

Price: $180 million

Type of sale: Private

 



6. Mark Rothko's "No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red)" — $186 million

Date sold: August 2014

Price: $186 million

Type of sale: Private sale via Yves Bouvier

 



5. Pollock's "Number 17A" — ~$200 million

Date sold: September 2015

Price: ~$200 million

Type of sale: Private

 



4. Paul Gauguin's "Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?)" — $210 million

Date sold: September 2014

Price: $210 million

Type of sale: Private

 



3. Paul Cézanne's "The Card Players" — $250 million

Date sold: April 2011

Price: $250 million

Type of sale: Private

 



2. Willem de Kooning's "Interchange" — ~$300 million

Date sold: September 2015

Price: ~$300 million

Type of sale: Private 

 



1. Painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, "Salvator Mundi" — $450.3 million

Date sold: November 15, 2017

Price: $450.3 million

Type of sale: Christie's, New York, auction

 



The best meat thermometers you can buy

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  • If you like to grill or cook meat at home, it's a good idea to have a thermometer on hand.
  • The Lavatools Javelin Digital Meat Thermometer is our top pick because it's intuitive to use, provides fast and accurate measurements, is easy to read, and has a magnet on the back so you can store it on your fridge.

There are plenty of hacks out there for telling if your meat is done. You can cook your chicken until the juices run clear. You might press on your hand as a reference guide for how done your steak is. Or, you may simply slice the cut of meat in half and eyeball it.

All of these methods are fairly valid. But, I prefer precision. I want to know the moment my roast reaches a safe internal temperature. If I wait any longer, I fear that I might lose some flavor and juiciness. If perfection is your goal, then a meat thermometer should be an indispensable tool in your culinary repertoire.

Types of meat thermometers

There are two types of meat thermometers that tend to work better than the rest: probe thermometers with cords and digital instant-read thermometers. Instant-read thermometers generally take less than 10 seconds to provide an accurate reading, work well in all sorts of foods, and are not designed to remain in the meat while it's cooking.

Probe meat thermometers with cords typically cost a bit more but they remain in the food while it's cooking in the oven, grill, or smoker. And, many of the best models will also alert you when the meat is at the optimal temperature.

Beyond these alternatives, there are analog dial thermometers, thermometer-fork combinations, thermocouples, disposable indicators, and the infamously inaccurate pop-up indicator that comes with your turkey. We didn't think any of these latter styles performed well enough to include them in our guide, but if you would like to learn more about their pros and cons, the USDA gives a helpful rundown.

We also want to note that ThermoWorks produces many of the highest-rated thermometers, but we didn't feel their performance justified their exorbitant prices. There are several options that work just as well at a fraction of the price. 

Our research into the best meat thermometers involved a close examination of countless reviews and ratings from consumers and experts. The five meat thermometers we chose to include in this guide exhibited a strong track record of accuracy, easy usability, and durability.

Here are the best meat thermometers you can buy:

Updated on 05/15/2019 by Les Shu: Updated links, formatting, and prices.

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best charcoal grills you can buy

The best overall

The Lavatools Javelin Digital Meat Thermometer is a low-cost instant-read thermometer that provides quick, accurate readings.

Formerly known as the "Thermowand," the Lavatools Javelin thermometer is designed to produce readings within four seconds with an accuracy of ±0.9 degrees Fahrenheit or better with a range of -40 to 482 degrees. The accuracy improves the closer the item you are measuring is to room temperature. The food-grade tapered probe is 2.75 inches long and made of 18/8 stainless steel. The device is covered with an anti-microbial coating to prevent bacterial growth.

The Javelin is available in six colors, including chipotle, butter, sesame, and indigo. It runs on one CR2032 3V battery for at least 4,000 hours of continuous use. Lavatools backs this product with a lifetime warranty.

Wired found it takes only 4-6 seconds to return a stable temperature and the reviewers liked that it is inexpensive. However, the testers didn't like the short probe length and that the range topped out at 482 degrees. Serious Eats compared this thermometer to the ThermoPop from ThermoWorks and found the Lavatools thermometer has the edge when it comes to cooking thinner cuts of meat but can't reach the center of large roasts like the ThermoPop can.

The Lavatools PT12 Javelin Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer has mainly positive reviews on Amazon. The most helpful review came from a customer who found the Lavatools thermometer was very accurate and the design kept him from burning his fingers while checking his food's temperature.

Other buyers appreciated the accuracy of the readings and that the thermometer is magnetized so you can attach it to your refrigerator or oven for easy access.

Pros: Inexpensive, accurate readings, magnetized for convenient storage, lifetime warranty

Cons: Short probe

Buy the Lavatools PT12 Javelin Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer on Amazon for $26.99



The best budget thermometer

If you want to get an accurate internal temperature reading for your meats but don't want to pay porterhouse prices, consider the Polder Stable-Read Digital Thermometer.

The Polder Stable-Read thermometer provides accurate readings in as little as four seconds. You insert the probe into your roast, press the button, and once you hear the beep, you know a stable temperature is available. The large, easy-to-read screen holds the reading until you reset it. It measures temperatures ranging from -49 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit and runs on one CR2032 3V battery.

On Amazon, the Polder thermometer has a 3.9-star rating based on nearly 200 reviews. Buyers appreciated how accurate the readings are and liked that it made it easier to cook flavorful meat. Others mentioned that the readings are quite fast. The main complaint was that you must be careful when washing the probe. You do not want the electrical components to be exposed to moisture, or they may fail.

Note: For the small price difference, we recommend spending slightly more for our top pick, the Lavatools Javelin thermometer.

Pros: Accurate, fast, inexpensive

Cons: Questionable water resistance

Buy the Polder THM-389-90 Stable-Read Digital Kitchen Thermometer on Amazon for $19.99



The best high-end thermometer

If you like to cook your meats to precise temperatures and don't want to let out heat to get a reading, the ThermoPro Wireless Meat Thermometer is a game-changer.

If you are used to having to open up the oven or grill to measure the temperature of your meats, the ThermoPro Wireless Meat Thermometer has the potential to revolutionize your cooking experience.

You simply put one or both probes into your slab of meat and let the transmitter know the temperature you want your food to reach. An alarm will go off once the meat gets to the right temperature. The remote has a range of up to 300 feet and measures temperatures between 32 and 572 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also set a timer for up to 100 hours. Each probe has 40-inch stainless steel mesh cables, so you can reach from afar.

This is the meat thermometer I use for everything: roasting flavorful turkeys, smoking pork butts, and making everything from candy to candles. I usually put both probes into different parts of the meat I'm cooking because I'm not always the best at finding the deepest, most centrally-located part of the roast, which is ideally where you should be taking your temperature readings.

You may find it more useful to use one of the probes to monitor the internal temperature of your oven or smoker. Once everything is set up, you just affix the transmitter to your belt and go about other tasks around the house until the alarm goes off.

The ThermoPro TP20 is the top pick in Kitchen Sanity's look at the best meat thermometers. The tester rated it so highly because of the lifetime sensor probe warranty, it reads temperatures up to 572 degrees, and it notifies you when your food is at the right temperature. The reviewer does note that the transmitter uses up batteries quickly.

Of the near 5,500 Amazon buyers who left reviews, 77% gave it a five-star rating. The company's customer service is also excellent. One buyer originally rated the device as 2 stars because he couldn't get the probes to engage. ThermoPro reached out to the reviewer immediately and helped him fix the issue by pushing the probes into the device harder. The buyer then changed his review to 5 stars and has been impressed with the strong signal, easy setup, and accuracy.

Other buyers also were impressed with how intuitive the functions are. Yet, some wished there was a low-temperature alarm, which would be helpful when smoking meats.

Pros: Lifetime probe warranty, alerts you when your food is at temp, can handle extreme heat

Cons: Runs through batteries relatively quickly, expensive

Buy the ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer on Amazon for $59.99



The best for fast readings

With the quick readings and backlit screen of the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo Digital Meat Thermometer, you can check the temperature of your roast without letting too much heat escape from your oven.

The Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo costs twice as much as the Lavatools PT12, but there are several extra features that justify the additional price. First of all, temperature readings are delivered about a second faster. And at 4.5 inches, the probe is about 1.5-inches longer.

Other benefits include 3D motion wake, anti-fog display, stabilization alert, and backlighting. Also, the ambidextrous display rotates based on how the screen is positioned, which makes it easier for you to read the temperature. The Pro Duo comes in eight colors, including chipotle, indigo, sesame, and stealth ink.

The Wirecutter recommended the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo because of its fold-up design, temperature holding, stabilization alerts, and speedy readings. Morning Chores also liked its accuracy, readings within three seconds, stabilization alerts, and energy-efficient battery life. But, the reviewer noted the probe is relatively short and it can be tough to open and close. 

Around 82% of the buyers who reviewed the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo on Amazon gave it 5 stars. One reviewer compared this thermometer to the highly rated Thermapen from ThermoWorks, which costs twice as much. He had used the Thermapen for three years and found the Pro Duo to be faster and just as accurate.

Other buyers mentioned that they liked the backlit display and how easy it is to clean the probe.

Pros: Reads temps in under three seconds, stabilization alerts, folds up and has magnet for easy storage

Cons: Hard to open and close probe with one hand

Buy the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo Ambidextrous Backlit Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer on Amazon for $53.99



The best smart thermometer

The iDevices Kitchen Thermometer allows you to use your smartphone to track the temperatures of two types of meat from up to 150 feet away.

The iDevices Kitchen Thermometer comes with an app and two probes so you can track two separate pieces of meat, different areas of a large roast, or your grill's ambient temperature on your smartphone from up to 150 feet away via Bluetooth.

The thermometer magnetically mounts to your grill or oven, and when your phone is more than 30 feet away, the display goes blank to conserve battery life. It runs on two AA batteries and has a temperature range of -22 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.

CNET gave the iDevices Kitchen Thermometer an 8.3 rating out of 10. The reviewer was impressed with how the app alerts you when your meat reaches the ideal temperature, but found the app wasn't particularly well-designed. The thermometer won an "Editors' Choice" award on PCMag because of the accurate temperature readings and the helpful alerts. 

Since we last looked at this gadget, reviewers have dropped the average rating to 3.5 stars; 63% gave it 5 stars. Positive reviewers like the magnetic base that makes it easy to stick to the oven. Other buyers appreciated that the app displays a graph of the food's temperature over time.

Note: iDevices sold its kitchen thermometer business to Weber in 2016, which markets the digital thermometer products as iGrill, such as the comparable iGrill 2. Although the iDevices Kitchen Thermometer is still available and supported by Weber, we believe it's being phased out. We will update this recommendation once we find a suitable replacement. 

Pros: Comes with an app that tracks temperatures and alerts you when your food is ready, two probes

Cons: Unappealing app design, short warranty

Buy the iDevices Kitchen Thermometer on Amazon for $79.99



An abandoned JFK airport terminal reopens today as a luxury hotel with a 100-degree infinity pool that's like a large hot tub overlooking the runway

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twa hotel

The Trans World Airlines Flight Center at JFK International Airport has been a New York landmark for decades.

Designed by Eero Saarinen and opened in 1962, the iconic structure has sat abandoned since 2001, when TWA went bankrupt.

It was officially declared an NYC Landmark in 1994 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

Now, as of May 15, the terminal has reopened as a 512-room luxury hotel, complete with six restaurants, high-end retail, a vintage plane transformed into a cocktail lounge, and a rooftop infinity pool and observation deck.

There will also be 50,000 square feet of event space — including a 15,000-square-foot ballroom — and a 10,000-square-foot fitness center.

Here's what it looks like. 

SEE ALSO: Here are all the over-the-top amenities in Brooklyn's tallest building, from an infrared sauna and a stroller valet to the highest infinity pool in the western hemisphere

DON'T MISS: The 15 best airports in the world, ranked

The Trans World Airlines Flight Center at JFK International Airport has been a New York landmark for decades.

Designed by Eero Saarinen, the iconic structure has sat abandoned since 2001, when TWA went bankrupt.



Opened in 1962, the original terminal included features that were innovative at the time, such as baggage carousels, covered jet bridges, and the clustering of gates away from the main terminal.

But the terminal's downfall was that its parking bays were too small to handle larger, modern aircraft.



The terminal is famous for its unique architecture and bright red carpeting and seats.

The terminal's architecture style is reflected in the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Bell Labs building in New Jersey, both structures designed by Eero Saarinen.



The building sat empty for decades, and its boarding gates were dismantled.

The historic structure sits in front of today's Terminal 5, home of JetBlue.



Now, the flight center is reopening as the TWA Hotel, a 512-room hotel complete with six restaurants, high-end retail, a cocktail lounge, and a rooftop pool and observation deck.

The hotel's soft opening is on May 15, 2019, with a grand opening event planned for the fall. 

The project is a collaboration of the developer, MCR, JetBlue, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.



The terminal's famous lounge has been restored to its original 1962 design and transformed into a cocktail bar called the "Sunken Lounge," operated by the Gerber Group.

Guests will be able to look out through floor-to-ceiling windows at the hotel's 1958 "Connie" airplane parked on the tarmac.



The 1960s-inspired cocktails will include a classic Old Fashioned (whiskey and bitters) as well as an updated version of the Royal Ambassador Cocktail (Champagne, orange juice, and Grand Marnier), which was reportedly once served to Trans World Airlines' most elite passengers.

It will also serve wine, beer, and "elevated bar fare."



The hotel's 1958 Lockheed Constellation L-1649A plane, called "Connie," won't just be eye candy.

TWA renovated the cabin and turned the plane into its very own cocktail lounge, where guests will be able to make two-hour reservations to sip vintage cocktails inside the retro aircraft.



The hotel includes 512 guest rooms with rates starting at $249.

The guest rooms will not be in the original Eero Saarinen structure, but in brand-new buildings right behind it. 



The room's floor-to-ceiling-windows, made by Fabbrica, are designed to cancel runway noise.

They're the second-thickest glass walls in the world after the wall at the US Embassy in London, according to TWA.



The rooms are outfitted with classic Saarinen midcentury modern furniture, walnut ceiling trim and accents, and a bed lined in brass.

Each room comes with a wet bar stocked with Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Cognac, and the Belvedere Martini with Belvedere Vodka.



The "Hollywood-style" bathroom features bubble lights and subway tile.

Each bathroom includes a custom TWA toiletry kit.



Then there's the rooftop infinity pool. The pool will be open 365 days a year and turned into a heated "pool-cuzzi" during the winter months.

The pool water is super-pure, according to TWA, because it's purified every 30 minutes versus every six hours like a standard pool. According to their press release, the water can be heated to 100 degrees.

The pool and its 10,000-square-foot observation deck will overlook one of JFK's busiest runways.

The Gerber Group will also operate a pool bar, which will serve cocktails and food from a full kitchen.



The hotel's lobby will feature an Intelligentsia coffee bar that serves rotating in-season coffees as well as espresso drinks, flash-chilled cold coffee, tea, and Sudden Coffee, a high-quality instant coffee for those rushing to catch their flight.

There will also be coffee carts throughout the hotel grounds, and in the events space.



Michelin-starred French-American chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will run the hotel's Paris Café in the original 1962 terminal.

The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and cocktails at a "medium price point," according to press materials. 



Among the hotel's high-end retail options will be luxury watch brand Shinola.

The store, which will have a custom watch bar, will also sell leather handbags, wallets, journals, and audio equipment. 

A monogramming station will emboss names or initials on Shinola's leather goods free of charge.

The hotel will also include 50,000 square feet of event space, a 15,000-square-foot ballroom, and a 10,000-square-foot fitness center.



How to properly clean your iPhone's charging port when it won't charge

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charging iphone close up

  • If your iPhone isn't charging, then there might be so much dust, dirt, and lint in the port that the Lightning cable can no longer make a solid connection.
  • You can clean it with compressed air or a toothpick, but always be very careful to ensure you don't damage anything inside the small port.
  • Never insert anything metallic in the iPhone's Lightning port, and do not get it wet.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There are a few reasons that your iPhone might not be charging properly; as discussed in the article "Why won't my iPhone charge?," you might need to restart your phone, check the Lightning cable for kinks and breaks, and ensure your power source is working. If you check all those things and it still doesn't work, it's possible there's enough debris in your port to keep the connector from making a solid connection.

Yes, your iPhone's port can get so dirty it stops working. Anytime you put it in a pocket or bag, small bits of dirt, dust, and lint can find their way in. And when you insert the cable, that compresses and packs the dirt deep in the port. Eventually, it might become so fouled with debris that it stops working.

How to clean the iPhone's Lightning port

You should get a flashlight, or work under a bright LED desk lamp — the brighter the better, since you need to see deep into the Lightning port.

clean 1

And while you may want to start with compressed air, if you're planning to insert anything into the port to pull out wedged-in dirt, there's only one acceptable tool for the job: A toothpick. Never try to clean the Lightning port with anything harder than wood, like any sort of pin or metal rod. There are delicate electronics in the port, and ramming it with a sharp metal pin can permanently damage it.

1. Power off your iPhone completely. You can open the Settings app and then tap "General," followed by "Shut Down."

2. Holding the compressed air can upright (so it only blasts air, and doesn't expel wet propellent) shoot a few short, controlled bursts into the port.

3. Turn your phone on and try to charge it again. If it's still not working, it's time to try the toothpick.

clean 2

4. Again, with your phone turned off, gently insert the toothpick into the port and lightly scrape it against the inside wall of the port. Don't apply pressure to the inside wall that's closest to the front of the phone, because there are delicate pins there. Overall, it's important to be gentle, because in addition to those pins, the sides are home to two small spring-mounted anchors that latch onto the Lightning port when you insert it (that's why it "snaps" into place when you push the cable in). If you break anything, its charging days will be over permanently.

clean 3

5. After using the toothpick for a while, give the port another burst of compressed air to help remove anything you've loosened.

6. If you push some dirt out, turn the phone back on and try to charge it.

If it works, congratulations — you're back in business. If it still doesn't work, you can continue to try — carefully — or take it to an Apple service center for professional help.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 9 simple ways to protect your data that don't take much time, but could have huge security benefits

Here’s every single new emoji we're getting in 2019

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2019 emoji

  • More than 50 new emojis will be made standard in 2019, based on a list from the Unicode Consortium.
  • Many of the new emojis are tied together by the theme of inclusivity, introducing symbols for deaf people, blind people, and people in wheelchairs.
  • While Unicode made the new emojis official in March, it may be a while before they show up on your favorite device.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

More than 50 new emojis will become standard in 2019, based on the final list approved by the Unicode Consortium. Unicode is responsible for defining which emojis make onto all platforms, including iPhones, Android devices, and computers.

Many of the new icons are tied together by the theme of inclusivity, introducing emojis for deaf people, blind people, people in wheelchairs, and those with prosthetic limbs. This year's update will allow users to choose the race and gender of both people when choosing an emoji that features a couple. Unicode first introduced support for skin color in 2015, but users were limited to heterosexual emojis for couples, and could only select couples with the same skin tone.

While there are 59 distinct new emojis, variations for skin tone and gender make for a total of 230 individual images. A March update to Unicode made the emojis usable online, but each company will choose when to introduce its own version of the new emojis. (Apple typically adds new emojis to its iOS devices with a Fall update.)

Here are the new emoji coming online later this year, with images from Emojipedia:

SEE ALSO: The creators of 'Pokémon Go' are launching a Harry Potter game later this year. Here's everything we know so far.

Yawning



Pinching Hand (with skin tones)



Ear with hearing aid (with skin tones)



Deaf man (with skin tones)



Deaf woman (with skin tones)



Mechanical arm



Mechanical leg



Man with probing cane (with skin tones)



Woman with probing cane (with skin tones)



Man in motorized wheelchair (with skin tones)



Woman in motorized wheelchair (with skin tones)



Man in manual wheelchair (with skin tones)



Woman in manual wheelchair (with skin tones)



Man standing (with skin tones)



Woman standing (with skin tones)



Person kneeling (with skin tones)



Woman kneeling (with skin tones)



People holding hands (gender inclusive, with skin tones)



Guide dog



Service dog



Orangutan



Sloth



Otter



Skunk



Flamingo



Garlic



Onion



Waffle



Falafel



Butter



Oyster



Beverage box



Maté



Ice cube



Hindu temple



Manual wheelchair



Motorized wheelchair



Auto Rickshaw



Parachute



Ringed Planet



Diving Mask



Yo-Yo



Kite



Safety vest



Sari



One-piece swimsuit



Briefs



Shorts



Ballet shoes



Banjo



Diya lamp



Axe



Probing cane



Drop of blood



Adhesive bandage



Stethoscope



Chair



Razor



White heart



Brown heart



Orange circle



Yellow circle



Green circle



Purple circle



Brown circle



Red square



Orange square



Yellow square



Green square



Blue square



Purple square



Brown square



19 beach reads you'll want to read this summer — according to editors at Amazon, Goodreads, and Book of the Month

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Insider Pickswrites 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.

Beach Reads 2019 4x3

  • What makes a good beach read? We think it's an easy-to-read book that keeps you excitedly flipping through the pages, whether it's a memoir, thriller, rom-com, or whatever genre you like best. 
  • There are a lot of great beach reads out there, but to get some fresh inspiration we reached out to the experts — editors at some of our favorite online bookstores and book review sites. 
  • Below, you'll find 19 great beach reads recommended by editors from Goodreads, Book of the Month, and the Amazon Book Review

Memorial Day is just around the corner, waiting to mark the unofficial start of summer. With plenty of sunny afternoons, warm nights, and beach weekends ahead, it's time to get some beach reads on your bookshelf. 

You know the type fast-paced page-turners that you never want to put down. A beach read is the perfect accessory for your next weekend spent by the shore or a lazy summer morning spent on the front porch. Some of our favorite places to get inspiration for great books are Book of the Month, the Amazon Book Review, and Goodreads. So, we decided to reach out to the editors of these sites for their recommendations. From memoirs that'll make you laugh out loud to creepy thrillers that'll keep you on your toes, this list has all the inspiration you need to find that perfect page-turner.

Keep reading for 19 beach reads you won't want to put down this summer.

"Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Buy it here >>

What happened to iconic (fictional) rock band Daisy Jones & the Six— darlings of the '70s music scene? The reason behind their mysterious breakup is revealed in the latest page-turner by Taylor Jenkins Reid.   

Source: Erin Kodicek, Editor at Amazon Book Review



"Jaws" by Peter Benchley

Buy it here >>

Tourist season in the seaside town of Amity is rudely interrupted by the arrival of a deadly great white shark in this classic tale of suspense. It's the perfect read for daring beachgoers willing to let their imaginations go wild. 

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

Read reviews on Goodreads here >>



"Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty

Buy it here >>

Schoolyard scandal escalates to murder in a beachside suburb outside Sydney, Australia. While mystery propels the book, the humor and family-focused plot make this a great fit for readers looking for heartfelt drama in a sunny setting. 

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

Read reviews on Goodreads here >>



"The Bride Test" by Helen Hoang

Buy it here >>

At Book of the Month we've been obsessed with Helen Hoang since she debuted with "The Kiss Quotient" last year, and with "The Bride Test" she once again proves she's a rom-com genius. This is a sweet, feel-good, read-in-one-beach-day romance for the sunbather who just wants to be happy.

Source: Brianna Goodman, Editorial & Content Manager at Book of the Month

Find at Book of the Month here >>



"Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

Buy it here >>

Ride the currents of history as the eminent historian questions where we have been and where we are going as a species. This is an engaging exploration of the past for the vacationer in search of both relaxation and knowledge.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

Read reviews on Goodreads here >>



"Crazy Rich Asians" by Kevin Kwan

Buy it here >>

In the opulent island city-state of Singapore, wealthy Nicholas Young brings home his ABC (American-born Chinese) girlfriend to the wedding of the season. For readers looking for a lavish escape, this is the ticket to the Asian JetSet.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

Read reviews on Goodreads here >>



"The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides

Buy it here >>

I like to read really creepy books in really sunny places where I don't have to worry about a serial killer jumping out of the shadows. For this reason I'd recommend adding this thriller about a therapist and his mysterious patient to your beach bag. It's suspenseful, it's authentic, and the twist is truly shocking.

Source: Brianna Goodman, Editorial & Content Manager at Book of the Month

Find at Book of the Month here >>



"The Girl He Used To Know" by Tracy Garvis Graves

Buy it here >>

Annika and Jonathan are each other's person (in "Grey's Anatomy" parlance). So when the quirky librarian and handsome financier reunite in the frozen foods section of a grocery after a ten year separation, you wonder how their relationship could have gone off the rails. In this unique rom-com read, they try to find their way back to each other again.

Source: Erin Kodicek, Editor at Amazon Book Review



"And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie

Buy it here >>

In this twisty mystery from the Queen of Crime, an eccentric millionaire summons a group of strangers to his private island. And then they begin dying, one by one. Recommended for beachgoers who like a little paranoia with their paradise.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

Read reviews on Goodreads here >>



"Normal People" by Sally Rooney

Buy it here >>

Sally Rooney's books are like the chocolate-covered espresso beans of literary fiction—stimulating, addictive, easy to consume, with a sweet outer coating and a biting interior. "Normal People" is a skilled portrait of an on-again, off-again relationship perfect for those seeking a more serious beach read.

Source: Brianna Goodman, Editorial & Content Manager at Book of the Month

Find at Book of the Month here >>



"The River" by Peter Heller

Buy it here >>

In Peter Heller's nail-biting new novel, a forest fire near the Maskwa River in northern Canada turns a dream getaway for two college friends into a nightmare, but the fire is only one of the perils they need to navigate. 

Source: Erin Kodicek, Editor at Amazon Book Review



"Dune" by Frank Herbert

Buy it here >>

On the desert planet Arrakis, Paul Atreides struggles to avenge his noble family in this sci-fi classic that blends political intrigue, environmentalism, and adventure. This is a fantastical escape for readers already lounging on sandy dunes.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

Read reviews on Goodreads here >>



"Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn

Buy it here >>

Missing or murdered? When "cool girl" perfectionist Amy disappears, all eyes turn to her husband, the town's golden boy, in this riveting psychological thriller. It's the beach read you can't put down, a devilish descent into darkness.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

Read reviews on Goodreads here >>



"The Rosie Project" by Graeme Simsion

Buy it here >>

No list of beach reads is complete without a romance, and this feel-good novel is a unique take on the genre. Professor Don begins The Wife Project, an evidence-based quest for "the one" that falls apart as soon as he meets Rosie.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

Read reviews on Goodreads here >>



"The Flight Portfolio" by Julie Orringer

Buy it here >>

When you think "beach read" do you think "500+ page World War II saga that will both warm and break your heart"? Same. This is a superb novel about an American journalist who saved Jewish artists from occupied France, and it will keep you busy for many sun-filled days.

Source: Brianna Goodman, Editorial & Content Manager at Book of the Month

Find at Book of the Month here >>



"The Guest Book" by Sarah Blake

Buy it here >>

The Milton family myth is shattered when its prejudices are exposed in "The Guest Book"—a lyrical, morally complex family saga by Sarah Blake.

Source: Erin Kodicek, Editor at Amazon Book Review



"Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville

Buy it here >>

Captain Ahab swears vengeance against the whale that crippled him in this seminal work of American literature. What better time than vacation to tackle the classics? This rousing tale delivers epic adventure on the high seas.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

Read reviews on Goodreads here >>



"Bossypants" by Tina Fey

Buy it here >>

With infectious wit and charm, Tina Fey tells her life story, from daydreamer to head writer on "Saturday Night Live". The memoir is a joyous ode to taking charge, even at the beach. (Those excursions aren't going to plan themselves!)

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

Read reviews on Goodreads here >>



"Furious Hours" by Casey Cep

Buy it here >>

Assisting with the research for Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" inspired Harper Lee to embark on her own true crime masterpiece. Casey Cep finishes what she started in "Furious Hours", which recounts the unusual case that so captivated the author of "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Source: Erin Kodicek, Editor at Amazon Book Review




The best body pillows you can buy

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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.

best body pillow

  • Body pillows provide a combination of support and comfort so you can sleep like a baby.
  • The Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Full Body Pillow is the best you can buy because it's incredibly comfortable, hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant, and machine washable.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sleeping on your stomach isn't good for you. Think about it this way: Would you stand and look to your right or left for three hours at a time? Probably not. If you did, you probably wouldn't like how your neck felt afterward.

This is where a body pillow comes in handy. It allows you to sleep on your stomach while still providing sufficient support and alignment for your neck. Body pillows are generally best for people who like to sleep on their side or stomach, but there are some styles that work well for back sleepers, too. Pregnant women seem to get the most benefit from this cushioning since stomach sleeping is no longer an option. People who are recovering from surgery, seniors, and athletes can find relief from aches and pains with the right body pillow as well.

What to look for when shopping for body pillows

Unless you have previous experience sleeping on a specific pillow, you will want to choose a brand that offers a trial period and a full refund if you are not satisfied. For instance, our top pick, the Snuggle-Pedic Full Body Pillow, comes with a 120-night, no-questions-asked return policy.

Fill and cover material are also important considerations. In our research, we found the highest-rated pillows had a fill that is hypoallergenic and breathes well, such as shredded memory foam, microbeads, and synthetic down. Cover material is a matter of preference, but we found that polyester and bamboo seemed to offer the most comfort to buyers.

Many pillows have some off-gassing when you first take them out of the packaging. This is harmless, but you may want to let your pillow sit in a well-ventilated area for a few days before you use it. This will also allow tightly-packaged pillows to expand to full size. Although, you can also help the fill expand and release some of its odor by tossing the pillow in the dryer and running it at a low temperature for about 20 minutes or so.

We looked at hundreds of expert and buyer ratings and reviews for dozens of models before choosing five body pillows that were comfortable and cool, moldable and supportive, and versatile.

Here are the best body pillows you can buy:

Updated on 05/15/2019 by Les Shu: Updated links, formatting, and prices.

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best pillows you can buy for your bed

The best body pillow overall

The Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Full Body Pillow will give your muscles and joints support and relief while you sleep soundly.

The Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Full Body Pillow is filled with a combination of CertiPUR-US certified foam and low VOC hypoallergenic Biogreen memory foam. The foam is shredded, which provides for better breathability and the much-sought-after "cool pillow" feel.

The non-removable cover is 56.4% polyester, 43% viscose of bamboo, and 0.6% Lycra. The pillow is 54 inches long by 20 inches wide, and it weighs around seven pounds. This product is designed to conform to the contours of your body and comes with a 120-night no-hassle refund guarantee. Snuggle-Pedic also offers a 20-year warranty, so you know it's made to last.

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Snuggle-Pedic body pillow for a couple of months. I was surprised how odor-free it was, and within 10 hours of opening the vacuum seal, the pillow had expanded to its full size.

As a side-sleeper with a history of back pain, I found this pillow did an excellent job of balancing comfort and support while keeping my back aligned and knees from knocking together. The only negatives I found with this option is it weighs more than seven pounds, which is a bit much to move around when you want to switch sides in the night.

Also, the sheer size of the pillow is like having an extra person in the bed. Snuggle-Pedic does offer a mail-in customization service if you want to add or remove fill from your pillow.

Expert reviewers rate this pillow highly. Consumer Search recommends the Snuggle-Pedic body pillow to side sleepers who are looking for a good balance of comfort and support. However, the reviewers caution that this model may be too fluffy or big for some. FeelPainRelief appreciated that this pillow is machine washable, stays cool, and helps ease back pain but would have liked if it came with an extra cover.

More than 3,400 buyers left 5-star reviews of the Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Body Pillow on Amazon. One called the Snuggle-Pedic the "most amazing body pillow in the world." He appreciated that it was big enough to provide comfort for his hefty 6-foot 4-inch frame.

A common thread among many of the comments is that this product provides a "one pillow solution." Several people mention previously using up to seven pillows to achieve a comfort level that allowed them to sleep. Many shoppers were also surprised by the sheer size and weight of the pillow.

Pros: Excellent airflow, orthopedic support, machine washable, hypoallergenic

Cons: Quite bulky

Buy the Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Combination Shredded Memory Foam Full Body Pillow on Amazon for $69.99



The best pregnancy body pillow

The Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow offers full-body support while keeping pregnant women in a healthy, stationary side position.

Designed by a registered nurse and mother, the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow features a sham-style removable cover made from a 65/35 polyester/cotton blend. The cover is machine washable, but the pillow itself is not and should be spot cleaned with a soapy cloth instead. The overall dimensions of the pillow are 60 by 24.8 by 7.2 inches.

Described as both C- and horseshoe-shaped, the Snoogle has a bit of a hook on one end for head and neck support, a long body for tummy or total back support, and a slightly-curved end that tucks between your knees. It also comes with a user manual featuring six different ways to align the pillow. There are six different colors to pick from, including ivory, mauve, grey, and sage.

Alpha Mom was initially turned off by the C-shape of the Snoogle Total Body Pillow but found it served as an incredibly comfortable pregnancy pillow. She appreciated how it supports the belly, legs, and head without the need for other pillows. The Sleep Advisor said, "Its chameleonic characteristics make it the perfect fit — literally and figuratively — for anyone in the family." The Sleep Judge also recommends this Leachco body pillow.

The Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow has nearly 6,000 4- or 5-star reviews on Amazon. One customer purchased this pillow for his pregnant wife because she was struggling to find a comfortable sleeping position. The Snoogle helped but also provided a heat barrier between the two.

These comments were fairly common among reviewers, who also noted that the pillow serves as a wall that separates partners in bed. This was seen as a plus and a minus.

Pros: Terrific for keeping pregnant women in a stationary sleeping position, designed for belly, leg, and head support

Cons: Very large, may make intimacy hard, not machine washable

Buy the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow on Amazon for $57 to $64.99



The best body pillow for customizable firmness

The fully-adjustable Coop Home Goods - Memory Foam Body Pillow makes it easy to create the perfect pillow density for your needs.

The Memory Foam Body Pillow from Coop Home Goods is filled with CertiPUR-US Certified shredded gel-infused memory foam. The cover is a 60/40 blend of polyester and viscose rayon from bamboo. The pillow is dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic, so if you have allergies, you are safe with this pillow. Coop Home Goods also makes our favorite normal bed pillow.

To adjust the firmness of your pillow, you simply unzip the end and remove some of the memory foam. Be sure to save the foam you remove — preferably in an airtight container for hygienic and durability reasons — so you can make further adjustments down the road.

The overall size of the pillow is 20 by 54 inches, and it weighs nearly 7 pounds. Coop Home Goods offers a 100-day guarantee making it easy for you to return the Memory Foam Body Pillow if you are not completely satisfied. There is also a five-year warranty.

Coop Home Goods recently sent me this body pillow for free to test. And, I was very close to recommending it as the best overall body pillow. Compared to the Snuggle-Pedic pillow, this option has less fill, takes up less room in the bed, and I've just found it more comfortable out of the package. I also like that I don't have to ship the Coop Home Goods body pillow elsewhere to adjust the filling. I can just unzip and remove the extra stuffing.

So, why isn't it #1? There are a few reasons. The Snuggle-Pedic pillow has a longer risk-free trial period (120 days vs. 100 days), a longer warranty (20 years vs. 5 years), and it's more washing machine-friendly since it doesn't have a zipper. If the benefits outlined in the previous paragraph are more important to you than the differences in trial periods, warranties, and the presence of a zipper, then the Coop Home Good body pillow may be your best solution.

The Coop Home Goods Total Body Pillow was runner-up in Wirecutter's review of the best body pillows. The Sleep Advisor also recommends this pillow because it's fully customizable, has a comfortable and washable cover, and comes with a five-year guarantee.

Around 80% of the Amazon buyers who reviewed the Memory Foam Body Pillow gave it 5 stars. People like that the shredded memory foam allows you to customize the fit in different areas of the pillow. For example, side sleepers may prefer minimal fluff near their knees but more in the neck area.

Buyers report that this is easy to achieve with the Coop Home Goods pillow. They were also impressed with the air circulation provided by the memory foam, which reduces the chance of hot spots.

Pros: Adjustable firmness, moldable, excellent air circulation, five-year warranty

Cons: Bulky

Buy the Coop Home Goods - Memory Foam Body Pillow on Amazon for $69.99 

Buy the body pillow from Coop Home Goods for $69.99



The best U-shaped, total body pillow

The Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow can be used in a number of positions to provide versatile support for your entire body.

What sets the Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow apart from other body pillows is its size. Each "leg" of the U is 64 inches long and 10.5 inches wide. Overall, it weighs ten pounds. The fill is synthetic down "Fusion Fiber," which is hypoallergenic, odorless, and machine washable.

Moonlight Slumber advertises that the material allows air to flow through freely, but our research found that it does retain more heat than shredded memory foam. The cover for the Comfort-U is made of cotton, and the pillow is made just outside of Chicago.

In our look at "The best pillows you can buy for your bed," the Moonlight Slumber pillow was rated the best body pillow because it's machine washable, features a special extended polymer filling to help it keep its shape, and it's hypoallergenic.

Nap SeasonBest Advisor, and FeelPainRelief also recommend this pillow. Buyers seem to love it, too. Around 83% of the people who reviewed the Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow on Amazon gave it 4 or 5 stars.

One 5-star Amazon reviewer said he can sit comfortably while binge-watching TV. The middle supports his back while the ends fold under his knees. He does note that this cushion gets lumpy after about a week, but shaking it or putting it through the dryer should take care of the lumps. There are several buyers who reported that this pillow helped with their back pain.

Pros: Provides great support in several positions, machine washable, hypoallergenic

Cons: Heavy and incredibly large, hard to wash, gets lumpy quickly

Buy the Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow on Amazon for $99.95



The best body pillow for people recovering from surgery

The Microbead Body Pillow by Squishy Deluxe provides an excellent combination of cushioning and support in a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver pillow.

The Squishy Deluxe body pillow is filled with food-grade microbeads produced in the US. To keep your house free of annoying little beads, the company double-reinforces the seams. The microbeads allow for airflow which keeps you cool, and the removable cover is a 90/10 blend of nylon and spandex. Both the cover and the pillow are machine washable.

The overall dimensions of the pillow measure 47 inches long and 7 inches in diameter, and it weighs about 2.5 pounds. Bets of all, Squishy Deluxe offers a 100% no-questions-asked refund for up to six months after your purchase, so if you dislike it, you can return it.

Child OrchYo Innovation, and HealthSpaceZone all recommend this pillow. Reviewers do warn that if you have pets (especially cats that like to knead your pillows with their claws) you may need to give this pillow extra protection.

Around 86% of the buyers who left reviews of the Squishy Deluxe Microbead Body Pillow on Amazon rated it positively.After spending more than $500 on pillows from Amazon to help achieve comfort pre- and post-surgery, one reviewer said he found the Squishy Deluxe was the best because of its neck support, and it allows you to lay comfortably in a variety of positions.

Several other commenters joked that it replaces the need for a significant other to cuddle with in bed. There were a couple of complaints about the small zipper scratching people, and there may be some off-gassing.

Pros: Good firmness, lightweight, six-month money-back guarantee

Cons: The beads compress over time leading to diminished support

Buy the Microbead Body Pillow by Squishy Deluxe from Walmart for $47.57-$68.94 (prices vary by color)



The best affordable body pillow

If you are looking for a full body pillow that can be used in an array of different positions, the PharMeDoc Full Body Pregnancy Pillow is an affordable solution.

Though the name suggests otherwise, the PharMeDoc Full Body Pregnancy Pillow isn't just for pregnant women. It's ideal for people of all genders, especially individuals recovering from an injury or surgery.

The C-shaped pillow is approximately 57 inches long and 30 inches wide and comes with a zippered pillow cover made of jersey knit cotton. The pillow is stuffed with a polyfill blend designed to increase support density as more weight is applied.

The Sleep Judge recommends the PharMeDoc Full Body Pregnancy Pillow after having two pregnant women test it. A 5-foot 10-inch woman in her third trimester noted that the pillow felt a bit long for her, but she liked how it slept cool and the long side provided good belly support. The reviewer at Mattress Clarity found the pillow provided excellent support. She also appreciated how the pillow could be used in a number of configurations, including propping her up in bed or on the couch.

The PharMeDoc Full Body Pregnancy Pillow has nearly 3,500 4- or 5-star reviews on Amazon. Buyers comment that the pillow takes a little getting used to, but it provides excellent cushioning for their head, back, legs, and hips.

The biggest downfall is the pillow cover. It's quite thin, and for some buyers, it ripped fairly quickly. There is also a zipper on the outside that could potentially poke or scratch you.

Pros: Affordable, can be used in several positions, sleeps cool

Cons: Pillow cover is poorly made

Buy the PharMeDoc Full Body Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon for $38.95-$39.95



Check out our other guides to the best bedding

The best mattresses you can buy

A great mattress can be the difference between a good night's sleep that results in a productive day or a horrible night that makes you feel like you didn't sleep at all.

Here are our top picks for the best mattress you can buy


The best mattress toppers

Although a mattress topper isn't a must-have for your bed, it's one of the easiest ways to up your sleep quality and comfort. We researched dozens of mattress toppers and determined that these are our favorites:


The best pillows

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


The best duvet covers you can buy

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


The best bed frames you can buy

Your bed is not only the highlight of your bedroom, it's the only furniture you spend 33% of your life on. Here are the Insider Picks:

Here are our top picks for the best bed frame:



A famous Monet painting just sold to a mysterious buyer for a record $110.7 million — more than 44 times what the seller paid for it

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monet painting haystacks

A Claude Monet painting just sold for $110.7 million at a Sotheby's auction, according to CNN.

The 1890 painting from Monet's "Haystacks" series broke the record for the most expensive Impressionist artwork ever sold at auction, according to Sotheby's.

The painting sold after eight minutes of "heated competition" between six bidders, The New York Times reported. The buyer was in the room but has not been identified. The $110.7 million price tag is about 44 times the $2.5 million the seller paid for the painting in 1986. 

Read more: The 16 most expensive paintings ever sold

Monet painted his "Haystacks" series at his home in Giverny, France, in the winter of 1890-1891.

The one sold Tuesday evening "distinguishes itself from others in the series by its vibrant paint palette, dramatic diagonal brushstrokes of varying directions that meet at the center and a unique perspective with only part of the first haystack appearing in the foreground," according to AFP.

While it broke the record for Impressionism, the Monet painting is not the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. That would be Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi," which sold for $450 million at a Christie's auction in 2017 to Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia.

SEE ALSO: The 16 most expensive paintings ever sold

DON'T MISS: I went to an auction at the world-famous Christie's auction house, which sold $7 billion worth of art, jewelry, and luxury goods in 2018, and it was nothing like I'd expected

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: See inside the $2.8 million 'Flintstones' house in California that sparked a viral following and a lawsuit

18 times 'The Simpsons' accurately predicted the future

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donald trump the simpsons

19 years ago, an episode of "The Simpsons" predicted that Donald Trump would one day become US president.

And this wasn't the only time the writers have managed to predict the future.

The most recent prediction to come to light is from an episode two years ago, which preempted Daenerys Targaryen's big plot twist on Sunday night's penultimate episode of "Game of Thrones."

Read more:'The Simpsons' predicted Daenerys Targaryen's big plot twist on 'Game of Thrones' 2 years ago

"The Simpsons" has been running for over 27 years, so it's inevitable that some themes that crop up in the show might occur in real life. But some of the plotlines are eerily close to events that have happened throughout the world.

We've listed some of the strangest predictions the cartoon's writers have made since the show's launch in 1989, from Homer discovering the Higgs boson to animators drawing The Shard in London almost 20 years before it was built.

Edith Hancock, Amanda Luz Henning Santiago, and Carrie Wittmer contributed to previous versions of this post.

Here are 18 times "The Simpsons" predicted the future, in order of their appearance on the show:

SEE ALSO: ‘The Simpsons’ creator is making a new animated series for Netflix, with 20 episodes on the way

SEE ALSO: The 17 best animated TV shows of all time

1. Three-eyed fish — Season 2, Episode 4

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In this episode from 1990, Bart catches a three-eyed fish named Blinky in the river by the power plant, which makes local headlines.

More than a decade later, a three-eyed fish was discovered in a reservoir in Argentina. Strangely enough, the reservoir itself was fed by water from a nuclear power plant.



2. The censorship of Michelangelo's David — Season 2, Episode 9

An episode from 1990 titled "Itchy and Scratchy and Marge" showed Springfieldians protesting against Michelangelo's statue of David being exhibited in the local museum, calling the artwork obscene for its nudity.

The satire of censorship came true in July 2016, when Russian campaigners voted on whether to clothe a copy of the Renaissance statue that had been set up in central St Petersburg.



3. Letter from The Beatles — Season 2, Episode 18

In 1991, an episode of "The Simpsons" saw The Beatles' Ringo Star diligently answering fan mail that had been written decades ago.

In September 2013, two Beatles fans from Essex received a reply from Paul McCartney to a letter and recording they sent to the band 50 years ago. The recording was sent to a London theatre the band was due to play at but was found years later in a car boot sale by a historian.

In 2013, the BBC's "The One Show" reunited the pair with their letter, plus a reply from McCartney.



4. Siegfried and Roy tiger attack — Season 5, Episode 10

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The Simpsons parodied entertainers Siegfried & Roy in a 1993 episode called "$pringfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalised Gambling)." During the episode, the magicians are viciously mauled by a trained white tiger while performing in a casino.

In 2003, Roy Horn of Siegfried and Roy was attacked during a live performance by Montecore, one of their white tigers. He lived but sustained severe injuries in the attack.



5. Horsemeat scandal — Season 5, Episode 19

 

In 1994, Lunchlady Doris used "assorted horse parts" to make lunch for students at Springfield Elementary. 

Nine years later, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland found horse DNA in over one-third of beefburger samples from supermarkets and ready meals, and pig in 85% of them.



6. Autocorrect — Season 6, Episode 8

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School bullies Kearny and Dolph take a memo to "beat up Martin" on a Newton device in an episode of "The Simpsons" that aired in 1994. The memo gets quickly translated to "eat up Martha" — an early foreshadowing of autocorrect frustrations.

"The Simpsons" was lampooning Apple's underwhelming Newton — the iPhone's ancient ancestor — that had just been released, and included shoddy handwriting recognition, according to Fast Company

Nitin Ganatra, former director of engineering iOS applications at Apple, told Fast Company that this particular moment on "The Simpsons" served as inspiration to get the iPhone keyboard right. 



7. Smartwatches — Season 6, Episode 19

 "The Simpsons" introduced the idea of a watch you could use as a phone in an episode aired in 1995, nearly 20 years before the Apple Watch was released.



8. The invention of The Shard — Season 6, Episode 19

The "Lisa's Wedding" episode from 1995 came with a lot of unexpected predictions. During Lisa's trip to London, we see a skyscraper behind Tower Bridge that looks eerily similar to The Shard, and it's is even in the right location.

Construction on the building started in 2009, 14 years later.



9. Robotic librarians — Season 6, Episode 19

In "Lisa's Wedding," we discover that librarians have been replaced with robots in the "Simpsons" universe.

More than 20 years later, robotics students from the University of Aberystwyth built a prototype for a walking library robot, while scientists in Singapore have begun testing their own robot librarians.



10. The discovery of the Higgs boson equation — Season 8, Episode 1

 

In a 1998 episode called "The Wizard of Evergreen Terrace," Homer Simpson becomes an inventor and is shown in front of a complicated equation on a blackboard. 

According to Simon Singh, the author of "The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets," the equation predicts the mass of the Higgs boson particle. It was first predicted in 1964 by Professor Peter Higgs and five other physicists, but it wasn't until 2013 that scientists discovered proof of the Higgs boson in a £10.4 billion ($13 billion) experiment.



11. Ebola outbreak — Season 9, Episode 3

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Some people maintain that "The Simpsons" predicted the 2014 outbreak of Ebola 17 years before it happened. In a scene from the episode "Lisa's Sax," Marge suggests a sick Bart read a book titled "Curious George and the Ebola Virus." The virus wasn't particularly widespread in the 1990s, but years later it was the top of the news agenda.

Ebola was first discovered in 1976, and though this latest outbreak has been the worst yet, it killed 254 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1995 and 224 in Uganda in 2000.



12. Disney buys 20th Century Fox — Season 10, Episode 5

In the episode "When You Dish Upon a Star" that originally aired in 1998, Ron Howard and Brian Grazer produce a script Homer pitches. The script is being produced at 20th Century Fox, and a sign in front of the studio's headquarters reveals that it is "a division of Walt Disney Co."

On December 14, 2017, Disney purchased 21st Century Fox for an estimated $52.4 billion, acquiring Fox's film studio (20th Century Fox), in addition to a bulk of its television production assets. The media conglomerate also has access to popular entertainment properties like "X-Men," "Avatar," and "The Simpsons."



13. The invention of the tomacco plant — Season 11, Episode 5

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In 1999, Homer uses nuclear energy to create a hybrid of tomato and tobacco plants: the "tomacco."

This inspired US "Simpsons" fan Rob Baur to create his own plant. In 2003, Baur grafted together a tobacco root and a tomato stem to make "tomacco." Writers for "The Simpsons" were so impressed that they invited Baur and his family to their offices and ate the tomacco fruit themselves.



14. Faulty voting machines — Season 20, Episode 4

In 2008, "The Simpsons" showed Homer trying to vote for Barack Obama in the US general election, but a faulty machine changed his vote.

Four years later, a voting machine in Pennsylvania had to be removed after it kept changing people's votes for Barack Obama to ones for his Republican rival Mitt Romney.



15. The U.S. beats Sweden in curling at the Olympic games — Season 21, Episode 12

 

In one of the biggest upsets at the 2018 Winter Olympics, the U.S. curling team won gold over the favorite, Sweden. 

This historical win was predicted in a 2010 episode of "The Simpsons," called "Boy Meets Curl." In the episode, Marge and Homer Simpson compete in curling at the Vancouver Olympics and beat Sweden.

In real life the U.S. Men's Olympic Curling Team won a gold medal after defeating Sweden even though they were behind, which is exactly how it played out on "The Simpsons." The victory is the second curling medal ever for the United States (not including Marge and Homer's, of course).



16. Nobel Prize Winner — Season 22, Episode 1

MIT professor Bengt Holmström won the Nobel Prize in economics in 2016, six years after he was bet on to win the Nobel Prize on "The Simpsons."

Holmström's name appears on a betting scorecard when Martin, Lisa, Database, and Milhouse bet on Nobel Prize winners.



17. Lady Gaga's Super Bowl halftime show — Season 23, Episode 22

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In 2012, Lady Gaga performed for the town of Springfield hanging in midair. Five years later, she flew off the Houston NRG Stadium roof in real life to perform her Super Bowl halftime show. 

 



18. Daenerys Targaryen's big plot twist in 'Game of Thrones' — Season 29, Episode 1

Warning: Spoilers ahead for HBO's "Game of Thrones" season eight, episode five, "The Bells."

On the latest episode of "Game of Thrones," Daenerys Targaryen shocked fans when she and her dragon laid waste to an already surrendered King's Landing, obliterating thousands of innocent people.

Read more:'The Simpsons' predicted Daenerys Targaryen's big plot twist on 'Game of Thrones' 2 years ago

In 2017, on a season 29 episode of "The Simpsons" titled "The Serfsons," which spoofed various aspects of "Game of Thrones" — including the Three-Eyed Raven and the Night King — Homer revives a dragon that proceeds to incinerate a village.

 



I went to an Apple store for a repair and was blown away by how disorganized it is now (AAPL)

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Tim Cook

  • Apple's retail stores are all over the world — the international brand ambassador for Apple products.
  • In recent years, Apple stores have abandoned traditional structures like checkout counters and the iconic "Genius Bar" in favor of roaming employees equipped with iPads.
  • On a recent visit to get a Mac computer repaired, I experienced firsthand just how messy and disorganized this approach can be. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Years ago, when the iPhone was still a relatively new device, Apple stores were a novel experience. 

They had large, open floor plans paired with the shining beacon of the "Genius Bar," and a subtly tucked away checkout counter somewhere in the back. When you walked in, products were clearly the focus — on display at every table, in distinct sections for iPhones, iPads, and various Apple computers. 

It felt familiar, like a normal retail store experience, but better.

Those days appear to be gone.

SEE ALSO: Angela Ahrendts transformed Apple's stores. But will the changes stick?

Starting in 2016, Apple Stores ditched the Genius Bar and checkout counters.

As Apple has increased in popularity, so have its stores. With that popularity came increased foot traffic, and the Apple store experience suffered. Going to get a cracked screen fixed, even with an appointment, became a far less pleasant experience as you waited for someone to help you.

As the company struggled with accommodating more people in its stores, its signature "Genius" employees — people who were specifically employed to solve issues with Apple's products — were particularly overwhelmed

The company's retail leader, former Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts, was in charge of the proposed solution: Get rid of the Genius Bar, cut the checkout counter, and empower every employee to help every customer directly. 

It may not be a bad idea in theory, but — as I learned at a recent trip to my local Apple store to get a computer repaired — the concept doesn't always work in reality.



Things started out well enough!

A few years ago, I permanently switched from the iPhone to Android. I still use a MacBook Air personally, and I'm writing this on a MacBook Pro I use for work every day. 

I'm only saying this because, nowadays, I go to Apple stores far less than I did in the past. My memory of going is still rooted in the Golden Era of Genius Bars and best-in-class customer service.

But, this week, I scheduled a repair at the Apple store across from our main office. My mother-in-law has a Mac Mini that was acting up, and needed a look. 

Scheduling the repair on Apple's website was as easy as always. I even had to reschedule it a few times, and the system was extremely accommodating. 

When I actually got to the store, though, things quickly changed.



Entering an Apple store is a completely directionless experience that puts the onus on customers in a bizarre way.

When I walked into the Apple store for my repair, it was completely unclear where I was supposed to go.

Various Apple employees milled about, helping customers at desks or rushing from one part of the store to another. Products were lining the tables, able to be used by interested customers. 

I looked around for any sort of sign that would direct my attention to a repair table or employees who could check me in for my scheduled appointment, knowing I would find none.

Admittedly, Apple stores have never been big on signage, but the flow of the store usually directed customers naturally toward what they wanted. I hadn't come in to browse, or give the iPhone XS Max a shot — I was just there for a straightforward repair.

Instead of going to, say, a repair desk, I awkwardly interrupted two employees who were animatedly engaged in conversation. 



Eliminating the concept of checkout desks and the iconic Genius Bar has turned visits to the Apple store into a free-for-all.

Waiting in lines isn't any fun, I realize, but lines serve a purpose: They visually demonstrate the order in which you'll receive service.

You may be last in line, but at least you know there are X number of people in front of you. There's nothing ambiguous about your position. By replacing service desks with roaming employees, going into Apple stores now is a question of which customer is least polite about demanding attention.

"Where I do even begin?" was the first question in my mind when walking into the Apple store I visited yesterday.

After walking around for a few minutes looking like an idiot (and feeling like an idiot — I write about technology for a living!), I gave in to frustration and interrupted two employees who were talking so that I could move on with my life. 

The help I received was great, I'm glad that Apple has a store across the street that I can easily go to if I need help with Apple products. But the experience in the store was bafflingly disorganized and stood out even more against the history of Apple's stores making retail experiences feel better than ever. 



Take up to 40% off at Reebok and 50% off at Lands' End — plus 6 other deals happening now

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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.

We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on Reebok sportswear, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6, and GoSkills online courses. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

Reebok

1. Save an extra 40% on sale styles and 30% off sitewide at Reebok

If you're in need of new clothes for the gym or even just a fresh pair of sneakers, Reebok has the perfect sale going on right now. For a limited time, you can save an extra 40% on already-reduced sale styles and 30% on all other full-price items by using the promo code "FRIEND" at checkout. For other deals and savings at Reebok, visit Business Insider Coupons here

Shop the Reebok sale now.

Surface Pro 6

2. Save $200 on the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 at Best Buy

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is a cross between a tablet and a laptop, making it ideal for anyone who travels a lot or often works on the go. It features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an ultra-lightweight design that's under two pounds, and comparable storage and computing power to a decent laptop. From browsing the web and watching movies at home to sending emails and drafting documents while on the go, it can handle all your basic needs.  Originally priced at $899, you can buy one for $699 right now at Best Buy. For more deals and savings at Best Buy, visit Business Insider Coupons here

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 12.3-inch, $699 (Originally $899) [You save $200]

Man Studying with Laptop on Bench

3.Save more than 50% on online courses at GoSkills

GoSkills is having a big sale that'll help you keep learning new skills long past graduation. Right now, you can gain access to the site's entire selection of online courses for $19 per month or $199 per year. With the discount, you'll save more than 50% on courses. The sale includes everything from simple courses like Microsoft Office to more advanced courses on business, finance, and writing. After completing each course, you'll be able to add the official certification of training to your resume.

Shop the GoSkills graduation sale now.

OtterBox

4. Save 15% sitewide at OtterBox

Today, OtterBox is celebrating its 21st anniversary with a one-day sale. Right now, you can save 15% on everything on the site automatically. In addition to the durable smartphone cases that OtterBox has become so well-known for, the brand also sells coolers, duffle bags, drinkware, and other outdoor accessories. If you're interested, you might want to start shopping now because the sale will be gone tomorrow.

Shop the OtterBox sale now.

Lands' End

5. Save up to 50% at Lands' End

Lands' End is having a great sale on warm-weather essentials just in time for spring and summer. During the current friends and family sale, you can save 50% on full-price pants, shorts, and skirts and 40% on everything else by using the promo code "DAISY" at checkout. With styles for men, women, and kids, you'll be able to pick up something for everyone in the family. To potentially save even more at Lands' End, visit Business Insider Coupons here

Shop the Lands' End sale now

Indochino

6. Save up to $470 on custom-made suits at Indochino

For 48 hours only, Indochino is deeply discounting its custom made-to-measure suits by up to 58%. With the sale, you'll save up to $470 on classic suits for the workplace, lightweight suits for spring and summer, and more formal suits for special occasions. Indochino has in-depth videos on how to properly measure yourself, so you won't have to leave home or go to a tailor to get a suit with a great fit. 

Shop the Indochino sale now

Fossil

7. Save up to 40% on watches at Fossil

With everything from classic analog watches to smartwatches and hybrid smartwatches, Fossil has a timepiece for just about everyone. The brand's spring sale is still going on with up to 40% off styles for men and women. In addition to a wide variety of watches, the sale also includes handbags, sunglasses, wallets, belts, and more. For more deals and promotions at Fossil, check out our coupons page here.

Shop the Fossil spring sale now.

Casper Hybrid Mattress

8. Save 10% on any order with a mattress at Casper

Casper, the leading mattress-in-a-box startup, is giving customers a nice discount in preparation for Memorial Day. Now through May 27, you can save 10% on any order that includes a mattress by using the promo code "MEMORIAL19" at checkout. To go along with your mattress, Casper also offers sheets, blankets, and pillows, bed frames, and nightstands. To potentially save even more at Casper, visit Business Insider Coupons here.

Shop the Casper sale now.

Join the conversation about this story »

Kylie Jenner appears to be coming out with a baby line — and she's planning everything from car seats to clothes

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kylie jenner stormi instagram

Kylie Jenner appears to be planning a line of baby products.

The 21-year-old billionaire filed for trademarks on May 9 for "Kylie Baby" and Kylie Baby by Kylie Jenner," according to the US Patent and Trademark Office.

The trademarks covered a massive range of items including clothing, diapers, strollers, bath products, furniture, crib and bed linens, nursing products, bouncers, changing tables, carriers, diaper bags, and car seats.

Jenner is already running a fashion and beauty empire that's worth an estimated $900 million. It includes her makeup line, Kylie Cosmetics; fashion line, Kendall + Kylie; and a soon-to-launch skincare line, Kylie Skin.

Jenner gave birth last year to her first child, a daughter named Stormi, with rapper Travis Scott. 

SEE ALSO: How Kylie Jenner became the world's youngest self-made billionaire, from starring in a reality TV show at age 9 to running a $900 million cosmetics empire at 21

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's how chocolate diamonds went from cheap rocks to adorning Rihanna's $130,000 Grammys necklace

This crossbody purse is actually a sophisticated DSLR camera bag in disguise — it was the only purse I used for a 12-day trip to France

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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.

LightGreyClaremont_OverviewPage_Small_17

  • The Claremont by Lo & Sons ($298) is the perfect camera bag. It's stylish enough to pass as a purse but specifically designed to protect a DSLR — minus the utilitarian look or bulk of a standard camera bag.
  • I've owned a DSLR for four years, but the Claremont is the only reason I've started packing my "real" camera for trips again. 
  • On a recent trip abroad, I used it as an everyday travel purse as well as a camera bag. It's pricey, but it's been one of the best travel bags I've found in a while. 

Four years ago, I invested in a DSLR camera. While iPhone photos suffice most of the time, they aren't always able to capture the truest representations of an experience. So, to extend the shelf-life of my best memories — and the most beautiful places I'd ever visit — I was willing to part with a few hundred dollars.

What I didn't anticipate was how clunky owning a "real" camera really is, or how unattractive most of the necessary accessories are.

If I wanted to bring my camera anywhere — either to a local NYC exhibit or on a tiring, sweaty day of tourism abroad (all the occasions I'd bought it for) — I had to pick between three equally unappealing options: commit to buying and carrying a heavy briefcase-like camera bag, throw it haphazardly into a backpack with the rest of my loose possessions, or wear the DSLR around my neck like a $400 rock necktie. In the end, it spent more time gathering dust than shooting photos. In the four years that I've owned it, I've probably brought my DSLR on only one or two trips.

But, before a recent trip abroad, I stumbled across a camera bag that solved virtually all of my usability problems: The Claremont ($298). It's the unlikely Goldilocks design for anyone who wants the usability of a functional nylon camera bag, but can't quite compromise on either the weight of such a bag or utilitarian, proud-dad-at-middle-school-dance look.

collagehkhgkIt hails from the buzzy bag startup Lo & Sons (you probably know the name for the company's weekender, The Catalina ($128)), and is sculpted out of soft full grain leather. Up close, it looks indistinguishable from any other high-end purse (it won't scream "steal me, there's a camera inside"), but was designed specifically to schlep a DSLR. Inside, the bag has a plush quilted lining, pockets for two extra memory cards, and a removable divider to separate the camera from an extra lens. It comes in three versatile colors (black, light grey, and sienna brown) to go with any outfits you pack for that three-week-long trip, and an external pocket can house everything from lip balm to your wallet and/or passport for easy access.

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A few weeks ago, I used The Claremont as both a travel purse and camera bag interchangeably. For a trip that ranged from the dress code of upscale bars in Paris to lazily biking city streets in the French Riviera, The Claremont worked seamlessly — meaning I also didn't need to waste space packing a second purse.

For how much it holds, the bag is deceptively small — no bigger than a roomy crossbody. At the airport, it held a small book, phone charger, travel wallet, and keychain inside. Externally, my passport, lip balm, and main cards remained handy in its zipped outside pocket. On long tourist days, it packed lip balm and cards in the external pocket and my DSLR, two extra memory cards, sunglasses, and a small travel wallet inside. 

It's also deceptively lightweight. Even though it feels substantial and well-cushioned, it didn't feel like it added any more weight than a standard crossbody bag would. 

Slider 2_Claremont_exterior zipper pocket_750x

At $298, it's still an expensive purchase for an already expensive tool. But, if you're like me, it might be worth it for the usability of a camera bag that's essentially an everyday purse tricked out for a DSLR. However, if you're looking for a camera bag with room to spare, this probably isn't for you. It can fit a small extra lens, but you'll probably have to rearrange things to get your camera out if you're planning to stack sunglasses and a wallet inside as well. For me, this was ultimately a small price to pay for the convenience and look of the bag.

All in all, the Claremont has been the perfect model of a subtle camera bag, and it's been ideal for someone who wants to use their DSLR often but isn't willing to compromise on style or comfort in order to do so. It's a steep price at $298, but it's worth it to me if you're willing to spend the same amount altogether on a travel crossbody and a camera bag you may be inspired to use far less often. After getting it, I've brought my DSLR out for days in Central Park and international vacations — and I can't remember the last time I thought to do that before. 

Lo & Sons Claremont Leather Camera Bag, $298, available in three colors

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How to enable cookies on an iPad to streamline your web browsing experience

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ipad pro mac mini setup

  • Cookies are files that save information about web sites you visit. Cookies are designed to streamline your web browsing experience.
  • Your iPad's Safari browser has enabled cookies by default, but if you've turned cookies off, it's easy to turn them back on.
  • If you're using a third-party web browser, cookies are enabled by default and for most apps, cookies generally can't be turned off.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

First the good news: If you've never turned cookies off on your iPad, they're probably already enabled. Apple enables cookies in Safari (the default iPad web browser) by default, so there's no extra steps required.

But if you (or someone else) has ever turned off your browser's cookies on an iPad, they're easy to re-enable.

Cookies, of course, are files that web pages save to your computer (or, in this case, iPad) which usually store preferences and personal settings. In other words, cookies help web pages remember that you're logged in, what's in your shopping cart, your preferred language, and other details that make your browsing experience more convenient and personalized.  

We recommend leaving your cookies enabled, but some users with privacy and security concerns prefer to disable them, which is why they might be turned off now. You can follow these steps to turn them back on.

How to enable cookies on your iPad

1. Open the Settings app and then, in the list on the left, tap "Safari."

2. In the Privacy and Security section on the right, make sure that "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" is turned off by swiping the slider to the left, so it's grayed out.

3. In the same section, ensure that "Block All Cookies" is also turned off by swiping the slider to the left.

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4. Close the Settings app. Your cookies are now enabled.

How to enable cookies in other browsers on your iPad

If you have installed third-party browsers on your iPad such as Firefox or Chrome, there's nothing special  you need to do to enable cookies: they're always enabled by default, and in fact they generally can't be turned off in those apps.

If you are using a browser like Firefox or Chrome and want to browse without cookies, you should use Chrome's Incognito mode or Firefox's "Private" mode. When you return to the browser's standard mode, you will automatically re-enable cookies.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best tablets you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 9 simple ways to protect your data that don't take much time, but could have huge security benefits

The best eyelash curlers you can buy

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Insider Pickswrites 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.

best eyelash curlers

  • If perky, lifted lashes are what you seek, then it's time to add an eyelash curler to your makeup bag.
  • With its sleek design, flat surface, and no-pinch curling, the Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler is the absolute best of the bunch.

Applying mascara without first curling your lashes is kind of like cooking pasta without first salting the water. Sure, you'll get edible pasta, but it's not going to taste good. Even if you're using a curling mascara, you'll never get the results you'd get with the help of a tool created specifically for the task.

All that said, lash curlers can seem scary to a lot of beauty newbies. Let's be honest — they look like mini medieval torture devices. The idea of placing something made out of metal that close to your eyes is enough to make your skin crawl. What if it pinches? What if you poke yourself in the eye? Or worse, what if you pull out your lashes? Just the thought of using an eyelash curler is exhausting and intimidating.

The trick is to know exactly how to use a lash curler, which is not as difficult as you may think. All you've got to do is gently lay the rounded side of the curler flush against your eyelid so that the top clamp is right above your lashes. Then, gently and slowly pulse the lever two to three times to curl your lashes. If you go slowly, you'll be able to catch yourself before you pinch your eyelid, which is probably what scares people the most about this whole process.

You can curl your lashes both before and after you apply mascara. It's always a good idea to give your lashes a curl ahead of application to get that perfect U-shape and then a second curl after your mascara dries for some more drama — and who doesn't love that?

But just because all lash curlers tend to look the same doesn't mean they're actually the same. They're shaped, sized, and curl differently. So which are the best of the bunch? We've put together the top lash curlers on the market. Your perfect eye makeup look is only one curl away.

Here are the best eyelash curlers you can buy in 2019:

Updated on 5/15/2019 by Jada Wong: Updated formatting, prices, links, added Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler Model No. 1034-R in place of Sonia Kashuk Dramatic Dramatically Defined Lash Curler as it's been discontinued, and added Prima Curl Up Japanese Eyelash Curler in place of Shiseido The Makeup Eyelash Curler, 

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best mascara you can buy for perfect lashes

The best eyelash curler overall

Surratt Beauty's Lash Curler has a flat, ergonomic design, and gentle silicone pad that lifts and flares out your lashes, offering the very best curl you can get.

Eyelash curlers have been around for ages, so it's difficult to imagine that a new release would truly change your life.

But when Surratt Beauty's Relevée Lash Curler hit the market, that's exactly what it did. This jet-black, lightweight curler quickly became a favorite among editors and makeup artists for a multitude of reasons, and it remains a top-seller to this day.

The biggest thing going for this curler is the design. Instead of the typical "U" shape that so many eyelash curlers have, Surratt Beauty's curler has a wider, flatter shape that sits against your lids much more comfortably. That shape also ensures your lids aren't getting snagged in the metal, which is very important when considering the user experience of a makeup tool.

Surratt Beauty's lash curler also boasts finger slots with two loops instead of the typical one. The extra metal ensures that you don't have to apply as much pressure as is necessary with other lash curlers. To use the curler correctly, the folks at Surratt Beauty suggest pumping this beauty three times along your lashes — once at the very base, once in the center of the lashes, and once at the very top.

This technique seems to be a winner. Surratt Beauty's Relevée Lash Curler has a near-perfect rating across Sephora, Influenster, and Amazon. "So it doesn't matter if you're using the best mascara in the world," one commenter wrote. "If you aren't using this lash curler, you are missing out on a world of gorgeous lashes." The pros agree — This little black tool is regularly spotted in the kits of top makeup artists at Fashion Week and on photo shoots.

Surratt Beauty's Relevée Lash Curler isn't the cheapest curler on the market. But it will save you money in the long run because it lasts for ages. And as one editor at Refinery29 wrote, proper use of this curler may make you reconsider even using mascara in the first place.

Pros: Doesn't pinch your lashes, and is amazing for basically any eye shape.

Cons: Not the most budget-friendly curler on the market.  

Buy Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler on Amazon for $33.25 (originally $54.39)

Buy the Surratt beauty Relevée Lash Curler from Sephora for $34 (originally $30) 



The best pro-approved eyelash curler

Shu Uemura's lash curler has a serious cult following with its unique shape and patented hinge, and it's a top pick among professionals.

There is a scene in the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" where Gisele Büdchen, playing a snobby fashion editor, berates the main character for not knowing what the Shu Uemura eyelash curler is. That's some pretty incredible praise for a beauty tool that plenty of folks don't have in their makeup kits. But Shu's gorgeous silver curler more than deserves the cult-following — and the mention in a Meryl Streep movie.

Shu's lash curler is a winner for a bunch of reasons. The first is its shape. Instead of a typical U-curve, this lash curler has a more mushroom curve to it. That means you get a closer hug against your lids than other curlers might provide, which lessens the chances of pinching and pulling — especially for those with smaller, rounder eyes. Shu's mushroom shape also holds your lashes in place as you curl, ensuring no wayward lashes accidentally get snagged in the metal. Ouch.

But the best part about Shu's curler is something you might not even notice because it's more technical than aesthetic. This curler has a patented hinge that actually works to ensure you can't press too hard mid-pulse. It's like a mini failsafe. No matter how hard you press, that hinge is going to make sure the pressure is evenly distributed, which cuts down on your chances of pinching.

Because of all of this, Shu's curler regularly winds up in the kits of makeup artists, beauty editors, and cosmetics pros across the country. One editor from InStyle has been using this guy for years, claiming that "one or two pumps followed by a coat of mascara kept the curl in place until I washed my face at the end of the day." Buyers agree, too, with one Amazon reviewer raving that "the reviews are NOT wrong. This little gem is amazing."

One little snag, though — Shu Uemura has discontinued refills on the silicone pad. And even though this curler's pad is a bit more resilient than others, it does need to be replaced every six months or so, which means you might need to buy a completely new curler. But since the price is right on this tool, that won't hurt all that much.

Pros: Patented hinge that distributes pressure, meaning you get gorgeously fanned-out lashes every time.

Cons: No refills available on the silicone pads

Buy the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler on Amazon for $18.50 (originally $16.91)



The most versatile eyelash curler

Not every curler is right for every eye shape, but when it comes to versatility, Kevyn Aucoin's curler is a top pick.

One of the hardest parts about shopping for an eyelash curler is figuring out which one is right for you. There are many different eye shapes in the world, which means that not every lash curler is going to work for every shape. But curlers aren't like shoes — you can't just try them on at the beauty counter and hope to find the perfect one that won't snag your eye. So when you're in that situation, what can you do?

The answer? Reach for Kevyn Aucoin's lash curler. You'll know it from its distinctive red silicone pad. What makes this curler so clutch for newbies is its flatter-than-usual shape. Instead of being curved, a shape which immediately disqualifies a whole host of eye shapes from using it, Kevyn Aucoin's flat curler can accommodate larger, wider eyes without missing a single lash. That cuts out a lot of the guesswork for people who aren't all that intimately acquainted with the shapes of their eyes.

But beyond the shape, Kevyn Aucoin's eyelash curler also wins for a bunch of other reasons. It's slimmer and less bulky than other curlers, which means there is less metal to snag your sensitive skin on. According to makeup artist Rommy Najor, "it doesn't require a strong pinch to the lash in order to curl the lashes." That means you're keeping things gentle around the eyes, which is always a good idea.

This lash curler has crazy good reviews across websites from Amazon to Nordstrom. "I noticed that the pad seems to be firmer than the others, and that makes all the difference in the world," one reviewer said. Others can't stop raving about how long the curl in their lashes lasts. So if you're just starting out and are looking for a curler you can trust without trying it first, Kevyn Aucoin's is an amazing place to start.

Pros: Works on many different eye shapes.  

Cons: Since it's got a flat shape, some customers have complained that the lashes don't get as even a curl as happens with other curlers.

Buy Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler from Neiman Marcus for $21



The best curler for hard-to-reach lashes

If your curler isn't getting all the itty-bitty lashes by the inner and outer corners, try the Preo / Prima Curl Up Japanese Eyelash Curler. The unique shape gets every. single. lash, but fair warning — it will take some getting used to. 

No matter how much we love our eyelash curler recommendations, everything is subjective. So if you're still finding that your eyelash curler doesn't get all the small lashes by the inner and outer corners of your eyes (which happens to me with every curler I've tried), the tiny-but-mighty Preo / Prima Curl Up Japanese Eyelash Curler will get the job done. 

I wrote about it almost two years ago when I was at Marie Claire after makeup artist Romy Najor recommended it during a photoshoot, and still use it to this day. I've used it solo throughout my lashes as well as a supplement to get hard-to-reach lashes after using the Shu. Note that if you decide to use it on its own, it'll take an extra minute or two because it's designed to curl in sections as opposed to the full length of your lashline. 

The brushed stainless-steel curler is probably about the width of a standard pencil eyeliner — so it's thin — and is comprised of two pieces that look more like a clamp than a traditional curler. Using is takes some getting used to — you hold it between your thumb and forefinger, hover over just a section of your lashes, and pulse a few times.

It's definitely scary at first because of how close the metal and your fingers are to your eyes, but the device feels like it's made with brushed stainless steel so there's a bit of grip to it and your fingers won't slide right off. Once you master it, even the shortest lashes will be lifted and curled — and to me, that's worth the extra effort. — Jada Wong

 Pros: Unique and slim design gets every lash, refillable pads 

Cons: Takes time to get used to to design, small size might not be a fit for people with large fingers 

Buy Preo / Prima Curl Up Japanese Eyelash Curler from Amazon for $24.50



The best affordable eyelash curler

The Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler Model No. 1034-R is a great affordable option that won't break the bank. 

Theoretically, small tools like eyelash curlers shouldn't cost a lot — and we know that some in our list here do — but at around $10, Tweezerman's Classic Eyelash Curler Model No. 1034-R is a great budget option that doesn't compromise on results.

It has the same construction as traditional curlers with a slim metal construction, finger slots, and rounded pads. Based on personal use, it seems to have a more rounded shape than the Surratt or Shu, but according to the brand and Amazon reviewers, still works well on many eye shapes.

I've used this one a few times (though I personally prefer the Shu) and supplement it with the Preo/Prima to get hard-to-reach lashes. For $10 though, I think it's a hard-to-beat steal, and one worth trying out. I especially like that it comes with three silicone refill pads, which are hypoallergenic and great for those with sensitive eyes. — Jada Wong

Pros: Budget friendly, comes with three silicone refill pads 

Cons: Rounded shape might not fit flatter or wider eye shapes 

Buy Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler Model No. 1034-R from Amazon for $9.55



Check out our other makeup buying guides

The best mascara you can buy

If there's one thing many women never leave home without, it's mascara. It makes your eyes pop and brightens up your face in an instant. We tested dozens of mascaras to find the best, and Chanel Le Volume Mascara is our top choice because it delivers long, lush lashes that last all day. 

Here are the best mascaras you can buy in 2019:


The best long-lasting lipsticks you can buy

One of the major grievances I have with lipstick is that you apply it only to find your lips are bare the next time you look in the mirror. The solution is to amp up your beauty arsenal with a long-lasting lipstick that will stay put all day or night long.

In this guide, you'll find everything from cult favorites to drugstore steals. For luscious lips that last all day, read on in the slides below to discover our top picks.  

Here are the best long-lasting lipsticks you can buy:


The best blush you can buy for any skin tone

Blush can add some color to your cheeks no matter your skin tone. These are the best blushes we've tried.

The right blush can help bring an entire makeup look together, wake up your face on tired mornings, or reinstate some life on your cheeks after you've blotted out your natural color with foundation.

Here are the best blushes you can buy:


The best makeup setting powder you can buy

A good makeup setting powder must cut down on shine without caking, look natural but last for hours, mattify but enhance luminosity, and remain undetectable on most skin tones.

The right formula will lock your makeup into place and cut down on shine without mattifying you within an inch of your life or making you look cakey and overdone.

Hopefully this list of my five favorites will help you cut through the noise and find the one that's right for you.

Here are the best makeup setting powders you can buy:


The best concealer you can buy for any skin tone

Finding your ideal concealer shade is tricky, so we tested a bunch to find the best concealer you can buy.

The best formulas can make you look airbrushed with very little product required. I put a bunch of highly rated concealers to the test over several weeks. This list features my top five favorites.

Here are the best concealers you can buy:



How to add a wireless printer to your iPad and print from it, using AirPrint or a third-party app

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ipad pro keyboard cover 9.7 inch

  • The iPad can print to any AirPrint-compatible wireless printer. Many printers include AirPrint, making this an easy option.
  • There's no setup or configuration for AirPrint printers; when you want to print, just make sure you're on the same Wi-Fi network, find the print option in the iPad app's share menu, select the printer, and print.
  • If you don't have an AirPrint printer, you may still be able to print if you install a printing app for your wireless printer.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

We don't yet live in a paperless society, so it's just a matter of time before you inevitably need to print an email, document, or photo from your iPad. Of course, it's always possible to send that file to a computer and print it from there, but there's a much easier way: print it directly from the iPad. As long as you are on the same Wi-Fi network as a printer that supports AirPrint, or a wireless-enabled printer with a mobile app, it's easy to do.

A word about AirPrint: These days, many printers come with a feature called AirPrint, which allows iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad to print wirelessly. Apple introduced AirPrint in 2010, and in the intervening decade, most printer manufacturers have embraced this technology. It's not hard to find an AirPrint-compatible model if you're looking to replace your printer.  

How to print from your iPad using AirPrint

To print with AirPrint, there's no need to install or set up a printer on the iPad in the same way that you'd need to do with a traditional computer. Just make sure that your iPad is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer you plan to use, and then do this:

1. Open the email or document that you want to print on your iPad.

2. The exact printing method varies slightly from app to app. Look for the app's "share" feature, which will generally be found by tapping the "Reply" arrow (in the Mail app), the square with an upward arrow (such as in Safari and Photos), or the three-dot menu (in many other apps).

print 1

3. Tap "Print" or the print icon.

4. Tap "Select Printer" and wait for the list of nearby AirPrint printers to appear in the list.

5. Tap the printer you want to use.

6. Select any print options you desire, such as the number of copies, and printing in color or black & white.

print 2

7. Tap "Print."

How to print from a wireless printer that doesn't have AirPrint

If your nearby printer doesn't have AirPrint — but is a wireless printer — you might still be able to print, though it's somewhat less convenient.

Some wireless printers — including models from Canon, HP, and Lexmark — work with mobile apps that let you print to them from your iPad. You should look at the user guide or website for your wireless printer to see if it works with a printing app.

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In addition, there are some third-party apps that let you print to a variety of printers from your iPad. PrintCentral (which costs $5) and Printer Pro ($7) are good choices if you frequently need to print to non-AirPrint printers.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best tablets you can buy

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

The best wine subscriptions you can buy

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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.

best wine subscription guide 2019

  • There are only 164 Master Sommeliers in the United States, but just because you haven't earned that distinction doesn't mean that you can't pick great wine.
  • After lots of taste testing, we've found that Winc is the best wine subscription service to get you drinkable, affordable wines you can enjoy anytime.

No matter how many apps you have on your phone or how many books you've read, buying a bottle of wine is never an easy process. With so many varietals and vineyards to choose from, how are you supposed to know if you'd prefer a Cabernet Franc to a Cabernet Sauvignon? But luckily, these days, you don't have to feel lost in your neighborhood liquor store, or really, even set foot into said store. All you need is an internet connection and a credit card to get top-notch wines delivered straight to your doorstep.

Wine clubs have been around for years. In fact, the earliest record of a vino subscription dates back to the early 1970's. But in recent years, a few startups have revolutionized the process of buying wine even further, introducing quizzes and algorithms to predict what kind of wine would best suit your palate. That way, even those of us who know just about nothing about the art of alcohol can educate ourselves. Indeed, part of the appeal of these wine subscriptions isn't so much the convenience as it is the learning experience. After all, what better way to determine what we do and don't like than by trial and error?

When determining how to buy wine from the comfort of your home is best for you, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, how much vino do you want? While the vast majority of services deliver on a monthly basis, some deliver four bottles, some deliver six bottles, and some deliver not by the bottle, but by the glass.

You'll also want to consider why you're subscribing. Are you in it to expand your horizons? Are you hoping to learn more about wine? Or are you just looking for a reliable way to keep wine in the home without ever having to leave the house? All are solid reasons but will lead you to different services.

Once you've determined why you want wine delivered to your doorstep, you should consider how much you're willing to pay. Some services have bottles with a wide range of prices, whereas others price all wines identically. Really, you're considering how much you can shell out not only for the wine but for the convenience aspect as well.

We've tested multiple services and their wines (a tough job, but someone's gotta do it!), and have selected some of our favorites for you to try. Whether you've been drinking wine your whole life or are just beginning to discover whether you prefer red to white, we've got you covered.

Here are the best wine subscriptions we've tried:

  • Best wine subscription overall: Winc 
  • Best wine subscription for everyday needs: HelloFresh
  • Best wine subscription for sampling: Vinebox
  • Best wine subscription for pairing with foods: Blue Apron 
  • Best wine subscription for personalization: Bright Cellars 
  • Best wine subscription that evolves with your tastes: Firstleaf

Updated on 05/15/2019 by Les Shu: Updated formatting.

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best wine openers and corkscrews you can buy

The best wine club overall

The wines from HelloFresh are approachable and easy to drink, making them an excellent option for folks who are just beginning to explore wine.

HelloFresh is one of the biggest names in the meal kit industry, which makes its jump over to wine boxes pretty seamless. Like its meal kits, which are unfussy and dependable, so too, is its wine.

Lot 18 serves as HelloFresh's partner in the wine-sourcing enterprise. The online retailer promises to provide "access to high-quality, hard-to-find wines from around the globe," and it certainly makes good on its promise.

The wines from HelloFresh hail from several different countries. In my box, there was actually only one wine from the U.S. (it hailed from California). Otherwise, bottles came from France, Germany, and Argentina. That said, all wines are bottled at Lot 18's California winery, so even though it's a "product of France," it's imported and shipped from the West Coast.

HelloFresh seeks to be as nonintimidating as possible, both in terms of its meal kit recipes, packaging, and its wines, too. Each delivery comes with six standard-sized bottles. If you go with the Mixed Wine plan, you'll normally end up with four reds and two whites.

All wines are meant to pair with a HelloFresh recipe, but they're also perfectly fine with the cheese plate you threw together as a quick appetizer for your dinner party. HelloFresh sends along an info sheet featuring tasting notes, as well as an email that makes fun suggestions around your wine and potential snack accompaniments.

I was particularly fond of the Chasseur de Cailloux blend of 70% Syrah, 15% Grenache, and 15% Carignan. Fruit-forward and easy to drink, HelloFresh's online tasting notes suggest that this "food-friendly wine should be matched with spice-rubbed pork chops."

Also popular among reviewers and customers alike is the Lustra Pinot Blanc from Monterey County. Elin McCoy of Bloomberg called this white wine "rich and lush," while users on wine review app Delectable called it "very smooth," "light," and "buttery."

My Insider Picks colleague, Connie Chen, said, "HelloFresh is better suited toward someone who likes wine but doesn't need to know everything about it."

At $89 a month including shipping, the bottles work out to about $15 each, which is comparable to what you might expect at your local wine store.

Pros: Easy to drink, unassuming wines for everyday enjoyment, global selection, reasonable cost

Cons: For those who are more experienced wine drinkers, this may not be the most exciting of subscriptions to receive

Sign up for Winc



The best wine subscription for easy drinking

The wines from HelloFresh are approachable and easy to drink, making them an excellent option for folks who are just beginning to explore wine.

HelloFresh is one of the biggest names in the meal kit industry, which makes its jump over to wine boxes pretty seamless. Like its meal kits, which are unfussy and dependable, so too, is its wine.

Lot 18 serves as HelloFresh's partner in the wine-sourcing enterprise. The online retailer promises to provide "access to high-quality, hard-to-find wines from around the globe," and it certainly makes good on its promise.

The wines from HelloFresh hail from several different countries. In my box, there was actually only one wine from the U.S. (it hailed from California). Otherwise, bottles came from France, Germany, and Argentina. That said, all wines are bottled at Lot 18's California winery, so even though it's a "product of France," it's imported and shipped from the West Coast.

HelloFresh seeks to be as nonintimidating as possible, both in terms of its meal kit recipes, packaging, and its wines, too. Each delivery comes with six standard-sized bottles. If you go with the Mixed Wine plan, you'll normally end up with four reds and two whites.

All wines are meant to pair with a HelloFresh recipe, but they're also perfectly fine with the cheese plate you threw together as a quick appetizer for your dinner party. HelloFresh sends along an info sheet featuring tasting notes, as well as an email that makes fun suggestions around your wine and potential snack accompaniments.

I was particularly fond of the Chasseur de Cailloux blend of 70% Syrah, 15% Grenache, and 15% Carignan. Fruit-forward and easy to drink, HelloFresh's online tasting notes suggest that this "food-friendly wine should be matched with spice-rubbed pork chops."

Also popular among reviewers and customers alike is the Lustra Pinot Blanc from Monterey County. Elin McCoy of Bloomberg called this white wine "rich and lush," while users on wine review app Delectable called it "very smooth," "light," and "buttery."

My Insider Picks colleague, Connie Chen, said, "HelloFresh is better suited toward someone who likes wine but doesn't need to know everything about it."

At $89 a month including shipping, the bottles work out to about $15 each, which is comparable to what you might expect at your local wine store.

Pros: Easy to drink, unassuming wines for everyday enjoyment, global selection, reasonable cost

Cons: For those who are more experienced wine drinkers, this may not be the most exciting of subscriptions to receive

Sign up for a HelloFresh plan for $89 a month



The best wine box for noncommittal drinkers

If you want to taste your wine before you buy it, Vinebox is for you.

Unlike other wine subscriptions that send you multiple bottles of wine to enjoy, Vinebox hopes to introduce you to new wines with just a small sample. Think of it as a way to test drive your wines before you commit to buying them. Vinebox doesn't send you a 750 mL bottle, but rather 10 centiliters in a rather attractive vial. It's enough for a glass, and enough to help you determine whether or not it's something you want more of.

To ensure that you're getting wines that you'll probably like, Vinebox has you take a quiz before sending you your vino. It's not quite as detailed as the quizzes some other services offer. Rather than telling Vinebox how you take your coffee or what your favorite juice is, you'll simply say whether or not you're an adventurous wine drinker, or if you're new to the wine game.

All wines come with tasting notes, recommendations, and pairings. And once you've finished tasting, if any particular wine stood out, you're welcome to buy the full-sized bottle.  

The wines that Vinebox sends are certainly already at the top of their game. The company notes that it taste tests 11,358 wines and only allows 1% of those to be sent to its customers, so rest assured that you're already testing the cream of the crop.

We've been fans of for quite some time. In 2016, Insider Picks noted that the Marc Francais Rhone he received was "bright and so juicy that it felt as if you were biting into a cheery." Wine Club Reviews also gave Vinebox a thumbs up, noting that while they  "reserve superlatives for very-high-end wine ... these are just shy of superlative-worthy."

Vinebox also publishes its own customers' reviews on its website, and all but one of the 22 reviews rate the service either 4 or 5 stars. "Novel take on the wine delivery," Chuck M. wrote in January 2018. "Wines have been quite good since I started, no crazy Cheval Blancs, but good all the same. Clever info cards too."

Pros: Healthy glass-sized pours, great wine selection, ability to buy full-size bottle

Cons: Glass-sized pours (if you're hoping for more)

Sign up for Vinebox subscription, starting at $72



The best wine box for dinner for two

Blue Apron's 500 mL wines are just the right size to split with your partner over dinner.

With bottles that are bigger than Vinebox's 10 cL pours and smaller than your standard 750 mL, Blue Apron offers just enough wine for you to split with your dinner partner. Like HelloFresh, Blue Apron started as a meal kit service, which means that its wines are meant to pair with its recipes.

Unlike HelloFresh, however, Blue Apron actually holds its own winery license, which means that it can cut out many of the middlemen that make the wine-buying process more expensive. In fact, six bottles will set you back $66 a month, including shipping, which means that each bottle works out to $11. The company also works alongside other winemakers, including Napa's Steve Matthiasson and Helen Keplinger, to bring a greater selection of wines to customers.

All of the wines come complete with pairing suggestions and flavor profiles, as well as labels that have flavor symbols. If you're a Blue Apron meal kit subscriber, you'll recognize those symbols as the same ones that come on meal cards, so you can pair your wine with your recipe.

Some of the wines included in the Blue Apron box have received rave reviews from the real wine experts of the world. Wine Spectator, for example, gives the 2016 Le P'tit Paysan that Blue Apron sent in 2017 90 points, calling it a "charmer." Of course, Blue Apron switches out the wines that it sends on a regular basis, so don't expect to always receive the same bottles. After all, you have to keep things interesting for yourself.

Also popular is theUvaggio Vermentino from California, which Bloomberg described as "zingy," and whose 2012 vintage received 4 out of 5 stars on wine.com.

My colleague Connie Chen described Blue Apron's wine club experience as just a little more involved than HelloFresh— both popular meal kit delivery services — but HelloFresh's bottles are larger, even if Blue Apron may be cheaper.

Pros: Great packaging, complementary to meal kits, cute 2/3rd bottle size makes them easy to finish

Cons: Since you can buy a lot of these bottles (full size) for around the same price, some folks may prefer to just drive over to the liquor shop

Sign up for Blue Apron for $65.99 a month



The best wine box for techies

Bright Cellars relies on algorithms to match you to your favorite wines, which means that the longer you subscribe, the better suited your wines are to your palate.

Bright Cellars has long pushed the fact that it was founded by two MIT graduates, and despite its relatively new entrance into the wine subscription industry (it's only been around since 2015), it's already made quite a name for itself.

The company gives you a fun but slightly more detailed quiz about preferences — what kind of chocolate you like, how you take your tea — to determine what wine suits you best.

Then, after you've received your four bottles a month, rate them online, and Bright Cellars will use your feedback to determine what wines to send you next month. The more you rate and the more you subscribe, the more likely it is that you'll be paired with a wine that's exactly up your alley.

Back in 2016, Bright Cellars began "matching the wine to our members," as co-founder and CEO Richard Yau said. Basically, that means that Bright Cellars began making its own wine known as Bright Cellars exclusives, which are meant to reflect customers' tastes.

Yau notes that most of Bright Cellars' drinkers are "moving up from Barefoot and Yellow Tail," which is to say that more veteran wine drinkers may not be thrilled by the options provided by Bright Cellars. While I wasn't disappointed by any of the wines I tried, I wasn't exactly thrilled by any of them, either. They were, however, easy to drink, and would've made great party favors that could be roundly enjoyed by a diverse group of folks.

Moreover, Wine Club Reviews noted that, as Bright Cellars promised, each subsequent shipment contained better and better wines (or at least, wines that matched their drinkers' tastes).

One of the winningest aspects of Bright Cellars is its Delight Guarantee. The company promises that if you're matched with a bottle you don't love, a Bright Cellars Wine Concierge will help you select a free replacement bottle in your next box.

If you're going with Bright Cellars, you might also consider a subscription to its sister company, The Tasting Board. This monthly cheese club also leverages a quiz to help determine what dairy products you'll like best, because what's a bottle of wine without a cheese plate? For $55, you'll get four cheese selections a month, and like the Bright Cellars guarantee, any cheese that doesn't match your palate will be replaced for free in next month's box.

Pros: Helpful wine concierge, algorithm-based wine selection, unique wines you can't find elsewhere

Cons: You may have to stick with Bright Cellars for a bit longer to really get the payoff

Check out Bright Cellars for $80 a month



The best wine subscription that evolves with your tastes

Firstleaf asks you to review the wines you've already tried so that it can keep improving its recommendations and evolve with your tastes.

Both you and wine get better with age, and so, too, does Firstleaf, a bargain wine club that truly wants to cater its selection of wines to your taste. The expert curators behind the company choose from a wide selection of red, white, and sparkling wines that are matched to your taste profile.

But don't worry — your taste profile isn't contingent upon a bunch of questions about whether you prefer corn flakes to bran flakes or how you take your coffee. Instead, the quiz asks simply if you'd rather go for red, white, or a mix and if you'd like a sparkling or rose thrown in, how many bottles you drink a month, and where you prefer your wine to come from.

Firstleaf then sends an introductory box of three wines for the truly unbeatable price of $15 plus $5 for shipping. After the first shipment, each six-bottle box costs $79 plus shipping.

Delivery was fast, and upon trying my first three wines, I was able to then review the options and have my taste profile updated. This way, you're actually able to give real-time feedback and ensure that each subsequent box is better.

To be fair, while the wines included in Firstleaf boxes are, as the company says, award-winning, these awards aren't necessarily agreed upon by the entirety of the wine community. That doesn't mean that the wines you're receiving are bad by any stretch of the imagination, but you won't necessarily want to invite your sommelier friends over to critique.

That said, many wine clubs tend to privilege value over taste, and given that these subscription services often cater to folks who are either just beginning to drink wine or looking for a hassle-free way to get a few bottles every month, they serve their purposes well. I enjoyed my three introductory wines (one white and two reds), and certainly would not object to getting a few more that are a bit more catered to my palette.

Pros: Each box gets better, good value, great customer service  

Cons: No gifting option, some wines leave a bit to be desired

Subscribe to Firstleaf for $79 (plus shipping)



Check out our other wine lover guides

The best wine glasses you can buy

The size, shape, construction, and style of a wine glass can dramatically alter how the wine will taste. The best overall wine glass for everyday use is the Libbey 4 Piece Signature Kentfield Grande Wine Set.

You should also consider the Riedel Vivant 4 Piece White Wine Glass Set, the 2 Piece Riedel Veritas Cabernet/Merlot Glass Set, and the 4 Piece Royal Stemless Wine Glass Set.


The best wine openers and corkscrews you can buy

There's nothing like a glass of wine after a long day, but getting into the bottle can be a hassle without a good wine opener or corkscrew. To get that cork out as easily as possible, you should get the best one around — the Pulltap's Double-Hinged Waiters Corkscrew.

You should also consider the Laguiole En Aubrac Olivewood Waiters Corkscrew, the Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter, the Wing Corkscrew Wine Opener by HiCoup with Bonus Wine Stopper, and the Rabbit Vertical Corkscrew with Foil Cutter and Extra Spiral.



50 stores that offer military discounts all year long — including Under Armour, Nike, and L.L.Bean

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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.

liberty mutual military discount

  • Veterans and active-duty members of the US Armed Forces — and often their immediate family members, too— are eligible for both Memorial Day and year-round discounts from myriad retailers.  
  • By presenting a military ID or filling out an application online, our service members can save money on everything from apparel to technology to insurance. 

To show gratitude to veterans and active-duty members of the armed forces (and their families), many retailers offer special discounts to active and former military personnel, veterans, families of the Armed Forces, and first-responders.

By presenting a military ID or filling out an application online, eligible shoppers can save up to 50% on everything from new tech to insurance.

To make it easier to navigate, we've rounded up a list of stores offering military discounts year-round and on Memorial Day, below. And though there are a good amount listed, it's always a good practice to ask at any store you're shopping at since many don't advertise, or in case they require in-person verification.

Check out all the stores that offer military discounts year-round:

SEE ALSO: The AmEx Platinum is available to active-duty servicemembers at no annual fee — but even with the fee, the credit card is a great value

Clothes, shoes, and accessories

Abercrombie & Fitch: 10-15% off at manager's discretion on in-store purchases.

Allen Edmonds: 15% off regularly priced merchandise after ID validation. 

Alpha Industries: 30% off all regular priced items, plus free domestic shipping with Military ID for a limited time in May.

American Eagle Outfitters:10-15% off at manager's discretion on in-store purchases.

Banana Republic: 10% off on the first of every month when you show military ID, though it may vary by location.

Bonobos:20% military discount to active-duty men and women and veterans.

Carhartt:10% military discount for service members, veterans, and families with ID card in stores only.

Champs Sports:20% discount in-stores or online. If shopping online, simply select "Use Military Discount" at checkout to verify your eligibility. 

Cole Haan: 20% off for veterans and active duty members.

Columbia Sportswear: 15% discount for active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and dependents in stores.

Dagne Dover: 20% off your handbag purchases. To get the discount, just fill out this form with your official military email address and the company will send you a 20% off discount code.

Eddie Bauer: 10-15% off most merchandise when you show your military ID.

Foot Locker: 20% off most purchases. During checkout, click on "Use Military Discount" link and follow instructions. 

Gap:10% off on the first of every month when you show military ID, though it may vary by location.

GlassesUSA: 30% off for active duty, veterans, and family members who use their online ID verification program. 

Hanes Outlet Store:10% off with military ID. 

Kohl's:15% off every Monday for active and former military personnel, veterans, and their families.

L.L.Bean:10% discount to anyone with a valid military ID at most stores. 

Moosejaw: 20% off for military members.

Nike:10% discount for active, retired, reservist US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard personnel online and in stores in the US. Verify your eligibility here

Old Navy:10% off on the first of every month when you show military ID, though it may vary by location. 

Payless Shoes:10% discount on in-store purchases and free shipping to military locations.

Roxy:15% discount on apparel and surfing supplies.

Timberland: 20% discount on online and in-store orders. For online orders, you can contact customer service for verification.

Tommy Hilfiger:15% off for students, teachers, and military members. 

Tommy John: 20% off for military and first responders. Verify eligibility here

TOMS Shoes: 10% discount. Verify your eligibility here.

Under Armour:10% off online and in-store for Active Duty, Retirees, Military Spouses, Military Family Members, as well as a 10% discount for First Responders, active Police, Fire, and EMT customers. Verify yourself here to get the discount online.

Zappos:10% off all purchases made on the site.



Phone and internet

AT&T:15% discount on monthly plan charge. Check eligibility here.

Sprint:50% off military family lines.

T-Mobile: 50% off family lines for military personnel. 20% off the standard $70-a-month plan ($55) with AutoPay.

Verizon Wireless: 15% discount on monthly plans and a 25% discount on accessories.  All government employees including active duty, reserves, and national guard are eligible.  This discount is also extended to retired military, veterans and their families through Veterans Advantage.



Tech

Apple Store: Discounts vary, but you can sign up here

Best Buy: discounts are available at some locations, typically 10% off. Best Buy offers half off Geek Squad services for military families.

Dell: 10% off with an email sent to a US sales agent.

Microsoft:10% off on select products for active, former, and retired military personnel and their families.



Home and hardware

Brooklyn Bedding: 25% off the retail price of any sleep products plus free shipping, including mattresses.

Casper: 10% discount off any order with a mattress for active duty, retirees, veterans, military spouses, and military family members. 

Eight Sleep: Get 10% off any product, including custom smart mattresses if you're a firefighter, EMT, or part of the military or police. 

Home Depot:Tax exemption, year-round at all stores to active duty military personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families.

Leesa Mattresses: 12.5% off for military, first responders, students, and teachers.

Lowes: 10% off eligible purchases. Register here to enroll.

Overstock: Get a free Club O membership and receive 5% reward dollars for every purchase, free shipping, and extra reward dollars.

Sherwin Williams: Get 15% off on paints, stains, and painting supplies to those currently serving, are reservists, or have served in the military. a discount on your painting needs depending on the location of the store.



Home, insurance, and hardware

American Express: Get annual fees waived on any charge or credit card, including the Platinum Card, which offers a number of perks, benefits, and freebies.

AutoZone: Discount varies, so just ask and have a valid military ID on hand. 

Avis:Up to 25% off for U.S military veterans, active duty military, National Guard & Reservists and family.

Geico:2% - 15% discount in all states except Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas.

Liberty Mutual Insurance: 10% discount on auto insurance and 5% off of homeowner's insurance for Veterans Advantage members, with an additional 4% off your coverage if you're a veteran or current member of the US military. 



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