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.

• "Outlander" has survived four seasons and 55 episodes, and season 5 is already hotly anticipated. 
• If you haven't been following the drama between Claire, Jamie, and Frank, here's your chance to catch up on all the action you've missed.
• Read on to find out how to stream "Outlander" on Starz.

There have been four seasons and 55 episodes of "Outlander," but fans of the show can't get enough.

The hit series, based on the best-selling series from author Diana Gabaldon, has won accolades from viewers and critics alike, and follows British nurse Claire Randall as she moves between eras and between loves.

Shooting for season 5 of "Outlander" began in April, which means that, unfortunately, we probably have a while yet before we pick up where the drama left off.

But the good news is that this gives you plenty of time to catch up on the first four seasons, or if you're a superfan, rewatch all 55 of those episodes.

Here's how to watch "Outlander" on Starz:

1. Visit the Starz website. In the United States, "Outlander" lives on Starz, which means that this will be the easiest way to get your fix. You'll actually be able to watch your first full episode of the show free, but once you get hooked, you'll have to start paying $8.99 a month.
2. Alternatively, pay Amazon or Hulu a little bit more to get Starz. We should note that you could also stream Starz through either Amazon or Hulu, but you'll have to purchase the Starz add-on, which means paying an additional $8.99 a month on top of your existing Amazon or Hulu subscription fees. As such, going through Starz is a much more economical route. If you're looking for one-off episodes, you could buy them one at a time for $2.99 each through Amazon or $3.49 each through iTunes.
3. Start a free trial. Like other subscription services, Starz will give you a 7-day free trial before charging your credit card. So theoretically, if you can binge all 55 episodes in just a week, you won't have to pay a cent to watch "Outlander." If you're looking to consume the show in a slightly less frantic way, however, starting a trial and then paying the $8.99 a month (or $74.99 a year) is probably the better way to go. Currently, Starz is offering a discounted monthly rate of $5.99 for three months after you sign up for the free 7-day trial.
4. Create a Starz account. In order to start your trial, you'll need to provide an email address, select your plan (that's $8.99 a month or $74.99 if you pay for a full year upfront), and enter payment information.
5. Get to watching! All four seasons of Outlander are currently available on Starz, so you'll have plenty of episodes to keep you busy.

Sign up for Starz to watch seasons 1-4 of "Outlander" 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.

• Getting a box of cereal or a jar of peanut butter is as easy as going to Amazon.
• Thanks to Prime Pantry, you can now get kitchen staples and household items delivered to your doorstep in one to four days.
• Read on to learn more about Prime Pantry and how to use it to save money and time grocery shopping.

Why go to the grocery store when you could just go to your computer? Proving, once again, that it really can be your one stop shop for every need you may have is Amazon's Prime Pantry.

It may just be the easiest way to get your kitchen and grocery necessities — particularly those of the boxed variety like cereals, peanut butter, bread, and other packaged goods. As Amazon notes, the service is perfect for getting "snacks, breakfast foods, beverages, beauty and personal care items, and household products."

While there are plenty of other grocery delivery services these days, few have the geographic reach or selection that Amazon can provide, and of course, few are quite as affordable.

If you're considering treating yourself to Prime Pantry in advance (or in honor) of Amazon Prime Day, here's what you'll need to know about using the service.

1. Sign up for an Amazon Prime membership.

In order to use Prime Pantry, you'll have to be a Prime member. Signing up is easy — just click this link. You'll get 30 days for free, and if you're hooked by the two-day free shipping, access to Prime Video, and of course, access to Prime Pantry, you'll have to pay $119 per year to continue this membership (or $12.99 per month).

2. Select the Prime Pantry add-on.

Just head over to the Prime Pantry homepage, where you'll be prompted to try out the service for free for 30 days. After that, you'll be billed $4.99 a month for continued access.

3. Set your delivery zip code.

While Prime Pantry is widely available across the United States, actual items available for purchase vary by location. Be sure to set your delivery location to ensure that the items you want are in stock near you.

4. Start shopping.

After activating your membership, you can start your grocery shopping spree. You'll be able to identify eligible Pantry items, as they're all marked with the Prime Pantry logo beneath their prices. Prime Pantry members are also eligible for special deals, coupons, and promotions not available to other Prime members.

5. Proceed to Checkout.

When you're ready to go, just click "Proceed to Checkout." You'll receive free shipping on any orders over $10 (which is quite easy to reach). If you don't hit this threshold, you'll have to pay a flat $5.99 shipping fee.

6. Save your Prime Pantry box.

If you're interrupted mid-shop, never fear! You can easily save the contents of your order by clicking "Save all Prime Pantry items for later." You'll be able to return to your box whenever you're ready to proceed. 

We should note that there is a 45-pound limit to your Prime Pantry box. After all, the service is meant for smaller, more convenient orders. Moreover, given the size and weight of these boxes, Amazon utilizes ground shipping, which means that they could take anywhere from one to four days to arrive. And alas, Prime Pantry does not deliver to dorms.

Click here to sign up for a free 30-day trial of Prime Pantry.

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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.

• Bonobos recently released The Daily Grind Suit, its first ready-to-wear suit.
• The Daily Grind Suit comes in five colors, four fits, and a wide range of sizes to accommodate men of most sizes. With multiple inseam options, you won't need to visit a tailor before wearing it.
• At $400, the Bonobos Daily Grind Suit is the brand's least expensive suit. While the price is comparable to some custom suit companies, the various sizes and fits will eliminate the need for made-to-measure garments for most men. And, since it doesn't need to be made specifically for you, you'll receive your order much faster.
• First-time customers can save 20% on their order by using the Business Insider-exclusive promo code "BONOBOSBI20" at checkout.

I've always been a huge proponent of made-to-measure menswear because the customization process usually yields a better fitting garment. When the finest of details matter the most, I wouldn't hesitate to choose the custom route, but in some instances, having something made specifically for you can be more of an inconvenience than a luxury.

Let's be honest. No one likes waiting weeks on end for a tailor to complete a job or for their online order to finally ship out. While it's easy to get away with off-the-rack dress shirts and such, suits are the one menswear item that almost always need some sort of alteration. 

Bonobos is now offering its solution: the Daily Grind Suit.

Suits have long been a part of Bonobos' catalog, but the Daily Grind Suit comes as the brand's first ready-to-wear suit. The suits come in four different fits (tailored, slim, athletic, and standard) and the pants come with inseam length options, so you won't need to make any alterations before wearing it. While making different fits and inseam lengths isn't some monumental feat in menswear, it sure is a convenience — and, quite frankly, more people should know that the feature exists. 

What it's like to wear

I went with the light grey suit in the tailored fit, the narrowest fit available. When ordering the suit, I was impressed that my size was actually available — I'm a hard 29-inch waist and lots of suits start out at 30 inches. The pant sizes range from 28 to 40, so men of almost all sizes are included. I was also happy to see that they had my inseam length of 28 inches. While I usually go with a longer inseam for jeans (in order to cuff them) I like a straight, uncuffed pant leg for slacks.

Since all the sizes are in stock and readily available as opposed to being made-to-order, I got my suit two days after placing the order. Although I wasn't in a huge rush to wear the suit, this is a great point to consider if you're on a tight deadline and need a nicely-fitted suit in a hurry.

I put on the Daily Grind Suit and it fit me absolutely perfectly. I've tried other ready-to-wear suits in the past, but still had to make alterations because only one fit was available or because I had to settle for a larger waist or inseam. 

Throughout the day, I got several compliments while wearing the Bonobos Daily Grind Suit and everyone I told was surprised to learn that it hadn't been altered in any way.

Bottom line

At $400, the Daily Grind Suit is Bonobos' least expensive suit. Although it's about the same price as a custom suit you could get at Indochino, I'm willing to bet that the various fit and size options will do away with the need for a made-to-measure garment for most guys.

I'm confident that other men will like the Daily Grind Suit just as much as I did, so Business Insider and Bonobos teamed up to create an exclusive offer. New customers can save 20% on their order by using the promo code "BONOBOSBI20" at checkout. You'll need to click through our link to use the promo code. 

Bonobos Daily Grind Suit, $400, available in five colors and four fits

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• Americans think it takes an average of $2.3 million to be wealthy, according to Charles Schwab's 2019 Modern Wealth Survey.
• However, San Francisco residents think it takes nearly twice that amount to be wealthy.
• The cost of living in San Francisco is so high that even a majority of tech employees, who typically make six figures, can't afford homes and are delaying having kids.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There's no defining wealth.

Americans believe it takes an average of $2.3 million to be wealthy, according to Charles Schwab's 2019 Modern Wealth Survey, but that number fluctuates depending on several factors, like age and city. The survey sampled 1,000 American respondents aged 21 to 75, with 500 to 700 respondents each across 12 locations.

In San Francisco, that definition of wealth nearly doubles — residents in the Bay Area believe it takes an average of $4 million to be wealthy,  Suzanne Woolley of Bloomberg reported, citing the survey. That number varies even further when broken down by generation — baby boomers living in the area think it takes $5.1 million to be wealthy, reported Woolley, while millennials think it takes $3.6 million.

Read more:Millennials think they know how much money it takes to be considered wealthy, and it's well over $1 million

These findings aren't surprising: the median-priced home in San Francisco was selling for $1.6 million, Melia Robinson reported in 2018. Only 12% of San Francisco households can afford homes in the area, according to Robinson. Even the majority of tech workers — 60%— can't afford homes there, and that's on a six-figure salary; the average tech worker in the Bay Area earns $142,000 a year, according to a report by tech talent marketplace Hired.

This extreme housing market has left some people sleeping in cars or living in boats and vans. One tech worker even lived in his startup's office for a year because he couldn't afford rent. It's so dire that nearly half of San Francisco residents said in a 2018 Bay Area Council advocacy group survey that they plan to soon move away, Business Insider reported.

And the housing market could get even more expensive soon, thanks to a potential rise in its millionaire population if several tech startups go public as expected this year, Nellie Bowles of The New York Times reported.

The high cost of living in the Bay Area is even causing 58% of tech workers to delay having kids, according to a survey by the tech worker app Blind. 

But San Francisco isn't the only city where residents think it takes a significant number to be wealthy. New York City residents think it takes $3.2 million, and Washington DC residents think it takes $3 million. 

SEE ALSO: NYC is getting so expensive that even Wall Street bankers are bolting — and it's not the only major city the wealthy are abandoning

DON'T MISS: Rent in cities like NYC and San Francisco is so expensive that it's pricing people out of the real-estate market, and some of them are turning to houseboats instead

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

• President Donald Trump's financial disclosure forms shed light on his entire family's financial holdings.
• Both of Trump's 2018 and 2019 forms included disclosures for an apartment in Trump Tower owned by first lady Melania Trump.
• The first lady apparently purchased it in January 2016, but the one-bed, 1.5-bathroom apartment has largely remained a mystery since.
• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

The Office of Government Ethics has released President Donald Trump's 2019 financial disclosure form.

These forms reveal much about Trump's finances — including the reimbursement of the hush money his lawyer Michael Cohen paid the adult-film actress Stormy Daniels — but the form also provides insight into first lady Melania Trump's income.

Two of her disclosures were related to a one-bed, 1.5-bath apartment in Trump Tower in Manhattan that Melania bought from the building's condo board for almost $1.5 million in January 2016, according to The Real Deal and City Realty.

Here is everything we know about the mysterious apartment the first lady owns in Trump Tower.

SEE ALSO: A look inside the daily routine of first lady Melania Trump, who eats 7 pieces of fruit a day, is a 'full-time mom', and is finally stepping into the spotlight as first lady

DON'T MISS: We learned how much money Melania Trump made in 2017 from her husband's financial disclosure form

Located on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, Trump Tower's 68 floors contain 263 apartments.

Source: Trump International Realty

The 26th floor housed the president's office for the Trump Organization. He reportedly had a private elevator that could whisk him from his office to his penthouse.

Source: Town & Country

The bottom floors feature space for offices, dining, and retail, while condominiums fill floors 30 to 68.

Source: Trump International Realty

Notable celebrities who have lived in the building include Bruce Willis, Michael Jackson, Johnny Carson, and Paul Anka.

Source: Town & Country

The sixth floor of Trump Tower has been the home of the Trump campaign and where NBC's "The Apprentice" was filmed.

Source: Town & Country

The Trump family's penthouse takes up the top three floors. It's one of several units the president has owned in his namesake high-rise building over the years.

Source: Town & Country

Melania Trump owns apartment H on the 33rd floor. There aren't any photos of that unit available online, but these photos from StreetEasy show apartment 32H, which looks to have the same layout.

Sources: StreetEasy, Office of Government Ethics

We reviewed several H floor plans on different floors of Trump Tower, and they all seem to follow this setup.

Source: StreetEasy

Her apartment is 1,052 square feet and located on the southeast corner of the building, overlooking Fifth Avenue and East 56th Street.

Sources: Douglas Elliman Real Estate, The Real Deal

It has one bedroom, also with sweeping views. Trump's disclosure form lists "721 33H LLC," the apartment's address and a pass-through company for the property, saying the real estate is valued between $1,000,001 and $5 million.

Source: The Real Deal

It also has a sizable walk-in closet, though the one in the penthouse upstairs looks much larger.

Sources: The Real Deal, Getty

In January 2016, Melania bought the unit for $1.49 million, apparently from the building's condo board. It appears to be the only one the board has ever bought, The Real Deal reported, citing property records.

Sources: The New York Post, The Real Deal

This type of unit (a studio or one-bedroom in a luxury skyscraper) is usually used for staff members of residents who have much larger apartments in the building, or for a live-in superintendent. The condo board first bought unit 33H for $650,000 in 1997.

Source: The Real Deal

While it's unclear why the first lady bought this apartment, some speculate it was for use as a library.

Source: The Real Deal

Or maybe it's just a private space for her to get away from it all and relax. Since she has never mentioned the apartment, it's a mystery.

• Google Duo is a simple video chat app published by Google.
• There are versions available for both iPhone and Android, so you can chat regardless of what kind of phone the other party has.
• Duo's "Knock Knock" feature lets you see live video of the caller before you accept the call.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Google Duo is a simple video chat app that works on both iPhone and Android devices. Introduced by Google in 2016, it is one of several chat and video apps offered by the search company.

Duo is unique from other past and present Google video and chat apps (like Hangouts and the now-shuttered Allo) in that it is designed to be a fast and easy one-to-one video chat app like Apple's FaceTime. But because it's cross-platform, Android and iPhone users can video chat with one another.

What you can do with Google Duo

Users don't need to log into their Google account or create any new usernames or passwords to use the Google Duo app. Duo is based on phone numbers, so you can call people from your phone's contact list. If you want to call someone who isn't a Duo user, Duo knows that and offers to send a text message inviting them to install the app.

The app has a number of other convenient features as well. It automatically switches between your cellular network and Wi-Fi, for example, and takes advantage of Wi-Fi to work in 720p high definition, when possible. And if the person you are calling doesn't answer, you can leave a video message for them. You can also record short pre-recorded messages to send to select contacts, and you can choose to make audio-only calls as well.

Perhaps the most notable feature that Duo offers, though, is called "Knock Knock." Knock Knock lets the recipient of a call see a live preview of the caller before needing to accept the call — so you can see who is calling you, what they look like, and even where they are before you choose to answer. Google also provides the ability to turn off Knock Knock if you prefer not to use it.

Recently, Google has updated Duo to support group calls with up to four people. This hasn't been released worldwide, but in the US, the app now features group calling.  

For most users, you need to install Google Duo to begin using it. You can install Google Duo for the iPhone or Google Duo for Android. Some Android models, though, such as Pixel, Nexus, and Android One phones, now come with Duo preinstalled like FaceTime on iPhones.

How to use Google Duo

Google Duo is a very simple app to use. After installing the app, follow the setup instructions by entering your phone number and then entering the confirmation code that is texted to you. Then you can make a call.

1. Start the Google Duo app.

2. By default, you make a video call. If you prefer to make a voice-only call, tap the phone icon.

3. Tap "Search contacts or dial number."

4. Tap the name of the person in your contacts whom you want to call. If the person isn't in your contacts, enter their phone number instead.

5. If your contact already uses Duo, the number will dial. If not, Duo will offer to send a text message inviting them to install Duo.

You can also make a group call. To do that, tap "Create Group" and tap up to three people and tap "Done." Then tap "Start" to make the call.

SEE ALSO: How to turn off or limit Google Assistant on your Android device, if you don't want it listening to you all of the time

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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.

• Billie, a shaving subscription service, has created a razor designed specifically for women. It handles the curves and angles of legs and ankles, softens the skin, and prevents clogged razorheads.
• The subscription service eliminates the "pink tax," the term used to describe the price increases typically applied to women's products, and offers a monthly supply of razors for just $9 with free shipping.
• Billie is the first women's grooming brand to depict body hair in their ads and images. Their goal is to normalize women's body hair and empower their customers to decide for themselves whether they want to shave it, or let it grow.

As an Italian-American woman with the thick, dark hair to prove it, shaving has always been a pain point for me. Actually, it's been more than just a pain point — it's been a source of shame for almost as long as I can remember.

I was in fourth or fifth grade when I developed the frantic desire to shave my legs. The knobby knees and hairy shins peeking out from beneath the hemline of my uniform skirt and above my standard-issue high socks were not like the other girls': They looked more like boys legs, and I had the distinct feeling that if I didn't do something about this fast, I'd be bullied. "Once you start, you can never stop," my mother warned, trying to convince me to put off the inevitable act of daily hair removal for a little longer. But I was stubborn (and tearful) and she relented.

Shaving was not like it seemed in commercials. On TV, women lathered up their already-hairless legs with luxuriously thick shaving cream and languidly ran a razor from ankle to thigh in one sexy stroke. Then, they put on mini skirts and heels and danced with their also-hairless lady friends, as men stared on in awe.

In reality, shaving my legs was anything but glamorous.

The razorhead got clogged before I made it up to my knee, and the blades left little bleeding nicks along the way. It took forever to remove every hair on both legs; and it didn't stop at my legs, either. I shamefully shaved my toes, too. I thought I must be the only girl in the world with hairy feet (after all, none of the razor blade commercials showed a sexy foot shave in progress).

And damn, shaving was expensive. In college, I routinely shaved my legs with dull, past-their-prime blades because I couldn't afford to drop $25 on a new pack.

At one point, I joined the Dollar Shave Club— a razor subscription service for men that eventually began marketing their affordable blades to women, too — because they offered a fresh pack of razor cartridges for just $9 a month. But the metal razor handle that came with the blades was clearly not meant for ladies. The company describes it as "weighty" and "substantial," which might be nice for a guy's face… but as a woman shaving with upward strokes in a slippery shower, the heavy handle worked against me.

Needless to say, from fifth grade to my late twenties, shaving was the bane of my existence. Until I found Billie, a razor subscription service aimed directly at the female market.

"While we saw that there were a number of startups in the grooming space bringing better pricing to men's shaving products, we didn't see that same innovation for women," Georgina Gooley, the co-founder of Billie, tells Business Insider. "We knew that we wanted to create a razor that was designed specifically for the way women shave and priced in line with affordable men's razors."

Gooley notes that women typically shave over 10 times the surface area than men do, and navigate more curves and angles. "Which is why we designed the Billie razor to deliver the smoothest, most comfortable shave available for women," she says.

Speaking from personal experience, I can attest that Gooley's not exaggerating.

My Billie razor— rendered in a pale pink shade that perfectly matches my bathroom decor, one of many colors to choose from — is incredibly lightweight and easy to grip. The razor head is flexible enough to handle the curves of my ankles, knees, and toes without a problem. "Our American-made blades are super sharp and are encased in 360° of aloe shave soap, so it feels like it's floating right over your skin," Gooley adds. "We also have more space between each blade to allow shave cream and hair to pass through easily, so you never have a clogged razor."

When you subscribe through Billie's site, you first have to answer a few questions about your shaving habits, including how often you use your razor (every day? once a week? once a month?).

"Blade refills arrive every one, two, or three months, depending on how often you shave, so you never run out," Gooley says. To me, this feature is particularly useful. When I subscribed to Dollar Shave Club, I ended up with more razors than I could possibly use, and they wastefully piled up in my bathroom cabinet until I pawned them off on my husband.

But perhaps the best thing about Billie is that the brand is the first to offer a realistic view of women's body hair— and, in contrast to most other women's grooming brands on the market, empowers women to make their own decisions about when, and even if, to shave.

"We built Billie to be a brand for all womankind, not just women who shave," Gooley tells Business Insider, with a nod to the other personal care products Billie sells (like shower caps, hair combs, and body wash). "We think of our customers as our friends. We would never dictate what they should do, especially when it comes to personal grooming habits."

To this point, Billie has launched Project Body Hair, a "celebration of female body hair" that aims to fill the internet with pictures of real women shaving (or not) in order to normalize the idea that body hair is, well, normal. "Many female razor brands have historically ignored female body hair by always showing glossy, hairless legs in their ads," Gooley explains. "It felt like an archaic way of communicating with women and we're proud to celebrate body hair and reinforce that shaving is a choice, not an expectation."

Talking in the photos and videos of unshaven armpits and legs on Billie's site (not to mention, out in the world in the form of advertising) feels like letting out a heavy sigh of relief. They've even inspired me to shave a little less often — and to actually enjoy the experience when I do. And I'm not alone here.

"The Project Body Hair film has 20 million views across social media, the campaign has been covered in 22 countries, and has hundreds of thousands of positive comments," Gooley says. "I think women are appreciative of brands who are celebrating diversity and breaking the mold of what is considered 'normal' in mainstream media."

Recently, the brand took their mission a step further when they plastered one of the most frequented subway stops in New York City with an ad depicting none other than "the underrated toe shave," in Gooley's words. Yes, the toe shave. As a nearly 30-year-old woman, this thrills and excites me; and I can't even begin to imagine the positive impact images like this —the first of their kind — will have on young women.

Would I have felt differently about my body if a brand like Billie had been around when I started shaving? The answer, undoubtedly, is yes.

But since I can't go back in time and undo years of unrealistic media influence — not to mention less-than-enjoyable shaving — the least I can do is take control of my experience today.

To me, shaving with Billie is so more than just a (dreamy) physical experience; when I pull out my razor, I feel good about supporting a brand that supports me and my fellow women, in all our hairy-toed glory.

Billie subscription, starting at $9 for three months, from Billie

SEE ALSO: I started using a $30 facial steamer to clear my pores and my whiteheads are completely gone

Join the conversation about this story »

• You can change your Mac desktop background to one of Apple's preloaded options from the "System Preferences" menu.
• You can also set one of your own images, or a folder of images, to use as your desktop background.
• You're also able to quickly set an image as your desktop background by right clicking it and choosing the option.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Not in love with Apple's customary mountain range, or night sky wallpapers? No problem! It's quick and easy to give your Mac a customized look by changing the desktop background image to something you prefer.

You can select from a variety of other options already loaded by Apple, or use one of your own photographs. Whatever you choose, you can freshen up your look now by following the simple steps below.

How to change your background picture from Systems Preferences

You can set your desktop image to one of a variety of options that Apple has already preloaded onto your Mac:

1. Open the Apple menu and select "System Preferences." It may also be pinned to your dock (it's a grey gear).

2. Click on "Desktop & Screen Saver."

3. On the left side of the Desktop panel select the Apple drop down and click on "Desktop Pictures."

4. You can now choose the picture you want to use as your background image. You can also have the image change at regular intervals by ticking the "Change picture" option at the bottom of your page, then set the time interval from the drop down box. The background will go through all the photos in the "Desktop Pictures" folder.

If you want the order to be shuffled, then tick the "Random order" option box at the bottom of the page. Depending on your Mac OS version, you may be able to choose a "Dynamic Desktop" image. The "Dynamic Desktop" options will automatically change your desktop image based on the time of day.

You can also choose to use your own photos for the desktop background:

1. To use photos in your Photos app or Pictures folder, you can use the drop down option on the left side of the panel or you can add another folder by clicking the + in the bottom left corner.

2. Now, choose the location of the folder that contains the photo, or photos you want to use.

3. You can now select the photo you want to use from the options displayed, or select the "Change picture" option to have the background image cycle through all of the images in your selected folder. The time between changes can be set from the drop down menu and you can have the order shuffled by ticking the "Random order" box.

If you use multiple displays, you can also set a different image for each screen.

How to change your background from the Photos app

You can also set the background from the Photos app, without having to go through "System Preferences":

1. Open the Photos app. If you're using multiple displays, make sure that the Photos window is on the display that has the desktop you want to change.

2. Find the image you want to use and right click (or Ctrl+Click) on it.

3. Select "Share" and then "Set Desktop Picture."

How to change your background from Finder

Instead of using the Photos app, you can find the image through Finder.

1. Open Finder and locate the image you want to use.

2. Right click (or Ctrl+Click) on the image and select "Set Desktop Picture."

Note: You can also use this method on a photograph you find on the internet, as long as you save it onto your Mac first.

How to change your background by dragging and dropping an image onto your desktop

There is a fast shortcut to set any image as your desktop background.

1. Drag and drop the image onto the desktop you want to change.

2. Right click (or Ctrl+Click) on the image and select "Set Desktop Picture."

This is a great way to use an image that you've received through email or iMessage, or a screenshot (which will automatically save to your desktop) you've taken.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to zoom in and out on any Mac computer, using a keyboard or trackpad

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

• How to create folders on a Mac computer and organize your files

• How to change your Mac computer's password, or reset it if you've forgotten it

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

Join the conversation about this story »

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

• Roku's streaming device lineup is growing, but if you want to reach everyone, you have to release inexpensive devices — like the Roku Express.
• The Roku Express may be cheap, but it has a lot going for it, like an easy-to-use interface and access to a ton of apps.
• The Roku Express does, however, have some downsides — like a limit of 1080p resolution and no voice control.
• For more buying advice, check out our guide to the best streaming sticks and boxes.

The Roku lineup of streaming devices has grown a ton over the past few years. It makes sense — Roku wants to release a device for everyone. That, however, requires releasing devices that are ultra-affordable, and the most affordable streamer in the Roku lineup is the Roku Express.

On paper, the Roku Express looks like a decent device — but it's not perfect. For example, it offers the full Roku platform in a package that's less than $30, but it doesn't come with some features you would find on Roku's more expensive devices, like 4K and HDR support.

But just how much does Roku sacrifice in order to hit that affordability mark? Are you better off saving your money and buying something else? We've been using the Roku Express for the past few weeks to find out.

Design and specs

If you've used any other Roku device before, you'll be immediately familiar with the setup of the Roku Express. The device is actually comprised of two main parts: the remote and a small box that plugs into your TV. That box is actually closer to the size of a streaming stick than a streaming box, so it looks more subtle on a TV stand or entertainment center.

On the back of the streaming device, you'll find an HDMI port so you can connect it to your TV and a MicroUSB port for powering the device. We hope Roku moves to USB-C ports in the near future for charging, as it's 2019, and MicroUSB is outdated. When you place the streaming device near your TV, you'll want to put it somewhere visible — that's because the remote communicates with it through infrared and it requires a line of sight.

If you've used a Roku device before, you'll also be familiar with the remote. The remotes are pretty much the same across all Roku devices with a few small differences. The remote that comes with the Express does not offer voice input so you can't control the device with your voice, but it does have quick controls for Netflix, Sling, Hulu, and The CW, plus, it's very easy to use.  

Specs and dimensions 

• 1.4 x 3.3 x 0.7 inches
• Supports up to 1080p resolution
• IR remote
• HDMI 1.4
  

Set-up process

Setting up the Roku Express is exactly the same as setting up any other Roku device — simple. You'll start by plugging the Roku streaming device into your TV and a power outlet, after which the Roku logo should display on your TV.

After that, you'll simply follow the on-screen instructions to set the device up. This will involve heading to the Roku website, entering a code, then either signing in to your Roku account or creating a new one.

Part of the setup process also involves choosing which apps or "channels" you want installed on your device. Most people will want to uncheck most of the apps on the list — unless you happen to be a streaming service addict with dozens of streaming subscriptions. You can always add more later.

Special features

There are a number of things that make the Roku Express a great device, the first being that it offers an easy way to turn your TV into a smart TV at a great price. That's really the main reason to buy the Roku Express. If you like the idea of video streaming, but your current TV is too old to offer native apps and you don't want a new TV just yet, grab an Express.

In other words, the Express is really for the first-time streamer or the casual TV watcher who doesn't care much about high-resolution video.

Apart from that, the Roku interface is generally very easy to use. You can easily navigate to the apps that you want to use, and while voice control would make it even easier to use, most will find the interface pretty intuitive.

Downsides

The Roku Express is a great streaming device, but Roku does have to cut some corners to make a device this cheap. For starters, there's no 4K or HDR support here, so if you have a relatively new TV with 4K support, you'll want to look into the Roku Streaming Stick+, or our favorite streaming device, the Apple TV 4K.

The lack of voice control is also a little frustrating. There are other Roku devices with support for voice control, and it would have been a welcome addition here. 

Last but not least, while the Roku Express is very easy to use. The Roku interface is starting to feel a little dated. Roku may well update the interface in the near future, but it's still something to keep in mind.

The bottom line

The Roku Express offers a ton of value for the money. The device is inexpensive and easy to use, making it great for those getting started in streaming or those with an older TV.

• Should you buy it? Yes — if you have an older 1080p TV that you want to turn into a smart TV for about $30, the Roku Express is hard to beat.
• What are your alternatives? If you have a 4K TV and you don't mind spending a bit more money, you can grab the Roku Streaming Stick + for $49. If you want 4K, HDR, more features, and faster streaming, the $80 Roku Ultra is worth looking into. 

As Roku's budget option, the Express is a great buy for anyone who is on a budget.

Pros: Easy to use, great value for money, 1080p streaming, lots of apps

Cons: No 4K or HDR, no voice control, Roku interface could use a refresh

Buy the Roku Express on Amazon for $29.88

Join the conversation about this story »

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

• We tried Spanx's Faux Leather Leggings ($98 to $102) after testing out many other fan-favorites like Spanx bras, tights, denim, and various athleisure and athletic leggings.
• Made with the same level of support as its signature shapewear but with a little extra stretch, these leggings are designed to not only make you look great but feel great, too. 
• We were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and breathable they were compared to real leather and other faux kinds, and how their built-in shapewear helped smooth and show off our natural curves. Plus, no center seam means no front wedgie.  

Spanx is known for making seamless shapewear that helps women to look, and most importantly feel, how they want to in their clothes. But the company's mission of providing smooth, clean, and confident lines to every outfit extends beyond the basic shorts and bodysuits you already know of.

From 1998, when founder Sara Blakely cut the feet off of her panty hose to create an undergarment that helped her feel confident in cream-colored pants to 2014 when Spanx launched its sculpting denim line, Spanx's products have remained tried and true.

The Insider Picks team has tested and liked several fan-favorite lines including its bras, tights, denim, and leggings, so we felt it was about time to try its popular Faux Leather Leggings ($98). 

What they're made of

The Faux Leather Leggings aren't actually made from artificial leather. The body of the leggings are made from 87% Nylon and 13% Spandex/Elastane, while the waist band is made from 80% polyester and 20% Spandex/Elastane. They're crafted to appear crackled with a sheen resembling leather itself and come in four different colors (black, olive, navy, and wine).

Like all Spanx products, the Faux Leather Leggings come with next-level support that feels like a firm hug, plus its famous Built In™ contoured, slimming waistband. I actually was a little hesitant when I first got my leggings because the waistband seemed too small for me, but boy does that 20% spandex go a long way. It was like I had tiny fairy godmothers tailoring them specifically to my body. The waistband is designed to meet your natural waist line and there are is no center seam, so you can say goodbye muffin tops and camel-toes. 

What's also great about the Faux Leather Leggings are the wide variety of sizing options. Like all Spanx bottoms, sizes run from XS to 3X. In addition, these leggings also come in both regular and petite sizes for those who find that their vertical stature falls below 5-foot-4.

Here's what we thought about the leggings

I've tried both the basic and the moto version of Spanx's leather leggings, and I think the plain ones win out for me. The moto pair left imprints of all the seams on my legs, which probably could have been lessened with a larger size, but they generally just weren't the most comfy of the two. I really like the plain ones though — they're not too restrictive, but they compress me just enough to feel sleek and supported. I prefer to wear them in the cold weather since they're not quite as breathable as regular leggings, but if your office is cold and you have a relatively casual dress code, you can definitely get away with layering them under a tunic of lightweight sweater at work since they look more like real pants. They definitely don't look like real leather, but they give you the same edgy vibe when styled right. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor 

While I've always liked the physical look and style of leather leggings, they never seemed particularly comfortable or practical. You say leather and I imagine thick and restrictive. Spanx's faux leather leggings were thus a pleasant surprise: stylish, stretchy, and comfortable. They're cool and slick, but most importantly, you can actually move around in them. The high rise top offered some support but didn't squeeze me too much, and I liked that it was smooth throughout — no annoying center seam. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks commerce reporter 

I have to admit, my daytime look is pretty effortless (as in I don't put a lot of effort in), but I like to err on the side of edgy when putting together a nighttime look. Mind you I'm not very edgy at all, but I truly felt that if anything was going to help me achieve the look, it'd be these leggings. The Faux Leather Leggings hugged every curve on my body and not in an unflattering way. They accentuated everything that I like about my hips and helped smooth out all the parts that I don't like as much. The waist band was my favorite part because it landed perfectly in the hourglass of my waistline and gently hugged me. — Francesca Rea, Insider Picks content producer 

Bottom Line

Like all other Spanx products we've tried, the Faux Leather Leggings did not disappoint. They're a fashionable alternative to classic leather pants, but fit and feel exactly like leggings — plus they have some real sculpting power. For $98 to $102, these leggings will make you comfortable and maybe even a little extra confident — two feelings you can't put a price on.

Buy the Faux Leather Leggings from Spanx for $98 to $102

Join the conversation about this story »

• Taipei, Taiwan's capital city, is ranked the ninth global city by number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, according to the 2019 Knight Wealth Report.
• About 1,519 residents of Taipei have at least $30 million in assets, according to the report.
• But Taipei's rich are not showy, according to Bloomberg, which calls the Taiwanese capital "Asia's stealthy rich city."
• Millionaires don't flaunt their luxury goods, but they do enjoy buying multiple homes and dining in the city's 24 Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When you think of wealthy Asian cities, Taipei may not come to mind as quickly as billionaire hotspots like Hong Kong or Singapore.

But the Taiwanese capital is ranked ninth in world cities with the highest number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, according to the 2019 Knight Wealth Report.

The population of ultra-high-net-worth-individuals has grown by 17% in the past five years, according to the report.

The Taiwanese tend to hide their wealth rather than flaunt it, according to Bloomberg, which calls Taipei "Asia's stealthy rich city."

"Despite the remarkable wealth that the ultra-high-net-worth individuals have amassed, most of them prefer to conduct a modest and low-profile lifestyle, still embracing the Chinese virtue of humility and Confucianism," Kai Chen of Taiwan Sotheby's International Realty told Business Insider. "Unlike their counterparts in 'Crazy Rich Asians,' whilst enjoying shopping for jewelries and luxury goods discreetly, as well as fine-dining, rich Taiwanese are less conspicuous in their approach to consumption."

Taiwan's super-rich do, however, tend to invest in real estate, with the country's wealthy owning an average of 5.4 homes each.

"Taiwanese families will hoard properties when the opportunity presents itself, and not just within Taipei: property investment is basically an addiction!" Chen said.

Here's what it's like living in Taipei as a millionaire.

SEE ALSO: I got access to the richest zip code in the US, an island off Miami where the average income is $2.2 million, the beaches have sand imported from the Bahamas, and the preferred mode of transportation is golf carts. Here's what it looks like.

SEE ALSO: The world's millionaires are more mobile than ever. Here are the top 12 countries they're moving to

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is one of the cities with the most millionaire residents in the world.

It's ranked eighth in global cities with the highest number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, according to the 2019 Knight Wealth Report.

Taipei sits at the northern tip of Taiwan, a small island about 110 miles off the coast of China.

While China claims Taiwan as one of its own territories, Taiwan considers itself an independent democracy that champions human-rights issues. 

Taiwan's parliament just became the first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

The capital, Taipei, is a city of about 2.7 million people.

About 1,519 residents of Taipei own at least $30 million in assets, according to the report.

"Over the decades, Taiwan's booming exports, tech sector in particular, have enabled its entrepreneurs to accumulate a vast amount of fortune hidden in Taiwan and overseas," Chen told Business Insider. 

The Xinyi district is one of the top neighborhoods in Taipei. Millionaires are buying up luxury properties there.

Xinyi, the city's financial hub, is a neighborhood of skyscrapers, luxury condominiums, and high-end restaurants and shopping.

It's also home to the Taipei 101 office tower, the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan and the ninth-tallest in the world at 1,667 feet.

"The Xinyi District, where the commercial center, symbolized by world-renowned 'Taipei 101,' is located, has been a popular neighborhood for new luxury residential developments," Kai Chen of Taiwan Sotheby's International Realty told Business Insider.

Xinyi is the premier shopping district of all Taiwan.

"[Xinyi] boasts the highest density for department stores in the world, with 14 shopping malls in an area of merely 1.53 million sq. m. (or 16.5 million sq. ft)," Chen said. "The area is expected to continue to attract many nouveaux riches homebuyers."

One of the most luxurious shopping centers in the neighborhood is in the Taipei 101 tower.

The seven-story mall includes luxury boutiques like Burberry, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and Prada, as well as a gourmet food court and a luxury fitness center, World Gym Elite.

Luxury homes in Taipei are still relatively cheap compared to cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York.

"Albeit following a remarkable bull market since 2009, Taipei's luxury properties are still a bargain compared to luxury homes in Hong Kong, Singapore and New York, where luxury homes can sometimes cost more than 1.5 times as much as in Taipei City," Chen said.

The prices of most luxury homes in Taipei range from $1,600 to $2,400 per square foot, as compared to an average of $3,500 per square foot in Singapore and $3,850 in Hong Kong, according to Chen. And in New York City, the average price per square foot for new developments has reached $3,786.

One of the most popular new condominium towers for Taipei's upper crust is One Park Taipei.

One Park Taipei is a two-tower development right next to Daan Forest Park, which Chen calls "Taipei's answer to NYC's Central Park." The tower has already set a record sale price on a per square foot basis in Taiwan, Chen says.

Then there's the Sherwood Fubon, managed by the Marriott Hotel, which sold 31 condos just last year, according to Chen.

But while Xinyi and its upscale condos may be today's hottest real-estate hot spot, Taipei's "old money" tend to prefer living in luxury villas in a quieter neighborhood.

"For affluent old-money families who prefer a more tranquil community and lifestyle, Yangmingshan, 'The Sun-Light-Mountain,' has long been a top choice," Chen told Business Insider. "

Yangmingshan, with nearby Yangmingshan National Park, is only about a 25- to 30-minute drive to Taipei city proper. It's known for its green and picturesque surroundings, according to Chen.

"Yangmingshan and nearby Tianmu community (the 'expat ghetto') are home to many luxury villas occupied by some of Taiwan's wealthiest old-generation of entrepreneurs," Chen said.

But Taipei's richest residents may not bother to choose between the two neighborhoods. In Taiwan, the ultra-wealthy own an average of 5.4 homes each.

According to Chen, "Taiwanese families will hoard properties when the opportunity presents itself, and not just within Taipei: property investment is basically an addiction!"

While the number of millionaires Taipei may be booming, the Taiwanese ultra-rich are not flashy with their wealth.

Many of Taiwan's wealthiest prefer "a modest and low-profile lifestyle," according to Chen, embracing the Chinese virtues of humility as embodied in Confucianism.

"Unlike their counterparts in 'Crazy Rich Asians,' whilst enjoying shopping for jewelries and luxury goods discreetly, as well as fine-dining, rich Taiwanese are less conspicuous in their approach to consumption," Chen said.

Wealthy Taiwanese prefer to do their shopping in private.

Annie Leung, chairman of Bellavita, a luxury mall in Taipei that has a VIP club with private fitting rooms, told Bloomberg that the Hermès store gives shoppers plain brown bags to carry out their goods.

"They don't want to have an obvious orange bag on the street," Leung told Bloomberg. "High-end consumers like to spend their money, but they don't always like to be seen."

But Taipei's rich do enjoy their fine dining.

The city has become one of the top fine-dining destinations in Asia, boasting 24 Michelin-starred restaurants in only the second edition of the Taipei Michelin Guide.

Rather than living extravagant lifestyles, wealthy Taiwanese are obsessed with having a strong work ethic.

Chen describes the mindset of Taipei's upper class as "Work! Work! Work Harder!"

• Investors are gearing up to make bets in the multi-billion-dollar businesses that surround caring for the elderly and people with chronic conditions at home rather than in the hospital. 
• But some, like GV, haven't invested yet, in part because it's not clear if it makes sense for hospitals to build up those skills themselves. 
• Others, like General Catalyst are waiting to see early companies prove out the business model in the over-arching elder-care model before investing.  
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When it comes to getting medical care, more and more can be done outside the four walls of the hospital.

Chronic conditions can increasingly be managed at home, with the help of visits from medical professionals or occasional checkups in a doctor's office. Getting care without much travel is particularly beneficial for the sick and elderly, who may have more difficulty traveling.

It's a big market for venture investors to explore, especially as Americans age. As a whole, the elder-care market is worth an estimated $350 billion according to one VC, and home health, hospice and personal care are all multibillion-dollar businesses. The field is pretty fragmented: There are an estimated 2.5 million home-care workers out there, and about 12,400 home-health agencies managing them all.

Investing in senior care as a VC is easier said than done. Caring for elderly and chronically sick patients at home can be labor intensive, and already venture-backed companies looking to care for patients outside the hospital have run into roadblocks. 

Read more: A VC spoke to 30 founders and investors about the $350 billion elder-care market and found 3 reasons why starting a company in the market is a challenge

Moving care from the hospital to the home

GV general partner Krishna Yeshwant has been looking at companies attempting to move more of the medical care traditionally done within a hospital into the home. So far, GV, which is the venture arm of Google parent company Alphabet, hasn't made any investments in the space. GV manages more than $4.5 billion.

"We've come away pretty convinced that it's possible to do this," Yeshwant said.

There's a big caveat, though: He hasn't determined whether it's something hospitals will independently have to build themselves, rather than having a venture-backed startup come in and build out nationally. 

"It may make the most sense for a hospital to just do it themselves," he said.

Should hospitals and health systems not build up businesses that let them take care of sicker and elderly patients at home, they could lose out on those patients to competitors. 

Health systems, for their part, are thinking about the transition. 

"The future is the home, and the home of the future is going to be not just a place called a home. It's also going to be a medical site," Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard Tyson told Business Insider in 2018. For instance, Kaiser sends patients who have gotten hip replacements home with care from nurses and physical therapists after a short hospital stay.

Read more:The CEO of a company often called the future of healthcare reveals why medical care is moving into homes and out of hospitals

Holding off on early investments 

Addie Lerner, a principal at General Catalyst, has been looking into the elder care market for about a year, with an interest in finding companies that are coming up with creative ways to reach elderly Americans.

Lerner's found that the entrepreneurs she's meeting with and companies she's hearing about are still too early for her to make investments.

"This industry is still so early and nascent," Lerner said.

For now, she'd rather wait until companies have hit a series A or beyond stage of fundraising and have more clearly proven out a business model. Even so, she said she's encouraged by the number of companies flooding into the area.

A labor-intensive home care model

It can be particularly difficult for tech-focused investors to fund home-care companies, because the businesses rely on the labor of lots of individuals.

"It's a bit of a challenging use case for private tech companies just because of how service intensive home care is," Lerner said. "That's why I think we've seen so many home care agencies struggle or change course."

For instance, in February 2017 Homehero, a startup with $20 million in funding, shut down its home care business and pivoted to a healthcare venture. Honor, which has raised $115 million, started by competing with established senior-care agencies. But in 2017, Honor started working with the agencies instead.

When it comes to new companies taking care of patients outside the home, Andreessen Horowitz general partner Jorge Conde, whose firm invested in Honor, said he's spent time focusing on companies that are using technology to make connections within the fractured home care and home health business, and also helping connect those companies and workers back into the broader healthcare system. 

"Technologies and companies are looking to be the connective tissue to allow the systems to better integrate home health for the care paradigm," Conde told Business Insider.

Still, Conde he's seeing a lot of companies tackling bits and piece of the home health and home care market, and it's hard to tell which ones will catch on.

Lerner said that for a new entrant to be successful in the home-care market, it'll have to bring a new technology or service that isn't currently offered. That could be something like educational services or companionship, she said.

"Perhaps that specialization can change the cost structure a bit and mean that you're providing really good medical care from your home aid, while you're supplementing content and companionship through other services."

For now, Lerner said, her hope is that smaller companies become really good at one specialty, like content. Then, maybe later, all of those services could become one company offering packages of different services that makes it stand out from today's home care competitors. 

• Read more:
• A startup that's raised $115 million once wanted to disrupt the multi-billion home care industry — now it's working with it
• The CEO of a $3.7 billion senior-care company went to a country facing a 'demographic time bomb,' and what he saw could be a lesson for the US
• Digital health startups worth $7.6 billion are set to IPO, breaking a 3-year drought. Here's what 5 top VCs are keeping an eye on.
• The CEO of a company often called the future of healthcare reveals why medical care is moving into homes and out of hospitals

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The US has 1,200 tornadoes each year. That's 4 times as many as the rest of the world combined.

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

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.

• Crane & Canopy is a luxury bedding and home company making some of the most comfortable sheets and duvet covers I've ever slept on. 
• The Nova duvet cover ($139-$179) is a personal favorite because it gives the illusion of a perfectly made bed using strategically placed color blocking and piping. 
• It saves me time and energy in the morning when making my bed, and makes my room look and feel like a luxurious hotel. 

Making the bed is a chore some people find to be therapeutic — basking in the act of fluffing and smoothing down sheets, duvets, and blankets, meticulously folding them over each other.

To others, particularly those of us with small bedrooms and corner bed configurations, it's the work of the devil. 

If you fall in the latter camp, or at very least just don't like making your bed, you might want to consider investing in the Nova duvet cover by Crane & Canopy. 

Developed to give the illusion of a perfectly made bed, the Nova duvet cover ($139-$179) essentially requires no work on your part to make it look like a professional housekeeper came in and did the work for you. All you have to do is pull your comforter up to create the look of a fully made bed. 

The clever way in which this is accomplished is that the duvet cover has a strip of white fabric that makes it look like you've properly folded a sheet over the top of your comforter. That strip is met with a line of piping, which gives a very polished look, but also happens to hide the zipper that opens the duvet cover up for your insert. It really is that simple — and it's a great way to save some time in the morning. This is the literal definition of "work smarter, not harder."

The duvet cover is available in a not-insignificant selection of 40 prints and colors, so there's something for every kind of aesthetic.

I personally have the all-white duvet cover with grey piping, which doesn't give as much of an illusion as one with a contrasting color or pattern, but still looks wonderful in my sunny bedroom. The material itself is a 400 thread count, extra long staple cotton with a sateen weave, and it feels like a deliciously crisp white button-down shirt that stays cool to the touch. 

As a bonus feature, inside each corner of the duvet cover, there are little fabric ties that can be used to connect the cover with Crane & Canopy's duvet insert. This keeps the insert in place so there's no bunching. I use a duvet insert from IKEA that doesn't have anything I can tie the cover to, but I find that it stays perfectly in place anyway. 

The duvet cover costs $139 for a twin bed, $159 for a full/queen, and $179 for a king/California king. You'll have to purchase the pillow cases separately, and they'll run you $35-$45 each. It's not cheap, but in my opinion, bedding really shouldn't be. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so it makes just as much sense to invest in good sheets and blankets as it does to invest in good clothing. 

All in all, I'm just here to tell you that this is a really great duvet cover.

It saves time in the morning, looks great, and it's really comfortable. I highly recommend the investment, especially if you want to feel like you're going to sleep and waking up in a fancy hotel room. 

Shop Nova duvet covers from Crane & Canopy — Twin for $139, Full/Queen for $159, and King/California King for $179

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• Snapchat is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, but there is no version designed especially for the iPad.
• You can install the iPhone version of Snapchat (and other iPhone-specific apps) on your iPad by changing the App Store's filter to display iPhone apps.
• Once installed, you can make the display full screen, or shrink it down to the size it would appear on an iPhone.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Snapchat is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. Originally designed as a secure way to send pictures and video to someone else, the app intentionally made anything shared inaccessible a short time later. That made everything in Snapchat ephemeral, like a private conversation you couldn't archive.  

Snapchat has evolved a lot since those earliest days, adding many tools and capabilities that make it a full-featured messaging app. One thing hasn't changed: it's available only for smartphones, such as Android and iPhone.

If you want to install Snapchat on your iPad, though, you're not out of luck. You can install iPhone-only apps on your iPad with, so you simply need to install the iPhone version.

How to install Snapchat and other iPhone-only apps on an iPad

1. Start the App Store app on your iPad.

2. Tap the "Search" tab at the bottom of the screen.

3. Type "Snapchat" in the search box at the top of the screen and tap "Search."

4. Tap "Filters" at the top of the screen and then tap "Supports" in the drop-down menu. By default, the App Store only shows you apps made to work with the iPad, but you can tap "iPhone Only" to see iPhone apps which are normally hidden from iPad users.

5. You should now see Snapchat among the top search results. Tap "GET" or the cloud icon to install it. (If you've previously installed Snapchat on your iPhone, then the cloud icon will appear to indicate you own the app and can re-download it to the iPad.)

After you install Snapchat, it'll run on your iPad, but will run as an "enlarged" version of the iPhone app.

You can choose to run it full-screen or to shrink the app down to the size it would normally appear on the iPhone (with a black border around the app). To do that, tap the arrow button in the lower right corner of the screen.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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

The 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.

• Cole Haan is having a huge Memorial Day sale.
• Starting now through May 29, shoppers can save an extra 40% on sale items, plus free shipping on all orders. 
• The clearance includes all types of shoes from bright athletic sneakers to suede sandals.

With Memorial Day right around the corner, people are bringing out their grills for backyard barbecue parties and preparing their homes for sun-filled gatherings. Though collecting outdoor supplies is essential, you'll also want to make sure your wardrobe is ready for the big holiday weekend.

Right now through May 29, you can save 40% off on already discounted sale styles at Cole Haan. The big Memorial Day sale includes styles from the ZERØGRAND line, along with sneakers, walking flats, and strappy sandals that are perfect for weekend festivities.

To ensure you're getting the best deal, enter the code "EXTRA40" at checkout. This sale is one of the largest Cole Haan events of the year, so we expect the more popular products go out of stock relatively quickly.

We compiled a list of 17 great finds from the Memorial Day sale. View our picks below or find other outstanding deals on the site here.

Shop the Cole Haan Memorial Day sale now.

Men's ZERØGRAND All-Terrain Waterproof Sneaker

Men's 2.ZERØGRAND Chukka, $77.96 (Originally $320) [You save $242.04]

Women's ZERØGRAND All-Day Trainer with Stitchlite

Women's ZERØGRAND All-Day Trainer with Stitchlite, $71.97 (Originally $150)[You save $78.03]

Fernanda Flat Sandal

Fernanda Flat Sandal, $59.97 (Originally $130) [You save $70.03]

Warner Grand Bit Loafer

Warner Grand Bit Loafer, $125.97 (Originally $300) [You save $174.03]

Vesta Pump

Vesta Pump, $77.96 (Originally $200) [You save $122.04]

Men's 2.ZERØGRAND Wingtip Oxford

Men's ZERØGRAND Oxford with Stitchlite, $89.97 (Originally $180) [You save $90.03]

Avani City Sandal

Women's ZERØGRAND Crisscross Sandal, $71.97 (Originally $150) [You save $78.03]

Men's ØriginalGrand Wingtip Oxford

Men's ØriginalGrand Wingtip Oxford, $59.97 (Originally $150) [You save $90.03]

Men's Pinch Grand Classic Tassel Loafer

Men's Pinch Tassel Loafer, $59.97 (Originally $160) [You save $60]

Piper Mule

Payson Weave Mule, $71.97 (Originally $150) [You save $78.03]

Women's 3.ZERØGRAND Waterproof Chelsea Boot

Vesta Bootie, $59.98 (Originally $250) [You save $190.02]

Also available in black.

Men's OriginalGrand Cap Toe Boot

Men's ZERØGRAND Stitch Out Chukka, $71.98 (Originally $280) [You save $208.02]

Men's ZERØGRAND All-Day Trainer with Stitchlite

Men's ZERØGRAND All-Day Trainer with Stitchlite, $113.97 (Originally $220) [You save $106.03]

Washington Grand Laser Wingtip Oxford

Giraldo Grand 2.0 Cap-Toe Oxford, $143.97 (Originally $350)[You save $206.03]

Riona Grand Back Zip Bootie

Women's 3.ZERØGRAND Waterproof Chelsea Boot, $95.97 (Originally $250) [You save $154.03]

Saylor Grand Bootie

Quinn Bootie, $59.98 (Originally $200) [You save $140.02]

Men's ZERØGRAND Multi-Strap Sandal

Men's ZERØGRAND Multi-Strap Sandal, $65.97 (Originally $150) [You save $84.03]

• Your Google Calendar activities can sync with your iPhone either by installing the Google Calendar app or by adding it to the iPhone's built-in Calendar app.
• To sync Google Calendar with the built-in app, start by adding your Google account to the iPhone's Passwords & Accounts tab in the Settings app.
• Be sure you also enable the Google Calendar in your Calendar app.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you're a Gmail user and keep your schedule in Google Calendar, one way to ensure you always have that information while on the go is to install the Google Calendar app.

But if you'd prefer to see your Google Calendar activities in the iPhone's built-in Calendar app, that's quite easy to do as well.

How to sync Google Calendar with your iPhone

1. Start the Settings app.

2. In the pane on the left, tap "Passwords and Accounts."

3. Scan the list of accounts on the right. If you see the Google account that includes your calendar information, tap it and skip down to step 6.

4. If you don't already have the account on your iPhone, tap "Add Account."

5. Tap "Google" and, on the sign-in page, follow the instructions to sign in with your Gmail address and password. If you have 2-Step Verification enabled for your Gmail account, you will need to visit your Google Account's Security page, create an app password, and enter that instead of your regular Google password.

6. Once you're logged in, you'll be taken to a page with your email address at the top and some options. On this page, you can choose which Google services — mail, contacts, calendar, and notes — you want to sync with your iPhone. If the calendar is the only thing you want to sync, turn off the others by swiping the sliders to the left. Make sure that Calendar is turned on. If you're setting up the account on your phone for the first time, tap "Save."

7. Start the Calendar app.

8. At the bottom of the screen, tap "Calendars."

9. If it's not already selected, find the entry for the Google Calendar you just added to your iPhone and tap it. You should see a checkmark, and the calendar entries should immediately appear on the calendar.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to add any email account to your iPhone

• How to share an iCloud calendar on your iPhone and coordinate plans or events

• How to delete a Google Calendar, or unsubscribe from one

• How to share your location on an iPhone in 4 different ways

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch Google's I/O 2019 event in 7 minutes

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

• Credit-card points and travel benefits can help anyone afford to travel more — or more comfortably. The trick is to use your credit card is if it was a debit card, and only spend what you can afford to.
• Travel photographer and blogger Erin Sullivan— also known as @erinoutdoors— uses rewards and perks to help run her business, and make the most of all of her trips.
• In an interview with Business Insider, she explained how she's always looking out for a new sign-up bonuses, and shared her two everyday go-to cards: the Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

The world of credit card rewards can open a ton of doors — as long as you use them responsibly. By only spending what you can afford to pay off right away — therefore avoiding credit card debt and interest fees — you can earn rewards for free travel or upgrades, and benefits that can help you travel more comfortably, or even save you money with built-in protections and insurance.

That's something that travel photographer and blogger Erin Sullivan began to realize soon into her career. Shortly after graduating college, while employed as a guide for an adventure tour company, she opened her first credit card in order to start building her credit score.

After she opened that first card — a Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card— she began to realize what an opportunity points — and credit card travel benefits — presented.

Using points to pay for travel — or to make it more comfortable

"I knew that I wanted travel to be a part of my life, and I had heard about credit card points and wanted to get into that," Sullivan told Business Insider. "Once I figured that out, it became this new idea: If you know how to use the system, it's free money that you can use on travel."

Initially, she said, she used points to offset any travel expenses. However, she didn't have a ton of opportunities to either earn or use points, since most expenses were incurred on the job. "I would try to use points if I could, but I didn't have a ton of expenses so it wasn't a huge game-changer."

Today, Sullivan — who has nearly 67,000 followers as @erinoutdoors on Instagram and serves as a brand ambassador for Sony— has more opportunity, and has made her credit card and airline rewards strategy a key component of running her photography business.

"Now that I'm a business owner and travel much more frequently, I try to be strategic about when and where to use my points."

In addition to using points to buy flights when they aren't covered by a client for a particular assignment, points have helped her make traveling — especially for work — better.

"I like to use them to upgrade or to get a nice hotel after the end of a long work trip. It takes the pressure off and it allows me to have a more relaxing time and treat myself."

For example, one of her favorite points redemptions was a relaxing stay in a five-star hotel in Madrid at the start of a big trip.

"I went on a work trip to Morocco for a few weeks and built in some time in Madrid beforehand, and I had a ton of points. I was like 'oh, five-star hotel in Madrid, no problem.' I don't think I would spend my money on that, but somehow having the points makes it more accessible."

As a professional traveler, in essence, who describes herself as less comfortable splurging on herself with non-rewards money, this is particularly useful. 

"Having points makes it more, I don't know, it makes me feel like I can do that," she said. "If you know what you're doing within the system of whatever credit cards you have, it becomes very attainable."

Even when it isn't a splurge, though, being able to offset the cost of a trip for a personal project — or even just a vacation — is a fantastic benefit, one that's open to just about anyone.

"Any time I can get a long-haul flight for free is pretty great."

Earning points through massive bonuses and normal expenses

Sullivan's key is to take advantage of opportunities to earn bonus points when she has a big work or personal expense coming up.

Many rewards credit cards offer large new membership bonuses when you open a new card and meet a certain minimum spending requirement. For example, the popular Chase Sapphire Preferred Cardoffers 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months of having it — that can be worth anywhere from $750 or more when used for travel booked through Chase.

As a photographer, Sullivan's work expenses can add up. New cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, printing, and more can reach into the thousands of dollars. When she knows that she has a big purchase coming up, she'll look at what cards and bonus offers are available, apply for the best option, and use that purchase to easily meet the spending requirement.

"If I know that I have an expense coming up, that's a good opportunity for me to get a new card because otherwise I'm just going to put it on an existing card. So why not take advantage of an intro offer?"

If she isn't eligible for a compelling sign-up bonus at a given time, or when she isn't anticipating any unusually large expenses, she uses two credit cards within Chase's rewards ecosystem as her daily drivers:

"For business, it's the Ink Business Preferred and then for personal, it's the Chase Sapphire Reserve."

The Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is arguably one of the most rewarding small business credit cards available — and it's available to anyone with a small business, whether you're a sole proprietor like Sullivan, someone who freelances or has a small side-gig, or even someone who resells things on eBay.

The card has the highest sign-up bonus currently available from Chase: 80,000 points when you spend $5,000 in the first three months. When you use them for travel, they can be worth anywhere from $1,000 or more. It earns 3x points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent each year on travel, shipping, telecom services, and online advertising. It earns 1x points on everything else.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve, meanwhile, is a true powerhouse card. Although it has a high $450 annual fee, an annual $300 travel credit brings that effectively down to $150, and rewards and benefits more than make up for the rest.

The Sapphire Reserve offers 50,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months, worth at least $750 towards travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. It earns unlimited 3x points per dollar on all travel and dining — both categories are broadly defined — and 1x point per dollar on everything else.

Aside from rewards, Sullivan uses credit card benefits to save money on travel, and make trips more convenient and comfortable

Rewards aren't the only reason to hold travel credit cards. Some also offer incredibly valuable benefits.

For someone who spends a lot of time in airports — like Sullivan, who estimates she spends about half her time on the road — lounge access is an essential perk.

"Lounge access is huge," she said. "I use lounges every time I travel."

Airport lounges are exclusive areas in airport terminals where you can relax before your flight. Each lounge — and type of lounge — is different, but in general, they all feature comfortable seating, fast Wi-Fi, food and drinks, and other amenities — all usually complimentary. Access is often exclusive for first and business class passengers or travelers who purchase access, but several premium credit cards — including the Chase Sapphire Reserve— offer access to select lounges.

The Sapphire Reserve offers a complimentary membership in Priority Pass, a network of around 1,200 lounges around the world. The network includes lounges in the US, but Priority Pass is particularly useful abroad. 

If you're looking for extensive lounge access within the US, the best option — and the next credit card Sullivan said she plans to apply for — is the Platinum Card® from American Express. In addition to Priority Pass lounges, it offers access to Delta Sky Clubs whenever you fly with the airline, and AmEx's own Centurion Lounges.

"It just makes such a difference when you fly all the time," she said. "It's just nice to have a place to go that's quiet, and has good Wi-Fi, and food, and where you can just chill out a little bit before your flight."

Another major benefit: the insurance several credit cards offer.

Both the Ink Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve offer complimentary primary rental car insurance, as long as you pay for the rental with the card. By declining the rental company's collision damage waiver, you can end up saving a lot on a rental.

Both cards also offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance, allowing you to recoup non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is cancelled or cut short for any of a handful of covered reasons, such as illness and severe weather. The Sapphire Reserve also offers trip delay insurance, covering up to $500 in expenses if a flight is delayed overnight or for more than six hours.

Other benefits Sullivan takes advantage of from various credit cards include free checked bags and priority boarding on flights, perks that come with most mainstream airline co-branded credit cards.

The best credit cards

Ultimately, you don't have to be a full-time professional traveler to take advantage of credit card rewards and benefits. Anyone can earn sign-up and introductory bonuses — as long as they meet the minimum spending requirements — and anyone can use them to subsidize travel, whether they're looking to to splurge on first class, cover more international trips in coach, or stay in a five-star hotel they wouldn't otherwise pay for.

Even though credit cards and reward programs can seem complicated, anyone can figure them out by doing a little research as they go.

"I just hope this helps people not feel intimidated," said Sullivan. "It's not like I'm the 'queen of points;' it's just another tool that you can use to make your life easier. Even if you don't travel all the time, you can still benefit from a lot of what these cards offer."

If you're interested in learning more about earning or using credit card rewards and benefits, be sure to follow Business Insider's coverage of the topic.

In addition to the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Ink Business Preferred, there are plenty of cards that can offer compelling rewards, including from other issuers like American Express and Citi. Check out our frequently updated guide to the best credit card rewards, bonuses, and benefits for more, as well as our monthly round-ups of the best limited-time offers.

Or, click the below links to learn more about those cards from Business Insider's partner, The Points Guy.

• Best credit card rewards overall: Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Best credit card for travel perks and benefits: Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best credit card with a low annual fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
• Best credit card for simplicity: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best credit card for small businesses: Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
• Best credit card for rewards at restaurants and supermarkets in the US: American Express® Gold Card
• Best cash back card: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Best cash or points credit card with no annual fee: Chase Freedom Unlimited
• Best credit card for frequent flyers: Airline rewards credit cards

Keep in mind that we're focusing on the rewards and perks that make these credit cards great options, not things like interest rates and late fees, which can far outweigh the value of any rewards.

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

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

DON'T MISS: 7 of the best credit card offers this May — including an excellent Southwest Airlines offer

Join the conversation about this story »

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

• If the dad you're shopping for is best known for his humor, below are 25 funny gifts he'll enjoy — and actually use.
• If you don't find the perfect gift on this list, take a look at more Father's Day 2019 gift ideas here.

Dads are — for better or worse — known for their humor.

Whether he really is the funniest guy you know or his dad jokes are simply hall of fame worthy, he might appreciate a good joke (and some lighthearted sentimentality) more than anything else on Father's Day.

Especially if he's hard to shop for, these 25 funny gifts are a good jumping off point. Pair them with one of our favorite Father's Day gifts or keep them short and sweet on their own. And if you're looking for some more guidance, check out these posts:

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

• 47 perfect Father's Day gifts under $50
• 25 thoughtful Father's Day gifts under $25
• 33 practical and cool Father's Day gifts under $100
• 22 Amazon Prime-eligible Father's Day gifts under $100
• These $95 boxes of team gear make great Father's Day gifts for dedicated sports fans
• 19 unique foodie gifts for Father's Day

Below are 26 funny Father's Day gifts dad will love this year:

A Beeropoly board game

Beeropoly, $35

For a fun night in with his family and kids or for the next get-together with friends, this is something he'll get a kick out of (and probably won't already have). 

A meat bouquet

Olympia Provisions Salami Bouquet, from $50

If a bouquet of delicious meat is more his speed than flowers, he's going to really love this one filled with salami. 

Scotch-infused toothpicks

Scotch-Infused Toothpicks Gift Set, $35.95

For the man who has everything, scotch-infused toothpicks take his love of the stuff to the next level. 

"Game of Thrones"-inspired glasses

Premium Game of Thrones Hand-Etched Whiskey Glass, $22.96

Whether he reminds you of Jon Snow or he's just demonstrated a great love for all things Game of Thrones, your dad will get a kick out of having this around. To make it more personalized, pick up a nice whiskey for him to pair with it. 

A custom portrait of your dad or family dog in the Renaissance style

Custom Royal Portrait, from $41.62

Send dad's photo off to the professionals at Etsy for his very own custom royal portrait. Or, if you think he'd rather have this with the family pet as the subject, by all means get one of Fido in a Victorian-era dress. 

A breakfast sandwich maker that means business

Slang flashcards to keep up with the teens

Slang Flashcards, $10

Sometimes the jargon of "the youths" can sound like a foreign language. If dad might appreciate getting in on all the lingo, these helpful slang cards aspire to camouflage each and every parent as just another teen.  

An eye glasses holder

Eye Glasses Holder, $18

Especially if dad is somehow always losing his glasses, a fun holder is a nice way to liven up his desk area. 

Porcelain dinner plates that celebrate the fact that beards feed themselves, like Venus Flytraps

A box of fun and functional socks

Father's Day Gift Box, $38

Socks are every outfit's opportunity for some flair. If dad might appreciate a few unforgettable pairs from a new brand, check out Happy Socks' Father's Day Gift Box full of fun but still functional pairs. As with any holiday set, it's a perk that it also already looks gift-ready.

A book of jokes that might make him feel better about his own "dad jokes" or just give him more ideas

Dad Jokes: Terribly Good Dad Jokes (Volume 1), $4.99

For more callous dad humor, you might look at the unapologetic "Sh*t My Dad Says". 

Ceramic takeout-inspired dish

Take Out Serving Bowl, $7.95

Perfect for all the times he feels like dressing up takeout as a bonafide meal. 

A box of fandom

Philadelphia Eagles Father's Day Fanchest, $59

What better way to celebrate the Old Man's love for the game than to give him an actual box of memorabilia? It's Fanchest; It's the way to your dad's heart. Find his team here.

White Walker scotch

Johnnie Walker White Walker Blended Scotch Whisky, from $26.24

An ode to eight beautiful, bittersweet seasons of Game of Thrones fandom.

A cookbook that is one long "ode to the Southern breakfast"

Big Bad Breakfast: The Most Important Book of the Day, $15.99

This is basically the how-to book for every mouth-watering Southern breakfast dad might ever want, and he'll probably have a lot of fun making his way through each one. 

A customized saint candle

The Brooder Custom Prayer Candle, from $26

Yes, finally a way to express to dad just how miraculous you find him to be. Whether he's fixing your garbage disposal because it's making a weird sound or he always knows the right things to say, a saint candle with his face on it is one reminder that he's pretty great in your eyes.

A customized bobblehead

"Game of Thrones" Monopoly

Monopoly: Game of Thrones Collector's Edition Board Game, $43.99

Use this to give a nod to his "Game of Thrones" obsession and institute a family game night. 

A card that shows you appreciate his dad humor

Dad Jokes Card, $3.57

If your dad is the funniest guy you know, he probably knows it. Even if he isn't, he probably thinks it. 

A matching T-shirt set for dad and baby

Papa Bear and Baby Bear Matching Set, from $52

Especially for new Papa Bears, this is just as fun as it is adorable. 

A hilarious card game

A punny BBQ apron for the grillmaster

The Grillfather BBQ Apron, from $15.85

For an avid The Godfather fan or just a humble grill-master with dreams of making the perfect steak, dad will have fun wearing this around knowing you got it for him. 

"Star Wars" novelty posters

Star Wars Movie Lover Gift, $37.80

If Dad loves Star Wars and might appreciate a faintly artistic approach to some new decorations for his man cave, he'll probably love these.  

The Swanson Pyramid of Greatness

Culturenik Parks and Recreation Ron Swanson Pyramid Workplace Poster Print, $9.95

For those that already live by Swanson rules or would put "masonry" and "cabins" as fundamental building blocks in their life.

A brownie pan made of only edges

Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan, $35.95

So Dad never has to accept the limitations of a regular brownie pan again. From now on, the man will only have his edge pieces. 

• By day, Elena Kvochko is a technology executive, but outside of her career, she's passionate about philanthropy work that supports good causes.
• That's what led her to climb Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest mountain in the Americas, at the end of 2017 when she was raising money for the non-profit Refugees International.
• She committed to the arduous physical challenge because she was hoping to inspire colleagues and friends to stand up for causes they believe in — and she also learned many valuable lessons from the experience.
• On the way down from the peak of the mountain, Kvochko fractured her leg. No rescue was available, so she had to slide down the mountain by foot, an experience that taught her to always be prepared for the unexpected and to keep going even when you think you can't.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

As a technology executive, I started mountaineering initially as a charity challenge — and in that process, I learned invaluable life lessons and discovered endurance I didn't know I had. Last year, I climbed to the peak of the Americas: Aconcagua at 22,841 feet. I dedicated this effort to the non-profit Refugees International and donated 100% of my proceedings to this organization.

With this experience, which meant getting far outside of my comfort zone, I was hoping to inspire colleagues and friends to stand up for the causes they believe in. I realized valuable lessons that can ring true for everyone — no matter their circumstances — in both business and in life.

SEE ALSO: I'm a tech exec who hiked Mt. Everest to help refugees — and it taught me what it really takes to be successful

1. Preparation is everything — and you really only need the essentials

(Location: Confluencia, 9,678')

What would you pack to the mountain top? was a pressing question. We needed layers of clothing for all weather conditions, mountaineering gear — crampons (special footwear that provides traction in ice and snow); an ice axe; high-altitude double boots; gaiters; wind-, soft-, and hard-shell layers; an expedition down parka; expedition mittens; a helmet; glacier glasses; a sleeping bag for the -40F temperatures we would be facing; water purifiers; repair and medical kits; solar charging panels; satellite communicators; a route tracker; an oxymeter; a radio; and an SOS button — and it all had to weigh under 20 kg (about 44 pounds).

In nearly the first week, my duffle bag ripped apart. Since every ounce counts, it made me realize what is necessary — and that much of the "baggage" we carry every day is not actually essential. This minor setback with the duffle bag taught me that preparing and organizing can save you a lot of time.

I started to get used to the camps and living on very limited means. Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas were the only camps with running tap water from the melting glaciers. One had to wait until the sunrise for the water to unfreeze so we could drink it and use it to get ready for the day. Every time I went to get water, I would remember how easy it was back home. It is easy to forget that it is not the case in most of the world. By the looks of the other expedition members, I could see the constant question to each other: "You sure you want to do this?"

2. The team you work with matters

(Location: Plaza de Mulas, 14.400')

As our expedition was going from Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas (the base camp of Aconcagua) in an over 8-hour journey, we reached the last part of the trek, a steep ascend to the basecamp. Suddenly, I heard a member of our crew screaming to step aside. I looked up in time to see a herd of mules being shepherded down the same mountain slope where we were located. The mules were rushing down on a sandy and rocky steep surface.

Convinced that one of them was going to knock me down, I leaned towards the slope hoping the mules would pass me by. One of the animals knocked down a sizeable rock. A member of our crew noticed the rock falling down towards me, caught it with both hands, and held it until the mules passed us by. After what could have been a very unfortunate event, we reached the top of the slope. The view cleared enough for us to see that we had reached our destination: Plaza de Mulas.

As we rested in base camp and met other climbers making their way to the peak, I couldn't help but feel grateful for my amazing crew. It was another lesson learned: Whether it's climbing a mountain or collaborating on a project, it's important to be surrounded by reliable people.

3. Don't take the good things you already have for granted

(Location: Camp 1, Plaza Canada, 16.108')

At higher altitudes, water is gained by melting snow, filleting it, and then boiling to make it safe to drink. Food options are limited and mostly consist of various candy bars. It was difficult getting out of the tent in subzero temperatures, almost being blown off the mountain by the strongest winds I have ever experienced.

It was New Year's Eve when the winds started thrashing against my tent. They were reaching 60mph. When you are in extreme situations, it's hard to take anything for granted. Even having enough oxygen to take a deep breath felt like a luxury. At some point I thought, "When I go back, I'll have enough oxygen to breathe freely. What more could one ask for?"

Read more:I scored a 96% in Yale's class on happiness, and it was because I started using 6 simple strategies that are backed by science

4. When it matters most, you may surprise yourself

(Location: Camp 2, Nino de Condorez, 17.650')

As we neared the peak and the air became thinner, the journey became more challenging. In the meantime, the weather conditions started to become more extreme. The winds were howling with an extraordinary strength. Every movement or action that would seem trivial at lower altitudes, required an effort.

At one point, the wind turned my tent upside down with me inside. The tent started to slide down the cliff. I stretched out both arms into the wind to confront it. I crawled out of the tent and tried to tie it around a rock, so that it stabilized.

Nights were very cold, and even inside my -40F-rated sleeping bag, it felt cold.

Throughout all this, I was realizing that my need to achieve what I planned was greater than the pain to go through it. As other mountaineers started to go down to lower altitudes, I discovered the endurance I didn't even know I had. I saw the power of small adjustments and pacing yourself, the importance of the right gear to finish the challenge. What seemed hard in the beginning gradually started to seem more manageable.

5. Don't let others' actions influence you too much; focus on your own journey

(Location: Camp 3, Colera, 19.521')

Out of seven crew members, four decided to stop early and descend before reaching camp #3. I stayed. One morning, we were graced with good news. The harsh winds had subsided, making it possible for us to climb further up.

I noticed that our bodies could adjust to the altitude and harsh conditions, but not everyone has the mental fortitude to finish the journey.  Camp Colera, the highest camp in the mountain and final stop before the summit push, was full of climbers either excited to reach the top or disappointed that they had to turn back.

(Location: Plaza Indepedencia, 21476')

As the alarm went off at 2:30 a.m.. on the summit day, I thought "Just one more day." As I gained altitude, each step became harder and harder, but I already knew what to expect and how to adjust. Whatever I would attempt to do the day after, would certainly be easier. So I kept climbing… until there was no more mountain left to climb.  

As I was leaving Camp 3 Colera, I checked my gear, put on my double boots, parka, and mittens and began the ascend, still in the dark, with the headlamp and moonlight lighting the way. It was supposed to be an 18-hour long day of climbing.

After hours, we reached a cave where we found our final rest before the final summit push. I was so close I could almost feel what it would be like to reach the top of the highest mountain in both South and North America.  

The day that I placed the Refugees International flag on top of the mountain was one of the proudest moments of my life so far. I had achieved the hardest physical challenge I had ever attempted. As I proudly stood at the top, I looked down — and I remembered that reaching the top was only half of the journey.

Read more:A productivity expert shares 5 must-read books for anyone who wants to get ahead at work

7. As you get into less familiar situations, expect the unexpected

(Location: Aconcagua Summit, 22.841')

I eventually found myself to be the only expedition member summiting the peak of the Americas. I was looking at the Andes range and the view from nearly 23.000', every step of which I climbed with such effort. And just when you are sure you have succeeded, stop paying attention and take things for granted, this is when accidents happen.

At the summit, I saw a blizzard approaching. Since the weather changes in a blink of an eye at such extreme altitude, I knew we had a short window to descend safely.

We started making our way down when heavy snow started falling. I could barely see in front of me. That's when I took the wrong step. I fell on the rocks that were hidden under a blanket of white snow. I felt a sharp pain and heard a crack in my leg, as my gear was blown away by the wind. I could no longer stand up.

At such altitudes, no rescue is available. After a few hours, I had to figure out a way to descend on my own. I slid on my hands pushing against the ground covered in snow or through the muddy surfaces to Camp Colera and eventually to Plaza de Mulas, where medical services were available.

8. With great risks come great rewards

(Location: Mendoza, Argentina, 2.449′)

This experience and uncertainty, as well as the need to continue no matter what — literally, "crawl as long as you can crawl" — taught me many perseverance lessons. Heading for extreme heights is as much of a physical effort as it is mental. By putting ourselves in situations where we feel profoundly uncomfortable, can we test the strength of our spirit and determination. I learned that I could use my fear to get to new heights.

After my fall, I had to spend the next few days in a wheelchair until the pain subsided and then use crutches and spend many months with physical therapy exercises. This is the kind of thing you never think can happen to you.

"Knowing what you know now, would you still have climbed Aconcagua?" my friends asked me.

Absolutely! Extreme altitudes require extreme risks. By being the least experienced but most motivated member of my expedition team who managed to reach the summit, I learned that persistence and grit no matter the circumstances is an important leadership lesson. I also was of course reminded of the importance of training and focus.

I hope more of us can challenge ourselves in their own ways to see their limits and overcome them. I hope more of us can find different ways to step up for the causes we believe in.  

Elena Kvochko is a technology professional and executive living in New York City. All opinions are her own. 100% of all donations raised in her effort went toRefugees International.