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These are the 25 celebrities most addicted to social media, from the Kardashians to Snoop Dogg

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kim kardashian selfie

Many of us are guilty of wasting hours out of our weeks mindlessly scrolling through our social media feeds, but we're not the only ones — celebrities do it, too. Stars, they're just like us!

Celebrities often have huge followings they need to keep updated on their daily lives, and use social media to share news about their latest projects and merchandise. For many, social media is the best and easiest way for celebrities to interact with their fans. 

Online clothing retailer I Saw It First recently conducted a study on the most social-media-addicted celebrities. The study, using data compiled at the beginning of February, is based on each celebrity's use of two of the biggest platforms for celebrities: Instagram and Twitter.

The rankings were compiled using celebrities' average number of social posts per month on Instagram and Twitter.

You might think you know who the most social-media-obsessed celebrity is, but the person who secured the No. 1 spot — by a landslide — may surprise you.

Here are the 25 most socially addicted celebrities:

SEE ALSO: These 33 adorable photos of Grumpy Cat's life and rise prove why she stole our hearts and raked in millions for her owner

25. Conor McGregor

Average number of total social posts per month: 102

Instagram followers: 31 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 25

Twitter followers: 8 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 77



24. Chris Brown

Average number of total social posts per month: 105

Instagram followers: 54 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 67

Twitter followers: 30 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 37



23. Cara Delevingne

Average number of total social posts per month: 113

Instagram followers: 42 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 38

Twitter followers: 10 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 75



22. Kendall Jenner

Average number of total social posts per month: 114

Instagram followers: 110 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 31

Twitter followers: 28 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 83



21. Rihanna

Average number of total social posts per month: 134

Instagram followers: 71 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 50

Twitter followers: 91 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 84



20. Miley Cyrus

Average number of total social posts per month: 136

Instagram followers: 94 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 42

Twitter followers: 43 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 94



19. Kourtney Kardashian

Average number of total social posts per month: 142

Instagram followers: 79 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 42

Twitter followers: 24 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 100



18. Jennifer Lopez

Average number of total social posts per month: 152

Instagram followers: 94 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 36

Twitter followers: 44 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 117



17. Camila Cabello

Average number of total social posts per month: 172

Instagram followers: 33 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 23

Twitter followers: 8 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 149



16. Gigi Hadid

Average number of total social posts per month: 174

Instagram followers: 48 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 30

Twitter followers: 9 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 144



15. Shawn Mendes

Average number of total social posts per month: 176

Instagram followers: 44 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 24

Twitter followers: 22 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 152



14. Lele Pons

Average number of total social posts per month: 185

Instagram followers: 35 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 27

Twitter followers: 2 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 158



13. Kylie Jenner

Average number of total social posts per month: 190

Instagram followers: 135 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 66

Twitter followers: 27 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 124



12. Priyanka Chopra

Average number of total social posts per month: 191

Instagram followers: 40 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 31

Twitter followers: 25 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 160



11. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Average number of total social posts per month: 270

Instagram followers: 143 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 13 million

Twitter followers: 13 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 218



10. Kim Kardashian

Average number of total social posts per month: 275

Instagram followers: 139 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 52

Twitter followers: 61 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 223



9. Justin Bieber

Average number of total social posts per month: 281

Instagram followers: 113 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 45

Twitter followers: 106 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 237



8. Cardi B

Average number of total social posts per month: 293

Instagram followers: 45 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 60

Twitter followers: 6 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 233



7. Kevin Hart

Average number of total social posts per month: 358

Instagram followers: 75 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 62

Twitter followers: 35 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 296



6. Ariana Grande

Average number of total social posts per month: 383

Instagram followers: 155 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 42

Twitter followers: 63 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 342



5. Nicki Minaj

Average number of total social posts per month: 408

Instagram followers: 102 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 80

Twitter followers: 21 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 327



4. Neymar Jr.

Average number of total social posts per month: 416

Instagram followers: 117 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 49

Twitter followers: 43 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 368



3. Khloé Kardashian

Average number of total social posts per month: 510

Instagram followers: 94 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 41

Twitter followers: 27 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 468



2. Zendaya

Average number of total social posts per month: 566

Instagram followers: 56 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 35

Twitter followers: 15 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 531



1. Snoop Dogg

Average number of total social posts per month: 647

Instagram followers: 32 million

Average number of Instagram posts per month: 382

Twitter followers: 18 million

Average number of Twitter posts per month: 265




Composting human bodies to turn them into soil will soon be legal in one US state — part of a growing green death trend

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In this Friday, April 19, 2019, photo Katrina Spade, the founder and CEO of Recompose, displays a sample of the compost material left from the decomposition of a cow, using a combination of wood chips, alfalfa and straw, as she poses in a cemetery in Seattle. Washington is set to become the first state to allow the burial alternative known as

For centuries, dead bodies have been wrapped in shrouds, placed inside coffins, buried below ground, or cremated. 

Soon, residents of Washington state will have another option: To turn a loved ones' remains into composted soil for use in the garden.

The new rule, which allows for "the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains into soil" will go into effect in May 2020, the first of its kind in the US.

The news is exciting for a startup called Recompose, which aims to provide consumers with a body-composing service as an alternative to cremation (by far the most popular death ritual practiced in Washington today). In order to accelerate the natural decomposition process, Recompose plans to put corpses into steel vessels, where they'll stay for a month. During that time, microbes from the body naturally heat up to between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Katrina Spade, founder and CEO of Recompose, said she's aiming to open the first "natural organic reduction" shop of its kind in Seattle next year. 

Turning bodies into compost is better for the Earth than cremation: Recompose estimates that one metric ton of CO2 is saved for every person who opts to compost a body instead of burning it. (That's roughly equivalent to taking a gas-powered car off the road for about three months.) Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, who's running for president with a progressive environmental platform, signed the bill into law on Tuesday. 

"I would prefer to have the last gesture I make on this planet be something that was gentler and, perhaps, benefited the planet," Spade told Business Insider. 

Human bodies decompose in a hurry 

Spade said she hopes to "host" around 750 bodies annually at Recompose's next-generation funeral home , starting with 20 or 25 bodies at a time. 

artist rendering of recompose

Human composting is remarkably straightforward. After a person dies, our immune system stops working, and decay begins near-immediately. 

"You become food for your own bacteria first, and then also bacteria from the soil," microbiologist Maria Dominguez-Bello recently told Business Insider.

Read More: Why you never really die: A microbiologist explains all the ways the body lives on, and why we don't decay until we're dead

When people get buried in the ground, bodies can take months or even years to fully decompose, depending on the environment. So Recompose's technology is designed to speed up this process.

Katrina Spade Headshot 2018 Credit Craig Willse

"The body goes in [to a vessel] on wood chips, alfalfa and straw," Spade said. "The microbes are naturally occurring — they're on you and me as we speak. As long as we're providing the right mix of carbon and nitrogen via those materials and providing enough oxygen to the vessel, the microbes start breaking down the body right away."

The company's method has already been tested in trials at Washington State University, where six human bodies were recently composed.

"We do rotate our vessels periodically during the month-long process to ensure a good mixture and again, ensure aeration," Spade said. "But it's really quite amazing what those microbes can do."

The only people who are ineligible for this human composting are those with rare neurodegenerative prion diseases (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is one example), and those who die of highly contagious illnesses like Ebola. Recompose says any artificial limbs, hips, pacemakers and other implants are all tossed out before the composting or, ideally, recycled.

"We know a lot about the process, because we're not so different from livestock really, but it had never been proven with humans," Spade said. 

A more Earth-friendly way to go 

Recompose is still raising funds for its first composting site. Spade said turning one corpse into soil will cost around $5,500, and that price would include some funeral-like services on site "to actually have what, hopefully, is a meaningful ritual for people."

Recompose Finished Material

Spade is part of a growing group of people advocating for greener ways to deal with dead bodies. Washington also just legalized a method called alkaline hydrolysis, a water-intensive process that turns corpses into bone fragments (it is not the first state to allow this, though.)

"I realized that cremation was becoming the default choice," Spade said. "As people decide they don't want to be buried, we go for cremation. It's just kind of what we have."

In Washington State, nearly 80% of corpses are cremated, a process that requires "about two SUV tanks worth of fuel," according to the Atlantic. Some people opt to turn those human ashes into blue diamonds.

Another more eco-friendly burial method involves cloaking a body in a biodegradable mushroom coat. Actor Luke Perry's daughter said her father is buried in one of these "infinity burial suits," made by a startup called Coeio.

The suits cost $1,500 and are made of a biodegradable mix of mushroom myclium and other microorganisms that help bodies decompose, flush out toxins, and "transfer nutrients to plant life," the company's website says. Artist Jae Rhim Lee wore an earlier version of the suit on stage for a TED talk eight years ago, but the design has changed in part "due to the high sensitivity of spore germination," as the company explains it.

mushroom suit ted talk

Likewise, Spade said Recompose, which is set up as a for-profit B Corp., plans to continue refining its compost "recipe" in the coming years and tweaking the design of its vessels to help break down bodies as fast as possible.

"The finished product smells a lot like top soil you would buy at the nursery," she said. "Really beautiful, rich soil."

SEE ALSO: Why you never really die: A microbiologist explains all the ways the body lives on, and why we don't decay until we're dead

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's why I'm donating my body to science

How to use Amazon FreeTime Unlimited to access thousands of kids books, videos, and songs

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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.

freetime unlimited

  • Amazon FreeTime Unlimited gives your kids access to tens of thousands of kid-friendly books, games, songs, and shows curated by age range.
  • For Amazon Prime members, a FreeTime Unlimited subscription costs just $2.99 per month for a single child plan or $83 per year for a family plan serving up to four kids.
  • Parents can set controls limiting the type of content a child can engage with, impose time limits, and even create custom rewards like games and shows that are unlocked by reading.
  • Here's how to sign up for FreeTime Unlimited and start using it.

If you are struggling to find enough age-appropriate, entertaining but educational, and easily navigated content for your child, you are not alone. Parents have struggled for years to find enough decent shows, games, books, and music that they feel comfortable letting their kids consume, but Amazon has your back with its FreeTime Unlimited service.

Now called Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, because a subscription provides unlimited access to thousands of kid-friendly shows, games, movies, books, and more, the service can be accessed on the Kindle, Fire, and various Android and iOS devices. In fact, if you buy a Fire Kids Edition Tablet ($99.99), you get a year of FreeTime at no cost.

You can also customize a child's access, creating up to four accounts with a family subscription, using time limits, age filters, and the Learn First feature, which blocks access to select games and shows or movies until a child has first met specified educational goals, like a certain time spent reading or a certain number of books read.

And don't worry about turning your own Kindle or phone over to a kid while they use Amazon FreeTime: The child can't log out of the service and access other apps, the web, or anything else on the device without getting out of FreeTime using a passcode.

Here's how to set up an Amazon FreeTime account and let your kid(s) start using it

Amazon FreeTime Unlimited

Assuming you have an Amazon Prime account (it's OK if you don't, but more cost effective if you do), log in, and then head to the Amazon FreeTime Unlimited page.

Click the Start your free 1-month trial button, then click to create a child profile. All you need to enter is first name, gender, birthday, and select an avatar.

You are now a subscriber to Amazon FreeTime Unlimited. Keep in mind that, starting in one month, your credit card on file will begin to incur $2.99 monthly charges, so if FreeTime isn't working for your family, don't forget to cancel! And if it is, consider saving some cash with a year-long subscription paid at one time — it's $83 for Prime members.

Now go to the Parent Dashboard and hit the Get Started button.

Amazon FreeTime Unlimited 3

From the Parents Dashboard, you can set the age filter, set time limits for overall screen time as well as for bedtime, set educational goals, and so on.

Now you need to get the Amazon FreeTime Unlimited app on your device. Once it's installed and launched, log in using your Amazon account. The app will immediately recognize your kid's profile.

Tap the avatar in the top left corner and then hit the Launch Parent Dashboard link, for which you'll need your Amazon password.

Now, using Amazon FreeTime Unlimited is as easy as scrolling through the rows of shows, books, movies and more. Let your kid enjoy the many programs and various types of media selected for being kid-friendly, educational, and entertaining, and don't worry about him or her stumbling into the darker corners of the internet.

Get a free 30-day trial of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited — $2.99/month after the trial ends or $83/year for Prime Members

Buy the 2019 Fire 7 Kids Edition for $99.99 and get 1 year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, a Kid-Proof Case with built-in stand, and a 2-year guarantee

Join the conversation about this story »

REI's biggest sale of the year is going on right now — here are 23 of the best deals you can find

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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.

REI

As springtime showers give way to the freedom of summer, REI's big anniversary sale hits its fans with the kinds of savings we wait for all year.

Now through May 27, shoppers can get up to 70% off high-end gear for everything from arduous backpacking excursions to cozy and sustainable Patagonia fleeces. Below, you can find 20 of the best deals included in the 2019 deals.

Otherwise, shop each category directly, below:

If you're a member, you'll also save 20% on one full-price item and an extra 20% on one REI Outlet item with the code "ANNV19" at checkout. If you're not a member yet, now may be a good time to take the plunge

Other secondary deals include the offer to book an REI class, outing, or event during the sale and save up to $20 with the code "OUTSIDE19" at checkout and $200 off the Joshua Tree National Park backpacking adventures trip or $1,000 off the New Zealand Biking trip. 

Below are 20 of the best deals from the REI 2019 Anniversary Sale. Shop it directly here

Patagonia Women's Better Sweater Quarter-Zip Pullover

Patagonia Women's Better Sweater Quarter-Zip Pullover, $73.73 (originally $99) [You save $25.27]

Patagonia's Better Sweater is a classic for a reason — cozy, versatile, sustainable, and streamlined, it's perfect for just about any activity. It has a soft, sweater-knit face and a warm fleece interior. 



REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent, $159.99 (originally $229) [You save $69.01]

REI Co-op's three-season half-dome backpacking tent is perfect for two — with mesh panels in the upper corners for ventilation and two large doors and vestibules for easy access and additional storage. 



Salomon Men's Quest 4D 3 GTX Hiking Boots

Salomon Men's Quest 4D 3 GTX Hiking Boots, $172.49 (originally $230) [You save $57.51]

Company expertise and high-quality materials make up these reliable, best-selling hiking boots. Techy upgrades like a new 4D Advanced Chassis design help reduce foot fatigue and improve stability. 



REI Membership

REI Co-Op REI Membership, $20

While not technically on sale, now would be a good time to sign up for an REI membership, both so you get access to the member-exclusive anniversary deals and start getting rewarded for your shopping



Patagonia Men's and Women's Nano Puff Jackets

Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Jacket, $138.99 (originally $199) [You save $60.01] 

Patagonia Men's Nano Puff Jacket, $138.99 (originally $199) [You save $60.01]

Patagonia's Nano Puff Jacket is made out of 75% recycled materials, blocks wind, traps body heat, and doesn't restrict your freedom of movement. Plus, it fits into its own chest pocket. 



REI Co-op Men's Traverse 35 Pack

REI Co-op Men's Traverse 35 Pack, $68.99 (originally $139) [You save $70.01]

Sleek enough for a quick day trek, and roomy enough to hold enough gear for an overnighter. 



Patagonia Baggies Shorts

Patagonia Men's Baggies Shorts 5" Inseam, $26.83 (originally $55) [You save $28.17]

Use them for swimming, surfing, hiking, or anything else. They're quick-drying with a DWR finish, and have a relaxed, wear-anywhere fit. 



Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, 60L $96.69 (originally $129) [You save $32.31]

This rugged Black Hole duffel is perfect for packing an inconceivable amount of gear — and keeping it safe from the elements — for everything from a weekend trip to a full vacation. Wear it like a backpack or as a duffel. 



Sea to Summit Single Pro Hammock

Sea to Summit Single Pro Hammock, $41.93 (originally $69.95) [You save $28.02]

Hike with the Sea to Summit hammock from the forest to the beach. The breathable fabric supports up to 400 pounds, and it's built for durability. 



REI Co-op Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

REI Co-op Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad, $58.99 - $70.99 (originally $99.95 - $119.95) [You save $40.96 - $48.96]

Ultralight when being hiked to of from camp, but built for substantial warmth and comfort during sleep, the Flash Insulated Sleeping Pad is a good lightweight companion for overnight trips. 



Patagonia Men's Micro D Snap-T Fleece Pullover

Patagonia Men's Micro D Snap-T Fleece Pullover, $61.99 (originally $89) [You save $27.01]

Patagonia's casual Micro D Snap-T Fleece is the perfect, cushiony-soft layer for everything from hiking to camping to running around town. Plus, it's made from 100% recycled polyester microfleece. 



Garmin inReach Explorer+ 2-Way Satellite Communicator

Garmin inReach Explorer+ 2-Way Satellite Communicator, $399.99 (originally $450) [You save $50.01]

Stay at least somewhat connected when going off-the-grid with this satellite communicator. It'll function as a GPS tracker, navigation tool, 2-way satellite messenger, and SOS device. 



REI Co-op Nalgene Pride Wide-Mouth Water Bottle

REI Co-op Nalgene Pride Wide-Mouth Water Bottle, 32 fl. Oz., $7.59 (originally $10.95) [You save $3.36]

Get on board the fervent Nalgene bandwagon with one of their durable, intuitive water bottles. It's made of long-lasting copolyester, dishwasher-safe, and BPA-free. Plus, 5% of your purchase will go to nonprofits that connect LGBTQ people to the outdoors. 



Osprey Men's Aether AG 70 Pack

Osprey Men's Aether AG 70 Pack, $232.49 (originally $310) [You save $77.51]

A good companion for both a light week on the trail or a gear-heavy weekend excursion, the Aether has Osprey's beloved Anti-Gravity harness for comfortable wear and a breathable, suspended mesh back. 



Osprey Women's Aura AG 65 Pack,

Osprey Women's Aura AG 65 Pack, $199.99 (originally $270) [You save $70.01]

A women-specific fit combined with Osprey's traditional Anti-Gravity suspension system makes this an unusually comfortable backpacking pack. 



Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad

Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad, $276.69 - $291.69 (originally $389) [You save $97.31 - $112.31]

This sleeping pad is built for two, and completely fills most two-person tents for a level, comfortable sleeping surface — for tents or car campers. 



GHOST Kato FS 3.7 Bike

GHOST Kato FS 3.7 Bike, 2019, $1,499.89 (originally $1,999.95) [You save $500.06]

The GHOST Kato is built to help you tackle a wide variety of terrain. It has 11 gears, a hydroformed aluminum frame, and 27.5-inch wheels for optimal control, speed, and dexterity. It's also good to note that all bicycles sold at REI include a free tune-up within the first six months. 



Patagonia Women's Nine Trails 26L Pack

Patagonia Women's Nine Trails 26L Pack, $46.83 - $118.99 (originally $159) [You save $40.01 - $112.17]

This well-designed trail pack has a wide U-shaped zipper for easy loading and on-the-go access along with a comfortable women-specific design. Take it on hikes for a seamless, breathable experience.



REI Co-op Roadtripper Duffel – 60L

REI Co-op Roadtripper Duffel, 60L, $24.89 (originally $49.95) [You save $25.06]

Throw the Roadtripper into your trunk or rooftop box for easy, durable carrying. The coated 610-denier Cordura polyester is tough and water-resistant. When not in use, the duffel stows in its own zippered side pocket. 



Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Cargo Roof Box

Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Cargo Roof Box, $439.19 (originally $549) [You save $109.81]

This SkyBox can hold enough gear for three campers, as well as fit snowboards and skis up to 185cm long. It also has a dimple-textured lid, which is supposed to reduce drag and result in less noise. 



REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag

REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag, $244.29-$258.29 (originally $389) [You save $130.71-144.71]

The best-selling Magma sleeping bag is lightweight and compressible for easy travel, and water-resistant, premium 850-fill-power goose down makes it suitable for a temperature rating of 16 degrees Fahrenheit. REI calls it the co-op's best warmth-to-weight ratio. 



Garmin Fenix 5 Plus Sapphire GPS Watch

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus Sapphire GPS Watch, $599.99-$899.99 (originally $750-$1,050) [You save $150.01]

Leave your other devices behind on your next adventure with this rugged, do-anything GPS watch. It features onboard music, maps, heart-rate tracking, and contactless payments alongside built-in navigation sensors.



Scarpa Men's Instinct VS Climbing Shoes

Scarpa Men's Instinct VS Climbing Shoes, $138.69 (originally $185)[You save $46.31]

Scarpa's climbing shoes designed for sport climbers and boulderers have a close fit, tough synthetic uppers, and grippy soles.

 



16 must-haves for your Memorial Day beach weekend getaway

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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.

beach

  • Memorial Day is nearly here, and for hoards of us, that means a long-awaited beach weekend.
  • That also means it might be time to toss out the ratty old towels, congealed sunscreens, and leaky coolers.
  • Here are some of our favorite tried-and-true products to bring to the beach on Memorial Day weekend.

It's 2019, and before you head out for this year's inaugural beach weekend to celebrate our service members, let's get a few things straight: Chemical-based sunscreens aren't just killing the reefs, they could even be hurting you, so it might be time to switch to mineral-based ones.

Then there are umbrellas, which aren't just cumbersome; they blow away and hurt people (they are also notoriously flimsy and prone to breaking), so maybe it's time to switch to a more portable tent-like beach shelter.

There are also plenty of good sunglasses you can bring to the beach and not worry about losing, so leave the Persols at home and grab a pair of these (they even float in water).

And sure, there's a lot of fuss about Yeti coolers, and they are great, but they're kinda heavy, and you don't need all that insulation for a day at the beach. Try something a little more carry-friendly like AO Coolers' vinyl series for your sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.

You'll have to take this one for what it's worth, but similar to Dave Barry and his endless hunt for the perfect breakfast beer, I am on an eternal endeavor to discover the ultimate beach blanket, and I really think I've found it this time.

Lastly, aren't there enough forsaken plastics in our oceans yet? How about some biodegradable beach toys for the kids?

Read on for 16 of our favorite beach-day essentials:

Floating sunglasses

Rheos floating sunglasses, available at Amazon, $55 (various models)

If you're anything like me, you've lost a pair or three of sunglasses at the beach. Leave your fancy shades at home and grab a pair that floats. Polarized, shatterproof, and hydrophobically finished, these glasses are the ones to take along on a (light) ocean dip.



A stealthy beer bottle coozie

BottleKeeper Stainless Steel Bottle Holder and Insulator, available at Amazon, $39.98

Not that we condone it, but no one will have a clue you're not drinking water (if you are, in fact, not drinking water), and you'll also be able to cap off your brew and take a dip (or stash it when beach patrol shows up), and it won't be warm or flat when you return.



A clean, mineral-based sunscreen

All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter, available at Amazon, two 1-ounce tins for $20.99

Here at Insider Picks, several of us have been searching far and wide for the best, most easily-applicable, and least harmful sunscreen we can find. This year, All Good is our favorite: It goes on smoothly and evenly, and leaves a minimal white caste that's gone in an hour or so, in our experience. We haven't tried their new tinted version yet, but if you do want a tinted option, check out Raw Elements' Face and Body (which comes in a bigger tin and works well for us, but spreads more thinly).



A portable outdoor chair

Oniva Picnic Time Fusion Outdoor Folding Chair, available at Amazon, $85.99

One major problem we all encounter with beach chairs is that we have to carry them. A four-way folding chair eliminates some of the problem with a shoulder strap, but the ONIVA Fusion backpack chair has backpack straps that fully free your hands to carry the mountain of other gear you've foolishly, unnecessarily lugged out to the beach — if you're anything like me, that is.

If not, then you can easily manage to fit just about everything you need for a day at the beach into this all-in-one chair because it comes equipped with a side table, cooler, and pockets galore.



An affordable, carry-friendly cooler with supreme ice retention

AO Coolers in various sizes, available at Amazon, $57.49-$99.95 (12-can to 48-can)

AO Coolers foregoes a lot of fluff for the sake of cost and what counts, which is what's on the inside. In this case, that includes a heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant liner and some high-density foam. The zipper isn't watertight, so don't go turning this cooler upside-down, but it will keep everything cold for a day and then some, in my experience.



A biodegradable (and disposable) cooler

Igloo Recool 16-Quart Cooler, available at Target, $7.99

If you're traveling or on the go and don't have a cooler at hand, it's time to give up the Styrofoam kind from the grocery store. They're not all that great for the environment, but then is there really anything to like about them? They make that horrible screech every time they scratch up against something, and they're so delicate and flimsy that they usually break on their initial outing. Igloo's new solution, the Recool, doesn't only hold up better; it's biodegradable. I also purposefully let a bag of ice melt inside of one and left it for five days and it didn't leak. For under $10, you'll get a lot of mileage out of it, and if you're leaving it behind at the end of the trip, well, it's no more skin off of your nose than the old styrofoam stuff (though it might be a weight off your conscience). 



A watertight backpack cooler for a more involved excursion

Hydro Flask Soft Cooler Packs, available at Hydro Flask in 15-Liter and 22-Liter sizes, $206.21-$224.95

If you're camping or hiking this Memorial Day weekend, you might consider a backpack cooler. We like Hydro Flask's. It's small, lightweight, and loaded with external pockets for odds and ends, so if you pack thriftily and lightly, this could be the only bag you'll need to bring along.



An eco-friendly, disposable coconut-charcoal grill

CasusGrill, available at The Grommet, $14.95

If you're planning to do some impromptu beach grilling this summer, consider CasusGrill. It's not only 100% biodegradable, but it is also a blast to cook on. The whole thing tidily assembles in seconds, and in a single-digit matter of minutes, you can throw just about anything you want onto it. You'll also get an endless string of compliments from jealous passersby.



A silky-soft brushed cotton beach blanket for dusk

Faherty Adirondack and Sherpa Blankets, available at Faherty, $128-$168

This isn't the piece you lay in the sand and spill salsa upon. It is, however, the blanket you'll want to wrap yourself in to watch the sunset with a glass of wine or sing kumbaya by the fire. As you like.



Mayde Turkish towels

Mayde towels, available at Urban Outfitters, $79

Ideal for lounging and drying, this is your all-around beach towel that's lightweight, so it's easy to pack and carry. I've tried most of the line out, and each and every one is my new favorite peshtemal towel.



A secure changing towel

Rumpl Shammy Towel, available at Amazon, $59

Yes, enough with the towels already, I know. But three is a magical number, and if you'll be changing on the beach, this third and final suggestion, which comes complete with securing buttons, might just save you some major embarrassment.



A lightweight, easy-assembly beach tent

Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent, available at Amazon, $69.99

Umbrellas are often heavy, unwieldy nuisances, especially in a stiff breeze. If you want something a little more manageable, a beach tent might be the way to go. Despite being slightly more complex to assemble, they're lightweight, much more packable, and tend to provide better shade and a degree of privacy, which we can all appreciate (especially on Memorial Day weekend).



A sand play set for your Rugrats, made from recycled plastic

Green Toys Sand Play Set, available at Amazon, $14

The Green Toys Sand Play Set is small and doesn't come with a whole lot, but it probably has the best chance of lasting a season out of any plastic beach toy set we could find, and these are, after all, the essentials.

Really, apart from maybe a Kindle, what else does a child or an adult really need for entertainment at the beach? Made from BPA-free recycled plastics, the kit includes a bucket with a sturdy rope handle that won't break, a shovel, a rake, and a sand castle mold, which is all it takes to build the beach fortress of your wildest dreams.



Hats to keep you from getting burned

Sunday Afternoons hats, available at Amazon, starting at $15.16

Lightweight, crushable, and moisture-wicking, Sunday Afternoons has hats in all styles from the urban-chic Havana to the all-out Adventure Hat (which the brand itself suggests you not be caught dead wearing in the city), Sunday Afternoons covers all the style bases.



An affordable and well-organized beach cart

Rio Brands Deluxe Wonder Wheeler, available at Amazon, $81.99

By now, you might be thinking you need a little help carrying things. Rio Brands' Deluxe Wonder Wheeler is a good, affordable option for most people, but if you're doing any heavy toting (e.g., surf fishing gear, metal detector, etc.), the Wheeleez Heavy Duty Beach Cart is the more rugged (if expensive) pick that won't let you down.



A restorative, after-sun skin tonic

Make Succulent Skin Gel, available at Need Supply Co., $25

And after all that sun, how about a little tonic? This gel from Make is made with aloe vera, prickly pear, chamomile, calendula, and comfrey, and it's our favorite after-sun skincare treatment.



Casper is running a Memorial Day sale — save 10% on any order with a mattress through May 27

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Casper sale

  • Casper is arguably the most popular mattress startup of many. 
  • Its most popular mattress, dubbed simply The Casper, has more than 40,000 reviews between those posted on Google, Amazon, and Casper's own site. And it has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
  • On a typical day, the queen-size Casper mattress is $1,095. Right now through Monday, May 27, you can celebrate Memorial Day with Casper — get 10% off any order with a mattress when you apply the code "MEMORIAL19" at checkout.
  • Look out for additional Memorial Day sales and deals on Insider Coupons, and run through our curated list of the best Memorial Day sales here

If you've been paying attention to subway ads or watching any TV in the last few years, you've probably noticed that a lot of online mattress startups have popped up. They've taken out the middlemen and added costs of showrooms and as a result, offer an often superior mattress for less money and less hassle than you'd find in a brick-and-mortar store. 

Of the many startups out there, Casper might be king.

The company has become synonymous with successful online startups, and has expanded from its first mattress sale in 2014 to begin selling sheets, pillows, adjustable bed frames, and even dog beds. It also doesn't hurt that every mattress comes with a 100-night money-back guarantee and a 10-year warranty, which is pretty much par for the course in the industry.

In other words, Casper is a grown-up cult-favorite. The company owes a lot of that success to a really great mattress, the convenience of a no-hassle home delivery, and pretty awesome prices. You can read our full review of the original, and recently updated, Casper Mattress here.

On a regular day, you can get the company's best-seller, The Casper, from $595 for a twin size, and the streamlined Essential mattress from as low as $395. The upgraded high-end mattress, The Wave, comes in at $1,295 to start.

Right now through Memorial Day on May 27, though, you'll find additional savings. You can get 10% off any order with a mattress when you apply the code "MEMORIAL19" at checkout. So, for example, if you add a queen-size Casper Wave Mattress ($2,295) to your cart, you'll save $230 on your purchase.

If you've been meaning to get a new mattress — or bedding of any kind — now is a great time to act. Casper's prices are already low to remain competitive, and sales don't happen every day. 

Get 10% off any Casper order with a mattress with the code "MEMORIAL19".

If you're interested in learning more before committing to a Casper mattress, our bedding and mattress buying guides can help you out: 

SEE ALSO: The best mattresses you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

The best cooling mattress toppers you can buy

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  • If you sleep hot, dread warm summer nights, or suffer from night sweats, a cooling mattress topper can help to regulate your bed's temperature for a better night's sleep.
  • Our top pick, the Therpedic Tru-Cool 3-inch Serene Foam Performance Mattress Topper, offers a combination of cooling and other valuable benefits, like reduced motion transfer, to help you get to sleep and stay asleep.

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night to desperately kick off your covers and wait as the cooler air washes over you? Do you dread getting into bed in the summer, knowing that your mattress is going to be uncomfortably warm? Whether you're someone who just sleeps hot or needs to get better sleep during warm weather, investing in a cooling mattress topper can make you more comfortable and help you to sleep through the night.  

When your bed isn't working for you, buying a mattress topper can help to correct some of the issues at a more affordable cost than you'll see if you buy a new mattress. They can refresh an older mattress, or they can add cushion, breathability, or cooling properties to a newer mattress that you don't want to replace.

These mattress toppers — as opposed to mattress pads or covers — offer significant cushion and padding in addition to their cooling properties. Some are thicker than others, so you'll want to think about how much height they'll add to your bed when deciding which product is right for you. Also be sure to consider whether you'll like a topper that's firmer or softer, since everyone has different preferences.

The mattress toppers in this guide all offer some sort of cooling effect. For the best results, pair them with breathable sheets and comforters, and try to lower the temperature of your bedroom before going to bed. The National Sleep Foundation states that the ideal bedroom temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. It's easier to fall asleep when your room is cool, rather than hot, so taking steps to keep your bed and bedroom cool can help you to both fall asleep and stay asleep.  

Buying a mattress topper can be a challenge, since you can't try them out and most stores don't select a wide variety of them for you to feel and inspect in person. We have researched and ranked the following toppers according to their cooling effect, their benefits, such as washable covers and reduced motion transfer, their price, and their overall performance, taking the guesswork out of your purchase. 

Here are the best cooling mattress toppers in 2019:

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

The best overall

Not only does the Therpedic Tru-Cool 3-Inch Serene Foam Performance Mattress Topper feature cooling technology, but it also reduces motion transfer.

Cooling technology can go a long way in helping you to sleep more comfortably, but it's not the only factor in getting a good night's sleep. The Therapedic Tru-Cool 3-Inch Serene Foam Performance Mattress Topper is our top pick because of the multiple ways it keeps you comfortable at night.

TruCool cooling technology helps to keep this topper comfortable, even on hot nights, and the Serene Foam allows heat to dissipate quickly, contributing to your cool sleep.

The Serene Foam offers other benefits, though. It has billions of microscopic air capsules that help to enhance the support that the foam provides while simultaneously reducing the pressure on your body. This is a valuable quality since pressure on hips, knees, shoulders, and ankles (depending on how you sleep) can lead to pain, stiffness, and sleep disruption.

This foam also reduces motion transfer, so you're disturbed less when your partner shifts around. The polyester blend cover is breathable and made of a double-knit performance fabric that is both soft and durable. The cover is also machine washable for convenience.

This topper is backed by a 5-year manufacturer's warranty and is available in twin, full, queen, king, and California king sizes. It's a good all-around choice that offers cooling properties plus features that enhance the overall quality of your sleep. This topper is endorsed by the American Sleep Association and is made in the US.

The Therapedic Tru-Cool 3-Inch Serene Foam Performance Mattress Topper has a 3.9 out of 5-star rating on Bed Bath & Beyond, based on 14 reviews. One reviewer has been pleased with this mattress topper: "Great quality for cost. Very comfortable. Helps me to fall asleep faster. The cooling feature is Perfect for women that have hot flashes."

Another buyer named Sydney wrote, "I should give it one star because I am now almost always late to work or class because I never want to leave my bed. Like sleeping on a cloud."

Pros: Cooling technology, reduced motion transfer, reduced pressure points for a more comfortable sleep, 5-year manufacturer's warranty

Cons: Foam can be spot cleaned only, 3-inch topper may add too much height to some beds

Buy the Therapedic Tru-Cool 3-inch Serene Foam Performance Mattress Topper on Bed Bath & Beyond for $249.99 - $399.99



The best for pain relief

The Overstock Cooling Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper provides cradling support for a comfortable and cool night's sleep.

If you're looking for both cooling properties and cushion in a mattress topper, the Overstock Cooling Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper offers a combination of the two. This 2.5-inch topper features memory foam that is infused with cooling gel to help prevent heat buildup so your bed stays at a comfortable temperature all night long.

Additionally, the Tencel fabric is soft and smooth, and its natural moisture-wicking properties further keep you cool and dry. The Tencel fabric promotes air circulation, further helping to avoid heat buildup.

This topper comes with a zippered, removable, and washable cover for convenience. The topper is backed by a 5-year manufacturer's limited warranty and is available in twin XL, queen, or king sizes.

The Overstock Cooling Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress has a 4.2 out of 5-star Amazon rating, based on 62 reviews. One reviewer was pleased with the cooling properties: "Exactly as advertised. Improved sleep and comfort. Unlike others we have tried this truly is cool comfort and does not cause you to overheat."

Another buyer named April King compared using this topper to sleeping on a cloud: "I'm not sure what a cloud feels like but this foam topper at 2.5 inches is the right amount of comfort ... you literally sink right in and I woke up without back or shoulder pain."

This topper is also the recipient of a SELF Editor's Choice Award.

Pros: Cooling gel-infused foam helps to keep temperatures comfortable, Tencel fabric wicks moisture, washable cover, 5-year manufacturer's limited warranty

Cons: Topper itself isn't washable

Buy the Overstock Cooling Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress on Overstock for $103.99



The best charcoal topper

The 3-inch Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper offers temperature regulation, moisture wicking, and odor reducing properties, plus much more.

The 3-inch Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper takes a unique, natural approach to enhancing your mattress. This topper is infused with StayFresh bamboo charcoal, which gives it some desirable properties.

The topper harnesses charcoal's ability to reduce odor, which helps to keep the topper smelling fresh. Additionally, the bamboo charcoal infusion wicks away excess moisture, which helps to keep you cool and comfortable even on hot nights.

This mattress topper is also equipped with a PureFlow ventilated design, which maximizes breathability and airflow to help regulate temperature and prevent heat buildup. The moldable foam conforms to your body's curves while also eliminating pain on pressure points like elbows, hips, and knees.

The topper is naturally hypoallergenic, making it ideal for anyone with allergies. It's backed by a 3-year warranty. The topper has CertiPUR-US certification, meaning it was made without the use of any harmful chemicals, so you can sleep well.

The 3-inch Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper has a 4.5-star rating on Wayfair.com based on 147 reviews. One shopper named Karen wrote, "Feels like I'm sleeping on a cloud. The best part is that I don't sweat anymore at night." Another buyer called Shelley wrote, "So soft and very cool." 

This mattress topper is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.

Pros: Odor-reducing, moisture-wicking, ventilation maximizes airflow for temperature regulation, hypoallergenic, 3-year warranty

Cons: Can take a few days to fully expand after being unpacked, no cover included

Buy the 3-inch Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper from Wayfair for $55.99 - $120.99



The best luxury topper

Handcrafted with organic wool that's not treated with chemicals, the PlushBeds Luxury Wool Topper helps to regulate your bed's temperature year-round.

If you're looking for a truly deluxe mattress topper, the PlushBeds Luxury Wool Topper is a top-quality handcrafted option. The topper is filled with wool, making it not only comfortable, but also helping to keep your bed at a comfortable temperature.

Because wool naturally regulates temperature, this mattress topper helps to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, offering just the right amount of insulation.

PlushBeds uses wool that that Global Organic Textile Standard has certified as organic. Plus, PlushBeds manufactures its wool mattress toppers with environmental and socially responsible best practices.

The wool used is never chemically treated, whereas wool toppers by other brands may be treated with harsh chemicals or detergents. It's naturally non-allergenic and helps to minimize mold sports and mites.

While this mattress topper has a higher price point than others, it's also of a higher quality. The cotton exterior has a 400-thread count for a luxurious feel, and the topper is hand tufted and hand stitched right here in the United States.

The PlushBeds Luxury Wool Topper has a 4.2 out of 5-star Amazon rating, based on 5 reviews. One shopper named Jeffrey Brockhaus wrote, "The PlushBeds Luxury Wool Topper is more expensive than most, but the quality of the workmanship is impressive. I have purchased 2, one for my bed and one for the guest room."This topper was also recognized as the Editor's Pick by Tuck.

This mattress topper is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.

Pros: Made with organic wool, handcrafted here in the United States, wool offers natural temperature regulation year-round, topper is non-allergenic

Cons: Higher price point than other mattress toppers

Buy the PlushBeds Luxury Wool Topper on Amazon for $349.00 - $749.00



The best for intense cooling

With pressure-activated cooling, the Cool Flash Sleeping Gel Body Pad is versatile and portable, offering cooling comfort wherever you need it.

Unlike traditional mattress toppers, the Cool Flash Sleeping Gel Body Pad exists specifically to provide cooling properties, rather than to add padding or cushion. This body pad measures 43.4 x 27.6 inches, making it ideal for personal use.

It's activated by pressure, and offers cooling relief for up to three hours – plenty of time to fall asleep, or to fall back asleep after waking up in the middle of the night. This pad doesn't require water, electricity, or refrigeration. When it's time to recharge the pad, simply let it sit in a cool place for 30 minutes.

This pad also has an advantage over traditional mattress toppers, in that it's easily portable. You can use it on the couch, in a recliner, or even while in a lounge chair outside for cooling relaxation.

Because the pad doesn't use water or electricity, it's safe to use in bed. You can lie directly on top of it, or place a sheet over it. For continuous cooling, invest in two pads so you can swap one out while the other recharges. For supercharged cooling, you can put the pad in the freezer prior to use.

The Cool Flash Sleeping Gel Body Pad has a 3.4 out of 5-star Amazon rating, based on 83 reviews. One reviewer named L. Capell wrote, "It doesn't stay cool for hours on end. But, I am able to make it several hours before I have to get up. And after a few minutes, it is cool again. Such a blessing for me!"

Another shopper named Sherri L. uses this pad for relief from night sweats: "Finally now at 50+ years old I find this and it is amazing the difference. I no longer have to get out of bed to let my pillow dry out. I place these on my pillow in such a manner as they will be under my neck and it is awesome."

Pros: No electricity, water, or refrigeration required; portable; recharges in 30 minutes

Cons: Cooling doesn't last all night

Buy the Cool Flash Sleeping Gel Body Pad on Amazon for $66.06



We tried meal kits from both Blue Apron and Plated to see which one makes the best meals

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Blue Apron vs Plated 4x3

  • If you want to give your Seamless account a break, there are a plethora of meal kit delivery services that can help.
  • But like takeout food, the problem with meal kits is that there are just too many options to choose between.
  • We put Blue Apron and Plated to the test to determine which meal kit wins out in a head to head battle.
  • Although we enjoyed the meals we made with both kits, we found that Plated offered the best variety of interesting ingredients and recipes.

Why order in when you could cook instead? There may have been a time when the answer to that (non-rhetorical) question included a cornucopia of excuses — grocery shopping is hard, cooking is hard, thinking of recipes is hard. But luckily for you (and for me), many of those problems have now been solved with the emergence of the meal kit.

Thanks to services like Blue Apron and Plated, cooking in rather than dining out has become a much more viable decision for dinner. With pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, burgeoning cooks and seasoned chefs alike can spend more time in the kitchen (and in front of the stove, rather than the microwave).

Now, however, with so many options on the table, the real question is: How do you know what meal kit is right for you?

Both Blue Apron and Plated are well-known brands with loyal followers. Both founded in 2012, each company has quite a bit of experience when it comes to dreaming up delicious recipes and sourcing local ingredients. Both offer chef-inspired recipes, easy delivery schedules, and portions for just you and your boo or you and your whole family.

But there are certainly some aspects in which Blue Apron and Plated begin to differentiate themselves from one another, and that's really how you'll be making your decision.

I cooked meals with both kits to see which ones I preferred based on ease of use, variety, and other factors.

Ease of use

Blue Apron vs Plated Plate

One of the key selling points of any meal kit is its convenience. Not only does a kit take all the thinking out of grocery shopping and meal planning, but it also provides you with step-by-step instructions for how best to prepare a delicious lunch or dinner. That said, there are certainly some meal kits that are a bit better-suited for more advanced chefs, and others that are better for folks who are just beginning their culinary journeys.

Blue Apron is, generally speaking, a bit more user-friendly than Plated. While both services offer extremely detailed recipes, Blue Apron rarely requires advanced techniques, and the recipes are almost always appropriate for folks who are just learning how to cook. If you can saute and bake, you're probably in good shape.

I also appreciate that Blue Apron gives you a time estimate of its recipes on its website, so you can quickly see how long you'll need to budget for before you even make meal selections for the week.

Plated, on the other hand, can get a bit more complex. You may have to do a bit more searing, a bit more roasting, and perhaps work with some trickier ingredients (scallops, for example, are a disaster if overcooked). That said, the tradeoff is that Plated recipes tend to be a bit more interesting, and the results are more unique than those of Blue Apron's meal kits.

Ultimately, if your goal is to get a delicious meal on the table quickly and without much fuss, I'd go with Blue Apron. If you're willing to devote a bit more time and energy to the cooking process, go with Plated.

Winner: Blue Apron


Recipe quality and creativity

Blue Apron vs Plated decision chart

I've never been outright disappointed by meals from Blue Apron or Plated, so honestly, you're in good hands either way in this category. That said, if you're looking to expand your horizons a bit further — stretching either your culinary abilities or your repertoire of techniques and ingredients — Plated has the edge.

Don't get me wrong, I think recipes like Blue Apron's Mushroom Tempura Rice Bowl with Avocado & Spicy Marinated Carrots is fantastic and certainly creative. But with Plated, you'll be able to experiment with untraditional takes on classic dishes. Take, for example, the Beef and Sweet Potato "Lasagna," which replaces pasta with sweet potatoes. You'll make your own tomato sauce, simmering it on the stove top for some time, and then create some beautiful layers before throwing everything in the oven.

In general, I've found that Plated really shines in the baking department. Whereas Blue Apron relies more on stovetop activities (great pastas and stir-fry dishes), at Plated, you may find something like the Savory Dutch Baby complete with prosciutto, ricotta, and snap peas. You'll create a popover-esque pancake in the oven, and then fill it to your heart's content.

Unexpected twists like this lasagna or the Dutch baby are what I've come to expect from Plated, and its kits certainly make for a fun date night activity.

Winner: Plated


Variety and dietary preferences  

I'll make a potentially contentious statement here: I tend to think that too many options is just ... too many. And sometimes, that's where I run into trouble with Plated. With so many options to choose from (and a maximum of four meals delivered), I am sometimes paralyzed by indecision.

Blue Apron, on the other hand, has fewer options but is easier to navigate. If you're trying to narrow down your selection based on dietary restrictions, you can easily find the Vegetarian section; if you're trying to cook for more people, you can easily navigate over to the four-serving section.

Plated will let you slice and dice your menu options in more ways, however. You can filter by low-carb, low-calorie, gluten-free, seafood, or a whole range of other preferences and restrictions. In short, no matter what you do or don't eat, you'll find something specifically catered to your needs.

Winner: Tie


Taste

Blue Apron

Ah, taste. Ever important, but ever so hard to judge! When it comes down to it, I give the edge to Plated. That's thanks to its more creative menu curation, its use of more unexpected ingredients and recipes, and its constantly changing selection of food.

That said, I would also classify myself as a more adventurous eater, and have certainly come across friends who have preferred Blue Apron's more tried-and-true approach to dinner. If you're looking for classic meals and classic taste, Blue Apron is for you. If you're looking to explore the culinary landscape a bit further, you may want to opt for Plated.

Winner: Plated


Price

The best way to compare meal kit prices is by meal and serving. To that end, Blue Apron tops out at $9.99 per serving and offers free shipping if you opt for three recipes a week.

Plated is more expensive. If you go for two servings a night, each serving will cost you $11.95, and you'll have to pay for shipping unless your order total exceeds $60 per week. Prices do come down if you opt for three or four servings per week — in that case, you're looking at $9.95 per serving.

Winner: Blue Apron


The bottom line: Plated is our winner

Blue Apron vs Plated Bottom line

Ultimately, if I had to pick one meal kit to have for the rest of my life, I would pick Plated. While it's more expensive and a bit less convenient, it offers a wider range of recipes and ingredients and is better suited for folks who are interested in expanding their roster of techniques in the kitchen.

Click here to sign up for Blue Apron

Click here to sign up for Plated

Join the conversation about this story »


Roku sells many different streaming sticks and smart TVs — here's how much they all cost

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Roku

  • If you want a smart TV without paying a smart TV price, a Roku streaming stick or box is easily the next best thing. 
  • The company offers tons of different streaming sticks, boxes, and a couple of smart TVs to make your TV watching experience all the better. 
  • Read on to find out how much each Roku device will cost you, and which one may be best for you.

If you're looking to up the ante on your TV-watching experience, you're probably looking for a Roku. Rather than confining your streaming experience to a 13-inch laptop screen, Roku allows you to turn your old, dumb TV into a smart TV. Using a Roku streaming stick or box is one of the most convenient and cost-efficient ways to watch your favorite shows and movies from popular streaming services.

Easy to set up and easier to use, Roku devices come equipped with a basic remote and a search function to help you make your way through the 500,000+ movies and episodes that you'll have access to. You can connect Roku to a wide range of streaming services, from HBO to Netflix to Sling TV to WatchESPN, and you can also watch movies, shows, news, sports, and more on the included Roku Channel. Also free with the devices are platforms like YouTube, The CW, and PBS. All you'll need is an internet connection and a Roku account, which is free and straightforward to set up.

While most Roku devices are meant to be plugged into your existing TV, the company also has its software in several smart TVs.

Keep scrolling to learn more about how much each of these devices cost.

Roku Express price

The most basic streaming stick from Roku promises a smooth HD experience and a simple-to-use player. Set-up is quick and easy, with a step-by-step guide, and the on-screen experience is simple to follow.

Roku Express prices:

Read our full review of the Roku Express.



Roku Express Plus price

If you're working with a slightly older TV, the Roku Express+ is the better option. It's compatible with both HDMI or composite A/V ports, and includes both a composite and HDMI cable.

Roku Express+ prices:



Roku Premiere price

If you're looking for 4K or HDR streaming, the slightly higher-end Roku Premiere is the way to go.

Roku Premiere prices:

Read our full review of the Roku Premiere.



Roku Premiere Plus price

Things get a bit fancier still with the Premiere+, which offers not only 4K and HDR streaming, but also an enhanced voice remote. That means that instead of pushing buttons, you can instead just speak to your remote control to watch your favorite content.

Roku Premiere+ prices:



Roku Streaming Stick price

Meant for on-the-go convenience, this portable streaming stick works well for wall-mounted TVs as well as hotel or dormitory use. It also comes with a voice remote that features TV power and volume buttons.

Roku Streaming Stick prices:



Roku Streaming Stick Plus price

Promising "exceptional wireless performance" and "brilliant picture quality," this is the upgraded version of the Roku Streaming Stick. With this stick, you can pair with TVs that are further away from your router, as well as 4K and HDR TVs.

Roku Streaming Stick+ prices:

Read our full review of the Roku Streaming Stick+.



Roku Ultra price

The most powerful Roku on the market is also the most expensive. It boasts a quad-core processor, making it ideal for folks who stream a lot of content. It also comes with premium JBL headphones, and is, of course, compatible with HD, 4K, and HDR TVs. The picture quality is also higher with the Roku Ultra than with any of the brand's other devices, so if you're looking for an image that's optimized for your television set, this is the way to go.

Roku Ultra prices:

Read our full review of the Roku Ultra.



Roku TV price

The Roku TV offers all the features of Roku, but they're directly built into a smart TV. Prices vary by size, model, and maker, but there's certainly no shortage of choice. A total of 10 companies offer Roku TVs: TCL, Sharp, Hisense, Philips, Sanyo, Element, JVC, RCA, Hitachi, and Magnavox. These smart TVs come with the Roku home screen, Roku remote, and automatic software updates.

Roku TV prices:



There's a direct link between the cost of a luxury-goods product and the size of its logo, but it's not what you expect

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bottega veneta

Would you be able to tell the difference between a $20 purse from Walmart and a $5,000 luxury bag?

According to Jonah Berger, marketing professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author of "Invisible Influence: The Hidden Forces That Shape Behavior," their similarities are more alike than one might think.

Along with professor Morgan Ward, Berger analyzed the correlation between price and brand prominence in hundreds of products and found a surprising relationship.

As expected, the cheaper the product, the less the brand was identified; as price increased, branding became more prominent. But as price further increased, branding became less prominent again. For example, of 10 sunglasses ranging between $100 and $300 that Berger and Ward studied, the majority featured visible logos — but only a few out of 10 $500-plus sunglasses had a brand name or logo on them.

For every $5,000 increase in price, the logo shrinks by a centimeter — luxury items with less prominent logos are more expensive, according to Berger.

If logos are meant to convey status, why would people spend money on pricey logo-less goods that aren't discernible from their cheaper counterparts, Berger wondered. While luxury brands are higher quality, it doesn't explain the premium price they charge for less prominent branding.

The answer lies in the exclusivity that subtlety creates.

Read more: A rise in discreet wealth is creating a new type of status symbol, and the elite are spending their money on 5 key lifestyle choices to keep up with it

Discreet markers convey status to those in the know

Loud signals are easier to identify, but that makes them more likely to be poached or copied by outsiders, Berger wrote in his book.

He added: "Carrying a handbag that says Louis Vuitton all over it encourages observers to think you're wealthy. But because they're more recognizable, such explicit signals are also more likely to be imitated by people who aren't wealthy, but just want to seem that way."

Consider counterfeit bags — those with blatant logos like Gucci are easier to pirate; to counterfeiters, it's not about the bag's quality, but what it communicates, according to Berger.

"Insiders, or people who know a lot about a given domain, prefer subtle signals," he wrote, adding that they provide a covert communication system. "They aren't as widely observed, but they also help distinguish insiders from wannabes. If people who want to seem rich buy handbags bathed in Louis Vuitton logos, those are no longer a good signal of wealth. So the truly wealthy may diverge and use more discreet markers that only other insiders can recognize."

Read more: Forget Louis Vuitton and Hermès — this luxury brand is the status symbol for the world's richest people

That's where subtle details like Bottega Veneta's woven pattern bags, costing up to $14,500, or Christian Louboutin's trademark red soles come in — they're recognizable to fashion experts.

Even a company's discreet press strategy can turn its goods into the ultimate status symbol among elite in the know. Goyard, a two-century-old Parisian brand, eschews any type of advertising and builds its business on discretion, an elusiveness that has created what one luxury expert called an "insider's bag."

It's the same concept behind discreet wealth, where showing off wealth is no longer the way to signify having wealth. Rich people are increasingly forgoing the flashiness and material goods that marked conspicuous consumption in favor of investments in things like education and health to signify cultural capital and propel social mobility.

However, the thriving luxury world makes it clear they're not giving up material goods all together — like the rest of their investments, they're just spending money on things the middle-class consumer won't recognize.

SEE ALSO: The evolution of brands like Michael Kors and Abercrombie & Fitch explains the downfall of some status symbols, according to a Wharton professor

DON'T MISS: Rich people keep buying things that aren't actually functional to show off their wealth

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This giant 1950s town replica in California is a new kind of treatment center for people with Alzheimer's

13 mind-blowing facts that show just how expensive San Francisco really is

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san francisco

Home to tech workers, a public poop problem, and a high cost of living, San Francisco is in a league of its own.

The city ranked as one of the places with the top economies, according to an analysis of local economies in the US's 40 largest metro areas conducted by Business Insider. San Francisco's close proximity to Silicon Valley, considered the tech center of the world, has caused the city to become one of the wealthiest cities in America.

But that's resulted in an expensive life for Bay Area residents, including a housing crisis where most can't afford homes. 

The cost of living could get even worse if several tech IPOs go public as planned in 2019, making San Francisco home to thousands of new millionaires by year's end, Nellie Bowles of The New York Times reported.

Here are 13 mind-blowing facts that show just how expensive San Francisco really is.

SEE ALSO: Americans think they need more than $2 million to be considered wealthy, but that's nothing compared to what residents in San Francisco say

DON'T MISS: A group of people paid $2.25 an hour to work at a makeshift 'office' in a San Francisco parking space, and it shows just how expensive and crowded the Bay Area has become

1. The Bay Area is home to more wealthy people than any other of the most populous US metro areas, according to the US Census.

The median household income in San Francisco brings in $98,710— around 63% more than the national median household income of $60,336.

The city has the third highest number of billionaires in the country thanks to its technology sector, according to Wealth-X's 2019 Billionaire Census report.



2. The typical rent in San Francisco exceeds $4,000 — more than 2.5 times the typical national rent.

The median rent price in the US is $1,700. In San Francisco, it's $4,506. San Francisco is also the most expensive city in the US to rent a two-bedroom apartment.

Even co-living spaces, created for affordability, run $1,900 a month for a room with a bunk-bed, reported Business Insider's Katie Canales.

 



3. The typical price of homes listed in San Francisco is $1.3 million — 4.4 times the typical national price of homes listed.

The national median price of homes listed is $289,900

San Francisco is the US city with the most million dollar homes — 81% cost $1 million or more, according to a Trulia report

San Francisco's housing market is so dire that nearly half of its residents said in a 2018 Bay Area Council advocacy group survey that they plan to move away soon.

Single-family homes could cost as much as $5 million in five years, Nellie Bowles of The New York Times reported.



4. One of the city's cheapest neighborhoods, Bayview, has an average home listing price of $890,000.

But some homes go for less than that — a 480-square-foot 'fixer' recently sold for $600,000.

According to the listing, it could "easily expand" to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house as it sits on a 2,500 square-foot lot, reported Canales.

 



5. To buy a typical San Francisco home with a 20% down payment, residents need to earn $303,000 — what it takes more than six years for the median US worker to earn.

The median US worker earns $46,696 annually, according to data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Only 12% of households can afford to buy a home based on this estimation, Melia Robinson reported, citing a report from Paragon Real Estate

 



6. To live comfortably as a homeowner in San Francisco, residents need to earn $230,286 — what it takes the median US worker to earn in nearly five years.

As a San Francisco renter, you need to earn $164,214 to live comfortably, according to a GoBanking Rates study. It takes the median US worker 3.5 years to earn that much.

Even the $142,000 salary of the average Bay Area tech worker isn't enough; nearly 60% of tech workers can't afford homes in the area, Robinson reported.



7. Some residents are also living in houseboats and vans as a housing alternative.

A tech worker lived in his startup's office for a year because he couldn't afford rent

Tech worker Jonathan Gaurano said in a YouTube video that he lived in his San Francisco startup's offices for an entire year, after his landlord abruptly quadrupled his rent, reported Business Insider's Nick Bastone.

 



8. Even tech moguls and startup founders are having trouble finding homes San Francisco, where real estate goes to the highest bidder.

And a 1,000-square-foot home with no working plumbing and a pile of rotting mattresses stacked in the kitchen sold for more than $520,000 in 2018, reported Business Insider's Hilary Brueck.



9. The number of San Francisco residents living in vehicles has increased by 45%.

This has caused San Francisco's homeless population to increase by 17% to 8,011 over the past two years, reported Business Insider's Katie Canales, citing the San Francisco Chronicle

The region's tech boom and housing shortage are behind these increases, which indicate that San Francisco's long-standing homelessness crisis is worsening, Canales said.



10. San Francisco is the most expensive US city to raise a family; a family of four needs to earn $148,440 a year, nearly triple what the median US worker earns in one year.

That's $12,370 a month, according to Quentin Fottrell of MarketWatch, citing the Economic Policy Institute.

More than half of tech workers, who typically make a six-figure salary, said that the increased cost of living in the area has caused them to put off having kids, according to a survey by the app Blind.



11. A family of four earning up to $117,400 in the area is considered low-income — the highest threshold of its kind in the nation, according to the federal government.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development determined this number based on median income and average housing costs, reported Karen Zraick for The New York Times



12. A single person in San Francisco can expect to spend an annual total of $69,072 on necessities — nearly 50% more than what a median US worker earns in one year.

That's $5,756 a month, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Costs in this calculation include housing, food, transportation, healthcare, other necessities, and taxes, not including savings or discretionary spending.

 

 



13. San Francisco residents think it takes $4 million to be wealthy — nearly twice as much as what the rest of the nation thinks.

Americans believe it takes an average of $2.3 million to be wealthy, according to Charles Schwab's 2019 Modern Wealth Survey.



10 of the most basic cars for people who hate technology

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Nissan Frontier

  • Modern automobiles are being packed with more and more tech features these days.
  • As a result, the selection models for the technophobes among us is thinning.
  • However, there are still a few decidedly low tech models to be had.
  • They range from rugged off-roaders to economy car that provides no-frills daily transportation to lightweight sports cars. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The signs are all there. The tech and automotive industries are becoming increasingly intertwined. Brands such as Tesla are as much tech firm as they are a car company. It's not just Tesla. Mainstream mass-market brands are also fully on board with the tech revolution. 

Read more: These are the 10 most useless features in cars.

Semi-autonomous drivers assistance tech such as adaptive cruise control are now commonplace on everything from $150,000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans to entry-level Subaru Crosstrek crossovers. And there's the connectivity. For example, General Motors has made Wi-fi hotspot capability available across its entire lineup products from the Cadillac Escalade to the Chevrolet Corvette. 

As a result, it far easier to find a new car that's packed to the hilt with tech than it is to find one that's without tech. But there are a few new cars out there for the technophobes among us. 

Low tech offerings these days run the gamut from economy cars that provide basic no-frills daily transportation to bare-bones speed machines designed for lightweight performance.

Here's a closer look at 10 cars for people who don't like tech. 

SEE ALSO: 12 things you should keep in your car at all times in case of a disaster

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

Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is like a time capsule from the 2000s. The current generation Frontier has been around since 2005 with only minor changes over the years.

As a result of age, the mid-size pickup is also a bit rough around the edges. The pick up isn't particularly fun to drive and the ride is harsh compared to its rivals from General Motors. However, it's one of the toughest pickups around and its optional VQ Series V6 engine is one of the best in the business. It's also a great option for those looking for a simple and low tech ride, especially in the base "S" trim. In it's most basic guise, the Frontier comes with an old-school five-speed manual transmission and a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. 

 



Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is an automotive icon. It's the spiritual descendant of the original Willys Jeep that helped power the Allies to victory in World World II. These days, the new JL generation Wrangler has the benefit of features like a touchscreen infotainment system and USB charging ports. However, at its very core, the Wrangler is a still rugged, go-anywhere off-roader with removable body panels. 



Mahindra Roxor

If the Wrangler is the spiritual descendant of the Willys Jeep, the Mahindra Roxor is about a close the original as you can get these days. India's Mahindra has been building Willys Jeep's under license for seven decades. The current Mahindra Roxor is made in Auburn Hills, Michigan and is powered by a 62 horsepower, 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine. Unfortunately, the Roxor is not yet road legal in the US and is more of an off-road toy.



Hyundai Accent

The sub-compact Accent is the entry-point into Hyundai's lineup of passenger cars. It's basic transportation, especially in base SE trim that still comes standard with a traditional manual transmission.  The 2019 Accent starts at just $14,995 in the US and comes with some basic convenience features like a backup camera. 



Dacia Duster

The Duster is an affordable, compact crossover SUV from Renault's Romanian subsidiary, Dacia. With the starting price just under £10,000, the Dacia Duster offers buyers a good, well-designed crossover not a whole lot of high-tech frivolities. 



Dodge Caravan

The Dodge Caravan was the best selling minivan in the US last year. However, the current generation Caravan has been around since 2008, which means it's a bit long in the tooth. Apart from some basic infotainment features, the base Caravan is pretty thin on tech. 



Mazda Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best selling two-seat convertible sports car of all time. It's lightweight, perfectly balanced handling, and peppy four-cylinder makes the Miata one of the all-time greats. 



Alfa Romeo 4C

The Alfa Romeo 4C is all-about pure Italian motoring. As a result, it's devoid of most convenience features. Instead of an infotainment system, there's just a basic radio. It doesn't even have power steering. What it doesn't have is a high-priced carbon fiber tub, fancy twin-clutching transmission, and a screaming 1.7-liter turbocharged engine. 



Porsche 911 Carrera T

The Porsche 911 isn't really low tech from an engineering perspective. It's actually one of the most technologically advanced sports cars on the market. However, the 911 Carrera T is a lightweight stripped down, back-to-basics version of the Porsche.

As a result, the 911T gets lightweight glass, less sound insulation, a piece of rope instead of actual door handles, and a no-cost option to forgo the PCM infotainment system/radio. 



Ariel Atom

The Ariel Atom is the epitome minimalist motoring. The British sports car features a metal exoskeleton, racing seats, and a mid-rear-mounted engine. It's also blisteringly fast. According to Evo, the V8-powered Atom can make the run of 0-60 mph in just 2.3 seconds. 



A third of the people in this European country are millionaires

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monaco restaurant

 

Monaco, a tiny city-state on the French Riviera, is known as a playground for the ultra-wealthy.

Of the 38,300 people who live in Monaco, about 12,261 are millionaires, according to the 2019 Knight Frank Wealth Report.

That means about 32% of Monaco residents — nearly a third of the population — are millionaires. And these ultra-wealthy residents are all clustered within less than one square mile. 

Just as noteworthy as such a staggering concentration of wealth — if not more — is the fact that Monaco has virtually no poverty.

"The government reinvests tourism earnings and other capital gains back into the community to improve the quality of life and to entice the wealthy to continue traveling and buying properties," Karyn Adams of the Borgen Project, a non-profit organization with a mission of fighting global poverty, wrote of Monaco.

"Even though these improvements are meant to attract foreigners with money, the natives benefit from it as well, effectively creating a virtually nonexistent poverty line within their tiny, proud and sovereign nation," she added.

monaco yacht show

Monaco has long been a destination for the super-rich, partially because of its reputation as a tax haven — it has no income tax. And it probably doesn't hurt that Monaco has a balmy Mediterranean climate and hosts glamorous events throughout the year such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show.

Read more: 15 astounding facts about Monaco, the tiny French Riviera city-state where 32% of the population is made up of millionaires

The affluent city-state comes with property prices to match.

For a small one-bedroom apartment in Monaco, buyers can expect to pay at least $1.6 million, Alexander Kraft, chairman and CEO of Sotheby's International Realty France-Monaco, told Mansion Global.

Most "normal" apartments in the city-state cost between $2.2 million and $22.3 million, Kraft said, with the higher end penthouses going for more than $55 million.

SEE ALSO: What it's like living in Monaco, the glamorous city-state on the French Riviera that's home to a glitzy annual yacht show and where an estimated 1 in 3 people is a millionaire

DON'T MISS: What it's like living as a millionaire in Taipei, Asia's 'stealthy rich city,' where the ultra-wealthy own more than 5 homes each and shop in private VIP fitting rooms

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This giant 1950s town replica in California is a new kind of treatment center for people with Alzheimer's

We cooked meals from Blue Apron and HelloFresh to see which meal kit delivery service is best

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Blue Apron vs HelloFresh 4x3

  • Eating in instead of taking out has gotten a lot easier with the rise of the meal kits.
  • But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know exactly which of the myriad of options available is right for you.
  • We put Blue Apron and HelloFresh head to head to determine which meal kit wins our hearts and our bellies.
  • In this case, it was simply too close to call.
  • HelloFresh is ideal of simplicity, speed, and convenience, while Blue Apron is best for cooks who want to get creative and explore new flavors.

If ever there was a cure to your Seamless obsession, it's another kind of delivery — the meal kit delivery. Here to save you from the never-ending rotation of takeout meals, these meal kits are introducing you to your kitchen in all its wonder — as it turns out, your stove is just as important as your microwave!

But just as it can be a challenge to pick your favorite take-out restaurant, it can be difficult to pick your favorite meal kit delivery service. After all, with so many to choose from, how could you possibly know which one is truly right for you? Luckily, we've taste-tested a couple to help narrow down your decision-making process. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Both Blue Apron and HelloFresh are veritable giants on the meal kit scene. Both have been around for years, and have built up a loyal base of followers thanks to their tasty recipes, wide selections, and ability to cater to various dietary restrictions. Both feature solid produce and protein options and are fantastic for a date night activity.

But there are certainly some aspects in which Blue Apron and HelloFresh begin to differentiate themselves from one another, and that's really how you'll be making your decision. Here are our thoughts.

Ease of use

Blue Apron vs HelloFresh Graphic 2

If we're thinking in terms of pure convenience, HelloFresh is a bit easier to use than Blue Apron. While both are extremely convenient, HelloFresh is more focused on providing meals that are truly no fuss, and as a result, can be ready in just a matter of minutes.

Blue Apron, on the other hand, sometimes requires just a bit more prep work or expertise — as a tradeoff, however, you may find Blue Apron's meals a bit more interesting.

I've found many of HelloFresh's recipes to be a bit more straightforward and easy to follow, which is ideal for the beginner chef. If you're just looking to dip your toe into culinary waters and are beginning to make your way around four burners and an oven, then HelloFresh certainly seems a bit less intimidating.

While both Blue Apron and HelloFresh's directions are very clear, it often seems as though HelloFresh's recipes simply require fewer steps. Not only is that ideal for the beginner chef, but it's also well-suited for folks who perhaps are in a bit more of a rush. And if your main draw to a meal kit is convenience through and through, then HelloFresh is the way to go.

Winner: HelloFresh


Recipe quality and creativity

What Blue Apron may lack in convenience, it makes up for in creativity. The meal kit service is looking to put a bit of a more gourmet spin on home cooking, and consequently, if you're looking to expand your horizons a bit, you'll be able to do so with Blue Apron.

I appreciate the internationally-inspired meals like Mushroom Tempura Rice Bowl or Crispy za'atar Chicken Tenders, which have the capacity to introduce cooks not only to new flavors but perhaps new techniques as well. Indeed, it's not all that often that you'll find meal kits making use of ingredients like fregola sarda, but Blue Apron could make it a staple in your kitchen.

For slightly more experienced chefs, Blue Apron is an ideal way to begin to expand horizons and check out different flavor combinations in a relatively risk-free environment. I've also had a number of friends adapt Blue Apron recipes to their own needs, something that seems more unique to this particular meal kit service than any other that I've tried.

Winner: Blue Apron


Ability to cater to dietary preferences

Blue Apron vs HelloFresh Graphic 3

HelloFresh has recently become something of a meal kit behemoth, acquiring a number of smaller meal kit services including Green Chef. As a result, HelloFresh now offers a wide range of menus, including Pescatarian, Paleo, and Vegetarian options.

While Blue Apron also offers some menus that are catered specifically toward these various dietary restrictions, they're not quite as well curated as those of HelloFresh. As a result, if you're really looking to satisfy very specific dining or cooking habits, you may have a slightly easier time picking out your weekly menu through HelloFresh.

While Blue Apron also caters to different needs, it's a bit more difficult to actually narrow down your search by way of specific filters, so HelloFresh is a clear winner in this category.

Winner: HelloFresh


Taste

Blue Apron

Perhaps the deciding factor when it comes to picking a meal kit, taste is inevitably a subjective metric. I will say that given the variety of meals that I've been able to experience through HelloFresh (thanks to its many different menu options), there is more room for exploration through this service.

However, it's not always the case that all recipes are equally delicious. I've found that some HelloFresh meals are much more interesting than others and that there's more variation in terms of the level of quality.

Blue Apron, on the other hand, seems a bit more reliable in terms of quality. Though there may be a slightly lesser range of options available, I can rest assured that all options will be equally delicious (though they certainly won't taste the same).

Winner: Blue Apron


Price

The best way to compare meal kit prices is by meal and serving; to that end, Blue Apron costs $9.99 per serving and offers free shipping if you opt for three recipes a week. HelloFresh, on the other hand, will cost you $8.99 per serving if you order three recipes a week, but will also add on an additional $6.99 in shipping. If you opt for two recipes per week, then you're paying $9.99 per serving and an additional $7.99 in shipping.

Winner: Blue Apron


The bottom line: Too close to call

Blue Apron vs HelloFresh Graphic 1

The choice between HelloFresh and Blue Apron ultimately comes down to convenience and your desire for new flavor profiles. If your priority is a quick and convenient dinner (that is, of course, still tasty), then HelloFresh becomes the obvious winner.

If, on the other hand, you're looking to do a bit more exploration with your cooking and are eager to try out new techniques, then Blue Apron is the one for you. Either way, you'll be doing yourself a favor by giving your takeout delivery person a day off.

Click here to sign up for Blue Apron

Click here to sign up for HelloFresh

Join the conversation about this story »

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

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liberty mutual military discount

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clothes, shoes, and accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hanes Outlet Store:10% off with military ID. 

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

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

Moosejaw: 20% off for military members.

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

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

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

Roxy:15% discount on apparel and surfing supplies.

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

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

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

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

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

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



Phone and internet

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

Sprint:50% off military family lines.

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

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



Tech

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

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

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

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



Home and hardware

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Home, insurance, and hardware

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

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

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

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

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




The best Memorial Day mattress sales: 14 deals from Casper, Helix, Leesa, and more

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Leesa sleep

  • Take hundreds of dollars off mattresses from online startups and popular brands during Memorial Day 2019. 
  • Many sales even run past Memorial Day weekend and include freebies like pillows and shipping. 
  • Shop all 2019 Memorial Day weekend sales here.

Among the many Memorial Day sales going on all over the internet in the upcoming weeks, mattress deals in particular stand out because mattresses are usually so pricey. Mattress companies like Casper, Leesa, Helix, and more are pulling out the stops this holiday to give you hundreds of dollars off popular mattresses, along with freebies like sheets, pillows, and shipping.

Now is probably the last time to save this big on a mattress until next year, so we're showing you where you should shop to take advantage of great deals. We've vetted many of the mattresses (and pillows and sheets) ourselves and included links to those reviews for your reference.

If you're interested in learning more about some of the companies we list below, these guides will help you out:

To potentially save more on Memorial Day, you can visit Business Insider Coupons to find up-to-date promo codes for a range of online stores.

Leesa

Shop Leesa's Memorial Day sale here

15% off mattresses + two free pillows

Read more about Leesa from the Insider Picks team:



Casper

Shop Casper's Memorial Day sale here

Now through May 27, 10% off any order with a mattress with code "MEMORIAL19

Read more about Casper from the Insider Picks team:



Helix

Shop Helix's Memorial Day sale here

Now through June 10:

  • $100 off + two free Dream Pillows when you spend $600+ with code "MDW100"
  • $150 off + two free Dream Pillows when you spend $1,250+ with code "MDW150"
  • $200 off + two free Dream Pillows when you spend $1,750+ with code "MDW200"

Read more about Helix from the Insider Picks team:



Bear

Shop Bear's Memorial Day sale here

Now through May 28, 20% off sitewide with code "BIZ20

Read more about Bear from the Insider Picks team:



Purple

Shop Purple's Memorial Day sale here

Now through May 27, up to $100 off mattresses + free sheets 

Read more about Purple from the Insider Picks team:



Nectar Sleep

$125 off + two free pillows when you purchase a mattress through May 31

Read more about Nectar from the Insider Picks team:



Eight

Shop Eight's Memorial Day sale here

Now through May 28, $200 off The Pod + free in-home professional setup with code "MDW200"

Read more about Eight from the Insider Picks team:



Allswell

Shop Allswell's Memorial Day sale here

Now through May 27, 15% off mattresses and 30% off bedding with code "SUMMERTIME"

Read more about Allswell from the Insider Picks team:



Avocado

Shop Avocado's Memorial Day sale here

Now through June 3:

    • $175 off mattresses with code "HONOR2019" and an additional $50 off for verified military and veterans
    • $350 off a mattress + bed frame combo with code "BED350
    • 2 free pillows with a mattress purchase with code "2FREEPILLOWS"

 



Tuft & Needle

Shop Tuft & Needle's Memorial Day sale here

Now through June 2, $150 off the Mint Mattress + two free pillows

Read more about Tuft & Needlefrom the Insider Picks team:

 



Layla

Shop Layla's Memorial Day sale here

Now through May 31, $125 off a Layla mattress +  two free pillows 



DreamCloud

Shop Dreamcloud's Memorial Day sale here

$200 off the Dreamcloud mattress through May 31

Read more about Dreamcloud from the Insider Picks team:



PlushBeds

Shop PlushBeds' Memorial Day sale here

From May 20 through June 3, $1,200 off all organic latex mattresses + two organic latex pillows, sheet set, and a mattress protector free



Brooklyn Bedding

Shop Brooklyn Bedding's Memorial Day sale here

Now through May 19, 20% off mattresses with code "PRESUMMER20" and from May 20 through May 27, take 25% off sitewide



Eco Terra

Shop Eco Terra's Memorial Day sale here

From May 20 through June 3, $150 off all natural latex mattresses 



Other mattress deals you should know about

Mattress Firm

    • Save up to $700 on best-selling mattress brands through May 27 
    • Free adjustable base with orders of $400+ through May 27
    • Free Purple pillow with orders of $700+ on May 25 

Tempur-Pedic: through June 3



Google's high-end Pixel phones typically launch in October — here's when we expect the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL to arrive

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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.

pixel 3a

  • Google recently introduced the budget-friendly Pixel 3a and 3a XL smartphones for $400 and $480 respectively, but many Android fans are eagerly awaiting the next high-end Pixel phone launch.
  • The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are slated to be released soon, and most rumors point to a fall launch date. 
  • If Google follows the same timeline it has in the past, the new high-end Pixel phones will arrive sometime in early October 2019.
  • You can also check out the full prices for every Pixel phone that's currently available in our guide.
  • Here's when we expect the new Pixel to launch and when we think it will arrive in stores. 

If you're not on the iPhone bandwagon and aren't impressed by the Samsung lineup, fret not — there may be a better option for you yet. The Google Pixel lineup has emerged as a very real contender for the best smartphone you can buy. 

Although Google recently introduced the budget-friendly Pixel 3a and 3a XL smartphones for $400 and $480 respectively, many Android fans are eagerly awaiting the launch of its high-end Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL smartphones.

The Pixel 4 and 4 XL are slated to be released later this year, and there are plenty of rumors circulating about when we can expect these two smartphones to hit the market, and how much they'll cost. We're keeping an eye on when Google may drop its newest devices, but here are our predictions.

When will the new Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL come out?

While there's no certainty around the Google Pixel 4's release date quite yet, we do know that it'll be sometime in the fall. If history is any indication, we can expect an announcement in early October, and an actual release a few weeks later. For example, the Pixel 3 was announced on October 9 and was subsequently available in stores on November 1. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL followed a similar timeline as well.

The folks over at GottaBe Mobile have a hunch that the launch event will be the second Tuesday in October (October 8) and that the actual release in stores will follow in mid-October.

It seems as though Google wants to keep up with Apple and Samsung's design and technology ethos, so it looks like we'll have a new Pixel that has no bezels and edge-to-edge display. A Google patent also recently revealed a bezel-less phone with dual front-facing speakers, so this could be the design that we're in for.

9to5Google also reported that there will be a second camera in the back for better photography and that both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4XL will feature the newest Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, wireless charging, water-resistant properties, and alas, no headphone jack.

How much will the new Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL cost?

If the technology and design of the new Pixel phones are set to match that of Apple and Samsung, then we can only expect the price to also be on par. That means that the newest Pixel will be quite expensive, with experts suggesting a starting price of at least $799. The Pixel 4 XL, of course, will be even more expensive given its larger size, its additional cameras, and longer battery life — that model could start around $899.

For folks looking to tack on additional RAM and storage, prices will probably increase by another couple hundred dollars.

The good news, however, is that we can probably expect older generations of the Pixel to be discounted as a result of the new release.

Check back regularly, as we'll update this post when we know the official launch and release date of the 2019 Pixels.

Which Pixel phones are currently available to buy?

You can currently buy the high-end Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, which were released in 2018, or you can pick up the newly released budget-friendly Pixel 3a and 3a XL phones for a much lower price. The Pixel 3a series phones start at just $399 and $479, which is much cheaper than the $799 to $899 price tags of the flagship Pixel 3 and 3 XL.

We recommend going for the Pixel 3a or 3a XL if you prefer to save a bit of money. Those of you who want a flagship phone will want to wait for the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.

Check out the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL on Amazon for $399 and $479 or the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL at Best Buy for $799 and $899

Join the conversation about this story »

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is taking her followers on a social justice gardening journey to promote the Green New Deal

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

  • Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is leveraging her social media celebrity to promote small-scale environmentalism and food justice through her attempt at rooftop gardening.
  • The Bronx, New York native and celebrity politician is using the project to promote her Green New Deal resolution — an ambitious plan to combat climate change and expand the social safety net.
  • "When we were deploying the Green New Deal, one of the first attacks was, 'Well, what does she know about farming?'" Ocasio-Cortez said in an Instagram story about the project. 
  • Ocasio-Cortez is taking a social justice approach to urban gardening, and has faced pushback for arguing that community gardens should feature plants that are "culturally familiar to the community."
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

On a Sunday in early April, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced via Twitter that she'd be adopting a rooftop community garden plot in Washington, DC. 

"Any green-thumbs out with sage words of advice?" the New York progressive asked her 4 million-person following. Among the thousands of responses were puns from an Israeli rabbi and counsel from British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn

The 29-year-old freshman lawmaker framed her new gardening hobby as a way to practice "self-care" and "mindfulness," an escape from her demanding life as a member of Congress.

"I feel like plants are a great accountability partner because they literally die if you don't take time to tend to yourself and to them," she said in an April Instagram story. 

Ocasio-Cortez has a habit of using her social media celebrity to mix politics with daily life in a way that targets a millennial and Gen Z audience. She's brought her legions of fans into her kitchen for live "Cook + Q&A" sessions and into her livingroom to drink wine and assemble IKEA furniture, all the while answering questions and opining on the issues of the day.

Perhaps playing off Instagram's gardening influencer community, Ocasio-Cortez is now mixing politics, food, and environmental activism. 

"Food that comes out of dirt — it's magic," she says of her collard greens and spinach.

The project was also designed to focus attention on Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal resolution— a sweeping, ambitious plan to combat climate change, stimulate the economy, and expand the social safety net.

Ocasio-Cortez received widespread criticism for a set of FAQ's her office put out — and quickly retracted — suggesting the resolution called for eventually eliminating cows and airplane travel, and providing a living wage to those "unwilling to work." The congresswoman said she's faced strong pushback from advocates for agriculture. 

"When we were deploying the Green New Deal, one of the first attacks was, 'Well, what does she know about farming?'" Ocasio-Cortez said in an Instagram story describing why she took on the rooftop gardening project. 

Read more: 'Our kids' lives are at stake': Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slams Joe Biden over his 'middle-ground' approach to fighting climate change

Viraj Puri, the CEO of Gotham Greens, a New York urban farming startup, said that urban gardening is a good way to educate communities about the ties between environmental issues and agriculture. 

"Community gardening is — no pun intended — a low-hanging fruit. It's an easy entry point to build up awareness around agricultural issues and around health and wellness," Viraj Puri told INSIDER. "[It] really straddles so many different themes — from climate change, to health and obesity, to urban greening, to quality of life." 

Ocasio-Cortez's approach to urban gardening differs from that of other Democrats, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, who promoted her White House vegetable garden as a way to combat childhood obesity, rather than as an environmental initiative. 

The congresswoman has also faced pushback for taking a social justice-oriented approach to the project. During a recent trip to the Glover Street Community Garden in the Bronx — documented on Instagram, of course — she made the case for growing plants that are "culturally familiar to the community." She argued that many community development projects fail because they involve outsiders dictating how things go, rather than allowing the community to lead.

"That is such a core component of the Green New Deal — is having all of these projects make sense in a cultural context," she said. "When someone says that it's too hard to do a green space that grows yuca instead of, I don't know, cauliflower what you're doing is you're taking a colonial approach to environmentalism." 

She went on, "If I went to a predominantly white community and said, 'Okay, you guys are going to be growing plantains and yuca and all these things that you don't know how to cook, and that your palate isn't accustomed to,' it's going to be like cute for a little bit. But it's not easy." 

Read more: Fox News is flooding its airwaves with talk about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal and now conservative support for the plan has plummeted

These concepts are well-established among food justice advocates. 

"A lot of people of color are actually generationally closer to working the land than the a lot of — for lack of a better term — white hipsters, and yet it's middle-class, educated, white folks who think they need to come into communities of color to educate them," Luz Calvo, a professor of ethnic studies at Cal State East Bay who wrote a book entitled "Decolonize Your Diet," told INSIDER. 

But critics on the right were quick to ridicule the argument, saying that Ocasio-Cortez had maligned cauliflower as racist

"Also, cauliflower's delicious and yuca tastes bad," right-wing provocateur Ben Shapiro said in a YouTube video. "Maybe that's just my different cultural sensitivity speaking to me here — but also I don't care if you grow yuca."  

SEE ALSO: Fox News is flooding its airwaves with talk about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal and now conservative support for the plan has plummeted

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: White House photographer Pete Souza reveals what it was like to be in the Situation Room during the raid on Osama bin Laden

How to use Audible to listen to more than 500,000 audiobooks and audio shows

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

Audible

  • With nearly 500,000 tiles and plenty of original content, Audible is the best way to listen to your favorite audiobooks and audio-based shows. 
  • You can sign up for a 30-day free trial to try it out before you commit to the $14.95 a month fee.
  • Here's how to sign up for Audible and use the app on all your devices.

Voracious readers, get ready to become voracious listeners, too. For all the times that you couldn't put your book down but had to because — despite your best efforts — you cannot, in fact, drive and read at the same time, there is now a solution. Audible, the company behind the largest selection of audiobooks and original audio shows (nearly 500,000, to be exact), is here to save you from cliffhangers.

While I've always purported to prefer reading to listening, I'll admit that listening to Meryl Streep read Nora Ephron titles is something that I cannot do in my own head. Similarly, while I have yet to score tickets to "Hamilton," I like to think that listening to Lin-Manuel Miranda and Karen Olivo narrate "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Diaz comes as a close second.

There are also some pretty solid Audible originals. For the political junkies in the room, there's "Conversations with Joe," which offers the highlights from Vice President and presidential candidate Joe Biden's tour across the US, in which he spoke of his son's Beau's life and battle with brain cancer. Or, there's the extremely popular "Heads Will Roll," featuring Kate McKinnon and Emily Lynne, which listeners have called "TV for your ears" and "unbelievably funny."

In short, regardless of what content you like to read or hear, you can probably find it on this Amazon-owned service. Here's how to get Audible and use it on your devices.

AUdible

Sign up for an Amazon membership

In order to use Audible, you'll have to be an Amazon member, but not necessarily an Amazon Prime member. Unlike many of Amazon's other offerings, this isn't an add-on service that is contingent on your having a Prime membership. Rather, all you need is a standard Amazon account.

In order to get set up, you'll want to navigate your way over to the top righthand corner of the Amazon home screen, where you'll see an option that reads Hello, Sign In. If you roll over that, you'll see text that says, New Customer? Start here. From there, you'll just need to enter your name, email, and password, and you're all set.

Note that while you don't have to be a Prime member, a Prime membership would grant you free access to Audible content, so if you're on the fence about it, this may sweeten the deal in one direction or another.

Sign up for Audible 

If you're not interested in going the Prime route, then you'll simply need to sign up for an Audible account by heading over to this new member page. You'll be granted a 30-day free trial, after which you'll begin paying the monthly $14.95 fee.

Start searching for titles

Every month that you're an Audible member, you'll receive one credit, which is good for any title, regardless of price. But of course, you'll want to listen to more than just one book a month. In that case, you'll have to buy these additional titles. The good news, though, is that they stay in your permanent collection, so you can go back to them time and time again and build the library of your dreams.

audible on kindle

You can listen to Audible on all these devices

As it stands, you can use Audible on any iPhone or Android device, thanks to the Audible app. The service is also compatible with a wide range of other devices, including:

  • Fire phone
  • Fire tablet
  • The Kindle app
  • Kindle Oasis 9th Generation
  • Kindle Oasis 8th Generation
  • Kindle 8th Generation
  • Kindle Touch
  • Kindle Keyboard
  • Kindle DX
  • Kindle 2nd Generation
  • Kindle 1st Generation
  • The Audible apps for iOS, Android, and Windows
  • Audible software for PC and Mac
  • MP3 players and other devices compatible with Audible's file format

How to use the Audible app

audible app

To start listening, simply find the title on your My Library page or the Cloud tab on your mobile application. You can then either download the audiobook onto your computer to listen or transfer to another device; stream and listen via the Audible Cloud Player, which can be found on the My Library page; find the title in the cloud on your mobile device for downloading; or, if you're going old school, burn the audiobook onto a disc. Note, though, that you can only use the last option with iTunes software.

Sign up for a 30-day free trial of Audible here and pay $14.95/month after the trial ends

Sign up for an Amazon Prime membership here

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime benefits that go beyond 2-day shipping

Join the conversation about this story »

The best armchairs you can buy and where to shop for them

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  • Armchairs come in all shapes and sizes, from large overstuffed behemoths that command the room and deliver big on comfort to slim accent chairs that add color and style.
  • When shopping for an armchair, it's as important to know where it will be placed in a room as it is to consider how it will mesh with the rest of your room's decor.
  • West Elm is out top pick for armchair sellers because the brand's high-end selection has seating for every type of interior style, from the midcentury modern to the casual country to the sleek Scandinavian design.

Before we talk about the best armchairs you can buy, let's take a step back and talk about armchairs more broadly. What is an armchair, exactly? After more extensive research than I care to admit, I came to a rousing conclusion: It's a chair with arms. The word "armchair" is an umbrella term for chairs with arms.

A recliner? That's an armchair. An executive desk chair with armrests? That's an armchair. A dining room chair with arms? Armchair. 

Being that the armchair is such an amorphous term, really, rather than suggesting a few of the best armchairs you can buy, we'll be looking at a few of the best places to buy armchairs, while also highlighting a few of our favorite pieces.

Knowing where to shop for armchairs means first knowing where the chair you ultimately buy will go. Is it the man cave, the sitting room, the living room, or somewhere else?

Once you know where the chair is going, the next step is to consider the rest of the furniture and decor that's already in place. Seeing as many armchairs are large, attention-commanding objects, you don't want to risk choosing one that will throw off the aesthetic of the space. Also, you don't want to buy an armchair that won't fit in terms of its physical size, either.

Assuming you have considered the space, the style, and the proportions, then it's time to start shopping for a great armchair. Here are five companies where you're sure to find just that.

Here are the best armchairs of 2019 and where to buy them:

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

The best overall

West Elm makes a wide selection of attractive, modern chairs in classic designs that are both comfortable to sit in and beautiful to look at.

West Elm has a wide selection of armchairs in a variety of styles, ranging from super modern to classic. The least expensive chairs West Elm sells cost around $150 and the most expensive ones can cost $1,000 or more, but the average chair costs between $500 and $700.

I tried the $599 Crescent Swivel Chair and the $699 Contour Mid-Century Chair from West Elm, and I love them. They represent two very different looks from the company.

The Swivel Chair is very modern, entirely unique, and effortlessly stylish. The fabric is soft to the touch and comes in several fun colors, including a great horseradish yellow. It smoothly swivels and spins around, making it a great chair for a conversational cluster in any living room.

In contrast, the Contour Mid-century Modern Chair is a simple classic chair with a dark, warm wood frame and a sleek silhouette. The fabric of the chair comes in two nice colors: teal and wheat. It looks modern and timeless — My grandmother had a similar chair from Sweden that she brought with her to the US in the '60s.

It's also incredibly comfortable. The little pillow headrest hits in just the right spot for comfort, the sloped seat makes you want to put our feet up, and the armrests are just the right width at the elbows.

Neither of these chairs is terribly expensive nor very cheap. At $599 and $699, they're moderately priced for such fine, well-made furniture. It's important to note that some of the fancier made in USA chairs can cost upwards of $1,000. However, West Elm also regularly has sales and discounts, so you're likely to find a good deal on these chairs and the dozens of others on offer.

Delivery for large furniture costs $139 to $299, depending on where you live in relation to the nearest West Elm store, so it is something to keep in mind. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Wide selection, mid-century modern style, good materials

Cons: Expensive

Shop all West Elm armchairs for $150 to $2,000 (average price is $600)



The best budget armchairs

Just like Amazon has done with books, shoes, bicycles, cameras, headphones, basketballs, and everything else, Amazon has made it affordable to shop for armchairs.

Amazon has already made it cheap and easy to shop for microwaves, snowboards, fishing rods, parkas, kayaks, and candy bars, so why wouldn't the retailer have a huge selection of affordable armchairs? When you type "armchair" into the Amazon search bar, you get more than 2,000 results, many of which are quite affordable.

Amazon even has its own in-house brands like Rivet and Stone & Beam, which sell very attractive furniture for good prices. We've tried both in-house brands' furniture and loved it.

As our editor Sally Kaplan writes: "Rivet, with its up-to-date designs based on the popular mid-century modern style, offers more affordable takes inspired by the classic Hans Wegner and George Nelson originals we all wish we could afford. The aesthetic is slightly industrial, featuring bold brass finishes, walnut wood, black steel accents, and lots of cognac leather, plus gentle grays and navy blues. Many of the individual pieces are still warm enough to fit seamlessly into essentially any sort of decorative theme, but the shapes and lines tend to skew more angular and masculine."

"Stone & Beam's style is a bit more upscale, with warmer pieces and lighter finishes. The aesthetic leans toward clean, cozy, and slightly rustic — like a farmhouse that's as comfortable and livable as it is picturesque."

Most pieces range from $200 to $500, which is fairly affordable for decent chairs that will last. However, Amazon does have a ton of even more affordable furniture. When you set your price at $100 and under, you still get more than 200 results.

Now, many of the cheap chairs on Amazon are so in terms of price and quality, so don't just find the least expensive seat you can and pull the trigger. Make sure you cross-reference reviews and take a look at the brand itself. A chair that's shoddily made or looks bad in person isn't worth the savings.

That said, as easy as Amazon makes it to order a chair online, the retailer also makes it easy enough to return a purchase with which you're not satisfied — just keep the original packaging intact until you're sure you bought the right seat.

Shoppers who bought a Baxton Studio Sorrento Mid-Century Modern Chair said it was an "excellent value," "totally gorgeous," and "higher quality than its price point would suggest."

People who bought the Sofamania Modern Velvet Accent Shelter Style Armchair for $99.99 called it "comfy and sturdy," "beautiful," and said it provided a "nice pop of color."

And a buyer of the $90 Roundhill Furniture Tuchico Contemporary Fabric Accent Chair called it "a great looking chair for the price [she] paid." — Steven John, Sally Kaplan, & Malarie Gokey

Pros: Many low priced options, fast delivery, easy returns as needed

Cons: Occasional quality issues with third-party brands

Shop all armchairs on Amazon

Shop all armchairs from Amazon's in-house brands Rivet and Stone & Beam



The best classic armchairs

If you can't find an armchair that fits your space and your style at Crate & Barrel, you should probably give up on this type of furniture generally and stick to couches.

So you have a downtown apartment appointed in 1960s "Mad Men"-esquestyle? No problem, Crate & Barrel has a dozen armchairs that will match. Or what's that, you have a richly furnished Craftsman style home? OK, that's fine, too, the company has multiple options that will work with Mission decor. Or maybe it's a country home where upholstered prints look great? Yep, they've got it.

Crate & Barrel has a broad selection of armchairs. As different as one might be from the next, you can count on all of their chairs to be of high quality. These are lifetime purchases, and with that quality and durability will come a rather hefty price tag. Many chairs cost well in excess of $2,000 and few sell for less than $500, but a great chair anchors the room and, of course, offers a place for comfortable repose, both of which are worth some dollars spent.

A quick perusal of some of the hundreds of reviews left about various Crate & Barrel chairs shows a general consensus: They're excellent. One shopper who bought the timeless Trevor Leather Chair called it "comfortable and stylish" and "so versatile... [it] could go in any style home." Another owner called the Trevor a "great reading chair" with leather that's "soft and buttery."

An owner of two fabric-upholstered Lounge II Chairs called it the "perfect comfy cozy chair." And a Harvey Natural Swivel Armchair customer praised the seat's "aesthetics and function," saying it "is not only pleasing to look at but comfortable." — Steven John

Pros: Great selection, high quality of materials and construction, great customer service

Cons: Quite expensive

Shop all Crate & Barrel armchairs for $349 to $2,999

Buy the Trevor Leather Chair from Crate & Barrel for $2,199

Buy the Lounge II Chair from Crate & Barrel for $949

Buy the Harvey Natural Swivel Armchair from Crate & Barrel for $399



The best recliners

At Macy's, you'll find recliners in all shapes and sizes, including myriad options that don't look like they should recline at all.

If you want a big, overstuffed, super comfortable recliner in which you'll watch the game, read the paper, and often enough doze off, then Macy's has you covered. On the other hand, if you want a recliner that looks like a classical upholstered armchair that doesn't look like it should recline at all, Macy's has you covered there, too. Want an electric recliner with a powered footrest and seatback? There are multiple options. And hey, how about a wooden and leather Mission style armchair recliner? No problem.

Frankly, I was rather surprised by the vast selection of reclining armchairs Macy's offered, but the more I looked through the selection, the more firmly I was convinced that Macy's is a great place to shop for this specific type of furniture.

For people with mobility issues for whom rising out of a chair is a challenge, Macy's has multiple powered lift assist armchair recliners that pitch forward to help lift a person out of the seat or help them ease down into it.

The first armchair recliner that caught my eye as I browsed Macy's also has more than a hundred reviews and ratings online, almost all of which come with five stars. It was the timeless Harrison Leather Pushback Recliner, which one owner called "classy, sturdy, and very comfortable."

In classic recliner style is the Karuse Leather Power Recliner, though with a built-in USB power outlet, it's anything but old fashioned. One owner said using this reclining armchair is "like sitting in a comfortable cloud."

Finally, I was also taken with the Thomas Leather Power Recliner, the ultimate man cave seat thanks to its built-in cup holders, storage compartments under the armrests, and a side table. A shopper named Lala said: "[I]bought two on a whim for Hubby's man cave. He's in Love. This chair has all the bells and whistles and men Love Bells and Whistles. You cannot go wrong with this chair. I highly recommend it."

Just make sure you shop during one of Macy's frequent sales, as its reclining armchairs are by in large quite pricey. Sales and coupons are rather the core of the retailer's business model, so be patient — a deal will come along! — Steven John

Pros: Great selection, many recliners look like ordinary armchairs, excellent customer service

Cons: Expensive when not on sale

Get a Harrison Leather Pushback Recliner from Macy's for $799

Get a Karuse Leather Power Recliner from Macy's for $1,099

Get a Thomas Leather Power Recliner from Macy's for $1,499



The best armchairs from a startup

You can customize your own chairs at Burrow and get them shipped for free in a few days' time, but you do have to build the chair.

Burrow is a startup that sells sofas and chairs that arrive on your doorstep unassembled in a bunch of small boxes. You can choose from a few different designs, all of which have a simple, modern style that can fit in with a lot of decor schemes.

Burrow's fabrics are made from stain-resistant olefin, a synthetic polymer, and its wooden frames come from responsibly managed forests in the US that are certified by the Forest Steward Council.

When you design your chair, you can choose the fabric color, armrest height, and the number of seats (if you end up wanting a couch or loveseat). Burrow has a limited color palette, but the shades are fairly neutral and universal. You can choose between Beige, Brick Red, Crushed Gravel, Navy Blue, and Charcoal.

You will have to build your own chair, as the pieces come unassembled, but it's relatively easy to put the chair together. Two reporters on our team tried Burrow's furniture and were able to build it in 10 to 20 minutes.

Perhaps best of all, shipping is free and quite fast — it only takes 2 to 5 business days. And, if you're not happy with the chair, you have 30 days to return it. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Good quality, 30-day trial, customization, sustainable, free and fast shipping

Cons: You have to assemble it, not cheap

Shop all Burrow armchairs for $495 to $1,695



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