Quantcast
Channel: Business Insider
Viewing all 115285 articles
Browse latest View live

You can fly to Hawaii for about $12 by opening a single credit card

0
0

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

Hawaiian Airlines A321_Maui_Fuse_4C

  • Hawaiian Airlines' frequent flyer program might not be of interest to you unless you live in Hawaii.
  • However, if you have any interest in a tropical Hawaiian vacation, you might want to look into signing up for an account and opening the airline's credit card, the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard, from Barclays.
  • That's because the card offers new members 60,000 bonus miles when they spend $2,000 in the first 90 days —  enough for a free round-trip ticket from anywhere in the US.
  • By opening the credit card and meeting that spending requirement, you can fly to Hawaii for just $12 in taxes.

Hawaiian Airlines' frequent flyer program — and its credit card— are, naturally, a bit niche. Unless you're one of the Aloha State's 1.4 million residents, or you travel to the islands frequently for work or to visit friends or family, getting a Hawaiian Airlines credit card might seem totally pointless.

However, if you're hoping to take a trip to the Hawaiian islands anytime soon, you might want to consider opening that card — even if you don't plan to keep it for very long.

That's because, starting Thursday, but only for a limited time, Hawaiian Airlines' credit card is offering a massive 60,000 miles when you open a new card and spend $2,000 in the first 90 days.

To put that in perspective, Hawaiian's award chart lays out how many miles a particular flight would cost. Flights between the US East Coast and Hawaii start at 26,250 each way at the bottom range, although they can increase significantly depending on availability and at peak times.

In practice, sample searches show plentiful availability on flights from New York for 30,000 miles one-way, or 60,000 miles round-trip.

Flights from the West Coast are even cheaper, routinely going for just 40,000 miles round-trip.

That means that opening the Hawaiian card and spending $1,000 on it could get you a free round-trip flight for a Hawaiian vacation (you'll have to pay about $12 in taxes and fees). That's an excellent way to cut down on expenses for a trip — especially if your travel companion also opens the card, earns the bonus, and uses the points to book their ticket.

This is an especially good value considering that the card's $99 annual fee is waived for the first year.

From there, you'll just need to focus on paying for a hotel or an Airbnb. Fortunately, there are a few fantastic points-accepting hotels and resorts on the islands, and using a hotel credit card can help get at least a few of your nights for free. Check out our guide to planning a (mostly) free Hawaiian vacation for more.

Click here to learn more about the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard from Business Insider's partner, The Points Guy.

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

Join the conversation about this story »


There are too many multimillion-dollar mansions for sale in Los Angeles, and real-estate agents are going to extreme lengths to get them off the market

0
0

los angeles mansion

Los Angeles has no shortage of multimillion-dollar mansions, but its growing inventory is becoming a headache for developers and real-estate agents.

The surplus of LA mansions sitting on the market, reported Katherine Clarke for The Wall Street Journal, began with "a couple of local megawatt deals" to foreign buyers in 2014 and 2015, which prompted the development of larger, more expensive homes exceeding $20 million. 

And there's more to come — 50 ultra high-end spec houses are currently being developed in the city, Clarke reported. These megamansions, not all of which are completed, can be expected to cost anywhere from $35.5 million to $500 million.

Private lenders and wealthy individuals have financed much of the spec homes, and real-estate agents and developers are employing extreme measures to get them off the market. Think themed parties instead of open houses or gimmicky amenities such as a secret room for growing and smoking weed and a candy room, according to Clarke.

They're also relisting plots of land and "hiring marketing experts to reimagine homes as individual brands with their own names, logos, and stories," wrote Clarke. That's not to mention employing steep price cuts by as much as $100 million: Just consider the Los Angeles megamansion listed at $250 million that recently received a price cut of $100 million because nobody wanted to buy it.

Read more: There are 2 major surprises in today's luxury real-estate market, according to a developer who's designed multimillion-dollar New York City penthouses

From LA to NYC, gimmicks and price cuts signal a slow luxury market 

Gimmicky tactics and slashed prices aren't unique to LA — they're indicative of a lingering luxury real-estate market in big cities nationwide. New York City, where "nothing's selling," according to Cary Tamarkin, New York City developer and architect of Tamarkin Co., in a Mansion Global interview, has its own luxury surplus problems.

Many of the city's penthouses have been sitting on the market for months, even years, and some eventually receive a drastic price cut or are carved into two smaller apartments, Business Insider's Katie Warren previously reported.

More than half of luxury homes in Manhattan — priced at $4 million or above — were sold at discounted prices in the first five months of 2018, Warren wrote, citing Mansion Global. And at 432 Park Avenue, New York City's tallest residential building, a 95th-floor penthouse listed for $82 million was split into two apartments, 95A and 95B, for $41.25 million and $40.75 million, respectively, after being on the market for two-plus years, Curbed reported.

In New York, an $85 million Hell's Kitchen condo comes with tickets to outer space and a couple of Rolls-Royces. In Miami, one luxury building provided its residents with Tesla-driving chauffeurs. And in Baltimore, 414 Light Street is also loaded with amenities, including an al fresco dining space, a yoga and meditation room, and a business lounge. 

It's part of a broader trend in which luxury apartment buildings are going to greater lengths to attract tenants by offering increasingly lavish amenities

SEE ALSO: A Palm Beach real-estate agent says she's surprised by the latest request from her multimillionaire clients

DON'T MISS: The New York City real estate market has gotten so bad that people are paying millions to live in the basement

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Mount Everest is not the hardest mountain to climb — here's what makes K2 so much worse

Dr Roebuck's is an Australian skin-care company that only uses clean, pared-down ingredients — my ultra-sensitive skin loves it

0
0

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.

Dr Roebuck's products

  • Dr Roebuck's has quickly become one of my favorite beauty brands. Both of its founders struggled with eczema as kids, which inspired their line of products that work well even on my super-sensitive skin.
  • Every product is made with clean, safe ingredients. They're free from potentially harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and silicones, yet prices aren't outrageous — the most expensive serum is $60 and a face mist will run you $25.
  • The brand is Australian, and as such, relies on natural ingredients native to Australia, like kaolin clay (which dermatologists say is great on irritated, reactive skin) and macadamia oil (a great source of skin-soothing Omega-6 fatty acids).

As someone with super-sensitive skin and a chronic dermatitis to boot, there's nothing that annoys me more than getting beauty advice from someone with a genetically blessed, near-perfect complexion. What I want is the inside scoop from those who've been through it — who've experienced acne and eczema and rashes and breakouts — and figured out how to deal.

That's precisely why I've developed a bit of an obsession with Australian skin-care brand Dr Roebuck's. Founders Kim and Zoe Roebuck both struggled with eczema, redness, and dry skin for years as children. "This prompted our parents, who are both doctors, to team up and concoct a one-of-a-kind formula that totally changed our skin for the better," the founders tell Business Insider. The original skin salve became something of a cult-favorite in the Roebuck family's hometown of Bondi Beach, and served as the inspiration for today's extended line of Dr Roebuck's products. 

"We've definitely evolved a lot since the original formula," Kim says — which is an understatement of epic proportions. What started out as a single, homemade eczema ointment is now an internationally successful beauty company with 18 products on Sephora shelves, and two more coming in June.

"That said, we always stay true to our Australian roots by sourcing clean, natural, native ingredients and spotlighting them as the main actives in our products," Zoe adds. This philosophy is known as "A-Beauty," an emerging trend in the skin-care industry that stands in contrast to the complicated 10-step routines of K-Beauty.

"A-Beauty, or Australian Beauty, embodies a laid-back, simplified approach," says Zoe. "We might be a little biased, but we think it's the next big frontier in the beauty sector as consumers now seek an effective way to get back to the basics. Our approach to formulation is 'minimal ingredients for maximum results.'"

Bondi Hydrating Mist

That's actually the tagline that sold me on my first Dr Roebuck's product, the Bondi Hydrating Mist ($25). I love the idea of major results from minimal ingredients. To me, that simply means there are fewer potential irritants per bottle, so my skin is less likely to have an adverse reaction.

I tested this theory with the Mist and had no issues at all — on the contrary, its blend of Tasmanian spring water and Australian kakadu plum extract is soothing and glow-ifying. I spritz it on my face morning, night, and multiple times in between. It's even a great finishing touch on top of makeup.

"Vitamin C is the key ingredient in kakadu plum and certainly something that helps skin maintain that glow," Dr. Devika Icecreamwala, a board certified dermatologist, explains to Business Insider. "It also contains gallic acid, which will help with redness, inflammation, and any irritation." After having such an excellent experience with the dermatologist-approved face mist, I felt confident testing the rest of range. 

Next up: No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer ($45). If you have dry skin, you need this in your life. (OK, "need" may be hyperbolic, but you know what I mean.) With a thick-but-not-greasy texture and the loveliest hint of lavender, No Worries is the ultimate hydrating, redness-reducing daily moisturizer — and in traditional Dr Roebuck's fashion, its power comes from a native Australian ingredient. 

Dr Roebuck's no worries

"Macadamia oil, found in No Worries, is an essential fatty acid that works to heal, nourish, and hydrate the skin," the founders explain. "Rich in Omega-6, it smooths fine lines, provides a youthful glow, and has been proven to be successful in treating extremely dry skin and eczema." Also featured are hyaluronic acid (a superstar ingredient that helps skin cells hold onto moisture) and vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant).

A few times a week, I'll applyPerky Collagen Boosting Serum ($60) underneath the No Worries moisturizer to add some anti-aging power to my routine. Its light, bouncy texture sinks into my skin almost immediately, so it wears well underneath other products. As far as ingredients, Perky also includes plumping hyaluronic acid — because, really, you can never have too much moisture — alongside more firming substances like squalane, pullulan, and inca inchi oils.

Perhaps my favorite Dr Roebuck's products, though, are the face masks. I routinely use two — theByron 2-in-1 Mask + Scrub ($30) and the Tama Healing Mask ($28) — and switch them out every other week to keep my acne-prone pores free from dead skin cells and product buildup.

The Byron Mask detoxifies and exfoliates without irritating my reactive skin, and in my book, that's nothing short of a miracle. All credit goes to the gentle jojoba beads and Australian kaolin clay inside. "Kaolin clay is perfect for those that have dry, sensitive, and mature skin," Dr. Icecreamwala says. "Unlike bentonite clay that dries out the skin, kaolin clay is better suited for calming down rashes and irritation."

Byron facemask

In addition to (lightly) scrubbing and soothing, Byron 2-in-1 Mask + Scrub has a refreshing, energizing peppermint scent. I like to use it first thing in the morning help me wake up.

If my skin's going through a rough patch, whether from a bout of acne or dry skin, I reach for the Tama Healing Mask. It's packed with two of my favorite skin-care ingredients of all time — turmeric and Australian Manuka honey — which work together to neutralize redness and stimulate the skin's wound-healing response. After a 20 minute session, my complexion always looks noticeably calmer and clearer.

 As anyone with sensitive skin knows, what's not in the products can be just as important as what is in the products — and unsurprisingly, that's another area where Dr Roebuck's shines. The brand has earned the coveted Clean at Sephora seal, a marker of ingredient safety.

"Our formulas are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, gluten, synthetic fragrance, harmful chemicals, dyes, petrolatum, mineral oil, detergents, propylene glycol, MEA, DEA, TEA,  EDTA, BHA/BHT, triclosan, and silicones," Zoe shares. In other words: There are no ingredients in Dr Roebuck's formulas that have been shown to have harmful effects on human health.

Tama healing mask

As of right now, all of Dr Roebuck's products cater to those with dry, sensitive skin. But in mid-June, the brand is set to launch the Kibosh Weightless Foaming Cleanser and the Stoked Weightless Facial Moisturizer, its first offerings made for the oily and blemish-prone. 

"Kibosh is our first foaming cleanser," Zoe says. "It's sulfate-free and infused with Tazman pepper and Australian wattleseed to soothe the skin while managing oil production, improving radiance, and promoting luminosity." Stoked, on the other hand, is a light-as-air moisturizer "to help improve radiance, while keeping the skin moisturized."  

Both will be available on Sephora on June 15 — and I, for one, will be sending the links to all of my oily-skinned friends and family. 

As always, I have to add a little disclaimer: While my skin loves Dr Roebuck's products, that doesn't necessarily mean yours will. Everybody's skin is unique, so check with your dermatologist before adding anything new to your sensitive-skin regimen. And if you do decide to experiment with the brand's native Australian ingredients, it's a good idea to introduce new products one at a time, so you can pinpoint what works for you (or what doesn't).

As Kim says, "Take things slow — that's the beauty of Australia."

Buy the Bondi Hydrating Mist for $25 from Sephora

Buy the No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer for $45 from Sephora

Buy the Perky Collagen Boosting Serum for $60 from Sephora

Buy the Byron 2-in-1 Mask + Scrub for $30 from Sephora

Buy the Tama Healing Mask for $28 from Amazon

Shop all Dr Roebuck's skin-care products from Sephora

Join the conversation about this story »

How to block websites on Google Chrome using a simple extension

0
0

Google Chrome 4

  • Whether to keep yourself on task at work or to keep your kids from visiting sites you don't want them to see, blocking websites on your Google Chrome browser can often be a good idea.
  • Using a free, easy-to-use Chrome extension called BlockSite you can make the process of blocking sites on Chrome as easy as two clicks.
  • There are several apps that can help you block sites when you're accessing the web via Chrome on a mobile device as well.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There are lots of reasons you might want to block a website on Google Chrome.

Maybe you're setting up computers that will be used in a school, or you're setting up a system for your own kid at home. Or maybe you know your own tendency to wander off course during the workday, browsing Reddit or Instagram when you should be, you know, working.

Whatever your reason for blocking websites on Google Chrome, the process of doing so is easy. You just need to install and learn to use a simple extension called BlockSite.

How to block websites on Google Chrome on a desktop

Sign into your Google account and then click your URL search bar at the top of the screen.

1. Google the words "block site extension."

2. Click the "Block Site - Website Blocker for Chrome™ - Google Chrome" link, which will likely be the first or second hit.

3. Click the blue box at the top of the screen reading "ADD TO CHROME."

Screen Shot 2019 05 29 at 1.22.23 PM

4. In the popup box, hit "Add extension."

Now in the top right corner of your screen, you should see an orange shield icon with a cancel symbol in it. Click that icon, then hit the gear icon on the top of the popup window to access the settings.

In the BlockSite settings, you should setup a password and consider time-based "Work Mode" block settings.

Once you do, you'll be all set to start blocking sites. There are two ways to do so:

1. From within the BlockSite settings page, click "Block Sites" atop the menu on the left, then manually type in the websites to be blocked on the bar to the right.

2. Go to the website you wish to block and click the red BlockSite shield, then hit "Block this site" in the popup window.

Screen Shot 2019 05 30 at 10.43.10 AM copy

You can also block sites based on the language contained in their URLs under the "Block by Words" tab in the BlockSite settings page.

If you ever want to change the blocked status of a site, you can click the shield, go to settings, and go to the Block Sites tab. Click red circle with a white line in it to instantly unblock the site in question.

How to block websites on Google Chrome on mobile

If you want to block websites using an Android phone, you can use the BlockSite app from the Google Play Store. There are numerous other third-party apps that work on Android phones as well, but we recommend using BlockSite. 

To block websites on an iPhone, you can download an app like Website Blocker or Zero Willpower. Make sure to enable the apps in your phone's settings.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

Join the conversation about this story »

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

APPLY NOW: Insider Inc. is now hiring fall and winter fellows for edit, video, social, and photography

0
0

Insider Inc NYC

Insider Inc. has a number of editorial openings across both Business Insider and INSIDER. If you're interested in joining a fast-paced, growing newsroom, apply at the links provided below. Unless otherwise stated, positions are located in our New York City headquarters and begin immediately.

Editorial fellowships

Full-time positions

For a constantly updated list of openings, see our careers page.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: What it takes to be a professional taxidermist

Apple is finally adding 'dark mode' to the next version of the iPhone's operating system — here’s how your iPhone will look in dark mode (AAPL)

0
0

dark mode ios 13

  • Apple announced at WWDC 2019 that dark mode is coming to its latest version of the iPhone operating system, iOS 13
  • Dark mode on iOS 13 will make most of Apple's own apps take on a darker color scheme, making it more comfortable to use an iPhone in darker settings. 
  • Dark mode could even add extra time to an iPhone's battery life, as dark modes typically use less power than bright screens. 
  • App developers will need to add dark mode to their own apps, too. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple made a lot of announcements during its Monday WWDC event, but one of the my favorite announcements was the reveal of dark mode coming to iOS 13 for iPhones. 

It's a personal preference thing. Some like eye-piercing brightness, and other like a darker screen, which not only looks sleek, but is way more comfortable on the eyes in any setting, especially in darkness. 

Plus, dark mode could even lend some extra battery life for iPhones with OLED screens, like the iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. That's because the pixels in OLED screens displaying the color black are actually turned off, which is why the color black looks so good and true on OLED displays. 

LCD displays like you'd find on the iPhone 8 and earlier iPhones don't turn off the relevant pixels when they display the color back, which is why the color black might have a gray-ish appearance on LCD screens.

iOS 13 is due out in the fall. Check out how cool your iPhone will look if you enable dark mode when the new OS comes out:

SEE ALSO: Here's everything Apple just announced at WWDC, its biggest event of the year

Dark Mode in iOS 13 will make the things you see on your iPhone go from looking like this...



To something more like this:



Here's what the iOS 13 lock screen looks like without dark mode.



And here's what the iOS 13 lock screen looks like with dark mode enabled.



Apple has added dark mode to a bunch of its own apps, including Messages...



the Favorites menu...



Calendar...



the Apple News app...



Photos...



Notes...



Apple Music...



and here's Apple Music again.



As you may have noticed, those are all Apple apps. App developers will need to add dark mode to their own apps if you want the complete dark mode experience.



Apple says iOS 13 will roll out in the fall, which typically means around September when the company announces a new iPhone model.

The iOS 13 developer betas are out now, which hopefully leaves them some time to get their own apps kitted up with dark mode when iOS 13 fully rolls out this fall. 



24 photos of Melania and Donald Trump's historic state visit with the Queen

0
0

trump queen london

  • President Donald Trump is currently on his second visit to the United Kingdom. It's his first official state visit to the country.
  • Trump, first lady Melania Trump, first daughter Ivanka Trump, and son-in-law Jared Kushner met Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, and more at Buckingham Palace on Monday.
  • Trump's three-day visit is slated to include several public appearances alongside top British royalty and lawmakers, with much pomp and circumstance.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories

President Donald Trump kicked off his first state visit to the United Kingdom Monday, nearly two years after he was first invited.

The long-awaited visit began with a bang at Buckingham Palace Monday alongside Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

See the highlights from Trump's first day abroad.

SEE ALSO: What Queen Elizabeth's relationship was like with every US president, from Truman to Trump

DON'T MISS: Historic photos show every time American presidents met British Kings and Queens

President Donald and first lady Melania Trump landed at Stansted Airport near London Monday morning.



The first lady sported an eye-catching Burberry blouse for her British arrival.



After landing, the Trumps traveled on the Marine One helicopter to Buckingham Palace to start the festivities.



Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, were there to greet them. Melania had changed outfits into a bespoke Dolce and Gabbana dress and matching Hervé Pierre hat.

Source: INSIDER



The president accompanied Prince Charles on inspecting the Guard of Honor formed by Grenadier Guards.

Source: The Associated Press



These guards wear the iconic uniform that includes traditional bearskin hats, which Trump eyed as he walked by.



The first couple then joined Queen Elizabeth II outside the palace.



Members of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery performed a gun salute to kick off Trump's visit and the 66th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's coronation.

Source: The Associated Press



The five leaders appeared side-by-side in front of the guard before entering the palace.



Trump notably shook hands with the queen instead of bowing, which royal rules say is acceptable. Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama did the same.

Source: People



Trump met the queen last year, but it was a more informal visit at Windsor Castle, as opposed to a formal state visit.

Source: INSIDER



Trump's eldest daughter and adviser Ivanka was also spotted in tow with her husband and senior White House adviser Jared Kushner, upstairs looking out the palace window.



The first couple headed inside the palace with the queen to view historical artifacts and artwork in the Royal Collection.

Source: The Washington Post



Prince Harry also joined the Trumps to view items from the palace's Royal Collection.



The president and first lady then moved on to visit Westminster Abbey, the first of several stops at major London landmarks they're slated to make.



They paid tribute to the grave of the Unknown Warrior from World War I and wrote a message in the guest book. "Thank you so much This has been a great honor Special Place," Trump wrote.



Trump was seen at the queen's side again later Monday, as they led the way into the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.



The first lady and Prince of Wales weren't far behind.



At the dinner, the Trumps posed with the queen.



Trump chatted with the queen ahead of the dinner, the menu for which included halibut and lamb entrees, and assorted fruit desserts.

Source: CNN



After reading a toast in which he said the queen embodies "the spirit of dignity, duty, and patriotism that beats proudly in every British heart," the two raised their glasses to begin the banquet.

Source: CNN



But Trump may have broken royal protocol when he appeared to briefly touch the queen's back during dinner. Michelle Obama did the same thing in 2009.

Source: BusinessInsider



The official state visit comes nearly two years after the president was initially invited. Protesters are expected to welcome the president with much controversy and ceremony, including displaying a 20-foot inflatable blimp of Trump looking like a baby.

Sources: BusinessInsider, USA Today



International media tuned into Trump's trip, as he's expected to raise issues including trade policy and Brexit over the next few days.

Source: Business Insider



Yes, Apple just killed iTunes — here's what that means for your library of music, movies, and TV shows (AAPL)

0
0

macos music

It's official: iTunes is dead. 

Apple announced on Monday at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference that the standalone iTunes app will be killed off when the company rolls out its new software for Macs this fall. 

Under macOS Catalina, as the new version of the Mac operating system is called, Apple will nix iTunes in favor of three apps: Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV. 

For die-hard iTunes users — the people who have been storing music, movies, and shows in there for years and have an extensive library built up — this might sound scary. What will become of all your stuff?

Don't worry — it probably isn't going anywhere. Here's what Apple is planning for iTunes in macOS Catalina. 

SEE ALSO: Here's everything Apple just announced at WWDC, its biggest event of the year

Apple Music will become the home for all things, well, music.

Apple is redesigning the Music app for Macs to accommodate the elimination of iTunes.

Now your entire music library will live inside one app, including downloaded songs, purchased songs, and songs ripped from a CD, according to Apple. 

Plus, you can still buy songs if you really want to: Apple will still offer an iTunes Store.



The Apple TV app is coming to the Mac.

Starting this fall, the Apple TV app will live on all of your devices — iPhone, iPad, Mac, and, of course, your Apple TV. 

That means that rather than renting movies and TV shows through iTunes on your Mac, you'll watch everything through the Apple TV app. Apple said that more than 100,000 iTunes shows and movies would be ported into the Apple TV app, and they'll be available to rent or buy. 

The app will include Apple TV channels, so you can stream shows and movies from your favorite channels and services (although that's less necessary on a Mac where you can also just watch them on the channel's website). 

On top of that, the app will contain Apple's original streaming service, Apple TV Plus, once it becomes available this fall. 

What Apple hasn't clarified yet is whether your previously purchased iTunes movie and TV shows will be routed into the Apple TV app. But given how Apple plans to handle your music library, it'll likely do the same with visual content. 



Apple Podcasts will now be a one-stop shop for all of your podcasts.

The way it works right now, there's a Podcasts app on the iPhone, but there's also a Podcasts section of iTunes on the Mac. This doesn't make a whole lot of sense, and thankfully, Apple is changing that. 

Now there will be a standalone Podcasts app on the Mac that should work the same as the one on your phone. Apple said it would offer more than 700,000 shows, as well as perks like the ability to get a notification when there's a new episode of one of your favorite shows. 

Plus, the app will feature curated collections and better search tools to help you find new podcasts to listen to. 



There's one more crucial change involving iTunes coming in macOS Catalina.

You know how right now, when you plug your iPhone into your Mac, iTunes opens automatically? Isn't it annoying? 

Well, Apple seems to have realized this because in macOS Catalina, nothing will happen when you plug your phone into your computer. Seriously — Apple even did a demo of this onstage at WWDC to prove it. 

Now when you plug your phone in, you'll see your device in the sidebar of your Finder and nothing more. 

However, Apple isn't eliminating using a cable to synch your phone and computer altogether — you'll still be able to sync your media that way, but you'll do it through the individual apps for music, movies, and podcasts. 




27 thoughtful Father's Day gifts under $25

0
0

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.

blue bottle subscription

  • Gifting on a budget doesn't have to be stressful. Here are 27 Father's Day gifts under $25 that make gift shopping this year a breeze.
  • From small leather accessories to delectable food gifts, none of these options look or feel cheap.

Your parents might say to you every year that they don't need a gift for Mother's Day or Father's Day. Chances are, you still want to get them a gift for everything they do for you, even if it's something small.

For Father's Day this year, you don't even need to spend more than $25 to show your dad you're thinking of him and that you appreciate him. A small accessory to streamline his golf game, a gourmet condiment, and a pampering grooming product are all gifts that will impress — and won't break the bank. 

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

These 27 Father's Day gifts are both thoughtful and budget-friendly.

SEE ALSO: 23 practical and considerate Father’s Day gifts under $100

A mug with a fully functional carabiner handle

Gift the United by Blue Passing Through 10 oz. Carabiner Cup, $18

Other than as a design that makes him say "that's cool," the handle really works as a carabiner so he can bring this mug anywhere on outdoor adventures. The brand's whole collection of drinkware would make an excellent (and affordable) Father's Day gift. 



An Apple Watch charging dock

Gift the Griffin WatchStand Charging Dock, $13.82

He can charge his Apple Watch on this dock while also using it as a stand for his phone. Its simple design will help keep his tabletop clean and uncluttered. 

 



An REI membership

Gift an REI Membership, $20

Outdoorsy and active fathers will love a membership to this community, which affords 10%-back dividends, special offers, access to in-store REI Garage sales, and special pricing on REI classes and events.



A cookbook from Black Tap

Gift Craft Burgers and Crazy Shakes from Black Tap, $11.99

The popular NYC restaurant Black Tap is all about no-holds-barred indulgence. Be warned: Its sky-high gourmet burgers and crazy milkshakes might send your dad into a food coma.



An insulated cup

Gift the YETI Rambler 10 oz. Lowball, $19.99

An insulated, stainless steel cup that will keep cold drinks cold in the summer and hot ones hot in the winter, the YETI Rambler Lowball was made for campfire and lakeside gatherings. If he's hanging out in the great outdoors, he'll want to keep this cup close at hand. 



A luxurious shave kit

Gift the Harry's Truman Shave Set, $15

This shave set from Harry's is as sleek as it gets.



A hydrating beard oil

Gift the Oars + Alps Cedarwood Forest Beard Oil, $20

Containing nourishing oils like jojoba and argan oil, this beard oil will revive his scruff in no time. It relieves the flaky, itchy skin under his hair and smells good while doing it. 



A classic cologne

Gift the Old Spice Classic Cologne Spray (4.25 oz.), $17.43

It's the unmistakable cool and crisp scent of Old Spice that your grandfather probably wore. Unlike other cologne brands, it's actually affordable, but your dad will love it just the same. 

Note: Currently available through third-party sellers



His new favorite jerky

Gift the Chef's Cut Beef, Chicken, and Turkey Jerky Variety Pack, $19.47

For jerky-loving dads, we're fans of Chef's Cut. The flavors in this variety pack of beef, chicken and turkey jerkies include Original Recipe, Chipotle Cracked Pepper, Teriyaki, and Honey Barbecue.



A geeky gift basket

Gift a Loot Crate, from $12.99

A well-curated gift box, like a geek culture "crate" from Loot Crate, is far from a cop-out this Father's Day. Its gift crates contain collectibles and merch related to fandoms like Marvel, Harry Potter, and Star Trek, and the under-$25 options contain socks, shirts, and underwear featuring a variety of pop culture icons. 



A golf hat

Gift the Nike Heritage 86 Adjustable Golf Hat, $17.97

Nike's special Dri-FIT Technology keeps his head dry and comfortable under the glaring sun, while the interior sweatband is soft and absorbent. Whether he's on the first or 18th hole, he'll stay cool and collected. 



A small, softcover photo book

Gift the Artifact Uprising 5"x 5" Instagram Photo Book, $15

Bring all your mobile photos with Dad to life in this softcover book that looks like a classy coffee table magazine. It has a textured eggshell cover and interior matte pages, which bring out the best of your favorite memories. 



A pair of "Star Wars"-themed socks

Gift the Stance Warped R2D2 Socks, $18

The lovable droids look imposing on these socks made by an NBA player-favorite brand. The lightweight socks are cushioned, supportive, and comfortable.



Fresh laces for his Allbirds sneakers

Gift the Allbirds Runner Lace Kit, $10

If he owns a pair of Allbirds already, a simple lace refresh will make them feel brand new. This kit contains gray, white, and black. 



A towel that contains pore-purifying activated charcoal

Gift the Morihata Binchotan Activated Charcoal Face Scrub Towel, $11

Activated charcoal is infused directly in the towel rather than a mask or cleanser, so he can exfoliate and purify his skin without using extra products.

 

 



A unique hot sauce

Gift The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce (Green, 5 oz.), $9.05

This all-natural, tangy hot sauce is part of the lineup on the popular YouTube series "Hot Ones" and is made from Serrano peppers grown in over 30 community gardens throughout the Bronx. 



A leather money clip

Gift the Leatherology Money Clip, $25

The full grain leather clip can hold up to 20 bills. An added plus is that Leatherology will take care of the gift packaging for you, for free. 



A fast-charging power bank

Gift the Anker Astro E1 6700 Power Bank, $23.99

This battery provides a nice balance between power and portability — it's not too big, but still charges up his devices quickly. It'll fit right in his pocket and is especially useful for traveling. 



A handmade beer bottle planter

Gift the IrishGlass Beer Bottle Glass Planters, $8

Choose any beer bottle brand you'd like to be cut, sanded, and polished into a unique planter.



A wood-accented jigger

Gift the Thatcher Barware Jigger, $19

A standard piece of barware gets a charming, rustic treatment that aesthetic-minded cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate. 

 



A card game he can enjoy with the whole family

Gift the Exploding Kittens Card Game, $19.99

If he's a kid at heart who loves kittens, explosions, and laser beams, then he'll love the cult-favorite, Kickstarter sensation of Exploding Kittens. Buying this gift is almost like a gift to yourself since he'll need to enlist multiple players to enjoy the game. 

 



A movie night

Gift a Fandango Gift Card, from $15

Nothing beats going to the movies with his kids.



A coffee subscription

Gift a Blue Bottle coffee subscription, starting at $24

Control how often your dad will receive a fresh bag of whole bean coffee from this popular artisanal brand. There are only select Blue Bottle locations around the world, but he can experience its delicious coffee anywhere he lives. 



A photo camera lens kit

Gift the Apexel 5 in 1 Camera Lens Kit, $17.99

My dad's phone is filled to the brim with photos of everything from scenery to that night's dinner. Upgrade your dad's mobile photography game with these four lenses: a 10x fixed telephoto lens with manual focus ring, fish-eye lens, macro lens and wide angle lens. 

 



A cool popcorn popper

Gift the Microwave Popcorn Popper, $11.99

He can stick this bowl right in the microwave and still get the fresh, buttery taste of stovetop popcorn. 



A tabletop plant

Gift an Aloe Vera Plant (Planter Included), $23

He only needs to water it every couple weeks, plus if he ever gets a sunburn he can just snip off a leaf to enjoy the soothing benefits of aloe. 



A luggage sticker to distinguish his suitcase from the rest

Gift an Away sticker, $15

Away currently offers three different styles of its leather sticker accessories, which are an easy and affordable way to personalize his carry-on. 



The best photo from every year of Prince Philip's royal career

0
0

prince philip retirement

  • It's Prince Philip's 98th birthday on June 10.
  • To celebrate, Business Insider rounded up the best photo from every year of his royal career.
  • The Duke of Edinburgh carried out 22,219 solo engagements and 637 solo visits overseas before retiring from public service in 2017.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Prince Philip turns 98 on June 10.

Before officially retiring from public service in 2017, the Duke of Edinburgh carried out 22,219 solo engagements and 637 solo visits overseas since he left active military service in 1952. 

In retirement, the Duke is reportedly enjoying more leisure time at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk — he is an avid carriage driver and enjoys oil painting.

Read more: Prince Philip met the royal baby before the Queen after 'bumping into' Harry and Meghan in Windsor Castle

His Royal Highness' career will be remembered equally for his sharp wit as he will be for his gaffes, which have often left the nation laughing or reeling. 

The Prince's prolonged service has won him support from both sides of Parliament — Jeremy Corbyn applauded his "clear sense of public duty" and Theresa May praised his "steadfast support" to the Queen. 

Philip's lengthy career, marked by hundreds of visits to far-flung corners of the British Empire, has unsurprisingly produced some remarkable royal photography.

Here are the best images from each of his years as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

SEE ALSO: The 23 best candid photos from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding

1947: Prince Philip began his journey as a British Royal when he married into the country's royal family after a five-month engagement to his distant cousin, Elizabeth. He was 26.



1948: The couple had their first child, Prince Charles. In this picture, he sleeps in the arms of his mother, then Princess Elizabeth, after his Christening at Buckingham Palace.



1949: Philip spent many of his younger years in the Royal Navy, meaning family time was precious. He spent much of 1949 stationed in Malta as the first lieutenant of the destroyer HMS Checkers, the lead ship of the 1st Destroyer Flotilla in the Mediterranean Fleet.



1950: Two years after the birth of Prince Charles, Elizabeth and Philip gave birth to their second child, Princess Anne.



1951: The family's first home was Clarence House, located just a stone's throw away from Buckingham Palace in central London. The family can be seen playing in its gardens in this photo.



1952: Despite his active naval career ending in 1951, he was promoted to commander of the Royal Navy in 1952.

Source: The British Monarchy



1953: During the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Philip bowed to his while while more than 27 million people in Britain watched on television.

Source: Royal.uk



1954: This photo shows the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh during an official visit to HAMS Australia, flagship of the Australian Navy. The royal couple went aboard during their visit to Cairns, Queensland.



1955: Throughout his career, he has been involved with more than 780 organisations.

He has also been a loyal supporter of his wife, attending events around the world with her for more than 60 years.



1956: In 1956, the royal founded the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. The scheme is still running 61 years later and aims to instil within young people a "sense of responsibility to themselves and their communities," by encouraging them to take part in charity work and outdoor activities.



1957: It wasn't until 1957 that Philip was formerly made a British prince. That same year, he completed a round the world tour aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Here he is feeding penguins during a visit to the Antarctic.



1958: Here, Prince Philip is handing a pen back to Levi Milley after signing an autograph. Milley was one of 12 men who survived nearly a week trapped in a mine in SpringHill, Nova Scotia in 1958.



1959: Philip and Elizabeth's children grew up meeting some of the world's most powerful leaders. President Eisenhower visited Balmoral Castle in 1959, where he was photographed patting Princess Anne on the shoulder as her father looked on proudly.



1960: Prince Andrew, the couple's third child, was born in 1960. In this photo, he laughs as he holds hands with his father, Prince Philip, and his sister, Princess Anne, during their summer holiday at Balmoral Castle.



1961: The royal couple made their first visit to the Taj Mahal in India in January 1961. He also became UK President of the World Wildlife Fund the same year.



1962: The royals have been a regular fixture at Ascot, one of the biggest events in Britain's horse racing calendar.



1963: In 1963, the couple went on a three-month tour of Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.



1964: People often don't realize that the royal is also a qualified pilot, having racked up nearly 6,000 flying hours over the past five decades. He's also the patron of the Guild of Air Pilots.



1965: Philip attended the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill, along with fellow British royals and dignitaries from overseas.



1966: The Queen and her husband visited St. Lucia in 1966. This was also the year he famously proclaimed "British women can't cook."

Source: The Telegraph



1967: The following year, he made an equally dubious gaffe. When asked whether he would like to visit the Soviet Union, he replied: "I would like to go to Russia very much, although the bastards murdered half my family." This is a reference to his German heritage.



1968: Britain celebrated the 50th anniversary of the formation of the RA Fin style. Here, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip ride past a number of Bloodhound missiles on display during their visit to the Royal Air Force Base at Abington, England.



1969: Prince Philip joined a patient's group therapy session when he visited the National Addiction and Research Institute in Chelsea, London. The prince spent 20 minutes with the patients discussing their problems.



1970: Queen Elizabeth II read her speech in the House of Lords alongside her husband for the State Opening of Parliament in 1970.



1971: The late Sir Roger Moore met the Duke of Edinburgh at an auction dinner in aid of the Variety Club of Great Britain, at the Savoy Hotel in 1971.



1972: In 1972, Philip and Elizabeth travelled to France and took part in remembrance services.



1973: Prince Philip talked to his wife before the new Sydney Opera House complex. Left is Frank Barnes., General Manager of the Opera House and right is Sir Roden Cutler, Governor of New South Wales.



1974: He received a traditional Maori welcome when he arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand, to open the 10th Commonwealth Games. In this ancient Maori challenge, the feather is thrown at the feet of the Duke, with the chant, "do you come as friend or foe," by picking up the feather the Duke was accepted and welcomed.



1975: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are greeted by Emperor Hirohito of Japan at the entrance of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 7, 1975.



1976: The royal couple laughed as the young girl stood next to them was reluctant to hand over a bouquet of flowers during their royal visit to Luxembourg.



1977: The Queen and Philip visited New Zealand. In this photo, the couple attend the State Opening of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, wearing their sashes and Royal Orders.



1978: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were followed by their sons Prince Andrew, left, and Prince Edward, as they entered the stadium before the start of the 11th Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada.



1979: This family photo was taken in the ground of Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Elizabeth and Philip were joined by their sons (l-r) Prince Andrew, Prince Charles, and Prince Edward.



1980: The Royals made a historic visit to meet Pope John Paul II in the Vatican in October 1980. It was the first state visit to the Vatican by a British monarch.



1981: Philip's first son, Prince Charles, married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. An estimated 750 million people watched the ceremony worldwide.



1982: The Queen looked surprised after her husband, Prince Philip, pointed that they should be going another way as they drove through the crowd of athletes and officials during the Closing Ceremony of the 12th Commonwealth Games. The crowd forced them to make another lap around the stadium.



1983: The couple has met every sitting US president — bar Lyndon B. Johnson — since Elizabeth ascended to the throne. Here they're pictured with former President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan in San Francisco.



1984: The Royal family, along with Lord Spencer, attended Prince Harry's Christening in December 1984.



1985: The Queen, Prince Philip, the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, Princes William and Harry, and the Earl of Wessex at the Trooping the Colour.



1986: The couple paid a state visit to China, making the Queen the first British monarch to ever do so.



1987: Philip held a news conference in Washington D.C. in May 1987, to announce a World Wildlife Fund Campaign to end illegal wildlife trade. The global organisation has also named an award after him — The Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award — which recognizes "highly meritorious contributions to the conservation of wildlife and natural resources."



1988: Prince Philip was greeted by children of the British School in Holland. He was visiting the Netherlands for the celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the Glorious Revolution, when Prince William III of Holland ousted King James II from the English family.



1989: Philip was greeted by a worshipper at St. Mary's Cathedral in Kuala Lumpur after he stepped in for the queen who was unable to attend the service because of a chill. In the background is a plaque in honour of the royal couple.



1990: The prince had the honour of delivering the Rafael M. Salas Lecture at the United Nations' headquarters in New York. Named in honour of Mrs. Salas' — pictured below— late husband, Rafael was the first head of the United Nations Population Fund.



1991: President George H. Bush escorted Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on the field at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, before the Orioles played the Oakland A's. This was the first baseball game the monarch had ever watched.



1992: Here, Prince Philip emerges from the channel tunnel near Calais, France, after becoming the first member of the royal family to use the rail line connecting England and France — one year before it welcomed its first fare-paying passenger.



1993: The Duke of Edinburgh chats with Diana, Princess of Wales, at a banquet he is hosting in honour of the Queen, at the Dorchester Hotel, London.



1994: This was the first ever visit to Israel by a member of the royal family. Philip flew to the country to participate in a ceremony honouring his mother for saving Greek Jews during WWII. In this photo, Prince Philip jokes with British veterans.



1995: Queen Elizabeth II looks up toward the sky as Prince Philip, left, and Prince Charles look on during memorial services to mark the 50th anniversary of VJ Day in London on August 19.



1996: Prince Philip caused outrage across the country on December 18, particularly in Dublin, the scene of that year's primary school massacre, when he suggested that cricket bats were potentially just as dangerous as guns.



1997: Philip and his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, walk through a sea of flowers left by the public outside Buckingham Palace in memory of Princess Diana, who was killed in a car crash in Paris in August that year.



1998: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip greet Tony Blair and his wife Cherie at Buckingham Palace in London on the second day of the Asia-Europe meeting. The three days of meetings were dominated by discussions on how the Asian economic crisis was being handled.



1999: The Queen and her husband were welcomed to Ghana by the sound of drums and reggae music, where they met the 13 regional chiefs and eight Queen Mothers of Ghana.



2000: Prince Philip bids farewell to Former President Nelson Mandela. Prince Philip and Prince Edward went to see young offenders enrolled in rehabilitation programs in South Africa.



2001: Jordan's Queen Rania smiled with Prince Philip during arrival ceremonies in Windsor. The King and Queen of Jordan were on an official State Visit to England at the time.



2002: A year of glorious highs and sad lows — The Queen celebrated her Golden Jubilee, it was also the year the Queen Mother passed away.



2003: Then-US President George W. Bush visited Britain with his wife Barbara in 2003. The couple can be seen walking with the royals along the west terrace of Buckingham Palace.



2004: A memorial fountain dedicated to the late Princess Diana was unveiled in Hyde Park, London. The House of Windsor buried the hatchet with the aristocratic family of Diana earlier that week, almost seven years after her brother savaged the royals in his funeral eulogy.



2005: A National Service of Remembrance was held for the Victims of the London Bombings at St. Paul's Cathedral in central London. The service, where candles were lit to represent the four sites in London bombed on July 7, was also attended by Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair.



2006: Prince Philip visited the Queen's Royal Hussars in Basra. He told the troops that most people in Britain had "a great deal of sympathy for those of you at the sharp end who are trying to do your best to make life civilized and tolerable for the locals."



2007: Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth celebrated their diamond (60th) wedding anniversary. They marked the occasion with a special thanksgiving service held at Westminster Abbey.



2008: Prince Philip and France's then-first lady Carla Bruni laughed as they stood with Queen Elizabeth and French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a review of the Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle in Windsor.



2009: Prince Philip speaks to well-wishers during his visit with Queen Elizabeth to Newcastle, northern England.



2010: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip attended the ninth inauguration of the General Synod at Westminster Abbey, with the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.



2011: Prince Philip has spent his life supporting veterans and the armed forces. Here, he talks with soldiers and their relatives of the 2 Close Support Battalion RE ME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) after the Operation Herrick Medal Parade at the Saint Barbara's Barracks in undefined, Lower Saxony. Some 150 soldiers were awarded for their deployment in Afghanistan.



2012: This brilliant photo captures Philip, Elizabeth, and Charles laughing as they watch the Braemer Gathering in Scotland as competitors participated in a sack race.



2013: Prince Philip was presented with New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand, by his wife, Elizabeth, at Buckingham Palace in London. He also celebrated his 92nd birthday that year.



2014: The couple laughed after bidding farewell to the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at Windsor Castle. The Irish President and his wife Sabina left Windsor at the end of a four day State Visit to Britain, during which they stayed at the castle as guests of her majesty.



2015: Philip played a vital role in saving Britain's engineering sector in the 1970s by creating a national engineering academy. He told the BBC in 2015 that after WWII, Britain was "completely skint — it seemed to me that the only way we were going to recover was through engineering."

Source: BBC



2016: The Duke of Edinburgh Award celebrated its 60 anniversary in 2016 — arguably the most successful venture of any current royal. The Queen also celebrated her 90th birthday in style with the Patron's Lunch street party, pictured below.

Source: The Telegraph



2017: After 65 years of public service, the prince retired from public life. Public appearances had become increasingly rare — but here he attends the annual garden party at the Palace of Hilarity's in Edinburgh.



2018: Though officially retired, Prince Philip made appearances at a number of events in 2018. His grandson Prince Harry's wedding, for instance, was not something he was likely to miss.



2019: 2019 has been another year of weddings for Prince Philip as his granddaughter Princess Eugenie of York tied the knot with Jack Brooksbank, as did Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston. In this photo taken at Lady Gabriella's ceremony, Philip's grandson Prince Harry appears to have made him cackle to the point of tears.

Read more:All the ways Princess Eugenie's wedding broke from royal tradition

Charles Clark contributed to an earlier version of this story.



What a 1,500-square-foot home costs in 25 major cites around the US

0
0

san jose

  • A standard 1,500-square-foot single-family home can range in price, depending on location.
  • We teamed up with Trulia to find out the median home value of a 1,500-square-foot house in the 25 most populous cities in the US.
  • According to Trulia's data, a 1,500-square-foot home can cost as little as $47,000 or as high as $1.3 million.
  • Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

A standard 1,500-square-foot home can be extremely affordable — or wildly expensive — depending upon location.

We teamed up with Trulia to find the median home value of similarly-sized houses in the 25 most populous cities in the US, from notoriously-expensive New York City to Indianapolis and Columbus, two of the most affordable cities for millennials to buy a home. The most expensive city on the list, perhaps unsurprisingly, is San Francisco. Previous reporting from Business Insider's Katie Canales shows that even a "fixer" home will sell for over half of a million dollars.

Read more: Home values have more than doubled in the US since 1970 — here's how much they've increased in every state

We looked at the most populous cities using data from the National League of Cities, and ordered them from lowest to highest median home value for a 1,500-square-foot house. 

Keep reading for a look at what a 1,500-square-foot home will cost in the 25 most populous US cities:

SEE ALSO: What a $250,000 home looks like in 25 major US cities

NOW READ: Here's the town with the most valuable homes in every state

25. Detroit, Michigan

1,500-square-foot median home value: $47,241



24. Memphis, Tennessee

1,50-square-foot median home value: $83,135



23. El Paso, Texas

1,500-square-foot median home value: $116,098



22. Indianapolis, Indiana

1,500-square-foot median home value: $118,454



21. San Antonio, Texas

1,500-square-foot median home value: $142,995



20. Dallas, Texas

1,500-square-foot median home value: $144,641



19. Fort Worth, Texas

1,500-square-foot median home value: $144,918



18. Houston, Texas

1,500-square-foot median home value: $146,466



17. Jacksonville, Florida

1,500-square-foot median home value: $149,708



16. Charlotte, North Carolina

1,500-square-foot median home value: $154,033



15. Columbus, Ohio

1,500-square-foot median home value: $156,940



14. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1,500-square-foot median home value: $162,318



13. Baltimore, Maryland

1,500-square-foot median home value: $164,297



12. Louisville, Kentucky

1,500-square-foot median home value: $172,727



11. Nashville, Tennessee

1,500-square-foot median home value: $203,259



10. Phoenix, Arizona

1,500-square-foot median home value: $205,850



9. Chicago, Illinois

1,500-square-foot median home value: $261,126



8. Austin, Texas

1,500-square-foot median home value: $270,263



7. San Diego, California

1,500-square-foot median home value: $577,756



6. Boston, Massachusetts

1,500-square-foot median home value: $588,878



5. Los Angeles, California

1,500-square-foot median home value: $588,878



4. New York, New York

1,500-square-foot median home value: $625,931



3. Seattle, Washington

1,500-square-foot median home value: $689,917



2. San Jose, California

1,500-square-foot median home value: $855,973



1. San Francisco, California

1,500-square-foot median home value: $1,292,566

 

The 9 biggest mistakes people make when they try to sell their homes, according to real-estate agents

13 real-estate agents reveal the strangest and most extreme requests they've ever received from clients

17 real-estate agents reveal the worst parts of their jobs, from the lack of steady income to being on call 24/7

The most expensive and affordable states to buy a house, ranked
Here's how much a typical starter home costs in every state

San Francisco's housing crisis is so out of control that one of the city's last districts seized by big tech boasts 'cheap' homes priced at $800,000 — here's what the neighborhood is like

The San Francisco housing market is so dire that people are leaving in droves — here's where they're headed

San Francisco's tech boom is so expansive that the city's median home price rose by $205,000 in the first half of 2018, one of the biggest swells in its history



The best heat protectant sprays under $25

0
0

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

best heat protectant

  • If you style your hair daily with a blow dryer or curling iron, your hair needs protection from heat damage.
  • The TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray will protect your hair from heat damage without weighing it down, keep frizz at bay, and give you silky hair at an extremely affordable price.

If you use any type of heat styling tool on your hair — whether it's a hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener — a heat protectant is a must-have.

Exposing your hair to any type of heat without applying a protectant first is like laying out in the sun without any sunscreen. It may not be super noticeable at first, but the consequences won't be pretty. Without a properly applied protectant, the heat will dry out your hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage.

To find the heat protectant that's best suited to your hair type, there are a few things you should consider. The most important factor is your hair type and texture. 

If you have fine or frizz-prone hair, you'll want a protectant that will smooth flyaways without weighing down your strands. If you have hair that is already prone to damage, look for a protectant that provides maximum protection of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have thick hair, a protectant that can be applied to wet hair is ideal so it can soak up all the product.

Knowing how you want to style your hair can also help you decide which heat protectant will best serve you. Heat protection should be applied at the very beginning of your styling routine while hair is damp.

If you just plan on blow drying your hair, a conditioning protection mist may be all you need. If you plan on using a hair straightener, using a protectant that will help smooth your hair and create shine will make styling easier. For wavy or curly styles, a protectant that provides texture, volume, and hold can help you achieve curls that won't go limp after a couple of hours.

We did the research and read the reviews to find the best heat protectant sprays that cost less than $25. For this guide, we chose to go with heat protectant sprays because they're versatile, provide even coverage, and when used properly, won't weigh hair down.

Here are our picks for the best heat protectant sprays that cost less than $25:

Updated on 6/4/2019 by Jada Wong: Updated copy, formatting, links, and prices

Keep scrolling to learn all about our picks.

The best heat protectant overall

If you're looking for an effective and affordable heat protectant that will leave your hair looking healthy, the TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray won't disappoint. 

It comes as no surprise that the TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray has received consistently positive reviews from buyers. It costs less than $5 and holds its own among the more expensive options of heat protectants. It's a hair product that works, and unlike many heat protectants, its light formula won't weigh hair down. 

TRESemmé's spray makes hair soft, shiny, and manageable. Most importantly, it lives up to its name by protecting your hair against heat damage so you can blow dry, straighten, or curl to your heart's content. This spray is infused with vitamins to help your hair continue to look and feel healthy after you're done styling.

It's also versatile. You can apply it to damp hair before drying  — a must to ensure total heat protection — or to air-dried hair before straightening or curling. While it's an excellent heat protectant, be aware that this formula doesn't provide any hold, so if you're curling your hair, you'll want to layer it with another product like hairspray. Since it has a lightweight formula, it can be layered with other products without your hair feeling greasy or weighed down.

And experts agree. In its review, Allure praises this TRESemmé heat protectant for being "light as a feather" on hair, and for the spray gun style nozzle that "covers hair quickly and evenly."

As with any hair product, for the best results, you'll need to follow the instructions on the packaging. For this heat protectant, it's advised to spray 6 to 8 inches away from your head, from mid-shaft to the ends of your hair. For the most thorough heat protection, you should use on your hair while its damp, before drying, and then again if you're using additional heat styling tools once it's dry.

Some Amazon reviewers did have trouble with the nozzle breaking or not spraying properly, but most found the spray function easy to use, and appreciated the lock and unlock function on the nozzle. 

Those with fine hair and with thick hair have had good luck with this product. Another plus? According to buyers like Ren, "It smells great, and works with my hair!" Reviewer Jen-Nar's statement sums up why the TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer is our top pick: "This is the best thermal protector spray out there for the price." 

Pros: Affordable, lightweight formula won't weigh down hair, infused with vitamins to enhance hair health, pleasant scent, can be used on wet or dry hair, 

Cons: Doesn't provide hold for curly or wavy styles, some reviewers had trouble with the nozzle breaking or not spraying properly

Buy the TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray at Walmart for $4.92 (originally $4.48)



The best heat protectant for hair straightening

The HSI Professional Argan Oil Heat Protector will protect your hair from temperatures up to 450 degrees, thanks to nourishing argan oil.

It comes as no surprise that the makers of the best-selling hair straightener on Amazon also have an effective heat protectant that's also one of the best-sellers in hair sprays.

While this one isn't a "hair spray" per se, HSI Professional Heat Protector is infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil to make your hair sleek and shiny. Most importantly, it creates a protective barrier against heat styling tools.

If you blow dry and straighten your hair often, this heat protectant will help keep your hair healthy. Even if you aren't using heat styling tools every day, this heat protectant can also work as a leave-in conditioner to create a frizz-free look. It's sulfate, paraben, and phosphate free so it can also be used on color-treated hair and even human hair extensions.

While the HSI Professional Heat Protector can work with any heat styling tool to protect your hair, its high heat protection and infusion of argan oil make it ideal if you want to straighten your hair — especially if it's naturally very curly. The argan oil will smooth and get rid of frizz, while the heat protection of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit will allow you to use higher heat settings if needed.

You may equate anything with oil in it to be heavy, but this heat protectant still manages to have a weightless feel while protecting your hair and infusing it with moisture. This makes it ideal for straightening both fine and thick hair. It can be applied to wet or dry hair for styling too, but if you're starting with wet hair, you should spray before using a blow dryer to provide full coverage against heat damage.

Some reviewers did find the smell of this hair protectant too strong. On the upside, those that found the scent to be strong do note that the product itself does work well. Other reviewers are complete converts, loving the way their hair looks, feels, and smells after using it. One reviewer named Karina loves that it "gets all those stubborn little hairs in place" and "makes the straightening job much easier." 

Pros: Heat resistant up to 450 degrees, infused with argan oil for a sleek look and frizz control, weightless feel, can be used on wet and dry hair

Cons: Some reviewers didn't like the scent

Buy the HSI Professional Argan Oil Heat Protector on Amazon for $10.03 to $14.99 (originally $6.95 to $14.99)



The best heat protectant for curling

The Matrix BIOLAGE Thermal Active Setting Spray provides heat protection as well as light hold for long-lasting curls and waves that won't feel stiff or crunchy.

Hair products that serve a dual purpose make for a great addition to your style routine, saving you time and money. If you curl your hair often, a heat protectant that provides both protection against heat and hold to keep your style in place is definitely worth considering. The Matrix BIOLAGE Thermal Active Setting Spray does both, and won't leave your hair feeling stiff or crunchy like some hairsprays tend to do.

It will also add volume and shine, so your hairstyle won't go limp and dull halfway through the day. It's happened to the best of us, but getting up early to style your hair is a wasted effort if your style doesn't last.

This is a non-aerosol spray that can be applied to both wet and dry hair. You can apply a layer before blow drying for thermal protection. Then, apply another layer to hair once it's dry before you start using any other heat styling tools to provide extra hold.  If you have fine, naturally straight hair that typically doesn't hold curl very well, you're in luck with this spray.

One reviewer says this is "the only product that works on my straight hair to hold curl. It doesn't leave sticky residue like other products I've tried." In addition to providing hold, volume, and shine this protectant will also help control frizz and flyaways. While it works great with curling irons and hot curlers, it can also be used with a hair straightener or just a blow dryer for a frizz-free style that stays in place and has extra shine.

Some reviewers did experience stickiness after using this product and felt that it coated their hair too heavily. As with most hair products, hair type and user application do influence the effectiveness of a heat protectant. With hair products that provide any sort of hold, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. Start with the minimal amount of product, and only add more as needed, otherwise, you can easily end up with stiff, greasy feeling hair.

Most reviewers are happy they tried the Matrix BIOLAGE Thermal Active Setting Spray, loving that it helps fine hair hold curl, keeps frizz at bay, and that their hair stays in place without feeling too heavy.

Pros: Provides soft hold for curly and wavy hairstyles, adds volume and shine, can be used on wet or dry hair 

Cons: Some reviewers experienced stickiness after using it, and felt the formula was too heavy

Buy the Matrix BIOLAGE Thermal Active Setting Spray on Amazon for $17 (originally $13.58)



The best heat protectant for fine hair

The Kenra Thermal Styling Spray 19 provides thermal protection up to 428 degrees, helps tamp down frizz and flyaways, and has a truly weightless formula ideal for fine hair. 

It can be easy for fine hair to get weighed down with product, becoming greasy and limp. While this may deter you from wanting to put a heat protectant in your hair and start styling right away, you should really use one.

Fine hair can also be easily damaged and is prone to breakage, so if you're using heat styling tools without any protectant, you'll be putting your hair at risk. Luckily, there are hair products designed for fine hair, like the Kenra Thermal Styling Spray.

The non-sticky formula will protect your hair from heat, but won't leave any residue behind. It provides a clean and easy release from curling irons and hair straighteners that will minimize breakage. It's weightless, but does provide just enough control to tame any frizz or flyaways, and will add shine to any hairstyle.

This spray also provides light hold for use with curling irons and hair straighteners alike, giving your curls bounce, or keeping your hair pin straight all day depending on which style you decide to go with. This is a styling spray, so it's meant to be applied to dry hair right before using a curling iron or hair straightener. If you're starting with wet hair, you'll want to apply a heat protectant designed to be used before blow drying.

If you're worried about layering products, the lightweight formula of the Kenra Thermal Styling Spray will allow it to be used with other products. As with any heat protectant, it's important to follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results. When using this spray, you can apply it to hair section by section as you apply your styling tool. When you're done styling, it's also advised to spray over your entire head 8 to 10 inches away for a finishing hold.

Some buyers did find the formula to be too sticky for their hair, and others felt that it dried out their hair over time. However, most fine-haired reviewers love this spray and found that it worked well enough to use daily to prevent heat damage and provide hold when they wanted to straighten or curl their hair.

One Ulta reviewer says, "I have been using this product for years. For my super fine straight hair, I get the longest lasting curls I have ever had." Reviewer Cindy Lou echoes this sentiment, saying, "I love the hold this gives my hair! It also smells great!" 

Pros: Thermal protection up to 428 degrees, weightless formula, controls frizz, adds shine, provides hold for style that lasts all day

Cons: Not designed to be used on wet hair, some reviewers found the formula sticky, some felt it dried out their hair over time

Buy the Kenra Thermal Styling Spray 19 at Ulta for $17 (originally $16)



The best heat protectant for thick hair

The Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer Spray will cut down on your styling time, provide heat protection, and leave you with a smooth mane of hair.

As someone with thick and wavy hair, I often find myself throwing it up in a bun and running out the door. Why? My hair takes forever to blow dry and style … and I am not a morning person. However, when I do want to style my hair, I turn to products like the Redken Pillow Proof Spray to make life a little easier, and my mornings less chaotic.

It allows thick haired ladies (and gentleman) to shorten their styling time and provides a protective barrier against heat. This means you'll be able to blow dry your hair in a fraction of the time, without having to worry about causing split ends in the process.

So how does it work? Two components called trisiloxane and isododecane help your hair dry faster while blow drying with a smooth finish. This spray's formula also creates a blanket of flexible silicone resin that protects hair from heat. All of this sounds as though it may make hair feel heavy, but when used properly, the weightless formula leaves your hair feeling soft and manageable — not greasy.

It can protect hair from heat up to 450 degrees, manages frizz, and prevents hair breakage. To use, you simply shake well and spray the product evenly through wet hair before blow-drying or using any other heat styling tool.

So why the "pillow-proof" in the name? Using this product as a styling base will allow your blow out to last longer — even through a night of sleep. You can style your hair the day before, and get up and go the next day without having to restyle your hair. It may sound like a marketing gimmick, but according to reviewers it really does work.

Ultabeauty reviewer Louise says, "I can just wake up, bush my hair, and go!" Another reviewer has had similar results saying, "I would normally lose all volume and lift after sleeping on my hair—not with Pillow Proof! It holds the volume for days, plus keeps those weird hair kinks from forming in your sleep."

Reviews on Amazon are also positive, resting at almost a 4.0 rating overall, with more than 70 reviews. Reviewers with fine hair warn that a little goes a long way, otherwise you will end up with limp, greasy feeling hair. Some reviewers also didn't care for the scent, saying it was too strong for them. Overall though, most reviewers with thick hair love this spray for its ability to condition and dry their hair more quickly, add shine, and reduce frizz.

Pros: Cuts down on drying time, protects against heat up to 450 degrees, keeps your hair manageable even after sleeping on it, reduces frizz, adds shine

Cons: Reviewers with fine hair experienced some greasiness, some reviewers found the scent too strong

Buy the Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer Spray on Amazon for $16.15 (originally $17.16)



Check out our other hair-care buying guides

The best hair straighteners you can buy

Not everyone is born with pin-straight hair, but even if your hair is super curly, a good hair straightener can give you the sleek look you crave. The HSI Professional hair straightener is an Amazon favorite, providing high-quality, professional results for all kinds of hair types at a budget-friendly price.

Here are best hair straighteners you can buy in 2019:


The best hair dryers for every hair type and budget

With so many different hair dryers to choose from, it's hard to know which ones won't lead to lackluster hair and buyer's remorse. The Rusk CTC Lite is our top pick because it dries hair quickly without damaging it, it's lightweight and easy to hold, and it has seven different heat and speed settings to ensure that your blow out looks perfect.

Here are our top picks for the best hair dryers in 2019:


The best detangling sprays you can buy

If your hair still becomes a tangled ball of knots, no matter how much conditioner you use, you should invest in a good detangling spray, to make combing your hair a pain-free experience.

To save you time and money, we've researched hundreds of expert and consumer reviews to find the best options available. Whether you've got natural, curly, thick or damaged hair, we've found the top detangling sprays around that will tame your knots.

Here are the best detangling sprays you can buy:


The best anti-frizz hair products you can buy

It's not just the summer heat and sky-high humidity that can wreak havoc on your hair — Rain and even damp weather can turn it from fabulous to frizzy in an instant. It's important to be prepared and have a good anti-frizz product in your beauty arsenal to stop yet another bad hair day.

To save you time and money on products that don't work, as well as researching hundreds of expert and consumer reviews, our team of frizzy-headed testers has put the best anti-frizz products on the market to the test to come up with the best of the best for all hair types and budgets.

Here are the best anti-frizz products you can buy:


The best dry shampoo you can buy

Some days you just run out of time to wash your hair, but that doesn't mean it has to look greasy. Dry shampoo is here to save you from a bad hair day. Of all the dry shampoos around, R+Co's Death Valley Dry Shampoo is the best because it makes your hair look like new. Here are the best dry shampoos you can buy:


The best shampoo for any hair type

Impossible as it might be to find a shampoo that works for every hair type, Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo comes pretty close. That's why it's our top pick — Living Proof's basic formula really works and it might even help you wash your hair less often. These are the five best shampoos for all hair types:


The best hair conditioner you can buy

Hair conditioner is a necessity if you want soft, silky strands. Out of thousands of bottles, shoppers agree that Silk18 Argan Oil Hair Conditioner is the best — no matter your hair type.

You might also like the DevaCurl One Condition Original Daily Cream Conditioner, the It's a 10 Leave-In Conditioner, the Redken Color Extend Conditioner, or the Pantene Pro-V Moisture Renewal Conditioner depending on your hair needs.


The best hair masks you can buy

Hair masks are an affordable and easy way to give your hair a salon treatment from the comfort of your own home. Here are the best hair masks you can buy:


The best hair volumizing products you can buy

If you have flat, fine hair with little volume, more often than not, adding hair products to your routine just makes matters worse, that is, unless you're using volumizing products.

Here are the best hair volumizing products you can buy:



'Why is my Mac so slow?': 6 ways to speed up your Mac computer when its performance is lagging

0
0

Macbook Air

It comes on slowly, reducing page load times and overall responsiveness over weeks or even months, until, eventually, you notice it: Your Mac isn't running as fast as it used to, and now it's enough of a problem that it's time to fix it.

But how can you do that?

We've put together six potential reasons why your Mac is running slowly, and troubleshooting tips to help speed it back up.

Assuming your issue isn't a poor Wi-Fi connection, another network issue, or a serious problem with your computer, here are a few common reasons your Mac might be experiencing slowed performance:

SEE ALSO: The best laptops you can buy

1. You put off updates for too long

We all do it — the option to update appears, and we put it off. Unfortunately, doing so for a long period of time means your computer may become slower. And even if it feels like it's never a convenient time to stop what you're doing and update, it's necessary.

Solution: Go to your App Store to check for updates on your Mac and approve those (or if you're not in a huge rush, be sure to install the update the next time your computer alerts you.) You can also check for system updates by going to the Apple icon in the top left corner and select "About this Mac" and then clicking "Check for updates."



2. The hard-drive is almost full

Do you have a ton of files, like documents or photos, saved directly to your hard drive? Slow performance may mean you're about to reach the storage limit on your Mac.

Solution: Check your hard drive space by clicking the the Apple icon in the top-left corner and then selecting "About this Mac." Next, toggle over to the "Storage" section and wait for it to calculate how much space you're using. If it's almost full, click the "Manage" button in the top-right corner.

This will open a new window with many tools for clearing out space on your hard drive, as well as readings on how much space every application, document, and more is taking up.

You should also consider using an external hard drive to clear out some space. Plus, it ensures that your stuff is protected even if your computer glitches or dies.



3. You haven't restarted your Mac in a long time (and when you do, you have a bunch of tabs open)

Your Mac isn't meant to operate all day everyday without breaks. When's the last time you restarted it? If it's been more than a few weeks, it may be time.

Solution: Restart your computer. To do so, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen and hit "Restart" — it's also a good idea to untick the box that gives you the option to open your current open apps and browser tabs for a quicker restart, provided you have everything saved.



4. There are too many apps running at once

In a perfect world, we'd browse the internet while listening to Spotify and working on documents and scanning for viruses and video conferencing with friends. In reality, however, that much activity may be the reason your computer isn't as quick as it used to be.

Solutions: Close apps and tabs that you aren't using. Open apps appear in the bottom toolbar of your screen with a small dot just below the app's icon. To close those out, simply right-click the app and then select "Quit."

Alternatively, if you want to use a triage approach, your Mac's Activity Monitor (which you can find via the Finder) is a good way to figure out what's using the most memory or CPU. But keep in mind that some of the things there should be left alone, so if you aren't sure what it is, it's probably best to keep it open.



5. You restarted your Mac with a ton of apps open

Again, too many apps running at once can slow you down, and if your computer is set up to auto-launch a bunch of apps, restarting isn't going to help you.

Solution: Set your Mac up to restart with fewer apps. Go to the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences," then choose "Users and Groups." Next, toggle over to "Login Items" and check the "hide" box next to the apps you don't want to launch each time you turn on your Mac or restart. You may have to go into the settings of individual apps and disable the auto-launch with restart function.



6. The cache is overloaded

Your cache consists of temporary files gathered from the sites you visit. It lets you browse the internet faster, but those files can pile up and slow down your Mac as a whole.

Solution: Clear out your cache. Don't worry if you've never done this before: It can be quickly and easily accomplished when you know where to go. For info on how to do it, check out our article, "How to clear the cache on your Mac computer to make it run more efficiently."

There are a ton of reasons your Mac might slow down. And whether you believe in planned obsolescence or not, the fact is that computers don't last forever. Eventually you will have to replace parts on your old Mac, and even the computer itself.

If the above options don't work for you, it's a good idea to get a professional to look it over (especially if your Mac is still within the AppleCare warranty), and it may even be time to consider buying a new computer. Either way, backing up your Mac is a good place to start.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:



Take $58 off a top-rated air fryer, and 10% off Tommy John men's underwear packs — plus 6 more deals happening now

0
0

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

We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on air fryers, Ring doorbells, outdoor furniture, and more. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

91SuQloKQTL._SL1500_

1. Save $58 on a top-rated Ninja air fryer on Amazon

Air fryers are an easy way to get the crispy crunch you crave from fried food, sans all the oil, calories, and splatters that come along with making it. This one comes highly rated on Amazon with 4.7 stars out of over 800 reviews. It has a four-quart capacity, and comes with a non-stick basket and crisper plate. There's also a multi-layer rack so you can cook different foods at one time. The best part? The inserts are dishwasher-safe. 

Ninja Air Fryer, $71.99 (originally $129.99)

best buy

2. Save up to 40% on home appliances at Best Buy

Today is the last day of Best Buy's big home appliance sale, so if you're looking to upgrade your washing machine, dishwasher, or refrigerator, now would be a good time to do it. Through the end of the day, you can save up to 40% on large home appliances. To sweeten the deal, Best Buy is also offering a $100 gift card if you spend $1,500 or more on two appliances, and free shipping if you spend $399 or more (a $69.99 value). For more savings at Best Buy, check out Business Insider Coupons.

Shop the Best Buy home appliance sale here.

Tommy John

3. Save 10% on men's underwear packs at Tommy John

Anyone who has tried Tommy John underwear has strong feelings about it (including everyone on our team — we all agree it's the best out there), and anyone who hasn't yet really deserves to. The only drawback is that they're expensive, but anyone at Insider Picks will tell you that good underwear is worth it. Right now, Tommy John is offering 10% off its packs of men's underwear, making it a great time to treat yourself or to stock Dad's drawer up with a pack of trunks, briefs, or whatever he prefers. 

Shop men's underwear packs at Tommy John here.

West Elm

4. Save up to 20% on rugs at West Elm

If you just moved into a new place, or if you happen to already be deep into a seasonal home refresh, you may want to check out West Elm's big rug sale. The site is offering 20% on any rug style of any size. But if rugs aren't really top of mind for you right now, they also just added a bunch of furniture, lighting, bedding, and decor to the clearance section in case there's anything else you're looking for. For more savings at West Elm, check out Business Insider Coupons

Shop the West Elm rug sale here and the clearance sale here.

Lord and Taylor

5. Save 30% on almost everything at Lord + Taylor

Now through June 17, Lord + Taylor is running its big friends and family sale, which features discounts of 30% off almost all clothes, bags, and shoes for the whole family, and 15% off most beauty purchases. It's a good time to treat Dad if you planned to buy him new clothes for Father's Day, and an even better time to treat yourself if you happen to be eyeing something a little too pricey to pay the full amount for. Just use promo code "FRIENDS" at checkout.

Shop the Lord + Taylor sale here.

Kohl's outdoor furniture

6. Save 30%-50% on Sonoma outdoor furniture at Kohl's

Get ready for that big family pool party or backyard barbecue by furnishing your backyard with seats you'll actually want to sit in (those fold-out lawn chairs don't count!). Kohl's is having a big sale on Sonoma outdoor furniture that includes up to 50% off patio sets, chairs, couches, cushions, tables, and pillows. For more savings at Kohl's, check out Business Insider Coupons.

Shop the Sonoma outdoor furniture sale at Kohl's here.

Ring 2 doorbell

7. Save $40 on a Ring Video Doorbell 2 on Amazon

The Ring Video Doorbell 2 sends a live video feed to your phone (via an app) showing anything happening outside your front door, no matter where you are. You can set up notifications for when motion is detected, and two-way audio allows you to communicate with whoever is outside. If you want to check out a full review of the Ring, you can read all about our experience with this model here— but if you're already interested in getting one, now's a good time since they're $40 off on Amazon. 

Ring Video Doorbell 2, $159 (originally $199)

Leesa teachers

8. Save 15% on mattresses and get 2 free pillows at Leesa

We named Leesa the best overall mattress you can buy for its superb comfort and great value (mattress prices start at just $595). But right now, you can save up 15% on all mattresses, making them an even better buy. The current discount will save you up to $180 on the all-foam Leesa mattress and up to $285 on the hybrid foam and spring Sapira Mattress. Plus, you'll get two free down-alternative pillows with your purchase.

Shop mattresses at Leesa here.

Join the conversation about this story »

How to delete Facebook notifications that you don't want in your Notifications tab, on desktop or mobile

0
0

facebook logo f8

  • Facebook notifications can go overboard sometimes, but you do have the option to stop the onslaught from happening.
  • Notifications can be deleted from either the desktop or mobile versions of Facebook.
  • Either option is quickly and easily accomplished, and you can also change your settings to reduce the number of alerts you receive.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Many people use Facebook as a platform to celebrate life milestones. A new job, a new baby, a new house — whatever the event, it's often the go-to place to let your friends and family know what's going on in your life.

Unfortunately, those who comment on your posts are signing themselves up for days of notifications, as everyone you know comments as well. It's more of a disincentive to comment than anything else.

But there are ways to comment without succumbing to the onslaught of notifications. You could, for example, go into the notifications tab in your account's settings and establish rules for when you want to receive alerts and when you don't.

But you can also delete individual notifications that you no longer want to see piled up on your Notifications tab. Here's how to do so on your Facebook account, either on desktop or via your mobile device:

How to delete notifications on Facebook: Desktop

Almost all notifications can be deleted, except for automated ones like new login alerts. For all of the other ones, here's how to get it done:

1. Go to your Facebook account.

2. In the upper right corner, click the notifications symbol (the bell).

1 SCREENSHOT DELETE NOTIFICATIONS FACEBOOK

3. Find the notification you want to delete and tap the three dots in the right corner of that notification.

4. Select "Remove this notification."

2 SCREENSHOT DELETE NOTIFICATIONS FACEBOOK

You may see other options, depending on the kind of notification. For example, on public groups, you may have the option only to receive notifications from friends.

How to delete notifications on Facebook: Mobile

The process is generally the same as it is on the desktop version, with only a couple small differences:

1. Open your Facebook app.

2. Toggle over to your notifications, located on the right side of the top toolbar (it looks like a bell).

3 SCREENSHOT DELETE NOTIFICATIONS FACEBOOK

3. Next to the notification you want to delete, tap the three dots.

4. Tap "Remove this notification."

4 SCREENSHOT DELETE NOTIFICATIONS FACEBOOK

Notifications aren't always bad — they can alert us to important updates from the people we care about and help us feel more connected. But Facebook has yet to master the balance between showing us the important things and knowing when to stop. And until they do, deleting your notifications is one option to avoid notification overload.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

Join the conversation about this story »

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


Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is reportedly dropping $80 million on a Manhattan penthouse and the 2 apartments below it

0
0

Jeff Bezos

  • Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is purchasing three New York City apartments, including a penthouse, for an estimated $80 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.
  • The three apartments are in a building near Madison Square Park in Manhattan, and the purchase reportedly includes a three-floor penthouse, a private elevator, and 12 bedrooms.
  • Sources told The Journal that Bezos had been looking for a home in New York "for months" before settling on the three apartment units.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is said to have purchased a New York City penthouse apartment and the two units below it in a building overlooking Manhattan's Madison Square Park.

The deal, which could close Tuesday, will cost the richest man in the world an estimated $80 million, The Wall Street Journal reports. Bezos' purchase includes a three-floor penthouse apartment with a private elevator and large terraces as well as the two apartment units directly below it, according to the report.

The three units have a combined 12 bedrooms and span 17,000 square feet, The Journal said. The apartment building, at 212 Fifth Avenue, overlooks Madison Square Park at 26th Street. The building has a fitness center, a golf simulator, a game room, and a movie-screening room, according to its website.

212 5th Fifth Avenue, New York Jeff Bezos penthouse apartment

Read more: Jeff Bezos is said to be dropping $80 million on a set of 3 New York City apartments. Here's a look at the 6 other massive properties his family already owns, from a Seattle estate to a Texas ranch

An appraiser told The Journal the deal was the most expensive to close in New York this year other than the massive $240 million one by the hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin.

Bezos is said to have been hunting for a home in New York "for months."

Bezos finalized his divorce from his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie Bezos, in April. He was spotted apartment-hunting in Manhattan in April, when a source told the New York Post he was "looking for a new home now that he is single again."

Bezos, who is worth over $100 billion, owns properties in Beverley Hills, California; Washington, DC; and Medina, Washington, near Amazon's headquarters. He also already owns apartments in New York overlooking Central Park.

SEE ALSO: Jeff Bezos is one of the few top US billionaires who haven't signed the Giving Pledge. Here's how much the Amazon CEO has given to charity.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: I've used iPhones for nearly a decade and switched to the Samsung Galaxy S10. Now I understand Android loyalty in a way I never understood before.

Jeff Bezos is dropping $80 million on a set of 3 NYC apartments. Here's a look at the 6 other massive properties his family already owns, from a Seattle estate to a Texas ranch

0
0

Jeff Bezos MacKenzie Bezos

 

Jeff Bezos dropped about $80 million on three adjacent New York City apartments in a deal that is expected to close on Tuesday, Katherine Clarke reported for The Wall Street Journal. 

The spread reportedly includes a three-story penthouse and the two units directly beneath it in 212 Fifth Avenue near Madison Square Park in Manhattan. It's the priciest real-estate deal south of 42nd Street in New York, according to appraiser Jonathan Miller.

The Amazon CEO was apartment hunting in New York City back in April, days after he and MacKenzie Bezos announced they'd finalized the terms of their divorce, The New York Post reported at the time.

Bezos remains the richest person in the world with a net worth of $106 billion, while MacKenzie Bezos is now worth $34 billion, making her one of the richest women in the world.

It's still unknown how the Bezos family will split up the real-estate holdings they purchased while married, which include six massive properties across the country. A 2017 Land Report named Bezos the country's 28th-largest landowner. As Business Insider's Tanza Loudenback previously reported, everything acquired throughout the marriage from real estate to income is considered joint property in the Bezos' home state of Washington.

From two neighboring Beverly Hills mansions to a sprawling estate in an exclusive Seattle suburb, here are all the residential properties the Bezos family owns in the US.

SEE ALSO: The rise of Jeff Bezos, who built Amazon into a $1 trillion company and became the richest person in modern history

DON'T MISS: Here's why investors shouldn't be too worried about MacKenzie Bezos becoming one of Amazon's largest individual shareholders

In a deal that's expected to close on Tuesday, Jeff Bezos dropped about $80 million on three adjacent New York City apartments, including a three-story penthouse and two units directly below it, Katherine Clarke reported for The Wall Street Journal.

It's the priciest real-estate deal south of 42nd Street in New York, according to appraiser Jonathan Miller.

But it's just one of several massive properties across the US that Bezos has acquired over the years.



Bezos lives on a nearly 29,000-square-foot estate in Medina, Washington.

Bezos' two homes in Medina span about 5.3 acres. 

According to the Wall Street Journal, he paid $10 million for the property in 1998. One home is a 20,600-square-foot, five-bedroom, four-bathroom house, and the other is an 8,300-square-foot, five-bedroom, four-bathroom home rumored to have cost $53 million. 



Medina, located on a peninsula just across Lake Washington from Seattle, is an exclusive suburb that's also home to Bill Gates, as well as other Microsoft bigwigs, tech entrepreneurs, and telecom magnates.

Many of the neighborhood's mansions are hidden away behind gates and protected by elaborate security systems.



Bezos' estate underwent a $28 million renovation in 2010.

The home, which sits right on the shores of Lake Washington, includes 310 feet of private shoreline and a boathouse.

 



Bezos also owns property in Beverly Hills, California, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles.

He bought a Spanish-style mansion in the ritzy neighborhood in 2007.



Bezos bought this Spanish-style mansion in 2007 for $24.45 million.

The seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom Beverly Hills home is advertised by Dream Homes Magazine as having a greenhouse, a sunken and lighted tennis court, a huge swimming pool, four fountains, and a six-car garage. The street is a hotspot for Hollywood stars, and is said to have been home to Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Walter Matthau.



Ten years later, Bezos also bought a smaller house just next door.

Apparently, the first Beverly Hills house did not fit Bezos' space requirements. In 2017, he bought a comparatively modest four-bedroom, 4,568-square-foot home for $12.9 million right next door to his first house. As you can see in the above picture, Bezos' property dominates the mansion-filled block. 



The Bezos family owns a 30,000-acre ranch about 30 miles from the town of Van Horn, Texas.

Bezos grew up spending summers on his grandparents' ranch outside of Cotulla, Texas and bought the 30,000-acre Figure 2 ranch to give his family the same experience.



Bezos bought the 30,000-acre property after the seller spent "millions" renovating it.

The U-shaped ranch house seen above is a remnant from the seller, who reportedly put "millions" into renovating it. Behind the home is a bunkhouse that sleeps 12.



The property is also the base for Bezos' private space company, Blue Origin.

Blue Origin made history in 2015 when it successfully launched and landed the reusable rocket, New Shepard. Its goal is to become a space tourism company, ferrying passengers up for weightless rides as soon as April 2019

 



The Bezos family can also call the US capital home.

Bezos owns a $23 million home in Washington, DC.



In 2016, Bezos bought a former textile museum in Washington, DC for $23 million.

The 27,000-square-foot space in DC's Kalorama neighborhood is a former textile museum and dates back to 1912, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. 



The neighborhood, Kalorama, is a hot spot for Washington big wigs.

The Obamas own a $5.3 million home nearby, and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner recently moved in right down the street. 



The two joint structures on the property have nearly 27,000 square feet of living space, making it the largest home in Washington, DC.

Bezos is said to be spending $12 million to renovate the homes and the surrounding property.



In addition to his latest New York City purchase, Bezos has already owned real estate in the city for years.

In November 2018, Amazon announced plans to open a second headquarters in New York City, only to scrap those plans three months later.

And in April, The New York Post reported that Bezos was looking to spend about $60 million on a home in the city.

But the Amazon CEO has already owned property in the city for years.



He bought three condos in a historic Manhattan building overlooking Central Park for $7.65 million in 1999.

In 1999, Bezos bought three condos in the Century building at 25 Central Park West in New York City's Upper West Side under an LLC called "Jetima." The purchase was from former Sony Music head Tommy Mottola for $7.65 million. 

 



Bezos bought an additional unit for $5.3 million in 2012, making him the owner of four condos in the historic building.

The 32-story Art Deco building was built in 1931 and boasts a concierge, elevator attendants, and three separate entrances, as well as a prime location right next to Central Park.



Today would be Royal Burpee's 122nd birthday. The workout move he invented may be the best exercise of all time — unless you do it wrong.

0
0

burpee form

  • The burpee was invented by the exercise physiologist Royal Burpee in the late 1930s while he was getting his Ph.D. at Columbia University.
  • Burpee created his multipart move as physical fitness test.
  • His granddaughter said he "would be rolling over in his grave if he saw the way it's being done in a lot of places" today.
  • Burpees are a great exercise when done correctly. Planks and jump squats are also good alternatives.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Royal Burpee was a man who prized efficiency. 

"He was not warm and fuzzy, but he was kind," Burpee's granddaughter, Sheryl Burpee Dluginski, told Business Insider. "Everything was about doing things the right way and working hard. He was very disciplined."

Burpee, or "Goog" as Dluginski knew him as a child, was an exercise physiologist, avid camper, and bodybuilder who worked at the YMCA in New York. While conducting research for his Ph.D. at Columbia University in the 1930s, he wanted to find an efficient way to determine people's physical fitness.

So he created his namesake move, the "burpee."

royal burpee invented the burpee

Little did Burpee know at the time, his rapid-fire test would become a timeless global phenomenon.

Today, on what would be his 122nd birthday, people are still practicing it around the globe — though not always in the way he originally intended.

How to do a burpee

Here is Burpee's official, original test, as it appeared in his book "Seven Tests of Physical Capacity":

Examiner:

I want you to do a little exercise to get your heart working, so please do exactly as I say. Bend your knees, and place your hands flat on the floor in front of you. (Subject performs movement)

Jump your legs straight out to the rear, and leave them there. (Subject performs movement)

Jump your legs back. (Subject performs movement)

Stand up. (Subject performs movement)

burpee form

You'll notice that the original burpee fitness test didn't include a jump up at the end, which is often part of workouts today. Instead, people simply completed the squat-plank-stand sequence as quickly as possible. Burpee's test asked participants to do the move just four times in order to assess their physical ability. 

The Burpee was created as a fitness test, not a workout 

For his research in the 1930s, Burpee administered his test to score men and boys at the YMCA from "excellent condition" to "good" and "not good" using their pulse rates, ability to perform the exercise, quickness, and breathlessness afterward. 

His granddaughter shares his interest in fitness — Dluginski works as personal trainer.

"Goog would be rolling over in his grave if he saw the way [the burpee] is being done in a lot of places," she said. "I think he would be cringing and very unhappy to see trainers asking unfit clients to do 10 burpees in a row just to get their heart rate up, even if they don't have the core strength and the mobility to do it properly."

Other trainers have similar perspectives about burpees.

"Most people don't have adequate mobility to get into a deep squat, so they're going to flex their back," the celebrity trainer Eric Johnson, who routinely trains stars like Scarlett Johansson, told INSIDER

In his test, Burpee allowed for "minor variations in form" from participants but made sure a person's legs were fully extended and their back straight when down in the plank. Burpee-doers should also be in a "deep knee bend" at the end of the first movement, he said, not leaning forward into a resting position.

For these reasons, Dluginski said the burpee should really be considered "an exercise for people who are already physically fit."

"It's really hard on the knees. It's really hard on the back. And unless you have good core strength and good fitness to start out with, you're not going to be able to do it correctly. That's exactly why it makes such a good fitness assessment test, which is what it really is," she added.

But because the burpee is a combo move, Dluginski said, all of its components are good to try on their own. You could first master the plank, maintaining a strong core, straight back, and stable shoulder girdle (without winging the shoulder blades out to the side). Then, eventually — if you have enough mobility and range of motion in your knees to jump from plank to squat — you could begin jumping in and out of that plank. 

There are, of course, other perfectly suitable and safe ways to get your heart rate soaring besides burpees. Fitness experts often recommend using a punching bag or jump rope, or performing jump squats — tasks that don't require the same fitness level as a burpee.  

When done properly, however, burpees can be a great way to build strength and get your workout done in a hurry. 

"You can't beat the classic burp," the trainer and exercise physiologist Tony Maloney from the National Institute for Fitness and Sport, previously told Business Insider. "As long as it includes a push-up and full extension in the hips at the top jump of the move."

In the 1946 edition of his book, "Seven Quickly Administered Tests of Physical Capacity," Burpee described a WWII military-level version of his test, in which burpee-doers would be asked to complete the move as many times as possible in 20 seconds and then in one minute. 

But he said that test is only "suitable for men who have had a previous medical examination and are known to be free from cardiovascular disturbance." 

It's a good reminder that burpees are no joke, even eight decades after the fitness test was invented. 

SEE ALSO: Fitness experts agree that sit-ups are worthless — here are 9 moves they recommend instead

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How to do a burpee — the total-body exercise that will keep you fit for life

This ultra-light, $70 windbreaker keeps me dry on rainy days without causing me to overheat

0
0

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.

columbia work to play jacket 2

  • The Work to Play Jacket ($70) from outdoor brand Columbia is a water-repellant nylon jacket that doesn't sacrifice on style. 
  • Because it's so light and thin, it's ideal for warm weather wear and convenient to have stashed in your bag or desk in case of an unexpected storm. 
  • I've worn it multiple times during humid rain showers and have always been thankful for its strong water repellency, light weight, and style. 
  • If you get caught in a truly torrential storm, I can't guarantee that the jacket will completely protect you, but it will still keep you mostly dry. 

As I shuffled my completely soaked sneakers across the bridge with thousands of other evacuated music festival attendees and a thunderstorm raging above us, I had a brief, positive thought — my first in the last few hours: "At least I packed this jacket today." 

At the beginning of the day, the forecast gave a 30-40% chance of thunderstorms, but knowing the unpredictable nature of New York City weather lately, I decided to wear my Columbia Work to Play Jacket to the festival.

This feather-light, nylon cover-up ended up being the perfect layer to keep me protected from the rain without making me overheat or being a burden to carry. Style-wise, it was also many steps up from the shapeless, utilitarian poncho. 

Though I wasn't able to see some of my favorite singers perform, I definitely emerged from the downpour looking better and drier than my less-prepared counterparts. 

Read more: This lightweight anorak from Everlane is the MVP of my spring wardrobe — and it's made from 25 recycled water bottles

columbia work to play jacket

I've already worn the jacket a few times this spring whenever the day hinted at rain but also at slightly muggy, mid-70-degree temperatures. If you don't want to or can't carry an umbrella during a warm rainy day this season, you'll appreciate having this jacket on hand. It's made from 100% tactel nylon, making it very thin, light, and durable, and it features Columbia's Omni-Shield tech, which repels water and other liquids. 

During rain drizzles and light showers, the water slides right off and the jacket dries within a few minutes. For heavy storms, it won't keep you completely dry, but for its weight and thickness, its water resistance is pretty admirable, and it's a good cover-up along with a regular umbrella. This jacket took maybe half an hour to return to a dry and comfortable state after enduring a heavy storm. 

Read more: These under-$100 rain boots are made with ethically harvested rubber — a material most people don't realize comes from trees

Another strength of the jacket is that it's one of the most stylish nylon windbreaker options out there. With its longer length and drawstring adjustable waist, you'll retain shape and clean lines, instead of disappearing under a nylon sack. It comes in four versatile, neutral color options (light pink, dark blue, gray, and white) and since it doesn't look overly sporty, you don't have to restrict wear to outdoors and athletic events. I have no qualms about wearing it to anywhere from the office to a casual event like a festival. 

For $70, you're paying for both function and style in this jacket, whereas many similar jackets give you one or the other. I prefer to dress and travel light during the spring and summer, which is why the Work to Play jacket is now one of my favorite seasonal cover-ups. 

Shop the Work to Play Jacket in 4 colors for $70 at Columbia

Join the conversation about this story »

Jeff Bezos is spending $80 million on 3 NYC condos, but he already owns 4 apartments in the city. Take a look inside the building where he owns $13 million worth of real estate

0
0

Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos, the richest person in the world, is spending about $80 million on three adjacent New York City apartments, Katherine Clarke reported for The Wall Street Journal.

The spread includes a three-story penthouse and the two units directly below it at 212 Fifth Avenue near Madison Square Park, according to The Journal. The deal will be the priciest real-estate transaction south of 42nd Street when it's finalized, appraiser Jonathan Miller told the Journal.

The Amazon CEO was reportedly apartment hunting in NYC back in April — soon after the announcement of the finalization of his divorce from MacKenzie Bezos — and was planning on spending about $60 million on a home in the city, The New York Post reported at the time. 

But Bezos has already been a homeowner in New York City for years.

In 1999, he bought three condos in the Century building at 25 Central Park West in Manhattan's Upper West Side for $7.65 million, according to the Observer. He made the purchase under an LLC called Jetima from Tommy Mottola, the former Sony Music head. Bezos bought an additional unit for $5.3 million in 2012, making him the owner of four condos in the historic building.

The 32-story art deco building was built in 1931 and boasts a concierge, elevator attendants, and three separate entrances, as well as a prime location right next to Central Park.

Here's a look inside the building.

SEE ALSO: The 6 massive properties Jeff Bezos and family own across the US

Jeff Bezos, the richest person in the world, is spending about $80 million on three adjacent New York City apartments, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The spread includes a three-story penthouse and the two units directly below it at 212 Fifth Avenue near Madison Square Park, according to the Journal. 

The deal will be the priciest real-estate transaction south of 42nd Street when it's finalized, appraiser Jonathan Miller told The Journal.



Bezos previously looked at apartments at 220 Central Park South, an unfinished 79-story tower on Billionaires' Row overlooking Central Park, according to The New York Post.

The Post reported at the time that Bezos was looking to spend about $60 million on a home in the city.

Bezos wouldn't be the only billionaire in the building if he had bought at 220 Central Park South. In January, Ken Griffin, the founder and CEO of the hedge fund Citadel, bought a $238 million penthouse in the tower, setting the record for the most expensive home sale in the US.



But Bezos has owned properties in New York City for years.

Bezos owns four apartments at 25 Central Park West, a prewar, luxury art deco condominium building right off Central Park.



25 Central Park West, also known as the Century, is in Manhattan's Upper West Side just off the southwest corner of Central Park.

The 32-floor building, which houses about 350 units, is steps from iconic New York City destinations such as the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Columbus Circle.

The Century, which was built on the former site of the Century Theater, takes up the entire block from West 62nd Street to West 63rd Street.



The lobby of 25 Central Park West isn't particularly impressive, but it comes with a 24-hour door attendant and concierge at each of the three entrances on three sides of the building.

Laundry service and additional storage are also available in the building.



Bezos bought three condos in the Century building for $7.65 million in 1999.

He made the purchase from the former Sony Music head Tommy Mottola through an LLC called Jetima.



The world's richest man bought an additional unit in the building for $5.3 million in 2012, making him the owner of four condos in the historic building.

The apartment Bezos bought in 2012 is adjacent to the units he already owned.

Most of the apartments have been renovated over the years but still feature prewar details such as sunken living rooms and moldings.



Many of the residences, which are a mix of rentals and for-sale units, offer panoramic views of Central Park.

Built in 1931, the building is part of the Central Park West Historic District.



"The Century's condominium status makes it an excellent investment destination for international buyers seeking a NYC pied-a-terre as well as native New Yorkers who have always called this city home," StreetEasy's description of the building says.

Current listings in the building range from a two-bedroom unit in contract for just under $3 million to a full-floor, four-bedroom condo on the 30th floor for about $11 million.



The building also includes a bike room, an on-site resident manager, and a shared landscaped terrace.

With the $80 million he's reportedly spending on his New York spread, Bezos could have bought every condo currently for sale at the Century and still had more than $27 million left over.



Viewing all 115285 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images