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I used Mountain Hardwear's new and more environmentally friendly camping tent on my last trip — here's why it's worth $480

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Aspect 3 Tent

  • Mountain Hardwear has launched a line of tents made without harmful flame-retardant chemicals and dyes in an effort to reduce its environmental impact. 
  • I slept in the new Aspect 3 Tent on a recent camping trip and found it to be really lightweight and easy to set up. 
  • The dual doors and vestibules make it easy for two people to get in and out of the tent, and have their own space — of which there is a lot. 
  • It can seem pricey at $480, but it's actually cheaper than other comparable tents from competitors — and infinitely better for the environment. 

Camping tents are coated with flame-retardant chemicals to ensure they don't go up in flames while their occupants rest inside. While there's no inherent issue with having a tent that won't burn, environmentally-conscious campers might not get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that the flame-retardant chemicals used are damaging the environment — and themselves.

On a more tactile level, those coatings are the reason that tent fabrics tend to get a sticky feeling if stored improperly — to which anyone who has left a wet tent in a hot car can attest.

Mountain Hardwear has decided that the time has come for a change and has create a line of tents that don't use flame-retardant chemicals, which can be absorbed into the skin when setting up or using the tent and may be harmful to campers. The brand has also begun making sleeping bags out of post-consumer recycled fabrics, and without colors or dyes too. It might look weird, but it's nowhere near as unsightly as the pollution caused by chemical dyes.

"We studied the chemicals, looked around at each other sitting at a table, and asked if any of us wanted to sleep in tents coated in those chemicals. We all said no," Joe Vernachio, president of Mountain Hardwear, told Business Insider.

But that doesn't matter if the gear isn't good. So how do the new tents shape up?

The Aspect 3 tent that we tested is a true three-person backpacking tent that follows a well-established formula with a mesh and  solid canopy, and lightweight alloy poles in an X pattern. This makes for a tent that pitches quickly, and packs down small and light. These might not be your priorities if you're a new camper, but after a few backpacking trips, you'll appreciate the simplicity and mindless set-up process that the Aspect 3 offers.

Read more: The best camping gear you can buy

You'll also enjoy the two mesh doors and dual vestibules (which are areas covered by a topsheet but without a groundsheet). Two entrances mean you don't have to crawl over your tent mate to get outside in the middle of the night, and additional vestibule space means more dry storage space. It also means you won't need to contort yourself when changing out of your boots while your partner waits outside in the rain.

After a couple of overnight tests, the tent is showing no signs of wear, and pitches in minutes with space and headroom to spare for a couple, though the tent can fit up to three people. The canopy-to-pole attachment system is intuitive, and does away with the annoying pole sleeves that often lead to tents getting torn or poles getting broken. And speaking of poles, the Aspect uses industry-standard Featherlight NFL poles from DAC, so they're lightweight but still strong and durable.

There are four pockets inside the tent, which are great for holding books, an e-reader, or a water bottle. Like I mentioned earlier, the canopy has both a mesh and solid layer. You can fold down the solid layer for some great stargazing opportunities and nice ventilation when camping in the summer in California, and then bring it back up when it gets too windy.

The Aspect 3's $480 price might seem high for a tent, but unlike cheaper models that you might find at a big box store, this one weighs less than 4 pounds and is light enough to carry up a mountain — it's half the weight of Wal-Mart's closest competitor. It's also small enough to fit in a backpack and durable enough to last for hundreds of nights. 

Read more: The best tents for car camping

A cheap tent might seem like a bargain initially, but if it ends up in the trash after three years, or leaks and puts you off camping entirely, you'd get fewer nights per dollar spent out of the item, and contribute to the overwhelming burden of landfill waste.

When you compare the Aspect 3 to the brand's previous Ghost Sky 3, this one is lighter, cheaper, and infinitely kinder to the planet. It's also competitively priced — and even cheaper — than comparable three-person tents that have dual doors and vestibules. This one from MSR goes for $649.95 and this one from Big Agnes goes for $449.95. And again, you'd feel good about the decreased environmental impact with the Aspect 3

Sleeping Bag Mountain Hardware

As for what to use inside the tent, I've been using the Lamina Eco AF sleeping bag, which starts at $239.95depending on the length you'd need. 

This synthetic sleeping bag is great for three-season camping. The mummy cut (which means it's shaped like a human body as opposed to a rectangle) keeps you warm while minimizing bulk, and the synthetic insulation will stand up to damp campouts and general trail abuse longer than down-filled alternatives.

There's also a two-way zipper that allows you to open the foot box for ventilation on hot summer nights, and can be paired with another bag so you can snuggle with your partner under the stars. If you're wondering why it's a drab white color, that's because it's not dyed. This uses fewer harmful chemicals and therefore, reduces the impact your sleeping bag has on the environment. 

Buy the Mountain HardwearAspect 3 Person Tent at Moosejaw for $480

Buy the Mountain Hardwear Lamine Eco Sleeping Bag at Backcountry from $239.95

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How to back up photos from your iPhone using iCloud storage

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iphone photo

  • You can easily back up photos from your iPhone using iCloud storage and preserve them in the case of your device malfunctioning, being reformatted, or being lost or stolen. 
  • While newer iPhones offer a considerable amount of storage space, iCloud remains the easiest, most efficient way to keep your iPhone photos safe beyond the device itself.  
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you're someone who loves taking photos and owns an iPhone, it's great to know that your device offers a considerable amount of storage space for your images regardless of which model you have. 

Whether you've opted for a more modest 64 GB of storage or a more lavish 512 GB, there's likely plenty of space to hang onto your snapshots on the device itself. But what happens if something goes wrong with your phone? 

There are several options for backing up your iPhone photos, but the best one probably remains Apple's iCloud storage.

Your Apple ID automatically comes with 5 GB of storage space, but you can purchase additional storage up to 2TB for a monthly fee. It's quick and easy to use iCloud to back up your photos and it can even be automated. Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone XS (From $729 at Apple)

How to back up photos from an iPhone using iCloud

1. Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 10.3 or later and then, from your phone's home screen, open the Settings app. 

Open iCloud in Settings.

2. Once in Settings, tap on your name at the top of the screen and then tap iCloud in order to open the settings for this feature. 

3. In the iCloud menu options screen, turn on the feature's ability to back up your photos by tapping Photos under the Apps Using iCloud menu so that it it says "on."

Make sure Photos is marked

4. Once you turn on iCloud Photos, every photo you take will automatically be uploaded to your iCloud account in full resolution. 

Note that you can download the original copies of your photos from iCloud by following steps one and two above and then tapping "Download and Keep Originals" under the Photos option. From there, you can transfer the photos from your iPhone to another device or drive if needed. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best lightning cables you can buy for your iPhone

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: It's time for iTunes to die, even though it was key to Apple's early success

25 cheap and easy replacements for plastic in your home and kitchen

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bee's wrap

  • Plastics are convenient, but they're not always the only convenient option — there are plenty of opportunities to switch something out for an eco-friendly alternative. 
  • The next time you run out of something plastic or disposable, try replacing it with one of the more environmentally friendly options below.  
  • Read more: 14 companies that are capitalizing on the unpopularity of plastics

If we're upfront about it, our total dependency on plastic makes sense.

It's the kind of material that sounds borderline pie-in-the-sky: durable, versatile, flexible, long-lasting, and cheap. Understandably, we have obliged by including it in nearly every facet of modern life: garbage bags, credit cards, headphones, toothbrushes... the list goes on.

But, unfortunately, this miracle material does have a fatal flaw — and it's wreaking havoc on the environment that sustains us.  Scientists estimate the ocean will be more plastic than fish in 2050, and images of sea turtles stuck in 6-pack plastic rings are so ubiquitous that we are almost entirely desensitized to the implication. The ecological damages are piling up faster than we can wean ourselves off the material itself. 

The news regarding climate change is dire. It's no longer a question of if we will experience repercussions, but simply their severity. If want to make a difference — or take baby steps towards making a difference — you can start with actions like replacing plastics in your own home. 

The next time you run out of something, replace it with a metal or glass alternative. Knowing you'll reuse something makes it a better value, and wood and metal alternatives tend to hit within the same price neighborhood as plastics with the secondary benefit of also looking much more high-end in a home. 

There are habits you can develop to mitigate your impact (cut 6-pack rings with scissors before they go in the trash, drink your cold brew without a straw), but your consumption is what is going to send the largest ripples without asking much of you in terms of convenience or cost.

Below are 25 home goods that are replacements for plastics you might otherwise buy. If you want to make the eco-friendly choice, opt for one of these:

SEE ALSO: 7 alternatives to plastic bags — from reusable produce bags to clever totes that fold up to fit in your pocket

Washable, mesh produce bags

BahrEco Washable Mesh Produce Bags, Set of 5, $9.97

This set of five reusable produce bags are a big life hack for sustainability. You can bring them to the grocery store to pick up veggies without each fruit having its own individual plastic bag. They're foldable, washable (and you can wash your produce in them, too), and have color-coded tags. 



Reusable silicone food bags and steamer bags

Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag, $11.99

Stasher bag is billed as the world's first fully functional, self-sealing, non-plastic bag, and was developed as a healthy alternative to plastic storage bags. It has an air-tight, pinch-press seal for freshness and is made from 100% pure platinum food-grade silicone safe for everything from the freezer to the microwave, dishwasher, and boiling water, which is why you can even use them for sous vide. 



Greenlight matches

Diamond Strike on Box Greenlight Matches, 300-Count, $6.94

Rather than plastic lighters, pick up box matches for the dual perks of being eco-friendly and mastering a life skill with street cred. These 300 matches are under $7 and include wood from sustainably managed forests. Plus, they're probably more reliable in an apocalypse than a lighter that needs to be refilled. What more could you want?

 



Reusable food wraps

Bee's Wrap Assorted 3-Pack of Reusable Food Wraps, $18

Another well-known brand in sustainable households (and those of anyone who loves the promise of an ingenious newcomer) is Bee's Wrap. They make wraps that are washable, reusable, and compostable, made out of eco-friendly ingredients like cotton, sustainably harvested beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. And they work.

Use it to cover a bowl, pack a snack, or as a place-mat. Just use the warmth of your hands to soften the wrap and form it over a bowl, container, or food. As the wrap cools, it will naturally create a seal. To reuse, wash gently in cool water with mild soap and air dry. The natural antibacterial properties of beeswax and jojoba oil help keep food fresh and allow Bee's Wrap to be used over and over again.

It will also save you money. Used multiple times per week, the Bee's Wrap wraps should last for a year.



A glass carafe with stainless steel flow lid

Artcome 55 oz Heat Resistant Carafe with Stainless Steel Flow Lid, $17.96

Instead of plastic water bottles or store-bought drinks, store homemade beverages in a glass carafe. For drinks you do buy, opt for those that come in glass containers. 

Plus, a glass carafe just looks nicer inside a fridge, and this one comes with the perk of a stainless steel flow lid. 



Eco-friendly beauty bars

Ethique Eco-Friendly Conditioner Bar for Normal-Dry Hair, $17.10

If you're looking for one incredibly solid beauty routine — pun intended — New Zealand startup Ethique (French for "ethical") makes sustainable beauty that works exceptionally well. 

Ethique bars last two to five times longer than their bottled counterparts, dissolve completely, are TSA-friendly, and come in entirely eco-friendly packaging (even the sleeves they arrive in are 100% dissolvable and compostable, so there's zero consumer waste).

This conditioner bar comes packed with the equivalent of five bottles of liquid conditioner and ingredients like cocoa butter, coconut oil, vitamin B5, and lime oil to tame frizz. 

Overall, Ethique has prevented the manufacture and disposal of more than 350,000 plastic containers worldwide.



Steel containers for pantry staples

Estilo Brushed Stainless Steel and Glass Canisters with Window, $15.75

Rather than buying things like pasta or cereal in individual containers on a regular basis, save money and plastic by shopping from your store's bulk bin and storing them in these glass containers with stainless steel coverings. You won't have to worry as much about pulling them down from high shelves since they're not entirely glass, but you'll still be able to tell how much you have left and what ingredient is inside. 



Steel scissors

Clauss Hot Forged Carbon Steel Sheers, $18.33

It's one of the smaller appliances in your home, but it's easy enough to find scissors made from metal. 



Reusable grocery bags

Simple Ecology Organic Reusable Farmers Bags, Set of 6, $24.95

Instead of hoarding plastic bags under your kitchen sink (you will never use them), save yourself the space and the landfills from the extra baggage. You can pick up a complete starter set for zero waste shopping from Simple Ecology for less than $25. And thanks to the timing of a new trend in netted purses, you'll also get some accidental style points. 

The six bags are organic, biodegradable, reusable, and recyclable. They also abide by Organic Textile Standards. You'll get two shopping bags, two muslin produce bags, and two mesh produce bags.



A reusable water bottle that's temperature controlled

Hydro Flask 40 oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, $42.95

If you can cut one habit out of your life for an immediate boost in the eco-friendly department, it's probably getting your water from (expensive) plastic water bottles. To give you an idea of what we're up against, some estimates put our consumption at one million bottles every minute. 

This Hydro Flask is beloved in its own right, though (as you can clearly see by the happy couple above). It has slip-free grip; double-wall, vacuum-insulated TempShield insulation; and can keep drinks cold up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12. 



Glass bottles

Epica Glass Beverage Bottles, $19.95

If you need bottles for juice or other beverages, pick up some of Epica's glass variations for a bit of style and sustainability. 



Disposable wooden cutlery

First Choice Disposable Wooden Cutlery Sets, 300-Piece, $25.99

If you absolutely need disposable cutlery, why not grab some that are compostable?

FirstChoice makes a great option, and donates 10% of its annual net profits to non-profit environmental organizations. The utensils are FDA approved and are 100% biodegradable.



A glass cold brew or tea brewer

Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker and Tea Infuser with Spout, $29.99

It's true that there are plenty of cheap plastic options out there for iced coffee makers, but glass is generally preferred for its look, durability, safety, and, some argue, for its taste. 

This $30 brewer can make tea and coffee at home and look great while doing it. 



A steel compost bin

Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin with Charcoal Filter, $22.95

This stainless steel compost bin will look nice on your kitchen counter, and its replaceable charcoal filter will control odors naturally. 



Reusable metal straws

SipWell Stainless Steel Drinking Straws, Set of 4, $5.89

Straws are an increasingly trendy thing to ditch, and that's something to be grateful for. According to the National Park Service, you could fill over 125 school buses with the straws Americans use every single day (500 million in all).

Thankfully, it's a convenient, inexpensive replacement with a big payout.

This set of four is under $10, comes with its own cleaner brush, and stays deliciously cold to the touch. 



Wood hangers

Perfecasa Grade A Solid Wood Hangers, $30.99 

Send memories of living in a dorm room into the trash and upgrade to uniform, better-looking wood hangers that won't break under the sigh of heavier sweaters. 

 



Glass meal prep containers

Glass Meal Prep Containers, Set of 5, $23.99

Instead of adding more plastic, grab some glass meal prep containers for a non-toxic solution that's also more convenient for cooking and better-looking in your cabinets. If you'd prefer something you can throw around a bit more, there are also sets of stainless steel food containers, like this trio for $21.99.



Glass food storage containers

Pyrex Food Storage Set, Set of 18, $23.87

While we're at it, why not convert all your food storage containers to glass? This convenient 18-piece set is under $25, looks better in a drawer than mismatched takeout tops and yogurt bottoms, and is safer and better equipped for cooking in general.



Compostable garbage bags

UNNI Certified 100% Compostable Bags, 50-Count, $15.95

Ditch the plastic bags in favor of these 100% compostable alternatives. They meet the stringent requirements of municipal composting programs and are BPI certified. 



A bamboo cutting board

Organic Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove, $19.97

Invest in a large bamboo cutting board complete with juice groove. Like many of the eco-friendly products on here, it looks nicer in a home than a plastic alternative, and it will serve you well as a durable, low-maintenance alternative. This one is extra large, has side handles, and is knife-friendly. 



A metal juicer

Chef's Star Citrus Juicer, $21.99

It's a small habit, but if you frequently use store-bought citrus juice in your cooking, all the plastic bottles can add up. Fresh-squeezed tastes better, anyway. 



A bamboo brush

Bamboo Hair Brush, $7.60

Instead of picking up another plastic hairbrush, grab one made out of bamboo instead. This is Amazon's choice, and it's designed with one bristle missing to allow air circulation throughout the pad and water to drain.



Stainless steel food storage

Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers, Set of 4, $29.95

Great as a more rough-and-tumble option to glass, this set of four stainless steel containers are great for snacks on the road, hike, plane, backyard picnic or anywhere else life takes you.

 



Silicone ice cube trays

Vremi Silicone Ice Cube Trays with Lids, $9.90

A metal tray is probably preferable, but I'd wager most of us will be more than happy with silicone if that means we can still own a flexible ice cube tray. This option is made from pop-resistant silicone, is stackable, and comes with spill-resistant lids. 



A bamboo drawer organizer

Bellemain 100% Pure Bamboo Expandable Drawer Organizer, $25.95

For the last time: bamboo does a lot more for decor than plastic in a home. This drawer organizer is made from bamboo and expands for your needs.



How much it actually costs to hire 16 common wedding vendors, from the venue to the food

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wedding cake

  • Planning a wedding can be extremely expensive.
  • Many couples don't want to sacrifice hiring popular vendors like a wedding photographer, live band, or professional wedding planner — and often end up overspending.
  • Couples should expect to set aside the most amount of money for their venue and catering. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Planning a wedding can be extremely expensive. Before you know it, you've dropped tens of thousands of dollars on your venue, cake, photographer, and other expenses.

Wedding Wire reports that, on average, couples expect to pay $16,000 for their wedding, but end up spending roughly $29,000. By knowing the average price of the most popular wedding vendors, couples can plan their budgets more effectively and avoid overspending. 

The same study conducted by Wedding Wire analyzed responses from over 18,000 US couples married in 2019 and asked them about their entire wedding journey. The couples reported the average amount they spent on some of the most popular wedding vendors — including their venue, catering, photographer, officiant, wedding planner, and much more. 

Read more: Here's the astronomical amount of money people spend to attend a wedding - and tips on how to save on this huge expense

Here are the average prices of 16 of the most popular wedding vendors: 

SEE ALSO: What the average wedding budget looks like in America, from the engagement ring to the wedding dress to the venue

Officiant: $300

Officiants serve a vital role when it comes to your wedding. Officiants can be religious figures, close friends, family members, professional celebrants, or anyone that legally has the right to marry a couple. As for the price? Justices of the peace may only cost you $50-$100. However, more experienced priests or professional celebrants could charge you up to $450. On average, expect to pay around $300.



Cake: $550

Several factors can affect how much you end up spending on this wedding day staple. Things like the size of the cake, the layer count, the experience level of the baker, decorations, number of tiers, and more can greatly affect a cake's price. A customized wedding cake will most likely end up costing you around $550. 



Ceremony music/musician: $600

For many couples, choosing to hire live music for their ceremony is a no-brainer. This added expense will cost you, however. The average fee for hiring musicians to play during your ceremony or as you walk down the aisle is around $600.



Hair and makeup artists: $650

Hiring professional hair and makeup artists is one surefire way for a bride or groom to make sure they look their best on the big day. These services, however, don't run cheap. You should expect to pay $650 on average for a professional wedding day hair and makeup service. This figure may also include any trial-runs you do leading up to the wedding day.



Transportation: $1,050

If you need to hire buses, limos, or other means of transportation to get your guests to and from your venue or venues, expect to pay around $1,050. Transportation costs can also include the expense of renting a getaway car to escort you from the reception at the end of the night. 



DJ: $1,200

DJs are the cheaper music option when it comes to your wedding reception — the average cost to hire a DJ is less than half of what it is to hire a band! However, you should still set aside around $1,200 to cover the costs of your DJ.



Lighting and decor: $1,400

Making your venue look picture-perfect may cost you a pretty penny. Couples reported spending an average of $1,400 on lighting and other decor items for their wedding ceremony and reception. 



Event rentals and photo booths: $1,700

Novelty photo booths and other activities will ensure your guests will be having fun and making memories all night long. The cost of renting things like photo booths, however, can add up. You should expect to pay around $1,700 for most event rentals.



Flowers: $1,800

What would a wedding be without gorgeous flowers? This expense is a must-have on most couples' lists. Hiring a florist for your wedding can be extremely pricey — couples reported spending an average of $1,800 on floral arrangements and bouquets for their wedding day.



Videography: $1,800

Hiring someone to capture every moment of your wedding day can be extremely tempting. If you do choose to hire a videographer, you should be prepared to pay a hefty price tag. Videography services can cost around $1,800. 



Rehearsal dinner and additional meals: $1,800

One expense that many couples forget about when it comes to their wedding celebration is the rehearsal dinner. The cost of catering a rehearsal dinner or any other additional meals can reach up to $1,800 — no small expense when you consider all of the other costs that go into planning your wedding.



Wedding planner: $1,850

Wedding planning can be extremely stressful, especially for a first-time bride or groom. Many couples choose to leave it up to the experts. Hiring a professional wedding planner can cost up to $1,850, but many say they don't regret shelling out for that added expense. 

One Business Insider contributor claimed that hiring a wedding planner was the best decision she made while preparing for her wedding. She said, "No matter how organized you, your family, or your bridesmaids are, you'll never be able to stay on top of everything the way a wedding planner can...I was amazed at all of the little tasks they assisted with, like helping my bridesmaids steam their dresses or packing up all the cards and gifts at the end of the night."



Photographer: $2,400

Hiring a professional wedding photographer is one way to ensure that your memories will last a lifetime. Between your engagement photo shoot and photos on the actual wedding day, costs can definitely add up. Couples reported spending an average of $2,400 on their wedding photographer. 



Band: $3,900

Hiring a band for your wedding day can end up being one of your highest expenses. Much pricier than a DJ, live bands tend to charge around $3,900.



Catering: $6,700

Depending on what kind or how much food you would like at your wedding, the costs of catering may vary greatly. According to Wedding Wire, for a plated meal, the average cost of wedding catering in the U.S. is around $40 per person. For a buffet, the average price is around $27 per person. Couples should plan to budget around $6,700 for total food costs including beverages, appetizers, and the actual wedding meal.



Venue: $9,000

Out of every expense that goes into planning your wedding day, you should expect to set aside the most amount of money for your venue. Most wedding venues will cost you around $9,000 to $10,000, but some high-profile or luxurious venues could cost you up to a whopping $60,000. Overall, however, there is a venue out there to suit any budget. 

 



The best sewing machines you can buy

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  • High-quality sewing machines are pleasant to use for long periods of time, have stitches for whatever projects you want to work on, and can handle a broad range of fabrics.
  • The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine is our top pick because it's ideal for beginners, it's inexpensive, and can reach speeds of up to 1,100 stitches per minutes.
  • Amazon Prime Day is back on July 15-16. We expect to see Prime Day 2019 deals across tech, home, kitchen, and more. The Insider Picks team will be updating this list frequently.

With the easy accessibility of cheap clothing, linens, and other fabric products just a click away, the sewing machine has lost its once prominent place in American homes. However, for people who like completing projects on their own and reducing their consumption, sewing machines are an indispensable part of the household. Plus, these units serve as an excellent way to bond with youngsters and nurture their self-sufficiency.

For the most part, the sewing machine industry is dominated by Singer, Janome, and Brother, though there are some notable exceptions. Kenmore used to be a major player in the market, but its business has eroded under former parent company Sears, which is reorganizing under Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Singer is the top brand with almost half of sewing machine sales. The company offers features and styles that are designed for all skill levels. Brother holds a quarter of the market share and focuses on balancing easy usability with advanced technology and functions for a variety of experience levels and budgets. Lastly, Janome is known for more expensive and advanced computerized machines.

The two main factors you should consider when purchasing a new sewing machine is your skill level and your budget. In our guide, we note which experience levels will benefit most from each machine, including which ones will continue to serve you well as you develop your abilities.

If you have a limited budget, you need to pay closer attention to the features and extras that you really need. For the most part, added functionality comes with a price, but there are deals to be found if you are willing to live without some accessories. For example, some of the more affordable units don't come with carrying cases and have limited stitch options. This might be fine if you have a dedicated space for your machine and are not interested in monogramming or embroidery.

While researching the best sewing machines, we read through hundreds of buyer and expert ratings and reviews of dozens of models. Our guide features machines that have a track record or performance, durability, and versatility.

Here are the best sewing machines you can buy:

Updated on 07/09/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best serger sewing machines you can buy

The best sewing machine overall

The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine is designed with the beginner in mind with its intuitive interface, ability to handle all types of fabrics, and one-step buttonholes.

The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machineonly has 23 stitches — 6 basic, 12 decorative, 4 stretch, and a 1-step buttonhole — but it's a workhorse with its heavy-duty mechanical design.

It has the ability to make 1,100 stitches per minute so you can complete your projects faster. The top drop-in bobbin is easy to insert, and the clear cover allows you to monitor how much thread is left. The built-in needle threader is also convenient for effortless threading with minimal frustration.

The kit comes with a soft-sided dust cover, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt, screwdriver, bobbins, needles, quilting guide, seam ripper/lint brush, and all-purpose, zipper, buttonhole, and button sewing feet.

Wirecutter recommends the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machinefor beginners and casual sewers because it's affordable, can handle an array of fabrics, and is easy to use. It found that a beginner could sit down and use this machine without spending much time reading the manual. It also makes excellent buttonholes perfectly sized for your button. However, the reviewer points out that there only appear to be two speeds, fast and slow. And, the machine gets quite noisy.

Sew Orbit and Best Sewing Machine for Beginners Today blogs also recommend this machine.

More than 2,600 Amazon buyers posted positive reviews of the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine. One customer, at first, initiated a return because he had trouble getting the thread tension right and experienced countless bobbin jams, even though he watched several video tutorials. After some more research, he learned that it works well when he uses the felt bobbin spacer, only uses plastic bobbins, and threads it correctly.

Other buyers were impressed with how durable this machine feels and how it can handle heavy-duty fabrics, such as leather and vinyl.

Pros: Achieves up to 1,100 stitches per minutes, handles heavy-duty fabrics, easy to use, makes great buttonholes, affordable

Cons: Only two speeds and 23 stitches

Buy the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine on Amazon for $134.99



The best computerized sewing machine

If you are looking for a sewing machine that will keep pace with your improving abilities, the Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine is a smart choice with its computerized stitch selection and durable design.

The Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine features a small backlit LCD screen that lets you choose from 30 stitches, including 6 one-step buttonholes. Using the touch buttons, you can also see what stitch length and width you've selected. There are convenient buttons for tying off the end of the thread, reversing direction, and starting/stopping.

This machine comes as part of six different kits, and the price is currently the same for all of them. So, before buying, take a moment to find the kit that is best for your needs. For instance, I would recommend going with one of the bundles that has a tote case if you plan on moving your 7330 around regularly.

The Janome 7330 is one of the most highly rated machines on the comprehensive expert site Erin Says Sew. The reviewer appreciates that the bobbin is jam-proof and top-loading. Also, she was impressed with how one can start and stop sewing with the push of a button, rather than relying exclusively on the foot pedal. However, she would have preferred more decorative stitches, a dust cover, and adjustable presser foot pressure.

Grandma Likes to Sew found that this is a terrific unit for sewers of all levels. The reviewer liked the superior stitch-work and how durable and reliable the 7330 is.

About 93% of the people who reviewed the Janome 7330 on Amazon gave it a positive rating (4 or 5 stars). One user said the machine runs quietly, can handle several layers of heavy fabric, and has automatic button sewing. Yet, after five years of use, she was only able to figure out how to use the buttonholer attachment after stumbling upon a YouTube tutorial.

Another buyer commented that she uses the machine on a daily basis, and the 7330 was instrumental in her starting a sewing blog and hobby business.

Pros: Useful for sewers of any skill level, runs quietly, durable, automatic button sewing

Cons: Only 30 stitches

Buy the Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine on Amazon for $449 (originally $599)



The best quilting sewing machine

The Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine comes with a variety of extras that make quilting convenient, including an oversized table attachment.

What makes the Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machinespecial is the extras and the number of stitches it can handle.

First of all, the oversized table attachment is designed for quilting and other larger projects. There are also eight quilting feet to choose from. You can store your CS6000i in the included hard protective case. There are 60 stitches to choose from on the LCD screen, including 7 buttonholes. Brother backs the quality of this unit with a 25-year limited warranty.

Good Housekeeping recommends the Brother CS6000i as a good computerized sewing machine for beginners. The reviewer found it to be easy to transport and use. They also liked how the add-on wide table worked well for larger quilting projects.

Grandma Likes to Sew recommends this unit as one of the best values for your money. The reviewer noted that the auto-threading, pedal-free sewing, and speed control were easy enough for beginners to use. Sewing from Home suggests buying the CS6000i for quilting projects because the foot holder quilt guide, wide table, and the spring-action quilting foot all lent themselves well to quilting projects.

There are more than 5,800 5-star reviews of the Brother CS6000i on Amazon. Numerous of them use this model for making apparel, handbags, accessories, and other projects as part of their sewing business.

Many buyers were impressed with the number of stitch options they get with such an affordable machine. Another popular feature is the effortless threading of the bobbin and needle. The only common complaint was that the highest speed is not particularly fast.

Pros: 60 stitches, comes with a wide table attachment, easy threading of the needle and bobbin, 25-year limited warranty

Cons: Some complaints about the tension

Buy the Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine on Amazon for $142.99



The best luxury sewing machine

If you are an experienced sewer who needs a unit for daily use and you have a little extra money to spend, the Janome DC5100 Computerized Sewing Machine is your best bet.

The Janome DC5100 Computerized Sewing Machineis great because it has 167 stitches that you can select and edit on the control panel. Among the stitches are five one-step buttonholes and every letter of the alphabet.

This computerized machine also has enough memory to store up to 50 patterns so you can easily duplicate a project. The kit comes with 11 presser feet, extra needles and bobbins, and a carrying case with a handle so you will have everything you need to get started out of the box. You just need to buy some thread.

Wirecutter recommends the Janome DC5100 as the best sewing machine for intermediate sewers. The reviewer found that it can handle everything from delicate clothing projects to heavy curtains and quilts.

Of the dozens of units Erin Says Sew tested, this machine is one of only three to receive a perfect 5-star rating. She recommends this unit because she found the motor to be incredibly powerful and the array of stitches to be unique and helpful. The only negative she noted is that there is only one font for monogramming, and it isn't particularly exciting.

One Amazon buyer noted that she is able to use the DC5100 while her baby is sleeping, whereas her old machine would inevitably wake the baby up. The main complaint is that the letters are somewhat sloppy looking.

Pros: 167 stitches, powerful motor, handles a broad array of fabrics, well-written user manual

Cons: Expensive, unimpressive and non-adjustable font

Buy the Janome DC5100 Computerized Sewing Machine on Amazon for $649



The best portable sewing machine

The Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine only weighs about 10 pounds, which makes it ideal for bringing along to sewing circles and classes.

For its price, the Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine has an impressive selection of features. You can use this unit to monogram letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and even some non-standard characters. The stitches include 8 auto-buttonhole styles, 12 heirloom stitches, 94 decorative stitches, 14 quilting stitches, and 42 garment construction stitches.

Like the Brother CS6000i, the HC1850 is great for quilting and comes with a spring-action quilting foot, detachable wide table, and the ability to do free-motion quilting. Plus, the kit includes bobbins, needles, spool caps, a seam ripper, instructional DVD, eight presser feet, and more.

Good Housekeeping recommends the Brother HC1850 because it comes with an easy-to-follow instructional DVD that shows beginners how to get started. It found that it was light and portable enough to bring along to classes. However, it note that the sewing speeds are fairly slow.

Quilter's Review recommends this unit because it balances affordability and features quite nicely. The reviewer was impressed with how simple it is to thread the needle, but she warned against using it for serious quilting because of the small neck and the presser feet don't rise enough for thicker quilts.

Approximately 88% of the people who reviewed the Brother HC1850 on Amazon gave it 4 or 5 stars. One buyer wrote that it's her third sewing machine and her favorite. She uses it for embroideries, quilting, and sewing. She is disabled and found it fits her needs thanks to the foot pedal-free use and light weight.

Another experienced sewer was impressed with the embroidery stitches this unit produces. The biggest complaint is with the 25-year warranty, which buyers found misleading. One buyer was disappointed when hers stopped working after a year and Brother would not replace it.

Pros: Only weighs about 10 pounds, 130 built-in stitches, comes with an instructional DVD

Cons: Runs slow, misleading warranty, doesn't come with a case or cover

Buy the Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine on Amazon for $179.81



My kids and I built and played with LEGO's new City Sets, and they are more fun and engaging than ever

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Fire Brigade LEGO City set

  • A high-quality LEGO set has easy-to-follow instructions, plenty of features that nurture imaginative play, and countless ways to make custom creations.
  • We liked the 2019 LEGO City Sets — the Sky Police Air Base, Fire Station, and the Downtown Fire Brigade— because they feature unique pieces that encourage kids to play and not just to build.
  • Though these are on the higher end of the LEGO set price range (currently starting at $55.99 on Amazon), each has more than 500 pieces and features the same durable construction that can last for generations.

Few brands have a track record of quality that compares to LEGO.

From its humble beginnings in Denmark in 1932, LEGO has grown to be the world's largest toy company with more than $4 billion in annual revenue and offices, stores, and amusement parks throughout the world.

Derived from the Danish words leg godt, meaning "play well," LEGO is dedicated to helping kids (and adults) use their imaginations. It comes out with several sets for each of its sub-brands every year — one of the most popular of which is LEGO City. My two boys — Jerome (16 years old) and Bucky (5 years old) — and I recently got to test out the 2019 LEGO City sets, specifically the Sky Police Air Base, Fire Station, and the Downtown Fire Brigade. Here are our experiences.

Fire station lego set

Specs

The LEGO City Sky Police Air Base Building Kit (Model No. 60210) has 529 pieces and is geared toward people aged 6 years and older. The set comes with six Minifigures: two sky police officers, two crooks, a motorcycle officer, and a classic police officer. The main air base is approximately nine inches high by eight inches wide by one inch deep. The airplane has a wingspan of 15 inches, length of 11 inches, and is just over 5 inches high. There's also a getaway car for the crooks to make jailbreaks and a parachute that allows Minifigures to jump safely from the undercarriage of the plane.

The LEGO City Fire Station Building Kit (Model No. 60215) has 509 pieces and is for ages 5 and up. The minifigures in this set are three firefighters, a fire chief, and a Dalmatian fire dog. Highlights include the fire station (11 inches high by 8 inches wide by 10 inches deep), an off-road fire vehicle, a water scooter, and a scouting drone.

The LEGO City Downtown Fire Brigade Building Kit (Model No. 60216) is a whopping 943 pieces and meant for anyone age 6 and older. It comes with four firefighters, two construction workers, and a pilot. The 10-inch-high burning building has a lamp post that pivots from horizontal to vertical. You can use the 9-inch-tall crane to bring the lamp post back to its upright position as you rebuild after a fire. There's also a 15-inch-long fire truck, a fire helicopter, and two smaller vehicles.

When looking at the number of pieces in a kit, keep in mind that each Minifigure has multiple pieces. For instance, each crook in the Sky Police Air Base Kit has four pieces: the hair, head, body, and the legs.

Read more: The best STEM toys for kids

Set-up process

Each of the sets comes with manuals that provide step-by-step picture instructions on how to put the city scene together. We haven't had any success getting Bucky to follow these directions, but Jerome has always enjoyed putting together LEGOs so he put the sets together to pass the time during some recent snow days.

Jerome started by separating all of the pieces by color. He then dug into the booklets. The Sky Police Air Base comes with five booklets, the Fire Station has two, and the more-involved Downtown Fire Brigade has seven. The two smaller sets took Jerome a little over an hour to put together. The Fire Brigade was closer to two hours. At no point was Jerome confused by the instructions. Of course, he has years of obsessive experience under his belt. Results may vary.

Lego city police station

What makes the 2019 LEGO City sets stand out

To find out what really makes these sets stand out, I reached out to an expert, Christopher Wright, who is a Manager at Bricks & Minifigs Eugene, Oregon and a lifelong LEGO fan. He has a room devoted to LEGOs in his house.

"With the release of these new sets, it appears that LEGO is focusing on giving young builders more bang for their [parents'] buck," Wright said. "The addition of new elements allows for a play experience that extends far beyond the build. By focusing more on play features, LEGO has done a great job of expanding the life of these sets."

Wright pointed to the parachute included in the Sky Police Air Base as an example of a new element that encourages play. The parachute is the first of its kind, and Bucky has a blast going to the top of the stairs and dropping his parachuted Minifigure out of the plane from the second-floor landing. The parachute takes a few feet to open up so it works best from a high spot.

Of the three sets we tested, the Downtown Fire Brigade is the star. There are several reasons why Bucky liked this set the most. He loves helicopters and so enjoys flying the fire helicopter around the house. Since he is in a stage where potty humor is the height of hilarity, he thinks it's awesome that he can use the crane to lift the porta-potty up and expose the worker trying to take care of business. Both Jerome and Bucky have a blast using the fire truck to put out fires.

The Downtown Fire Brigade set is the one Bucky keeps going back to and playing with. He clearly has the most fun with this one. Jerome took the other two sets to display in his room.

With his current interests in girls, drawing, and producing hip hop music, Jerome has all but lost interest in LEGOs. Yet, these sets kept Jerome engaged for hours on end. Each time we opened up a new set, he would pop on some music and build until he was done. We didn't need to encourage him or anything, though Bucky was there to make sure he stayed on task.

Jerome is particularly impressed with the detail of the new sets. For instance, he appreciates the garage door on the Fire Station, which opens and closes seamlessly. However, he was annoyed by the light and sound bricks (batteries included) that come with both of the firefighting-themed kits. They're meant to mimic the flashers and sirens on a fire truck. It was annoying because Bucky incessantly pressed the button activating the sirens. Unfortunately for Jerome, the batteries have not died yet.

Fire brigade lego set

Cons to consider

The squeezable air pump on the fire truck of the Downtown Fire Brigade that's used to project the LEGO "water" to put out fires takes a little getting used to. You have to squeeze the pump when it is positioned just right to get the water to come out. The problem is the pump doesn't stay in the optimal spot easily. The truck also has to be quite close to the fire to "put it out." I like the ingenuity, but I think it could still use a little fine-tuning.

The only other con I can think of is the age-old problem of LEGOs finding their way into every part of our house and destroying our feet. We're pretty good at keeping LEGOs in dedicated areas, such as the boys' rooms. But, with the hourly show-and-tell sessions, Bucky occasionally loses pieces as he brings his new creation to wherever I might be. For better or worse, our robotic vacuum usually finds these pieces, and if the boys are lucky, I find the pieces before emptying the dust bin. 

The bottom line

Overall, if you have a youngster who enjoys pretend play and building, the new LEGO City sets are sure to provide them with endless entertainment. When you consider how many pieces you are getting and the focus on extended play, the price is worth it. Our favorite is the Downtown Fire Brigade Building Kit, which is something we would typically buy for Bucky's birthday or Christmas as the preeminent gift. Regardless of which set you choose, I recommend setting up a dedicated LEGO-playing area so you don't lose pieces — and to protect your feet.

Pros: Durable, easy to build, provides hours of entertainment, nurtures imaginative play

Cons: The pump and house system on the fire truck could use some tweaking, small pieces are easy to lose and may destroy your feet

Buy the LEGO City Sky Police Air Base 60210 Building Kit on Amazon for $85.95 (originally $89.99)

Buy the LEGO City Fire Station 60215 Building Kit on Amazon for $55.99

Buy the LEGO City Downtown Fire Brigade 60216 Building Kit on Amazon for $99.99

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ThirdLove's nursing bra is the most comfortable and supportive one I own — here's how it fits

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ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Nursing Bra

  • I've been wearing nursing sports bras ever since I had my one-year-old daughter Ellie because  couldn't find a traditional nursing bra that was comfortable or supportive.
  • I recently decided to give regular nursing bras one last chance and have been wearing the ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Nursing Bra ($72) for a few weeks. 
  • It's elegant, comfortable, and more supportive than the other nursing bras I've tried.
  • Best of all, ThirdLove has fit experts that you can text, email, or call to get your fit right — all without ever having to go into a physical store.

I spent the first couple months after my daughter Ellie was born trying to find a good nursing bra, but the best options I found were nursing sports bras, so I ended up basically living in them.

Most of the regular nursing bras I found just didn't have enough support, or they had removable cups that never stayed in place. When you have a newborn baby, going to a store to get fitted for a bra isn't high on the priority list and it's hard to buy a nursing bra ahead of time because you have no idea what size you'll end up being once your milk comes in, so I eventually gave up and just settled on wearing sports nursing bras.

But when I had the chance to try the 24/7 Classic Nursing Bra from ThirdLove ($72), I decided on one final attempt — I'm glad I did. 

How nursing bras work

Before I get into my experience with the bra, let's get into how nursing bras actually work.       

Most nursing bras have clasps at the top of the cup where it connects to the shoulder strap that you undo to nurse your baby or pump without having to take your whole bra off. To undo the clasp, you'd usually lift it up and out, and then just pull the cup down.

It's easy to do with one hand, and when you pair a nursing bra with a nursing top or a loose-fitting top, it can make nursing in public very easy and discreet. Pairing your nursing bra with a nursing top exposes only the amount of skin needed for your baby to latch on, or with a loose-fitting top, you can use it as a cover by placing your baby under your shirt.

Read more: The best breast pumps you can buy

The bra 

ThirdLove has three different nursing bras — the 24/7 Classic Nursing Bra (which has an underwire), 24/7 Classic Wireless Nursing Bra, and 24/7 Front Closure Nursing Bra. I have the 24/7 Classic Nursing Bra in Taupe, but it also comes in Twilight, which is like a dusty mauve.

It has textured detailing on the straps as well as gold-toned nursing clasps, which I love. There are a lot of things about motherhood that aren't very glamorous, so having these pretty details is such a nice touch.

The bra cups themselves have light memory-foam padding, which gives it some shape — something that can't be said for a lot of other nursing bras I've tried. The bra is also extremely comfortable and looks smooth under a T-shirt. 

It can be hard to find nursing bras with underwire because there's a long-held belief that underwires can cause mastitis, or clogged ducts, but that theory has not been proven. If an underwire isn't comfortable for you or you're worried that it could be harmful while nursing, then you have the wireless option from ThirdLove as well. 

Thirdlove 24:7 Classic Nursing Bra

Sizing 

My bra size has changed multiple times since I've been nursing, so I wasn't sure what size to order.

Thankfully, ThirdLove has a sizing quiz on its website for regular bras as well as guidance for nursing bras, so I followed the suggestions and am happy to say that my bra fits really well. I don't have any issues with the back riding up, which is a problem I tend to have with all bras. In fact, my ThirdLove nursing bra actually fits better than most of my regular bras ever did.

If you don't get your size right once you receive your order, you can always contact a ThirdLove Fit Expert via text, live chat, or email within 60 days, and they'll help you figure out a better fit.  

The best part

When you have a newborn, trying to get yourself and your baby dressed is a huge win. Slapping on some makeup, maybe doing your hair, and actually making it out the door to go somewhere before someone gets spit up on is icing on the cake.

So with ThirdLove's online quiz and suggested sizing, you can find the right bra without ever leaving your house or going to a fitting room with your baby. And if you get the sizing wrong, the company makes it so simple to find the right size and ship back the original bra for free. This takes a lot of stress and hassle out of the buying process, which is so worth it when you're a parent. 

Read more: This up-and-coming startup is redefining maternity wear with stylish clothing women can wear before, during, and after pregnancy

Cons to consider

I found the nursing clasp to be a little bit trickier to undo with one hand than some of the other nursing bras I've tried.

With others, I can just use my thumb to quickly pop off the clasp, but with this one, the clasp sometimes gets stuck and doesn't pop off as easily. I sometimes need to use one hand to hold down the strap while using the other to undo the clasp.

It's certainly doable, but when you have a hangry newborn in one hand, you want to be able to open those clasps quickly and single-handedly. My other nursing bras are older, so as I wear this one in more, the clasp might become easier and smoother to undo.

The bottom line

I had pretty much given up on finding a nursing bra that worked for me before I tried ThirdLove's, but now I have a new favorite nursing bra. I just might have to check out its regular bras once I'm done nursing too. 

If you're looking for other options, the Gratlin Women's Lightly Padded Wireless Racerback Sports Maternity Nursing Bra ($20) is the sports nursing bra that I was living in before I tried the ThirdLove bra. This is a good option that offers some support without an underwire. Another one to try that has underwire, but is a little bit cheaper than ThirdLove, is Motherhood Maternity's Full Coverage Back Smoothing Clip Down Maternity And Nursing Bra (which is currently on sale for $26.23)

But online guidance, with access to Fit Experts, and a 60-day fit guarantee, you can't lose by at least trying out ThirdLove's nursing bras. You need to remember to take care of yourself too once your baby is here, and this is a great — and easy — way to show yourself some love. 

Pros: Comfortable, supportive,60-day fit guarantee, online quiz means there's no need to leave your house, fit experts are ready to answer any questions, underwire and no wire options available

Cons: Nursing clasp can get stuck, pricey 

Buy the 24/7 Classic Nursing Bra on ThirdLove for $72

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Cole Haan has launched its lightest, most breathable sneaker ever — here's what it's like to wear

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Cole Haan Generation Zerogrand

  • Cole Haan is setting the bar high for lightweight, breathable sneakers with its newly introduced Generation ZEROGRAND.
  • As Cole Haan's lightest sneaker ever, it features an ultra-breathable Stitchlite upper, gel-cushioned insoles and tongues, and a lightweight arched outsole.
  • Priced at $120, the Generation ZEROGRAND sneaker is Cole Haan's second cheapest sneaker (based on full retail prices). It's also more affordable than most comparable sneaker designs from sportswear brands.
  • I tried out the sneakers myself and had a great experience with them. Find my full review below.

Cole Haan has long been my go-to for business-casual shoes. Over the years, I've worn everything from its dress shoes and sneakers to dress shoes that look like sneakers, and they've all impressed me by seamlessly covering the bases of comfort, style, and overall wearability.

Cole Haan's ZEROGRAND shoes are special because they blur the lines between traditional footwear and modern sneaker culture. Now, the brand is declaring a new generation in footwear with a shoe aptly named the Generation ZEROGRAND.

The Generation ZEROGRAND features an ultra-breathable Stitchlite upper, a simple, yet supportive and springy arched outsole, cushioned Ortholite insoles, and an overall design that mimics that natural motion of the human foot. While many of those same exact attributes are found in other ZEROGRAND shoes, Cole Haan's designers managed to further refine each characteristic in the Generation ZEROGRAND— and the end result was the brand's lightest sneaker ever. 

Cole Haan

First impressions

The terms "lightweight" and "breathable" get thrown at just about every shoe that features a minimalistic design or some sort of woven or knitted upper — and to be completely honest, most modern silhouettes that are even the slightest bit comfort- or performance-based are made that way. The Cole Haan Generation ZEROGRAND, however, isn't a shoe that uses either term loosely. They're impressively light — you'll be able to feel it just by holding them in your hands. You can also tell that they're exceptionally breathable just by looking at them because the holes in the Stitchlite material are so pronounced you can literally see through them.

I received a pair to try out before Cole Haan sent me any details or specs, and even without product information, I was immediately impressed by how light they were. When I learned that they were Cole Haan's lightest sneaker to date, it wasn't a surprise.

Cole Haan Generation ZEROGRAND

What they're like to wear

In my personal opinion, Cole Haan's Stitchlite dress shoes have always been more comfortable than their leather counterparts, so I was happy to see this shoe using the same material. Although they're not as fancy as shoes like the 2.ZEROGRAND or 3.ZEROGRAND (they're also about half the price), the Generation ZEROGRAND still has small hits of leather on the lace stays and heels. 

Since the sneakers aren't designed specifically for athletic performance, I put them through the rigors of normal, every-day city life with things like commuting on the subway and walking long distances. The first day I wore them, I racked up a little more than 11,000 steps (according to my Apple Watch) and I had zero issues with discomfort from the shape of the shoe, nor did I experience foot fatigue thanks to a cushy insole.

In most instances with Cole Haan shoes, I've gone a half-size down from my normal size, but the Generation ZEROGRAND runs true to size. However, Cole Haan recommends sizing down if you prefer a snug fit. I would imagine this would be a good idea if you plan on wearing them without socks.

I personally wore mine with no-show socks and still found them to be a lot more breathable than any leather, patent leather, or suede sneaker I own and marginally more breathable than sneakers made with comparable materials like Primeknit or Flyknit. Even in 85-degree summer weather, my feet didn't feel like they were sweltering.

Cole Haan Generation ZEROGRAND

The bottom line

At $120, the Generation ZEROGRAND is the second-cheapest sneaker (based on full retail prices) available at Cole Haan— and for that much, there's hardly anything to complain about. If you're looking for a sneaker that will keep your feet cool and comfortable this summer, this is the shoe you want. I've owned dozens of sneakers that boast lightweight and breathable comfort, but I've yet to find one that's as light as the Generation ZEROGRAND

In my opinion, the only justifiable reason one could find for not choosing the Generation ZEROGRAND is if you simply prefer to wear sportier sneakers that you'd find at Adidas or Nike.

Shop the men's Cole Haan Generation ZERØGRAND sneaker, $120

Shop the women's Cole Haan Generation ZERØGRAND sneaker, $120

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Billionaire bank founder Charles Schwab describes the day in 1975 he knew once and for all that his business would succeed

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Charles Schwab

  • Charles Schwab is an American investor, philanthropist, and the founder and chairman of the Charles Schwab Corporation.
  • The following is an excerpt from his new book, "Invested," a deeply personal memoir in which Schwab opens up about his dyslexia, his career ambitions, and his lifelong principles that have made him one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time.
  • In 1975, he found himself in six-figure debt, working on his third try at starting a business. 
  • He knew that what Merrill Lynch did in response to deregulation could make or break his new venture. But then the company made a surprising decision.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.


Wednesday, April 30, 1975. The day before what came to be known to people in financial services as May Day. I'm not sure if it was sunny or socked in with San Francisco fog. I had a lot on my mind. I do recall that investors had been in a good mood all spring. The Nixon impeachment nightmare was over, the Vietnam War was behind us, and the market was moving again; the Dow was up nearly 50% since late December. I'm sure I was as hopeful as anyone else. But I'd seen too much to believe the worst was over.

I was about to turn 38 in a couple of months. The Dow had been flirting with the magic 1,000 mark for the last 10 years, first breaking that milestone on November 14, 1972. At the moment it was hovering just above 800. So to say I was a tad skeptical of the rally's staying power would be an understatement. On the other hand, if you'd told me then that not until December 21, 1982, would the Dow finally break through 1,000 for good, I might have said to hell with it and found another line of work. In fact, I had been right on the precipice of that decision for some time. Who starts a brokerage firm in the middle of a twodecade stock market slump? This was my third go at starting a business since I had set out on my own, shortly after finishing Stanford Business School. Part of me wondered, how many chances does one guy get in life?

Charles Schwab

What's more, I was in a deep trough myself just then, carrying a sixfigure debt. I owed money to Crocker Bank for a business loan I had used to buy out one of my partners. I also had a sheaf of personal loans that wound up in my pocket when I got divorced. I was now married again, but I had no assets to speak of. Helen and I were living with our baby, Katie, in a small apartment in Sausalito. Helen was selling real estate, while I was a year into launching my firm, an experiment in discounted stock trading made possible by the Securities and Exchange Commission's test of deregulated commissions. I was bound for parts unknown.

That Wednesday, I had one overriding question. The answer would make or break my plans, as deregulation was about to become the law of the land after a oneyear test period. What would Merrill Lynch do?

Founded in 1914 by the legendary Charles Merrill, with a vision to bring "Wall Street to Main Street," Merrill Lynch was the undisputed king of the retail brokerage market, and a billiondollarplus underwriter. It had branch offices from coast to coast, an army of thousands of highly motivated commissioned brokers, and a slogan known to everyone who watched TV or read the newspaper: "Merrill Lynch is bullish on America."

Charles Merrill had built his firm on the idea of opening up the world of investing to the middle class. It was a goal I admired. He was the first to experiment with salaried brokers back in the 1940s, addressing the serious conflict of interest that I had disliked for years (they backtracked from that model in the early '70s under Don Regan's leadership to incentivize its large herd of brokers). And the firm was hugely successful. Everybody said to me, "Wait until Merrill Lynch decides to go into your business. You are going to be crushed."

The more I thought about it, the more I was certain that Merrill would have to lower its commissions at least a little in response to deregulation. In which case, I feared, I'd be dead in the water as soon as I launched my business. No way my little firm could compete with an industry giant like Merrill.

All that was on my mind when I arrived at 120 Montgomery Street that Monday morning, early as usual … I took the elevator up to the 24th floor and the small office the handful of us occupied. I picked up my copy of the Wall Street Journal, and there on the front page was the news: "Merrill Lynch will raise securities brokerage fees on most transactions under $5,000." Was it true? " ... will raise securities brokerage fees ... "

Unbelievable. Here I'd been afraid that Merrill would lower its fees and meet my commission cuts and steal my opportunity. Instead, it had taken advantage of deregulation to raise its prices for the average guy and drop them for large institutions. Once I got over my shock, I was beaming. I saw an opportunity, and I meant to take full advantage of it. It had been a long road, with lots of bumps along the way. But on that day, Charles Schwab looked like it had a real chance in the marketplace. I remember saying to myself, I've got a hell of a business.

Reprinted from  INVESTEDCopyright © 2019 by Charles Schwab, coming in October 2019. Available now for pre-order. Published by Currency, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

SEE ALSO: The founder of Shake Shack insisted on micromanaging every decision at his growing restaurant chain — until an NYU student proposed a 3-category solution to help him become a better manager

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SmileDirectClub's $79 LED whitening kit worked exceptionally well — and it didn't cause me any tooth sensitivity

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product pens 4_135edf6e 469e 470b 8d6b d81c2487c995_1200x1200

  • SmileDirectClub's $79 Teeth Whitening Kit is said to work three times faster than whitening strips. It uses the same safe, effective whitening agent as a dentist's office, but costs much less than a professional treatment.
  • I used it, and after a few applications, my teeth were about three shades whiter — and the formula didn't cause any sensitivity. 
  • For more options to consider, read the Insider Picks Buying Guide to the best teeth whitening kits you can buy

Whether it's coffee, smoking, red wine, soy sauce, or the inexorable compounding of time, your teeth take quite a beating from everyday life. Even if you brush and floss the recommended amount with the aid of whitening toothpaste, the simple act of being alive seems to be in constant opposition to a bright, white smile.

Unfortunately, your smile is one of the first things people notice. In the seconds it takes your brain to assemble its first impression, one's smile often lands the leading role. Thankfully, the availability of cheap, effective whitening kits has made white teeth both more common and more taken for granted. While still semi-cosmetic, the act of whitening has started to blend into a wider definition of oral hygiene. 

Recently, the same startup known for online braces has released an at-home LED teeth whitening kit. Like its 3D-printed clear aligners, SmileDirectClub's $79 kit is supposed to deliver the advantages of a dentist's office at about 60% less cost. The LED kit is estimated to be three times faster than whitening strips.

To see if it's actually effective, I tested the $79 Whitening Kit myself. It comes with nine whitening pens (what the startup estimates as two full whitening treatments) and an LED mouthguard and storing case. It reminded me of the much more expensive but effective $199 Glo Brilliant Whitening Device, which also uses an LED mouthpiece to act as a catalyst for hydrogen peroxide. 

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To use, you twist one of the whitening pens to drive the gel to the applicator, apply it to your teeth evenly (avoiding gums), and pop in the mouthguard with its LED accelerator light. After five minutes, you remove the light and unplug it from your phone. Spit out the excess foam and use lukewarm water to rinse the mouthguard. Do this twice in the morning, and twice at night for a full four sessions. Avoid eating foods that can stain your teeth for 24 hours. According to SmileDirectClub, you should whiten for one week every six months. 

In person, the device is well-designed and easy to use. The LED light mouthguard is hands-free and smart-phone powered (iPhone or Android), so you can be tethered to your phone rather than an outlet. It requires minimal battery power to run, and this solves any issues with needing to charge a device before using — a con of the Glo Brilliant device. SmileDirectClub says the nine whitening pens should equal two full treatments (plus a bonus pen), but I found their estimates to be extremely conservative — even with evenly coating my teeth in gel, I got about four times more use out of the pens than expected. Once you run out, a replacement of whitening pens is $29 for four

You could technically just buy the whitening pens and use them without the mouthpiece to save money initially, but it's the LED light — and how the hydrogen peroxide reacts to it — that is likely to give you the best results. If you're not interested in the LED mouthguard, you may just want to stick to strips. 

SmileDirectClub's formula is the same enamel-safe formula dentists use, but it's supposed to break down to about $40 per treatment (which, in my experience, was closer to $20). It's safe to use on crowns, veneers, and caps, and the formula is lactose-, soy-, and gluten-free, as well as vegan.

In short, SmileDirectClub's Whitening Kit does work. It made my teeth whiter after one day's worth of sessions and continued to make them more even and bright with ongoing use. After continual applications, my teeth were about two to three shades whiter. Since I didn't begin with intense discoloration, I mostly noticed an evening in tone — my teeth are brighter, and the white is more universal and intense. I didn't notice any increased sensitivity, and the process was easy, clean, and relatively intuitive. However, you do have to be willing to use it routinely.

All in all, it's a good option if you're considering it. SmileDirectClub is $79 and white strips are $30 on a good day, but it's far cheaper than another prominent LED system (Glo Science) and you can eek out more uses of the whitening pens than the company estimates. It's also faster to use, as four five minute sessions broken up feel a lot more bearable than one 30-minute session. It's even convenient to multitask with it in so you can fit it into a morning routine without much effort. And, most important to me aside from efficacy, it didn't make my gums tender or my teeth ache. 

If you're looking for fast, noticeable results that are relatively easy to fit into your life, SmileDirectClub's whitening kit is worth checking out.

SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit, available on Amazon, $79

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8 signs you're in a strong relationship — even if it doesn't feel like it

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dating apps couple happy

  • Signs of a strong relationship include responding positively to each other's good news and trying new things together.
  • That's according to psychologists who have spent years studying the fundamentals of successful long-term relationships.
  • Consider the following list a chance to evaluate the quality of your relationship — not a deciding factor in whether you should end it.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Psychologists have spent years studying the traits that are fundamental to successful long-term relationships. We listed some of their most surprising insights below.

A word of caution: If you notice that your relationship doesn't meet all these criteria, that does not necessarily mean you should end things with your partner. Consider this list a general set of guidelines that can help you start evaluating whether your current relationship is bringing you satisfaction and happiness.

Here are eight signs your relationship is as strong as a rock.

SEE ALSO: 11 ways to ruin your relationship for good

You think about your partner often when you're not together.

In 2007, Stonybrook University researchers randomly dialed hundreds of adults and asked the nearly 300 who were married a series of questions about their relationships and how in love they felt.

Results showed that certain relationship characteristics were linked to stronger feelings of love. One especially interesting finding: The more often people reported thinking about their partner when they were apart, the more in love they felt.

The same study included a follow-up experiment with nearly 400 married New Yorkers, which found that difficulty concentrating on other things while you're thinking about your partner is also linked to strong feelings of love — especially for men.



You respond positively to each other's good news.

Business Insider previously reported that one litmus test of a happy relationship is how enthusiastically each partner responds to the other's good news.

A Psychology Today blog post breaks down four ways a man could respond after his partner tells him about a promotion at work:

• An active-constructive response from him would be enthusiastic support: "That's great, honey! I knew you could do it, you've been working so hard."

• A passive-constructive response would be understated support — a warm smile and a simple "That's good news."

• An active-destructive response would be a statement that demeaned the event: "Does this mean you are going to be working even longer hours now? Are you sure you can handle it?"

• Finally, a passive-destructive response would virtually ignore the good news: "Oh, really? Well you won't believe what happened to me on the drive home today!"

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the response that's most closely linked to relationship satisfaction is the active-constructive response.



You spend some time apart.

Over the past few decades, we've started placing increasing demands on our spouses. As Business Insider's Jessica Orwig reported, no longer do we expect them to be financial partners, protectors, and companions — now we also want them to provide personal fulfillment.

The psychologist who produced some of these findings, Eli Finkel, suggests that if you want to be happy in your marriage, it's best not to look to your partner for all your existential needs. Finkel recommends finding yourself in hobbies, friends, and work.



You have a similar sense of humor.

Neil Clark Warren, psychologist and founder of dating site eHarmony, previously told Business Insider that humor can be a "social lubricant" in a romantic relationship.

Business Insider's Erin Brodwin has reported that having a "private language" with your partner — like nicknames and jokes that no one else would get — can help facilitate bonding and often predicts relationship satisfaction.



You split chores evenly.

In one poll, 56% of married Americans said sharing household chores is "very important" to a successful marriage — that's more than the percentage who said having adequate income was very important. Chore-sharing seems to be especially meaningful to younger couples, with 67 percent of 18- to 29-year-old married adults calling it "very important" to a successful marriage.

But while men are doing more housework than they were in years past, research has found that women still pick up most of the slack.



You try new things together.

In classic research led by relationship expert Art Aron in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, researchers looked at the relationship quality of more than 50 middle-aged married couples and assigned them to one of three groups.

One group picked new and exciting activities to do together for 90 minutes a week — like going to a play or dancing. Another group spent 90 minutes a week doing pleasant but routine activities together — like going to a movie. The last group wasn't asked to change anything.

After 10 weeks, the researchers reassessed the couples' relationship quality and found that those who had tried new and exciting things were the most satisfied.

As The New York Times reported in 2008:

"Dr. Aron cautions that novelty alone is probably not enough to save a marriage in crisis. But for couples who have a reasonably good but slightly dull relationship, novelty may help reignite old sparks."



You don't have a lot of extreme downturns in your relationship.

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg looked at nearly 400 dating couples. They used their feedback about their relationships to identify four patterns of commitment: dramatic, conflict-ridden, socially involved, and partner-focused.

As psychologist and relationships expert Gary Lewandowski explains, dramatic couples showed a lot of fluctuation in their commitment to their partners over time.

Partner-focused couples saw their partners positively and mostly experienced fluctuations in commitment when they couldn't spend as much time together.

Socially involved couples usually experienced fluctuations when their friends and family changed what they thought of the relationship.

Finally, conflict-ridden couples fought often and had a lot of mini-fluctuations in their level of commitment.

As it turns out, partner-focused couples were most likely to get more serious in their relationship, and dramatic couples were most likely to break up.



You know how to recover from a fight.

Psychologist and relationship expert John Gottman previously told Business Insider that the No. 1 shared trait among successful relationships is being able to repair the bond after a fight.

It's not about not having conflict at all — instead, it's about the way you approach it. Gottman told Business Insider:

"The thing that all really good marriages and love relationships have in common is that they communicate to their partner a model that when you're upset, I listen.

"The world stops, and I listen. And we repair things. We don't let things go. We don't leave one another in pain. We talk about it, and we repair."



25 indispensable desk accessories we use to stay focused and comfortable at work

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Desk products 4_3

  • Staying focused at work can help you work smarter, not harder.
  • The right tools can amplify your attention or decrease distractions like clutter while you work.
  • I polled my coworkers to see what tools they keep on their desks to help them stay focused and comfortable in the office, and produce better, faster work. 

The catch-22 of a communal office space lit by fluorescent light bulbs is that, in order to be your most productive, you first need to feel somewhat at home there. Stiff chairs, back pain, clutter — they're all distractions that contribute to a longer and less enjoyable workday. Staying focused can help you work smarter, not harder, and hopefully compounds into a better position at work, greater job satisfaction, and shorter days. 

The Insider Picks team tests and reviews hundreds of products — many of which are geared towards comfort and productivity. Below, you'll find the 25 products we personally trust to keep us focused, productive, and comfortable at our desks all day.

A subtle vertical phone charger

Anker PowerWave 7.5 Fast Wireless Charging Stand, available at Amazon, $49.99

I use Anker's PowerWave wireless charger to charge my iPhone at my desk every day. It holds my phone up vertically, so I can see when notifications pop up even when it's charging. It's a great, subtle-looking charger and it doesn't cost much, so it's a great addition to any desk, provided your phone charges wirelessly (most of the new ones do). — Malarie Gokey, senior editor



A stainless steel travel mug

Hydro Flask 12 oz Double Wall Travel Coffee Mug, available at Amazon, $29.95

I often end up running around to unexpected meetings and chats in the morning, and sometimes I'm forced to leave my coffee behind — or I just don't have time to drink it immediately. This insulated mug keeps it hot for hours, so even if a meeting runs long or I get so focused on something that I forget to drink it, it always seems to stay nice and steamy. — Sally Kaplan, editor



A posture belt for back pain

BetterBack Support Posture Belt, available at Amazon, $59.99

I swear by the BetterBack for helping me to maintain good posture at my desk and relieving both upper and lower back pain throughout the day. I have a few slipped discs in my spine, so I deal with pretty chronic discomfort. This is the only tool (not counting stretching and acupuncture) that has ever helped mitigate my pain, which helps me focus on my work instead of on my back. You can read my full review of the BetterBack here if you're interested. — Sally Kaplan, editor



A webcam cover

STEAGLE Premium Webcam Cover, available at Amazon, $10.75

It’s an incredibly cheap source of peace of mind. I put a small cover over the camera on my laptop. If Mark Zuckerberg is covering his, the least I can do is cover mine. — Breton Fischetti, VP of Insider Picks 



A stainless steel tea flask that brews

T2 Tea Stainless Steel Flask, available at Amazon, $35

One excellent way to stay warm when your office is freezing is to drink lots of tea. I prefer this stainless steel flask to a regular mug because it keeps my drinks hot for hours. It’s not the easiest to clean, but you can buy a water bottle brush for it for less than $10 on Amazon. — Ellen Hoffman, director of editorial strategy for Insider Picks 



A heating pad

Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL King Size Heating Pad, available at Amazon, $34.99

A heating pad is another excellent way to stay warm in a freezing office. This is the one I use; I prop it up so that it's sandwiched between my lower back and my desk chair. It has six heat settings and automatically turns off after two hours of use. I don't care if I look crazy to my coworkers… at least I'm always nice and toasty. — Ellen Hoffman, director of editorial strategy for Insider Picks



A Bluetooth keyboard

Satechi Aluminum Slim Wireless Keyboard, available at Amazon, $74.99

Bluetooth keyboards have become incredibly common, but very few of them are sleek, lightweight, and full-sized like this one from Satechi. I find it easy to type on, and I use the number pad significantly more than I anticipated. — Brandt Ranj, reporter



A wireless charging pad

Mophie Wireless Charge Pad, available at Amazon, $50.47

My desk used to be littered with charging cables, but Mophie's wireless charging pad ended that madness. Instead of plugging my phone in every day, I put it on the stand when I get into work, and grab it whenever I get up from my desk. Wireless charging still isn't as fast as wired charging, but Mophie's pad is quick enough that I don't notice a huge difference. — Brandt Ranj, reporter



A reusable smart notebook

Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook, available at Amazon, $28.49

This is a good compromise for me as someone who learns better by writing things down, but doesn't want to waste the paper or give up digitized notes. When you write on the Everlast notebook pages with an accompanying pen, you can later erase your writing with a damp cloth and reuse the same page over and over again. You can also digitize your handwritten notes using an app. I personally love it because it feels just like writing on paper, but reduces waste and the storage of tons of old notebooks. We also included it in our Buying Guide to the best smart notebooks you can buy. — Mara Leighton, reporter



A luxe seat cushion

Purple Royal Seat Cushion, available at Purple, $79

I asked for a Purple Seat Cushion for Christmas after editing Jessica Klein’s review of hers a few months earlier, and it’s amazing what an instant and marked improvement it’s made! Besides improving my posture while seated, it has made sitting down all day for my desk job significantly more comfortable.— Ellen Hoffman, director of editorial strategy for Insider Picks



A wireless ergonomic mouse

Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse, available on Amazon, $70.81

In line with my reasoning for getting a wireless charger, I ditched my no-name optical mouse for the Logitech MX Master 2S wireless mouse. It features rechargeable batteries that last up to 70 days on a single charge, a two-speed wheel scroll for precise or fast scrolling, and an ergonomic design that makes using it all day a lot more comfortable. You can even pair it to up to three computers at once for fluid control between multiple devices. I like this mouse so much, I've brought it with me for days where I know I'll be working from home. — Amir Ismael, reporter



A nice leather mouse pad

Nomad Rustic Brown Leather Mouse Pad, available at Nomad, $59.95

I actually use this as a desk pad instead of a mouse pad. It adds style and personality to my desk while also keeping my keyboard and planner from slipping around. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks Buying Guides editor

I love the sleek look of this mousepad, but more importantly, I love that it's huge. When I'm trying to screenshot something, drag an image around, or move between my two monitors, it accommodates my sweeping motions.— Sally Kaplan, editor



A nearly indestructible plant

Zanzibar Gem plant, available at Leon & George, from $109

Plant delivery company Leon & George told me this tropical plant is "near indestructible" and it was completely right. For the past half year, I've quite honestly neglected this plant. I water it whenever I feel like it or happen to remember, but it's still looking great and it brings me a lot of joy. The incorporation of greenery has made my desk set-up feel less sterile, and it couldn't be easier to take care of. The process of ordering from Leon & George was also painless. You can browse plants by size, benefit, and light needed, and your order arrives to your door fresh and carefully packaged. — Connie Chen, reporter



A wireless fast charger that clears up cables

iOttie iON Wireless Plus Fast Charger, available at Amazon, $39.95

My ideal workspace is neat and clutter-free, so I like to keep the amount of things on my desk to a minimum. In doing so, I've gotten rid of wires wherever possible. The iOttie iON Wireless Plus is my solution to doing away with my normal iPhone cable. It looks great, doesn't take up much space, and charges my iPhone a lot faster than the standard power adapter and cable. — Amir Ismael, reporter



A tea infuser dish set

FORLIFE Extra-fine Tea Infuser and Dish Set, available at Amazon, $18

I always drink coffee before work, but when I'm in the office I prefer to drink tea. This is the best loose-leaf tea infuser I've found (and I've tried several). It's perfect for the office because it fits any size mug and comes with a dish so I can take the infuser out of the tea and leave it on my desk without causing a mess. It's also really easy to clean. — Lauren Lyons Cole, director of Personal Finance Insider



Computer glasses

Nash Eyeglasses, available at Felix Gray, from $95

I don't need prescription eyeglasses, but I wear a pair of blue light glasses when I work long days and later at night to avoid messing with my circadian rhythm since that's the kind of thing that can ruin a week (and my energy) by Wednesday morning. They're also just a welcome break from direct exposure to my devices sometimes. — Mara Leighton, reporter



A 4K HDR gaming monitor

BenQ EL2870U 28 inch 4K HDR Gaming Monitor, available at Amazon, $347.99

I'm one of those people who works best when tons of apps are open at once, so I need a wide-open space to work with. BenQ's 28-inch 4K monitor is physically large enough that I can easily read text or make out details in small pictures, and high resolution enough that they all look sharp. — Brandt Ranj, reporter



A temperature control mug with a heating pad

Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug, available at Best Buy, $149.99

I'm the kind of person who makes tea and forgets about it until it has become iced tea. Having a smart mug that keeps itself warm with a heating pad is life-changing. My Ember mug — which I named "Hot Stuff" as a joke and a reference to an album by The Killers — keeps my tea warm hours after I've made it. — Malarie Gokey, senior editor



A cute post-it note dispenser

Post-it Cat Figure Pop-up Note Dispenser, available at Amazon, $8.39

I'm obsessed with Post-It notes and cats, so this cat-shaped Post-It note dispenser is one of my favorite desk decorations. It holds my Post-Its perfectly and it looks cute on my desk. It's also weighted so it's hard to knock over, and if a real cat happened to walk on my desk, they'd struggle to knock it off. — Malarie Gokey, senior editor



A wireless mouse

Anker Wireless Mouse, available at Amazon, $17.99

It's not just that this mouse is wireless and thus de-clutters my space, it's also that it's ergonomic. It's never glitched out on me and it always does what I need it to do — it's that simple. — Sally Kaplan, editor



An insulated sport water bottle

Takeya Actives Insulated Stainless Water Bottle, 24 oz, available at Amazon, $32.99

I use this water bottle everywhere I go. It keeps my tea hot for hours, my cold brew cold for over 24 hours (with ice cubes intact), and has a conveniently durable build and no-drip or drop design for the gym. It's pretty cheap for a stainless steel water bottle, and the clip at the top means I can attach it to backpacks or duffel bags with clip-on straps for easy carrying. — Mara Leighton, reporter



A weekly planner

Hashi Weekly Planner Pad, available at Amazon, $8.60

Between my Post-Its, Trello board, and this weekly desk planner, I make to-do lists for my to-do lists. I love this planner for its simple weekly layout, lack of dates that ensure it lasts longer than a year, and its adorable designs. As you flip through the weeks, you get cute cacti, airplanes, flowers, and other fun designs. It doesn’t take up much desk space, either. I have mine right above my keyboard so I can refer to it all day, every day.— Malarie Gokey, senior editor



Small memo sheets

Pusheen Memo Sheets, available at Amazon, $5.66

We've established that I love making notes and lists, right? Oh, and that I love cats. These Pusheen Memo Sheets keep my desk cute and remind me of all the things I need to do. — Malarie Gokey, senior editor



A good-looking box of succulents

Mini Trough Succulents, available from 1-800-FLOWERS, $39.99

Succulents are the perfect desk plant: They almost never need water, they don't care if they miss sun, and they're small. This little planter looks great on a desk. — Malarie Gokey, senior editor



A wireless charging pad

Courant Catch 3 Wireless Charger, available at Goop, $175

Courant is a new startup that takes care of your functional needs (like charging your phone) while maintaining style and sophistication. Its sleek, Qi-certified wireless charger is made from high-grade aluminum and features a braided nylon cord and pebble-grain Italian leather top, making it the most luxe charging option your money can get. If you want to make your desk look as stylish as you do, this tech accessory will impress both you and your coworkers. — Connie Chen, reporter



Where to find more desk recommendations



We got an inside look at pharma giant Merck's strategy to upend the $20 billion HIV drug market using tech borrowed from birth control

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Stop AIDS HIV protest

  • A promising new HIV drug could one day be implanted in the body, upending the current paradigm of daily pills.
  • The medicine, MK-8591, is being developed by US drug giant Merck. That could give Merck an edge in a market expected to top $21 billion by 2026, though it's still early days.
  • Merck has been tight-lipped about the project so far. Business Insider spoke with two top scientists about the drug and implant tech, and with HIV experts and others about how the effort could fare.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The story of one of the most promising HIV treatments being developed today begins in Japan more than a decade ago. 

When taking a look at modern HIV medicines, Japanese scientist Hiroshi Ohrui saw certain shortcomings. But he also noticed a way to change and improve them. 

Medical care for people with HIV has come a long way from the days when there were no treatments at all, and a diagnosis often meant death. Today, at least in the US and other wealthy nations, those with the virus can take daily pills to suppress it, and there are also pills that can help prevent people from getting HIV in the first place.

Still, 37 million people around the world have the disease, and an estimated 5,000 more infections occur each day, the latest data shows. 

Even when people have access to medicine, they sometimes forget to take their pills or miss doses for other reasons. That can render treatments ineffective and also could help the virus become resistant to current medicines.

The medicine that Ohrui custom-built could get around that and other downsides of HIV treatments, like the need for large doses of medicines. Patented by the Japanese conglomerate Yamasa, best known for its green- and red-capped bottles of soy sauce, and licensed by US drug giant Merck, it's now the basis for a new medicine, MK-8591. Soy sauce

The drug's apparent strength and durability could one day make it possible for those with HIV or at risk to eschew their daily pills for more infrequent doses. Someday, a matchstick-size implant could automatically dispense the treatment in the body, upending a market that's expected to top $21 billion by 2026, according to data from Datamonitor Healthcare.

Importantly, it's still early days. The implant is an estimated four to five years away from a review by regulators. And for now, it's just being tested out in implant form to prevent HIV, not treat it. 

But excitement at Merck and around the industry runs high, though the company hasn't spoken much about the projects thus far. On Wednesday, Merck announced that it plans to test the drug out in late-stage research. Business Insider got an early inside look at the experimental drug. 

"I've been in the HIV field since the 1980s, back when we had really nothing. And now we have really good treatments, and so we're ready for that next wave of innovation," said Dr. Michael Robertson, executive director of global clinical development at Merck Research Labs and section head for HIV and Hepatitis C. "Watch this space. A lot is going to be happening."

Read more:The treatment that cured 2 men of HIV may also help with a remarkable array of more than 70 deadly diseases

A potent drug that could upend the current HIV treatment paradigm

When Cheryl Stoddart,a professor of medicine in residence at UCSF, first tested out the Merck HIV drug in the lab, it was so strong that she still struggles with the best way to describe it.

It was many times stronger than Truvada, the sole HIV prevention treatment in the US, which has been a best-selling blockbuster for drugmaker Gilead, Stoddard said. 

Writing about the molecule in a manuscript, she tried out the descriptor "ultra potent," but an editor took it out. 

"I've been testing and developing antiviral drugs now for 30 years or so, and when somebody hands you something that's the most potent thing you've ever tested at that point, you take notice," Stoddard told Business Insider.

Potency means that patients can take a small amount of a drug and still get a treatment effect, an enviable attribute for a medication. That also excited Merck's scientists about MK-8591, as did how long the experimental medicine appeared to stay in the body. 

MK-8591 is part of a category of drugs frequently used to treat HIV. Its apparent potency can be chalked up to a key difference at the molecular level, or an extra group of atoms that Merck researchers believe helps it work better against HIV. Because it has a different mechanism, MK-8591 could potentially be effective for drug-resistant forms of the virus, too, Merck's Robertson said.  

As a pill, Merck figures it could be taken as infrequently as once a month. The drugmaker has tested out that pill form in people as a once-a-day treatment with other HIV drugs in a mid-stage trial, and based on positive results, now plans to conduct a late-stage trial

The Merck team also decided to think about ways patients could take their medicine even less frequently.

Merck has since 2001 sold tiny, rod-sized birth control implants that women can have inserted in their arms, instead of taking a daily contraceptive pill.

Combining the implant technology with MK-8591 seemed like the perfect marriage.

Harnessing a spaghetti-like manufacturing process

Small and unobtrusive. Those are two crucial facets of Merck's $700 million birth-control-implant franchise, which includes an older version called Implanon and a next-generation one named Nexplanon.

Merck / Implanon / Birth control implant

To make the flexible, rod-like devices, plastic and pregnancy-preventing hormones are molded into long, thin strands, "just like a piece of spaghetti," explains Stephanie Barrett, a senior principal scientist with Merck. They're then cut into multiple implants.

In rats, a miniaturized version of these implants has been used to test out HIV drug MK-8591. Published research shows that the implant released the drug continuously, for as long as a year-and-a-half in some cases. 

Merck only stopped the study "because the rats were dying of old age," Barrett said, calling this early pre-clinical research "really promising so far."

In humans, the drug and implant could last six months to a year. That will require human testing to prove it's safe and effective, with safety being especially important, because the device is intended for long-term use. Studies of the implant in humans could be around two years away, one researcher estimated. 

Morgan Stanley analyst David Risinger told Business Insider that the opportunity was "exciting," since if MK-8591 works better than other drugs, there should be a lot of demand. Execution will be critical, though, because implants are more complicated to develop than other kinds of products. 

Price could also be an issue, since "there will be more generic HIV products available by time they launch this implant," he said. Cheaper alternatives might make health insurers unwilling to pay for a more expensive, branded product. 

Why HIV implants have been a long-held dream

HIV implants have been something of a long-desired dream for health professionals who treat people with the virus. 

A daily pill regimen may not sound especially difficult, especially compared with what one expert called the "bad old days" of treatment. Back then, treatments consisted of fistfuls of pills, each one guided by varying rules. 

Yet it's harder than you would think, medical professionals say, because for a patient that might mean a pill a day for decades. Then there are barriers like cost, other medications to think about, and the still-enduring stigma attached to HIV. 

"Taking a pill every day is a daily reminder that you have HIV. And that's hard," said Susan LeLacheur, a physician assistant who has been treating individuals with HIV since 1987. "There is some stigma, some guilt, some fear, which of course there is. Not having that daily reminder is important for people." 

Dispensing medications inside the body automatically, with implants, has become a new frontier for many diseases. And it's especially attractive in HIV, where forgetting to take your pills can have serious health consequences.

Existing HIV treatments are a combination of drugs that block spots in the body vulnerable to the virus getting in and spreading. Without that barrier, the disease can morph, making existing medications ineffective. 

Replacing once-a-day treatment entirely is still a long way off. Merck is starting in prevention, since it'll need to pair MK-8591 with other, similarly powerful drugs for an implantable treatment. 

Other corners of the healthcare world are also testing out HIV implants, including academic and nonprofit groups working with an existing HIV drug from drugmaker Gilead. Developers are also working towards more streamlined HIV regimens, with once-a-month shots in development, too.

In the implant space, there's "nothing else I'm aware of" that's as far along as Merck's project, says Merck collaborator Dr. Charles Flexner, a professor at Johns Hopkins University. Flexner is also involved with a program called LEAP funded by the US's National Institutes of Health to encourage development in this area. 

Space constraints could also dog other efforts, Merck's Robertson said. There's only so much space in the body for an implant, and MK-8591 could allow for a 100-fold smaller dose, and thus a smaller implant, than the Gilead drug others are working with, he said. Gilead didn't respond to a request for comment.

Merck's decades of experience making implants should also help it, Robertson said, noting that the company is also trying the drug out as a pill taken by mouth. 

"What we really want to see is give patients options. People like options," Robertson said. "This molecule forms a cornerstone for a number of different ways of approaching this."

This story was first published on May 6. It was updated on July 10 to include that the treatment is moving into late-stage trials.

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A $100 keto breath-sniffing device can help dieters know if they've been eating too many carbohydrates

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  • A new $99 breath test called Keyto can tell low-carb eaters whether they're in the fat-burning state of ketosis.
  • The test isn't perfect: It won't necessarily register carb-heavy foods that were just eaten, and no single reading should be considered fully trustworthy.
  • Instead, Keyto's founders say their breathalyzer is best used to check in on diet progress on a daily basis. 
  • INSIDER data editor Walt Hickey tried out the breathalyzer, and said that while it looked like he was using a vape pen, the breath test provided an easy way to monitor his keto dieting.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Testing your breath can do more than reveal whether you need to brush your teeth — it can now yield clues about how much fat your body is using for fuel. 

The pungent smell of acetone permeating from a keto dieter's gullet can be a fairly decent indicator of whether that person's low-carb eating strategy is on track. A new breathalyzer tool released yesterday aims to help people measure just that.

The goal of the popular keto diet is to move the body into a state of ketosis, in which the body burns fat for fuel instead of relying on carbs. Our systems naturally enter this mode when starving, but the keto diet hacks our systems to force ketosis by zeroing out the intake of sugar and carbohydrates and upping fat consumption.

But it can be difficult for keto dieters to determine how well their bodies are staying in ketosis without help from a urine test or finger prick for blood. 

Now a startup called Keyto, founded by two Silicon Valley doctors, is offering a simple breathe-in-breathe-out test that can give people a sense of their metabolic state. Keyto's $99 breath-measuring stick is essentially a small handheld tube the size of a Sharpie that measures acetone on the breath in the same way alcohol breathalyzers measure ethanol. 

Keto dieters exhale acetone 

The state of ketosis can be triggered when a reliable 70-80% of a person's daily calories come from fat, and no more than 5% come from carbs. It can take several weeks to get into this mode, but once a person does, they may develop what some call "keto breath" (which might smell pleasantly like a baby's breath or may be mildly off-putting, depending on who you ask).

"I've had people come up to me and say 'your breath smells like a baby!'" Keyto founder Ethan Weiss told Business Insider. "I can't smell it, I'm not sensitive enough. But there are people out there who have really, really sensitive noses."

The scent is a byproduct of the body's work converting fat into fuel, since the process excretes three ketones, one of which is acetone. Ketones are the acids that are produced naturally by bodies as they break down fat for energy, which is a big shift from our metabolic default: fueling up on glucose from carbs. 

The founders of Keyto — Weiss, a cardiologist at UCSF in San Francisco, and Ray Wu, a doctor who has developed other diet apps — re-jiggered an alcohol breathalyzer test, which traditionally measures ethanol, to monitor acetone levels instead. That makes it a fairly reliable ketosis meter. Weiss originally started developing the device to help more of his patients manage diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic issues without drugs.

"Keto is undeniably the best way to deal with Type-2 diabetes and insulin resistance," Weiss said.

But because the tool can give keto dieters instant feedback, it has garnered broad interest: More than 9,900 people backed Keyto's Indiegogo campaign, and the company says it has shipped 14,000 breathalyzers in its pre-launch phase. 

keyto .PNG

The device is a battery-powered, handheld breath-measuring stick that pairs with a smartphone app. To perform a keto breath test, Keyto users open the app, then take a long, slow breath in and exhale into the tube for about 10 seconds. After that, the app reveals a "Keyto Level" ranging from 1 (not in ketosis) to 8 (deep ketosis), based on how much acetone vapor is detected on the breath.

The app also tracks a dieter's progress over time, linking their ketone level numbers to their weight. For an extra annual fee of $96, the app can also suggest meals that might help dieters get a better breath score; it rates foods based on how keto-friendly they are.

Trying out Keyto at the Business Insider office 

Walt Hickey, the data editor at INSIDER (Business Insider's sister publication), is a longtime keto-diet fan, so he tried out the Keyto test for several weeks this spring.

He said the tool didn't always pick up a carb-heavy food like a donut if he tried to get a reading right after eating it. But for the most part, Keyto seemed to register how well he stuck to his low-carb plan: Hickey's readings plummeted when he indulged in some cake at a friend's wedding, yet remained relatively stable when he cooked for himself at home. 

walt keto test.JPG

The device has to be connected to the internet to work, so Hickey said he couldn't get instant breathalyzer measurements on the subway during his morning commute. But he liked getting quick-fire feedback about how he was doing every day.

"I like certainty that I'm sticking to dietary choices, but with keto it's always a bit annoying," Hickey said. "We live in a society — I'm not going to bring a urinalysis test strip to the office. In that regard the Keyto was great, even if it by definition only approximated ketosis."

Plus, he added, Keyto looks close enough to a vape pen that he didn't stand out too much when using it.

"Aesthetically you look like someone taking a large hit from a vape pen but doing a particularly bad job of it. Which isn't the best look, but is decidedly not the worst," he said.

Keyto is not the only keto breathalyzer on the market. There is also the $219 Ketonix breath test and the Levl device, which costs $99 upfront then $99 a month for at-home testing. But the Keyto founders are hoping their cheaper, smaller device that pairs with a smartphone app will woo consumers.

Keto diets aren't for everyone

Keto diets are soaring in popularity, and mounting evidence suggests the eating plan can be a health boon for some people. Going keto may help reduce Type-2 diabetes risk, and the diet is well known as an effective approach to dealing with tough-to-treat epileptic seizures in children.

Many keto-lovers say that the high-fat plan both helps them lose weight and also lifts some mental haze.

Wu and Weiss said — much to their own surprise — they have also both become keto adherents. They have taken to using the breathalyzer daily on themselves, while sometimes stoking "friendly competitions" among Keyto users to see who can get the best ketone score.

"It's really a great detector of hidden sugar, whether that's in salad dressing or sauces, barbecue sauce," Weiss said.

But they both caution that any single reading should not be taken as an absolute indication of success or failure in low-carb eating. 

"People shouldn't think that, 'Oh, okay, I just ate one bite of carbs and then 10 seconds later it will reflect in the ketone level,'" Wu said. "There's many things, from the environment, to what you ate, to when you ate, to if you exercised — just so many things that can affect every single breath." 

Plus, the keto diet is not for everyone. Some initial evidence from small-scale studies in athletes and others suggests that going keto can significantly change cholesterol levels in the body, and it's not clear yet whether this effect is good or bad.

"I think the vast majority of people who go on this diet will have no trouble with their cholesterol," Weiss said. "But I'm not going to tell the people that do have trouble with their cholesterol that it's not a problem." 

For that reason, the Keyto app promotes a "heart healthy" approach to the keto diet. 

"Some of the sort of traditional bacon, butter, and eggs keto may not be optimal for everybody," Weiss said.

Instead, he added, "the fats that you find in things like nuts, or avocado, or olive oil, and fish like salmon or trout," are the ones to prioritize.

keyto breathalize your food

This advice aligns with other recent studies that suggest eating lots of processed foods and meats isn't great for our long-term health or longevity.

Unfortunately, the healthiness of each individual food a person eats isn't something the smell of their breath can reveal.

SEE ALSO: High-fat diets like keto are nearly impossible to maintain, research suggests — but there's an easier way to eat well

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NOW WATCH: The popular keto diet can help you shed weight, but it comes with some serious side effects

13 products we swear by for getting us through our commutes every day

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  • As product reviewers who often carry a lot of stuff to and from work every day, the members of the Insider Picks team have become experts at commuting. 
  • Most of us can agree that our commute is one of the less enjoyable parts of our day, but we've gotten pretty good at making it less miserable. 
  • Here are the 13 products we rely on every day to make our commutes a little more bearable. 
  • Read more: 21 products we were hesitant about at first but ended up really liking

Here on the Insider Picks team, we're no amateurs when it comes to commuting. We've spent mornings pushing through crowds on the subway platform, sweating through long rides without any air conditioning in the summer, and have dealt with more delays, service changes, and unexpected stops than we can count. Most of these days, we have heavy bags full of products we're testing for articles.  

No matter where you live, how you get to work, or how long it takes you, most of us can agree that commuting can be a pretty dismal experience. 

Unfortunately, we're not the MTA or magicians, so we can't just make your commute disappear. But what we can do is help you out with some product recommendations we swear by that have the power to make your commute a little less miserable, and maybe even a little more enjoyable. 

Here are 13 products we rely on to make our commutes better: 

Kindle Paperwhite

Connie Chen, reporter: "I could probably sit (and yes, even stand) on the train all day as long as I have my Kindle and a few books loaded up. I used to carry physical books on my commute, but they just got too heavy and cumbersome to hold. I have the older Paperwhite version, but many of these statements still stand: it’s light and comfortable to hold, glare-free, and has a good battery life. What’s great about the newest one is that it’s now waterproof and has double the storage."

Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks Editor: "I absolutely hate commuting, but a Kindle makes it about 50% better. It's easy to read from while sitting or standing on the subway, particularly because it doesn't require two hands to turn pages. Even if I'm squished between 100 people and grasping for balance from a nearby pole, I can keep my place in the book and not worry about accidentally closing it without a bookmark."

Get the Kindle Paperwhite for $129.99 at Amazon



RHA Wireless Earbuds

Sally Kaplan, editor: "I truly love these headphones. They sound amazing, and they create a seal that blocks out the noise of my commute, which includes dreadfully loud screeching trains and honking trucks. The back of each earbud is magnetic, so when I'm done listening, I just pop them out of my ears and the magnets meet to create a necklace of sorts so they never fall off. Plus, they pair easily and seamlessly. You can read my full review of them here, but suffice it to say, I'd rather be hit by a train than commute without them."

Get the RHA Wireless Earbuds for $89.99 at Amazon



Jaybird Tarah Pro Earbuds

Connie Chen, reporter: "No matter how much you're jamming out, no one likes to hear what you're listening to on your commute. These wireless sports earbuds have great sound quality and immerse you fully in your music, without subjecting your fellow passengers to it. What's cool about these earphones is that you can customize the bass and treble through the Jaybird app, and they have a really impressive 14-hour battery life."

Get the Jaybird Tarah Pro Earbuds for $159.99 at Best Buy



Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody

Amir Ismael, reporter: "Staying at a comfortable body temperature is usually my biggest concern while commuting, and the Patagonia Micro Puff has been my savior for staying warm. As Patagonia's best warmth-for-weight jacket, it's a lot warmer than it actually looks. Although it can't compete with a real deal winter parka, it's a great bottom layer for days when it's below freezing. It's even saved me from super cold air conditioning on long bus rides or in the office during the summer when the air conditioning makes it feel like winter. When stowed into its own pocket, the Patagonia Micro Puff is so compact and light that it's almost never worth leaving behind — regardless of the season."

Get the Men's Micro Puff Hoody for $299 at Patagonia



Everlane Form Bag

Ellen Hoffman, director of editorial strategy for Insider Picks: "In an effort to reduce back strain while riding the ever-more-crowded New York City subways, I’ve stopped hauling big purses to work that are packed with a lot of extra junk I don’t need. (I mean, really, how often do I need access to five slightly differently colored lipsticks?). Helping me in this effort the last few months has been Everlane’s Form Bag, which is the perfect medium size for all the essentials, including my 13-inch MacBook Pro that fits best when stored horizontally.

I like that I can wear the Form Bag across my body for better weight distribution. It houses only one small interior pocket, though; so if you’re looking for a great work bag with pockets for everything, including one for your coffee thermos, I highly recommend Dagne Dover tote bags that comes in tons of colors and different sizes for every need."

Get The Form Bag for $235 at Everlane

Check out more tote bags at Dagne Dover



Cotopaxi Kusa Jacket

Mara Leighton, reporter: "This is one of the best examples of incredibly thin jackets that pack a ton of warmth. It's insulation is a blend of polyester and llama fiber, which is super lightweight but naturally insulating thanks to its hollow makeup. Before temperatures plummet to single digits, this is my cheat code to staying warm without taking up the space of four people in a marshmallow puffer coat. It folds down to the space of a T-shirt in my bag, but keeps me toasty even when I can see my breath. This also means I can take it off and put it away while on swamped trains to avoid overheating. It also has water-resistant finish, so I don't worry about a drizzle."

Get the Women's Kusa Jacket from $100 at Cotopaxi



A Scribd Membership

Mara Leighton, reporter: "For $8.99 per month, I get unlimited access to hundreds of thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, sheet music, and more. I've been an avid subscriber for years to make learning/reading more affordable. There's an offline download option for the subways or plane rides, and it's a relief not having to wiggle a book out of my bag or keep it open at the expense of everyone else's free space."

Get a ScribdMembership for $8.99 per month at Scribd



CleanWell Hand Sanitizer Spray

Grace High, analyst: "I try not to touch anything or sit on the subway, but sometimes I forget and touch something in a moment of carelessness. Knowing my hands are clean and the calming smell of this sanitizer instantly puts my anxiety to rest."

Get the CleanWell Botanical Hand Sanitizer Spray for $3.58 at Amazon



Dagne Dover Weston Laptop Bag

Mara Leighton, reporter: "This bag somehow always fits what I need it to without taking on bulk. It holds my laptop, planner, and miscellaneous essentials like gloves — but it’s sleek enough to go unnoticed in a packed train. The outer pocket is flush with the bag but perfectly deep for house keys, lip balms, and headphones at easy access. It can be worn on your arm, shoulder, or as a crossbody."

Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks Reporter: "I've already written about the merits of this commuter-friendly bag, but I'm going to sing its praises again. When you're shoved into a crowded subway car, it can be hard to know what to do with a bulky bag. That's why I love this one — it has a sleek and slim look, plus you can hold it in your hands or wear it as a crossbody bag, which is a nice break for your back if you spend most of your commute standing up."

Get the Weston Laptop Bag for $135 at Dagne Dover



Herschel Backpack

Grace High, analyst: "This bag is lightweight and cute, and definitely better for my back than lugging my life around in a large tote. Plus the inside of the bag is colorful and fun!"

Get the Herschel Supply Co. Backpack for $48.57 at Amazon (price varies depending on color)



PopSockets Grips

Sally Kaplan, editor: "I have one of these grips on my phone and another one on my Kindle. They make it a lot easier to hold my devices on crowded trains, so I never feel like I'm at risk of dropping something and ending up with a cracked screen."

Get a PopSockets Grip from $9.99 at Amazon



Silk Wallet Phone Case

Sally Kaplan, editor: "I swear by these wallet cases for making my commute more seamless. Instead of digging around for my MetroCard every time I need to swipe quickly to catch a train, I just pull my card out from the back of my phone, which is pretty much always in my hand."

Get the Silk iPhone XR Wallet Case for $23.99 at Amazon



Apple Airpods

Remi Rosmarin, reporter: "I don't care if these look funny, I love them. These aren't technically noise-cancelling headphones, but they're loud enough to drown out the many loud and unusual noises you may encounter on a subway ride. Plus, the fact that they're wireless is so convenient — I can keep my phone tucked away in my bag or pocket without accidentally pulling out my headphone wires."

Get the Apple Airpods for $144.99 at Amazon




How to recover your deleted Facebook messages in 3 ways, and backup your current messages so you won't lose them

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Facebook Messenger

  • If you're trying to figure out how to recover deleted Facebook messages, unfortunately, you won't have much luck. Deleted Facebook messages that weren't backed up cannot be recovered.
  • However, there are other avenues you may be able to exploit to recover deleted Facebook messages.
  • Facebook messages can be backed up to your email account, thereby allowing you to avoid the problem of deleted messages going forward.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

It happens to everyone: You've scoured your message history, but the one message you're looking for just isn't there. For one reason or another, you deleted it. But now you want it back.

Once you delete a Facebook message, it's gone for good — at least, from a strict Facebook Messenger perspective. But there are things you can do to get those messages back from other sources.

Here are a few methods you can use to recover deleted Facebook messages, as well as back up your messages so you don't lose them in the future:

How to recover deleted Facebook messages

Here are a few methods that could help you retrieve those messages:

Check your archived conversations

For this, you'll need to use your Facebook Messenger app. 

From the chats section of the app, type the name of the person you were talking to in the search bar. Then simply tap their name to open the conversation and view everything.

For more information on archiving Facebook messages, read our article, "How to archive conversations on Facebook Messenger, and view your archived messages." 

1 RECOVER DELETED FACEBOOK MESSAGES

Ask the recipient for a copy, or screenshot, of the message or conversation

When you delete a message, it only happens on your end. The person you're talking to will still be able to see it, so they can help you fill in the gap.

Check if your Facebook messages were sent to your email

This only works if you have all email notifications enabled for your account. But if it's enabled, you should be able to search for the conversation or message within your email account. (More on enabling this feature, or checking if it's active for your account, in the next section.)

How to back up your Facebook messages

Whether you were able to get those deleted messages back or not, it's a good idea to backup your messages going forward. That way, you won't run into this problem again. Here's how:

1. Set up the backup-to-email function: Go to your Facebook settings, using the desktop version. Then toggle down to the Notifications tab, scroll down and click to expand the "Email" section. Finally, select the first option, "All notifications except the ones you turn off."

2 RECOVER DELETED FACEBOOK MESSAGES

2. Download your messages to your computer: Again on the desktop version, go to your Facebook settings and, within the "Your Facebook Information" tab, click "Download your information." To only get your messages, click "deselect all" and recheck the box next to "Messages." Then click "Create file." Facebook will email you the file once it's ready for viewing.

3 RECOVER DELETED FACEBOOK MESSAGES

SEE ALSO: The best cheap phones you can buy unlocked on Amazon

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How to clear suggested searches on Instagram for iPhone, and clear your search history

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FILE PHOTO: The Instagram application is seen on a phone screen August 3, 2017.   REUTERS/Thomas White/File Photo

  • You can clear the suggested searches on the Instagram app for your iPhone to give your app's search page a fresh slate.
  • Instagram tries to help you search by offering suggested searches based on topics and users you have looked for in the past. 
  • You can clear the current set of suggested searches by tapping the close box to the right of each one, but new ones will appear the next time you search.
  • You can also clear your recent Instagram search history using Settings. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When you perform a search in Instagram, the app tries to help by offering suggested searches.

These suggestions are based on the accounts you already follow, other recent searches you've made, and topics Instagram thinks you're interested in.

If you prefer, you can clear these suggestions.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone XS (From $999 at Apple)

How to clear suggested searches on Instagram

1. In the Instagram app, tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen.

2. Tap the search box at the top of the screen. You should see search suggestions appear between the search box and the keyboard. 

3. For each suggested search that you want to clear, tap the 'X' at the right side of the screen. The suggestion should disappear.

search 1

You can remove all your suggested searches, but keep in mind that the next time you start a search, Instagram will provide new search suggestions. You can clear as many suggestions as you want, but you can't turn this feature off entirely.

How to clear recent searches on Instagram

1. In the Instagram app, tap your account icon at the bottom right of the screen.

2. With your finger at the top of your profile page, swipe to the left, or tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right.

3. At the bottom of the sidebar, tap the Settings button. 

search 3

4. Tap "Security," and then tap "Clear Search History."

search 4

5. On the Search History page, confirm you want to do this by tapping "Clear Search History."

Instagram will delete your existing recent searches. When you perform new searches, those will subsequently appear as recent searches; again, you can't turn off this feature entirely. 

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone cases for every model

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The best KitchenAid stand mixers you can buy

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  • The best KitchenAid stand mixers serve as an indispensable tool as you bake cakes, pies, bread, cookies, and other delicious treats.
  • They can knead the toughest dough for long periods of time, and they are versatile enough to make pasta and sausage.
  • The KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield tops our list because it does all of these things and more.
  • Amazon Prime Day is back on July 15-16. We expect to see deals on KitchenAid stand mixers and other kitchen-related items. Shop the best Prime Day 2019 deals across tech, home, kitchen, and more. The Insider Picks team will be updating this list frequently.

Aside from the satisfaction of a job well done, making your own baked goods from scratch tastes better, is better for you, and it generally costs much less than buying products from the store. KitchenAid mixers make home baking a cinch.

Even if baking isn't your thing, there are plenty of secondary uses for these mixers that make them well worth your money. If you have ever watched one of those prime-time cooking shows, you have likely noticed a KitchenAid mixer in the kitchen. They are the standard in the industry. Here are some things to consider when you are ready to ramp up your culinary experience.

Tilt head versus bowl lift

KitchenAid mixers come with a tilt head or a lever that lifts your bowl up to the mixing attachment. The one that is best for you depends on how much space you have. The lift models tend to be taller and wider, therefore they require more counter space. But, they generally perform better than the tilt-head units, which can bounce when handling larger batches of dough.

Accessories and attachments

One of the aspects of KitchenAid mixers that sets them apart from the competition is the array of optional attachments and accessories available. Most of the attachments work with any of the company's stand mixers. Here are a few of the most popular accessories:

  • Ice Cream MakerIn 20 to 30 minutes, this attachment will make up to two quarts of gelato, sorbet, or ice cream.
  • Pasta Roller and Cutter: Stainless steel cutters and rollers produce six-inch sheets of pasta with eight thickness settings and can be cut for fettuccine, spaghetti, and more.
  • Food Grinder: Use this to grind dried bread, meat, vegetables, cheeses, firm fruit, and use it with the stuffer set to make sausage.
  • Food Processor: This attachment will shred, dice, julienne, and slice any vegetables, cheeses, and fruits.

Although there are a lot of similarities between models — including high-quality construction and a one-year warranty — not all KitchenAid mixers are the same. Based on our assessment of the reviews and ratings of thousands of buyers and experts, we have come up with recommendations that will guide you in choosing the best KitchenAid mixer for your needs.

Here are the best KitchenAid mixers for 2019:

Updated on 07/10/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best waffle makers you can buy

The best KitchenAid mixer overall

From bread dough to honey, the KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield is powerful enough to handle just about anything you throw at it.

The KitchenAid KSM150 Artisan mixer is designed for the serious home baker. It comes with a 5-quart stainless steel bowl that can mix dough for four loaves of bread or nine dozen cookies in one batch. Also included are a six-wire whip, coated flat beater, one-piece pouring shield, and coated dough hook. There are 47 colors for this appliance available on Amazon, so you are sure to find an option that matches the décor of your kitchen.

Another feature of the KSM150 is the "59-point planetary mixing action." This essentially means that for every rotation around the bowl, the dough hook, wire whip, or beater has 59 touch points for more thorough mixing.

Many of the home and kitchen appliance experts have reviewed the KSM150 Artisan mixer, and most were impressed with its power. Top Ten Reviews lists this model as the best mixer because of the solid motor, its versatility, and the color selection. The reviewer only dinged it for not having a timer, overload protection, or other more advanced features.

Good Housekeeping endorsed the KSM150 with a score of 93 out of 100 because of the broad range of speeds, ability to handle bread dough, and stylish, robust design. Foodal liked that this model comes with all you need to get started, and ranked it number one on its list.

On Amazon, there are more than 8,000 positive reviews of the Artisan mixer. Buyers like how sturdy the mixer is. It doesn't try to walk off your counter when it's working on a tough task. The biggest complaint was that the mixing bowl sometimes leaves a gray residue on the food you are preparing. KitchenAid recommends scrubbing your mixer bowl with baking soda or lemon and salt to remove the polishing material used on the bowl. Also, buyers complained about having trouble choosing which of the ten available shades of blue to go with for their KitchenAid.

Pros: Powerful 325-watt motor, comes with pouring shield, dozens of colors to choose from

Cons: No overload protection

Buy the KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield on Amazon for $279



The best budget mixer

The KitchenAid K45SSOB 4.5-Quart Classic Series Stand Mixer is the ideal mixer for beginner bakers since it is affordable and can handle most mixing tasks.

KitchenAid mixers are not cheap. Yet, the K45SS is the least expensive option available. It comes with a 4.5-quart bowl, a coated dough hook, 10-speed settings powered by a 250-watt motor, a wire whip, and a coated flat beater. And, as with other KitchenAid units, it has a multi purpose attachment hub that takes more than a dozen optional attachments that can be used to make pasta, grind meat, and much more.

Since the mixer has a relatively small motor, it is one of the quietest mixers you will find. You can control the speed using a shifting knob on the side of the unit. The K45SS does not have a slow start mixing option, so if you are mixing dry ingredients, such as flour, the fast start could send ingredients flying. You can combat this with a pouring shield, which this model does not come with, but you can pick one up for less than $20 on Amazon.

All of the expert reviews we looked at for this guide were positive. Mixer Reviews liked the K45SS because its small stature made it ideal for most countertops. The site did note that you may want to splurge on one of the Professional Series models if you plan on regularly making bread or have larger mixing loads.

Ratingle rated the K45SS highly for the dependability of the 250-watt motor and quality design. Mix It Bake It echoed Mixer Reviews' concern about using this model for heavy duty dough, like bread dough. However, the reviewer commented that it is an excellent budget mixer for light to moderate mixing tasks.

Approximately 80% of customers on Amazon gave the KitchenAid K45SS 5 stars. Buyers liked the versatility of this mixer and found the attractive design fit well with just about any kitchen décor. There were a couple of complaints, though. In addition to the gray residue problem mentioned in the above review, users complained that the bowl that this unit comes with does not have a handle. So, you may want to buy a replacement bowl if that bothers you.

Pros: Affordable, 10 different speed settings, tilt-up mixer head

Cons: Least powerful motor on the list

Buy the KitchenAid KN1PS Pouring Shield on Amazon for $14.95

Buy the KitchenAid Stainless Steel Bowl K45SBWH, 4.5-Quart (with Handle) on Target for $29.99



The best for making bread

With a 450-watt motor, the KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus Series Stand Mixer is one of KitchenAid's most powerful mixers.

The KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus has a ten-speed motor with a slow start function and overload protection. The mixer comes with a 5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl featuring an ergonomic handle. Also, the hinged hub cover flips up to make it easier to install attachments, including the spiral dough hook, wire whip, and flat beater that it comes with. The bowl is lifted to the mixer are using a simple lever that securely stays in place.

The Professional 5 Plus is available in 13 colors on Amazon, including Metallic Chrome, Empire Red, Cobalt Blue, and Onyx Black.

For 15 years now, I have owned and regularly used the forebear of the Professional 5 Plus: the Professional 5. The Professional 5 Plus improves upon my model with a stronger motor (450 watts versus 350 watts), overload protection, and slow start. That said, my model has done a fabulous job making cookies, cake, pie, and everything else we ask of it. In fact, I bake two loaves of bread per week, and it has never had a problem kneading the dough, even with the weaker motor.

One of the expert sites that reviewed the Professional 5 Plus was Ratingle, and the site put it among its top four KitchenAid stand mixers. The reviewer liked the flexibility afforded by the 10 speeds of the 450-watt motor. However, the site noted that this unit is quite loud when in use.

Cooking Upgrades appreciated the size and overload reset button and gave the mixer 4.5 out of 5 stars. The reset button sets this model apart from other KitchenAid products. A slow start-up keeps your ingredients from flying everywhere. 

Some 88% of the buyers who reviewed the Professional 5 Plus on Amazon gave it a rating of 4 or 5 stars. Buyers liked that it packs a lot of power while taking up relatively little counter space, and at 16.5 inches tall, it fits under most cabinets. Reviewers found it especially helpful for making bread, cakes, and pies.

Pros: Advanced features, ergonomic design, 67-point mixing

Cons: Heavy, loud

Buy the KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus Series Stand Mixers on Amazon for $299.87



The best for professionals

With its six-quart bowl and 575-watt motor, the KitchenAid Professional 600 Series Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer is designed for busy bakers.

The KitchenAid KP26M1XER Professional 600 Series mixer is a beast. The stainless steel bowl holds 6 quarts of ingredients. That is enough room to make thirteen dozen cookies or six loaves of bread in one batch. And, the 575-watt motor is strong enough for just about any job. It has a bowl-lift design and comes with a wire whip, burnished spiral dough hook, a one-piece pouring shield, and a burnished flat beater. The only reason this model isn't our top overall pick is that it is more mixer than most people need.

The Professional 600 Series mixer is available in 29 different colors on Amazon. Some of the most popular alternatives include Nickel Pearl, Pearl Metallic, Empire Red, and Gloss Cinnamon.

The expert sites give the KitchenAid Professional 600 Series mixer strong ratings in the 4- or 5-star range. Mix It Bake It recommended it to bakers who make bread on a daily basis or who make larger volumes of baked goods at once. The Cook's Measure rated it highly because of its versatile add-ons and large capacity, and the site recommended it for couples who entertain and busy family cooks. Foodal also gave it high marks for accessories as well as performance and value. Of course, most of the KitchenAid mixers have the same accessories.

There are nearly 2,400 5-star reviews of the KP26M1XER on Amazon. Buyers liked that this mixer was built to last. It has all metal gears and a metal gearbox. It does an excellent job of kneading bread dough, which is great for bakers with arthritis who can't do it by hand. Just one note, though, be sure to never knead dough on a setting higher than 2. Anything faster is unnecessary and bad for the motor.

Pros: Largest capacity and most powerful mixer on the list

Cons: Expensive, heavy

Buy the KitchenAid KP26M1XER 6 Qt. Professional 600 Series Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer on Amazon for $329.95 (price varies by color)



The best upscale mixer

With its glass bowl and thirteen color options, the KitchenAid Artisan Design Series with Glass Bowl is perhaps the most attractive KitchenAid model.

What sets the KitchenAid KSM155GB Artisan Design Series mixer apart from other KitchenAid options is that it comes with a five-quart glass bowl that has a handle and measurements incorporated into its construction. This is the main difference between the KSM155 and KSM150, our top choice. Consequently, you are essentially paying $40 extra for a glass bowl instead of stainless steel.

The KSM155 has a 325-watt 10-speed motor, and it comes with a burnished aluminum dough hook, flat beater, and wire whip. Some of the most popular color options on Amazon include Copper, Sea Glass, Candy Apple Red, and Azure Blue.

The experts at Foodal gave this KitchenAid Artisan Design Series mixer a positive review because of its durable construction, proven performance, and powerful motor. However, the site cautions that it may have trouble with kneading huge batches of bread dough for long periods of time without overheating. Kitchen Appliance Reviews liked that the KSM155GB does a good job of mixing ingredients until they are smooth. The attachments reach every part of the bowl.

Some 82% of the Amazon reviews of the KitchenAid Artisan Design mixer come in at 5 stars. Buyers have consistently reported that the KSM155GB really classes up their countertops and only requires a 14 by 9 by 14-inch space. The biggest complaint is that it strains when dealing with heavier doughs, such as pizza dough.

Pros: Attractive glass bowl with measurements incorporated, fits in small spaces

Cons: Has trouble handling heavy-duty tasks

Buy the KitchenAid KSM155GBSA 5-Qt. Artisan Design Series with Glass Bowl at Home Depot for $339.99



Check out our guides to the best KitchenAid attachments and how to use them

The best KitchenAid attachments you can buy

The best attachments for your KitchenAid mixer can do all kinds of things, from making pasta to churning ice cream. They can even replace other appliances in your kitchen.

We poured over the expert and user reviews to find out which attachments are worth buying based on value, long-lasting performance, and versatility. We chose the KitchenAid attachments for our guide after assessing the most common positive and negative attributes of the most popular accessories available.

Here are the best KitchenAid attachments you can buy:


How to use a KitchenAid stand mixer to grind your own meat

Both KitchenAid and several third-party companies make attachments you can use to grind meat with your stand mixer.

With our foolproof tips, you can have freshly ground burgers, sausage, and other ground meat treats.

If you don't have a meat grinder attachment yet, we recommend the KitchenAid Metal Food Grinder Attachment because it's easy to use, cleans up effortlessly, and is built to last.


How to make sausage with a KitchenAid Stand Mixer

You can make fresh sausage with your stand mixer using an array of attachments from KitchenAid and third-party vendors.

If you don't have a sausage-making attachment yet, we recommend the KitchenAid Metal Food Grinder Attachment because it's a breeze to clean, durable, and simple to use.



The era of the private jet is very much alive in the world of millionaire dating, where flying to Paris for a night is a rom-com reality

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The allure of the private jet among the rich is very much alive — especially when it comes to date night.

That's according to several of the six elite matchmakers I talked to for Business Insider's month-long series, "Dating Like a Millionaire," who play cupid for high-net-worth individuals — from royals and celebrities to entrepreneurs and CEOs. They all work with clients locally and globally, who have a net worth ranging from the low millions into the billions.

As the matchmakers detailed the lavish dates their clients had been on, I noticed a common trend: Many of these dates involved private jets, most commonly to Paris. I always thought being whisked away on a private jet to a romantic dinner in the city of love was nothing more than a plot point in rom-coms, but apparently it's a real thing for millionaires.

"Cocktail hour in the sky, landing, checking into a suite at the Ritz to find a very 'Pretty Woman' moment of diamond necklace and earrings from Graff on loan for the evening, and a red Valentino gown on the bed fit for a true princess," Amy Andersen of Linx Dating in Silicon Valley told Business Insider, describing in detail a private jet date to Paris she'd set up. "And a private dinner on a chartered cruise up the Seine river."

The cost of this outing was included in Andersen's $250,000 VIP membership, which entails date planning, restaurant reservations, and detailed "romantic concierge" services domestically and internationally, she said. Her rates begin at $35,000 for a basic premium silver membership; for VIP clients, rates begin at $150,000 and can cost as much as $500,000 for some global searches.

Read more: From yacht trips to Dubai to charity events with Prince William, 6 elite matchmakers share the wildest dates their millionaire clients have gone on

Janis and Carly Spindel of Janis Spindel Serious Matchmaking Inc. in New York City say their fees run from $25,000 for basic private matchmaking to $1 million for global VIP private matchmaking. While they introduce their clients to matches, the clients set up their own date nights.

The mother-daughter duo recalled a similar date in which the client picked up his date in the UK via private jet for a dinner and weekend stay at the Ritz in Paris, they told Business Insider.

But Paris isn't the only place millionaires jet to for pricey date nights. 

Mairead Molloy of Berkeley International based in London had one client who asked if they could hire a private charter plane complete with live musicians on board for a full evening of dinner and dancing in Miami — all in a 24-hour whirlwind of a date that Molloy estimated to cost over £650,000 ($817,410). Molloy's pricing ranges from £15,000 ($18,600) to £60,000 ($75,000), or as much £100,000 ($125,000) for tailored packages.

Private jets are the pinnacle of luxury and wealth, often the top mode of travel among billionaires, CEOs, celebrities, and world leaders, Business Insider's Katie Warren previously reported.

It offers privacy, productivity, comfort, luxury, convenience — and freedom, Eric Roth, president of International Jet Interiors, told Warren.

Generally, it has its perks for busy millionaires and billionaires flying for work. "Flying on a private jet can be the difference of being at three different cities for meetings and still returning home at a decent hour," Roth said.

But it clearly has some benefits when it comes to dating, too.

SEE ALSO: I talked to 6 elite matchmakers, and they said the biggest difference between dating as a millionaire and an average Joe is also the most obvious one

SEE ALSO: Inside the jet-set world of billionaire matchmaking — where dates happen on private planes and high-end clients pay up to £100,000 to find love

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Here's how long it takes a Fitbit to charge, and how long its charge should last

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  • Most Fitbits will be fully charged within two hours when connected to a standard USB outlet, though some may fully charge in an hour or less. 
  • When properly charged, a Fitbit's battery could last between five and seven days before requiring another charge, depending on the model of your device and how actively you use it.
  • When the battery life of your Fitbit is running low, the device will tell you it's time to charge, using a battery icon, a flashing red light, or even an audio reminder, depending on the Fitbit model you have.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Since its founding in 2007, Fitbit has released multiple different versions of its smart activity trackers. 

These wristwatch-style devices monitor your heart rate, step count, sleep cycles, and other biometrics, the tracking of which may help with weight loss, fitness, and general wellness goals.

But to use any of a Fitbit's features in your daily routine, you'll need to fully charge the device periodically. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Fitbit Versa (From $159.95 at Fitbit)

Fitbit Alta (From $129.95 at Fitbit)

Fitbit Ace (From $69.95 at Fitbit)

How long a Fitbit can hold a charge

Most Fitbit devices can be worn continuously for up to five days without needing a charge, and they will remind you before it's time for a charging session with on screen battery icons, flashing LED lights, and even audio prompts.

Fitbit models like the Ace and the Alta series use a charging cable that clips onto the back of the tracker. The Blaze must be removed from its wristband and set into a charging cradle. The Flyer connects to a USB cable. And the Inspire series devices use a magnetic charging cable that adheres to the back of the hardware.

How long it takes to charge a Fitbit

Whichever Fitbit charging system your device uses, the same holds true for Fitbit charging time: two hours connected to the charger will be enough to power that Fitbit battery up to 100%.

If the device isn't near a full drain, it could take an hour or less to charge a Fitbit.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best Fitbits you can buy

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