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I tried the new $250 Gravity Blanket, a weighted blanket that's designed to have a cooling effect, and it kept me from overheating at night

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  • Weighted blankets create deeper, more restful sleep and reduce anxiety and stress by using deep-touch therapy— similar to the comfort created by swaddling babies.
  • Gravity Blankets makes one of the most popular options, and the company recently released a version of its blanket specifically designed to have a cooling effect.
  • I've been sleeping under the New Cooling Blanket ($259), and it's definitely the most breathable and best-looking of any weighted blanket I've tested. It's also one of the most compact.
  • It comes with a steep price tag, but if you're looking for the best — and can comfortably afford it — this is a solid option. Find my full review below.

There are few purchases in my adult life that I would say have been truly life-changing — and most of them have incidentally wound up been sleep-related. Two fantastic pillows, a mattress pad that inspires me to actually rush home for bed, and, above all else, weighted blankets.

I truly didn't know how much better my quality of sleep could get until I started sleeping under a 15-pound weight. And an improvement to sleep impacts pretty much every area of your life; with deeper, more restful shut-eye, I was finding I had more energy during the day and actively looked forward to getting to bed earlier at night.

If you're in the early stages of research to find the right one for yourself, you've probably already run into the name Gravity Blankets. It's a Kickstarter-alum that now sells one of the most popular — and luxurious — options on the market. We ranked their original Gravity Blanket ($249) the best overall weighted blanket you can buy. However, sleeping under an inherently dense, adult-sized weight isn't always appealing for those who sleep hot, or who hate the idea of blasting the AC and running up the energy bill over the summer. For them, Gravity just released a new Cooling Blanket ($259). To see if it could actually hold up on a swampy summer night, I tried it in my small NYC apartment that suffers from a greenhouse effect with its heat. 

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How do weighted blankets work?

Weighted blankets work through deep pressure touch simulation therapy (or DPTS) that's similar to the effect achieved by swaddling babies or putting dogs in "thunder jackets." While light touches can alert the nervous system, deep pressure (such as a good massage or tight and heavy blanket) has a relaxing, calming effect on the body. That's essentially why weighted blankets are used for therapeutic treatment of sensory disorders, anxiety, depression, autism, insomnia, and more. They're a relatively inexpensive, effective, and medication-free way to encourage calmness and relaxation. According to a Mayo Clinic Minute interview with Dr. Adam Perlman, it's kind of like what happens in the body when you get a hug.

More specifically for sleep, deep pressure relaxes the nervous system, reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and encourages serotonin and dopamine production, which promote relaxation and regulate our moods. Then, serotonin converts to melatonin, and that makes you sleepy. The tangential feelings of calm, safety, relief, and comfort only aid in your body's natural processes. There are also studies that demonstrate how grounding the human body during sleep measurably reduces or eliminates pain and stress

If you're looking into giving one a shot, aim for a weight that's about 10% of your own body weight. My 15-pound blanket is a little more than 10% of my body weight, but it still feels perfect. If you feel like something heavier might make it harder to roll over or give you a feeling of being trapped, err on the lighter side. 

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What makes the New Cooling Blanket different?

The New Cooling Blanket ($259) is the company's redesigned version of its original, the Gravity Blanket ($249). Per the name, the New Cooling Blanket has been designed specifically to be a cooler, more breathable variation. It still uses glass beads instead of plastic polypellets for a better experience (glass beads are smaller, denser and make the blanket noticeably less bulky), but the duvet cover is made with a "faux tencel" material that encourages airflow and keeps you from overheating. Like its predecessors, it too has Gravity's gridded stitching to keep the internal glass beads from dispersing unevenly during sleep. 

You can find in understated white, grey, and navy colors. 

My review of Gravity's New Cooling Blanket

The New Cooling Blanket is still a weighted blanket, so I was skeptical of how much an updated duvet cover could do. In person, though, it did seem to keep me unnaturally well-regulated throughout the night. If you're imagining it feeling like the cold side of the pillow all the time, that's not the case. But it does feel cool, silky, and breathable at first touch and when readjusting — it's just not a persistent phenomenon. The cooling is more subtle, though nonetheless effective, than that. In this, it reminded me of workout gear: Good performance materials let me get through a yoga class without cursing whoever makes my leggings, but rarely do I notice the work being done to wick away moisture and dissipate heat while it's happening.

I slept with the New Cooling Blanket ($259) as my main blanket with temperatures in the mid-80s with 75% humidity without AC or a breeze and never woke up uncomfortable. I was impressed with how well it managed to regulate my temperature. It won't be as airy as a linen top sheet — but it would be unrealistic to expect it to be. If you're looking for a way to make a heavy, 15-pound blanket more breathable, this may be your best option.

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Another thing worth mentioning if you're going to drop $200+ on a blanket is that it's by far the most aesthetically pleasing weighted blanket I've ever used. If you care about the overall aesthetic of your room, and the rest of it sounds justifiable to you, this is the one that will be the most undetectable. It looks fresh and crisp — like any other quilt.

The bottom line

The New Cooling Blanket is worth it if you want to experience the benefits of a weighted blanket but don't want to risk overheating at or having to blast your AC all night.

If that doesn't describe you, it's worth looking into some alternatives before giving up the dream of owning a weighted blanket: There are under-$100 options on Amazon — like this $60 version I also own and love — though you'll probably need to throw on the AC in the summer if you plan to use it then (and once you start it's hard to stop, so I'd plan for that). Your budget and needs will determine what's the best value deal for you, but, regardless of which one you ultimately choose, I couldn't recommend trying a weighted blanket highly enough. 

Shop the New Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket, available at Gravity Blankets, $259

Join the conversation about this story »

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Your smart-home system could be making your home unsellable, according to a top real-estate agent

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Smart Home System

The ongoing amenity wars across America's hottest luxury housing markets have resulted in the creation of outrageous amenities, like rooftop gyms and even dog spas.

But of all the new and innovative features aimed to make homes more sellable, some are having the opposite effect.

Luxury real-estate agent Jade Mills who has sold more than $5 billion worth of real estate in her career, was ranked No. 6 on Real Trends' 2019 list of top US individual real estate professionals by sales volume, and is Beverly Hills' top real-estate agent in sales— recently told Business Insider that one amenity, in particular, is likely to push her buyers away: overly sophisticated smart-home systems.

Read more: An LA broker who has sold over $5 billion of real estate says wealthy homebuyers are focused on comfort and wellness, and it's influencing what amenities they're looking for

"People want a smart system, but most people don't want something that's very difficult to operate," Mills told Business Insider.

Smart systems are generally appealing: The idea of being able to hit a button to control things like lights and temperature is attractive to buyers, Mills told Business Insider. However, according to the real estate agent, buyers don't want a system they have to spend a lot of time learning how to use. 

"Even younger [buyers] have said 'I don't want to have to learn the smart system,'" Mills told Business Insider. "If you're going to install some kind of a smart system, make sure it's not too complicated for the buyer to use." 

Along with the preference of Mills' buyers, smart technology (even beyond the housing market) is often best accepted by consumers when it is easiest to operate.

Just consider the unprecedented success of Apple products. Business Insider's Steven John recently reported switching to Apple's Macbook after years of using a PC because "understanding how the system works is intuitive."

SEE ALSO: Forget price tags and bad odors: The top real-estate agent in Beverly Hills says the main factor driving buyers away from luxury homes right now is a need for renovations

DON'T MISS: An LA broker who has sold over $4.5 billion of luxury real estate says the ultra-wealthy buy and sell their homes by word of mouth — and reveals the 3 reasons why

Join the conversation about this story »

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The Amex Platinum Card is offering a coveted 100,000-point bonus — but it's not for just anyone

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  • You may be specially targeted for a 100,000-point welcome bonus on the Platinum Card® from American Express, which is among the most coveted deals in the travel and credit-card-rewards world (the bonus is available after spending $5,000 in your first three months).
  • The offer isn't available publicly — to see if you're chosen, check CreditCards.com's CardMatch Tool, enter your information, and click "Get Matches."
  • The offer can change without notice, so now is the best chance to find it. Reports indicate that it is still available for new applicants.
  • One hundred thousand Amex points are subjectively worth $2,000, but the card has a ton of other valuable benefits, too.

In the world of travel and credit-card rewards, nothing is quite as coveted as the elusive 100,000-point welcome bonus on the Amex Platinum Card.

The problem is that the bonus is, well, elusive. Amex offers it publicly only once in a blue moon — and usually for only a day or even a few hours at a time — so the only way that a user can often get the offer is if they're specifically targeted for it.

Even then, it can be tough to pull up a targeted offer, since they often appear inconsistently.

The most reliable way, though, is to check the CardMatch Tool.

CardMatch, a service offered through CreditCards.com, pulls targeted offers from a few different credit-card issuers, but it's one of the most reliable ways to find the highest-known offers on Amex cards — assuming you're eligible.

The Amex Platinum offers aren't always available, but reports indicate that over the past few days, the 100,000-point offers have returned to the tool.

For qualifying applicants who haven't held a Platinum Card before, the offer is 100,000 points after spending $5,000 within the first three months — the best offer we've ever seen on this card. The normal offer is 60,000 points for the same spending requirement and timeframe.

There's also an offer for 50,000 points on the American Express® Gold Card after spending $2,000 in the first three months — the usual offer is 35,000 points for the same spending requirement and timeframe, so this is a solid offer.

To use the CardMatch tool, you just need to enter your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This does not count as a credit-card application, so you won't get a hard inquiry on your credit report — this is only a "soft" inquiry, which won't have any effect on your credit score. If you want one of the personalized offers that pops up, you'll have to fill out an actual application by clicking the "Apply Now" button and redirecting to the issuer's website.

Keep in mind that offers can't be transferred to someone else, and there's never a guarantee that you'll be able to pull up the same offer again if you close the window. If you see the 100,000-point offer, and you're interested in the Platinum Card, you should apply right then.

One hundred thousand Amex Membership points are subjectively worth $2,000, meaning the welcome bonus alone pays for the Platinum Card's $550 annual fee for more than three years.

However, the Platinum Card's benefits make it worth keeping indefinitely for anyone who travels, as long as you take advantage of it. Up to $200 in annual credits for airline fees, up to $200 each year toward Uber, up to $100 each year toward shopping, airport-lounge access, benefits at hotels, complimentary Gold status at Marriott and Hilton, and more make it one of the most valuable cards available.

Plus, active-duty military service members can get the card's annual fee waived. That means that, as long as they pay their bill in full and on time — effectively using the card like a debit card — the benefits and welcome bonus will all be pure profit.

Click here to visit CardMatch to see if you're targeted for the 100,000-point Amex Platinum offer.

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

Join the conversation about this story »

Flight attendants in South Korea reveal why plastic surgery is becoming the norm to get a job

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  • South Korea's youth unemployment is nearing "catastrophic" levels, a Korean finance minister said last year.
  • To secure a job, many young people in South Korea feel that their application, which must include a photo ID, has to be perfect.
  • Being a flight attendants is an especially enviable job in South Korea with plenty of competition. As a result, many aspiring flight attendants are turning to plastic surgery to increase their odds of securing the job.
  • Some plastic surgery clinics in South Korea are even making special packages for aspiring flight attendants, encouraging those women to slim their faces, widen their eyes, and upturn their mouths.

It was only 1993 when United flight attendants reported that they were fasting, purging, and taking laxatives to keep their figure — and their jobs. If the crew members weighed more than 11 pounds over the maximum, they would receive 10 days of unpaid temporary leave, the Chicago Tribune reported at the time.

Such rules have since been softened or outright banned in much of the world. But flight attendant hopefuls in South Korea still report significant pressure to look a certain way — and it's leading them to take drastic measures.

Leading Korean airlines in South Korea like Asiana Airlines and Korean Air dropped their height stipulation and softened their language requirements for aspiring flight attendants in 2015, local media reported.

But in practice, thanks to a combination of factors including the job application process and Korean standards of beauty, flight attendant hopefuls have reported feeling pressured by an unspoken requirement "to be more beautiful," The Korea Herald reported.

"The flight attendants are actually the representative of the airline," Sojin Lim, a 25-year-old Seoul resident who worked for a domestic Korean airline, told Business Insider. "How they look will affect the image of it, so they have to always look formal and neat."

SEE ALSO: Flight attendants share 15 of their favorite travel hacks

DON'T MISS: Inside the intensive, two-month training all Delta flight attendants must attend that's harder to get into than Harvard

It's typical for job applications in South Korea to require an ID photo. Because of that, many job applicants in South Korea say they feel the pressure to appear good-looking, whether it's to be a flight attendant, an engineer, or a cashier.

Source:LA Times



In fact, a 2016 survey by Saramin, a Korean online job portal, found that more than 60% of human resources personnel feel an applicant's appearance affects his or her candidacy.

Source:Saramin



The Korean government is seeking to overturn the résumé photo requirement in sweeping regulations that would also ban employers from asking applicants their height, weight, family background, and hometown.

Source:Quartz



But for now, job applicants in South Korea report feeling pressured to create a flawless application package — including a perfect résumé photo — to snag a job.

Source: LA Times



Some job applicants turn to photo editing to improve their résumé photos. "It looked like me but it wasn't the real me," Jina Chae, a 27-year-old Seoul resident, told Business Insider of her résumé photo, which was edited to make her eyes larger, face slimmer, and wrinkles banished. "It was like a made-up photo."



"I would have to put my energy to take a good picture," Saerang Cha, a Toronto-based business analyst who previously worked in Korea, told Business Insider. "I'm not saying that the pictures are the most important thing, but finding a job in Korea is incredibly hard. We just want everything to be perfect."



Young college graduates are especially challenged as youth unemployment in South Korea has reached record highs. "As the economy goes bad, there aren't many good jobs, and the competition is fierce," 28-year-old Baek Eui-hyun told NPR in 2017.

Source:NPR



A dream job for many young South Korean women has been to become a flight attendant, a job that promises travel, new experiences, and great pay and perks. At $3,500 per month, it's better paid than most jobs for women in South Korea.

Source: PRI



"It's a pride to be a fight attendant in Korea since most of the people think it's a 'classy' job," Sojin Lim, a 25-year-old Seoul resident who used to work for a domestic Korean airline, told Business Insider. "And of course, they get to travel around the world and earn much more money than the usual job in Korea."



The job is so competitive that more than 20,000 applicants might apply for a few hundred spots, and aspiring flight attendants sometimes apply nine times for the job. The application process requires physical tests and fluency in languages like English and Chinese.

Source:PRI



During interviews, South Korean airlines often grade attendants on how well they do their hair and makeup and include this information on their personnel records, Lim said. "Because they always look perfectly formal and so neat, a lot of people envy them and dream to be a fight attendant," she told Business Insider.



"I think you can compare it to some sort of beauty contest," Pablo Lee, who directs a flight attendant academy, told The Korea Herald. "They have to be physically perfect." More than 132 pounds is "kind of overweight," he said.

Source:The Korea Herald



Flight attendant academies in South Korea prepare would-be flight attendants for the interview process and teach students about the best grooming practices, as well as hospitality primers and how to nail English and Korean interviews. It takes six to 12 months of preparation from these academies.

Source: Daily Grid



Women who successfully landed a job as a flight attendant in 2017 who went through the Seoul-based Wing Sky Crew Academy were, on average, 24.7 years old, 5 foot 5 inches, and 110 pounds. They had an average Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) score of 700 points, indicating "limited working proficiency" in English language.

Source: Daily Grid



While looks may not be the most important part of a flight attendant’s application, many applicants report feeling the pressure of perfection. That's why some women hoping to join the elite ranks of Korea’s flight attendant class consider or receive plastic surgery. And some clinics are capitalizing on this by offering special packages just for aspiring flight attendants.

Source:Herald Insight, Quartz



Reborn Aesthetic Clinic (not pictured) in Sinsa, a particularly wealthy neighborhood in Seoul’s Gangnam District, offers a special program for flight attendants, which involves forehead molding, eyelid surgery, a raised nose bridge, a V-line face shape, and smoother skin.

Source:Reborn Aesthetic Clinic



"So many people who dream of stewardess are frustrated," reads the Reborn website, which has been translated into English. "They want to be a stewardess and dream of living in many countries, but they are frustrated and must abandon the dream because of their appearance. Those around you will remind you of this. 'You can't do it because you're ugly,' they say cruelly."

Source:Reborn Aesthetic Clinic



Recipients of the so-called "smile surgery" can enjoy a slightly-upturned mouth at all times. South Korean surgeons told The Wall Street Journal in 2013 that flight attendants and others in the service industry frequently asked for this procedure.

Source:The Wall Street Journal



For those already enrolled in COSEA, a training school for flight attendants in South Korea, there are surgery discounts. A double eyelid surgery is 120 million Korean won, or $1,100.

Source:Dream Medical Group



The overall pressure to be beautiful is so intense in South Korea that one in five women have gotten cosmetic surgery, according to data from International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Source: The Atlantic



Dr. Cho Soo-young, a surgeon in South Korea, said lookism in South Korea is uniquely challenging. "In Korean society, the competition is very severe," Cho said to Worldcrunch in 2014. "If they have a poor face and look old, they will lose to others in the competition. So in order to beat others, they need to change their face and their body."

Source:Worldcrunch



How to find your Roku device's IP address in 3 different ways

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  • Every Roku device has its own IP address which lets it join your home network, and it's possible to find your Roku IP address in three different ways.      
  • You can find the IP address on the Roku's About page using the remote control or the mobile app.
  • You can also install the Remoku extension for your Chrome browser to find the IP address. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

No matter which Roku media streamer you own, a Roku is a full-fledged network device that has its own IP address on your home network. 

And while it's usually just an appliance you plug in and can simply ignore, there may be times when you need to know its IP address to find it on your network or for other network troubleshooting. 

You can do that with or without your Roku remote control, though it's easier if you have the remote. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Roku Streaming Stick+ 4K (From $59.99 at Best Buy)

How to find a Roku IP address using the remote control

1. From the Roku's main screen, choose "Settings."

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2. Select "Networking."

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3. Select "About." 

That's it – this screen will reveal your IP address along with other information about the Roku's network status.

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How to find a Roku IP address with the mobile app

If you don't have easy access to the remote control but you've installed and set up the Roku app on your phone, you're just a few taps away from the IP address. You can simply use the app as a remote and find the IP address using the steps above, or do this:

1. Start the Roku app.

2. On either the Roku Channel or Channels tab, tap the gear icon at the top right of the screen. 

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3. Tap "System Info."

The System Info page has the IP address and other networking details. 

How to find a Roku IP address in a web browser

Another way to find the IP address is using a free extension for the Chrome browser called Remoku. 

Remoku isn't a perfect solution, though, as it doesn't always work perfectly with every model Roku, and users report it sometimes fails to work intermittently. If you have no other option, though, it's worth a try.

1. Start the Chrome browser on your computer.

2. Go to the Remoku extension in the Chrome web store and install it by clicking "Add to Chrome." In the pop-up, confirm you want to do this by clicking "Add Extension."

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3. After the installation is complete, the Remoku icon (a black square with an R in it) will appear at the top of the Chrome screen. Click it to open the app. 

4. Click "Settings."

5. Assuming that you have a standard home network (your network's IP begins with "192.168.1…"), click "Scan" and wait a minute or two while the app scans each of the IP addresses on your network to find your Roku.  If your network has a different IP address format, correct it before you click "Scan."

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Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: We compared the 7 different Roku devices to help you choose which one works best for you

Join the conversation about this story »

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16 New York City-based startups that are changing the way we shop for clothes

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Depending on your level of exposure to the most populous city in the US, New York City conjures a variety of associations: a major hub for finance and media, the stage where theatre and fine dining comes to blossom (or die), or simply that one nightmarish place people cram into on New Year's Eve to see a shiny ball drop. 

New York City is all these things, but you also can't forget its place as a fashion capital. The city is every shopper's paradise, with fashionable people and stylish shops on every block. Luxury fashion brands and legacy department stores line Fifth Avenue, while quaint boutiques thrive in SoHo — but it's a new crowd of fashion disruptors that's making some of the most memorable debuts in the NYC clothing world.  

These clothing and accessories startups were founded and based in New York, where the city's influence — its cramped quarters, culture of aesthetes who are never caught in a bad outfit, and busy, fast-paced rhythm — has clearly permeated into their business models and products. 

These 16 startups, while influenced by NYC, are also challenging its fashion traditions by not overcharging for things and trading in excess for simplicity and sustainability. New York City will always be a place for fashion — the following retail startups just approach it in a different way. 

Learn more about the 16 New  York City-based clothing startups that are changing the fashion industry:

Bonobos

Shop clothing at Bonobos here: Bonobos, Nordstrom

Launched officially in 2007, menswear brand Bonobos is one of the earliest examples of the potential of direct-to-consumer selling. Beginning with pants that are neither boxy nor tight (which were sold out of the founders' cars at one point), it now sells a full array of men's clothing, from vacationwear and casual tees to black tie suits. Bonobos continues to be a hit among shoppers because of its superior fit, fun prints, and reasonable price point. 



Warby Parker

Shop glasses at Warby Parker here

New York is home to another early D2C wunderkind, Warby Parker. It makes stylish designer-quality eyeglasses and sunglasses for an affordable price, and you can try out your favorite five styles for free at home before you make your final decision. In partnership with nonprofits like VisionSpring, Warby Parker distributes a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair sold.



Rent the Runway

Rent clothing at Rent the Runway here

In a city filled with well-dressed people, it's easy to feel the pressure to stay on top of trends and never repeat an outfit. Rent the Runway gives you an infinitely rotating closet of designer clothing that you can wear for special occasions, everyday life, and anything in between, without the commitment. For consistent refreshes, it offers two different membership plans, starting at $69 per month, or you can rent out singular pieces whenever you need them. 



Tommy John

Shop underwear and basics at Tommy John here: Tommy John, Nordstrom

New Yorkers are used to overpaying for things, but can you really justify paying $20 to $30 for a single pair of underwear? For Tommy John's smooth, soft, and incredibly comfortable underwear, yes, you certainly should. Its men's and women's underwear are the best we've ever worn: breathable, resistant to bunching, rolling, and riding up, and just as durable after the 50th wash as after the first. 



Rebag

Shop and sell bags at Rebag here

If you love pairing your outfits with a new pieces of arm candy, but are steadily draining your wallet in the process of buying these luxury handbags, you'll want to shop at Rebag. Here, you'll find authentic, second-hand designer bags for less, and you can also sell back the ones you don't love anymore. With its Infinity program, you can buy a bag from its site, wear it for up to six months, then exchange it for credit (at least 70% of its purchase price) to put towards your next bag. 

 



Bombfell

Start a personal styling subscription at Bombfell here

When the founders of Bombfell found themselves living the NYC post-grad life with outdated wardrobes, they set out to create a better way to shop for clothing. Bombfell combines algorithms and the personal touch of human stylists to deliver a box of clothing choices you'll love. As Insider Picks reporter Amir points out in his review, it's especially great for detail-oriented guys who are particular about their style. 



MM.LaFleur

Shop clothing at MM.LaFleur here

You don't want to waste time in the morning sifting through a closet of "just okay" professional wardrobe staples like dresses, blazers, and pants. Every style from women's clothing brand MM.LaFleur is a hit that you know will be stylish and comfortable, leaving more room in your head to attack the work day with zeal. Don't know where to start? Try the Bento Box, a collection of hand-selected brand favorites. 



Lively

Shop bras and swimwear at Lively here: Lively, Nordstrom

If you don't want to spend more than $35 for a good bra, look no further than Lively, which was founded by a Victoria's Secret alum. It can be hard to feel confident in your skin if your bra is uncomfortable, but Lively nails the comfort factor (even for much-maligned strapless bras) without sacrificing style. We also love its stylish and functional swimwear. 



AUrate

Shop jewelry at AUrate here

Fine jewelry startup AUrate is one of many making dainty, sustainable, and beautiful jewelry a little more accessible. The materials for its pieces — gold, diamonds, and pearls — are sourced ethically and all the pieces are made right in New York City. Its engraved styles make great gifts, while the Curate home try-on box lets you see the pieces for yourself. You can also visit its retail shops in Williamsburg and the Upper East Side. 



Dagne Dover

Shop bags at Dagne Dover here: Dagne Dover, Nordstrom

We see the neoprene backpacks from this startup on our morning commutes all the time. Dagne Dover handles all your bag needs, from work tote and laptop bag totravel or gym bag with the same poise and sophistication you hope to approach your busy schedule with. We're continually impressed not only by the distinctive styles but also by their smart interior-compartment organization.



State Bags

Shop bags at State Bags here

This bag company founded in 2013 doesn't just make cool backpacks for the sake of doing so. With each purchase, it donates a backpack filled with school supplies to a student in need. The founders created the brand after seeing kids carrying their things in ripped trash bags to their prior venture, a non-profit summer camp. Now, they help you carry your essentials in sleek leather, canvas, and nylon styles while supporting underprivileged kids and raising conversations around social issues.



Greats

Shop sneakers at Greats here

Another brand proud to be born in Brooklyn is Greats, a luxury sneaker company selling a simple selection of men's and women's styles for just $99 or $179. But whether you wear them in a bustling metropolis like New York City or your sleepy hometown suburb, you'll attract nothing less than compliments. The classic sneakers look and feel great because they're made from premium leather (both inside and out) by meticulous crafters in Italy. 



Universal Standard

Shop clothing at Universal Standard here

When Universal Standard first launched in 2015, it brought contemporary essentials to women sizes 10 through 28. Since then, it has followed through on its mission of making fashion for all women by launching collections of clothing for sizes 00 through 40. Universal Standard's revolutionary approach to size-inclusive fashion starts at the design and wear-testing level, which helps ensure that every piece fits a size 34 as well as it does a size 4. 



ADAY

Shop clothing at ADAY here

With its timeless and versatile pieces, ADAY eschews the seasonal cycles followed by traditional fashion, opting instead for beautiful essentials made from long-lasting, technical fabrics and sustainable materials like recycled plastic. It's hard to pigeonhole its clothing into one category, but based on our experience with its comfortable yet sleek pieces, we call it our favorite athleisure startup



Basic Outfitters

Shop underwear and basics at Basic Outfitters here

Basics like undershirts, boxers, and socks are probably the least exciting clothing items to shop for. They're simultaneously the most important to get right since they form the foundational layer of your outfits. Inspired by the founders' move to NYC and their subsequent realization that poor-quality basics were taking up valuable space, Basic Outfitters makes it quick, easy, and affordable to refresh your entire drawer with great basics



Koio

Shop sneakers at Koio here

These luxury sneakers are made in the same factories as high-end brands like Chanel and Hermes, but cost a more palatable $180 to $370 per pair. You can shop low tops, high tops, and chunky sneakers that are functional (comfortable, supportive, and easy to clean) and eye-catching (buttery soft leather, hand-painted edges, a variety of color options). 



How to enable and use Siri on any iPhone X model in 2 different ways

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iphone xr siri

  • Every iPhone in the X line, including the iPhone X, iPhone XR, and the iPhone XS, includes two ways to use Siri: the Side button and a voice command.
  • To activate Siri with the button on the right-hand side, hold the Side button down for about one second. 
  • To activate Siri with a voice command, just say "Hey Siri."  
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

For years, the Home button was an easy way to use Siri on the iPhone

But without a Home button on new models like the iPhone X, iPhone XR, and the iPhone XS, how do you launch Apple's voice-enabled personal assistant? 

It's easy, and there are two different ways to do it.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone X (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

iPhone XR (From $749.99 at Best Buy)

iPhone XS (From $999.99 Best Buy)

How to make sure Siri is enabled on your iPhone

If you're having trouble activating Siri, you should make sure it's turned on and properly configured in Settings. 

1. Open the Settings app. 

2. Tap "Siri & Search."

3. Make sure "Listen for 'Hey Siri'" is turned on by swiping the button to the right. 

4. If you want to be able to talk to Siri when the phone is locked, also make sure that "Allow Siri When Locked" is turned on as well. 

5. To be able to launch Siri from the phone's Power button, make sure "Press Side Button for Siri" is turned on. 

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How to use Siri on an iPhone X model using the Side button

You can activate Siri by pressing and holding the Side button (found on the right side of the various iPhone X models) for about one second. 

iphone xr siri

How to use Siri on an iPhone X model with your voice

To activate Siri with your voice, just say "Hey Siri" and then ask a question or issue a command. Siri will only activate when the phone is unlocked, unless you've configured it in Settings to work when the screen is locked. 

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How to cancel Siri

If you accidentally activate Siri, or change your mind and don't want to talk to her, you can press the Side button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Jeff Bezos is worth over $160 billion — here's how the world's richest man makes and spends his money

The best kids rain boots you can buy

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  • Finding great footwear for kids is hard enough before you take bad weather into account. Children's rain boots need to be comfy, durable, and tolerable enough for picky little ones to wear.
  • The Hunter First Classic Waterproof Rain Boots are a bit of an investment, but they'll hold up and keep feet dry through torrential downpours. Plus, they're super cute.

Rain footwear is tough to nail down for anyone, but when you add the constantly changing feet of toddlers and children to the mix, it becomes nearly impossible. Children tend to be more active — and more prone to purposefully leaping into puddles — than adults, and so kids' rain books need to stand up to a lot, without breaking the bank.

By design, kids rain boots are pretty similar to their grown-up counterparts, typically made of rubber and sometimes with additional features like handles for easy on/off. They tend to come in a variety of fun colors and patterns ranging from silly and fun to simple one-color designs.

Of course, the challenge when shopping for any kids' clothing items is that toddlers and children grow fast. You don't want to drop a ton of cash on rain boots that won't fit in a few month's time, but you do want to find something durable and effective at keeping your tot's socks dry. These picks rise to the challenge.

Here are the best kids' rain boots you can buy in 2019:

The best kids' rain boots overall

The Hunter First Classic Waterproof Rain Boots are a bit of an investment for kids boots, but they are built to last and suitable for both hot and cold weather.

Hunter boots are pretty much the gold-standard in rain gear. The brand's most iconic style, the Hunter First Classic Waterproof Rain Boots, are available in miniature for children as young as five months and as old as eight years.

While they aren't cheap for kids' boots, they're made of durable latex rubber that releases a protective film of wax in humid weather that can be easily cleaned off with a damp cloth. Hunter boots are unlined, but they can be paired with warm socks in cold weather. They come with removable insoles and are available in a selection of classic solid colors.

According to Best Products, these boots "feature a wider shaft to make them easier for toddlers" to slip on and remove without help. As The Baby Swag points out, this roomier shape also allows for more wiggle room as your kids' feet grow, further justifying the steep price tag.

Experienced Mommy, Mom Loves Best, The Bump, and The Strategist also recommend Hunter boots for kids. This particular pair has more than 600 reviews on the Nordstrom website. "Perfect for my four-year-old, he is incredibly hard on rain boots and these are still holding up really well," one shopper wrote.

Pros: Durable, easily cleaned, removable insoles, wide enough to slip on and off

Cons: Expensive, no top handles, unlined



The best kids' rain boots with handles

The Crocs Kids' Handle It Rain Boots have oversized handles on the rim that put kids in charge of their own footwear destiny.

Some kids' rain boots feature handles to help tykes get the hang of putting on and removing their own shoes. The Crocs Kids' Handle It Rain Boots are perfect for slightly older kids who are starting to get dressed by themselves, due to oversized handles built into the top sides.

Made of traditional breathable Crocs material, these have chunky soles with lots of traction, making them a great option for playing on rough terrain. There's also a giant Crocs logo on the side, so they're perhaps not the ideal pick for the logo-averse. But the heels do feature a reflective logo as an additional safety feature.

Writers at publications like The Strategist, The Baby Swag, Mom Loves Best, Best Products, and Experienced Mommy love these rain boots, especially for their durability. The reviewer at Experienced Mommy writes, "The seamless design of the boots makes the Crocs Handle It less prone to leaking or splitting" around the handles than similar options from competitors.

The boots have more than 2,300 reviews on Amazon and a 4.5-star rating. Many shoppers seem to agree that you should size up because they run a bit small.

Pros: Lightweight material, huge handles, reflective detail

Cons: Not warm enough for cold weather, run a little small



The best kids’ rain boots under $20

Cat & Jack's Toddler Rain Boots come in a variety of fun prints and colors, plus, they're available for only $19.99 at Target.

Kids are difficult to shop for, not only because they can be picky, but because they grow so darn fast. Target's children's brand Cat & Jack has an adorable selection of affordable rain boots for toddlers for $19.99 and options for slightly older kids for $24.99.

All of them come in cute colors and patterns that will appeal to fun-loving boys and girls. There are ice cream cone boots, shark boots, strawberry boots and more, all highly rated on the Target website.

Most are made of sturdy rubber and designed to come to about mid-calf height on most kids. Some feature pull-on handles attached to the upper rim.

The Strategist also recommends Target's Cat & Jack range for inexpensive picks.

Pros: Affordable, some styles have handles, cute patterns

Cons: Not all options have handles, unlined, prices range



The best odor-fighting kids’ rain boots

Bogs Kids' Skipper Waterproof Rubber Rain Boots are lined with odor-fighting materials that wick away sweat and grime to keep your kids' feet smelling fresh.

Rain boots have a tendency to get stinky since they're worn in damp, mildewy conditions. The Bogs Kids' Skipper Waterproof Rubber Rain Boots have odor-repellent qualities that keep 'em fresh even when they've been worn all day long in humidity.

The boots claim to be 100% waterproof are lined with something called Max-Wick, a moisture-wicking material that keeps sweat and moisture off feet so they stay dry even when conditions are less-than ideal. The brand also employs something called DuraFresh "organic bio-technology," which is said to fight unpleasant smells.

Sizes range from toddler to little kids up to eight years old. This style is highly rated on Amazon, with a 4.2-star rating.

"My daughter has very wide feet and I have a super tough time finding shoes and boots that are comfortable for her. After buying bogs winter boots, I took a chance on these and they were a hit. She wears them all the time and never complains. Bogs is one of our go-to brands!" one shopper wrote.

According to The Strategist, they also come expert-recommended "for their convenient side handles and their efficacy at keeping little feet dry in extreme conditions."

Pros: Odor-fighting, moisture-wicking, side handles

Cons: Some reviews complained about water getting into the shoes because of the handle position



The best patterned kids' rain boots

Oaki Toddler Rain Boots come in a selection of fun prints for stylish tots.

If your little one has a flair for personal style, the Oaki Toddler Rain Boots come in a bunch of unique, fun prints ranging from crocodiles to narwhals to NASA-inspired designs.

The rubber boots claim to be totally waterproof and feature top handles for easy pull-on action. The interiors are lined with cotton for additional padding and warmth and the bottoms feature a defined tread pattern for sturdiness. Oaki claims its boots are made of all-natural materials for a guilt-free purchase.

With more than 1,500 Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star rating, these boots are a popular pick among shoppers.

"My two-year-old loves these rain boots! She wears them almost everywhere we go. I haven't noticed any issue with her walking or running in these, and they stay on really well," one reviewer wrote.

Pros: Cute patterns, slip-on handles, cotton lining, natural materials

Cons: Not as durable as some picks




How to mirror your iPhone to a Roku device using the Roku mobile app, for streaming your photos, videos, and music

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  • You can mirror content stored on your iPhone to your TV through a Roku media player.
  • To mirror your iPhone, you need to install the Roku mobile app and use the Photos+ tab at the bottom of the screen.      
  • You can display individual photos or show photo slideshows (with optional music from your iPhone), watch videos stored on your phone, or play music using the Roku's Mirror feature. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

One of the reasons some people purchase an Apple TV is because it allows you to mirror your iPhone's screen on your TV, which lets you display photos and videos, as well as play music stored on your phone. 

But if you already have a Roku streaming device, you might not need an Apple TV.  

You'll just need to make sure the Roku is configured for mirroring in its settings, and you'll need to use the Roku app on your iPhone. The app lets you display iPhone photos and videos on your Roku, as well as stream music stored on your phone.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

Roku Ultra (For $99.99 at Best Buy)

Apple TV (From $149.99 at Best Buy)

How to set up Roku settings for mirroring

1. On the Roku, use the remote control to select "Settings."

2. Select "System," and then select "Screen mirroring."

mirror 1.JPG

3. In the Screen mirroring mode section, make sure that either "Prompt" or "Always allow" is selected. 

mirror 2.JPG

How to mirror your iPhone to a Roku using the Roku app

1. If you haven't already, install the Roku app from the App Store and follow the instructions to connect it to your Roku device. 

2. Tap the "Photos+" tab at the bottom of the screen.

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3. Choose the type of content you want to send to your Roku. You can choose Music, Photos, or Videos stored on your iPhone

When you choose a photo from a folder on your phone, the photo will appear on your TV via the Roku, and the Roku will play the photos in the folder as a slideshow. You can manually control the slideshow using the buttons below the photo to skip, go back, and pause or play the show. 

If you want to change the slideshow speed or add transitions between the photos, tap the gear icon to the right of the player controls. 

mirror 4

You can also tap "Add Music" at the top of the photo to choose music from your iPhone as a soundtrack.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The Roku Ultra is $80 less than the Apple TV and still supports 4K video quality — here’s why it’s the best streaming box for anyone on a budget

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch SpaceX's 'most difficult launch ever'

'What is Google Keep?': 5 helpful ways you can use Google's versatile note-taking app

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Google Keep is Google's version of a note-taking app — but there's more to it than basic checklists or quick thoughts taken down in a moment of inspiration.

For one thing, since it's made by Google, it automatically syncs to Google Drive, so you can access it from any device where you use your Google account, whether it be a computer, your phone, or your tablet. That way, you don't have go digging around your various accounts or devices to find the right note.

Screenshot Google Keep 1

To access Google Keep, you can use the mobile app (available on both Android and iOS devices), or go to keep.google.com. (There's also a Chrome browser extension you can download for it.)

It's also built right into Gmail: You can add a note by simply clicking the yellow Keep icon on the far right-hand toolbar.

Here are five ways you can use Google Keep to improve your on-the-go note-taking process.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $799.99 at Best Buy)

SEE ALSO: The best laptops you can buy

Take voice notes

You know how you can ask Google questions by tapping the microphone icon in the Chrome app? The same principle applies to Keep notes taken on your mobile device. Each voice note is automatically transcribed as you speak, making it easier to search for (especially if you frequently take advantage of the feature.)



Collaborate with coworkers

You can add collaborators to your notes to quickly and easily get them in the loop about whatever you're working on, or if they need to complete action items. Completed items in a checklist, for example, automatically keeps everyone updated on the progress that's been made.

All you need to do is add their name and email address (or Google group), and you can always remove collaborators later on. Plus, you can easily transfer notes over to Google Docs via the "Send" feature pictured below (or via the "Copy to Google Docs" option on a desktop). 



Set reminders

You can add reminders to each note, set those to repeat (if desired), or have one pop up when you get to a certain location by tapping "Remind Me" on the top right of a note. And each time-sensitive note will show up in your Google calendar, so that's another layer of cross-device compatibility.



Go beyond plain text

You can add photos (either by taking one on your device or choosing from an existing album), drawings (which can also be layered on top of photos), recordings and checkboxes. And if you have text within your uploaded images, there's also the option to copy it at the bottom of the note.

For checkboxes, items are automatically hidden as you check each one off (by tapping on the corresponding box), but the note itself will still be there unless you delete or archive it.



Organize like a pro

You can view your notes as a list (which will organize them by pinned notes first, then chronologically) or as a grid, and you can drag and drop individual notes to re-order and visually re-prioritize as needed. There's also color-coding, which allows you to easily differentiate between different kinds of notes and scan for what you need, as well as labels, pinning (for extra-important notes) and archiving. Notes are also searchable and can copied.

Keep is also great for creating lists, if that's your preferred form of organization. When writing grocery lists, for example, the app will give suggestions as you type. You can also add sub-items to your checklists (below each checkbox) by creating a new line and dragging it to the right. That's perfect for creating a list of steps required to complete larger tasks.

Overall, Keep gives users a lot of options for customization without overwhelming the experience. And its biggest draw is the app's overall simplicity. With a clean interface and general ease of use, it makes note-taking a little bit less of a chore — especially if you're easily overwhelmed by some of the more complex options on the market.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:



More than 7,800 stores are closing in 2019 as the retail apocalypse drags on — here's the full list

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snowy deserted empty mall

The staggering rate of store closures that has rocked the retail industry over the past couple of years is expected to continue in 2019, with roughly the same level of closures expected this year.

Retailers closed a record 102 million square feet of store space in 2017, then smashed that record in 2018 by closing another 155 million square feet, according to estimates by the commercial real-estate firm CoStar Group.

"This year we are predicting more of the same in the retail space," CoStar senior consultant Drew Myers said.

Retailers have announced more than 7,800 store closures so far this year, according to an analysis by Business Insider.

Here's a list of all the stores closing this year:

SEE ALSO: Retailers are filing for bankruptcy at a staggering rate — and these 17 companies could be the next to default

NOW WATCH: Victoria's Secret is closing dozens of stores this year — here's why the brand has failed to keep up

Payless ShoeSource: 2,500 stores

Payless filed for bankruptcy in February and said it planned to close all of its 2,500 stores in what could be the largest retail liquidation in history.



Gymboree: 805 stores

Gymboree Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January and said it planned to close more than 800 stores under its Gymboree and Crazy 8 banners.

Gymboree previously filed for bankruptcy as recently as June 2017 and closed nearly 400 stores.


Dress Barn: 650 stores

Dress Barn, which is owned by Ascena Retail Group, announced in May that it was shutting down all of its 650 stores. 

"For more than 50 years, Dressbarn has served women's fashion needs, and we thank all of our dedicated associates for their commitment to Dressbarn and our valued customers," Dress Barn CFO Steven Taylor said. "This decision was difficult, but necessary, as the Dressbarn chain has not been operating at an acceptable level of profitability in today's retail environment."



Charlotte Russe: 520 stores

Charlotte Russe kicked off closing sales at 94 stores in February, after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In March, the company announced that it would liquidate its remaining 416 Charlotte Russe stores and 10 Peek Kids stores.



Family Dollar: 390 stores

Dollar Tree said in March that it plans to convert about 200 Family Dollar stores into Dollar Tree stores, and close up to 390 additional stores under the Family Dollar brand.



Shopko: 371 stores

Shopko filed for bankruptcy in January and said it would close 251 stores. The company said in March that it had failed to find a buyer for its business, and would liquidate its remaining 120 stores.



Fred's: 441 stores

Discount chain Fred's announced in April that it would close 159 stores by the end of May. In May, the company said it would close another 104 stores. In June, Fred's announced plans to close another 49 stores. In July, the company said it would close 129 stores. After all those closures, the company will have about 80 stores remaining. 



Charming Charlie: 261 stores

Charming Charlie, which sells jewelry and accessories, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July and said it plans to close all of its 261 stores in 38 states by the end of August. 



Chico's: 250 stores

The women's clothing retailer Chico's said in March that it would close 100 Chico's stores, 90 White House Black Market stores, and 60 Soma stores over the next three years.



Gap: 230 stores

Gap said in February that it would close 230 namesake storesover the next two years as it reported that the brand's same-store sales fell 7% during the holiday quarter. The company also said it would spin off its Old Navy brand.



Walgreens: 200 stores

Walgreens said in August that it plans to close 200 stores in the US.

"As previously announced, we are undertaking a transformational cost management program to accelerate the ongoing transformation of our business, enable investments in key areas and to become a more efficient enterprise," a Walgreens spokesperson wrote in a statement to Business Insider. "As part of this effort, we plan to close approximately 200 stores in the US."



LifeWay: 170 stores

LifeWay Christian Resources said in March that it planned to close all 170 of its stores. The  Nashville-based company said it will continue to sell Bibles, books, children's products, church supplies, and Christian music and movies on its website.



Performance Bicycle: 102 stores

Performance Bicycle's parent company, Advanced Sports Enterprises, filed for bankruptcy protection in November and later announced that it would close all 102 of its stores. 



Sears: 91 stores

Sears Holdings, which owns Sears and Kmart stores, emerged from bankruptcy in February after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October. 



Destination Maternity: 42-67 stores

Destination Maternity plans to close between 42 and 67 stores this year. 



Pier 1 Imports: 57 stores

Pier 1 Imports said it plans to close 57 stores in fiscal 2020.



Party City: 55 stores

Party City said it plans to close 55 of its 870 stores this year.

The party supplies company typically closes up to 15 stores each year.

"This year, after careful consideration and evaluation of our store fleet, we've made the decision to close more stores than usual in order to help optimize our market level performance, focus on the most profitable locations and improve the overall health of our store portfolio," Party City CEO James Harrison said in a press release in May.



Kmart: 55 stores

Sears Holdings, which owns Sears and Kmart stores, emerged from bankruptcy in February after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October.



A'Gaci: 54 stores

A'gaci, a women's clothing chain based in San Antonio, announced in August that it was going out of business and closing all its 54 stores.



Victoria's Secret: 53 stores

Victoria's Secret said it would close 53 stores this year, citing a "decline in performance."

NOW WATCH:Victoria's Secret is closing dozens of stores this year — here's why the brand has failed to keep up



Office Depot and OfficeMax: 50 stores

Office Depot is closing 50 stores under its namesake and OfficeMax banners in 2019, the company told Business Insider.

"Office Depot, Inc. continues to optimize its retail footprint as part of the three-year strategic plan announced in August 2016," said Shera Bishop, a spokeswoman for Office Depot. "We will continue to serve our customers at neighboring Office Depot and OfficeMax stores as well as online at officedepot.com."



CVS Health: 46 stores

CVS Health said it closed 46 underperforming stores in April.



The Children's Place: 45 stores

The Children's Place said in May that it plans to close 40 to 45 stores in 2019, but the company is also planning to open 25 new stores over the next two years, including 10 new openings this year.



Abercrombie & Fitch: 40 stores

Abercrombie & Fitch said in March that it plans to close up to 40 stores this year. Abercrombie & Fitch also plans to open 40 new stores, including 20 Hollister stores, 15 Abercrombie Kids stores, and five Abercrombie stores. 

The company announced the closings as it reported that its Abercrombie brands' same-store sales fell 2% during the fourth quarter. Most of the stores that Abercrombie & Fitch plans to close are located in the US, the company said.



Bed Bath & Beyond: 40 stores

Bed Bath & Beyond said in April that it plans to close at least 40 stores in 2019, and possibly more. The company also said it would open 15 new stores. 

"We expect to open approximately 15 new stores in fiscal 2019. This will be offset by a minimum of approximately 40 stores we expect to close," Robyn D'Elia, chief financial officer and treasurer, said on an earnings call. "This number will grow unless we are able to negotiate more favorable lease terms with our landlords."



Christopher & Banks: 30-40 stores

The women's clothing retailer Christopher & Banks said in December that it planned to close 30-40 stores over the following two years.



JCPenney: 27 stores

JCPenney said it will close 27 stores in 2019, including 18 full-line department stores and 9 home and furniture stores. The department-store chain said same-store sales fell 4% during the fourth quarter.



Beauty Brands: 25 stores

Beauty Brands, a regional chain of salon and spa superstores, said in December that it planned to close 25 stores this year.



Henri Bendel: 23 stores

Henri Bendel closed all its stores in January after 123 years in business. 



Lowe's: 20 stores

Lowe's is closing 20 stores across 13 states this year. 



Z Gallerie: 17 stores

Z Gallerie, a home furnishings and decor retailer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March. The company said it plans to close 17 of its 76 stores during the restructuring process, according to bankruptcy filings.



Walmart: 17 stores

Walmart is closing at least 17 stores across 11 US states and Canada.

The stores include Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Market stores in Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, Arizona, California, Kansas, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.



Barneys: 15 stores

Barneys New Yorkfiled for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August and said it will close 15 of its 22 stores.



Macy's: 9 stores

Macy's is closing stores in Wyoming, Washington, California, New York, Indiana, Massachusetts, Virginia, and West Virginia.



J.Crew: 7 stores

J.Crew is closing stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, California,and Canada.



Kohl's: 4 stores

Kohl's is closing four stores this year. All the closing stores are located in or near a shopping mall.



Nordstrom: 3 stores

Nordstrom is closing stores in Florida, Virginia, and Rhode Island.



Steve Jobs made a bunch of predictions in the 80s and 90s about the future of technology — it turns out he nailed it (AAPL)

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  • In the 1980s and 1990s, Steve Jobs made predictions about how technology and the internet would impact daily life that turned out to be surprisingly accurate.
  • He predicted virtual assistants like Siri and e-commerce giants like Amazon long before these services existed. 
  • Among his biggest predictions of all was that the web would be everywhere.

Today, you wouldn’t leave the house without your smartphone. But back in the mid-1980s and 1990s, a device like the iPhone was still far out of the purview of most tech companies and the average consumer. Modern online media giants like Facebook and YouTube were still at least 20 years away, and Google first became a company in 1998.

To say the tech landscape was a much different place would be an understatement.

Yet Steve Jobs made several assessments about the impact that computers and the internet would have on our lives in speeches and interviews from the 1980s and 1990s. His remarks, particularly the ones he made in this Wired interview from 1996, were remarkably on-point.

Here’s what Jobs got right:

SEE ALSO: From new iPhones to foldable phones, these are the smartphones we can't wait to see in 2019

Apple launched the iPad in 2010, but it appears that Jobs had been thinking about tablets since as far back as 1983.

In an audio recording from Jobs’ speech at the International Design Conference in Aspen that year, Jobs refers to “an incredibly great computer in a book that you can carry around with you that you that you can learn in five minutes.” After the full recording surfaced in 2012 on the Life, Liberty, and Technology Blog, many media outlets pointed out that this description sounds very similar to the iPad.



Long before we had Siri or Alexa, Jobs predicted modern virtual assistants when asked about the role of computers in 1984.

 

"The next stage is going to be computers as 'agents,'" he said in a 1984 interview with Newsweek's Access Magazine published by The Daily Beast. "In other words, it will be as if there's a little person inside that box who starts to anticipate what you want. Rather than help you, it will start to guide you through large amounts of information. It will almost be like you have a little friend inside that box."



That sounds very similar to the way Apple’s Siri, Samsung’s Bixby, and the Google Assistant work on iPhones and Android phones today. These digital helpers learn more about you and your habits the more you use them and surface contextual information before you ask.

 

"You'd start to teach it about yourself," Jobs also said during that same interview. "And it would just keep storing all this information about you and maybe it would recognize that every Friday afternoon you like to do something special, and maybe you'd like it to help you with this routine. So about the third time it asks you: 'Well, would you like me to do this for you every Friday?' You say, 'Yes,' and before long it becomes an incredibly powerful helper. It goes with you everywhere you go. It knows most of the raw information in your life that you'd like to keep, but then starts to make connections between things ..."



More than 20 years before Apple introduced the iPhone, Jobs essentially predicted that these “agents” would live in slates we carry around with us.

 

"I've always thought it would be really wonderful to have a little box, a sort of slate that you could carry along with you," he also said to Newsweek's Access magazine in 1984.



And perhaps even more surprisingly, Jobs predicted that people would start using these devices at age 10.

 

"You'd get one of these things maybe when you were 10 years old, and somehow you'd turn it on and it would say, you know, 'Where am I?' And you'd somehow tell it you were in California and it would say, 'Oh, who are you?'" he also said during the Access magazine interview.

A 2016 study from Influence Central indicates that the average age a child receives their first phone is 10.3 years old. This also lines up with a Nielsen study from 2017 that indicated 45% of parents polled said that they got a service plan for their child's smartphone between the ages 10 and 12.



Jobs also predicted in 1995 that the internet would make it possible for startups to compete with established corporations because it would allow them to sell products directly to consumers rather than investing in distribution resources.

 

"Secondly, it's very exciting because it is going to destroy vast layers of our economy and make available a presence in the marketplace for very small companies, one that is equal to very large companies," he said in 1995 when speaking to the Computerworld Information Technology Awards Foundation.

Today, startups like Casper sell mattresses directly to consumers, Warby Parker sells frames to people who need eyewear, and Kickstarter lets people support ideas they like.



Jobs reiterated this idea when speaking to Wired in 1996, noting that the internet would be a formidable way to bypass the middleman. This has become a main theme in tech startups for the past 20 years.

"The best way to think of the Web is as a direct-to-customer distribution channel, whether it's for information or commerce. It bypasses all middlemen. And, it turns out, there are a lot of middlepersons in this society. And they generally tend to slow things down, muck things up, and make things more expensive. The elimination of them is going to be profound," Jobs said.

 



And, he warned, "large companies not paying attention to change will get hurt."

"The Web is just going to be one more of those major change factors that businesses face every decade. This decade, in the next 10 years, it's going to be the Web. It's going to be one of them," Jobs said.

Seems like taxi and record companies and bookstores would agree.



Jobs' major prediction from the 1996 Wired interview was that the web will be ubiquitous. Sure, lots of people predicted that, but he made a remark about "Web dial tone everywhere" that does hint at the mobile-first world of today.

"There will be Web dial tone everywhere. And anything that's ubiquitous gets interesting."



Another big prediction from that 1996 interview: Commerce was going to be killer on the web.

When asked about the main beneficiaries of the web, Jobs said that it would be people who have something to sell: "It's commerce. People are going to stop going to a lot of stores. And they're going to buy stuff over the Web!"



Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was paying attention, even though Amazon was only a small book-focused startup at the time. Twenty years later, Amazon did $105 billion in net sales in 2015 while retail chains like Walmart are struggling to keep up and shuttering stores.

Source: GeekWire



Of course, as we know now, there were missteps on the way to regularly buying things online. Later in the interview, Jobs said that big-time e-commerce was "about two years away," but that it was going to be huge.

 

"The third thing is commerce, which is even harder than complex publishing because you have to tie the Web into your order-management system, your collection system, things like that. I think we're still two years away. But that's also going to be huge," Jobs said to Wired.

There were missteps on the way, like Pets.com, which had little revenue and went out of business in 2000.



Jobs said in that Wired interview that if the "Web got up to 10 percent of the goods and services in this country, it would be phenomenal."

According to the US Census, e-commerce accounted for 9.7% of total retail sales in 2018.



One prediction was for fully featured web applications years before terms like Ajax and Web 2.0 were coined: "People are starting to do complex publishing on the Web — very simple forms of it. This will absolutely explode in the next 12 to 18 months."

"It's the next big phase of the Web," Jobs said to Wired. "Have you seen the Federal Express Web site where you can track a package?"



Another shocking revelation from that Wired interview was that Jobs predicted Tesla — or, at least, Tesla's business model for its dealerships.

"Take auto dealerships. So much money is spent on inventory — billions and billions of dollars. Inventory is not a good thing. Inventory ties up a ton of cash, it's open to vandalism, it becomes obsolete. It takes a tremendous amount of time to manage. And, usually, the car you want, in the color you want, isn't there anyway, so they've got to horse-trade around. Wouldn't it be nice to get rid of all that inventory? Just have one white car to drive and maybe a laserdisc so you can look at the other colors. Then you order your car and you get it in a week," Jobs said.



Today, Tesla "stores" have nearly no cars on-lot. Instead, prospective buyers can check out sample cars and order online or through a salesperson for later delivery, depending on the state. LaserDiscs, however, are not part of the process.

Of course, Tesla's dealerships could have been influenced by Apple Stores, which were one of Jobs' projects. So obviously there's a debate as to whether Jobs predicted this or influenced it.

Now, Tesla is shutting down some of its brick-and-mortar stores in an effort to cut costs as it shifts to online sales, echoing Jobs' earlier predictions to Wired about e-commerce.



Jobs predicted to Wired that the desktop market will be in the "dark ages for the next 10 years, or certainly for the rest of the decade." Today, PC sales are continuing to shrink.

"Eventually, Microsoft will crumble because of complacency, and maybe some new things will grow," he said to Wired. "But until that happens, until there's some fundamental technology shift, it's just over."

In the most recent holiday quarter, shipments of traditional PCs declined by 3.7% year-on-year according to the International Data Corporation.



Jobs seemed to be predicting cloud services as well, like Apple's iCloud or Google Drive: "The minute that I don't have to manage my own storage, and the minute I live primarily in a connected versus a stand-alone world, there are new options for metaphors."

"I don't store anything anymore, really. I use a lot of e-mail and the Web, and with both of those I don't have to ever manage storage. As a matter of fact, my favorite way of reminding myself to do something is to send myself e-mail. That's my storage," Jobs also said to Wired in 1996. 



He even seemed to have an inkling that Chromebooks would be a product before Google had even finished its search engine: "It's possible that some people could come out with some very interesting Web terminals and sell some hardware."

"It's much like the old mainframe computing environment, where a Web browser is like a dumb terminal and the Web server is like the mainframe where all the processing's done," Jobs said to Wired.



Jobs was a huge supporter of technology in schools, but even in 1996 he realized that adding technology doesn't automatically make schools better.

He argued for a more drastic overhaul. Today, his widow, Lauren Powell Jobs, is one of the biggest backers of charter schools.



He also argued to Wired that people were already living in "information overload" and "most people get far more information than they can assimilate anyway."

Considering the average American consumer checks his or her phone 52 times per day according to Deloitte, Jobs may have been onto something. Screen time management has certainly been an area of focus for Apple in recent years, as it introduced features in its iOS 12 software that provide users with insights about how they're using their iPhones.



But even with all of those predictions about how the web could revolutionize industries, Jobs did say that technology doesn't change the world, which is arguably wrong!

"The Web is going to be very important. Is it going to be a life-changing event for millions of people? No. I mean, maybe. But it's not an assured Yes at this point. And it'll probably creep up on people.

"It's certainly not going to be like the first time somebody saw a television. It's certainly not going to be as profound as when someone in Nebraska first heard a radio broadcast. It's not going to be that profound," Jobs said.

Eleven years later, Jobs introduced the iPhone.

This is an update of a story originally published in 2016. 



Calling all app developers: We want to know what your job is really like

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Mobile app developer

  • App developers: Business Insider wants to know what your job is really like.
  • From advice for getting your apps featured in Apple's App Store to the best and worst parts of your job, we want to hear about it all.
  • Take our survey to help us give our readers a deep dive into the world of app development. You can choose to remain anonymous.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. 

Calling all app developers: Business Insider wants to hear from you!

Over the past decade, apps have revolutionized everything from the way we get around to how we communicate, send payments, and book doctors appointments. With that in mind, it's no wonder that the most in-demand job of 2019 is mobile app developer, which has growth outlook of 31% through 2024 according to CareerCast.

We want to give our readers a deeper dive into the world of app development, from what it's like to get your app approved to advice for having your app featured in the App Store and the best way to get a job in the field. What better way to learn about it than by hearing from the people who have gone through it themselves?

We want to know the best and worst parts of your job as well as everything in between. What does an average day look like for you?

Share your thoughts with us in this brief survey. We can keep your answers anonymous if you prefer — just be sure to check off that option near the end of the form. If we use your answers, we will be reaching out to you for additional details. 

 

SEE ALSO: These are the social media platforms teens are ditching in 2019

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: I cleaned my entire apartment with 4 of Amazon's highest-rated cleaning robots, but I could've done a much better job myself

Here's what 12 of Uber's earliest employees are doing now, from the former intern who's now a powerful exec to the ousted former CEO who's worth $5.4 billion

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travis kalanick uber

In 2009, a tiny startup called UberCab was founded; today, it's just called Uber, and it's one of Silicon Valley's most successful companies. Uber operates in more than 700 cities worldwide.

Now, Uber has officially gone public in one of the most highly anticipated IPOs of all time. Some of Uber's first investors stood to make up to $1.3 billion in total after the IPO, according to Bloomberg.

Read more: Uber is sliding after its IPO, and Main Street traders who struggled to invest dodged a bullet

Many of Uber's earliest employees still work at Uber, including former intern Austin Geidt, who's now the Head of Strategy for the company's Advanced Technologies Group and rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on the day of Uber's IPO.

Others have left to pursue other startups and related ventures. At least three of the company's early employees — former CEO Travis Kalanick, Ryan Graves, and Garrett Camp — are now billionaires.

Here's what 12 of Uber's earliest employees are doing now.

SEE ALSO: Here's who's getting rich on Uber's massive IPO

DON'T MISS: Uber's first employee is poised to make over $1 billion in the company’s massive public offering, and he’s already committed to donating at least $14 million to charity

Oscar Salazar

Employed by Uber from: 2009 to 2011

Former position at Uber: Founding Member

Where he is now: Although there's some dispute about it, early Uber documentation refers to Salazar as a cofounder of the company. He and cofounder Garrett Camp attended business school together, then built Uber's first prototype with another school friend, Conrad Whelan.

Salazar departed the company amicably soon after it launched. Besides being an active investor in companies like Egyptian motorcycle and tuk-tuk ride-hailing startup Halan, he has launched other companies like Pager, which sends a doctor or nurse to you with a tap of your phone, and Ride, a carpooling app for commuters.

More recently, he launched Ogon LLC, an advisory firm to companies like Rubicon Global Inc., ALEX AND ANI, and Sontra Cargo.

Salazar has a roughly $250 million stake in Uber and is expected to sell about $10 million  worth of shares, Bloomberg reported in April.



Curtis Chambers

Employed by Uber from: 2010 to 2017

Former position at Uber: Director of Engineering

Where he is now: Before Uber, Chambers helped build Expensify, the popular online expense-reports startup, as well as contributing to open-source Drupal and Django. As Uber's seventh employee, Chambers worked on UberEATS and later became the director of engineering for Uber's trucking operation, the position he held when he left the company in 2017.

On both Twitter and LinkedIn, Chambers now describes himself as a "Professional Dad."

 



Austin Geidt

Employed by Uber from: 2010 to present

Position at Uber: Head of Strategy for Uber's Advanced Technologies Group

Where she is now: Geidt started at Uber as an "overdressed" intern and employee number four; she says she struggled for the first months. At first, her job wasn't well defined and saw her moving from handing out flyers to passersby to cold-calling drivers.

In the past, she has also been open about her history with drug addiction and recovery.

Geidt has moved up as Uber has grown. Since 2016, she's been the head of strategy for Uber's Advanced Technologies Group, which deals with self-driving technology.

On May 10, 2019, the day of Uber's IPO, Geidt was one the one to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.



Ryan Graves

Employed by Uber from: 2010 to 2017

Position at Uber: Former SVP Global Operations, current Board Member

Where he is now: Graves was Uber's first employee and first CEO, a job he got by answering a tweet by cofounder Travis Kalanick. He previously worked in a database-administrator position at General Electric before landing a stint at Foursquare that he acquired by working for them for free after the company initially turned him down. 

After seven years at the company, Graves left his position as SVP of Global Operations in 2017, but he stayed on as a member of the Board of Directors.

In January 2018, he founded investment firm Saltwater Capital, which has backed meditation app Calm and the Fort Point Beer Company.

Graves owns more than $100 million worth of shares in Uber and has a total net worth of about $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. He's pledged to donate a portion of his IPO windfall to charity.



Garrett Camp

Employed by Uber from: 2009 to present

Position at Uber: Cofounder, Board Member

Where he is now: Before Uber, Camp created the popular website StumbleUpon.

He then founded Uber with Travis Kalanick and later became the company's second CEO.He's been on the Board of Directors since its beginnings, sometimes as chairman and other times as just a board member.

Camp later created his own startup studio called Expa, which works with founders to help them build and grow their own companies. 

Camp, who owns about 5% of Uber, is the company's second-largest individual shareholder; his stake has a value of $3.7 billion, according to Bloomberg. Forbes estimates his total net worth at $4.2 billion.



Jordan Bonnet

Employed by Uber from: 2010 to 2018

Former position at Uber: Senior Engineer

Where he is now: Bonnet was the third engineer to join Uber and the first mobile (both iOS and Android) engineer. He has worked on many launches, including Uber + Spotify. He now lives in Paris.

Bonnet left Uber in 2018 to join SAUV Life, a non-profit initiative in collaboration with Uber France.

According to LinkedIn, in March 2019 Bonnet joined a company called Dark Kitchen as director of engineering, and he's also an operating partner at venture capitalist firm Founders Future.



Domenic Narducci

Employed by Uber from: 2011 to present

Position at Uber: Software Developer

Where he is now: Narducci joined Uber as an intern when it was still UberCab — before San Francisco forced the name change. Since then he has moved around between different teams including the Driver Technology Platform team and the STARCRAFT team.

He's now a security engineer on the Product Security team. 



Scott Munro

Employed by Uber from: 2011 to 2016

Former position at Uber: Technical Program Manager, Realtime Platform

Where he is now: Munro started his career as a banking analyst, according to LinkedIn, but transitioned to business development with the iOS development service Catappult before starting at Uber. He moved up in operations as the company grew and eventually became the Technical Program Manager of Uber's realtime systems.

He left the company in April 2016, according to LinkedIn.



Ryan McKillen

Employed by Uber from: 2010 to 2017

Former position at Uber: Software Engineer, Product Manager

Where he is now: McKillen was Uber's third employee, starting as a software engineer. He moved up to head Uber's engineering team in New York City and later became the Product Manager of autonomous vehicle operations.

According to LinkedIn and other social media accounts, McKillen left the company in February 2017 and now lives in Miami. He was present at the New York Stock Exchange for Uber's IPO.



Conrad Whelan

Employed by Uber from: 2010 to 2016

Former position at Uber: Engineering Manager

Where he is now: Whelan became Uber's first engineer after moving to San Francisco from his native Calgary, Canada. He built the sign-up flows that allowed Uber to actually have any users. After the Uber launch, he worked on optimizing the dispatch algorithms, and he was responsible for building out a full product-development team in the Netherlands before leaving the company in 2016.

Since he left Uber, Whelan has been producing films and focusing on investing and working in film, tech, and philanthropy, according to his LinkedIn. In December, he donated $5 million to the public library system in his hometown of Calgary.

In March 2019, he joined Neurocast, a MedTech company that analyzes keystrokes to measure fatigue, as a senior technical advisor. Whelan is also on the board of directors of PK Sound, a Canadian sound manufacturing and event company.



Rachel Holt

Employed by Uber from: 2011 to present

Position at Uber: Vice President of New Mobility

Where she is now: After getting an MBA from Stanford, Holt moved across the country to DC to be with her boyfriend (now husband). She answered a job listing to launch Uber in DC and 10 days later, Uber did its first DC ride. The market turned out to be one of Uber's most combative and the first where it had regulatory issues. 

In 2016, Holt was promoted to regional general manager for Uber in the US and Canada.

Since then, she's moved up to Vice President of New Mobility, a position that handles Uber's efforts in the areas of bikes, scooters, transit, and hourly rentals.



Travis Kalanick

Employed by Uber from: 2009 to 2017

Former position at Uber: Cofounder, former CEO

Where he is now: Travis Kalanick launched a startup called UberCab in 2009 that evolved into one of the most successful tech companies in the world.

The former CEO left Uber in 2017 after a disastrous year for the company and sold off a sizeable portion of his stake to Softbank, which made him $1.4 billion. But he still owns about 7% of the company, making him the largest individual shareholder.

Kalanick remained on the board after he left Uber and went on to set up an investment fund and become the CEO of City Storage Systems.

Today, Kalanick is worth an estimated $5.4 billion and is likely about to be worth a lot more with Uber's IPO.

He showed up at Uber's IPO event and was greeted with cheers and applause.

Maya Kosoff contributed to an earlier version of this story.



The salary you need to comfortably afford rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the 25 largest US cities, ranked

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San Francisco

  • SmartAsset found what income is needed to comfortably afford rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the 25 largest US cities.
  • The study calculated how much a renter would need to earn to spend no more than 28% of their annual income on rent.
  • In eight cities, renters need to earn more than $100,000.

Rent for the average two-bedroom apartment in San Francisco, California, is more than double the cost of rent in Denver, Colorado.

It's clear that depending on where in the United States you live, rent may take up a larger portion of your income.

SmartAsset found what income you need to comfortably afford the rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the 25 largest cities, by population, across the country.

Comfortably, in this case, means spending no more than 28% of your annual salary on rent. The data on average two-bedroom apartment costs came from Zillow and is from April 2019.

Read more: Here's how much it costs to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the 49 largest US cities

To be clear, 28% is just a benchmark and is actually lower than the 30% budget many experts recommend. In some cities with expensive housing markets, that figure can be unavoidably higher — though you can cut costs by pairing up with a roommate and splitting the rent.

Keep reading to see how much a two-bedroom apartment costs in the 25 largest US cities, ranked from the lowest to the highest annual income you'll need (before taxes) to comfortably afford that rent in each.

SEE ALSO: Here's how much space $1,000 in rent will get you in 11 major US cities

DON'T MISS: The 10 most difficult places to invest in real estate in the US right now

25. Memphis, Tennessee

Average two-bedroom rent: $814

Annual income needed: $34,886



24. Detroit, Michigan

Average two-bedroom rent: $831

Annual income needed: $35,614



23. El Paso, Texas

Average two-bedroom rent: $875

Annual income needed: $37,500



22. Indianapolis, Indiana

Average two-bedroom rent: $915

Annual income needed: $39,214



21. Columbus, Ohio

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,050

Annual income needed: $45,000



20. San Antonio, Texas

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,229

Annual income needed: $52,671



19. Phoenix, Arizona

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,250

Annual income needed: $53,571



18. Jacksonville, Florida

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,279

Annual income needed: $54,793



17. Nashville, Tennessee

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,500

Annual income needed: $64,286



16. Houston, Texas

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,525

Annual income needed: $65,357



15. Charlotte, North Carolina

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,526

Annual income needed: $65,400



14. Fort Worth, Texas

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,600

Annual income needed: $68,571



T14. Austin, Texas

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,600

Annual income needed: $68,571



12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,691

Annual income needed: $72,450



11. Dallas, Texas

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,850

Annual income needed: $79,286



10. Chicago, Illinois

Average two-bedroom rent: $1,895

Annual income needed: $81,214



9. Denver, Colorado

Average two-bedroom rent: $2,151

Annual income needed: $92,164



8. San Diego, California

Average two-bedroom rent: $2,477

Annual income needed: $106,136



7. Boston, Massachusetts

Average two-bedroom rent: $2,500

Annual income needed: $107,143



6. Seattle, Washington

Average two-bedroom rent: $2,753

Annual income needed: $117,986



5. Los Angeles, California

Average two-bedroom rent: $3,000

Annual income needed: $128,571



4. San Jose, California

Average two-bedroom rent: $3,088

Annual income needed: $132,343



3. Washington, DC

Average two-bedroom rent: $3,100

Annual income needed: $132,857



2. New York, New York (Manhattan only)

Average two-bedroom rent (Manhattan only): $3,800

Annual income needed: $162,857



1. San Francisco, California

Average two-bedroom rent: $4,593

Annual income needed: $196,843




Save up to 40% on Crayola school supplies and up to 70% at L.L.Bean — plus 6 other sales and deals happening now

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We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on Crayola school supplies, outdoor gear and apparel at L.L.Bean, home goods at Target, and sneakers and apparel at Nike. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

81x9Qtu U8L._SL1500_

1. Save up to 40% on Crayola back-to-school essentials on Amazon

Crayola is having a massive back-to-school sale on Amazon. Today only, you can save up to 40% on crayons, markers, colored pencils, construction paper, dry erase markers, and more. There are deals on both small packages and bulk items, so if you're shopping as a parent for one child or as a teacher shopping for an entire classroom of kids, you'll save.

Shop the Crayola sale on Amazon now

L.L.Bean

2. Save up to 70% at L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean is currently having its biggest sale of the season with a summer clearance event. For a limited time, you can save up to 70% on apparel, shoes, and accessories for the entire family. If you're planning an outdoor trip during the final days of the summer or you're shopping for the upcoming school year, you'll find many deals worthwhile. Visit Business Insider Coupons for more sales and deals at L.L.Bean

Shop the L.L.Bean sale now.

target

3. Get a $15 gift card when you spend $50 on household essentials at Target

Target always makes it easy and affordable to get the everyday items you need — and the retailer is rewarding you for shopping.  Right now, you can get a free $15 gift card when you spend $50 on household/dorm room essentials with in-store pickup or same-day delivery. You can also get a $15 gift when you spend $75 on diapers, wipes, and toiletries with in-store pickup or same-day delivery. Visit Business Insider Coupons for the latest deals and promotions at Target

Shop the Target sale now

Nike

4. Save $30 off orders of $150 or more at Nike

Nike's most recent sale was set to end on August 8, but it's being extended for a few more days. Now through August 14, you can save $30 off orders of $150 or more by using the promo code "PLAY30" at checkout. You can use the promotion to buy one full-price item like the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 (pictured above) or stock up on multiple items like apparel and accessories to meet the $150 minimum. Visit Business Insider Coupons for more deals and sales at Nike.

Shop the Nike sale now.

The Home Depot

5. Save up to 40% on bath, kitchen, and appliances at Home Depot

If you're remodeling or updating your kitchen or bathroom, Home Depot is where you'll want to shop. Right now, you can save up to 35% on home appliances and up to 40% on bath and kitchen essentials. With everything from major appliances like refrigerators and stoves to bathroom items like vanities, faucets, and toilets, you'll find what you need for less.

Shop Home Depot's sale now

Twillory

6. Save up to 50% on dress shirts at Twillory

Twillory makes modern performance dress shirts along with casual weekend button-ups that are cut to be untucked. While the brand's shirts are pretty affordable year-round, the ongoing summer clearance sale makes them an even better deal. Originally priced at $99 each, you can now get two for $109, three for $159, or four or more for $49 each.

Shop the Twillory sale now.

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7.Save $15 on the Echo Connect

The Echo Connect connects your home phone services to your existing Echo device to make hands-free calls. Instead of picking up the phone and dialing, just ask Alexa to make a call and you can talk on speakerphone throughout your home. Today, you can buy one for $20 — a $15 savings.

Echo Connect, $19.99 (originally $34.99)[You save $15]

Casper hybrid

8. Save 10% on the Casper and Wave mattresses

As arguably the most popular mattress startup in existence, Casper doesn't really need to run sales or promotions to edge out competitors, but the brand is running an offer right now that will save you some money. Until 11:59 p.m. PST today, you can save 10% on the Casper and Wave mattresses with the promo code "SLEEPCOOL" at checkout. Visit Business Insider Coupons for all of the latest promotions at Casper.

Shop the Casper sale now.

Join the conversation about this story »

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

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monaco restaurant

A few things come to mind when most people think of Monaco: gambling, yachts, and the ultra-wealthy.

Indeed, one study estimated that nearly one in three people who reside in Monaco is a millionaire. And one in every 56 residents has assets totaling at least $30 million, according to the study by wealth tracking firm Wealth-X.

Monaco is arguably a playground for the wealthy, partially thanks to its reputation as a tax haven. It also draws millionaires and celebrities from all over the world to its prestigious Monaco Yacht Show each year. Its famed Monte Carlo district is known for being the gambling spot of choice for the world's high rollers.

Here's a peek inside life in Monaco. 

SEE ALSO: This $145 million superyacht just won a major award for its ultra-luxurious interior at the Monaco Yacht Show – here's a look inside

Monaco is known for its yachts, gambling, and lavish wealth.



About 38,300 people live in the compact city-state.

Source: IMSEE Monaco Statistics



Locals enjoy mild weather year-round in Monaco, which has an average temperature of 75 degrees in July and 50 degrees in January.

Source: Holiday Weather



The official language of Monaco is French, but English is also widely spoken, especially in restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Source: See Monaco



Each year, celebrities and billionaires come from all over the world to see the latest luxury yachting innovations at the Monaco Yacht Show.



Many of the yachts cost hundreds of millions of dollars and are owned by celebrities such as Ringo Starr and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton.

Source: Boat International



It also hosts the Formula One Grand Prix.



One of the reasons the 1% are attracted to be Monaco could be its identity as a popular banking destination and a known tax haven — it has no income tax.

Source: Money



Monaco's location, close to France and Italy, is a draw for wealthy residents more than other offshore tax havens, Yolande Barnes, a director at real estate consultancy Savills World Research, told CNN Money. "People don't want to feel exiled," she said. "It's the right location for a significant number of the world's wealthy."

Source: CNN Money 



Monaco has one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world. The average property price was $5.2 million in 2017.

Source: Soma International Realty, IMSEE Monaco Statistics Office



Monaco residents have access to fresh, local produce and plenty of seafood.

Source: Every Culture, See Monaco



Open-air markets are open every day of the week, year-round.

Source: See Monaco



The people of Monaco can shop at one of the 80 stores found in the luxurious Metropole Shopping Center ...

Source: Metropole Shopping Center



... or hit the streets to find luxury boutiques that include Hermès, Chanel, and Cartier.



Residents are usually in close proximity to royalty. The Monaco royal family lives at the Prince's Palace, a fortified palace that began as a fortress in 1191.

Source: Palais Princier de Monaco



The royal family includes Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and their twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco.

Source: Palais Princier de Monaco



Residents have access to a ritzy nightlife scene in Monaco, which is home to one of the French Riviera's most popular night clubs: Jimmy'z , where Leonardo DiCaprio and Lionel Richie have both been spotted.

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Source: Boat International Media



Another favorite is a swanky jazz club called Le Bar Américain.

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Source: Trip Advisor



At the heart of Monaco's gambling district, Monte Carlo, is the world-famous Monte Carlo casino, where high-rollers and VIPs go to gamble.

Source: Business Insider



In the main gaming room, Salle Europe, you can find Blackjack, Texas hold-em poker, and English and European roulette. The slot machines can be found in the Salle Renaissance and Salle Amérique, while the other two rooms are open to the general public for gambling. And don't think you'll get in wearing a t-shirt and jeans; jackets and ties are strongly recommended for men in the evening.

Source: Lonely Planet



Luxury cars are a common sight in Monaco, with the sounds of drivers loudly revving their engines often heard around town.

Source: CNN Money



Monaco's old town is full of beautiful architecture and charming narrow alleyways.

Source: Visit Monaco



The rest of the city, however, is not entirely so picturesque. Many of the views are dominated by high-rise hotels and apartment blocks.

Source: Lonely Planet



Monaco is home to its fair share of famous residents, one of them being Camille Gottlieb, Grace Kelly's 20-year-old granddaughter.

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Source: W Magazine

 



On Instagram, she posts photos of herself posing in front of yachts and luxury boutiques.

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U2 singer Bono is also a common sight in Monaco.

Source: See Monaco



Monaco is known for being one of the safest areas in the world, with a 24-hour video surveillance system that covers the entire town. It also has one of the largest police forces per capita, according to Money magazine.

Source: Money



6 things that help me feel less like a line cook when prepping and cooking vegetables

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yondu

There are few things as delicious as Olive Garden breadsticks, Ben & Jerry's Americone Dream, and a Sicilian slice from L&B Spumoni Gardens. 

But as someone who's about to walk down the aisle in less than two months, I've been eating my weight in vegetables and lean protein rather than carbs and sugar. 

Most of my meal prepping on weekends has my fiancé and I slicing and dicing $200 worth of vegetables — and let me tell you — it gets old fast. So to make us feel less like line cooks in a restaurant and more just like normal people trying to eat healthier, we've been using different kitchen gadgets and seasonings. 

Here are 6 things that help make prepping vegetables feel less like a chore:

SEE ALSO: I haven't gone to a grocery store in months or a drugstore in years — I use Instacart and Amazon Subscribe & Save instead

A sheet pan for roasting

USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan, available at Amazon, $19.99

Roasting veggies in a sheet pan is as easy as it gets. Just slice everything, toss with oil and seasoning, dump them on a tray like this, and fire your oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Just make sure not to overcrowd them on the tray, otherwise they'll just soften up instead of crisping.



A concentrated vegetable essence for umami

Yondu Vegetable Essence, available at Amazon, $8.99

Seasoning with salt and pepper is fine for a week or so, but after a while, everything just tastes bland, no matter how much you trick yourself into thinking you're Salt Bae.

This is a concentrated soybean base with onion, white radish, leek, cabbage, carrot, shiitake mushroom, ginger, and garlic extracts for layers of flavors that I wouldn't get from basic seasoning. It also gives off a slightly umami flavor because of the mushroom, which definitely makes eating vegetables much more enjoyable. 

It's organic, vegan, and gluten free — none of which I practice for health reasons, but just generally makes me feel better about what I put into my body. 

The essence is a high in sodium, but I do use it sparingly (a splash or two at a time), so I don't find it overly salty or feel bloated after incorporating it into my dishes. 



A mandolin slicer for easy uniform cuts

Kyocera Ceramic Adjustable Mandolin Vegetable Slicer, available at Amazon, $19.95

For quick and uniform cuts, there's really nothing better than a mandolin slicer. You can easily slice zucchini, onions, carrots, cucumbers, and more with a few passes. I find that using a mandolin slicer also helps veggies cook faster and more evenly than if I had cut them with a knife.

This one from Kyocera is nice because it has a slim profile that you can place over a bowl or counter, and a guard for your hands so you don't slice yourself. The adjustable dial increases or decreases the thickness of the slices without you needing to switch out blades to accommodate different vegetables, which I find immensely helpful during prep. 

Word to the wise though — I've nicked my fingers and knuckles, so definitely go slow, do not try to force the vegetable over the blade, and do not try to get down to the itty-bitty nub before changing the vegetable. You're much better off chopping the nub with a good ol' knife. 



A slow cooker for satisfying ratatouille and stuffed peppers

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook and Carry Slow Cooker, available at Amazon, $49.99

When I'm tired of roasting and sautéing veggies, I'll slice layer them in a slow cooker underneath a hearty tomato sauce and pretend I'm Remi in Ratatouille, or I'll stuff peppers with meat, cheese, and more veggies, and let it bake through. Both somehow always tastes much more satisfying than veggies on their own, and almost resets my palette.

I have an older, more basic slow cooker without the digital display or programmable cook times like this one, but they all work the same way. I'll wait until mine is tired of making ratatouille before upgrading to this. 



Glass storage containers to keep food from spoiling

 Oxo Good Grips 16-Piece Smart Seal Leakproof Glass Food Storage Container Set, available at Amazon, $54

If I'm going to spend so much time prepping my meals, they better not spoil before I can eat them. This set of glass containers keeps all the air out of the food, and the lids have little locking flaps keep everything secure and prevents leaks. I've carried a ton of meals in these containers and none have spilled. 

 



Spicy honey for a little kick

Mike's Hot Honey, 12-Ounce Honey With a Kick, available at Amazon, $8.06

I try to avoid processed and natural sugar, but I still drizzle a bit of this spicy honey when roasting things like Brussels sprouts or carrots. It. is. so. darn. good. 

The combo of sweet and spicy is perfectly balanced, and helps give more depth than basic salt and pepper alone. You can also use this honey on top of pizza, fried foods, and as a glaze for BBQ meats. 



11 famous people who built their fortunes off their side hustles

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sara blakely

  • For these 11 famous entrepreneurs and celebrities, their side hustles became more than just a way to supplement their income. 
  • Some of these successful entrepreneurs, like Marc Benioff, stayed at their full-time jobs even after their companies took off.
  • Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield never intended for the messaging platform he built for the employees of his video game company to become his main source of income.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

A side hustle can be more than just a way to supplement your income. 

These 11 entrepreneurs built their fortunes from ventures that started out as part-time gigs. Not all of them were quick to give up their day jobs, however. Ashton Kutcher has continued to act even after his venture capital firm took off, while Slack's Stewart Butterfield gave the corporate messaging app his full attention after his video game company went under.

Read more: A high school teacher with a 6-figure side hustle says a 2-part strategy helped him become a millionaire at 35

Keep reading for a look at 11 people who made more from their side hustles than their primary jobs.

SEE ALSO: 5 Hollywood celebrities who became billionaires and are vastly more rich than their peers

DON'T MISS: Meet Masayoshi Son, the billionaire founder of SoftBank and one of the richest men in Japan, who has a $16.3 billion fortune and owns a $117.5 million Silicon Valley estate

Stewart Butterfield was trying to build a now-defunct gaming company when he created Slack to ease communication with his employees.

Lucrative side hustle: Slack

Slack isn't the 46-year-old CEO's first successful side hustle. He built Flickr, which he later sold to Yahoo for a reported $35 million while attempting to develop a video game called "Game Neverending," according to Money Magazine.

Butterfield subsequently returned to video games and founded a new gaming firm. After Butterfield's new company, Tiny Speck, shuttered in 2012, he realized the messaging platform he built for his employees might be worth something.

Butterfield is now worth $2.4 billion thanks to his stake in Slack, according to Canadian Business. Slack is now preparing to go public and will be one of the year's most anticipated IPOs.

Read more: Here's Who's Getting Rich on Slack's Multi-Billion Dollar IPO



Basketball legend Michael Jordan is worth $1.65 billion — mostly because of his shoe line with Nike, according to Forbes.

Lucrative side hustle: Nike Air Jordan, The Charlotte Hornets

Jordan, 56, is the highest-paid athlete of all time, but not because of his salary from the Chicago Bulls. Jordan earned $1.4 billion before taxes from corporate sponsorships during his professional basketball career. His film debut, "Space Jam," also earned $250 million at the worldwide box office, according to IMDB

He went on to purchase an NBA team, The Charlotte Hornets, in 2010. The Hornets may be the third least-valuable NBA franchise according to Forbes, but the team's valuation at $1.05 billion is still a major part of Jordan's wealth. Jordan has also made a lot of money from Nike's Air Jordan line, which made him a billionaire in 2015, according to CNN Business.

Read more: 7 money lessons you can learn from the way Michael Jordan makes and spends his fortune



Sara Blakely revealed on LinkedIn that she ran Spanx out of her apartment at night — even after her products were featured on Oprah.

Lucrative side hustle: Spanx

Sara Blakely, 48, spent her days selling fax machines for office-supply company Danka long after she founded Spanx, according to a post she wrote on LinkedIn. Blakely ran her side business out of her Atlanta apartment and would often come home to boxes of Spanx stacked in front of her front door so high that she needed help from neighbors to move them. She didn't quit her day job as a Danka salesperson until after Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue started selling Spanx in their stores in 2000.

While it's unclear how much money Blakely made at her day job, her net worth was probably a lot lower than it is now: Forbes estimates that she's worth $1 billion because of Spanx.



Salesforce was just a side hustle for Marc Benioff while he worked full time at Oracle, until a disagreement with his boss led him to strike out on his own.

Lucrative side hustle: Salesforce

Benioff, now 54, got hired as a salesperson at Oracle right after graduating from the University of Southern California in 1986, according to Bloomberg. Benioff had worked his way up to being an executive before he came up with the idea for Salesforce during a 6-month sabbatical from the company.

Benioff worked on Salesforce while holding on to his position at Oracle, and even received a $2 million investment from Oracle founder Larry Ellison, Business Insider previously reported. Benioff later quit his day job as Salesforce began to compete with Oracle.

Oracle paid Benioff $300,000 for his work as a vice president when he was 26. Benioff is now worth $6.7 billion, with most of his wealth coming from his shares of Salesforce, according to Bloomberg.

Read more: The epic 30-year bromance of billionaire CEOs Larry Ellison and Marc Benioff



Rihanna is the world's wealthiest female musician according to Forbes, but she didn't make her fortune from her 14 No.1 songs.

Lucrative side hustle: Fenty

Billboard reported that Rihanna, 31, made $22 million from her music in 2016, but that number is dwarfed by her earnings from her fashion and beauty ventures. Rihanna is the creative director of Puma, and she partnered with French luxury-goods maker LVMH to launch Fenty Beauty in 2017 and a fashion house of the same name in 2019.

Rihanna's beauty line alone is worth $3 billion, she owns 15% of the company, and she has a net worth of $600 million, according to Forbes.

Read more: Rihanna is the world's richest female musician — from yachting trips on the French Riviera to a staff that includes a chef and personal trainers, see how she spends her $600 million fortune



Bonobos cofounder and former CEO Andy Dunn got started by selling chinos out of his car while earning his MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business, according to NPR's "How I Built This with Guy Raz."

Lucrative side hustle: Bonobos

Dunn's first involvement with Bonobos was to help his cofounder and roommate Brian Spaly sell Spaly's design for more flattering men's pants while both were full-time students at Stanford's Graduate School of Business. Spaly is no longer involved with the company, according to NPR's "How I Built This with Guy Raz." 

Dunn, now 40, sold Bonobos to Walmart for $310 million in 2017, and stayed on as the company's CEO until 2018, according to Inc. He is currently the senior vice president of digital brands at Walmart.



Jay-Z may be the first hip-hop billionaire, but he made most of his money from streaming service Tidal, his clothing line, and cognac brand D'Ussé — not hip hop.

Lucrative side hustles: Tidal, D'Ussé

The stake Jay-Z, 49, has in premium streaming service Tidal is worth $100 million alone, according to Forbes. Jay-Z acquired Tidal for $56 million in 2015Sprint bought a 33% stake in the company for $200 million in 2017, which put the company's valuation at $600 million.

In comparison, Jay-Z only made about $500 million from his 14 No. 1 album before taxes. 



Ashton Kutcher was one of the highest-paid actors in television in 2013, according to Forbes, but he's made even more in venture capital.

Lucrative side hustle: Sound Ventures

Kutcher made $24 million between June 2012 and June 2013 from his role in hit series "Two and a Half Men," Forbes reports, but his investment portfolio is worth even more.

The investment portfolio Kutcher built alongside talent manager Guy Oseary was worth $250 million in 2016 according to Forbes. Kutcher and Oseary began by investing $30 million in companies including Uber, Skype, Airbnb, Spotify, Pinterest, Shazam and Warby Parker. Kutcher, 41, invests in startups because he wants to help "brilliant people trying to solve hard problems," the actor explained in a blog post he wrote on Atrium.

Kutcher still finds time to act and currently stars in Netflix sitcom "The Ranch."



Nike founder Phil Knight sold Japanese running shoes out his car at track meets while working as an accountant.

Lucrative side hustle: Nike

Knight, now 81, founded Nike with his old track coach Bill Bowerman after becoming inspired by the running shoes he saw on a trip to Japan. Knight first became interested in selling shoes while still a student at Stanford, but he decided to become a CPA and pursue a career in accounting instead. When Knight found success selling shoes after hours, he decided to turn Nike, then called Blue Ribbon Sports, into his full-time career in 1968, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

After 52 years at Nike, Knight retired from his role as the company's chairman in 2016. He owns 20% of the Oregon-based giant and is worth $33.9 billion, according to Forbes.



Actress Jessica Alba made her fortune from the natural consumer products company she cofounded to create safe products for her children, according to Forbes.

Lucrative side hustle: The Honest Company

While the 38-year-old "Fantastic Four" star may be best known for her acting career, the biggest source of her wealth is The Honest Company, according to Forbes. Alba cofounded the all-natural household and baby products producer in 2011, and currently serves as the chair of The Honest Company's board.

Forbes estimates that Alba's net worth was $200 million in 2017, down from $340 million in 2016 after the Honest Company's valuation peaked at $1.7 billion.



Daymond John founded FUBU in between 12-hour shifts at Red Lobster, according to CNBC.

Lucrative side hustle: FUBU

John, 50, founded his hip-hop fashion brand by making hats out of his home in Queens with the help of his mom while waiting tables full time at Red Lobster, according to Investopedia. FUBU has now sold over $6 billion of clothing and accessories.

"I would get up at 6 in the morning, I would answer all the calls that were on the voicemail and then I would (deliver) as many hats as I could, or t-shirts, to all the stores I could until about 12," John said told CNBC. "I probably need(ed) to get to Red Lobster about 2. I would work till about 10, 11, 12 at night. I would then come home and sew the labels on things … until 3, 4 in the morning."

John is worth $300 million, according to Investopedia. John still works at FUBU, in addition to starring on "Shark Tank."



The best organic and eco-friendly disposable diapers you can buy

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best organic baby diapers

  • When it comes to diaper choices, you don't have to settle for ones that hurt your baby's skin and the environment. Eco-friendly diapers help you AND your baby feel good about diapering.
  • After much research, we found Naty is the best option overall. Their award-winning diapers are made with natural materials and free of harmful chemicals.

The moment your baby arrives, your life revolves around three things: feeding, sleeping, and diapering. When it comes to diapers, your baby will need somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 diapers in their first year.

This takes a toll on your wallet and the environment. While there are many diaper brands to choose from, many of them are harmful to the environment and sit in landfills indefinitely. Add to that the fact that most diapers aren't biodegradable, and they contain chemicals that might hurt your baby's sensitive skin.

For parents who want a more natural disposable diaper option, cloth diapering is the best choice. But if you don't want the hassle of washing and folding, eco-friendly disposable diapers made with organic, plant-based materials are the next best option.

Parents choose eco-friendly, organic diapers for environmental friendliness, superior quality, and skin sensitivity and allergies. But it's just as important that the diapers handle blowouts, are superabsorbent, and fit well — not to mention best for the wallet.

We considered hundreds of reviews and personal experience to choose the best eco-friendly diapers you can buy. It should be noted that the term "organic" is often used interchangeably with "eco-friendly." This can be misleading. While the diapers in this guide use mostly plant-based materials, they are not completely organic or free from unnatural ingredients.

Here are the best eco-friendly diapers you can buy:

The best eco-friendly diapers overall

Naty diapers are superabsorbent and naturally breathable. When it comes to green diapers, Naty has a number of certifications to back up their eco-friendly claims.

When I wasn't cloth diapering, I used a variety of eco-friendly diapers. One of them was Naty, and I found it to be a premium diaper that handles big blowouts.

Naty diapers allow you to go green without losing performance. The Swedish company was started by a Marlene Sandberg who became concerned about all of the diapers clogging landfills and leaking toxic chemicals back into the earth. She decided to create an eco-friendly diaper that doesn't cut corners on quality and greenness.

While most traditional disposable diapers are composed of petroleum-based plastic, Naty diapers ensure that the materials that come into contact with your baby's skin are 100% bio- and plant-based. To back this up, the diapers are OK Biobased certified by TUV AUSTRIA, an independent certification organization. These bio-based materials are safe for your baby's skin and naturally make for a more breathable diaper that helps prevent diaper rash.

Naty diapers are also superabsorbent. Their core is composed of 100% wood pulp certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the leakage protectant is made up of 80% bio-based material. These materials help absorb and lock in liquids. In my experience, these diapers hold everything in and prevent blowouts — and they saved me from quite a mess on a memorable drive to the store with my baby.

In addition, Naty diapers are EcoCert (95% or more plant-based materials), labeled "Good for the Environment" by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, and pass the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 test designating them free of more than 100 undesirable substances.

Note: This review is for an older version of the Naty diapers. Naty recently redesigned their eco-friendly diaper and is phasing out the version we reviewed. The new design, sold under the Eco by Naty branding, maintains the same level of eco-friendly standards, but Amazon reviewers have noted that leaks are more common.

Pros: 100% bio-based materials on baby's skin, completely compostable, superabsorbent, breathable, non-toxic, fragrance-free, fewer diaper rashes

Cons: Not as soft as other eco-friendly diapers, stronger urine smell



The best supersoft eco-friendly diapers

Bambo Nature eco-friendly diapers are the softest I've found that do not compromise performance.

While there are many things I love about Bambo Nature diapers, I am most impressed by how soft they feel against the skin — the difference between these and other disposable diapers is significant. The diapers consist of three layers but are actually quite thin. They have a back sheet that wicks away moisture and provides breathability, making them ideal for preventing and healing diaper rash. I can attest to this — my daughter suffered from terrible diaper rashes, and Bambo diapers reduced their frequency.

The diapers include a wetness indicator and feature latex-free leg cuffs and a flexible waistband.  They fit my daughter's lean frame snugly without being too tight. 

Bambo Nature diapers are free of harmful chemicals and allergens. In addition to being dermatologically tested, they are certified by the Asthma & Allergy Association of Denmark. They also carry EcoCert and FSC certifications.

On the Bambo Nature website, the diapers have over 1,500 reviews from verified buyers at an average 5-star rating. Most reviewers comment on how soft, durable, and absorbent they are. Others note that they work well for babies with sensitive skin. But all of this does come at a price — eco-friendly diapers are typically more expensive than other disposable brands. You can, however, request a free sample or join their Subscribe & Save program.

Pros: Supersoft, ultra-absorbent, breathable, fragrance-free, excellent quality

Cons: Expensive, some users report leakage problems



The best eco-friendly diapers for bundling

Honest Co. makes eco-friendly diapers in a variety of classic and seasonal designs that can be bundled through their diaper service.

I stumbled upon Honest Co. diapers while scrolling through my Instagram feed. I stopped my roll when their fun and unique designs caught my eye. I mean, who doesn't want their baby to wear juicy strawberries, green dinosaurs, or long-necked giraffes?

Honest Co. utilizes naturally derived and sustainable materials to produce their eco-friendly diapers. The fluff pulp that makes up each diaper's absorbent core comes from sustainably managed forests, the sodium polyacrylate (the stuff that really helps soak up urine and prevent leaks) contains renewable materials, and the diaper's outer layer is composed of plant-based plastic. The diapers are also free of latex, chlorine, fragrances, and lotions and are dermatologist tested. Natural odor inhibitors — citrus extract and liquid chlorophyll — are an added bonus.

Honest Co. diapers are a good fit for babies of all shapes and sizes, from newborn up to 35 pounds. Both my chunky son and lean daughter fit comfortably in Honest Co. diapers, which have stretchy side panels and a secure yet flexible waistband. While I've read some reviews of leakage problems, I never experienced that. In fact, these diapers worked great overnight for my babies.

What I really love is that Honest Co.'s diaper bundling service allows me to order a variety of designs and sizes, which is a plus for those with multiple kids. Once you subscribe to their diaper and wipes bundle, you can add other skin and beauty products for a 20% discount. They even throw in free gifts every once in a while and send your kiddo a pack of birthday diapers. Plus, I've tried a lot of wipes, and almost nothing beats the thickness and durability of an Honest Co. wipe.

One downside is that I found the diapers run small. Some verified buyers say that their little ones developed serious rash problems, but I never experienced this with Honest Co. diapers any more than with other brands. Overall, these diapers get great reviews — with nearly 800 reviews and 4.2 out of 5 stars at Target.

Pros: Adorable designs, soft, absorbent, excellent subscription service

Cons: Run small, lack eco-certifications



The best eco-friendly diapers for giving back

Andy Pandy diapers provide a way for parents to swaddle their little ones in an eco-friendly diaper while helping kids with cancer. 

Andy Pandy makes a premium diaper that is superabsorbent and gives to a good cause. The family that started Andy Pandy wanted to create a diaper that was safe for babies and the environment while also contributing to a meaningful cause. For every diaper sold, a portion of the profits goes to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and their mission to prevent and treat pediatric cancer and other diseases. 

Not only does Andy Pandy have a great mission, but the diapers are 86.5% biodegradable, supersoft, absorbent, free of harmful chemicals, and partially made from eco-friendly bamboo. The diaper's nonwoven back sheet — the part that touches your baby's skin the most — is made from 100% bamboo, which is highly absorbent, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and odor resistant.

When I used these diapers, I was amazed at how luxurious they felt, and the bright white color had a clean appearance that appealed to me. I found they handled blowouts well, and my kids never got diaper rash while wearing them. Despite my experience, others said they didn't handle blowouts. Some reviewers also report the diapers run big, so you may need to order a size smaller.

Overall, Andy Pandy has over 1,700 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.3-star rating. One Amazon reviewer says, "One time we left the diaper on for 10 hours because he fell back asleep and we didn't want to wake him up. Well, when we changed the diaper in the morning, my wife touched the inside of the diaper and it felt completely dry and oh very soft. No leaks, no gel coming out of the diaper - just soft and dry."

Pros: Company gives back, supersoft, made with bamboo

Cons: Run big, higher priced



The best budget-conscious eco-friendly diapers

Thrive Market Diapers are excellent green diapers overall. Not only are they made from renewable materials, they're also less expensive than other organic diaper options.

When it comes to earth-friendly diapers with green factor, you typically have to pay a little more. However, this isn't the case when you buy Thrive Market Diapers. At a discounted price of $0.22 per diaper, this beats or comes close to mainstream brands like Pampers Pure or Seventh Generation Free & Clear. You do need to sign up for their monthly membership at $5 per month, but even with this additional cost, these eco-friendly diapers are a great deal.

Thrive Market approaches shopping differently than other online supermarkets — their mission is to provide sustainable and healthy food and products at affordable prices to families everywhere. When you join the Thrive Market community, you get access to tons of organic brands, including diapers.

Now, even though the Thrive Market diapers are a cheaper eco-friendly option, don't assume the quality is lower. These diapers can handle multiple pees and use 30% to 40% more of sustainable and renewable raw materials than leading brands. One verified purchaser says, "Just as good as Honest brand and other organic brands for a better price."

While nothing really can beat Naty or Bambo Nature when it comes to eco-friendliness, if you want a brand that's better for the earth and comes at a price you can afford then Thrive Market Baby Diapers are a trustworthy option.

Pros: Affordable, durable, absorbent

Cons: Requires a membership



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