• Some of our favorite pairs of leggings come not from typical athleisure brands, but from shapewear company Spanx.
• In addition to its iconic shapewear, Spanx makes leggings that are widely loved for their style, comfort, and flattering fit. 
• We tried four styles — the EveryWear Mesh Side Stripe Leggings ($110), Look At Me Now Cropped Seamless Leggings ($68-$72), EveryWear Icon Leggings ($110), and Active Printed Leggings ($110-$114) — to confirm they really are worth it. 

Over the course of 21 years, Spanx has firmly entrenched itself into popular culture and become synonymous with looking and feeling confident in your evening dress.

Though it's usually associated with smoothing, panty line-eliminating shapewear, another part of its business — which has expanded far and wide to include activewear, swimwear, and men's underwear— is quietly raved about, too.

Spanx leggings have earned their own share of fans because they feature the same comfort and flattering look of the famous shapewear, but take everyone's favorite form of pants-that-aren't-really-pants. 

A few of the most popular Spanx legging styles are the Faux Leather Leggings ($98), Faux Leather Moto Leggings ($110), and the Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings ($68).

The sleek and slick Faux Leather Leggings are slimming and make an ordinary outfit instantly more edgy, while the Moto version turns the edge up further with its textured moto seams. Though you'd expect these styles to be uncomfortable or restrictive, they're quite stretchy and have control tops.

Meanwhile, the stretchy knit Seamless Leggings are an attractive legging basic you'll default to on the weekends, but won't feel ashamed to wear out of the apartment. 

In total, Spanx sells nearly 40 styles of leggings, from "Jean-ish" to luxe velvet to active. They run from $60 to $130, with most styles priced around $100 to $110 — on par with premium athleisure brands. The Spanx difference, however, benefits from a design philosophy that has both comfort and style in mind, and executes through features like shaping waistbands and the absence of center seams. 

We tried a few pairs of Spanx leggings to see for ourselves what the big deal was and came away impressed with their fit, quality construction, and flattering style. You can read more about our experiences, then shop all of Spanx's leggings below. 

Shop all leggings at Spanx here

Shop Spanx leggings at Nordstrom here

Shop Spanx leggings at Amazon here

EveryWear Mesh Side Stripe Leggings

EveryWear Mesh Side Stripe Leggings, $110, available at Spanx

For both stylistic and functional, breathability purposes, I love leggings with mesh details or panels, so I was immediately drawn to this pair. They have a lengthening and slimming mesh stripe down each leg that somewhat mimics the popular side stripe pant look of the moment, but has its own unique effect. 

Your legs and butt will look great in these leggings because the fabric compresses and hugs your curves, but they'll also feel surprisingly comfortable the whole time. They're stretchy, and though I wouldn't work out in them, they easily adapted to the unexpected squats and light jogs that can be required during an active day in the city.

The other parts of the comfort equation were the soft, antimicrobial finish and breathable fabric that allowed me to wear these leggings from day to night. —Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter

Look At Me Now Cropped Seamless Leggings

Look At Me Now Cropped Seamless Leggings, $68-$72, available at Spanx

I'm firmly in camp "leggings as pants," and this semi-high-waisted pair has everything going for it. The extreme opacity means I never have to worry when I  bend over to pick something up (which is often, I have a cat and a slippery phone),  and the seamless construction is incredibly smoothing and comfortable. There's no elastic strip in the waistband, so there's no digging. The waist is basically just a continuation of the leggings themselves.

They're also not as tight as Spanx shapewear, but they still hold me in without pressing too hard anywhere. I don't wear these to work, but I do wear them as often as possible when I'm not in the office. I'm also 5-foot-1, so cropped leggings fit me perfectly as regular-length pairs.  —Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

EveryWear Icon Leggings

EveryWear Icon Leggings, $110, available at Spanx

I was prepared not to love Spanx's leggings. I spend most of my time in athletic leggings, and I had decided I'd outgrown athleisure pairs. I stand corrected.

The Every-Wear leggings are flattering and slimming, and surprisingly thin enough to wear all day comfortably. The four-way stretch lets you move around unencumbered. The design is smart: the absence of a center-seam and a waistband-free construction makes the transition from what is essentially shapewear to a more natural second skin (and no muffin top). It hit at my natural waist, and the seams in back work both functionally and as a kind of slimming and uplifting contour.

All in all, they're movement-friendly, make for a lean and streamlined silhouette, and avoid most of my athleisure complaints. $110 is expensive, but I'd personally rather own one pair of these than three inferior pairs. —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

Active Printed Leggings

Active Printed Leggings, $110-$114, available at Spanx

Spanx makes my all-time favorite pairs of tights, so I had high hopes for its leggings. And my faith was not misplaced … the Active Printed Leggings are amazing. They're breathable, supportive but not suffocating, and surprisingly comfortable, offering more stretch than similar compressive leggings I've tried that makes them much easier to get into and out of. I'm not sure what witchcraft went into the design, but they also manage to create a smooth-all-over look I love.—Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

Looking for more leggings and tights options? Let Insider Picks help you:

• Sixty-one percent of millennials said they've delayed buying a house because of student-loan debt, according to a SoFi survey.
• Student-loan debt and skyrocketing housing prices make homeownership unaffordable for many millennials.
• The Fed found that student-loan debt is linked to more than 20% of the decline in homeownership among adults from 2005 to 2014.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The relationship between student-loan debt and homeownership needs to break up.

Sixty-one percent of millennials said they've delayed buying a house because of their student-loan debt, according to a new survey by personal finance company SoFi. The survey polled more than 1,000 Americans ages 22 to 35.

But that's not the only major life milestone they're delaying because of student-loan debt. Of the survey respondents, 39% said they've delayed moving to another city, and 35% said they've delayed starting a family.

Millennials are facing the Great American Affordability Crisis— they're financially behind from the aftermath of the Great Recession and dealing with a higher cost of living than previous generations were; student-loan debt just weighs these problems down even more. The national total student debt is over $1.5 trillion, and the average student-loan debt per graduating student in 2018 who took out loans is $29,800, according to Student Loan Hero.

Read more: Nearly half of millennials said the biggest mistake they made with student loans is thinking their starting salaries would cover their monthly payments, a new study shows

Student-loan debt and high housing prices make buying a home difficult for many millennials

A 2019 Federal Reserve study found that student-loan debt is linked to more than 20% of the decline in young-adult homeownership between 2005 to 2014, Business Insider's Alex Nicoll previously reported.

The study tracked both an increase in the amount borrowed per student and the numbers of borrowers. The study found there was a 1% to 2% decrease in homeownership rate among borrowers for every $1,000 they owed on average. 

Nicoll also cited a report by Zillow, which studied the effect that student loans have on the ability of an average buyer to afford a home. That study found that student loans cut down the number of homes the average buyer could afford by 10%. It doesn't help that housing costs are skyrocketing. Those buying their first home today will pay 39% more than first-time homebuyers did nearly 40 years ago.

The collision of all these factors has created an environment in which millennials are renting longer and buying later.

SEE ALSO: 8 ways American millennials are changing homeownership, from moving to commuter towns to wiping out the starter home

DON'T MISS: 10 mind-blowing facts that show just how dire the student-loan crisis in America is

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

• It's unusual to be able to enjoy regional delicacies if you're not local, but Goldbelly is quickly becoming the middleman between you and famous foods from the rest of the country.
• You can order gourmet food gifts from iconic eateries all over the United States and have them delivered anywhere nationwide.

We all know the old adage: The way to someone's heart is through their stomach. Most of us would agree it's true. Food is more than sustenance — it's nostalgia, comfort, a common denominator in a world of difference. A bite of a tender lobster roll transports you back to childhood summers spent in Maine. The chewiness of a New York bagel beckons memories of lazy Sunday morning rituals from when you lived in the city. A whiff of a hot, gooey, cheesesteak will always be associated with cheering on the Phillies at baseball games with Dad. 

As we pack up and move on with our lives, we'll continue to crave these nostalgic bites. Whatever the connection, wouldn't it be lovely if you could experience your favorite meals from local, regional eateries no matter where you are?

Enter: Goldbelly.

It's an online marketplace offering up some of the best bites from iconic food establishments all around the United States — and it's the ultimate gift for food lovers. 

What Goldbelly does

Every region has its own delicacies — Philly cheesesteaks, New York bagels, Kansas City barbecue — and Goldbelly is on a mission to make these local foods available to everyone, regardless of location. Goldbelly partners with famous food purveyors and eateries all over the country — like Pat's Cheesesteak, Prince Street Pizza, and Pat LaFrieda—and helps them deliver some of their most popular dishes to hungry consumers nationwide. You can find everything from fresh Georgia peaches to saucy pulled pork and ribs. 

How Goldbelly works

Head over to Goldbelly and you'll be met with a homepage filled with drool-worthy pictures of delicious eats from all over the country. Goldbelly helps you find what you're looking for in a variety of ways. Choose to peruse by category of food, what's popular at the moment, iconic shops, or check out one of Goldbelly's curated gift guides.

Once you find what you're looking for, it's just like ordering anything else online. There is also an option to add a gift message and recipient information, which makes Goldbelly packages extra giftable. Shipping time and price is dependent on the product and where it's coming from. Since Goldbelly works with independent vendors, it's understandable that shipping would be varied. 

My experience

After coming back from a trip visiting a friend in Seattle, I was looking for the perfect thank-you-for-hosting-me gift. Of course, there are always flowers, candles, and edible arrangements, but nothing felt personal enough for a friend who had gone out of her way to plan a wonderful weekend on the West Coast. As coincidence would have it, I came across Goldbelly the day after I returned. While in Seattle, my friend had mentioned her only real complaint about the city was that there are no good bagels (sorry, Seattle), so I figured, why not send them?

I perused Goldbelly's curated guide to "Best Gifts from NYC", knowing there had to be some great bagels inside. I landed on a package from Ess-a-Bagel— a New York institution and personal favorite — which included enough bagels and fixings for six. The box cost $85 for six bagels, a 1/2 pound nova lox, and a 1/2 pound of any type of cream cheese. You can also add more cream cheese, lox, and even add more spreads for an added price. I ordered it on Tuesday morning and it was delivered to my friend's doorstep the next day, on Wednesday afternoon.

While I got to try this service for free to review it, when it comes down to it, it's clear that Goldbelly provides a pretty good value. A typical nova bagel sandwich at Ess-a-Bagel costs $13.25, but the Goldbelly price isn't much higher, clocking each bagel and lox combo in at just about $14.20. Of course, there is also a delivery fee to consider, and you may get a heavier helping of lox and schmear at Ess-a-Bagel, but that's besides the point. The point is, this delivery brought serious smiles to an East Coast transplant who had a hankering from some New York bagels, and for that I'd definitely gift it again.

The bottom Line

Nowadays, we're comfortable with buying so many items online. If you can buy a mattress and have it delivered to your door, why shouldn't you be able to do the same with pastrami sandwiches and clam chowder?

Goldbelly has definitely filled a niche for foodies everywhere. While there's nothing like eating the real deal in person, Goldbelly can get you pretty darn close. 

Order gourmet food gifts from Goldbelly, here

Join the conversation about this story »

• New York City has long been a mecca for celebrities.  
• In trendy neighborhoods like Tribeca and Soho, celebs live in "paparazzi-proof buildings" and multimillion-dollar penthouses with lavish amenities.
• Celebrity apartments in New York feature some outrageous amenities, from Meryl Streep's wraparound terrace at her Tribeca penthouse to Taylor Swift's indoor swimming pool in a West Village rental townhouse. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Celebrities have long flocked to New York City. 

Stars such as Meryl Streep, Justin Timberlake, Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert De Niro, Madonna, Sting, and Taylor Swift call the Big Apple home — at least part of the time. And naturally, they live in some of the most opulent homes in the city.

Take a look at some of the most over-the-top amenities in New York celebrity homes, from automated robotic parking and indoor swimming pools to private VIP elevators and IMAX theaters.

SEE ALSO: I spent an afternoon in NYC's richest ZIP code, where celebs live in a 'paparazzi-proof' building and the average income is $879,000. Here's what the trendy neighborhood looks like.

DON'T MISS: Taylor Swift is reportedly house-hunting in London. She already owns at least $81 million in real estate in the US — here's a look at her mansions and penthouses.

New York City has long been a mecca for the rich and famous.

Celebrities including Meryl Streep, Justin Timberlake, Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert De Niro, Madonna, Sting, and Taylor Swift call the city home — at least part of the time.

For 13 years, Meryl Streep has owned a penthouse in Manhattan's celebrity-beloved Tribeca neighborhood. Now, she's selling it for $18.25 million.

Source:Business Insider

The standout feature of the 4,000-square-foot apartment is its 10-foot-wide, fully landscaped wraparound terrace, which offers views of the Hudson River, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center.

Source:Business Insider

Actors Peter Sarsgaard and Maggie Gyllenhaal are selling their brownstone home in the affluent Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope for $4 million.

Source:Business Insider

In a city where outdoor space is rare and coveted, the home features a 55-foot-deep backyard garden, complete with an outdoor bathtub and shower.

Source:Business Insider

Singer-songwriter Zayn Malik, a former member of the famous pop band One Direction, is selling his four-bedroom penthouse in Soho for $10.8 million.

Source:Business Insider

The penthouse includes a massive private roof terrace that spans 932 square feet.

Source:Business Insider

Taylor Swift once rented a luxury townhouse on Cornelia Street in the West Village. In her new album, "Lover," she mentions "a place on Cornelia Street," presumably referencing the home, which sold earlier this year for $11.5 million.

Source:Business Insider

The West Village townhouse includes a 30-foot indoor swimming pool with double-height ceilings and a chandelier.

Source:Business Insider

In June 2019, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos dropped about $80 million on a set of three condos, including a penthouse, near Madison Square Park in Manhattan.

Source:Business Insider

The penthouse unit, which spans the top three floors of the building, has a partial rooftop terrace that spans the entire length of the building.

Source:Business Insider

443 Greenwich Street in Tribeca is a luxury residential building that's been called "paparazzi proof" for its privacy-minded features.

Source:Insider

The building has reportedly attracted the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal, Meg Ryan, Harry Styles, Justin Timberlake, and Jessica Biel.

Source:Mansion Global

The building has as its own lower-level parking, but perhaps the most over-the-top feature of the building is that every single apartment has its own private entry elevator, a representative for the building's architecture firm told Insider.

Source:Insider

A 39-residence boutique residential building in Chelsea, the only one in NYC designed by legendary architect Zaha Hadid, has attracted some musically-inclined celebrities.

Source:StreetEasy,Business Insider

Singer Ariana Grande reportedly rented a five-bedroom apartment in the building that spans 4,023 square feet.

Source:StreetEasy

And Sting, former lead singer of the Police, reportedly rented a unit on one of the upper floors of the building with his wife, Trudie Styler.

Source:Curbed

While Sting and Grande's exact apartments are unknown, the building's lavish amenities for residents include automated robotic parking, a spa suite with a whirlpool, a cold-plunge pool, a sauna and steam room ...

Source:Business Insider

... a 75-foot skylit swimming pool ...

Source:Business Insider

... and a private Imax theater.

Source:Business Insider

• How long a YouTube video can be will depend on if your account is verified. 
• If you aren't verified, the length of your YouTube videos is limited to 15 minutes. 
• If you are verified, your YouTube videos can be up to 12 hours long, or 128 GB, whichever is less.
• Here's everything you need to know about how long a YouTube video can be, and how to get around the limitations. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you're an avid YouTube viewer or creator, you probably know that video lengths can run the gambit from super short and snappy to the length of a feature film. 

And when it comes to your own videos, there are some limitations on how long your videos can be.

Here's what you need to know about those limits:

How long a YouTube video can be, depending on if you're verified

It all depends on whether or not your YouTube account has been verified or not.

• Non-verified accounts can only upload videos up to 15 minutes long.
• Verified accounts are limited to videos that are 12 hours long, or 128 GB, "whichever is less," according to Google. 

If you aren't sure if you've gone through the verification process for your account or not, go to your "Account Features" page — if you've already been verified, you'll see "Verified" beneath your channel name and the "Longer Videos" box will say "Enabled." 

If not, you'll need to get verified to upload longer videos.

How to troubleshoot a long YouTube video upload

If you see that your channel is verified, but you aren't able to upload videos that are longer than 15 minutes, you may have a copyright claim on one of your videos, or a strike against you for violating YouTube's community guidelines. 

You'll be able to check on those via the "Account Features" page of your channel.

If you have a video that exceeds the maximum video length, or size, there are a couple of solutions you may want to try. 

For example, you could compress the video using an editing software so that it meets the maximum file size without losing quality. According to YouTube, a common method for this is encoding the video using the H.264 codec. 

Or, if that isn't an option, you might try splitting it up into two or more videos and cross linking them so that each one meets those limitations.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to verify your YouTube account, so you can upload videos longer than 15 minutes and customize thumbnails

• How to see a list of your YouTube subscribers on a computer or mobile device

• How to create your own YouTube channel for personal use, or a Brand Account for business

• How to temporarily hide or permanently delete your YouTube account, and erase any trace of yourself from the site

SEE ALSO: The best laptops you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's why phone companies like Verizon and AT&T charge more for extra data

• A tentative settlement was just reached over the notorious sinking and tilting of the Millennium Tower residential building in San Francisco, California.
• Residents claimed they suffered losses to their properties' value as a result of bad press and the building's poor construction.
• The $100 million plan involves securing the corrupted foundation using a "perimeter pile upgrade."
• Residents will also receive "very significant" payouts, according to one attorney representing a group of Millennium Tower homeowners.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Millennium Tower in San Francisco is still sinking and leaning.

But there's finally a bit of good news for residents of the luxury building at 301 Mission Street, which has sunk 18 inches and tilted 14 inches since it was completed in 2008.

A tentative settlement was just reached that will require Millennium Partners and Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA) to pay for the $100m plan to fix the building, according to a report by The Guardian. Residents will also be compensated for their financial losses due to the building's notoriety. 

Though an inspection by the city in 2017 showed that Millennium Tower is safe to occupy, the situation has motivated some people to bail out. Residents previously said they sold their homes short of what they paid for them, with about 100 condos falling $320,000 in value on average in 2017.

Here's what we know about Millennium Tower.

SEE ALSO: All the crazy things happening in San Francisco because of its out-of-control housing prices

Millennium Tower rises 58 stories above San Francisco's Financial District.

The city's third-tallest skyscraper contains over 400 multimillion-dollar condo units. It soars 645 feet, giving residents panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Source: Emporis, Dezeen

Completed in 2008, Millennium Tower includes top-notch amenities, such as a pool, fitness center, wine cellar and tasting room, movie theater, and concierge service.

Source: Millennium Tower

In the first five weeks of sales, Millennium Tower sold $100 million worth of condos, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The units ranged in price from $1.6 million to $10 million.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle (1), (2)

Famous tenants have called Millennium Tower home, including Joe Montana, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, and Tom Perkins, the late venture capitalist.

Source: Business Insider

But residents weren't happy after learning in 2015 that the building is sinking. By 2018, the building sunk 17 inches and tilted 14 inches.

Millennium Partners, the real-estate developers behind Millennium Tower, have claimed that construction on a massive transit center nearby is to blame for any sinking or tilting.

Source: NBC Bay Area

A transportation hub called the Salesforce Transit Center, formerly known as the Transbay Transit Center, broke ground next door in 2010.

Source: Business Insider

The $2.3 billion bus terminal, developed by the Transbay Joint Powers Authority, a transportation agency, includes a 60-foot hole for the train tunnel and an underground buttress.

Source: San Francisco Business Times

A founding partner of Millennium Partners said at a press conference that there was "only one issue" — construction for the new terminal pumped too much water out of the ground.

Dewatering is removing groundwater or surface water from a construction site to provide a safe work environment and prevent soil erosion.

When the water levels under the Millennium Tower dropped, the sand compressed and caused the building to settle, according to Chris Jeffries, a founding partner of Millennium Partners.

The issue came to light in 2010, five years before tenants were notified, when the Transbay Joint Powers Authority hired a consultant to find out how excavation could affect the tower.

The Transbay Joint Powers Authority maintains it is not at fault in the building's sinking.

The agency released a statement in October condemning the allegations against it as a "distraction from the exclusive cause" of the tower's tilt: "inadequate foundation."

The statement says Millennium Tower's vertical settlement began two years before the Transbay Joint Powers Authority began any underground work.

Read more: San Francisco's new $2.3 billion transit center could be the most expensive bus terminal in the world »

Some critics blame city officials in San Francisco for allowing Millennium Partners to anchor the building 80 feet into packed sand rather than 200 feet down to bedrock.

Millennium Tower sits on an array of nearly 1,000 pillars shoved into the ground.

Its weight, combined with the resistance of the soil underneath, should keep it in place under most conditions, a professor of architectural design told real-estate site Curbed.

The design isn't all that unusual. Some of the city's best-known buildings, including the Embarcadero Center and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, were built on sand instead of bedrock.

The biggest cause for concern is the looming possibility of an earthquake.

For years, scientists have warned that the Bay Area is overdue for a devastating earthquake.

Millennium Tower sits on land prone to liquefaction, the process by which loose sand and silt behave like a liquid in the event of an earthquake. The seismic activity causes water pressure in the sediment to increase and grains of sand to lose contact with each other, according to the US Geological Survey. The soil may give out under large, heavy structures.

Often, the solution for tall buildings in liquefaction zones is drilling down to bedrock. Millennium Tower's neighbors, the $1.1 billion Salesforce Tower and the luxury high-rise 181 Fremont, are both anchored to bedrock. They're still under construction.

There's good news and bad news for residents. A study released in January 2017 by the city's Department of Building Inspection found that the skyscraper was safe to live in.

"There was no evidence of life-safety concerns observed during the inspection," the report said.

Satellite images taken in 2016 that show Millennium Tower sinking suggested it will continue to sink at a rate of 2 inches a year. That's double what engineers estimated.

Source: Business Insider

Gaps found in the walls of some units could also present risks in the event of a fire, according to a report commissioned by the building's homeowners association.

In 2017, the building's homeowners association hired the firm Allana Buick and Bers to investigate a unit owned by Paula Pretlow. She and several other residents had complained of "unexplained odors permeating their luxury units," NBC Bay Area reported.

The consultants discovered openings around pipes and ducts in the walls. Typically, gaps like these are sealed with fire-resistant caulking to contain fires where they start.

If a small fire were to break out in the unit below Pretlow's, the flames could more easily spread to her condo, or smoke could damage the walls, according to NBC Bay Area.

The report pertained only to Pretlow's unit, though others could be susceptible.

A group of Millennium Tower residents fought to get their money back — and it appears they've succeeded.

Roughly 250 tenants filed individual lawsuits against developer Millennium Partners and Transbay Joint Powers Authority, while the remaining 150 filed class-action lawsuits. According to Niall McCarthy, who spoke with the San Francisco Examiner, residents are set to receive "very significant payments" as a result of their losses due to the building's notoriety and loss of property value. 

On August 30, a $100 million plan to stabilize the building with a "perimeter pile upgrade" was reported to be approved. According to the San Francisco Examiner, the process of stopping the building from sinking any further involves drilling "52 concrete piles down to the bedrock" in order to secure the tower's corrupted foundation.

Source: San Francisco Examiner

A date for the repairs has not been released as of yet. However, this tentative settlement marks a turning point for residents.

The stigma and notoriety of the building, however, may stick, says Niall McCarthy, a legal attorney representing a group of Millennium Tower homeowners.

"Even with the fix, there's still going to be some stigma to the property," he said. "You see tour buses go down Mission Street that stop and point out Millennium Tower. At some point, when these people try and resell their units, the stigma from the sink and tilt will reduce the value of what it should be."

• Read more:
• San Francisco real estate agents reveal most requested features tech workers ask for in buying their multi-million dollar homes
• The most expensive listing in San Francisco just received a $4.5 million price cut, but it's still on track to shatter the city's real-estate record — take a look inside the gorgeous complex
• This former Googler says he's so tired of the astronomical housing prices in San Francisco that he bought land in Austin, Texas, instead
• Disappointing photos show what living in San Francisco on a tech salary really looks like

• Many people know Amazon's voice assistant Alexa from Amazon devices such as Echo speakers.
• But many products from brands like Sonos and Ecobee also have Alexa built in, giving you the convenience of a voice assistant in a pair of headphones or thermostat. 
• Below you'll find 13 devices with Alexa built in, all of which make great gifts.

The desire for speed and convenience seems to be hardwired into human behavior. The less energy we expend to accomplish our tasks, the better — that's why voice assistants like Amazon's Alexa are thriving right now.

Alexa is primarily known for living inside Amazon devices like the Echo Dot, but it turns out you don't actually have to own an Echo speaker to take advantage of Alexa's capabilities. Many everyday devices like headphones and car dash cams from non-Amazon brands have Alexa built in, allowing you to do things you thought you could only accomplish with an Echo speaker. 

These gifts are all perfect for anyone who loves the convenience of Alexa and is always tinkering around to create the most seamless smart home setup. 

Check out these 13 cool Alexa-enabled devices:

SEE ALSO: All of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides, in one place

Sonos One

Sonos One Smart Speaker (Gen 2), $199, available at Amazon

If your main priority is a good music-listening experience, splurge for this smart speaker, which fills your room with clear, rich sound. You can use Alexa to play and control your music without ever lifting a finger, and you can also use it to control the other smart home devices in your place. 

Portal from Facebook

Portal from Facebook, $179.99, available for pre-order at Amazon

Frequent Facebook users should consider Portal, the Alexa-enabled device that keeps them connected to their friends and family. It has a smart camera for video chatting and taking photos that adjusts and widens the camera view automatically as you move in and out of the frame, and a Super Frame feature that displays Facebook photos, videos, and birthday reminders. 

Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones, $349, available at Amazon

These headphones cut out surrounding noise so you can focus completely on the music. Ask Alexa to turn down the volume, add to your to-do list, and tell you about tomorrow's weather without skipping a beat. 

Sonos Beam

Sonos Beam Smart TV Sound Bar, $399, available at Amazon

This advanced sound bar is the perfect tech accessory to enhance your movie- and TV-watching experience. You'll enjoy the action-packed scenes of the latest thriller and crisp dialogue from your favorite drama at their best quality. If you have a Fire TV device, you can combine their capabilities, but the Beam-only Alexa features are pretty convenient even on their own if you don't.

ecobee4 Smart Thermostat

Ecobee Smart Thermostat (includes Smart Sensor), $249, available at Amazon

The Room Sensor measures room occupancy and temperature, then signals to the thermostat whether to adjust to a comfortable temperature or switch to energy-saving mode, a cool feature that can save homeowners up to 23% on their annual bills. Of course, you can adjust the temperature yourself, too, through the app and Alexa voice commands. 

Jabra Elite Wireless Earbuds

Jabra Elite 65t True Wireless Earbuds with Charging Case, $138.50, available at Amazon

These Jabra earbuds offer a truly wireless listening experience as well as IP55-rated resistance against water, sweat, and dust. Through the app's customizable equalizer, you can find the exact sound you want.

First Alert Smart Hardwired Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm

First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound Smart Hardwired Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm, $199, from Amazon

First Alert has been making home safety devices for decades, but the Onelink Safe & Sound could be its most innovative one yet. It's a reliable smoke sensor and carbon monoxide detector with a 10-year battery backup, as well as an Alexa-enabled speaker. It's also compatible with the Apple HomeKit. 

ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch

Ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch, $79, available at Amazon

Get this smart switch for all your lighting needs, from turning the lights on and off automatically whenever you enter and leave the room to turning on the outdoor lights when sunset arrives. If you have the aforementioned Ecobee Smart Thermostat, this switch can also act as an additional Room Sensor. 

Bose Home Speaker 500

Bose Home Speaker 500, $399, available at Amazon

One advantage of this home speaker over the Sonos is the screen that shows you the album art and name of the song currently playing. With a custom-designed eight-microphone array, it can hear your commands even if you're way across the room or speaking over the music. There are also six presets so multiple users can customize their experiences with the speaker. 

Polk Audio Command Sound Bar

Polk Audio Command Sound Bar, $248.40, available at Amazon

This slim sound bar features built-in Dolby and DTS surround sound. It's also Fire TV-compatible and has built-in support for all the major music services. To further strengthen your home theater setup, it includes a wireless subwoofer for powerful bass. 

Roav Viva by Anker USB Car Charger

Roav Viva by Anker USB Car Charger, $35.99, available at Amazon

Quickly charge up your devices with Anker's signature PowerIQ tech, your indispensable car ride companion. At the same time, you can get directions to your destination, listen to an audiobook to make the drive more interesting, and call your friends while keeping your eyes on the road. 

Garmin Speak Plus Dash Cam

Garmin Speak Plus Dash Cam, $144.95, available at Amazon

A dash cam is a smart investment that pays off if you get into an accident or need proof of anything that happens on your drive. With built-in Alexa, this one is literally "smart," letting you add Alexa voice commands on top of Garmin's useful driver assistance features like forward-collision and lane departure warnings.

Moto G7

Moto G7 with Alexa Hands-Free (Unlocked, 64 GB), $299.99, available at Amazon

This Amazon-centric phone comes pre-installed with all the necessary apps: Shopping, Music, Audible, and Alexa. Some highlights of this affordable device include a 12MP and 5MP dual camera, fingerprint sensor and facial recognition, and TurboPower charging, which gives you nine hours of power from just 15 minutes of charging. 

• IPhones are the chosen smartphone among younger generations: Recent surveys have found the Apple device is used by around half of millennials and more than 80% of Generation Z-aged teens.
• I've tried out and read up on my fair share of phones as a tech reporter and have found I prefer Android devices to iPhones, but I haven't been able to take that last step to ultimately switch away from Apple.
• The coveted iMessage blue bubble plays too much of a significant role in the lives of me and my friends, who often threaten to exclude me from group messages and stop texting me altogether whenever I mention switching to an Android device.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

It's been exactly a year since I first started writing about technology at Business Insider, and almost a year since I first started telling my friends and family I was thinking about switching out my outdated, lagging iPhone 6S for one of the flashy new Android phones I've read about.

It's also been almost a year since I started fielding remarks about the outlandish green bubble.

That dreaded, static green texting bubble, which indicates a message sent from an Android phone to an iPhone, has been the subject of many an argument with my friends at a bar about the future of our group message, which is made up of iPhone users. That hated green-highlighted text has been the reason my girlfriend has ended several of our chats about my next phone with: "I'm only going to message you on Instagram now, you know."

Read more:Reviewers are saying the new iPhone's battery life makes it a worthy upgrade for anyone using an older iPhone

The most important aspects of a phone for me have consistently pointed me in the direction of Android: a phone not too big for my small palms to grip; long-lasting battery and a good camera; a phone that's not too pricey because of my long history of dropping and breaking them.

That's not to mention the greater amount of freedom offered on Android phones, from being able to choose from multiple phone manufacturers (rather than just the one iOS-monopolizing Apple), to crafting a customizable homepage full of Android-specific widgets and shortcuts.

However, despite the well-crafted arguments I've concocted over time in favor of Android, I'm still here with an iPhone and my blue-bubbled texts. Each time I think I've convinced myself that I can do without the iMessage bubble, I'm pulled back in by the lure of read receipts and individual text reactions. I've finally gotten used to, and now readily invite, the pending anxiety that comes in seeing those three animated dots bouncing as you watch someone type out a text. I've drawn enough crude drawings and played enough games of in-app beer pong to know they're both incredibly efficient methods of procrastination.

Then there's group messaging, which completely breaks down when featuring both iPhone and Android users. It only takes involvement in one of these group message train wrecks to know you never again want to deal with the messages spelling out that an iPhone used a heart or exclamation reaction on a text, or the countless threads that spawn from a single group.

But even if I can personally get over not having these features exclusive too iMessage, text messaging is a two-way street, and the same can't be said of my iPhone-loyal friends. Studies have shown that around half of millennials in the US now own an iPhone, a percentage that is consistently rising. You can only get threatened with texting blackouts so many times before you believe that your friends would actually leave you out of future group messages.

It's not like that fear of missing out is unsubstantiated. My generation is the same one who rallied around the BlackBerry and BBM, its exclusive messaging service that's really not all that different from iMessage. While my friends in high school were exchanging BBM pins and AIM-like texts, I had a Pantech Duo whose biggest advantage was I could flip it and fiddle with it in class like a fidget spinner. I felt like the outsider to an exclusive club I could only get access to with a BlackBerry, and I spent many nights begging my parents for the coveted status symbol, to no avail.

But for Generation Z, the dominance of the iPhone is even starker. Piper Jaffray's annual report on Gen Z found that 82% of teens surveyed this year own an iPhone. A tech analyst named Ben Bajarin recently penned a Twitter thread about the teens at his kid's school, including one 16-year-old self-identified "Android guy" whose biggest reason for switching to an iPhone was because he was tired of getting left out of group chats.

Disliking the Android green bubble has become a widespread phenomenon. People post to social media about ghosting crushes who turn outto be Android users, and have equated the green bubble to a type of diss to mean someone is outdated or broke.

With the newest iPhone model on the market, it may finally be time for me to get a new phone. As I continue to teeter between iOS and Android, I have no doubt the arguments with my friends will keep coming and the green bubble insults will keep flying. But if I do end up making the switch to Android, I'm comforted in the fact that Samsung recently created a line of GIFs to use as a comeback in response to anyone who disses the green bubble.

SEE ALSO: Reviewers are saying the new iPhone's battery life makes it a worthy upgrade for anyone using an older iPhone

Join the conversation about this story »

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• American Express has been tied to travel and experiences since day one, and it offers its most premium cardmembers some unique benefits and exclusive access to events.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a lot of tangible value (for example, I got more than $2,000 worth of value in my first year), as well as access to exclusive events, awesome travel perks, and unique experiences.
• Platinum cardholders have access to book By Invitation Only events such as dinners with celebrity chefs or VIP sports packages, and they can utilize the Amex Platinum concierge to help score restaurant reservations and more.

It's interesting how credit cards have become inextricably tied to travel (and tangentially, experiences) in our minds. Google search trends show that more people search for "travel credit card" than just about any other type of rewards credit card. People are clearly fixated on the flight benefits, miles, and exclusive access to events and experiences they can get through their credit cards. 

No credit card issuer embodies this better than American Express, which has placed a strong emphasis on travel services since its early days as a shipping business before the American Civil War. And no credit card offers more in the way of experiential and travel-related perks than the Amex Platinum card. 

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

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

Amex Platinum card benefits

Thanks to perks like access to airport lounges, credits to cover airline fees, and a well-resourced concierge and travel service, the Amex Platinum offers cardholders exceptional value — I've previously written about how I got more than $2,000 worth of value in my first year having the card. The card has a $550 annual fee, but provided you can put its benefits to work for you, it's easy to recoup that value and more.

As Amex has added new benefits to the Platinum card in recent years, it's solidified the card's positioning within the market as a product for those who seek adventure, experiences, and new things. 

So what kinds of experiences, services, and benefits are available for Platinum card members today? Read on to see.

Click here to learn more about the Amex Platinum.

Platinum Houses

Over the past few years, American Express has offered exclusive Platinum Houses and pop-up lounges at major cultural events that align with the composite interests of the general card membership, according to Janey Whiteside, EVP of global premium products and benefits at Amex. These events range from major sporting events like the US Open to the annual Coachella music festival, as well as Art Basel in Miami and the Aspen Food and Wine festival.

Access is complimentary for Platinum card members (as well as those with the exclusive invite-only Centurion card, also known as the "Black" card), as well as a few guests. According to Whiteside, these spaces are designed as a respite, a chance to relax, and a chance to enhance the event with exclusive extras.

There are typically areas to rest and relax during downtime between events, wellness-focused programs such as SoulCycle and yoga classes, fashion displays, pop-up shopping opportunities, and, typically, complimentary food and cocktails.

There's also generally exclusive entertainment. For example, during Art Basel in 2017, Drake played a secret show in the Platinum House for just 400 fans, all cardholders. 

Occasionally, these spaces are also open to all Amex card members, although there are usually extra amenities for Platinum and Centurion members. 

By Invitation Only

American Express offers hundreds of events each year with exclusive access or benefits for card members. Some of these are things like early access to concert tickets, or preferred seating at shows, but Amex also has about 100 "By Invitation Only" events around the world each year — these can be exciting.

By Invitation Only events, which are exclusive to Platinum and Centurion card members, include things like backstage tours at concerts, special trips, VIP access to events like the Monaco Grand Prix, access to cocktail parties with thought leaders and insiders across a range of industries, and more. These are paid events, and can set you back hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you're looking for something unique, these events certainly fit the bill.

At the time of publication, there were 11 events open to registration, including a multi-course dinner and reception with chef Dominique Crenn at her Bar Crenn in San Francisco, VIP access to the Venice Biennale with private tours, and a VIP Wimbledon package including premium suits and American Express Gold Suite access.

Click here to learn more about the Amex Platinum.

Concierge and travel planning

One of the most underrated benefits of the Amex Platinum is access to a full in-house concierge service. To be completely honest, when I first opened my card, I figured this was a benefit I would never use. However, as my (then) fiancée and I were planning our honeymoon in Japan, we realized that we had a free night in Tokyo.

By then we were a little "planned out," and knew that it could be difficult to make restaurant reservations in Japan without a local phone number, so we decided to try the Amex concierge. I called, and gave them an idea of what we were looking for, and within a day, the service had gotten back to me with a few recommendations. We chose one, and they made the reservation for us. Dinner was incredible, and it couldn't have been easier.

Despite the incredible amount of information we have at our fingertips, it's still helpful, on occasion, to have the concierge. Whether you're trying to get tickets to a show or concert when they go on sale, or you need to send a gift to a client and just haven't gotten around to it, or you need suggestions for a restaurant that can accommodate a large group at the last minute, the Platinum concierge can help. 

Centurion Lounges

One of the most useful benefits of the Platinum card for travelers is access to more than 1,200 airport lounges around the world. These include lounges in the Priority Pass network, as well as Delta Sky Club lounges (when you're flying Delta), but Amex's proprietary Centurion Lounges are widely considered to be the best.

Centurion Lounges are only accessible to Amex Platinum cardholders, including those with the Business Platinum® Card from American Express (and people with the invitation-only "Black" card). Cardholders can also bring two guests for free, and can purchase day passes for any additional travel companions.

The lounges feature a ton of complimentary amenities including food and alcoholic drinks designed by top chefs, mixologists, and sommeliers, soft drinks and coffee, lots of comfortable seating, fast Wi-Fi, sound-dampening workspaces, showers, spa treatments in some locations, newspapers and magazines, kids areas, and more.

There are currently nine Centurion Lounges. The most recent two opened in Philadelphia and Hong Kong — the only international location. This year, Amex has announced new lounges at two additional airports — New York-JFK and Denver International Airport— and an LAX location is opening in 2020.

Read more:I held off on opening the Business Platinum until I discovered Amex Centurion Lounges.

Bottom line

As competition in the premium credit card and rewards credit card space has grown fiercer, American Express has doubled down on what it knows best — travel, experiences, service, and exclusivity. 

In building and enhancing the Platinum card, the company has continued to create a product that not only offers more than enough tangible value to outweigh the annual fee, but also provides opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime experiences and elevated travel.

Click here to learn more about the Amex Platinum Card.

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Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The US women's national team dominates soccer, but here's why the US men's team sucks

• Allbirds has launched new women's flats, available in seven colors and, for the first time, in half sizes. 
• After many customer requests for the comfort of Allbirds sneakers packaged into a more sleek and feminine silhouette, the Tree Breezers ($95) are finally here, and we gave them a try.
• Featuring an exterior fabric made from eucalyptus fibers and soles made from sugar cane, these machine-washable flats are breathable, flexible, and supportive — truly a shoe you can wear all day. 
• The following review includes our first impressions on the flats when they launched in May 2019, along with an update on their fit and comfort five months later in September 2019. 

Whenever you send eager messages to your favorite brand requesting (more like demanding) a product or style you'd love to see, it can feel like you're shouting into an abyss. Can anyone hear you? 

Sometimes, as in the case of Tommy John's women's underwear and with Allbirds' Tree Breezer flats, the company takes those demands to heart and delivers perfectly on every expectation. 

One of the newest styles from online shoe startup Allbirds is classic and beloved to closets the world over: the ballet flat. 

Like most of Allbirds' other styles, from the original Wool Runner to the Tree Skipper, the Tree Breezer retails for $95. It's available in seven limited-edition colors. It's the first Allbirds shoe to be available in half sizes.

While many women, including us, love the all-day comfort of Allbirds sneakers, these casual styles aren't always appropriate for the office or dressier environments. One customer lamented, "I get bummed when I have to go to work on Monday and put my Allbirds away again until the weekend." 

Anyone who feels similarly can now finally wear Allbirds all week long with the Tree Breezer flats. They feature an FSC-certified Tree exterior, made from renewable eucalyptus woven into Tencel lyocell fabric, and SweetFoam soles, made from sustainably grown sugar cane. 

Together, they form a breathable, flexible, and supportive flat that is just as comfortable as an Allbirds sneaker but wearable everywhere sneakers might not be the best choice — work, dinner, or a night out. 

They're also easy to maintain. You'll need to hand-wash the insoles, but you can throw the rest of the flat in the washing machine, then let them air dry. 

The Insider Picks team received these flats to put them to the test. Overwhelmingly, we agreed that they're yet another Allbirds hit, a shoe with little-to-no break-in time, versatile wearability, and easy maintenance typically unheard of for its silhouette. 

Read on for our individual reviews of the Tree Breezer. They include our initial thoughts when we tested them pre-launch, as well as a five-month follow-up on how they've performed since. 

Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor: 

First impressions (May 2019): Last year, I decided that sneakers and ballet flats were going to be my new signature, because who has time for uncomfortable shoes anymore?! These flats are pretty much a dream come true. They're lightweight, feel pretty similar to the Allbirds Tree Runners I already have and love, and they don't dig in anywhere. I had a tiny bit of rubbing on my heel the first time I wore them, but it subsided after a day. They're obviously not as supportive as Allbirds' sneakers, but they've got the same soft, washable fuzzy lining — I think they're just as comfy!

For what it's worth, I usually wear a 7.5 in sneakers, but I got the 8 in these flats since that's what I'm used to from Allbirds sneakers, and they fit perfectly.

Five-month update (September 2019): I've been wearing my Tree Breezers probably once a week or so over the course of the past five months, and they still look good as new. I wipe the soles down when they get dirty, but haven't needed to wash the shoes themselves yet. There's a small amount of pilling inside the shoe that I've noticed, but it doesn't affect their comfort.  I still love them just as much as I did on day one.

Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter: 

First impressions (May 2019): Flats are hit-or-miss in terms of comfort for me, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that this pair didn't require any painful break-in time. From the box, I wore them on my long, 20-minute walk to and from the subway and all day at work. Zero blisters, zero discomfort, and more padding than I dared to hope for. For reference, I got them in my typical size 9.

It's also pretty great that they're machine-washable. Flats, by nature of being sockless hot-weather shoes, don't stay fresh for long. I pretty much live in the leather Day Gloves from Everlane in the summer, and I wish cleaning them could be close to as easy.

Five-month update (September 2019): More than any other pair of Allbirds I've owned, the Tree Breezers have aged most gracefully. The wool inside has worn down to the shape of my foot with wear, and the breathable material means they've transitioned from spring to summer to fall seamlessly. Like Sally, I haven't needed to wash them yet, but I've noticed some pilling inside the shoe itself. Ultimately, it doesn't really matter. They're among my most comfortable and most frequently worn pairs.

Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter:

First impressions (May 2019): Allbirds, specifically the Wool Runners and Tree Skippers, are my default shoe to put on when I know I'm going to be on my feet all day and can get away with a more casual style. If I need to look a little more put together but don't want to end the day limping home, Everlane Day Gloves or Rothy's Pointed Flats it is. I'm happy to now have another option for a genuinely comfortable flat, and from a brand with a proven track record. 

My favorite shoes are those that I don't have to think twice about or mentally prepare myself to wear. The Tree Breezers saunter confidently into that category, no contest. They're soft and mold to your feet upon first wear, but don't have that thin, unsupportive feeling of some other flats. I wore them for more than 12 hours one day, first to work and then to a concert, and they had no problem keeping up with the prolonged walking and standing.

I think it's worth getting one of the brighter limited-edition colors (I got them in the springy lilac Starfish). Because of their comfort, you'll feel motivated to wear the eye-catching flats more often. 

Five-month update (September 2019): When I wore these flats during the summer, I realized they ran a bit warm for my taste, and the wool insoles felt like they'd be more suitable for colder seasons. Now that the weather is cooling down, I'm wearing them more often. They're perfect for transitional periods because they're light on my feet while keeping them cozy. 

Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy: 

First impressions (May 2019): Allbirds makes some of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn right out of their box, so I was excited to try the company's new ballet flats. The first word I uttered to my teammates after stepping into my navy Tree Breezers was, "Wow." Like Mara, I really want to like flats, but they often miss the mark for me when it comes to comfort.

We've affectionately dubbed the Tree Breezers "machine-washable pillows for your feet" in our team's Slack channel because they're just that comfortable. I wore mine home from work the same day they arrived — a risky move since my commute home involves lots of walking and staircases — and my feet came away not only blister-free but also feeling ultra-cushioned and supported. They're a perfect addition to an already impressive lineup from Allbirds for $95 a pair.

Five-month update (September 2019): I love these flats! They're not the most stylish flats I own, but I end up wearing them more than those trendier pairs because they're so comfortable. Unlike the Wool Runners or Wool Loungers that can lose some of their shape with time, the Tree Breezers offer a really solid amount of structure; they look and feel the same five months later. I haven't washed mine yet, but I like knowing I can ... I don't have to be as precious with them as I have to be with other shoes.  

The bottom line  

As is always the case with Allbirds shoes, the new Tree Breezers are reliably comfortable and the most worry-free shoes you can slip on in the morning. The search for a go-to pair of cute, versatile flats is often a game involving too many blisters, worn-out soles, and impractical upkeep. Trust that you won't have those problems with the Allbirds Tree Breezers. 

Shop the new Tree Breezer flats in 7 colors for $95 at Allbirds here

Join the conversation about this story »

• Candidates and hiring managers alike shy away from the word "negotiation," but it's a normal, healthy part of any hiring process.
• Caroline Stokes is the founder of an executive headhunting and executive coaching company and host of The Emotionally Intelligent Recruiter Podcast.
• The following is an excerpt from her book, "Elephants Before Unicorns: Emotionally Intelligent HR Strategies to Save Your Company."
• She writes that there's a right way and a wrong way to approach negotiations — and that emotional intelligence matters, and can be revealed during the negotiation process.
• Furthermore, money isn't everything. People will stick with employers that support them.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

People whisper the word "negotiation" as if they're afraid to speak it aloud. Candidates and hiring managers alike shy away from it. But negotiation is not a dirty word  — it's a normal, healthy part of any hiring process. As such, the negotiation process must take place out in the open between the hiring manager and the candidate. It's not something to be pawned off on a recruiter or ignored altogether. Open and frank negotiation during the hiring process — and as needed once the new hire is in place — builds trust between the employee and the organization.

But there's a right way and a wrong way to approach negotiation. Let's say the company is hiring a CEO, and the description only says something about the salary being "executive level." The problem is that the meaning of "executive level" can vary wildly across industries. Perhaps one executive sees the posting and thinks the position looks promising. She is currently making $600,000 and believes this job will have similar compensation. When she finally talks salary — probably in the third or fourth interview — she is shocked to learn that the top compensation is $250,000. The discussion is terminated; both parties have wasted each other's time. This is the wrong way.

The fact is that candidates are becoming savvier. Job postings don't rank as high in Google if they don't include a salary range. Candidates who want to know a range for their industry or a specific company just need to visit Glassdoor. People leaders and hiring managers should expect that any self-respecting candidate has done his homework and knows the approximate salary range for the job. 

Read more: A billionaire agreed to pay off my student loans in full. Here's what it was like — and how I plan to pay it forward.

How negotiation can be a win-win 

Instead of viewing negotiation as a zero-sum game, try thinking of it as a collaborative process. Both parties should assume good intent. The candidate understands the job that's being asked of him and how he could use his talents to best serve the company, while the hiring manager understands the candidate's needs. Both know the standard market rates for the position, because everyone has done their homework. Instead of seeing who comes out "on top," they collaborate and work together to craft a deal. Both are clear about their needs and wants throughout the process. If hiring manager and candidate can arrive at a salary that suits both their needs, fantastic. If not, the candidate departs with no hard feelings. 

A 2019 survey conducted by staffing firm Robert Half found that only 68% of men and 45% of women negotiated for higher salaries when receiving a job offer. What does this tell us?

First, many job seekers are not taking advantage of the candidates' market. Second, women still negotiate less than men. Many studies have shown that women are more likely to advocate for others than to speak out on behalf of themselves.

Third, it's worth it for candidates to push past their discomfort and negotiate for their full worth. Bonuses and raises are calculated from base salary, so a candidate who does not negotiate for a higher base salary is leaving money on the table more than once. But when it comes to top talent, or "unicorns" as I call them — the elusive magical individuals who leaders believe will turn the company around — you should expect them to negotiate. Likewise, as a people leader, you need to talk dollars and cents as early in the process as possible. It's the only way to have any kind of substantive discussion with a unicorn.

1. Don't have a third party conduct a salary negotiation

In my experience, a recruiter discussing salary immediately puts the candidate on edge. A better practice is to bring the hiring manager into the discussion at this point, or even the CEO if the company is small. The fact is that great candidates have some very attractive options out there. If you're crazy about a candidate, you have to show that, and it will not get through if you have a third-party conducting salary negotiations. For critical hires, you have to get the key players involved.

Read more: I'm a mom who quit my job, sold my house, and invested every dollar I had into launching a company that's grown 2,000% in 5 years

2. Money isn't everything

Even if you can't match the proposed salary, knowing your new hire's true needs may enable you to counteroffer with a package more suitable to her current situation. I've seen plenty of people turn down higher salaries and awesome perks to stay with employers they feel truly have their backs.

3. Emotional intelligence matters

There is an emotional intelligence benefit when hiring managers leave the door open for candidates to discuss salary openly. Salary talks engage a candidate's stress-management capabilities. A candidate who exerts some control over her salary is likely to feel more positive about the final number and her employer as a whole. Likewise, a candidate who negotiates her salary is engaging the self-expression component of EQ, particularly assertiveness. A candidate who will assert herself is an asset to an organization; such an employee will speak up when needed, challenge outdated thinking, and articulate new paths forward. 

If a candidate doesn't want to talk salary until later in the process, it's not an immediate issue. Depending on his background and motivations, he may not view it as appropriate. Or perhaps he is coming from the public sector, where exact salaries are searchable online and rarely up for negotiation. 

Similarly, as a people leader, you shouldn't fall into the trap of thinking that all your direct reports should be exactly like you. Say you're incredibly ambitious and stay awake at night dreaming of ways to double, triple, or quadruple your salary. You should recognize that many candidates will not have this same point of view. That doesn't mean they won't work hard and be high performers — it just means they're not as financially aspirational, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. 

Don't count out a potential unicorn just because she doesn't share your financial goals.

Excerpted with permission from the bookElephants Before Unicorns: Emotionally Intelligent HR Strategies to Save Your Company by Caroline Stokes. © 2019 by Entrepreneur Media, Inc.

Caroline Stokes is the founder of FORWARD, an executive headhunting and executive coaching company designed for global innovation leaders. She is the host of The Emotionally Intelligent Recruiter Podcast.

SEE ALSO: 4 career lessons women often learn too late, according to an executive coach

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Expensive shipping fees are one reason why you might not enjoy shopping for gifts on Etsy. 
• But there are a number of Etsy shops that offer free shipping to the US; some without a minimum, and some when you spend $35 or more at the same shop. 
• We've highlighted the 31 best Etsy gifts that enjoy free shipping. 

While Etsy is one of our favorite places to find unique gifts, it can be frustrating to shop because of expensive shipping fees. If you're cost-minded or on a budget, these fees might force you to go to another site that doesn't offer as robust a selection of unique or handmade goods, but does offer free and convenient shipping.

Etsy has been working on this point of friction. Recently, it announced that some merchants now offer free shipping to the US. Some of these participating shops offer free shipping without a minimum, and others when you spend $35 or more at the same shop.

This policy is making it much more appealing to shop for gifts on Etsy. Since not every single merchant on Etsy can offer free shipping, you have fewer products to choose from. However, as we filtered through all the shops that have free shipping, we found that we still had no problem finding cool and unique gifts for anyone in your life. 

If you're looking to bypass the cost of shipping, shop these 31 gifts from Etsy:

A necklace personalized to their zodiac sign

MignonandMignon Zodiac Necklace, $16.98

A full-grain leather mug accessory

PortlandLeather Leather Mug Hugger, $16

*Free shipping with $35 purchase

Unique, beautifully crafted soaps

SunbasilgardenSoap White Pumpkin Succulent Soap, $8.99

The most sophisticated mouthwash dispenser they'll ever own

Rail19 Mouthwash Dispenser, $28

A cozy cat bed hand-knitted from wool

BureBurePets Cat Basket, $61.86

An herbalist-inspired notebook

Caribou Milk Black Notebook with Flowers, $16.04

*Free shipping with $35 purchase

Tea bags to whisk them to a state of peace and calm

TeaHeritage Plane Shaped Tea Bags, $9

*Free shipping with $35 purchase

A box to collect the caps and corks from their favorite drinks

CreativeByClairDouble Sided Beer Cap Wine Cork Display Box, $44.95

A sampler of four sustainable coffees

Driftaway Coffee Beans Sampler, $16.50

A cool ring containing both moss and wood

VyTvir Black Wooden Ring, $30.60

A pair of simple gold hoops

Lunaijewelry Tiny Hoop Earrings, $12.51

*Free shipping with $35 purchase

A cold-weather layer that will quickly become their favorite

SumarokovaAtelier Terracotta Cashmere Coat, $345

An ornate Victorian-inspired ring

Lechaim Navy Blue Ivory Rose Cameo Ring, $16

*Free shipping with $35 purchase

An eye-catching lunch bag made from organic cotton

NaughtyCatApparel Reusable Lunch Sack, $18

A way to keep track of all the states they've traveled to

ThunderBunnyLabs 50 States Photo Map, $69

An adorable container for honey

MaryLaabs Handmade Honey Pot, $28

*Free shipping with $35 purchase

Lightweight coasters etched with their home state

WellTold Hawaii Cork Coaster Pair, $14.50, at Etsy

*Free shipping with $35 purchase, visit the maker's page to view all states 

Pencils to please any grammar snob

NewtonAndTheApple Green Grammar Pencils, $9.74

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A tough yet stylish phone case

Agathecase Nature iPhone Case, $12

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A face serum that can reduce redness, hydrate skin, and promote cell turnover

ShineSkincareCo Super C + E Face Oil, $22.45

Granite stones that keep their drink cold without diluting it

LazerGirlz Personalized Whiskey Stones, $15.99

A sleek rack to hold magazines or records

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A video game controller they can't actually use

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A bath caddy to create their own home-spa setup

PegandAwl Wood Bath Tray, $145

A reversible throw blanket

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A Disney character-themed silicone AirPods case

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*Free shipping with $35 purchase

A weighted blanket made with breathable linen and a glass bead filling

BlanketSpaceCo Linen Weighted Blanket, $72.76

A pit bull wearing a flower crown — enough said

FourLetterWordCards Dog Enamel Pin, $11.95

A print that artfully displays the lyrics of their favorite song

BoldPrintStudio Personalised Music Print, $25.98

A geometric charging dock

Oakywood Wood Charging Station, $69

• You can unsubscribe from a YouTube channel if you no longer like the content from a given channel, or if you're simply being overwhelmed with content. 
• Unsubscribing from a YouTube channel you've subscribed to is easy to do whether you're on the mobile YouTube app or on your computer.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There are millions upon millions of videos posted on YouTube, so finding content you like can sometimes feel like looking for that needle in the haystack. You can save yourself time wasted browsing in vain by subscribing to YouTube channels – accounts, in other words – that regularly feature the type of content you enjoy.

But any account can change, starting to share videos you'd rather not see. Or your own use of YouTube might change and you may simply wish to be served less content.

In either case, it's easy to unsubscribe from a YouTube channel from a computer or the YouTube mobile app for iPhone and Android.

Check out the products mentioned in this article: 

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $399.99 at Best Buy)

How to unsubscribe from a YouTube channel on a computer

1. From the YouTube homepage, click on the word "Subscriptions" on the left-hand menu.

2. On the next page, click on the word "Manage" in blue type near the top right corner of the window.

3. Click on the gray box that reads "Subscribed" beside the channel in question.

4. Click "Unsubscribe" on the window that appears. 

How to unsubscribe from a YouTube channel on the mobile app

1. Launch the YouTube app and tap the word Subscriptions on the bottom tool bar.

2. Tap the three dots below the right corner of a video from the channel in question.

3. Tap Unsubscribe on the pop-up menu.

And that's it, you have severed the connection.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech: 

• How long a YouTube video on your channel can be, depending on if your account is verified

• How to report a YouTube video that you find inappropriate or rule-breaking

• How to embed a YouTube video in Google Slides in 4 simple steps to make your slideshow presentations more engaging

• How to turn on subtitles on YouTube on your phone or computer, and set them to stay on automatically

SEE ALSO: The best laptops you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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• You can use Look Around in Apple Maps on an iPhone as a new feature of iOS 13. 
• Look Around, like Street View on Google Maps, allows you to see real images of different locations as you navigate. 
• If Look Around is available for a specific location, you will see a binoculars icon appear in Apple Maps. 
• Here's how to use Look Around in Apple Maps on your iPhone, by searching for an address or navigating around the map. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple has finally delivered an answer to Google's Street View in Google Maps. 

This new feature in the Apple Maps app, called Look Around, lets you zoom in for a close up view of locations in selected cities. If Look Around is available for a location, you'll see a pair of binoculars.

Look Around offers great resolution and clarity, and the navigation is quite smooth as well. 

Here's how to use it, by searching for a specific address or navigating around Apple Maps.  

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to use Look Around in Apple Maps on your iPhone, by address

Here's how to look up an address and get a closer view with Look Around.

1. Enter the address you want to see in Apple Maps and tap search.

2. Tap the blue binoculars icon on the top right of your screen.

3. The Look Around view will appear in the top half of your screen. The binoculars on the map below show which direction you're facing.

4. Tap the arrow icon in the top left corner of your screen to expand Look Around to full screen. When you do that, the address you're looking at appears on the screen.

5. In either view, you can rotate your view with your fingertip. To move down the street, simply tap the screen. White rings appear and disappear as Look Around whisks you forward, just like Google Streeet View.

6. Tap Done in the upper right of the Look Around screen to make it disappear.

A view of Oakland's Paramount Theatre shows the power of Look Around's crisp imagery.

You can look at the box office, or tilt slightly up to see the restored Art Deco façade.

How to use Look Around in Apple Maps on your iPhone, by navigation

You can also access Look Around by navigating around on the map and zooming in.

1. Move the map in its normal view with your finger until you find the location you want to see.

2. Tap the binoculars to open Look Around.

3. In full screen view, tap the gray bar above the address to see options and information, including the last time the image of this location was updated.

4. One of the best features of Look Around is navigation. With the half screen Look Around view, you can move the map with your finger to quickly and easily change locations. In this illustration, Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay was just a short hop from San Francisco's Embarcadero.

5. You can also spin around on the map to see the 360 view from all directions.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change your Wi-Fi network in the Control Center on an iPhone with iOS 13

• iOS 13 allows you to mute email threads in the Mail app on your iPhone — here's how to do it

• iOS 13 has a new feature that limits the data usage on your iPhone — here's how to use Low Data Mode

• iOS 13 changed the method for deleting apps on an iPhone — here's how to do it

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

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• You can record gameplay in most PS4 games by simply double-pressing the Share button on your controller while playing a game.
• Gameplay will record for 15 minutes, or until you double-press the Share button a second time. The videos will be saved to your PS4's Capture Gallery.
• You can also use the Share button to retroactively save the last 15 minutes of gameplay to video, even if you hadn't started recording.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Gaming is great alone, but often better as a shared experience. Even if you're playing solo, you might still want to share highlights of your game with friends by posting video clips of your favorite moments to social media. Luckily, the PS4 has video recording features built in for just this sort of thing. 

Not only can you start recording to capture gameplay that's about to begin, but the PS4 is always recording the last 15 minutes of gaming, so it's easy to save a great moment that just happened. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

PlayStation 4 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

How to record gameplay on the PS4

Recording gameplay couldn't be simpler. 

When you're within a game and ready to begin recording, double-press the Share button on the controller. Your PS4 will immediately start recording (a small flag will briefly appear on the left side of the screen to let you know), and will continue to record for its default recording time (which is 15 minutes, but you can change that), or until you stop recording manually. 

If you want to stop recording before the default time period is over, double-press the Share button a second time. The video clip will be automatically saved in the Capture Gallery. 

How to save the last 15 minutes of gameplay 

If you weren't recording but want to save video of something that just happened in a game, you're in luck. Like a TiVo that's always recording in the background, your PS4 is always capturing the last 15 minutes of gameplay, just in case you decide you want it.

To save the video, briefly press the Share button. In the Share menu, select "Save Video Clip." 

How to edit and share your video

Once you've captured your video, you can trim it down to the best part, and post it to social media. 

1. From the PS4's Home screen, select the Capture Gallery.

2. Find and highlight the video you want to share.

3. Press the Options button, and then in the Options menu, select "Trim."

4. On the Trim page, you can change the start and stop point of the video, but by default, you can only trim in 10-second intervals. If you want more precise control over your video, select the menu that says "10 Second Intervals" and choose a smaller number, such as five seconds or even one second.

5. Use the D-pad on the controller to scroll to where you want the video to start and then select that point. Choose "Start Here" from the menu. 

6. Repeat the process for the ending of the video, and then select "OK." 

7. Choose whether you want to save your clip as a new video, or overwrite the recording.

8. Back in the Capture Gallery, press the Share button on the controller, choose which social media service to post the video to, and follow the instructions.

How to change how long your PS4 records gameplay for

You can change the default time that video clips are recorded for when you double-press the Share button in just a few steps.

1. From the PS4's Home screen, briefly press the Share button.

2. In the Share menu, select "Sharing and Broadcast Settings."

3. Select "Video Clip Settings."

4. Select "Length of Video Clip."

5. Choose the time from the pop-out menu, from 30 seconds to 60 minutes. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to connect Bluetooth headphones to your PS4 if they're compatible with the console

• How to properly clean a PS4 console, on both the exterior and interior

• How to turn a PS4 on or off, or put it into Rest Mode, using the controller or system

• How to charge a PlayStation 4 controller using your PS4 console

SEE ALSO: 8 affordable PlayStation 4 accessories that'll help you make the most of your console

Join the conversation about this story »

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

• It's easy to change your route on Google Maps if you prefer a different route than the one that the service suggests. 
• Google Maps will highlight the quickest route for you in blue, but you can always change your route by selecting one of the grey alternative routes, or clicking and dragging the route to customize it.  
• You can change your route on Google Maps on the desktop version or the mobile app. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Google Maps makes traveling to another town, state, or even country a simple and straightforward process. 

The navigation app gives detailed but easy-to-follow instructions to get users where they want to go, whether it's a new restaurant on the outskirts of town or a bed and breakfast several hundred miles away from home. 

However, you may not always want to follow the default route provided to you by Google Maps. 

Whether you want to make another stop or avoid traffic along the way, Google Maps allows you to choose alternate routes. 

Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $399.99 at Best Buy)

How to change your route on Google Maps on desktop 

1. Open Google Maps and type in the address or name of the location you wish to travel to before pressing Enter. 

2. Once the location comes up, click the Directions button beneath the info card. 

3. Enter the starting point for your journey. This could be your home address or wherever you'll be departing from. 

4. Using the menu box above the journey information, choose which directions you would like to use — options for the purposes of this article include driving, public transit, cycling, and walking. 

5. On the map, you'll notice outlines for several routes. The default one, or the one Google Maps believes is best, will be highlighted blue. 

6. To choose an alternate route, either click on a greyed-out route on the map or click on one of the other routes listed on the left-hand side menu. Note that you can also change routes by clicking on one and dragging it so that the directions will take you via certain roads.

How to change your route on the Google Maps mobile app

1. Open the Google Maps app on your iPhone or Android and type your destination into the search bar. 

2. On the lower left-hand side of the pop-up info card, tap Directions. 

3. In the box titled Your location, type in the starting point for your journey. 

4. Tap your chosen mode of transportation from the menu bar running across the top of your screen. Choices include driving, public transport, walking, taxi, and cycling. 

5. All suggested routes will be highlighted on the map displayed on screen, with Google's top choice highlighted blue. To choose an alternate route, simply tap on one of the greyed-out route lines.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change the Google Maps voice on an Android phone or iPhone

• How to calibrate your Google Maps app to give more accurate directions, on iPhone or Android

• How to change your default home address on an iPhone, in both Google Maps and Apple Maps

• How to change the 'Significant Locations' saved on your iPhone, or delete the list

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

• Being an Amazon Prime member will cost you $119 a year (less if you're a student or you have an EBT or Medicaid card). 
• These 31 Amazon Prime benefits prove it's an online membership worth having, whether you need to have products delivered quickly, enjoy streaming entertainment, or like saving with exclusive discounts. 
• You can experience all the benefits with a free 30-day trial of Prime to see if it's worth it for you. 

Ask anyone around you and they'll most likely say they have an Amazon Prime membership. At less than $10 a month, it offers many convenient benefits, making it a great investment for its price. 

A regular Amazon Prime membership is $119 a year. Students not only get 50% off Prime memberships ($6.49/month), but also enjoy exclusive discounts. They can get a free six-month Prime trial here. Meanwhile, Prime is also discounted ($5.99/month) for qualifying customers with an EBT or Medicaid card. 

100 million subscribers worldwide evidently think it's worth it, but if you're still on the fence about buying a membership, we've rounded up its many benefits below.

You might even already have Prime but aren't using it to its full advantage, in which case this list will be a nice refresher for all the benefits you should know about. 

You can experience all the benefits with a free 30-day trial of Prime to see if it's worth it for you. 

Below are the 31 Amazon Prime benefits you should know about.

Free two-day shipping on over 100 million items

The best-known perk, Amazon Prime's fast delivery service is convenient and applies to just about anything you'll need from the site. Just look for the Prime logo as you shop.

Free same-day and one-day shipping on over 3 million items in over 8,000 cities

Check your zip code here to see if same-day and one-day options are available near you

Same-day shipping: Order over $35 of eligible items before noon and get them by 9 p.m. same day. Orders placed in the afternoon arrive the next day. 

One-day shipping: Order over $35 of eligible items by the afternoon and get your items by 9 p.m. the next day. 

Access to Prime Day

You have to be a Prime member to get access to the estimated million deals offered every year on Prime Day. Every year, Insider Picks covers the best Prime Day deals worth shopping. See the deals you missed from Prime Day 2019 here.

Amazon Day scheduled deliveries

Learn more about how Amazon Day works here

Amazon Day, available as a delivery option when you check out your shopping cart, allows you to choose any day of the week (except Sunday) to receive all of your orders at one time. Most items that are eligible for Prime's free two-day shipping and are shipped by Amazon can be ordered with Amazon Day.

You're not locked into Amazon Day for all your future orders. Whenever you check out, you can still choose whichever delivery option works best for your situation, whether that's tomorrow or in a few days on your designated Amazon Day.

Free two-hour delivery on household essentials with Prime Now

Check your zip code here to see if Prime Now is available near you 

Tens of thousands of everyday household items, grocery essentials, and Amazon products can be delivered to you in two hours or less, in select US cities. Delivery windows generally span from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., though some extend to midnight depending on the city. 

Amazon Key in-home delivery

Amazon Key Home Kits, starting at $155, available at Amazon

Available in select cities and surrounding areas, secure in-home delivery on millions of eligible items is possible with the Amazon Key Home Kit, which can also be used normally to schedule home access for guests, friends, and family. 

On delivery day, you'll get a notification in the morning with a four-hour delivery window for when the driver will arrive at your home. Right before the driver arrives, you'll receive an "Arriving Now" notification and can optionally watch the delivery live through the Amazon Key App. 

Amazon Key in-car delivery

Check your eligibility here for Amazon Key in-car delivery

You can also get Amazon packages securely delivered right into your vehicle when it's parked at a publicly accessible area. As of September 2019, it works with most 2015 model year or newer Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, and Volvo vehicles with an active connected car service plan such as OnStar or Volvo On Call. It's also available for select Ford 2017 and later model year vehicles equipped with FordPass Connect, and for Lincoln 2018 and later model year vehicles equipped with Lincoln Connect.

Similar to in-home delivery, you'll be able to track the delivery status in real time. 

Amazon Key in-garage delivery

Check your eligibility here for Amazon Key in-garage delivery

Yet another option is garage delivery. You'll need the Amazon Key app and Smart Garage Kit to get packages delivered directly to your garage, with the same safety precautions in place as the other Key delivery services. 

Eligibility for garage delivery depends on your garage door type and zip code. 

AmazonFresh grocery delivery

Start your 30-day free trial of AmazonFresh here

Learn more about how to use AmazonFresh here

With an AmazonFresh membership ($14.99/month), you can skip the long grocery lines by shopping online and picking a delivery window that's convenient for you. Thanks to the Whole Foods acquisition, organic foods and Whole Foods' 365 brand products are all readily available. 

Free release-date delivery on new video games, books, music, and movies

Pictured: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - Nintendo Switch, $59.99, available at Amazon

Pre-order new video games, books, music, movies, and more here 

Be the first to get your hands on highly anticipated releases. Pre-order the item, then select free two-day shipping at checkout. Prime members may also enjoy an additional 20% off the list price on certain items.  

Prime Wardrobe clothing try-on service

Try Prime Wardrobe here

Learn more about how Prime Wardrobe works here

Prime Wardrobe lets you try on and purchase new styles with little hassle. Choose three or more items across the women's, men's, children's, and baby clothes, shoes, and accessories categories. Then, you'll have seven days to try them at home and decide what you want to keep. Check out online, then return your unwanted items for free using the resealable box and prepaid shipping label. 

Prime-exclusive fashion brands

Shop the best Amazon Prime-exclusive women's fashion brands here

Learn more about the 6 under-the-radar Amazon Prime clothing brands every woman should know here

Amazon has several in-house fashion brands, some of which are exclusive to Prime members. Whether you're looking for stylish yet professional business attire, casual loungewear, or swimwear, there's an affordable Amazon label for it. 

Prime-exclusive unlocked phones

Pictured: Moto G 6, $179.99, available at Amazon

Shop unlocked phones here

Unlocked phones offer more freedom and flexibility since they're not tied to specific phone carriers. The prices for these LG, Moto, and Nokia phones are reserved for paid Prime members. 

A rewards credit card with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees

Apply for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card here

The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card gets you: 

• 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market 
• 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores 
• 1% back on all other purchases 

You'll get a $70 Amazon.com gift card instantly upon approval, and you can redeem your points on Amazon as well as for cash back, gift cards, and travel. 

Gourmet snacks from Happy Belly and Wickedly Prime

Pictured: Wickedly Prime Coconut Toffee Roasted Cashews, $5.34, available at Amazon

Shop gourmet food from Happy Belly and Wickedly Prime here

Happy Belly sells nut and trail mixes, spices, and cage-free eggs while Wickedly Prime sells chips, nuts, popcorn, soup, sweet spreads, tea, and more. 

Free online photo storage on Prime Photos and free delivery on Amazon Prints

Get started with Prime Photos here

Order prints and make personalized photo gifts at Amazon Prints here

You can save and share unlimited photos across desktop, mobile, and tablet, and share unlimited photo storage with up to five people. You'll also get 5 GB for videos and files. Prime Photos comes pre-installed on Amazon devices, so you can also view your photos from your Fire TV and Echo Show. 

After you turn your photos into prints and other photo gifts through Amazon Prints, you get free standard and expedited shipping.

Free Prime Video streaming

Stream movies and TV shows on Prime Video here

Start your free trials of Prime Video channels here

Stream from a large library of movies and TV shows for free, including Prime Originals content, and rent the latest releases for low prices. Prime members can also subscribe to over 100 channels (and only pay for the channels they want), including HBO, Showtime, and CBS All Access. 

Free Prime Music streaming and discounted Amazon Music Unlimited

Listen to music on Prime Music here

Start your 30-day free trial of Amazon Music Unlimited here

Prime Music lets you listen to 2 million songs ad-free and on-demand, while Amazon Music Unlimited ($7.99/month) expands the library to tens of millions of songs and lets you download them for offline listening on any device. 

Twitch Prime live video streaming and viewing

Connect your Twitch account on Amazon here

Twitch is primarily used to watch video gameplay but hosts many other types of live streams, including talk shows and cooking shows. Prime members get ad-free viewing, a free Twitch channel subscription, discounts on pre-order box games, and a Prime-exclusive chat badge.

Prime Pantry household and grocery essentials in everyday sizes

Start your 30-day free trial of Prime Pantry here

A Prime Pantry membership ($4.99/month) lets you shop thousands of household essentials, many of which are not available elsewhere on Amazon. Pantry-exclusive coupons save you even more money on these items. Customers receive free shipping on all orders of $10 or more or pay a flat $5.99 shipping fee for each order they place.

You can also order through Prime Pantry without a membership to receive free shipping on orders of $35 or more. 

One free Kindle book a month through Amazon First Reads

Pictured: Monsoon Mansion, free with Amazon First Reads, available at Amazon

See this month's Amazon First Reads picks here

Get free, early access to one Kindle book from a selection of editors' picks each month or shop the hardcover version for $9.99 or less. Available genres include contemporary fiction, thriller, science fiction, and memoir. 

Exclusive deals and discounts

Shop Prime-exclusive deals here

Only Prime members get deals on certain products and Amazon services, such as free delivery on restaurant orders, savings on dog and pet food, and rotating deals on the latest movies and TV shows through Prime Video. 

30-minute early access to Lightning Deals

Shop Lightning Deals at Amazon here

Learn more about how to get a Lightning Deal on Prime Day here

Lightning Deals are called so for a reason — they're only available for a few hours and can be snatched up quickly before the expiration time. Prime members get an extra 30 minutes to shop deals before they're officially open. Just look for the "Prime Early Access" label as you shop the page. 

Free standard shipping on Shopbop, East Dane, and Woot!

Shop clothing at Shopbop and East Dane, and shop flash deals at Woot!

The shipping benefits extend past Amazon.com. Shopbop is an online destination for luxury and designer clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories, East Dane is its menswear counterpart, and Woot! is an Amazon-owned startup that hosts daily flash deals on discounted products. Log in with your Amazon account on these sites to get your shipping perk. 

Free Prime Reading books, magazines, and comics

Read books with Prime Reading here

Prime members can choose up to 10 titles at a time from more than 1,000 options. The title will be available to read on any of your devices via the Kindle app and some books also come with Audible narration. 

Free Audible Channels audiobooks and podcasts

Download the free Audible app here

Similar to the free books in Prime Reading, this Audible benefit unlocks free full-length audiobooks exclusive to Prime members as well as popular, Audible-produced news, humor, and crime podcasts. 

Shared Prime benefits with the whole family through Amazon Household

Create an Amazon Household here

Learn more about how to use Amazon Household to keep gift purchases a secret here

Two adults and up to four teens and four child profiles may link in a 'Household,' allowing everyone in the family to enjoy Prime benefits like free shipping, Prime Video, and Prime Photos and share content like ebooks, audiobooks, apps, and games. 

Another benefit of linking accounts is that adults can approve orders before they're placed (for teens) and set parental controls on digital content (for kids). 

Rewards or discounts if you choose free no-rush shipping

Learn more about free no-rush shipping rewards here

If you can wait a few extra days for your order to arrive, you can either earn rewards on future purchases or receive discounts immediately. Rewards are automatically added to your account once your free No-Rush order ships, and they are automatically applied to qualifying orders as well. 

Free Outfit Compare service

Get the Amazon App here

Available in the Amazon app under Programs, Outfit Compare is a quick service that helps you figure out which outfit looks better on you, regardless of whether the clothes are purchased from Amazon. A fashion specialist takes into account how the clothes fit you, which colors look best on you, how the outfits are styled, and what's on trend right now.

Discounted Amazon FreeTime Unlimited

Start your 30-day free trial of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited here

Amazon FreeTime Unlimited offers unlimited access to 13,000 kids' books, movies, TV shows, educational apps, and games. For Prime members it's $2.99/month for a single child or $6.99 for a family of up to four children. Parents can set controls like time limits and content filters, and personalize the experiences of each child profile. It's available on Fire Tablets (books, videos, apps), Kindle eReaders (books), and Android phones and tablets (books, videos). 

Prime Book Box

Sign up for Prime Book Box here

Prime Book Box is a children's book subscription that delivers two hardcover books or four board books to kids up to 12 years old. The book selections are popular reader favorites or Amazon Book Editor-approved, so your child can enjoy both classics and new releases. Parents can handle preferences like delivery schedule and preview the book options (or let them be a surprise). The boxes ship for free. 

• One of the iPhone's new features in iOS 13 are gestures that let you copy and paste text quickly with three fingers.
• These new iPhone gestures can feel clumsy at first but are easy to master with a bit of practice. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The iPhone's gestures have long been a point of contention for Apple mobile device users. Violently shaking your iPhone doesn't feel like the easiest way to undo text when you're in the middle of crafting a sentence, for example. 

However, the latest iOS 13 update is addressing that clunkiness with new gestures, including three-finger movements that let you copy and paste.

And while the iPhone's gestures feature can feel a little awkward at first, you may soon wonder how you went without them.

Here's the simple process for copying and pasting text with gestures.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to copy and paste using gestures on your iPhone

1. Select what you want to copy by highlighting the text.

2. Placing three fingers on the screen, make a pinching-in motion. You'll see a confirmation that the screen has read the gesture correctly at the top.

3. From there, move your cursor to where you want the text to go, and pinch out with three fingers to paste.

The gestures can take some getting used to, particularly if you have big fingers, an iPhone with a smaller screen, or both.

But with a little finessing, copying and pasting with gestures for iPhone might soon feel as natural as using CTRL+C and CTRL+V on your computer's keyboard.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change your Wi-Fi network in the Control Center on an iPhone with iOS 13

• iOS 13 allows you to mute email threads in the Mail app on your iPhone — here's how to do it

• iOS 13 has a new feature that limits the data usage on your iPhone — here's how to use Low Data Mode

• iOS 13 changed the method for deleting apps on an iPhone — here's how to do it

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone accessories from cases to lightning cables

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The incredible story behind Slack, the app that's taken over offices everywhere

• You can't flip a picture on your iPhone in the device's native apps, but you can with a third-party app like Photoshop Express. 
• When you download Photoshop Express on your iPhone, you'll be able to flip a picture to get its mirror image.
• After you flip the picture, you can save it to your iPhone's Photos app, where it should appear right next to the original image. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The iPhone is an extremely powerful handheld tool, and when you add in some third-party apps, the possibilities are near-endless.

While you can't flip a picture to get its mirror image on an iPhone in any of the phone's native apps, you can do it with a third-party app. Given Photoshop's reputation as the gold standard for editing pictures, Photoshop Express is a great free app to download for this purpose. 

With Photoshop Express, you'll be able to edit your photos in ways more advanced than with the standard iPhone editing package. A good first manipulation, however, is flipping an image to its mirror.

Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to flip a picture on your iPhone using Photoshop Express

1. If you haven't already, download the Photoshop Express app.

2. Sign into the app using one of several accounts (I chose my Gmail). Allow Photoshop Express to access your photos.

3. Scroll through your photos in the app and tap on the one you want to flip.

4. Tap on the crop icon (two right-angles overlapping). The crop function seems to be a standard technique utilized by many third-party apps for flipping photos.

5. Tap on Rotate. Once in the rotate screen, you'll see several options at the bottom of it: Straighten, Rotate, Flip Horizontal, and Flip Vertical.

6. Tap "Flip Horizontal."

7. There are other editing tools you can play around with, but if you only want to flip your picture, tap the Share button at the top (the box with an arrow pointing upwards).

8. Tap "Camera Roll." The flipped picture will be added to your iPhone's Photos app, most likely right next to the original photo you manipulated.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to fix red eye in any photo using an iPhone's built-in editing tool

• How to make GIFs on an iPhone using live photos, through the Photos app or Giphy

• How to rotate a picture on your iPhone using the Photos app, by 90 degrees or a custom angle

• How to crop a photo on your iPhone in two simple ways, and revert a cropped photo back to its original version

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone accessories from cases to lightning cables

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We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on designer clothing at East Dane and Shopbop, speakers and headphones at JBL, winter gear at Backcountry, and Casper Wave mattresses.

Deals in this story are subject to change throughout the day. The prices listed reflect the deal at the time of publication. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

The best sales and deals happening today at a glance:

• Save up to 25% on your order at East Dane and Shopbop
• Save up to 50% on speakers, headphones, and audio at JBL
• Save up to 60% on clearance items at Backcountry
• Save 25% on Realtree coolers and dry-boxes at OtterBox
• Save $200 on the Casper Wave Mattress and get two free pillows

SEE ALSO: The best mattresses you can buy

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1. Save up to 25% on your order at East Dane and Shopbop

Shop the East Dane sale now

Shop the Shopbop sale now

East Dane is an online destination for designer men's brands at lower-than-department-store prices — and right now, there are even bigger potential savings. Now through September 28, you can save 20% on orders under $500 and 25% on orders over $500 by using the promo code "STOCKUP19" at checkout. The discount is valid on most full-price and sale items.

East Dane's sister site Shopbop is running the same sale on women's clothing and accessories, but it's worth noting that the sale ends one day earlier. You'll be able to save 20% on orders under $500 and 25% on orders over $500 by using the promo code "STOCKUP19" at checkout until tomorrow, September 27.

2. Save up to 50% on speakers, headphones, and audio at JBL

Shop the JBL sale now. 

If you love listening to music, whether at home or on the go, then you'll want to check out JBL's extensive line of audio products. During the brand's current fall sale you can save up to 50% on top-selling items. Some of the best items in the sale include the Horizon Bluetooth radio clock (pictured above), the Flip 4 waterproof speaker, and the Clip 3 portable speaker. 

3. Save up to 60% on clearance items at Backcountry

Shop the Backcountry sale now. 

It may not be winter yet, but Backcountry is holding a clearance sale with huge savings on cold-weather gear and apparel from last year. Now through October 9, you can save up to 60% on items including down jackets, parkas, vest, ski pants, hands, gloves, and more. This is a great opportunity to stock up on items for this upcoming winter. 

4. Save 25% on Realtree coolers and dry-boxes at OtterBox

Shop the OtterBox sale now. 

Whether you're living on a campsite or fishing on a boat, coolers and dry-boxes are essential for preserving your food (or freshly-caught fish) and protecting your other belongings. OtterBox might be best known for its phone cases, but it also makes dependable outdoor products — and they're on sale now. For a limited time, you can save 25% on its Realtree coolers and dryboxes.

5. Save $200 on the Casper Wave Mattress and get two free pillows

Shop the Casper sale now. 

Casper, the leading mattress-in-a-box startup, is currently holding an exclusive sale on its newest five-layer foam mattress. Now through September 30, you can save $200 on the Casper Wave mattress and get two free pillows by using the promo code "WAVEPILLOW" at checkout. You won't find the promo listed anywhere on the site, but if you click through the link above, you'll be able to use the promo code to save. 

6. Get $750 worth of travel points when you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred from our partner The Points Guy.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great option if you're new to earning points and miles, as it has a reasonable $95 annual fee. You'll earn 2 points per dollar on all travel and dining purchases and 1 point on everything else, and the card includes some valuable benefits like trip delay coverage and primary car rental insurance.

You can earn 60,000 Chase points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred when you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. That's worth at least $750 toward travel. Read our review to learn more about the card's benefits.

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

7. Save $200 on the Leesa Hybrid mattress and get two free pillows

Shop the Leesa sale now. 

As the best overall mattress you can buy in our buying guide, the foam Leesa mattress is exceptionally comfortable and has a great value (mattress prices start at just $595). Right now, you can get $150 off the Leesa Mattress and $200 off the Hybrid Mattress. You can also save up to 15% on accessories like sheets, pillows, and bed frames.

8. Save 15% on all orders at Framebridge as a new customer

Shop the Framebridge sale now.

In addition to offering customizable framing options for your prints and original paintings, Framebridge will turn your favorite digital images and smartphone pictures into beautifully framed artwork that's suitable for display. Simply pick a frame, upload your image, and Framebridge will it back ready to be hung up or shown off. Right now, new customers can save 15% sitewide by using the exclusive promo code "INSIDER15" at checkout.