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It looks like Gov. Cuomo may overturn one of the dumbest drinking laws in New York

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Andrew Cuomo

Yes.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo looks set to overturn the rule that makes it illegal for bars and restaurants to sell alcohol between 4 a.m. and noon on Sundays, according to the New York Daily News.

This rule was, by and large, considered by New Yorkers to be very, very stupid.

In what can only be considered an upgrade for the Lord's Day, Cuomo's proposal would allow licensed establishments to start serving booze at 8 a.m.

New York, you see, is not supposed to be one of those towns where you are told that you have to stop at some point.

New Yorkers prefer to make those decisions on their own, especially when it comes to the precious, and once hollow, hours before the most important meal of the weekend: brunch.

From Glenn Blain in the New York Daily News:

"The law was created 80 years ago right after prohibition," Cuomo said during an appearance in Rochester. "It is the most bizarre, arcane, frustrating, maddening law that you could imagine."

It should be noted that this change is PERFECTLY timed for the upcoming Summer Olympics, when New Yorkers will likely hit bars early to catch their favorite events.

This is also perfect for the (hopefully) few times a year you have to go to brunch with that "friend" who (for fun) runs a marathon at 6 on a Sunday morning and then thinks it's really convenient for everyone to go to brunch as early as 11.

And finally, this is great for all the people who watch soccer in New York — all six or seven of them.

SEE ALSO: We finally have more details about what's going to happen to the most iconic dining rooms in NYC

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NOW WATCH: THE STORY OF GOLDMAN SACHS: From foot peddlers to a powerhouse


The 15 best books to read on your commute

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reading subway

Your daily commute is built-in downtime. Instead of mindlessly playing Candy Crush while on the train, why not stimulate your brain a little bit with a book?

Our friends at Amazon put together a list of the best books for your commute. Whether they're divided into small chapters, filled with tips to get you ahead at work, or just feature a train prominently, these 15 books are perfect for reading on the way to and from the office.

We've included blurbs written by Amazon editor Chris Schluep

SEE ALSO: 14 apps every modern gentleman should have on his phone

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"Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell

"Gladwell might be the perfect nonfiction read for the commuter. His chapters are short, his ideas generally compelling, and you'll draw at least one or two subjects for water cooler discussion with each few pages read."

Buy it on Amazon.



"Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

"Statistics meets pop culture in this book. You may find yourself looking forward to your commute just a little more."

Buy it on Amazon.



"Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson

"Apple may be taking a hit these days, but that's partly because Jobs did so much to build the company to greatness. This is one of the best business biographies of recent times."

Buy it on Amazon.



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Inside the enormous Hamptons mansion where celebrities like Beyonce and Jay Z regularly stay for $1 million a month

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Sandcastle Hamptons

If you're staying in the Hamptons for a month, the best way to go is the Sandcastle estate in Bridgehampton, New York.

With 31,000 square feet of insane amenities — like a movie theater, bowling alley, walk-in refrigerator, wine room, climbing wall, basketball court, private gym, and spa — it's highly unlikely you could ever get bored. 

All that doesn't come cheap, however: the mansion is listed for rental at the cost of $1 million a month, or $500,000 for a shorter term.

It was built by legendary Hamptons home builder Joe Farrell, and was offered for sale as recently as 2013, according to the Real Deal. Though Farrell received his $43.5 million ask, he ultimately decided not to sell the house so that his family could make use of it, which he told The New York Post was a "very tough decision."

It regularly draws celebrity renters, including Jay Z and Beyonce, who reportedly paid $400,000 to stay in the house for a month in 2012.

Gary DePersia at Corcoran has the rental listing.

Julie Zeveloff and Callie Bost contributed to an earlier version of this story.

SEE ALSO: Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel and model Miranda Kerr just bought a $12 million house together

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The Sandcastle sits on 11.5 acres on swanky Halsey Lane in Bridgehampton, New York.



It has about 31,000 square feet of living space.



Here's the formal living room, complete with an intricate ceiling design and fluffy pillows.



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Tell us your best or worst summer job stories

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Wet Hot American Summer TV

Did you deal with night terrors and bed-wetting as a sleepaway camp counselor? Did you spend all day cooped up inside a shoe store fondling the feet of customers with poor grooming habits?

Or perhaps your summer job delivering pizza was in fact the most life-affirming experience you've ever had.

Business Insider wants to hear your summer job stories — the good, the bad, and the terrible.

Share your experience in the anonymous Google form below, and we may include your response in a forthcoming article. You get bonus points if you can share any lessons learned from the experience.

SEE ALSO: We asked and you answered — here are 18 of the wildest office holiday party stories we've ever heard

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Why every guy should own more than one kind of cologne

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Cologne

So you've done the hard work. You've tried on many colognes and found the one you like to wear, one that smells good on you all day. You're done, right?

Not so fast. Not every scent is great for every situation, and if you have just one signature scent, it can be off-putting at times, as G. Bruce Boyer writes in his book "True Style: The History and Principles of Classic Menswear."

"Because heat tends to intensify fragrance, it's best to wear the lightest scents in warm weather and save the stronger ones for fall and winter," Boyer writes. "For after-business hours, a more definite fragrance can help establish or enhance a mood of relaxation."

Instead, we and Boyer recommend what is called a "scent wardrobe." Just like your normal wardrobe, your scent wardrobe is a collection of fragrances that you like to wear and have picked out specifically for that reason. Some are lighter and citrusy and might work for summer days, while others are heavy with musk or spice, and might only work during fall and winter evenings.

You pick out these scents just as you would your very first fragrance: by sampling many different kinds, and picking the one you still like the smell of after it has been on your skin for a while.

We're not saying you need a scent for every single occasion, but fragrance is far from one-size-fits-all.

"Social occasions also allow us slightly more freedom to get away from the business uniform and wear a more relaxing wardrobe, so why not also indulge our scent wardrobe as well?" Boyer asks.

We couldn't agree more.

SEE ALSO: You’ve probably been applying your cologne all wrong

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Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein has finally sold his $13 million Hamptons home — take a look inside

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Screen Shot 2015 07 21 at 10.20.19 AM

Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein finally sold his Sagaponack, New York, estate, according to The Wall Street Journal.

First listed all the way back in 2007 for $14 million, the mansion has undergone a series of listings and price changes, the highest of which was $17 million in the summer of 2015.

The most recent listing was for $13 million, though it's not clear what the final selling price was.

In 2012, the CEO bought another house in Bridgehampton worth $32.5 million, which is reportedly the reason he elected to let go of this one.

Blankfein bought the property in 1995 and commissioned architect Larry Randolf and builders Men at Work to complete the mansion in 2001. The property has seven bedrooms, five full baths, a heated pool, and tennis courts, according to the listing.

Susan Breitenbach of the Corcoran Group handled the listing as of the sale.

Lucinda Shen contributed to an earlier version of this post.

SEE ALSO: Inside the enormous Hamptons mansion where celebrities like Beyonce and Jay Z regularly stay for $1 million a month

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

Welcome to Lloyd Blankfein's summer home in Sagaponack, New York. Architects capped off the romantic estate with a barn-style roof.



The front doors open into a simple foyer. Light streams in from floor-to-ceiling windows on nearly every wall.



Take a seat in the summery, beige-and-cream-colored living room.



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Real-estate experts say these will be the 10 hottest US neighborhoods in 2016

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chicago

Where will American homebuyers turn in 2016?

According to real estate website Redfin, which releases an annual list of the hottest neighborhoods nationwide, buyers will be prioritizing affordability, charm, and access to public transportation in 2016. The emphasis on affordability explains why the San Francisco Bay Area — where the median sale price of homes is now over $1 million — didn't crack the top 10 for the first time.

"Another trend that has emerged in this year's hottest neighborhoods is that buyers are looking for homes and neighborhoods with character," Redfin reports.

Here, we've highlighted the 10 neighborhoods projected to take off in 2016, which Redfin ranked by looking at the most recent growth in page views and favorites per home on their site.

We also included the median number of days a home is on the market in that neighborhood, the median sale price for 2015, and insights from local Redfin real-estate agents:

SEE ALSO: These will be the up-and-coming neighborhoods in 30 major US cities in 2016

10. Roosevelt, Seattle

Roosevelt, which has been heating up in recent years, rounded out the top 10, thanks in part to its prime location. "Roosevelt touches the interstate, so people have easy access to downtown Seattle or can easily escape for the weekend," says local agent Dorothee Graham.

Plus, there are a bunch of easily accessible parks, including Cowen Park, Ravenna Park, and Green Lake.

Median days on the market: 7

Median sale price: $623,500

See more Roosevelt real-estate trends.



9. Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis

While Powderhorn Park cracked the top 10 nationwide, it has stiff competition in Minneapolis and ranked the second-hottest neighborhood in this up-and-coming Minnesota city. The median sale price is on of the lowest on this list: $180,000.

Plus, residents enjoy plenty of green space, thanks to Powderhorn Park and Lake situated in the center of the neighborhood.   

Median days on the market: 32

Median sale price: $180,000

See more Powderhorn Park real-estate trends.



8. Hampden, Baltimore

Hampden offers home prices that are hard to beat. "Houses are relatively affordable and have a historical touch and lots of potential to upgrade into a dream home," says local agent Chris Calabretta.

The food scene is also top notch, with an abundance of locally owned restaurants, he notes.

Median days on the market: 32

Median sale price: $198,000

See more Hampden real-estate trends.



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15 daily habits that are easy to practice and can significantly improve your life

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Selfie Mirror

Want to pick up some good habits? The best approach is to start small.

In the Quora thread "What are some good 'mini habits' to practice each day?" readers shared the simple habits you should follow every day to become a happier, healthier, or more productive person.

The best part is, each one takes only about five minutes to complete.

Here are some of our favorites:

SEE ALSO: 11 skills that are hard to learn but pay off forever

DON'T MISS: 13 highly useful life hacks you can learn in a minute or less

1. Brush your teeth and floss

Brushing and flossing your teeth not only prevents gingivitis and tooth decay, but it can also save your life.

The American Dental Association recommends you brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day. If you don't, you could be putting yourself at greater risk for developing dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer, among other things. — Pankesh Bamotra



2. Smile at yourself in the mirror

Just after you brush your teeth, look at yourself in the mirror and smile, holding the smile for 10 seconds. Dr. Robert Zajonc, a famous psychologist, believed facial action leads to changes in mood, and in a 1989 study he found that participants who watched themselves smile in a mirror experienced a greater boost in mood than those who simply smiled. — Nistha Tripathi



3. Write down the day's most important task

Also known as "eating the frog," decide on the one task you must perform that day to be successful and do it first thing when you get to work. — Patrick Mathieson



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12 of your biggest cooking questions answered with science

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cooking brussels sprouts

If you're like me, there are some parts of cooking that are completely baffling. I'm not just talking about figuring out the recipe. Sometimes I also just wonder what sort of chemical reactions are going on that makes the food taste so good and turn out the right — or wrong — way.

Without further ado, here are the scientific answers to some of your biggest quandaries in the kitchen.

NEXT: The definitive, scientific answers to 20 health questions everyone has

CHECK OUT: 14 of your most embarrassing questions about wine answered with science

How much water do I need to cook my rice?

Here's a general rule: For every cup of rice you cook, you'll need two cups of water. However, Dan Souza, the executive editor of Cook's Science at America's Test Kitchen and one of the authors of "The Science of Good Cooking," told Business Insider that this isn't always true. There are a number of other factors that influence how much water you're going to need, including what size the pot is and how much evaporates.

"If you have a ratio of 1:2 and you double that to 2:4, you're saying you're going to get double evaporating because you doubled it, and that's not true," he said. So keep this in mind the next time you try to double your portions.



Does searing a steak really seal in its juices?

Many cooks will tell you that searing your meat ensures all the good juices stay inside. That's not quite true. While you're searing a steak on a high temperature, you're making a crispier crust on the steak, but that crust isn't responsible for keeping in any liquids.

"Nothing about making a crust on the outside of a steak is going to trap moisture," Souza said. In fact, he said, muscle proteins at higher temperatures actually squeeze out liquids instead of keeping them in.



What's the best way to preserve nutrients when cooking vegetables?

The best way to preserve and enhance the nutrition in fresh broccoli is to steam them, according to a November 2015 study that evaluated different cooking methods for vegetables, including broccoli. 

One of the easiest ways to steam? Fill a large glass bowl with broccoli, add a tablespoon or so of water to the bowl, cover the bowl with a plate, and then microwave your setup on high for a few minutes. 

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Help! I've lost touch with all my references and now I need them

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ashley lutz ask the insider

Ask the Insider columnist Ashley Lutz answers all of your work-related questions, including the awkward, sensitive, and real-world ones. Have a question? Email asktheinsider@businessinsider.com.

Dear Insider, 

Since graduating college, I have been at the same job for three years. I recently decided to start applying for new opportunities.

But when it comes to finding references, I'm stuck. I can't ask anyone at my current job because I don't want them to know I'm applying other places.

I've long lost touch with professors and managers from my internships. I'd like to get in touch with them, but don't know how to do so without it being obvious I need something. 

Sincerely,

Nervous About Finding References

***

Dear Nervous,

This is a case where it is worse to beat around the bush. Your motives are going to be clear whether you ask right away or send a few emails back and forth first. 

First, email your potential references apologizing for falling out of touch. Provide an update with what you've been working on and what you hope to accomplish next in your career. Explain that you are applying for jobs and ask if they are willing to be a reference. If they're local, offer to take them out to coffee. 

I would guess your mentors will be happy to oblige and give you a free pass this time around. In case they don't, you should also identify some new people who can advise you and build out your list of contacts. Maybe find a networking event or conference to attend. 

You've learned a valuable lesson here — keep in touch with people even when you don't need them. Putting in the effort will pay dividends later and help you avoid awkward situations.

***

Ashley Lutz is a senior editor at Business Insider answering all of your questions about the workplace. Send your queries to asktheinsider@businessinsider.com for publication on Business Insider. Requests for anonymity will be granted, and questions may be edited.

SEE ALSO: Help! My coworkers' eating habits are driving me insane

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This bed automatically makes itself three seconds after you get up

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The OHEA smart bed automatically makes itself just three seconds after you get up. In 50 seconds, it straightens your pillow and duvet, making itself automatically. The company sells its own bedding to work with the bed, so you won't be able to use your own. It's just a prototype though, so it's not currently for sale. 

Story by Jacob Shamsian and editing by Kristen Griffin

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Fascinating stories of people who don't meet the Silicon Valley stereotype

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Julie Horvath copy

For photographer Helena Price, documenting the minorities working within the San Francisco tech community is a deeply personal endeavor. "It's important to me because I used to be one," she told Business Insider.

During her four years in the tech industry, before becoming a full time photographer, Price felt isolated.

"The majority of my time in tech I [was] surrounded by mostly white, Ivy League men with vast networks and financial safety nets. I always wondered if there were people out there with backgrounds similar to mine, and there are many folks in tech who feel far more isolated than me," she said.

This year, she made a call for photo subjects on Medium, asking for women, people of color, those over the age of 50, LGBT, working parents, and the disabled to come forward and tell their story.

Her project "Techies" is made up of 100 portraits and interviews of those wanting to share their past, and their entry way into the world of tech. Ahead, a selection of 14 subjects who work for Facebook, Google, AirBnB, and more.

 

SEE ALSO: How the founder of ClassPass — a startup that motivates thousands of people to work out regularly — stays in shape

Justin Carson, Product Designer at Yik Yak

"I’m a 22 year old product designer from Atlanta, Ga. I taught myself product design after high school. I shopped products to millions of users at Mailchimp at 21. I joined Yik Yak as the only African American employee and am now designing a product for my generation."



Jeany Ngo, UX Designer at Airbnb

"I’m an experience designer at Airbnb. I had always been interested in graphic design. When I was a kid, I loved this virtual pet website, Neopets, and designing “Neopet banners,” which were banners for your pet’s webpage. I started to learn HTML and CSS that way, adding snippets of code to my pet page. And then it grew to designing blogs like Xangas, Myspace, and Livejournals"



Erica Baker, Build and Release Engineer at Slack

"I went to school at the University of Miami and I was a CS major for a year and it was the worst thing I ever did...Because it’s like, “But the beach is there. Class? The beach is there.”"

"Then, when your classes are horrible because you’re the only woman, or one of  a few women in your CS class, and also you’re the only black person or one of two black people, and definitely the only black woman in your CS class, it’s like, “I don’t want to go there. It doesn’t feel good. The professor sucks and also he looks at me like I shouldn’t even be there...So I didn’t finish my CS major there. I left after my first year and went back to the University of Alaska, switched to a degree program, an AS degree, micro-computer support."



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5 of the biggest style mistakes guys make in the warm weather — and how to avoid them

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Tuxedo shorts

Summer's almost here, and with it comes a whole new wardrobe — and a whole new wardrobe of mistakes.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

Here are five of the most common mistakes I've seen when men try to dress for the warmer months. Do your best to avoid them.

SEE ALSO: This startup's new boat shoes are the perfect replacement for your sweaty Sperrys

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

Going too far with open-toed shoes.

Just because the weather is warm doesn't mean you should let your feet fly free. Many men see the warmer months as a chance to show everyone their disgusting, un-pedicured feet. It shouldn't be this way.

Unless you're going to the beach, all heels, toes, and nails should remain inside the safe confines of a shoe at all times. "Men's toes are, in general, unsightly," Donnie Kwak, editor at Complex magazine, told Mashable last year.

I don't care how hot it is — there's absolutely no need to wear sandals or flip flops with casual clothes. Imagine wearing them to the theater, shopping, or out to eat. Beyond etiquette rules, this is just unsanitary.

If you won't take our word for it, just listen to Mick Jagger.

The solution: Wearing actual shoes.



Wearing sunglasses that don't quite fit your face.

Everybody loves the look of Ray-Ban Wayfarers and the classic Aviator shape. Unfortunately, regardless of what you might believe from seeing these styles in your favorite movies, they really only fit large faces. If you don't have the face for it, the styles will look incredibly awkward and disproportionate.

The solution: Try sunglasses on before you buy them. Go to an actual store with a friend who will tell you, honestly, what they think of them.

Another method, if you're a fan of Warby Parker's styles, is to take advantage of their home try-on program. That way, you can try on five styles at your leisure for a week, asking everyone from your mother to strangers on the street how they think you look.



Wearing shorts in the wrong environment.

Look, shorts are great. We're big fans of men wearing shorts in the warmer months — provided they're doing it right.

What we don't like? Shorts where they don't belong. Any dress code above "casual" requires pants, including most workplaces. 

Solution: Know when it's appropriate to wear shorts, and, in general, err on the side of pants. No man should ever think he's going to impress his date with a slick pair of chino shorts. When the sun goes down, the shorts go away, too.



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This new 'meal in a bottle' tastes better than Soylent — and has sold around $100,000 in preorders

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but it actually tastes pretty good a nutty sweet flavor thats a bit surprising given the low level of sugar one of my colleagues said it was better than soylents original formula and about in line with its secondSince Soylent broke open the "meal-replacement" space with a grand (some might say grandiose) vision to hack food and end hunger, a few startups have created their own take on the futuristic meal shake.

The idea is that, when you don't have time to make lunch, you simply drink a ~400-calorie shake with precisely measured ingredients that will get you to your next meal.

The latest entrant is Ample Meal, which is coming after Soylent by promising a non-GMO, gluten-free product that has less sugar (2 grams to 7 grams) and carbohydrates (26 grams to 37 grams), but more protein (27 grams to 20 grams). The startup has raised around $100,000 on Indiegogo so far.

While fitness enthusiasts can debate the finer points of the nutritional elements, the main things many everyday users will care about are price and taste. How does Ample stack up? On taste, it is certainly as good as Soylent, and some might prefer its pleasant nutty flavor (it is not nut-free like Soylent). But on price, it's not a bargain. Ample will run about $4.50 per meal, though it ranges based on how much you commit, while Soylent is more in the $2.50 range.

But Ample isn't competing on price, but on the idea of healthy living. “I see so many people feel challenged to incorporate healthy meals into their busy lives or even understand what is ‘healthy,’" CEO Connor Young said in a statement.

Here's what it's like to try Ample:

Photography by Hollis Johnson.

Each meal shake comes in its own bottle, which you can fill with either water or milk.



The shake contains ingredients like probiotics, chia seed, algae oil, macadamia nut oil (which you can definitely taste), sweet potato, pumpkin, cacao powder, and wheat grass.



One design flaw is that it takes a bit of work to shake out the bottle. Some dry areas get stuck on the bottom.



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15 surprising ways to master essential life skills

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Broad City people laughing

If you haven't mastered some of the most essential life skills already, it may be time to take a different approach.

Whether you're looking to listen better or negotiate for a raise, here are some of the most surprising ways you can master 15 essential life skills.

SEE ALSO: 15 daily habits that are easy to practice and can significantly improve your life

DON'T MISS: 11 skills that are hard to learn but will pay off forever

Listening

It's a surprisingly simple yet underused concept: If you want to listen better, keep your mouth shut.

As Austrian pianist Alfred Brendel once said, "The word listen contains the same letters as the word silent."

Not only does thinking about what you're going to say next take your attention away from the speaker, but hijacking the conversation shows that you think you have something more important to say.



Conserving willpower

As Florida State psychologist Roy Baumeister details in his book "Willpower: The Greatest Human Strength," we all have a finite amount of willpower in a given day. The key to conserving it is to limit the number of decisions you have to make.

Startup founder Julie Sygiel, a very busy entrepreneur, follows in the footsteps of Mark Zuckerberg and President Barack Obama by wearing a uniform every day.

"Almost everything in my closet is black, gray, or blue and every top goes with every bottom," she tells Business Insider. "The only question I ask myself when getting dressed is: 'Do I need fancy shoes today?' All of my sweaters and pants are versatile and can look casual or dressy, so my shoes are the key piece that determines the overall look.

"It's amazing how much quicker I get dressed in the morning, and it allows me to save more creative decision-making energy for important choices at the office."



Time management

Warren Buffett once said, "The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say ‘no' to almost everything."

If you don't prioritize your time over others', you'll find your productivity will suffer and resentment will mount.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

10 incredible secret dining experiences you can have in New York City

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I Forgot It's WednesdayNew York City is already a mecca for foodies, but there are still many incredible spots that have yet to be discovered. Whether you're in search of pop-up dinners, hidden bars, or meals held in secret locations, you can easily find interesting experiences if you know where to look.

We recently spoke to food documentarian Liza De Guia and chef Russell Jackson, who's noted for his work in the underground dining world. The pair are currently hosting a Bravo original digital series called "Going Off the Menu", which explores the best of Los Angeles' exclusive and underground culinary scene. 

We asked De Guia and Jackson about their favorite underground dining spots in New York, from the swankiest supper clubs to the best invite-only dinner events. Whether you're a fan of flaky Danish sweets or incredibly fresh ceviche, these hidden gems have got your cravings covered.

SEE ALSO: What it's like to eat at the best restaurant in California, where a meal will cost you $310 a person

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Meyers Bageri, hidden inside Margo Patisserie in Brooklyn

"All I can tell you is that these pastries have fast become my weakness," De Guia says of Meyers Bageri.

Run by Noma co-founder Claus Meyer, the pop-up bakery operates out of Margo Patisserie in Brooklyn and serves everything from "intricately braided cinnamon swirls" and marzipan-stuffed croissants to wild blueberry danishes.

Head there on Saturdays, when the treats are served, "to delight your sweet tooth with what I believe are the best pastries in NYC," De Guia said.



Raoul's Burger

"This might be SoHo's best-kept under-the-radar secret," De Guia says of the off-the-menu burger served at Raoul's

The bar-only burger is ideal for steak lovers, with a combination of tender brisket meat and peppercorns that are topped with melted cheese, watercress, and cornichons. 

That's not even the best part, according to De Guia. "What makes the burger is the bowl of au poivre dipping sauce that the bartender insists you use French dip-style," she said. 

They only make 12 of these juicy burgers a day (except for weekend brunches), so make sure to get there early. 



Stanley's Pharmacy

"For hangover elixirs and all-natural cure-alls in a glass, I head to this groovy, bright and welcoming, stay-as-long-as-you-like counter tucked into a forgotten little corner of Chinatown," De Guia said. 

The tiny counter she's referring to is Stanley's Pharmacya playful creation by pharmacist Stanley George.

George, who used to be a pharmacist to celebrities in Beverly Hills and Hollywood, has turned the shop into a hangout for the chic, with a variety of herbal teas, artisanal sodas, and tonics to cure everything from headaches and hangovers to insomnia and sinus infections.



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A day in the life of Jacob the Jeweler, the man behind the world's wildest jewels and watches

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Jacob the jeweler

For the biggest, boldest bling, A-listers and billionaires have turned to one man for the last 30 years. And for the most complicated watches in the game? Still the same man.

His name is Jacob Arabo, although you may have heard him referred to as "Jacob the Jeweler" in rap songs by Kanye West or 50 Cent. His clientele is a who's-who of the international elite and Hollywood stars, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Jay Z and Beyoncé. The story of his rise through the luxury jewelry industry is, like his designs, larger than life.

Business Insider spent an afternoon with Arabo to learn just how this entrepreneurial Soviet émigré scaled the heights of the over-the-top jewelry and watchmaking business. It's the story of a bold outsider becoming the ultimate insider — and it's filled with diamonds. 

SEE ALSO: How 6 startup execs dress for success

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The first thing you need to know about Arabo is that he lives the luxury life of his clients. But that's been a long time in the works. Born in Uzbekistan, he emigrated with his family to New York at the age of 14, settling down in Forest Hills, Queens.

With a struggling family to help support, Arabo made the decision to drop out of school at 16 and attend a jeweler's trade school in Brooklyn instead. The first piece he ever created was a brass jewelry box, which won him the class design competition.

The rest, as they say, is history. He finished the course in record time, and was quickly set up at a local Jewish wholesale jewelry factory that made mass-market pieces for department stores.

He lied about his age, pretending to be 18 so he could start earning a salary, which was just $125 a week.

"I was hungry to get a job," Arabo said.



But the repetitive factory experience didn't cut it for Arabo. "I knew that I had something in me, that I could do this," he said. He started crafting his own designs, and worked with a salesman to get them onto the market.

When he works on designing a piece, he typically creates a wax model of it first. Here are some recent examples of earring models, as well as a catalogue of early-stage sketches on photographs.



Soon, he was making more than $1,500 a week — more than 10 times his starting salary — and running a makeshift workspace out of his bedroom at his family home in Queens. He recruited some of his peers from jewelry school to assist in the fledgling business.



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17 things every guy should have in his bathroom

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Though it often gets ignored, a well-stocked bathroom is essential to making a bachelor pad feel like home. 

For those minimalist gents who've been living without, we've rounded up 16 accessories and essentials that every modern gentleman should have in his bathroom.

From shaving tools to a towel warmer that will straight-up change your life, this is the checklist for a next-level bathroom. 

SEE ALSO: Why every guy should own more than one kind of cologne

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Soft, luxurious towels are a bathroom essential. You'll appreciate them and your guests will, too. Monogramming is optional, but it's worth the splurge.

Buy the Matouk Marcus Collection Luxury Towels here for $30



When getting out of the shower, you'll want a soft place to put your freshly washed feet. A memory foam bathmat is the perfect after-shower landing zone, and they come in all shapes and sizes.

Buy the Frontgate Indulgence Memory Foam bathmat here, starting at $35



A great shower head is the difference between a good morning and a great one. This head, made by Grohe, mimics the pattern of rainfall on your skin for a luxurious wake-up.

Buy the Grohe Rainshower Rustic Hand shower here, starting at $135



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