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43f21d2c5dde7e08c94d1ec45b51f461 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/firewall/2010/05/17/facebook-scanner-helps-you-reclaim-your-privacy/ | Facebook Scanner Helps You Reclaim Your Privacy | Facebook Scanner Helps You Reclaim Your Privacy
Facebook has lately gotten a lot of flak for its privacy issues, with some users even threatening to quit Facebook entirely. But for many of us who have spent a lot of time building our social network on the site or adding content, that's not the most practical option. Neither is trying to navigate Facebook's confusing, tortuous privacy settings, however.
That's where ReclaimPrivacy.org comes in. Programmer Matt Pizzimenti wrote and posted a tool on the site that acts as a privacy scanner for Facebook. The Scan for Privacy tool is an open-source bookmarklet that you drag into your browser's bookmarks toolbar. You then log into Facebook, click on the scanner, and it goes to work -- detecting what information on your profile gets shared with whom.
Pizzimenti, also a co-founder of chat client startup Olark, says he wrote the tool with his family members who were on Facebook in mind, after the recent bout of privacy changes made the settings more complicated.
"The way that Facebook operates, you have to be vigilant about your privacy settings," he says. "In a sense it's their product and they have the right to change the settings, but I think they are doing a very poor job of communicating to users and doing right by them."
Scan for Privacy gives users an easy interface to find out how private or public their information is -- like contacts, connections and tagged photos -- and what Facebook and other developers know about you. Exposure levels for each setting are rated either Good, Caution or Insecure. The tool also makes it easy to change insecure settings.
Some of the most careful Facebook users have been surprised with what the scan revealed about their settings, says Pizzimenti. After only a few days out, the tool has already been shared more than 13,000 times on Facebook.
As an open source project, Pizzimenti is also encouraging other programmers to add to the tool's functionality. Some things he would like to see built out are the ability to scan and set privacy for photos and wall posts.
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216e0bcd50e9a84bd99dc0bb92a680ac | https://www.forbes.com/sites/firewall/2010/05/19/russias-slick-internet-repression-makes-chinas-look-clumsy-by-comparison/ | Russia's Slick Internet Repression Makes China's Look Clumsy By Comparison | Russia's Slick Internet Repression Makes China's Look Clumsy By Comparison
China may be one of the world's most Internet-repressive regimes. But its Great Firewall is a clumsy and ineffective tool compared with the subtle information control techniques developed over the last few years by Russia and many of the former Soviet states.
That's one of the conclusions of Access Controlled, a new book out from the Open Net Initiative, a consortium of academics focused on free speech and government interactions with the Internet. A sequel to Access Denied, the Open Net Initiative's 2008 report on the state of global Internet censorship, one of the book's theses is that government control of the Internet has shifted from directly blocking sites to slicker ways of repressing dissidents online.
Those newer tactics include regulations that subtly induce censorship while seeming to focus on security or crime, timely cyberattacks that mysteriously take down target Web sites at key moments, or drowning dissidents in a sea of online propaganda and astroturf campaigns.
China and Iran still filter the most content online, according to the ONI. In its country-by-country survey of Internet filtering (you can see a map of the results here) it found that China practiced "pervasive" blocking in two categories of the four types of content it checked, and Iran pervasively blocked three. (Only tiny Tunisia filtered as many types of content.)
But while states like Russia and Belarus perform much less of what the ONI calls "first generation" or "Chinese-style" filtering, they're increasingly adept at "second and third generation" control of the Web.
"Second generation" censorship, as ONI authors Ronald Deibert and Rafal Rohozinski define it in an early chapter, includes tricks like requiring Web site owners to register with the government and using the process to weed out dissident sites with red tape, a tactic often used in Kazakhstan and Belarus. In Belarus and Uzbekistan, "veracity" and slander laws are used as a pretense for shutting down dissident sites.
Public safety and security have also been used as excuses to block sites at moments of political importance, such as the censoring of the BBC in Armenia's 2008 elections, ostensibly aimed at preventing violence in local demonstrations. Or countries will use distributed denial of service attacks to flood sites with data requests and shut them down at key moments, what the ONI coins "just-in-time" censorship.
"Third generation" tactics manipulate the Web in more subtle ways yet. Developed largely in Russia according to the researchers, they often co-opt the Internet as a tool to promote rather than fight government.
In 2008 for instance, Russia tightened the laws requiring ISPs to deploy equipment that tracks users' online activities, increasing the Russian Web's power to identify, track and punish dissidents. The ONI says that Russia has also deployed "Internet brigades" of users to post disinformation and propaganda, or to threaten and intimidate opposition groups.
In one case, protestors were warned via cell phone messages that if they participated in a rally they would be assaulted. In another, dissidents were led by online disinformation into an "ambush" by violent pro-government forces.
Compared with China's hamfisted blockade of dissident sites, slimy tactics like these can't be as easily detected and opposed, the ONI warns. And while it expects outright blocking to fade over time as countries like China, Burma, and even North Korea become more integrated into the Internet, it expects more countries to evolve these next generation control techniques that use "persistent messaging, disinformation, intimidation, and other tactics designed to divide, confuse, and disable."
Moves in many countries--including the U.S.--to prepare for cyberwar and militarize the Internet, the book's authors write, may also be setting the stage for tighter control and less freedom of speech. "The cyberspace enjoyed by the next generation of users may be a very different, more regulated, and less empowering domain than that which was taken for granted in the past," the authors conclude.
Read the whole, grim chapter, or check out the rest of the book here.
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e5e759ceb04929b9876215f62d60f6c7 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/firewall/2010/06/04/just-how-big-is-the-cyber-threat-to-dod/ | Just How Big Is The Cyber Threat To The Department Of Defense? | Just How Big Is The Cyber Threat To The Department Of Defense?
On June 3, we heard the first public presentation by the newly-confirmed commander of U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), General Keith Alexander. Unfortunately, his presentation only added to the ongoing ambiguity surrounding the existence and scale of the supposed cyber threat facing the United States in general, and the Department of Defense (DoD) in particular. The contradictions between this and previous statements of the threat, both by Alexander and others, combined with continued confusion over the definition of key terms, points once again for the need to more clearly articulate the cyber threat if we are to develop appropriate policy responses.
During his confirmation hearing on May 7, when asked by Senator Joseph Lieberman about the seriousness of the cyber threat and how frequently DoD computers are "under attack" on a daily basis, then-Lt. Gen. Alexander, the prospective head of USCYBERCOM, answered that U.S. military networks experience "hundreds of thousands of probes a day." But in follow-up questioning by Senator Lieberman, Alexander admitted that "probes" are not "attacks." Neither Lieberman nor any of the other senators pressed Alexander on his equivocation, nor asked him to answer the original question about "attacks," which one would presume are more serious than mere "probes."
On June 3, however, in a presentation to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the now-confirmed and sworn-in commander of USCYBERCOM claimed that "DOD systems are probed by unauthorized users approximately 250,000 times an hour, over 6 million times a day" (p. 6 of transcript). This not only contradicts what he said in his confirmation hearing less than one month ago, it also contradicts what a number of other DoD and government officials have said about the number of "probes" and/or "attacks" experienced by DoD or other government agencies on a daily basis.
Here are some examples:
In November 2009, in remarks at the Defense Technology Acquisition Summit, Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III claimed that "our defense networks are already under attack. They are probed thousands of times each day; they are scanned millions of times each day, and the frequency and the sophistication of those attacks are increasing exponentially." This suggests that there is a difference between a "probe" and a "scan," and that both count as incidents of "attack." Of course, Alexander suggested in his testimony that "probes" and "attacks" are not the same. On April 11, 2010, the Seattle Post Intelligencer reported that "When asked how often the federal government's computers get targeted or probed each day, defense specialist Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., curtly responds: 'North of a million times'... [and that] the Pentagon's computers are targeted at least 5,000 times every 24 hours." Of course, this is a much lower estimate than any provided by Alexander thus far. Though, again, in this case we don't exactly know what Adams means by "targeted." On April 20, 2010 at the RSA Conference, CNET News reported that "Robert Lentz, chief information assurance officer for the Department of Defense, said the agency is attempting to protect 15,000 networks, 7 million computers, and 1.1 billion Defense Department Internet users worldwide. There are 360 million probes targeted at Defense Department networks each day, compared to the 1 million probes an average major U.S. bank gets per month." This number dwarfs even the newer, higher number of 6 million "probes" identified by Alexander on June 3. By comparison, on March 5, 2010, Politico reported that "Congress and other government agencies are under a cyber attack an average of 1.8 billion times a month, a number that has been growing exponentially since President Barack Obama took office. [...] The Senate Security Operations Center alone receives 13.9 million of those attempts per day." Can it really be the case that the U.S. Senate experiences more than twice as many "attacks" as DoD each day?
As we move forward, for Americans to feel confident that their tax dollars are being spent 1) to solve a problem that actually exists and 2) that those responsible for addressing that problem are competent to do so, more clarity is needed both in defining key terms and then explaining the scale of the supposed threat.
First and foremost, better and clearer definitions are needed. Some questions raised by the statements above include: What's a probe? What's a scan? How do they differ? Are they all attacks, as Lynn suggests? Or are probes and attacks different, as Gen. Alexander suggested in his confirmation testimony? Second, how serious is each type of incident? Is a probe more serious than a scan, etc.? Finally, once properly defined, those whose job it is to explain the threat to politicians and citizens should be precise in their use of these terms. Only then can we have a meaningful discussion about the scale of the problem, in which we will want to answer questions like, How many of each type of event are we seeing on a daily basis?
Demanding answers to these questions, demanding greater clarity from those who seek to identify and address national security threats with taxpayer dollars, does not result in not taking the supposed threat seriously. Just the opposite is the case. We are not taking the threat seriously if we do not answer basic questions about it and if we do not take the time to speak clearly and precisely when articulating it.
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1024b01ba82627438f1df7d6c7754d57 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/firewall/2010/06/25/google-flips-kill-switch-deletes-and-downplays-botnet-demo-android-apps/ | Google Flips "Kill Switch," Deletes And Downplays Botnet Demo Android Apps | Google Flips "Kill Switch," Deletes And Downplays Botnet Demo Android Apps
Turns out Google isn't a "Twilight" fan. At least, not when the film is used to cloak an Android app aimed at demonstrating how easy it would be hijack hundreds or thousands of its users' phones.
Earlier this week, we wrote about a pair of Android apps created by security researcher Jon Oberheide to demonstrate a method of creating a "botnet" of hijacked phones. By cloaking an application capable of "fetching" new exploit code at will in a fake application offering preview pictures of the upcoming "Twilight Eclipse" film, he tricked more than 300 users into downloading the software. The lesson: a less friendly developer could have used that bait and switch to plant malware on users' devices.
Google, it seems, has used the incident as a chance to perform a demonstration of its own. On Wednesday, Android security lead Rich Cannings wrote in the Android Developers Blog that the company had used its "remote application removal" option--a kind of "kill switch" for its Android App Market--for the first time, to wipe both applications that Oberheide had uploaded.
Cannings downplayed the issue, neglecting to describe the apps' proof-of-concept purpose and instead calling them "practically useless" and emphasizing that most users had deleted the "Twilight" apps after discovering that it didn't provide what it promised.
But even as Google tries to send a message here about its security safeguards, it doesn't detract from Oberheide's point: This kind of fake app trick could easily assemble a real Android botnet. If Oberheide had made a more convincing fake app--with some real "Twilight" photos, for instance, or better yet, a game of some kind--it's not likely that users would delete the app from their phones. And if Oberheide hadn't presented his research at the SummerCon hacker conference (and we hadn't covered it) there's no reason to believe that Google would have been aware of the darker side of these applications in the first place.
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0d474d2d1e547a476944927f926501b8 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/firewall/2010/07/08/sew-cyberwar-rhetoric-reap-the-nsas-big-brother/ | Sow "Cyberwar" Rhetoric, Reap The NSA's "Big Brother" | Sow "Cyberwar" Rhetoric, Reap The NSA's "Big Brother"
Today we learned from the Wall Street Journal that the National Security Agency, with the help of defense contractor Raytheon, has been developing a system dubbed 'Perfect Citizen' and designed "to detect cyber assaults on private companies and government agencies running such critical infrastructure as the electricity grid and nuclear-power plants."
Disturbingly, a Raytheon email obtained by The Wall Street Journal "stated flatly that "Perfect Citizen is Big Brother." Such comments no doubt contribute to "Some industry and government officials familiar with the program see[ing] Perfect Citizen as an intrusion by the NSA into domestic affairs."
Revelations about the NSA's Perfect Citizen/Big Brother system come on the heals of an early version of the Cybersecurity Act of 2009 that would have given the President emergency powers over the Internet.
While a so-called Internet "kill switch" for the President was removed from that bill, it has found it's way back into the more recent Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act. In response to concerns about the "kill switch," chief sponsor of the bill, Senator Joseph Lieberman, suggested to CNN's Candy Crowley that the U.S. should follow China's lead and develop the ability to "disconnect parts of its Internet in a case of war."
Based on the assertion that "cyberwar is going on in some sense right now," Liberman advocated that "We need the capacity for the president to say, Internet service provider, we've got to disconnect the American Internet from all traffic coming in from another foreign country." He believes that his bill does exactly that.
Liberman's reasoning is based on the argument by assertion that cyberwar exists now, even though neither he nor the other government officials and industry experts with the burden to define the phenomenon, prove its existence, and prove the level of threat it actually poses have consistently failed to do so. Unfortunately, it is a pattern of reasoning that is all too common among cyberwar apologists.
On the very day that we learned about the NSA's Big Brother system, Firewall contributor Richard Stiennon endorsed a post by Matt Olney of the VRT Blog for "telling it like it is" about the existence of cyberwar. The "way it is" is that, yet again, an argument for the existence of cyberwar contained no supporting evidence.
But not to worry. According to Olney, lack of evidence does not weaken the case for the existence of cyberwar, but rather, should serve to heighten our concern! Implying that those who are skeptical and who demand actual evidence of cyberwar are closed minded, Olney argues that "When they are at their best, nobody sees the enemy. The most real and dangerous thing in the world are those that no one can see. [...] Nobody can conceive or imagine all the threats that are unseen and unseeable in the world."
Donald Rumsfeld's "unknown unknowns" have made a comeback, it seems.
Olney is certainly correct that lack of evidence is not evidence of lack. But his mistake is twofold. First, to those who rightly say, "Show us the evidence that cyberwar exists," Olney essentially responds, "You can't prove that cyberwar doesn't exist." But the burden of proof is on those who claim cyberwar's existence as justification for spending billions of tax dollars to take actions that could very well erode privacy, not the other way around.
Second, Olney's reasoning treads dangerously close to a typical pattern found in conspiracy theories, in which lack of evidence of the conspiracy becomes evidence that the conspirators are even more skilled and dangerous than previously believed--i.e. the conspirators are so good that they have even destroyed the evidence of their very existence!
But it's not just Olney who subscribes to this kind of specious reasoning. In its story about the NSA's Perfect Citizen/Big Brother system, the Wall Street Journal reported that "Officials are unable to describe the full scope of the [cybersecurity] problem, however, because they have had limited ability to pull together all the private data."
By this reasoning, the very inability of officials to provide evidence to justify the development of systems like Perfect Citizen (or measures like the creation of a China-style Internet kill switch for the President) itself becomes the justification for these systems and measures.
When government officials and private cybersecurity experts alike resort to claiming that their inability to provide evidence is itself justification for a military Cyber Command, presidential Internet kill switch, and NSA surveillance system being called "Big Brother" by its developer, it's time to say "enough is enough" and demand better from officials and experts alike.
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012919dad8bd5cb757984e80f8d246e7 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/firewall/2010/07/09/boy-did-google-blow-it-in-china/?boxes=Homepagechannels | Boy, Did Google Blow It In China | Boy, Did Google Blow It In China
This morning came news that China has renewed Google's license to operate in the country.
That seemed like good news--Google wins the China standoff!--until it was revealed that Google's China search engine will now be censoring its entire list of web pages, instead of just the ones that the Chinese government found objectionable.
Specifically, Google's search engine in China will now consist only of product and music searches (and maybe maps, although, according to China expert Bill Bishop, that involves a different license that has yet to be renewed).
Google's initial stance toward China--do business in the country despite the country's infantile censorship demands--was a tough decision, but it was the right one. Refusing to do business in the world's largest and fastest growing Internet market might have made some free speech advocates happy, but it would not have helped anyone in China. And it certainly wouldn't have helped Google's shareholders.
Google's more recent decision, meanwhile--to make a huge show of refusing to censor its search results--may go down as one of the worst decisions in the company's history.
Importantly, it wasn't Google's decision to stop censoring that was so ham-handed. It was the way in which Google handled the decision. By making a big announcement and suddently pulling out and redirecting its search engine to Hong Kong, Google left the Chinese government no way to compromise without losing face. A few months later, Google has had to completely cave, providing China with a crippled search engine that censors not just objectionable web pages but just about everything.
A far smarter move would have been for Google to QUIETLY stop censoring results...and be sluggish about correcting the problem when it was brought to their attention. This would have satisfied the company's moral qualms while forcing the Chinese government to actually threaten to kick the company out of the country. Google then could have caved modestly, censoring results here and there, just enough to keep the censors from following through on their threat. This would have provided a much better search engine in China, thus helping Chinese citizens way more than Google is now. It would also have helped Google's shareholders, by allowing the company to continue to operating in the biggest future market on the planet.
As it is, Google will likely quickly become irrelevant in China. It's principled stand, meanwhile, has already been forgotten, and it has gotten next to no support from any other foreign companies. Baidu's share of the China market is surging, and it will likely continue to do so. And Google's stock price has dropped sharply and shows no signs of recovering.
In short, Google just blew it. Big time.
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8b60e7e357f7639240d2b39cff77bdac | https://www.forbes.com/sites/firewall/2010/07/13/the-war-that-we-dont-recognize-is-the-war-we-lose/ | The War That We Don't Recognize Is The War We Lose | The War That We Don't Recognize Is The War We Lose
Unlike the United States, the European Union and other Western nations, Russian and Chinese military writers generally do not use the term “Cyber Warfare”, preferring “Information Warfare” or “Informatized Warfare” instead. This is a significant difference; understanding it may better inform those who are still struggling to fit the round peg of Cyber Warfare into the square hole of the Western way of war.
The People's Republic of China considers the United States a technologically superior adversary, and is simultaneously dependent upon U.S. consumers and the support of U.S.-based multi-national corporations. What is the appropriate military strategy for a nation that finds itself in such a position?
<blockquote>“Therefore the skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.” (Sun Tzu, 500 BC)</blockquote>
It shouldn't be surprising that a nation which can trace its history back thousands of years is still influenced by the writings of an ancient Chinese general. Today, the PRC is engaged in a subtle dual strategy of network penetration and data exploitation. The early penetration of U.S. critical infrastructure provides it with a preemptive strike option should it believe that a U.S. attack is imminent, while the exfiltration of intellectual property provides its many excellent engineers and scientists with a way to accelerate its technological growth beyond anything that we've seen before. For example, in the past 5 years alone, patent filings from the PRC have increased five-fold compared with the previous 5 year period.
China, like all major powers, does have its share of vulnerabilities. The drafting of the Twelfth Five Year Plan (2011-2015) is currently underway, with a presumed emphasis on increasing domestic consumption (which has dropped in recent years) and urbanization of its populace (which will serve to drive domestic consumption). China's two major vulnerabilities are a reliance on foreign consumption of its goods (particularly the U.S.) and a shortage of energy resources needed to power its growth. Unfortunately, there are too many policy makers in the U.S. who have failed to grasp this and who still believe that an attack by China against the power grid could happen at any time. Only an irrational State or terrorist group would conduct an attack that would result in its own demise, which is precisely what would happen to China should a catastrophic cyber-based event occur against U.S. critical infrastructure. It is currently in the PRC's interest to keep the U.S. economy healthy while simultaneously encouraging major U.S. corporations to open manufacturing facilities and R&D labs on Chinese soil. As of 2007, the PRC reported 1,160 foreign R&D labs in China. In 2000, that number was a mere 112 – an increase of 1000 percent in only 7 years.
The overt advantage to China in hosting so many facilities is the technology transfer that occurs when Multi-National Corporations (MNC) hire Chinese employees to work in their labs, particularly when they are scientists or highly skilled engineers. These individuals must be trained in the particular technology that they have been hired to innovate upon. Their acquired knowledge and/or skills, in turn, become assets of the State. Their loyalty, after all, lies with their country, not their foreign employer.
China's covert advantage lies in its legal ability to monitor all communications traffic originating from inside its borders, including those from foreign-owned labs. For example, Article 15 of China's Telecommunications law states, “International communications businesses based inside the People’s Republic of China shall carry out their operations via international communications gateways set up by approval of the competent telecommunications authorities.” Article 23 requires those “competent telecommunications authorities” to establish supervision and monitoring systems, while Article 27 specifies the scope of monitoring to include “wireless frequencies, satellite orbits, telecommunications network numbering, Internet protocol addresses and Internet domains used to realize telecommunications functions”. In other words, if your company has an office in China, you are transmitting across their network. By law, those transmissions are monitored.
In addition to its official supervision and monitoring policies, the PRC also engages with Non-state actors to surreptitiously penetrate corporate and government networks in the U.S., Australia, the U.K., India, many of the developing countries in Africa, and even Vietnam, and exfiltrate valuable information that serves to advance China's current strategic priorities. These include:
<ul>
<li>high end microprocessors</li>
<li>next generation wireless mobile communications</li>
<li>large scale oil, gas, and coal mining</li>
<li>pharmaceuticals</li>
<li>advanced aircraft design</li>
</ul>
While there is ample historical evidence that Chinese hackers rush to their country's defense in the case of an affront or an attack (the 1999 bombing of the Chinese embassy, the 2001 EP3 collision w/ Chinese aircraft, the 2009 DNS poisoning of Baidu, etc.), this is more of a patriotic expression of support than a carefully orchestrated act of State cyber power. State-sponsored attacks, whether they emanate from the PRC or the Russian Federation (RF), are well-funded, carefully planned, patiently executed and more frequently than not go undetected. Since these operations are expensive to pull off, assets are not wasted on noisy DDoS attacks. They are reserved for engagements which align with their strategic priorities.
The Russian Federation's approach to Information Warfare is similar to the PRC's, but has noteworthy differences as well. They have legislative authority to monitor all traffic flowing through Russia's pipes, including the communications of foreign corporations operating on its soil. They, too, align their network exploitation activities against foreign corporations and government networks with their current strategic objectives:
<ul>
<li>Nanoelectronics</li>
<li>Robotics</li>
<li>Cloud services</li>
<li>Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Medicine and Governance</li>
<li>Semiconductors</li>
<li>Photonics</li>
</ul>
However, the RF is much more aggressive than the PRC in its use of non-state actors to conduct computer network attacks against internal political opponents as well as problematic States in the North Caucasus and members of the Commonwealth of Independent States such as Estonia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, and Lithuania.
There are two key components to Russia's IW strategy:
<ul>
<li>The use of the Nashi as an intermediary between the Russian government and its hacker population. The Nashi leadership are either former or current members of the State Duma and a portion of its funding comes from the State Committee for Youth as well as Gazprom Investment Holdings, whose Chairman is Russian Oligarch Alisher Usmanov.</li>
<li>The acquisition of, or investment in, social network platforms around the world under the auspices of Russian investment firm Digital Sky Technologies (DST) which, like the Nashi, was formed in 2005 and is also a beneficiary, like the Nashi, of significant investments by Alisher Usmanov.</li>
</ul>
Social networks are used by hundreds of millions of people on a daily basis, which make it an Open Source Intelligence gold mine for every Nation State's intelligence apparatus, the FSB (Russia's Federal Security Service) included. Today, Yuri Milner, Alisher Usmanov and their DST partners have become the favorites of Silicon Valley start-ups. Armed with one billion dollars to invest, they make it easy for the companies that they're targeting to say yes. U.S. venture capital firms are beginning to feel the effects of DST's success and are adjusting their term sheets to become more competitive. In the meantime, a Facebook algorithm has found its way onto the Russian Internet in the service of the Ministry of the Interior – compliments of Milner, Usmanov, et al. Not only does Russian Security Services have insider access to the world's largest social networks, it's turning a profit as well.
Plausible deniability, self-funding intelligence operations, and technology transfer from foreign R&D labs characterize the three key strategies of what I've termed Ultra Low Intensity Asymmetric Warfare. It's “Asymmetric” because it meets Kenneth MacKenzie's definition of “leveraging inferior tactical or operational strength against the vulnerabilities of a superior opponent to achieve disproportionate effect with the aim of undermining the opponent's will in order to achieve the asymmetric actor's strategic objectives”. I refer to it as “Ultra Low Intensity” because it does not meet the definition of “Low intensity warfare” as defined in the US Army Field Manual (FM) 100-20: “Low intensity conflict is a political-military confrontation between contending states or groups below conventional war and above the routine, peaceful competition among states.” Instead, an “Ultra Low Intensity” state of conflict is one in which the superior adversary is not aware that it is in a war at all. In fact, just the opposite. The superior State engages the weaker State in trade, technology transfer, joint ventures, and other peacetime activities while oblivious to the subtle but powerful strategies being pursued against it by the weaker State or States, a few examples of which I described above.
The impetus is now upon the U.S. and its allies to recognize this new state of warfare and devise and implement the appropriate countermeasures. What those countermeasures should be is a topic for a different paper.
Unlike the United States, the European Union and other Western nations, Russian and Chinese military writers generally do not use the term “Cyber Warfare”, preferring “Information Warfare” or “Informatized Warfare” instead. This is a significant difference; understanding it may better inform those who are still struggling to fit the round peg of Cyber Warfare into the square hole of the Western way of war.
The People's Republic of China considers the United States a technologically superior adversary, and is simultaneously dependent upon U.S. consumers and the support of U.S.-based multi-national corporations. What is the appropriate military strategy for a nation that finds itself in such a position?
“Therefore the skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.” (Sun Tzu, 500 BC)
It shouldn't be surprising that a nation which can trace its history back thousands of years is still influenced by the writings of an ancient Chinese general. Today, the PRC is engaged in a subtle dual strategy of network penetration and data exploitation.
The early penetration of U.S. critical infrastructure provides it with a preemptive strike option should it believe that a U.S. attack is imminent, while the exfiltration of intellectual property provides its many excellent engineers and scientists with a way to accelerate its technological growth beyond anything that we've seen before. For example, in the past 5 years alone, patent filings from the PRC have increased five-fold compared with the previous 5 year period.
China, like all major powers, does have its share of vulnerabilities. The drafting of the Twelfth Five Year Plan (2011-2015) is currently underway, with a presumed emphasis on increasing domestic consumption (which has dropped in recent years) and urbanization of its populace (which will serve to drive domestic consumption).
China's two major vulnerabilities are a reliance on foreign consumption of its goods (particularly the U.S.) and a shortage of energy resources needed to power its growth. Unfortunately, there are too many policy makers in the U.S. who have failed to grasp this and who still believe that an attack by China against the power grid could happen at any time.
Only an irrational state or terrorist group would conduct an attack that would result in its own demise, which is precisely what would happen to China should a catastrophic cyber-based event occur against U.S. critical infrastructure. It is currently in the PRC's interest to keep the U.S. economy healthy while simultaneously encouraging major U.S. corporations to open manufacturing facilities and R&D labs on Chinese soil. As of 2007, the PRC reported 1,160 foreign R&D labs in China. In 2000, that number was a mere 112 – an increase of 1000 percent in only 7 years.
The overt advantage to China in hosting so many facilities is the technology transfer that occurs when Multi-National Corporations (MNC) hire Chinese employees to work in their labs, particularly when they are scientists or highly skilled engineers. These individuals must be trained in the particular technology that they have been hired to innovate upon. Their acquired knowledge and/or skills, in turn, become assets of the State. Their loyalty, after all, lies with their country, not their foreign employer.
China's covert advantage lies in its legal ability to monitor all communications traffic originating from inside its borders, including those from foreign-owned labs. For example, Article 15 of China's Telecommunications law states, “International communications businesses based inside the People’s Republic of China shall carry out their operations via international communications gateways set up by approval of the competent telecommunications authorities.”
Article 23 requires those “competent telecommunications authorities” to establish supervision and monitoring systems, while Article 27 specifies the scope of monitoring to include “wireless frequencies, satellite orbits, telecommunications network numbering, Internet protocol addresses and Internet domains used to realize telecommunications functions”. In other words, if your company has an office in China, you are transmitting across their network. By law, those transmissions are monitored.
In addition to its official supervision and monitoring policies, the PRC also engages with non-state actors to surreptitiously penetrate corporate and government networks in the U.S., Australia, the U.K., India, many of the developing countries in Africa, and even Vietnam, and exfiltrate valuable information that serves to advance China's current strategic priorities. These include:
high end microprocessors next generation wireless mobile communications large scale oil, gas, and coal mining pharmaceuticals advanced aircraft design
While there is ample historical evidence that Chinese hackers rush to their country's defense in the case of an affront or an attack (the 1999 bombing of the Chinese embassy, the 2001 EP3 collision w/ Chinese aircraft, the 2009 DNS poisoning of Baidu, etc.), this is more of a patriotic expression of support than a carefully orchestrated act of State cyber power.
State-sponsored attacks, whether they emanate from the PRC or the Russian Federation (RF), are well-funded, carefully planned, patiently executed and more frequently than not go undetected. Since these operations are expensive to pull off, assets are not wasted on noisy DDoS attacks. They are reserved for engagements which align with their strategic priorities.
The Russian Federation's approach to Information Warfare is similar to the PRC's, but has noteworthy differences as well. They have legislative authority to monitor all traffic flowing through Russia's pipes, including the communications of foreign corporations operating on its soil. They, too, align their network exploitation activities against foreign corporations and government networks with their current strategic objectives:
Nanoelectronics Robotics Cloud services Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Medicine and Governance Semiconductors Photonics
However, the RF is much more aggressive than the PRC in its use of non-state actors to conduct computer network attacks against internal political opponents as well as problematic states in the North Caucasus and members of the Commonwealth of Independent States such as Estonia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, and Lithuania.
There are two key components to Russia's IW strategy:
The use of the Nashi as an intermediary between the Russian government and its hacker population. The Nashi leadership are either former or current members of the State Duma and a portion of its funding comes from the State Committee for Youth as well as Gazprom Investment Holdings, whose Chairman is Russian Oligarch Alisher Usmanov. The acquisition of, or investment in, social network platforms around the world under the auspices of Russian investment firm Digital Sky Technologies (DST) which, like the Nashi, was formed in 2005 and is also a beneficiary, like the Nashi, of significant investments by Alisher Usmanov.
Social networks are used by hundreds of millions of people on a daily basis, which make it an Open Source Intelligence gold mine for every Nation State's intelligence apparatus, the FSB (Russia's Federal Security Service) included.
Today, Yuri Milner, Alisher Usmanov and their DST partners have become the favorites of Silicon Valley start-ups. Armed with one billion dollars to invest, they make it easy for the companies that they're targeting to say yes. U.S. venture capital firms are beginning to feel the effects of DST's success and are adjusting their term sheets to become more competitive. In the meantime, a Facebook algorithm has found its way onto the Russian Internet in the service of the Ministry of the Interior – compliments of Milner, Usmanov, et al. Not only does Russian Security Services have insider access to the world's largest social networks, it's turning a profit as well.
Plausible deniability, self-funding intelligence operations, and technology transfer from foreign R&D labs characterize the three key strategies of what I've termed "Ultra Low Intensity Asymmetric Warfare." It's “asymmetric” because it meets Kenneth MacKenzie's definition of “leveraging inferior tactical or operational strength against the vulnerabilities of a superior opponent to achieve disproportionate effect with the aim of undermining the opponent's will in order to achieve the asymmetric actor's strategic objectives”.
I refer to it as “Ultra Low Intensity” because it does not meet the definition of “low intensity warfare” as defined in the US Army Field Manual (FM) 100-20: “Low intensity conflict is a political-military confrontation between contending states or groups below conventional war and above the routine, peaceful competition among states.”
Instead, an “Ultra Low Intensity” state of conflict is one in which the superior adversary is not aware that it is in a war at all. In fact, just the opposite. The superior state engages the weaker state in trade, technology transfer, joint ventures, and other peacetime activities while oblivious to the subtle but powerful strategies being pursued against it by the weaker state or states, a few examples of which I described above.
The impetus is now upon the U.S. and its allies to recognize this new state of warfare and devise and implement the appropriate countermeasures. What those countermeasures should be is a topic for another day.
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1498d0feff8e09f37255d5f958249761 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/firewall/2010/09/28/reality-check-is-stuxnets-iran-connection-the-new-iraqi-wmd/ | Reality Check: Is Stuxnet's Iran Connection The New Iraqi WMD? | Reality Check: Is Stuxnet's Iran Connection The New Iraqi WMD?
The Stuxnet worm isn't just infecting thousands of industrial control systems--its hype is also spreading unchecked throughout the news outlets of the Western world. The latest take on the media's new favorite piece of malicious software: this article in the New York Times wherein John Markoff makes a series of bad assumptions when he writes "As in real warfare, even the most carefully aimed weapon in computer warfare leaves collateral damage. The Stuxnet worm was no different."
Markoff's conclusion is presumably based upon the work of German researcher Ralph Langner of Langner Communications who has said of his own theory that it's completely speculative. In fact he closes by passing this "non-technical stuff" over to others more qualified than he to do the analysis, which was a good thing because the three paragraphs under his heading "Ralph's Theory - Completely Speculative From Here" are nothing more than sheer guesswork without any attempt by Langner to apply an analytic method to his guesstimate.
Unfortunately, as the media frenzy heated up and Langner was fast becoming the star attraction, he left the world of scientific objectivity far behind when he reportedly told the Christian Science Monitor that "Stuxnet is essentially a precision, military-grade cyber missile deployed early last year to seek out and destroy one real-world target of high importance – a target still unknown." Unknown is correct, but that didn't stop Langner from making a guess - Iran's Bushehr nuclear reactor.
So if Langner's speculation is correct, the same minds behind the most sophisticated piece of malware that anyone has ever seen couldn't figure out a way to deliver it without involving a dozen countries and contaminating thousands of hosts? Even worse, that of all the possible targets to pick from, they chose an IAEA-supervised civilian power facility that has zero military value and isn't even operational yet?
The lynchpins that support his argument are almost as flimsy and can be applied to numerous facilities around the world. It's an astoundingly weak case based on more flaws than I have the time to document here. The worst, though, is today's post on Langner's web page wherein he claims to have been proven right by Iran's announcement that they were dealing with thousands of Stuxnet- infected hosts across their nation including ones on the commercial side of the Bushehr reactor.
Really, Ralph? That's what proved you right? We already knew that Iran, Indonesia and India had thousands of infected computers. What you apparently didn't know, Ralph, was that Iran wasn't the most heavily hit country in the first five days of the attack. According to Kaspersky Labs data, India was first with 8565 infections, followed by Indonesia (5148), and Iran came in third with 3062. More importantly, these numbers don't tell the whole story because they're derived solely by the reporting of protected hosts back to the AV vendor (i.e., Kaspersky, Microsoft, ESET, F-Secure, etc.). In other words, no one really knows how widespread the Stuxnet infection rate is.
The worst part about this entire mess is that we've apparently learned nothing from the intelligence failure of Iraqi WMDs. Bad analysis combined with a political agenda supported by a non-critical media propelled us into a war that never should have happened. This past week we could be seeing history repeat itself. The Iranian government is not the most rational of regimes, and their politicians are not technically literate. If Iran attacks Israel because of unfounded conclusions drawn by ambitious researchers and a media that is far more competitive than critical, then you only have yourselves to blame for the consequences.
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bcb2bfb201158c9f50e1a4afa7d8fbc1 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/firewall/2010/11/01/british-nuclear-power-plant-goes-dark-stuxnet-worm-to-blame/ | British Nuclear Power Plant Goes Dark. Stuxnet Worm To Blame? | British Nuclear Power Plant Goes Dark. Stuxnet Worm To Blame?
British Energy, owned by France's EDF Energy PLC, has reported an "unplanned outage" at its Heysham 1 nuclear power plant yesterday. A company spokesperson told the Associated Press that repairs to one of the reactors are ongoing but didn't say when the plant was expected to resume operations.
According to Siemens' website, EDF Energy is a customer of the German technology giant, whose infrastructure software has suffered from a global infection of the sophisticated Stuxnet worm. A 2007 briefing deck by the Technical Working Group on Nuclear Power Plant Control and Instrumentation disclosed that Heysham 2 had its Reypac controllers replaced with Siemens S7. Today's outage occurred at Heysham 1 and so far I cannot determine if Heysham 1 had the same upgrades as Heysham 2. EDF Energy hasn't disclosed any further information about the outage at the time of this writing.
By some bizarre quirk of fate, this occurred on the same day that EDF completed the sale of its UK power distribution business (7.8 million customers in London, East, and Southeast England) to the Cheung Kong Group of Hong Kong for EUR$3.2 Billion.
Regardless of whether this outage was the result of digital industrial sabotage via a Stuxnet-infected Siemens S7 controller or just a broken wire, this incident is significant for at least 3 reasons:
The UK's energy provider for London and outlaying areas is now Hong Kong's largest electric company, the Cheung Kong Group. I have to wonder who in the British government signed off on this. Granted, ownership by a Hong Kong company is not nearly the same as ownership by a Peoples Republic of China company, but it would be grossly naive to believe that the PRC doesn't have the ability to exert its will on the Cheung Kong Group if push comes to shove. French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde wants EDF (Electricite de France SA) to "get along" with Areva SA, another French company and the world's largest builder of nuclear power plants. The French government owns 90% of Areva and wants a larger share of the nuclear energy world market. Siemens wants to extricate itself from its minority ownership role in Areva and enter a joint venture with the Russian company Rosatom, who just finished building Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant and has signed a deal to build a reactor in Vietnam. Unfortunately for Siemens, Areva is fighting to keep that from happening because (a) they had the same arrangement with Rosatom, but Rosatom wants Siemens instead and (b) Siemens has taken Avera before the EU Commission for trying to enforce an anti-compete clause in their contract that, Siemens claims, violates the EU's anti-trust rules.
Now, if Areva wanted to harm Siemens reputation or make it less attractive to Rosatom, what better way than to demonstrate the unreliability of its control system software?
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f28f9ef44e58d4a4b6ac6cbf2308a78e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/flexport/2019/06/06/4-ways-modern-freight-forwarding-reins-in-logistics-management/ | 4 Ways Modern Freight Forwarding Reins In Logistics Management | 4 Ways Modern Freight Forwarding Reins In Logistics Management
As most in the freight forwarding and global trade business know, logistics managers are front and center on the frontline, responsible for making sure supply chains run smoothly. When they’re successful, often the work and the effort aren’t recognized. But when there’s a hiccup along the way, logistics managers take the blame.
Four straightforward, modern approaches can help those on the hook for logistics management transform their experience through greater control and visibility iStock
Juggling multiple parties with different interests, collecting and categorizing scattered information, managing relationships, and measuring data can be overwhelming – let alone having pressure to do so successfully every day, and on tight deadlines. But fortunately for the logistics manager, freight forwarding is transforming, fueled by data and technology.
Four straightforward, modern approaches can help those on the hook for logistics management transform their experience through greater control and visibility for better supply chain management.
1. Meet Your New Wingman: Technology
Look for digital dashboards that you can integrate with the freight forwarding process. A good platform should remove barriers and create transparency to:
Unite all stakeholders in the process Centralize details and present clear snapshots of shipment details, stakeholder communications, quotes, invoices, customs forms, and other information Allow for real-time updates
2. Don’t Forget the Real-Life Wingmen
Seek out expertise from people who understand not just the industry, but the entire process of freight forwarding. Find advisors who truly understand routes, rates, and the other essential aspects so they can advise you on which options make sense for your needs.
3. Make Friends with Your Data
When assessing freight forwarders and their services, find out what kind of data and reports are available. Look for the ability to access real-time snapshots from stakeholders that are simple to digest, along with strategic analytics that:
Reveal patterns in inventory stock needs, transit times, and seasonal expenditures to enable cost-effective decision making Deliver insights for supply chain planning and projections that contribute to business growth and profit-making Provide accurate information for sharing downstream with sales, marketing, and warehousing, as well as other partners
4. Ask and Learn
Don’t overlook potentially cost-saving opportunities like freight consolidation. If shipping via ocean, ask your freight forwarder if they offer an LCL consolidation service to match consignees who are waiting for orders to ship with other consignees whose containers are not maxed out. If shipping via air, ask about private air services, where a shipment’s capacity, origin, and destination can be matched with that of other shippers. Don’t be afraid to scratch the surface of contracts to see what’s really included. Ask for specific details and spell out your service requirements. Consult with your freight forwarder to see if you can benefit from different transport modes, not to mention route and pricing options.
To learn more about how logistics managers can take advantage of modern solutions to better run their supply chains, download Flexport’s eBook, A Logistics Manager’s Guide to Modern Freight Forwarding.
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aebcc41644bd300b5349d5e99b73783c | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-finds/2019/11/08/what-is-black-friday/ | What is Black Friday? | What is Black Friday?
A journalist looks at a computer screen with webpages arranged to show Cyber Monday deals by various online retailers Monday Nov. 26, 2018, in New York. The physical rush of Black Friday and the armchair browsing of Cyber Monday are increasingly blending into one big holiday shopping event as more customers buy items online and pick them up at brick-and-mortar stores. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) ASSOCIATED PRESS
You’ve probably heard a ton of talk about Black Friday over the past few days, especially if you’ve been keeping an eye out for great deals on tech products online. But what is Black Friday? Well, it’s one of the biggest shopping events of the year.
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and it has long been highlighted by retailers as the time to offer some of the biggest discounts on their latest and greatest products. Traditionally, that has led to huge groups of people, and even stampedes, at many of the top retail locations around the country, but thanks to the rise of online retail, these days you don’t necessarily have to brave the crowds to get great deals.
The exact history of Black Friday is a little murky, but some suggest that the term came about because many retailers would operate at a financial loss, or “in the red,” up until the start of the holiday shopping season, when they would return to profitability, or being “in the black.”
Of course, the history is one thing—but what you’ll get from Black Friday 2019 is something else entirely.
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Deals to expect on Black Friday
So what exactly should you expect from Black Friday deals? Well, there will likely be deals on pretty much everything. Perhaps the biggest deals will be on tech products. Black Friday is known for massive deals on things like TVs, laptops and even smartphones. You’ll also be able to get deals on tablets, iPads and so on.
You’ll be able to find some great deals on non-tech products too. There will be massive deals on furniture, clothing and more. In other words, no matter what you’re in the market for, there should be a great deal for you.
Some deals are live right now. What that means is that you could get an amazing discount on something right away, then sit back and relax on Black Friday itself.
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75519e1c5bdc49cd1a2cb8a3aacf349e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2020/12/14/las-luxury-real-estate-market-in-2021-moving-from-strength-to-strength/ | L.A.’s Luxury Real Estate Market In 2021: ‘Moving From Strength To Strength’ | L.A.’s Luxury Real Estate Market In 2021: ‘Moving From Strength To Strength’
Aerial shot of downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) at sunset with rolling hills of residential neighborhoods ... [+] in the foreground. getty
With more than two decades of experience in global real estate and development, Jonathan Nash is intimately familiar with the wants and needs of today’s luxury homebuyer.
Prior to relocating to the U.S., Nash led acquisitions and development projects around the world including the creation of a resort in Turkey and an office complex in London while also launching a residential auction house. As a real estate agent for Beverly Hills-based Hilton & Hyland, he and business partner Stephen Resnick have amassed over $1 billion in sales including the $56-million trade of Mohamed Hadid’s former home in 2018 and last year’s $42.75-million sale of 24,000-square-foot tour de force in Beverly Hills.
In my continued coverage of the global real estate scene, I spoke with Nash about the current state of L.A.’s luxury market, what buying trends emerged this year and what he expects to see in 2021. His comments have been edited for clarity.
Jonathan Nash, a luxury real estate agent with Hilton & Hyland, has sold more than $1 billion in ... [+] properties with business partner Stephen Resnick. Dennis Trantham / Westside Studio
NL: L.A.’s high-end markets turned into a free-for-all during the pandemic, with many properties receiving multiple offers and over-asking bids. With the holiday season approaching, have things slowed down?
JN: For less expensive homes, there are still multiple buyers. Ordinarily, this time of year is very slow and a lot of that is attributed to people traveling for the holidays — through Christmas and New Year — but it’s yet to be determined.
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My guess is that more people will be staying local and therefore, there will be more eyes on the for-sale inventory right now. I’m expecting it to be busier than it typically is this time of year but we are in the middle of a pandemic, and that may deter some people from actively shopping for homes.
That being said, the market this year has been counterintuitive. A lot of global markets have suffered as a result of the pandemic, but Los Angeles did not.
NL: What are L.A.’s hottest markets right now?
JN: The hottest would have to be Malibu. People are flocking to Malibu right now. The property values there are up massively, as is the volume of sales this year. There has been a tremendous migration to places like Malibu, particularly among people of substance who want the cleaner air and a more coastal-rural environment. The old faithfuls — Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Pacific Palisades and Hollywood Hills — are still very popular. We’ve seen a lot of activity in those areas, but the main benefactor of the pandemic has been Malibu.
NL: You recently brought an interesting property to market in the Bird Streets area of the Hollywood Hills for $14.95 million. Would you tell me a little about it?
JN: It is a house that was formerly lived in by Jerry Seinfeld. It's in the Bird Streets — a 6,000-square-foot home on a very large promontory lot with the most sensational, unobstructed views from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean. The home has a beautiful open floor plan, incredible entertaining space and a fabulous terrace garden that captures the whole view. It’s a very, very special house.
It takes a curated approach to sell high-end real estate in Los Angeles, according to Nash, who ... [+] holds the $14.95-million listing for comedian Jerry Seinfeld's former home in the Hollywood Hills. Hilton & Hyland
NL: Does listing a property of this caliber require more hands-on attention?
JN: A property of this caliber requires an analysis of the potential buyer and, in doing so, the approach to high-end real estate becomes far more of a bespoke or tailored approach than it would be for more of a cookie-cutter-type home.
The first step is identifying who we believe the buyer to be. Then it becomes about trying to raise awareness to that buyer pool, through curated and targeted and marketing — that kind of our methodology on our team. We want to gain maximum exposure for a property without overdoing it; we want to make sure that everything is delivered in a sophisticated manner.
NL: In a luxury market where it takes a lot to stand out, how does one attract a certain level of clientele?
JN: Back in the day, the market was very slanted towards the flash, ostentatious homes, whereas now, today’s buyer is far more discerning. So, it’s really about the curation of the right kind of materials; the right kind of furniture; and having an understanding of how homes should flow and what the buyer really wants. Right now, buyers seem more attracted to inherent quality over extravagance.
There are different schools of thought — some people believe that television works — but for use, it’s more of a personal touch at that level of the market. It’s not a case of just putting it on the market and hoping; it’s a very proactive process.
NL: In terms of L.A.’s luxury real estate market, what do you expect to see in 2021?
JN: I think we’re going to see an increase in energy and an influx of new people looking for homes in Los Angeles, particularly people moving here from places on the East Coast. Now that the vaccine has been approved, we’re going to see an even greater increase in activity here.
I see the Los Angeles market going from strength to strength. L.A. is a lifestyle that is hard to replicate anywhere else in the U.S. because not only is it laidback and sunny, it’s also a place that’s a center of commerce.
Hilton & Hyland is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.
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6e20ae7d6444e817dcb93c11df39df4d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2020/12/22/325-million-french-chateau-ties-medieval-times-to-modern-living/ | This $3.25 Million French Chateau Ties Medieval Times To Modern Living | This $3.25 Million French Chateau Ties Medieval Times To Modern Living
This 14th-century chateau in France's southwest region comes with a built-in security system that was state-of-the-art for the Middle Ages.
Parapets along one wall provide a defensive position for shooting arrows at invaders, windows high above ground level stymie easy access by ladder and the structure's courtyard is entered through an arched gate, where statues of knights today stand guard.
The 14th-century chateau sits on 106 acres in the French village of Gourdon. Groupe Mercure
Set on 106 wooded acres near the picturesque town of Gourdon, the renovated residence has a rustic castle appearance with thick stone walls and multiple turrets.
At the heart of the $3.254-million property is a manor house containing a chapel, 19 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms within 18,300 square feet of living space. Wood-beam ceilings and multiple fireplaces lend a warm ambience to the extensive stonework used in the interiors.
While the flat grounds around the chateau may once have been used for jousting practice, hammer throwing and archery, today's recreational amenities include a tennis court and a swimming pool. There's a pool house with a bedroom, a bathroom, a sauna, a gym, a kitchen and a courtyard.
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Although one pigeonnier on the property has already been converted, a second is ripe for renovation. These structures for raising pigeons once conveyed the property owner's status and were considered a display of wealth. The game birds were considered a delicacy.
Vintners may choose to spend their time attending to the 2.5 acres of vineyards, which produce about 5,000 bottles of wine a year. Talk about having a house wine.
The accompanying equipment, including a vat and press, is available for optional purchase, as are the home furnishings and agricultural equipment.
Remnants of the Middle Ages remain at the castle estate, which now features a producing vineyard. Groupe Mercure
A caretaker's house of 1,615 square feet features a living room, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. A three-level outbuilding provides another 1,615 square feet of space with a living room, four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The remaining structures include a barn that could be converted into a home, three buildings currently under renovation, an old tobacco barn and a 1,291-square-foot house.
Three structures at the estate, listed for about $3.25 million, are currently under renovation. Groupe Mercure
GrDidier Cope of Groupe Mercure, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, represents the estate.
Gourdon has a well-preserved historic district, making it a popular tourist stop. A church towers above streets lined with medieval houses. The ruins of a castle and ancient gates used for defensive purposes are among the sights.
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8c2834e9dc56c7e2380ac115d4cf3141 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2020/12/22/stevie-wonders-former-beverly-hills-pad-sells-for-105-million/ | Stevie Wonder’s Former Beverly Hills Pad Sells For $10.5 Million | Stevie Wonder’s Former Beverly Hills Pad Sells For $10.5 Million
There’s higher ground and then there’s higher ground.
A Beverly Hills residence where singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder lived has sold for $10.525 million.
The single-story home in Beverly Hills' Trousdale neighborhood was leased by Stevie Wonder from ... [+] 2011-2015. Hilton & Hyland
The soul and gospel icon leased the single-story home on Clinton Place from 2011-2015, according to sources familiar with the transaction. The property was not made publicly available prior to being signed, sealed and delivered this week in an off-market deal. Patrick Fogarty of Hilton & Hyland, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, handled the sale.
Iron gates frame the entry to the 1970-built house. Hilton & Hyland
Set high up in the Trousdale neighborhood, the Hollywood Regency-style house has four bedrooms, eight bathrooms and more than 6,200 square feet of living space. Expanses of windows along the back of the house frame views extending towards Century City and, on a clear day, the ocean.
The gated half-acre of grounds include ample patio space and a swimming pool. A four-car garage is underground and accessed through the front entry.
Covered patio space opens directly to lawn and the swimming pool. Hilton & Hyland
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The property was most recently on the market in 2006 for $4.995 million and last sold in 2015 for $6.4 million, records show. On the lease side, it had been priced as high as $21,500 in 2015.
The sale is the latest in a string of high-profile deals closing in the Trousdale neighborhood, an area long favored by Hollywood types and titans of industry.
The view. Hilton & Hyland
In October, film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg paid $26.7 million for a contemporary home in a neighboring cul-de-sac. The following month, media mogul David Geffen continued his wheeling and dealing ways with the $33.75-million sale of a one-acre lot on another street.
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24f2c2c32f1a9ddfcc041681eb3f3547 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/01/manhattans-lenox-hill-a-big-city-neighborhood-with-suburban-charm/ | Manhattan’s Lenox Hill: A Big City Neighborhood With Suburban Charm | Manhattan’s Lenox Hill: A Big City Neighborhood With Suburban Charm
Wide-angle aerial view over the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge and Midtown Manhattan, looking west getty
In a borough as vibrant and busy as Manhattan, it can be hard to imagine finding a home that has access to all of the city's excitement while also possessing the look and feel of a residential neighborhood—but those living in Lenox Hill have found just that.
At the southern end of the Upper East Side and wedged between the East River and Central Park, Lenox Hill is located amongst some of New York’s most beautiful natural scenery and stunning man-made landmarks like the Frick Collection and the Park Avenue Armory.
The affluent neighborhood has no shortage of opulent sights, whether its the luxury shops that line Madison Avenue or prominent apartment buildings. But living in one of the many brownstones or prewar buildings that populate can also make for a charming existence right in the heart of one of the most alluring cities in the world.
The Homes
Recently developed condo-buildings can be found throughout Lenox Hill, providing newer housing options with modern amenities. However, Lenox Hill is most known for upscale residences that date as early as the late 19th century.
“There are these beautiful prewar buildings and townhomes that have that old-world, New York glamour,” said Susan Abrams, a broker for Warburg Realty who, along with her husband and partner, Michael Abrams, resides on the Upper East Side.
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Architecture is often renaissance revival or beaux-arts, two styles popular in the early twentieth century. Buildings are often adorned with sculptural decorations, deep cornices and rich limestone facades. Interiors can be updated and contemporary, some even including saline swimming pools, duplex cinemas and gyms.
This Lenox Hill townhouse, listed for $9.88 million, retains its vintage character while ... [+] incorporating a range of modern updates. Warburg Realty
The Pricing
“You can find some of the priciest real estate in the city,” said Abrams. “It kind of works like Paris and the Champ de Mars— the closer you are to Fifth Avenue and Central Park, the pricier it gets.”
The most expensive listings go up well into eight figures—a 10-bedroom mansion located just off of Fifth Avenue is currently listed on StreetEasy for $88,000,000. However, Lenox Hill offers a wide array of housing options and prices vary greatly.
According to data from UrbanDigs, the median sales price in September 2020 was $1,500,000. At this price-point, listings are often one or two-bedroom apartments located in co-op buildings closer to Third Avenue.
The most affordable apartments are studios located in post-war buildings or new condo developments east of Third Ave.
The Vibe
Like much of New York City, the vibe of Lenox Hill can change from block to block.
Fifth Avenue, which runs parallel to Central Park, is lined with historical landmarks and impressive buildings such as the Edward S. Harkness House, a stately mansion from 1907. One block east is Madison Avenue, famous for prestigious boutiques and flagship stores of luxury brands, including Tory Burch, Lanvin and Alexander McQueen. One block further puts you on Park Avenue where Lenox Hill Hospital, of recent Netflix-fame, is located.
Once off the major Avenues and down side streets, Lenox Hill begins to feel a little less hustle and bustle and more residential.
“The neighborhood is mostly characterized by people who love New York and are committed to New York. People who want to make a life in the city,” said Abrams.
Families walk along streets lined with trees and elegant townhomes, perhaps on their way to school, the nearby Central Park Zoo or to the many stores that offer everyday services—dry-cleaners, casual-dining and grocers.
This sophisticated apartment in a prewar building is listed for $2.875 million, or $625,000 more ... [+] than the median sale price in September ($1.5 million). Warburg Realty.
The Schools
Students attending public schools are zoned for two elementary schools (P.S. 267, East Side Elementary and P.S. 183, Robert L. Stevenson) and one middle school (J.H.S. 167, Robert F. Wagner).
At J.H.S. 167, which has 1,256 students, 80 percent were proficient in reading and 82 percent were proficient in math in comparison to the rest of New York where 47 percent of students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 48 percent tested at or above that level for math.
Lenox Hill also has many private schooling options, including the renowned Browning School or Lycée Francais de New York, which offers a French bilingual, pluricultural learning experience.
Religious private schools are also widely available. The Manhattan School provides a spiritual and intellectual education for Jewish girls and the nearby Dominican Academy is a Catholic prep school for girls.
Park Avenue Armory on the Upper East Side. getty
The Surroundings
NYC’s famous subway system runs through Lenox Hill. Available subway lines are the 4,5,6, F and the Q.
To the south is Midtown with many famous landmarks such as Rockefeller Center, Carnegie Hall and MoMA.
Across the East River via the Queensboro Bridge puts you in Queens with neighborhoods like Long Island City and Astoria nearby.
Warburg Realty is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.
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ecc758dcacd513c4c82185860b356e22 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/08/a-4-million-ticket-to-the-slopes-at-truckees-northstar-resort/?sh=25fa81631f13 | A $4 Million Ticket To The Slopes At Truckee’s Northstar Resort | A $4 Million Ticket To The Slopes At Truckee’s Northstar Resort
Ski lifts are just a stone's throw away from this newly built Truckee home designed by Bohlin ... [+] Cywinski Jackson. Tahoe Mountain Realty
It’s a skier’s or snowboarder’s ultimate dream. Get up, get dressed, grab your season pass, head to the equipment room for your gear and then step outside. Groomed slopes are right at your door.
One of a six-home collection at Northstar California Resort, 14223 Mountainside Place, Truckee, is now for sale at $3.995 million.
Listed for $3.995 million, the contemporary residence showcases the architecture firm's propensity ... [+] toward sloped roofs with deep overhangs. Tahoe Mountain Realty
Stellar Residence 3, as it is called, is set mid-mountain. The contemporary has long views of the Martis Valley, Lake Tahoe and the surrounding ranges as well as choice seating to watch the gondola lifts traveling up and back down the slopes.
The homes were designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the architecture firm behind the original New York City Apple Store. Topped by a glass cube, the outlet visually transformed a plaza surrounded by tall buildings.
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Walls of floor-to-ceiling windows frame views the mountains, treetops and ski lift. Tahoe Mountain Realty
The firm’s residential work shows a propensity toward sloped roofs with deep overhangs, glass walls and architecture that reveals nature.
Many of those design details are evident in this 3,381-square-foot home, which features a portion of angled roof, floor-to-ceiling windows and tall slanting ceilings. Horizontal strips of wood siding soften the ground floor exterior surfaces, which are delineated from the next level by metal bands.
The light-filled dining room has a wall of banquette seating. Tahoe Mountain Realty
The main floor, which accesses the two-car garage, opens to a foyer leading to the main living area with a fireplace. The kitchen features an eat-at center island, light wood cabinetry and dark counters.
The light-filled dining room has a wall of banquette seating. The primary en suite bedroom and a powder room are also on this level, which opens to a wide balcony.
The primary bedroom observes the nearby ski lifts. Tahoe Mountain Realty
Stairs lead down to the ground floor, which has three additional bedrooms and two more full bathrooms as well as a media room and a ski room for handy storage. There’s radiant heat throughout.
The indoor space connects to a two-level deck with a firepit for a convenient warming stop between runs. A nearby spa tub provides a spot to soothe sore muscles after a day on the slopes.
Outdoor decking surrounds an in-ground spa and fire pit. Tahoe Mountain Realty
On-site amenities include a fitness center, a swimming pool and a sports court.
Katie Tyler of Tahoe Mountain Realty, a member of Forbes Global Properties, is the listing agent for the property.
In the summer months, the resort offers hiking, biking and golfing as well as scenic lift rides.
The view from the spa. Tom Zikas
The fire pit. Tahoe Mountain Realty
A mix of materials soften the ground floor exterior surfaces. Tahoe Mountain Realty
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ca95c8608a22b4085c59688de1b1729b | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/15/denvers-union-station-a-colorado-neighborhood-on-the-fast-track/ | Denver’s Union Station: A Colorado Neighborhood On The Fast Track | Denver’s Union Station: A Colorado Neighborhood On The Fast Track
The Union Station platform in Denver, Colorado. JC Buck
The story of Denver's Union Station neighborhood has always been indivisible from its namesake — the landmark railroad terminal that has faced a fair share of trials and triumphs in its journey to the present.
Opened in 1881, Union Station has been a veritable phoenix, rising time and time again from the ashes — quite literally. In 1894, the building was partially destroyed in a fire. In the following decades, with the increasing domination of air travel, Union Station and its surrounding area suffered but continued to chug along.
Today, Denver's Union Station is a social with restaurants and an upscale hotel. Armando Martinez
Things began to change in 2010 when the Union Station Revitalization Project was announced. Within four years, the station reopened, fitted with restaurants and an upscale hotel, and 122 of new commuter rail lines and 18 miles of rapid bus transit spanning out from its central, downtown location.
Now, local real estate agents say the neighborhood is thriving. New restaurants, bars, and retail have transformed this once rail yard into a vibrant downtown and one of Denver's most sought-after living locations.
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The Union Station farmers' market in downtown Denver. Armando Martinez
"Union Station is really the first true urban opportunity in Denver where you can live without a car," said Brad Arnold, executive vice president and managing broker for Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate. "There's the citywide transit, but right in the neighborhood, there's also restaurants, bars, Whole Foods, the Center for Performing Arts — all a five-ten minute walk."
The Homes
Plans for developing the neighborhood involved building over 2,000 new residential units, including constructing brand-new condominium buildings — such as the Coloradan and the Glass House — fitted with modern amenities.
Residences at the Coloradan feature a contemporary design aesthetic and a range of modern amenities. ... [+] In this model unit, bi-folding doors unite the interior and exterior living spaces. Denver Image Photography
Completed in 2019, the Coloradan boasts a club-lounge and pool-deck on the 18th floor, a community library, a garden and 24-hour concierge services. Like housing in the rest of the neighborhood, perhaps the best amenity is the proximity to Union Station — a mere four-minute walk away.
Architecture seen throughout the neighborhood is often contemporary and indicative of Union Station's downtown location. Tall, minimalistic glass and steel buildings now define the area. Industrial flourishes such as concrete supports, black metals and exposed brickwork are often incorporated and serve as a nod to Union Station's history.
Large picture windows bring views of the Downtown Denver skyline inside this model unit at the ... [+] Coloradan. Denver Image Photography
The Pricing
Denver is in something of an enigmatic real estate boom. As of September, the average home price in Denver was at an all-time high—$606,300, according to the Metro Association of Realtors.
As one of Denver's premier neighborhoods, Union Station is above that average—the median price being $702,499 in 2020. For that price, buyers can find one or two-bedroom residences in condominium high-rises or smaller loft-style condos in more historic buildings.
Glass- and steel-clad buildings now define the Union Station neighborhood. Armando Martinez
Studios and smaller 1-bedroom units (typically 500-800 square ft) make up the lower price points, which hover around $300,000.
Higher price points get you luxury penthouses in the newest buildings in Union Station. Those able to spend top dollar are rewarded with enviable views of the Denver cityscape and the iconic peaks of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.
The Vibe
"When the station reopened, the neighborhood became more hustling and bustling with people," said Arnold. "It feels very European with all the travelers, working people, young people hanging out, shoppers, people going to bars and restaurants."
Located within Union Station are some of Denver's most iconic landmarks like the Museum of Contemporary Art or Larimer Square, a historic shopping district with eclectic shop selections that range from dog boutiques to hat artisans.
Shops and eateries such as the Terminal Bar have made Union Station a social hub. Armando Martinez
Then there is, of course, Union Station itself, which is home to some of the area's best bars and restaurants, like Terminal Bar, an upscale gastropub that offers 30 Colorado crafted draught beers.
The Schools
While no schools are located directly in Union Station, students are still served by Denver Public Schools directly to the south of the area — Greenlee Elementary School, Grant Middle School, and West High School.
Children play in the fountain at Union Station. Armando Martinez
At Grant Middle School, 46% of students met or exceeded standards for the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS). The statewide average was also 46%. 33% of students were proficients in science for CMAS compared to the state average of 31%.
Private school options are also available to Union Station residents, including nearby St. Elizabeth's or Annunciation Catholic School.
The Surroundings
Having Denver's central transportation hub within its borders means residents of the Union Station neighborhood can find access to just about any corner of the city and beyond via the RTD Bus & Rail system.
Some 122 miles of commuter rail lines and 18 miles of rapid bus transit are connected to the Union ... [+] Station terminal. Armando Martinez
Denver International airport is a quick 40-minute train ride east. To the west, in less than an hour, the FF1 line puts you in Boulder. Further west (about 70 miles from Union Station) are Colorado's finest resort towns, such as Breckenridge and Vail.
If trains aren't your thing and you're looking for something walkable, the Denver Central Market is only a mile away, and continuing northeast gets you to the River North Art District.
Slifer, Smith & Frampton is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.
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0ea5e2e0578654b1f94596beff19c212 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/15/dwyane-wade-and-gabrielle-union-bring-los-angeles-home-back-to-market-at-6-million/ | Dwyane Wade And Gabrielle Union Bring Los Angeles Home Back To Market At $6 Million | Dwyane Wade And Gabrielle Union Bring Los Angeles Home Back To Market At $6 Million
The Sherman Oaks home of basketball great Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union is back on the ... [+] market at $5,999,999.- PostRAIN Productions for Hilton & Hyland
It’s a new year and a new price for Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union.
The retired basketball star and his actress wife are relisting their home in the Los Angeles area for $5,999,999, a $200,001 adjustment from the previous asking price.
The property sits behind gates on a three-quarter-acre lot. PostRAIN Productions for Hilton & Hyland
Perched high on a ridge with sweeping mountain and city views, the Sherman Oaks property is unique for the area because of its scale and usable space, according to listing agent Anna Marie Simpliciano of Hilton & Hyland. Sitting on three-quarters of an acre, the estate includes a Mediterranean-inspired contemporary house of about 8,500 square feet, a spectacular infinity-edge swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen and a large grassy field.
“From the property’s seclusion and privacy to the breathtaking panoramic city and mountain views, this home was constructed to beautifully suit working-from-home lifestyles as well as entertaining on a grand scale,” Simpliciano said.
The Mediterranean-style contemporary home, built in 2017, features a custom infinity-edge pool and ... [+] spa. PostRAIN Productions for Hilton & Hyland
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A long, gated driveway approaches the house, ending at a large motor court with space for about eight cars. Beyond wrought iron double doors, the 2017-built house opens to a large living room bookended by a set of French doors. An office/library ringed with arched windows sits off the entry.
A spiral staircase runs through the heart of the house. PostRAIN Productions for Hilton & Hyland
A sweeping circular staircase and an elevator connect each of the home’s three levels, including a lower entertainment level with a movie theater, temperature-controlled wine room and a wet bar.
One floor up is a newly renovated chef’s kitchen, a formal dining and a family room that open directly to the pool area through pocketing doors.
A curving staircase winds through the heart of the 8,500-square-foot house. PostRAIN Productions
Four of the five bedrooms lie on the upper level and include a top-level master suite with walk-in closets, an updated bathroom and a private patio. Eight bathrooms are spread across three floors.
The primary suite features a lavish bath and bi-folding doors that open to a private patio. PostRAIN Productions for Hilton & Hyland
Outside, overhanging eaves provide cover for patio space. Designed for indoor-outdoor living, the grounds feature space for al fresco dining, a pizza oven and a daybed swing for enjoying the views.
A daybed swing on the patio takes in sweeping city and mountain views. PostRAIN Productions for Hilton & Hyland
Demand for flexible living space continues to drive the market in the area, particularly in the coveted “south of Ventura” pocket where Wade and Union’s home is located, according to Simpliciano. Over the last six months, the area has seen 16 public sales between $3 million and $7 million, up from six sales during the same time period last year, the luxury real estate specialist said.
“It’s no secret your money goes further in the [San Fernando] Valley, an area with great options for new construction or move-in ready properties such as this,” Simpliciano said.
The outdoor kitchen is equipped with bar seating and a wood-fired pizza oven. PostRAIN Productions for Hilton & Hyland
Wade, a three-time NBA champion and 13-time all-star, and Union, an actress known for her television and film roles, bought the property two years ago, records show. The A-list couple is also selling their waterfront mansion in Miami Beach, Fl., which recently went under contract.
The swimming pool and view at night. PostRAIN Productions for Hilton & Hyland
Los Angeles-based property agent Althea Bowman shares the listing.
Hilton & Hyland is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.
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1655ede120bf37bf4b43887c9fb27be5 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/19/a-chateau-for-the-ages-asks-286-million-in-southwestern-france/?ss=real-estate | A Chateau For The Ages Asks $2.86 Million In Southwestern France | A Chateau For The Ages Asks $2.86 Million In Southwestern France
A gravel driveway bordered by lawn softens the appearance of the 16th-century chateau in ... [+] southwestern France. Groupe Mercure
This chateau near the village of Gimont in southwestern France remains firmly rooted in the beginnings of the 16th century.
While workers cut stone and carved wood as the structure took shape, the French Renaissance was underway. Art and architecture were evolving. Religious dissent and civil upset were brewing.
Set against this backdrop of history, it's not surprising that, from the outside, the home looks more like a multi-turreted castle equipped for defense than a manor house. Yet softening its fortress-like appearance is a gravel driveway bordered by neatly trimmed lawn that leads to the front of the residence. Shutters flank gently arched small-pane windows, lending a French country feel.
Arched double doors mark the entrance to the Gimont chateau, which is on the market for about $2.861 ... [+] million. Groupe Mercure
An arched double door set in a walled courtyard marks the entrance. Beyond the threshold, tastefully renovated rooms retain much of their original character and features. High ceilings, exposed stone walls and baronial fireplaces add to the period flavor.
Indoor spaces reflect the same simplicity of design of the building's exterior. The 11 main rooms, many topped by massive wood beams, include reception halls, a dining room and a billiard room. There are six bedrooms and four bathrooms within some 8,611 square feet of living space.
Massive wood beams top the formal areas while windows surrounded by cut stone take in garden views. Groupe Mercure
It is in the gardens, however, that one is immediately brought back to present-day living. Steps descend to a heated swimming pool with a lounging area and a pool house – a modern departure from the old-world setting.
Two large terraces overlook the grounds and, beyond that, the Gers countryside, dotted with farmers' fields. The chateau also takes in views of the Pyrenees, the mountain range that separates France from Spain.
The heated swimming pool is a departure from the old-world setting. Grouple Mercure
Plantings include roses and trees many centuries old.
The nearly 44-acre property, priced at $2.861 million, is listed with William Pillons and Eric Mercier of Groupe Mercure, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties. A guesthouse and outbuildings complete the estate.
Considered a "new city of the Middle Ages," Gimont itself was established in the 13th century by Cistercian monks and the local ruler, the Count of Toulouse.
Mature landscaping and blooming gardens surround the pool area. Groupe Mercure
About 25 miles west of the metropolis of Toulouse, the rural town is near vineyards, horseback riding and fine dining. And it's a central spot for exploring area museums, cathedrals and ancient villages.
The region is known for its geese and duck, with foie gras markets taking place year-round to bring products directly to consumers' tables.
The Toulouse-Blagnac international airport is about 40 minutes away by car.
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66cc8d65066c9a0da5d078eff4829f93 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/19/tahoes-housing-market-expected-to-remain-hot-following-27-billion-year/ | Tahoe’s Housing Market Expected To Remain Hot Following 2.7-Billion Year | Tahoe’s Housing Market Expected To Remain Hot Following 2.7-Billion Year
Demand for new construction such as this contemporary home in Truckee's Northstar resort community ... [+] helped push the Lake Tahoe-Truckee housing market to new heights in 2020. Tahoe Mountain Realty
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped many aspects of California's real estate market but none is as significant as the impact it’s had on the secondary housing markets in Lake Tahoe and Truckee.
Following a brief period of uncertainty at the early onset of the coronavirus pandemic, when most in-the-works deals fell apart, the Tahoe-Truckee housing market exploded with activity as the adoption of remote-work and distance learning fueled an exodus of Bay Area urbanites moving to the area.
Among the biggest trends of 2020 was a shift away from Lake Tahoe's lakefront and a gravitation ... [+] towards newer, move-in ready communities in nearby Truckee. getty
According to Tahoe Mountain Realty, the market was paced by a “sense of immediacy,” with many homebuyers forgoing the comforts of lakefront living for new or move-in ready properties in resort communities around Truckee.
When the dust had settled, some 2,350 total residential transactions were recorded in 2020, a 33% uptick from the previous benchmark of 1,763 residential deals set in 2017. From a dollars-and-cents perspective, the total number of residential sales combined for a record $2.7 billion in total dollar volume, a 79% increase from the previous year and the first time the Tahoe-Truckee market surpassed the $2-billion mark.
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In 2020, the Tahoe-Truckee housing market saw 2,350 total residential transactions, a 33% increase ... [+] from the previous year. Tahoe Mountain Realty
Since the close of 2020, low inventory coupled with persistent demand has continued to keep the Tahoe-Truckee housing market active and moving — a phenomenon that is expected to continue in 2021.
“Despite travel restrictions, the market continues to show demand equal to the frenzied conditions of the last six months,” said Jeff Brown, owner of Tahoe Mountain Realty. “Our greatest obstacle remains a dire lack of supply; quality inventory continues to attract hordes of buyers, many of whom are taking action sight-unseen.”
According to Brown, homebuyers were quick to zero in on the area’s newer, amenitized communities such as Truckee’s Northstar and Martis Camp resort developments, which features modern homes tailored for active lifestyles.
Sales of $1 million and $2 million or more than doubled in 2020. Tahoe Mountain Realty
Home sales greater than $1 million and $2 million more than doubled in 2020 compared with the previous year. In the exclusive $10-million-plus range, the market held steady when compared with 15-year averages.
Brown expects the increased demand for newer construction will only continue in 2021.
“The focus of the market will continue to be in well-organized resort communities that offer both high-quality structure and community-based programming including trails, fitness facilities and other lifestyle enhancements,” Brown said. “Contemporary design adapted for the mountains remains the overwhelming preference of our consumers.”
A lack of inventory remains a challenge for those looking to buy in competitive housing market. Tahoe Mountain Realty
While interest in the area has shown no signs of waning, Brown said that a lack of inventory remains the area’s biggest roadblock. Many potential sellers are now empowered by remote-work conditions and more inclined to hold on to their slice of clean mountain living.
“Every year, spring brings new supply to the market as some number of homeowners grow fatigued of winter,” he said. “In 2021, I expect this to be tempered by the sense of security in having a foothold in the mountains given the sanctuary it has provided over the last year.”
Tahoe Mountain Realty is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.
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2af4fa915e4f659c622debe19d16ef1f | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/21/12-million-contemporary-hits-the-market-in-la-jolla-as-supply-tightens/ | Prized Perch Atop La Jolla’s Mt. Soledad Lists For $12 Million | Prized Perch Atop La Jolla’s Mt. Soledad Lists For $12 Million
Listed for $12 million, the updated contemporary residence features some 8,700 square feet of ... [+] updated living space, a vanishing-edge swimming pool and a movie theater. Willis Allen Real Estate
Perched atop La Jolla’s Mount Soledad, one of the highest points in the seaside community, this updated contemporary residence pairs a wealth of flexible living space with commanding ocean views considered by some to be among the best in the area.
It’s a rare combination of size, location and coastal scenery that is commanding a premium in a highly competitive La Jolla market, according to Linda Daniels, a luxury real estate agent with Willis Allen Real Estate.
Explosive views of La Jolla's north coast are on full display from the property. Willis Allen Real Estate
“This is in the upper Country Club area — it’s very desirable,” said Daniels, who shares the listing for the $12-million home with fellow agent Marta Schrimpf. “Properties with views of the north coast are very coveted.”
Owned by a pair of creative types, the Mediterranean-vibe contemporary home has been exquisitely updated and enhanced with an emphasis on outdoor living and entertaining. Beyond some 8,700 square feet of interior living space is a network of outdoor spaces that create a world all in its own.
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Outdoor living spaces surround the swimming pool, which incorporates a raised spa. Willis Allen Real Estate
“There’s a cozy fireplace, an outdoor kitchen with a bar, a dining area and a great yard for children,” Daniels said. “All of the outdoor entertainment areas overlook the blue Pacific and views of the north shore.”
Other perks of the property include an eye-catching dual-level, a vanishing-edge swimming pool that doubles as a lap pool. An outdoor meditation room opens to an expansive lawn, and as separate attached structure holds a gym with a sauna and steam room. A large outdoor kitchen and bar area has enough space to handle a party-sized crowd.
A 20-foot-high entry with an eye-catching modern chandelier sets the stage for the updated home. Willis Allen Real Estate
Inside, the interior unfolds as a series of open spaces that seamlessly connect. A 20-foot-high entry topped by an artistic chandelier kicks off the multi-level floor plan before opening to a voluminous living room lined with windows. A decadent chef’s kitchen is positioned above the family room area, and a nearby wet bar/wine cellar is cleverly carved out of what was previously enclosed corner.
“You step down into the living room and then out through these wonderful doors, and you don’t ever want to leave,” Daniels said.
Each of the home's five en-suite bedrooms open to a private patio. In the primary suite, there's ... [+] also a sitting area and fireplace. Willis Allen Real Estate
The home has five en-suite bedrooms that each have a private balcony. A dedicated office and a movie theater complete the floor plan.
Today’s luxury buyer in La Jolla
According to Daniels, an influx of residents from outside of California continues to fuel the high-end market in La Jolla. The real estate agent noted that she’s currently working with a client from Pennsylvania who sold their house in Philadelphia “lock, stock and barrel” and are renting until they find something in the area.
“My team had about 20 transactions last year, about $60 million in transactions that we closed, and a lot of them were out-of-area buyers,” Daniels said. “Many of them have come from parts of Northern California and Washington State as well as the East Coast.”
Artistic wall tiles stand out in the family room. Willis Allen Real Estate
Daniels said most out-of-town buyers are looking for what has become a premium during the ongoing health pandemic — more space. “They want more square footage, a place to quarantine, and there’s an uptick in sales for the larger homes with land.”
Inventory scarcity creates seller’s market
Over the first few weeks of January, Daniels said there were roughly 37 homes under contract and 13 properties sold, including two sales of $13 million or more.
Daniels explained that the flurry of activity to start the year is primarily due to a lack of inventory.
Flexible and outdoor living space has been in high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Willis Allen Real Estate
“In a normal market, we would have anywhere from 180-220 homes on the market,” she said. “Right now, we only have [about 100] single-family residences on the market, which is not a lot,” she said.
Among those 100 or so homes available, 16 are priced at $10 million or more.
“Because we have no inventory, I think it’s going to remain a seller’s market for a while, which is going to result in an increase in prices,” Daniels said. “The luxury market is remaining strong.”
Willis Allen Real Estate is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.
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c1738caed027cd8a5c5eee242a9c83f2 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/22/grand-yorkville-apartment-offers-front-row-seat-to-the-east-river/ | Grand Yorkville Apartment Offers Front-Row Seat To The East River | Grand Yorkville Apartment Offers Front-Row Seat To The East River
The New York City skyline on the East River at Midtown Manhattan. getty
This grand apartment at 1 East End Avenue offers a coveted combination of classic pre-war details and panoramic views of the Yorkville waterfront.
Encompassing two levels in a full-service building dating to 1929, the residence features handsome wood floors, recessed ceilings trimmed with delicate molding and enough built-in bookshelves to satisfy even the most voracious of readers. Sweetening the offering is a private entrance, allowing for easy access to the adjacent riverfront.
Built-in bookshelves and hardwood floors are among classic details found throughout the two-story ... [+] apartment. Warburg Realty
On the main floor ware living and dining rooms, a kitchen, a laundry room and bonus/staff quarters. Herringbone-patterned hardwood floors stand out in the living room, as does a fireplace with a dark surround. In the kitchen, blue-hued countertops pop against white brick walls and cabinetry.
Picture windows in the living room frame views of the East River waterfront. On the far wall is a ... [+] fireplace. Warburg Realty
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A graceful curved staircase lined with slender balusters leads up to the second floor, where there are three bedrooms, each taking in views of the East River and Roosevelt Island. There are two additional fireplaces on the upper level including one in the primary bedrooms, which also incorporates a sitting area.
Built-in bookshelves fill the far wall in the dining room. Warburg Realty
Priced at $2.5 million, Maisonette 1C is listed with Harriet Kaufman of Warburg Realty, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties.
One of the more affordable areas on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Yorkville is a walkable, self-contained neighborhood situated between 79th Street and 96th Street, and from the East River to Third Avenue.
Blue-hued countertops create visual interest in the kitchen, which features exposed brickwork and a ... [+] wealth of cabinetry. Warburg Realty
In December, there were 53 transactions in the neighborhood resulting in a median sale price of $891,607, a 7.7% increase from the previous year, according to UrbanDigs. Of those transactions, 6.3% sold for over the asking price while the median discount was 7%.
In December, contracts increased 52.8% year-over-year, up to 55, though the number of deals inked month-over-month saw no change. The median price per square foot in December was $1,078, down 10.8% year-over-year.
Each of the three bedrooms has a view of the East River. Warburg Realty
Although supply in January was down about 8.8% from December, the 333 active listings represent a 15.6% increase year-over-year. The number of pending sales also points to signs of an area reinvigorating; as of this week, there are 183 listings in contract, a roughly 103% increase from the same month last year.
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b0d56189881b47c0784d4411f816dd6b | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/22/holmby-hills-estate-with-scores-of-hollywood-ties-seeks-58-million/ | Holmby Hills Estate With Scores Of Hollywood Ties Seeks $58 Million | Holmby Hills Estate With Scores Of Hollywood Ties Seeks $58 Million
Originally owned by early radio star Fanny Brice, the storied estate in Holmby Hills was updated and ... [+] expanded in the 2000s by late TV syndication titan Richard King. Hilton & Hyland
Holmby Hills’ North Faring Road has a long and distinguished history. The affluent stretch north of the Los Angeles Country Club has long been a favorite among the who’s who of Hollywood and industry going back through the decades, attracting the likes of Robert Taylor, Barbara Stanwyck and Claudette Colbert, to name a few.
This stately Georgian Revival-style residence, listed for $58 million, was once owned by early radio star Fanny Brice. Brice, a comedienne and Ziegfeld Follies headliner, owned the 1930s home from the year it was built until she died in 1951.
The sprawling estate sits on about 2 acres of grounds with two guesthouses, a tennis court and a ... [+] swimming pool. Hilton & Hyland
In the 1990s, the property was owned for six years by “Braveheart” and “Gone Baby Gone” producer Alan Ladd Jr. The late Richard King, a member of the King World Productions syndication dynasty, was another to call the estate home.
Under the direction of King and his wife, interior designer Lauren King, the residence was renovated and expanded. After acquiring the estate in the early 2000s, the couple commissioned noted architect Oscar Shamamian and builder McCoy Construction to enhance and remodel the home for modern-day living.
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Picture windows in the formal rooms capture picturesque garden views. Hilton & Hyland
The five-year project included expanding the three-story main house to its current size while reconfiguring the interior. While part of the original structure was razed, the home was rebuilt using doors and windows matched with the originals and brickwork to match the original design.
Walnut paneling creates visual interest in the great room. Hilton & Hyland
Santa Monica-based landscape designer Nancy Goslee Power was tasked with updating the roughly two-acre property, which now features layers of gardens, mature trees and outdoor sitting areas. The original guesthouse is now accompanied by a second guest house, a swimming pool and a pool house. Hidden in a far corner of the property is a lighted and hedged tennis court.
A step-up library and office sit at the far end of the great room. Hilton & Hyland
Inside, elegant details and architectural flourishes are on display from room to room. Medallion inlaid floors, hand-carved stone fireplaces and detailed molding and trim are among features of note. In the great room, which holds a library and an office, handsome walnut paneling runs from ceiling to floor. Large bay windows bring garden views into the formal dining room.
French doors open the pool house to patio space and a swimming pool. Hilton & Hyland
The home has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, four powder rooms and an additional quarter for staff. A large veranda with a brick fireplace creates extra living space outdoors.
The pool house and swimming pool. Hilton & Hyland
Rick Hilton and Linda May of Hilton & Hyland, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, hold the listing.
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ba29f950a347343f70e84141f3490c4c | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/25/water-view-homes-for-4-million-in-hong-kong-switzerland-and-uruguay/ | Water-View Homes For $4 Million In Hong Kong, Switzerland And Uruguay | Water-View Homes For $4 Million In Hong Kong, Switzerland And Uruguay
Geneva, Switzerland, at sunset. getty
In this week’s examination of wealthy housing markets abroad, I compared prices of properties with ocean or water views in three international markets. From a designer-done residence on Hong Kong’s Lamma Island to a rustic villa in Uruguay, here’s a look at what about $4 million buys right now on Forbes Global Properties.
Mo Tat Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong
Located on the northeastern part of Lamma Island, Mo Tat Wan is a small village popular among adventure-seekers thanks to its mountain trails and beautiful beaches. This three-story residence takes in spectacular sea views from its perch along the coast.
Walls of glass bring waterway views inside the four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence in Mo Tat Wan. OKAY.com
Features: Owned by an architect and an interior designer, the updated residence displays sharp attention to detail, incorporating modern and rustic elements to striking effect. The main living area is largely devoted to open-concept space and includes spacious living and dining areas and an updated kitchen. There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms within about 2,100 square feet of living space.
The home's open-concept interior incorporates an updated chef's kitchen, a spacious living room and ... [+] a dining area. OKAY.com
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Other perks: Artistic tilework creates visual interest on the home’s wide patio areas, which are topped by contemporary fans and bamboo thatching. In another area, corrugated metal steel was used to create a lookout post for enjoyin bay views.
Price: $4.129 million
Agent: Joshua Miller, OKAY.com
Geneva, Switzerland
Considered among the most beautiful cities in the world, Geneva, Switzerland, combines picturesque views of the Alps and waterway with a rich assortment of cultural and architectural delights. This top-floor apartment has been tailored to take in the scenery and features a private balcony and large picture windows that frame Lake Leman and the Jura and Mont-Blanc mountain peaks.
A pair of loggias and terrace balconies extend the living space outward at the Geneva apartment. Comptoir Immobilier
Features: Completely renovated and enhanced in 2015, the residence features a contemporary palette with hardwood floors, subdued accents and custom furniture throughout. A gleaming chef’s kitchen has been updated with an island/bar. Walls of built-in bookshelves fill the living room area, which has a wall fireplace.
An updated chef's kitchen features a convenient island/breakfast bar and picture windows that frame ... [+] mountain and waterway views. Comptoir Immobilier
Other perks: Two lower-level loggias and two upper terraces extend the living space outward. The apartment has a total of three bedrooms and two updated bathrooms including a primary suite with a dressing room.
Price: $4.134 million (approximately)
Represented by: Quentin Epiney, Comptoir Immobilier
José Ignacio, Maldonado, Uruguay
This rustic villa-style home is situated in Chacras de Medellin, one of the most exclusive residential area’s of Jose Ignacio. Located near the city of Punta del Este, the roughly 12-acre community is surrounded by a blanket of green landscaping and views of the sea, which is just a short walk or horseback ride away.
The stone-clad villa sits in the exclusive Chacras de Medellin community in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay. Immobiliaria Rimontgo
Features: The stone-clad resilience was designed to integrate with its natural surroundings and incorporates a range of stone and wood details into its design. The rustic details are continued inside in the living room, which features a massive stone fireplace. The floor plan also includes a dining room, a kitchen and six bedrooms suites. There are also outbuildings for staff and landlords.
Tree-top and ocean landscapes sit beyond the vanishing-edge swimming pool. Immobiliaria Rimontgo
Other perks: A large outdoor terrace features a swimming pool and a “chill-out” section set beneath overhanging eaves. Concrete decking encloses a large swimming pool with a waterfall edge that creates the illusion of meeting the horizon.
Price: $4 million
Represented by: Antonio Ribes Bas, Immobiliaria Rimontgo
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bdc390a83eb63ade75d1de279ce85b70 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/27/an-upper-east-side-co-op-with-an-artists-soul/ | How An Upper East Side Co-Op Was Remade With An Artist’s Soul | How An Upper East Side Co-Op Was Remade With An Artist’s Soul
A colorful pied-é-terre on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Ted Porter Architecture | Ty Cole Photographer
It’s a true artist’s loft in every sense.
And no wonder. The Upper East Side co-op apartment has been the beneficiary of a collaboration of creative minds: architect Ted Porter and owner Lorenza Panero, a multidisciplinary Bogotá-based artist who works in photography, painting and sculpture.
Visually, the result is that of a clean white canvas splashed with color. Functionally, it’s an imaginative use of the high-ceilinged space.
Custom white cabinetry plays a transformative role throughout the apartment. Ted Porter Architecture | Ty Cole Photographer
Due to renovation work, the once choppy floorplan now has a more flexible layout. The dining room can be quickly turned into a second bedroom with built-in, hideaway storage for the table and chairs, a movable wall partition and the use of a Murphy bed.
Custom white cabinetry plays a transformative role throughout the apartment. In the adjacent living room, a cabinet folds up to reveal the television. When down, the white-faced cabinet fronts blend into the walls.
A cabinet folds up to reveal the television in the living room. When down, the white-faced cabinet ... [+] fronts blend into the walls. Ted Porter Architecture | Ty Cole Photographer
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The galley kitchen can be hidden away by sliding doors to resemble a closet-lined hallway. A large pass-through above the kitchen sink connects to the dining area.
The fifth-floor perch is flooded with natural light from its southern and eastern exposures. A glass upper cabinet brings sunlight from the dining area in the kitchen.
Bright-colored furniture and artwork pops against the apartment's white-walled interior. Ted Porter Architecture | Ty Cole Photographer
In the bathroom, a floating vanity and large glass-fronted shower continue the clean, minimal appearance.
An aluminum picture rail runs throughout the 1,075-square-foot apartment.
Sliding doors conceal the galley-style kitchen. Ted Porter Architecture | Ty Cole Photographer
The one-bedroom, one-bathroom co-op is in a pet-friendly building in the Carnegie Hill neighborhood, about a block away from Central Park. The 40-unit building was converted in 1980 and dates to the turn of the last century. Amenities include a live-in super, a laundry room and a bike room, as well as extra storage.
A narrow partition creates a small office space in the bedroom. Ted Porter Architecture | Ty Cole Photographer
The unit, 1326 Madison Avenue Apartment 55, is listed for $1.325 million by Cecilia Serrano and Hala Lawrence of Warburg Realty, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties.
As for the colorful furnishings that give the co-op its distinct vibe? Purchasing those with the place could be an option. In real estate, everything is negotiable.
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868e22a7dd7f3df5bca048cfdc0082cc | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/27/side-by-side-properties-featuring-paul-mcclean-designs-hit-the-market-in-beverly-hills/ | Side-By-Side Properties Featuring Paul McClean Designs Hit The Market In Beverly Hills | Side-By-Side Properties Featuring Paul McClean Designs Hit The Market In Beverly Hills
Listed for $18.5 million, the modern masterpiece at 1210 Laurel Way features a suspended glass ... [+] bridge and multiple waterfall features. Hilton & Hyland
In Beverly Hills, a pair of neighboring estates, each featuring a modern masterpiece by architect Paul McClean, have come on the market for a combined $35.4 million.
Known for his ultramodern concepts that emphasize the surrounding environment, McClean has become something of a household name in Southern California's speculative development scene.
After founding McClean Design in 2000, the Irish architect has had a hand in some of Los Angeles' most spectacular building projects, many of which have fetched eight- and nine-figure sums on the open market. One of his latest projects, a colossal 100,000-square-foot giga-mansion called "The One," is said to carry a price-tag of $340 million.
A suspended glass bridge leads to the entry. Hilton & Hyland
The pair of McClean designs now for sale are currently in the last stages of being completed, allowing for a potential buyer to customize the property to their liking, according to luxury real estate specialist Jonathan Nash of Hilton & Hyland, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties.
“Developers don’t always predict the taste of a buyer accurately,” said Nash. “This type of opportunity is a way to ensure the buyer is able to tailor the home to their specifications.”
The larger of the two properties, located at 1210 Laurel Way, is listed for $18.5 million. Set on more than a third of an acre, the property is anchored by a soaring McClean showplace that features interior concepts by noted designer Waldo Fernandez.
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A cantilevered wing that holds a bedroom is perched above a patio and infinity-edge swimming pool. Hilton & Hyland
A towering waterfall feature that flows into a reflecting pool kicks off the entrance to the home. The entry is approached by a suspended glass bridge that crosses over an interior atrium to reach the threshold.
Inside, tempered walls of glass leave little to the imagination while opening the interiors to park-like views. Retractable floor-to-ceiling walls of glass connect the open-concept kitchen and living areas to the outdoors. On the lower floor, two rooms bookend an intimate sitting that overlooks a reflecting pool. The primary suite — one of six bedrooms and nine bathrooms — lies in a cantilevered wing that protrudes out towards an infinity-edge swimming pool.
Listed for $16.9 million, 1210 Laurel Way features pocketing walls of glass that connect the ... [+] interior to a wealth of outdoor living space. Hilton & Hyland
Located next door at 1200 Laurel Way is a low-slung McClean design seeking $16.9 million. Renderings for the more than half-acre property, which is nestled into a sloped hillside, show a sprawling contemporary tailored for car enthusiasts. Among features of note are a large motor court and a showcase garage with a motorized turntable. Interior walls of glass look into the striking garage, while a cantilevered wing that holds the living room overlooks the motor court.
Walls of glass show off an impressive waterfall feature that runs along the exterior. Hilton & Hyland
In addition to five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the residence is loaded with amenities, including a wellness center, a media room, a gym and a wine wall. The common areas and bedrooms all flow onto a massive wrap-around patio surrounding a dazzling curved infinity-edge pool.
A car collector's garage puts high-end autos on display inside the house. The snazzy garage is also ... [+] equipped with a turntable. Hilton & Hyland
Although the adjacent properties are offered separately, Nash said it's not uncommon in Los Angeles for an ambitious homeowner to purchase a neighboring property to create a large estate or compound.
“For many wealthy buyers, privacy is the ultimate amenity,” he said. “And they are often willing to pay a premium to get it.”
Nash shares the listing with Hilton & Hyland’s Stephen Resnick.
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b3a4b05237a3a46136e9977392f1d128 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/02/19/prized-la-jolla-home-sells-in-a-flash-for-763-million/ | Prized La Jolla Home Sells In A Flash For $7.63 Million | Prized La Jolla Home Sells In A Flash For $7.63 Million
The longtime La Jolla residence of contemporary artist Faiya Fredman sold after two weeks on the ... [+] market for $7.625 million, or $627,000 over the asking price. Willis Allen Real Estate
If you blinked, you likely missed it.
A coveted property in the seaside neighborhood of La Jolla has flown off the market nearly as quickly as it arrived, selling for $7.625 million.
Located a few blocks from the beach in the La Jolla Village area, the modern live-work residence on Coast Boulevard South hit the market in late January for $6.998 million and drew multiple offers before selling two weeks later for $627,000 over the asking price, records show. Drew and Tim Nelson of Willis Allen Real Estate held the listing.
The live-work residence, something of a rarity in the housing market, was designed designed by ... [+] modernist architect Homer Delawie. Willis Allen Real Estate
Designed and built by noted local architect Homer Delawie, known for designing such San Diego landmarks as the Plaza de Balboa and Balboa Clark, the multi-level residence was the longtime home and workplace of late contemporary artist Faiya Fredman.
The live-work residence features two units: a large residential space, including a guest apartment, ... [+] and a lower-level studio. Willis Allen Real Estate
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Spanning three levels with an underground garage, the place consists of two units: two residential stories for living and a studio level with street access. The main residence occupies the top floor and features a skylight-topped entry, white-walled living spaces and glass expanses that frame ocean views.
Sliding glass doors open to a wrap-around terrace facing the ocean. Lucas Parodi | Willis Allen Real Estate
Gallery walls and wide-plank wood floors are a common theme throughout the main residence, which has three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. In the kitchen and living area, oversized sliding glass doors open the living space to an ocean-view terrace.
A dual-sink island anchors the kitchen. Lucas Parodi | Willis Allen Real Estate
One floor down, an apartment level adds another two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Including the lower-level studio, the live-work residence has about 5,600 square feet of living space.
The lower-level studio. Lucas Parodi | Willis Allen Real Estate
In addition to pedigree and proximity to both the ocean and La Jolla Village, interest in the property was likely boosted by high demand and record low inventory. Tim Nelson noted that the La Jolla market is in a severe drought when it comes to active listings, with available stock hovering at about half of what you might see in a regular, balanced market.
The La Jolla coastline sits a few blocks from the live-work residence. Willis Allen Real Estate
In general, Southern California housing markets have exploded with interest since the early onset of the coronavirus pandemic, with homebuyers scrambling to find properties with enough space and amenities to support new work-from-home and school-from-home lifestyles.
“Because of COVID-19, you have condo buyers wanting to move to detached homes and homebuyers wanting the beach to be their backyards,” Nelson said. “It’s created an insatiable demand for La Jolla’s detached listings.
Willis Allen Real Estate an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.
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14babdb67d0eda5c9aa2b038e97df238 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/02/19/ski-inski-out-home-next-door-to-aspens-lift-one-project-seeks-16-million/ | Ski-In/Ski-Out Home Next Door To Aspen’s Lift One Project Seeks $16 Million | Ski-In/Ski-Out Home Next Door To Aspen’s Lift One Project Seeks $16 Million
The contemporary-style home in the Aspen core area is just a short walk away from the Lift One ... [+] project. Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
When it comes to homes in Colorado’s high country, access to ski runs and the mountainside is often at the top of homebuyers’ wishlists. That’s what makes this contemporary home next door to Aspen’s Lift One project something of a crown jewel in the community’s luxury market, according to Liz Leeds of Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate.
“The closer to the ski lifts you can get, the better,” said Leeds, who holds the listing for the $15.999-million home on South Garmisch Street.
The backyard of the home on South Garmisch Road backs up to the base of Aspen Mountain's west side. Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
Convenience accessing the mountainside isn’t the only draw, according to Leeds, who noted that it can be challenging to find real estate close to both Aspen’s lifts and the vibrant downtown area. There’s also the issue of finding parking in the resort community, particularly during the ski season when visitors flood the slopes.
“Finding parking in the core is so hard,” said Leeds. “To be able to be at your house and walk to either this new lift or the [Silver Queen] Gondola, which is right in Aspen proper, it’s very coveted. It’s not a dime-a-dozen property.”
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Skiers congregate near the lift in Aspen, Colorado. Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
To put that into perspective, Leeds said the house is about a 10-minute walk to the gondola and a 5-minute walk from the Lift One project located at the base of Aspen Mountain’s west side. The project, which voters approved in 2019, includes the development of 320,000 square feet of commercial space as well as replacing the existing double chairlift with a new telemix lift.
The multi-level home in Aspen has four bedrooms plus a caretaker's unit. Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
Built in 2003, the multi-level house was designed for both comfort and entertaining. Offered turn-key ready, the home features an eat-in kitchen area, an office and a wealth of flexible living space — the latter being among the hottest amenities during COVID-19.
“With the pandemic, many people have relocated to spaces like this where they can work quietly out of the home,” Leeds said.
The eat-in kitchen features a hybrid island/breakfast bar and a wealth of ribboned marble. Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
Other home highlights include an open-concept living room with a chrome fireplace and a curved copper ceiling. The metallic details are repeated across the room in the formal dining area, which incorporates a wet bar. Soaring picture windows bookend the space, bringing picturesque mountain and tree-top views inside.
The caretaker's unit incorporates a kitchenette. Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
In addition to four bedrooms and five bathrooms, the home has a caretaker’s unit above the garage with a kitchenette and additional bedroom suite.
The home's rooftop patio features new decking and a Jacuzzi. Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
Outside, new decking between the main house and caretaker’s unit incorporates a Jacuzzi and a table with a fire feature. Front and side balconies push the living space further outdoors.
Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.
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ad04d9f541d9555590b8bd9e87b9819e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/02/22/mansion-hunting-what-45-million-buys-in-hawaii-los-angeles-and-spain/ | Mansion Hunting: What $45 Million Buys In Hawaii, Los Angeles And Spain | Mansion Hunting: What $45 Million Buys In Hawaii, Los Angeles And Spain
Villa St. Pierre on St. Pierre Road in Bel-Air features indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Asking ... [+] price: $46 million. Hilton & Hyland
In this week’s look at trophy homes on Forbes Global Properties, I set out to find big properties for even bigger budgets. While each property offers a lot in terms of size and space, the scale of each is significantly different from location to location. From a Hawaii ranch with an oceanfront polo field to a Los Angeles mansion with a bowling alley, here’s a look at what around $45 million buys in three luxury housing markets.
O’ahu, Hawaii
The rear of Dillingham Ranch borders the lush landscapes of the Mokuleia Forest Reserve. Hawai'i Life
One of the largest landholdings remaining in O’ahu, the 2,740-acre property known as Dillingham Ranch features Hawaii’s most extensive coconut palm groves and an oceanfront polo field. Built for early industrialist Benjamin Franklin Dillingham, the working ranch has hosted generations of cattlemen, sportsmen and dignitaries. More recently, the property has been used as a setting for the shows “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-O” as well as the film “Kong: Skull Island.”
The main lodge, which was recently renovated, has about 3,000 square feet of space and a ... [+] commercial-grade kitchen. Hawai'i Life
Features: Utilized in recent years as an event space, the property features a main lodge of about 3,000 square feet, a 700-square-foot commercial-grade kitchen and eight additional bedrooms. Hardwood floors and a fireplace are among features of the main residence, which recently underwent a multimillion-dollar restoration. Outside, sloped eaves supported by a series of columns create a wrap-around porch.
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The 19-acre polo field sits next to the shore at the Dillingham Ranch in O'ahu. Hawai'i Life
Other perks: Dillingham Ranch features more than 1,000 feet of beachfront at Kai’ahulu Beach as well as access to incredible spots for snorkeling, ocean swimming and surfing. Private trails and roadways for hiking and biking snake through the sprawling property. The rear of the ranch borders the lush landscapes of the Mokuleia Forest Reserve.
Price: $45 million
Represented by: Matt Beall, Hawai’i Life
Bel-Air, Los Angeles, California
The Italianate-style mansion sits on more than an acres of grounds featuring statuaries, fountains, ... [+] a swimming pool and a pool house/entertainment complex. Hilton & Hyland
Space is no issue at Villa St. Pierre, a sprawling trophy compound in Bel-Air with over 36,000 square feet of living space. Recently renovated, the estate features an 8-bedroom main house, a guesthouse/entertainment center, a grove of redwood trees and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Slabs of marble attract the eye in the Bel-Air home's living room, which sits off the ... [+] vaulted-ceiling entry hall. Hilton & Hyland
Features: Hobbyists and sportsmen, take note: The Italianate-inspired mansion runs the gamut on amenities and includes a bowling alley, a gym, an indoor racquetball court and a home movie theater.
Amenities at the 36,000-square-foot home include a two-lane bowling alley. Hilton & Hyland
Other perks: Designed to handle a party-sized crowd, the home boasts a two-story living room and a dining room with seating for 10. The indoor swimming pool complex evokes a European bathhouse and boasts a separate spa, massage facilities and a gym.
Price: $46 million
Represented by: Linda May, Hilton & Hyland
Caldes de Malavella, Girona, Spain
The stone-clad manor sits in the heart of Les Gavarres national park in Girona, Spain. Immobiliaria Rimontgo
Located in Caldes de Malavella, a small town outside of Girona known for its thermal baths, this stone-clad manor pairs elegant living spaces with a range of exterior amenities. The 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom estate is situated in the heart of Les Gavarres national park and features spectacular views in nearly every direction.
A contemporary pool house and swimming pool accompany the stone-clad house. Immobiliaria Rimontgo
Features: Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living and dining room leave little to the imagination while opening the interior to views of mature trees, mountain peaks and the rolling countryside. In the primary bedroom suite, a spiral staircase winds upward to a small den or office space.
Walls of glass in the living areas bring park-like views inside. Immobiliaria Rimontgo
Other perks: Across from the main house is a contemporary pool house with covered patio space, a resort-style swimming pool, a spa and a long channel for swimming laps. Stone decking surrounds the pool area, creating additional space for outdoor living.
Price: EUR 40,000,000 (USD $44.9 million)
Represented by: José Ribes Bas, Immobiliaria Rimontgo
Hilton & Hyland, Immobiliaria Rimontgo and Hawai’i Life are exclusive members of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.
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10c6a2deeb2fcdcb1626cc82e21dc8f8 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/02/23/reign-at-your-own-16th-century-french-castle-for-2-million/ | For $2 Million, Reign At Your Own 16th Century French Castle | For $2 Million, Reign At Your Own 16th Century French Castle
Dating to the 16th century, the baronial chateau in Roanne, France, is on the market for $2.075 ... [+] million. Groupe Mercure
Rising from the ground like a monolithic castle is a baronial chateau in Roanne, France, that took shape in the 16th century.
The renaissance had begun, and Italianate architecture was replacing Gothic styles. Religious tensions were high between Catholics and Protestants. And Paris was humming – enjoying its first candle-lit street lamps, theater and ballet performances.
Some 250 miles to the southeast of the capital city, in central France, this stately mansion was going up near the Loire river and the busy trade port of Roanne.
The chateau's decorate roof features an intricate diamond pattern. Three rectangular towers add ... [+] symmetry to the design. Groupe Mercure
One side of the multi-story house fronts a wide gravel lane. A center driveway, flanked by lawn, terminates in a large circular pad near the entry door. A decorative steep roof with shingles arrayed in an intricate diamond pattern sits above a smooth façade punctuated by gently arched windows. Three rectangular towers topped by mansard roofs add to the symmetry of the design.
On the opposite side of the mansion, six gabled dormer windows bring light into the uppermost floor. A decorative pediment tops the central tower.
The 9,149 square feet of living space starts on the garden level, where a roomy entrance hall opens to a reception room with a fireplace, a large dining room, the kitchen and a bedroom suite.
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On the main floor, the entrance hall opens to a reception room with a fireplace. Groupe Mercure
Rustic beams crown many of the renovated rooms. High ceilings make the living areas seem even more spacious.
Two staircases lead to four more newly furnished bedroom suites on the next floor. The top level has another en-suite bedroom and room for two more.
An apartment connected to the chateau contains a living room, a kitchen and four additional bedrooms. Other outbuildings are devoted to workshop and storage uses. Mature trees and beds of flowers complete the four acres of grounds.
Decorative tile floors and patterned wallpaper create visual interest in the den. Groupe Mercure
Priced at $2.075 million, the property is listed with Nicolas Devic at Groupe Mercure, a member of Forbes Global Properties.
In addition to serving as a private residence, portions of the chateau could be devoted to rental accommodations as Roanne has an active tourist trade. The commercial and industrial center boasts several chapels and castles, as well as an arts and archaeological museum with a noted Egyptology department. Known for its agricultural, wine and gastronomy, the area even has a Michelin starred restaurant.
Roanne, about 40 miles from Lyon and nearly 250 miles from Paris, can be reached by train, bus and car. The closest international and domestic flights are available from Saint-Étienne-Bouthéon Airport, about 45 miles away.
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66dd8038049484b0464f33be71b62fcb | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/12/28/ski-settings-for-2-million-in-colorados-beaver-creek-snowmass--and-vail/ | Ski Settings For $2 Million In Colorado’s Beaver Creek, Snowmass And Vail | Ski Settings For $2 Million In Colorado’s Beaver Creek, Snowmass And Vail
Ski area at Snowmass, Colorado. Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Falling temperatures bring to mind powder ski slopes and roaring fires that help melt away the cold. In this week’s look at luxury homes on Forbes Global Properties, I set out to explore the Colorado Rockies, an area synonymous with world-class skiing and winter festivities.
From a condominium in Snowmass Village to a townhome in Beaver Creek, here’s a look at what about $2 million buys in three Colorado resort communities.
Beaver Creek, Colo.
This Beaver Creek townhome, listed for $2.025 million, features a large deck and proximity to ... [+] Elkhorn ski lift. Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
Located two hours west of Denver, Beaver Creek is a charming winter wonderland home to four village areas. Boutique shops, restaurants and amenities are in full supply in the area, as is access to 1,815 skiable acres and 149 trails serviced by 26 lifts.
This mountain retreat in the Scott Hill Road neighborhood sits in a quiet cul-de-sac with a large deck and views of the nearby Elkhorn ski lift.
Price: $2.025 million
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Size: Four bedrooms, five bathrooms
Inside: Beyond a stone-clad entry, the home opens to a vaulted-ceiling living room with a stone fireplace hearth and walls of windows that take in tree-top and mountain views. The roomy kitchen is anchored by a tiered island/breakfast bar. There are four bedrooms and five bathrooms including a primary suite with a soaking tub.
Outside living space: Decking off the living room and upstairs balconies enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and trees. Residents also have access to such community amenities as a swimming pool, a hot tub, a gym, ski lockers and local transportation.
Represented by: Jill Moneypenny, Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
Snowmass, Colo.
Listed for $2.05 million, the three-bedroom condo at Viceroy Snowmass features contemporary interior ... [+] and a breakfast balcony. Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
A world-class ski resort destination, Snowmass Village boasts more than 3,000 acres of terrain parks for winter sports. During the summer months, outdoor enthusiasts have access to more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails.
This coveted corner residence is located within the ski-in, ski-out resort community of Viceroy Snowmass.
Price: $2.05 million
Size: Three bedrooms, three bathrooms
Inside: The three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo was redesigned last year and is offered fully furnished. Wood built-ins and textured wallpaper lend a sophisticated look to the home’s interior. Walls of windows in the bedrooms and common areas take in views of Snowmass Cirque ridgeline and Assay Hill, a popular downhill trail.
Outside living space: A breakfast balcony provides a perfect setting for al fresco dining. Owners also have access to a pool deck and a fitness facility, among other amenities.
Represented by: Monica Montany, Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
Vail, Colo.
Walls of windows bring mountain views inside this $2.1-million condo at the Lion development in ... [+] Vail. Slifer Smith & Frampton
Home to the largest ski mountain in Colorado, Vail is a picturesque alpine area with nearly 5,300 acres of skiable terrain and 195 runs for skiers of all ability levels.
Located within the Lion, a new luxury development, this corner unit is turnkey ready with its upgraded wood floors, designer furniture and built-ins.
Price: $2.1 million
Size: Two bedrooms, three bathrooms
Inside: Light hardwood floors and white walls lend a modern aesthetic to the two-bedroom, three-bathroom condo. The home’s open-concept floorplan features glass walls that bring mountain views into the living and dining areas. In the heart of the house is a gleaming chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry and an island/breakfast bar.
Outside living space: Wrap-around balconies are accessed from glass doors in the living room and primary bedroom. The community is also host to a fitness center, hot tubs, an indoor swimming pool and a steam room.
Represented by: Patrice Ringler, Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate
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b5b31e147540c2dd98e48c433cc9c18a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/12/29/beverly-hills-mansion-with-miniature-railroad-sells-for-314-million/ | Beverly Hills Mansion With Mini Train Park Sells For $31.4 Million | Beverly Hills Mansion With Mini Train Park Sells For $31.4 Million
If Los Angeles’ housing market has shown us anything this year, it’s that luxury real estate is on track for big things in 2021.
In the Flats section of Beverly Hills, a sprawling estate with a mansion and a private train park has sold for $31.4 million — one of the priciest transactions in the coveted Westside pocket in 2020, records show.
The nearly 2-acre estate is among the largest single-family homes in the Beverly Hills Flats ... [+] section. Berlyn Photography for Hilton & Hyland
The sale price, which reflects furnishings negotiated separately, is one of 20 transactions north of $20 million recorded this year in Beverly Hills. Among properties sold in the Flats, it ranks as the largest sale south of Sunset Boulevard, according to luxury real estate agent Keeley Smith of Hilton & Hyland, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties.
The French-inspired mansion has 26,800 square feet of living space. Berlyn Photography for Hilton & Hyland
Smith, who represented the sellers in the deal, said that the transaction reflects a shift towards quality over quantity that resulted from the coronavirus pandemic.
"These luxury houses are still selling and, at the end of the day, clients want quality, whether it be location, size or the home itself — and they are willing to pay for it," she said. "What COVID has done is that it's caused people to suddenly say ‘let's get that extra bedroom; let's make sure we have the pool; let's make sure we have all the bells and whistles’."
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The swimming pool features cascading waterfalls and a waterslide. Berlyn Photography for Hilton & Hyland
To say the Beverly Hills estate on North Rexford Drive has bells and whistles would be an understatement.
Comprised of two lots totaling nearly 2 acres, the property includes a French-inspired mansion, a guardhouse, a pool house and two guesthouses. Combined, the structures provide more than 33,000 square feet of living space, eight bedrooms, 12 antique fireplaces and 15 bathrooms. A two-story library with dual offices is another feature of note.
Train tracks for miniature steam and diesel locomotives run through the grounds. Berlyn Photography for Hilton & Hyland
Among the largest private properties in the Flats section, the estate incorporates tracks and switchbacks for running miniature diesel and steam locomotives. The working train park, which is rideable but requires a conductor, is accompanied by a lighted tennis court, expanses of lawn and a swimming pool.
Thirty-foot hedges surround the property, making it largely private from the street.
The lighted and sunken tennis court. Berlyn Photography for Hilton & Hyland
Smith said that the market for Beverly Hills remains strong largely due to the amenities the area provides.
“You don’t want to give up any of the amenities and the quality of life that you can get in a big city,” she said. “But if you can have your own green space, Beverly Hills is the place to do it.”
Richard Maslan, also with Hilton & Hyland, represented the buyer in the transaction.
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8fda2e2eb2105538d0c53e694ed6e497 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/12/29/for-75-million-a-sun-soaked-villa-stands-sentry-on-mexicos-pacific-coast/ | For $7.5 Million, A Sun-Soaked Villa Stands Sentry On Mexico’s Pacific Coast | For $7.5 Million, A Sun-Soaked Villa Stands Sentry On Mexico’s Pacific Coast
Designed for French-British politician Sir James Goldsmith, the bright-yello home overlooks the ... [+] Costa Careyes enclave between Puerto Vallarta and Manazanillo. Hilton & Hyland
Imagine having a front seat on the sunrise—every day.
Set above the ocean like a sunlit citadel, Sol De Oriente combines privacy and resort living in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
The striking compound, listed at $7.5 million, is located along a protected portion of coast in the Costa Careyes luxury enclave between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.
The striking compound, listed for $7.5 million, is reachable by funicular. Hilton & Hyland
Near views from the castle-like main house take in the surrounding infinity swimming pool, which creates the impression of a moat. The corners of rooms appear to jut out from a central platform encircled by the water. The resulting shape would look, fittingly, like a sunburst if seen from above. A pattern in the floor of the pool lounging deck completes the design.
Panoramic vistas encompass portions of the mountainous Chamela-Cuixmala nature reserve, the Pacific Ocean and the beaches below, where sea turtles regularly come to nest.
A three-tier palapa-style roof tops the home, which combines Mediterranean architecture and Mexican ... [+] flair. Hilton & Hyland
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Across the bay is a similar-looking home called Sol De Occidente, which takes in the sunset. Sol De Oriente, built for the sunrise, was designed for French-British businessman and politician Sir James Goldsmith, who ended up purchasing elsewhere.
The bright-yellow home, reachable by a private funicular, combines Mediterranean architecture and Mexican flair. Multiple openings bring an indoor-outdoor quality to the living space, which has soaring ceilings and is topped by a three-tier palapa-style roof. Wide stairways lead to the rooftop deck.
Wide stairways lead to a rooftop deck overlooking the bay. Hilton & Hyland
Natural wood shutters stand out against the white walls of the three bedrooms. White floors contribute to a seamless effect.
A circular motor court sits outside the gated courtyard to the residence. The curved walls surrounding the parking area end in a scrolling shape. Beyond is a lawn. Palm trees dot the landscape.
The central stairs. Hilton & Hyland
The two buttery-toned bungalows contain one bedroom each. A one-bedroom tower, which evokes a turret from “The Wizard of Oz,” completes the dwelling spaces.
All the structures, including the main house, appear to rise from the jungle floor and float above the treetops.
The compound has three bedrooms. Hilton & Hyland
Denise Moreno and Gordon MacGeachy of Hilton & Hyland, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, are the listing agents.
The 20,000-acre eco-resort community of Careyes, designed to be sustainable, is slightly more than an hour drive from Manzanillo International Airport and a 2.5-hour drive from bustling Puerto Vallarta.
Local recreational activities include bird watching, whale and dolphin spotting, hiking, golf, polo, tennis and horseback riding, as well as art and music festivals. For water lovers, there’s paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and surfing.
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d8ce23a43afe8781d11ceb0cb2851444 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/12/30/mediterranean-perch-takes-in-views-of-the-sea-and-golf-links/ | $3.9 Million Mediterranean Perch Takes In Views Of The Sea And Golf Links | $3.9 Million Mediterranean Perch Takes In Views Of The Sea And Golf Links
The contemporary villa-style home, listed for about $3.93 million, takes in golf course and sea ... [+] views from a hillside perch in Dénia, an all-season coastal community in Valencia, Spain. Immobiliaria Rimontgo
If a perch where the Mediterranean stretches along the horizon is on your scorecard, cast your eyes toward this contemporary villa set in a golf course development in Dénia, an all-season coastal community in Valencia, Spain.
Wide beaches, turquoise water and Iberian ruins on the surrounding hillsides are among the draws to this popular tourist destination.
A Moorish castle dating to the 11th century overlooks the city. Sailboats fill the marinas. Restaurants hum with live music.
A Moorish castle dating to the 11th century overlooks the city and the Denia Port Marina promenade. getty
Dénia, in the Alicante Province, holds the distinction of being a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its preservation of distinctive recipes and food traditions.
Authentically Valencian, with a culture and language distinct from Spain, the beach town and historic trading port is set between the larger hubs of the cities of Valencia and Alicante. Both are slightly more than an hour away by taxi, bus or car.
People relocating from Los Angeles can expect everyday meals and beer to cost less than half of what they’d spend in the states, according to comparisons at Numbeo.com. Gasoline and jeans, however, will run more. As Spanish towns go, the cost of living is less than Madrid or Barcelona.
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The swimming pool, which is surrounded by teak decking, has a self-cleaning system. Immobiliaria Rimontgo
And did we mention there’s golf? Set on just under an acre, the resort home is in La Sella, a golf and hotel enclave with expansive views of Montgó mountain and the 27-hole course.
The blocky, white house emphasizes horizontal lines while cantilevered concrete adds to the Modernist effect. Sliding walls of glass complete the tie to Midcentury design.
The 3,250 square feet of living space is spread across three stories. In the current configuration, there are two family bedrooms and three staff quarters for a total of five bedrooms and five bathrooms.
The 3,250 square feet of living space is spread across three stories. Immobiliaria Rimontgo
At ground level, the home is accessed by way of an automatic wooden door that opens to a hall and elevator. This floor also contains staff suites.
The upper two stories encompass the main living area, a dining room, a sitting room and a state-of-the-art kitchen with a prep and cooking island. Rooms open to a landscaped terrace or a balcony.
Beside the terrace is a library that connects to an office and a guest bathroom.
Rooms open to a landscaped terrace or a balcony. Immobiliaria Rimontgo
The primary bedroom features a lounge, two dressing areas and a marble bathroom. Two living areas and a terrace adjoin the suite.
The illuminated swimming pool has a self-cleaning system and is surrounded by a teak deck. Amenities include a five-car garage, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a gym and changing rooms with a shower.
Kermes oak, walnut trees, orange and lemon trees, as well as aromatic plants, fill the garden.
Expansive decking extends the living space outwards. Immobiliaria Rimontgo
Air conditioning and underfloor heating, an alarm system, CCTV video surveillance and electric blinds are among other features.
The asking price for the property is $3,927,536. Antonio Ribes Bas of Rimontgó, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, is the listing agent.
Don’t forget to pack your nine iron.
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0b1797250dda03726ee872bb1cd14a47 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2017/09/18/the-best-gaming-laptop/?sh=1ff84f112452 | The Best Gaming Laptop | The Best Gaming Laptop
Photo by Michael Hession
After 20 hours of new research and testing—plus 150 hours over the past few years—we found that the Acer Predator 17 G9-793-79V5 is the best gaming laptop for most people because it has the best performance for the price without any major flaws. The Predator 17 stays cool, has a comfortable, responsive keyboard, and sports a great 17-inch 1080p IPS screen with G-sync. Its fans are loud, and that keyboard is ugly and looks cobbled together, but these flaws are worth the trade-off for excellent performance at a low price (for a gaming laptop, anyway). If you’re looking for a less expensive alternative, head over to our budget gaming laptop guide.
Why you should trust us
I’ve tested, lived with, and reviewed hundreds of laptops in my career, and I’ve spent hands-on time with countless other models while covering the CES trade show, attending events, and visiting stores. I’ve reviewed most gaming laptops released in the past five years, and I’ve spent thousands of hours gaming on laptops since high school.
Photo by Kimber Streams
Who is this for
Gaming laptops are a tough sell. To provide the power to play games at decent settings, they sacrifice portability, battery life, and value compared to non-gaming laptops. At the same time, a $2,000 gaming laptop is less powerful and less upgradeable than a $1,200 desktop gaming PC. And a $1,000 ultrabook will handle non-gaming tasks just as well at a third the weight and with four times the battery life, much better build quality, and a better keyboard and trackpad.
A gaming laptop makes sense only if you’re a serious gamer but still want to travel with your machine. Gaming laptops tend to be popular with students, deployed soldiers, and road warriors—people for whom a gaming desktop isn’t feasible.
What makes a good gaming laptop
The attributes that impact a gaming laptop’s performance are, in order: graphics card (GPU), processor (CPU), the chassis’s heat management, memory (RAM), and storage. Other important features include noise management, keyboard, display, and (to a lesser extent) the speakers and trackpad.
Our ideal gaming laptop has an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card or better, an Intel Core i7-6700HQ or i7-7700HQ processor or faster, at least 16 GB of RAM, and at least a 256 GB SSD and 1 TB hard drive. We would prefer that it cost less than $2,000, but we’re less strict about price in gaming laptops provided the machine is worth the cost.
Powerful hardware isn’t the only consideration. A gaming laptop’s processor and graphics card produce a lot of heat, and if the laptop doesn’t have an effective cooling system, it can overheat. The laptop also needs a good keyboard and solid build quality. Even though Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1070 can run games on high settings at 4K resolution, we still recommend 1080p displays because 4K screens are currently too expensive for most of our readers.
Some features that are must-haves in non-gaming laptops aren’t quite as important here. Poor speakers can be bypassed with a good pair of headphones, and most people use a mouse instead of the trackpad while gaming. Battery life and portability have never been the strong suits of gaming laptops, which spend most of their lives plugged in and stationary.
How we picked and tested
After picking our hardware criteria (see above), we scoured the websites of major gaming-laptop manufacturers like Alienware, MSI, Asus, Razer, Samsung, Acer, HP, and Lenovo, and we browsed boutiques like Xotic PC, iBuyPower, Clevo, iBuypower, Origin PC, Digital Storm, and others. Then we put together a list of the laptops that fit our requirements and have positive reviews from trusted sources like CNET, AnandTech, Engadget, Laptop Mag, PCMag, and Notebookcheck, and eliminated those that didn’t.
For this update, that left us with three finalists: the the Acer Predator 17, the Asus ROG G752VS, and the MSI GT72VR Dominator Pro.
Photo by Michael Hession
We tested the laptops using BioShock Infinite’s benchmarking mode and by playing half an hour of The Witcher 3 on ultra with VSync off. We measured the laptops’ internal temperature using HWMonitor and measured the surface temperature at various points on the keyboard and underside using an IR thermometer. We tested each laptop’s screen using some of the Lagom LCD monitor test pages, and used each for several workdays to get a feel for its keyboard, trackpad, screen, and speakers.
Our pick: Acer Predator 17
Photo by Michael Hession
Of the gaming laptops we researched and tested in 2017, the Acer Predator 17 G9-793-79V5 has the most powerful specs for the price, without any dealbreaking flaws. The Predator 17 keeps its WASD keys, underside, and components cool, and it has a comfortable, responsive keyboard and a great 17-inch 1080p IPS display with G-sync. Its biggest flaws are loud, distracting fans and an ugly, haphazard-looking keyboard. Most important, the Predator 17 will be able to play most modern games on ultra settings—it offers great performance for the price. (If you want to know how it will handle a specific game, take a look at Notebookcheck’s benchmarks database.)
As an added bonus, the Predator 17 has hella ports: Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, Thunderbolt 3, four USB 3.0, an SD card slot, jacks for headphones and a microphone, and a Kensington lock slot. And like most gaming laptops, this model is easy to upgrade: Two small screws and a panel stand between you and installing two more sticks of RAM. Our pick doesn’t have any open drive slots, but you can access the included hard drive and solid-state drives if you need to replace them.
What to look forward to
Gaming laptops is a tricky category. Components—graphics cards, processors, solid-state drives, wireless cards, and the like—are refreshed at various points throughout the year. Some gaming-laptop makers release only one new line per year, while others update their offerings and prices year-round to reflect new components and tiny design tweaks.
Such high product churn means there isn’t really a best time of the year to buy a gaming laptop, but here are some things that might be worth looking forward to: Intel’s first eighth-generation Core processor and quad-core ultrabook chips, Nvidia’s Max-Q approach to designing thinner and quieter laptops, MSI’s new gaming laptops, Lenovo’s Legion Y920 laptop, Acer’s Predator Triton 700 laptop, and Samsung’s Notebook Odyssey laptop.
Also, this year marks the first time that a number of 15-inch gaming laptops are available with powerful GTX 1070 graphics cards. Two-thirds of our survey respondents told us they would prefer a 15-inch gaming laptop, so we’ll be looking into 15-inch options for our next round of testing.
Shop Now: Acer Predator 17 ($1749.99)
This guide may have been updated. To see the current recommendations or availability updates, please go here.
Note from The Wirecutter: When readers choose to buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn affiliate commissions that support our work.
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07e1d8079a7d46dd9b3f4e05bf1bf1fa | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2017/10/13/9-essential-tools-you-need-to-create-the-perfect-home-bar/ | 9 Essential Tools You Need To Create The Perfect Home Bar | 9 Essential Tools You Need To Create The Perfect Home Bar
An at-home bar provides the perfect central setting for both festive gatherings and cozy nights spent indoors -- if you invest in high-quality equipment and premium spirits. These 9 accessories will add a touch of class and elegance as you set up the perfect, timeless home bar.
Rogue Valley Wine & Bar Cabinet
This is the ultimate home bar — a hardwood wine and bar cabinet that opens up to reveal wood-planked door panels for spirits and room to store 22 bottles of wine. A wooden stemware rack and upper fixed shelf hold a variety of glassware, while two drawers provide plenty of storage for utensils and laminated lift-up shelves can be used as an area to prepare cocktails. There’s even an auto-on light that turns on when a door is opened and off when it closes and a locking door for extra security.
Shop Now: Amazon ($2,399)
Tribecca Home Myra Rustic Mobile Kitchen Bar Serving Cart
Want a party on wheels? This portable bar cart by Tribecca Home offers three levels that include a bottom storage and wine glass inserts, a tray top, metal pulls, and wheels that lock. This piece is easy to assemble, sturdy, and holds more liquor than you might suspect.
Shop Now: Amazon ($262)
VonShef Premium Matte Black Cocktail Shaker Set
A top-notch cocktail shaker set is one of the first bar tools you’ll need to whip up mixed drinks and martinis. This matte black set includes a stainless steel 19-ounce capacity Parisian cocktail shaker and a matching muddler, 9” double ended bar spoon,/fork, Hawthorne strainer, 2x pourer, and double-ended 0.5oz/1om jigger for measuring spirits. It also includes a smart recipe guide to help you get started.
Shop Now: Amazon ($34.99)
Libbey Vina 6-Piece Martini Glass Set
These durable, lead-free 12-ounce martini glasses, which come six in a package, feature a generous bowl that accommodates a larger than average martini, cosmopolitan, or Manhattan. These glasses are ideal for parties — they limit the number of times you have to refill glasses and you can simply place them in the dishwasher after each use.
Shop Now: Amazon ($31)
Ashcroft Fine Glassware Twist Whiskey Glasses
Sipping whiskey, scotch or bourbon from one of these uniquely crafted twist glasses turns a drink into an event. Each 3.3-inch tall glass is free of lead and holds 8 ounces of liquor. These glasses are designed so that your nose fits at the ideal angle to savor your drink, they can be held comfortably, and they’re dishwasher-safe.
Shop Now: Amazon (Set of 2 $24.99)
Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Glass Forte Collection Rocks Stemless Cocktail Tumbler
A tumbler glass is vital for whipping up classic mixed drinks like an Old Fashioned or gin and tonic. This stemless, 20.4-ounce glass is 4 inches tall, 4 inches wide, and made in Germany from quality tritan crystal, a lead-free blend of titanium and zirconium oxide. It’s resistant to chipping, scratching, and breakage and is dishwasher safe. It has a soft tapered bowl and you’ll receive six glasses in each package.
Shop Now: Amazon ($42)
Zelite Infinity Paring Knife
Once you have set up your bar and are ready to begin experimenting with spirits, you’ll notice several recipes require garnishes like lemons, limes, and mint. This 4-inch paring knife can be kept on your bar, along with a small wooden cutting board, and used whenever you want to impress with a cocktail that looks and tastes like it came from a master mixologist. This knife is made from razor-sharp Japanese Takefu VG10 steel and has excellent precision control.
Shop Now: Amazon ($59.97)
HQY Rabbit Wine Opener Corkscrew
It’s often overlooked, but a quality corkscrew can make all the difference when you’re serving drinks — and can save you time and frustration. This rabbit wine opener is made from zinc alloy material with plating and boasts a smooth lever handle that requires little effort to pop open any and all bottles of wine. This gadget makes it simple to both extract wine corks and discard them — with little to no mess or time wasted. Shop Now: Amazon ($24.75) The Bartender’s Black Book Just as you wouldn’t invest in a new pots and pans if you had no intention of cooking, a home bar is only as good as the cocktails you create. The Bartender’s Black Book, with more than 2,500 drink recipes, is considered the gold standard when it comes to cocktail recipe books. Store it by your bar and refer to it as often as necessary — you can reference recipes by ingredients or glossary and it has a special section for wine and martini drinks. Shop Now: Amazon ($15.27)
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e7af318a427ee60fd3710294744965ba | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2017/10/16/the-best-wi-fi-hotspot/ | The Best Wi-Fi Hotspot | The Best Wi-Fi Hotspot
We spent more than 30 hours testing three new Wi-Fi hotspots against our previous picks and found that the Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot AC791L is still the best, most reliable option when your phone’s tethering feature just won’t cut it. The Jetpack’s battery life is among the longest we’ve seen for any hotspot we’ve tested, and this model takes advantage of the largest and (according to PCMag and RootMetric) fastest LTE network in the US.
But it’s really the network that matters most here, and Verizon’s is the best for LTE. If you’re not on Verizon, it’s worthwhile to open an account if you need a hotspot, since the regions where Verizon is strongest tend to be the same places you can’t easily find free public Wi-Fi.
If you’re already an AT&T Mobile Share subscriber, and you like its coverage in the places you go, consider the ruggedized AT&T Unite Explore. It’s cheaper to add a line to an existing Mobile Share plan than to start a new one with a different carrier, and AT&T’s network is good enough in most places for you to avoid spending extra for a new plan with Verizon. The Unite Explore lasted 22.5 hours in our battery-life test, offers almost all of the Verizon hotspot’s network options (it’s a similar model from the same manufacturer), and matches its competitor’s device-charging capability.
The current hotspots for T-Mobile and Sprint can’t compete with either the AC791L or the Unite Explore, even setting aside those services’ weaker networks.
Who is this for, and is your smartphone enough?
Just about every smartphone available now can act as a hotspot, sharing your data signal over Wi-Fi with your tablet, laptop, or other devices. So if you need a hotspot only for short periods, such as when you’re sending some files from your laptop or browsing a few websites, your phone will suffice. But if you travel a lot and have business income on the line, a dedicated hotspot in your gear bag can help maintain a constant, consistent connection.
“Hotspot mode burns battery, dedicated hotspots have better Wi-Fi range than phones do, and they have the option for external antennas to boost their signal quality,” PCMag lead mobile analyst Sascha Segan told Wirecutter in 2015.
If you’re holding on to a hotspot from 2013 or earlier, you should consider upgrading: Odds are, you’re missing options such as 5 GHz Wi-Fi and the ability to create a guest network, and your hotspot’s battery life is probably a lot worse than what today’s models can offer.
If you’re looking to buy a wireless router, we think the TP-Link Archer C7 (v2) is the best wireless router for most people.
How we tested
Wirecutter has tested three rounds of hotspots since 2014, each time testing in multiple cities across the country. We tested our main recommendation in late 2015 in Washington DC, in the San Francisco Bay Area, and elsewhere, and we tested two other models in early 2017 in Washington DC, as well as in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Measurements with the Speedtest.net site and app informed our decision, but we mostly focused on network reliability and coverage, with the battery life and usability of each hotspot as secondary considerations. We tested each model with a 2012 MacBook Air, an iPad mini 4, a Nexus 5X, and a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (in earlier rounds of testing, our Windows 10 machine was a Lenovo ThinkPad X120e).
Our pick: Verizon Jetpack AC791L
Verizon Wireless’s Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot AC791L.
The Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot AC791L is the best hotspot for most people. This pocket-sized device has long battery life, fast performance, and exceptional coverage. It’s not Verizon’s newest hotspot, but it’s still the best.
The AC791L is the carrier’s first hotspot to support LTE Advanced, the next evolution in LTE networking. The technology allows a device to use multiple frequency ranges simultaneously, which can dramatically increase throughput and reliability. Our runner-up from AT&T also supports LTE Advanced, but Verizon is rolling out the new technology faster, which could allow its network to outpace AT&T’s in comparable locations for some time.
The AC791L’s battery life is fantastic. While it didn’t match Verizon’s advertised battery life of “up to 24 hours,” it did hold an LTE connection for 19 hours, 48 minutes while our Mac laptop checked email and auto-refreshed Web pages.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The Verizon Jetpack AC791L has a poor user interface, the worst among the hotspots we tested. And in place of a touchscreen interface, it has a low-resolution screen that you control via soft-touch buttons with no tactile feedback. This kind of interface was acceptable three years ago, and tolerable up until 2015. Now it’s just lame.
By default, the AC791L’s admin password matches its Wi-Fi password; we advise changing that, especially if anyone else will ever use the device.
Shop Now: Verizon Jetpack AC791L
Runner-up: AT&T Unite Explore
AT&T’s Unite Explore is the hotspot to get if you’re already an AT&T customer or you need much more than 10 GB of LTE data. Next to the AC791L, it has a better interface and superior battery life, but Verizon’s pricing remains cheaper at most usage levels unless you already have service with AT&T and can add this ruggedized, if somewhat chunky, hotspot to your plan.
It has a 2.4-inch touchscreen that’s higher resolution and much easier to work with than the AC791L’s interface and its fiddly buttons.
The Unite Explore’s 4,340 mAh battery allowed it to last 22 hours, 30 minutes in our test, a major upgrade over the 16 hours, 36 minutes of AT&T’s now-discontinued Unite Pro, and more than two hours better than the AC791L.
AT&T’s hotspot comes with with a simple default password, which we recommend changing immediately.
Shop Now: AT&T Unite Explore
This guide may have been updated. To see the current recommendations or availability updates, please go here.
Note from Wirecutter: When readers choose to buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn affiliate commissions that support our work.
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f8aeea6e5a605a377865b5d2ab8ed802 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2017/11/28/gift-guide-hottest-childrens-toys-of-2017/ | Gift Guide: Hottest Children's Toys Of 2017 | Gift Guide: Hottest Children's Toys Of 2017
It’s that time of year again. Christmas lists are being written and parents are racing to get their hands on the hottest toys of the season. Here are some of the top toy picks for 2017 — get them while you can.
For babies
The singing, spinning, ball-popping Fisher-Price Zoom 'N Crawl Monster has a range of colors, textures and sounds to keep your little one entertained. It also helps develop gross motor skills by encouraging them to crawl and play.
Manufacturer’s recommended age range: 9 months+
Shop Now: $19.93 (Walmart)
For a great interactive baby toy, check out the VTech Sit, Stand and Ride Baby Walker. It grows with your child, switching from an activity panel to a walker or ride-on when they’re ready, and helps them learn more than 60 sounds, melodies, songs, and phrases.
Manufacturer’s recommended age range: 9 months to 3 years
Shop Now: $129.59 (Amazon)
For age 3+
The PJ Masks Deluxe Talking Figure Set features all your kid’s favorite PJ Masks characters — Catboy, Owlette, Gekko, and Romeo — as 6-inch figures. They’re fully poseable, and they talk too: press their amulets to hear them say iconic phrases from the TV show.
Manufacturer’s recommended age range is 3+
Shop Now: $35.99 (Target)
We all want our kids to learn how to tidy their own rooms and now there’s a toy that can help with that: the Real Workin’ Buddies Mr. Dusty. Mr. Dusty will eat up, sweep up and dump out their toys with his motorized mouth, and has more than 50 phrases and sounds to (hopefully) make cleaning up fun.
Manufacturer’s recommended age range: 3+
Shop Now: $23.79 (Amazon)
The Melissa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant is a wooden diner play space has a kitchen on one side and booth seating for two on the other and includes an oven, stovetop and grill and milkshake mixer. It’s perfect for kids who like pretend play, and if you like buying quality wooden toys for your kids, you’ll be happy too.
Manufacturer’s recommended range: 3+
Shop Now: $229.99 (Amazon)
The Fisher-Price Shimmer and Shine Magical Light-Up Genie Palace Set is in the running for the TOTY Playset of the Year award, and we can see why. It has three levels of play, an amazing light show and more than 100 phrases that respond to your child’s voice or clapping hands.
Manufacturer’s recommended age range is 3+
Shop Now: $104.99 (Toy R Us)
For age 4-7
Kids love the FurReal animals and the Roarin' Ivory The Playful Tiger Pet is one of the sweetest new additions. Roar at her, and she roars back. She also responds to sound and touch and comes with poseable back legs for all those cuddles she’s going to get. Perfect for kids who’ll never have enough soft toys.
Manufacturer’s recommended age range is 4+
Shop Now: $129.99 (Toys R Us)
The 2016 holiday season was all about Hatchimals, and they’re back this year with some new additions, such as the Hatchimals Surprise - Puppadee, Toys R Us Exclusive. Your kid gets double the fun with the Puppadee twins, whose eyes glow as they begin to hatch inside the egg, and have their own unique personalities.
Manufacturer’s recommended age range is 5+
Shop Now: $69.99 (Toys R Us)
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a new board game and sure to appeal to kids (and big kids) is the Soggy Doggy Board Game. Be warned: you’re going to get wet when Soggy Doggy wants to shake himself dry — but your kids will find it hilarious. Manufacturer’s recommended age range: 4+
Shop Now: $14.88 (Walmart)
For age 8+
If your child is eagerly awaiting the release of the new Star Wars movie, why not let them make their very own droid? The LittleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit is a toolkit of magnetic building blocks, meaning kids can get creative without having to deal with real electronics.
Manufacturer’s recommended age range: 8+
Shop Now: $79 (Walmart)
Fans of The LEGO Ninjago Movie will go crazy for the LEGO Ninjago Movie Destiny's Bounty — a 2295-piece LEGO set that comes with 7 mini-figures (Wu, Kai, Lloyd, Zane, Nya, Jay, and Cole), an array of accessories and weapons worthy of any deserving ninja.
Manufacturer’s recommended age range: 8-14
Shop Now: $159.95 (Amazon)
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d7f25b1599a54bf083f540782821df6d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/03/27/easter-basket-ideas-you-can-gift-to-kids-and-adults/ | Easter Basket Ideas You Can Gift To Kids and Adults | Easter Basket Ideas You Can Gift To Kids and Adults
It’s that time of year to hop into the Easter spirit. Whether it is with egg hunts and egg dying for the kids, or a lovely brunch with friends and families, Easter is all about coming together.
Although it isn’t the biggest gift-giving holiday, showing love and appreciation during an Easter get-together can really pave the way for a happy and bright Spring. Easter baskets are a staple for the holiday, and they can be really fun if you get creative with it. Whether it is for a kid or an adult, a basket can be personalized and unique. Chocolates and candies are the traditional treasures, but you can put whatever your loved ones like inside.
Not everyone has the time in their busy week to put together Easter baskets for the special people in their lives, so here is a list of worthy baskets you can order for the special people in your life.
For Kids
This personalized basket comes with chocolate, candy and a coloring and sticker book with crayons, and it works for both girls or boys.
Shop Now: $49.99-$59.99
Does your child have dreams of going pro? If they love sports, they would really have a ball with these personalized candy-filled baskets.
Shop Now: $29.99-$39.98
For Mom
What’s better than treating your mom to a spa in the comfort of her own home? This keepsake basket comes with organic spa products to give mom what she really needs — relaxation.
Shop Now: $99.95
For Dad (Or Other Men In Your Life)
If your dad is the master griller in the family, then he would really appreciate this Barbecue Boss gift basket. Whether he likes his meat sweet, tangy or savory, this basket has it all.
Shop Now: $89.99
For Grandparents
This is the gift basket your grandparents will be talking about until the next big holiday. Every sweet and savory craving they have will be fulfilled. It comes sweet pears, cheese and crackers, popcorn, raspberry galettes, chocolate truffles and more.
Shop Now: $79.99-$129.99
For Someone You Miss
Beautiful and bright Spring bulbs are a perfect gift to send to someone you miss during the Easter holiday. Whether it is for a friend or a family member who can’t make it to Easter brunch, make them feel remembered with this bold arrangement.
Shop Now: $50.99
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963dd4cdabe513e3d040f8fc620f035a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/04/03/best-home-printers-to-buy-inkjet-vs-laser/ | Best Home Printers To Buy: Inkjet Vs Laser | Best Home Printers To Buy: Inkjet Vs Laser
Printers can be an excellent addition to your home or they can be a real pain. When they work well, they can work seamlessly -- allowing you to print (and possibly scan) when you need to, alerting you when it’s low on ink, and connecting immediately to your computer.
Of course, we’ve all grappled with a printer that doesn’t work the way its intended do -- printers are notorious for their issues, whether they be issues with connectivity, ink or cleaning head. But the right printers are better at dealing with those issues -- and as such they simply won’t require as much work or guessing to run.
There are many things to consider when you’re buying a new printer. The first thing you’ll want to think about is whether you want a scanner built-in to the printer. Being able to scan can be particularly helpful if you have a home office, though of course there are apps these days that can create the effect of a scan.
You’ll also want to think about whether you want an inkjet printer, or a laser printer. Inkjet printers are better at printing photos and color documents, and while there are color laser printers, they’re more expensive. Unlike inkjet printers, laser printers don’t use ink. Instead, they use toner -- which lasts much longer. The trade-off is that laser printers are generally more expensive.
Here are some of the best home printers out there, along with why they’re great and who they’re best for. (If you're also looking for the right work laptop, check out this guide.)
Brother MFC-J6935DW
Price: $329 (orig. $349.99)
Type: Inkjet
Scanner: Yes
Double-sided printing: Yes
Who’s it for? This is for those that print regularly, scan all the time, and who need a workhorse that can keep up with their busy home office life. If you don’t regularly work at home, then you may be better served spending a little less on a printer that’s still very capable.
Looking for a top-tier printer that you could arguably take out of your home and put in an office? Brother is known for building workhorse printers, and the MFC-J6935DW is no exception to that rule. The device is not only a great printer, but it’s also aimed at ensuring that you never have to think about keeping it going. How? Well, for starters, it comes with Amazon Dash Replenishment Services, which basically means that it can monitor how much ink you have and automatically order more ink when you’re running low. On top of that, the printer offers a 500-sheet paper tray, and offers a print resolution of 4,800 x 1,200 -- which is pretty good for the vast majority of normal users.
Pros:
Easy to use Large paper tray Can automatically order ink
Cons:
Big and unwieldy
Shop Now: $329
HP OfficeJet Pro 6978
Price: $89.99 (orig. $179.99)
Type: Inkjet
Scanner: Yes
Double-sided printing: Yes
Who’s it for? This is for those who appreciate a no-fuss approach to printing, and those who print regularly -- but perhaps not more than a couple times per day. This is a very capable printer, but it’s not as heavy-duty as the Brother MFC-J6935DW.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 is sleek and stylish, plus it offers some excellent cloud-based features. For example, HP offers an ink subscription service, in which you’ll get sent ink whenever you start running out. The printer also offers features like its own email address -- which will allow you to print documents remotely simply by sending them to that email address. When it comes to print quality, the printer offers
Pros:
Great cloud features Nice design Double-sided printing
Cons:
Not as heavy-duty as Brother printer
Shop Now: $89.99
Canon Pixma TS9120
Price: $99.99 (orig. $199.99)
Type: Inkjet
Scanner: Yes
Double-sided printing: Yes
Who’s it for? This is for the average user who wants to print nice-quality photos every now and then, but will largely stick with average documents.
Canon is a respected powerhouse in the printer industry, and for good reason. The TS910 features a nice design, and a beautiful big display that makes it very easy to control and allows you to preview images before you print them -- which is a very nice feature. The printer also offers support for a number of cloud services, like Google Cloud Print, and AirPrint.
Pros:
Nice design Great photo-printing quality Big display
Cons:
Ink costs a higher than competitors
Shop Now: $99.99
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c5401b28290365f9b98e03ac03ab7245 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/04/10/the-best-hair-straightener-for-busy-mornings/ | The Best Hair Straightener For Busy Mornings | The Best Hair Straightener For Busy Mornings
As wonderful as it is to have smooth, frizz-free hair, getting those smooth tresses often takes time and effort. Wouldn’t it be nice to shave a few minutes off your morning routine, without sacrificing the beautiful smooth locks that tell the world that you made an effort?
Enter the vibrating hair straightener. The Bio Ionic 10X Pro Styling Iron 1” has made waves (or, well, the opposite) since it was introduced a couple of years ago for its super speedy straightening prowess. In addition to the evenly-heating ceramic plates and ionic smoothing technology possessed by its competitors, the Bio Ionic 10X Pro Styling Iron has a secret weapon -- vibrating heat plates.
With each pass over your hair with the Bio Ionic 10X Pro Styling Iron, the pulsing vibration of the heat plates helps to evenly distribute your hair between the plates, and helps locks slip evenly through the straightener. Fewer passes through the flat iron means that hair suffers less heat damage. The vibrations shift the strands of hair back and forth, straightening them faster, and leaving them silkier and shinier. The end result is hair that is straight, smooth, and shining, in about half the time of traditional hair straighteners. Customer reviews consistently claim this straightening iron significantly reduces styling time. (Looking for a quality hairdryer? Here are six recommended by professional stylists.)
Tips For Straightening Hair
Part of the appeal of the Bio Ionic 10X Pro Styling Iron is how the vibrations minimize the number of times you need to pass the iron over the hair, reducing damage caused by repeating sections of hair. Dani Gonzalez, a hairstylist at Gold and Braid Salon in Orange County, CA, also suggests that “to maintain the integrity of the hair and avoid further damage ...prep the hair with a heat protectant product beforehand, allow to dry, and adjust the heat setting on your iron according to the condition of your hair.”
Where to Get It
The Bio Ionic 10X Pro Styling Iron retails at Sephora for $230. While this is at the higher end of straightening irons, the faster styling time may make the Bio Ionic 10X Pro Styling Iron a worthwhile splurge if you heat style your hair frequently.
Shop Now: $230
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3f6b3a5321ead62e154a3ec9fe7855fa | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/04/27/7-gorgeous-watches-for-women-under-500/ | 7 Gorgeous Watches For Women Under $500 | 7 Gorgeous Watches For Women Under $500
While the men’s watch market is currently experiencing a renaissance, women’s timepieces can still be a minefield for the potential buyer. The current women’s watch field can be depressing for the true enthusiast, dominated as it is with fashion brands and cheap quartz movements, but there are still some incredible quality pieces out there if you know where to look. With that in mind, here’s our roundup of seven of the best mechanical women’s watches currently for sale.
Oris Rectangular Date Automatic
Kicking off our shortlist is the Oris Rectangular Date Automatic, a brilliantly stylish example of the classic rectangular case. Channeling the iconic Cartier Tank while imbuing Art Deco vibes and Oris’ own personal flair, the case of this watch immediately sets itself apart from the pack. The guilloché textured dial and bold Roman numerals continue the bold, early 20th century aesthetic. Oris is almost unique at its price point as an independent brand producing their own independently designed movements, and the display back of the Rectangular Date offers a stunning view of this movement with Oris’ signature red winding rotor. All in all, a finely crafted piece that stands apart from the pack without breaking the bank.
Shop Now: $495
Mido Commander I Automatic
If smooth and simple is more your style, try the Mido Commander I Automatic. This early ‘60s inspired lugs piece sits at a bold 37 millimeters wide, while the completely circular case ensures that bold style doesn’t mean overwhelmed wrists. Upping the wrist presence here is the all yellow gold treatment, including a gorgeous gold Milanese mesh bracelet. Easy legibility and a day/date complication mean that the Commander I is more than just a pretty face, it’s eminently functional as well while an ETA-sourced automatic movement brings reliability and mechanical smoothness.
Shop Now: $489
Mido Baroncelli III Automatic
Our second offering from Mido is from their luxe Baroncelli line. The Baroncelli III Automatic takes a classically understated approach, with a simple attached-lug case and polished stepped bezel. The dial is similarly businesslike at first glance, featuring polished dauphine hands against a set of oversized printed Roman numerals. Where this dial comes alive, however, is in the details. The dial surface is a subtly gleaming silver, while the guilloché central section delivers elegant visual dynamism in changing light. What really sets the Baroncelli III apart, however, is the movement. This is a watch for the serious horologist, as the ETA 2836-2 automatic within is the only one on our list to be certified by the Swiss COSC with the venerable Chronometer rating for accuracy. While it may fly under the radar for most, those in the know will be seriously impressed.
Shop Now: $495
Victorinox Swiss Army Maverick
Sporty style shouldn’t just be reserved for men’s timepieces, and Victorinox proves that resoundingly with the Swiss Army Maverick. The Maverick successfully scales down chunky dive watch style into a 34 millimeter package, keeping hallmarks like a wide unidirectional rotating bezel, fat lugs, thick crown guards and an oyster-style bracelet along the way. The dial offers a bit more Victorinox DNA, including semi-pointed hands and a mix of numerals and indices. The blue sunburst texture of the main dial offers a little flash to break up the aggressive diver approach here, helping the overall product feel a bit more refined. Powering this handsome brute is ETA’s ubiquitous 2824-2, ensuring easy servicing and repair if the need arises. All this deep sea posturing isn’t just for show: the Maverick offers 100 meters of water resistance. While that may not be adequate for deep water SCUBA or saturation diving, it’s certainly enough to hold up to any normal abuse the watch may encounter.
Shop Now: $449
Tissot Couturier Automatic
Tissot’s first entry on this list, the Couturier Automatic, takes a sophisticated modern approach with a rose gold-plated case finished to a mirror polish. The wide, shapely lugs and flat bezel ensure that rose gold finish has plenty of space to flash, while the black alligator strap keeps things from going too gaudy. The dial is similarly elegant, featuring a brilliant black sunburst finish with a contrasting hours index ring. Everything else, from the type to the dauphine hands, date window and applied indices carry on the rose gold theme. Around back, Tissot caps the Couturier off with a beautifully decorated movement including a custom black rotor.
Shop Now: $459
Tissot T-Classic Automatic
For those with a taste for precious dials, Tissot has you covered as well with the T-Classic Automatic. The rose gold approach is used once again here for a much simpler case design, slab sided with long narrow lugs. This minimalism of the case allows the dial to really shine- and shine it does, courtesy of a main dial surface made of shimmering mother of pearl. Tissot accents this surface with a rose gold inner ring, slender applied indices and Roman numerals. The rose gold leaf hands keep things light and feminine, a theme carried on through the matte white leather strap. The true beauty of the T-Classic Automatic lies within, however. Through the ornately etched caseback window, one can catch a glimpse of Tissot’s in-house Powermatic 80 movement hard at work. This movement’s unprecedented 80 hours of power reserve makes an owner’s life so much simpler. Even if the watch is left unwound for three entire days between wears, it would still be ready to go and running correctly in the morning of the fourth day.
Shop Now: $425
Tissot T-Classic Lady Heart Automatic
Lastly, Tissot rounds off our list with the T-Classic Lady Heart Automatic, offering timeless style and a glimpse into the watch’s open heart simultaneously. The softly rounded contours of the main case are smoothly elegant, contrasted well with the Art Deco-style stepped curved lugs. The dial of the Lady Heart Automatic offers several similarities to the standard T-Classic at first glance: mother of pearl dial surface, mix of gold applied indices and numerals. Where the Lady Heart Automatic differs, however, is the central dial. Inside the accent ring here is a contrasting black center, while the 12 o’clock end is dominated by the five-petaled rose shaped open heart window, proudly displaying the oscillating balance wheel and movement plates behind its golden leaves. Mechanically, this one is identical to the standard T-Classic but that’s far from a bad thing. Tissot’s Powermatic 80 movement is a technical marvel, especially at this price point.
Shop Now: $495
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8466da9d6ead1841c885a32bf7c0cd4d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/05/21/wirecutters-favorite-tent-for-family-and-car-camping/ | Wirecutter's Favorite Tent For Family And Car Camping | Wirecutter's Favorite Tent For Family And Car Camping
We researched more than two dozen family car-camping tents and tested 13 over four camping trips. We think the Eureka Copper Canyon 6 is the best option for most families. It’s spacious, durable, and easy to set up. We also like that all of these features come at a reasonable price. It can handle wind and rain, and you can count on it lasting for several years.
Our also great pick, the Coleman 6-Person Instant Cabin, is durable as well, but it isn’t fit for harsh weather. Its design is simple with less pockets and smaller windows than our top pick, but its assembly process was fastest during testing.
The REI Base Camp 6 Tent, our upgrade pick, has a large and convenient front vestibule for holding items that may be wet, or that you just don’t want in the tent’s main area. The Base Camp 6 Tent is storm-ready and has a rain fly for combating unfavorable weather. Its six poles criss-cross and offer extra stability.
If you don’t want to spend much more than $100 on a tent, the Coleman Sundome 6 is our budget recommendation. It’s cheaper than our other picks, but it’ll last years down the line. It’s a dome-style tent that’s also smaller than our other recommendations. However, it’s unlikely you’ll have a hard time setting it up, plus its variety of colors are bright and inviting.
Who this is for
Tents for families and car-camping should be light, and built to meet your needs. We think the best options for a family of three to five people (and couples with a big pet) are tents rated to accommodate six people.
The capacity of a six-person tent is measured by the amount of space that will fit six adults sleeping hip-to-hip. This is why we recommend a six-person option for less people. It should also be high enough for an adult to stand in. If you won’t be walking more than a couple hundred feet to your campsite, a heavier tent with more space will ultimately be the best bet for the most comfort. If you’re set on buying a smaller option, see our guide to car-camping tents for two people.
How we picked and tested
A quartet of tents at the Chilao Campground in Southern California’s Angeles National Forest. From left to right: Coleman’s 6-Person Instant Cabin, Eureka’s Jade Canyon 6, REI’s Base Camp 6 Tent, and Eureka’s Copper Canyon 6. Dan Koeppel
We spent six hours reading company websites and online reviews before narrowing down our options for testing. We talked to frequent campers with kids and used our own accounts of camping experiences. With this information we determined that a six-person tent is the best size for most families. In order for most adults to stand comfortably in the tent, we determined that the minimum height should be 6 feet. It’s ideal to have a footprint between 80 and 100 square feet so that a double-bed-size air mattress, or five sleeping pads and duffle bags, can fit inside.
We conducted an informal survey to get an idea of what pricing most families considered to be reasonable. Since that number landed between $200 and $400, we set our testing criteria on tents between $100 and $600.
We talked to an expert on family camping and a tent designer. We learned that Nylon is more susceptible to UV damage and absorbs more water compared to Polyester, which tends to be a stiffer, heavier fabric. Backcountry camping, where you might have to endure windstorms, is sometimes made easier with a Nylon tent which stretches more. Ultimately, for campers who prefer to pitch their tent in a sunny area, Polyester is the better option.
Over a series of weekend camping trips, 12 families in California—all with children between the ages of 9 months and 9 years—helped in putting the tents to the test. During spring 2016, and in April 2017, we pitched tents around the state where temperatures varied from the mid-30’s at night to high 70s (Fahrenheit) in the daytime.
We evaluated the duration and ease of setup, and compared feedback regarding experiences sleeping in the tents. Most families prefered built-in pockets that were within reach of a sleeping position, mesh roofs, and a quick and intuitive setup process. We tested our picks against violent wind gusts, a downpour, and light rain.
Our pick: Eureka Copper Canyon 6
Eureka’s highly functional, simple, rugged, and affordable Copper Canyon 6. Dan Koeppel
The Eureka Copper Canyon 6 is our top pick because it’s spacious, durable, and easy to set up. We tested 10 models and think that its features are offered at the most reasonable price. Models which are $150 to $200 more may weigh less, but they aren’t promised to be as spacious or as easy to set up as our top pick.
One person can pitch the Copper Canyon 6 in 15 minutes or less—two people can pitch it in five minutes. There’s more than enough room for sleeping and standing. Its center height is 7 feet and it has a 10-by-10 foot footprint. The Canyon 6 has an all-mesh roof—a preferred feature of our testers—that provides ventilation and a great view for stargazing.
Shop Now: $235
Five-million-star gaze: peering through the Copper Canyon 6’s stargazer-friendly mesh roof. Dan Koeppel
In addition to a mesh roof, it has mesh windows located on all four sides of the tent that zip open and shut. If all of them are open, it almost feels like you’re outside. When they’re closed, its walls feel solid, the tent protects against strongs winds, and it provides better privacy than other models we tested.
Its poles are heavy and made of fiberglass and steel which adds a little weight, but more importantly added strength. Its 1,200 mm waterproof coating isn’t as thick as other models we tested, like the Eureka Jade Canyon 6 with a 1,800 mm coating, one of the reasons it’s priced lower than competitors. It’ll still be able to combat rain and hold up for years with its fabric and zippers in tact. If you want to purchase the Eureka Copper Canyon 6 again, another plus is that it’ll likely be priced similarly to when you bought it the first time.
This guide may have been updated. To see the current recommendations or availability updates, please go here.
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26fa677bb6c67618d582e91f5c15b0c0 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/05/29/best-summer-dresses-for-any-occasion/ | 11 Of The Best Summer Dresses For Any Occasion | 11 Of The Best Summer Dresses For Any Occasion
The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. That means the return of sleeveless dresses, shorter hemlines, and lighter fabrics. Now trending is an assortment of dress styles and patterns, such as polka dots, ruffles, vibrant colors, and floral patterns. And why not give summer sequins or an off the shoulder dress a try for this season?
With the change in temperature, parties, gatherings, and events are now being held outside. It marks a transition in your wardrobe where you are exchanging the wool sheath dresses for the lightweight, airy and vibrant maxi dresses. Why not consider re-vamping your summer dress collection? Maybe you are getting married this summer and are looking for a special investment dress to wear on your honeymoon? Then, you may one to consider a one of kind Johanna Ortiz dress. Or maybe you are looking for a classy, yet casual dress to wear to your friend’s garden party. In that case, you may want to consider a maxi dress from J.Crew.
We have conducted our research and compiled a list of our favorite summer dresses that are perfect for any occasion. Happy shopping!
Caroline Constas Calla off Shoulder Dress Intermix
Caroline Constas Calla off Shoulder Dress
Show off those bronzed shoulders with this elegant dress by Caroline Contstas. This dress is perfect to wear to a garden soiree or June picnic. The dress is constructed in 100% cotton and features an elasticized neckline, concealed side closure and corset-style waist seaming. A playful fruit pattern is woven onto the black cotton material.
Shop Now: $495
Jenny Park Delin Maxi Wrap Dress Shopbop
Jenny Park Delin Maxi Wrap Dress
Wrap dresses are a warm weather staple season after season and never go out of style. This effortless dress has a subtle v-neck style and can be cinched around the waist with a feminine tie. The dress is constructed of woven poplin and features a crew neck, self-belt, and hidden zip at the back. The blush neutral color makes it appropriate for any occasion.
Shop Now: $318.50
Needle & Thread Layered Lace Midi Dress Intermix
Needle & Thread Layered Lace Midi Dress
Looking for the perfect little white dress? Then, you might want to consider this feminine tiered midi dress by Needle and Thread. This dress was inspired by vintage Victorian styles and boasts layers of ruffled tulle layers and delicate floral embroidery. The dress features a banded waist; short sheer sleeves, and exposed back zip closure. Slip a neutral or vibrant colored belt around the waist for enhanced sophistication.
Shop Now: $634
Adam Selman Pearl-Detailed Sarong Short Dress Intermix
Adam Selman Pearl-Detailed Sarong Short Dress
This chic dress by Adam Selman will take you from spring to summer seamlessly. Classic stripes are always in style and highly versatile.
The design of the dress plays on a seaside theme and showcases nautical details like thin rope-like straps and pearl embellishments. The dress is made of 100% silk and features a V-neck, thigh high slit, and silver-tone hardware. Pair with a white jean jacket for chillier evenings.
Shop Now: $425
Valencia and Vine Lulu Dress Shopbop
Valencia and Vine Lulu Dress
A lovely combination of two trends, polka dots and ruffles, this dress by Valencia and Vine is highly versatile. You can wear this dress with flat sandals to a beach holiday or pair with high heels for an elevated evening look. The lulu dress is constructed in fluid crepe and features a flounced high-low hem, polka dot print, one shoulder neckline and a midi length profile. Flattering on all body types.
Shop Now: $278
Yumi Kim Pretty Woman Dress Shopbop
Yumi Kim Pretty Woman Dress
The pantone color of 2018, ultra violet, and lavender continue to be a popular hue for the spring and summer months. Yumi Kim incorporates a flattering light purple color to this feminine design. The no-fuss dress is ideal for any of your upcoming soirees and events. It is made of crepe and features a tie at the bodice, button down detail, hook and eye back, and a flattering A-line silhouette.
Shop Now: $218
J.Crew Mercantile Tiered Maxi Dress in Sunburst Bouquet Print J.Crew
J.Crew Mercantile Tiered Maxi Dress in Sunburst Bouquet Print
This breezy floral maxi from J.Crew will be your go-to dress for the warmer temperatures – from weddings, to weekends, to everything in between. The dress is constructed in a chiffon blend fabric that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also very comfortable. The dress has a ruffled hemline and features a hidden back closure and spaghetti straps. Add a button down striped top for a more casual beach look. The dress also is available in regular, petite, and tall sizes.
Shop Now: $128
Alice and Olivia Stripe Cotton Maxi Dress Nordstrom
Alice and Olivia Stripe Cotton Maxi Dress
Another stylish maxi dress option for spring and summer – this Alice and Olivia dress features classic red and white stripes that are reminiscent of a sixties vintage style. The dress combines feminine frills with dramatic stripes to make a statement look. The dress is constructed in cotton and features ruffled straps, V-back, and exposed back zip closure.
Shop Now: $296.98
Lilly Pulitzer Harper Printed Shift Dress Saks Fifth Avenue
Lilly Pulitzer Harper Printed Shift Dress
Every woman should have a classic Lilly Pulitzer shift in her wardrobe for the summer. This sheath dress features a vibrant, updated print called ‘Cosmic Coral’ and an A-line silhouette. It has an easy pullover style and a split neck with embroidery. Expect this dress to become one of your favorite staples!
Shop Now: $148
Gal Meets Glam Gingham Fit & Flare Midi Dress Nordstrom
Gal Meets Glam Gingham Fit & Flare Midi Dress
A popular fashion blogger and style icon, Julia Engel of ‘Gal Meets Glam’ recently released her own line of feminine dresses. Nordstrom is the exclusive launch retailer and the dresses are also available on the Gal Meets Glam website. The best part? The pieces are affordable and fall in the $138-$250 range. This particular dress is just as versatile as stripes and can be worn for any occasion. The dress is constructed in a cotton blend and features a high jewel neck, side seam pockets, and a fitted bodice with buttons. This is a timeless dress that will be in your wardrobe for years to come.
Shop Now: $138
Johanna Ortiz Cimarron Floral Dress Saks Fifth Avenue
Johanna Ortiz Cimarron Floral Dress
Johanna Ortiz is a Columbian designer known for her beautiful, exaggerated silhouettes and high fashion statement pieces. It’s rare that her collection goes on sale, but right now, Saks Fifth Avenue has this floral dress available for 50% off – definitely a bargain. If you are looking for an investment piece to take with you on your upcoming honeymoon, resort stay, or upcoming summer party then this is the perfect dress. The dress is constructed in a cotton blend and features a one-shoulder neckline, tropical print pattern, and a concealed back zip. This dress will be sure to make a statement!
Shop Now: $1,197
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178b957bbac1e3423246e985026f297a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/06/22/these-9-travel-bags-for-women-are-both-stylish-and-durable/ | These 9 Travel Bags For Women Are Both Stylish And Durable | These 9 Travel Bags For Women Are Both Stylish And Durable
For the woman on the go, finding the right size and type of luggage is crucial for ensuring seamless travel. Some important features to look for include, weight/size of bag, durability, stand out style and longevity with frequent use. If you are traveling on a plane, remember that a carry-on piece of luggage should weigh no more than 10 pounds. If you are checking your bag, you should look for a hard- sided piece of luggage that is durable enough to handle being tossed around under the plane. A duffle bag, on the other hand, is a great option for a weekend trip and can be stored in the overheard compartment or underneath your seat. It also can be stuffed with last minute items.
Traveling to a weekend wedding/bachelorette party and don’t want to take a big suitcase? Then, you might want to consider a garment bag from Tumi – it can fit several dresses, a pair of shoes, and most accessories/toiletries. Looking to go on a business trip, but don’t want to check your bag? Then, you might consider a two-piece carry-on suitcase and boarding bag from Mark and Graham.
We have conducted our research and compiled a list of stylish and durable travel bags for women.
Calpak www.shopbop.com
Calpak Ambeur 2-Piece Spinner Luggage Set
This sleek luggage set comes with both a small case (approx. 7.1 lbs) for carry on and a larger case (approx. 10.5) pounds. Both are ideal for long weekend trips, business trips, or vacations. The luggage set features a lightweight hard shell, aesthetically pleasing color palette, and four multidirectional wheels for easy airport maneuvering. They also include a zipper divider for separate packing compartments, telescoping pull handle, top and side carry handles, and expansion sleeve to fit additional items.
Shop Now: $285
Bric's Milano www.nordstrom.com
Bric’s Bellagio 2.0 21-inch Rolling Carry-on
Talk about a perfect combination of style and versatility – this carry on has it all! This carry-on by Bric’s Milano is crafted in full-grain Tuscan leather and meets most international and domestic carry-on size requirements. The bag is elegant, compact and has rotating wheels that make it easy to work around a crowded airport, so you can make that flight in time. The carry-on features a water repellant zip closure, TSA approved locks, and interior zip pockets.
Shop Now: $550
Tumi Extended Trip Expandable Wheeled 31-inch Packing Case
Going on a trip around Europe this summer? Then, you might want to consider this 31-inch packing case by Tumi. This bag easily holds enough clothing/accessories to get you through a 7, 10 or 14-day trip. It has a durable and sleep hard shell and a main compartment that expands 2 and a half inches, ideal for accommodating those souvenirs. The bag has a zip-around closure, recessed 360-degree swivel wheels, a three-stage telescoping pull handle and is constructed of polycarbonate alloy.
Shop Now: $625
Mark and Graham www.markandgraham.com
Mark and Graham Concourse Carry-on Spinner Luggage and Boarding Bag Set
This classic luggage set is highly versatile and can be easily stowed in the overhead compartment during your next flight to visit mom. The set includes a boarding bag with flexible strap, which fits a tablet and other accessories with ease, and a spinning carry on. Both bags are crafted from vegan leather and are durable and lightweight. Add a personal touch to the luggage and get your pieces monogrammed for a small additional fee.
Shop Now: $399
Samonsite www.ebags.com
Samsonite Ladies Leather Weekender
Are you visiting your best friend for the weekend? Or maybe you are headed to the beach for a weekend getaway. Regardless, this chic weekender bag is perfect for the sophisticated traveler. The Weekender by Samsonite is crafted in smooth leather and has enough room for all of your essentials. It features a top handle, adjustable shoulder strap, removable luggage tag with mirror and front and back pockets for storing small accessories like your phone. The bag comes in cognac and black.
Shop Now: $259.99
Kate Spade New York Stowaway Case Luggage
Kate Spade New York is famous around the world for creating luxe handbags and stylish accessories. This stowaway case is no exception. The durable suitcase is constructed of fiberboard and is accented with leather straps. Inspired by a vintage design, this case has a double latch with metal buckle closures and features a telescoping pull handle; top and side carry handles, and interior zip pocket. It also includes a detachable toiletries case that conveniently transforms into an easy-hang washbag.
Shop Now: $700
Louis Vuitton www.louisvuitton.com
Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandouliere 50
From the iconic Parisian fashion house, this must-have duffle bag will make a statement wherever your travel destination. The Keepall 50 can fit all of your essentials as well as a week’s worth of clothes. Whether you are traveling by train, car, or plane, this sleek bag will fit in most storage areas and compartments. The bag features top handles, a casual strap for cross body wear, iconic LV print, and removable luggage tag.
Shop Now: $1,820
Tumi Garment Bag www.bloomingdales.com
Tumi Alpha 2 Classic Garment Bag
Every girl needs a stylish and durable garment carrier to safely transport those delicate dresses and business suits. This garment carrier by Tumi has plenty of room to fit you’re your pants or skirt suits for that upcoming business trip or several dresses (plus a pair of shoes) for a weekend getaway. The bag features a flat top handle, detachable shoulder strap, interior shoe pocket, multiple interior and exterior pockets, and removable laundry bag. Traveling with your guy for a wedding? He can easily fit a suit in with your dresses. Tumi also offers a 5 year limited warranty for this garment bag.
Shop Now: $575
Rimowa Ribbed Spinner Trolley
This elegant spinner suitcase by Rimowa ensures you will travel in style with its modern aesthetic and appealing aluminum exterior. The suitcase has enough room to fit apparel, accessories, and several pairs of shoes for your upcoming vacation. The trolley features a telescoping handle, spinner wheels, and interior divider.
Shop Now: $1,190
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47ac2b405d26ea46abbd623a03b9e765 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/07/12/everything-you-need-to-set-up-raspberry-pi-home-automation/ | Everything You Need To Set Up Raspberry Pi Home Automation | Everything You Need To Set Up Raspberry Pi Home Automation
Raspberry Pi 3 Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi has for the last several years been a do-it-yourselfer’s dream. The device, which costs just $39 for the Raspberry Pi 3 and even less for older versions, is designed to let you create whatever you can dream up.
Raspberry Pis have been used to control computers, create game experiences, or handle sophisticated business tasks. But in a world where the smart home matters greatly, the cheap Raspberry Pi is also becoming a cost-effective solution for managing the smart products around your home.
Still, in order to actually create a Raspberry Pi-based system that manages home automation, you’ll need some know-how. And more than anything, you’ll need to be willing to tinker a bit to get it just right.
Here’s a look at how to use Raspberry Pi for home automation:
What You’ll Need:
Raspberry Pi: We prefer the Raspberry Pi 3, since it’s the latest and greatest version and most capable of handling smart home needs. Relay Module: This will allow you to communicate with and control the smart home products around the home. A good option for most users is the JBtek 4 Channel DC 5V Relay Module. Smart home products: Raspberry Pi will do the heavy lifting, but you still need the devices to facilitate your automation. Looking for some good options? Check out our roundup of Alexa-compatible devices here or Google Home-compatible devices here. A power adapter: Use this to keep the power flowing. NewEgg sells this one that works well. A microSD card to store your software: The SanDisk Ultra 128GB microSD is a winner. Home automation software: The options are endless, but consider apps like MisterHouse, MyPi, and Mycroft, among others. A little technical know-how!
Once you’ve compiled everything you need, the first step is to get your Raspberry Pi up and running. Connect it to a power source and turn it on. You’ll want to connect the Raspberri Pi to the Internet, too, so you can get down to work.
Since this might be a new Raspberry Pi, you’ll want to install the device’s Raspbian operating system onto the microSD card you bought. You can then choose to either control your Raspberry Pi with a connected monitor and a standard user interface or opt for SSH, if you’re willing to control the device without help from a monitor.
Either way, after you get your Raspberry Pi turned on and the basics are set, you’ll want to ensure you assign it a static IP address so the devices in your home and your own machine wherever you are in the world can connect to the device without trouble.
In order to do that, you’ll need to use the code sudo nano to give yourself root access to the device. You’ll then want to input a static IP address that falls within your network’s available IP address. Typically, networks are connected on a 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255 connection. Simply pick a free IP address within there and assign the Raspberry Pi that address.
Reboot the Raspberry Pi to ensure the IP address is saved.
Next up, you’ll want to connect the Raspberri Pi to your relays and get the power flowing there. In most cases, the relays will come with insight into where you should plug them in, so follow those directions to ensure you have the proper connection.
Now that you’re set there, choose one of the smart home apps that work with Raspberry Pi and install it on your microSD card.
Once that’s installed, boot up the app of your choosing. You’ll definitely want to have a monitor here, so you can easily set it up without too much work back and forth.
Regardless of the app you choose, you’ll need to input the Raspberry Pi’s static IP address that you already set up. You should also follow the instructions in your app to input a port, choose a password for connecting to the device through the app, and more.
From this point, the process is relatively simple. In most cases, like with the MyPi app, you can simply download a version of it to your Android phone or iPhone. From there, you can connect through the app running on your Raspberry Pi to find the devices that are available to connect through the service.
The software will create the connection with everything from lights to door locks. Now, all you need to do is connect to the app that works with your Raspberry Pi software and control your devices as you would with any other device.
As long as your Raspberry Pi is left on and it’s connected to the Web, you’ll now have the option to control all of the smart home devices in your home with your tiny — and affordable — Pi.
Shop Now: Raspberry Pi 3 ($39 at Amazon)
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b86f25eca31ffcbc28793104eb9483d3 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/09/03/must-see-mens-apparel-sales-this-labor-day/ | Must-See Men's Apparel Sales This Labor Day | Must-See Men's Apparel Sales This Labor Day
Summer is coming to a close and that means Labor Day sales are just around the corner. Now is your chance to purchase an end of season designer item on sale or stock up your fall essentials collection.
We have conducted our research and curated a list of some of our favorite pieces currently on sale with Labor Day discounts. Don’t miss a chance to pick up a fall wardrobe staple or statement item!
Here are links to some of our favorite sales below:
Asos – Get 20% off your purchase with code DAYOFF
DL1961 – select pairs of denim are 30% off with code LDW30
Joe’s Jeans – select pairs of denim are 30% off with code LABORDAY
Lord & Taylor – get 20% select items with code LABORDAY
Macy’s – 25% off select items
Nordstrom – New sale items available for Labor Day weekend (check sale section)
Saks Off 5th – get designer items for an extra 25% off with code LABORDAY
Mr Turk - take an additional 40% off sale with promo code LABORDAY_18
Ralph Lauren - Take 30% off when you spend $150 with code LDAY
J.Crew- 30% off and extra 10% off with code BIGSALE
Bonobos - up t0 35% off (spend qualification dictated on website) Use code TWERK
Club Monaco - 25% with code Fall18
Charles Tyrwhitt - 25% off with code LBRDAY
J.Crew Ludlow Slim-fit unstructured blazer in American Wool
A perennial favorite, this Ludlow jacket is classic essential to any man's wardorbe. This jacket by J.Crew is composed of a wool/cotton blend and features a notch lapel collar, button closure, chest pocket, and double vent. The Ludlow rarely goes on sale, so here is your chance to buy the jacket at 40% off retail price. It comes in several colors.
Shop Now: Original Price: $198 Sale Price: $118.80
Bonobos Italian Trousers www.bonobos.com
Bonobos Stretch Italian Trousers
Add a dash of color to your work line-up with this sharp pant from Bonobos. This pair of trousers is constructed of premium italian twill and features signature contour waistband, clean on-seam front pockets, hook and bar front closure and welt back pockets with buttons. Why not try a bolder on trend color like the warm brown or burgundy color options?
Shop Now: Original Price: $198 Sale Price: $158.40
Polo Ralph Lauren Lambskin Jacket www.ralphlauren.com
Polo Ralph Lauren Lambskin Cafe Racer Jacket
A handsome and highly versatile style, this jacket is an irresistable investment at 30% original price. This luxurious jacket is constructed in 100% leather with a polyester lining and features long sleeves, two front waist zip pockets, stand color and full-front zip. The jacket comes in black and brown.
Shop Now: Original Price: $650 Sale Price: $455
Vince Waffle Shirt www.eastdane.com
Vince Waffle Shirt
Here is your chance to stock up on some cozy essentials for the upcoming brisk weather. This shirt by Vince is constructed in a knit blend and features a solid-color design, waist length style, long sleeves and a crew neck. An ideal base layer for your sweaters or pair on its own with jeans.
Shop Now: Original Price: $135 Sale Price: $81
Club Monaco Jacket www.clubmonaco.com
Club Monaco Brushed Short Jacket
Looking for a lightweight jacket for cooler weather? Then, you might want to consider this sleek cropped jacket from Club Monaco. The cropped jacket is composed of a polyester blend and features a boxy fit, point collar, zip front closure, and center back seam. Pair with a flannel shirt or a cashmere sweater for a dapper look.
Shop Now: Original Price: $279 Sale Price: $209
Under Armour Cargo Pant www.nordstrom.com
Under Armour Sportstyle Elite Cargo Track Pants
Looking for a casual pant for running errands or outdoor activities? Then, you might consider this pair of athletic cargo pants. The pant is composed of a stretch cotton blend and features a mid-rise, front pockets with interior phone pocket, drawstring waist and adjustable buckle-strap cuffs. The water-repellant exterior will keep you dry from any unexpected rain showers. You can even pair with your new Polo Ralph Lauren Cafe Racer Jacket for a fashion forward, street style approved look.
Shop Now: Original Price: $100 Sale Price: $59.98
Charles Tyrwhitt Shirt www.charlestyrwhitt.com
Charles Tyrwhitt Slim-Fit Non-Iron Blue and Purple Check Shirt
Update your work shirt arsenal with this stylish button-down from Charles Tyrwhitt. The shirt is constructed in lightweight tightly woven cotton fabric and features a slim fit, classic collar, and cuffs with two buttons. Best part? The shirt does not require ironing and the shirt is machine washable. Lilac purple is a popular color on the fashion scene, so why not add the subtle purple with your usual blue? The shirt highly versatile and can be worn with khakis or suits.
Shop Now: Original Price: $110 Sale Price: $82.50
Ben Sherman suit www.saksoff5th.com
Ben Sherman Plaid Suit
Looking for a new suit for that upcoming interview? Then, you might consider this designer suit by Ben Sherman. This sharp suit is composed of a worsted wool and spandex blend and comes with a 2-button closure jacket and straight leg pants. The jacket features long sleeves, notch lapels, and buttoned cuffs and the pants feature a zip fly with button-closure, front and back packets, and a 33" inseam. Available in an attractive navy plaid.
Shop Now: Original Price: $600 Sale Price: $399.99 with an additional 25% off
Joes Jeans Brixton www.joesjeans.com
Joe's Jeans The Brixton in Bradlee
A slim fit jean that can be worn for a night out with the boys, casual Fridays, or weekend activities. The jean is constructed of a stretch cotton blend that moves with you throughout the day and features a medium dark wash, straight leg, front and back pockets, and zip and button closure. Wear them with a tee for the transitional weather.
Shop Now: Original Price: $169 Sale Price: $118.30
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15b8b1331746d03d527506d2a82a5075 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/09/25/basics-for-the-best-home-office-setup/ | Basics for the Best Home Office Setup | Basics for the Best Home Office Setup
This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter’s independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Forbes may earn affiliate commissions.
Working from home can be frustrating, unless you have the right gear. Whatever you outfit your office with should add to comfort or productivity. Whether you need to add ergonomic furniture or something to help with multitasking, we’ve gathered some of our favorite picks that cover the basics.
Standing desk: Fully Jarvis Bamboo
The Fully Jarvis Bamboo is easy to assemble, highly adjustable, and incredibly stable even at its full height. During testing, it didn’t wobble or feel like it would fall forward or backwards. It accommodates people up to 6 feet 5 inches tall, and its lifting motor allows for smooth adjustment. The Jarvis Bamboo also makes for a durable sitting desk. It’s available in a few configurations, but we like the setup which includes a programmable memory handset and the 60-inch rectangular bamboo top with corner cutouts for wires.
Shop Now
Standing desk mat: Ergodriven Topo
If you want to start standing while working, you’ll be more comfortable if you also get an ergonomic standing desk mat. The Ergodriven Topo is small enough to store under a desk and although it’s light enough to slide around using one foot, it’ll stay in place while you’re standing still. The Topo has a sloped heel grip and varied terrain which encourages movement while you work. When you’re moving around, it’ll relieve pressure on your back, legs, heels, and shoulders. The Topo is made out of polyurethane and its pebbled skin is spill-resistant and easy to clean. It isn’t as flat nor wide as similar anti-fatigue mats, but during testing we concluded that the Topo is the most comfortable mat for neutral standing positions.
Shop Now
24-inch monitor: Dell UltraSharp U2415
If you could use more screen space while multitasking on a desktop computer or laptop, an extra monitor will come in handy. Our pick, the Dell UltraSharp U2415, has top-notch picture quality and color accuracy. In addition to everyday tasks, it’s good enough for doing print-production work and for watching movies. It comes with a variety of ports (including a DisplayPort input and output) and its stand tilts, swivels, rotates, and lifts so you can place the screen in any position that’s fitting for your setup. For more flexibility while working from home or building your own website, pair the UltraSharp U2415 with our Bluetooth keyboard or wireless mouse pick.
Shop Now
Desktop organizer: Innovative Storage Designs Desktop Organizer
A tidy workspace makes for a more productive day. We recommend keeping files, pens, notepads, and extras in a desktop organizer. The Innovative Storage Designs Desktop Organizer has a convenient file storage area that’s open on both ends and it can hold about 250 sheets of standard sized paper. Compared to similar desktop organizers we tested, it has a better combination of compartments and can hold more items of different sizes. It’s a simple one piece organizer that doesn’t require set up. We like that it’s clear so you can always make note of what’s in it.
Shop Now
Office chair: Steelcase Gesture
For a highly adjustable office chair that offers all-day comfortable for a broad range of body types, we recommend the Steelcase Gesture. It isn’t cheap, but it’s worth the investment as it’s comes with a 12-year warranty so it’s built to last. The Steelcase Gesture is durable and has been our top pick for over three years—throughout long-term testing its build, cushioning, and adjustment knobs have all held up. Its seat-depth adjustment and tilt tension is easy to use, plus its armrests rotate to more positions than any other chair we tested. Overall, it offers the best balance of comfort and firmness, making it the most comfortable chair to sit in while performing any task.
Shop Now
These picks may have been updated. Click through to see the current recommendations or availability updates for the best standing desk, the best standing desk mat, the best desktop organizer, the best 24-inch monitor, the best website builder for small businesses, the best office chair, the best Bluetooth and wireless keyboards, and the best wireless mouse.
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061058673d45a95a70839d2c1be82d48 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/10/22/the-best-vacuum-cleaners/ | The Best Vacuum Cleaners | The Best Vacuum Cleaners
This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter’s independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Forbes may earn affiliate commissions.
Whether your home is a small apartment or a big Victorian, covered with shag carpets or left with bare wood floors, or filled with kids and pets, it can be difficult to figure out what type of vacuum cleaner is best for you. We’ve put hundreds of hours into testing a variety of models including upright and canister, cordless stick, robot, and handheld vacuums. Here are a few of our favorite recommendations.
Eufy Robovac 11S Liam McCabe
Robot Vacuum: Eufy Robovac 11S
We tested 23 robot vacuums over more than 100 cleaning sessions before choosing the Eufy Robovac 11S as our top pick. It’s quiet and fits under more furniture than competitors we tested. It’s also the best overall vacuum for pet hair. We like that it has a top-notch navigation system and is less likely than similar models to get stuck or stop during a cleaning session. During testing, we found that at times it was able to pick up more junk than robot vacuums that cost two to three times as much. The Robovac 11S has a strong suction and an effective brush roll that loosens and moves debris toward it. The 11S has long-lasting battery life and comes with a remote control which lets you steer it manually or set daily cleaning times.
Shop Now: $220
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Kyle Fitzgerald
Upright Vacuum: Shark Navigator Lift-Away
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away has been our top pick for four years. It’s the best upright vacuum because it’s easy to use, reliable, and offers a great value. It’s a bagless model that comes without any recurring costs and it doesn’t require much maintenance to keep it running. During testing, it performed well picking up all types of debris including pet hair, crumbs, and dust. Its build allows for smooth handling and it’s ideal for most any home because it cleans short and long carpets as well as bare floors.
Shop Now: $139
Miele C2 Electro+ Michael Hession
Canister Vacuum: Miele C2 Electro+
For the absolute-best vacuum and canister model, we recommend the Miele C2 Electro+. It’s the most affordable canister vacuum in the Miele lineup and compared to similar models we tested, it’s the most effective cleaner. We expect a Miele vacuum to last for decades. It uses large bags, runs quiet, and works on any type of flooring—plus its filtration makes it ideal for homes with people that have asthma or allergies. The C2 Electro+ has an electric cleaning head, six suction settings, a foot-controlled power button, and it can handle shag and high-pile carpets. It’s easy to handle, completely sealed for optimal dust control, and its hose and various cleaning parts are durable. The C2 Electro+ itself isn’t cheap and you’ll have to buy new filters and bags regularly, but we still think this upgrade pick is worth the investment for some people.
Shop Now: $599
Dyson V7 Motorhead Michael Hession
Cordless Stick Vacuum: Dyson V7 Motorhead
The Dyson V7 Motorhead is one of the most powerful cordless stick vacuums we tested and the best at picking up ground-in debris like pet hair and dust from carpets. It also performs exceptionally well on bare floors. Weighing only five pounds, it’s incredibly light and the swivel joint attaching its cleaning head gives it smooth handling. For a cordless vacuum with such strong suction power, the V7 Motorhead is fairly quiet. It’s battery powered, and during testing we recorded about 28 minutes of run time—enough to clean multiple floors in an apartment or small home. When you pull the handle on its dustbin, it releases the contents through the other end so you can dispose of everything you’ve sucked up without getting your hands dirty. Best of all, it takes up little floor space and easily stores in closets.
Shop Now: $246
Black+Decker Max Lithium Flex Vacuum BDH2020FL Michelle McSwain
Handheld Vacuum: Black+Decker Max Lithium Flex Vacuum BDH2020FL
If you need a compact vacuum for your home or car, a handheld model is a good choice. The Black+Decker Max Lithium Flex Vacuum BDH2020FL effectively cleans and picks up anything from road grit to plant matter to Cheerios, and it comes with a brush tool for picking up pet hair. It’s been our top pick since 2014 because it has the best combination of power and versatility at its price, and it offers solid performance over long-term use. During testing, its suction power remained strong throughout the entire cleaning session and we got about 16 minutes of run time after recharging it for four hours. The Max Lithium Flex is designed to be held with two hands and we found it to be comfortable to hold while performing tasks like cleaning a car. It has a flexible 4-foot hose for cleaning hard-to-reach places, all of its attachments clip onto the hose, and it even has a crevice tool for picking up heavier debris.
Shop Now: $130
These picks may have been updated. Click through to see the current recommendations or availability updates for the best vacuum cleaners, the best robot vacuums, the best upright and canister vacuums, the best cordless stick vacuum, and the best handheld vacuum.
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ef56337190bb945df18ab066d4fe6f9d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/11/02/jabra-elite-active-65t-review-a-more-sport-oriented-variant-of-the-elite-65t/ | Jabra Elite Active 65t Review: A More Sport-Oriented Variant Of The Elite 65t | Jabra Elite Active 65t Review: A More Sport-Oriented Variant Of The Elite 65t
RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
The Jabra Elite Active 65t are high-end truly wireless in-ears. They are the more sport-oriented variant of the original Elite 65t model thanks to their better sweat resistance. The Elite Active 65t are stable and breathable in-ears that are suitable for most sports and physical activities. Their new matte dark blue finish gives them a more premium look and feel, and they come with a better designed and very portable case that gives you two additional charges for more playback time. Unfortunately, they have a slightly awkward button layout but at least it provides physical controls which are easier to use. They also have a good wireless range and connection but won’t be great for video content because of their higher-than-average latency. On the upside, they’re one of the more versatile truly wireless headphones we’ve tested and they’re suitable for most use cases.
Pros
+ Good range and wireless connection
+ Stable and breathable for sports
+ Good passive isolation
Cons
- Not as comfortable for everyone
Design
Type: Truly Wireless In-Ear
Enclosure: Closed-Back
The Elite Active 65t are slightly better built than the regular 65t. The design is very similar; the matte blue finish being one of the only main differences between both models. They are very portable truly wireless in-ears and they come with a compact case that should fit in most pockets. They are stable enough for most sports and they feel dense and durable. They are also sweatproof headphones for more intense workouts. Unfortunately, their earbud design is larger than most and they don’t have stability fins, meaning the earbuds push on the concha of your ear, which could be a bit uncomfortable for smaller ears after a while. On the upside, they come with 3 tips sizes for you to find a better, more comfortable and air-tight fit. They are very breathable, and your ears won’t get too hot thanks to the in-ear design.
Sound
RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
The Jabra Elite Active 65t are decent sounding truly wireless in-ears. They have good bass with the right amount of punch and kick, but a bit light on rumble. Their mid-range is also pretty good and mostly flat, but their treble range can sound a bit sharp and piercing on S and T sounds. Also, you may experience a loss in bass if you’re not able to achieve an air-tight seal with the provided tip options and their soundstage is also poor, but this is to be expected for a closed-back in-ear design. Nevertheless, their default sound should be good enough for most, and they come with a great companion app that has a great 5 band EQ, so you can adjust their sound profile to your liking.
Isolation
RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
Noise canceling: No
The Jabra Elite Active 65t block a lot of noise thanks to their decently isolating in-ear fit. Their passive noise isolation is on par with some over-ear noise canceling headphones, so noise won’t easily seep into your audio even in noisier environments like a busy street or on a bus. This makes them a good choice for your daily commutes and a suitable option for a somewhat lively office. On top of that, their leakage performance is excellent and will allow you to reduce even more ambient noise by raising the volume without bothering the people around you.
Microphone
RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
Mic type: Integrated
The integrated microphone of the Elite Active 65t is average-at-best, but this is to be expected on truly-wireless Bluetooth headphones. Even in quieter environments, voices sound thin, muffled and lacking in detail, but still understandable to a certain extent. In noisy environments like on the street or on a windy day, the microphone struggles to separate background noise from the actual speech and the person on the line with you might have difficulty hearing you clearly. Overall, this microphone shouldn’t be your first pick for making calls.
Active features
Headphones Battery Life: 5.2 Hrs
Charge time: 1.5 Hrs
Case battery life: 10 Hrs
App support: Yes
Passive Playback: No
The Jabra Elite Active 65t have a good battery life for truly wireless in-ears. You can expect around 5 hours of playback for 1.5 hours of charging time. The case that comes with the headphones is also a dock to recharge them. The case will give you two additional charges for up to 15 hours of listening time with breaks in-between sessions for charging. There is also a quick charging feature that gives you about 1.5 hours of battery life for only 15 minutes of charging. The Elite Active 65t are compatible with the Jabra Sound+ app that gives you access to an EQ, battery data and activity stats like a step-counter, which makes them a bit more versatile than other truly wireless headphones we’ve tested.
Connectivity
RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
Bluetooth: Yes
Wired: No
Wireless range: 40 ft
Latency: 227 ms
The Jabra Elite Active 65t are Bluetooth-only headphones and can’t be used wired if the battery is dead. They have better wireless range than most truly wireless designs with Bluetooth 4.2, but they’re also Bluetooth 5.0 so they might have an even better range with a compatible device. They can remember the last 8 synced devices for auto-pairing when you take the headphones out of the case. Unfortunately, their latency is too high to be suitable for watching video content or for gaming, but they are great for everyday use cases like listening to music, especially if you keep your audio source on you.
Who should buy them?
If you’re looking for premium looking sports headphones and don’t want a wire that gets in your way, go with the truly wireless Jabra Elite Active 65t. They are very portable, and their case should easily fit in most pockets. Their sound reproduction is good and they passively isolate noise very well. They are as good for your daily commute and crowded gym as well as being a decent option to use at the office or just for listening to music. On the other hand, they might not be the best sports headphones for runners who want to monitor their surroundings (even with the open feature you can enable in the app) and as usual with most Bluetooth headphones, they aren’t good for watching videos and for gaming because of their high latency. Also, people with smaller ears might find them a tad uncomfortable after a while because of the larger earbud design. However, these sweatproof truly wireless in-ears are great for most sports and have a good build and sound quality and are versatile enough for most activities in your daily routine.
To see all our measurements and our test results of the Jabra Elite Active 65t, please go here.
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9813d13ae9b6481d1abb57db97863008 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/12/14/best-gifts-for-the-home-according-to-an-interior-designer/ | Best Gifts For The Home, According To An Interior Designer | Best Gifts For The Home, According To An Interior Designer
As it is, holiday shopping is challenging enough. Finding that perfect gift for the parents, a sibling, a friend or for the classic white elephant gift exchange at work can really take time. Look no further than our 2018 Holiday gift guide to help check off your list. Whether functional, office-related, tech-savvy, or just purely stylish, here's 10 holiday gift ideas that will satisfy a wide range of wish lists.
El Casco Post-It Note Holder at Barneys New York
Every desk deserves a refresh now and then. The El Casco Post-it holder at Barneys New York offers a polished look all while remaining functional.
Shop Now: $150
Leather Tray By VIANEL New York
Always losing your keys? This leather tray by VIANEL New York is stylish and is a great entry table accessory to keep anyone organized.
Shop Now: $120
Williams Sonoma Signature Stainless Steel Salad Servers, Set of 2
Say no more - Williams Sonoma’s signature stainless steel salad servers are truly the perfect utensils for entertaining in the kitchen.
Shop Now: $40
Byron Clock by Ralph Lauren Home
The Byron Clock by Ralph Lauren Home is a classic and handsome way of telling time.
Shop Now: $1,295
Rogaska Quoin Round Bud Vase at Bloomingdale's
Paired with beautiful flowers, the Rogaska Quoin round bud vase by Bloomingdale’s will make a chic statement to any vignette.
Shop Now: $95
Petrified Wood Bookends by West Elm
Everyone can use a pair of bookends. These petrified bookends by West Elm will create a rustic yet refined statement to any bookshelf.
Shop Now: $79
Baies Berries Room Spray by Diptyque Paris
The Baies Berries room spray scent by Diptyque Paris will truly rock your world - in a good way of course.
Shop Now: $68
Metal Artist Easel by Restoration Hardware
Turn a picture into art with this metal artist easel by Restoration Hardware.
Shop Now: $89-$109
Ascutney Carafe by Simon Pierce at Homenature
Everyone can use a nice carafe. The Ascutney carafe by Homenature is both a practical and elegant gift.
Shop Now: $165
Pix Black Ballpoint Pen by Montblanc
Good penmanship goes a long way. The Pix Black Ballpoint Pen by Montblanc is sleek all while offering the finest of calligraphy handwriting.
Shop Now: $225
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9c87b757f83277f13cd5ab93d4fb882b | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2018/12/21/kz-as10-review-decent-sounding-pair-of-cool-looking-in-ears/ | KZ AS10 Review: Decent Sounding Pair Of Cool-Looking In-Ears | KZ AS10 Review: Decent Sounding Pair Of Cool-Looking In-Ears
KZ AS10 - RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
The KZ AS10 are decent sounding wired in-ear headphones that are fairly versatile for everyday casual use. They stand out thanks to their unique design and transparent earbud casings that let you see you the electronic parts inside the headphones. They have a nice braided audio cable that is detachable, replaceable and upgradable (to a wireless adapter cable). They also have angled earbuds that are a bit more comfortable than straightforward in-ears and their thinner design, compared to the KZ ZS10, helps achieve a better fit within the contours of your ears that isolates a bit more ambient noise. Unfortunately, their buds are still fairly bulky, and the in-ear design might not be as comfortable for everyone. On the upside, they have decent audio reproduction, and there is also a variant that is sold with an in-line remote and microphone.
Pros
+Decent sound quality
+Good design
+Great isolation and leakage
Cons
-Slightly bulky earbuds
-The no in-line remote variant is a bit limited
DESIGN
Type: Wired in-ear
Enclosure: Closed-Back
The KZ AS10 are very similar to the ZS10 but are a tad thinner, which can help for a better fit in most ears. They look a lot more high-end than what their price tag would suggest, thanks to the cool transparent casings that show-off the interior of the earbuds. They also have a nice braided audio cable, which can detach and swap for one with an in-line remote and microphone or even a wireless adapter. Unfortunately, you will have to purchase those accessories separately as they are not included in the box. On the upside, they’re decently comfortable and like most in-ears, they are very portable and will easily fit into most pockets. They’re also fairly stable thanks to their angled bud and ear-hook-like design so cables go behind your ears and prevent the headphones from falling even during more strenuous during physical activities. Also, since you can replace the cable it makes them a bit more durable than most typical in-ears in their price range.
SOUND
KZ AS10 Frequency Response Graph - RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
The KZ AS10 are decent sounding closed-back in-ears, with a deep, powerful and consistent bass, a well-balanced mid-range and a good treble. Their bass is slightly overemphasized, and the mid-range is also slightly recessed, so vocals and lead instruments are going to be pushed back a little in the mix, giving more emphasis to the bass and treble frequencies. The treble range is also a bit uneven, making the reproduction of sibilances (S and T sounds) slightly inconsistent; some will sound too sharp, and some will lack detail. Unfortunately, these wired headphones don’t have a companion app that will let you EQ their sound to your liking. On the upside, their sound signature is decent for critical listening and should be versatile for a variety of music genres, especially bass-heavy ones, and should be good enough for most people.
ISOLATION
KZ AS10 Isolation Graph - RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
Noise canceling: No
The in-ear KZ AS10 don’t have any noise canceling feature, but they block a great amount of background noise passively thanks to their fit in the ears. The smaller sized earbuds than the similar KZ AS10 seem to create a better air-tight seal and help with isolation. They block a decent amount of lower frequencies, where engine rumble sits, and can be a good option for commuting especially if you're playing a little music to drown out the noise. You could also use them in an office as they block a good amount of ambient speech. Also, they don’t leak much, meaning you’ll be able to mask even more ambient noise by raising your volume, without bothering people surrounding you.
MICROPHONE
Mic Type: In-line
Unfortunately, the KZ AS10 headphones we’ve tested didn’t have an in-line microphone, but there is a model variant with one.
CONNECTIVITY
Type: Wired
Latency: 0ms
The KZ AS10 are simple, wired headphones that do not have any type of wireless connection. They come with a 1/8” TRS detachable cable. When using them, you will be limited by the length of the cable, which is about 5 feet. Unfortunately, they don’t come with a second cable in the box, in case you break the first one and want to replace it. On the upside, since they are wired headphones, you won’t have any latency issues when watching video content or gaming.
WHO SHOULD BUY THEM?
KZ AS10 In The Box - RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
If you’re looking for in-ears that can provide decent audio reproduction and that stand out for their unique look and great price, get the KZ AS10. They are fairly versatile for everyday use and have a good and well-balanced sound, on top of a cool looking design with transparent colored earbud casings that show-off the electronics of the headphones. They are comfortable for in-ears, but the fit might not be for everyone. They passively block a great amount of ambient noise, and you’ll be able to enjoy accurate reproduction of your favorite tracks in a busy commute or at work. You can also use them for sports as they are very portable, and their ear-hook design will be stable for most physical activities. Unfortunately, they are pretty simple headphones and don’t have any active features or a companion app to enhance your listening experience with an EQ or presets. Nevertheless, the KZ AS10 are good in-ears that should last you longer thanks to the detachable and replaceable cable.
Shop Now: $68
To see all our measurements and our test results of the KZ AS10, please go here.
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87d44a2c6a0d69c9be20403c29719930 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/01/02/7-rattan-and-woven-accents-for-the-home/ | 7 Rattan and Woven Accents For The Home | 7 Rattan and Woven Accents For The Home
Luxe items like gold and marble aren’t the only way to bring interesting elements into your home. Natural wood accents make just as much of a statement while staying true to your more pared-down style. Rattan, wicker and woven designs use their unique patterns and color variation to add a sculptural design element to your bohemian decor.
Whether you’re incorporating the style into your bedroom, living room or dining room, there are pieces to complete the look. Starting small? Pick up some woven storage baskets. Going big? Get a new bed or area rug to completely transform the space. Either way, the options are endless. Shop this edit of rattan and woven accents to get started.
West Elm Graphic Woven Baskets
Graphic Woven Baskets - Black/White West Elm
Cute storage solutions can be hard to find, but baskets almost always win. You can use them to store the smallest trinkets to the most oversized linen, without it ever looking junkie, especially when they double as decor. These hand woven baskets are patterned with geometric shapes in neutral tones to create a subtle yet eye-catching design. The unique baskets—no two are the same—are made by craftswomen in Thies, Senegal. Made from millet grass and recycled plastic, they are sturdy enough to hold just a few throw pillows or a week’s worth of laundry. Conceal any clutter you have with the basket’s lids, which give these woven gems a completed look.
Shop Now: Starting at $159
Anthropologie Crosshatched Side Table
Crosshatched Side Table Anthropologie
Allow this boho-chic table to inform the rest of your room’s design. From the top, the black oak wood surface provides a simple base to style on and a functional one you won’t mind putting to the test. At the base, the rattan design is a stunning contrast not only in color but in style. The hourglass-esque shape gives it a sleek finish while still having the rustic appearance of the wood. Your eyes will get lost trying to follow the intricate crosshatched design. Used either as a nightstand or in a living room, this piece is sure to stand out. Originally on sale for $298, now on sale for $200.
Shop Now: $200
Opalhouse Diamond Rattan Ceiling Light Black
Diamond Rattan Ceiling Light Black - Opalhouse™ Target
Incorporating rattan into your design scheme by way of lighting is the most unexpected way to do it. If you’re looking for a centerpiece, eyes will immediately be drawn up to this lampshade. From the sleek geometric shape to the striking color, your guests won’t know where to look first. Hovering over a round dining room table in a casual setting, this light fixture will create dim mood lighting to pair with whatever cuisine you’ve prepared. Hanging by the bedside, the lamp gives off just enough light to do your nightly reading.
Shop Now: $70
Bungalow Rose Hirst Rattan Petal Open Frame Headboard
Hirst Rattan Petal Open Frame Headboard Wayfair
Instantly upgrade your bedroom with this headboard. It’s lightweight and requires no installation, so you can easily transform your room into a boho-chic haven with is new natural centerpiece. The petal design is an understated way to add a floral motif to the room. You can finish it off with a pastel patterned duvet cover to add some color into the space as well as some real plants throughout the room. Available in beige, white and mint, you can pick an option to easily match your existing decor.
Shop Now:$439
Aerin Bar Cart
AERIN Bar Cart Williams Sonoma
Turn every day into a vacation with this rattan bar cart. The wood design will instantly make you feel like you’ve entered a tiki bar and not your living or dining room. The top shelf is perfect for storing all the tools to make fun and fruity cocktails. Elevate this natural option with a set of barware in gold or silver and a set of simple glasses. Underneath, the large storage space is perfect for keeping spirits. The caged in design will help keep your precious items secure while still having them on display. While entertaining feel free to clear off the top to use as a serving area. The casters on the bottom make it easy to cart around the party for everyone to enjoy.
Shop Now: $695
World Market 5' Round Woven Jute Area Rug
5' Round Woven Jute Area Rug World Market
Build up your bohemian home from the ground up—literally. This 100 percent jute rug is shaped like a medallion and meant to be seen. This intricate design will thrive in an entryway or under a glass table where its beauty can be viewed unobstructed. The rug is handwoven, so each one will be unique, but buyers can expect whimsical braided swirls, tight coils and something like a starburst design around the edges. Paired with a mix of modern and natural elements, this rug will tie your entire room together.
Shop Now: $170
Urban Outfitters Marte Storage Cabinet
Marte Storage Cabinet Urban Outfitters
This wardrobe looks just as good as all the clothes you will store inside it. Made from gmelina wood this natural piece takes on a woven design that makes this traditionally bulky piece of furniture feel light and airy. In the main cabinet, one side has three shelves, which leaves room for you to store folded clothes or shoes, and on the other side, there is a rod for hangers. Below is a drawer for more intimate things to be stored away. Make use of the top of the chest for more storage or decor. While clothing storage might seem like the most obvious use for this piece of furniture, it could easily work in a dining room to organize serving pieces and table linens.
Shop Now: $729
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eef14eaba0bdd97775f3629223b0b8be | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/01/04/best-deals-on-storage-furniture-from-wayfair/ | Best Deals On Storage Furniture From Wayfair | Best Deals On Storage Furniture From Wayfair
With the average American apartment shrinking in size year over year, it’s more important than ever to find smart storage solutions for the home. This is especially true for avid home decorators whose wish lists tend to keep growing larger. But a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style -- you just need to find the right pieces to make your place function.
Wayfair has many pieces that answer the call of smart storage duty, and they’re currently listed for up to 65 percent off regular prices. In the Fresh-Start Storage Sale, you’ll find 2-in-1 living room furniture, clever entryway options, closet systems, organizers and much more. This means that whatever room needs sprucing up, Wayfair has the answer.
While there are many small storage items on sale, we’ve scoured the site to find the can’t-miss, big-ticket furniture items any shopper should take note of. If you’ve made it your New Year’s resolution to finally get organized or just want to refresh your home for 2019, you’re going to want to check these out before the sale ends on January 14.
Liberty Reversible Sleeper Sectional
Liberty Reversible Sleeper Sectional Wayfair
Original Price: $1,210
Sale Price: $689
In today’s tiny apartments, you’re not likely going to have a dedicated guest room. But with a piece like the Liberty Reversible Sleeper Sectional from CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan, you and your visitors can rest easy knowing they’ll have a place to stay. Currently on sale for 43 percent off the regular price, this sleeper sectional easily converts to a bed by lowering the backrest. The split-back feature is also ideal because you can lower one half while only lowering the other, letting your loved one stretch out while you recline. For even more functionality, the chaise lounge lifts to reveal extra storage for bedding, board games or whatever you need to hide away. Diamond tufting and golden legs give this piece a refined look that suits a modern space. At 84-inches long, it’s a medium-sized piece that will fit most living spaces.
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Luper Storage Ottoman
Luper Storage Ottoman Wayfair
Original Price: $340
Sale Price: $113
Busy areas like the entryway, playroom and bedroom can quickly become dumping grounds for coats and shoes if you don’t have a designated spot for them. Banish clutter with this elegant storage ottoman from Alcott Hill. Equipped with a gas spring lift, it’s easily and safely opened by all family members. It also serves double duty as a comfortable bench thanks to its deep button tufted cushion top. White, taupe and blue versions of the ottoman are on sale for 67 percent off the regular price during Wayfair’s Fresh-Start Storage Sale, meaning you can find an affordable piece that fits your existing aesthetic.
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Abbingt Upholstered Storage Panel Bed
Abbingt Upholstered Storage Panel Bed Wayfair
Original Price: $1,196
Sale Price: $429
Small spaces require you to make use of every nook and cranny, and under-bed storage is the perfect example of an underutilized opportunity. This bed frame makes it easy to hide away bed linens, pillows and clothes with four drawers that roll out on casters. It’s the complete package, with a gorgeous tufted headboard with a nail head trim and a fully upholstered frame. For anyone who wants to transform their space into a functional but still elevated space, the Abbingt Upholstered Storage Panel Bed is one to look into. You can purchase it now for 64 percent off the original price.
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Rossburg Daybed with Trundle
Rossburg Daybed with Trundle Wayfair
Original Price: $799
Sale Price: $391
So maybe you do have a guest room in your home. However, that doesn’t mean you want to fill it with a bulky bedframe and have it go unused 364 days of the year. Many home stylists are turning to daybeds instead, as they take up less room than a full-size bed, letting you use the rest of the space as an office or rec room. The Rossburg Daybed with Trundle is extra functional due to its twin-size trundle that pulls out when needed. Both the daybed and the trundle have multiple wooden slats, eliminating the need for a box spring. This space-saving item is available now for 51 percent off the regular price.
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51fee030df71dc8ed65bcd1571a59490 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/01/10/best-news-apps-for-iphone-and-android-smartphones/ | Best News Apps For iPhone And Android Smartphones | Best News Apps For iPhone And Android Smartphones
If you’re a news addict but just can’t seem to stay ahead of all the content coming your way, you might be trying to find a solution. After all, searching through a variety of websites each day to find news you care about can be daunting, to say the least.
In a bid to address that challenge, companies as large as Apple and Google, as well as a variety of startups, are all offering news apps that in one way or another help you organize the news and ensure you access all the content you care about. Best of all, many of them are available on both Android and iOS, ensuring you can use them on the smartphone of your choice.
We chose the following apps by analyzing their performance on Android smartphones and iPhones. We also dug into user reviews to ensure they're offering users an experience most folks like. They all come with outstanding user ratings, work well on most smartphone models, and are regularly updated with new features.
The following roundup will feature five of our favorite news apps for iPhones and Android smartphones. Indeed, if you download any of the following options, you shouldn’t have any trouble staying on top of the content you care about most:
Flipboard
Flipboard Flipboard
Flipboard has established itself as one of the most popular news apps for both Android and iOS. And for good reason.
Flipboard accesses content from around the world and curates the content you care about most. You’ll find a tab called For You to see the content you’ll like best, as well as the option to explore stories you might not typically see. Its reader is outstanding and makes accessing content simple.
Flipboard is available as a free download for both iPhone and Android smartphones.
Android
iOS
Apple News
Apple News Apple
If you’re an iPhone owner, Apple News comes with the company’s iOS operating system. That means you can immediately get access to the news you care about without ever needing to download a third-party app.
Apple News kicks things off by first asking you what kinds of content you care most about. It then uses that information to create a curated list of news stories that might suit you. The service will also send you notifications to let you know when a new story comes in and if you’re a Mac user, you can syndicate content across devices.
If you’re an Android user, however, Apple News isn’t available to you. There’s some hope that Apple will bring its many apps, including Apple News, to Android in the future, but there’s no telling whether it will happen.
Apple News is available for free.
iOS
Google News
Google News Google
Google has been a major player in the news business for years. Its aggregation engine is widely viewed as one of the best in the market and those who have been accessing news in the browser have relied on it for quite a long time.
Google News on the iPhone and Android smartphones offers a similar experience.
Like its competitors, Google News comes with a function for analyzing your tastes and delivering you the content you care about. And when you boot it up, you’ll see the top five stories right now. Better yet, you can find a single story, but also get a timeline of articles to help you see how the story has evolved over time. And since it works with your Google account, you can access news in the browser, on mobile, and elsewhere.
Google News is a free download.
Android
iOS
Feedly
Feedly Feedly
Feedly is smaller than some of the heavyweights in the news app market listed above, but it’s coming on strong, thanks to one of the more appealing designs in this roundup.
With Feedly, you’ll find an app that comes with a stripped-down design that eschews bulky banners, ugly sidebars, and other issues. Instead, the app simply provides you easy access to the content you care about and a nice, full-screen pane to read the articles on your phone. Best of all, it comes with a night mode for reading content in the dark.
In addition to surfacing content around the Internet, Feedly also comes with an artificial intelligence feature that identifies the kind of content you care about and delivers it to your phone. It’s a handy way to find the news you love.
Feedly is available as a free download.
Android
iOS
Inoreader
Inoreader Inoreader
Inoreader is another small startup that hasn’t attracted the kind of attention Flipboard enjoys, but it’s still a solid choice for anyone looking for alternatives.
One of Inoreader’s most important features is its design. The app’s Dive feature separates content along different topics and lets you build your own newsfeed based on the content you like most. Best of all, it does it all by making visual components, like still images, the centerpiece.
Inoreader features a night mode for reading content in the dark and you have the ability to save content you want to read but don’t yet have time to get through. You can even export content and send it to others.
Inoreader is available for free.
Android
iOS
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0c183349d5b6b4a89ed2d22a9c3ad3b3 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/03/01/the-10-best-places-online-to-shop-for-amazing-furniture/?sh=6162f6cd5d17 | The 10 Best Places Online to Shop for Amazing Furniture | The 10 Best Places Online to Shop for Amazing Furniture
It's no surprise that online shopping is bigger today than ever, and in the world of furniture design it’s one of the best ways to find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether shopping for furniture, lighting or home accessories, the potential retailers are seemingly endless. Shopping online makes it easy to do your research, explore all your options, and (obviously) wait for a great sale.
Home inspiration is everywhere, and online shopping makes it easy to nab things quickly and easily. Maybe you saw something on your Instagram feed or maybe you saw something while dining at a new restaurant. Whatever it is, with just the click of a button, it can be yours. Here, we’ve curated a well-rounded list of the 10 best destinations to shop for furniture on the web.
1stdibs
If you’re looking for something special and unique, whether vintage or new, 1stdibs will have it. The shop offers one-of-a-kind vintage furniture, lighting, accessories, and artwork, as well as new furniture that’s made to order. If you’re in New York City, check out their new gallery space located at Terminal Stores.
Jean Claude Dresse Resin Coffee Table with Inlayed Bone 1stdibs
Jean Claude Dresse Resin Coffee Table with Inlayed Bone on 1stdibs
On sale now: $24,600.00
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One Kings Lane
They’ve made that “To The Trade” look accessible to everyone. One Kings Lane offers a wide range of high-end furniture, accessories, lighting, and more.
Burke Sofa in Natural Crypton by Kim Salmela One Kings Lane
Burke Sofa in Natural Crypton by Kim Salmela at One Kings Lane
On sale now: $3,795.00
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Pottery Barn
One of America’s go-to furniture retailers, you'll always find something for your home here. Whether looking for a simple picture frame or furniture staples, Pottery Barn has an eclectic collection of furniture and decor that suits most aesthetics.
Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib by Pottery Barn Kids Pottery Barn
Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib by Pottery Barn Kids
On sale now: $799.00
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High Fashion Home
For a high-end look at an ideal price point, High Fashion Home takes first place. The online furniture retailer carries everything from furniture and lighting to accessories and more.
Stratton Desk Lamp, Antique Brass by High Fashion Home High Fashion Home
Stratton Desk Lamp, Antique Brass by High Fashion Home
On sale now: $350.00
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Wayfair
I know you know the jingle. Simple, convenient, and affordable, Wayfair has made it happen. Whether looking for a large sofa to fill your living room or a desktop accessory to finish off your office space, Wayfair will have just what you need. (You're welcome.)
Lavinia 2 Drawer Accent Cabinet Wayfair
Lavinia 2 Drawer Accent Cabinet at Wayfair
On sale now: $246.99
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Crate & Barrel
Another furniture retailer that has just about anything you might be looking for, Crate & Barrel rarely (if ever?) disappoints. From classic cookware and china to sofas and chandeliers, Crate & Barrel has it all.
Ava Chandelier Crate & Barrel
Ava Chandelier by Crate & Barrel
On sale now: $1,160.00
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Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Another furniture retailer that offers expensive-looking and quality-made furniture within a reasonable price point is Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Trust.
Marble Handle Serving Tray Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Marble Handle Serving Tray by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
On sale now: $290.00
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Design Within Reach
A destination for modern furniture, Design Within Reach offers pretty much anything you could think of.
Sezz Counter Stool at Design Within Reach Design Within Reach
Sezz Counter Stool at Design Within Reach
On sale now: $1,109.25
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Restoration Hardware
It's today’s go-to home decor retailer to find something that looks expensive, but that’s actually moderately priced and ready to ship. If you’re in New York City, stop by their new flagship location in the Meatpacking District. Not only can you shop for furniture at this location, but there’s also a barista, full bar, and rooftop restaurant.
Graydon Shagreen Panel Triple-Door Sideboard Restoration Hardware
Graydon Shagreen Panel Triple-Door Sideboard by Restoration Hardware
On sale now: $1,871.00
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Sit Down New York
Sit down and relax. Sit Down New York offers great Mid-century, modern, and newly-designed furniture pieces all within a reasonable price point.
Vincent Occasional Bench Sit Down New York
Vincent Occasional Bench at Sit Down New York
On sale now: $577.00
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0d98efd27cc901c4f675e5b8c8fddfcc | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/03/08/5-female-founded-clothing-brands-to-shop-on-international-womens-day/ | 5 Female-Founded Clothing Brands To Shop On International Women's Day | 5 Female-Founded Clothing Brands To Shop On International Women's Day
Since 1975, the United Nations started celebrating International Women’s Day, the dynamics surrounding gender equality and women in business have drastically changed – for the better. Since WWII to 2016, according to the United States Department of Labor, the percentage of women in the labor force jumped from 33 to 57 percent. The proportion of women with college degrees entering the workforce also has increased dramatically. As of 2016, over 40 percent of women in the labor force have graduated from college, a 400 percent increase from 1970.
In 2018, a study commission by American Express found that over 40 percent of new businesses started in the United States were female-founded – 31 times the amount since 1972. On International Women's Day, support women in business and shop these female-founded brands to celebrate.
Anine Bing
Anine Bing Vivienne Zebra-Print Silk Blouse Bloomingdales
Get in on the zebra-print trend this season with this work-appropriate, patterned button-down top.
Anine Bing Vivienne Zebra-Print Silk Blouse ($229)
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Anine Bing Dolly Zebra-Print Silk Satin Midi Skirt Net-A-Porter
To stay on trend while starting to transition into spring, try out this side-slit midi skirt. Pair with a black knit sweater now and with a basic tee in the warmer months.
Anine Bing Dolly Zebra-Print Silk Satin Midi Skirt ($299)
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Anine Bing Isabelle Top Pinstripe Anine Bing
Perfect for day or night, shop this pinstripe top for a streamlined, yet edgy, look.
Anine Bing Isabelle Top Pinstripe ($199)
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Launching her namesake clothing line in 2012, the influencer-turned-fashion entrepreneur was ahead of her time. Originally from Denmark, Anine Bing created an Instagram account shortly after moving to Los Angeles from Sweden. After amassing a few thousand followers, she quickly understood how the social media platform was transforming how we shop. Women frequently asked Bing where she bought her clothes, which lead Bing to see a gap in the contemporary market. Her brand’s first collection included around 10-15 elevated basics that served as a foundation to a modern woman’s wardrobe. Shortly after the initial launch, Bing expanded into the footwear and accessories categories. Today, the brand’s Charlie boot continues to be one of Anine Bing’s best-selling products. Currently, the digitally-native brand has 10 brick-and-mortar stores worldwide and, according to an interview conducted by Fashionista, expects to double its revenue in 2019.
Cinq à Sept
Cinq à Sept Coralie Dress Shopbop
A little black dress is a staple in every woman's wardrobe. Upgrade your assortment this season with this asymmetrical-hemmed version.
Cinq à Sept Coralie Dress ($345)
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Cinq à Sept Louella Top FWRD
Add some color to everyday uniform and wear this vertically-striped top with your favorite skinny jeans or leather pants for a figure-flattering look.
Cinq à Sept Louella Top ($345)
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Cinq à Sept Nanon Ruffle Midi Dress Intermix
Appropriate for a fun weekend brunch or a more formal dinner, shop this floral midi dress to wear with white sneakers during the day and barely-there heels at night.
Cinq à Sept Nanon Ruffle Midi Dress ($449)
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Founded in 2016, Jane Siskin launched the contemporary label to marry simplicity with of-the-moment style. After working for 7 For All Mankind and Elizabeth and James, she wanted to create her own contemporary line. Literally translating to “five to seven,” Siskin explains that the name after this period of the evening – where anything can happen. Using elevated fabrics, the brand creates updated versions of classic silhouettes that can transition from day-to-night and from season-to-season. The label’s aesthetic can be described as having a Parisian chic meets New York City style. Through Cinq à Sept’s streamlined, trend-based aesthetic, women are able to access versatile, premium designer-looking pieces at more affordable, contemporary market prices.
Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman Isadora Top Shopbop
This season is all about the strong puff shoulder trend. Try out this summery white top to easily transition your wardrobe into spring.
Mara Hoffman Isadora Top ($325)
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Mara Hoffman Judy Jacket Shopbop
For an edgier, more eye-catching look, wear this jacket with black skinny jeans and heels for an effortlessly chic going out look.
Mara Hoffman Judy Jacket ($350)
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Mara Hoffman Libby Top Shopbop
Add some interest to any neutral outfit with this beige and white puff-sleeve blouse. Wear with the coordinating trousers for cooler days and with cutoff shorts for the summer months.
Mara Hoffman Libby Top ($375)
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Marrying style and socially-conscious consumption, Mara Hoffman has been working for the past 15 years to create a truly sustainable fashion supply chain. While not founded with an ethical mission in mind, once exposed to the malpractices behind fashion production malpractices, the founder and designer knew that it was time for a change. Understanding the inevitable hurdles that come with creating and scaling a sustainable fashion line, Mara Hoffman believes that absorbing the extra costs and providing the necessary customer education is worthwhile. The clothing line reflects a shifting customer-consciousness. In an era where consumers are looking for brands who equally value transparency and trendy design, Mara Hoffman does not offer a greenwashed branding pitch. Rather, the label is paving the way forward –providing a practical approach to the sustainable fashion supply chain model.
Ramy Brook
Ramy Brook Hadar Dress Ramy Brook
For an effortlessly chic look, elevate your summer wardrobe with this maxi dress.
Ramy Brook Hadar Dress ($465)
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Ramy Brook Alvina Jumpsuit Ramy Brook
For a streamlined, all-in-one look, shop this jumpsuit.
Ramy Brook Alvina Jumpsuit ($465)
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Ramy Brook Skye Top Ramy Brook
A perfect transitional piece, buy this blouse to wear with jeans and refresh your everyday uniform.
Ramy Brook Skye Top ($345)
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After embarking on a seemingly endless search for the perfect date night top, Ramy Brook Sharp created her own solution to this dressing dilemma. In 2010, the designer launched her namesake, New York City-based label, providing working women with a line of elevated, feminine basics that easily transition from day-to-night. An inspiration to mothers everywhere, the mother of three started her brand in her 40’s, debuting her first collection in the living room of her Upper East Side apartment. Through friends and family, Sharp started to host trunk shows and her big breakthrough came when she discovered that personal shoppers at Bergdorf Goodman were sending their customers to pair her tops with the company’s clothing.
For Fall 2019, Ramy Brook is debuting its first denim collection – bringing the brand’s mission full circle. Originally, the line of tops was created to style with one’s favorite jeans. Now, women can embrace the full Ramy Brook, head-to-toe look.
Ronny Kobo
Ronny Kobo Snakeskin Print Blouse Intermix
Embrace the snakeskin trend with this wrap-top blouse.
Ronny Kobo Snakeskin Print Blouse ($278)
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Ronny Kobo Adelie Overalls Shopbop
For a refreshed take on a classic summer pant, shop these overalls.
Ronny Kobo Adelie Overalls ($398)
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Ronny Kobo Kallow Polka Dot Mini Dress Intermix
For a more feminine look, try out this chic polka dot wrap dress.
Ronny Kobo Kallow Polka Dot Mini Dress ($458)
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Following the launch of her accessories brand, the Israeli-born designer launched her womenswear line, Torn by Ronny Kobo in 2009. In 2015, Kobo officially launched her Ronny Kobo Collection, elevating her feminine and fashion-forward aesthetic. As seen on the likes of Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé, Ronny Kobo marries bold colors and patterns with streamlined, figure-flattering silhouettes. From puff-sleeved dresses to animal-printed separates, the designer offers an internationally-inspired, highly-Instagrammable and urban look.
The Range
The Range Vapor Volie Button Down Shopbop
Refresh your basics wardrobe with this crisp white blouse.
The Range Vapor Volie Button Down ($255)
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The Range Belted Jumpsuit Intermix
For a minimalist, sleek look, shop this jumpsuit for an effortlessly chic seasonal look.
The Range Belted Jumpsuit ($375)
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The Range Ribbed Crop Top Intermix
Gear up your closet for summer with this ribbed white cropped top.
The Range Ribbed Crop Top ($118)
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Launched in 2017, sisters Brittney and Mia Rothweiler are re-imagining the modern woman’s basics wardrobe. With backgrounds in sales and buying, the duo partnered with their friend David Helwani, founder of Twenty Montreal, to run the strategy and operations side of the business. From bodysuits to knits and tailored pants, the Rothweiler sisters understand how customers today are looking for high-quality, long-lasting basics.
Despite the brand’s newcomer status, The Range has seen great wholesale success with stockists from Shopbop to FWRD and Net-A-Porter. For International Women’s Day, the brand created a top exclusively for Intermix as part of the retailer’s 10-designer capsule collection spotlighting fashion-forward female designers.
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4b153939767b23e5ce2ca208d7c1aabb | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/03/28/best-coffee-tables-on-amazon/ | The Best Coffee Tables On Amazon Right Now | The Best Coffee Tables On Amazon Right Now
Let’s be honest, Amazon has changed how we do pretty much everything — including shop for furniture. And with thousands of pieces just a few clicks away, you can find stylish designs for your space at all price points. New dining room table? Amazon has you covered. How about gorgeous light fixtures for your living room? Amazon has that, too. The same holds true for coffee tables: You don’t need to check out another showroom, because you can find a variety of pieces to display your books, set your drinks down and kick your feet up on, you guessed it, Amazon. To make the process a little smoother, we’ve rounded up our favorite coffee tables on Amazon right now.
Uttermost Coffee Table
Uttermost Coffee Table Amazon
If you’re on the hunt for a brass coffee table with chic and trendy vibes, Uttermost’s coffee table has you covered. The glass tabletop also helps draw attention to its gorgeous geometric metal legs to give off a unique touch to any space.
The Uttermost Coffee Table is available now for $262.
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Foluban Rustic Coffee Table
Foluban Rustic Coffee Table Amazon
Go farmhouse chic with Foluban’s rustic coffee table. The wood surface and metal legs create a minimal design that is functional yet stylish.
The Foluban Rustic Coffee Table is available now for $140.
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GreenForest Round Coffee Table
GreenForest Round Coffee Table Amazon
This rustic round coffee table from GreenForest looks like it came straight from an antique store, but it’s available on Amazon Prime. The bottom shelf offers extra storage space for books, games, decor and other items.
The GreenForest Round Coffee Table is available now for $130.
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Niangua Furniture Live Edge Rustic Coffee Table
Niangua Furniture Live Edge Rustic Coffee Table Amazon
The craftsmanship on this rustic coffee table from Niangua Furniture is sure to make a statement in any seating area. Perfect for a rustic or bohemian space, it includes an underneath shelf for all your knick-knacks and enough surface space to lay out your favorite books, magazines and perhaps a vase of fresh flowers.
The Niangua Furniture Live Edge Rustic Coffee Table is available now for $380.
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Mecor High Gloss White Rectangle Coffee Table
Mecor High Gloss White Rectangle Coffee Table Amazon
If you’re looking for something more contemporary, Mecor's glossy white table is right for you. Its sleek design and gleaming finish make it the ultimate statement.
The Mecor High Gloss White Rectangle Coffee Table is available now for $126.
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Edloe Finch Modern Marble Coffee Table
Edloe Finch Modern Marble Coffee Table Amazon
Marble coffee tables are a major home trend, and this offering from Edloe Finch is certainly swoon-worthy. It features exposed metal legs and a genuine marble tabletop for a dash of luxury.
The Edloe Finch Modern Marble Coffee Table is available now for $382.
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d6e6b708cde633e948749733367aa59e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/04/12/best-fire-pits/?sh=4fd115b0620f | 6 Awesome Fire Pits For Outdoor Entertaining | 6 Awesome Fire Pits For Outdoor Entertaining
Does the warm spring weather have you thinking about outdoor entertaining? Before you send the invites out, consider taking your backyard to the next level with a statement-making fire pit. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite picks that will soon have you hosting barbecues, bonfires and backyard hangs in style.
Outland Living Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit Table
Outland Living Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit Table Amazon
Every backyard space needs a fire pit, and this one from Outland Living comes top rated by over 500 customers on Amazon. Its beautiful design features a black tempered glass tabletop, fire crystals and wicker that blends easily with other outdoor furniture.
The Outland Living Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit Table is available now for $550.
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Akoya Outdoor Essentials Rectangular Modern Concrete Fire Pit Table
Akoya Outdoor Essentials Rectangular Modern Concrete Fire Pit Table Amazon
Turn your backyard into a five star oasis with Akoya’s modern fire pit table. Featuring a sleek glass guard and dazzling fire crystals, it offers a stylish yet functional approach to backyard entertaining.
The Akoya Outdoor Essentials Rectangular Modern Concrete Fire Pit Table is available now for $1,500.
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Greyleigh Tuscola Firebowl Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit
Greyleigh Tuscola Firebowl Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit Wayfair
Go rustic chic with Greyleigh’s steel wood burning fire pit. The weather-resistant fire pit includes a cooking grate so you can barbecue around the campfire in your own backyard.
The Greyleigh Tuscola Firebowl Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit is available now for $120.
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Sunjoy Connan Steel Wood Burning Outdoor Fireplace
Sunjoy Connan Steel Wood Burning Outdoor Fireplace Wayfair
Take your outdoor fire situation up a notch with the Sunjoy’s outdoor fireplace. This gorgeous stone fireplace features storage for wood logs, a spark screen and two platforms for added outdoor decor.
The Sunjoy Connan Steel Wood Burning Outdoor Fireplace is available now for $1,520.
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Bond Mondavi Envirostone Propane Fire Pit
Bond Mondavi Envirostone Propane Fire Pit Wayfair
If you’re looking for a more minimalist option. Bond’s Mondavi Envirostone fire pit is easily fueled with propane, weather resistant and features a sleek design that goes with any backyard decor.
The Bond Mondavi Envirostone Propane Fire Pit is available now for $230.
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Cedar Creek Sculptures Death Star Steel Fire Pit
Cedar Creek Sculptures Death Star Steel Fire Pit Wayfair
For diehard Star Wars fans, this Death Star Steel Fire Pit from Cedar Creek Sculptures is a must. Available in a variety of fuel types — including wood burning, natural gas match lit, propane match lit, natural gas electronic ignition and propane electronic ignition — the steel fire pit is a truly unique backyard centerpiece for all your outdoor entertaining.
The Cedar Creek Sculptures Death Star Steel Fire Pit is available now for $1,760.
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dd304a060c20e8e13836f8774e54be11 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/04/16/the-best-deals-on-memory-foam-mattresses-right-now/ | The Best Deals On Mattresses April 2019 | The Best Deals On Mattresses April 2019
Is it finally time for you to find a new mattress? This April, score big savings from some of our favorite online mattress brands, such as Nectar, Avocado, and Helix — and sleep better than ever.
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress Nectar
Right now, save $125 off any size of Nectar’s memory foam mattress, and score two free pillows with your purchase.
Normally $825, a queen size Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is on sale now for $700.
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Layla Mattress
Layla Mattress Layla
Get $100 off the Layla Mattress this spring, plus a free Layla pillow.
Normally $1,000, a queen size Layla Mattress is on sale now for $900.
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Leesa Mattress
Leesa Mattress Leesa
If you’ve been eyeing a Leesa Mattress, now is the time to buy. The online mattress brand is offering 15 percent off its most popular option.
Normally $995, a queen size Leesa Mattress is on sale now for $845.
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Helix Sleep Midnight Luxe Mattress
Helix Sleep Midnight Luxe Mattress Helix Sleep
Right now, Helix Sleep’s spring flash sale is offering $75 off the standard version of its mattresses and $125 off the luxe version.
Normally $1,745, a queen size Helix Sleep Midnight Luxe Mattress is on sale now for $1,620.
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Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress Tuft & Needle
Shop the Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress this month and receive $50 off and two free pillows. Plus, the mattress brand is offering 40 percent off its sheet selection.
Normally $995, a queen size Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress is on sale now for $945.
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cbe646ff4555ed639ff064d04ace4732 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/04/25/the-best-waterproof-tech-for-summer/ | The Best Waterproof Tech for Summer | The Best Waterproof Tech for Summer
Beach Tech Oleg Magni/Pexels
With summer on the horizon, we’re already dreaming of days by the beach and raucous pool parties with friends. However, we’re not dreaming of having to leave our phones sitting in rice because they got just a little too close to the water.
Summer brings with it so many opportunities for water-based fun, and you want to make sure your tech can withstand the elements. Some devices even promise to make your beach days more memorable than ever before, and it’s those products we’ve outlined in our list below.
From waterproof speakers to underwater cameras, the tech on this list will satisfy any beach bum. The products range from $70 to $250, giving you plenty of options no matter your budget. And of course, they’re all from our favorite, trustworthy brands.
Here’s everything you need to stow in your pool or beach bag this summer.
Speakers
Bose SoundLink Color II Speaker
Bose SoundLink Color II Speaker Bose
This popular speaker has made its way on to many lists outlining summer 2019’s best tech. Made by Bose, it packs the company’s exclusive sound technologies into a compact and durable frame. It’s water-resistant, so while we wouldn’t recommend throwing it into the pool, it’ll hold up fine if you place it in the splash zone. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled, meaning you can quickly switch tracks from the kitchen even as you’re preparing snacks with your other hand.
The Bose SoundLink Color II is on sale for $130.
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Ultimate Ears Wonderboom
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Ultimate Ears
Now this one you actually can toss in the pool. The Wonderboom speaker by Ultimate Ears was built for days at the beach — it even floats! The design provides 360 degrees of sound and 10 hours of battery life, so it’ll still be going long after the sun’s gone down.
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom is on sale for $100.
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JBL Charge 3
JBL Charge 3 JBL
If your friends are constantly fighting over the playlist, the JBL Charge 3 may be the solution. The speaker lets you wirelessly connect up to three smartphones to the speaker, so you can all take turns choosing what to play next. On sale from the regular $150, you can buy it now for just $100 — a 33 percent discount.
The JBL Charge 3 was originally $150, is now on sale for $100.
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Wearables
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Garmin
Garmin builds technology for aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation, tracking and mobile apps, so it makes sense that their Vivoactive 3 was designed to be rugged and long-lasting. That also makes it the perfect watch and fitness tracker for swimmers — be they casual or competitive.
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is on sale for $250.
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Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Headphones
Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Headphones Amazon
Sometimes you just want to go to the pool and swim a few laps to your pump-up song. Or, maybe you want to take your partner to the beach and live out your “From Here to Eternity” fantasy with the soundtrack playing in your ears. Whichever you choose, the Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Headphones will make it happen.
The Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Headphones are on sale for $70.
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Cameras
GoPro HERO
GoPro HERO Amazon
The GoPro HERO couldn’t be simpler to use. A single button let you power on the camera and start recording automatically, and the camera turns off automatically when you stop recording. More importantly, it’s waterproof up to 33 feet in the water, no housing required. So, you can capture all your beachside antics with ultimate ease.
The GoPro HERO is on sale for $148.
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Nikon COOLPIX W100
Nikon COOLPIX W100 Amazon
For almost the same price as the GoPro, you can get a fully functional digital camera from Nikon. Like the GoPro, the camera is waterproof up to 33 feet deep, and it also comes equipped with an underwater face-framing function. This lets the camera look for faces and automatically take a picture when it spots someone, making it easier to capture shots than ever before.
The Nikon COOLPIX W100 is on sale for $157
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7a2a4c0cc53517c595dac7683d9fbe3c | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/04/29/the-best-suits-for-men/ | The Best Suits for Men Under $1,000 | The Best Suits for Men Under $1,000
Whether you wear a suit every day or you just need one for a special occasion, picking the perfect suit can be quite the process. In this edit we are going to explore a couple different options for you, starting with a few a companies that will customize a suit to perfectly fit you from head to toe and ending with some quick options you can pick up from trusted brands and retailers. See? Much easier.
Made to Measure
Institchu
InStitchu InStitchu
Let's kick things off with Institchu. This company will conveniently custom make a suit for you. You can arrange for a fitting with one of their styling consultants, or complete the fitting yourself in the comfort of your own home. Alternatively, they also offer a build your own suit option, where you're able to choose everything from the style of the lapel to the pleat on the pant. They operate with a "perfect fit guarantee" which means if you aren't completely satisfied they will either alter it, remake it, or take it back and give you a refund.
InStitchu Custom Suits start at $599.
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Suit Supply
Suit Supply Suit Supply
With suits starting at $399, suit supply offers ready-to-wear product via their website, as well as custom made-to-measure items with a full personal tailoring experience in their stores. They operate brick and mortar locations in around 35 cities across the country, and are also available in almost 30 countries around the world. There are a couple reasons why we love them, and the first is the quality of the fabrics they use, which are sourced from European mills. They also do a phenomenal job styling in a classic, yet very up-to-date and on-trend way on their website, so you don't have to do too much thinking. They have a 30-day free return policy on unaltered items, free shipping, and lightening fast delivery (about two to five business days).
Shop Suits Starting at $399.
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Indochino
Indochino Indochino
Indochino offers made-to-measure suits at very affordable prices. To obtain accurate measurements you can either visit a showroom where they'll measure you, or measure yourself at home, as they offer a step-by-step video tutorial on just how to execute this yourself. They have a plethora of offerings as well as personal monogramming. It's very important to note that they do not accept returns, and if you are unhappy with your order you must contact them within ten days of your purchase to sort it out.
Shop Suits Starting at $299.
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Ready to Wear
Bonobos
Bonobos Lightweight Italian Wool Suit Bonobos
Bonobos prides itself on elevated customer service — they even call their stores "Guideshops" because of the personalized attention and laid-back atmosphere. They have a vast array of suits and separates on their website for you to browse. We love this suit in particular. Made with lightweight construction and in a fresh blue hue, it's perfect for the warmer months ahead.
Bonobos Lightweight Italian Wool Suit on sale for $750.
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Hart Schaffner Marx
Hart Schaffner Marx New York Classic Fit Solid Stretch Wool Suit Nordstrom
Hart Schaffner Marx prides themselves on craftsmanship, and we love that all their suiting is made in America. This suit is made from stretch-wool and boasts a classic fit. It's perfect for anyone who wants a no-fuss option that's never going to go out of style.
Hart Schaffner Marx New York Classic Fit Solid Stretch Wool Suit on sale for $695.
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Topman
Topman 2 Piece Blue Premium Textured Skinny Fit Suit with Peak Lapels Topman
Topman is your go-to for of the moment trends in any category of clothing. We love this slim-fit suit because it can be dressed up or down. Wear it with a traditional button down shirt and tie, or with a simple t-shirt for more casual occasions.
Topman 2 Piece Blue Premium Textured Skinny Fit Suit With Peak Lapels on sale for $400.
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J.Crew
J.Crew Slim-fit Suit in seersucker with COOLMAX® technology J Crew
Another perfect choice for spring and summer is this J.Crew Suit. It's constructed with technology designed to be breathable and moisture-wicking so you won't have to worry about sweating through it. It's perfect for the office, or for a weekend getaway, since you can dress it down with a simple white t-shirt underneath and sneakers.
J Crew Slim-fit Suit Jacket in seersucker with COOLMAX® technology on sale for $228.
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J Crew Slim-fit Pant in seersucker with COOLMAX® technology on sale for $128.
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9c760a503dee89df8d1d63cdcfc6e085 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/05/01/mens-polarized-sunglasses/ | Men's Polarized Sunglasses for Summer 2019 | Men's Polarized Sunglasses for Summer 2019
A great pair of sunglasses can enhance any look, while also providing protection from the sun's harmful rays. But that doesn't mean all sunglasses are created equally — some provide UV protection with polarization, meaning they reduce glare, while others exist simply for aesthetic value. Polarized sunglasses have been proven to reduce eye strain, enhance clarity of vision, convey colors accurately, protect from the sun, and diminish reflections.
With the warmer weather approaching, the smarter bet would be to find a pair that encompasses both features — style and practicality. Here, some of the best polarized sunglasses for men.
Versace Navigator Oversized Sunglasses
Versace Navigator 72mm Oversized Sunglasses www.nordstrom.com
Shield sunglasses are trending for both men and women this summer season and are guaranteed to make a statement. This particular pair by Versace features an oversized silhouette, wraparound style, 72mm lens, and 100 percent UV protection. It'll be sure to steal the show, so wear with your favorite neutrals for a truly trendy look.
The Versace Navigator 72mm Oversized Sunglasses are on sale for $360.
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Ray Ban Chromance Polarized Sunglasses
Ray Ban Sunglass Hut
You can never go wrong with a pair of high quality, durable Ray Ban sunglasses. A cult favorite for a reason, Ray Ban has constantly designed styles that remain consumer favorites year after year, such as a the Wayfarer, aviator, and Clubmaster. This season, Ray Ban brings us a modern chrome frame with added polarization to protect your eyes from the sun's powerful rays. This pair of sunglasses features a square frame, gradient polarization, and mirrored lenses.
The Ray Ban Chromance Polarized Sunglasses are on sale for $213.
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Maui Jim Lava Tube Polarized Sunglasses
Maui Jim Lava Tube Polarized Sunglasses www.bloomingdales.com
From the shores of Maui to the east coast, Maui Jim remains the authority on designing sunglasses that are both stylish and practical for sunseekers everywhere. Inspired by natural Hawaiian lava tubes, this pair of sunglasses boasts unique features such as an ultralight thin titanium frame and a proprietary Maui Jim lens material called MauiBrilliant, which enhances the clarity of the lens and enables a lighter feel. The sunglasses also feature an aviator style and comes in colors such as gunmetal, gold matte, and sepia.
The Maui Jim Lava Tube Polarized Sunglasses are on sale for $299.
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Electric Nashville XL Polarized Sunglasses
Electric Nashville XL Polarized Sunglasses www.nordstrom.com
Oversized and bold, this pair of sunglasses will certainly capture attention while out and about. The Nashville XL sunglasses by Electric are vintage-inspired and feature a slick Italian design with a 49mm lens width.The pair also offers 100 percent UV protection and polarized lenses. Available in three different colors, they're sure to become a favorite.
The Electric Nashville XL 49mm Polarized Sunglasses are on sale for $150.
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acce2d05c820bc3002c9beced8cb5aab | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/05/09/the-best-desk-chairs-you-can-buy-on-amazon/ | The Best Desk Chairs You Can Buy On Amazon | The Best Desk Chairs You Can Buy On Amazon
We're spending more and more time at our desks, whether they be at the office, at home, or anywhere else -- and sitting at a desk all the time can be terrible for your back. There is, however, a way to mitigate some of those issues -- by buying an office chair that's supporting and comfortable, ensuring that your back is straight and that you prevent potential issues down the line.
Of course, there are a ton of office chairs out there, and they're not all created equal. A great office chair is well-built, comfortable, and supportive, plus it'll last a long time. We've put together this guide to help you find the best office chairs out there.
Herman Miller Embody Chair
Herman Miller Embody Herman Miller
Herman Miller is known for building highly comfortable, ergonomic chairs, and while they may be very expensive, if you can afford them they're well worth buying. The Herman Miller Embody Chair is really the cream of the crop in office chairs. It's beautifully-designed, and its design is aimed at enhancing your health and improving your focus -- especially for those that sit for more than four hours per day. Features include a tilt limiter, adjustable seat depth, adjustable arms, and a graphite base and frame for a strong build.
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Herman Miller Sayl Chair
Herman Miller Sayl Herman Miller
Perhaps the Embody Chair is a little out of your price range, but you can still get a great Herman Miller chair for about half the price. The Herman Miller Sayl is well-designed, offering many of the same features as the Embody, including the tilt limiter. There are also height-adjustable arms, a strong frame, and carpet casters. The seat depth on the chair is stationary, but it should still be more than comfortable for the vast majority of users. Last but not least, the chair is made in the U.S.A., and ships with Herman Miller's 12 year warranty.
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Alera Elusion
Alera Elusion Alera
There are some great mesh office chairs in the $200 range too -- like the Alera Elusion chair, which offers a high-back design and a number of great comfort features. With the Alera Elusion, you'll be able to adjust the back, the tilt, and arm height. The chair is aimed at offering a cool, breathable back, which is perfect for those that like to stay cool at their desk, and it has a contoured seat design to help relieve pressure on your legs while you're sitting.
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Vertagear S-Line SL4000
Vertagear S-Line SL4000 Vertagear
If you're more a gamer and want a chair that works with your style, then the Vertagear S-Line SL4000 is the chair to go for. The chair is perfect for both gaming and doing other things at a desk, and it comes in a range of colors. On top of that, the S-Line SL4000 also offers a reinforced base, and is covered with a premium PVC Faux Leather. Last but not least, the chair includes Penta RS1 Casters, which is great for gliding around on any surface -- and it's easy to assemble, which is good news for those that don't want to spend a ton of time putting the chair together.
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Joseph Allen Eames Style Group Management Chair
Eames Style Group Management Chair Joseph Allen
The Eames Group Management Chair may not be the most ergonomic chair, but what it lacks in comfort it makes up for in style. Now, we don't recommend a chair like this to someone that spends hours upon hours per day seated at a desk, but for sitting on every now and then, and ensuring you look great when you do, this is a great chair to go for. The chair features a brown leather and is built for durability -- so it should last some time. To be clear, this chair isn't built by Eames, but it is built in the style of Eames' classic chair.
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97022b199dfe135c4c21ec49dc88dbeb | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/05/14/11-anniversary-gifts-for-her-to-show-her-shes-worth-it/ | 11 Anniversary Gifts For Her To Show Her She's Worth It | 11 Anniversary Gifts For Her To Show Her She's Worth It
What do you get for the woman who is not only the love of your life, but also your best friend. It doesn't matter if you've been dating for a month, a year, or ten years, you want to gift her something as special as she is. Your first task is to pinpoint what she loves to do the most, and that will lead you on your path to the perfect gift. Does she love to be pampered? Does she love to travel? Does she love to cook or maybe she'd rather entertain? Whatever it may be we've rounded up some amazing options that are sure to put a smile on her face!
Spa Finder Gift Card
Spa Finder Gift Card Spa Finder
A gift card to Spa Finder is perfect for the woman who loves to be pampered, and it takes the guessing out of what spa service is her favorite. What we love most about Spa Finder is that they don't stop at massages and facials, she can book everything from hair appointments to barre classes to reiki healing sessions. Spa Finder Gift Card starting at $50.
Shop Now: $50
Aesop Orbit of Intention Gift Set
Aesop Orbit of Intention Gift Set Aesop
Gift her the ultimate experience in luxury skincare. Every Aesop product is meticulously created using top of the line ingredients, with sensory pleasure in mind. This gift set includes three products to add to her self care routine, the Blue Chamomile Hydrating Face Mask, Moisture Facial Hydrosol, and a Purifying Exfoliant Paste. Aesop Orbit of Intention Gift Set on sale for $115.
Shop Now: $115
Cooluli Mini Beauty Refrigerator
Cooluli Mini Beauty Refrigerator Urban Outfitters
Mini fridges are the next big thing in beauty. They fit perfectly in any bathroom to cool your jade rollers and serums before you apply them to your face. This specific fridge can both heat and cool. She will love this gadget to up her skincare game. Cooluli Mini Beauty Refrigerator on sale for $60.
Shop Now: $60
Gucci Bloom Aqua Di Fiori
Gucci Bloom Aqua Di Fiori Saks FIfth Avenue
An absolutely beautiful scent from Gucci, Aqua Di Fiori is a mixture of floral scents made to remind you of a garden in bloom. It was created to harness the joyful energy of a woman. Gucci Bloom Aqua Di Fiori on sale for $112.
Shop Now: $112
Urban Stems x Vogue
Urban Stems x Vogue Urban Stems
Urban Stems is a nationwide online floral retailer. We love the Vogue collection, available year-round, because each bouquet is limited edition crafted by Vogue's top editors.Urban Stems x Vogue starting on sale for $149.
Shop Now: $149
See By Chloe Mini Bag
See By Chloe Mini Bag Shopbop
Before you take her out to a special dinner gift her a new bag that will go with any outfit. See By Chloe Mini Bag on sale for $375.
Shop Now: $375
Rent The Runway Subscription
Rent The Runway Subscription Rent The Runway
Shopping for the right piece of clothing is daunting and that's why we love Rent The Runway. They take the guessing out of the equation by offering monthly subscriptions of designer clothes. Rent The Runway Subscription starting at $69.
Shop Now: $69
Away Travel Carry On
Away Travel Carry On Away
Away is the ultimate in travel luggage, and they continue to come out with beautiful new colors every season. We are loving this light blue carry on for her next weekend getaway (or week long vaca!).
Away Travel Carry On on sale for $225
Shop Now: $225
Agate Serve
Agate Serve Anthropologie
For the woman who loves to entertain, gift her these beautiful agate serve platters.
Agate Serve on sale for $78
Shop Now: $78
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1b752e50dd13e4f68675b48bdcdf14dd | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/05/17/apple-airpods-2-2019-edition-review-well-built-truly-wireless-earbuds-with-a-unique-design/ | Apple AirPods 2 2019 Edition Review: Well-Built Truly Wireless Earbuds With A Unique Design | Apple AirPods 2 2019 Edition Review: Well-Built Truly Wireless Earbuds With A Unique Design
Apple AirPods 2 2019 Edition - RTINGS.com RTINGS.com
The Apple AirPods are open-back truly wireless earbuds. They’ve been around since late 2016, but Apple recently released the new AirPods, sometimes called the AirPods 2, which come with a few upgrades. They’re now available with a wireless Qi-compatible charging case and support ‘Hey Siri’ for added ease-of-use with Apple’s voice assistant. Overall, the Apple AirPods are well-built, comfortable earbuds that have a pleasing lightweight build and premium feel. However, they sound rather mediocre, especially when listening to more bass-heavy music. Their one-size-fits-all design also means it can be difficult to find a fit that’s right for you, so different people may have different listening experiences. That said, their battery is pretty decent for truly wireless headphones, and iPhone users will appreciate their seamless integration with iOS.
Pros
+ Great build quality
+ Fast charging time
+ Unique and distinguishable design
Cons
- Poor noise isolation
- Limited control scheme
- Bass delivery varies significantly across users
Design
Type: Earbuds
Enclosure: Open-back
The Apple AirPods 2 are very well-designed truly wireless earbuds. They’re visually identical to the previous Apple AirPods and have the same great build quality. They feel like premium headphones and the plastic used feels solid and durable. They’re very lightweight, and their one-size-fits-all design is surprisingly comfortable. Of course, your experience will vary depending on the shape and size of your ears, but their earbud fit doesn’t enter the ear canal as deeply as that of in-ears, which helps reduce fatigue over time. The AirPods 2 are super portable and come with an outstanding hard charging case that is not only compact enough to fit in the smallest of pockets but now supports wireless Qi charging. On the downside, their touch-sensitive control scheme is rather limited and can be difficult to use. However, if you enjoy using voice controls, you’ll be pleased to know you can enable ‘Hey Siri’ on your device and control the AirPods entirely by voice.
Sound
Apple AirPods 2 2019 Edition Frequency Response - RTINGS.com RTINGS.com
The Apple AirPods 2 2019 Edition are open-back earbuds that sound mediocre overall. They have a good mid-range and decent treble, but their bass is disappointing due to their open-back design. That said, they tend to sound different depending on who’s wearing them, how well they fit, and how they’re positioned. Those who achieve a tighter fit may experience slightly improved bass performance. Their mid-range response is quite good and fairly consistent throughout the range, but peaks in variance around high-mid, which increases the intensity of vocals and lead instruments for some people but not for others. Some may find they sound a bit too bright or even sharp at times since they have overemphasized treble in general, but this will largely depend on their positioning. In addition, a boost in treble may not bother everyone and may even be preferable to some. Overall, they’re not bad for music genres with less bass, such as classic rock, folk, or classical, but likely won’t be preferable for more bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop.
Isolation
Apple AirPods 2 2019 Edition Noise Isolation - RTINGS.com RTINGS.com
Noise Cancelling: No
The Apple AirPods 2 have an open-back design that doesn’t isolate at all. They let in all the deep rumbles of bus or plane engines, don’t block out office chatter, and can’t effectively quiet the sound of A/C units. They also leak quite a bit, which means if you raise your listening volume to block more noise, people around you may hear what you’re listening to. Although the AirPods aren’t ideal for those looking to block out the hustle and bustle of the outside world, their open-back design can be helpful for commuters who need to be able to hear train announcements or crossing signals. They’re also a good choice for outdoor runners who like to listen to music while remaining aware of their surroundings.
Microphone
Apple AirPods 2 2019 Edition Recording Quality - RTINGS.com RTINGS.com
Mic Type: Integrated
The AirPods 2 have an unremarkable integrated microphone that should be passable for most. Bluetooth microphones tend to lack presence and brilliance in general and the AirPod’s mic is no exception, but it still manages to produce speech that’s still easily intelligible in quiet environments. This means you shouldn’t have a problem taking calls with the AirPods in a quiet hallway or empty meeting room. However, the AirPods struggle to separate speech from background noise and aren’t great at transmitting clear audio in noisier environments, so the person on the other end of the line may have a hard time understanding you in this situation.
Active Features
Battery Life: 4.1 hours
Charge Time: 0.5 hours
App Support: iOS Interface
Passive Playback: No
The Apple AirPods 2 2019 Edition are truly wireless headphones with a decent battery. Although they only last between 4 to 5 hours of continuous playback, their charging case can provide 5 additional charges for a total battery life of up to 24 hours. As long as you keep them in their case when not in use, you shouldn’t find yourself out of battery very often. They also fully charge in under a half hour, which is extremely quick. When the Wireless Charging Case finally runs out of power, it can be charged with a Qi charging mat. The AirPods don’t have a companion app per se, but they have an interface built into iOS that shows their battery status and lets you map their touch-sensitive controls.
Connectivity
Bluetooth: Yes
Wired: No
Wireless Range: 46 feet
Latency: 204 ms
The Apple AirPods 2 are truly wireless headphones that connect to your devices via Bluetooth. They feature Apple’s new H1 wireless chip for no-nonsense pairing with all your Apple devices logged into your iCloud account. Apple advertises the AirPods 2 as having a more stable wireless connection and lower latency thanks to the H1 chip. However, our current testing setup doesn’t yet interact with the H1 chip, so we can’t vouch for any connectivity improvements. That said, even with a standard Bluetooth device, the AirPods achieved over 45 feet of wireless range, which is great.
Who Should Buy Them?
Apple AirPods 2 2019 Edition In The Box - RTINGS.com RTINGS.com
If you work in a quiet office and appreciate the convenience of truly wireless earbuds, then the AirPods are worth considering, especially if you work with Apple products. Though they only provide 4 hours of continuous playback, they’ll fully charge during your lunch break and be ready for the rest of your day once you’re back at your desk. Their open-back design isn’t ideal if you’re looking to block out your noisy commute but works well for those who want to remain aware of their surroundings. The AirPods don’t fit securely on everyone, but those who find them stable enough to wear while working out will appreciate how lightweight and comfortable they are on a run, especially outdoors where you need to keep an eye and an ear out for traffic. Overall, if you’re a fan of Apple products and are looking for well-built truly wireless headphones that integrate seamlessly within Apple’s ecosystem, then the AirPods are hard to beat.
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To see all our measurements and our test results of the Apple AirPods 2, please go here.
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012d5a72fbdde94de1f349961b99ef76 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/05/24/best-deals-on-patio-furniture-at-wayfair/ | Best Deals on Patio Furniture at Wayfair | Best Deals on Patio Furniture at Wayfair
This Memorial Day Weekend, take full advantage of Wayfair’s clearance sale on must-have patio furniture. From daybeds to dining tables, the home furnishings site has everything you need to get your patio and backyard summer ready. Not to mention: Discounts as steep as 75% off. Shop Wayfair’s best deals on patio furniture.
Brayden Studio Seagle Daybed
Seagle Daybed with Cushions Wayfair
Original Price: $2,500
Sale Price: $835
If you have a large patio space and are looking for the ultimate place to lounge, Brayden Studio Seagle Daybed is the patio furniture piece you need. Originally $2,500, you can now score the daybed for $835.
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Mercury Row Mirando 4 Piece Sofa Set with Cushions
Mirando 4 Piece Sofa Set with Cushions Wayfair
Original Price: $727
Sale Price: $606
Wayfair is chock full of stylish patio furniture sets like the swanky Mirando 4 Piece Sofa Set with Cushions from Mercury Row. Originally $727, you can now score this patio set for $606.
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Loon Peak Norton Rocking Chair
Norton Rocking Chair Wayfiar
Original Price: $250
Sale Price: $158
Add a nice reading nook to your patio with the Loon Peak Norton Rocking Chair. Originally $250, you can now score this rocking chair for just $158.
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Willo Arlo Interiors David 7 Piece Dining Set
David 7 Piece Dining Set Wayfair
Original Price: $3,595
Sale Price: $926
Your search for the best deal on a dining set ends here. The Willo Arlo Interiors David 7 Piece Dining Set was $3,595 and is now on sale for $926.
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Sol 72 Outdoor Bennington 5 Piece Dining Set With Cushions
Bennington 5 Piece Dining Set with Cushions Wayfair
Original Price: $1,320
Sale Price: $460
Add a small outdoor dining situation with the Sol 72 Outdoor Bennington 5 Piece Dining Set with Cushions. Originally $1,320, you can now score this collection for $460.
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Mercury Row Dowd 5 Piece Rattan Sectional Set with Cushions
Dowd 5 Piece Rattan Sectional Set with Cushions Wayfair
Original Price: $2,175
Sale Price: $622
Add a dash of style to your space with this half moon sectional from Mercury Row. The Dowd 5 Piece Rattan Sectional Set with Cushions was originally $2,175 but is now on sale for $622.
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380c35eaf02d10c92604b66c8bcaa7d0 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/06/17/cowhide-rugs-for-every-budget/ | The Coolest Cowhide Rugs for Every Budget | The Coolest Cowhide Rugs for Every Budget
Whether you’re going with a more mid-century modern vibe or a bohemian look, a calfskin rug can add a touch of texture and natural color to your home. The only problem? It can be hard to find one in your price range that's going to look, well, good. If you have your eye on a cowhide rug, we’ve gone ahead and done the work for you with a guide to cowhide rugs for every budget, ahead.
Rugs USA Vaquera Macchiato Faux Cowhide Area Rug
Vaquera Macchiato Faux Cowhide Area Rug Rugs USA
If you want for a more affordable option—say, a cowhide rug under $100—it’s best to look for faux cowhide. And the Vaquera Macchiato Faux Cowhide Area Rug from Rugs USA is an excellent choice. We love this light-colored cowhide rug for its realistic look and touch of gold sparkle for a more upscale style.
The Rugs USA Vaquera Macchiato Faux Cowhide Area Rug is on sale now starting at $65.
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MeshNew Pure Brown Tricolor Cowhide Rug
MeshNew Pure Brown Tricolor Cowhide Rug Amazon
You probably didn’t think to check Amazon for an authentic, natural cowhide rug, but we did. This Pure Brown Tricolor Cowhide Rug from MeshNew is a great option for those on a tight budget but looking to snag a natural cowhide rug over faux.
The MeshNew Pure Brown Tricolor Cowhide Rug is on sale now for $98.
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Joss & Main Binx Faux Cowhide Area Rug
Binx Faux Cowhide Area Rug Joss & Main
If you want the look of a dark brown cowhide rug without the fact that it’s, you know, made from cowhide, the Binx Faux Cowhide Area Rug from Joss & Main is a great option. Not only does it look real but it offers that touch of natural to your home.
The Joss & Main Binx Faux Cowhide Area Rug is on sale now for $107.
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IKEA TORSTED Cowhide
TORSTED Cowhide IKEA
IKEA is where we go for cheap furniture and $0.75 hot dogs, but it’s also where you can find affordable cowhide rugs. The TORSTED Cowhide is one of the home furnishing store’s three traditional cowhide rugs (check out the KOLDBY for a darker version at the same price) and features a gorgeous light caramel and cream colorway.
The IKEA TORSTED Cowhide rug is on sale now for $169.
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Joss & Main Sarah Hand-Woven Cowhide Area Rug
Sarah Hand-Woven Cowhide Area Rug Joss & Main
Looking for a cowhide rug with deep camel tan and cream colors? The Joss & Main Sarah Hand-Woven Cowhide Area Rug is where it’s at. This gorgeous area rug can warm up any space and is neutral enough to match most decor, too.
The Joss & Main Sarah Hand-Woven Cowhide Area Rug is on sale now for $196.
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Zara Home Zebra Print Cowhide Rug
Zebra Print Cowhide Rug Zara Home
Get funky with Zara Home’s take on the cowhide rug. The Zebra Print Cowhide Rug is made from 100 percent natural fur and features the exotic stripes of a zebra for a fun pattern and flair.
The Zara Home Zebra Print Cowhide Rug is on sale now for $500.
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CB2 Grey Cowhide Rug
Grey Cowhide Rug CB2
Finding a cowhide rug without browns can be difficult, but CB2 has it. The Grey Cowhide Rug is a gorgeous, neutral-colored rug that would go with virtually any home decor style, including contemporary. The light, solid-colored area rug is made from sustainably sourced cowhide from Argentina, and each one is unique.
The CB2 Grey Cowhide Rug is on sale now for $600.
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313e1fff9c21a6720ec4abd29e568bd5 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/06/30/best-smart-appliances-for-your-home/?sh=3731da6d48a5 | 4 Smart Home Appliances To Upgrade The Kitchen, Laundry Room And More | 4 Smart Home Appliances To Upgrade The Kitchen, Laundry Room And More
Homes are getting more intelligent as companies like Samsung and LG have begun adding smart features to their appliances. The connection to the web—and occasionally one another—gives consumers more information about managing the chores around the house. Naturally, smart appliances are often more expensive than their more basic alternatives, and they typically require being paired with a smartphone to function best.
But if you’re ready to upgrade and get into the smart appliance game, don’t feel overwhelmed. Here are four outstanding smart appliances to do some thinking for you.
Samsung FlexWash
Samsung FlexWash Samsung
If you need a new washer that can help you clean bundles of clothes at a time and connect to your home network, the Samsung FlexWash is the way to go. Samsung’s machine measures six cubic feet and actually has two washers—one on top and one for front-loading—and also features a steam cleaning function. And with a fingerprint-resistant finish, it won’t smudge so easily.
On the smart side, the device connects to the Samsung SmartThings app and lets you control it from a smartphone. You can use it to track when your loads are done or get notifications to tell you when you should head to your laundry room to change your wash. You can even get alerts that tell you when you should clean the washer.
The Samsung FlexWash was originally $1,800, is on sale now for $1,450.
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LG Side-By-Side InstaView Refrigerator
LG InstaView Refrigerator LG
LG has made great strides in the smart appliance space, perhaps best illustrated in the Side-By-Side InstaView Refrigerator. The device is a 21.7-cubic-foot refrigerator with double doors. (It’s a counter-depth refrigerator, as well.) And with help from the InstaView feature, you can look inside your fridge without even needing to open the door, so you can see what you need and don’t need to get at the market.
On the smart side, you’ll be able to get notifications on your smartphone when the door is left open and control other key features, such as temperature.
The LG InstaView refrigerator was originally $2,070, is on sale now for $1,800.
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LG Self-Cleaning Smart Wi-Fi Range
LG Smart Range LG
Another LG favorite, the company’s 6.3-cubic-foot Self-Cleaning Smart Wi-Fi Range is great for a kitchen that needs a little extra smarts. The range is a slide-in electric induction appliance that comes with ProBake Convection for the perfect cooking temperature and results. And since it’s an electric range, you won’t need a gas hookup.
Still, it has plenty of smarts, thanks to built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Over that wireless connection, you can get notifications on your phone when your range has hit your desired temperature or your baking is complete. You can also use it to connect to the range to see its status and whether it’s on.
The LG Smart Range was originally $2,520, is now on sale for $1,800.
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iRobot Braava Jet M6
iRobot Braava iRobot
If you’re in the market for a new way to clean the floors in your house, iRobot has long been one of the best options on the market. And the iRobot Braava Jet M6 might be your next buy. Instead of the familiar robot vacuums, the iRobot Braava Jet M6 is a robot mop that sprays a cleaning solution on your floors and goes about the home to clean the floors. It’s capable of cleaning everything from dirt to grease and will do it without scratching your floors.
And you shouldn’t have much trouble controlling it from your smartphone. You can simply use the iRobot app to set it to clean or set a schedule so it regularly comes out to clean your floors.
The iRobot Braava is on sale now for $500.
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7bcd1c139b58806ad0ef2ad7b2576b3b | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/09/10/the-powerful-11-inch-ipad-pro-is-now-discounted-on-amazon/ | The Powerful 11-Inch iPad Pro Is Now Discounted on Amazon | The Powerful 11-Inch iPad Pro Is Now Discounted on Amazon
The Apple iPad is widely considered to be the best tablet on the market, and the iPad Pro represents the best of the best of all iPad models. Of course, considering how high-quality the iPad Pro is, it can often be a little expensive. For a limited time, however, you can get the 64GB 11-inch iPad Pro for $125 off its regular price.
11-inch iPad Pro Apple
There are plenty of features to love about the 11-inch iPad Pro. Along with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the device is the most powerful iPad to date, thanks to the fact that it offers Apple's A12X Bionic processor. The iPad Pro is available with different amounts of storage, and while the base model's 64GB is probably more than enough for most, you could also spring for 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB.
There's also the fact that the iPad Pro is so modern. The device does away with the traditional iPad design, instead offering a near edge-to-edge screen and Face ID built right into it, so you'll be able to quickly and easily unlock the device. The iPad Pro is available in two colors, including Space Gray and Silver, and has a 10-hour battery life, which should be more than enough for most users.
Other appealing features include the fact that the device works seamlessly with the Apple Pencil, and has a built-in USB-C port, which means that you can connect external hard drives and other devices.
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12.9-inch iPad Pro Apple
Of course, you might want that larger screen size, in which case it's worth considering the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which is also available at a discount from Amazon. Like the 11-inch model, this device features Apple's A12X Bionic chip, along with options for 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. It's also available in Space Gray or Silver, and you could spring for a WiFi-only version, or a model that also has cellular connectivity. You'll save between $150 and $200 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, depending on the model you go for.
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Apple iPad Apple
If you're interested in buying an iPad, but want something a little more affordable, then the entry-level iPad is the way to go. The device normally retails for $329, but it has been discounted to an impressive $249. Granted, the entry-level iPad may not be as powerful as other iPad models, but it's still more than powerful enough for the vast majority of users, thanks to the Apple A10 Fusion chip and 9.7-inch display.
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44784a51b3bee026ce6089cd75c815c8 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2019/12/12/these-sony-noise-cancelling-headphones-are-now-half-price/ | These Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones Are Now Half Price | These Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones Are Now Half Price
Sony has been seriously stepping up its headphone game over the past few years. The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones are considered to be some of the best noise-cancelling headphones out there, but they can be a little pricey. Luckily, in case you don’t want to spend the cash on those headphones, there’s another option – the Sony WH-XB900N headphones, which are now available for $124.99, or almost half off their original price of $248.
The headphones have a lot going for them beyond the price. For starters, the Sony WH-XB900N headphones offer a modern and updated design, with nicely curved lines and a minimalistic look. In other words, they should look great on anyone. Part of the design is the fact that they have plenty of padding in the ear cups and under the headband, meaning that they should be relatively comfortable. That makes them a good choice for long-haul travel, your daily commute, and simply wearing in day-to-day use.
Sony WH-XB900N Headphones Sony
Of course, even more important than their design and comfort-level is how the headphones sound – and like other Sony headphones, they sound pretty good. You’ll get a decent bass response, but the headphones won’t go over the top – so they’ll sound a little more natural than other headphones. The mid range is generally well-tuned, and the headphones should offer a decent amount of clarity and detail in the high end.
Th headphones offer noise cancellation too – allowing you to cut out plane noise when you’re traveling, train noise during your commute, or any other noise in day to day life.
Generally speaking, these are a great pair of headphones for those who want noise cancellation on a budget.
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Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones Sony
If you really want the best noise cancelling headphones out there, then it’s worth considering the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones. Sony has spent millions developing its noise cancellation tech, and these headphones seriously show that off. With these, you’ll easily be able to cut out all the noise in your life, plus you’ll enjoy a great audio quality thanks to the excellent high-end response.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones are available straight from Amazon at a discount too – and it’s one of the highest discounts we’ve seen on the headphones so far. While they normally come at $349, you can currently get the headphones for $278 – which is $71.99 off their original price.
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df31cbdd178de66b4f7561989f1044c6 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/03/13/best-food-processors/ | 7 of the Best Food Processors Based on Your Prepping Needs and Budget | 7 of the Best Food Processors Based on Your Prepping Needs and Budget
Food processors might be one of the most overlooked kitchen appliances. They have the ability to take on a multitude of tasks without taking up too much space. In fact, certain processors even have the same workings of both a blender and standing mixer, with interchangeable blades and disks.
From manual to a blender-processor duo, there are a wide range of food processors out there on the market. If you’re in need of a one-stop-chop (see what we did there?) food processor that’s capable of doing anything from pureeing vegetables to kneading dough, then one with a large bowl and faster motor will suit you better than a mini chopper with a three-cup bowl. However, even the smallest and least powerful chopper can cut, mince and grind onions, garlic, herbs and spices — plus make sauces and spreads, which takes away the time and effort of using a knife when prepping food. And while a food processor might have more parts to clean than a single fixed-blade in a blender or a knife and chopping block, almost all parts in this kitchen appliance are dishwasher safe, minimizing clean-up time and effort.
If you’re a meal-prepper, love to try your hand at new recipes, or are simply looking for a way to lessen your time spent in the kitchen, then a food processor is the right appliance for you. Below, find several food processors based on price, style, motor-power, size and overall ability to get whatever job you need done. Here are some of the best food processors on the market.
Best Value: Cuisinart 14-Cup Processor
Cuisinart 14-Cup Processor Amazon
In the case of best value food processors, your best bet is the Cuisinart 14-Cup Processor. With a 720-watt motor and 14-cup Lexan work bowl, it is comparable to the KitchenAid 14-Cup Food Processor, but at a fraction of the cost. Both appliances can slice, shred, chop and make dough, but the Cuisinart is simply more powerful than the KitchenAid’s 420-watt motor.
The silver Cuisinart 14-Cup Processor is on sale now for $199.
Inexpensive: Hamilton Beach Food Processor
Hamilton Beach Food Processor Amazon
Want all the benefits of a food processor without the price commitment of a luxury appliance? Your wish is our command. The Hamilton Beach Food Processor checks all the boxes when it comes to features you would find on an expensive food processor, but is priced at under $50. The appliance has a powerful 450-watt motor with two different speeds, plus pulse. It also has a large chute that can fit a whole block of cheese, a 10-cup bowl and, while it is large enough for most jobs, the processor is still easily storable. What makes it really stand out from other food processors though is the bowl scraper, which works while the machine is both on and off to remove food from the side of the bowl.
The Hamilton Beach Food Processor is on sale now for $45.
High-End: Breville Sous Chef
Breville Sous Chef Amazon
If you swear by food processors, already use one at least once a day, and view the purchase of a food processor as an investment, then the Breville Sous Chef is for you. An appliance that “brings professional prep to your kitchen,” it has a 1200-watt motor, a 16-cup bowl, and comes with accessories for slicing, dicing, chopping and kneading.
The Breville Sous Chef is on sale now for $320.
Small Portions: Hamilton Beach Food Processor Mini Chopper
Hamilton Beach Food Processor Mini Chopper Amazon
If you need an appliance that speeds up cooking time by chopping and mixing ingredients but don’t want to invest in an expensive, pro-level food processor, the Hamilton Beach Food Processor Mini Chopper is for you. With a three-cup bowl, this mini chopper is ideal for smaller portions, without compromising the capacity to handle an array of foods like onions, herbs, nuts and more with a powerful 350-watt motor. The stainless steel chopping and mixing blades, bowl and lid are easy to clean and are dishwasher safe, too.
The Hamilton Beach Food Processor is now $21.99.
All-In-One: Nutri-Ninja Mega Kitchen System
Nutri-Ninja Mega Kitchen System Amazon
Who doesn’t love an all-in-one? If you’re in need of both a blender and food processor, look no further than the Nutri-Ninja Mega Kitchen System. This all-in-one appliance features a base that fits both a 64-ounce food processor bowl and a 72-ounce blender pitcher that operates at 1200-watts. In addition to the dishwasher-safe and BPA-free pitcher and bowl, the system also includes a dough blade, chopping blade, two 16-ounce Nutri Ninja Cups with to-go lids and a 30-recipe inspiration guide.
The Nutri-Ninja Kitchen System is on sale now for $140.
Another All-In-One: Oster Pro 1200 Blender with Food Processor Attachment
Oster Pro 1200 Blender with Food Processor Attachment Amazon
Another great two-in-one option that is comparable to the Nutri-Ninja Kitchen is the Oster Pro 1200 Blender with a Food Processor Attachment. The Oster Pro has a 1200-watt motor and a seven-speed system. It is priced at $90, making it more affordable than the Nutri-Ninja.
The Oster Pro 1200 Blender with Food Processor Attachment is on sale now for $84.
Hand-Held: Ninja Food Chopper
Ninja Food Chopper Amazon
A perfect on-the-go, express chop, the Ninja Food Chopper has a 200-watt powder-pod that cuts, minces and grinds evenly and better than a knife — without a big machine. The 16-ounce container with a splash guard (that doubles as its storage lid) is ideal for garlic, onion, herbs and spices, nuts, bacon crumbles, spreads and sauces. All parts are BPA-free and all detachable parts are dishwasher safe, making cleaning effortless.
The Ninja Food Chopper is available used for $33.
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a50fd4099f08323aea565ae174eb0030 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/03/19/best-accessories-for-an-ergonomic-home-office-setup/?sh=31b387641ca6 | 5 Of The Best Accessories For An Ergonomic Home Office Setup | 5 Of The Best Accessories For An Ergonomic Home Office Setup
Because of the coronavirus outbreak, many are working from home for the first time — and many of those people will want to ensure that they have the most ergonomic and comfortable setup possible. After all, simply getting a dining chair and a table probably won’t do the job when working from 9 to 5.
Are you trying to put together the most ergonomic and comfortable home office setup you possibly can? That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here are some of the best accessories for an ergonomic home office setup.
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Standing Desk
Jarvis Jarvis Standing Desk Bamboo Top Desk BUY FROM AMAZON
Price: $524
Customer Rating: 4.8 stars
If you’re truly looking for an ergonomic setup, then perhaps the first thing you’ll want to consider is a standing desk. A standing desk allows you to work standing up or sitting down, ensuring that you can still work even if you need to change positions. This particular standing desk allows you to program preset heights, so you can sit or stand with the tap of a button, and it’s well-designed and solidly-built, so it should last for years to come. The desk also has plenty of space — and it’s available in a few different sizes, which is always nice.
Desk Chair
Herman Miller Herman Miller Embody Chair BUY FROM AMAZON
Price: $1,495
Customer Rating: 4.2 stars
If you’re looking for perhaps the most ergonomic office chair out there, then the Herman Miller Embody Chair is perhaps the way to go. The chair is definitely expensive, but if you want to ensure that your back and the rest of your body is comfortable as often as possible, it will be worth the cash. The chair offers a narrow back, and the result of that is that the back will automatically adjust to your body’s curve. If you’re not quite ready to spend the cash on the Herman Miller Embody, when we recommend checking out the Alera Elusion office chair.
Mouse
Logitech Logitech MX Master 3 Mouse BUY FROM AMAZON
Price: $99.99
Customer Rating: 4.6 stars
The Logitech MX series has long offered some of the most versatile and ergonomic computer mice out there. The MX Master 3 offers a range of programmable buttons, along with a design that will ensure that the mouse fits comfortably in your hand, even over hours of use. The mouse is very well-built too, plus it has a USB-C charging port. A charge of the battery will last an impressive 70 days, but a one-minute quick charge will get you three hours of use, which is huge.
Keyboard
Kinesis KINESIS Gaming Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard BUY FROM AMAZON
Price: $199
Customer Rating: 4.5 stars
Keyboards could be a little more ergonomic too — and this keyboard attempts to help with that effort. The keyboard has a split design — with one half of it being used for each hand. This ensures that you can keep your hands further apart when you type, in a more natural position. On top of that, the keyboard offers mechanical keys, for a natural feel, and RGB lighting — which is programmable depending on your preferences.
Foot Rest
Humanscale Humanscale FM 300 Foot Machine Footrest BUY FROM AMAZON
Price: $99
Customer Rating: 4.5 stars
You probably need somewhere to put your feet while you’re working at your desk — in which case, a good footrest is worth buying. A footrest will allow you to naturally place your feet on the ground when you’re working. This one offers three different heights, along with a non-skid surface and a solid wood platform to ensure that it lasts for years to come
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946e4db822b208b68669a7a0161855bc | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/03/27/5-of-the-best-online-language-learning-courses/ | 5 Of The Best Online Language Learning Courses | 5 Of The Best Online Language Learning Courses
If you’re stuck inside, like most of us are, then now might be a good idea to do something productive that’s not work-related. You could, for example, take an online course in pretty much anything you can imagine. Or, more specifically, you could learn a new language, and there are plenty of places online to do so.
Interested in learning a new language but don’t know where to start? That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here are the best online language learning courses we could find.
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Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone Rosetta Stone BUY FROM ROSETTA STONE
Price: $7.99 per month - $199 one-time payment
Number of languages: 28
Rosetta Stone has long been known as the go-to service for new language learners, and for good reason. The service has built up great courses for an impressive 28 languages, and it offers lessons that are short enough to complete each day, but long enough to actually get something out of. Rosetta Stone’s interface is generally easy to use, and its lessons incorporate reading, writing, speaking, and listening, all in one lesson. You can also choose to subscribe to a monthly payment or purchase a lifetime license.
Duolingo
Duolingo Duolingo BUY FROM DUOLINGO
Price: Free - $6.99 per month
Number of languages: 36
Duolingo has risen as a serious competitor to Rosetta Stone over the past few years. The service is perhaps best known for its Android and iOS apps, and those apps are available for free — which makes it easy to practice your chosen language without having to make a serious commitment. Alternatively, you can sign up for Duolingo Plus, which removes ads, offers offline courses, and more. Many consider Duolingo to be better for those who want to practice a language rather than learn from scratch.
Babbel
Babbel Babbel BUY FROM BABBEL
Price: $6.95 per month - $12.95 per month
Number of languages: 14
Looking for a service to really immerse yourself in and challenge your language-learning skills? Babbel may be the way to go. Babbel offers 14 languages, and it’s excellent at teaching phrases and words that you’ll actually use on a day-to-day basis. The service is also relatively cheap, so if you’re unsure if you want to commit to learning a new language yet, the low subscription prices ensure you don’t have to make a huge commitment.
Memrise
Memrise Memrise BUY FROM MEMRISE
Price: $6.67 per month - $119.99 one-time payment
Number of languages: 16
If you learn best through repetition and flashcards, then Memrise may be the service for you. Memrise offers a hefty 16 languages, and it’s relatively inexpensive, making it easier to sign up. Memrise isn’t necessarily the service for those who want to learn a language from scratch, but it’s a great learning aid, and good for those who already have a foundation in language-learning.
Busuu
Busuu Busuu BUY FROM BUSUU
Price: Free - $9.99 per month
Number of languages: 12
Busuu may not have a huge selection of courses, but the courses that are available are in-depth and informative. Busuu is great for those who are learning a language from scratch, plus its free service offers almost everything you’ll need. The premium subscription is worth it though — thanks to the fact that you’ll get official certificates, the ability to practice with native speakers, and more.
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b1be719abf69495a1c0216960106297b | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/02/6-of-the-best-wi-fi-routers/?sh=247925de4aaa | 6 Of The Best Wi-Fi Routers For Every Budget | 6 Of The Best Wi-Fi Routers For Every Budget
The internet is becoming more important than ever. Many, for example, are using it to work from home for the first time ever — meaning that without the internet, they might be without a job. Others, being stuck at home, rely on it to provide entertainment for the whole family. As such, it’s important to ensure that you have a high-quality Wi-Fi router to keep your connection as reliable as possible.
There are hundreds of Wi-Fi router models out there, and they’re not all created equal. Before buying a router, it’s worth considering a number of things. For starters, you’ll want to think about whether or not you need a router that also doubles as a modem, or if a basic router will do the job. You’ll also want to consider the internet speeds you require for your home, and how much you’re willing to spend on a router.
No matter what your budget, however, there should be something below for your needs. Here are six of the best Wi-Fi routers you can currently buy.
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TP-Link Archer A10
B&H Photo TP-Link Archer A10 $140 ON B&H
Customer rating: 5 stars
Wi-Fi spec support: 802.11ac
Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
If you’re looking for a solid, reliable Wi-Fi router that can easily handle lots of devices and offers a good connection speed, then the TP-Link Archer A10 may be the way to go. This router offers four Ethernet ports for wired connectivity, plus it supports beam-forming technology to ensure that the connection to your devices is always as fast as possible.
Google Nest Wi-Fi
B&H Google Nest Wi-Fi Router $168 - $299 ON B&H
Price: $168 - $299
Customer rating: 5 stars
Wi-Fi spec support: 802.11ac
Ports: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Do you own other devices in the Google ecosystem and want to enhance your internet experience? The Google Nest Wi-Fi router is the way to go. The device offers Google Assistant and a decent speaker built right into it, plus it supports mesh networking — meaning you can buy extra “points” that connect to your main router and expand the area of coverage. Between Google Assistant and excellent coverage, this is definitely the way to go for those who have Google-supported smart home devices and Android phones.
Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500
B&H Photo Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 AC2600 Router $250 ON B&H
Customer rating: 5 stars
Wi-Fi spec support: 802.11ac
Ports: 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2 USB 3.0 Ports
If you’re a gamer, or someone else who wants low-latency, high-speed connections with all the bells and whistles, then this router might be the best option for your needs. The router offers both wired and wireless connectivity, and it offers dual-band speeds of up to a massive 2,600Mb per second. Unlike some of the other routers on this list, this one also has USB ports built into it, which is perfect for things like network-attached storage and connected printers. Sure, this router is probably overkill for some — but for those who want to ensure they have a great connection, it may be the way to go.
Netgear Orbi Pro
Netgear Orbi Pro Netgear Orbi Pro Wi-Fi System $280 - $700 ON B&H
Price: $280 - $700
Customer rating: 5 stars
Wi-Fi spec support: 802.11ac
Ports: 4 Ethernet ports
If you own a larger home and want to ensure that you have excellent coverage throughout the whole home, and at high speeds, the Netgear Orbi Pro Wi-Fi system may be the way to go. This system uses mesh networking to make for coverage of up to a hefty 5,000 square feet and speeds of up to 3,000Mbps. A little over the top for most? Sure. But, the fact that this router is built more for businesses than personal use means that it’s reliable and ultra-high-tech. You can buy packages of one router or multiple routers in a system.
Amazon Eero Home Wi-Fi System
Amazon Amazon Eero Mesh WiFi system $199 ON AMAZON
Customer rating: 4.6 stars
Wi-Fi spec support: 802.11ac
Ports: 6 Ethernet ports (2 per device)
If you’re looking for a relatively high-tech mesh networking system that offers excellent smart home support and good connectivity, this may be the way to go. While the router system offers good connectivity thanks to the fact that it supports up to 350Mbps, it also supports Apple HomeKit routers, and can connect to Alexa devices for voice controls.
Asus RT-AX88U Wi-Fi 6 router
Amazon Asus RT-AX88U Wi-Fi router $284 ON AMAZON
Customer rating: 4.1 stars
Wi-Fi spec support: Wi-Fi 6
Ports: 8 ethernet ports, USB
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest and greatest version of Wi-Fi, and if you want a router that will last for years to come, it’s worth investing in something that supports the relatively new standard. This router not only supports Wi-Fi 6, but it also has a massive 8 ethernet ports built right into it, plus a USB port for network-attached storage and other USB-connected devices. Safe to say, this router may be a little expensive, but it’s a solid, reliable router with all the latest tech — and a great choice for those who have the cash to spend.
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8bcc0bf60754c0de4828a480b926ed4a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/08/5-of-the-best-smart-security-cameras-for-2020/ | 5 Of The Best Smart Security Cameras For 2020 | 5 Of The Best Smart Security Cameras For 2020
Security cameras have always been handy tools to have around when you want to keep a watchful eye on what’s happening at your home or place of work. But in recent years, smart security cameras have grown in popularity because they deliver better features and are easy to set up.
Buying a smart security camera takes some work. It requires knowing what you want it for (indoor vs. outdoor use, for instance) and whether you want it to work with certain platforms you care most about, like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Home or other services. You should also keep your budget in mind and realize that some devices come on their own and others come in bundles. Either way, there are plenty of great options.
Realizing that, we’ve compiled the following roundup of the best smart security cameras available now. The devices all feature nice designs, are flexible enough to be used nearly anywhere you want and work with the most popular smart home platforms. Better yet, they come with reasonable prices and have earned solid reviews from users and critics, alike.
Indeed, if you’re in the market for a new smart security camera, here’s where you should start.
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Samsung SmartThings Cam
Samsung Electronics America Samsung SmartThings Cam BUY FROM AMAZON
Customer Rating: 4 Stars
Indoor/Outdoor Use: Indoor
Video Quality: 1080p Full HD
Samsung’s SmartThings Cam offers a nice design that will look good in just about any room in the home. The device comes with an attractive white finish and is small enough to fit in most spaces. It comes with a full-HD resolution for high-quality video and works with Samsung’s SmartThings platform. The camera allows for 24-hour data access and viewing, so you can go back in time to see what happened in a room. Also, keep in mind that it’s an indoor camera instead of an outdoor camera, so keep it inside.
Ring Stick Up Cam
Amazon Ring Stick Up Cam BUY FROM AMAZON
Customer Rating: 4.5 Stars
Indoor/Outdoor Use: Indoor/Outdoor
Video Quality: 1080p Full HD
Ring’s Stick Up Cam is one of the easiest options to use in this roundup. It comes with a simple white (or black) design that makes it easy to fit in just about any room in the home. Better yet, it’s an indoor/outdoor camera, so you can also use it outside. The camera is capable of recording and producing video of up to 1080p Full HD and has a two-way communication feature, so you can talk with people on the other end. Better yet, the camera works with Amazon’s Alexa, so you can use your voice assistant to control the device. Best of all, it delivers a nice value for the price.
Wyze Cam
Amazon Wyze Cam BUY FROM AMAZON
Customer Rating: 4.5 Stars
Indoor/Outdoor Use: Indoor
Video Quality: 1080p Full HD
If you’re in the market for a decidedly affordable camera, the Wyze Cam is the way to go. The camera has a simple design and is small enough to sit anywhere, but at a price well below $30, it’s the most affordable option in this roundup. Despite its cheap price, the camera supports 1080p Full HD resolution and allows for both video and sound recording. There’s even a night mode, so you can see videos recorded in the dark. If you want to store content away from the cloud, it works with a MicroSD card for safeguarding videos. Wyze’s camera, which works with Alexa, is an indoor-only option.
Blink XT2 Smart Security Camera
Amazon Blink XT2 BUY FROM AMAZON
Customer Rating: 4.5 Stars
Indoor/Outdoor Use: Indoor/Outdoor
Video Quality: 1080p Full HD
Blink offers a wide range of cameras, but the company’s XT2 is among the best balances between value and features. The camera can be used both indoor and outdoor and supports 1080p Full HD resolution. It works with Amazon Alexa for smart home use and allows for two-way audio to talk to people captured on the camera. There’s also a customizable motion detection feature to track movement in a room or outside, and the camera will work both during the day and at night. Best of all, you won’t need any tools or to fiddle with wires to set it up.
Google Nest Cam
Amazon Google Nest Cam BUY FROM AMAZON
Customer Rating: 5 Stars
Indoor/Outdoor Use: Indoor
Video Quality: 1080p Full HD
Google’s Nest Cam is an indoor security camera that also comes with a more expensive price tag than the others in this roundup. It comes with an attractive design and can be mounted both on a wall or left to stand on a table. It’s a wired camera, however, so keep that in mind. The camera offers 1080p Full HD resolution and gives you access to both a Livestream and events when it recognizes people. A night vision feature means you can use it at night, and it works with a variety of apps, including Apple’s Home.
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2a27a29b9391916369fed1cb428f2fd5 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/10/8-of-the-best-silk-pillowcases-for-a-better-nights-sleep/ | 8 Of The Best Silk Pillowcases For Your Best Sleep Yet | 8 Of The Best Silk Pillowcases For Your Best Sleep Yet
Silk pillowcases have gotten a lot of significant praise in the last few years, and with good reason. In addition to looking and feeling luxurious, silk pillowcases offer a slew of benefits for both the skin and hair, with the smooth surface causing little to no drying friction, snagging, or tugging. Hydration is another common benefit users of silk pillowcases note, as the fiber doesn’t absorb as much moisture as cotton or other materials.
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If you’re looking to try out a silk pillowcase for yourself, you’ll want to first pay attention to the material used to make the product. Pillowcases made from 100 percent silk — a luxurious, natural fiber created by silkworms — will deliver the best results, unlike polyester or another synthetic material. More specifically, Mulberry silk is one of the most popular types of the fiber used in pillowcases, as it’s lighter, smoother, and more breathable than other types of silk.
With these considerations in mind, the following are some of the best silk pillowcases on the market today, all of which will help you redefine the term “beauty sleep.”
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Slip Silk Pillowcase
Amazon Slip Silk Pillowcase BUY FROM AMAZON
There’s a good chance you’ve seen Slip’s Silk Pillowcases all over Instagram — and for good reason. Made from 100 percent high-end mulberry silk, these pillowcases were designed to be gentle on the skin and hair, allowing both to glide easily across the surface without tugging, scratching, creasing, or frizzing.
The natural, hypoallergenic material is resistant to dust mites and, unlike cotton that draws moisture away from the skin and hair, hydrates throughout the night. You can wash Slip’s luxe pillowcases on a gentle cycle, with best results in a care bag. As a bonus, the pillowcases come in a variety of on-trend colors and patterns, offering a look for just about any bedroom aesthetic. While some reviewers note difficulty in getting stains out of the material, over 80 percent confirm the product is worth it, and that its many positives outweigh any complaints.
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase BUY FROM BROOKLINEN
Another luxe option, Brooklinen’s silk pillowcase was designed to transform your time in bed. The product comes available in a handful of plain colors — like gray and emerald green — and one celestial pattern, as well as standard and king sizes, and is made of 100 percent pure mulberry silk.
The pillowcase was designed with an envelope closure to keep your pillow in place, and is extremely breathable and cooling, according to reviewers. According to the brand, the best way to care for these pillowcases is to hand wash in cold water using a pH neutral liquid detergent and/or fabric softener, followed by a line dry.
Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase
Amazon ALASKA BEAR Natural Silk Pillowcase BUY FROM AMAZON
This budget-friendly option from Alaska Bear comes in over 20 plain colors and patterns, each crafted with 100 percent pure mulberry silk and natural protein fiber for an incredibly soft, friction-free feel.
The pillowcase features a secure, hidden zipper closure to keep the pillow in place throughout the night, and reviewers note the cool-to-the-touch, breathable fabric makes a significant difference. For best care, you’ll want to hand wash these pillowcases in cold water using mild, neutral liquid detergent, and let air dry in lieu of tumble drying.
ZIMASILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Amazon ZIMASILK 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin BUY FROM AMAZON
The ZIMASILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcases are a great option if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly and/or colorful. Made of 100 percent Mulberry Silk and with a 600 thread count, the brand’s cases come in over 25 colors along with several patterns and prints. They’re available in standard, queen, king, and even body pillow sizes, so just about any pillow you have can get the luxe silk experience.
The cases feature a hidden zipper to keep the pillow secure throughout a night’s sleep, and reviewers say the material is incredibly soft and gentle on the skin and hair. When you need to clean, it’s recommended that you wash it by hand with gentle detergent.
BLISSY Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Nordstrom Rack BLISSY Mulberry Silk Queen Pillowcase BUY FROM NORDSTROM
BLISSY has a significant range of silk pillowcases on offer, in a variety of sizes (standard, queen, and king) and colors. Each pillowcase is made of 100 percent pure mulberry 22-momme 6A grade silk, and is all-natural and hypoallergenic. Unlike other options, BLISSY pillowcases are machine-washable, making them easy to care for without compromising the quality of the silk. Reviewers say the BLISSY’s pillowcase leaves the skin cool throughout the night, and has noticeably improved hair damage.
forbes.comNordstrom Promo Codes | 25% Off In January 2021 | Forbes
Elizabeth Few Studio Botanically Dyed Silk Pillowcase
Goop Botanically Dyed Silk Pillowcase BUY FROM GOOP
If you’re looking to invest in the best of the best, look no further than this Gwyneth Paltrow-approved Elizabeth Few Studio Silk Pillowcase. Made of 100 percent silk, this option reaps all of the common, positive benefits — like cooling, minimizing friction and hair frizz — with the added bonus of the brand’s botanically dyed prints and fabrics. What’s more, the case is hand-steamed with seeded eucalyptus, so you have peace of mind that it’s free of any harmful chemicals.
OLESILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Amazon OLESILK Mulbery Silk Pillowcase BUY FROM AMAZON
Another budget-friendly option comes from OLESILK, designed to bring a luxurious feel for half the price. These pillowcases are crafted with 19 momme pure mulberry silk, and have 600 thread count on both sides.
In addition to being offered in standard, queen, and king sizes, OLESILK’s cases are also available in toddler size as well as in two-pack sets. Reviewers say care is simple — all you have to do is turn the cases inside out, or place in a care bag, and run on a delicate cycle.
SLPBABY Silk Pillowcase
Amazon SLPBABY Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin BUY FROM AMAZON
SLPBABY’s silk pillowcases are a great option for anyone looking for a good range of pretty pattern options to choose from. The brand offers a standard, queen, and king-size pillowcases in 40 different floral and botanical motifs and geometrically patterned prints, along with a few plain and pastel color options as well. The cases are made with 100 percent mulberry silk and feature a hidden zipper closure.
With SLPBABY, you have the option to hand-wash the cases, or put it through the washing machine on gentle cycle, followed by a hang dry. Reviewers are generally pleased with these affordable pillowcase options upon buying, calling out the vibrant patterns, and soft fabric.
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7523cdfbd5ecfd770c6e80419f8e2025 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/15/10-of-the-best-coffee-subscription-services/?sh=d42c2ee327ec | 10 Of The Best Coffee Subscription Services | 10 Of The Best Coffee Subscription Services
Many people start each morning with a cup of coffee—or several—to get the energy to power through the day. If you’re a coffee enthusiast and love trying out new varieties of java, you may want to look into a coffee subscription, which will deliver coffee beans directly to your door on a recurring schedule.
No matter what type of coffee you like—be it bold and robust or lighter and more delicate—there’s definitely a coffee subscription that will cater to your tastes. Many of these services use surveys to match you with personalized java recommendations, and some offer espresso and cold brew options as well. Basically, you’re about to be in coffee heaven!
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Trade Coffee
Trade Trade Coffee Subscription BUY FROM TRADE COFFEE
Trade offers more than 400 types of coffee from roasting companies around the country—including top names like George Howell and Merit Coffee. When you sign up for a Trade subscription, you’ll take a quiz that matches you with varieties to suit your personal tastes, and you’ll choose from two subscription tiers — The Hookup, which sends you a wide variety of coffee, or The Classic, which sticks to more traditional flavors.
The cost of this subscription varies depending on what you order. Each bag of coffee usually costs between $15 and $22, and subscription holders get access to exclusive savings and free shipping. You can also choose how often you want new coffee delivered, and the company offers subscribers its First Match Guarantee, meaning if you don’t like your first delivery, they’ll give you the next one for free.
Bean Box
Amazon Bean Box Gourmet Coffee Sampler 3-Month Subscription BUY FROM AMAZON
Seattle is known to be home to some of the best coffee roasters in the country, and you can get a handpicked selection of the city’s finest coffee each month with Bean Box. You can choose to receive light, medium, dark, decaf or espresso roasts, and there are three-, six- or 12-month subscriptions available.
Each box contains four 1.8-ounce bags of artisan coffee from Seattle’s most popular small-batch roasters, giving you nearly ½ pound of coffee to enjoy. Plus, you’ll also get tasting notes, roaster profiles, brewing tips and an artisan treat with each delivery.
forbes.comAmazon Promo Codes | 10% Off In November 2020 | Forbes
MistoBox
MistoBox MistoBox Coffee Subscriptions BUY FROM MISTOBOX
Another popular coffee subscription is MistoBox, which offers more than 500 coffee varieties from 50 different roasters. When you sign up for a MistoBox subscription, you’re paired with a coffee expert whose job it is to learn your personal tastes and match you with coffee you’ll love. Alternatively, you can select the coffee yourself, and either way, the beans are freshly roasted to order.
MistoBox offers three subscription tiers based on the average price of the coffee. In the basic tier, you’ll pay $14 to $17 per bag, and most of the varieties are blends or dark- to medium-roast. In the deluxe tier, bags cost between $17 and $20, and these are usually large-lot single origins, espresso and medium-roast coffees. Finally, there’s the high-end exclusive tier with bags over $20, including micro-lot single origins and direct trade coffees.
Atlas Coffee Club
Atlas Coffee Club Atlas Coffee Club, 12 oz/month BUY FROM ATLAS
As its name implies, Atlas Coffee Club brings you coffee from around the world, including micro-lot coffees from Tanzania, Kenya, Colombia, Peru and more. Each month, you can choose to receive 6, 12 or 24 ounces of coffee for $9, $14 or $28, respectively, and there are three roasts to choose from, as well. You can select a biweekly or monthly delivery schedule, and you can also opt to have your beans ground or whole.
The Atlas Coffee Club is an ideal option for adventurous coffee drinkers who want to try international varieties that you otherwise might not find.
Craft Coffee
Craft Coffee Craft Coffee, 12 oz/month BUY FROM CRAFT COFFEE
If you’re tired of settling for stale coffee beans from the grocery store, Craft Coffee will hook you up with deliciously fresh beans. This company uses your go-to coffee brand to recommend a similar brew, and they ship out beans 24 to 72 hours after roasting for maximum freshness and flavor. Your coffee comes in 12-ounce bags and costs $11.99 or $16.99, depending on variety, and you can select from a wide range of delivery options, including single or multiple bags every week, two weeks, month or longer.
However, Craft Coffee doesn’t offer the same wide variety as other subscription services—they just have their 10 flagship blends and a light-roast single-origin to choose from. This makes them a better option for coffee drinkers looking for freshly roasted beans, as opposed to people who want to explore many different types of coffee.
Crema.co
Crema.co Crema.co Coffee Subscription BUY FROM CREMA.CO
Want to be in the driver’s seat? Instead of matching you up with a coffee they think you’ll like, Crema.co puts you in control, providing in-depth information about its coffee varieties and allowing you to select the ones that appeal to you. Their beans are prepared by micro-roasters around the country and shipped out within a few days, so the coffee you receive will always be fresh. Plus, they also offer a choose-your-own-frequency model, allowing you to get new deliveries as frequently (or infrequently) as you want.
Different coffees have a range of prices from Crema.co, typically within the $15 to $22 range for a 12-ounce bag, and keep in mind that they only ship whole beans, so you’ll want to invest in a coffee grinder if you plan to use this subscription service.
Driftaway Coffee
Driftaway Coffee Driftaway Coffee, 11 oz/month BUY FROM DRIFTAWAY
Instead of simply having you take an online quiz, Driftaway coffee takes their matching a step further, sending you a tasting kit that includes four coffee profiles. After you’ve sufficiently assessed each brew, you rate them and add your notes, and Driftaway will use this info to select the best varieties to send in your subscription. You can opt to receive anywhere from 7 ounces to 2 pounds of coffee in each delivery—ranging in cost from $12 to $30—and there are weekly, bi-weekly and monthly shipment options.
But that’s not all! Driftaway also offers a Cold Brew subscription for those who prefer their coffee iced. All you have to do is steep the cold brew bags in water for 16 hours, and you have coffee ready for the week. You can select 12-, 18- or 36-ounce options, costing $19, $25 or $35, respectively, and the same shipping frequencies apply.
Peet’s Coffee
Peet's Coffee Peet's Coffee Single Origin Series, 1 lb/month BUY FROM PEET'S COFFEE
You’ve probably heard of Peet’s Coffee, which often makes an appearance on grocery store shelves, and if you’re fond of this brand, you can get it delivered right to your door each month for as low as $14.95. You can either opt into a curated subscription, where they select beans for you and deliver new varieties each month, or a Frequent Brewer subscription, where you choose your own products.
With either subscription, your order is shipped within 24 hours of roasting for optimal freshness. You can select custom coffee amounts (between 1 and 3 pounds), shipment frequencies and grinds to suit your brewing style. Shipping is free if you spend more than $29. Overall, it’s a great way to save money if you’re a loyal fan of Peet’s Coffee.
Un’kuppd Pour-Over Coffee Subscription
Amazon Un’kuppd Pour-Over Coffee Subscription: 14 Pack Box BUY FROM AMAZON
No coffee pot? No problem. Un’kuppd doesn’t just deliver delicious coffee—they also send you origami-inspired filters that hang off your mug, allowing you to make a cup of pour-over java without any equipment. Each monthly box makes 14 cups of coffee, and it’s all prepped and ready to brew for minimal effort on your part. There are a few different varieties of coffee included in each box, and the unique packets are perfect for traveling, camping or simply storing in your work bag. Plus, reviewers say the filters are easy to use and clean up, and the coffee quality is surprisingly good.
Blue Bottle
Blue Bottle Coffee Blue Bottle at Home, 12 oz/month BUY FROM BLUE BOTTLE
Whether you’re into blends, single origins, espressos or decaf, you’re sure to be pleased with a Blue Bottle Coffee subscription. This highly regarded coffee brand focuses on single-origin beans, and if you’re not sure what type of coffee you’ll like, you can take the company’s 10-question coffee match survey to get paired up with the perfect brew. A standard 12-ounce bag costs $18 per delivery, but you can also opt for smaller or larger bags, and there are four delivery frequencies, starting at every week and ranging up to once a month.
If you’ve been meaning to upgrade your brewing supplies, you might also want to consider the Welcome Kit Subscription, which includes six 12-ounce bags of coffee, a coffee dripper, a 90-pack of filters and a Blue Bottle tote for $119.
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7b3bc15bdace63f8825193933941a5f7 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/15/these-best-indoor-gardens-can-help-you-grow-fresh-produce-without-leaving-the-home/?sh=f66dc303cebd | These Indoor Gardens Can Help You Grow Fresh Produce Without Leaving the Home | These Indoor Gardens Can Help You Grow Fresh Produce Without Leaving the Home
Growing your own fruits and vegetables has always, of course, been the best way to get the freshest produce possible. But for many people, many factors preclude the setting up of a large outdoor plot where tomatoes, kale, and basil can thrive. From a lack of space suitable for a garden bed or planter box to a lack of means to get the soil and compost needed for the planting to the more basic problem of a lack of experience with gardening, there are a dozen reasons and then some you might have convinced yourself growing your own foods just isn't for you.
Whether you’re simply interested in trying your hand at home grown produce or you’re committed to staying home during the days of coronavirus quarantine and are missing your fresh greens, there has in fact never been a better time for home gardening thanks to the myriad self-contained indoor garden systems available today.
A good indoor garden system handles most elements of plant nurture automatically. If you can manage to keep the thing filled with enough water, add nutrients when you are so directed, and choose the right light cycle for the plants you selected, then you should be enjoying fresh herbs, veggies, and/or fruits within an easily predicted number of days after the planting.
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Greenjoy Indoor Hydroponic Garden Kit
Amazon Greenjoy Indoor Hydroponic Garden Kit BUY FROM AMAZON
This entirely self-contained garden system lets you grow up to 15 plants at once, and if you thin the ranks a bit, growing only nine to 12 plants at a time, you can even raise larger veggies like kale or Swiss chard. You’ll need to provide your own seeds and water, but after that, the Greenjoy comes with everything you need for fast, easy planting and raising of myriad types of vegetable, herb, or fruit. The system uses sponges that help a seed sprout and then make for easy transplanting into the main growing system, where full spectrum LEDs shine in a 14-hour on, 10-hour off cycle, where water levels and nutrient schedules are automatically monitored, and where a fan even simulates natural breeze. All you need to do is keep enough water in the basin and add included nutrients when directed by a flashing light, and in a matter of weeks, you’ll have full-sized fresh produce.
AeroGarden Sprout LED
Amazon AeroGarden Sprout LED BUY FROM AMAZON
This little hydroponic garden system takes up less than a half square foot of space, making it the ideal indoor garden for a smaller home, an apartment, or even an efficiency or dorm room. It allows you to grow up to three plants at once, though many people will be best served by growing just one larger plant — say a cherry tomato plant — or two medium-sized options, like basil and parsley. A clear window on the front of the narrow base lets you see when water is needed and when you’ve added enough, while an indicator light tells you when it’s time to add some more nutrients from the included solution.
Garden Republic Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit
Amazon Garden Republic Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit BUY FROM AMAZON
The beauty of this little indoor garden kit is that you can keep it as a small countertop garden indefinitely or choose to transfer the plants to larger pots, beds, or even the ground outside and let the included herbs — which are cilantro, thyme, parsley, and basil — grow much larger. The kit comes with everything needed to plant and rear the herbs save water, and that even includes some specialty scissors for trimming these gentle herbs into ideal shape. The plants will grow well in any window with decent sunshine but can also be raised under a light or out on a balcony or patio in the fresh air.
Back to the Roots Water Garden Mini Aquaponic Ecosystem
Amazon Back to the Roots Water Garden Mini Aquaponic Ecosystem BUY FROM AMAZON
This unique garden and fish tank combo won’t grow you a huge amount of food, but the micro greens it does produce will be super concentrated in nutrients and perfect for smoothies or small salads. And the system will help kids (and adults, why not?) develop an appreciation for the interconnectedness of eco systems. Waste from the fish (which comes separately care of an included coupon) helps nourish the plants, while the plants keep the water clean for the fish. As long as you don’t consume too much of the greens (or let them grow too large and go to seed), the system should remain self-stabilizing for months or longer.
Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 Indoor Herb Garden
Amazon Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 Indoor Herb Garden BUY FROM AMAZON
This sleek countertop garden is refreshingly simple in exterior design yet houses an intelligent self-monitoring and self-watering system within. The slender body can house three plants at once, all of which are continuously plied with water and nutrients and given light thanks to the LED bulbs set into the slender extendable arm above. The system comes with basil seed pods, and you can select from more than four dozen other types of plant when you browse around the company’s offerings.
Syndicate Sales Stacked Herb Garden
Amazon Syndicate Sales Stacked Herb Garden BUY FROM AMAZON
For growing a single herb indoors — say the cilantro you use all the time in East Asian dishes or the mint that makes your cocktails so refreshing — then this easy-to-use little garden system is ideal. You need to start raising your little plant in a seed cup or other small planter, but once it has an appreciable root system, you can transfer it to the upper section of this compact handsome column, the bottom half of which serves as the water reservoir. Fill that bottom section up with water now and then and keep the planter where it gets decent light and you will always have a ready supply of your favorite herb or small leafy green.
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396ddd1c695dac4f1ca5c18d64e23925 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/17/best-bread-makers-for-weekend-projects/ | The Best Bread Makers For Weekend Projects | The Best Bread Makers For Weekend Projects
Many people have taken up new hobbies in the wake of the coronavirus, and breadmaking has undeniably become one of the most popular among them. In fact, the breadmaking craze has gotten so big that many supermarkets are experiencing shortages of flour and yeast, and a lot of bread making tools — including the best bread makers and bread machines — are in low supply or completely sold out at retailers across the country.
If you’re thinking about making your own bread, you could do it the old-fashioned way, but a bread machine will streamline the process. To make bread by hand, you have to mix the dough, knead it to form gluten, then let it rise (or “proof”) for a couple hours before shaping and baking it. But if this seems like too many steps, a bread machine really comes in handy.
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Most of the best bread makers allow you to simply add ingredients into the machine and come back to a freshly baked loaf in a few hours. They mix, knead, proof and bake your bread with the push of a button, and some can even mix in things like nuts and fruit. Most bread machines can also make a variety of bread types, ranging from white and wheat to gluten-free loaves. And while the final product may not be quite as aesthetically pleasing as if you made it from scratch (bread machine loaves are typically square), it will taste every bit as delicious.
So if we’ve sold you on the unbeatable convenience of having a bread machine in your kitchen, here are some of the best bread makers that are still in stock and ready to become your new favorite appliance.
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Zojirushi Home Bakery 1-Pound-Loaf Mini Breadmaker
Amazon Zojirushi Home Bakery 1-Pound-Loaf Programmable Mini Breadmaker BUY FROM AMAZON
Zojirushi is a well-regarded bread machine brand, and this particular model is great for anyone who doesn’t want a huge appliance taking up real estate in their kitchen. The Mini Breadmaker create 1-pound loaves of bread, including settings for regular or firm basic bread, soft bread, or French bread. The machine can also be used to whip up bread, cookie, or pasta dough, cake, jam, or quick bread, which takes under two hours from start to finish.
This small bread maker sports a simple control panel with a 13-hour delay timer, a sturdy handle for easy transport, and a cord storage area in the back. Because of the machine’s vertical design, its loaves tend to be tall and skinny, but reviewers say they come out well cooked and are the perfect size for a small family. Additionally, many people note that this machine is well-made and will last for years if taken care of properly.
Oster Expressbake Bread Maker
Amazon Oster Expressbake Bread Maker BUY FROM AMAZON
High-end bread makers can cost several hundred dollars, but this affordable option boasts many of the same features at a budget-friendly price. It automatically mixes, kneads, proofs and bakes your bread, and it has 12 different settings, as well as three crust color options. While its petite size appeals to many reviewers, its most attractive feature is its Expressbake option, which whips up a delicious loaf in under an hour.
Cuisinart Bread Maker
Williams-Sonoma Cuisinart Bread Maker BUY FROM WILLIAMS SONOMA
No matter what kind of bread you’re in the mood for, you can whip up a fresh loaf with this bread maker from Cuisinart. The compact appliance offers three different loaf sizes—1, 1.5, or 2 pounds—and there are 12 preprogrammed menu options, allowing you to make white, whole wheat, sweet, gluten-free, or French bread. The bread machine can also be used to bake packaged bread mix or cake, and it even has a jam setting to let you make your own fruity spread.
This Cuisinart Bread Maker has several additional settings that will come in handy, including a 13-hour delay start, three crust shades, and an Ultra-Fast program for when you need to whip up bread in a hurry. According to reviewers, this bread machine is reliable and easy to use, and many like that it has a small footprint, so it doesn’t take up the whole kitchen counter. Plus, most buyers agree it makes a delicious loaf of bread.
Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker
Williams-Sonoma Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker BUY FROM WILLIAMS SONOMA
This high-end bread machine has all the bells and whistles you could ever want. The Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker has a wide range of settings, allowing you to customize your loaf size, bread type, mix-ins, and more. It comes with 13 automatic and manual settings, including settings where you can store your personal recipes, and you can make four loaf sizes, ranging from 1 to 2.5 pounds.
You can bake all varieties of bread with this appliance, from regular white and wheat loaves to European-style and gluten-free bread. There are three crust color options, as well as an automatic add-in dispenser for fruits or buts. But that’s not all! The Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker can mix pizza and pasta dough and make jam. It has a 13-hour preset timer and a pause function to help you hand-shape crusts, and its kneading paddle collapses, preventing the indentation that usually forms in the bottom of the loaf.
Several reviewers say this is one of the best bread machines they've ever used, writing that bread comes out easily thanks to the collapsible paddle and is perfectly cooked and crisp on all sides.
Cuisinart Convection Breadmaker
Bloomingdale's Cuisinart Convection Breadmaker BUY FROM BLOOMINGDALE'S
The sleek Cuisinart has an eye-catching stainless steel appearance and comes with a wide range of programming options, but it is on the larger size, so make sure you have room for it in your kitchen. Its unique convection feature circulates air for superior crust color and texture, and it has 16 preprogrammed menu options, including low-carb and gluten-free. It also offers three loaf sizes and can be used to make pasta dough and jam.
This bread maker has a viewing window that lets you monitor your creation, as well as a 12-hour delay start time, a power failure backup and a 15-minute pause option. The kneading paddle and bread pan are removable for easy cleaning, and reviewers say it works well and makes an attractive addition to your kitchen counter (assuming you have the space to spare).
Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer & Slow Cooker
Williams Sonoma Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer & Slow Cooker BUY FROM WILLIAMS SONOMA
If you’re willing to do the mixing, kneading and baking yourself, this Folding Proofer will make sure your bread rises properly. While not technically a bread machine (it doesn’t actually bake your bread), this unique proofing box allows you to set its inner temperature anywhere from 70 to 195 degrees, and it maintains consistent warmth and humidity perfect for proofing bread. All you have to do is place your dough inside, then let it rise without worrying about the room being drafty.
Additionally, this unique device can be used to make yogurt, temper chocolate and make slow-cooked meals. And when you’re done using it, the box folds flat for easy storage with its accessories inside.
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cc5d9d3c14d5ff53bed92324c4d8bd00 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/22/11-of-the-best-mens-fashion-subscriptions/?sh=22a3304b5232 | 11 Of The Best Men’s Fashion Subscriptions | 11 Of The Best Men’s Fashion Subscriptions
Taking the guesswork out of your wardrobe, ironically, takes some work. Shopping for essentials and accessories alike that align with your taste takes time, research, money... in other words, it can be a serious commitment. That’s where subscription boxes come in.
Subscription boxes for men and men’s fashion do the heavy lifting for you (generally, if you could call it that). There are a couple kinds: ones that upgrade your essentials or accessories, and others where a personal stylist takes the time to know you and send you what they think will align with what you want. From there, all you have to do is wait a little time for your box to arrive. Depending on what service you choose, it’ll be either a stylist’s idea of what you like... or a pleasant surprise.
Wouldn't you be as excited to receive your first box? Getty
In any case, subscription boxes are surprisingly cost-effective—saving you both time and cash. The prices for the individual items in each box usually cumulatively surpasses that of them boxed together. These services do the work for you and deliver it to you in a box every month or quarter, depending.
Check out below for seven of the best fashion subscriptions boxes for men around and skip the lines at the mall.
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Nordstrom Trunk Club
Trunk Club Nordstrom Trunk Club $25/MONTH ON TRUNK CLUB
Nordstrom’s own styling service has you build a profile before you’re assigned a personal assistant. You’ll be asked about your personal style on a workday, on a weekend, if you’re a slim or regular fit, where you typically shop (and how much you spend), any issues you want your personal stylist to know, and your sizes. You’ll even be asked which colors you hate wearing.
Then you’ll be given the option to receive new clothes every month, two months, or three months. It’s one of the most thorough fashion boxes around we’ve seen—tailored just to you. If you need a consistent, sophisticated style upgrade, check it out.
Basic Man
Basic Man Basic Man $20/MONTH ON BASIC MAN
We could all use an upgrade to our undies, socks, and undershirts. Basic Man has you covered by first asking your size (obviously) for each of your basics, then you subscribe. It’s as simple as that.
The key proposition here: you’ll never have to worry about your basics ever again. You’ll get a new box every month with fresh socks, underwear, and an undershirt in a different color than the previous month’s. It definitely eliminates a step when it comes to your shopping.
Stitch Fix Men
Stitch Fix Stitch Fix Men $20 ON STITCH FIX
Stitch Fix is all about getting to know you and your personal style.
It all starts with a really comprehensive quiz that asks you about your shopping experience, personal preferences, and sizing. Then you’ll be assigned a stylist who will hand-pick five pieces for you to try on at home. Return what you don’t like, and re-up your Stitch Fix whenever you feel like it. There’s no recurring fees, shipping and returns are totally free, and you’ll be getting big items—no hats per se, but pants, shirts, jackets, and more.
To get a good sense of how they pair you, check out their style guide.
Bespoke Post
Bespoke Post Bespoke Post $45 ON BESPOKE POST
Bespoke Post is one of the true innovators in the subscription box space. Every month, you get a themed box with all sorts of goodies. (Don’t worry, you can preview the box before it gets shipped to you, and you can skip it if you’re not a fan.)
The boxes go way beyond just fashion, each according to its theme. For example, the “Over Easy” box comes with a cast iron skillet, pot holder, Bloody Mary mix, and and pancake mix. The “Slumber” box is just a really silky-smooth duvet cover. And the “Forge” box is a beautiful knife with a luxe leather cover. Each box is a small step forward toward a more elevated and sophisticated life—not just a new shirt that suits your personal style.
And you’ll save more cash than buying each of these individual items; according to the brand, each box is worth at least $70, but only costs $45. If you’re in the process of upping your accessories, it’s pretty much a no-brainer.
Gentleman’s Box
Gentleman's Box Gentleman's Box $29 AT GENTLEMAN'S BOX
Gentleman’s Box makes your accessory shopping a whole lot easier. There are a couple subscription options: for $29 per month, you get a monthly box with four to six elevated accessories. Wallets, ties, bracelets, and the like. Or, for $100 per quarter and an ongoing membership, you’ll get a seasonal box with more luxe accessories. Headphones, watches, and more.
Much like Bespoke Post, it’s not as tailored to your personal sense of style. Rather, it’s the brand’s point of view on what makes a gentleman—a little more on the dapper side than drab. You get to keep all the items, feel fancy, and enjoy a surprise every month.
SprezzaBox
SprezzaBox SprezzaBox $28 ON SPREZZABOX
SprezzaBox takes the guesswork out of accessory shopping with boxes that contain everything a gent needs, from pocket squares to cufflinks—and even accessories like sunglasses and pocket knives—all from a diverse group of brands.
For $29 per month (although there are cheaper plans if you commit for a longer period of time), you’ll get a monthly curated box of dapper goods that add subtle pops to your wardrobe. Getting hitched soon? SprezzaBox even offers custom groomsman boxes with everything you need for your big day.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out SprezzaBox’s guide to get a little perspective on where they’re coming from. It’s an illuminating little expedition.
Menlo Club
Menlo Club Menlo Club $60 ON MENLO HOUSE
Another fantastic option for a box that gets to know you to deliver just what you like. Menlo House’s Menlo Club start with a short quiz about your style—are you more “casual” or more “classic”?—and fit to pick just the right duds to be delivered to your door.
For only $60 per month or $75 per season, you’ll get a box each month of curated Five Four, Grand AC, and New Republic clothes. You’ll get 2 items a month, and shipping and returns are totally free. Membership also comes with a curated newsletter and discount at Menlo House for any extra clothes you want.
8. Frank & Oak Style Plan For Men
Frank & Oak Frank & Oak Style Plan For Men $25 ON FRANK & OAK
Frank & Oak’s excellent Style Plan starts with a questionnaire about yourself, then jumps right into your stylist providing you with curated boxes—the only upfront fee is a $25 styling fee.
Each month, you’ll be able to preview your box, filled with four of the most on-trend items in the market today, ranging from $29 - $149 in value. Once you get the box, you’ll have 30—that’s right, thirty—days to return what you don’t want, and keep the rest. You’ll save up to 20% on regular Frank & Oak items you want to keep.
Bombfell
Bombfell Bombfell $20 ON BOMBFELL
Bombfell works a lot like other stylist-led subscription boxes that are tailored looks for the office. You start with a questionnaire and then a stylist gets back to with your curated outfit—all for only a $20 styling fee. You then get 7 days to try on the clothes and return the ones you don’t want.
For the ones you do love, well, that $20 fee goes toward them. And them more you keep, the more you save: two items nets you a 10% savings, and four gets you 20%. Each look is curated, sophisticated, and suave. Time to re-up your work outfits.
Watch Gang
Forbes Watch Gang $50 ON WATCH GANG
Into watches? Then it’s hard to think of a better subscription box for you. Grow your watch collection exponentially with Watch Gang. Starting at only $50 per month (though tiers go up from there), you’ll get a watch every month that’s worth at least $150.
The Watch Gang starts with a short inquiry into what you like—metals, leathers, more chic or more rugged—and curates your picks for you from top brands like Fortuna, Jack Mason, and more. Every watch is yours to keep. Hard to think of a better way to grow a budding watch collection.
Amazon Prime Wardrobe
Amazon Amazon Prime Wardrobe FREE ON AMAZON
Amazon Prime Wardrobe is an excellent way to try before you buy—and it’s just for Amazon Prime members. While it’s not quite a subscription, it basically works like this: you see a few items you like (of eligible items) on Amazon, you get them shipped to you. You have seven days to try it on. If you like it, you’ll be charged for it, and if you don’t, just return it, no sweat.
You can try up to eight items at a time, all in the comfort of your own home. Keep track of what you want to keep and return in the “orders” section of the site; each box comes with a return label in case you’re not feeling something. And if you need a little guidance, for an extra $5, go for Amazon Personal Shopper, where a stylist will help you pick your items.
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2c31cf41108af1b3a38d048af0075921 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/23/these-tools-can-help-keep-you-safe-from-microbes-by-letting-your-avoid-touching-door-handles-elevator-buttons-and-so-much-more/?sh=7e1ead5b602a | These Keychains Can Help You Avoid Touching Door Handles, Elevator Buttons, and So Much More | These Keychains Can Help You Avoid Touching Door Handles, Elevator Buttons, and So Much More
Viruses differ greatly in size, the smallest being about 20 nanometers in diameter to the largest measuring some 400 nanometers across. For reference, a human hair is about 60,000 nanometers in diameter, so literally billions of viruses could fit on that proverbial head of a pin.
When it comes to things like elevator or ATM buttons, door handles, or so many other surfaces with which you likely have to come into regular contact, the microbes might measure more than you’d care to think about, especially during the days of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Regular use of hand sanitizer and, better yet, hand washing with soap certainly helps. Wearing gloves while you’re out and about is also a great idea to limit your potential exposure to the coronavirus, not to mention to other viruses and bacteria.
Still better is using a tool that means no part of your body — gloved and soon to be washed though it may be — ever comes into contact with potential viral hotbeds like the handle of a sink in a public restroom, the door latch of that taxi or Uber, or the keypad at the gas pump as you fill up the car you depend on for your essential job.
We researched a number of elegantly simple devices that serve as an extension of your finger and create a barrier between you and all sorts surfaces that would be otherwise unavoidable in the course of everyday life, not that life these days is anything like the everyday we all knew before the coronavirus outbreak.
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Peel Brass Keychain Touch Tool
Peel Brass Keychain Touch Tool BUY FROM PEEL
The Keychain Touch Tool from Peel costs a good deal more than most of the non-contact door and button tools we found, but it’s also the best looking, and one you may well keep using well after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. It has a hook perfect for door handles, drawer pulls, and other things that need manipulating, a finger slot that can double as a bottle opener, and it is made from solid 360 brass that is naturally antimicrobial: germs cannot grow on the surface of this metal.
Kooty Key Germ Utility Hook Tool
Amazon Kooty Key Germ Utility Hook Tool BUY FROM AMAZON
The Kooty Key Germ Utility Hook Tool is made from a plastic that resists bacterial colonization and on which viruses can’t live. It is lightweight and comes with a spring-loaded ring that can be used to attach it to your keychain or to a bag. The T-shaped handle allows you to exert plenty of pressure using two fingers or to carry a decent amount of weight when you slip the hook through the handles of a bag. Its button pushing nib is soft enough not to damage any surfaces.
Jingolden Non-Contact Door Opener
Amazon Jingolden Non-Contact Door Opener BUY FROM AMAZON
This Jingolden Non-Contact Door Opener from Jingolden is an inexpensive option that lacks some of the finer points of other similar tools, such as a the little curve or tip on the end of its door hook that can help prevent slipping, but if you are looking for a cheap solution to touching handles and buttons in the short-term future, this is a good choice. It’s made from 260 brass, a blend of 70% copper and 30% zinc, and should resist microbes and corrosion with reliability.
Hygiene Hand NonContact Stylus
Walmart Hygiene Hand NonContact Stylus BUY FROM WALMART
The Hygiene Hand NonContact Stylus has a larger finger loop than most similar tools; in fact, most people will be able to slip two fingers though the opening, allowing for much more comfort even with the exertion of more force. Its door pull loop has a large tip that ensures it won’t slip during use, and a small eyelet near the finger loop is sized right for most keychains. The stylus tip allows for easy pushing of most types of buttons.
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NZND Non-Contact Door Opener
Walmart NZND Non-Contact Door Opener BUY FROM WALMART
The NZND Non-Contact Door Opener is slimmer and in fact overall lighter than most similar tools, but its aluminum alloy construction allows it to handle as much force as you’ll encounter opening doors or drawers, turning on and off sinks, and punching buttons. Its large finger loop will accommodate a thumb and index tip for most users, while the curved hook ensures a steady grip on whatever object you need to manipulate.
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1f32fc5425ced01f31e8b75314d4d8bc | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/29/how-to-buy-the-right-bed-sheets-sateen-vs-percale-vs-linen/ | How To Buy The Right Bed Sheets: Sateen Vs. Percale Vs. Linen | How To Buy The Right Bed Sheets: Sateen Vs. Percale Vs. Linen
There’s a wise old adage that says because we spend a third of our lives in bed, we should invest in a great mattress. And if you’ve ever had to stay at a cheap motel or sleep on a hide-a-bed, you know how true that is. Nothing ruins your day like a bad night’s sleep.
But don’t stop with the mattress. There’s another old saying about spoiling a great recipe with cheap ingredients, and the same holds true for your bed. Why buy a great mattress only to cover it in lousy bedding?
With so many options on the market, buying new bed sheets can be a confusing process. Several new bedding companies like Parachute and Brooklinen have countered the crush of cheap, crunchy, mass-produced bedclothes by producing supple, luxurious sheets using high-quality fabrics, often hand made using sustainable practices. But are they worth it?
Here are some things to look for if you’re in the market for new sheets.
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Thread Count — Is Higher Really Better?
Despite the amount of eye-catching thread counts available at curiously low prices online and at big box stores, experts agree that a higher thread count does not necessarily translate to a softer, or better quality, sheet.
Thread count refers to the number of woven threads that make up one square inch of sheet fabric, combining horizontal threads (or “weft”) and vertical ones (“warp”). This number ranges from about 150 (often found in inexpensive children’s bedding) up to 1,000 or more in fabrics like satin and silk. But when it comes to cotton, don’t be fooled.
Realistically, only so many threads can fit on a loom. Most experts consider 400 to 600 threads per inch to be ideal — but as a marketing ploy, extra threads are often twisted into the weft, adding to the thread count without actually doing anything to make the fabric softer or stronger. Fact is, as thread count rises, most cotton sheets become more fragile and prone to rips, pills and snags.
Instead, focus on the fabric. Look for sheets made of Combed or extra-long staple Egyptian or Pima (or American-made Supima) cotton. These extra-long cotton fibers are 50 percent longer than those of standard cotton, resulting in a sheet that is softer, stronger and longer-lasting than standard cotton sheets.
Sateen vs. Percale vs. Linen
While thread count can be a misleading gauge of sheets, there’s no question that when it comes to softness and quality the best cotton sheets are either Percale or Sateen. More expensive than standard short-weave cotton sheets, both utilize high-quality long-staple cotton; the difference between Percale and Sateen lies mainly in the type of weave.
A traditional one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave, Percale typically features a matte finish and a crisp, cool feel that improves with every wash. Its superior durability means it won’t pill over time. It’s lightweight and breathable, which means it’s perfect for warmer sleepers.
Sateen is the closest thing you can get to satin — without the high cost and fragile nature of that expensive fabric. The one-yarn-under and three-yarn-over weave exposes more thread surface, giving Sateen a silky feel and luxurious sheen. Naturally wrinkle-resistant, Sateen is more tightly woven and therefore typically heavier in weight than Percale, making it ideal for year-round comfort.
More casual and laid back than either Percale or Sateen, strong and breathable Linen — made from the flax stem — is the way to go if you value softness and durability but want a less formal look for your bed. It’s fine for all seasons and for all types of sleepers.
While a variety of sheets are widely available from typical retailers like Kohl’s and Target, a new generation of bedding companies has sought to counter cheap sheets with outlandish thread count claims by introducing high-quality, often handmade and sustainably produced bedclothes. Yes, you’ll pay a premium, but remember: You spend a third of your life in bed.
Sateen
Sateen is the closest thing you can get to satin without having to deal with its high cost and fragility. The one-yarn-under and three-yarn-over weave sateen uses exposes more thread surface, giving it a silky feel and luxurious sheen. Naturally wrinkle-resistant, Sateen is more tightly woven and therefore typically heavier in weight than percale, making it ideal for year-round comfort.
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
BROOKLINEN Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set BUY FROM BROOKLINEN
This sheet set from Brooklinen falls right into the thread count sweet spot at 480. And you can bet it offers that luxurious, luminous finish and silky smooth, soft-to-the-touch feeling sateen sheets are known for. Made from 100 percent long-staple cotton that’s Oeko-Tex certified free of harmful chemicals, you can not only sleep soundly but also with a clean conscience.
If making the bed has ever been a challenge for you, Brooklinen labels each of the sides short and long so you never get it wrong. With a near-perfect five star rating, fans of these Brooklinen sheets note their ability to keep users cool, while also retaining heat to keep them cozy. The balance makes it a great option for couples who prefer different temperatures as they sleep.
While Brooklinen’s strong social media presence might have some shoppers thinking it’s all for show, reviewer Chelsey H., for one, doesn’t think so: “These sheets really are that great,” she writes, “it's not just good marketing!”
Feather & Stitch Cotton Sheet Set
Amazon Feather & Stitch Cotton Sheet Set BUY FROM AMAZON
The fine yarns of long-staple cotton fiber and the sateen weave in these sheets give them a distinct hotel quality feel. Every night, you can slip into a deeper sleep feeling like you’re enjoying a luxurious hotel stay. Not only are these sheets Oeko-Tex certified, but they’ve also earned Oeko-Tex’s Standard 100 Certification, which means that everything from the dyes and fabrics to the hardware like buttons and zippers are tested and verified as free from harmful levels of several hundred substances.
Over four in five Amazon reviews give this set of sheets a five-star rating, and it’s a kids’ bedding bestseller. For the quality, the sheets are incredibly affordable. Few, top-rated sheet sets come in under $100, and this set is nearly half that.
Percale
In terms of looks, percale sheets — a traditional one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave — work for more modern and handsome tastes. Contrary to the sheen of sateen, percale features a matte finish and a crisp, cool feel that improves with every wash. Its superior durability means it won’t pill over time, and it’s lightweight and breathable, perfect for warmer sleepers.
Parachute Percale Sheet Set
Parachute Home Parachute Percale Sheet Set BUY FROM PARACHUTE HOME
Made from 100 percent premium, long-staple Egyptian cotton, these classic sheets are “lightweight and durable with a crisp finish.” These breathable sheets will keep you cool all night long and are perfect for anyone who might sweat in their sleep. Not only are the materials high quality (the sheets are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified) but the craftsmanship is too.
Parachute products are made in a family-owned factory in Portugal, and they still honor traditional techniques while using modern technology. The result is a crisp finish that only improves over time, as reviewers can attest.
“This must be my third or fourth set of Parachute sheets in the last five or six years, not because the quality is poor, but because I love them so much, I refuse to use anything else,” Sandra S. writes. “I have this set in a few different colors now, and am so happy with the feel and wear over the years. My favorite is white, so naturally, they get the most use and have warranted a repurchase. These sheets are crisp and cool in the summer and soft and cozy in the colder months. I’ve never been disappointed by anything I’ve ever purchased from Parachute (towels, bath mats, duvets...) and don’t think I’ll be switching any time soon.”
Percale Simple Stripe Sheet Set
Boll & Branch Percale Simple Stripe Sheet Set BUY FROM BOLL & BRANCH
Double-ply fine yarn long-staple cotton keeps these sheets structured but still lightweight and breathable. Designed like hotel sheets, they feature the standard percale one-over, one-under weave design and a 360 thread count. Not only is the cotton of impressive quality, but it’s also ethically sourced.
The sheets are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, meaning their supply chain meets rigorous ecological and social criteria, and the cotton is fair trade. Unlike many brands, this high-quality sheet set comes with some style too. The damask stripe adds to its luxurious look and feel and the colorways can help make your space unique.
Linen
For more bohemian styles, linen is exactly the material you want. The sheets will be soft and durable, but not wrinkle free, which means a more organic vibe. While you might only wear linen in the spring and summer, linen sheets are fine for all seasons and all types of sleepers.
Sea Me Sheets
Sea Me Sea Me Sheets BUY FROM SEA ME
Sea Me sheets were designed to embody life by the sea. The site reads, “With lively eyes, with sunburnt hair, bold, impetuous, but at the same time very soft, with a smooth gait, they do not hurry, do not rush, do not run.” The founders found this balance in their 100 percent pure European OEKO-TEK certified linen.
It keeps you cool during the summer months and warm during the winter months so you can use the same sheets year-round, while the distressed texture stimulates blood-flow and promotes relaxation. While the complaint with most linen sheets is the initial rough feel of the fabric, you won’t have to worry about that with this set. Reviews say they arrive with that lived-in feel.
Casper Airy Linen
Casper Casper Airy Linen BUY FROM CASPER
After making a name for themselves in the mattress world, Casper came out with fan-favorite sheets as well. Made from 100 percent Belgian flax linen, sleepers can avoid any discomfort that might come with the first night’s sleep on linen sheets — these arrive pre-washed so your first night can be just as soft as every other. Quality features don’t stop there: Securing snaps, visual cues and grippy elastic helps you to make the bed, and ensure the sheet stays in place, avoiding any middle-of-the-night discomfort.
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398cb89e8c17691b994677923ab329e7 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/30/the-best-carry-on-luggage-2020/?sh=5c671f11e0c0 | The Best Carry-On Luggage 2020 | The Best Carry-On Luggage 2020
Do you travel a lot for business? Have a vacation planned? Whatever the case, investing in good carry-on luggage can make the world of a difference (not to mention save you some big cash). When it comes to luggage, size and design matters. You want to make sure a carry-on is roomy enough to fit all of your belongings but lightweight enough to avoid any fees.
Feed your travel bug with these high-quality carry-on luggage options.
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CALPACK Ambeur Rolling Spinner Carry-On
CALPAK CALPAK Ambeur Rolling Spinner Carry-On BUY FROM CALPAK
Looking for a trendy yet functional carry-on for your Instagram-worthy travels? CALPAK has you covered with its Ambeur 20-inch Rolling Spinner Carry-On. The carry-on suitcase features a zip-around closure with an integrated TSA lock, plus an interior zip divider, pockets and plenty of space to organize all of your belongings.
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage
Amazon Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage BUY FROM AMAZON
Samsonite is an established brand in luggage, and for good reason. The Samsonite Winfield 2 is sturdy and luxurious, offering plenty of room for your belongings and even a TSA lock. It comes in a range of different colors too, so you can easily get something to match your style.
Delsey Paris Hardside Spinner
Amazon Delsey Paris Hardside Spinner BUY FROM AMAZON
Your search for an ultra-lightweight carry-on ends here. Delsey is known for being a high-end French brand, and this suitcase proves why. You’ll get a 100 percent polycarbonate shell that’s excellent at resisting cracks, plus a classy-looking finish that should stand out amongst the sea of black suitcases at the airport. At only 4.7 pounds, this suitcase is easy to carry around too.
Rimowa Original Cabin Packing Case
Nordstrom Rimowa Original Cabin Packing Case BUY FROM NORDSTROM
Feast your eyes on the aluminum suitcase of your dreams. The RIMOWA Original Cabin Packing Case is a must-have for frequent flyers that prefer to pack light. It’s interior patented flex-divider helps keep all of your belongings organized while the TSA locking closer keeps your things safe and secure.
Travelpro Pathways 2.0 Hardside Spinner
Macy's Travelpro Pathways 2.0 Hardside Spinner BUY FROM MACY'S
With this Travelpro hard side spinner carry-on, you’ll never have to worry about souvenirs and other fragile items again. The luggage shell is made with 100 percent polycarbonate for maximum impact-absorbing capabilities, plus aluminum corner guards for added protection. Not to mention: Its unique finish helps hide any scratches and scuffs from frequent travel and the interior features plenty of pockets and pouches for easy organization.
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a0e227a40ee3bb08d15d2f4976c44e34 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/05/13/best-reusable-food-storage-bags/ | The Best Reusable Food Storage Bags | The Best Reusable Food Storage Bags
While you might not be packing lunches as part of your new WFH routine, it’s fair to say that most people could use a little more kitchen organization and a whole lot less plastic waste in their lives. Seize the moment to do good for your pantry (and the environment) by switching from Ziplocs and sandwich baggies to washable, reusable food storage bags.
You’ll feel good about how great your snack drawer looks or how crisp your fresh produce is, while also reducing your contribution to the thousands of tons of plastic waste generated each year (an average of 63 pounds of plastic packaging per person winds up in a landfill — yikes).
Stasher
Reusable food storage bags are generally made of food-grade plastics that are free of BPA, silicone or fabric. Food-grade plastic bags tend to be the most affordable, but they are also slightly less versatile than silicone bags, which can face a microwave, sous-vide setup or a hot oven. Fabric food storage bags aren’t leak-proof or watertight, but do wash and dry easily. (Kids are also less likely to mistake them for a disposable bag and toss them after polishing off the contents inside.)
Ready to give disposable bags the boot? If you’re ready to go all-in on the reusable bag movement, stock up on a variety of sizes and styles and rid your kitchen of those disposable bags once and for all. And when it’s back to packing lunches, you’ll have your new lunchbox hero on deck.
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Best Reusable Silicone Bags
Stasher Reusable Silicone Sandwich Bag
Stasher Stasher Silicone Reusable Food Bag BUY FROM AMAZON
One of the most popular reusable food storage bags is this squishy yet sturdy version made of food-grade silicone. Stasher bags are BPA-free and contain no PVC, latex or petroleum-based. No stranger to temperatures high or low, you can pop these bags in the microwave or dishwasher and they can go straight into the freezer, a pot of boiling water or the oven. Individual bags are an easy Amazon purchase, but you can also purchase bundles (from $60) direct from the brand.
The versatility of this silicone food bag, combined with its air-tight pinch-lock closure, makes them easy to use and a perfect option for everyday use, including snacks you don’t want to go stale or freezer items you want to stay fresh. Though they are a pricier option, a single Stasher bag can replace hundreds of individual plastic bags in its lifetime. Reviewers recommend thoroughly drying the seams of the bag after cleaning to ensure that no mold develops. When your Stasher bag finally does reach the end of its useful life, the company makes it easy to send it back for free to become repurposed as soft and squishy playground pebble.
Best Reusable Bag Set
Grove Collaborative Reusable Bag Essentials Set
Grove Collaborative Grove Collaborative Reusable Bag Essentials Set BUY FROM GROVE COLLAB
If you’re looking for a set of reusable food storage bags to cover meals and snacks of all sizes, check out this set of essentials from Grove Collaborative. Each bag is made from food-safe and BPA-free material and together the trio replaces the triple-threat of single-use sandwich bag, snack bag and storage bag.
Slide your sandwich in one bag, crunchy snacks in another, and use the larger bag for at-home storage of bulk goods, freezer meal prep or anything else you’d reach for a standard zippered bag for. Reviewers are happy to point out that these bags keep foods from becoming stale in the cupboard or wilted in the fridge, thanks to the secure zipper closure.
Take advantage of the opportunity to shop from home with Grove Collaborative’s convenient auto-delivery service. The company makes it easy to shop for reusable bags, and any other eco-friendly home goods you may need, by sending you auto-shipments of whichever products you pick each month, from cleaning concentrates to coconut fiber sponges. You can also cancel auto-shipments if you’re only looking to make a one-time purchase or pause shipments at any time.
Best Reusable Snack Bags for Kids
Bumkins Food Storage Bags
Amazon Bumkins Snack Bags, 2 Pack BUY FROM AMAZON
From picnic lunches to snack packs, there’s no doubt that kids are fueled by food. Eliminate the waste of single-use bags while packing your child’s healthy items and fun treats in cute reusable food storage bags your family will be excited to use.
One of the best things about Bumkins reusable and washable food storage bags is their simple zipper closure. Unlike some other seals on reusable bags, which can be hard to pinch closed, the zipper is easy to use for even little hands. The sandwich-sized bag is plenty large enough for a regular sandwich or even a larger bagel sandwich, and the snack-sized bags are perfectly portable. Keep in mind, though, that since these have a zipper top, they’re not airtight or leak-proof. So crunchy snacks won’t fare well if left for days, and super gooey items might leak out.
What parents do love is that these bags are easy to wash. Flip it inside out, shake off the crumbs, then throw it in the dishwasher, washing machine or a sudsy sink. Reviewers report that despite repeated washings and use, the bags continue to wear well and resist stains. Another plus of these cute fabric food storage bags is the fact that kids seem to have an easier time remembering not to throw them away — which isn’t always the case with plastic reusable food storage bags that might look more similar to a typical disposable bag.
Best Bags for Produce
Vejibags Fresh Vegetable Storage Bags
Food52 Vejibag Fresh Vegetable Storage Bags BUY FROM FOOD52
Keep your produce crisp and crunchy with an eco-friendly reusable bag like the Vejibag. Made from organic French terry cotton, these simple bags are designed to keep your produce moist and fresh. Anyone who is a regular at the farmer’s market or a purveyor of the produce section will appreciate the function of these produce storage bags.
Available in standard, large and extra-large sizes, the Vejibags can handle large and small produce picks. A standard bag is described as best for herbs, cucumbers and other similarly sized produce, while the largest size can hold full heads of leafy greens, like lettuce and kale. You can also opt for a variety set that includes a bag of each size.
The key to using Vejibags is to keep the cotton moist. Simply dampen the bag, place clean produce inside, and mist the bag as needed to maintain freshness. It’s nothing fancy or complicated, but reviewers point out that the simple design is well-executed and effective. These handmade bags are easy to clean. They’re machine-washable and can be line-dried or tumbled on low.
Best Reusable Freezer Bags
(re)zip Reusable Leak-Proof Reusable Gallon Storage Bags
re(Zip) (re)zip Leak-Proof Reusable Gallon Storage Bag, Set of 2 BUY FROM TARGET
Make your meal prep even better with a reusable freezer-safe food storage bag, sized for bigger portions of your favorite recipes or bulk batches of ingredients. This set of two (re)zip Gallon Storage Bags is the perfect way to streamline your meal planning while reducing your waste.
Each one-gallon bag is made from food-safe, BPA-free material and has a leak-proof zipper to keep sauces, soups and more from seeping out. Fill them up, then pop them in the fridge or freezer for a jump-start on dinner. Take note that the tight seal of these reusable food storage bags does become a little trickier to open once the bag has been frozen, but it’s not impossible or a deal-breaker according to users.
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Best Food Storage Wrap
Bee’s Wrap Reusable Food Wrap
Food52 Bee's Wrap Reusable Food Wraps BUY FROM FOOD52
For a natural food storage option that conforms to the shape of any item, check out these reusable wrappers made from cotton, beeswax and jojoba oil. Each wrap softens with the warmth from your hands and can be wrapped around a sandwich for a quick to-go lunch, stretched over a bowl of leftovers or used to keep a loaf of bread from drying out.
These reusable food storage wraps are a great eco-friendly alternative to disposable aluminum foil, plastic wrap and one-time use bags. In addition to reducing waste, they keep food fresh and add a pop of color or pattern to your daily routine. It’s worth noting that these should only be washed in cold, soapy water and line-dried to preserve the unique stick-anywhere properties.
Best Cheap Reusable Food Bags
Foleto Reusable Food Storage Bags
Amazon Foleto Reusable Storage Bags, Pack of 6 BUY FROM AMAZON
Save some cash and do your part for the environment with this budget set of reusable food storage bags. The Foleto set of food storage bags include both snack-size and sandwich-size options and are made of food-grade PEVA material and are BPA-free. At the top of each bag is a plastic zipper that most users find to be easy to open and close.
These food storage bags protect against leaks and spills, and also helps to keep your snacks or sandwiches from becoming stale. Once empty, hand wash these bags for longer life — be forewarned that the manufacturer recommends that you don’t put them in the dishwasher.
Best Reusable Snack Bags
Blue Avocado Reusable Snack Bags
The Container Store Blue Avocado Reusable Snack Bags BUY FROM CONTAINER STORE
If you survive on snacks, make an eco-friendly swap by ditching single-use bags for this set of 5 snack-size reusable food storage bags. These Blue Avocado bags are made from BPA-free PEVA material and features a gusseted bottom, which is much easier to fill with your favorite crunchy snack like trail mix or crackers. In addition, the airtight and leak-proof seal at the top means that snacks like popcorn and chips won’t become stale by the time your mid-day snack rolls around.
Each bag features one of five bright bands of color at the top, so you can assign a color to each person in the family, or use them to color-code your snack options—blue for veggies, orange for treats, etc. Once empty, wash them by hand or in the dishwasher for a quick clean before you restock your pantry or fridge with ready-to-go single-serving snack bags.
Best Reusable Sandwich Bags
Lunchskins Reusable Food Storage Bag Set
Lunchskins Lunchskins Reusable Food Storage Bag, Set of 2 BUY FROM AMAZON
Described by reviewers as a ‘perfect sandwich bag replacement,’ this food storage bag with hook-and-loop closure is sized just right for the must-have lunchtime sandwich and accompanying snacks or dessert, thanks to the matching smaller snack-size food storage bag.
Lunchskins makes food storage bags that are popular for their hook-and-loop closure—no stubborn seals to pinch together or air to extract. Just fold the flap down and your food items are instantly portable. Keep in mind, though, that this bag isn’t waterproof or airtight. As a result, some items may go stale if left for too long. However, for a sandwich-sized food storage bag, it’s hard to beat the function and value of this set from Lunchskins.
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e7bcd699c508c3be6a77b8acaa54ed7e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/05/27/bread-baking-for-beginners-essential-bread-making-tools/ | Bread Baking For Beginners: 10 Essential Tools Every Baker Needs | Bread Baking For Beginners: 10 Essential Tools Every Baker Needs
With people across the globe spending more time at home than usual, it’s no surprise many of them have turned to cooking and baking projects to occupy their time. The most popular among them? Homemade bread, which has seemingly taken over kitchens everywhere.
“The ease of bread baking seems to be a sudden revelation, but people have been baking bread for thousands of years,” says Miami-based baker Bryan Ford, author of forthcoming cookbook New World Sourdough. “When a crisis sets in, we resort to our primal instincts which involve making our own food. My blog traffic is through the roof.”
Bread baking, for beginners and pros alike, is indeed so prominent right now that it’s caused a shortage of both yeast and flour. (Market research firm Nielsen reported that yeast sales jumped 410% year over year for the four-week period ending April 11 and flour sales jumped 105% year over year for the one-week period ending May 2.) And bread makers are largely on back order until the end of summer. But that shouldn’t stop you from giving it a try.
The perfect crusty loaf. Food52
“The goal isn’t to make something that looks professional on Instagram,” Ford says. “The objective should be to bake something that tastes delicious. If you can’t find items, improvise.” For example, Ford prefers stainless steel mixing bowls but glass will work just fine. If you don’t have a Dutch oven or pizza stone, a sheet pan will do. And if you can’t get your hands on a proofing basket, you can easily use a towel-lined bowl or proof your bread on a cutting board with semolina flour.
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And don’t limit yourself to any one type of bread. While beautiful sourdough loaves are definitely having a moment right now, there’s a whole host of breads out there worthy of your time and ingredients. Adam Leonti, NYC-based chef and author of recently published cookbook, Flour Lab: An At-Home Guide to Baking with Freshly Milled Grains, says one of the biggest mistakes beginners make is going straight to sourdough. “Yeasted dough is like training wheels for the real thing.”
So roll up your sleeves and get the butter ready, here are the essential supplies you need to roll, knead and mix your way to your next perfect loaf of bread.
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Flour
King Arthur Flour All-Purpose Flour, 10 Pound
Amazon King Arthur Flour All-Purpose Flour, 10 Pound BUY FROM AMAZON
A key ingredient for bread baking, flour is in high-demand right now. If you can’t find it on store shelves, turn to the web. Ford prefers King Arthur all-purpose flour, which you can still find in 10-pound bags on Amazon and in three-pound bags on the brand’s site. Arizona-based Hayden Flour Mills is still shipping two, ten and 25-pound bags of its artisan bread flour.
The Nitty Gritty Grain Company of Vermont has been tracking regional markets that are selling its grains and JK Adams is shipping two-pound bags of the brand’s unbleached white and whole wheat flour. Ford also suggests calling your regional miller or baker to ask if they are selling provisions. If you still can’t find flour, Leonti says you can purchase grains and a Mockmill to mill your own flour and freeze what you’ve milled.
Baker’s Yeast
Hayden Flour Mills Instant Dry Yeast
Hayden Flour Mills Hayden Flour Mills Instant Dry Yeast BUY FROM HAYDEN FLOUR
Yeast is the workhorse of bread baking. A living organism, yeast feeds on sugar and essentially burps out carbon dioxide, causing dough to rise. Yeast fermentation is also responsible for the flavor, aroma and texture of many breads. Like flour, it’s been flying off shelves, but you can still find some in stock at Hayden Flour Mills or Modernist Pantry.
Baker’s Scale
Escali Primo P115CH Precision Kitchen Food Scale
Amazon Escali Primo P115CH Precision Kitchen Food Scale BUY FROM AMAZON
“The first thing any baker should buy is a scale,” says Ford. For accuracy and best results, “it’s very important to measure in grams rather than cups and ounces.” Whether you choose an analog scale or a digital scale, he suggests looking for one that has at least a two to three kilogram capacity. “And it doesn’t have to be expensive,” he says. “Mine cost $9.99 at Target.”
Proofing Basket
Banneton 9" Round Proofing Basket
Amazon Banneton 9" Round Proofing Basket BUY FROM AMAZON
If your first few loaves are looking sunken or misshaped, try using a proofing basket. Also known as a brotform or banneton, a proofing basket acts like a girdle for your dough, giving it structure and height as it rises. Made from natural rattan cane, the basket’s spiral weave also leaves a pretty spiral pattern on your finished loaf.
Baker’s Couche
Professional Bakers Couche
Amazon Professional Bakers Couche BUY FROM AMAZON
Pronounced “koosh,” this 100% flax linen fabric (from $14.45) helps your bread keep its shape as your loaves rest and rise a final time before baking (aka proofing). The creases in this stiff baking couche hold a solid peak between loaves so your baguettes won’t stick together as they rise.
Lame
Baker's Bread Lame Dough Scoring Knife Tool
Etsy Baker's Bread Lame Dough Scoring Knife Tool BUY FROM ETSY
To get bakery-style loaves, you’ll want to purchase a lame, a double-edged blade that gives bread its signature slash marks. Even the sharpest knife won’t yield the same clean deep cuts. While scoring your bread will indeed give it a nice look, it also prevents air pockets and stops it from cracking as it rises in the oven.
Dutch Oven
BK Enameled Steel Dutch Oven, 3.5-Quart
Food52 BK Enameled Steel Dutch Oven, 3.5-Quart BUY FROM FOOD52
What’s the secret to achieving a shiny golden loaf with crackly crust and a chewy, airy center at home? A Dutch oven. The BK Enameled Steel Dutch Oven ($130) is lightweight, easy to clean, and stylish enough to leave out on the counter. To ensure your bread has enough space to rise, look for a vessel that can hold at least 5 quarts, and remember thicker walls mean better heat retention.
Loaf Pan
Sur La Table Platinum Pro Loaf Pan, 8½" x 4½"
Sur La Table Sur La Table Platinum Pro Loaf Pan, 8½" x 4½" BUY FROM SUR LA TABLE
Any sandwich bread or quick bread requires a good loaf pan. A loaf pan gives your bread shape, while also providing the right depth to ensure that the dough cooks all the way through. Pans come in various materials, like cast iron (heavy), glass (heats slowly) and ceramic (fragile), but Ford prefers stainless or aluminized steel, which offer even heat transfer, durability and easy cleaning. The Platinum Pro Loaf Pan also boasts an eco-friendly nonstick silicone coating that allows your bread to effortlessly slide out of the pan after cooling.
Cast Iron Bread Pan
The Challenger Bread Pan
Challenger Breadware The Challenger Bread Pan BUY FROM CHALLENGER BREADWARE
Before you go overboard buying every piece of bread baking equipment out there, consider investing in the Challenger Cast Iron Bread Pan ($295). Versatile enough to bake everything from boules to bâtards, this artisan-crafted pan counts Martha Stewart and bread genius Chad Robertson, author of Tartine Bread, among its fans. A shallow base makes loading dough easy and top handles are large enough so you can easily remove the lid with oven mitts mid-baking. What truly sets it apart, however, is the super tight seal that creates just the right amount of steam to create the perfect crusty loaves.
Serrated Bread Knife
Mac Bread Knife
Korin, Inc. Mac Bread Knife BUY FROM KORIN, INC.
If you’re going to put the effort into creating a beautiful loaf, then you should invest in a knife worthy of creating beautiful slices. A good knife is serrated and sharp enough to glide through both crusty and soft breads without completely destroying it. The high-carbon stainless steel and chromium blade on the Mac Bread Knife from Korin is super strong and extremely sharp. Its slightly curved blade makes it extra comfortable to use and, and unlike many serrated knives, it can be straightened and re-sharpened on a sharpening stone.
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d8cc79ab08892f6bf5570e7c96e1fe47 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/05/28/home-office-setup-upgrades-that-make-a-big-difference/?sh=4f4d35d23dff | Home Office Setup Upgrades That Make A Big Difference | Home Office Setup Upgrades That Make A Big Difference
While working from home has, in some cases, its advantages — no commute, more comfortable clothes — you might find that your home office setup (makeshift or otherwise) isn’t quite as good as you need it to be. Maybe your laptop is a little too slow, or the Wi-Fi is too spotty to support all those video meetings, or that far-from-ergonomic chair you’ve been sitting on for weeks is on its last leg.
Fortunately, there are plenty of small changes you can make to your WFH setup that will have a large impact on the quality of your work day. Whether you just want a nicer keyboard for more comfortable long-term typing, or a more supportive seat, below are some simple swaps or add-ons to make your at-home working experience much better.
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An Extra Monitor
A multiple-display setup is a great way to boost productivity. Not only does it eliminate the need to toggle between multiple windows and tasks, but it also helps with eye strain, posture issues and neck pain that commonly arise from working on a laptop.
Whether you want one of the best monitors around, or just one that's great for working from home, there are plenty of options out there. If you're planning to use the second screen for watching films or video content on, then something of higher quality is a good idea, but otherwise just focus on getting one that meets your budget and size needs. 1080p should be absolutely fine, but considering 1440p resolution if you want a little more detail — 4K is overkill unless you plan to use it as a media display for UHD video.
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Also consider how you're going to connect it to your PC or laptop. If you have a dedicated graphics card in a desktop you should have multiple options, from HDMI, to DVI-D, to DisplayPort — so just make sure your new monitor has the right input to match. If you're looking to expand a laptop's displays, you may have a similar output port, but the options will be more limited.
USB-C and Thunderbolt 3-equipped laptops can connect to docking stations to provide additional monitor connectivity options, though some monitors, like the Dell Optiplex 7070 Ultra only need a USB-C connection.
A Mechanical or Wireless Keyboard
If you spend your entire day typing, then a great keyboard is a fantastic way to improve the experience. Mechanical keyboards that leverage mechanical switches with a complete housing, spring and stem within them, offer the best typing experience as they're more accurate and responsive — and comfortable to use — than more typical rubber-dome membrane keyboards.
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There are various switch options so make sure to do a little research to find the one that you're likely to enjoy the most — Cherry MX browns are a common favorite among typers, and gaming keyboards are often a great choice, even if you don't like some of the styling choices available. There are also great mechanical keyboards for Macs too, so don't feel left out if you're looking to improve your MacBook typing experience.
Alternatively, you could consider a wireless keyboard. These can be great for reducing cable clutter or for working in smaller nooks, or for working somewhere else entirely, like the backyard. Lastly, there are great wireless mechanical boards out there too, so if you want the best of both worlds, you can have it.
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A Faster Router or Extension
There's almost nothing more annoying than a spotty Wi-Fi connection that keeps dropping to slow speeds or disappearing entirely when you're in the middle of something important. If your Wi-Fi isn't up to snuff, it might be time for a new router. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is just around the corner and offers faster speeds and greater coverage than ever. You'll need a compatible device to take full advantage, but now is a great time to future proof your home network as all new smartphones and laptops will soon support this standard. If your router is a few years old, you can still get an immediate speed boost with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
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If signal is more your concern though, buying a router with large external antennas is one option. Alternatively, you could get a Wi-Fi repeater which can help boost your signal.
If you'd like the backup or stability of a wired connection but don't want wires trailing through your house, you could also consider powerline networking, which can be a great way to get a high-speed connection with minimal cabling.
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And if you'd like faster or more stable internet for free, there's also the option of changing your Wi-Fi channel or band. Most routers have a default channel that they broadcast their signal from. If you're working from home in a busy apartment building or with nearby neighbors, all with their own Wi-Fi competing for similar channels, that can easily swamp a band and make it hard to hit the speeds you'd like.
Most routers will have a way to change this in their administrator menus. You'll need to look up how to access them and change the settings for your particular model, but usually they can be accessed by typing 192.168.0.1 in your browser bar and hitting enter. When you find the option, try switching to channels 1 or 11, these are often the least utilized.
A More Supportive Seat
If back pain and poor posture are among your top gripes of working from home, it might be a good idea to change your seating arrangements. Getting an ergonomic office chair is one option to consider. With features like additional lumbar support and sturdy arm rests, they can make a real difference in daily and longterm comfort.
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A gaming chair is another option. They won't make you play better, but they're specifically designed to be supportive during long, intense sessions at your PC or laptop, and come with a lot of customizable features that office chairs often don't. They also look pretty cool too, if you like your chairs to be racing-inspired.
Yoga or balance balls are worth considering too, as are backless stools that let your legs tuck underneath to encourage better posture.
A Standing Desk or Elevated Stand
A standing desk can also be a great investment. Adjustable ones are the best, so you can switch positions often. Electric adjustable standing desks are slightly more convenient, albeit more expensive, than adjustable crank options but either works. These let you customize the height of your desk just to how you like it, making them a great tool for improving comfort while working from home. They've also been shown to improve productivity in some cases.
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If a full-blown standing desk isn’t your thing, then consider an elevated laptop stand. Laptop stands can also help with posture while seated for hours, often fold away when not in use, and are great more affordable options if you’re not looking for a longterm investment.
Whatever setup you opt for though, make sure that your monitor(s) are sitting at around eye level, so that you don't look down or up too often and that you're a comfortable two to three feet away, so as to avoid eye strain. This is especially important if using a laptop.
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A Quality Pair of Headphones
Let's face it, working from home, with all its distractions, be it children or noisy neighbors, isn't always conducive to deep focus. Unfortunately, popping in a pair of cheap headphones won’t always tune everything out, plus they typically lack in sound quality and can be uncomfortable over long periods, too.
That's where a good pair of noise cancelling headphones can make a world of difference. Whether you want a pair that's designed for Bluetooth connectivity — great for phones, laptops and PCs (with an adapter) alike — or a fantastic wired solution, there are plenty of great options out there for everyone.
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A Whole New Computer
OK, so it’s no small upgrade, I know, but if your personal laptop or home desktop has just become your main work machine, investing in a new computer can make a huge difference in speed, comfort and overall productivity, especially if your current one is outdated.
While there are lots of pricier models on the market, there are also plenty of great-quality affordable options too. Make sure you get something with an SSD and focus on newer models within your budget, as combined, they will make the biggest difference to improving your working from home experience. That goes doubly so for MacOS devices, as older Apple products can use significantly weaker hardware compared to similarly aged Windows devices.
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0a735e821b6fefd4e80a73a8c60f1f7c | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/05/29/best-beach-chairs-tested/ | The Best Beach Chairs, Tested & Reviewed | The Best Beach Chairs, Tested & Reviewed
From backpack chairs with built-in coolers to super light options that are easy to carry, finding the best beach chair is a crucial element to your beach day comfort. You’ll spend countless hours in it over the course of the summer, and a quality beach chair will help support you through seaside trips and backyard hangouts for years to come.
Of course, everyone’s definition of the perfect beach chair is slightly different. Some people want a chair that’s higher off the ground, while others prefer to be as close to the sand as possible. Some think a cup holder is a must, while others might find a headrest or backpack straps essential. Neon stripes might be appealing to some (hey, it’s easy to spot your set up!), while others might prefer a retro print or basic solid color.
Serena & Lily teak beach chairs are our premium pick. Serena & Lily
There are other factors to consider too, like level of support, number of reclining positions, and how easy it is to haul across sand dunes, beach bag and cooler in hand. There are also a lot of different options on the market, and when you’re shopping online it’s tough to know upfront which is the best beach chair for your needs.
That’s why, over the course of a few weeks, I beach-tested over a dozen different beach chairs. Each one was carried across the sand (along with regular beach gear), and quality tested with a few hours of sitting. The chairs were rated on a 1-10 scale across a range of categories, including comfort, ease of carrying, and sturdiness. Last but not least, we’ve listed weight and materials to help you narrow down your perfect beach chair. Read about all the winners below.
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Best Premium Beach Chair
Serena & Lily Serena & Lily Teak Beach Chair BUY FROM SERENA & LILY
Comfort: 10 Sturdiness: 10 Ease of Carrying: 9 Overall Rating: 9 Weight: 10 lbs Materials: teak, stainless steel, canvas
Serena & Lily’s lounger has a classic style that’s evocative of old-school beach chairs. It has five different positions, making it effortless to find the one that’s right for you. It also easily springs open, and adjusts with your body when you sit up. The pretty canvas seat is incredibly durable, and encases a sturdy teak frame. A zipper pocket in the back makes it easy to stow your stuff. Padded, adjustable straps allow for comfortable carrying. The only downside to this otherwise perfect chair: It doesn’t come with a cupholder.
Most Comfortable Beach Chair
Society6 Society6 Black & White Sling Chair BUY FROM SOCIETY6
Comfort: 10 Sturdiness: 10 Ease of Carrying: 7 Overall Rating: 8.5 Weight: 9 lbs Materials: wood, polyester
Slingback chairs aren’t the norm for beach chairs, but maybe they should be. This version from Society6 cradles your body like a hammock, hugging you whether you’re seated upright or lounging back. Its solid wood frame has three adjustable positions to help you sit the way you want, and a polyester seat that dries easily. The chair also has a UV- and water-resistant coating to help it last. It takes a moment to learn how to assemble this slingback chair but, once you get the hang of it (or actually read the instructions), it’s simple.
Best Chair with Built-In Cooler
Amazon Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair BUY FROM AMAZON
Comfort: 9 Sturdiness: 10 Ease of Carrying: 10 Overall Rating: 9.5 Weight: 7.83 lbs Materials: aluminum, polyester, plastic
Tommy Bahama’s Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair has a little of everything. A built-in cooler is large enough to hold several drinks, and a cupholder easily holds onto whichever one you’re diving into in at that moment. The chair has five positions and a wider-than-usual seat for a roomy experience, making it perfect for larger frames. A foldable bar at the top helps support your head if you decide to lay back in the sand. It also has backpack straps for easy carrying.
Best Heavy Duty Chair
Yeti Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair BUY FROM YETI
Comfort: 10 Sturdiness: 10 Ease of Carrying: 8 Overall Rating: 9 Weight: 13.3 lbs Materials: metal, FlexGrid fabric, plastic
The Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair isn’t the most lightweight chair out there, but it’s possible to carry it over a dune along with other beach gear without feeling like your arm is going to fall off. Also, toting is a lot easier thanks to the included carry bag. Once you get to your spot, just pull out your seat, unfold it, and you’re good to go. Packing it up is equally simple thanks to its packaway frame. The chair is incredibly sturdy — a beach breeze is no match for it — and offers superior support thanks to its FlexGrid fabric. This seat also has a moveable cupholder, so you can have your beverage on whichever side you prefer.
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Best Lightweight Beach Chair
Wayfair Brayden Studio Regalado Reclining Beach Chair BUY FROM WAYFAIR
Comfort: 9 Sturdiness: 9 Ease of Carrying: 10 Overall Rating: 9.5 Weight: 9 lbs Materials: aluminum, polyester, wood
The Brayden Studio Regalado beach chair is the same size as other beach chairs, but is deceptively lightweight thanks to its rust-resistant aluminum frame. The chair has adjustable straps for backpack style carrying, and two large pockets to help haul some of your stuff. Worth pointing out: The Regalado has four positions, and a fold-out railing to help support your head and neck in the sand when you lay it all the way back. A fun geometric print makes this chair an attention-grabber.
Best Tall Beach Chair
Amazon Rio Beach Hi-Boy Extended Seat Beach Chair BUY FROM AMAZON
Comfort: 8.5 Sturdiness: 9 Ease of Carrying: 8 Overall Rating: 9 Weight: 11 lbs Materials: aluminum, polyester, wood
Tall people need beach chairs, too, and that’s where Rio’s Hi-Boy chair comes in. The chair sits 17 inches off the ground to accommodate longer legs and even has a higher-than-usual backrest for longer torsos. It has a whopping seven reclining positions and safe-adjust technology built into the wooden armrests to keep you from pinching your fingers. A small side zippered pouch and cup holder can hold your essentials. The chair folds up surprisingly small, but—heads up—it doesn’t have backpack carrying straps.
Best Affordable Backpack Beach Chair
Target Room Essentials Patio Backpack Chair BUY FROM TARGET
Comfort: 10 Sturdiness: 8 Ease of Carrying: 10 Overall Rating: 9 Weight: 7.3 lbs Materials: aluminum, polyester, plastic
Room Essentials’ backpack beach chair offers up a lot for the price tag, but the big draw is how easy it is to wear on your back. The chair comes with adjustable backpack-style straps you can sling on your back and go. The chair itself is fairly lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about it digging into your shoulders. The cupholder is a nice feature, along with a back pocket that’s big enough to stow a beach towel, book, and a few select snacks at once. The fabric is weather- and UV-resistant, to help prevent fading over time. A padded headrest is a nice additional feature.
Best Umbrella Beach Chair
GCI Outdoor GCI SunShade Backpack Beach Chair BUY FROM GCI OUTDOOR
Comfort: 10 Sturdiness: 9 Ease of Carrying: 9 Overall Rating: 9 Weight: 9.7 lbs Materials: mesh, aluminum, polyester
A built-in umbrella can be a game changer for people who prefer shade, and GCI’s Sunshade Backpack Chair delivers. The chair’s shade features UPF 50 fabric and a large, adjustable bowed shape, so you can move your shade with the sun. The four-position chair has a mesh backrest to help keep you cool, and a good-sized pocket to stash a towel and book. The chair also has backpack straps and additional strap to secure the chair for ease of carrying. Just a heads up: It takes a little experimentation to figure out the straps.
Best Basic Beach Chair
Amazon RIO Beach Wave 1-Position Beach Folding Sand Chair BUY FROM AMAZON
Comfort: 9 Sturdiness: 9 Ease of Carrying: 9 Overall Rating: 9 Weight: 5 lbs Materials: polyester, steel
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, no-frills beach chair that still does the job, this is it. Rio’s Beach Wave chair has one position, but it’s a comfortable one. It’s angled at a semi-reclined position that doesn’t feel like you’re too far back or too upright. The chair sits low to the ground, allowing you to easily sink your toes in the sand. It’s also lightweight (just five pounds) and, despite its petite frame, is surprisingly sturdy. There are no special carrying straps, but it’s easy enough to hook an arm through the chair’s base to carry it.
Best Chair for Swimmers
Wayfair Anadarko Reclining Beach Chair BUY FROM WAYFAIR
Comfort: 8 Sturdiness: 9 Ease of Carrying: 9 Overall Rating: 9 Weight: 8 lbs Materials: polyester, aluminum
Bay Isle Home’s Anadarko chair is a great fit for swimmers thanks to its mesh-style seat that allows water from wet suits to drip through. The chair has a pocket hanging from one armrest, and an insulated beverage holder on the other, allowing you to have a hands-free beach experience once you settle in the sand. A nice feature: The five-position chair has a fold-down support leg to help cradle your head when you recline all the way back. Padded, adjustable backpack straps also make it easy to carry. The only (potential) downside of this chair: The mesh-inspired bottom can leave tiny imprints in your upper thighs if you have a low-coverage suit on.
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3601b3dfe1f82c016033e087ed96b874 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/05/29/cheap-bikes-for-sale-online/ | 6 Relatively Cheap Bikes You Can Buy Online Right Now | 6 Relatively Cheap Bikes You Can Buy Online Right Now
In recent months, many Americans have rediscovered a love for bike riding. As a safe way to get exercise and fresh air and as a novel way to enjoy the city, neighborhood, country roads, or woodland trails, cycling is suddenly up there with running on how people are now spending their time. If you’re buying a bike for the first time (or first time in awhile), then safe to say you want something very middle-of-the-road: a cheap bike — but not a cheaply made bike — that’s still high quality enough to be safe and comfortable for recreational use.
And while our current environmental constraints have happily made biking more popular than ever, they’ve also made buying a bicycle harder than ever. With most brick-and-mortar bike shops shuttered, consumers are turning to online retailers, only to find most sellers out of inventory or with very long lead times. But there are still a number of reputable retailers selling quality, affordable bikes — you just have to know where to look.
Schwinn
Without a bike shop expert there to walk you through the process in person, you need to take the time to carefully consider any online bike purchase, as even some lower cost options go for several hundred dollars. Ultimately, though, even with budget in mind, you want to make sure you get the right bicycle for your body and for your planned uses to have a safe, enjoyable experience.
Connor Swegle, co-founder of New York-based Priority Bicycles, says that when it comes to buying a bike online, getting the right size is critical. “If a bike is too small, you will feel crunched and uncomfortable. If it’s too big, it will feel unsafe. Either way, you won't ride it and you will feel like you've lost a bunch of money, and that's not a great feeling. Check your inseam and order the right size.”
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Swegle next advises online bike buyers to consider their “use case,” or, simply put, how, why and where you will be biking. “Buy a bike that fits the type of riding you will be doing, not what you want your bike to look like. If you want to commute, find something that is set up for commuting. Don't get a super aggressive road bike if you need good field of vision, or a mountain bike if you plan to ride on roads where you value speed,” says Swegle.
Ryan Zagata, president of Brooklyn Bicycle Co. seconds Swegle’s insistence that how you’ll use the bike is critical, as is spending enough money to get a bike “that’s going to be fun to ride but also safe to ride. If you get well below that $500 price point, you are going to start to see some inferior products.” With that in mind, here are seven relatively cheap, but high quality bikes you can buy online right now and be riding within the next few weeks.
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Priority Bicycles Priority Classic Plus Bike
Priority Bicycles Priority Bicycles Priority Classic Plus BUY FROM PRIORITY BIKES
This bike is about as simple as it gets without sacrificing any of the features or quality the casual cyclist needs. It has three gears, the first being primarily for use on hills, the second the go-to for most cruising, and the third for speed on open roads. It has one hand brake and foot braking. The leather seat is broad and comfortable. And its style is timeless or, to use their own word, classic. But if you’re looking to ride on rough mountain trails, to race competitively or to do tricks, this is the wrong bike for you. For just about every other use, it’s perfect, and Priority Bicycles is shipping right now.
Vilano Urbana Single Speed Folding Bike
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If you’re short on storage space and don’t want to spend much, you might think that a bike simply isn’t in the cards for you this year. The Vilano Urbana wishes to differ. This compact folding bicycle costs less than $275 and folds down to measure just 12” by 25” by 32”, so you can tuck it away in any closet, the trunk of a car, or even under a bed. At just 21.5 pounds, it’s lightweight — perfect for a walkup apartment dwellers — yet can easily accommodate up to 200 pounds. This bike won’t see you winning the Tour de France and it has no place off-road, but for enjoying an afternoon in the suburbs or commuting in the city, it’s a lower-cost option that’s actually decent.
Electra Townie 7D Bike
Electra Electra Townie 7D Bike BUY FROM REI CO-OP
The Electra Townie 7D will feel strangely familiar even to riders who haven’t been on a bike seat in years. It has a look reminiscent of the same type of bicycle so many people rode as kids, which is perhaps not surprising coming from a company that offers plenty of models for children. The Townie 7D is on the heavier side at nearly 35 pounds, but it’s also a stable, steady bike that’s easy to ride and features seven gears, so you can pedal with ease at various speeds in varied conditions.
Nishiki Pueblo Mountain Bike
Dick's Sporting Goods Nishiki Pueblo Mountain Bike BUY FROM DICK'S
While this cheaper-end-of-the-scale option won’t last you a lifetime, it will more than last you a summer (and potentially fall) of quarantine time when you’re itching to get out there. The twist shifters and dual hand brakes make speed regulation easy, while the tires are large enough and have a good tread pattern for maintaining grip even on uneven or looser terrain.
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Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 Bike
REI Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 Bike BUY FROM REI
The CTY 1.1 Bike was designed for use on urban streets, but it isn’t some stripped-down, finicky piece of hardware. It offers a stable, comfortable ride yet stays plenty fast thanks to narrow wheels (with puncture-resistant tires) and a moderately light 27.8-pound aluminum frame. Perfect for longer commutes or for recreation, the CTY 1.1 also comes in a step-through design and should last for years despite its rather low price point.
Schwinn Signature Fremont Hybrid Bike
Dick's Sporting Goods Schwinn Signature Fremont Hybrid Bike BUY FROM DICK'S
The Signature Fremont Hybrid bicycle is a great choice for the cyclist who will spend an equal amount of time on and off road, and frankly doesn’t want to spend much cash. This is a heavy bike; at around 40 pounds, it’s not fast, but it’s super sturdy, and its front forks and memory foam saddle will work together to keep you comfortable even over bumps and drops. And as the bike comes in multiple frame sizes, you can find a Fremont Hybrid that will fit you well, allowing for that safe and enjoyable ride.
forbes.comDicks Sporting Goods Coupons | 10% Off In November 2020 | Forbes
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3db898eb01713445e859970acfd7bafb | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/06/01/best-face-sunscreens-for-every-skin-type/ | The Best Face Sunscreens For Every Skin Type, According To A Dermatologist | The Best Face Sunscreens For Every Skin Type, According To A Dermatologist
There’s no denying the importance of wearing SPF when out in the sun, but not every sunscreen is created equally. When shopping for facial SPFs especially, the best face sunscreens cover a range of needs: They factor in whether you have oily skin, sensitive skin or wear makeup, and some even consider your skin tone.
Facial sunscreens are different from SPF-packed face moisturizers, too, notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers, co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Seattle, and founder of Doctor Rogers RESTORE skincare. She prefers to apply a face sunscreen on top of a regular moisturizer, a combination she says does a better job than a single SPF moisturizer. Not only does this regimen hydrate the skin fully, but it also provides maximum defense from the sun, as opposed to pinning both tasks on one product.
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Rogers, like many other dermatologists, is a big advocate of mineral sunscreens (often called physical sunscreens), which shield the skin using natural sun-blocking ingredients, rather than chemicals. “Chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and avobenzone must be absorbed into the skin before they can protect us from the sun’s radiation,” she explains. “These ingredients protect the skin by absorbing the sun’s rays, then converting them into heat that is released from the skin. These are likely non-toxic, but they’re also not natural and do accumulate in our blood and waterways. We are studying this impact more.”
For this reason, she prefers her facial sunscreens to have mineral, natural, non-toxic ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. “They sit on top of your skin and block the sun like reflectors,” Rogers notes. She adds that the best ones have broad-spectrum SPF coverage of 30 or greater, to defend powerfully enough against both types of ultraviolet rays.
Here are some of the best face sunscreens on the market, many of them Rogers’ own favorites. They cover a range of needs, so there should be something that works best for you.
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The Best Face Sunscreen for Oily Skin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Oil-Free SPF 50 Face Sunscreen
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La Roche-Posay’s face sunscreen has an oil-free formula that keeps pores clear and uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide a physical defense against UV rays. Its SPF 50 shield won’t give a white cast, and it wears ultra light despite providing such extreme blockage from the sun.
The Best Face Sunscreen for Dark Skin Tones
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
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EltaMD rules the SPF game. It applies smooth and cast-free on all skin tones and types, which is especially important for darker skin tones. But EltaMD avoids any chalkiness and offers clear broad-spectrum protection with a zinc-oxide shield. It’s also helpful at hydrating skin, smoothing complexion and reducing acne, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and lactic acid, respectively.
The Best Powder Sunscreen for the Face
Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder, Translucent Refillable SPF 30
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Perfect for touchups, especially over makeup or concealer, this reef-friendly sunscreen powder is ultra sheer. “It’s particularly good for people playing golf or tennis because it doesn’t get your hands goopy,” Rogers notes. You can also use it to target the eyes if you are especially sensitive to other products there. In addition to this translucent option, you can also choose the “Touch of Tan” tone.
The Best Face Sunscreen for Athletes
EleVen by Venus Williams On-The-Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
Credo EleVen by Venus Williams On-The-Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 BUY FROM CREDO
Rogers likes this one because it works universally on all skin tones and skin types. It also packs a high dose of zinc oxide (25%) and blends into the skin for a soft, matte finish. It wears light and won’t aggravate your pores or cause excess sweating (you’re doing enough of that as an active outdoor athlete in the first place).
The Best Face Sunscreen for Makeup Wearers
Supergoop Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 40
Sephora Supergoop Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 40 BUY FROM SEPHORA
Rogers wears this one daily, as does her husband. “We like it because it feels light and disappears into your skin,” she says. A sunscreen like this — slightly tinted, heavy in zinc oxide — is an ideal base layer for makeup wearers. “Most [SPF touting] makeup still does not have enough sunscreen to be your only sun protective product,” she says. So, find a good mineral SPF base that matches your tone, and apply makeup from there.
The Best Face Sunscreen for Light Skin Tones
DermaQuest SheerZinc SPF 30 Tinted Facial Sunscreen
Dermstore DermaQuest SheerZinc SPF 30 Tinted Facial Sunscreen BUY FROM DERMSTORE
Another one of Rogers’ favorites, this zinc-oxide tinted sunscreen comes in three nude-to-tan tones that help even out complexion, while shielding from UV rays. It works on all skin types, and also works to reduce clogged pores and breakouts with the help of citric acid. She likes it for its nourishing powers, too, primarily the Vitamin E that gives skin an antioxidant shield from pollution and environmental toxins.
The Best Sunscreen Stick for the Face
MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40
Dermstore MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 BUY FROM DERMSTORE
MDSolarSciences’ travel-friendly and spill-proof SPF uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide a mineral barrier from the sun. It works on all skin types, and even brightens complexion with a Vitamin C boost, as well as nourishes and hydrates with the help of shea butter and beeswax.
The Best Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
KOA Anti-Pollution SPF 45 (Tinted or Invisible)
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KOA’s zinc-oxide broad-spectrum SPF is coral safe, which is a good indicator that it’s skin safe, too. The brand combines chamomile extract and niacinamide into the formula, which together soothe and smooth skin. Choose from two options: ‘invisible’ or tinted, depending on whether you want some tone-matching powers.
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e4bc77cf3667d49e840c0a0691e049f6 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/06/02/best-indoor-herb-garden-kits/ | 14 Easy Indoor Herb Garden Kits, Plus Expert Tips For Growing Success | 14 Easy Indoor Herb Garden Kits, Plus Expert Tips For Growing Success
If you’re new to gardening, don’t have any outdoor space, or growing your own herbs sounds daunting — lugging heavy bags of potting soil, finding good planters, dealing with seeds — an indoor herb garden kit is the easiest, most rewarding way to go.
“A lot of the gardening supplies out there are designed for larger operations,” says Sarah Burrows, co-founder of Modern Sprout, a Chicago-based company which makes practical (and highly giftable) herb and plant kits. “The thing that’s nice about kits is that they’re curated for the exact quantity that you would need.”
Still, with countless options on the market, there are a few things to know before diving in to buy one. Herbs thrive in a climate range of 65 to 70 degrees, so they’re well-suited to growing indoors. Planters that don’t have growing lights need at least six hours of sunlight, ideally southern-facing. And that doesn’t necessarily mean through the window: keep in mind that dirty windows or ones with UV coating can prevent light from coming through.
Food52 Modern Sprout Garden Jar Herb Kit BUY FROM FOOD52
In general, herb gardening kits fall into two main categories: hydroponic or pots with soil. Hydroponic is a soilless method of cultivating indoors, and it’s cleaner to set up and maintain. Most have digital displays that keep tabs on when to add more food and water, along with things like vacation mode settings and automatic lighting systems. They’re also perfect for spaces that don’t get a lot of sunshine. The drawback is that they’re generally a little pricier, and they take up counter space.
Growing seeds in pots with soil, on the other hand, feels a little more natural, and colorful planters on windowsills can liven up home decor. But they can also attract bugs and are easy to overwater, which can lead to mold. If you go this route, remember that pots with drainage holes are preferable.
As far as which herbs to grow, focus on what you already use most often in your kitchen. “Most herbs are relatively easy,” Burrows says. “Dill is a little more advanced. With cilantro, the problem is that when you use it, you use a lot, and it doesn’t regenerate well. With basil or mint, the more you trim it back the bushier it gets.” It’s just a matter of getting to know your plants, but if you start with a good indoor herb garden kit, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
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Planters’ Choice 9 Herb Window Garden
Amazon Planters’ Choice 9 Herb Window Garden BUY FROM AMAZON
Dimensions: N/A Number of seed packs: 9 Herbs included: dill, basil, chives, thyme, parsley, oregano, cilantro, sage, mustard
This nine-herb kit is great for gardeners who want to get their hands dirty and love the idea of having multiple plants in windows. The pots are reusable and have wide drainage holes, and the 40-piece kit comes with narrow drip trays and attractive bamboo label sticks. Seeds are sourced in the United States and tested for high germination rates, so it’s easy to get seedlings sprouting with the pre-fertilized soil disks that expand when watered. Planters’ Choice — which reviewers say has excellent customer service — guarantees a full refund if growers don’t get results.
“I got this kit so I could grow [herbs] in my windowsill and it has been the best experience,” says one customer. “The instructions are easy to follow and everything you need is included. The pots and trays are compact and fit perfectly in my window. Wonderful kit and wonderful company.”
AeroGarden Harvest Elite
Amazon AeroGarden Harvest Elite BUY FROM AMAZON
Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 15 inches Number of seed packs: 6 Herbs included: Genovese basil, curly parsley, dill, thyme, Thai basil, mint
Some say that once you go hydroponic, you never go back. AeroGarden is a top name for at-home hydroponic herb growing kits, with so many different models on the market it’s hard to keep track. Their Harvest Elite, with its sleek stainless steel finish and high-tech features, is great because it’s middle-of-the-road. It has a digital display for reminders to add food and water, a handy vacation mode, and built-in sensors to control the full-spectrum LED lights. It comes with non-GMO seeds to grow six herbs, and enough pre-fertilized soil pods to last an entire growing season. The arm height adjusts, as plants can reach up to a foot before they need pruning, and the system is tapered on the bottom to save counter space. Customers marvel at how quickly herbs grow and say gardening with it is a snap.
“By far, absolutely the coolest thing I’ve ever bought,” said one recent customer. “The plants grow literally within a week, and they are blooming shortly after. It’s crazy. I can definitely say I do not have a green thumb, but with this product I may have one after all.”
Mountain Valley Seed Company Store Herb Garden Starter Kit
Amazon Mountain Valley Seed Company Store Herb Garden Starter Kit BUY FROM AMAZON
Dimensions: N/A Number of seed packs: 12 Herbs included: Italian large-leaf basil, mammoth Long Island dill, common Italian oregano, dark green flat-leaf parsley, chives, southern giant curled mustard, cilantro, broadleaf sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic chives, arugula
It’s tough to beat a 12-herb garden kit for $25 — especially one from the well-respected Mountain Valley Seed Company Store. The high-quality culinary non-GMO seeds sprout into everything from Italian large-leaf basil and cilantro to chives and arugula. It comes with a giftable box that customers say they love, seed and drip trays and plant label sticks. Compressed soil disks are dropped into trays and there are enough seeds for multiple plantings. There’s also an easy to follow starter’s guide. If the 12-herb kit is too much, there’s also a six-herb kit available.
“Great value for money,” said one pleased reviewer. “[It] comes with a large range of seeds, easy to follow instructions...and info for repotting and ideal environment.”
Modern Sprout Hydroponic Garden Tumbler Kit
Modern Sprout Modern Sprout Hydroponic Garden Tumbler Kit BUY FROM FOOD52
Dimensions: glass vessel is 4 inches in diameter and 7 inches tall Number of seed packs: 2 Herbs included: basil & parsley; Thai basil & cilantro; mint & lemon basil
If you’re not interested in growing a whole garden-full of herbs, these pretty colored glass vessels sprout only two at a time. They’re hydroponic, calling on a coconut husk growing medium instead of traditional soil, and have beautiful gold stainless steel net pots that make them an attractive addition to any kitchen countertop. Seeds take about one to two weeks to sprout, and with proper care, can be ready to harvest in a month’s time.
Fatplants Cedar Planter Box
Fatplants Fatplants Cedar Planter Box BUY FROM AMAZON
Dimensions: boxes are 5 x 5 x 5 inches each; drip tray is 17 x 6 inches Number of seed packs: 6 Herbs included: basil, cilantro, thyme, oregano, chives, parsley
Plants are a great way to liven up decor, but plastic planters may not cut it for those who prioritize design and aesthetics. Choose from soft coastal turquoise or dark wicker brown planters with this kit from Fatplants, another retailer known for its quick response rate and quality products. Three mini hand painted planters, made from rot-resistant red cedar, have blackboard tags on the front for labeling and grow two herbs each. Herbs are non-GMO and the pots have wide holes on the bottom for drainage, plus the set comes with a matching cedar tray. “Nice quality and color,” says one reviewer. “Looks cute sitting in the window already!”
Planters’ Choice Herb Garden Growing Kit
Amazon Planters’ Choice Herb Garden Growing Kit BUY FROM AMAZON
Dimensions: N/A Number of seed packs: 4 Herbs included: basil, parsley, chives, cilantro
Though the concept of growing herbs from seeds seems simple — plant, water, sunlight and presto! — there’s a lot more to it, which can be intimidating for first-timers. Many beginner’s kits gives extra guidance for every step, including setup and instructions for success. This one from Planters’ Choice includes basil, parsley, chives, and cilantro to grow in four reusable pots. Overwatering will never be a worry thanks to the moisture meter that takes the guesswork out of testing soil. It comes with the same pretty bamboo markers as their nine-herb kit, pre-fertilized soil disks and the same full-refund guarantee.
“Ideal for a newbie gardener,” says one recent customer. Another agrees: “Perfect gift for a first-timer getting their feet wet learning to grow!”
AeroGarden Bounty Basic
Amazon AeroGarden Bounty Basic BUY FROM AMAZON
Dimensions: 16 x 6 x 8 inches Number of seed packs: 9 Herbs included: Genovese basil (x2), Thai basil, curly parsley, Italian parsley, thyme, chives, dill, mint
Fresh herbs are a must for serious cooks, and the AeroGarden Bounty Basic yields a bountiful harvest (hence its name) of nine non-GMO herbs, including two varieties of basil: Thai and Genovese. It can also accommodate tall vegetables that grow up to two feet and it has a removable six-inch trellis attachment to keep plants from drooping before maturing. Like all the company’s hydroponic kits, there’s a digital display that tracks plant food and watering and gives reminders, and has vacation mode and an extra powerful energy-efficient 30-watt LED grow light, which automatically turns on and off. An added bonus, this model’s extra-large water bowl cuts down on the frequency of having to refill.
“It’s the perfect gift for someone who loves to cook! Fresh herbs daily!” says one customer. Another reviewer comments: “If you LOVE fresh herbs and plantings, don't hesitate to get one of these gardens, they are GREAT!”
Spade to Fork Indoor Herb Garden
Amazon Spade to Fork Indoor Herb Garden BUY FROM AMAZON
Dimensions: N/A Number of seed packs: 5 Herbs included: Italian large leaf basil, coriander cilantro (slow bolt), peione parsley, broad leaf sage, thyme
“This product is what happens when people sweat the details.” “They truly care about the customer and their happiness.” These are the kinds of things people say about Spade to Fork. The company is a family owned and operated business that consistently gets rave reviews for quality and personalized customer service. Their 40-acre farm in rural Oregon only grows Certified USDA Organic products, and this box set includes non-GMO heirloom seeds for five herbs, along with organic compostable peat pots, soil disks and wood-burned plant markers. Their 26-page growing guide is worthy of setting out on the coffee table, both informational and a pleasure to look at.
“This product blew me away!” says one thrilled customer. “It’s like something you would find at a farmers market or on Etsy. So high quality and you can tell there is real care and love put into it!”
Click & Grow Smart Garden
Wayfair Click & Grow Smart Garden BUY FROM WAYFAIR
Dimensions: 12.5 x 9 x 5 inches Number of seed packs: 3 Herbs included: basil
This growing system gets top marks all around for sleek style, and it couldn’t be easier to use — just like a coffee maker with capsules. Pop in the biodegradable plant pods, which contain organic, pesticide-free seeds and plant food, fill the reservoir once every three weeks, plug it in and watch herbs grow under energy efficient LED lights. It comes with pods for three basil plants, and more than 50 varieties of other herbs are available for purchase. The arm height adjusts so it can be set out of the way underneath kitchen cabinets. “This thing is fun, easy and it works!” says one recent customer.
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Thoughtfully Gifts Mason Jar Garden Kit
Amazon Thoughtfully Gifts Mason Jar Garden Kit BUY FROM AMAZON
Dimensions: 14 ounce jars; 4.75 x 3 inches
Number of seed packs: 3
Herbs included: sage, basil, rosemary
Truly the gift that keeps on giving, these three mason jars have modern design and charming details, done in bright metallics and finished off with attractive labels tied with twine. They hold sage, rosemary and basil, and are easy to set up with seeds and soil pods. Put them in a kitchen window for a pop of color and enjoy fresh herbs all summer. The only caveat: take extra care not to overwater the plants; the jars lack drainage holes on bottom.
“Such a great gift,” says a recent buyer. “Bought for my mom for Mother’s Day and the plants are already growing!! She’s excited and loves it! Easy to plant and take care of.”
AeroGarden Sprout
Amazon AeroGarden Sprout BUY FROM AMAZON
Dimensions: 11 x 4.5 x 10 inches Number of seed packs: 3 Herbs included: Genovese basil, curly parsley, dill
Think that living in a tiny space means an herb garden is out of the question? Think again. The hydroponic AeroGarden Sprout is designed specifically to make those factors a nonissue, with a small footprint, slim profile and a full-spectrum growing light, which is on an automatic timer. It has room for three herbs — the kit comes with basil, curly parsley and dill — and its digital control panel has reminders for when it’s time for more water and food. Choose black, red or white, and set it at the end of the kitchen counter to grow plants up to 10 inches high.
“I'm very impressed with this product!,” says one recent reviewer. “It really works and is even more effortless than I thought. You literally just add water, nutrients and let it go! Having grown herbs from seed the usual way, I'm absolutely amazed at how fast they grow in this contraption!”
Dryden Trading Company Herb Garden Kit
Amazon Dryden Trading Company Herb Garden Kit BUY FROM AMAZON
Dimensions: 16 x 6 x 6 inches Number of seed packs: 5 Herbs included: sweet basil, bouquet dill, cilantro, parsley, oregano
Gardeners seeking an indoor-outdoor herb-growing kit will want to consider this one, from Dryden Trading Company. Assembled in Washington state, its handsome cedar box — which can be stained or painted to match individual decor — holds five commonly used herbs: sweet basil, bouquet dill, cilantro, parsley, and oregano. The kit includes a small bag of soil, seed packets and instructions, and the box fits in a windowsill up to six inches deep. Hand-pounded nails and slate plant markers add to its rustic look.
“It is obvious that these planters are made with great care,” says one satisfied buyer. “Whoever makes these boxes is a craftsman. The materials are first class and the boxes are beautiful. No shortcuts on quality. Buy one, you will not be disappointed. It’s worth every penny.”
Garden Republic Herbal Tea Seed Starter Kit
Amazon Garden Republic Herbal Tea Seed Starter Kit BUY FROM AMAZON
Dimensions: N/A Number of seed packs: 10 Herbs included: chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, catnip, cinnamon basil, dandelion, echinacea, fennel, marjoram, peppermint
People typically grow fresh herbs for cooking, but it’s just as easy to have an indoor garden for herbal teas. This kit from Garden Republic comes with non-GMO organic heirloom seeds for ten popular varieties of tea, including chamomile, lemon balm and peppermint, plus homeopathic dandelion and echinacea. There’s also pretty bamboo plant markers and a lovely wooden tea box in the set. “This is the second purchase I've made from this company and I've been happy every time,” says one customer. “Love the wooden box the seeds come in. High quality, highly recommended.”
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f88c1e1befb83161a6d968a469ce5191 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/06/02/kids-meal-kits-healthy-meals-for-kids/ | These Companies Deliver Healthy Meals For Kids Right To Your Door | These Companies Deliver Healthy Meals For Kids Right To Your Door
Getting kids to eat a nutritious, balanced diet has been a challenge to parents for as long as there have been kids. Add to that the new obstacles many of us are facing at home from the current global situation, and daily meals are almost too much to handle. Luckily, a number of companies offering home delivery of kid-friendly foods has cropped up in recent years, making meal- and snack-time a breeze instead of a battle.
I know this from personal experience. Ordinarily my family eats home-cooked food for almost every meal, but during the upside-down days of the coronavirus when we’re all home and on top of each other, getting healthy food (that my kids are willing to eat) on the table has become much harder. Which is why delicious, well-rounded, ready-to-eat meals that require minimal prep are extremely helpful.
MORE FROM FORBES9 Of The Best Healthy Meal Delivery ServicesBy Korin Miller
Sure, there are plenty of easy microwave dinners in the freezer section, and pizza places are still delivering, thanks to the goodness and bravery of so many people. But if you’re looking for nutritious food with proper portions of fruits, vegetables, proteins and grains, there are great options out there. My wife and I have served many of the foods you’ll find here to our kids, ages six and two, and think you’ll enjoy them as much as we do.
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Yumble
Yumble Yumble BUY FROM YUMBLE
Unlike almost every quick-prep kids meal out there (and adult microwave meals, for that matter), Yumble foods arrive to your home fresh. You put them in the fridge, not the freezer, and serve them after a quick spin in the microwave. Because Yumble meals come fresh, they tend to taste better than frozen foods, and they avoid the minor nutrition loss common with freezing. Yumble offers balanced meals featuring a broad variety of foods, so you should be able to create a weekly meal plan even a picky eater will enjoy. Examples include meatballs, mashed potatoes and veggies, mac n cheese with nuggets (and broccoli and cauliflower slipped in), and a vegetarian bean burrito. Pricing starts from $6 per meal.
Nurture Life
Nurture Life Nurture Life BUY FROM NURTURE LIFE
Nurture Life is another newer company that offers freshly made meals delivered chilled, not frozen. Like other companies, balanced nutrition is key, and all Nurture Life’s products are nutrient-rich and veggie-packed. What sets them apart, though, is that they categorize their meals by age. They offer multiple dishes designed for babies ages 10 to 24 months (think cubed sweet potato with beans and little pastas), toddlers one to four (meals like pesto and cheese ravioli), kids five to 12 (build your own pizza), and teens thirteen and up (cheesy chicken and zucchini pomodoro, e.g.). Nurture Life also offers cold lunches and family meals that easily appeal to adults too. Pricing starts from $7 per meal.
Kidfresh
Kidfresh Kidfresh BUY FROM KIDFRESH
Kidfresh offers both full meals, like cheesy pasta with cauliflower, and staples that can serve as the center of a wholesome meal, like meatballs for dinner or pancakes waffles for breakfast. And even when you choose something like chocolate chip waffles that your kids are sure to gobble up (mine cruised through two boxes), you'll appreciate knowing there’s plenty of good stuff in there, too. Those waffles, for example, have pureed butternut squash mixed in and provide a solid dose of calcium. While Kidfresh doesn’t offer subscriptions or pricing plans, you can easily buy their products online to be delivered straight to your door, and they’re available at places like Target and Whole Foods.
Baketivity
Baketivity Baketivity SHOP NOW FROM BAKETIVITY
If you’re less interested in meals made for your kids and more interested in spending time cooking and baking with your kids, Baketivity’s kits – and kit subscriptions — are a worthy investment. From gluten-free granola bars to everything bagels, they come with all the ingredients you need to create something delicious together. And if you find something you love, you can always recreate it later, using the same recipe or even adding your own twists. One-time kits start from $33 and subscription boxes start from $26 for a year.
Raised Real
Raised Real Raised Real BUY FROM RAISED REAL
The “real” part of the Raised Real name comes from real foods, like broccoli florets and garbanzo beans. With Raised Real meals, of which there are at present nearly two dozen options, ingredients come frozen and parents can choose to thaw them and make puree for a baby, smash them together for a toddler, or serve them whole for kids who are ready for solids. The nutrition remains the same no matter what, but the way your kids eat Raised Real meals evolves over time. Prices start from $5 per meal.
Daily Harvest
Daily Harvest Daily Harvest SHOP FROM DAILY HARVEST
To be clear, Daily Harvest is not a kids’ food brand. They make vegetable bowls, soups and flatbreads, among other things, that are entirely adult-oriented. It just so happens, though, that kids will love their smoothies and can get multiple servings of fruits and vegetables from blends like mango and greens or carrot and cinnamon. My wife started ordering Daily Harvest smoothies for herself and soon was sharing at least half of every one with our children, so finally we just started ordering twice as many and making them a part of almost every lunch, helping to balance out that PB&J or mac and cheese when there wasn’t time for healthier prep or a wholesome meal on hand in the fridge or freezer. Prices start at $8 per smoothie.
Kid Snack Box
kidsnackbox Kid Snack Box BUY FROM KID SNACK BOX
Snacking is an unavoidable part of life for kids and adults alike, so you might as well have some healthy snacks on hand for between meals. Whether you order once or subscribe for monthly delivery, every box is packed with a good mix of registered dietician- and nutritionist-approved snacks that kids and parents will love. They also offer gluten-free and nut-free options, so they easily accommodate common childhood allergies without issue.
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241649a7066dd0f838b673066ebf94ac | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/06/15/best-golf-gifts/ | The Best Golf Gifts For Father’s Day And Beyond | The Best Golf Gifts For Father’s Day And Beyond
Finding the best golf gifts in a market filled with an endless supply of choices — and let’s face it, gimmicks that claim to improve your game — can be a daunting task. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
For all the unnecessary equipment and golf fear you can find on store shelves, there’s plenty more that can dramatically improve the golf experience. From a new putter with the latest technology to Bluetooth-based trackers that will give you more clarity into your game, there are plenty of tools out there to make your giftee’s golf experience far more appealing.
Garmin Approach C10 sensors attach to the end of golf clubs and track critical information so you can analyze strokes gained or track distance. Amazon
Ultimately, shopping for the best golf gifts takes some time, patience, and a clear understanding of who you’re buying the golf gifts for. If that special someone already has a golf glove they love, for instance, move on to a push cart instead. If you’ve heard them complain about their swing, consider a rangefinder to help them get a better sense of where they are on the course. If you’re not sure what they need, focus on high-quality products.
Below, find a short list of the best golf gifts on the market now. From the affordable to the high-end, the following golf gifts are must-haves for that special golfer in your life.
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Best Golf Gift For Understanding The Course
Garmin Approach S60
Amazon Garmin Approach S60 BUY FROM AMAZON
The more you know about a course, the better you’ll play. And that’s why the Garmin Approach S60 is a fine choice for golfers. It’s a wearable that comes with GPS built-in to provide you with precise yardages to greens, hazards, and other important spots on the course. It comes pre-loaded with more than 40,000 courses and can last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
Best of all, you can use it even when you’re not on the course to track your steps, calories burned, and other health information. The connected Garmin Golf app lets you create a leaderboard with friends, so you can see whose game is best at any time.
Best Golf Gift For Tracking Distance
Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder with Slope Measurement
Amazon Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder with Slope Measurement BUY FROM AMAZON
If you’re looking for a simple solution for telling you how far you are to the green or other hazards as you work your way around the course, pick up the Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder. The device features up to 6x magnification and can tell you your distance from 5 to 1,000 yards with about one yard’s worth of accuracy. A feature called Pin Acquisition Technology can automatically lock onto the pin from up to 300 yards away. And a chirp from the rangefinder tells you when the distance reading has been locked in. The device, which also comes with water- and fog-proofing, can even adjust your distance reading based on slope.
Best Golf Footwear Gift
FootJoy Men's Originals Golf Shoes
Amazon FootJoy Men's Originals Golf Shoes BUY FROM AMAZON
While there are plenty of golf shoe options available from a slew of companies, every golfer needs a pair of classic FootJoy Originals golf shoes. The shoes come with attractive finishes and an ethyl vinyl acetate cushioning designed to protect your feet while still feeling lightweight and not bogging you down.
They use a proprietary DuraMax rubber technology to improve traction during use that’s specifically designed to grip golf course turf. Best of all, the FootJoy shoes come in a variety of versions, allowing you to choose the option above or other colors, like solid black or white. If comfort and good traction are what your giftee is looking for in their next pair of golf shoes, the FootJoy Originals are the way to go.
Best Golf Gift For Golfers Who Like To Walk
Titleist Hybrid 14 Golf Bag
Amazon Titleist Hybrid 14 Golf Bag BUY FROM AMAZON
There are times on a nice day when it’s simply nicer to walk. And that’s where the Titleist Hybrid 14 Golf Bag comes in. The bag is extremely lightweight at 5.6 pounds (before balls and clubs, of course) and features spring-loaded aluminum legs that will pop out from the side when you put the bag down.
A convertible strap system makes it easy to toss the bag over your back or on your shoulder, and a handy handle on the side makes it easy to pick up and carry the bag with ease. Golfers that need plenty of pockets will find it in Titleist’s bag, which is complete with storage for balls, tees, gloves, and just about anything else. Best of all, it’s a nice-looking bag that comes in a variety of colors.
Best Golf Gift For Organizing Equipment
Milliard Golf Organizer
Amazon Milliard Golf Organizer BUY FROM AMAZON
The Milliard Golf Organizer is an ideal choice for the golfer who has plenty of equipment, but not enough room to store it. The product is designed to hold two standard-sized golf bags on one side and a host of other items on its shelves, including golf shoes, gloves, golf clothing, and more.
There’s even a space to hold golf balls, so they won’t run all over the floor. The golf organizer is made from carbon steel to ensure it holds up over extended use and comes with a soft foam edge at the top to reduces chance of damaging your bag when you place it in the organizer. If you’re worried about space constraints, it’s 36 inches wide by 36 inches tall.
Best Golf Gift For Saving Time On the Course
Bat-Caddy X3R Remote Control Cart
Amazon Bat-Caddy X3R Remote Control Cart BUY FROM AMAZON
When you want to walk but don’t want to deal with pushing your cart across the course, the Bat-Caddy X3R Remote Control Cart becomes an awfully handy gadget to have. It holds one standard-sized cart and is fully battery-powered, so it can be used without needing additional power.
According to Bat-Caddy, the cart can move on its own across the course over six hours (or about 27 holes) and can be charged 150 times before its battery will die. Most importantly, the remote control cart can be controlled from up to 120 yards away. So, if you decide to walk up to the green and complete your hole without dragging your cart, you can remotely summon the Bat-Caddy X3R and have it return to you. Be aware, however, that it isn’t cheap.
Best Golf Gift For Understanding Their Game
Garmin Approach CT10
Amazon Garmin Approach CT10 BUY FROM AMAZON
The Garmin Approach C10 is one of the best tools to use to understand the good and bad in any golfer’s swing. The sensors are attached to the end of the club and communicate wirelessly with a Garmin app. They track critical information, like distance, whether the ball landed in the fairway or rough, and how many strokes players had with each club.
When evaluated after a round, the Garmin Approach C10 information tells players which clubs they hit best, how far they can hit certain clubs, and whether they need to improve their short or long games. A single starter kit with three sensors is available to those who want to try it out. Garmin also sells a complete, 14-club kit for those who want to track every club.
Best Golf Gift For At-Home Training
Phigolf Mobile and Home Smart Golf Game Simulator with Swing Stick
Amazon Phigolf Mobile and Home Smart Golf Game Simulator with Swing Stick BUY FROM AMAZON
While there are plenty of ways to improve a golf swing, the Phigolf Mobile and Home Smart Golf Game Simulator is a good place to start. For one, it’s an indoor golf simulator that comes packed with several golf courses. Simply connect the Phigolf to a television or smartphone and use the swing stick to play.
The app recognizes swings and approximate shots, similar to indoor golfing facilities. Better yet, the device gives you valuable insight into how you’re hitting certain clubs and whether your swings are off by displaying ball trajectory. It’s a great choice fo winter months and any other time golf fans want to hit the course but don’t have time to play.
Best Golf Gift For Putting
SCOTTY CAMERON Select 2018 Newport 2
Amazon SCOTTY CAMERON Select 2018 Newport 2 BUY FROM AMAZON
Although there are several outstanding putters on the market, it’s hard to find any that can match the overall appeal of the Titleist Scotty Cameron Select 2018 Neport 2 putter. It comes with a vibration-dampening feature to give players more feel on putts and a specialized weighting technology to make strikes from the toe or the heel come off the putter without too much of a difference in trajectory.
Titleist makes the putter with multiple metal layers to improve its weight balancing, making it easier for players to putt. And although it’s on the more expensive side for putters, it’s also one of the most popular options among PGA Tour players.
Best Golf Gift For Gripping The Club
Callaway Golf Men's OptiColor Leather Glove
Amazon Callaway Golf Men's OptiColor Leather Glove BUY FROM AMAZON
While there are many golf gloves to consider, the Callaway OptiColor Leather Glove offers an outstanding balance of affordability and design, all while ensuring it doesn’t look bad on your hand. The glove is made from leather and uses what Callaway calls an “OptiFeel” technology to make it more comfortable during a round.
It has perforations on the palm, fingers, and thumb to allow heat and moisture to escape. And with an adjustable closure, players can decide whether to have a tight, secure fit or to opt for a lighter fit. Perhaps most importantly, Callaway’s glove, which is available in several colors, is nicely affordable, making it a fine choice for most golfers.
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fe9998eddfdf64bde735042232b57cb8 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/06/17/best-subscription-boxes-for-men/?sh=665cef1a59fa | The Best Subscription Boxes For Men | The Best Subscription Boxes For Men
Watches. Craft beer. Ties. Beef jerky. There’s really no category of goods that you can’t get a subscription for these days. And if you’re a person who would love a boxful of new t-shirts, or interesting coffee or fresh razors delivered straight to your door month after month, getting a subscription for it seems like a no-brainer. They also happen to make a fun and thoughtful gift, whether you’re shopping for a Father’s day gift idea or something to present a new grad.
Subscription boxes aren’t by any means a new thing, but they’ve certainly come a long way in the past few years and now span an incredibly wide range of very specific interests (like tropical fruit or retro video games). And while some of the best subscription boxes are just for the fun of it (though we could probably justify needing a box of cookies every month), others are quite useful, their expert curation and regular delivery a modern convenience we’re lucky to have.
A Flaviar Subscription Box makes rare and expensive spirits accessible to subscribers. Flaviar
So where to start? Below are some of the best subscriptions boxes for men on the market right now, organized by category. Whether you need a little help refreshing your sock drawer or upgrading your skincare routine, the odds are pretty high there’s a subscription box for you.
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The Best Men’s Subscription Boxes For Fashion & Apparel
StitchFix
Stitch Fix Stitch Fix BUY FROM STITCH FIX
Stitch Fix is everywhere right now, and with good reason: It’s incredibly user-friendly. You pay a $20 styling fee upfront (which gets credited toward pieces you keep), and then pick how much you want to spend going forward. Then, select your style and size, and a curated box will be delivered to your place, filled with clothes (sleek suits, casual jeans, on-trend jackets) and shoes for you to try. Keep the items you want and send back the stuff you don’t in the included prepaid return envelope. Stitch Fix also offers free shipping, returns and exchanges for customers — it’s really that easy.
Nordstrom Trunk Club
Nordstrom Trunk Club Nordstrom Trunk Club BUY FROM NORDSTROM
If you’re a fan of Nordstrom and enjoy shopping online, you’ll love Nordstrom Trunk Club. The subscription box service makes the process of snagging stylish, upscale menswear easy. Just fill out a quiz about the type of clothes you like, and pay a $25 styling fee (it’ll be applied to any purchases you make down the road). From there, you can choose how often you want deliveries. Shipping is free, and you can return or exchange anything you’re not into for free.
Bombfell
Bombfell Bombfell BUY FROM BOMBFELL
Bombfell has a little of everything in the men’s casual wear department, including laidback shirts, suits for work and accessories to tie it all together. Kick things off by filling out a style quiz, and a stylist will put together a box for you with up to seven items inside. Like other services, you can set a budget for each item and even approve things before they’re sent your way. You can also choose how often you get a box — monthly or seasonally. You’ll pay a $20 styling fee for each box, but can use that money as a credit toward any purchases you make. You’ll also get a discount on the items you buy and, the more you buy, the bigger the markdown.
Frank and Oak
Frank and Oak Frank and Oak BUY FROM FRANK AND OAK
Frank and Oak focuses on delivering quality, eco-conscious clothing right to consumers. The company’s Style Plan is their monthly subscription service that sends seasonal pieces (eco-friendly tees, denim, outwear and accessories) based on your preferences. Like other services, you try things on and only pay for the stuff you keep, and in this case you get 30 days to decide. Signing up also entitles you to receive member prices up to 20% off the sticker price and free standard shipping site-wide at any time, in case you want to supplement your box with other styles.
Beachly
Beachly Beachly BUY FROM BEACHLY
Flip flops, swim trunks and beach T-shirts don’t last forever, and that’s where Beachly comes in. The company ships beach-inspired gear to you four times a year, with up to five coastal style-inspired items, including sunglasses, tees and hats. You’ll pay $99 per box, plus shipping, but you can get that price down to $85 per box if you pre-pay for the year. No matter how you pay, each box is valued at $180 or more, making it a pretty great deal.
The Best Men’s Subscription Boxes For Accessories
Watch Gang
Watch Gang Watch Gang BUY FROM WATCH GANG
If you’re one of those people who think you can never have too many watches, Watch Gang is here to make sure you get your regular fix. The process is pretty simple: Choose the style you prefer (like elegant, adventurous, expressive) and then Watch Gang will send a new watch to you each month. The whole concept is built on being surprised, but if you’re not into that, you can check out the company’s Wheel of Watches and Member Store to pick out a watch you’d like. A monthly subscription for watches valued at up to $150 is $50, but you can pay a little more per month if you want to snag more valuable models.
The Tie Bar
Tie Bar Tie Subscription Club BUY FROM TIE BAR
Tie Bar has just about any kind of tie you could want: skinny ties, regular ties, extra-long ties, bowties. The company offers up different tiers and prices depending on how many deliveries you want and the style you’re after. For a six month subscription, you’ll get three ties upfront, and three more ties six months later. For 12 different ties, you’ll get three new options every three months and pay $199 (extra long ties are a little more, at $259). The same options are available for bow ties, if that’s more your thing.
Gentleman’s Box
Amazon Gentleman's Box BUY FROM AMAZON
Gentleman’s Box curates around a different style each season, with past boxes including London, coastal, wanderer and formal themes. Each “edition” contains four to six different products, like premium leather goods, high-quality electronics (think bluetooth speaker) and luxury home essentials (a bottle opener or mugs), all with a combined value of at least $300. You’ll also receive a booklet with each box, explaining the style inspiration of your choices. Once you sign up, you can expect to receive a new box every three months.
Cairn
Amazon Cairn BUY FROM AMAZON
If you’re into camping, you know that it requires some serious gear. Luckily, Cairn’s got your back with some of the newest outdoor products out there. Each monthly box features expert-curated outdoor products like Smartwool socks, a Serac hammock and Eagle Creek compression cubes. And it’s a pretty good deal with up to $50 off the retail value of each box.
SprezzaBox
SprezzaBox SprezzaBox BUY FROM SPREZZABOX
SprezzaBox focuses on sending updated, seasonal items in a monthly box. Each shipment contains a range of stylish men’s accessories, including socks, ties, sunglasses and watches. You pay $28 a month, select the curated box of goods that you want online and it’s shipped straight to your place. New boxes are available every month, so there’s always something different to choose from.
Basic Man
Basic Man Basic Man BUY FROM BASIC MAN
Buying basics like tees, underwear, and socks isn’t exactly the most stimulating activity on the planet, but it needs to be done — especially since these goods wear out over time. That’s where Basic Man comes in. The subscription service ships their high quality cotton T-shirts, socks and boxer briefs to you on a monthly basis. You just select your size, choose from a $20 monthly payment or pre-paid plan and wait for your package to arrive.
Stance
Stance Stance BUY FROM STANCE
Stance is a monthly subscription service that offers attractive underwear and socks. Choose whether you prefer monthly or quarterly shipments of one or the other (or both), then answer some quick questions about your personal style, size and preferences and a box will be sent your way soon after. You can either let Stance staffers pick stuff for you, or you can hand-select your box.
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Sock Fancy
Sock Fancy Sock Fancy BUY FROM SOCK FANCY
Sock Fancy is a monthly subscription service that delivers a variety of unique and quirky socks straight to your door. They’re designed by Sock Fancy’s in-house design team and are constructed of high quality, 200-thread count cotton. Pairs are chosen at random but if you don’t love the ones with aliens on them, simply send them back and receive a brand new pair.
The Best Men’s Subscription Boxes For Food & Beverages
Winc
Winc Winc BUY FROM WINC
Winc uses a profile quiz to get a sense of your tastebuds and the type of wine you might like. It asks questions like how you like your coffee (if you like coffee at all), how adventurous an eater you are and whether you prefer citrusy or earthy flavors in your food. From there, you’ll get a monthly delivery of four bottles of handcrafted wines for $39, plus $9 shipping. Then refine your taste preferences by rating what you receive.
Mouth
MOUTH Mouth BUY FROM MOUTH
If you’re into checking out new and delicious products from local and regional artisans, Mouth is the best place to start. Choose from a wide selection of cookies, jerky, pickles and other snacks foods for a monthly box of fun and interesting treats. You can pay as you go for $60 a month, or sign up for a whole year at once for $54 a month.
Bespoke Post
Bespoke Post Bespoke Post BUY FROM BESPOKE POST
Bespoke Post offers up subscription boxes for a little of everything, including DIY alcohol distilling. The company’s Distilled box for making your own spirits features W&P’s Homemade Gin Kit, high-end tonic, a tumbler and other gear so you can mix up a truly special cocktail at home. The company also offers boxes for making your own paella, getting a close shave and beach gear. Once you sign up for a membership, you can pick or choose your box each month.
Flaviar
Flaviar Flaviar BUY FROM FLAVIAR
Flaviar focuses on making rare and expensive spirits accessible to subscribers. Once you sign up for a membership (you can pay $32 a month for a quarterly subscription, or $25 a month for an annual subscription), you’ll have access to spirits like Few rye whiskey and Jean Marc XO vodka. Subscriptions come with monthly free shipping and a free quarterly spirits delivery of a tasting box and full-size bottle of your choosing. Members also get to try exclusive bottlings. After you sign up, you can pick and choose your bottles.
SaloonBox
SaloonBox SaloonBox BUY FROM SALOONBOX
Interested in trying your hand at new cocktails, but not interested in investing in full-size bottles? SaloonBox picks all of the ingredients you need to make several rounds of a craft cocktail, and ships it straight to your door. Each kit includes spirits, ingredients and recipe cards, with enough ingredients to make four drinks. Choose between a three-month subscription (for $53 a month), six-month subscription ($51 a month) and 12-month subscription ($49 a month), pick your kits, and soon you’ll be ready to start mixing.
Trade
Trade Trade BUY FROM TRADE
Trade is a high-end coffee subscription service that highlights multiple boutique brands like Equator, Quills and Huck. When you sign up, you’ll be asked to take a quiz about your preferences. Then, pick how often you want a delivery, and it’ll show up at your door just when you need it so you never run out of beans. Once you get your coffee, you can rate it so Trade can get a better idea of your tastes going forward.
Daily Harvest
Daily Harvest Daily Harvest BUY FROM DAILY HARVEST
Daily Harvest is big in the delicious, healthy food delivery game. The company specializes in things like soups, smoothies, chia parfaits, oats, harvest bowls and lattes. Some dishes are gluten-free, vegan or keto-friendly, and Daily Harvest lets you pick and choose online what will be shipped your way. There are several different plans, including weekly and monthly for different items. Smoothies, for example, will cost anywhere from $67 for nine smoothies to $172 for 24 smoothies.
CraftShack
CraftShack CraftShack BUY FROM CRAFTSHACK
CraftShack has a ridiculously good array of craft beer for newbies and enthusiasts alike. The service features a bunch of new releases and old favorites, including stouts, IPAs, sours, and beers that are having a moment, like Black Plaque Tony Hawps IPA. The company’s Craft Beer Club box ships six specialty items for you to enjoy each month.
BBQ Box
BBQ Box BBQ Box BUY FROM BBQ BOX
Each month, BBQ Box ships all the tools you need to have an epic BBQ experience. Boxes include items like award-winning sauces or marinades, a rub or spice, a snack (like jerky or salami) and wood chips or planks. Plus, each box contains a recipe that breaks down ideas on how to use your new goods.
The Best Men’s Subscription Boxes For Grooming & Personal Care
Dollar Shave Club
Dollar Shave Club Dollar Shave Club BUY FROM DOLLAR SHAVE
Dollar Shave Club has built up a rep for making it cheap and easy to get a solid shave. The company’s monthly subscription service provides a starter kit featuring your choice of blade, and then sends replacement cartridges in the subsequent months. Just choose your preferred blade (twin, 4-blade, or 6-blade option) or a starter set (which includes the razor and some of the club’s most popular grooming products). Plans start at $5 a month for a starter kit, and $9 after that.
Lumin Skincare
Lumin Lumin Skincare BUY FROM LUMIN
Lumin offers upscale skincare products for men at affordable prices, and the company’s subscription service is no exception. Once you sign up, you’ll be sent a curated box of products based on your needs every two months. Choose from an age management set, a classic maintenance set or a correction trio.
The Beard Club
The Beard Club The Beard Club BUY FROM THE BEARD CLUB
Your facial hair deserves as much love as the rest of your hair, which is where The Beard Club comes in. This subscription service offers products like beard oil, facial hair combs and growth vitamins, all with the intention of making your beard the best it can possibly be. Subscriptions start at $33 for their starter kit, and goes up to $59 a month for those basics, in addition to beard spray, beard shampoo and more.
BirchBox Man
Birchbox Man Birchbox Man BUY FROM BIRCHBOX
Birchbox is a grooming subscription service that sends a personalized mix of skincare, hair styling and other grooming samples to customers on a monthly basis. Once you sign up for membership, you fill out a grooming profile and a selection of brand name products are curated for your box. A nice bonus: Birchbox sends a free gift with every box. And, if you decide you’re into any particular sample, you can purchase a full-size product in the online store at a discount. Membership is $10 a month, with free shipping.
ScentBird
Scentbird Scentbird BUY FROM SCENTBIRD
There are a lot of colognes out there to choose from, and trying to sample them all can be tricky. Scentbird does the work for you. It’s a monthly subscription service that allows you to test out brand name colognes. With Scentbird, you can sample a smaller size of a fragrance for $15 without committing to a full bottle. Once you join, you can pick from more than 150 different fragrances each month. Your scent will arrive in a travel-friendly spray bottle, and you’ll also get a reusable black bottle with your first order.
Boka
Boka Boka BUY FROM BOKA
If you’re like most people, you probably swap out your toothbrush way less often than you should. But Boka takes care of it for you. The company kicks things off with a $65 oral care starter kit that includes a sonic-powered brush with a magnetic charging dock, along with products and accessories. Every three months after that, they’ll ship replacement products with a free travel brush. Boka offers up a range of subscriptions, including ones that just focus on manual toothbrushes ($25 a month) and others that focus on accessories, like their signature Coco-Ginger toothpaste ($12).
Harry’s
Harry's Harry's BUY FROM HARRY'S
Getting a good shave requires the right equipment, and Harry’s is here to make sure you never run out. The service kicks off with a trial pack: a Truman Handle, one blade, a 2-ounce shave gel and a travel blade cover. From there, you’ll start receiving Shave Plan shipments, featuring the shaving gear of your choice, as often as you’d like.
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52b05b9fa353d0b184386d9831f7dddd | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/07/01/best-gas-grills/?sh=1e2b36bc5ff6 | The Best Gas Grills For Superior Backyard Barbecues | The Best Gas Grills For Superior Backyard Barbecues
I’ve been a grilling enthusiast for as long as I can remember. But being completely devoted to charcoal for many years, I was late to discovering the wonder of the gas grill. I still love grilling with charcoal, especially while camping, but since starting a family almost seven years ago, I’ve switched over to cooking on a gas grill. Why? Because the best gas grills are much more efficient than their charcoal counterparts, and are much easier to use.
When picking out a gas grill, there are a few basic factors to consider. The first factor is fuel. If you can hook up to a hard line of natural gas, then you won’t ever have to worry about replacing propane tanks, which can be cumbersome to stock up on, but a necessary added step.
Home Depot
Then you’ll want to consider grill size. If you plan on cooking a lot of food at once, you’ll likely need a model with 1,000-plus square inches of total cooking area. If, on the other hand, you’re only looking for something to cook a few burgers and hot dogs, then a smaller two-burner grill will likely be enough. And when considering your options overall, don’t forget about a top shelf, which easily adds to your total cooking area.
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Next, there are special features, like a rotisserie kit, side burners or cabinet storage, and other smaller details, like fold-down shelves and accessory hooks. They’re all there to improve the grilling experience, but be honest with yourself about which you think you’ll really use.
Lastly, there’s price. While there are a number of good gas grills you can get for well below $500 (many on this list), if you’re looking to invest in something bigger with lots of features that will last for years, you’ll probably need to set your budget closer to $1000.
With all those factors in mind, here are the best gas grills for summertime barbecuing and beyond.
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Best Gas Grill Overall
Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill
Amazon Weber Spirit II E-310 Liquid Propane Grill BUY FROM HOME DEPOT
At the time of this review, this grill has a 4.5-star overall rating on Amazon with well over 1,000 reviews posted. Home Depot customers have given it a 4.7-star rating with well over 7,000 reviews posted. If you want a simple, reliable gas grill that’s priced fairly and will last for years, this is the one for you.
It has nearly 530 square inches of cooking space, each of its three burners produce 10,000 BTUs, and it’s easy to clean and maintain, too, thanks to easily removed components and a grease catcher under the grill. There aren’t any fancy extras here, like side burners or a rotisserie system, but it has the accessories you expect, like fold down side tables and tool hooks.
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Best Easy-to-Use Gas Grill
Cuisinart Two Burner Gas Grill
Walmart Cuisinart Two Burner Gas Grill BUY FROM WALMART
If you aren’t exactly what friends would call a grill master, and you simply want a way to do some easy outdoor cooking this summer — without any bells and whistles — then this little, low-cost grill is the one for you. It has two burners, each of which is independently ignited, so you don’t have to worry about any complex multi-step ignition process. It has a thermometer front and center so you can monitor interior temperatures. And it even has a “why don’t they all have that” brilliant feature in the form of a glass viewing window that lets you check on your food without heat release. The primary cooking space is just over 375 square inches and the secondary rack adds 125 more, so it will be just fine for the average family of four.
Best Large Gas Grill
Broil King Baron S590 Gas Grill
Amazon Broil King Baron S590 Liquid Propane Gas Grill BUY FROM AMAZON
This grill has an expansive primary cooking surface measured at 555 square inches. That’s enough space to grill two dozen burgers at once and still have room for a few franks. Add in the additional 250-plus square inches of the upper rack, and you could easily use this grill to slow cook five full racks of ribs at the same time. Its special features include a 10,000 BTU side burner that’s more powerful than the average stove burner, and there’s a 15,000 BTU rotisserie burner that works with the motorized spit and rod.
This is frankly more grill than most people will need, but its price makes it well worth consideration anyway. Having had a Broil King Baron in my own back yard for the better part of a half-decade (and having agonized over the choice before we got it), I can say from personal experience that these are simply excellent grills.
Best Compact Gas Grill
Member’s Mark 3 Burner Gas Grill
Amazon Member's Mark 3-Burner Gas Grill BUY FROM AMAZON
To be clear, this is not a small grill, it is a compact grill. The clever use of space here allows for a just over 550 square inches of total cooking space in a grill that only takes up about 3.75 by two feet of square space, and that’s with the folding shelves up and extended — with those down, this grill takes up all of four feet of square feet, so it’s perfect for small patios, decks or balconies, or for homes where the grill will be stored in a garage or shed when not in use, a process made easier by four swiveling casters and its relatively light weight of 75 pounds. The overall output of 30,000 BTUs and precision heat controls allow for fast searing of steaks, slow cooking of roasts, and plenty in between.
Most Affordable Gas Grill
Expert Grill 3-Burner Gas Grill
Amazon Expert Three Burner Gas Grill BUY FROM AMAZON
Let's not beat around the bush: this is not the handsomest grill ever made. But for less than $200, it’s kind of a thing of beauty, if looks are only skin deep. The grill has 300 square inches of primary cooking space, more than enough for a dozen burgers, and uses three steel tube burners with a 9,000 BTU rating each, so it can bring the heat. And while it’s not designed for camping or tailgating per se (as are grills that fold easily), this thing weighs less than 40 pounds, so you could easily bring it along to the campsite, lot, field or beach.
Best Large Natural Gas Grill
Napoleon Prestige PR500RSIB Natural Gas Grill
Appliances Connection Napoleon Prestige PR500RSIB Natural Gas Grill BUY FROM APPLIANCESCONNECTION
Sometimes, it’s the little things. For example, all of this grill’s control knobs have blue, LED lights, “a nice feature for night time grilling,” says Meathead Goldwyn, chef, author, professor, and noted BBQ expert. Other times, though, it’s the big things, like this grill’s impressive 900 square inches of total cooking space and the four 12,000 BTU burners. Versatility is also always a great feature, and in this case there’s plenty of that. Goldwyn notes how “the rotisserie burner is stainless steel and the unit comes with a rotisserie motor, spear with a counterweight, and two forks” and how it can be used with a cast iron insert that can hold charcoal, ideal if you want to aroma and flavor produced by a charcoal grill with the easy lighting of gas.
Best Gas Grill For Taking on the Road
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
Amazon Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill BUY FROM AMAZON
If you want to take your grill on the road, this is the one to consider, and I should know, having brought it along on many family camping trips and to the houses of friends and relatives. Perfect for the campsite, tailgating party, beach or BBQ in the park, this grill can accommodate up to 18 burgers or two-dozen dogs on its 285 square inches of cooking space, yet folds down small enough to fit in the trunk of just about any car.
The burners light up with a push-button system while two slide-out side tables can accommodate your spatula, sauces or beer while you’re cooking. A thermometer on the hood lets you track internal temperature, and a pair of large wheels make it easy to roll the grill back to the car when the cookout or campout is over. Cleanup can be rather involved if you cooked greasy foods or there was a melted cheese situation, but it’s easy to take the thing apart and reassemble it later.
Best Dual Fuel Gas and Charcoal Grill
Dyna-Glo Dual Function Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill
The Home Depot Dyna-Glo Dual Function 2-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill BUY FROM THE HOME DEPOT
Love the convenience of gas grills but also the smoky, savory cooking you get with charcoal? Well you don’t have to choose. This dual fuel grill has one side with a pair of 12,000 BTU burners and another with a large charcoal grill. The gas grill lights fast and offers the precision temperature control cooks love about the best gas grills, but it’s actually easy to control the heat on the charcoal side as well, at least once you have a bit of experience. The tray holding to coals can be raised or lowered with a hand crank, and a pair of dampers allow you to control airflow, so in fact both cooking chambers give you plenty of control over the heat.
Best High-End Freestanding Gas Grill
Rockell by Caliber Gas Grill
Williams Sonoma Rockell by Caliber Gas Grill BUY FROM WILLIAMS SONOMA
Having a built-in outdoor grill will cost you several thousand dollars if you want materials of decent quality, not to mention a decent built-in grill. So while the $10K price tag of this Rockwell from Caliber is steep, when you realize it not only negates the need for a built-in but means you can move your high-end gas grill anywhere on your property, the price begins to make sense. Plus, it’s stunning — with beautiful lines, integrated Brazilian cherry hardwood, and handsome hardware. And when it comes to cooking, this three-zone grill’s burners each crank out 20,000 BTUs that heat a 675 square inch cooking space.
Best Built-In Gas Grill
Lion L75000 Series Built-In Natural Gas Grill
Amazon Lion Premium Grills Natural Gas Grill BUY FROM AMAZON
If you are considering a built-in gas grill, then you already know you’re going to spend a decent amount of money. So this Lion’s under $1,500 price tag should be rather refreshing, especially considering the fact that it’s a superlative piece of cooking equipment with lots of great extras. The four burners put out a staggering total of 75,000 BTUs, and the grill has a copious 830 square inches of cooking space. There’s also an infrared rotisserie burner, an adjustable warming rack, a griddle, a smoker box and two interior lights, a feature that, once you have, you’ll never want to be without again.
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6cfa46b411eca2c5b603f8866850b100 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/07/02/suaves-best-selling-hand-sanitizer-spray-is-back-in-stock-on-amazon/ | Suave’s Best-Selling Hand Sanitizer Spray Is Back In Stock On Amazon | Suave’s Best-Selling Hand Sanitizer Spray Is Back In Stock On Amazon
Fact: Good hand sanitizer is hard to find these days. So, when Suave quietly rolled out hand sanitizer on Amazon in early June, people acted fast. The sanitizer sold out within days, but it’s back in stock — for now.
There are a few reasons why people keep snatching this sanitizer up. For starters, it’s made with 65% ethyl alcohol, which exceeds the recommendations set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that hand sanitizers contain at least 60% alcohol. Suave promises its sanitizer will kill 99.9% of germs.
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It also comes from a trusted brand. That’s important right now, given that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning to avoid using nine different hand sanitizers that contain methanol, a type of alcohol that can be toxic when it’s ingested or absorbed through your skin.
Suave isn’t messing around with quantity, either. For $27, you’ll get six 10-ounce containers of spray-on hand sanitizer. (By comparison, a typical bottle of Purell is eight ounces, and even that is nearly impossible to find these days.)
MORE FROMFORBES SHOPPINGThe 7 Best Ellipticals For Reaching Your Fitness Goals At HomeByDave JohnsonForbes StaffMichelle Obama In “Waffles + Mochi” Highlights The Best New Movies And Shows To Binge On NetflixByDave JohnsonForbes Staff
Amazon Suave 10-Ounce Hand Sanitizer, Pack of 6 BUY FROM AMAZON
Suave’s hand sanitizer has no added fragrance, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. A small downside: It has a slight rubbing alcohol scent if you smell your hands immediately after spraying it (but why would you do that anyway?).
This sanitizer is currently an Amazon bestseller, with an average of 4.5 out of five stars for reviews—and plenty of users rave about it. “I’ve been a Purell loyalist for YEARS. But given the current COVID situation, I needed to find an alternative,” one wrote. “I got mine and am a happy camper!” Others pointed out that the alcohol smell quickly dissipates. “The spray works well and there's no scent—other than alcohol. But once it dries, you don't smell anything,” a user said. “It's very light not thick like the usual brand hand sanitizers,” another person wrote. Someone else called the sanitizer a “surprisingly good product,” noting that “it’s definitely a good buy.”
Interested in stocking up? Suave’s hand sanitizer is currently $27 on Amazon, but don’t wait to buy. If history is any indication, this won’t stay in stock for long.
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50a8c4d62f24c8543730f27b5401a424 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/07/06/best-ergonomic-keyboards/ | The Best Ergonomic Keyboards | The Best Ergonomic Keyboards
Most keyboard designs pay virtually no heed heed whatsoever to your health or comfort — they’re a rigidly rectangular array of keys with little, if any accommodation for the way your hands naturally land on the desktop, forcing you to adapt to it, rather than the other way around. But the best ergonomic keyboards actively prevent hand and wrist ailments with clever, human-centric designs.
Surprisingly few people use ergonomic keyboards, and that’s a shame. It’s true that they look unusual compared to traditional keyboards, and take some adjustment and practice to type well. But ergo keyboards are a secret weapon in your health and comfort; they prevent your hands from contorting into unhealthy angles for many hours at a time and can help avert repetitive stress injuries and other arm, wrist, and hand alignment issues. There’s no question that an ergo keyboard is a worthwhile investment.
Amazon
The best ergonomic keyboards all try to do more or less the same thing: They encourage you to keep your wrists straight, in-line with your forearms. A standard keyboard forces your wrists to angle to meet the straight lines of keys, while many ergo keyboards angle the keyboard to keep your wrists and arms straight. Just as important, many ergo keyboards “tent” the keyboard, which raises it in the middle so your wrists can rest naturally the keys without forcing them to unnaturally lie flat. Ergo keyboards might also feature padding or contours to lift your wrists, provide support, and orient them properly towards the keys.
MORE FROMFORBES SHOPPINGThe 7 Best Ellipticals For Reaching Your Fitness Goals At HomeByDave JohnsonForbes StaffMichelle Obama In “Waffles + Mochi” Highlights The Best New Movies And Shows To Binge On NetflixByDave JohnsonForbes Staff
Best Antimocrobial Ergonomic Keyboard
Fellowes Microban Wired Keyboard
Amazon Fellowes Microban Wired Keyboard BUY FROM AMAZON
The Fellowes Microban keyboard’s design is typical for an ergonomic design — the keyboard splits between the T and Y keys and is angled to provide an ideal angle to keep your wrists straight with your forearm. Like any ergo keyboard, this one will take a little getting used to, but after the learning curve, you’ll no longer need to bend your wrists inward to reach keys towards the middle of the keyboard.
This particular model has been around a while. That’s not necessarily a bad thing — it works just as well today as when it was first released — but the aesthetics of the seven quick-access buttons at the top are a little dated, and this is a wired keyboard. But the Microban’s real selling point is that it’s been treated with a coating that provides antimicrobial protection. Since people rarely think to wipe down their keyboards, this can offer a small layer of additional protection in these uncertain, social distancing times.
forbes.comAmazon Promo Codes | 10% Off In November 2020 | Forbes
forbes.comAmazon Promo Codes | 10% Off In November 2020 | Forbes
Best Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard
Goldtouch V2 Adjustable Comfort Keyboard
Amazon Goldtouch V2 Adjustable Comfort Keyboard BUY FROM AMAZON
Most keyboards are either ergonomic or they aren’t. They are rectangular and force you to bend your wrists or they offer a split, angled keyboard that relieves the stress on your arms, wrist and hands. The Goldtouch offers the best of both worlds with an adjustable keyboard that lets you dial in the angle you need.
Goldtouch splits down the middle like many ergo keyboards, but its angle is fully adjustable from zero to 30 degrees. This lets you set the keyboard for your personal preferences — need more or less angle for comfort? Just set it the way you want — but you can also make it non-ergonomic if someone else who doesn’t want to use a split keyboard needs to borrow your workstation.
Otherwise, this is a fairly typical wired keyboard, but it lacks a dedicated number pad on the right and places a few modifier keys (like Scroll Lock, Num Lock, Print Screen, and others) in a weird position on the left.
Best Portable Ergonomic Keyboard
iClever BK06 Bluetooth Keyboard
Amazon iClever BK06 Bluetooth Keyboard BUY FROM AMAZON
Just because you’re typing on a mobile device like your phone or tablet, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to do it in ergonomic comfort. The iClever BK06 is one of those rare keyboards that brings an ergonomic split design to a fold-up, portable keyboard. iClever’s Bluetooth keyboard can pair with up to three devices simultaneously and switch among them with a fast keyboard shortcut, so you can connect this keyboard to your phone, tablet, and even desktop PC or laptop.
When not in use, the keyboard folds in half and is only slightly thicker than your phone. Open it up and it has a built-in 14 degree angle. The rechargeable battery should give you bout a month or regular daily use between charges.
Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Programmers
Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard
Amazon Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard BUY FROM AMAZON
The Kinesis Advantage2 is not inexpensive, but it’s a beloved wired keyboard among programmers, who have a great fondness for the deeply sculpted, widely separated keywells. It may look unusual — and honestly, it is unusual — but it’s really little different than a standard split keyboard in principle. In addition to a slight angle though, the keys are also widely separated to better accommodate the distance between your arms. Kinesis claims that the concave shape has been proven to be comfortable, and the keyboard places a handful of utility and modifier keys like the spacebar, Enter, CTRL, and ALT outside the wells, where they’re easily accessed by your thumbs.
Something of a rarity among ergo keyboards, this is also a mechanical keyboard. Built on Cherry MX Brown switches, these are “clicky” keys with distinct feedback halfway through each keystroke.
Best Ergonomic Split Keyboard
Kinesis Freestyle Pro Quiet Ergonomic Split Keyboard
Amazon Kinesis Freestyle Pro Quiet Ergonomic Split Keyboard BUY FROM AMAZON
The Kinesis Freestyle Pro takes the basic idea of a split keyboard and takes it to the logical extreme — it splits the keyboard physically in half, so you can not only angle the two halves to suit your personal comfort and preference, but you can position them as close or far apart as desired. In fact, you can push the halves together to replicate a rectangular non-ergo keyboard, or move them as far as 20 inches apart. You are only limited by the cable connecting the two halves. The keyboard can also be “tented” in three different angles — 5, 10, or 15 degrees — which lifts the middle up higher than the ends, which you can adjust to match the natural angle of your hands.
This wired keyboard (in addition to the cable connecting the halves, there’s also a USB cable to plug into your computer) is also a mechanical keyboard, built on Cherry MX Red switches, which are a solid choice for typists but also preferred by gamers.
Best Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
Amazon Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard BUY FROM AMAZON
Logitech is one of the best-known keyboard manufacturers, and it’s little surprise this brand has a couple of ergonomic keyboards to choose from. The Logitech Ergo K860 is a straightforward split keyboard with a 30 degree angle between the two keyboard halves and an aggressively sweeping wave shape that tents the keyboard, raising the middle of the keyboard high into the air so your wrists lie naturally on the keyboard. In addition to all that, the keyboard comes with a generously padded wrist pillow that's filled with memory foam.
The K860 is designed for wireless operation. It connects to as many as three devices at once via Bluetooth and you can switch among them with a keyboard shortcut. You should get about two solid years of daily use from the keyboard on a single set of AAA batteries.
Best Curved Ergonomic Keyboard
Logitech K350 Wireless Wave Keyboard
Amazon Logitech K350 Wireless Wave Keyboard BUY FROM AMAZON
You might want to work more comfortably with an ergonomic keyboard but can’t quite get the hang of a split keyboard. If so, then the Logitech K350 Wave keyboard is for you. The K350 features a much more subtle approach to ergonomics that gently curves the keys away from you. People who struggle with split keyboards can easily adapt to this shape, and mostly straighten their wrists in the process. The keyboard is also sculpted with two distinct keywells that rise to a peak in the center, along the TGV key line. Atop the keyboard, you’ll find an array of quick-access keys that include media controls and favorite-app launch buttons. This part of the keyboard has a distinctly retro vibe, which is another way of saying that the look of the keyboard is a little dated.
This wireless keyboard uses Logitech's Unifying Receiver, a small USB dongle that works with a wide array of Logitech products, including mice and other keyboards, so that one USB port can control a wide array of accessories. Logitech claims that you’ll get about three years of daily use from the keyboard’s set of AAA batteries.
Best Ergo Keyboard with Detached Number Pad
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
Best Buy Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard BUY FROM AMAZON
The split keyboard doesn’t angle a whole lot — it’s only about 15 degrees — but that makes the Microsoft Sculpt a good “starter” keyboard for people just getting into ergonomics. In addition to the modest angle, though, the keyboard has a comfortable dome shape that tents the keys for a more natural wrist angle. Aesthetically, the keyboard is distinctive thanks to the signature cutout in the middle.
Not only is this a wireless keyboard, but the keyboard’s most innovative feature is a separate wireless number pad, which you can position anywhere you like for greater convenience and comfort. The keyboard runs on a pair AAA batteries which last for about three years of daily use, and the number pad is powered by a CR2430 watch-style battery, which you’ll also need to replace every few years.
Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Surface Portables
Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard
Amazon Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard BUY FROM AMAZON
While the Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard has all the essential ingredients of an ergo keyboard, it’s also designed expressly for Microsoft's Surface line of computers — notably, the Surface Pro 4 tablet, Surface Book laptop, and Surface Studio desktop systems — but will work with any Windows PC as well. It’s a wireless Bluetooth keyboard that runs on a pair of AAA batteries that should run for a full year before needing replacement.
The keyboard’s ergonomics are very similar to Microsoft’s other ergonomic keyboard, the Sculpt. It splits where you’d expect, along the TGB line, and tents in the middle to allow your wrists to stay both straight and fall on the keyboard at a natural angle. You won’t find a lot of extra flourishes like quick-launch or media controls, but there is a full number pad and a standard layout you won’t need to re-learn.
Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Gamers
X-Bows Ergo Keyboard
Amazon X-Bows Ergo Keyboard BUY FROM AMAZON
Gamers rarely get a lot of ergonomic keyboard options, which is weird when you consider they spend so much time banging on keys that comfort and avoiding repetitive stress injuries should be a high priority. The X-Bows Ergo Keyboard is a solid choice for gamers looking for ergonomics, though — it combines essential ergo features with RGB lighting, an essential ingredient in many modern gaming rigs. And the keys are fully mechanical, relying on Gateron switches, which are very similar to the better-known Cherry MX line.
This wired keyboard splits the keys but changes up the arrangement to be more accommodating to folks new to ergo keyboards. You’ll find the Backspace and Enter keys wedged into the middle, shaped like a slice of pie in the space where the two halves of the keyboard diverge, as well as redundant modifier keys on the right to help you make the transition to a split keyboard.
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3d93d5fb7e173957c6348372be2f8e9d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/07/09/best-subscription-boxes-for-every-need/?sh=17be04839932 | The Best Subscription Boxes For Every Need, From Drinks To Dog Food | The Best Subscription Boxes For Every Need, From Drinks To Dog Food
Subscription boxes have become the ultimate form of a gift that keeps on giving. Whether you’re treating yourself or a loved one, a monthly package of the best goods or goodies is a great — and convenient — way to brighten up your day and add some variety into your routine.
These days, there are subscription boxes for just about anything — personal care, clothing, home goods, games, plants and so much more. The list is virtually endless, and the good news is that there is something for everyone (even that person who is so hard to buy for).
One of the best things about a subscription box is the option to try new things. Whether you’re experimenting with food (pickle of the month, anyone?), drinks (how about some craft beer?), or hobbies (like hiking or gardening), a monthly box curates the experience for you and makes it easier to find the things you really like.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, these are the best subscription boxes that deliver big in terms of value and variety. Check out our list at a glance and read on for why they’re great.
Best Subscription Box For Kids: KiwiCo Best Subscription Box For Wine: Winc Best Subscription Box For Fragrance: Scentbird Best Subscription Box For Beauty: Ipsy Glam Bag Plus Best Subscription Box For Tea: Sips By Best Subscription Box For Beer: Craft Beer Club Best Subscription Box For Plant Lovers: The Sill Best Subscription Box For Snacks: Mouth Best Subscription Box For Coffee: Trade Best Subscription Box For Home: GlobeIn Best Subscription Box For Flowers: Enjoy Flowers Best Subscription Box For Clothes: Stitch Fix Best Subscription Box For Pet Lovers: RescueBox Best Subscription Box For Women: FabFitFun Best Subscription Box For Books: Book of the Month Best Subscription Box For Craft Cocktails: American Cocktail Club Best Subscription Box For Men: Bespoke Post
MORE FROMFORBES SHOPPINGThe 7 Best Ellipticals For Reaching Your Fitness Goals At HomeByDave JohnsonForbes StaffMichelle Obama In “Waffles + Mochi” Highlights The Best New Movies And Shows To Binge On NetflixByDave JohnsonForbes Staff
Best Subscription Box For Kids: KiwiCo
KiwiCo KiwiCo Atlas Box BUY FROM KIWICO
Deliver some screen-free fun to any child with KiwiCo subscription boxes for kids. This company stands out for its impressive variety of enriching subscription options in 8 different lines, categorized by age and interest. This makes it easier to find a box that captures the interest of your child but still provides enough challenge and fun. The Panda crate is suggested for children under 2 years of age, while other crates like the Eureka and Maker are great for teens.
And you don’t have to wait forever for the fun to begin, since your first crate ships within two days. If you need a boredom buster in a hurry, this subscription box for kids is a great place to start.
Best Subscription Box For Wine: Winc
Winc Winc Wine Subscription BUY FROM WINC
Winc loves wine, and you’ll love Winc for at least two reasons. First, this subscription box for wine won’t leave you guessing what to order. The site features a well-thought out and insightful questionnaire to get you paired up with the right wines for your palate. If you don’t love a wine that you receive, let Winc known and you’ll receive credit towards a future order.
Second, Winc is great for its flexible membership terms. A monthly order starts at $39 for 3 bottles, plus $9 for shipping. But you can add as many bottles as you like and reap the reward of free shipping with 4 or more. Or, if you’re looking for more flexibility and have a larger budget, Winc’s “Insider Access” membership costs just $60 per month as credits that can be used to purchase a wide variety of the wines available on the site. This includes specialty bottles and hard-to-find varietals that won’t be at your corner liquor store. Plus, it’s all shipped to your doorstep each month with no ongoing commitment.
Best Subscription Box For Fragrance: Scentbird
Scentbird Scentbird Monthly Fragrance Subscription BUY FROM SCENTBIRD
Find your new favorite scent or rotate through a collection with the pocket-sized perfumes and colognes offered by Scentbird’s fragrance subscription boxes. The company only sources authentic fragrances, so you’re getting the real deal no matter which scent you choose.
For $15 per shipment, receive a new scent in an 8 mL bottle, with about 140 spritzes inside — enough for a month of wear by the average user. There are no shipping fees and you can pause or cancel the subscription any time. Whether you’re a heavy fragrance wearer or more casual when it comes to your use of perfume or cologne, the flexibility of Scentbird’s subscription model is a great fit.
Best Subscription Box For Beauty: Ipsy Glam Bag Plus
Ipsy Ipsy Makeup & Beauty Subscription BUY FROM IPSY
Explore new looks and products with this popular subscription box for make-up, the Ipsy Glam Bag Plus. While the original Ipsy bag pioneered the concept of a beauty subscription box, this new plus-size version is a great value at only $25 a month for five full-size products (valued at $120 or more per box). It ships for free, and you can cancel at any time. If you pay for the year, you get one month for free — making your total investment just $275.
Getting started with Ipsy is easy. The order process starts with a quick quiz to learn your skin tone and condition, hair and eye color, and preferences on how often you’d like to receive various types of products. For instance, if you’re not into eyeliner but love lipstick, you can set eyeliner to ‘rarely’ and lipstick to ‘often.’ This means you won’t have a ton of products piling up that you never use.
Best Subscription Box For Tea: Sips By
Sips by Sips By Tea Subscription Box BUY FROM SIPS BY
This subscription box will have you ready for tea time at any time, thanks to the custom assortment of premium teas inside each box. Sourced from more than 100 different brands around the world, Sips By makes it super simple to try new teas and explore new blends.
Each box costs $15, with free shipping. Take a quick survey to help identify your tea taste, and your first box will be on its way with a selection of four types of tea. Every box brews 15 or more cups, so you can sip and savor for $1 or less per cup.
Best Subscription Box For Beer: Craft Beer Club
Craft Beer Club Craft Beer Club Subscription BUY FROM CRAFT BEER CLUB
Inside every shipment from Craft Beer Club is a unique assortment of 12 beers from microbreweries you may or may not have heard of. Each box brings the brewery to you, with three 12-ounce bottles (and occasionally cans) in four different styles from two different breweries across the United States — so you can share the tasting experience with two friends, or enjoy it all yourself.
Each box costs $43 and ships for free in the lower 48 states. You can cancel at any time and end your beer tour, but any beer connoisseur will love this monthly exploration into some of the most unique brews around.
Best Subscription Box For Plant Lovers: The Sill
The Sill Plant Subscription BUY FROM THE SILL
Whether you’re looking to expand your plant collection or want to send a fresh housewarming gift to a friend, The Sill offers several plant-a-month subscription boxes that are an excellent value. Choose from collections like ‘Houseplants for Beginners’ or their larger medium-sized plant collections. You can also choose a subscription to fit specific scenarios, like low light houseplants or plants that are safe for pets.
Each month, a box arrives with a new variety of houseplant inside, along with an earthenware planter in your preferred color. You can change the color of your planter from your account settings at any time. Build a monochromatic collection or switch up the shade of the planter for a colorful display. These plant subscription boxes start at $35 per month and you can pause or cancel any time after the first three months. If you want to gift the subscription, you can pick between 3 and 6-month options.
Best Subscription Box For Snacks: Mouth
MOUTH Mouth Snack Subscription BUY FROM MOUTH
Go beyond basic snacking with a monthly delivery of curated items from Mouth. Run by foodies with a passion for small-batch snacks, Mouth offers subscription boxes that will surprise and delight the taste buds of savory and sweet-lovers alike. Choose from options like jerky, pickles and cookies. A ‘Best of’ box and ‘Indie States of America’ are two more unique options for standout snacks. Each box is filled with full-size selections from artisan makers here in the United States. It’s a great way to taste something new and exciting while supporting small-batch makers.
While there’s no doubt that a subscription snack box costs more than grabbing items off the shelf at your local grocery store (each box costs around $50 to $60 for a monthly subscription), Mouth stands out for its ability to work with quality local artisans that you might not discover otherwise, but will soon find you cannot live without.
Best Subscription Box For Coffee: Trade
Trade Trade Coffee Subscription BUY FROM TRADE
Trade takes coffee seriously, and the result is an impressive selection (400+!) of coffees from the nation’s top local roasters. Whether you’re a serious sipper or not, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to have freshly-roasted coffee delivered to your doorstep on a schedule that works for you. Subscription boxes ship every 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the options you select. Plus, shipping is always free and you can cancel at any time.
Best Subscription Box For Home: GlobeIn
GlobeIn GlobeIn Artisan Box BUY FROM GLOBEIN
What house couldn’t use a few curated updates each month? GlobeIn supports a community of global artisans while shipping unique finds to your door each month with its home subscription box. It’s also a great housewarming gift for friends and family.
Inside each box are four or five handmade items based on a theme (previous themes include the Cozy Box and the Savour Box). New subscription boxes are made available each month, and you can pick the box you’d like to receive. Even better, if nothing catches your eye you can also use a credit from your monthly subscription to shop GlobeIn’s virtual storefront with more handmade goods from around the world. Each box costs $40 per month (plus $10 for shipping), or you can opt for a 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription for greater savings.
Best Subscription Box For Flowers: Enjoy Flowers
Enjoy Flowers Enjoy Flowers Subscription BUY FROM ENJOY FLOWERS
This popular subscription box for flowers is a great gift for a special occasion or an easy way to bring more color into your home. Enjoy Flowers offers various subscription options to suit the types of flowers you prefer and your budget, and you can opt for bi-weekly or monthly delivery. Either way, shipping is free and flowers arrive fresh on your doorstep only 4 days after cutting.
Choose from a Signature plan with premium blooms or a Farm Fresh plan with fun and seasonal flower choices. Aspiring florists will enjoy the DIY plan that delivers loose stems you can arrange into a bouquet of your choice. While a month-to-month subscription is available, you’ll save more if you sign up for several months at a time or commit to a year of deliveries.
Best Subscription Box For Clothes: Stitch Fix
StitchFix StitchFix BUY FROM STITCH FIX
Online shopping makes it easy to update your wardrobe with fresh new styles, and Stitch Fix combines convenience with the expert advice of a stylist. It’s available for adults and kids, so it has your whole family covered. Each month, this clothing subscription box arrives at your door with five items selected just for you. A style quiz, along with notes left for your stylist, helps whittle down likes and dislikes. Items range between $25 and $500, but no need to worry — you can set pricing preferences for item categories.
There are no shipping fees (even to return items), but you’ll pay a $20 styling fee for each box. The good news is that this fee is credited towards your purchase of any item. The bad news is that if yofu send everything back, you miss out on the $20 credit.
Best Subscription Box For Pet Lovers: RescueBox
Rachel Gulotta Photography RescueBox Pet Subscription Box BUY FROM RESCUEBOX
Spoil your dog or cat with a monthly delivery of treats, toys and accessories, courtesy of the animal-lovers at RescueBox. And while your four-legged friend will be thrilled to receive monthly goodies, you’ll also be providing much-needed food and vaccinations to shelter animals. For every subscription box that ships, RescueBox donates 5 pounds of food and 2 vaccinations to pets in shelters.
You can opt for a recurring monthly subscription (cancel anytime) or choose 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription plans, and shipping is free within the contiguous 48 states. To make sure the included chews, accessories and toys are sized right for your dog, you can set up your subscription for small, medium or large dogs. The cat version of this pet subscription box is one-size-fits-all, but is sure to please with its assortment of captivating cat toys and treats.
Best Subscription Box For Women: FabFitFun
FabFitFun VIP FabFitFun Women's Subscription Box BUY FROM FABFITFUN VIP
There’s a reason why FabFitFun has some of the best subscription boxes for women — it offers a little bit of everything and delivers big value and full-sized, premium products that you choose. Arriving every quarter, each box costs just $50 but is valued at $200. Opt for an annual plan, and you’ll save even more. Shipping is free within the continental United States.
Pick from a variety of products in each category to receive items you’ll actually use or choose to be surprised by letting the box ship without your input. A mix of beauty and lifestyle products curated for the season will give you something to look forward to and new brands to discover. In addition, this women’s subscription box also gives you access to community features like FabFitFunTV for workouts and member sales on leading brands.
forbes.comFabFitFun Promo Codes | 20% Off In November 2020 | Forbes
Best Subscription Box For Books: Book of the Month
Book of the Month Book of the Month Subscription BUY FROM BOTM
Readers, rejoice! Spend more time reading and less time perusing the best-sellers list with this subscription box for avid readers. Whether you’re looking to expand your literary horizons or are searching for the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life, the Book of the Month Club is a great choice. Scouting out great literature since 1926, BOTM curates 5 new titles every month. Pick one title (or up to three) and read works from up-and-coming authors, early releases and other favorites. The first month is just $10, and subsequent months cost a modest $15 per title. You can skip any month, and the company offers hassle-free cancellation.
Best Subscription Box For Craft Cocktails: American Cocktail Club
American Cocktail Club American Cocktail Club BUY FROM ACC
Mix up your bar cart with a monthly delivery from American Cocktail Club. This is a great subscription box for aspiring mixologists or if you’re looking to have some fun with new drink recipes. Each box ships to you with everything you need to make the drink of the month: a recipe card, a carbonated mixer, a juice blend, four mini spirit bottles and a bonus mixer, garnish or bar tool.
If you already have a stocked bar cart and are just looking for inspiration, you can also order this craft cocktail box without alcohol. You’ll still get the recipe card, mixer, and bonus item (like garnish or bar tool) but without the spirits. Use what you already have on hand or substitute in your favorite alcohol. (The subscription box with alcohol can be shipped to any state except for Alaska, Kentucky, Mississippi, or Utah.)
Best Subscription Box For Men: Bespoke Post
Bespoke Post Bespoke Post Men's Subscription Box BUY FROM BESPOKE POST
For a great option for gents, look no further than the subscription boxes from Bespoke Post. Each box costs $45 per month with a subscription (or $55 for a one-time purchase) but is packed with quality goods. The concept of Bespoke Post is to create subscription boxes around a central theme that will introduce you to something new. You can pause or cancel at any time, and the online store makes it easy to shop for other must-have items.
What we like most about this subscription boxes for men is the variety of available themes. Whether you’re interested in grooming, outdoor activities or trying new food and drink recipes, Bespoke Post caters to all these categories and more. And while the subscription will auto-select a box for the recipient each month, it’s super simple to swap it out for a different box.
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0ac581754702f52f9fbc07b93685d9b8 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/07/14/best-bike-helmets-for-every-kind-of-cyclist/ | The Best Bike Helmets For Every Kind Of Cyclist | The Best Bike Helmets For Every Kind Of Cyclist
With lots of people biking this summer — for exercise, fresh air and as an alternative means of transportation — it’s no surprise that the demand for bike gear has gone up. And while reusable water bottles and kids bike seats are certainly nice extras to have, wearing a helmet is a must, whether you’re a newbie or an experienced cyclist.
It stands to reason that any helmet is better than none at all, though it’s imperative to have one that meets certifications and has technology that can improve overall safety. Proper fit is equally important, and higher-quality helmets have features that allow for fine-tuning, because you can’t bank on one-size-fits-all.
There are a few things you’ll want to look for when buying a helmet. The industry standard for helmets with technology designed to prevent severe injury is known as MIPS, or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. It’s available in helmets across price points, from budget to high-end, though not all have it. “When you compare helmets that have it and those that don’t, looking at the difference, I would want one that does,” says Dr. David Dodick, a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.
Giro
Dodick cites recent studies that show wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by roughly 60 percent, and facial injuries by about 25 percent. He says a helmet should sit approximately one inch above the eyebrows, shouldn’t shake in any direction, or come down to the neck in back.
Another consideration is how the helmet is constructed. Polycarbonate-shell helmets are typically made using in-mold construction, a production process that bonds the outer shell and the EPS liner (that’s Expanded Polystyrene) to create a lightweight but ultra-durable helmet. ABS plastic-shell helmets, durable but not as lightweight as polycarbonate, are usually injection-molded and the EPS liner is attached.
For commuters or recreational riders who want something stylish, road cyclists who prioritizes aerodynamics and ventilation, mountain bikers who need a helmet designed to handle rough trails or anyone seeking a budget pick across categories, here are some of the best bike helmets out there right now.
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Best Bike Helmets For Commuters and Recreational Cyclists
Giro Caden
Amazon Giro Caden BUY FROM AMAZON
Weight: 355 grams (Medium) Vents: 12 MIPS: Yes Sizes: Small 51–55cm; Medium 55–59cm; Large 59–63cm
Giro is a top name in active performance gear for road cyclists, mountain bikers, skiers and snowboarders. The brand’s expansive line includes helmets for recreational cyclists and commuters that offer the same safety protection and features to ensure a perfect fit, minus some of the bells and whistles required for more extreme sports. The Giro Caden is made for urban cycling, with a polycarbonate shell, in-mold construction, MIPS technology and street-style design. It allows for vertical and tension adjustment using a rubberized dial to get an exact fit, plus it has reflective detailing, a port for locking the helmet to a bike, a removable visor and space in front to attach a light. It’s fairly lightweight for a helmet in its class, too, coming in at only 355 grams.
“This helmet is incredibly comfy and you can make a lot of adjustments…” says one recent five-star reviewer. “...I don't even feel it when I'm on my bike. It also looks great and not as dorky as some other helmets.”
Bell Annex
Amazon Bell Annex BUY FROM AMAZON
Weight: 425 grams (Medium) Vents: 15 MIPS: Yes Sizes: Small 52-56 cm; Medium 55-59 cm; Large 58-62 cm
Bell is another highly respected name in helmets, with a full line of options to suit road cyclists, mountain bikers and commuters alike. Their Annex helmet has a polycarbonate shell and in-mold construction, MIPS technology, a rubberized dial that fine-tunes size for an exact fit and padding that’s quick-drying and woven with silver fibers to stave off odor and prevent bacteria. Other features include reflective straps and trim on the brim. In addition to its sporty yet sleek design, one of its coolest features is its venting system: eight of its 15 vents are controlled with a slider button to control intake.
“This helmet is fantastic for commuting,” says an enthusiastic buyer who gave it a five-star review. “It gives much better coverage of the overall head area. The closeable top venting area is great, it is nice when [the] weather turns cold to shut the vents...the best I have used for commuting.”
Nutcase Street
REI Nutcase Street BUY FROM REI
Weight: 538 grams (Medium) Vents: 11 MIPS: Yes Sizes: Small 52-56cm; Medium 56-60cm; Large 60-64cm
With vibrant graphics like racing stripes, lightning bolts, polka dots, plus a slew of appealing, poppy colors, Nutcase’s helmets are on point when it comes to fun style. While they may be on the heavier side, with a shell made from ABS rather than polycarbonate, they still offer the safety of MIPS technology, along with injection-molded construction with protective foam, three-piece padding with a dial to adjust the fit and a visor brim. They also have good airflow and a magnetic buckle that secures the strap.
“Fits, is cool and comfortable,” says one recent reviewer. “I love the magnetic closure.”
forbes.comREI Coupons | 30% Off In November 2020 | Forbes
Best Bike Helmets For Road Cyclists
Giro Aether
Amazon Giro Aether BUY FROM AMAZON
Weight: 269 grams (Medium) Vents: 11 MIPS: Yes Sizes: Small 51-55cm; Medium 55-59cm; Large 59-63cm
The Aether is Giro’s top cycling helmet that one-ups its popular Synthe model, with an excellent lineup of features that many customers say makes it well worth the price. For starters, it improves upon standard MIPS design by nixing the plastic strip plane and using technology that integrates protection between layers of EPS foam. The result is a lighter helmet that’s arguably more comfortable.
Also, part of the design is an arch that runs across the top for added structural reinforcement. The six-piece polycarbonate shell has wide air vents in between, plus deep channels inside to maximize airflow, and the fit can be customized in three directions, including one that lifts the helmet slightly off the head for better cooling.
“I previously owned a Giro Synthe which I was very happy with,” says one five-star reviewer. “This is a great upgrade with an excellent fit and nice breathability.”
“Exceptionally good helmet that is by far the most beautiful design I have ever owned,” says another satisfied customer.
Specialized S-Works Prevail II with ANGi
Amazon Bell Z20 BUY FROM AMAZON
Weight: 260 grams Vents: 34 MIPS: Yes Sizes: Small 51-56cm; Medium 55-59cm; Large 59-63cm
This smart helmet from Specialized is designed with technology that can detect a crash and notify contacts with a rider’s GPS coordinates. The impressive feature, called ANGi (which stands for angular and g-force indicator) is activated pre-ride via app. And, it isn’t the brand’s only calling card: they’re also unmatched when it comes to producing helmets with exceptional airflow.
The Prevail II boasts a whopping 34 vents for cooling and only weighs 260 grams, or just over a half a pound. Part of the reason it’s so lightweight is because, like the Giro Aether, it also improves upon standard MIPS by integrating the technology into the helmet’s padding and eliminating the plastic strip plane. Other notable pros include brow pad with a gutter to keep sweat away from the eyes and dial to adjust height for a perfect fit.
“For me, this helmet fits like no other I've tried,” says a buyer who gave the helmet five stars. “Not only does it have MIPS but it achieves this without the yellow plastic insert found in most helmets and the pad set they designed for it is excellent. Since I often ride alone, I'm pleased to have ANGI along with me...There are cheaper options out there but I think the value that is being delivered in this helmet justifies the price.”
Best Bike Helmets For Mountain Biking
Giro Montaro
Amazon Giro Montaro BUY FROM AMAZON
Weight: 365 grams (Medium) Vents: 16 MIPS: Yes Sizes: Small 51-55cm; Medium 55-59cm; Large 59-63cm; X-Large 61-65cm
With a brow pad said to absorb 10 times its weight in sweat, a visor that adjusts to three settings plus a high position for holding goggles and a camera mount to film trailblazing in action, the Giro Montaro elevates any ride with plenty of nice-to-have extras. Of course, it checks all the boxes for safety and fit, too. It has MIPS technology, in-mold construction, a fit system that has the same feature as the Aether, where the helmet lifts slightly above the skull for better airflow, plus a “roll cage” reinforcement inside the EPS liner for the extra impact protection needed on rougher terrain.
“Giro did everything right with their Montaro helmet,” says one happy customer.. “Comfort, safety and it even looks great.”
Smith Forefront 2
REI Smith Forefront 2 BUY FROM REI
Weight: 380 grams (Medium) Vents: 20 MIPS: Yes Sizes: Small 51-55cm; Medium 51-59cm; Large 59-62cm
Smith is known for its skiing and snowboarding helmets and goggles, so the brand is well-versed in making gear that can withstand hard knocks. Their biking helmets are excellent too, including their top-of-the-line Forefront 2. It has a polycarbonate shell, MIPS technology and in-mold construction, with a network of cylinders designed to absorb energy uniformly upon impact while also allowing for better airflow that extends to the rear of the helmet.
There’s also a three-position visor and air channels above the brow to keep goggles from fogging up. An integrated mount for a camera or light and a knob in back that allows for a more precise fit rounds out the list of notable features. “I cycle around 100 miles a week and this helmet fits me so well I don’t even notice that I have it on,” says a recent customer. “I love the light color and the adjustability.”
Bell Sixer
Amazon Bell Sixer BUY FROM AMAZON
Weight: 410 grams (Medium) Vents: 26 MIPS: Yes Sizes: Small 52-56cm; Medium 55-59cm; Large 58-62cm; X-Large 62-65cm
This sharp-looking helmet from Bell is available in an assortment of colors, including an especially striking matte red and black. Along with a polycarbonate shell and in-mold construction, and integrated with MIPS technology just like the Bell Z20, it has the same progressive layering of EPS foam of different densities said to be more effective in handling impact. It also has a dial for precise vertical and width adjustments. Other perks include a visor that adjusts to four positions, an impressive 26 vents for excellent airflow, a sweat pad designed to keep drips off the face and air ports along the brow so goggles won’t fog up.
“Best on the market,” a five-star reviewer says. “Solid, stable, and balanced feel, making it feel lighter than its actual weight. Great air flow due to design of channeling air vs others with just larger vent openings. Looks cool, as much as an MTB helmet can, sleek and not too bulbous.”
Best Bike Helmets Under $100
Giro Register
Amazon Giro Register BUY FROM AMAZON
Weight: 283 grams (Medium) Vents: 22 MIPS: Yes Sizes: Universal Adult 54-61cm; Universal XL 58-65cm
Even though this helmet comes in universal sizes, it has a fine-tuning fit system that’s similar to other Giro helmets with higher price tags. It’s also a customer favorite, with more than 500 reviewers giving it an average 4.6-star rating. The Register has a polycarbonate shell, in-mold construction and MIPS technology, along with quick-dry padding and reflective strips. And the stylish colors and designs for 2020, including some with tone-on-tone details, give it an expensive-helmet vibe.
“The dial-a-fit system is terrific and so easy to use,” says one enthusiastic five-star buyer. “It took me less than a minute to get the thing out of the box and fitted to my head. The level of protection and safety certification seems as high as you would expect from Giro. Lightweight, good airflow. Affordable with MIPS. Happy with the purchase!”
Bontrager Solstice
REI Bontrager Solstice BUY FROM REI
Weight: 289 grams (Small/Medium); 326 grams (Medium/Large) Vents: 17 MIPS: Yes Sizes: Small/Medium 51-58cm; Medium/Large 55-61cm
It’s tough to beat a mountain biking helmet that has high-end style, MIPS technology and can single-handedly adjust in circumference and height — for only $45. The Bontrager Solstice is a smart pick all around, with a polycarbonate shell and in-mold construction, plus a removable visor, washable padding and a magnetic buckle closure. It also has a replacement guarantee if it’s damaged in a crash within a year of purchase.
“Great-fitting helmet,” says a five-star reviewer. “Very comfortable at a great price point!”
Smith Signal
REI Smith Signal BUY FROM REI
Weight: 300 grams (Medium) Vents: 21 MIPS: Yes Sizes: Small 51-55cm; Medium 51-59cm; Large 59-62cm, X-Large 62-67
Smith’s value-priced helmet is best suited for commuters and everyday cyclists, with a basic but attractive look and some features found in the brand’s higher-end models. It has a polycarbonate shell and in-mold construction, 21 vents and light webbing inside that’s breathable for good cooling and airflow, and it adjusts to four sizes for an excellent fit, in height and length and from front to back. Several customers point out that it’s exceptionally easy to customize with multiple fit options.
“Measure like the manufacturer/REI suggests and it fits like a glove,” says one customer. “Adjustment on the back is great.” Another agrees: “Comfortable and easily adjustable. No bouncing or odd movement.”
MORE FROM FORBES6 Relatively Cheap Bikes You Can Buy Online Right NowBy Steven John
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3e9c2daf8db10206ba09598155149efb | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/07/17/what-forbes-staffers-are-buying-this-week/ | What Forbes Staffers Are Buying This Week, From Pizza Peels To iPhone Holders | What Forbes Staffers Are Buying This Week, From Pizza Peels To iPhone Holders
Found yourself shopping online more than you normally would these past few months? You’re not alone. With the pandemic keeping millions of Americans at home, online shopping sales have soared to new heights across categories, and understandably so. Whether you’re avoiding brick-and-mortar stores to limit exposure, taking up a new hobby or just realizing there are a lot of things you need to be more comfortable at home when you’re there all the time — we get it.
Here at Forbes, our favorite purchases have become a common topic of conversation on many a Slack channel, so we decided to gather them up and share them with you each week. Below, find Forbes staffers’ tips on the best thing they’ve bought recently.
MORE FROMFORBES SHOPPING22 Brands Giving Back For International Women’s DayByCiannah GinForbes StaffThe 9 Best Mattress Toppers For Extra Comfort And SupportByJoanna SciarrinoForbes Staff
Bestek Gooseneck Phone Holder
Amazon Bestek Gooseneck Phone Holder BUY FROM AMAZON
This gooseneck cell phone holder has made my life easier — it’s like having a third hand. I use it for conference calls, cooking in the kitchen, and remote teaching. It’s inexpensive and functions great.
— Dan Revitte, Product Team Design Director
Welland Live Edge Side Table with Hairpin Legs
Amazon WELLAND Live Edge Side Table with Hairpin Legs, Natural Edge Side Table, Small Nightstand Wood, 15.5" Tall BUY FROM AMAZON
After a cross-country move last fall, I just moved from a furnished rental into an empty house (read: I had to buy a lot of stuff online). Of our many, many, many purchases I have to say these organic-looking wooden side tables might be one of my favorites. We bought two to use as outdoor side tables for our teak couch, but I find myself moving them around because they look so good in every room. People are shocked when they hear I bought them on Amazon.
— Cory Baldwin, Forbes Shopping Editor
Mountain Woods Acacia Wood Pizza Peel
Amazon Mountain Woods Acacia Wood Pizza Peel BUY FROM AMAZON
My husband and I recently got a Kamado grill (hello, pandemic purchase!) with the express purpose of perfecting our wood-fired pizza game. After our first attempt we realized that a good pizza peel was going to be essential in getting the pie into and out of the egg.
This peel is big enough to accommodate a 16" pie. It’s substantial and balanced without being too heavy or unwieldy. Best of all, the beautiful wood grain makes it pretty enough to bring to the table.
— Nina Gould, Chief Product Officer
The Battery Organizer
Amazon The Battery Organizer BUY FROM AMAZON
This is the battery organizer I never knew I needed. I've got a (soon to be) 1-year-old at home, so I'm going through batteries far faster than I used to. This helps me keep them organized and out of his mouth, and includes a charger so I know if they're even still good.
— Joe Pieturch, Engineering Manager, Platform Products
Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite BUY FROM AMAZON
I love this because it feels pretty close to reading a real book, it’s very easy to use and it doesn’t hurt my eyes. With the pandemic, all the libraries are closed so it’s been a great way to get access to books immediately and it’s been my most useful purchase during these times.
— Jackie Ha, Junior Engineer
Vantakool Walkie Talkies
Amazon Vantakool Walkie Talkies BUY FROM AMAZON
We used these walkie talkies, as well as this portable inflatable mattress, for recent camping trip, and are planning to use both again the next time we camp. The walkie talkies are perfect for both of my kids (age 4 and 6); the best thing about them is that my kids won’t fight for the same toy to play with because they can use the walkie talkies together. They have great range, and were very easy to use and setup. We used the inflatable air mattress as a back up to sleep in the car instead of outside in a tent. It’s very functional and has a smart design. Our kids loved sleeping on it — add a small blanket on top to make it feel more cozy.
— Ronak Ray, Director of Quality Assurance
Gee Horton Prints
GeeHorton Me Against The World BUY FROM GEEHORTON
I recently bought two prints by Gee Horton, an artist I found via an interior designer I follow on Instagram. I’ve just purchased a new home and can’t wait to fill it up with art. In particular, I love seeking out amazing black art and finding super-talented artists who haven’t yet hit the big time. This particular artist’s style of hyperrealism is so impressive. Gee Horton is such a talent, yet his prints are currently really affordable, so I was happy to support him while I can still afford to!
— Ebony Shears, Director of Product Development
Lodge Wildfire 12” Cast Iron Skillet with Bear Scene
Walmart Lodge Wildfire 12” Cast Iron Skillet with Bear Scene BUY FROM WALMART
Since I started working from home full-time I’ve been spending a lot more time cooking. Having a good cast-iron skillet has been a total game-changer for me, and now I use it for everything. (Plus, the bear design looks pretty cool.) I have to credit my girlfriend with the highlight meal so far; she made patatas bravas in this skillet the other night and they were in fact the best fried potatoes I've ever had.
— Scott Warner, Front-End Engineer
Netgear Nighthawk WiFi Cable Modem Router Combo
Amazon Netgear Nighthawk WiFi Cable Modem Router Combo BUY FROM AMAZON
I think many people (like my family) that are working from home could use an internet speed improvement. I recently bought this awesome Cable Modem/WiFi Router combo that improved internet speed in my home by a factor of ten, with our 15 devices accessing it simultaneously. It also provides parental controls via the “Netgear Genie” and is compatible with most cable providers.
— Dmitri Slavinsky, Engineering Manager
Supernatural Starter Kit
Supernatural Supernatural Starter Kit BUY FROM SUPERNATURAL
Now that we are sanitizing and cleaning on a daily basis, I was looking for a natural and sustainable home cleaning option that’s kid- and pet-safe, effective and smelled good. I found this product on Instagram after a friend posted about it. I love the gorgeous packaging, glass bottles and the essential oils. It makes cleaning everyday an enjoyable experience.
— Nina Foroutan, Director of Product Development
The Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater
Amazon The Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater BUY FROM AMAZON
The Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater is an absolute staple in any kitchen, whether you're a novice or a pro. You can use it to grate ginger and garlic but I mainly use mine to grate Parmigiano-Reggiano on my pasta dishes (yes, the fancy kind and not Parmesan, there’s a difference!). You can also use the tool to zest citrus and chocolate to add some fancy to your desserts. It's a dishwasher safe workhorse that's easy to clean and doesn't rust, plus it's under $15.
— Youssef Drihmi, Senior Product Owner
Lancer Skincare Clarifying Detox Mask
Sephora Lancer Skincare Clarifying Detox Mask BUY FROM SEPHORA
Thankfully, I didn’t have a difficult battle against acne when I was younger, but because I have combination skin, I’m still susceptible to annoying smaller breakouts. I’ve been looking for a mask that wasn’t in a jar and found this Lancer Skincare Clarifying Detox Mask thanks to its glowing reviews on Sephora. I love the green tea scent, and the 3% sulfur included in the formula supposedly helps clear up blackheads and whiteheads. I can’t speak to its longterm efficacy yet, but I used the mask as a 15-minute spot treatment and when I wiped the mask off, I noticed that my skin was visibly clearer — impressive.
— Ciannah Gin, Content Producer
MTM Hydro Magnum 28 Foam Canon Kit
MTM Hydro Parts MTM Hydro Magnum 28 Foam Canon Kit BUY FROM MTM HYDRO PARTS
I recently bought this MTM Hydro Magnum 28 Foam Cannon Kit, which includes filters and extra nozzle, to wash my car. It is the best bang for the buck car-washing product out there, well-built and with quality in mind. In the times we are living in right now, more people are DIY-ing rather than having a stranger handle their property; this would be a great buy for anyone who wants “car wash" results without having to actually leave home.
— Christopher Frank, Corporate Technology Manager
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