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  • How to Create the Perfect Full-Body Workout

    How to Create the Perfect Full-Body Workout

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    Do a search for “full-body workout” on the interwebs and you will get A LOT of suggestions.

    Many of them require equipment … or complicated rep schemes … or lots of time.

    And, I don’t know about you, but the one thing I don’t need in my life is another cumbersome thing to do or figure out. I just want to pop on some fun tunes (which, here are some good workout playlists suggestions if you need ’em!), move my body, and happily get my sweat on.

    Who feels me?

    So, in times like these, I follow a very simple formula for the perfect full-body workout. And, I’m sharing it with you today!

    woman doing crunches

    There are a few reasons why this formula is one of my go-tos:

    • It’s simple and easy to remember
    • You can use whatever equipment you have (or don’t have)
    • You can do it at home or at the gym
    • You can select the moves you love the most (or those you want to work on)
    • It can be as long or as short as you need it to be
    • You can do it alongside a friend or your partner — or on your own
    • It hits your upper body, lower body and your core — plus, cardio!
    • It goes by quickly and is FUN (gotta be fun to do it!)

    Winner, winner, right?! Now, let’s get to creating YOUR perfect full-body workout.

    You can create your own perfect full-body workout by following a simple formula of:

    • 1 minute cardio
    • 1 minute upper body
    • 1 minute lower body
    • 1 minute cardio
    • 1 minute plank/core

    Cardio: Cardio can be anything from jumping jacks to running to marching in place to biking or rowing — anything to get your heart rate up. (And, you can do the same cardio move twice, or pick two different ones.)

    Upper-Body Moves: Upper-body moves can include traditional dumbbell moves like push press, bicep curls or bent-over rows, OR it can simply be push-ups (on the wall, your knees, or your toes) or tricep dips off of a chair.

    Lower-Body Moves: Lower-body moves can be weighted or bodyweight-only lunges, squats, hip bridges, deadlifts, wall sits, etc. Anything that challenges your lower half!

    Plank/Core: For the core, a basic plank (on the toes or the knees) is a really great one to try for a minute, but you can also try crunches, sit-ups, v-ups, flutter kicks, or reverse crunches. You do you, boo.

    All together, that formula gives you five minutes of a full-body workout that both boosts strength and gets your heart rate up. Simply repeat for as many rounds as you’d like.

    Again, you pick the moves and how many rounds you do so it’s totally customizable to YOU.

    two women sitting with the text Full-Body Workout Formula

    Need a few ideas of what this looks in real life? Here are three of my favorite workouts using the formula above.

    Bodyweight Dance Party Workout

    This is my no. 1 go-to. No equipment needed.

    • 1 minute dancing
    • 1 minute push-ups
    • 1 minute air squats
    • 1 minute jumping jacks
    • 1 minute plank

    Dumbbell Workout

    This one uses dumbbells for the strength work.

    • 1 minute running
    • 1 minute push press
    • 1 minute lunges while holding dumbbells
    • 1 minute running
    • 1 minute V-ups

    All the Equipment Workout

    And, this is one that I like to do in my garage gym.

    • 1 minute rowing
    • 1 minute pull-ups
    • 1 minute deadlifts
    • 1 minute rowing
    • 1 minute plank with my feet in my TRX

    See? No fuss; just fitness. What will your first workout using this formula be? Let me know in the comments! –Jenn

    More Home Workouts to Try



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  • 16 Best Early Amazon Prime Day Fashion & Clothing Deals 2022

    16 Best Early Amazon Prime Day Fashion & Clothing Deals 2022

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    When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

    Amazon Prime Day is always a great opportunity to save on Amazon devices and the best items in tech, but if you’re looking for more than an upgrade to your wardrobe, too, you’re in luck. This year’s sale will likely have a huge selection of heavily discounted clothes, shoes, and accessories — and not just from Amazon. Plenty of other competitors will be in on the deals, too. 


    Amazon Prime Day

    2022 officially beings on July 12 at 3 a.m. EDT and runs through July 13. For more information, here’s everything we know about Prime Day 2022 so far.

    We’ll likely see competing sales at stores like Kohl’s, Target, and Nordstrom, and on Amazon’s own site, you can expect discounts on popular styles like the famous Orolay coat and lots of Amazon’s own brands.

    Customers will also be able to use Amazon’s all-new Virtual Try-On to help visualize shoes on their feet before buying. The feature will be available for thousands of styles from brands like New Balance, Reebok, Adidas, and more. 

    There are also plenty of deals on Amazon right now if you’re eager to shop already. To help you prepare for the huge shopping event and shop early, we rounded up some of the best items on sale ahead of


    Prime Day

    .

    Related: See Insider’s picks for the best credit cards to use on Amazon purchases.

    These are the best early Prime Day fashion deals available now:

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  • The Skin Rocks Brightening Box

    The Skin Rocks Brightening Box

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    You need this if…
    Your skin looks dull or is lacking ‘oomph’.

    You don’t need this if…
    You have a glowing, even complexion!

    The Skin Rocks Brightening Box is now live and available to buy at skinrocks.com

    Value: £170.99

    Selling Price: £70.00

    A saving of £100 or 59%.

    Each Skin Rocks Box contains a fully curated and targeted routine. This month’s Box contains a full morning and evening routine to brighten dull skin and even skin tone.

    Who is this for?
    The Brightening Box is perfect brilliant for all skin types, particularly if you have dull skin (hello my people!).
    These products are suitable for all skin types and skin tones and are safe for anyone to use.

    What’s included?
    This routine can be used in the morning and evening. The cleanser can be used as both a first and second cleanse at night or as a single cleanse in the morning. Please remember to wear your SPF every day.

    Step 1: Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil, 100ml
    This award-winning cleansing oil is both gentle and effective, melting away daily grime, makeup and SPF with ease. Formulated with nourishing rosehip oil and suitable for sensitive skin and eyes (thanks to its sting-free formula), it will leave your skin soft, soothed and radiant.

    Step 2: Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector, 15ml

    Powered by an antioxidant-rich and highly stable form of vitamin C, this brightening eye serum is designed to work over time to reduce the appearance of all types of dark circles (whether that’s blue/purple rings or brown hyperpigmentation). It’s infused with red and brown algae extracts to soothe and de-puff, light-reflecting particles to instantly illuminate, and cucumber extract to hydrate and smooth the eye area.

    Step 3: Facetheory Lumizela Azelaic Acid Serum A15, 30ml
    This hardworking 15% azelaic acid serum helps even skin tone by reducing the appearance of redness, dark spots, breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Combined with colloidal oatmeal to soothe the skin and green tea extract to provide antioxidant protection, skin is left more even and balanced with consistent use.


    Step 4: Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer, 50ml

    With a weightless, gel texture, this radiance-boosting moisturiser delivers a daily dose of vitamin C, working instantly and over time to brighten and strengthen the skin. It also contains squalane and hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting hydration, leaving you with a brighter, more hydrated and healthy-looking complexion. Follow with SPF in your morning routine.

    For every Brightening Box sold, Escentual are giving an SPF to a child in Sun Poverty through their brilliant charitable initiative here: www.escentual.com/sunhero

    The Skin Rocks Brightening Box is available now for now live and available to buy at skinrocks.com

    Do check out the Skin Rocks website here: www.skinrocks.com and sign up to hear about our latest releases as they happen!



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  • Water to Wardrobe: Dior launches its eco-innovative menswear capsule

    Water to Wardrobe: Dior launches its eco-innovative menswear capsule

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    Luxury & Brands


    Text by Shirin Mehta.

     

    Dior’s artistic director of menswear, Kim Jones, in a leading-edge association with environmental organisation Parley for the Oceans, gave the fashion house a new direction towards a much more sustainable future, as seen through the Dior Men Fall 2022 Beachwear Capsule collection. Parley for the Oceans and its collaborative network are all about taking action against ocean threats with a strategy called Parley AIR: Avoid, Intercept, Redesign. Creating eco-innovative yarns and fabrics that include jacquard, mesh-knot, and technical canvas from upcycled plastic has been the focus of this joint research project. The French luxury fashion house’s ateliers surmounted the technical challenge of incorporating Parley’s alternative to virgin polyester — Parley Ocean Plastic® — into their couture material production processes. As Dior describes it: “Marrying desirability with sustainability, these highly singular materials — made ever-more sublime by a palette of blues and ochres — are adorned with iconic patterns, such as the Dior Oblique, timeless bayadères, as well as the Adriatic graphic motif, drawn from the house’s archives, showing up on a silky jacquard and chiné for a bewitching three-dimensional effect.”

    Images courtesy: © Brett Lloyd

    With this eco-aware collection that aims to preserve the beauty of the deep seas, Dior is building on the ties that it has always had with nature and the sea, beginning in founder Christian Dior’s well-known passion for flowers and gardens.

    A couture collection from marine plastic waste is no longer a far-fetched dream:

    Image courtesy: © Federico Torra

    Kim Jones sought to use responsible materials created from upcycled marine plastic debris and fishing gear recovered from coastlines and remote islands around the world.

    Image courtesy: © Federico Torra

    A joint research project started in 2019 generated original yarns and materials engineered with Parley Ocean Plastic®, created by Parley and its global network.

    Image courtesy: © Federico Torra

    Dior’s artisans mastered the technique of dyeing each thread one at a time to overcome the challenges of dyeing the new materials.

    Image courtesy: © Federico Torra

    The dyed fibre undergoes a stringent visual assessment process.

    Images courtesy: © Federico Torra

    The artisans of Dior’s ateliers mastered the technical challenge of incorporating Parley’s upcycled alternative to virgin polyester into the house’s couture material production methods.

    Image courtesy: © Sophie Carre

    Bringing the couture edge to the eco-innovative fabric created in collaboration by Dior and Parley of the Oceans.

    Image courtesy: © Sophie Carre

    Sustainability meets fashion in these wearable symbols of change from the Dior Men Fall 2022 Beachwear Capsule.



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  • Supply Chain and How It Affects my Headset.

    Supply Chain and How It Affects my Headset.

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    Lab Procurement Insider Blog - Supply Chain Shortages

    As we are now in more than 2 years after Covid-19 shook all the world and created a ground zero spot, we will explain on how and why the supply chain can affect your corded or wireless headset.

    As March of 2020 was going on, the Covid-19 virus took everyone by surprise and created the now common work remotely, when this happened most of employees and employers used to have their communications devices such as physical desk phones, headsets and desktop computers in place at their office. For the same reason that everyone had to start working from home as there was shut downs there got a huge increase of demand for different devices to take over the place of the current at the office, examples of this can be considered as laptops, USB headsets, web cams USB speakerphones and we all entered in the new tendency of getting in Zoom meetings or Teams meetings.

    Dilbert's presidential bid: is technocracy dressed up as libertarianism the  natural political home of the engineer? | openDemocracy

    For the same reason of the high demand of those devices, manufacturers as Poly and Jabra focused in fulfill that demand as people needed USB headsets/speakerphones for everyone that was working remotely at home, and at the same time they had their proper shut downs in the factories including Mexico and China and the limited staff was in charge of getting any USB device out of the door for the end user, leaving the Professional Enterprise Call Center equipment division on the side, and with this actually what happened it got a gap, that in some cases they call it back logs in their manufacture.

    Supply Chain Disruptions, Labor Shortage Slow Economic Recovery - Advocacy  - California Chamber of Commerce

    And now that some companies are coming back to work at the office, their requirements for Professional Call Center equipment in order to replace the old ones left when the pandemic hit us, the manufacturers are having trouble to fulfill those request as we are experiencing the domino effect, as one thing brings another one. The next issue that is containing them of being able to fulfill those requests is the Supply Chain shortages including raw materials. In all the time we had been in business we never saw that devices such common as external amplifiers as the M22 from Plantronics or the Link 860 from Jabra had been globally back ordered and the ETAs had been pushed back and back constantly. This is something that nowadays had been seeing all the way around and had affected many items globally, and it goes from common daily stuff as cars as something as hot sauce.

    Supply Chain Woes Have No Quick Fix, So Stock Up On Patience - UT News

    Some items that had been globally affected and back ordered can be replaced with alternatives that are available and in stock, it’s strongly advised to always contact any reseller and talk with a live person in order to check inventory or availability or ETAs in products and avoid delays, this is recommended to any kind of purchase, from headsets to basic home use items. We are aware of the manufacturers coming back on line after all the shutdowns, and their respectively lead times sometimes can get pushed backwards, but in other cases can be pushed forwards. In other words stock can appear or can disappear in a snap of fingers.

    Science reveals Marvel plot hole: Thanos couldn't have snapped with a glove  : NPR

    If you need assistance in finding the right solution such as headset corded or wireless or speakerphone for either working back in the office or remotely give us a call and we will gladly help you choosing the right solution.

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  • How to Build a Dog Staircase

    How to Build a Dog Staircase

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    The post How to Build a Dog Staircase by Lauren Katims appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

    As Francis Eggelton’s three English Bulldogs got older, he noticed they were having trouble jumping up from the floor to his bed. He enlisted the help of his stepson, Colin Scott, owner of Denver-based Custom Creation Woodcraft and a dog lover himself, to help him create a colorful, two-tiered, portable step that he could place alongside his bed or couch to give his pups a lift.

    Even better: Colin and Francis completed the project in one hour for less than $70, with enough extra material to make two more sets of stairs.

    “I wanted to make it easily customizable and buildable with or without power tools,” Colin says.

    Colin’s project fits a standard sized bed, which is about 30 inches high, but based on the size of your dog or bed, you can adjust the height of the steps.

    Since adding the stairs, the English Bulldogs have been independent and happy. “It’s a huge hit,” Francis says.

    Make it easy: Your local hardware store will cut the wood for you if you aren’t comfortable using a saw.

    What you’ll need

    • 1 sheet of pre-sanded 4 - by 8 - foot, ½ - inch plywood from your local home-improvement store
    • Hand saw, jigsaw or circular saw
    • Protective eyewear
    • Tape measure or ruler
    • Pencil
    • 1 box of ¼ - inch self - tapping screws (no drill needed)
    • Screwdriver
    • Wood glue
    • Spray paint (customizable color)

    Instructions

    1. Along the 4-foot side of your board, cut the plywood into three equal parts, each strip measuring 16 inches wide. Each strip can be used to make a separate set of stairs.
    2. Moving across one strip, measure, mark and cut the plywood again into six 8-inch sheets.
    3. Cut the remaining portion of the board into two 20-inch pieces. You should have 8 inches left over.
    4. Spray paint your boards and let dry completely.
    5. Align two 8-inch boards so they make an L shape, and secure them together with wood glue.
    6. Along the edge, screw in three self-tapping screws, spread evenly. Leave a fair amount of space between the screws and the edge of the board so the screws hold.
    7. Following the same steps, finish the open-sided cube with the other two boards. You should be able to see through the center.
    8. With the remaining boards make an 8- by 20-inch rectangle (your larger step). You should now have one square and one rectangle.
    9. Align the boxes so they come together like steps, and screw the two boxes together with three screws along both sides.
    10. You can now place the box vertically or horizontally, whichever you (or your dog) prefers.
    Step 1
    Step 2
    Step 4
    Step 5
    Step 7
    Step 8

    NO Time to DIY

    Love the idea but not the doing?  Check out the latest in dog staircases and ramps.

    CozyUp Sofa Ramp; $119.95. petsafe.com

    Good Steps — Zephyr;  Starts $299. goodsteps.dog

    Animals Matter Companion Stairs; Starts $294.99. animalsmatter.com

    The post How to Build a Dog Staircase by Lauren Katims appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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  • 7 Signs Your Kitchen May Be Stuck in the 80’s

    7 Signs Your Kitchen May Be Stuck in the 80’s

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    signs-your-kitchen-is-stuck-in-80s-mainWaiting for a few kitchen decor trends to return? Don’t hold your breath. Design research shows that fads always reveal age. When a home trend reemerges, it appears different and unique to its era. So, if your kitchen has been frozen in time since you were rocking out to pop songs, here are seven solutions to seven outdated kitchen looks. (more…)

  • A Few of My Hiking Must-Haves

    A Few of My Hiking Must-Haves

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    hikers smiling in the mountains

    There’s not much I love as much as getting out in nature and being active, and, although the last (*counts on fingers*) 20 months or so have been incredibly difficult, one silver lining is the fact that the pandemic did lead to many of us spending more time outdoors than ever before.

    From weekend kayaking trips to epic mountain treks, I’ve been taking full advantage of all the fresh air Ma Nature has to offer — and with an Arizona camper van adventure planned for December, I have no intent of stopping. But, as I talk to friends about these exciting outings, I’ve realized that we don’t only trade tips and tricks for where to go and what to do — we also talk a lot out all of our gear. What did we wear? What did we use? What would we buy again and again?

    hiker crossing a stream

    And so, I figured that it’s time for a little product round-up full of my favorite active, outdoorsy gear and goodies. Keep in mind, this is not an all-encompassing packing list (although, if you’re planning to go backpacking and are looking for a list, I find She Dreams of Alpine to be an amazing resource). These are things I’ve used and loved for different types of adventures (both day and overnight, kayaking and hiking) that could help round out your supply.

    IBEX Women’s Merino Tencel Pocket Short Sleeve Tee ($85)

    Fun fact, in case you didn’t know: Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial (making it naturally odor resistant), which is part why you’ll see it used so often in hiking clothes that may be worn for several days on end. I put this silky soft shirt to the test over a few surprisingly steamy days in Colorado last summer, and I can attest that it works. Y’all might remember that I sweat a lot, but every time this shirt dried out, it looked (and smelled) like I hadn’t even worn it.

    Salt Life Long Sleeve Performance Fishing Shirt ($64)

    Okay, full disclosure — I have not worn this shirt fishing. Mostly, because I don’t really fish. Instead, I layered it over the aforementioned Ibex tee for a little extra sun protection for an epic hike from Crested Butte to Aspen via Maroon Bells, and, since the trail offered little protection from the elements, I was really glad to be able to roll the long sleeves down and cover up my arms when the sun came out. Plus, let’s be real — the color is gorgeous and it looks cute! I also appreciate the fact that it takes up very little room when packed, so it’s an easy option to have on hand, even if you don’t want to put it on right away.

    Title Nine Clamberista Pants and Shorts ($89)

    hiking pants

    Granted, I was already a Title Nine fan based on some of their other clothes, not to mention the fact that it’s a women-owned company that goes out of its way to support other women. But even if I hadn’t been, these pants would’ve turned me into one. They’re abrasion-resistant with just enough stretch, easy to cinch at the ankle when you want to shorten them or wear them like a jogger, and, best of all, there are so many well-placed pockets! They come as shorts, too, which are perfect for a mid-summer kayak or SUP outing.

    Branwyn Essential Bikini ($34)

    underwear

    Remember what I said about Merino wool? Branwyn uses it to make performance innerwear that, in their words, will keep you “swamp-ass free and funk-free throughout your entire day no matter your adventure.” Add to that the fact that this bikini-style undie is quick drying, has a non-digging waistband, and offers the perfect amount of stretch, and you can trust me when I say you won’t only want to wear these on big adventures!

    injinji Women’s Liner + Crew ($29)

    hiking socks

    And, whaddaya know, it’s more Merino! And before you ask why I think a pair of socks is worth $29, hear me out. I wore this two-piece liner and sock system for the Aspen hike I mentioned above, paired with newer-than-advisable hiking boots, and ended the very long, very full day with zero blisters. A couple of days later, I wore the same boots on a shorter, far less intense hike with other nice wool socks and ended up with blisters the size of a half dollar on both feet. It was awful. If you’ve hiked ever, like, at all, you know your feet are the most important thing to keep comfy. Considering you can wear these a few days if needed before washing, well, suddenly getting a pair for under $30 seems like a heck of a deal, yeah?

    HOKA Women’s Kaha Gore-Tex ($220)

    Hiking boots

    Looking for a sturdy, supportive hiking boot that’ll keep your feet comfy and dry? Here you go. These offer a lot of cushion without being overly heavy, and the Vibram Megagrip traction is seriously grippy — which is so important for folks like me who aren’t terribly sure-footed on technical terrain. I splashed through a few rivers and never had an issue with my feet getting wet, and the lacing system makes it easy to adjust for comfort. I will say that these are the boots that I ended up blistering in with my lower-quality socks, but I’ll also admit they weren’t anywhere near as broken in as they should’ve been before I took them out, so they’re still 100 percent in my rotation.

    Forsake Patch Mid Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boot ($160)

    hiking boots

    Maybe you’re in the market for a hiker that doesn’t look out of place with your street clothes, and trust me, I get it. Packing too many shoes for a trip is a pain! Forsake was a new brand to me, but I was intrigued by their Peak-to-Pavement philosophy that combines all-weather protection with versatile styling — and the fact that they’re officially climate neutral was just about enough to seal the deal. But really, it was wearing them for a nonstop weekend in New England, exploring trails and small coastal towns, that lit my fire. They were comfortable, had great traction, and looked perfect with leggings, jeans, and hiking pants. (Hey, it matters!)

    Mammut Albula HS Hooded Jacket ($119)

    I know I said that keeping your feet comfortable is priority numero uno — and that’s true! — but if the rest of your body is wet and cold, you might not care how cozy your tootsies are, which makes having a rain jacket a must. This sustainably-made (100-percent recycled polyester!) hooded jacket is super lightweight, packs up small, and comes in a few fun, bright colors. While it came in handy when Colorado decided to drop a monsoon on us, it was also amazing all summer here in Florida for our daily afternoon thunderstorms.

    Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket ($250)

    winter coat

    Nearly every hiking checklist I’ve found recommends a puffer or hoodie, and I honestly don’t know that you could find a better option than this. Available in a bunch of excellent colors, the Fuego is lightweight, water-resistant (as I learned when I got caught in a nor’easter in southern Maine), made with responsibly sourced down, and packs away into its own pocket. (Bonus: there are LOADS of great pockets for all your stuff!) The streamlined fit is topped off with a scuba hood, elastic binding, an adjustable drawcord at the hem. It’s my new go-to travel jacket, because, look, this Floridian does not care to be cold. Besides, I’m a big fan of Cotopaxi’s Gear for Good mission, so the more of their gear I can incorporate into my life, the better.

    sleeping pad

    If you think tent camping is uncomfortable, you might just need the right sleeping pad. At least, that was the lesson I learned after using the Quasar 3D Sleeping Pad. I was fine with the regular, non-insulated version, but you can get wider, longer, and insulated versions as well to suit your needs. It comes with its own easy-to-use pump sack for inflation, and while it’s incredibly lightweight and great for backpacking, you could really use it anywhere you need a comfy bed on the go. I’ve slept in actual beds that are less comfy! So, if the cold, hard ground is holding you back from camping, this will be a total gamechanger.

    Good To-Go meals ($14.25)

    camp meal

    Raise your hand if you’ve ever set out on an outdoor adventure with grand plans of making an amazing camp meal, only to wind up tired, cranky, and snacking on yet another bar of some sort because you can’t bring yourself to do all the work needed for a great dinner. Yep, same. So, the fact that Good To-Go has a whole huge variety (risotto, bibimbap, chili, pad Thai, pho, the list goes on and on) of delicious meals that need nothing more than hot water? AWESOME. There are vegan options, gluten-free meals, and more — and they’re all hand-made in Maine.

    Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 60L Hiking Backpack ($119)

    60L backpack

    You don’t need to be a backpacking expert to tell when your pack does — or does not — fit, and fortunately, this pack isn’t just specifically designed to fit women’s bodies, but it’s also designed to make adjustments incredibly simple. Seriously — it literally has illustrations to remind you what to adjust, in what order, for the ideal fit. I carried this with around 30 pounds on the Aspen trek, and although, naturally, walking over mountains with an additional 30 pounds wasn’t a piece of cake, the pack itself was never uncomfortable. Plus, the flaps and zippers made my gear easy to access.

    Cotopaxi Tarak Del Día ($105)

    backpack

    A lesson I’ve learned is that, if your pack has the space, you’ll probably use it. And that means you’re far better off sticking to a smaller pack for shorter day hikes; that way, you’ll bring your essentials, but nothing more. This 20L pack has an internal hydration sleeve, configurable compression and lash points, comfortable straps, and a streamlined ice tool carry system, if you’re into that. Personally, I’m more into the fact that each one is made with high-quality fabric left over from other companies’ larger production runs, making each one a colorful, one-of-a-kind offering. (Told you I dug Cotopaxi!)

    Parks Project Glow in the Dark Water Bottle ($20)

    water bottle

    Here in Florida, I’m a big fan of the insulated water bottle — otherwise, your water is likely to get pretty hot, pretty fast. However, I’m learning that, on these longer hikes, every ounce truly does matter, and tepid water is a small price to pay if you can shave off a bit of weight. (Yes, I know most of the world has realized this for ages. I’m just a little slow to come around. I really like cold water, okay?) This nifty Nalgene wide mouth bottle isn’t only lightweight, but it’s also glow-in-the-dark, which comes in awfully handy when you’re sharing a tent, need a drink in the middle of the night, and don’t want to wake anyone up by using a flashlight to find your water. Besides, proceeds benefit the Open for Outdoors Kids Program led by the National Parks Foundation. Who can beat that? (I also have a cool little camp mug from Parks Project, similar to this one, that made my morning coffee just a little more enjoyable.)

     

    Next on my outdoor adventure wish list: some trekking poles, a lightweight tripod for taking pictures, and a way to overcome my fear of heights so I can more fully enjoy some of those amazing views. Got tips? I’m here for them! —Kristen



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  • 8 Best Laptops for Programming Students 2021 [Newest Models]

    8 Best Laptops for Programming Students 2021 [Newest Models]

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    Finding the best laptop for programming is not an easy task. As the best laptop for coding requires power, performance, and ability to be work. There are a significant number of notebooks for programming available in the market right now, some of them are expensive and some are budget-friendly. It all depends on what you really need to code on the go. So, what are the best laptops for programming and coding you should look for?

    Here is our comprehensive guide to help programming students as well as developers answer all your questions and help you to find out the best laptop for coding and programming.

    But, before you proceed further with the list of best laptops for developers 2021, you need to check a few important things –

    Important things to consider before buying a laptop for programming

    When you are looking for a laptop for programming then the price tag is not enough. There are many things you should check. Here are some recommendations you should consider before buying a programmers laptop:

    Processor – When looking for the best laptop for programming, considering the power of the CPU is extremely important. As you have to manage a heavy programming task, you need a laptop with Intel i7 quad-core processor. If you don’t want an Intel processor, you can get a laptop that has a newer AMD processor. If you are a beginner programmer and have a limited budget the laptop with an i5 processor will get the job done.

    Display – Unlike with a graphic design laptop, you’ll need a laptop with high resolution (i.e. 1920 x 1080) for programming and coding work. A laptop with an IPS panel is mostly preferred over TN boards. For convenient use, 15-inch screen size is ideal for programming and coding.

    Graphics Card – For most programming purposes, the graphics card isn’t terribly important. A laptop with 2GB of dedicated graphics is enough for programming and gaming but if you are in gaming development then you need a powerful dedicated graphics card such as Nvidia.

    RAM and Storage – More is the RAM and hard drive, the more programs you’ll be able to run simultaneously. For programming, we recommend at least 8 GB of RAM for programming laptops. 12GB+ RAM is preferred if you’re in gaming development. For the best coding laptop, we recommend the capacity of at least 1TB HDD or 256 GB SSD.

    Battery Life – Battery is another crucial factor to consider when you’re buying a laptop for programming and gaming. As a programmer, you have to spend a lot of time coding, then you need day-long battery life. As an ideal programming laptop, it should have 12-14 hours of battery life so that you don’t need to spend most of your time near an electrical outlet.

    So those are the things you need to know before look for the best laptop for programming and coding. We hope you might have got all your doubts cleared now. If you are ready, let’s start with the list of best laptops for programming and coding 2021.

    Top 8 Best Laptops For Programming

    1. ASUS ZenBook 13 11th Gen Laptop for Coding

    ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EAASUS ZenBook is the best option in our list of best laptops for programming for those who are looking for a powerful machine with a thin and lightweight design. The ASUS ZenBook 13 comes with a thin and ultralight pine grey aluminum ultralight chassis and tons of power for far less than high-end competitors like the 13-inch MacBook Pro. For connectivity, it includes HDMI, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, USB Type-A, and a microSD card reader, which makes it also suitable for programming and coding.

    It is powered by an 11th generation Intel i7 processor with 16GB of DDR4 RAM to help programmers pursue multitasking and web browsing with ease. The laptop is also featured with 512GB of SSD and Intel Iris Plus graphics to tackle any creative graphics task. With a 13.3-inch wide View nano-edge OLED display, it delivers ultra-vivid colors at any brightness level, with deep blacks for enhanced realism.

    Apart from this, the laptop offers a long-lasting battery life of up to 13 hours allows you to work without worrying about its charging. Overall, ASUS ZenBook is a perfect computer programming laptop for hard-core graphics programmers and avid gamers.

    Hardware Specifications of ASUS ZenBook 13 Laptop
    Processor 11th Generation i7-1165G7 Processor 2.8 GHz (Turbo up to 4.7GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 512GB SSD
    Display 13.3″ FHD OLED 400nits (1920 x 1080) 4-sided nano-bezel display
    Graphics Intel Iris Plus Graphics
    Operating System Windows 10 Pro
    Battery Life Up to 13 hours
    Weight 2.45 lbs

    Pros

    • Excellent battery life
    • Elegant blue aluminum chassis
    • Comfortable keyboard
    • Sleek and lightweight

    Cons

    • No Thunderbolt 3 port
    • Display could be brighter

    2. Acer Aspire 5 Best Budget Laptop for Programming

    Acer Aspire 5 A515

    Whether it’s graphic designing, programming, or gaming, the Acer Aspire 5 all-rounder and the best affordable laptop available in the market. It is also the best-selling and most recommended laptop for students on Amazon. It is powered by the latest 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor which makes it capable of handling intense computations associated with programming.

    The laptop has 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD, and a powerful Intel Iris Xe graphics card to reduce lag on the system. The 15.6-inch full HD display widescreen LED IPS display of Aspire 5 gives you plenty of screen real estate to code complex applications.

    The Acer Aspire 5 supports next-generation Intel Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for fast, reliable connection when browsing, streaming, or gaming which is great for programmers and developers. It also has an extra RAM slot that you can expand up to 20GB according to your needs. Apart from that its 9 hours of battery life is a huge plus. All these features make the Acer Aspire 5 the best budget laptop for programming 2021.

    Hardware Specifications of Acer Aspire 5 Core i5 Notebook
    Processor 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor (Up to 4.2GHz)
    RAM 8GB DDR4
    Storage 256GB NVMe SSD
    Display 15.6″ FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) WLED-backlit Display
    Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 8.5 hours
    Weight 3.64 lbs

    Pros

    • Fingerprint reader
    • Impressive battery life
    • Reliable Intel Wi-Fi 6
    • USB-C port

    Cons

    • No SD card slot
    • Mushy keyboard

    3. Dell XPS 9500 Best Laptop for Game Developers

    Dell XPS 7590

    This 15-inch coding beast is excellent for programmers in terms of portability and performance. The Dell XPS 15-inch laptop comes with a solid well constructed portable design. It comes with the latest 10th gen Intel Core i7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of Solid-state drive.

    The design is not different from Dell XPS 13 and its build quality is great although it’s designed with silver color aluminum chassis which gives it a premium touch. Dell is claiming that it is the only laptop with 100% minimum Adobe RGB display which makes it an ideal laptop for game developers and graphics programmers.

    The laptop sports three thunderbolt multi-use port and two USB 3.0 ports that allow you to connect to multiple devices. The laptop also comes with a standard backlit keyboard, so you can do programming even in low-light or no-light rooms. Overall, the Dell XPS 9500 is perfectly fit for your every need and hence it is one of the best laptops for programming and developers.

    Hardware Specifications of Dell XPS 9500 Ultrabook
    Processor 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H Processor (Up to 5.0GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 512GB SSD
    Display 15.6-inch full HD (1920 x 1080) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare 500-Nit display
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650Ti with 4GB GDDR5
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 10-hours
    Weight 4.0 pounds

    Pros

    • Great connectivity options
    • Sleek premium design and beautiful display
    • Amazing speakers
    • Speedy performance

    Cons

    • GTX 1650 Ti falls short of hardcore gamers

    4. Apple 13″ MacBook Pro Best Programming Laptop For iOS Development

    Apple 13 MacBook Pro M1 Chip

    Although MacBook Pro is an expensive choice, if you are a true MacBook lover and want to take your programming experience to the next level then this new Apple 13 MacBook Pro would be a great choice for you. This is the newest version of the Apple MacBook Pro that comes with a high-performance SoC Apple M1 chip with 4 performance cores and an 8-core GPU to deliver an incredible up to 5x faster performance.

    It is powered by an Apple M1 system on a chip that integrates the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, I/O, and more on a single tiny chip. The Apple MacBook Pro 13 features a 13.3-inch IPS Retina display, which gives you a better viewing angle on outdoor usage. As it runs on macOS BigSur, it means you get a smoother performance no matter what.

    As far as connectivity is concerned, the MacBook Pro 13 offers two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports with support for charging, DisplayPort Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen 2. This may be a downside for many who expects some additional ports. You need to buy an additional USB-C SD reader to connect your SD card. But it does provide solid performance for coding and other needs.

    Hardware Specifications of Apple 13″ MacBook Pro – M1 Chip
    Processor System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU
    RAM 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3
    Storage 256GB SSD
    Display 13.3″ FHD LED-backlit Retina (2560×1600) Display
    Graphics Apple 8-core GPU
    Operating System macOS BigSur
    Battery Life Up to 17-hours
    Weight 3.0 lbs

    Pros

    • Excellent Retina display
    • Huge battery life
    • Great performance
    • Magic Keyboard feels great

    Cons

    • Still lacks ports
    • Miserable webcam

    5. Apple’s New MacBook Air 13 Best Mac for Programming Students

    Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip

    The newly launched MacBook Air is yet another powerful programming laptop from Apple developers. If you just want to stick with MacBook, the MacBook Air is perfect for you. It has a unibody design that weighs only around 2.8 pounds. It is a perfect laptop for programming students who are looking for productivity and portability at the same time.

    It is equipped with a newly launched System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD which is powerful enough to run all your coding software and emulators easily. For added security, an Apple T2 chip has been provided. The laptop comes with a 13.3-inch screen retina display that gives you plenty of screen real estate to code complex applications.

    MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and one USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port which makes it a complete package for programming and development. This is an expensive product, but if you are an Apple fan, you won’t be disappointed with its performance.

    Hardware Specifications of Apple New MacBook Air
    Processor System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU
    RAM 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3
    Storage 256GB SSD
    Display 13.3″ FHD LED-backlit Retina (2560×1600) Display
    Graphics Apple 8-core GPU
    Operating System macOS BigSur
    Battery Life Up to 15-hours
    Weight 2.8 lbs

    Pros

    • Excellent Retina display
    • Long battery life
    • Faster M1-chip processor
    • Sleek and lightweight
    • High-quality keyboard

    Cons

    • Only two USB ports
    • Low-resolution webcam

    6. Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Latest Version

    Lenovo ThinkPad E15The Lenovo ThinkPad E15 is another mid-range gaming laptop available in the market with powerful features. The laptop comes with the latest 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB of SSD. The configuration points to a laptop that is suitable for beginners as well as professional programmers.

    To protect your system and to get quicker logins, the ThinkPad E15 is equipped with a fingerprint reader. It also comes with Intel UHD graphics to takes care of the visual/graphics-based component of the activities. The touchpad and keyboard of the ThinkPad E15 will impress you. Its touchpad is relatively smooth, making it comfortable to click.

    This ThinkPad E15 model has 15.6-inch full HD IPS display with 1920 x 1080 resolution which gives you clarity from wide viewing angles. It also comes with a backlit keyboard which lets you get stuff done whether it’s day or night. The battery delivers 7 hours of runtime, and the Windows 10 Pro operating system helps to improve workflow and increase productivity. All in all, this affordable laptop is extremely well equipped for programmers and developers.

    Hardware Specifications of Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Laptop
    Processor 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10510U Processor (Turbo at 1.8GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 1TB PCIe-NVMe SSD
    Display 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-Glare display
    Graphics Intel UHD Graphics
    Operating System Windows 10 (64-Bit) Pro
    Battery Life Up to 7 hours
    Weight 4.30 lbs

    Pros

    • Excellent performance
    • Spill-resistant keyboard
    • Satisfactory display
    • Integrated fingerprint reader

    Cons

    • No SD card reader
    • Battery life could be better

    Recommended Read – Best High-Performance Gaming Laptops Under $1500

    7. HP 15-dy2021nr Notebook

    HP 15-dy2021nr Notebook

    We are including this laptop in this list because we are satisfied with its high-end performance. This HP Pavilion series laptop comes with the latest 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor with a clock speed of 1.1GHz. With Intel UHD 620 graphics, this machine is capable of giving quality results. The HP 15-dy2021nr has 8GB of DDR4 RAM for all your apps to run smoothly. Similarly, 256GB of a solid-state drive is good enough to store and retrieve information quickly.

    Similar to all the laptops we have mentioned above, the laptop has a 15.6-inch full HD display with 1920×1080 resolution. With the IPS display, the screen is clearly visible from any angle with a clear image. The HP laptop sports a full-size keyboard which is designed for comfort and especially useful for the long hours needed for programming codes.

    The touchpad of this laptop is responsive and great to work on. It is portable and allows you to work from anywhere. It offers up to 7.5 hours of battery life, which is pretty good compared to other laptops in this price range. Hence the HP Pavilion 15-dy2021nr is a good laptop for coding and developers as well that doesn’t break the bank.

    Hardware Specifications of HP 15-dy2021nr Notebook
    Processor 11th Generation Qual-Core Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor, 3.6GHz
    RAM 8GB DDR4
    Storage 256GB NVMe SSD
    Display 15.6” Full HD WLED-backlit (1920 x 1080) anti-glare Display
    Graphics Intel UHD Graphics 620
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 7 hours and 15 minutes
    Weight 3.75 lbs

    Pros

    • Stylish look
    • Comfortable keyboard
    • Micro-edge bezel display
    • Lightweight design
    • SD card reader

    Cons

    • No backlit keyboard
    • Average battery life

    8. ASUS VivoBook K571 Ultrabook

    ASUS Vivobook K571This ASUS Vivobook K571 is a powerful gaming laptop with premium and sleek designs that double as some of the best laptops for programming. If you are looking for a laptop with a mixture of aesthetic brilliance and value for money in terms of performance, this ASUS Vivobook is the best choice for you. It is powered by the 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM which works incredibly good making it decent enough for multitasking.

    For storage, the laptop comes with a faster SSD of 256GB and 1TB of the hard drive. Speaking of the keyboard, Vivobook K571 is an excellent one considering a 15-inch lightweight ultrabook. It runs on the latest Windows 10 operating system which makes it compatible with all types of programming software applications. The other features include 1 x USB Type-C, 2 x USB 3.1, HDMI, and a built-in card reader which makes it a complete package in all ways.

    Hardware Specifications of ASUS VivoBook K571 Ultrabook
    Processor 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H Processor (Turbo up to 4.5GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD
    Display 15.6” Full HD (1920×1080) IPS Display
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 9 hours
    Weight 4.3 lbs

    Pros

    • Satisfactory performance
    • Comfortable backlit keyboard
    • Features an SD card
    • ErgoLift hinge
    • Integrated fingerprint reader

    Cons

    • Gets a little heat up on the outside
    • Average battery life

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Do I need a powerful laptop for programming?

    You don’t necessarily need very powerful hardware if you’ll do just basic programming like terminal-based programs. But if you want to build gaming applications, you should always look for a laptop with higher settings to avoid lagging or freezing.

    2. How much RAM do I need for coding?

    The basic programming tasks can be done on a laptop with 8GB of RAM. However, if you’re in a game development environment that consumes ample RAM amounts, we recommend choosing a laptop with 16GB of RAM or higher.

    3. Is Core i5 good for programming?

    A laptop with the latest Intel Core i5 is ideal for coding. You can go with an Intel i7 processor if you have a huge budget. Both processors have cores, optimum speed, and efficiency which is good for multitasking and demanding workloads.

    4. Are Macs good for coding?

    Yes, Macs work best especially for writing macOS and iOS apps development. The other reason for using Mac for coding is security as they don’t frequently succumb to malware, viruses, and other tools of the trade for malicious hackers.

    Final Words

    Choosing the best laptop for programming would be a stressful decision. This list includes some budget laptops followed by expensive ones. So, it’s your choice which laptop suits your needs. Do not compromise on the specs, if you have a good budget.

    We think our diverse list of programming laptops will help you to find the right machine. If you still need any suggestions or guidance about any aspect, feel free to ask in the comment section below.

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  • NIOD: My Sensitive Skin Picks and 23% off | AD

    NIOD: My Sensitive Skin Picks and 23% off | AD

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    I have been recommending NIOD products since the brand launched. They have something for everyone at a brilliant price point. Everything is backed by science and their formulas are sophisticated. NIOD currently have 23% off in their Summer sale, so if you haven’t tried anything, now is your perfect opportunity!

    Non-Acid Acid Precursor*, 30ml – £30.80 (usually 40.00)

    NIOD are excellent for all skins including sensitive. The Non-Acid Acid Precursor is a non-irritating formula and is a good option for you if you have sensitive skin but still want to use an acid. Your skin will look visibly more radiant and smoother, without redness or irritation. It also works to support your skin barrier – win, win!

    Apply a few drops in your morning routine, after cleansing and before your treatment or serum step. Always follow with SPF.

    Modulating Glucosides*, 30ml – £19.25 (usually £25.00)

    This is an efficacious serum and works to target signs of irritation whilst supporting and hydrating your skin barrier. This is a go to for sensitive skin as the formula (with nine active technologies) works to target stinging, itching and sensitivity that can come along with having dry or sensitive skin.

    Apply a few drops in your AM or PM routine. Use as your serum step, after cleansing and before moisturising.

    Both formulas are vegan and cruelty free.

    *always patch test before use.



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