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The 18 best beaches in the world in 2018, according to travel experts

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anse lazio

  • The top 50 beaches in the world for 2018 have been revealed. 
  • Over 1,200 travel professionals came together to compile the ranking.
  • From red, sandy coastlines in Crete to clear waters in Micronesia, add them all to your bucket list.

While city breaks are exciting and mountain escapes are refreshing, there's nothing quite like being by the sea and lounging on a beach.

And if you're dreaming of your next escape to the seaside, good news: Flight Network — Canada's largest travel website — has released its second annual list of the world's best beaches.

Chosen by almost double the number of travel experts as the previous year, the 2018 list was compiled by over 1,200 travel-obsessed journalists, editors, bloggers, and agencies from around the world.

Read more: 100 under-the-radar beaches everyone should visit in their lifetime

The World's Best Beaches for 2018 has been designed to "provide travelers with a one-stop resource for the most enchanting and exotic shores in the world" and "ignite your wanderlust and inspire the planning of your next great beach adventure."

From red sandy coastlines in Crete to clear waters in Micronesia, the list features beaches from all over the world, ranked based on sheer untouched beauty, remoteness, sand and water quality, average days of sunshine, and average annual temperature. 

Scroll down to see the 18 best beaches in the world, ranked in ascending order according to the list.

18. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

Set between scattered cliffs and enormous cave mouths and complete with powerful waves crashing on the shore, the pure and raw natural beauty of Reynisfjara Beach's black sand and epic views are worth a trip to the south coast of Iceland. 



17. Balandra Beach, Baja California Sur, USA

With clear, glassy waters contrasting with the cacti-studded desert landscape of Baja, California, Balandra Beach is described as "the ideal location for a full escape from the fast pace of daily life."



16. Noetzie Beach, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Beautifully secluded, this beach is surrounded by dense forest and reached via a gravel road and a steep stairway attached to a cliff. Go between June and November to spot migrating Humpback whales.



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33 of the most iconic TV outfits of all time

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sex and the city

  • TV has some pretty iconic outfits.
  • Carrie Bradshaw's opening-credits skirt is one. 
  • Fonzie's leather jacket is another. 

Television has created some of the most iconic characters, especially in recent years. And those iconic characters have some iconic outfits. From glamorous dresses to striking suits, there are a lot of enviable TV outfits out there. 

Here are the most iconic outfits in television history.

Fonzie's leather jacket currently resides at The National Museum of American History.

Even if you've never seen "Happy Days," you've heard of "The Fonz." Henry Winkler's greaser character was so popular that they promoted him from minor character to a lead on the hit show. His leather jacket made appearances from the first season all the way up to when he "jumped the shark" in a bathing suit plus the jacket.



Leslie Knope's wedding dress will make you cry.

In the world of iconic television wedding dresses, there's only one that's more likely to make you cry than the plot. The intensely wonderful parks and recreation employee, Leslie Knope decided to get married to the love of her life in a spur-of-the-moment deal before her dress was even finished. Her best friend Ann finished the dress using newspapers detailing Leslie's greatest political achievements in Pawnee. The origami flower on her waist was even made out of the Pawnee logo. If that's not friendship, we don't know what is.



Arnold from "Hey Arnold" is not wearing a kilt.

Nickelodeon's "Hey Arnold" features the titular character in a tiny baseball cap, a red flannel shirt, a blue shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes. According to series creator Craig Bartlett, his outfit is based on Neil Young's Seattle-inspired grunge look.

The flannel shirt is pretty long on his frame, and the shirttails go almost to his knees. Arnold shocked fans at one point when he pulled up his blue shirt to reveal that the flannel is a one-piece. Thanks for the clarification, football head.



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8 easy ways to upgrade your burger, according to chefs

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fast food burger

  • Ordering a customized burger can earn you a fresher burger.
  • Bring your own condiments for a quick burger upgrade.
  • Think creatively — sides and apps can make great fast-food burger toppings.

Fast-food burgers can be a bit, well, blah. Whether you're loyal to a favorite chain or only pass through the drive-through on rare road trips, there's no reason you can't upgrade the standard off-the-menu fast food burger to be chef-worthy. And you don't even need to know how to cook to make that lackluster burger so much tastier.

We asked chefs for their best (and easiest) tips to upgrade fast-food burgers with minimal effort (and expense) — this is still fast food, after all.

Don't order directly off the menu.

"At most fast-food restaurants ... you can guarantee a fresh burger [rather than a pre-made burger] if you order it with any modifications, be it no pickles, no onions, no salt, or even well-done," said chef Lucas Sin of Junzi Kitchen.

"To avoid cross-contamination, modified burgers are even cooked on a separate griddle." Talk about VIP burger service.



BYO condiments.

Chef Sin says he and other chefs have the habit of bringing their own sauces for fast-food burgers, but you don't need anything fancy to take the standard fast-food burger up a notch. "Most condiments you find in your fridge, when mixed into a bit of mayonnaise and vinegar make great dipping sauces: wasabi, curry paste, barbecue, tahini, or what not," Sin said.



Avocado it.

Chef Leah Morrow, executive pastry chef at the Brooklyn Bread Lab suggests adding avocado to any fast-food burger to amp it up. No avo on the menu? Bring your own. A ripe avocado is easy to slice open and spread with plastic utensils.



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All 50 states and Washington DC, ranked from least to most average

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American Flag USA US

The US is a huge, diverse country, and the characteristics of the states that make it up vary widely.

We used 38 demographic, social, and economic indicators that cover several aspects of American life, mostly from the US Census Bureau's recently released 2017 American Community Survey estimates.

We looked at how far away each state was from the average of each of those metrics among the states and Washington, DC. Adding those distances together, we found an overall "averageness" score for each state and DC.

Read more:See our method and detailed sources for this ranking

Here's all 50 states and DC, ranked from least to most average, along with some of the metrics for which they were outliers or average.

SEE ALSO: Here's how much the typical millennial, Gen X, and baby-boomer worker earns in every US state

51. Washington, DC

What's average: The 90.2% of residents of DC with at least a high school diploma was very close to the average share among the states and DC of 89.5%.

What's not average: The nation's capital is demographically and economically very different from the rest of the country, largely because it's a city with no suburban or rural areas. For example, DC's median age of 34.0 years is much lower than the average of 38.4 years, and its median household income of $82,372 was the highest in the country.



50. Hawaii

What's average: About 92.1% of households in Hawaii have access to at least one car, right in line with the average rate of 92.2% among the states and DC.

What's not average: Hawaii's median home value of $617,400 was the highest in the country, and, perhaps not surprisingly, the 9.3% of Hawaii residents who self-identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander was by far the largest share among the states and DC.



49. California

What's average: California's poverty rate of 13.3% was just above the average rate of 13.1% among the 50 states and DC.

What's not average: California's median gross monthly apartment rent of $1,447 was the third-highest in the country. Only 83.3% of California residents had at least a high school diploma, the lowest rate among the states and DC.



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13 of the best seasonal winter foods to buy at Trader Joe's right now

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trader joesEven though Thanksgiving is over, there's still a lot to look forward to when it comes to food this holiday season. And if you're looking for new holiday treats this year, look no further than Trader Joe's. The grocery chain has a wide variety of seasonal goodies, from traditional favorites to new products.

Here are some of the best seasonal holiday and winter foods you can buy at Trader Joe's right now. 

Butter Toffee Pretzels are the perfect sweet and salty treat.

Combining sweet toffee with salty pretzels is hard to beat, so it makes sense that the new Butter Toffee Pretzels could be a hit at your next holiday party. You can find them sold in 10-ounce bags for $2.99.



Buche de Noël ice cream is like a frozen yule log.

Yule logs are a popular dessert during the holiday season, but this ice cream takes it a step further. According to the Trader Joe's website, it's made by combining ice cream with "pieces of moist, chocolatey Bûche de Noël cake" and a chocolate swirl. And if that doesn't sound amazing enough, this ice cream retails for just $2.99 per pint.



Turkey and Stuffing Seasoned Kettle Chips will remind you of Thanksgiving.

Missing Thanksgiving already but out of leftovers? These chips might make up for it. Turkey and Stuffing flavored kettle chips are meant to taste like your favorite holiday dishes and they retail for just $1.99 a bag.

 



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The best makeup setting sprays you can buy

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. 

best makeup setting spray

  • If you want your makeup to last longer and look exactly the same hours after you applied it, you need to invest in a good makeup setting spray.
  • Our top pick is the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray because it is a weightless spray that will help your makeup last for up to 16 hours.

We’ve all had those days where we’ve left the house with our makeup looking flawless only to notice by lunchtime that our foundation or eye shadow has started to smudge or fade. Thankfully, a makeup setting spray is the perfect solution to this problem. Much like hairspray, a setting spray is applied at the end of your beauty routine to lock in the makeup and help it last longer.

Unlike setting powders that just protect makeup like foundation, blush, and concealer, a setting spray can be applied to your entire face and it will help keep eye shadow, mascara, and lipsticks from smudging as well. Besides preventing it from melting or fading, the mist of a setting spray also helps stop makeup from caking, creasing, and settling into fine lines.

Not only will the right setting spray keep your makeup in place, but it can also improve the look and health of your skin. Some feature ingredients that work to brighten and hydrate skin, while others help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and boost your skin’s elasticity.

Like most makeup products, the number of setting sprays on the market can be overwhelming. So we did the research to find the best options available. Whether you are looking for a setting spray that works best for your skin type or one that features SPF, these are the setting sprays that will keep your makeup looking great all day and night long.

Here are the best makeup setting sprays you can buy:

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best makeup setting spray overall

Why you'll love it: The Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray is a cult favorite setting spray because it keeps makeup looking freshly applied all day.

The Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray has been one of the most popular makeup setting sprays for years. Not only does it keep your makeup in place for up to 16 hours, but it also makes your skin look smoother. Plus it works on all skin types and prevents makeup from cracking, fading, or settling into fine lines.

Unlike other setting sprays that can feel sticky when first applied, this spray goes on as a microfine mist that you will barely feel. It is made with a patented Temperature Control Technology that actually lowers the temperature in your makeup to help keep it in place even in hot, humid, and windy conditions.

The setting spray is an Allure Best of Beauty winner and has been recommended by both InStyle and Elle magazines. It has more than 430,000 likes on Sephora with more than 8,000 reviewers giving it a 4.4-star average rating.

One Sephora shopper wrote, “I love wearing makeup but have always had a problem with it fading and/or smudging (especially eyeliner). I've tried probably everything on the market to prevent this. This spray is unbelievable. I can put on my makeup at 6:00 AM before work and when I get home after 7, it still looks perfect — hasn't smudged or faded at all! SO happy to have finally found a product that works for me!”

The spray may be on the pricier side, but it comes in a mini size as well so you can test it before you splurge on the standard or jumbo size bottles.

Pros: Lightweight mist, keeps makeup in place for up to 16 hours, makes skin look smoother, works on all skin types and in all climates

Cons: Pricey

Buy the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray at Sephora for $32



The best makeup setting spray for oily skin

Why you'll love it: If oily skin makes your makeup melt or run, try the NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray.

The NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray is a long-lasting setting spray that helps your makeup last all day and night. If you have oily skin, you’ll no longer have to worry about looking shiny, as the spray will leave your makeup with a gorgeous matte finish.

Fans of the product say that not only does it keep their makeup in place for hours, but the matte setting spray also stops excess oil from breaking through. Multiple reviewers said they normally have to use blotting papers to remove excess oil by mid-day but they no longer have to thanks to this handy spray.

The affordable setting spray went viral in 2017 after a shopper named Sofia left a 5-star review on Ulta saying, "I was hit by a car and through the hit itself, the rain, the ambulance ride, and the hours in the hospital my makeup stayed completely intact the entire time. When I was discharged from the hospital I had to take off my makeup and none of it had moved. if this setting spray can survive being hit by a car then that's all the proof I need and I'll definitely be buying it again."

A few shoppers did note that the spray has a strong smell at first but they said it wears off after a minute once the spray sinks in.

Pros: Keeps makeup in place for hours, prevents excess oil from breaking through, sleek matte finish, affordable

Cons: Strong smell at first

Buy the NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray at Ulta for $8.49



The best makeup setting spray for dry skin

Why you'll love it: Looking for a setting spray that hydrates and moisturizes skin? Try the Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Setting Spray.

The Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Setting Spray is a multitasking mist that works three ways. It can be used as a primer before putting on makeup, a setting spray to lock makeup in place, and a refreshing spray whenever your skin is in need of a boost.

It is specially formulated with coconut water, probiotic-based ingredients, and skin revivers that work together to smooth, hydrate, and brighten skin, while at the same time promoting skin’s elasticity and tone.

The setting spray has a 4.54-star rating on Influenster and has more than 80,000 likes on Sephora. One reviewer wrote, “I have extremely dry skin and this is AMAZING. It hydrates and refreshes and I use it throughout the day. Without it, my makeup usually gets flaky but this fixes the problem. Love this spray and will always get more”

A few people said the spray bottle’s spritzer was very powerful and can drench you if you spray it too close to your face. So they recommend holding the bottle at least six inches away when applying.

Pros: 3-in-1 product, keeps makeup in place for hours, hydrating and refreshing

Cons: Can get drenched if sprayed too close

Buy the Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Setting Spray at Sephora for $32



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13 places to visit in December for every type of traveler

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13 places travel december

  • To find the best places to visit in December 2018, Business Insider looked at climate data, cultural calendars, and peak travel times.
  • December offers all kinds of travel experiences, from unforgettable Christmas and New Year's celebrations to relaxing getaways on tropical islands.
  • The best places to visit in December include the "Hamptons of South America," a European capital filled to the brim with Christmas markets, and the rugged wilderness of Australia's southernmost state.

As December nears and the year draws to close, travelers are looking for the site of their last big vacation.

Thanks to the popularity of Christmas and New Year's Eve vacations, December is often one of the most expensive months of the year to travel to the world's tourism hotspots. 

Whether you want to indulge in the holiday festivities or escape to a sunny island paradise, there are endless options for travelers in December. 

We looked at airfare trends, climate data, and worldwide cultural calendars to select 13 vacation spots that should be on your radar for a December vacation. They include a glitzy resort town in Uruguay that's called the "Hamptons of South America," an icy European wonderland filled with Christmas markets and holiday cheer, and the rugged wilderness of Australia's southernmost state.

Take a look at the places we recommend for a December trip, and plan away.

SEE ALSO: 13 places to visit in November for every type of traveler

DON'T MISS: The 13 best places to visit in October for every type of traveler

Miami, Florida

No city knows how to party quite like Miami, and on New Year's Eve, the city takes it to another level. You'll have your pick of parties, from sparkling rooftop soirees to thumping ragers on South Beach.

There are plenty of other non-party activities to keep you busy, too. It's always beach weather in Miami, with December highs typically reaching the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, tourist favorites like the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and Zoo Miami host special holiday-themed events in December. 

Note that December is a huge month for traveling in Miami, so book airfare and hotels early for the best rates.



Atlanta, Georgia

Another Southeastern city that should be on your radar for December is Atlanta, Georgia.

Only Chicago and New York City see more visitors than Atlanta each year, and for good reason. Must-sees for first-time visitors include the World of Coca-Cola and a studio tour at the CNN Center— both companies are headquartered there — the Georgia Aquarium, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, which includes the civil rights leader's childhood home and church.

If you can tolerate temperatures in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, Piedmont Park and Centennial Olympic Park are always good for a daytime stroll, and nearby Stone Mountain offers an epic lights-filled Christmas celebration each night. 



San Antonio, Texas

The end of the year is the perfect time to visit San Antonio, as hotel rates plummet but the temperature stays mostly warm.

The Alamo is San Antonio's biggest claim to fame, and there are plenty of other activities that make the city worth an extended stay. Locals love the quickly growing Pearl District for its eclectic mix of food, shopping, and art, as well as the 15-mile River Walk and its unique canals, pathways, and architecture. First-time visitors should hop on a cruise for a guided tour.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We visited Family Dollar, the store that analysts say is becoming Dollar Tree's biggest problem. Here's what we found. (DLTR)

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Family Dollar

  • Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar in 2015.
  • Analysts say Family Dollar has been a drag on Dollar Tree's earnings. In its most recent quarterly results, reported on Thursday, same-store sales at Dollar Tree stores alone were up 2.3%, while Family Dollar's sales were down 0.4%.
  • Family Dollar "remains the weaker part of the business," Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, said in a note to clients on Thursday. "A high proportion of Family Dollar's shopper base goes there out of necessity rather than because they particularly want to."
  • We visited one of its stores to find out what it is like to shop there.

It has been three years since Dollar Tree bought Family Dollar, and so far, it's been a disappointing run. 

The discount chain, which has more than 8,000 stores in the United States, has pulled down its parent company's earnings. In its most recent quarterly results, same-store sales at Dollar Tree were up by a modest 1%, but breaking that number down, it becomes clear that there is a weak link in the mix. While Dollar Tree same-store sales were up by 2.3% in the quarter, Family Dollar sales were down 0.4%.

Family Dollar "remains the weaker part of the business," Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, said in a note to clients on Thursday. 

He continued: "From our data, a high proportion of Family Dollar's shopper base goes there out of necessity rather than because they particularly want to. There is nothing wrong with this position, but it does mean that as financial conditions improve, or people feel they can afford something better, they are more likely to migrate away."

Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar in 2015, after undergoing a bidding war with Dollar General, its main US rival. Dollar Tree and Dollar General are almost neck-and-neck in terms of store count and annual sales. Both dollar chains have about 14,000 to 15,000 locations. Dollar Tree generated $22 billion in sales in 2017 compared with $23.5 billion at Dollar General.

The bidding war may have distracted Dollar Tree and led them to "gloss over some of the glaring problems at [Family Dollar]," Credit Suisse analysts wrote in June. 

"Family Dollar clearly preferred Dollar Tree as the acquirer (since the Family Dollar name was more likely to survive), and Dollar Tree likely wanted to prevent Dollar General from nearly doubling its size overnight," the analysts wrote.

We decided to check out what it was like to shop at Family Dollar:

SEE ALSO: We shopped at Dollar Tree and Dollar General to see which offered a better experience, and the winner was obvious

The Family Dollar store we visited was located in Brooklyn, New York. On average, its stores are around 7,000 square feet in size.



At the entrance of the store was a selection of seasonal products. This tactic is also used by its sister store, Dollar Tree, to grab the attention of the shopper and make sure items with a shorter shelf life don't go unnoticed.



The layout of the store and assortment felt a lot more similar to a Dollar General store than a Dollar Tree.

In fact, Credit Suisse analysts say it would likely have made more sense for Dollar General to acquire Family Dollar. The offering is more in line, and there is a limited overlap in terms of where stores are located.

Family Dollar stores are generally found in urban areas while Dollar General stores are typically located in rural places.



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This guy found a way to run Apple's Mac software on an iPad — and it works surprisingly well (AAPL)

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ipad pro mac mini setup

  • YouTuber Jonathan Morrison has pulled off something iPad and Mac fans have been dying to see: A full version of MacOS, Apple's operating system for Mac computers, running on an iPad.
  • For this setup, Morrison used the 2018 Mac Mini as a way to put MacOS on a 2018 iPad Pro.
  • You have to see it to believe it.

For years, one of the biggest desires among iPad owners is that they wish it could run Mac software. The iPad is an excellent device for consuming media, like watching movies or reading books, but a handful of limitations keep it from being a real work computer— the main one being that it runs iOS, instead of a more robust desktop operating system like Apple's MacOS.

Apple insists iPads and Mac computers will always be separate devices, and that we will never see desktop software on an iPad. Apple's Craig Federighi, who leads software efforts for both Mac and iOS devices, told Wired earlier this year that he's "not into touchscreens on PCs," and doubts he will change his mind.

But thankfully, there's a way to experience MacOS on an iPad, even without Apple's official blessing. YouTuber Jonathan Morrison says he saw this unique setup "hit the internet this week," and after trying it himself, filmed how well it works for everyone to see.

Here's how Morrison made MacOS run on an iPad Pro, and how you can do it, too:

YouTuber Jonathan Morrison rigged up a 2018 iPad Pro to a 2018 Mac Mini to make this work.



All of MacOS — from the Finder, to apps like Safari and Final Cut Pro — still works on the iPad Pro with this setup. And iPad-specific functions still work, too, including the touchscreen and the Apple Pencil.



It seems like magic, actually seeing a functioning version of MacOS running on an iPad.



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Twitter keeps a list of everything it thinks you're interested in — here's how to find it (TW)

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twitter phone

  • Twitter collects a lot of data on you, including a compiled list of "inferred interests" it uses to personalize your experience.
  • This interests list was initially rolled out to Twitter users a while back, but the feature was rediscovered this week and users have been tweeting their own lists, some of which include topics are weirdly specific and seemingly inaccurate.
  • Find out below how to find your own list of what Twitter thinks you're interested in.

If you've ever wondered what Twitter knows about you (or thinks it knows about you) based on your online activities, there's an easy way to find out. 

There's a special "inferred interests" dossier that Twitter creates for every user of the social network. These personalized lists are Twitter's best guesses about your predilections, from favorite TV shows to sports, and even some seemingly random stuff. 

The "inferred interests" data was made available to users more than a year ago, but the existence of this feature has for some reason resurfaced this week on Twitter. Users have been tweeting out their lists of personalized interests, which include topics such as news, science, and soccer. 

"These are some of the interests matched to you based on your profile and activity that are used to personalize your experience, including ads," Twitter says about your inferred interests. "You can adjust them if something doesn't look right."

The random and sometimes weirdly specific nature of some of these inferred interests are raising chuckles among some users:

I checked mine, and Twitter seems to think I'm incredibly interested in the Shrek reboot— so much that it's listed twice.

Here's how to check out what Twitter thinks your interests are:

SEE ALSO: 'Shrek' is getting rebooted and people don't understand why it's happening

You can find out your interests, according to Twitter, under your "Settings and privacy" tab.



Select "Your Twitter data," which is found all the way toward the bottom of your settings list.



Scroll down to the section titled "Interests and ads data." Not only can you find your "inferred interests" collected by Twitter (the first section), but you can also discover what data Twitter has collected — and shared— so it can personalize the advertisements it shows you on its platform.



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These 17 photos show Finland's brutally cold World War II battle with the Soviet Union

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Russia Soviet Union Finland winter war ski patrol snow frozen soldiers

The German sprint across Poland in September 1939 introduced the Nazi Blitzkrieg to the world, which then watched as Hitler's forces swept over Europe and bombarded Britain.

Farther north, another battle raged in the unprecedentedly cold winter of 1939-1940, as outnumbered Finnish forces took on the Soviet Union.

The two countries signed a nonaggression treaty in the early 1930s, but that did not allay Finnish concerns about its neighbor. Those fears were justified. The Soviet Union surged across the Karelian Isthmus on November 30, 1939.

About a million Soviet troops crossed into the dense forests and frozen expanses that connected the two countries, but determined Finnish troops turned the bucolic landscape into a charnel house for underprepared, underfed, and overwhelmed Soviet troops.

Finland is thought to have lost about 25,000 soldiers during the 105-day conflict, while the Soviets lost nearly 200,000 troops, with hundreds more stricken by frostbite.

Helsinki eventually succumbed, however, signing a peace pact on Moscow's terms on March 12, 1940— though Finland did not completely capitulate and would later partner with Germany to fight the USSR.

As the photos below show, the Finnish troops made deft and deadly use of a vicious winter and unforgiving landscape to exact the maximum toll from Russian invaders.

SEE ALSO: 75 years ago, US Marines waded into 'the toughest battle in Marine Corps history' — here are 25 photos of the brutal fight for Tarawa

The war between Finland and the Soviet Union started at 10:45 p.m. local time on November 30, 1939. Here are trenches that were dug in Helsinki, seen on December 1, 1939.



A house hit by a Russian aerial bomb in Helsinki, seen on December 11, 1939. It was still on fire after several days. Heavy Soviet artillery barrages could reportedly be heard in the Finnish capital — more than a hundred miles from the front.

Source: War is Boring



Some of the 50 volunteers for the Finnish army preparing to sail from New York to their native country on December 9, 1939, on the Swedish-American liner Gripsholm.



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The best pizza stones you can buy

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Best Pizza Stone

  • High-quality pizza stones are easy to use, will not crack under high temperatures, and produce pizzeria-quality pies.

  • The Solido Rectangular 14-by-16-inch Pizza Stone is our top pick because it cooks your pizza evenly, can be used in your oven or on your grill, and it’s easy to clean.

Do you ever make pizza from scratch and wonder why it doesn’t taste anything like what you get at your favorite pizzeria? The toppings might come out unevenly cooked, or the crust may not be right. If you want to put an end to these problems, then a pizza stone is the way to go.

Most of the time, when someone mentions a “pizza stone,” they are referring to a round or rectangular slab of stone, typically made of cordierite. This is a popular material because it can heat evenly and absorb moisture, which is important for a crispy crust. The problem with cordierite is it’s susceptible to breakage if not cared for properly.

Pizza stones can also be made of other materials, including metal. For instance, cast iron is sometimes used because it gets up to temperature faster than stone, heats evenly, and it will not break or crack. Baking steels are the latest fad because they conduct heat and bake more evenly at low temps than stone. The steel will not break, either. The downsides are that it’s expensive, very heavy, and hard to maneuver.

Most companies recommend that you put the pizza stone into your oven cold and preheat it for up to an hour before putting the pizza in. For this task, we recommend using a good pizza peel, such as the Pizza Royale Peel. When you are done cooking, let the stone cool down inside your oven. This will protect it from thermal shock or warping. Many people prefer to just keep their pizza stone in the oven at all times, and some claim that it helps everything in the oven cook better, even when the food isn’t placed directly on the stone.

While researching the best pizza stones, we read through hundreds of ratings and reviews from buyers and experts. Our guide features stones that will cook your pizza quickly and evenly, have a track record of durability, and are effortless to clean.

Here are the best pizza stones you can buy:

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best pizza stone overall

Why you’ll love it: If you want delicious, evenly-baked pizza from the oven or off the grill, the Solido Rectangular 14-by-16-inch Pizza Stone is a durable, must-have solution.

As you look at the Solido Rectangular 14-by-16-inch Pizza Stone, the unique spiral design on the bottom stands out the most. The heat spiral is designed to allow for airflow and even heating. Plus, it helps the stone get up to temperature faster, which cuts down on pre-heat times.

This pizza stone can go on your grill, and it fits most standard ovens. The feet of the stone are easy to grip, though you’ll want some heavy-duty oven mitts, or you can leave the 13-pound stone in your oven.

The Solido stone comes highly recommended by many product reviewers. The Kitchen Byte gave the Solido Pizza Stone high marks because it heats evenly, and the pies it produces are pizzeria quality. The reviewer also noted that cleaning was easy, though grease does leave stains. Another downside is its hefty weight, which made it hard to handle.

Kitchen Sanity also recommends this stone for people who want something they can throw on the grill. The reviewer was impressed with the airflow and heat distribution afforded by the grooved bottom.

About 90% of the Amazon buyers who reviewed the Solido Pizza Stone gave it five stars. One reviewer states that he owns a beachfront restaurant that specializes in wood-fired pizza. He found that this stone produces excellent thin-crust slices, is well-made, and is quite heavy.

Other buyers also laud the quality of the pizza produced. One buyer strongly recommended following the directions for using the stone — including waiting for it to heat to 500 degrees or more. There were several comments about how attractive the stone looks.

Pros: Produces professional-quality pizza, easy to clean, even heat distribution

Cons: Weight makes it hard to maneuver, stains easily

Buy the Solido Rectangular 14-by-16-inch Pizza Stone on Amazon for $59.77



The best round pizza stone

Why you’ll love it: The Love This Kitchen Ultimate 16-inch Round Pizza Stone features a helpful stopper that makes it easy to remove the pizza and grab the stone.

The pizzerias make using a pizza peel look so simple. They just shove it under the pizza and pull it out. Yet, you know this seemingly effortless skill takes plenty of practice if you’ve ever sent a pizza flying to the back of your oven.

Enter the Love This Kitchen Ultimate 16-inch Round Pizza Stone with its raised no-slip stopper. With this, you have a lip that blocks the pizza from falling off the stone, saving your oven a self-cleaning mode or two.

This stone also has a unique design on the bottom that directs the heat so the center cooks first. This is helpful because the center of the pizza is usually the last part to cook. The stone is also an impressive 0.83 inches thick and can withstand temperatures up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Love This Kitchen backs the quality of this product with a 60-day full refund if not satisfied and a limited lifetime guarantee.

Best Reviews recommends the Love This Kitchen Ultimate Pizza Stone because the no-spill stopper did an excellent job of keeping the pizza from sliding off in their tests. However, the reviewer did note that the stone produced an off-putting chemical odor.

Cookware Junkies recommends this stone because the porous cordierite does absorb the moisture well to create crunchy crusts. Yet, the reviewer found that it was too large for some ovens. In its review, Morning Chores notes that the stone makes excellent cookies, flatbread, and baked bread.

Approximately 85% of the people who reviewed the Love This Kitchen Ultimate Pizza Stone on Amazon gave it a positive rating. Vicente Velazco, the most helpful reviewer, gave it five stars because the stopper makes it easy to get your pizza on the peel, and it distributes heat evenly and retains the heat. He didn’t like that he couldn’t wash the stone like other pans since the porous surface retains the odor of soap.

Buyers also appreciate that the stopper makes the stone easier to move around, but one reviewer noted that the lip doesn’t heat up as quickly as the rest the unit.

Pros: Features a stopper that makes moving the stone and removing the pizza easier, produces a crispy crust, handles temps up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit

Cons: Complaints of a chemical odor, your oven must be at least 17 inches deep

Buy the Love This Kitchen Ultimate 16-inch Round Pizza Stone (Stone Only) on Amazon for $41.90

Buy the Love This Kitchen Ultimate 16-inch Round Pizza Stone (Stone and Peel) on Amazon for $59.95

Buy the Love This Kitchen Ultimate 16-inch Round Pizza Stone (Stone, Peel, and Cutter) on Amazon for $72.95



The best cast iron pizza stone

Why you’ll love it: If you are looking for an affordable, non-traditional pizza stone, consider buying the evenly heating Lodge 14-inch Cast Iron Baking Pan.

Many experts consider Lodge to be the best manufacturer of cast iron cookware, and the Lodge 14-inch Cast Iron Baking Pan appears to be no exception. This “stone” comes pre-seasoned and is designed for decades of cooking.

As with other cast iron, you wash it by hand, dry it promptly, and wipe it down with a light layer of cooking oil. The pan features two large handles on either side for easy removal from the oven. A rim around the edge keeps ingredients from spilling onto the oven bottom.

Serious Eats recommends the Lodge 14-inch Cast Iron Baking Pan over traditional pizza stones because it’s more durable and produces better crusts. The reviewer also liked how the built-in handles made it easy to move. However, he didn’t like that the rim made it hard to slide pizzas on and off.

The reviewer at Wide Open Eats recommends this pan because she was impressed with the nonstick properties of the Lodge and appreciated the fresh taste offered by a seasoned cast iron pan.

More than 1,600 Amazon buyers have left five-star reviews of the Lodge 14-inch Cast Iron Baking Pan. The most helpful review comes from Chef TK. He recommends the pan because it’s easy to clean, heats evenly, doesn’t stain, makes the best pizza he’s had, is pre-seasoned, and can be used for a variety of purposes. The only negative he found was its weight.

Another buyer said she had to do a fair amount of work to get the cast iron seasoned, but once it was, it produced restaurant-quality dosas.

Pros: Affordable, even heating, nonstick, cleans up easily

Cons: Rim may make it hard to slide pizzas off

Buy the Lodge 14-inch Cast Iron Baking Pan on Amazon for $39.90 (originally $60)



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7 subtle signs of heart attacks in women

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heart attack

  • The ways that many women may experience heart attacks can be very different than the ways that many people expect people would experience them.
  • Because the signs of heart attacks in women can be far more subtle or vague than those traditionally associated with heart attacks, women may not always get the care they need when they need it.
  • Knowing what sorts of things could actually be related to your heart could potentially also help you determine what sorts of things might be worth chatting with your doctor about and which sorts of things might be more serious than you realized.

Though women can certainly experience the more classic and traditional signs of a heart attack like chest tightness, pain, pressure, and more, women often times experience heart attacks a bit differently than others do.

And since heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, according to the American Heart Association, knowing how to spot the signs of a heart attack is super important. If you know what to look for, you may be able to seek treatment — and get it — sooner, and that's very important as well.

You might be nauseous.

Nausea isn't probably something you typically associate with heart attacks, but for women, it can be a sneaky, subtle sign that something might actually be going on with your heart, so it's important to be aware, as Dr. John Cheng, MD of South Coast Medical Group told INSIDER.

"Women who have this recurrent nausea with exertion, that is something wrong, there's something there, but they won't admit to it and get help,"Dr. Peter A. Reyes, MD, a cardiologist, told INSIDER. And recognizing that something's not quite right can make all the difference.



You might experience serious fatigue.

Fatigue is difficult to pin down, because it's a vague symptom that can just be a part of life for some people sometimes.

"If you're busy and you're taking care of your family, or if your busy at work, or you've got like 17 things to do, you know, swinging by the doctor's office is probably not your one, two, and three thing to do and so you kind of monitor and wait and see if things escalate and get worse,"Dr. Nicole Weinberg, MD, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center, told INSIDER.

"I think that's one of the reasons why I really love dialing into exercise because if somebody has on their schedule that they're exercising regularly and then they know that there's a change in how they feel with exercise, I feel like that's a great barometer to know when to take the time and seek some medical attention vs people that, you know, maybe are feeling like they're a little fatigued or they're not feeling quite themselves, but they can go out and do a spin class without any limitation or difficulty, that would make me a lot less concerned as a medical practitioner."



You might struggle with pain in your jaw.

Jaw pain can be the sign of a number of different things, not just heart conditions, but, chances are, some of those other things might be higher on your list of suspicions than anything related to your heart.

Even if you wouldn't think they'd be related, jaw pain can be a sign of a heart attack, as Dr. Ravi Kishore Amancharla, the chief interventional cardiologist and electrophysiologist at Health City Cayman Islands, told INSIDER.

Though you may first think that it's dental or stress-related, it really could be your heart, so if you have other subtle symptoms as well, seeking out care from a cardiologist could potentially be a better strategy than heading right off to the dentist.



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13 things I wish I knew before traveling from the US to Japan

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tourist in japan Sensoji temple in Tokyo, Japan.

  • Preparing for a trip to Japan is more intricate than simply laying out an itinerary.
  • I wasn't prepared for cultural differences between Japan and the US or other logistical complications.
  • It is not the norm to eat or drink on the subway or while you walk.
  • There aren't many trash cans in Japan and the indoor smoking laws in Japan are more laid-back than those in the US. 

When I planned my first trip to Japan, I made sure my itinerary was filled with activities. I did exhaustive research on bars, restaurants, and landmarks I wanted to see, but unfortunately, there are a lot of things I didn't think to look up.

There are a lot of cultural norms and common decencies that are specific to Japan, plus there are also a ton of logistical differences that I wish I had known about in advance. 

Here are 13 things I wish I had known before visiting Japan. 

There isn't as much free public Wi-Fi.

Free Wi-Fi isn't as readily available in Japan as it is in the US, but the country has several great options for getting internet access if you don't have an international phone plan. The most helpful piece of technology I rented in Japan was a pocket Wi-Fi.

A pocket Wi-Fi is exactly what it sounds like — it's a handheld Wi-Fi device with enough juice to power several phones and even a laptop or two. With one pocket Wi-Fi, I was able to use data on two phones and a laptop.

I rented one online before my trip, picked it up at the airport, and dropped it off at the same place on my way home. For a 10-day trip, my 1 GB-per-day Wi-Fi rental cost me $55.

 



The smoking laws are more laid-back than they are in the US.

In the US, smoke-free laws generally prohibit people from smoking at most indoor locations. So, when I was in Japan, I was surprised to find people smoking inside of restaurants and bars.

Smoking laws are generally more relaxed in Japan than they are in the US, so it's important to do a bit of research if you want to find smoke-free restaurants. 



Tipping isn't necessary.

Like many other countries, Japan doesn't participate in the tipping culture. In some cases, it can even be considered rude to tip your server.

However, because you aren't expected to tip, there is often a table charge, a cover charge, or a mandatory appetizer fee.

Sometimes the restaurant doesn't tell you that there's a table charge, but if they set a small appetizer on the table that you didn't pay for, then you know to expect a table fee on your bill. Most of the table fees I was billed were about 300 yen (less than $3). Casual lunch spots, like ramen shops, that I visited generally didn't have a table fee.

Read More:How to tip like a local in 20 countries around the world



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All the TV shows that have been canceled recently

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orange is the new black

A slew of TV shows were canceled in 2017, and the list of shows canceled in 2018 has grown rapidly since May as networks decide their schedules of new and returning shows, and figure out what they're doing in 2019.

The most recent cancelation comes from Comedy Central, which canceled the comedy "Another Period" after three seasons. 

Despite slightly better reception for its second season that dropped in September, Netflix has canceled "Iron Fist" after two seasons, a show that wasn't a hit with critics. Days later, Netflix canceled Marvel's "Luke Cage," leaving many wondering why these seemingly successful superhero shows are getting the axe. And the week after that it, canceled satire series "American Vandal."

So far in 2018, networks have canceled fan favorites like "The Last Man on Earth" and "Quantico." Fox also canceled its quirky cop comedy "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," but NBC picked it up for another season less than two days later.

ABC also canceled the previously renewed "Roseanne" revival, after Roseanne Barr posted a racist tweet about former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett. However, ABC announced a spin-off called "The Conners" without Barr that premiered in October.

In 2018, the streaming giants are canceling more shows than ever as well, with many getting cut on Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix

So if you're wondering why a show you love hasn't returned in 2018, it might have been canceled. (You can also use this list to see what shows are not returning in the fall or in 2019.)

Here are all the shows that were canceled in 2017 and 2018, including those from networks and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon:

SEE ALSO: All the confirmed original shows coming to Netflix in 2018

Canceled in 2018:



"The Mayor"— ABC, one season



"Chance"— Hulu, two seasons



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All the TV shows that have been canceled in 2018

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iron fist

As the year flies by, the list of canceled TV shows piles up.

While there's been somewhat of a quiet period since May, some networks have cut shows throughout the summer and fall.

Comedy Central recently canceled "Another Period" after three two seasons. 

Other recent cancelations come from Netflix. Netflix recently canceled "Iron Fist" after two seasons, and announced that "Orange is the New Black" will end with its upcoming seventh season. Netflix also canceled the excellent satire series "American Vandal" after two seasons. 

ABC canceled the previously renewed "Roseanne" revival in late May, after Roseanne Barr posted a racist tweet about former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett. However, ABC debuted a spin-off called "The Conners" without Barr.

In other notable cancellations, USA's critically acclaimed "Mr. Robot" will end with its upcoming fourth season, and CBS' "The Big Bang Theory" is ending after 12 seasons. 

We'll update this list as more are announced.

Here are all the shows that have been canceled this year, including those from networks and Netflix:

SEE ALSO: The worst TV show of every year since 2000, according to critics

Amazon



"Jean-Claude Van Johnson"— Amazon, one season



"I Love Dick"— Amazon, one season



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31 times celebrities wore suits this year, making it one of the biggest fashion trends of 2018

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blake lively suits trend

  • According to global fashion search platform Lyst, suits were one of the five biggest trends influenced by celebrities in 2018.
  • From Blake Lively to Bella Hadid, some of Hollywood's biggest stars wore pantsuits this year.
  • While some stars opted for crisp, tailored looks, others donned oversized, business-casual designs.

Athleisure dominated celebrity fashion in 2018, reviving '90s trends like bike shorts and dad sneakers. But over the past 12 months, Hollywood was also swept by a more tailored look: suits.

One of the biggest fans of the trend, Blake Lively famously wore five different pantsuits in one day in September. Lady Gaga's oversized suit at Elle's annual Women in Hollywood celebration went viral overnight. And Meghan Markle has pushed the envelope of royal fashion in several designer suits since she became a duchess in May.

According to global fashion search platform Lyst, which recently released its annual Year in Fashion report, suits were also one of the five biggest trends influenced by celebrities in 2018, with searches for women's suits up 87% year on year.

Below, take a look at some of the most memorable ways celebrities wore the trend this year.

Rihanna wore a double-breasted gray Ralph Lauren suit at an international conference on February 2.

An ambassador for the Global Partnership for Education, Rihanna delivered a speech at the organization's financing conference in Senegal, which helped raise $2.3 billion to support education in developing countries around the world.



On February 10, Cardi B was photographed in a mint green pantsuit at Christian Siriano's show during New York Fashion Week.

The rapper accessorized the Christian Siriano suit with black platform sandals, black and white sunglasses, and a white fur stole from Duckie Confetti.



One day later, Laverne Cox attended Prabal Gurung's show in a red pantsuit featuring a fitted blazer with bell sleeves and a plunging neckline.

Designed by Prabal Gurung, the red blazer and pants retailed for a total of $2,790 before selling out online.



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10 things you're doing that are giving you body acne, according to dermatologists

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body acne

  • Body acne can occur on the chest, back, underarms, and bottom. 
  • Certain things, like not showering after working out or getting too stressed out, can trigger body acne. 
  • If you have no relief with over-the-counter products such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid wash, consider seeing a dermatologist. 

We all know that hormones, diet, and skin-care products play a big part in influencing those nasty breakouts that appear on your face every so often. However, you’ll definitely want to acknowledge that body acne (which can occur on the chest, back, underarms, and bottom) can be particularly stubborn, as board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Lortscher explained that some body acne cases require a course of oral antibiotics for treatment.

However, aside from seeing a dermatologist, Dr. Lortscher recommended being aware of body acne triggers, as lifestyle and dietary habits can be a big indicator of what’s actually causing it. To help you find the root behind your body acne, we spoke to some experts on the topic to help you keep those breakouts at bay once and for all.

Below are some things to keep in mind if those acne flare-ups are becoming too much to handle.

You are not showering after working out.

"Bacteria (one component of acne) loves moist warm skin and proliferates, causing acne flares," said board-certified dermatologist Anna Guanche, MD.

To avoid unwanted flare-ups, she recommended showering and cooling off after workouts.



You are using testosterone gel.

"Testosterone made you break out in puberty and here it is again," Dr. Guanche said. If you are supplementing with a gel or cream, that may be the culprit, she suggested.



You are using steroids.

"Whether you are taking them to bulk up, have eczema or psoriasis, and are using a steroid cream, you can definitely get steroid acne on your trunk from this," Dr. Guanche said.



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I visited a baby elephant orphanage in Kenya — here's what it was like

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elephant orphanage nairobi

  • I recently took a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where I visited the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
  • The project started in 1977 as a way to rescue orphaned elephants and rhinos.
  • More than 200 elephants have been rescued and reintroduced into the wild.


The clapping started immediately.

Behind a roped-off mud pit, over 100 tourists and I watched as a small parade of baby elephants walked single-file from the thick bush, down a dirt road, and up to the handlers awaiting them. They were soon rewarded for their brave entrance with oversized milk bottles and reassuring pats on the head.

I was at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, in Nairobi, Kenya. There was little structure to my visit: Stand behind a rope for two hours as about a dozen 200-lb. toddlers frolicked in the mud, guzzled milk, and carried branches from one spot to another.

In these tumultuous times, I felt lucky to experience such innocence firsthand. Here's what I saw.

SEE ALSO: I spent 34 hours flying coach on Ethiopian Airlines, the best airline in Africa — here's what it was like

It's a long, suspense-filled walk from the parking lot to the entrance of the elephant pen. I could sense everyone's excitement as we struggled to walk in an orderly fashion.



We walked past the emergency vehicles garage, past the gift shop, down through a narrow canopy — until finally the scene unfolded before us.



I was one of the first people to nab a spot behind the rope. The people beside me clutched iPhones, GoPros on extended handles, and long-lens cameras.



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26 fun gifts that grown-up Disney and Mickey Mouse fans will love

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

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This year, celebrations erupted all over the world as Mickey and Minnie Mouse turned 90. Collaborations have been popping up left and right, with everyone from luxury watch brands to streetwear sneaker companies dropping Mickey- and Minnie-inspired styles for adults. 

This has been great and very expensive news for classic Disney fans like myself. I grew up near Disney World, so my love of Mickey runs deep — and after putting together this list, my pockets run shallow. 

If you're looking to gift a grownup who loves all things classic Disney but isn't interested in looking like they're 10 years old, you've definitely come to the right place. I handpicked some of the best Mickey- and Minnie-themed gifts out there for adults, plus a few old-school Disney options I just couldn't leave behind.

Who else but a huge Disney fan could do justice to a roundup like this? 

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here.

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

DON'T MISS: 25 creative and unexpected gifts for 'Star Wars' fans of all ages

A Mickey Mouse watch they'll actually want to look at to tell the time

Nixon Mickey Watch, available at Nordstrom, $175

Nixon's unisex Mickey watch is the perfect everyday accessory for a Disney fan — and not just one they'll want to wear once on a trip to the park.

If you're willing to spend more, Shinola also makes a great Mickey watch for a cool $850.



A bold graphic Mickey half-zip

Mickey Mouse Half-Zip, available at Frank And Oak, $99.50

Half-zips have quickly become the silhouette of the season, but you don't have to go to Patagonia to get in on the trend. Frank And Oak makes a bold graphic Mickey half-zip sweater that instantly catches the eye with its all-over patterning and bright mango color.



A pair of fun graphic sneakers

Vans Mickey Authentic Sneakers, available at Zappos, $64.95

Vans put out a collection of sneakers and shirts featuring iconic images of Mickey and Minnie through the years —including some wackier '80s-inspired styles— but this simple pair seems to be the real crowd pleaser.



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