Fans of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy novels have long, long, long, awaited the planned sixth entry in the series, The Winds of Winter. But after more than a decade of delays, even Martin is acknowledging the possibility that it may never come to be. “Unfortunately, I am 13 years late,” he told the outlet. “Every time I say that, I’m [like], ‘How could I be 13 years late?’ I don’t know, it happens a day at a time.” “But that’s still a priority," he continued. "A lot of people are already writing obituaries for me. [They’re saying] ‘Oh, he’ll never be finished.’ Maybe they’re right. I don’t know. I’m alive right now! I seem pretty vital!” It's only the latest in what's been an increasingly bleak wait for The Winds of Winter, with the most recent entry in the series, A Dance With Dragons, publishing in 2011. That's the same year that HBO premiered the insanely popular TV series Game of Thrones, which is based on the A Song of Ice and Fire series and drew a lot more eyes to the world of Westeros. Martin made the reveal in November 2023 that he's written 1,100 pages of The Winds of Winter, which wouldn't be so disappointing if it weren't the same number of pages he had written a year prior. Before that, in 2022 , he said he was "about three-quarters of the way done," and that the book would likely be more than 1,500 pages. "A lot of people are already writing obituaries for me. [They're saying] 'Oh, he'll never be finished.' Maybe they're right." Most recently, this past September, Martin admitted that he hadn't made as much progress as he would've liked to, as his various TV shows "ate up" much of his time. It's also worth mentioning that The Winds of Winter isn't even set to be the final book in A Song of Ice and Fire. A seventh novel, A Dream of Spring, was set to close out the series, although many fans have all but given up hope for that . ( Note : The THR article calls The Winds of Winter the "sixth and final book" in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, but we're assuming that's just a mistake; Martin's never formally canceled A Dream of Spring publicly). Still, in a glimmer of hope, Martin did note in the interview that he could never retire, as he's "not a golfer." So hey, there's that! Even if we never get The Winds of Winter, there's plenty happening in Westeros on the TV side. House of the Dragon is still on track for four seasons , with the third expected to start production early next year. Another spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is set to arrive sometime in late 2025 , and there's even been early talk of a Game of Thrones movie . Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
NoneGlobal Ship Repairing Market Set For 8.4% Growth, Reaching $54.57 Billion By 2028
US effort to curb China's and Russia's access to advanced computer chips 'inadequate,' report findsYourUpdateTV Speaks with Mia Syn, MS, Registered Dietician Nutritionist, about the Many Ways to ...Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Israel says rabbi who went missing in the UAE was killed TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says the body of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi who went missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found, citing Emirati authorities. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday said Zvi Kogan was killed, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” It said: “The state of Israel will act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death." Kogan went missing on Thursday, and there were suspicions he had been kidnapped. His disappearance comes as Iran has been threatening to retaliate against Israel after the two countries traded fire in October. Hezbollah fires more than 180 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding at least 7 BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah has fired at least 185 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding seven people in the militant group's heaviest barrage in several days. The attacks in northern and central Israel happened Sunday in response to deadly Israeli strikes in central Beirut on Saturday. Meanwhile, negotiators pressed on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. Lebanon's military says an Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center in the southwest killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. Israel's military has expressed regret and said its operations are directed solely against the militants. Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister condemned the latest strike as an assault on the U.S.-led cease-fire efforts. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. After Trump's Project 2025 denials, he is tapping its authors and influencers for key roles WASHINGTON (AP) — During the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump had hailed what would become Project 2025 as a conservative roadmap for “exactly what our movement will do." Trump pulled an about-face when Project 2025 became a political liability. He denied knowing anything about the “ridiculous and abysmal” plans, even though some were written by his former aides and many allies. Now, after winning the 2024 election, Trump is stocking his second administration with key players in the effort he temporarily shunned. Trump has tapped Russell Vought for an encore as director of the Office of Management and Budget; Tom Homan, his former immigration chief, as “border czar;” and immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of policy. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain this weekend while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Saturday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast earlier in the week, killing two people. Parts of the Northeast and Appalachia also began the weekend with heavy precipitation. Pakistan partially stops mobile and internet services ahead of pro-Imran Khan protest ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan has suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns” as supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan gear up for a protest in the capital. The government and Interior Ministry made the announcement on X, which is banned in Pakistan. Sunday's protest is to demand Khan's release. He has been in prison for more than a year but remains popular. His supporters rely heavily on social media and messaging apps to coordinate with each other. Pakistan has already sealed off Islamabad and shut down major roads and highways connecting the city with Khan's power bases. Here's what to know about the new funding deal that countries agreed to at UN climate talks BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — In the wee hours Sunday at the United Nations climate talks, countries from around the world reached an agreement on how rich countries can cough up the funds to support poor countries in the face of climate change. But it’s a far-from-perfect arrangement, with many parties still unsatisfied but hopeful that the deal will be a step in the right direction. Japan holds Sado mines memorial despite South Korean boycott amid lingering historical tensions SADO, Japan (AP) — Japan has held a memorial ceremony near the Sado Island Gold Mines despite a last-minute boycott of the event by South Korea that highlighted tensions between the neighbors over the brutal wartime use of Korean laborers. South Korea’s absence at Sunday’s memorial, to which Seoul government officials and Korean victims’ families were invited, is a major setback in the rapidly improving ties between the countries. The Sado mines were listed in July as a UNESCO World Heritage Site after Japan moved past years of disputes with South Korea and reluctantly acknowledged the mines’ dark history. Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83 NEW YORK (AP) — Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83. Mark Young, Woolery’s podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. He teamed up with Young for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” and became a full supporter Donald Trump.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Billtrust , a B2B order-to-cash and digital payments market leader, has been named a Leader in two IDC MarketScape reports – IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for the Enterprise 2024 Vendor Assessment (doc #US51740924, December 2024 ) and IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for Small and Midmarket 2024 Vendor Assessment (doc #US52692224, December 2024 ). Billtrust was one of 14 providers evaluated for the enterprise report and one of 11 providers in the small and midmarket report. The IDC MarketScapes evaluate a broad set of SaaS and cloud-enabled accounts receivable automation software vendors based on innovation, functionality, range of services, customer satisfaction, cloud capabilities and architecture. "Billtrust is a Leader in the Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for Enterprise and Small and Midmarket," said Kevin Permenter , Research Director, Financial Applications at IDC. "Billtrust attempts to differentiate itself with a scalable, unified solution that simplifies AR processes and improvement to the payment experience their clients provide their customers, all while empowering their AR teams to turn financial data into insights that contribute to their business strategy. They offer an extensive suite of payment management capabilities designed to streamline and automate the accounts receivable process." Billtrust was recognized for the following strengths: The news of Billtrust's recognition as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape comes as B2B businesses are leveraging technology like generative AI to boost efficiency and optimize operations as they grapple with the challenges of cash flow management, according to a recent IDC InfoBrief study (IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by Billtrust, "AI Pushing the Boundaries of What's Possible for OTC," IDC #US52446224, August 2024 ). Billtrust recently announced new generative AI functionality within its accounts receivable software platform to empower finance professionals to better understand their business, make strategic decisions, maximize cash flow and engage customers more effectively. "We are honored to be recognized as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape, which we believe reflects our dedication to innovation, digital transformation, and delivering exceptional customer outcomes," said Sunil Rajasekar , CEO of Billtrust. "In 2024, we achieved remarkable milestones, including the launch of our generative AI tool, Billtrust Finance Co-Pilot, which provides unmatched, in-depth analysis of customer data. We are proud to support finance teams in working more efficiently, accelerating payments, and enhancing the buyer experience." About IDC MarketScape IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of technology and service suppliers in a given market. The research utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each supplier's position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of technology suppliers can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective suppliers. About Billtrust Finance leaders turn to Billtrust to get paid faster while controlling costs, accelerating cash flow and maximizing customer satisfaction. As a B2B order-to-cash software and digital payments market leader, we help the world's leading brands move finance forward with AI-powered solutions to transition from expensive paper invoicing and check acceptance to efficient electronic billing and payments. With more than $1 trillion invoice dollars processed, Billtrust delivers business value through deep industry expertise and a culture relentlessly focused on delivering meaningful customer outcomes. Media Contact Paul Accardo PR@billtrust.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/billtrust-named-a-leader-in-idc-marketscape-for-worldwide-accounts-receivable-automation-software-for-enterprise-and-small-and-midmarket-2024-302324426.html SOURCE Billtrust
Iranian parliament holds closed-door session to discuss dollar exchange rates, economic issues
Share Tweet Share Share Email December 16 – Since its inception in 2021, Slusncoin Exchange has quickly established a strong foothold in the global cryptocurrency trading market, leveraging its advanced technological capabilities and user-centric optimization. Recently, the company announced strategic partnership agreements with several top-tier financial institutions. This milestone marks a pivotal phase in Slusncoin’s global expansion strategy, injecting new momentum into its efforts to build a comprehensive international presence. Strengthening Industry Leadership Through Strategic Alliances The formation of these partnerships reflects Slusncoin’s commitment to continuous growth and innovation. By staying attuned to global market trends, Slusncoin has reinforced its position as an industry leader. Its new partners include globally renowned investment banks, payment platforms, and financial technology enterprises. Through this collaboration, Slusncoin aims to achieve deep integration in technology, capital, and market resources, delivering more efficient, secure, and reliable trading services to its clients. Slusncoin’s cutting-edge technology was a decisive factor in forging these partnerships. The company’s trading system combines advanced blockchain technology with artificial intelligence, enabling precise market analysis and enhanced execution efficiency through intelligent matching algorithms. These technological capabilities have earned high praise from its partners, who recognize the platform’s potential for transformative applications in future financial technology. Expanding Market Reach and Resource Sharing A key highlight of this strategic collaboration is the shared commitment to global market expansion. Slusncoin and its partners plan to jointly explore emerging markets, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. As some of the fastest-growing regions in the cryptocurrency sector, these markets demand efficient and secure trading platforms. By collaborating closely with local financial institutions, Slusncoin aims to seamlessly integrate into these markets and provide premium services tailored to the needs of local investors. Investment in Talent and Marketing to Support Growth To support its ambitious expansion strategy, Slusncoin is making significant investments in technology development and marketing. Over the next two years, the company plans to hire more than 2,000 technical and operational professionals to enhance its development capabilities and improve customer support. Additionally, Slusncoin will increase investments in brand promotion and market education, organizing investor education programs and collaborative marketing campaigns to attract new users. Looking Ahead: A Vision for Global Leadership Slusncoin’s global expansion strategy remains on track, with a goal of reaching 15 million users by 2025 and establishing regional offices in major financial hubs worldwide. This strategic collaboration not only strengthens Slusncoin’s market position but also lays a solid foundation for its emergence as a global leader in cryptocurrency trading. With new markets opening up and deeper partnerships on the horizon, the future growth potential of this exchange is boundless. Related Items: Leading Financial Institutions to Accelerate Global Market Expansion , Slusncoin Exchange Announces Strategic Partnerships Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The plan for the Minnesota Vikings was to bring in Sam Darnold as the bridge between Kirk Cousins and J.J. McCarthy, confident his strong arm and starting experience would sufficiently run a high-caliber offense until the rookie was deemed ready to play. Darnold's performance to date has been much closer to superstar than mere stopgap. “He’s a baller," Vikings safety Harrison Smith said. "He can make stuff happen when he needs to. I know with the outside narrative on him and his path and everything, you might not think that, but ever since he got here, it felt like that was going to happen.” Having led the Vikings (10-2) to their fifth consecutive victory with the go-ahead touchdown pass against Arizona last week, one game after a stellar overtime drive to beat Chicago , Darnold has become one of the darlings of this NFL this season with his success in coach Kevin O'Connell's system after the third overall pick in the 2018 draft started his career in rather bleak fashion. His first year in Minnesota sure has been smoother than what Cousins has gone through in his debut with the Atlanta Falcons . Last week in a loss at home to the Los Angeles Chargers, Cousins matched his career high with four interceptions. “I don’t think anybody can put any more pressure on Kirk than he has for himself. He’s carried us through this season when we were figuring out a lot of things on defense,” Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said. “He’s just having a hard time right now. There’s nothing to say he can’t catch fire and light it up like he’s been doing.” The Falcons (6-6) take their three-game losing streak on the road to face the Vikings, with division races for both teams in full swing. The quarterback contrasts have made this matchup all the more intriguing, with Cousins coming back to the place where he spent the previous six seasons. Cousins has a $25 million salary cap hit this season, the 11th-highest among quarterbacks in the league. Even if the Falcons were to move on in 2026 and swallow the dead money for two more years with eighth overall pick Michael Penix Jr. waiting in the wings, Cousins will carry a $40 million charge in 2025. Darnold’s cap charge is $5 million this season, just 31st on the list. Though he will become a free agent in March, the Vikings structured his contract with void years to spread his cap hit into next season for another $5 million. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick, won't be ready until next year after having surgery to repair the meniscus he tore in his right knee in his first preseason game. Though Darnold has had a couple of clunkers this year, the Vikings still won those games and he's bounced back strong without letting interceptions linger into future decisions. "He’s kind of found a little balance, at least the last few weeks, of ‘When is it too risky?’ and ‘When can I take my shot at something?’” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. The Falcons have seen as much on tape. “I think he’s playing free,” Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates said. “It’s not a lot of complicated throws or anything that he’s doing. I just think that he’s finally able to feel comfortable in himself.” Falcons coach Raheem Morris decided to address the significance of Cousins’ homecoming with the team, bracing for the type of crowd reaction that will only intensify the noise at U.S. Bank Stadium that's already daunting for opponents. Minnesota's defense has thrived this season at home, using the fans to enhance the effectiveness of a disguise-based, aggressive scheme that leads the league with 18 interceptions and has also been adept at rushing the passer and stuffing the run. “The environment they create up in Minnesota is absolutely outstanding,” Morris said. Cousins isn't the only key figure from the Falcons who's well-known to Vikings coaches. Morris was the defensive coordinator in 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams when O'Connell was the offensive coordinator and Phillips was the tight ends coach on that Super Bowl champion team. Vikings running back Aaron Jones has fumbled three times in the last two games, losing two of them, but he hasn't lost the confidence of coaches or teammates as evidenced by the pass called for his go-ahead touchdown catch against the Cardinals. Family is a strong support system for him, too, but sometimes that means tough love. His mother, Vurgess Jones, let him have it after the game when they talked about the turnovers. “I was like, ‘I’ve got to learn from it,'” Jones said. “She was like, ‘You didn’t learn last week?'” He has matched his career high in 2024 with five fumbles and three lost, a fact not lost on a Falcons defense that's aggressive with dislodging techniques despite only four recovered fumbles in 12 games. “You can see it all over the tape: Those guys are coaching it," Phillips said. Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, who was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month after racking up eight tackles for loss in November, carried his pass-rushing mojo into December with a couple of clutch plays in the final minute to preserve the victory over Arizona. Greenard has 10 of the team's 39 sacks. “How many times this year has he affected the quarterback, drawn a penalty, sacked the quarterback, strip-sacked like last week in these critical moments where you need your best players to go make those plays?” O'Connell said. “He’s done it time and time again.” Falcons running back Bijan Robinson set a career high last week with 26 carries. He had 102 yards rushing and was again a significant part of the passing attack with six catches against the Chargers. “I just do whatever I can to help us as a team,” said Robinson, who’s fifth in the NFL with 1,277 combined yards from scrimmage. “I just trust whatever they have in the plan.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Punjab seeks ₹1k crore package to boost police infra in border districts
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A set of luxe, reviewer-beloved Le Gushe "24K Gold" under-eye masks so you can *truly* pamper yourself — these soothing (ridiculously pretty??) masks are infused with hyaluronic acid, collagen, and aloe to help hydrate and refresh the dark circles and puffiness under your eyes. The self-care vibes are *immaculate*. Promising review: "I have used these a few times and they have been fine. However, the other day I hadn’t slept well and had some bags under my eyes. These little miracles suddenly were amazing! After twenty minutes, my eyes looked less sunken and tired and more natural in color with the right amount of puffiness. I even forgot about them for six months so imagine my surprise that they were still good to go and worked perfectly. They leave my skin feeling smooth and happy ." — Angela I Get 15 pairs from Amazon for $9.95 . 15. A reviewer-beloved electric fondue set for an investment in your future happiness, because I'm hard-pressed to think of anything a vat of melted cheese and chocolate *won't* fix. Kusini is a small business that specializes in kitchen products. Promising revie w: "I absolutely love fondue and this made at-home fondue easy and mess free ! Warms up quickly and holds the perfect amount of fondue plus dippers." — Ruby Pagel Get it from Amazon for $35.99 . 16. A heated throw blanket with three different heat settings, which can be described as "Warm," "Toasty," and "Good Luck Ever Getting Me to Leave This Cozy Spot Ever Again." Bonus: It's machine washable! Promising review: "I am always cold in the winter. This is a great item because it has snaps on it, which means you can wear it around your shoulders like a shawl and it is long enough to wrap your legs in, or sit on to keep your bottom warm! I love it!" — Diane W Get it from Amazon for $37.99 . 17. An affordable cult-favorite luxury-scented candle with a scent reminiscent of Le Labo's Santal 33, and a throw so satisfying that reviewers can't stop gushing about it. If you're in the market for a signature scent for your space, look no further than this jasmine, oud, and sandalwood blend. Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. Promising review : "This is such a great candle that fills the room quickly with a really nice strong smell that is soothing and relaxing. I was looking for a less expensive Le Labo Santal 33 scent candle and this one is very very close! It's a bit stronger, but I love it! The shipment arrived fast, and I just love how fast it fills up the room without being lit for so long!" — Cristina Bertolotto Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in three sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents). 18. A set of butterluxe faux matte leather leggings you'll want to stock up on for fall and winter. Not only are these high-waisted, ultra comfortable, and elevated, but they're wayyyy more affordable than other competing leggings with the same look. Promising review: "They look like leather. These yoga pants look great on. They have a sheen that makes them look leather-like, but they are very stretchy and comfortable, like a second skin. I've washed them (hand wash/gentle cycle) and they still look great. I highly recommend." — listenhere Get it from Amazon for $32 (available in women's sizes XXS–XL and 11 colors). 19. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion , which TikTok is going *feral* over both because of the lightweight, long-lasting moisture, and the soothing, delicious smell that reviewers compare to more expensive brands like Philosophy and Bath & Body Works. Promising review: "Heaven sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly, for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie, and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing. " — Dragonheart Jo Get it from Amazon for $8.98 . 20. A tin of literal pure honeycomb so you can live your best Pooh Bear life and either eat it raw, steep it in tea, or crooonch it over jam and toast. Reviewers love to get adventurous with it and pair it with all kinds of meat, cheese, and fruit dishes! Bushwick Kitchen is a small business that specializes in honey and hot sauce products. Promising review : "Had to buy as we’ve been wanting to try honeycomb and this was absolutely delightful. So light and decadent with just the right sweetness. One of the best desserts we’ve had. Enjoyed with tea, blistered shishito peppers and dates appetizer, and even on its own . Chew the waxy comb like gum for added enjoyment." — DaneMama Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available as a pourable honey). 21. A pair of wireless sleep headphones to play white noise or the music of your choice as cozily! as! possible!! without your ears getting sore. This is also an excellent option for side sleepers 👀. Promising review : "These are great! I've struggled with insomnia for the past couple of years. I wish I'd found these sooner. They are extremely comfortable. When I fall asleep, I rarely sleep for more than an hour straight. These allow me to comfortably play a podcast or meditation to get myself back to sleep . I'm only two nights in on using these, and I know I don't want to be without them. Battery life is great. I probably played them for a total of five hours during the night and woke up with them still having 70% battery remaining. I probably won't use these for a workout because I don't have to wash them all the time, but for insomnia or anyone who just likes to fall asleep listening to something, these are amazing. " — Jesse Brown Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 27 colors). 22. A gorgeous gooseneck electric tea kettle with all of the aesthetic of the Fellow version, minus the $195 price tag. This features a rapid boiling mechanism, auto-shutoff, and a gooseneck design that allows you to control the flow of water more precisely. Psst — if you're interested in extra features, like the ability to choose the exact temperature of the boil and hold the temperature for over an hour , check out the Fellow version ! Promising review: "Absolutely love this electric kettle! The color is so beautiful and adds a lovely touch to my kitchen. It has a sleek and modern design that really stands out. Plus it heats up water incredibly fast, which is perfect for making coffee in the mornings. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish and efficient kettle!" — LauraC Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in seven styles). 23. A luxe reversible satin sleeping bonnet for anyone who wants the best in comfort, use, AND aesthetic. This not only protects your curls and hairstyles overnight, but features an adjustable strap and soft elastic, so not only does it STAY PUT, but it doesn't leave creases on your forehead in the morning. Hats off to this bonnet!! Promising review : "Best bonnet ever! Cute, comfy, practical and good quality. I had this very same one six years ago. When it wore down I replaced it with the same one. My other bonnets had straps that dangled awkwardly on my forehead. This one has a seamless strap and it adjusts well. And not once has it fallen off my head in the middle of the night. Get it! " — Shalimar Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (clip the $3 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in 14 styles). 24. Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume any fans of YSL's $95 bottle of Black Opium will want to snap up, FAST. This compelling, subtly layered blend of mandarin, vanilla, pink pepper, jasmine, and cedarwood is a beautiful all-seasons signature scent that reviewers can't stop raving about — especially because it has such great staying power throughout the day. Dossier is a small business that specializes in alternative, affordable perfumes — check out the rest of their options on their Amazon storefront ! Promising review: "Gorgeous scent! I love perfumes, and I’m super picky. I either love or return. This scent is gorgeous. Smells a bit sweet but not overly sweet, not super vanilla, just a hint of it with sophistication. Very soft and sultry. I applied moisturizer (thin, thin layer of Vaseline) and then sprayed perfume. It stayed on my skin for probably over eight hours. I checked my sweater the next day you could easily smell it on my sweater. Definitely worth the money." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $29+ (available in two sizes). 25. A set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Promising review: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn’t frizzy or dull looking when I get up in the morning." — Aaron Key Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 37 colors and five sizes). 26. A bottle of truffle seasoning for an instant upgrade on homemade meals that honestly has become one of my only personality traits, to the point where I'm just like, begging you to try it. I should gatekeep this stuff so I can have it all to myself but it is such a delicious and satisfying and ridiculously affordable alternative to real truffles that I'm throwing the gates WIDE OPEN. *wheezes in truffle* Okay, I bought this on a whim because there's a sushi place down the street from me that makes truffle avocado sushi rolls, and I was like, I need these in my life, but I also need money to live. I decided to DIY it with a regular $4 avocado roll, and this seasoning and the umami bliss of it all basically exploded my brain. Since then, I've tried it on eggs, burritos, potatoes, chocolate mug cakes, and pretty much every sweet and savory thing I can think of. The best part is you really get an excellent bang for your buck — it's so flavorful that I've been using this for months now and have barely made a dent in the container! Get it from Amazon for $13.15 . 27. E.l.f.'s new sheer tint, hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizing "Squeeze Me" lip balm that not only hydrates the heck out of chapped lips, but comes in flavors like Vanilla Frosting, Honeydew, and Peach. It is 2024, and we deserve an affordable way to perpetually taste like birthday cake!! I love love love this lip balm. I compare it to the $24 version from Summer Fridays, which I've been splurging on — I love that brand because it lasts so long and is so high quality, but this $4 E.l.f. version feels comparable and, more excitingly, comes in smaller versions so I can stock my totes and bathroom with them whether I'm at home or on the go. It's hydrating, lightweight, doesn't get sticky, and adds a perfect ~subtle~ gloss whether I'm using it alone or on top of lip color. I love the vanilla flavor so much, it's got a similar vibe to the birthday cake flavor that Glossier sometimes carries. Promising review: "I have one in my car, one in my purse, and one at home. These just feel so good on your lips! The flavors are very true to their name. They are pretty small though, so if you use it often it won’t last long (which is another reason I have three of them), but for $4 each it is worth it. I sometimes like using this before putting on the E.l.f. Lip Reviver Oil . Such a great base to an awesome lip oil!" — Jax Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five flavors). 28. A super roomy puffy quilted tote bag for anyone who knows coziness isn't just a feeling, but a full aesthetic. A functional one, at that — this bag is not only super lightweight and comfortable to carry, but has a ton of inner pockets for optimum organization, whether you're using it to commute, travel, or go to the gym. Promising review: "Love all the different pockets. Not excessively large and weighs almost nothing, which is great. Fits my laptop, keyboard, and work accessories, plus snacks and a water bottle. Love that it has the strap at the back to go over your luggage so you can travel with it. Perfect! Will be purchasing another in black. Very comfortable bag." — Diana Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in 10 colors). 29. A stackable oval gem ring so gorgeous and well-made that reviewers use it as a temporary wedding ring when they're traveling. Psst — people love stacking it with other high quality Pavoi rings ! TBH, I bought this ring after seeing it blow up on TikTok, and I love it. I wear it every single day, and I've gotten SO many compliments on it — friends are always stunned when I tell them how cheap it is! I've been wearing it for months now without any wear and tear that a quick cleaning won't fix. Pictures don't do it justice; it really does ✨gleam✨ like real jewels. (Bonus: I use this as a fake wedding ring when I travel to encourage humans to leave me alone, lolololol.) Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in three plates and sizes 5–10). 30. A wine caddy for the bathtub , for those times you don't just need to relax, but relaaaaaaaaax 🍷. SipCaddy is a US-based small business that specializes in shower beer and wine bath holders. Bonus : it also holds cans, so they can pop in a LaCroix or enjoy a shower PBR, too. Promising review: "Loved how easy this was to put in my shower and use for anything from holding beverages to face wash. Gifted it to two friends and my boyfriend who at first mocked it but now LOVES it. I’d consider traveling with it at this point." — MB Schatz Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in six styles). 31. A clear glass simmering stove so you can make your whole home smell warm and cozy by heating up cinnamon cloves, oranges, hot cocoa, or mulled wine, while also enjoying the this uniquely beautiful ~aesthetic~. These withstand temperatures 0 degrees F–400 degrees F, can be used to simmer on the stove, and are microwave-, dishwasher-, and oven-safe. Promising review : "I purchased this glass jar for my potpourri. I was initially concerned about using glass, especially with my glass electric stovetop. However, I’m pleased to report that it has held up beautifully so far. The jar is lightweight and shows no signs of cracking, which is a relief. While I wouldn’t recommend using it for cooking — since it might not withstand the wear from utensils like spatulas or spoons — it works perfectly for my simmer pots." — Tori Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three sizes). 32. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks for three Laneige-like masks in *one* — this even comes in four different flavor combos so you can split them among friends, if you're feeling generous. ✨ Promising review : " This is the most moisturizing lip treatment in the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it’s soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." — Riya Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in four combos). 33. A 20-ounce Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box to up your lunch game so high that you'll feel like ROYALTY while your coworkers are eating ham and cheese sammies like peasants. This spillproof, super portable gadget not only keeps food warm from insulation, but has a detachable power cord to heat it to optimum temps at mealtimes. Deeeeelicious. Promising review : "I saw a TikToker eating her lunch out of this, so I wanted one. I love the green color. I'm actually obsessed! I think it's perfect for warming up your food so you don't have to use the microwave or stove. I love that everything comes apart easily so I can wash them. It's super easy to clean, and it locks easily. I really love that the cord detaches from the lunch box!" — Noelle Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in two sizes and four colors). 34. A set of breathable bamboo socks for an understated, sophisticated vibe that still keeps your feet as comfy as they deserve. 'Tis the season to give your sock drawer the chic makeover it deserves. Promising review : "Absolute game-changer in the sock department! These socks are incredibly soft, thanks to their bamboo fabric, which feels luxurious against the skin. The mini crew length is perfect for wearing with sneakers or low-cut shoes, providing just the right amount of coverage without being too bulky. I love how breathable and moisture-wicking they are, keeping my feet cool and dry throughout the day. Plus, the reinforced heel and toe add durability, ensuring these socks hold up wash after wash." — Len Get a set of three from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in sets of two and five). Reviews have been updated for length and/or clarity.