11 New Books to Read in February
Spend the shortest month of the year with a book that is worth your time. The best new books to read in February include best-seller Ali Hazelwood's latest romance, transgender activist Jennifer Finney Boylan's second memoir, and Virginia Feito's blood-soaked sophomore novel about a sociopathic governess.
Get ready to fall in love with critic Sarah Chihaya's debut memoir, which looks at her obsession with books, or Cristina Rivera Garza's subversive thriller about a poetry-obsessed serial killer. Allegra Goodman uses the true story of Marguerite de La Rocque, a French noblewoman who was abandoned in 16th century Canada, as inspiration for her new novel, Isola. And Rich Benjamin's debut memoir is a deeply reported love letter to his mom, the daughter of Haitian politician Daniel Fignolé.
Here, the 11 new books you should read in February.
In 2003, Jennifer Finney Boylan released her groundbreaking first memoir She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders, which chronicled the earliest years of her gender transition. More than two decades later, she is once again reflecting on what it means to be a trans person in America. With Cleavage, her new memoir-in-essays, she examines the growing gender divide at this critical juncture in the U.S. She reflects on the differences between manhood and womanhood as she has experienced them since her transition in 2000, as well as the experiences of those who exist outside the binary, in hopes of narrowing the gap between us all.
Buy Now: Cleavage on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
In 2019, essayist Sarah Chihaya had a nervous breakdown that coincided with a bout of the titular anxiety disorder, which causes someone to have an intense and irrational fear of books and writing. With her memoir, Chihaya explores her lifelong struggle with mental illness and obsession with books—specifically those she refers to as 'Life Ruiners,' the literature that became integral to her being, sometimes in a negative way. She shares how those books, which range from Anne of Green Gables to The Last Samurai, fueled her descent into madness — and how they helped her find her way out.
Buy Now: Bibliophobia on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Virginia Feito's grisly follow-up to her 2021 debut, Mrs. March, centers on a sociopathic English governess with a taste for vengeance. When Winifred Notty arrives at Ensor House, she plans to do nothing more than teach the children how to read and write. But as Christmas rolls around, she succumbs to her bloodthirsty ways in this tongue-in-cheek thriller set to become an A24 film starring The Substance's Margaret Qualley.
Buy Now: Victorian Psycho on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Three years after the release of her best-selling novel, Sam, Allegra Goodman returns with a thrilling tale of resilience inspired by the true story of Marguerite de La Rocque, the 16th-century French noblewoman who was abandoned on a deserted island. In Isola, Marguerite's jealous guardian accuses her of having an affair with his servant. He dumps her and her lover on a hidden isle off the coast of Canada that is full of polar bears and little else. In order to survive, Marguerite must do what she's never had to before: fend for herself.
Buy Now: Isola on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Take a dive into the Deep End, Ali Hazelwood's steamy new romance set in the world of collegiate swimming. Scarlett Vandermeer is a talented Stanford diver who is recovering from an injury that almost ended her career and far too busy studying to become a doctor to even think about dating. That is, until she meets Lukas Blomqvist, a popular competitive swimmer and her best friend's former crush. They couldn't be more different on paper—he's the life of the party, she's more likely to be found in the library—but they both share an interest in BDSM. When the two embark upon a mutually beneficial and consensual sexual relationship, Scarlett questions whether she's looking for more than just a good time.
Buy Now: Deep End on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
With his debut essay collection, Pure Innocent Fun, Ira Madison III takes the pop culture that made him who he is today very seriously. Across 16 essays, the critic, TV writer, and host of the Keep It podcast writes about the effect Oprah's weight-loss odyssey, Jennifer Hudson's American Idol loss, and his genuine love of Coldplay had on him while growing up as a gay Black man in Milwaukee. As he gives new consideration to the cultural touchstones of his youth, he explores how each helped him find his critical voice as an adult.
Buy Now: Pure Innocent Fun on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
In his debut memoir, Talk to Me, cultural critic Rich Benjamin unearths the secrets of his family's hidden past in hopes of better understanding his mother. In 1957, a coup ended the presidency of his grandfather, the Haitian folk hero Daniel Fignolé, and shattered the lives of the entire family. But no one, including Benjamin's mom, an advocate for children who was often cold to her own son, ever talked about the events of that time. Through intense research, Benjamin looks to understand the far-reaching consequences of the devastating political event.
Buy Now: Talk to Me on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Alligator Tears, the follow-up to Edgar Gomez's 2022 memoir, High-Risk Homesexual, offers a look at the author's experience growing up poor, queer, and Latinx in Florida. Across 10 essays, he chronicles years of working thankless jobs, including a stint as a flip-flop salesman, and the difficult choices his family had to make to get by, including whether or not to call an ambulance they knew they couldn't afford. Throughout the book, he also shares how he was able to crawl his way out of poverty through a mix of hard, often low-paying work and more than a few well-timed scams.
Buy Now: Alligator Tears on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Kelsey McKinney, the former host of the Normal Gossip podcast, uses her latest book to explore society's obsession with hearsay — and why that's not such a bad thing. Well, until it is. You Didn't Hear This From Me, a mix of cultural criticism, modern history, and personal memoir, breaks down the differences between harmless rumors and outright lies in order to show the important role gossip plays in human connection.
Buy Now: You Didn't Hear This From Me on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
With The World After Gaza, award-winning journalist Pankaj Mishra looks to reevaluate, recontextualize, and reframe the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. He does this by taking a closer look at how the Holocaust became a way for the U.S. and other Western nations to justify Israel's actions. From there, Mishra explores how the selective reading of global history is hardening us to the tragedies happening not only in Gaza, but also all around the world.
Buy Now: The World After Gaza on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Cristina Rivera Garza's 2007 lyrical novel, newly translated from the original Spanish by Robin Myers and Sarah Booker, is a serial killer tale with a twist. Death Takes Me begins with a literature professor finding the body of a mutilated man only to discover that she has an odd connection to the crime scene. The police find lines of poetry from the late real-life Argentine poet Alejandra Pizarnik, who she has studied for years. As more bodies pile up, the professor is enlisted to help catch the poetry-obsessed murderer. But when she starts receiving cryptic notes from the mysterious killer, she begins to worry that she could be the next victim.
Buy Now: Death Takes Me on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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Buzz Feed
2 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Transform Your Space With These 41 Boho Home Finds
Hi there! I'm Sally Elshorafa — Home and Garden Editor here at BuzzFeed. A roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper with a vibrant print of woodland creatures, florals, and lush foliage that'll bring a bold hit of jungle-inspired charm to your walls. Designed by Justina Blakeney, it's bold, detailed, and bursting with life. Use it to add a lush focal point to a neutral room or go full maximalist and use it in a room that's already drenched in color. Promising review: "We put this up almost two years ago, and it's still holding up well. Had no adhesion issues. It's easy and quick to install and reposition. We put this up over gross old faking '70s paneling. I still love it after two years. The colors are great for being able to accent with pillows and blankets." —Ashfree Get it from Target for $34. A set of four macrame hanging planters made of 100% cotton cord if you're short on floor space but not on plants. These are especially great for plants that have trails, like a string of pearls or any variety of pothos. A set of two velvet throw pillow covers can add that rich, layered look your setup might be missing. The jewel tone colors will shift with the light in a way that makes everything around it look a little more intentional, and the soft velvet will play nicely with woven textures, tasseled blankets, or anything else you've got going on. A 100% natural wool Moroccan kiln pouf to bring texture and color to your space. Each one is made from vintage textiles, so no two are exactly alike. Use it as a floor cushion, footrest, or impromptu seat. A reviewer-beloved sparkling crystal suncatcher that'll turn any room into a dazzling display of rainbow prisms. Sit back, relax, and watch as rainbows scatter across your walls and ceiling. A 16-piece terracotta dinnerware set to bring earthy, sun-baked warmth to every meal. The amber reactive glaze gives each plate and bowl a slightly different finish, so your table will look perfectly imperfect in the best way. A large woven basket that'll bring order to your chaos and look good while doing it. The neutral two-tone design will bring a natural, earth-tone coziness that boho is known for, and the generous size will hold everything from extra throw blankets to rogue toy collections. Bonus: it's a great (and budget-friendly) alternative to a traditional planter. Promising review: "Super super cute with a high-end feel. I used it for my six-foot-tall fig fiddle tree in my living room. Fashionable with a boho design. I love them so much and want to get more for other things, maybe a shoe basket by the door or any storage type basket." —ShaylaGet it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in 11 styles). A rattan daybed frame if you want your living room, guest room, or sunroom to feel like a Bali bungalow. With its hand-wrapped rattan, warm finish, and just breezy-enough lines, this piece will instantly channel relaxed, collected, world-traveled energy, even if your actual travel plans are just a trip to Target. Just add a twin mattress and some throw pillows, and you'll have a nap nook/reading spot/accidental Instagram backdrop. Promising review: "I bought this to use as a reading nook in the corner of my loft. It looks gorgeous with the velvet bedding and different textured pillows. Putting it together was easy." —TiredMommaGet it from World Market for $699.99. A wicker papasan swivel chair to curl up in when your bed feels too far away but the floor won't cut it. The cushy seat paired with a 360-degree swivel base makes it perfect for reading, scrolling, or dramatically spinning around to face your houseguests. Promising review: "Very comfortable, sturdy, stable, and easy to assemble. The color is absolutely awesome. Love the size and relaxation of it. Great addition to my boho room." —Rob DailyGet it from Amazon for $153.70+ (available in 16 colors). A set of geode bookends will add an instant hit of earthy-meets-glam energy to your shelf. Each one is cut from real stone, so the swirls and striations will be totally unique. They'll hold up your favorite reads *and* double as little pops of color. A rattan cabinet is a good option if you want something as practical as shoe storage to still have a little pizzazz. This is an especially good get if your entryway has no closed storage (aka a coat closet) and you don't want your shoes to be in a big pile next to the front door. Bonus: put a few decorative or sentimental objects and a nice catchall on the top to create a little decor moment. An ornate mirror will bring just the right amount of drama to your wall. The antique gold finish is soft, not shiny, so it'll play nice with your plants and rattan without veering too much into Versailles cosplay. And with its arched frame and leafy flourish, it'll double as a piece of art you can accidentally check your reflection in 15 times a day. Promising review: "This mirror is gorgeous! I have it hanging over a bedroom fireplace. It makes the room look so warm and elegant. But, this mirror would look beautiful in any room." —anneliseGet it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in two sizes). A whitewashed wood and rope towel holder to add a little character to your bathroom *and* provide you with additional storage for your towels. Promising review: "This is the perfect item for hand towels in our newly remodeled bathroom. We did use some Command Strips on the back of the rack to attach it to the wall so it wouldn't move around when people were drying their hands." —Alex JacobsGet it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two colors). A button-tufted storage ottoman will give your living room that boho-meets-glam upgrade you didn't know you needed. The rich colors pop without being loud, the tufted top brings just enough fancy, and the roomy hidden storage means your throws, remotes, or old magazines will finally have a place to hide. A tufted, boho chic duvet set to bring all the embroidered, textured goodness to your bedroom. With its geometric pattern and soft feel, it'll make you want to crawl under and never leave. Plus, it has thoughtful features like ties inside to keep everything snug and secure, so you won't wake up with your duvet crumpled at the bottom of the bed. A set of tortoiseshell wineglasses because why have a clear glass when you can have these fabulous ones instead? Handblown in Mexico from recycled glass, these amber-speckled stunners are basically jewelry for your home. Use them for wine, spritzes, or a delicious after-dinner cocktail. A colorful rug if you want your floor to be the most interesting thing in your room. The floral medallion print looks like it belongs in a museum gift shop (in a very good way), and the mix of orange, garnet, and blue gives it that vintage look. It's power-loomed and stain-resistant, so it'll survive both regular traffic and the occasional spill of wine. Promising review: "This carpet has totally transformed my living space. My last carpet was one color and smaller. This carpet has so many beautiful colors, and it reaches much further, making my space appear larger and happier! Decorating is one of my favorite things to do. I have a very eclectic/boho style, and lighting is huge for me. In the evening, when the sun goes down, I use all-natural warm lighting, and this carpet does not disappoint. It still stands out and adds to my peaceful downtime at the end of the day. I got the carpet at a really good deal, which is a huge bonus. It's also very dog friendly!" —Michelle Get it from Wayfair for $25.99+ (available in five colors and 21 sizes). A two-piece nesting table set that'll make your living room feel way more put-together. The wood ring pattern adds just the right amount of visual interest without fighting for attention, and the nesting situation means you'll have plenty of surface area when needed, or when you need a second table just for snacks (hard same). Promising review: "This table gets more compliments than JLO on the red carpet. It is so cute and perfect for a boho living room." —sammiGet it from Amazon for $152.74+ (available in six styles). A set of three ceramic vases can turn any random surface into an opportunity for a boho vignette. Pair them with pampas grass, dried florals, or whatever stems you picked up from your next Trader Joe's run. They'll look just as good clustered on a shelf or spaced out across your room. Promising review: "These are gorgeous. Thick/excellent quality; they go great with everything. Awesome buy for the price, Definitely worth it." —Jessica Madison "This was the perfect addition to our boho-themed bedroom!" —susan l. coughlinGet it from Amazon for $14.33 (available in beige or a colorful set). And a bundle of pampas grass so you have something beautiful to stick in your vases. These are known for their fluffy plumes and natural, earthy vibe. And since they're dried, you can just plop them in a vase and not worry about them wilting like fresh flowers do. Promising review: "Beautiful! Becomes full after you shake it out. Natural and makes a lovely decor. None were broken. Packed very well." —estelle macon Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in eight styles). A faux zebra hide rug that'll elevate any room's elegance level to one million. Layer this over an existing rug (that has a contrast) or put it directly on hardwood, either way it's going to look absolutely stunning. A ceramic palo santo holder can elevate your shelf, side table, or windowsill in the prettiest, smokiest way. Pop in a stick, light it up, and let the gentle scent and soft curl of smoke set the tone for whatever kind of day (or night) you're having. A petite chair in mustard yellow if you want to add a pop of color to your space. It's on the smaller side, so it's a good fit if you're low on square footage but need a cute and comfortable place to sit back and relax. Promising review: "The chair does what it does. It's comforting. You're not sinking in the chair, nor is it too hard. It feels nice and cushioned, with no sharp edges or corners. It's wide and long enough for all sizes and does its job. I currently use it for reading and studying." —NickGet it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available in seven colors). A beautiful reversible blanket made from 100% cotton for adding the perfect amount of vibrancy to your sleeping arrangements. There are so many styles to choose from, so you're bound to find one that matches the color scheme and aesthetic of your bedroom. Promising review: "I'm so in love with this blanket! The fabric feels soft and breathable, yet it still keeps me warm and cozy. The boho floral and bird design is even more beautiful in person—it really adds charm to my room. I've used it on my bed, couch, and even outdoors, and it's held up great. It's lightweight but not flimsy, and the size is perfect for wrapping up or sharing. Plus, it's easy to wash and comes out looking like new. Highly recommend if you want something stylish, comfy, and eco-friendly!" —RejinaGet it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in four sizes and 14 patterns/colors). A large bamboo wall fan to hang above your bed. It's dramatic but not busy, striking without trying too hard. It'll create a focal point that still plays well with neutral bedding and textured layers. A hand-tufted wool rug so your floors won't feel like an afterthought. The mix of oversized loops and flat weaves gives it that rich, textured look that reads expensive, and the gray-and-ivory palette will pair well with every throw pillow you *throw* at it. It'll shed a little bit (as all real wool rugs do), but it's worth it for the look it'll bring to your room. Promising review: "I absolutely love this rug! I've been redecorating our primary bedroom with a natural/boho style, and the rug is perfect. The quality is great, and it looks fantastic. Highly recommend." —MercedesGet it from Wayfair for $39.99+ (available in six colors and 31 sizes). A woven pendant light to warm up your space from above. The handwoven shade and sculptural shape will bring a soft, filtered glow that makes everything feel a little more cozy. Promising review: "I cannot say enough about this light fixture. It's perfect for our dining room gives that mid-century bohemian feel, and we get compliments all the time on it." —kayleen ameroGet it from Amazon for $79.99. A vintage-inspired bed if you want the look of a 100-year-old antique wrought-iron bed but not the squeakiness of one. Promising review: "We are beyond satisfied with this bed frame! We got a king in the color black. It was under $200 with the shipping and this frame is solid as can be. It did take my husband way longer than he anticipated to put it together but it was so worth it! We previously had a medium to high end frame that we paid $600 for on sale that broke immediately. Will never spend that much again, highly recommend. Best part about this frame is there is space left at the foot of the bed to tuck your comforter in!!!" —KristinGet it from Amazon for $49.49+ (clip the coupon to save 20%; available in five metal finishes and Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King sizes). A macrame jewelry organizer to keep your earrings and necklaces untangled and on display. With earthy hues like sage and terracotta, it's a refreshingly colorful twist on the usual boho beige. Bonus: it hangs from the wall, so you get storage without sacrificing surface space. BeanDaikon is a woman-owned small business based in Vietnam making macrame home review: "Lovely, great quality cord, color is superb as well! I fit all of my earrings and bracelets on it. Thank you!" —Isabel RamosGet it from BeanDaikon for $23.95+ (available in two sizes, two styles, and 25 colors). A four-drawer chest for when you want storage that's actually fun to look at. Each drawer has a different carved pattern and color, giving it that vintage, one-of-a-kind feel. It's the perfect mix of practical and playful, plus it'll hide away all your clutter. Promising review: "Super cute and functional! It actually fits quite a bit in the drawers, and bonus, it comes fully assembled in its box! This is a great purchase for a small nook that needs a little extra color or flair." —Anonymous Get it from Wayfair for $259.99. A pack of color drip candles to impress guests because it unleashes a rainbow of wax that spills down in wild, unpredictable colors. These will turn any old candleholder into a ~boho chic~ moment. A rattan headboard so sunny and easygoing, it'll basically radiate beach house energy, even if your bedroom faces the neighbor's siding. Just prop up a couple of pillows and pretend you're waking up to ocean waves instead of the garbage truck doing its morning pickup outside your window. Promising review: "Be still, my heart! Loved this headboard as soon as I spied it. I absolutely LOVE my new boho headboard!" —Cynthia Get it from Wayfair for $283.99+ (available in full/double and queen sizes). A crystal succulent sun catcher to create a tiny disco party for your plants. With cascading glass beads shaped like beads and a shimmer-dusted terracotta pot, this handmade piece is all about bringing that sparkly goodness to your space. Hang it where the light hits and you'll get rainbows, glitter, and just probably an uptick in your mood. A handwoven ottoman that'll instantly makes your space look more put-together. It adds texture, warmth, and a handy little perch or footrest whenever you need one. Bonus: it's lightweight, so you can scoot it around when need be. Promising review: "Great for in front of your couch; ours is a very large piece of furniture. They work perfectly for our feet to stretch out or hold a dish to eat or for papers, etc. These are well constructed; you can even sit on them without it collapsing." —DVGet it from Amazon for $39.49+ (available in 17 colors). A handmade moon phase garland to bring celestial vibes to your interior. Hang it above your bed, fireplace mantel, or anywhere else to give your space an astral look. A macrame fruit hammock that'll finally free up that precious countertop real estate. It hangs under your cabinet like a tiny produce swing, keeping your bananas, limes, and avocados within reach but out of the way. A 5-foot-tall faux bird of paradise plant to get the look of a highly-sought after plant without the maintenance of a real one. The leaves are bendable so you can adjust for whatever space you're putting it in. Promising review: "For me, it's the perfect height. Placed in a planter and I loved it even more. Easy to assemble. You can bend the leaves to whatever direction you want them. Initially they come out the package straight. There are no cons for this plant. I think it will work well in any space. I might purchase another one." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $39.99. A rattan wall mirror, because why have a normal mirror when you can have this one instead? The natural materials and earthy, neutral colors will warm up any space. Promising review: "Love, love this mirror! And so do my guests, I get so many compliments on it!" —Kristi Get it from Wayfair for $212.99. A roll of prismatic window film to transform your windows into a light show. Stick it on, and watch as the sunlight hits and explodes into a kaleidoscope of colors, turning even the plainest room into a magical space. A pack of 60 wall plant clips that'll turn your trailing vines into actual wall art. These tiny leaf-shaped clips stick to your wall and gently guide pothos, philodendrons, or string of pearls exactly where you want them. And a pair of LED stained glass bulbs if you want your ceiling and walls to erupt with rainbows every time you turn on the light. If you don't have the option to paint your walls but love color, this is the product for you.
Buzz Feed
3 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
37 Practical Products Disguised As Fun Novelties
A birria bomb — a delicious spin on the bath bomb. Dunk one of these spice balls into a pressure cooker with meat and water for a comforting consomme ready for dipping. In a way, these really are bath bombs, but for tacos and quesadillas. Dinner prep NOT taking 3 hours and 100 dishes? Sign me up! A pack of colorful plastic cases that may make your inner kindergartener squeal with joy. Even as an adult, you can find many uses for these containers, from storing photos and mementos to receipts needed for tax time. A custom ice pop mold you can personalize with any four names/words you'd like, from flavors to family members. helpful if you need to mark certain pops that have alcohol or common allergens. A mini coffee cup container (ohhh) filled with stars (ahhh) that are secretly miniature lipsticks (yeahhh!!). According to reviewers, these matte colors are pigmented, long-lasting, and easy to throw in any size bag. Or Moodmatcher's color-changing lipstick that starts Elphaba green and then reacts to the pH of your skin to create a Glinda-approved pink. The truly magical formula defies grav— I mean, time by staying on all day, even after eating and drinking. A very sweet dog you'll love having nearby while toiling away at your desk job. Thanks to this helpful pup, you'll never have to search high and low for sticky notes again. A fanciful mushroom kitchen timer, which is so much more endearing than using your phone or screaming at Alexa. It also has a glowing 4.4-star rating on Amazon, which is kinda unheard of for novelty timers. A set of cowboy straw toppers that add a little "don't mess with Texas" vibe to your water bottle while protecting the drinking straw from strangers bumping into it. Look how cute this bottle looks with a lil' hat on! It thinks it's people. :') A bear-y nice under-eye stick formulated with cooling Icelandic mineral water to help soothe puffiness and dark circles. It comes in three styles: hydrating (which works to refresh skin), collagen (which targets elasticity), and peptide (which helps protect and strengthen). If a beauty item isn't shaped like an animal, is it even worth getting? A disco ball watering globe to make your plant feel like they're at their own personal dance party. It'll keep your plant hydrated between watering sessions and, when the sun hits just right, create a fun light show in your home. That's a lot of benefits from what seemed like an impractical purchase at first. 🤔 A fridge-shaped odor absorber because how nice would it be for your fridge to have a little friend? Just fill this smiley guy up with baking soda and let him start soaking up bad smells. It's refillable and an eco-friendly option for people who like to buy their baking soda in bulk. A cutie pie planner to help you be a busy bee, or more likely a take-it-slow sloth. There's room for appointments, errands, and people to in due time. A dozen painted strawberry rocks you can scatter around your yard for a lil' Berry Bitty City magic. Some reviewers use these as decoys to keep scavengers from pilfering the real deal. A set of 10 peel-off jelly masks so you can feel like a frosted dessert during your next self-care session. The electrolyte-infused hydro masks come in styles like lavender, hyaluronic acid, tea tree, and chamomile and work to hydrate, soothe, and balance your pH level. A set of vinyl coasters offering a retro (and super cute) way to protect your furniture from condensation. Guests that actually want to use a coaster? How the turntables. A sardine tin cosmetic bag because why should fish corner the market on cute packaging? Now your makeup, credit cards, or random baubles can enjoy the Fishwife treatment with an adorable-looking home. A solid lotion bar shaped like Totoro or Rilakkuma that's so cute, you may never actually use it. But you should because the almond butter-based lotion will make your skin feel softer than the Catbus. (I just assume a furry bus would be super soft?) A giant pack of *100* Welly fabric bandages with the amazing ability to change colors in the sunlight! Watch in awe as a scrape becomes a magical work of art. 😎 An expanding file folder you can fill with up to 200 pieces of paper and free up sooo much desk space. As an accordion folder follower, I have to say these things are top-notch for organizing everything from restaurant menus to ticket stubs. A sheet of stickers with little checkbox droplets to help keep track of your water intake. Place them in your agenda as a cute reminder to stay hydrated. A pair of silicone frond leaf bookmarks you have to admit are a lot cuter than a crumpled pharmacy receipt. You can even shove one in the middle of the page if you wanna be super specific about where you left off. Soot sprite dryer balls that'll look sooo cute bouncing around in your dryer. Besides being adorable, they could reduce drying time, prevent wrinkles, and soften clothes, all without coating your stuff in a waxy residue like dryer sheets do. A miniature Stanley tape measurer keychain so you no longer have to wonder how tall something is and try to guesstimate with your hands. This would come in clutch when furniture shopping or calling out a date for lying about their height (JK, JK). A pair of aromatherapy gemstone soaps sure to make your guests' bathroom experience seriously rock. Dad jokes aside, these soaps come in amazing fragrances (think: lavender, lemongrass, sandalwood, etc.) and have real crystals inside, like amethyst and tiger eye. A macrame fruit hammock so all your produce has a cool place to hang out that's not the usual space-hogging bowl. A can of whipped crea— I mean, sunscreen that just looks like dessert, so don't eat it, OK? This tasty-looking skincare will make you feel like a cherry pie instead of looking like one (baked to a crisp). A pack of fruit-shaped ice packs that may look like fidget toys, but are actually perfect for keeping food cold, numbing bumps and scrapes, soothing toothaches, etc. A paw-shaped chair cushion, because who doesn't want to be lovingly cradled in a kitten's paw? Your butt will thank you after one gaming session with this pad. A sweet little fish who swims around in your humidifier tank, inhibiting the growth of buildup for up to 30 days. Now you can go longer between washes and maybe avoid the dreaded brown sludge that appears in some humidifiers. A set of a-meow-zing chair socks that ironically prevent scratches instead of creating them. Slip them onto your furniture legs to prevent scuffing or damage. When the lil' paws get dirty, just throw them in the wash. A flower-shaped dish brush so cute, you'll actually get excited to clean. Everything is going to be fresh as a daisy from here on out! A USB-C charging cube that looks like Susan Kare's smiling macintosh that yep, lights up when it's plugged in. You probably already have a charger, but is it this cute??? A set of vintage-inspired spoons — if these aren't cottagecore, I don't know what is. Set them out at your next tea party and let the compliments roll in. Praise for your good taste? Sweeter than two lumps of sugar. A Godzilla microwave cleaner that shoots out cleansing steam instead of lasers. Not as cool, but definitely more helpful. Just fill the silicone tool up with water and vinegar, microwave it, and then marvel at how you found a cleaning supply that's actually fun. A charming waterproof shelf liner to protect your fridge from stains and give it a little glow-up. Who knew the inside of a fridge could be Itty-bitty, collapsible storage crates in soothing pastel colors to give your knickknacks the vinyl record treatment. Listen, you don't have to throw away your mountain of pilfered condiment packets, but they'd look a lot nicer in one of these. A pack of cat-shaped sponges that double as paw-some kitchen decor. The shape isn't just cute: The little leg means it can sit up on the side of the sink.
Tom's Guide
4 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I'm still obsessed with this masterpiece movie from 2019 — and you can stream it now on Prime Video
For a drummer, the literal heartbeat of any band, the only thing more precious than your hands are your ears, crucial not only for maintaining timing and rhythm but also the dynamics and community of your fellow musicians around you. The thought of losing that vital sense lends a visceral, pounding fear worthy of a horror movie in 'Sound of Metal,' a devastating musical drama that has haunted yours truly since I saw it back in 2019. Led by Oscar nominee Riz Ahmed ('The Phoenician Scheme,' 'The Night Of') and directed and co-written by Darius Marder ('Loot,' 'The Place Beyond the Pines'), the heart-crushing title poses an impossible question to any musician: Would you risk your own hearing to continue making the music you love? Such is the fate of Ahmed's Ruben Stone after one too many gigs of hard-hitting, ear-splitting metal music, a choice made even more complicated by the fact of Ruben's sobriety efforts. One of the best movies on Prime Video, the impact of 'Sound of Metal' thumps on long after the credits roll. Here's why you should check out the drama on Amazon's streaming service and add it to your watchlist. In 'Sound of Metal,' Riz Ahmed stars as Ruben Stone, a punk-rock drummer and recovering addict whose world is upturned when he starts experiencing intermittent hearing loss. When a specialist warns him that his condition will worsen should he not give up his base-thumping lifestyle, Ruben begins to spiral, mourning the loss of his music career and life's passion. His girlfriend-slash-bandmate Lou Berger (Olivia Cooke) checks Ruben into a secluded sober house for the deaf in the hopes that it will prevent him from relapse. There, he learns not only how to be a member of the deaf community but also how to face the realities of his new normal. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Along with being one of the most acclaimed movies of 2019, 'Sound of Metal' is one of the finest examples that cinema is as much an aural experience as it is a visual medium. The musical drama scored Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor for Ahmed and Best Supporting Actor for Paul Raci, as well as deserved wins for Best Sound and Best Film Editing. The masterful sound design shifts between high volume, distorted noise and sudden silence, not only mimicking the experience of hearing loss but immersively and viscerally putting the audience inside the perspective of Ahmed's Ruben throughout the entire feature, never letting up that this is a life-altering situation that the character cannot escape. For the strength of that sound experience as well as its affecting acting performances, the drama received near-universal praise from critics. It garnered an excellent 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 281 reviews, with the site's critical consensus reading: "An evocative look at the experiences of the deaf community, 'Sound of Metal' is brought to life by Riz Ahmed's passionate performance." Watch 'Sound of Metal' on Prime Video now
