fb 777 slots

In the heart of Caracas, the residence of the Argentine ambassador has turned into a makeshift sanctuary for a group of Venezuelan opposition leaders who have been under siege since they sought refuge there earlier this year. This once-thriving diplomatic compound, now deserted of its usual personnel, has become the home of five political asylum seekers who have been trapped inside for over nine months. S Those opponents, who work for María Corina Machado’s opposition, state that Venezuelan authorities constantly follow them around and exert psychological pressure against them. Struggle Of Opposition Members In Exile For nearly a year now, the residence of the Argentine embassy has seen little activity beyond the hum of a small diesel generator used twice daily to charge phones. The familiar sounds of diplomatic discourse or festive holiday cheer are replaced by an eerie silence, as the few inhabitants of this mansion remain confined in a self-imposed exile. The opposition members living behind these walls—Omar González, the campaign manager Magalli Meda, and other prominent members of Machado’s movement among them—describe their situation as a psychological and physical ordeal. “The pressure from the government has been escalating,” said González in a recent virtual press conference. “We are under constant surveillance, and nobody can visit us without prior authorization... the psychological toll is tremendous.” Since March 2024, the last bastion of protection had been the Argentine embassy, where the group has been since they left Venezuela. Following President Nicolás Maduro’s disputed July presidential elections victory, Argentina was among the first nations to grant asylum to Machado’s team. Still, Venezuelan authorities have increasingly tightened the noose on the residence, creating a more hostile environment for the members of the opposition seeking refuge. Struggle For Survival The opposition’s stance remains unwavering despite the mounting pressure. Following the controversial July election results, which opposition figures like Edmundo González argued were rigged, a significant number of opposition supporters have faced persecution. González’s claim, supported by voting receipts, suggested that the election was fraudulent, but the government continued to uphold Maduro’s victory. With no legal recourse inside Venezuela, opposition leaders like González have fled the country, seeking international recognition of their efforts. Most disturbingly, the security forces have cordoned off the residence and erected numerous checkpoints outside; they have even occupied neighboring buildings. Drones incessantly fly overhead, and surveillance snipers have even been reported. On 13 December 2024, Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States posted a photo on social media which showed what looked like an occupied sniper post, supposedly looking in at the Embassy compound. Amid these increasing tensions, the Venezuelan government has accused the opposition members of terrorism and treason for their involvement in the anti-regime efforts. However, the asylum seekers insist on their innocence, arguing that their only “crime” is fighting for a free Venezuela. The Cost Of Detention Life inside the embassy has grown increasingly hard. The residents speak of their isolation and the lack of basic necessities, including steady electricity and running water. The Argentine flag no longer flies above the residence—replaced by Brazil’s green and gold banner after Brazilian diplomats took over the building’s custody following Argentina’s expulsion. The feeling of being trapped has not diminished because of the absence of diplomatic staff. For months now, Venezuelan authorities have been cutting off electricity to the building, so members of the opposition have relied on a small generator to supply their power. “Power is our biggest problem,” said Magalli Meda, campaign manager. “We can’t even go to the toilet when the generator’s off. We are completely isolated.” The building has a small water tank, but the system requires electricity to pump through the building. Art is for Meda, a product designer by profession, one that has helped her keep herself sane. She expresses through painting to let the feelings out. Most of her recent pieces are characterized by animals in distress as represented by a pig for slaughter or a small fish locked in a bowl inscribed “horizon” with. “This embassy turned prison,” Meda noted. Despite the desperate situation, opposition members keep working for a free Venezuela, keep in touch with international organizations, and support imprisoned activists. But the threat of arrest is always over their heads. Several have voiced concerns about how much longer they can stay in the embassy under the increasing pressure of the Venezuelan government. ALSO READ | Find Out What’s Open And Closed This Christmas Eve, Christmas Day 2024
TORONTO, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Friday December 6, MPP Chris Glover and MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam met with the team at Jumpstart Refugee Talent (Jumpstart) to hear how their $194,700 Resilient Communities grant from the provincial government's Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has made an impact. The two-year long grant, awarded in 2022, was used to support Jumpstart in its effort to move beyond the impacts of the pandemic by providing needed resources and technology for its staff to adapt programming and services that continue to meet the needs of refugee communities. "This Resilient Communities Fund grant given through the Ontario Trillium Foundation has enabled Jumpstart Refugee Talent to continue their work empowering refugees to find their careers in Canada,” said Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for Toronto Centre. "I am excited to see Jumpstart provide even more services that support their clients in the long run for a more resilient community." Thanks to the grant, Jumpstart was able to increase its accessibility by fully adapting all programming to be remote, in response to the needs of staff, clients, and volunteers at the time. Jumpstart has also invested in cloud-based technologies to deliver virtual programming, provided professional development training to its staff, and hired staff to engage 1,000+ clients more closely through needs assessment and career readiness programming. "Jumpstart does incredible work empowering refugees through meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Chris Glover, MPP for Spadina-Fort York. "They've made a profound impact on the lives of over 2,000 refugees. They've provided countless successful programs. Every person living in this province has the right to find meaningful employment and the resources to achieve their full potential. We all benefit from programs like these.” "COVID-19 significantly impacted vulnerable populations, especially refugees, and the organizations serving them,” said Malaz Sebai, Director of Operations, Jumpstart Refugee Talent. "OTF support was critical to adapting our programming and building our organizational resilience so we can better support the economic inclusion of refugees for years to come.” Jumpstart Refugee Talent is a refugee-led charitable organization, headquartered in Toronto with a network of offices throughout Canada and around the world. Its work is dedicated to support the economic inclusion of refugees, refugee claimants, and forcibly displaced individuals, by connecting them with meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more. Organization Contact for Media Inquiries: Amanda Fortier, Communications Manager Jumpstart Refugee Talent [email protected] T: (888) 997-3384 x (728)1. A swoon-worthy plush blanket to snuggle up on the couch with, with a matcha latte in hand. You can try not to doze off with this wrapped around you but uh...you'll probably fail. Plus, reviewers compare it to the one from Barefoot Dreams! Promising review : "I saw this blanket on TikTok and I have to say I absolutely love it. I washed it several times now and it’s maintained its elasticity and softness after each wash. It’s warm enough but not too hot for a throw. Absolutely recommend this blanket!" — Amy Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 13 styles and three sizes). 2. Or a giant 10x10 blanket if the group chat is down for a do-nothing day. Get some snacks, pile under this together, and flip on your fave show or new crime documentary. I spy my new go-to blanket for the scary movie marathon. 👀 Big Blanket Co is a small business that, obviously, creates HUUUUGE blankets. The blankets are made with four-way stretch, temperature regulating fabric, and can fit in standard-sized washing machines. Promising review: "I took the leap and bought my first blanket! I am in love with it! It is so soft. I love the weight it has. It keeps me at a good temperature. I have a feeling that I will be getting more. 😉" — Lelia R. Get it from Amazon for $149+ (available in two sizes, three styles, and 17 colors) or Big Blanket Co for $104.30+ (originally 149+; available in two sizes and 23 colors). 3. A plush, moisture-resistant bath pillow with an upper cushion that'll cradle your head, neck, and shoulders in case you're in such a blissful trance, that you happen to doze off. Now all there's left to do is lay back and figure out how to tell your loved ones that you've officially moved into the tub. This bath pillow is made a double-thick foam, large suction cups, and a two-panel bendable design, so it will conform and fit in any tub. Promising review: "I love it! I've been annoyed for a long while now with laying my back against a cold, hard surface while trying to relax in the tub. I've owned those blow-up type pillows before, but they were a pain, always losing their air and their buoyancy caused them to continually lose suction. This pillow is thick, comfortable, and stays stuck very well. I've taken about six baths with it so far with no problems." — Dana Get it from Amazon for $17.99 . 4. And a waterproof bamboo bathtub tray because in this scenario, multitasking is a luxury. Use it to hold your tablet or favorite book, your third glass of wine, and a bowl of cherries that you can make your S.O. feed you with cucumbers on your eyes. Ahh, yes...this is the life. The two-sided tray has extendable handles and accessory slots to fit books, magazines, or even an electronic device. It's waterproof and has nonslip silicone grips. The sides extend up to 43 inches to accommodate most bathtubs. Promising review: "I love this caddy tray. It took a while for me to review. I needed to test it out a few times. Royal Craft Wood really had taken the time to construct this product for consumers. I did not know that the soap dish and small tray were removable/interchangeable. It's very convenient for additional space or storing elsewhere in the tub. The product comes with strips to place where you desire to prevent the wood from scratching your porcelain tub. Did I say I love it?!" — Lotlander Get it from Amazon for $39.48+ (available in 11 colors and styles). 5. *AND* a wineglass holder — now you can wine and dine (or wine and bathe ) yourself. No more having to save a spot for your drink on the edge of your tub. Now you can relax with zero worries about spilling your vino. It also fits beer cans! Promising review: "It works perfectly and it's nice to have a safe place to set my glass of wine while relaxing in the tub. The hold with the suction cup is great and I haven't lost a glass of wine yet." — Heather Roper Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in six colors). 6. A soft-as-a-cloud sheet set with more than 109,000 5-star ratings thanks to its blissfully cool and breathable fabric. They're also moisture-wicking and come in many different colors to fit your personal aesthetic. BRB, I gotta hit "snooze"... for the fifth time. Promising review: "I'm gonna start by saying WOW!! These bed sheets are just perfection. 🥰 Honestly I've been looking for good quality bed sheets, and I stumbled upon these specific ones, and I am beyond impressed! It's been hard to find a good brand and good material. I've bought so many different types for example silky sheets: I would wake up with my back sweaty sometimes 😞, and it wasn't pleasant, but as soon as I changed to these new bed sheets after a soft wash, I woke up feeling fresh and no sweats! I was so surprised. 🤣 I have zero regrets about buying these sheets and would definitely 100% recommend them and will buy more colors. I still like to use silky pillowcases though since it helps a lot with hair care, but that's just preference." — stephssbeauty Get it from Amazon for $23.25+ (available in six sizes and 10 colors). 7. A mini projector that comes with a 200-inch large projection screen and built-in stereo speakers that will bring an immersive viewing experience to your at-home movie theatre. So grab your pizza, grab your blankies, and snuggle up for another Harry Potter watch party. Promising review: "I've been wanting a projector for a while now after seeing it on TikTok, and this one hits the mark. The quality is crisp and clear to the point you don’t really need a projector screen. The sound can go pretty loud. Most importantly, it can connect to my iPhone and MacBook. I got it as a gift, and I’m very happy with it. It doesn’t come with the Apple adapter, but you can find it for cheap separately anyway. No complaints so far." — Dalia Get it from Amazon for $89.99 . 8. And a silicone popcorn maker for all the movie night fanatics! This is a *far* cry from the regular ol' popcorn packets you can get in stores. Plus, you can add all the butter, spices, and seasonings you like for the ultimate delicious snack. Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Abby Kass says about it: "I've been using a similar one for years, and I still swear by it. It's so much cheaper than buying microwave popcorn all the time, not to mention better for you. It's super easy to use and makes delicious popcorn in minutes. Plus, it's collapsible, so it won't take up a lot of room in your cabinet. You *can* use it as its own bowl, but it's usually pretty hot after coming out of the microwave, so I usually just transfer to another bowl so I don't have to wait for it to cool." Promising review: "Absolutely amazing! I am throwing out my old popcorn maker because there is no need for it anymore. I cannot believe how easy it was to make perfect popcorn and use the same bowl to eat it out of. I've already told all of my friends to buy this!" — Cindy Suy Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 13 colors). 9. *AND* you can't forget the popcorn salt to bring the glorious, buttery flavor of movie theater popcorn right to your own home. Don't feel guilty when you realize you've finished half the bowl before the movie even starts — it tastes delicious and hey, you're only human. Promising review: "I am a person who will make myself sick eating buckets of popcorn (I have no self control). This has by far been my favorite 'TikTok made me buy' item. My at-home popcorn is now my favorite thing to make, and I don't need to go the theater for popcorn. Very much worth the purchase and this will last me such a long time." — S Martinez Get it from Amazon for $9.50 . 10. A "Cup Cozy Pillow" that'll take your day off to its *maximum* laziness level. This genius gem has five expandable cup holes to fit mugs, water bottles, and snacks, with an insulating foam that keeps drinks hot or cold for longer periods. Need I say more? Cup Cozy Pillow is a small business that specializes in family-friendly snack and drink organizers. Check out a TikTok of the Cup Cozy Deluxe Pillow in action. Promising review: "This thing is great! I’m home on maternity leave with my new baby and spend most of my time on the couch under a sleeping baby. This product makes it easy for me to keep my drinks, remote, etc close by even with dogs running around . It’s a little more expensive than I would have liked but it works and I love it so money well spent!" — Amber Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in three sizes and nine colors). 11. A ridiculously cozy oversized blanket hoodie so you can stay wrapped up in comfy warmth whether you're laying in bed on a Netflix binge, seated at your reading chair with your favorite book, or heading to the kitchen to whip up a meal. Plus, it has a huge front pocket! Promising review: "This is exactly the cozy, heavy blanket hoodie I've ben wanting! It's like wrapping up in the blanket from my bed, without hauling around a king-sized mass of fabric. There's even a hidden pocket inside the kangaroo pouch to keep your little things from falling out. For anyone concerned about the "one size" thing, I'm 5'4", 280 lbs. I wear a 3x in women's. This thing is big enough to tuck my knees up in there and still have a bit of room. It's super-soft, too! I want at least 3 more." — MandraDawn1 Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in 49 colors, including reversible styles!). 12. A milk frother that lets you create your your favorite coffee shop's rich, creamy foam in seconds so that you can enjoy your matcha lattes and other foamy cups of joy from the comfort of your own home (and probably with twice the amount of money in your bank account than usual). Promising review: "So I’ll admit I got this on a whim after a TikTok video, however I’m in love with this thing! It’s so much fun to use and you make your at home drinks feel so much more special. It’s easy to use and froths pretty quickly if you’re on the fence I’d say what are you waiting for buy it already!" — Denise Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in 44 colors). 13. A cute pair of Acorn memory foam slippers , which are just the thing you need for walking around the house throughout the chilly seasons. And tbh, slipping your precious feet into a pair of fluffy clouds first thing in the morning honestly sounds like the best thing ever. Whether you're walking from you bedroom to your bathroom or from your front door to your car for a Starbucks drive-thru trip, you'll be walking on ~cloud nine~. Prime members: You can try before you buy ! Promising review: " These slippers are comfort to my feet. The way they are made, I enjoy a feeling of stability, and with the memory foam they mold to my feet. Also, because they have an 'indoor/outdoor' sole, I can put them on and run out to my backyard early in the a.m. with my dog and my feet don't get wet. Lastly, I like that they are washable. I previously had a wool Acorn pair of slippers that lasted for years. Thanks for a great slipper." — Bella's Mom Get them from Amazon for $36.19+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and 24 styles). 14. A self-therapy notepad — a humorous and mindful way of organizing your thoughts when feeling stressed or anxious, or just a routine way of checking in with yourself! Promising review: "I really enjoyed this product! It was a lighthearted, yet practical take to emotional trauma. I love that it is specifically for on the spot triggers and crisis. Because life doesn't give a 'trigger warning,' this is a great way to break down how you feel and where the trigger is coming from. The selections were on-point with a hip touch, but also realistic and approachable. I do wish there was a space to make the date, but that is just me." — B.W. Get it from Amazon for $10.50 . 15. A pack of Korean face masks infused with vitamin E and collagen to help moisturize and brighten your skin. Just lay back, close your eyes, and let your mind wander while your skin gets a shot of hydration (now that's the kind of multitasking I can get into). Plus, you get to choose from oh-so-many options! I came across these masks while writing this Korean skincare post and absolutely love them! Almost every night, before I finish off my routine with moisturizer, I choose which mask I want to use (you get *so* many options!), lay back for 20 minutes, and unwind. I'm unashamed to say I have, indeed, fallen asleep a number of times with the mask still on😬. They also leave your skin feeling sooo soft and hydrated! Promising review: "I am always impressed by Dermal's Korean masks. Putting on one of these masks is a little luxury for me. It has a pleasant but very subtle scent so it's not overpowering at all. I use these for a quick moisture fix or to help me relax after a stressful day. I also use them when I have migraines and lay down on my bed in the dark for 20 minutes. These masks provide cooling, soothing relief! The fruity ones smell best, and I think rose is also a favorite of mine. I will be a long-time customer of this product. As a college student/young adult, this is a great value product that helps me take care of my skin on a budget." — Melinda Get a 24-pack from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three quantities). 16. A three-piece knit lounge set — it'll make you want to change out of your jammies in the morning because it's just as comfy but looks so much cuter. Wear it with the cardigan to stay extra cozy or without it if your body can't decide if it's too hot or too cold. Promising reviews: "Love love love this! I originally purchased as a getting ready outfit for a wedding and is now a staple in my closet . I wear it regularly." — Kelsie Austin "I already have this set for myself but I bought another one for my sister. Let me tell y’all, the stretch on this is AMAZING and it’s incredibly soft. Blown away with this and will be buying another one for my wedding!" — Moly Get it from Amazon for $40.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 19 colors). 17. Or a ridiculously cozy fleece knitted pajama set that I could see you cozying up in with an English breakfast tea in hand. *Sigh* time to get it in every single color. Promising review: "I’ve been looking for the “perfect Sunday lounge set” my must-haves were simple: comfy and could be worn all day without looking like I’m in pajamas! Well, I was beyond impressed by this set! It’s soft, lightweight yet warm, and available in so many colors. I already ordered another set as a gift! I’m obsessed! " — Nichole Considine Get it from Amazon for $46.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 14 colors). 18. A must-have Skims crossover bralette , because you deserve undergarments that are luxurious and cozy too! This supportive piece features fully adjustable straps and power mesh lining with good coverage. You won't even want to put a shirt on over this baby, and why should you? 🤷♀️ Promising review: "Buttery soft. This is my third one of these that I have purchased. They are incredibly soft, comfortable and perfect for every day where. I am someone who does not like any padding or underwire in my bras and these check all the boxes. I am a 32C cup and ordered medium and they fit well." — Hayley B. Get it from Skims for $34 (available in sizes XXS–4X and in 10 colors). 19. A color-changing essential oil diffuser and humidifier with a soothing color-changing light and different mist modes so that you're constantly surrounded by your fave scents, like lavender or citrus. This diffuser/humidifier combo can help relieve stress, improve sleep, and even improve skin by adding moisture to the air! It also has an auto-shutoff feature (perfect for when you're too busy relaxing to shut it off yourself). Promising review: "I love this oil diffuser humidifier! M y apartment is so dry and this diffuser puts the right amount of moisture in the air for a very comfortable night's sleep. I use lavender and lemongrass essential oils with it and the place smells heavenly! Very easy to set up and clean, nothing to screw off and on. Just lift the top off, fill with water and oil and turn the unit on. I've using it back and forth between my bedroom and living room. I will be purchasing another one very soon." — Ms Anne Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in three finishes). 20. A hand-poured soy wax candle that is said to have such a bold and enticing brown sugar cinnamon scent, your home will be swimming in cozy vibes in no time. 😍 Mltd Candle Co. is a small business based in Frederick, Maryland. Promising review : "Burns well and a good size for the price! They smell amazing, too!" — Miranda Lucas Get it from Mltd Candle Co. on Etsy for $10+ (available in two sizes). 21. A pair of viral flared leggings that are *super* identical to the beloved Aerie ones! They're made of buttery soft material and have a crossover waistband to accentuate your figure. Talk about an elegant upgrade to your Gilmore Girls rewatch ensemble. 😍 Check them out on TikTok . Promising review: "Click buy now. Just do it. You are gonna want these in black and maybe every other color too. After wearing them a few times, I am hooked and very confident when I say that YOU WANT THESE! Even if you are on the fence and not overly impressed as soon as you open the package, just put them on. Walk around for a little bit, maybe walk past your significant other (or a full-length mirror), and hear the praise! Then, you will understand!! These are confidence-boosting and booty essentials! I need more!" — Briar Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes XS—XXL, four inseam styles, and 27 colors). 22. A backrest pillow filled with memory foam that will support you while you dive into the next book on your list or browse Netflix's Top 10 (because actually choosing something to watch takes *forever*). Promising review: "I bought this based on other reviews. There are cheaper products you can buy, but this one is quality. You get what you pay for. I was skeptical because it comes in a small box, and when you unwrap it the foam is compressed, and it looks like garbage. However, after you take the time to fluff it up and let the foam expand, it is amazing. Don't be fooled! I am actually using it as I write this review. A+ product ." — Meghan R. Get it from Amazon for $30.99+ (available in two sizes and in gray and navy). 23. And a book tracker bookmark — not only does it help you keep track of where you are in your current read, it also serves as an adorable way to show your book history by letting you color and write in the titles you've read so far. Plus, you'll finally be able to stop subjecting your book to the dreaded dog ears. Artist Abbie has been creating the 'book tracker bookmark' and other book-inspired art and more from Bath, England, since 2018. The bookmark has 50 book spines on it. Promising review: "I absolutely love my bookmark! So, so cute! I already made a start coloring in the books and writing the names on the spines!" — Chloe Get it from britishbookart on Etsy for $4.58 . 24. A bartender kit to make you the best bartender in town. It's filled with 10 different tools you can use to create all the fancy cocktails you'd find at your favorite bar *sans* the noisy crowd and the $18-per-drink price tag. The set includes a spoon, jigger, corkscrew, ice tongs, muddles, two liquor pourers, strainer, shaker, and display. Promising review: "This bar kit is perfect for the budding mixologist in your life! My husband loves the pour spouts and says they make him feel like a real bartender, while I love muddling and building my drinks in a glass with all the tips and tricks in the included booklet! This set gleams and has attracted a few compliments already, and it's so fun showing off with friends to make drinks. Highly recommend!!" — Jessica Armes Get it from Amazon for $34.96+ (available in four colors). 25. A sleeping mask that'll help improve your sleep quality because it puts zero pressure on your eyes and blocks out light while still allowing you to freely blink. Cons: It might make it a little harder for you not to hit that snooze button...oh well. Plus, it comes with a set of earplugs, to block out all the noise around you! Promising review: "I'm a light sleeper and use an eye mask and ear plugs every night. They help me sleep better because I don't have dark curtains at home and my street is quite noisy. The last eye mask I bought was a cheap one I found at a dollar store. I'd have to keep buying new ones from time to time because they would tear apart pretty often. This mask is a game charger. It's high quality and does the job much better! Firstly, I didn't really feel like I was wearing a mask because of the design. It's super comfortable and blocks all light. The ear plugs blocks sound, so I can finally get restful sleep. Totally worth it!" — Nisheeta Jagtiani Get the set from Amazon for $22.99 (available in seven colors). 26. And a pair of wireless sleep headphones , which you can wear as a headband instead of your AirPods (which can get a little uncomfy in your ear) while you doze off to the sound of music or a podcast. *Yawns*...goodnight. The headphones connect via Bluetooth and have 33 feet of wireless range (meaning your phone doesn't have to be right next to you). The controls are on the forehead, which makes it comfortable for back and side sleepers, and they are made to block out ambient noise. Promising review : "I usually never write reviews, but, hot damn, these are a game changer! I sleep on my side and the speakers are comfortable to lay on. My only criticism is that the control panel should be padded somehow because it can get uncomfortable on for forehead/hairline area, but not so much that you can't fall asleep/renders them unusable." — Mo Vego Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 20 styles). 27. A pair of horizontal glasses because if I want to re-watch The Vampire Diaries while sprawled out on my bed like a flatbread, then dang it I should be able to do it. And now I can (and so can you)! These glasses are great for everyone, but especially for people who are bedridden. Promising review: "I didn't know what I was missing until I used this. My life is now complete. If you enjoy comfort and lazy binge-watching but don't care how ridiculous you look wearing these, then you have found Nirvana. My glasses fit in these just fine. Takes a minute to get used to, then it becomes your reason to live. Expect people to laugh at you, but forgive them for they know not what they are missing." — Michael Boyd Get them from Amazon for $13.99 . 28. A set of super soft, 100% cotton flannel sheets — they won't help your cause to stop hitting the snooze button, but hey, you'll be sleeping in on a plush, velvety cloud of coziness. This set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one-two pillowcases depending on bed size. Promising review: "Warm, comfortable, heaven. Bought these for our king-sized bed. We have a firm mattress topped with a 3-inch pillow top, and these sheets fit it perfectly! I love the fit. They wash up nicely and feel wonderful on a cold winter night. I'm going to buy more for the guest room. I'm certain our guests will enjoy them as much as we have. Also, the price was amazing for the quality. " — Kindle Customer Get them from Amazon for $46.99+ (available in 10 sizes and 19 colors). 29. And a plush shag duvet cover because it looks like an impossibly soft cloud sitting in the corner of your room. I'd be running straight to this at the end of a long, tiresome day. And bonus! You can also get these matching pillowcases to complete the whole look. 😍 Promising review: "This feels incredible. I love the weight to this. I slept better last night than I have in a very long time. Sensory overload. :) I think this is one of my best Amazon finds yet. Highly recommend. You will not regret your purchase." — Ronnie Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in three sizes and 37 colors). 30. A sunset lamp , which you can also turn on in the morning to bring a stunning, Lion King -level sunrise. It's just what you need to create a soothing ambiance as you start your day or wind down for the night. Check out a TikTok of the sunset lamp in action. Promising review: "This lamp really exceeded my expectations. I bought it on a whim and honestly wasn't expecting that much, but I'm really happy with it. Feels like it's made of durable, quality material and emits a strong light, but it's not too bright — I use it in the evenings when I'm trying to wind down before bed and it's bright enough to light up my room without feeling like it's going to mess up my sleep cycle . Highly recommend — really does feel like you're watching a lovely sunset :)" — amazon customer Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three styles). 31. An electric bottle opener so you can enjoy a nice cup of vino without getting into a wrestling match with the cork. With this, that struggle is now a thing of the past. Cheers! This removes corks in seconds, can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge, and has a built-in rechargeable battery. Promising review: "OMG! I LOVE this wine opener. It opens with ease. I don’t post many reviews, but this is definitely worth the money. I can't say enough good things about this wine opener. It comes with an awesome charging stand and foil cutter. Don’t waste your time on other electric wine openers. This is the one! I love it! The blue light is really cool too!" — Allison Parks Get it from Amazon for $21.99 . 32. A subscription to Atlas Coffee Club — coffee lovers, UNITE. Not only will this eliminate the need to leave the house for your caffeinated libation, but this also takes your tastebuds on a trip around the world by delivering fresh coffee from different countries right to your doorstep every couple of weeks. Who knows? Today, you could be transported to a café in Italy, and tomorrow, you could be in a pâtisserie in Paris. Your box comes with a selection of single-origin coffee from around the world, plus a postcard from the country it's from and tasting notes and brewing tips for each one. Plus, you can customize what type of coffee you like and get it as whole beans or grounds. BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Kayla Suazo says : "My first observation after opening the box was the smell. It smells FAN-FREAKIN'-TASTIC. It also comes with sweet postcards from the cities where the batches are from, so the entire experience feels so lovely and personal. As for the coffee itself, it's heavenly. I am used to store-bought coffee — which yes, is fine — but both of these tasted incredibly fresh and different from each other. The Peruvian coffee has this dark, almost chocolate taste to it, so I imagine it would be delicious with a morning sweet treat (maybe I should start eating pie every day?). The Colombian batch, on the other hand, was a little lighter roast-wise but still had delicious notes of rich sweetness. TL;DR: both of them were incredible both in taste and quality." Get a subscription to Atlas Coffee Club for $11+ (available in a half bag, single bag, or double bag and shipments every two or four weeks). Read our full Atlas Coffee Club review here. 33. The Gym People's pullover fleece sweatshirt you'll probably end up living in after you feel how delightfully soft it is. With fleece-lined fabric and kangaroo pockets, this'll be your new go-to sweater for becoming a couch potato/anti-social gremlin. Promising review: "This sweatshirt looks just like lululemon, I love the oversized look. The quality of material is amazing. It is thick and soft and very comfortable. I also really like the gold zipper, it helps give it a higher quality look. Will definitely be buying more in other colors." — K. Becker Get it from $38.99 (available in sizes XS—XL and in 13 colors). 34. A heated eye massager with five different massage modes, a 15-minute timer, and even a Bluetooth function so you can play some relaxing music or soothing nature sounds as you unwind. If you're a human who has ever struggled with migraines, headaches, eye strain, dry eyes, or insomnia, you're gonna want to try this! Promising review : "I saw this product on one of Amazon’s must-have TikTok videos, and I knew I had to get it. It was so worth it — even though the price may seem higher compared to other sellers, this is for sure a good investment piece. The quality is topnotch, the strap that goes around your head is comfortable, and most importantly, the duration of each mode is long enough that it doesn’t interrupt your rest. I work a 12-hour night shift as a nurse, and this technology has helped me get through the night easily. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $69.99 . 35. A subscription to Amazon Prime so you can get basically anything and everything you could need delivered right to your door. The best part? Delivery is fast and free for "Prime" items! You also get access to Prime Video, meaning you'll have an array of great shows to choose from when you're chillin' at home all day. Enjoy tons of popular movies and TV shows like Reacher and The Summer I Turned Pretty . Get it from Amazon for $14.99/month (with a 30-day free trial). 36. A tablet and phone stand you can mount to the bed, on your bathtub, or almost anywhere to make FaceTiming your besties or watching YouTube videos a little easier. Plus, this way, your phone has no way of slipping out of your hand and giving your face a sneak attack while you watch your fave TV show in bed. No more just awkwardly holding your phone and hoping for the best. ̅\_(ツ)_/ ̅ Promising review: "For years, I saw my wife watch her Korean dramas and YouTube videos in bed, lying on her side with her phone or iPad propped on a pillow! This was not comfortable or easy to move around if interrupted. Got her this and we like it so much I bragged about it and purchased another one for a family member!" — Z Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in black and white). 37. A cooling full body pillow — it'll work *wonders* for you, whether you're pregnant or not! Designed for anyone who could use some extra support, this'll let you finally kiss those nights of tossing and turning goodbye. As soon as you snuggle up with it, you'll be out like a light. It's no wonder it's got over 79,000 5-star ratings! Promising reviews: "I'm a side sleeper and have a lot of neck problems. I couldn't find the right pillow but read somewhere that this kind of pillow could help. It's perfect! I haven't had ANY neck problems and I found I can now sleep in a number of positions comfortably. Best of all I wake up feeling rested! " — Sexy Shoes "I’m going to be honest — I was weary of buying another pregnancy pillow. This is my fourth pregnancy, and I have tried a few different ones throughout the years. They typically make me feel claustrophobic and as if I can’t move in my sleep. So I did a lot of research and picked this based on reviews. This pillow is much more comfortable and not as large/cumbersome or stiff as others. Material is soft too. I definitely recommend! " — Anna Get it from Amazon for $49.94+ (available in 10 colors). 38. A captivating color-changing crystal lamp that gives off an underwater-like projection and creates an enchanting ambiance. It's got a touch control feature that lets you choose between 16 gorgeous colors and different brightness levels. Imagine this while listening to your favorite moody playlist — a *must*. Promising review: "It is a stunning piece that adds a touch of elegance to any room. The design combined with diamond detailing creates a beautiful and sophisticated aesthetic. One of the standout features of this lamp is its lighting quality. The soft, warm glow emitted by the lamp creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing evenings or adding ambiance to a living space. This is very versatile. Its compact size makes it suitable for various spaces, from bedside tables to living room side tables. The touch feature is an added plus. The table lamp is beautiful addition to any home décor . I will be ordering more!" — Joy Schenck Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . 39. A weighted blanket that acts as a big ol' bear hug on those restless nights when you could use a little help drifting off into a peaceful slumber. Its deep, gentle pressure may help reduce anxiety so that you can be blissfully asleep in no time. Read more about how weighted blankets may help ease anxiety at Mayo Clinic . Promising review: "I never write reviews but thought I should after buying two of these blankets! I haven’t slept through the night for almost 6 years, thanks to a difficult pregnancy and baby. It trained my body to only sleep a couple of hours at a time. I tried everything, and am shocked that a weighted blanket worked so magically! From restless legs, insomnia, anxiety, it is an instant fix! I have it draped over me while I write this and it feels amazing!" — Jenny Get it from Amazon for $34.90+ (available in 11 sizes and weights and in 31 colors and patterns). 40. A 3-in-1 convertible "reading chair" that's been catching the eye of all the bookworms on TikTok. It has a spot to charge your phone/Kindle, a cup holder, a side pocket to store the book you're currently reading, and pulls out into a full sleeper bed. There's even hidden storage at the bottom you can fill with MORE books (or, you know, sheets/pillows for those midday naps). If I didn't have my snack stash in the kitchen, I'd probably never leave this chair. Check out a TikTok of the reading chair in action. Promising review: "Amazing reading chair/lounger . If you're one of those people who needs to change positions often while reading, this chair is the bomb. I leave a charging cord in the arm for my phone and headphones, slide out the foot, and grab whatever book I chucked under there. I can lay down, recline, sit straight, etc. with ease. The foot stool part, being collapsible and held up with thin bars, did kind of sink a little after awhile but nothing that makes the chair feel broken or look lopsided. It's a solid little guy and I plan on picking another one up eventually for another room I like to read in. " — Calvin Andrews Get it from Amazon for $229.99 (available in six colors). 41. A set of insulated blackout curtains because they help block out the three things that threaten your beauty sleep: heat, light, and noise. This reviewer even said it was the best sleep they'd gotten in a long time! Plus, these are machine washable and come in so many colors that you don't have to sacrifice your home decor style for function! Promising review: "I live in an apartment complex full of little goblins people call children. They like to run up and down the sidewalk for no discernible reason yelling at the top of their lungs while their parents watch on in mild amusement drinking wine on their patio. Lovely family time, I guess. So, naturally, I put these on every window I could. And now my evenings are much quieter, without sacrificing the look of my apartment. They’re easy to pull back during the day when the goblins are away and easy to cover when they emerge in the evenings. So I can just cover my windows and put on a movie and it’s like they’re not even there! These block out a lot of light and sound from the neighborhood and match my decor nicely. I put sheer white curtains over these to create a softer look in the bedroom and it’s gorgeous! Saves my sanity and creates a nice atmosphere ." — today Get it from Amazon for $24.59+ (available in 22 sizes and 43 colors). 42. A set of electric logs that'll bring a luxurious, cozy charm to your space. And not only does it *actually* produce heat, it also has a realistic crackle sound to add to the cozy ambience! Getting a little too hot? Turn the heater off and enjoy the flames and crackling on their own! Promising review: "So realistic! I absolutely love these logs! I searched through every set on Amazon and online, and finally settled on this set. I am so glad I did! The remote control makes it very easy, and the flames and logs look amazingly real. The crackle of the fire can be turned on or off and can also be adjusted...low/high. It sounds so real, I feel the need to put a fireplace screen up. This is an excellent product. No problems whatsoever. Opened the box and plugged it in. It’s very hard to tell they are not real. It’s soothing, relaxing, and comforting. One of the greatest purchases I’ve ever made." — M Hall Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in three sizes). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
TransMedics Appoints Gerardo Hernandez as Chief Financial Officer and Provides Updated 2024 Financial Outlook