https://www.alectosjournal.com/beauty-lifestyle-blog daily 0.75 2026-06-18 https://www.alectosjournal.com/beauty-lifestyle-blog/things-i-find-incredibly-chic monthly 0.5 2026-06-12 https://www.alectosjournal.com/beauty-lifestyle-blog/fashion-i-would-buy-if-i-had-the-money monthly 0.5 2026-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781131782708-ABT3Z8V1EMTBKI9USZKF/Screenshot+2026-06-10+154827.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781131806828-07Y4L2HRRICYSKWGLAPN/Screenshot+2026-06-10+154820.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781131812787-DP4TK8DULF2GMNO9ZLYM/Screenshot+2026-06-10+154814.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781131817907-PGUZBUCABL0WKATJPNJ8/Screenshot+2026-06-10+154740.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781131822421-7X6Q4ZMV5A0DCW9ADRHA/Screenshot+2026-06-10+154730.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781131832121-26SOSMYNC305H8DX3CN2/Screenshot+2026-06-10+154556.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781131836840-G8AHTLAA1U5JAZTIFCJQ/Screenshot+2026-06-10+154538.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781131841446-0MPWYURX6K69NSCXGP9Q/Screenshot+2026-06-10+154459.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781131845468-3BZEDUBG5WI3ESG3M370/Screenshot+2026-06-10+154412.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781131851335-YX8DA9Y6VNFCULVVHEVL/Screenshot+2026-06-10+154354.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781132785474-9ZD41XZIIW7W2UDK8GHO/Screenshot+2026-06-10+160541.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781132789366-8JE5OUHLWF4BNAOB5Y09/Screenshot+2026-06-10+160526.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781132794418-ZU06I5L6OVO3067RXQXT/Screenshot+2026-06-10+160535.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781132799229-RS44YSDZGT00U6KGX2V0/Screenshot+2026-06-10+160551.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781132820123-XJR6T1F1Z171MW77DMZC/Screenshot+2026-06-10+160521.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781132803773-MGLZYJU126TXBWYTVBFZ/Screenshot+2026-06-10+160614.png Beauty & Lifestyle - Fashion I Would Buy If Money Was No Object https://www.alectosjournal.com/beauty-lifestyle-blog/Blog Post Title One-3zaa9-zlxng-fc3np monthly 0.5 2026-06-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/79482374-c2be-4cef-af97-e6f93c95ae66/amazon-echo-spot-9587352.jpg.webp Beauty & Lifestyle - 8 Products That Make My Life Easier and Enjoyable - Amazon’s Echo Spot 1. Amazon’s Echo Spot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/2659f22a-61dc-4ba8-a773-090f3a184173/2521827.png Beauty & Lifestyle - 8 Products That Make My Life Easier and Enjoyable - Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask It might be a cliche but I love face masks. There is something luxurious about washing your face, brushing your teeth, and getting into bed to settle in for the night. When I’m an hour or so away from bedtime, I like to enhance my evenings with a sheet mask, usually a gel-type such as this one from Neutrogena. I also appreciate blackhead masks that hurt when you peel them off. I have tough skin that gets a lot of acne in my T-Zone, and having those masks really helps me remove stubborn tiny pimples and gunk. The brand I use is AUSLKA Blackhead Pore Strips, which comes with 70 strips for less than $8 on Amazon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/6b6cf006-fbde-4830-93f1-c7bb202a5bd7/Screenshot+2026-06-10+131605.png Beauty & Lifestyle - 8 Products That Make My Life Easier and Enjoyable - Portable Planner I am not an organized woman by nature. In fact, I’m a hurricane of clutter and procrastination. Too many times have I made plans only to discover I had overlapped them over each other and forgot about it. Something that has been helpful when trying to become more organized and accountable has been buying a small, cheap planner. One that I’m not afraid to bang up, scribble in, and pencil in plans. It keeps me aware of when I’m busy, the things I have to do, and making sure I’m not unknowingly layering plans on top of one another. Since starting a calendar/planner for my monthly activities, I have avoided so many missed deadlines, miscalculated activities that wind up happening at the same time as one another, and accidental swapped times and dates. Honestly, it has also made me excited for upcoming events when I see them in my calendar. For awhile, I actually hated agendas and planners. I’d forget to use them, leave them at home and render them useless, and forgo my planner altogether. Instead, I built my own calendar on Google Slides. With a pasted photo of the months calendar where I put text in the boxes with highlighted colors. I used this system for almost 2 years before I ended up picking up a handheld planner and since then I’ve done well with my little book. And if you care about the look of your planner, one google search will show you thousands of really cute ones to choose from! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/ddc60a70-7a22-475a-a61a-e74a0d045a42/Screenshot+2026-06-10+135558.png Beauty & Lifestyle - 8 Products That Make My Life Easier and Enjoyable - Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel Okay, this is an insane pick but hear me out. I am an itchy girl after I shave. Especially my legs which on day two after shaving light up with itchy spots. Yes, I apply lotion, yes I eat well, no its not an allergy. It’s just how my skin is even after shaving aftercare especially with course Italian hair. One item I find is my go to for all things itchy is this gel. It’s an instant relief. Its great for bug bites, itchy rashes/sunburns, literally anything. Again I know its so random to put on this list, and it’s not exactly glamorous, but this gel saves me in the middle of the night when my calf is way too itchy or a sunburn just won’t calm down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/7145b33a-2beb-4aab-92f0-abc4f62cceab/Screenshot+2026-06-10+140323.png Beauty & Lifestyle - 8 Products That Make My Life Easier and Enjoyable - Head & Body Massage Tool Okay, guys, I know this is another insane pick. But listen. I love massages but I don’t always have massage money. Sometimes I just want to roll out my calves, or feel something comb through my hair and scratch my scalp. There is something so soothing about it. I bought one online awhile back, and now there’s time I crave using my head scratcher. It immediately seems to pinpoint tight skin and muscle that you didn’t realize was so tense. I genuinely think there’s a scientific benefit to occasionally using a tool such as this one for your health. Just imagine, you’re in bed, you’re nice and cozy, you had a nice long day, and now just for a few minutes you take the time to make yourself so sleepy by using a head scratcher. It’s magical. I don’t care if you simple-Sally’s think its weird. This is for those who genuinely want to elevate small moments of their day and add a little sprinkle of pampering to their evening routine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/42056100-fe20-4843-bc66-046ee3df0805/Screenshot+2026-06-10+141432.png Beauty & Lifestyle - 8 Products That Make My Life Easier and Enjoyable - Flamingo Refillable Shaving Razor If you shave anything on your body, and buy razors every 6 months just to throw them away. Then Don’t. Ladies, INVEST. IN. YOUR. RAZOR. I bought a Flamingo branded razor with a removable blade component which you can replace with a new one. The handle is a nice sturdy material that has lasted me years, and I buy the replacement blades online for cheap. Literally 8 for $10. I’ve had the same replacement bag of those 8 refills for years now and I’m just recently down to my last replacement blade. They work great, the gel base is smooth and makes shaving painless, and it will save you money and a waste of plastic in the long run. I highly recommend for those who buy razors just to throw the whole thing out after it becomes dull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/19137938-ea30-4f10-9408-e2c78c465f67/Screenshot+2026-06-10+143722.png Beauty & Lifestyle - 8 Products That Make My Life Easier and Enjoyable - Beats Solo 4 My job allows me to listen to music as I work. I alternate between Airpods (which I lost one of them) and my Beat’s headphones. The music sounds so vibrant through these, and the noise cancelling is shocking coming from exclusively using apple headphones for so long. The ear pads are plush and comfortable, and they aren’t too bulky so they don’t make you look like you’re wearing a helmet like some other headphone brands. I like how they adjust at the small metal band you can see, but they also click and fold up for easy transportation. The only thing you should know about these is that wearing them too long in one position can make the top of your head feel tender and if you listen at full volume your music may be faintly heard by people around you. Beyond these two thing’s I’ve noticed, I don’t mind and I really am happy to finally have a pair of headphones that are worth the price. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/f01807dd-a3fc-410a-896c-2de9052f6501/Screenshot+2026-06-11+154429.png Beauty & Lifestyle - 8 Products That Make My Life Easier and Enjoyable - Dual Phone Charger I suck at keeping my tech charged. Most of the time, either my laptop or phone are on low battery; and we don’t even talk about my I-Pad and Apple Watch. A life saver I’ve invested in is a dual charging block. It keeps my phone and laptop charged and beats out having multiple charging wires/blocks overburdening your outlets. For those who may not keep up with their tech’s batteries, a small way to make it easier is simply expanding what you can charge at one time. https://www.alectosjournal.com/beauty-favorites daily 0.75 2026-06-15 https://www.alectosjournal.com/beauty-favorites/Blog Post Title One-3zaa9-zlxng-xbkmm-k8amy monthly 0.5 2026-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/9080be7b-55ab-4adb-b81e-e5219c774437/Screenshot+2026-06-11+155328.png Beauty Favorites - My 7 Current Favorite Makeup, Beauty & Skincare Products - Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/d16fb9cd-109b-4d81-a309-dbb4012d152c/Screenshot+2026-06-11+155408.png Beauty Favorites - My 7 Current Favorite Makeup, Beauty & Skincare Products - Tula Skincare - the cult classic face cleanser https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/f16a920e-7503-480a-99da-839ef1d2f6ca/Screenshot+2026-06-11+160302.png Beauty Favorites - My 7 Current Favorite Makeup, Beauty & Skincare Products - Dolce & Gabbana - The Only One https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/6f97303c-7fc7-4445-9237-6bc940795d36/Screenshot+2026-06-11+155452.png Beauty Favorites - My 7 Current Favorite Makeup, Beauty & Skincare Products - AUSLKA Deep Cleansing Nose Strips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/bea53ba3-02be-4a2e-af47-46bc8f3aad19/Screenshot+2026-06-11+155515.png Beauty Favorites - My 7 Current Favorite Makeup, Beauty & Skincare Products - E.L.F. Cosmetics Camo Liquid Blush https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/7e618dbe-7e31-4818-8df8-8d0dc0159cf4/Screenshot+2026-06-11+155943.png Beauty Favorites - My 7 Current Favorite Makeup, Beauty & Skincare Products - L’OCCITANE Creme Mains Hand Cream https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/40048376-31d8-455c-b965-ce30f81f38c7/Screenshot+2026-06-11+160048.png Beauty Favorites - My 7 Current Favorite Makeup, Beauty & Skincare Products - Grecian Soap Company Roll-On Perfume - Island Citrus https://www.alectosjournal.com/fashion-favorites daily 0.75 2026-06-12 https://www.alectosjournal.com/food-lifestyle-favorites daily 0.75 2026-06-12 https://www.alectosjournal.com/food-lifestyle-favorites/the-american-italian-girls-guide-to-eating-amp-cooking monthly 0.5 2026-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/c0429e99-d235-4bf7-b650-dbaefe4674b1/20240517215428-pk-eggplant-parmesan-9579-min.jpg.webp Food & Lifestyle - The Italian-American Girl’s Guide to Eating & Cooking - Eggplant Parmesan is hearty, saucy, and has the perfect texture. I personally consider this to be the best dish to prepare, as well as my favorite thing to eat. With layers of beefy tomato sauce, breaded fried eggplant, and gooey mozzarella, I truly don’t think there are many dishes that can compete for my love of this recipe. While not considered a bad thing to me, a “con” of eggplant parmesan is usually the time it takes to cook it. You must bread and fry the slices of eggplant, cook the beef and the sauce, and then layer it all in a dish to move to the oven. As someone who enjoys cooking, I enjoy the time it takes to make this dish, and I go into a flow state. My secret bonus is adding ground beef into the layers to add that extra savory taste. Cooking Difficulty: Hard What You Need: Eggplant Tomato Sauce Garlic Ground Beef Butter Olive Oil Bread Crumbs Egg(s) Mozzarella Cheese Assorted Spices https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/e45dac16-33b9-4199-83ba-0809347d41db/20220224113051-mussels-20in-20white-20wine-20sauce-2.png.webp Food & Lifestyle - The Italian-American Girl’s Guide to Eating & Cooking - When I’m home alone, feeling lazy, but wanting a full dinner, I will go straight to this dish. It’s butter, garlic, and pasta; there’s not much more you can ever want. For cheap, there are frozen boxes of mussels found at most grocery stores under $6, which includes the mussels and the garlic butter sauce already ready to go. All I do is place it into a buttered pan on the stove, add garlic, white wine, and some spices, and the pre-made mussels handle the rest. The only tip is never eat the mussels that don’t open, as there is a reason they won’t open up while cooking, and it’s best to avoid potential food sickness. The last thing to do is boil some water and cook your pasta of choice, and enjoy an easy, quick meal that feels like you’re dining out. Cooking Difficulty: Medium What you Need: Frozen Clams/Mussels Butter (lots of it) White Wine Garlic Pasta (usually spaghetti) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/ae402cf2-7620-47c6-9fb8-2d8a72c38815/horizontal-caprese-platter-close.jpg Food & Lifestyle - The Italian-American Girl’s Guide to Eating & Cooking - Arguably, the easiest, fastest, and tastiest bang for your buck. Caprese salad is good as a side dish for lunches or dinners, but it even stands to be a light afternoon lunch or quick pick-me-up snack. Consisting of just 3-4 ingredients, layers of sliced mozzarella between sliced tomato seem so simple (and it is) and yet packs a great savory/light flavor. To enhance the caprese salads, I love to layer olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, pepper, and basil leaves on top. both for a lovely presentation as well as added flavor. Cooking Difficulty: Easy What You Need: Mozzarella Cheese Tomato (Heirloom or Beefsteak) Basil leaves Balsamic Vinegar/Glaze Salt & Pepper Olive Oil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/0ac93d4b-bdce-4ca8-b261-b594510fbe20/braciole-fb.jpg Food & Lifestyle - The Italian-American Girl’s Guide to Eating & Cooking - A savory, saucy beef dish that will impress any guests you have over. In simple terms, bricholle is thinly sliced beef with mozzarella rolled inside it, breaded, and sauteed. You then serve it in a hearty tomato sauce that covers the whole thing. Add some parmesan, cilantro, and a bit of fresh basil, and you have the main course for your dinner. Cooking Difficulty: Medium What You’ll Need: Thinly Sliced Beef Tomato Sauce Garlic Heavy Whipping Cream Cilantro Mozzarella Bread crumb Parmesan Cheese Butter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/973115ec-46d5-4648-b878-89b662d072fa/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2016__03__20160201-seafood-salad-vicky-wasik-17-372b5145e0d6494a9b5d58dcc0b7243d.jpg Food & Lifestyle - The Italian-American Girl’s Guide to Eating & Cooking - Now, be warned, one must love seafood to eat this next dish. Italian Seafood Salad, or lovingly known as Insalata di Mare, is an all-seafood-based cold salad, with squid, clam, shrimp, celery, and lemon. It’s perfectly tasty, flavorful with the lemon atop the freshly cold fish, and makes a wonderful appetizer, lunch, or side dish for a very seaside dinner. Most ingredients can be found frozen, sometimes even together as a mixed bag of seafood, which makes preparation easy and fast. Cooking Difficulty: Easy What You’ll Need: Calamari Shrimp Lemon Celery Mussels and/or Clams Olive Oil Parlsey Salt & Pepper Capers w/ juice (if you’re feeling frisky) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/ec251989-f4b9-47d4-82e3-ba37af919388/Caprese-Bruschetta-Recipe-copy-scaled.jpg Food & Lifestyle - The Italian-American Girl’s Guide to Eating & Cooking - Sometimes for breakfast, I don’t have bacon and eggs, I don’t wan’t cereal, and I want something that will elevate my morning. This simple dish can be a great quiet morning meal, appetizer for dinner, or even afternoon snack. Pronounced, broo-sket-tah., this meal is not only delicious but can also be altered to your taste preferences. Some of my favorites are bruschetta with tomato, balsamic glaze, salt. pepper, and some cheese OR olive tapenade on a herb bread. Its fast, simple, and yet taste and presentation will make you feel so fancy and put together. Cooking Difficulty: Super Easy What You’ll Need: Baguette Tomato Olive Olive Oil Balsamic Gaze Salt & Pepper Basil (if you want some zest) Cheese (pick your poison) https://www.alectosjournal.com/food-lifestyle-favorites/youtubers-i-watch-daily monthly 0.5 2026-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/663a3d6f-8558-48d6-b877-4ecedea446d6/MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE-THUMBNAILS-1-copy-12.png.webp Food & Lifestyle - Youtubers That Don’t Rot My Brain - Make it stand out Caroline Winkler in her prior Washington D.C. apartment - http://www.youtube.com/@Caroline_Winkler https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/a49ea490-2b49-4cc8-987f-c8b769930afa/rewilding-jude-how-a-personal-reset-sparked-a-creators-journey-in-rural-scotland-20251027_131201-7e71c2.png Food & Lifestyle - Youtubers That Don’t Rot My Brain - Make it stand out Jude standing in front of their chicken coup - http://www.youtube.com/@rewildingjude https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/9314ba39-bf91-4be9-9013-715e18a16e29/001_kevin_jacobs_valatie_jrm.jpg Food & Lifestyle - Youtubers That Don’t Rot My Brain - Make it stand out Kevin sitting alongside his pianos in his New York home - http://www.youtube.com/@kevinleejacobs1364 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/f17d1837-abff-4b66-90a3-23269b498475/hqdefault.jpg Food & Lifestyle - Youtubers That Don’t Rot My Brain - Make it stand out Brittany in the thumbnail of her video: “The 26 makeup products I own in 2026.” - http://www.youtube.com/@bornblushing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/b68d896a-79a1-49e6-880c-1084f0776091/png0320nrenovation-04.jpg.webp Food & Lifestyle - Youtubers That Don’t Rot My Brain - Make it stand out Jenna and her partner Nick in front of their project home - http://www.youtube.com/@JennaPhipps https://www.alectosjournal.com/book-of-the-week-1 daily 0.75 2026-08-02 https://www.alectosjournal.com/book-of-the-week-1/carmilla-by-sheridan-le-fanu monthly 0.5 2026-08-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/79f2d6a9-61a2-45ad-b93f-9c14c07b86b1/Screenshot+2026-08-01+at+8.44.57%E2%80%AFPM.png Book of The Week - Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu - Book Rating 3 / 5 - A good brief read. This is probably the shortest book I’ve read in years, at only 156 pages. This novel, first published in 1871, predates the most famous of the vampire stories, Dracula, by twenty-six years. I have to say, for a short read, I really did enjoy this novel. The story centers on a nineteen-year-old girl who lives in Styria, an old country where she and her father live in their schloss (estate) far out in the woods. Until then, Laura lives isolated with her father and staff. Until Carmilla, a beautiful young woman, arrives and is left with Laura and her father by Carmilla’s mother. Who immedietely takes off via carriage. Carmilla and Laura bond immediately. With each one doting on the other, walking with their arms wrapped around each other, and kissing each other’s faces. That is where the “sapphic romance” is pointed out within the story. And seemingly, it seems that Carmilla in many ways truly does desire Laura as some sort of companion. However, I would not go as far as to say that it is directly meant to be sapphic in the way that we modern audiences understand. I believe that the portrayal of this strange closeness from Carmilla is more meant to be a kind of territorialism of Laura. As we learn that Carmilla begins feeding off Laura in the night. Something that is not a first for the vampire Carmilla, who just recently killed another young woman in the same circumstances she finds herself in with Laura. It is her way of dining on blood yet remaining a young, beautiful noblewoman. I do really enjoy the elements of subtle horror we are given throughout the story. Mangled beastly creatures crawling on all fours in the night (Carmilla), Carmilla making chilling and odd comments to Laura about how they’ll be tied together forever, which Laura is made uncomfortable by, and even how the result of feeding affects Laura is all such a twitchy, eerie story. I could see this being turned into a film by directors such as Emerald Fennel, or even Robert Eggers. With its dark colors, moments of silent horror, and the gothic feel that this story easily creates. Overall, I give this novel a 3 out of 5. Simply because of the briefness of the story's details due to its length. However, it still is a wonderful story, and a great short read for a plane ride, an afternoon on the beach, a quiet weekend at home, or even on your lunch break. If you enjoy vampire stories, gothic themes, and quick reads, I highly recommend this story. https://www.alectosjournal.com/book-of-the-week-1/the-count-of-monte-cristo-by-alexandre-dumas monthly 0.5 2026-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/a22c5ed9-d2d0-4c73-8f4d-7666b6c7ab3e/Screenshot+2026-07-27+at+11.42.38%E2%80%AFAM.png Book of The Week - The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - Book Rating: 5 / 5 (I See Why We Continue To Read This Novel In The Year 2026) This book has become one of my top 5 favorite books of all time. To my shock and awe, I have fallen in love with this monster of a novel. Spanning 1,243 pages, I still felt as if there was nothing that needed to be removed or shortened for length’s sake. It was worth each and every page that Dumas wrote all those years ago. If you like dark, gothic, Regency-period, vampire-like vibes and period-setting plots, you will adore this novel. Following our main character, and in my opinion a new literary heartthrob, Edmund Dantes’ life is dashed to the rocks when three adversaries frame him for a crime against the royal government. He is then thrown into prison and forgotten about for fourteen years. During his incarceration, he vows to get revenge on the three men who all benefited from his imprisonment. And oh, how revenge is sweet. Every detail, every plot and scheme, is unfolded before your eyes in some of the most engaging writing I’ve had in years. Rivaling that of my favorite novels, Circe, The Song of Achilles, The Faerie Queene, and Charlotte Markam and the House of Darkling. Edmund, through the tutelage of his prison-mate Faria, transforms into the Count of Monte Cristo. Unearthing a modern-day sum of 3 BILLION dollars in hidden treasures and sets out on his path of revenge. Also in pursuit of seeing his fiancée from all those years back, Mercedes, who was set to marry Edmund the day after his arrest. The novel is heart-wrenching, will make you gasp out loud, and smile at the most delicious details. I have fallen in love with this book. More than I thought I would, regardless of what Ideas I had coming into this beast of a read. Especially for my book of the week series, which, luckily, I had allotted time for such a massive undertaking through publishing reviews far in advance. Edmund, now turned the Count of Monte Cristo, is alluring, suave, and has the darkness and charm of Dracula. Giving me even more incentive to root for him and leagues of power as he crusades on his journey. A story that ends in an unexpected way filled with heartbreak, power, and the emotion of carrying on. https://www.alectosjournal.com/book-of-the-week-1/in-the-company-of-the-courtesan-by-sarah-dunant monthly 0.5 2026-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/4c81d519-5404-4976-a853-4e8e84275835/Screenshot+2026-06-24+090618.png Book of The Week - In The Company of The Courtesan by Sarah Dunant - Book Rating: 4.5 / 5 (18+ BOOK: MATURE THEMES & ADULT LANGUAGE) If I could give this book a 5, I would. I deeply adore history, historical fiction, the power of beauty, and any media that handles any of them. It was funny to have found this book at the thrift store no less to have then gone on and liked it as much as I did. This book reminds me of the vulgar and equally as captivating show Borgia from 2011 which I watched (probably too young) or other acclaimed historical media. The story is from the perspective of Bucino, a man who abandons Rome with his business partner, the courtesan Fiammetta, to rebuild their wealth in Venice. Together, they have to navigate climbing their way to the top, surviving off of what’s left from their flee from Rome, and later an insane twist of plot and urgency that sparks in the final pages of the novel. Additionally, a detail which I found to be rather interestingly conveyed was Bucino living as a man with dwarfism. Which does not stand as a pivotal piece of the story, but instead is just something that Bucino lives with and has grown to navigate in 1500s Italy. Which comes with it’s own challenges yet does not ever stand to be something Bucino is ashamed of, or something readers are meant to pity him for. Yes, there are cruelties aimed at Bucino by outsiders in the novel, but it is framed to show the actual cruelty of such treatments. And to my relief these moments are few and far between. I believe the thing preventing me from giving this story a perfect 5/5 is the knowledge of some of the more uncomfortable details I wasn’t fond of within the story. Such as Fiammetta falling in love with a boy who is freshly seventeen while she is almost twenty-nine during a section of the novel, which luckily dissolves later. Or a detail I won’t even want to write here that involves itself in the last section of the novel. However, I am aware I must be mindful of the period this novel is set. Which can easily brew some less than savory topics, that even my easy-going nature has to raise an eyebrow too. In the acknowledgments it even states how much research was dedicated to this novel. Which at least allows me to understand how certain words, ideas, and actions found themselves within this book I had enjoyed. It is what prevents me from giving this novel a 5. As I sunk my teeth into this perfectly paced, well written story, where only minor hiccups caused me to take away .5 points. If you have a stomach for more vulgar and brutal stories that keep you eagerly flipping the page, then I would certainly recommend this novel. However, be mindful that this book is entirely an adult read, for those with understanding that some portions may contain uncomfortable topics. I mean, the book is literally about a courtesan, so have some foresight on how messy and rough that could become. I find that Sarah Dunant is an exceptional author, and a book such as this has left me wanting to rewatch all the scandalous T.V. iterations of historical Italian families like the Borgias and Medici’s. https://www.alectosjournal.com/book-of-the-week-1/stone-blind-by-natalie-haynes monthly 0.5 2026-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/e980d6bf-e9f3-43b0-900f-cd5950926a64/Screenshot+2026-06-23+102256.png Book of The Week - Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes - Book Rating: 4.5 / 5 I read Natalie Haynes’ book, A Thousand Ships, and immediately fell in love with it. It is arguably in my top ten favorite books of all time. I purchased this book quite some time ago, but only recently decided to read it. I finished this book in four days! If there’s one thing I like about Natalie Haynes’ writing, it is that each chapter tells a different perspective from the related characters. This one focusing on Medusa (of course), Andromeda, Athene, and Perseus. Which starts the story at Medusa’s arrival to her sisters (the gorgons) lair, her growing, Poseidon's pursuit (can inevitable capture), Athene transforming her, and to Perseus killing her. I additionally liked how even after Medusa’s death, her head remains a story teller as if it is now a separate entity. Recalling the events after her death such as Perseus and Andromeda’s meeting after killing Ceto, Medusa’s sea goddess mother. There is not much to say besides I truly loved this book. The only reason it does not possess a 5 star rating is simply because only three books have received that score. And to find yourself among the 5 star novels, there is something beyond the story or the manner in which the story is told that garnered that score. Stone Blind is a wonderful book. My only qualm is the ending, which leaves us off with Athene. Who seems to have a surprising ending I had not anticipated. While it was not a bad ending, it felt to be an interesting way to tell the tale. Overall, I highly recommend this book if you share a love of Greek Mythology and enjoy seeing these myths fleshed out on the page. Natalie Haynes is a stellar, talented Greek Myth writer who has made me fall in love with every novel I read of hers. I believe you will too. https://www.alectosjournal.com/book-of-the-week-1/how-to-lose-a-goblin-in-10-days-by-jesse-sylva monthly 0.5 2026-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/cd64f0fe-a189-4aee-849f-ce2cf0b5c761/9780316585927.jpg.webp Book of The Week - How to Lose a Goblin in 10 Days by Jesse Sylva - Book Rating: 4 / 5 I really enjoyed this fun book to the point where I finished it within three days. I can’t even tell you how long it’s been since I’ve read a book that fast. Now this book is not meant to be the next Shakespeare; it’s a “fun” book like the ones I’ve reviewed before. Featuring a halfling named Pansy and a goblin named Ren, who end up at the same cottage, both feeling they’re entitled to it. A deal is struck, and what ensues is a competition of who can chase the other out. And then they were roommates… But throughout this ongoing deal, feelings begin to quietly develop between the two of them. As I previously mentioned in another post, I adore The Lord of the Rings, both in book form and in film. When I was at a local book shop, I stumbled upon this book and was enticed by the notion that it was a “halfling” story. Which pleasantly surprised me when the author snuck in some Lord of the Rings references within the text, bringing a smile to my face while reading. Yet, the story itself does not completely rob its lore from Tolkien. Ren’s life as a goblin is really fascinating from a fantasy reader’s standpoint. As typically, we are not granted the opportunity to see the domestic elements of goblins in media. The uses of different greenery, their cultures with markets and clan camaraderie were really sweet to see, as well as serving as a main stressor for Ren. Speaking of Ren and Pansy, it’s funny to say, but I really enjoyed their banter back and forth, as well as their deconstruction of their own speciesism against one another in the beginning stages. It was just weighted enough to give the story some grounded plot as well as a basis for the two characters to interact and grow with one another. I know that the story does not take from LOTR; however, I was intrigued by the organization of this halfling community in Haverow. Where it seems these halflings care a lot about perfection, despite not wearing shoes, or smithing, or anything I’d argue is considered advanced. Halflings, at their core, prioritize relaxation and ease, so for the author to write their version of halflings as perfectionists about baking (?), I felt served just to make Pansy isolated for being more curious than others. I believe that may be my only curious detail I question, as both Ren and Pansy bond over being “othered” by their groups, sometimes to an extent I felt was just to serve the characters. However, let that not be a reason for you not to read this book. Another curious choice by the author, one I actually really enjoyed, was how there is criticism of the local Wizard that “recruits” halflings in Haverrow. He becomes a big part of the story towards the end, and I was intrigued by how, instead of being beloved by the heroine, she actually was resentful towards the wizard. As she felt he uses halflings for his own purposes, obviously recalling Gandalf’s usage of Bilbo and Frodo. Only to return the halflings home forever changed, sometimes devastatingly so, such as Pansy’s grandmother. Which I felt was an interesting way to spin the lore within your own fantasy world, compared to the other halfling story that is widely revered. Which there was certainly some logic to the criticism of the Wizards’ use of halflings within this book. If you like fantasy, if you like The Lord of the Rings, and want more halfling stories (while not directly connecting to Tolkien), this is a really fun book to scratch that itch of wanting cozy, whimsical stories. https://www.alectosjournal.com/book-of-the-week-1/my-year-of-rest-and-relaxation-by-ottessa-moshfegh monthly 0.5 2026-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1c3e3783-524f-4e92-82e5-8b0bf18184cb/relaxation-663x1024.jpg.webp Book of The Week - My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh - Book Rating: 2 / 5 Can I just begin by saying I genuinely thought I was going to enjoy this book? That was before I began reading it, and had based my opinion on the plot of the back of the novel’s description. Let me begin by saying, Ottessa Moshfegh is a very talented writer. Despite my dislike for the substance of this novel, it’s Moshfegh’s writing that pushed me to finish this story. I've never been interested in reading other novels by an author whom I did not like on the first read, but I have been bamboozled by Moshfegh. Because somehow, I can see in this novel that she has immense writing talent, all while it was a slog to get through the actual story told in this novel. Perhaps it’s because I’m too soft, perhaps it’s because I believed I’d have a more Gossip Girl vibe from this novel, maybe I waited for the sky to clear and for the issues to resolve. Yet, none of that happens in this novel. Our main character, an unnamed woman in her twenties, is suffering from severe depression. One she isn’t aware of, and instead has likened her prolonged numbness to deciding that she needs a rebirth. To do this, she turns to sleeping medication. Which she takes by the handful in hopes of skipping entire weekends and then some. She has one “friend” whom she repeatedly says she hates, named Reva. Who is also a vapid, blabbermouth who comes over just to chat and mention how skinny our main character is. My main issue with this novel is that it feels endless, similar to how our main character desires sleep. And not in an oh, this was the author’s idea to make it feel like that way, but in a genuinely difficult read to get through, as you hear about the same four things for almost 300 pages. Her troublesome upbringing, her empty hours watching television, getting two coffees, and sleeping. Don’t get me wrong, our main character has every right to suffer from mental illness, it is human, she is burdened with grief, she is orphaned by parents who never looked twice at her, she has a complicated situationship with “Trevor,” the no-good man who comes over to finish on her chest. This character is of nothing and has nothing. However, she will remind you several times that she is financially well off, skinny, blonde, and pretty, even when she stopped taking care of herself a long time ago. There are also some taboo subjects, or things said by characters that I didn’t feel added to the story beyond the wow-factor of making characters seem vapid and edgy. Perhaps this novel simply wasn’t for me. Maybe I’m being too harsh. As I wrote earlier, Moshfegh is clearly a talented, leviathan-level writer, but I’m of the belief that this novel lacks something. Critics called it a dark comedy, but I suffer trying to find elements of the book I’m meant to snicker at. The ending is unfulfilling as our main character ends up successfully blacking out for four months and entering a sort of peaceful reawakening. Which I feel makes no sense and hastily closes up an otherwise tragic story. So, I just spent hours reading about a thin, pretty, blonde woman who doesn’t have to work, living in an apartment in New York, who is suffering from an undiagnosed depression, who is then rewarded with successfully pulling off her plan of rebirth through taking pills that cause her to black out for days at a time? What, now she gets to walk around Central Park, and smell the roses, and lose her remaining attachments to the world after she emerges from this long-term blackout? I know this book is about mental health, about the trials and tribulations of grief and unrequited childhood love, about the loneliness of even those in society deemed “big-fish” such as rich blonde skinny women, but either these elements did not successfully attach to my heartstrings, or I simply did not truly feel these elements carried through the novel with genuine contemplation. The book starts and ends with our main character getting her way, with her not truly having to process anything; she just sleeps. https://www.alectosjournal.com/book-of-the-week-1/v5h2adgmcktffv48ngttsxt8wqk6g2 monthly 0.5 2026-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/e40822d6-b9de-47b8-819f-64d72ae0a437/81KPSWndFaL._AC_UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Book of The Week - Meet The Benedettos: A Novel by Katie Cotungo - Book Rating: 3.5 / 5 ~ A fun read with a few misgivings. Meet the Benedettos by Kate Cotungo paints itself as a romantic comedy that loosely takes from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Centering on the Benedetto sister: Lily, of the reality TV family the Benedetto’s where three seasons of prime-time television has caused the now-defunct family to be famous for being famous. Consider them a fictional edition of our beloved Kardashian clan. However, years later, the current family is beginning to stretch thin as their money begins to dwindle, and the veil of L.A glamor has long worn off. Lily, our heroine, is a spunky, hot-headed brunette who aspires to be a writer. She drives a beater car, portrays herself as the most grounded of her four sisters, and successfully navigates the L.A scene. She gets who she wants, she has no fucks to give, and is very protective of her family despite their flaws. Then we meet Will Darcy, our suave romantic interest, who has come to L.A from New York for an acting job. Small hints of a darker past and mental health crises are littered in most of the novel for Will. He is nonchalant, very forward, a bit sarcastic, and apparently very handsome. I call a novel like this a “fun book.” It is not serious, not dark, and not introspective. Its simply meant to be a nice read where you can escape to silly antics and first-world problems. The kind of book you bring with you on vacation. Personally, I enjoy reading a quick light-hearted book such as this. I recently completed the Lord of the Rings novels, and I must say this book was a nice change from the long-winded, mystical writing that is Tolkien. While I may pit Tolkien’s works as some of my absolute favorites, sometimes it can be a bit much to read. I think the characters are fleshed out fairly well. The main cast consists of Lilly and her four sisters: June, Olivia, Kit, and Mari. Their parents: Dominic and Cinta. And Will’s clan of people: Georgia (his sister), Caroline (his manager/situationship), and Charlie Bingley (his movie star best friend). I think I say “fairly” well because the sisters all sound like one another, except Kit, the one who elects not to speak and is considered the “kooky” sister. June is supposed to be our “Jane" and is considered a pretty and kind blonde who suffers throughout the novel with disordered eating. Olivia is the younger scrappier sister, she curses, parties, and eventually runs off to hook up with Lily’s old flame Nick (who, of course, is not a decent guy in the slightest). Cinta (their mother) is reputation-driven throughout the book and remains in a floaty denial about their financial circumstances. Insisting that they maintain the cost of living like a reality television family. We only get a glimpse into her mind towards the end, where our author finally gives us some depth to Cinta and expands on why she insists on pretending like her household isn’t going broke and falling apart. Dominic (their father) I’d say, is not given much character, as he isn’t focused on all too much, and doesn’t take up many pages. What I can recall of him is that he works out for hours each day and seems to be the only one stressed about the household finances, yet indulges his daughters’ expensive demands anyway. Going back to my use of the wording “fairly well,” I say this because the Benedettos and even Will Darcy and his people tend to have this habit of making hyper-specific references and witty one-liners in conversation. On one page, you’ll see Lilly make a connection between how someone’s bad behaviors make her recall Paris Hilton’s disastrous birthday at Nobu, and on the next page, Will Darcy’s manager/situationship Caroline will make a comment about how the traffic in L.A is just as bad as the lines in Erewhon. I know they are talking about different topics, but the delivery and pattern of the witty comment paired with a remark towards something about L.A fame and lifestyle jump to each character. At first, I thought this comparison-banter would be one of Lily’s characteristics to show she’s “unique,” but then all the characters began to do it. I just guess everyone in the novel enjoys making exasperated comments about being famous in L.A? At one point, it just felt like our author was making the characters say these things about L.A and being famous to directly prove that she knew how to make them sound famous and how much she knew about L.A culture. However, this emphasis on their involvement in fame and notoriety comes at the expense of the characters all talking the same. Another thing I had noticed was how quickly the novel wraps everything up in a nice bow. From spending the whole novel with Will and Lilly at odds, then flirting, then at odds again, to the financial and social troubles of the family. The ending, where everything suddenly picks up, is within the last 30 pages. Lilly’s first book is getting published, Olivia’s “tape” kickstarts an online career for advertising adult products, the silent sister was secretly investing in stock and manages to save the family from ruin, and Will Darcy shows up at Lilly Benedetto’s door to apologize before he is whisked off to New York. All is well in the final hour. Don’t get me wrong, I love a happy ending; in fact, I prefer them. But I feel that a part of me was nearing the last pages of this book, confused as to how everything was going to wrap up in 10 pages. Instead of a staggered solution to the several key issues, the author almost speeds through how each one is suddenly magically resolved in such a whirlwind of an ending. I’m happy that all is well in the end for our characters, yet I feel like the ending could have been stretched further so that all the loose ends aren’t tied up at once. Perhaps Olivia’s issue with Nick could have been the first to be solved, with her flipping the narrative and giving Nick (who disappears at this point) some rightful punishment, which could then jog an interest among the media in June and her budding romance with the movie star Charlie Bingley. Because of that, June finally runs out of momentum with her issues and looks to her family for support, where she is then admitted to the program she attends at the end of the story, with Charlie still visiting her. Will and Lilly, throughout this, would be crossing paths as usual, and slowly but surely come to rekindle their connection. The family financials could then be resolved through multiple avenues, with Olivia’s new wave of internet fame, the quiet sisters’ reveal of her investments, Lilly’s book deal, and even an admission from Will about his feelings for Lilly before they fly off to New York hand in hand. All of this could have been fluffed up for a longer, more well-paced ending. Overall, I liked this book. As I said earlier, it’s a vacation read. Something to crack open when you want an escape where there’s no real stakes, some drama, and a smidge of spice. The two key issues I had don’t diminish the enjoyment of the book; in fact, the issue about pacing speaks to the fact that I didn’t want the book to end as fast as it did. I recommend this book for those who want a quick, light, non-commital read. If you enjoy reality tv or pop culture, perhaps scoffing at the lunacy of L.A fame, and enjoy glimpses of Jane Austen, you may just like this novel. https://www.alectosjournal.com/reviews daily 0.75 2026-08-03 https://www.alectosjournal.com/reviews/the-devil-wears-prada-2 monthly 0.5 2026-08-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/bb427f48-57cd-45b8-b2d3-a10f8b0831fb/Screenshot+2026-08-02+at+5.01.29%E2%80%AFPM.png Reviews - The Devil Wears Prada 2 - Movie Rating: 3 / 5 - Another revival of a franchise. A continuation of The Devil Wears Prada film from 2006. We are reunited with Andy Sachs, a once-aspiring journalist turned published writer. However, Andy remains a plucky, quirky woman. She receives a call from Irv Kipling, the CEO of the magazine Runway, who asks her to come back to the company and become the features editor. Reunited with the notoriously difficult Miranda Preisly, beloved Nigel, and a new sweep of characters that are once again perfectly trained to accomodate the Editor-in-Chief’s every whim. All is not well, however, in Runway magazine. As they try to navigate the modern day of digital media. As the magazine world slowly becomes a bigone titan of influence. With Andy’s arrival at Runway, she hopes to reinvigorate the magazine with relevance both in print and online, with more material of substance. Throughout her efforts, it seems Andy becomes a favorite of Miranda after scoring a very impossible interview. After that, Miranda seems to actually treat Andy kindly. Tragedy strikes when Irv, the CEO, dies suddenly at his birthday party. Halting Miranda’s pending job promotion and leaving the magazine in the hands of Irv’s son. A techy, sportswear, cold brew, 40-something who plans to rehaul the entire magazine and flush it out. Andy, the determined go-getter, takes it upon herself to try to stop the impending flush. https://www.alectosjournal.com/reviews/shiseidos-clarifying-cleansing-foam monthly 0.5 2026-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/31b01cea-78e8-4543-b8ce-4da2013ac41a/Screenshot+2026-06-17+092843.png Reviews - Shiseido’s Clarifying Cleansing Foam - Price: $39 Score: 5/5 Will be purchasing again! This product made me reframe prior reviews I’ve made on products because even when my reviews of products continue, I will keep this cleanser in my skincare routine permanently! After using it for several weeks now, replacing it with my empty Tula Cleanser, I was shocked at how luxurious and efficient this product is on the skin. It is gentle with hardly any scent, and while it feels like butter on the skin, it does not cause any sort of chemical tingling on the surface of the skin. As if it penetrates the skin so softly, you don’t even know if it’s working. Since using this product daily, my skin has become clearer than it has been in YEARS. And so soft and supple, I swear it healed whatever was wrong with my skin barrier. I go to my office job without makeup now because of how much I like the freshness and clarity of my skin. Shiseido knew what they were doing with this product. Now the price ($39), of course, is the more hesitant part of this product. Because the world is currently not cheap, and neither is this cleanser. But I consider this to be the luxury item of my skincare routine that actively works and shows results daily, all while delivering what is promised without many scents that could irritate the skin. It includes ingredients such as white clay (absorbs sebum and visible blemishes), Yomogi extract (softens roughness on skin), and pure Kirishima Mineral Spring Water (supplements skin’s minerals). The best skin types, as listed by Shiseido, that may prosper with this cleanser are normal, dry, AND combination skin types. This cleanser is extremely versatile for skin types, and even without emptying the cleanser, I already knew what my review would be. Because I will certainly be purchasing this cleanser once I’ve used it up! https://www.alectosjournal.com/reviews/first-aid-beauty-ultra-repair-cream monthly 0.5 2026-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/b4c2a702-1a51-4d94-83f2-ecbb3dfa6ff4/Screenshot+2026-06-17+093704.png Reviews - First Aid Beauty - Ultra Repair Cream - Price: $20 - Score: 4/5 Would Use Again! It’s that time of my review process where I am using up the last of my product. I will immediately say how I really enjoyed this moisturizer. When I first applied it, I was concerned at first from the strong (honestly kind of minty) scent I got from the cream. Which made me think I may have some irritation due to my suspected scent oil they apparently put inside. But yet, this initial reaction was utterly wrong because there is no additives that are perfumes or useless oils. There was in fact no irritation! This moisturizer was straight to the point, and incredibly moisturizing. I’d apply it after my baths because that is when I get the most dry. It seeped into the skin quickly without a lasting residue, and was almost cooling on application. I purchased the 2 oz tube of the product which lasted me around 3 months. The price was decent for the amount of product and paired well with my sunscreen I’d usually apply right after putting on the moisturizer. Overall, I would totally buy this product again. It did the job, kept my skin clear, and felt amazing to apply with its whipped formula. A little about the product ingredients: This moisturizer contains allantoin, a soothing agent for skincare, as well as colloidal oatmeal which helps combat eczema. Now, I don’t have eczema, however, I felt that this product certainly seems gentle on sensitive skin. (Keep in mind my skin is not sensitive but I feel this way due to how gentle and seamless this cream was for the face). https://www.alectosjournal.com/popculture daily 0.75 2026-07-23 https://www.alectosjournal.com/popculture/i-dont-care-about-the-met-gala-do-you monthly 0.5 2026-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1f7fed7b-3ed5-47e9-b33e-10c891c2aac9/b91dc6ed-f33d-4e49-9249-a2bd61377b24.jpeg Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? - In TIME Magazine’s “Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Met Gala” article. Museum officials cited that the biggest money raised for the event was back in 2025 at 31 million dollars. With 2026 beating the record at 42 million dollars. But don’t worry, entry tickets to this year’s gala starting at $100,000. Chump change for these wealthy, never-aging gods! It is said that the Met Gala costs 5 million dollars to put on, but this figure is not confirmed and is merely speculation. The co-chairs for the 2026 Met Gala were: Beyoncé, Anna Wintour, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams. With the illustrious host comintee inviting on current stars like Alex Consani, Sabrina Carpenter, Misty Copeland, Angela Bassett, and even Doja Cat. But wait, it gets better. The lead sponsors of this thrilling affair are none other than Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos! Titled as honorary chairs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1783974205534-1SOSX5EWN4UKZF55HM9C/images12.jpeg Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1783973897153-AVDQVY9J2B7NRW1AL3XZ/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1715094052.jpg Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1783973883756-J2CSHFLDH4OZ0MS0JMLP/1374639.jpeg Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1783974173663-T0O65OXYIZLSX29LH8G7/BUC_82983.jpg Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1783974183346-KJEIAHUIII0RRP2JJS01/GM9oNRzWAAA8VAY.jpg Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1783974193481-E1IF4VHQIFS7DT9415PB/images.jpeg Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1783974220662-UNNT2KKGT653CGEJOB9E/images2.jpeg Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1783974226516-VHFDX7S8LN5SQKAR62LP/images1.jpeg Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/7aacc933-54c9-4ef3-855e-60bee0d884ba/rihanna-perry-bc-met-gala-bc-0505-8b33b6.webp Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? - Especially this year, 2026, more commentary than ever has come out about the uncanny nature of the Met Gala compared to the current lives of the average man and woman. There is a disparity so large that some even feel the Met Gala and all its glitz and glamour are dystopian. Pointing and laughing at us normal working people. The biggest comparison being between this ongoing issue and the book/film franchise The Hunger Games. Which, as I referenced above, has The Capitol. Where the wealthy and powerful live and hide from the other poor and starving districts just beyond their walls. All I have to say, in the year 2026, if it walks like the Capitol, talks like the Capitol, and dresses like the Capitol, where does that leave us? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/bdb48fdb-81ca-4b79-a98d-1f41f2379d12/top-100-movies-1930s-godfrey.jpg Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? - Similarly, we saw the same occur during the Great Depression of the 1920s. Where cinema saw an increase in films about excess wealth and glamour while its viewers were visiting soup kitchens. Wealth became an entertaining, aspirational viewpoint to peer into during times of significant financial hardship. The Artifice writes on this topic and shares how Screwball Comedies became a form of escapism for the public. Where the rich and wealthy characters are made to be stupid and vapid enough for audiences to gawk at the luxury while laughing at its characters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/69550277-e002-4dc8-8589-8f753845c15c/5a1b5bfc-5b64-41c7-9f1c-cca6d0a82d0c.jpg Current Topics - I Don’t Care About The Met Gala… Do You? - I believe that people are fed up with the garish nature of the Met Gala. Which is why we witnessed many online spectators call out their disinterest in this event. It feels mocking. Reminding internet users of the kind of wealth and excess they’ll never see. That while they hurt their bodies, have sleepless nights, cry and ache, and look at their empty wallets. Just beyond the walls of a historic museum sit some of the world’s wealthiest people. They get to chatter and laugh, drinking $500 bottles of champagne while you get to worry about what you’re going to eat tomorrow. No pun intended, it’s in poor taste. Which is how we get the Capitol comparisons, the reminders of recession indicators, the growing distaste for events such as this. People don’t want wealth shoved in their tired faces. They want a better economy for themselves, for their hard work to be of value, for employers to do right by them instead of giving themselves a handsome Christmas bonus. Where there was once admiration for the impossible, there is now only a condescending show of what the rich get to enjoy while everyone below them is crushed under the weight of those clownish costumes and diamond-dusted glitter. It shouldn’t even be a question why this year’s Met Gala was met with a different reaction compared to all others. https://www.alectosjournal.com/popculture/why-shouldnt-we-be-concerned-about-ariana-grande monthly 0.5 2026-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/21a2fd4a-ab07-48c5-ac13-05d6973b5277/qw0zi6z9xk1f1.jpeg Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/8ae14e1e-61ff-4071-a149-c241624b72ea/maxresdefault.jpg Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn When the movies were finally released in 2024 and 2025, the world became enamored. Paired with public adoration, the leading stars Grande and Erivo trekked along on 2 separate world tours, filled with premiere after premiere, interview after interview, and red carpets to boot. Behind the scenes of Grande’s audition would go on to be posted on Wicked’s promotional content online. This is around the time Ariana Grande went blonde, and with it, is when comparisons to Audrey Hepburn began on social media. I added some reference posts I’ve seen as evidence of this sudden online barrage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781717061932-NBZJZWJK42D5JMP4AES6/IMG_7389.jpeg Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781717027973-IV0EGIGTTKCM78TGG8RF/IMG_7390.jpeg Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781717002903-JHZKL60DM0QC5JK8HQ5N/IMG_7393.jpeg Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781717059743-18E9ZKRRA7D9IS86443L/IMG_7396.jpeg Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781717059754-9T0OC4FY7S3R5LEW78GT/IMG_7391.jpeg Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781717014470-PNJ25B2GBRT68PEFDXRQ/IMG_7392.jpeg Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781717209078-RI0VUDY2QCLSYGQHBOGC/IMG_7394.jpeg Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781723374120-D8A4YGG4X0U7D7ZSZAVQ/IMG_7395.jpeg Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/dc607013-1f6f-4073-8fcc-e6123f8911f6/Screenshot+2026-06-17+104551.png Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn - Going back to the Wicked tour, this is when Ariana Grande donned the gamine bangs similarly worn by Audrey Hepburn. Which she paired with her already growing appearances in recognizably ‘Hepburn’ styles and silhouettes. Obviously, this is when the comparisons were at an all-time high within the media. Which is why interviewers had brought it up to Grande in the first place while on red carpets. And if you naysayers don’t believe me, below are comparisons I’ve personally connected from the Wicked press tours to Audrey’s wardrobe. It should be noted that during this press tour, concerns grew over Ariana Grande’s appearance. Which online opinion would voice began to look unhealthy and/or frail. This, paired with the judgment that was placed on Wicked’s leads, Grande and Erivo, who faced criticism over their bond during interviews, which seemed odd or off-putting. I will later explain why the comparisons Ariana Grande received to Audrey Hepburn during this specific time are relevant to my growing perspective on this whole ordeal and how it factors into these comments from the public. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781721066982-2R6WSCUN3LC7HQ9T3PAG/Screenshot+2026-06-17+104719.png Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781721071810-ND1DQ5DJA9Z3W2M6IENQ/Screenshot+2026-06-17+104458.png Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781721608544-HIF8APLMMDGMM6BD0NTU/Screenshot+2026-06-17+113909.png Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1781804129750-BYS2JIPQQSCKDC8860K7/Screenshot+2026-06-18+103503.png Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/ce347318-a5f9-4666-af81-88e4624d9bbb/Screenshot+2026-06-18+at+12.03.22%E2%80%AFAM.png Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn - Now, this is the point in the timeline where, in May 2026, Ariana Grande released the first song from her new album Petal. This is after the Wicked movie’s press tours have finally ended. Leaving a gap in when we’ve last seen Grande in the public eye. As I mentioned a little bit ago, I pointed out how concern was growing for Ariana’s physical health. And it did not end once Wicked’s promotional run was ended. This all comes to a head on June 6, 2026, at Ariana Grande’s return to the stage for The Eternal Sunshine tour. Where fans at the show, and viewers who had seen images and videos online, were shocked at Ariana Grande’s physical appearance. Which had changed yet again to become more frail. In another examples of emulation, two of Grande’s performance looks were created by Givenchy, a brand that exclusively dressed Audrey Hepburn throughout her career. Fans who previously may have defended Grande were suddenly opposing the current state of Grande’s health. With others harping on those who had defended Grande by asking things like “Oh, now it’s bad?” Some fans continue to defend Grande’s current appearance, arguing that people have no right to comment on others' bodies, and that Grande is healthy despite the ongoing concern as she had said on a video posted in 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/dcd5cf14-5be5-4d98-9ab4-2fa208deaf15/Screenshot+2026-06-18+at+12.21.40%E2%80%AFAM.png Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn - Audrey Hepburn, born Audrey Kathleen Ruston, was born in 1929 in Belgium. Living comfortably until her childhood was halted by the Second World War. In which Hepburn was a prisoner of an occupied territory in the Netherlands. Being made to starve from the limited rations and evade Nazi cruelties. Rendering her malnourished. Despite these struggles to survive, Hepburn would perform dance recitals to raise funds for the resistance. Her performances ended with a silent room as the crowd could not clap for fear of being discovered. This malnutrition and emaciation permanently affected Hepburn for the rest of her life. When the British successfully liberated Hepburn’s town of Velp, she wept when a soldier handed her a chocolate bar. When she and her mother moved, Audrey’s career in dance and acting began to flourish. Becoming the household name we know and love today. What set Hepburn apart from her acting counterparts was her figure and demeanor. This became coined as Gamine, a term now used for slim, petite women who have a “boyish” charm. This public perspective was largely bestowed upon her from her small stature and frame. The same one shaped from her survival during World War 2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/b8eace57-388b-4358-9007-1c6ae54f1d61/Screenshot+2026-06-17+103056.png Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn - I’m not here to simply point at Ariana Grande and yell out what I notice. However, I do believe there’s something to be mindful of. And that is a danger with emulation and comparison. How suddenly Ariana Grande has become physically compared to Audrey Hepburn. Someone who gained their physicality from being starved at a young age. One does not simply wake up to share these physical attributes with someone such as Hepburn without something going on. It very well could be that the ongoing comparison of Hepburn and Grande is creating more harm than flattery. The ongoing emulation of Audrey Hepburn could very well be yet another “era” for Ariana Grande. With traits, style, manner of speaking, and of course physical appearance contributing to what online speculation has raised concerns about. Now, I am someone who loves Audrey, who has framed photos of her and reads her biographies and seen all her films, I too can understand the allure of what made Hepburn so charismatic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/e29c21b8-6ac1-48ae-9854-5fefeb93d541/Screenshot+2026-06-18+103024.png Current Topics - The Danger of Emulation; Ariana Grande and Audrey Hepburn - The point of my article is that I believe the ongoing comparison, and emulation between Grande and Hepburn is not random. It connects to whatever may be happening with Ariana Grande and the ongoing concern online. Which is a connection I have not yet seen in the comments of posts discussing this. Whether this emulation is worsening the situation or remains completely disconnected will remain a mystery to us. However, I believe that Ariana Grande’s new Hepburn “era” leading into her Eternal Sunshine tour cannot be overlooked as a contributor to the worry that online fans have been expressing. We can only hope that Ariana Grande is happy and healthy while kicking off her tour. And any issues that may be private are resolved so that she may enter a new “era” of true healing. https://www.alectosjournal.com/about daily 0.75 2026-06-04 https://www.alectosjournal.com/home daily 1.0 2026-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/1e2006c8-5e14-40be-bb90-642d69cdc7c3/venus-de-milo-profile-louvre-credit-bradley-weber-CC2.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/feea98f9-65f5-4239-9dc5-3671b4bc3fad/33466802_1951364714875830_4192770524876636160_n.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/3afd2a2a-b89e-4696-984e-b8e7952e0549/4b00d7bb798a4e765c52856aab43a1dc.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/0a6699a3-8e69-419c-8ef3-c5fa5a339fc5/audrey-hepburn-in-sabrina.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/5524cc25-ff4e-4fce-9b91-ea57b10144ea/Natural-products-1024x701.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/f8e84f67-8263-4e4a-8d81-48c8cf065af2/32pZxnQE4rcxgWv9KSstG67fb100r2kd1577483042.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/618956e4-3adf-43d3-bcc1-16910b2de51c/ancient%2Bgreek%2Bfood%2Beating%2Bhabbits.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/71a9e9a0-f2f2-46a5-98d6-b9f3fb2dacdb/Screenshot+2026-06-18+140250.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/ff588c26-c704-4230-93f1-1853fd8e23ac/Screenshot+2026-06-18+140335.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/9d93aa8f-ecb4-437a-a80e-6455dc256e91/Screenshot+2026-06-18+140228.png https://www.alectosjournal.com/connect-with-me daily 0.75 2026-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/d0e2f13a-ae3a-4ea6-a797-b65a34d6de87/Screenshot+2026-06-10+155440.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/b8eb9bcc-105e-45ec-a3ac-3a367267f583/Screenshot+2026-06-12+092413.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a2081ad6909417d6ac6bb32/c3fb01c4-96dc-4535-a904-1d9b5eb11884/802d3ebbfdfb2bfc784b3d35f453e2bf.jpg https://www.alectosjournal.com/connect-with-me-2 daily 0.75 2026-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/2f4eb41f-5d94-40f6-82f6-c3ff69331c1b/imgg-demo-ENjOSIkh.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/3acea1ef-2b1b-496f-8336-9579ab787164/imgg-demo-yfXcNFeX.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/75bed1d4-b7eb-4c72-a1f4-b6022c65489e/imgg-demo-JBF3SmQJ.png