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☆ The best reading order for Jennifer L. Armentrout's 'Blood and Ash' and 'Flesh and Fire' series
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-27 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AdvertisementJennifer L. Armentrout is releasing the sixth "Blood and Ash" book in June 2025. Armentrout's "Blood and Ash" and "Flesh and Fire" series are interconnected, which can confuse readers. As a devoted reader of fantasy and romance books, it's no surprise I binged Jennifer L. Armentrout's New York Times bestselling "Blood and Ash" series. I've since become a huge fan of "Blood and Ash" and its companion series, "Flesh and Fire," which Armentrout has been publishing since 2021. Armentrout also created a prequel series to 'Blood and Ash'Armentrout has published a prequel series to "Blood and Ash" called "Flesh and Fire."

Persons: Jennifer L, it's, Armentrout's, Sarah J, Maas, Armentrout, Solis, Poppy, Hawke, Seraphena, Sera, It's, Ash, you'll Organizations: Armentrout's New York Times, Blue Box Press, Goodreads Locations: Sera

☆ I'm an inexperienced baker who tried making Joanna Gaines' biscuits, and the recipe was surprisingly easy to follow
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-27 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

My biscuits were slightly irregular because I didn't press my dough out consistently. I made Joanna Gaines' biscuits that are served at Magnolia Table. I definitely recommend taking your time shaping the dough and cutting your rounds if you try this recipe. That wasn't a problem here, but I could see that being annoying if I wanted to make this recipe for breakfast and woke up hungry. Next time I wanted to have them for breakfast, I would probably let the dough chill overnight, as it would make serving the biscuits for breakfast or brunch nearly stress-free.

Persons: Joanna Gaines, Samantha Grindell

☆ A 62-year-old bride surprised herself by falling in love with a sparkly, form-fitting wedding dress
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-23 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Aldy de Vries and Ron Goed were together for nearly 13 years before they got married. Aldy de Vries and Ron Goed got married in August 2024. Before he proposed in August 2023, Goed consulted de Vries' daughter, Chloe Crouch, 27, because of her close-knit relationship with her mother. Crouch is also the founder of the wedding planning company Chloe Crouch Events, so her insight was even more valuable to Goed. "It was also not only my job as a wedding planner to advise but also a bit like his daughter.

Persons: Aldy, Vries, Ron Goed, Aldy de Vries, Eline, they've, De Vries, Goed, Chloe Crouch, Crouch, de Vries Locations: Holland

☆ Photos show how the winning gowns from the Miss Universe pageant have changed through the years
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( Samantha Grindell | Celia Fernandez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

AdvertisementThe fashion of the Miss Universe pageant has evolved since the first competition in 1952. The 73rd annual Miss Universe pageant took place on Saturday in Mexico after days of preliminary competition. Related Video Every uniform a US Air Force Academy cadet is issuedAt the end of the night, Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig was named Miss Universe 2024. Theilvig's shimmering dress was par for the course for modern Miss Universe contestants, who typically wear sparkly gowns with eye-catching details. Take a look back at the outfits contestants have worn to be crowned Miss Universe throughout the pageant's history.

Persons: Victoria Kjær Theilvig Organizations: Miss Universe, US Air Force Academy, Miss, Victoria Locations: Mexico

AdvertisementThe 73rd annual Miss Universe pageant will take place in Mexico City on Saturday. Miss Universe is back, and this time, more than 120 women are competing for the iconic crown. The 2024 competition will take place on Saturday night in Mexico City. The winner will be crowned by Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios, the first woman from Nicaragua to win the title. AdvertisementHere's every woman competing in this year's competition.

Persons: Sheynnis Palacios Organizations: Miss Universe, Miss Locations: Mexico City, Nicaragua

AdvertisementThe 73rd annual Miss Universe pageant is taking place in Mexico. On Thursday, the contestants competed in the national costume contest with colorful looks. The most exciting pageant week of the year has finally arrived, as the 73rd annual Miss Universe pageant kicked off in Mexico City. A new Miss Universe will be crowned on Saturday, but contestants gathered for the preliminary competition on Thursday, which included the national costume contest. Take a look at some of the wildest outfits contestants wore this year, from elaborate faux wings to bejeweled headpieces.

Organizations: Miss, Miss Universe Locations: Mexico, Mexico City

☆ Every American woman who has won the Miss Universe pageant throughout its 73-year history
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-14 | by ( Anneta Konstantinides | Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The 2024 Miss Universe pageant will take place on Saturday in Mexico. Nine Miss USAs have won Miss Universe in its 73-year history. R'Bonney Gabriel from Texas was crowned Miss Universe 2022. Related Video You can swim in these hyper realistic mermaid tailsMiss USA 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel was the last American to win the Miss Universe pageant. In honor of the upcoming competition, take a look back at the nine Miss USAs who have won Miss Universe in the pageant's history.

Persons: R'Bonney Gabriel, —, Alma Cooper Organizations: Miss, Nine Miss USAs, Miss Universe, Service, Miss USA, US, Miss USAs Locations: Mexico, Texas, Michigan, United States, American

☆ 8 celebrities who competed at Miss Universe — and how they placed
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-14 | by ( Samantha Grindell | Anneta Konstantinides | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The 73rd annual Miss Universe pageant will be held in Mexico on Saturday. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementOn Saturday, women from around the world will gather in Mexico to compete for the most prestigious pageant title: Miss Universe. Competing at Miss Universe is an honor in and of itself, and it's also been known to propel future stars to fame — whether they win the pageant or not. From reality TV to the big screen, here are some of the celebrities who have competed for the Miss Universe crown.

Persons: Olivia Culpo, Gal, —, it's Organizations: Miss Universe, Saturday, Service, Miss Locations: Mexico

☆ The 'Wicked' cast is embracing method dressing to promote the film. Here are their red-carpet looks, ranked from least to most on theme.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-11 | by ( Samantha Grindell | Amanda Krause | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The cast of "Wicked" has been promoting the film ahead of its November 22 release. Many of the stars' looks nod to the film, whether through color scheme or tone. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's green and pink looks celebrating the film have stood out. Much of the "Wicked" cast has been "method dressing" throughout the film's press tour, wearing outfits that nod to themes or plot points in the movie. Take a look at the best "Wicked"-inspired looks from the film's press tour, ranked from least to most on theme.

Persons: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande's, —, Zendaya, Margot Robbie, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum Organizations: Service

☆ 7 photos show how Zendaya and Tom Holland's style as a couple has evolved
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-09 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Zendaya and Tom Holland have been a couple publicly since 2021. They keep their relationship private but occasionally make red-carpet appearances together. AdvertisementZendaya and Tom Holland have become one of Hollywood's most stylish couples. Though they've largely kept their relationship private, Holland and Zendaya have made a handful of joint appearances since they were first spotted kissing in a car together in 2021. The couple's most recent appearances indicate Zendaya has shown Holland how powerful of a tool fashion can be — particularly when they yield it together.

Persons: Tom Holland, Zendaya, —, they've, Law Roach, Hoka Organizations: Service Locations: Holland

☆ Taylor Swift's gameday looks ranked from least to most stylish, including $70,000 ensembles and vintage Chiefs gear
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( Samantha Grindell | Amanda Krause | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Taylor Swift has become a regular at Kansas City Chiefs games since she started dating Travis Kelce. Her NFL style was initially laid-back, as she appeared in simple sports jackets and sweatshirts. Now, Swift has leaned into luxury and subtle nods to Kelce for her gameday looks. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . The Chiefs continued their winning streak for the season by beating the Buccaneers, but it's Swift's gameday fashion that continues to make headlines.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Swift, Kelce, —, Tim Ellis Organizations: Kansas City Chiefs, Service, NFL, Arrowhead, The Chiefs, Buccaneers Locations: Arrowhead

☆ How Melania Trump's style has evolved, from her modeling days to first lady life
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Melania Trump has been in the public eye since the 1990s. Her style has evolved as she went from a model and Donald Trump's girlfriend to first lady. AdvertisementMelania Trump has been a public figure since she first became involved with Donald Trump in the 1990s. Melania, 54, was working as a model at the time, and her life changed dramatically as she became a high-profile businessman's wife and eventually first lady — as did her style. Take a look back at Melania's fashion evolution, from her days walking red carpets to her political life.

Persons: Melania Trump, Donald Trump's, Melania, —, Donald Trump Organizations: Service

☆ Kim Kardashian wore a nearly $200,000 necklace previously seen on Princess Diana. It isn't the only vintage piece she owns.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-04 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Kardashian bought the necklace at an auction for nearly $200,000 in 2023. Kardashian has a penchant for vintage fashionThe necklace isn't the first famous archival piece Kardashian has bought at an auction. AdvertisementIn addition to her auction purchases, Kardashian is also known to borrow vintage pieces for red carpets. Kim Kardashian attends the Academy Museum Gala in October 2024. Fashion enthusiasts were concerned she damaged the vintage piece, but Kardashian and Ripley's Believe It or Not, which owns the gown, denied those claims.

Persons: Kim Kardashian, Princess Diana, Kardashian, —, Gucci, Bauer, Griffin, Princess Diana's, Garrard, Naim Attallah, Sotheby's, Diana, Tim Graham, Attallah, Catherine Walker, Alberto E, Rodriguez, Michael, Jackie Kennedy, Martin Nolan, Nolan, it's, Emma McIntyre, Marilyn Monroe's Organizations: Service, Angeles County Museum of Art, Axelle, Getty, Julien's, Academy Museum, Academy Museum of Motion Locations: Palestinian, British, West

☆ We asked 7 married men when they knew their spouse was The One. Some were all in before the first date.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-03 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Dean Indot, 53, matched with Alexis Indot, 27, on a dating app in the thick of the pandemic. Alexia PriviteraDean's profession: Commerical bankerAlexis' profession: Entrepreneur and mortgage bankerWhen they met: 2020When they got married: 2023How they met: Dean said he and Alexis met on a dating app during the pandemic. They chatted online for a month or two before they went on a date, and he immediately felt comfortable around Alexis. "When you live with someone, you really know someone, and I think that's when we really got along well together," he said. "She is a lot older than her age, and I think that's one of the key reasons it works," he added.

Persons: Dean Indot, Alexis Indot, Indots, Alexia Privitera, Alexis, Dean, haven't

☆ BookTok author Ana Huang mastered the art of billionaire romances. She said her first sports novel didn't come as easily.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-28 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Huang, 33, writes spicy romance novels, many featuring billionaire love interests, like Alex Volkov in "Twisted Love" or Dante Russo in "King of Wrath." Huang also said she worked with alpha readers who read portions of her novel as it was in progress and provided feedback. She told BI that alpha readers are particularly popular with self-published authors, though traditionally published writers could benefit from them, too. Huang has a "core group" of alpha readers who have been reviewing drafts of her books since mid-2021 or early 2022. "I'll also ask my editors if they know anyone who can alpha read for certain topics, and they usually do."

Persons: Ana Huang, Huang, —, Ana Huang's, Alex Volkov, Dante Russo, BookTok, Asher Donovan, Asher, Vincent Dubois, Scarlett Dubois, Vincent's, I've Organizations: Service, Variety, Premier League, Bloom, Leisure, Forbes, Valhalla Locations: TikTok

☆ Romance author Ana Huang says self-publishing books is like running a small business
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-22 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Huang, now a beloved BookTok author, compared self-publishing to running a small business. Self-publishing for creative controlUnlike many unknown authors, Huang didn't dream of signing with a traditional publisher when her writing career began. "I didn't start out thinking I would be traditionally published or even that I necessarily wanted to be traditionally published," Huang told BI. Advertisement"For like a year or two, all I did was just consume content about self-publishing," Huang said. Huang told BI her fans can look forward to a darker hero in her next release.

Persons: Ana Huang, Huang, —, Ana Huang's, Asher Donovan, Scarlett Dubois, Forbes, — Huang, Huang didn't, Heidi Gutman, Taylor Swift, HarperCollins —, Bloom, Meghan Quinn, Grey, E.L, James, BookTok, it's, they're, that's, I'm, Asher Organizations: Service, —, ABC, HarperCollins, Bloom Books, Entertainment, Facebook Locations: BookTok

☆ Taylor Swift is flexing her economic muscles again with the return of her tour and a new book
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-18 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

In today's big story, Taylor Swift has a new book coming out, but how she's doing it might create some bad blood with publishers . On Tuesday, Swift announced plans to self-publish "The Eras Tour Book," a behind-the-scenes look at her record-breaking tour that'll be released exclusively at Target on Black Friday. News of a Taylor Swift book should have sent a publisher jumping for joy at the potential revenue. AdvertisementBig stars like Swift are exactly who book publishers are banking on these days. But even so, Miami, New Orleans, and Indianapolis — her remaining US tour dates — won't mind Swift coming to town.

Persons: —, Meta, Taylor Swift, Chelsea Jia Feng, Taylor, Swift, Samantha Grindell, Madeline Berg, George Walker IV, we're, Natalie Ammari, it's, Goldman Sachs, Kalshi, Donald Trump, Trump, Blackstone, Jon Gray, Walid Berrazeg, It's, Lebaredian, Uber, Dara Khosrowshahi's, Tyler Le, Matt Garman, Dan DeFrancesco, Jordan Parker Erb, Hallam Bullock, Milan Sehmbi, Amanda Yen Organizations: Business, Service, Target, AP, Indianapolis, Super Bowl, UBS, Getty, Financial, Wall, Blackstone, Trump, Investors, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, TSMC, Optimus, Financial Times, Netflix, American Express Locations: Miami, Miami , New Orleans, Glendale , Arizona, Hsinchu, ASML, Texas, California, New York, London

☆ Taylor Swift shook off publishers for her new book. That could spell trouble for the rest of the industry.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-17 | by ( Samantha Grindell | Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Taylor Swift is self-publishing "The Eras Tour Book" and releasing it exclusively at Target. By excluding traditional publishers, Swift ensured she would get more of the book's revenue. With her latest announcement, the singer is back to her business-disrupting playbook with "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book." AdvertisementIn what most closely resembles her book deal, Swift self-produced last year's "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" film. "Obviously, Taylor Swift is sort of a case under herself for this stuff in terms of just her reach," Hane said.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Swift, —, she's, it's, Clayton Durant, Simon &, Erik Hane, they're, It's, Ashok Kumar, Courtney Maum, Jessica Maddox, Gareth Cattermole, Maddox, Hane, Vittorio Zunino Celotto, Durant, vinyls, Taylor, John Shearer, Beyoncé, Paul Dergarabedian Organizations: Target, Service, Taylor Swift Publications, Nation School of Music, Sports, Entertainment, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, HarperCollins, Hachette —, Literary, University of Alabama, Department, Universal Music, Big, Bloomberg, Poets Department, AMC, Mojo, Disney Locations: Long, Target, London, TikTok, Milan

☆ A woman moved from Wyoming to Texas after dreaming of city life. She can't wait to go back.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Elizabeth Bagdon and her fiancé, Ryan Heming, moved from a small town in Wyoming to San Antonio. Then, they moved to Gillette, Wyoming, which has a population of about 33,000. San Antonio offers more convenienceBagdon and Heming moved into a rental home in San Antonio with their dog, Lucy. Elizabeth Bagdon moved from Wyoming to Texas. "We're ready to pick the place that we want to settle in, and that place will definitely be Wyoming," Bagdon said.

Persons: Elizabeth Bagdon, Ryan Heming, Bagdon, —, I've, Heming, Lucy, Sadie, Elizabeth Bagdon Bagdon, Salary.com, hasn't, I'm, she's Organizations: San Antonio, Service, Business, Gillette, Sam's, San Antonio Police Department, San, Southern Locations: Wyoming, San Antonio, Bagdon, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Gillette , Wyoming, Gillette, San, Texas, Antonio, East Coast, Sheridan , Wyoming

☆ After 10 years in corporate America, one woman took a 'micro-retirement.' It reversed burnout and improved her quality of life.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Anaïs Felt took a "micro-retirement" back in March from her Silicon Valley tech job. The time off on her extended leave healed her burnout and changed her relationship to work, she said. Felt decided to meet with a career coach, who quickly "diagnosed" her with burnout, a syndrome due to "chronic workplace stress." AdvertisementSix months after she left her job, Felt said her mental health has improved, and her burnout is gone. "Maybe I'll work from home and continue on the corporate path, or maybe I'll start my own business," she said.

Persons: Anaïs Felt, Felt, —, Emily, Amelia Nagoski, TikTok, Prepping, you’re, ike, ake, rick, hough, ince, ersonal Organizations: Service, Hope College, ust Locations: San Francisco, America, Silicon Valley, Michigan, ife, alance, oman

☆ Target shoppers' excitement over the 'Wicked' Stanley cups shows buzzy partnerships are the way forward for the water bottle brand
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-15 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

On Sunday, Stanley and Target released a collection of "Wicked"-themed Quencher cups. AdvertisementTarget and Stanley released their latest limited-edition collaboration on Sunday, delighting water bottle enthusiasts and musical fans alike. The videos were reminiscent of those that appeared after Target and Stanley released their Valentine's Day collaboration in January. Savvy marketing can help StanleyThe enthusiasm over the "Wicked" Quencher collection comes after a banner year for Stanley. Courtesy of StanleyBut as the excitement around the "Wicked" collection indicates, Stanley can maintain its popularity with buzzy collaborations.

Persons: Stanley, —, Alicia Briggs, Oz, Briggs, Quencher, Elphaba Quencher, Love, Piper Sander, Olivia Rodrigo, Barbie's, — Stanley Organizations: Shoppers, Service, Target, Business, CNBC, Influencer Intelligence, LoveShackFancy Locations: Target

☆ Christian Siriano wishes 'the judgment wasn't so intense' on red carpets
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-10 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Siriano also hopes to see more diversity on red carpets in the future. Siriano has also become a familiar face on red carpets, commenting on celebrity looks during E! Related storiesSiriano also told BI that he appreciates people "taking risks" on red carpets. He hopes to see more of that diversity on red carpets in the awards season to come. Courtesy of Azazie"I've made a lot of clothes in my career, and a lot of them have been expensive," Siriano said.

Persons: Siriano, —, Melissa McCarthy, Billy Porter, Bebe Rexha, Kim Kardashian, they're, Christian Siriano, I've Organizations: Service, Azazie, Business

☆ 'Good Bones' star Karen E. Laine is selling the 500-square-foot cottage she renovated on the HGTV show for $500,000
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Karen E. Laine is selling the 500-square-foot home she renovated on "Good Bones." Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! AdvertisementA little over a month after it made its HGTV debut, Karen E. Laine is selling the house she renovated on "Good Bones." During the season, Laine renovated a 500-square-foot home in Wilmington, North Carolina, to split her time between Indiana and the coast. But a little over a month after the series aired, Laine is selling the home for half a million dollars.

Persons: Karen E, Laine, —, Mina Starsiak Hawk, Zillow Organizations: Service, HGTV Locations: Wilmington , North Carolina, Indiana

☆ Taylor Swift brought luxury fashion to Monday night football in an outfit that cost over $51,000
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-08 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

On Monday, Taylor Swift attended the Chiefs game in a plaid set from Vivienne Westwood. AdvertisementTaylor Swift attended her third football game of the 2024-2025 NFL season in style. Swift attended the game wearing head-to-toe Vivienne Westwood, continuing her streak of bringing high-end fashion to football. Taylor Swift attended the Chiefs game in October. Taylor Swift wore several jewelry pieces to the game.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Vivienne Westwood, Travis Kelce's, —, Swift, Kansas City Chiefs —, Travis Kelce —, David Eulitt, Vivienne Westwood's, Grace Boots, Loewe, Travis Kelce, Grace Bas, Kelce, William Purnell, Jacquie, Kate Smooth, Effy, Jamie Squire, Aliett Buttelman Organizations: Chiefs, Service, Arrowhead, Kansas City Chiefs, New, New Orleans Saints, Kelce's, Grace, Cartier Locations: New Orleans

☆ I tried on 3 wedding gowns at Kleinfeld, the bridal shop from 'Say Yes to the Dress,' and was surprised by how much I loved the cheapest one
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-07 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

My experience made me see why Kleinfeld is so beloved in the wedding industry. Kleinfeld really is special. Crystal Cox/Business InsiderI got the bridal treatment from the moment my appointment began at Kleinfeld. I saw brides celebrating finding their dream dresses with their families, and their consultants seemed just as excited as they were. Moroschak told me she had the same experience when she started working at Kleinfeld.

Persons: Crystal Cox, Moroschak, I'm Locations: Kleinfeld

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