Amazon Launches Prime Pantry, A New Way to Grocery Shop

Lisa Raphael
Apr 25, 2014

With their latest service Prime Pantry, Amazon wants to help you stock your paltry pantry with “low-priced everyday essentials in everyday sizes.” Better yet — they’ll deliver them to your home in a one-size-fits-whatever-you-can-fit-into-it-up-to-45lbs box.

Yaaaa — WAIT! Don’t they already do that? Yup. Kind of. Well, there’s Amazon Fresh, their grocery delivery service, the shopping-by-photo-taking Amazon Flow and (the coolest option!!!) Amazon Dash, an at-home scanner and Siri-like companion that lets you scan or say what you need to restock your hizzy with.

Prime Pantry is a semi-exclusive service only available to Prime members. Don’t get all cocky though, Primeys — although the benefit of paying for the membership is that you generally don’t have to throw down for shipping on Amazon shopping, shipping on Prime Pantry is a flat $5.99. If you’re already coughing up $79 ($99 soon enough) a year for Prime, we know you’re probably like, um, haha that’s why I HAVE PRIME, jerks! And you would be totally justified in yelling that at the computer right now.

We like the idea of the box, which might help curb your own personal battle with bulk buying and overconsumption. By calling out “everyday sizes” along with low prices, Amazon suggests they’ll be offering you a CostCo-esque deal on Walgreens-size products that won’t take you years in your post-apocalyptic bunker to use up. The coolest feature we can spot on the tech side, is that a virtual Prime Pantry box shows up on the side of your screen while you’re shopping. It “fills up” as you add items to your cart so you’ll know if you’re reaching your limit or can squeeze another snack in.

You’re still probably trying to figure out what would make Prime Pantry a better buy than similar services like Soap.com (which, btw, offers free shipping after you hit $49, easy to do if you’re stocking up on groceries and assorted home goods). Since shipping is a flat price up to 45 pounds, you could game the Prime Pantry system by using it to buy anything that’s heavy: canned goods, laundry detergent, oils, bricks, cleaning supplies. And since not everything on Amazon has a Prime shipping option, you might end up saving on certain items not normally under the Prime umbrella. We’ll buy their “lower prices” claim too. A quick skim through their popular products, did get the coupon cutter in us to take notice.

Would you try filling your pantry with Prime Pantry? Do you buy groceries at the store or online? Sound off below!

Your First Look At Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey In "The Last Of Us" Season 2

After a season of adventure, heartache, and lots of father-daughter bonding, we're ready to return to the world of HBO's The Last of Us. So is the rest of the internet apparently, considering "The Last of Us season 2" has almost six billion results on Google. Starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the show immediately started making headlines after its pilot episode, and had a viewership increase of 75 percent by the finale. The series also went on to score three Emmy nominations and a SAG Award for Pedro Pascal as Joel!

Season 2 is sure to be just as compelling as the original season, but only time will tell whether we'll see new plotlines and character arcs, or the timeline arranged in a different way. I know for sure that whatever Craig Mazin and the rest of the team decide to do will make me cry. If you have as many questions about the second season as we do, keep reading for everything you need to know before the series returns to HBO.

Your First Look At The Last Of Us Season 2

Image via HBO

The first look at Bella Ramsey as Ellie shows the teen still rocks her beanie + puffer combo, but you can tell she has much more grit and determination than we saw last season (which, TBH, is hard to believe).

Image via HBO

The first look at Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller already has fans crying because the framing and Joel's outfit look very similar to an emotional scene from the game. Plus, I think we're just ready to see our favorites onscreen again!

"Cries in long hair Joel Miller," one X user tweeted.

"All the set photos and officially released photos from The Last of Us Season 2 are making me so f-ckin happy, I can’t wait to get traumatized again," another said.

When will The Last of Us season 2 premiere?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

The Last of Us season 2 is set to begin filming in February 12, 2024, Craig Mazin tells Variety. HBO confirmed on Wednesday, May 15 that it would premiere in 2025.

Who's in The Last of Us season 2 cast?

Image via Hulu

The Last of Us will see Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal returning to our screens, but they'll also be joined by Kaitlyn Dever in the role of Abby. This is the one role fans have been waiting for — she plays a huge role in the second game and the fact that she's in the second season of the series shows that the action, drama, and suspense is only going to get crazier from here on out.

It was also announced that Isabela Merced will star as Dina and Young Mazino will star as Jesse. Argylle star Catherine O'Hara has reportedly been cast in a role created just for the TV show.

Will The Last of Us season 2 follow the plot of the game?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Showrunner Craig Mazin told EW that the new season "will be different just as this season was different [from the original game]."

Bella Ramsey also weighed in on the changes between The Last of Us season 2 and its first season, telling Vanity Fair that "it’s really a story about revenge and a continuation from the first season about the dangers of unconditional love." I know that The Last of Us: Part II is all about revenge, but we still don't know just how much of the game will be used in the show.

“I think that they’re always going to find ways to build on the incredible source material that they have, and surprise us with how they can use that material in a different format like a television show," Pedro Pascal tells Deadline. "But I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anybody, and the truth is, I don’t actually have all of the information as of [January 2024].”

Will the time jump between games play a role in the series? Will the end of season 2 line up with the beginning of the game? We'll have to wait and see!

Will there be season 2 of Last of Us?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, there will be a season 2 of The Last of Us. The show was renewed after only its second episode ever! Right now there are only two games, so we'll have to see if we end up getting a season 3.

What is The Last of Us about?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

The first season of The Last of Us follows Joel (played by Pedro Pascal), who lives in Boston 20 years after a fungal outbreak leads to the end of the world. When a plan to save his brother goes sideways, Joel finds himself smuggling teenager Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the country.

Where will The Last of Us season 2 film?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

After the first season filmed in places like Calgary, Alberta, Deadline announced on March 31 that The Last of Us season 2 will shoot in Vancouver.

Where can I watch The Last of Us?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

You can watch the first nine episodes of the show on Max. We're hoping we also get nine The Last of Us season 2 episodes — if not more!

Is Bella Ramsey in season 2?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, Bella will return as Ellie for The Last of Us season 2. "The only way we would ever, ever consider re-casting Bella is if [they] said, 'I don't want to work with you guys anymore,'" Neil Druckmann (the game's creator) tells EW. "And even then, we're not sure we would grant [them] that. We might still force [them] to come back to season 2."

How old is Ellie in The Last of Us 2?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Ellie is 19 years old in The Last of Us: Part II, so it's safe to assume she'll be 19 in The Last of Us season 2!

Why is Ellie immune?

Image via Shane Harvey/HBO

According to Firefly leader Marlene in the season one finale, they believe Ellie is immune because her mother was infected before she could cut the umbilical cord. So, Ellie has had cordyceps with her since birth — meaning her immune system overrides any potential infection.

Your First Look At The Last Of Us Season 2 Cast

Image via Zarak/Instagram

We got our first look at The Last of Us season 2 cast when they dined at Vancouver restaurant Zarak. "Us 🤝🏼 The Last of Us," the establishment says in an Instagram post on January 24. "It was our pleasure hosting you last night." While Pedro Pascal wasn't at dinner, Bella Ramsey, creator Craig Mazin, producer Jacqueline Lesko, and newcomers Isabela Merced and Young Mazino were in attendance! Since Bella's Ellie, Isabela's Dina, and Young's Jesse are all super close in the story, some pre-production bonding sounds like the perfect way to start off season 2.

Follow us on Twitter and TikTok for more pop culture, and check back here for more news on The Last of Us season 2.

Header image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

This post has been updated.

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Kyle Richards Just Leaked Whether She'll Return For "RHOBH" Season 14

Last season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, we all speculated that Kyle Richards swapped one Mo for another given her separation from Mauricio Umansky and budding friendship with Morgan Wade. While Richards was tight lipped throughout each episode, we learned a lot more from Buying Beverly Hills and tabloids alike, featuring more definitive timelines and theories about what was really going on at home with the Richards-Umansky family. Now, with Mauricio reportedly fully moved out and Morgan allegedly out of the picture, what's left for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14? Here's a breakdown of everything we know, from returning cast members, remaining couples, and more.

Who's returning to "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" for season 14?

Images via Bravo

There aren't any official announcements from Bravo about the returning cast yet, but there are plenty of stories out there about who's not returning — and who's potentially getting demoted!

First up is Dorit Kemsley. Dorit's been on the show a while now, gabbing and girling with Kyle Richard throughout the latter half of the show's history — but there's been a wrench in that relationship ever since Kyle befriended Morgan Wade. And now, The Daily Mail exclusively reported that Dorit may even get demoted to "friend of the show" after not being fully truthful about the state of her relationship with husband PK Kemsley — more on that in a moment. Kyle Richards "dismissed" these reports, but we'll have to see about that. Fingers crossed she and Kyle can mend things...and that she and the producers can as well!

Next, we've gotta address Anne Marie Wiley. Anne Marie was let go from the show after just one season — where we can't help but giggle at the journey from calling herself a literal doctor to finally addressing that she's actually a nurse — and is allegedly okay with it. She told Peoplethat she's "in a great space" since then, so...good for you, girl! Just maybe don't obsess over someone's esophagus in your next foray into the film and TV world.

A regular for the last three season, Crystal Kung Minkoff is also not returning to the RHOBH world, according to Deadline. She noted on Instagram how heavy it was to carry "the weight" of being the first — and only — Asian American woman to join the RHOBH cast. Her presence and thoughtful opinions will definitely be missed!

Kyle Richards just announced on her Amazon Live this Tuesday that she's all set to return for season 14. She explained that even though the last year of filming was tough given the state of her marriage, she's ready to return to the show and have some fun. While she and Mauricio are still in the middle of their split, she anticipates he'll make some appearances on the show still. She said, “I’m sure he will [appear this season] because, you know, he is obviously family."

For now, we can only assume that Garcelle Beauvais, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, and Sutton Stracke will make a return, but only time — and tabloids — will tell!

Will any new cast members join "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" season 14?

Image via NBC

Apparently Melanie Griffith, known for starring in projects like Working Girl, is joining the RHOBH crew for season 14, according to In Touch Weekly! She's a long-time friend to Kyle Richards, and I think that'll add a great dynamic...especially given how rocky things got between Kyle and Dorit last year. The girl needs friends now more than ever!

One of the sillier rumored cast situations is that Chelsea Handler was joining the show. The hilarious comedian quickly shut that down, however.

A person we don't think will ever return as a main cast member, friend, or otherwise? Miss upside down jacket herself, Denise Richards. 🤭

Who's still a couple on "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" right now?

Image via Netflix

That's a very, very good question! Kyle and Mauricio are definitely broken up, and seemingly for good. The only other remaining couple was Dorit and PK, but that's all changing quickly. In April, The Daily Mailreported that PK's living in the Beverly Hills Hotel at the moment. Now, Dorit officially posted an update about their relationship on Instagram. It says:

"We as a couple have been subject to a lot of speculation about our marriage. We have had our struggles over the last few years and continue to work through them as two people who love each other and share two amazing children together. To safeguard our deep friendship and maintain a harmonious environment for our children we have made the mutual and difficult decision to take some time apart and reevaluate our relationship while we prioritize our children. We appreciate your love and support while we continue to do the work necessary throughout this journey. With love, Dorit and PK"

Comments poured in from fans and fellow housewives alike. Lisa Rinna commented, "I love you ❤️," followed by Kathy Hilton and Anne Marie Wiley's prayer hands and heart emojis. While this doesn't necessarily spell out divorce, it doesn't look great for the longtime couple. All in all, I'm hoping for a healthy outcome for the whole family!

When will "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" season 14 air?

Image via Bravo

There's no set air date for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14, but I'd have to guess that we'll see these ladies (and whoever else joins them) by sometime in 2025.

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Christina Lauren's "The Paradise Problem" Is The Sizzling Romance Novel You'll Cancel Plans To Read

If you're a classic romance girl who craves a little spice — I'm looking at you, Bridgerton fans — then Christina Lauren's The Paradise Problemis everything you need. I thought I was hooked on romantasy books, but I think this book has coaxed me right back over to the more traditional romance side — and I mean who can really have too much of either type of romance anyway, right?

But before I dig into all things The Paradise Problem, it's important to be clear up one thing: Christina Lauren isn't just one author like I initially thought. The two women responsible for bringing the world 30 romance novels are absolute powerhouses who also happen to be best friends: Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. I know — this news alone seems like it deserves it's own summer novel. Since they don't have plans to do that, we at least get to have their unified essence in the books they've written and in this lovely interview.

It goes without saying, but The Paradise Problem is the perfect way to celebrate Christina Lauren's successful romance empire. Of their newest title, Christina and Lauren feel great about it being in the world. "This one is really fun so it's like going out and just celebrating. We're not worried," Lauren says with a smile. Confidence; I love it!

Ahead, learn more about how they birthed Christina Lauren and created the characters you'll come to love in The Paradise Problem.

The Making of a Romance Novel Empire 

Image via Brystan Studios

Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings

I know besties when I see them, and this writing duo has all the makings of two friends whose bond has been deepened by more than time. Still, curiosity get's the best of me when I mention what certainly feels like an empire to me before asking, "How did you two meet?" Their knowing smile says it all — they've clearly been locked in for a while, and they remember the exact moment things clicked for them.

"In 2009 we were both writing fanfiction and reading each other's stories online. Then Lo (Lauren) was putting on a panel at San Diego Comic Con on fanworks and she invited me to be on it. So, I came out and we met for the first time, and we got along really well," says Christina.

From there, they wrote a one shot — quick fanfiction story — together, and eventually decided it was worth taking a chance on writing an entire book. The fact that both Christina and Lauren have experience writing fanfiction not only helped them prepare for their pivot into authorship, but it also got them accustomed to the honesty of online book reviews.

As far as people not knowing that Christina Lauren is actually two people, that's basically the point. "We want it [our books] to feel like they're written by one voice. We spend a lot of time editing to make sure it doesn't sound feel like two very distinct, combative voices in there," Lauren says while excitedly adding, "I mean everyday we get DM's that are like, 'I didn't know there were two of you!'"

Peeling Back the Layers of The Paradise Problem 

Warning: May contain some spoilers.

I have a deep appreciation for books that immediately call my imagination to the forefront and that's just one of the many things The Paradise Problem does as soon as you begin reading the first page. We're immediately introduced to Anna Green and "West" going their separate ways after choosing to amicably end their marriage. The kicker? See, they don't actually know each other.

How can two people essentially be strangers while they're married? Realistically, Anna and West's marriage was one of convenience. Each found themselves in a situation where their very survival relied on marriage, so they decided to become husband and wife solely on paper.

That seems pretty straightforward right? Wrong. Based on the first impressions of Anna and West, one has it together while the other is a hot mess. But, Christina Lauren is challenging us to rethink our approach to first impressions because they're not always everything. Once you start peeling back a person's layers, you can really start to understand their choices, reactions, family dynamics (and there are plenty of awkward encounters in this story on that front), and more.

Image via Jasmine Williams

Christina and Lauren knew what they wanted for these two characters in the end, but they had to figure out how to fully thread the needle for it to work — particularly when it came to West and his relationship to his family. They had his backstory, but they needed to figure out how to fully flesh out his world, parents and all. What they went with was jaw-dropping IMO, full of shady behavior, cocky attitudes, and beyond. But how does West's background and personality relate to Anna's?

"We always try to think about who's the perfect person for the characters — not who will complete them. Anna is very different. She does not come from a wealthy background, she's not super polished," says Lauren. But, there's more to her than meets the eye. She's a genuinely good person who has a loving heart that no amount of status can compete with once the layers are peeled back.

This is what begins winning West over, and the two soon begin to find there's some truth to the fictionalized relationship they have on display for West's family. Ultimately, The Paradise Problem begs readers to ask if opposites really do attract, confronting us — and our main characters — with this one scenario at a time.

Image via Jasmine Williams

In my humble opinion, The Paradise Problem feels like one of Christina Lauren's best books because it encompasses all the elements that fans of their work love. Christina says, "They love characters they either want to be or want to be friends with, heroes they want for their own, a lot of the settings..." She continues, saying, "The great thing about having a large catalogue of books is that there's something for everyone. Do you like funny books? We got you. Do you want super saucy books? We got you. Do you want something that's gonna rip your heart out? We got that too."

In case you have any doubts about that, check out all of the duo's books now and get your copy of The Paradise Problemtoday!

Be sure to watch our full interview with Christina and Lauren, officially known as Christina Lauren, on YouTube!

Lead image via Christina Lauren

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