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Survivor 46 is here! Every week, Parade.com's Mike Bloom will bring you interviews with the castaway most recently voted off of the island.

"Burdette Fumbles." That was the headline plastered across Q Burdette's town paper during a memorable mistake in his football career. Years later, Q threw himself into a very different competition, catching the million-dollar ball back in his own territory. For the first half of his run down the field, he sprinted with ease, in clear control and setting up his own path. But a last-minute juke on his own end reset his path, instantly losing that power. Now Q was on the run, swarmed by his opponents as he tried to continue his dash to the goal line. Luckily, due to some particular blockers, he had somehow made it into the red zone. With the end in sight, Q found a sudden burst of speed, and it seemed like a guarantee he would make it one step further. But history repeated itself. Q fumbled, tackled shy of the goal with an idol in pocket (or Q-Skirt).

Due to his physical stature and dominant nature, Q nearly immediately was in control of Yanu. Though the misadventures of the purple tribe had him red in the face, he was never in danger, and in fact had brokered relationships with the outsiders to make sure he was never in danger. Though he finally avoided Tribal Council towards the end of the premerge, Q was still gaming. He set up a cross-tribal alliance of six, hoping his dominance could extend through the merge. And, for a while, that was happening exactly. Q seemed to be the one to determine the next couple of boots, confidently calling out "big mistakes" for his opposition doing everything from naming their favorite player to being too good (or bad) at hide and seek. 

But it all came crashing down on Day 16. Unhappy Tiffany Nicole Ervin was targeting someone in the six, Q attempted to turn the game on his number one ally. When the camp launched into chaos, Q shouldered the blame, and shocked everyone at Tribal Council when he asked they vote him out. Q's reputation tanked, and his perception turned on a dime, as everyone saw him as too chaotic and controlling. Suddenly, the real estate agent found himself without a strategic shelter, and public enemy number one. Luckily, he had someone looking out for him in Maria Shrime Gonzalez, picking him up as a number. As Q continued to take heat, most notably from Liz Wilcox after he did not take her to Applebee's, Maria continued to protect him, bringing him in on some devastating blindsides. Q was nearly back to the height of his power, burgeoned by finding an idol and having convinced Maria to turn on her number one ally Charlie Davis. He felt so confident that he didn't play his idol, only to get blindsided by everyone except Maria. It was, to put it simply, a big mistake.

Now out of the game, Q talks with Parade.com about what led him to not play his idol, how he recovered from his game collapsing, and his reaction to being called a "villain" and "bully" by his cast members.

Related: Read our Survivor 46 pre-game interview with Quintavius "Q" Burdette

Q Burdette Survivor 46 Interview (15:37)

I can't believe I'm starting my interview for the fourth week in a row with this. But we have to talk about you not using your idol. I know you were already looking ahead to play it at five so you could get to four when, as you told me preseason, "I'm making that [expletive] fire." But was there anything specific that led to you deciding to keep that idol in your Q-Skirt?
So first of all, I went into that Tribal saying I wasn't gonna play it. I thought I'd done the math. I was like, "Okay, either I go home"--which I'd been fine with going home. Going home don't scare me. So I either go home, or I guarantee myself Final Three. Because if I make it through that vote, and I play my idol, there's no one there that can beat me in fire. They didn't stand a chance. So that was the risk that I kind of ran.

But I saw the game, I guess, a little differently. And as at that moment, Charlie had won two immunities. He hadn't pissed anybody off. And it was just one of those things like, "Okay, I would say take a shot," versus the complete opposite. [Laughs.] I hadn't won any immunities. I pissed everybody off. And I'm thinking, "Their head is in the game." But they were all so fascinated with me. I even lost touch of how fascinated that these people were of me and how they wasn't playing a game to play. I heard people out there talking about they want to vote people off because they would get more TV time than them. These are the type of people I'm playing with. Why would I think that they're going to make the right move that I would make? But at the same time, they didn't make the right move. Because let me just say, if I make it through, dude, I can talk. I can explain stories. And it's gonna be trouble for whoever is in that Final Three with me.

I want to talk about that. Because, to your point, you had angered a lot of the jury with your behavior and being a smokescreen for their blindsides. So how do you think you would have done in the Final Three?
So I felt like from the very start of the game, and I said it a whole lot out there, I can beat anybody. I don't care who I go to the end with, which two, I can beat them. Why? Because my ability to not crumble under the pressure when it comes to talking and explaining and being able to be honest in showing them why I did certain things would would prevail versus some other folks who are not used to it. And I knew that, so I thought I would win.

You gotta remember, for 17 days in a row, that was my beach. I was the king. I was calling the shots. I was running the show. One day, on Day 18, was a slip up. But then by Day 21, I had started to regain footing. I started to influence decisions and votes and put things out there and make plans and talk to people and rekindle relationships and apologize. I was four days down. So you got to think of a story of a survivor who's been on top, then he crumbles down to the ground. But then he makes his way back and survives all the way. That's a story I can explain. And all the stuff about, "Q, what can you tell us about Tribal when you volunteered to go home? You tried to quit." Let me let me explain something to everybody.

Please!
I was never ever trying to quit. I'm man enough to where, if I want to leave, if I want to say, "You know what? I'm done with this. It's too much for me." I'll get up and I will leave. I won't ask for permission. I will walk out the door. What happened is, in my life if I do something wrong if I do something that I think causes chaos and problems that is beyond the game, I'm the person that says, "You know what? I did that. I should take responsibility for it. And if you guys were to do that, I would be okay with it. It wouldn't sit well with me if I didn't."

Let me give you more context. So, on that night that I did it, what happened was I told Hunter about Liz's plan. Hunter went to Liz. And in that moment, I wasn't there for the conversation. But all I see is Liz crying. This is before the Applebee's, now. So we're not enemies yet. But Liz comes up, and she's crying. This is the same Liz that has all day been so excited that she's about to blindside Tevin. She's about do all this stuff. Now she's suddenly crying and saying, "Okay, I will vote Tiff." And I'm like, "Whoa." I'm one of 17 kids. I only have four sisters. That brought me back to, "This little girl"-- who is the same size as my sisters, actually--"she's crying. She was excited earlier, because I told Hunter." He would have never known; he would have never done [anything]. I screwed her plans up.

But then also, on top of that, I was like, "Dang, man, I didn't do right about Tevin. He's part of my six. I created this. I should have been trying to fight for him harder, or I should have at least told him." So I started to feel like I let him down, too, and I can take the bullet for him. Why? Because 17 of those people, Mike, were there for the million dollars. I was there for the title. That's all I want. The million dollars is great. It wouldn't change my life. So now I'm weighing, "Okay, Tevin, actually wants the money. It will change his life. He's about to go home. I didn't do write about him. Liz is crying. I didn't do right about her at this time. I'm gonna raise my hand and admit that I screwed up. And I'm willing to take the heat now." They didn't take me up on that offer. So now the offer's off the table. I did my part.

So, following that, you do become a pariah on the tribe. And, while you're trying to work your way back in, you are still causing mayhem, between getting into arguments with people and, of course, the entire Applebee's controversy with Liz. What was it like to try to rebuild from square one?
It was a task. I knew I had to disappear for a couple of days. And as far as the Applebee's stuff and still arguing with folks, listen, Q is going to be Q. It doesn't matter the circumstance, I'm not going to tuck my tail and stop being me just because, "Oh, they may vote for me." No, I'm gonna continue to be me. So again, if I make it to the end, I can tell my story. I can tell I played my way. I didn't allow anybody to dictate the way I played, the things I did, the things I said. It wasn't like I was being malicious. I wasn't out there just pushing people down and cursing them around. No, it was within the game. It was chaos. It was chaotic.

And just think, of everybody that you interviewed so far, they said that I'm the reason their game crumbled. If you really think about the game of Survivor, that's how it should be. I should be out there not allowing them to play the game that they want to play. I should be out there creating the chaos that makes them have to shift and now rethink or pivot or hesitate. There's nothing wrong with that. That's Survivor, but it's old school Survivor. But they weren't used to somebody just openly playing a game of Survivor the way I did. And that's the uniqueness.

Everything I've ever done was never told to anybody, not even production. So production was caught off guard most days. The Applebee's stuff, that wasn't planned. The hide and seek, the Q-Skirt. It wasn't planned. Just something I thought of on the spot. So all this stuff was just like, "Boom." It happens, and everybody's like, "What the world is going on?" That's the difference in what I brought in everyone else. And that was going to be the difference that I could explain to them at the end to make them even see. But I also understood that I had to go to the end with the right people. Because it doesn't matter what I did. If I go to the end with certain people, then here we go.

Who does that include?
Personally, if I had my choice, meaning if I'm in the game, and I run it the way I run it, it would have been Ben and Liz, simple. I would have never, ever, ever, ever targeted them. Because it was just one of those things. If I got through that boat, that means Charlie goes home. And right now, people say, "Well, Q, you and Maria, you're so tight." If I would have won at five, I probably would have pushed voted on Maria. If Maria would have won, at some point, she wasn't going to win, and we're going to be making fighting against each other. I was gonna beat the fire. I mean, it's just that simple. So I was gonna have my way he eventually with the three that I needed to be in the end with. So it didn't work out. But it's one of those things. I swung the bat every single time at the plate, every single day, trying to hit the ball. I didn't want to get walked. I wanted to hit the ball.

So, to that point, as you're swinging, let's talk about the perception from your teammates. We heard people in the game call you a villain and a bully. In particular, it was brought up briefly last episode that you and Ben didn't talk. What was your reaction to that perception?
So it was one of those things. Me and Ben I had a conversation after the Tim vote that did not go so pleasant. Because Ben did not like talking strategy that much. And it kind of ticked me off when I would ask him something and he would just kind of give me  a BS answer. So I'm the type of person that I'll call you out on that. Like, "Come on, do you want to work with me? Cool. Go your other way then." But at that point in time in the game also, again, I was running things. They were seeing it, but there was nothing they could do about it. There was nothing they could do about it at that time. So when they call me a bully, and all this stuff. I'm not a bully, like, "Oh, give me your lunch!" I'm a bully as in, "Get out of the way. I'm here and I'm playing. And I don't have to say it." And that's the kind of bully I guess they perceived me to be. But at the end of the day, again, it was never malicious. It was never a point to where I thought these people actually hated me to a point where they wouldn't vote for me at the end. That's why I thought I still had a shot. And even when I got to Pondy, they all told me I still had a shot.

Talk to me about that. What was it like to reunite with those people who, again, you had ended things with on a bit of a mixed note?
So it was it was wonderful. It was awesome. It's all about how you bring yourself to the party. If I would have went over there mopey and, "Man, y'all get out of my face," it probably would have went well. But because I'm like, "Hey, what's up, y'all? I love y'all, man! Appreciate y'all," and they're seeing it, they're embracing me with open arms. It was magical. I got so much food when I got to Pondy. Yeah I ate so much pizza it was crazy. It was 23 slices, then I lost count. I had the Applebee's reward. [But then] I got to Pondy. Oh my man! I was eating like a king, brother.

But just to hit on some things we hadn't talked about, there was no point in the game to where I was ever going to quit or felt like I wanted to quit because I couldn't do it. It came up twice. The first time ,it was literally maybe a minute and a half, after losing the challenge. Just being like, "Dang, bro! I could have sunk the bag and I didn't, bro. I should be the one on the chopping block." And that's how it was. It wasn't a, "Please vote me." No. The second one, again, was just one of those things. I felt I'd done something wrong. And I raised my hand,

Next, check out our interview with Venus Vafa, who was voted out in Survivor 46 Episode 11.

Hearties, we're past the halfway mark of Season 11 and heading toward the season finale! Not to fear, we already know there will be a Season 12 with filming slated to begin this summer. 

In the latest episode, Jack's (Daniel Lissing) ne'er-do-well younger brother, Tom (Max Lloyd-Jones) returns to Hope Valley. Has he matured and changed his ways or is he up to his old tricks again?

Let's find out more about the episode including some Parade exclusive images and sneak peek.

Related: Raise a Glass, Hearties! When Calls the Heart Will Officially Return for Season 12!

What happened in last week's episode of When Calls the Heart?

In "Believe," last week's episode of When Calls the Heart, Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) confronted Thomas Higgins (James Kot), an imposing figure from her past. Rosemary (Pascale Hutton) helped Lee (Kavan Smith) navigate his new role as co-mayor while Lucas (Chris McNally) struggled to find bidders for his resort project. Goldy celebrated turning a year old and Joseph (Viv Leacock) attempted to pen a response to his estranged brother.

What is this week's episode of When Calls the Heart about?

Elizabeth hopes for the best when her brother-in-law Tom Thornton visits with an exciting opportunity for the town’s choir. Rosemary and Bill (Jack Wagner) interview a source in their investigation of Lucas' shooting while Governor Bouchard considers his options over the resort development.

Fun fact: Did you know? The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was established in 1920 after the Royal North-West Mounted Police and the Dominion Police merged.

When does this episode of When Calls the Heart premiere?

"Facing the Music" will premiere on Sunday, May 19 at 9 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and will be available to stream the next day on Hallmark Movies Now.

Related: The Burning Questions You Need to Know About 'When Calls the Heart' Season 11!

Does Parade have a sneak peek from the 'Facing the Music' episode of When Calls the Heart?

Do-Re-We do! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek from this week's episode of When Calls the Heart!

Hallmark Channel's 'When Calls the Heart' - Episode 11007 "Facing the Music" - Sneak Peek (Exclusive) (1:08) Take a look at images from the next episode of When Calls the Heart

Check out some select images including a couple of Parade exclusive images from the next episode of When Calls the Heart in the gallery below.

View the 19 images of this gallery on the original article

Next, Hearties Rejoice! When Calls the Heart Alums Reunite for a New Hallmark Christmas Movie

Fans were enraptured by Keith Urban's surprise cover of Ariana Grande's song "we can't be friends (wait for your love)," with many demanding he record an official version.

The country singer shared a new video with fans on Instagram, showing off a recent live performance of the beautiful cover. In the clip, Urban crooned out Grande's poignant lyrics, "We can't be friends/ But I'd like to just pretend/ You cling to your papers and pens/ Wait until you like me again."

In the caption, Urban shared short yet succinct praise for Grande's tune, writing, "this song is audible heroin." Grande quickly replied, saying, "this is so beautiful 🥹 & thank youuuuu !"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Keith Urban (@keithurban)

Fans loved the emotional cover from Urban, singing high praise in the comments. "SONG OF THE YEAR!!! 🔥," wrote one person, as more compliments read, "Keith’s cover is gold," "Beautiful song, beautiful rendition! 🙌🏼," and "No way I thought I'd ever see Keith perform an ariana song. He killed it."

Even CMT was in awe, with the official account declaring, "my jaw is on the floor!!!" and "need this cover recorded ASAP 🥹🩵."

There was also talk from fans who now want to see a collaboration between Urban and Grande, while some people just loved hearing Urban sing anything, such as one fan who said, "Keith, you could make singing the phone book sound good! ❤️."

Grande's song "we can't be friends (wait for your love)" was included on her newest album, Eternal Sunshine, released on March 8, 2024. The song is rumored to be about Grande's relationship with the press, reflecting on how the media reported on her divorce and new relationship in 2023.

Recently, Urban stunned fans with another impressive performance—this time at the CMT Awards in April. He performed "Straight Line," the first track from his upcoming album, which is expected later this year.

Next: Keith Urban Gives Honest Opinion of Taylor Swift—And He Has Nothing More to Say

Now that the Top 5 finalists on The Voice Season 25 have been revealed, it still is unclear whether Asher HaVon, Bryan Olesen, Josh Sanders, Karen Waldrup or Nathan Chester will walk away the winner. Not because it isn’t obvious who has the best voice but because there are always mitigating factors in the way that America votes.

The one thing that was surprising was who made the Top 5. This year America seemed to lean in more to talent than backstories, which was unanticipated but a welcome result.

It was amazing that neither Serenity Arce, Maddie Jane or Madison Curbelo made the Top 5. They tend to be the types of artists that America normally votes for, but none of them made it through this season.

That said, it still doesn’t mean that the artist who should win will win because The Voice viewers tend to vote heavily for country artists and this year two of the three remaining country artists in the Top 9—Josh and Karen—made it into the finale.

Who will win The Voice in 2024? Asher HaVon

Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC

But the reality is that 31-year-old soul singer Asher HaVon from Selma, Ala., should be named the next Voice. Even though Asher isn’t on his team, John Legend did admit that no one on the show can sing like Asher.

Related: The Voice's Top 9 Perform for a Chance to Make the Top 5 and the Finale

“My dad texted me this week and said, 'Asher is the Voice,'” John told Asher during Monday night’s Top 9 performance show after his performance of Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable.” “Now, I'm a little biased toward my team, but I will say this: No matter what other factors people are voting on, I think you're the best vocalist in this competition. And you show that with every song, no matter what you sing.”

Back when Blake Shelton was coaching, it seemed to help to be on his team as he won nine times and not all of those times were with a country artist, but this season, the only coach with a win to his credit is John. Both Chance the Rapper and Reba McEntire are in their second seasons on The Voice and neither has won. And it’s a first time for Dan + Shay, but with Karen Waldrup their last remaining artist in the finale, it could be their year.

Karen Waldrup

Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC

Despite Asher having the best voice, there’s a good chance that the win will go to Karen or Josh Sanders being, as mentioned earlier, they are country artists. Of the two, it would be great if it were Karen. She’s worked so many years to get to this point in her career, she proved her versatility with her performances, she would definitely be deserving of a boost.

Josh Sanders

Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC

Related: The Voice's Oldest Contestant, Bryan Olesen, Believes Age Is Just a Number

Bryan Olesen

Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC

As for Team Legend’s Bryan Olesen and Nathan Chester, it doesn’t bode well for Bryan as he made it into the Top 5 and the finale via the Instant Save, rather than the initial vote. Not that I have done the math, but from observation, it seems that America knows what it wants and keeps to its original decision the majority of the time.

Nathan Chester

Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC

And that leaves Nathan Chester. It would be terrific if Nathan won. He is unique in the type of music he wants to make, taking us back in time to much-loved songs from the past, but also putting his own spin on them. And his personality shines every time on stage, giving him a special stage presence.

Related: The Voice Reveals New Coaches for Season 26

The Voice Winner Prediction

Asher HaVon should win, but Karen Waldrup or Josh Sanders are more likely to due to America’s preference for country artists. 

The Voice airs Monday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT for performances, Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT for results on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next, See All the Exciting Four-Chair Turns for The Voice Season 25

Nothing beats finding an affordable alternative to a high-priced product that you’ve had your eyes on for forever. It can happen at any time while out thrifting, exploring garage sales or even in the comfort of your local discount retailer. And when that fateful day finally does arrive, it feels as if the clouds have parted way and Jesus himself has decided to personally hand out the deal of a lifetime.

For some people, a good can’t-miss deal comes around once in a blue moon. The real dedicated shoppers, however, know that a good deal is always right around the corner when shopping at Aldi. That's right, everyone’s favorite discount retailer has made it their mission to stock their shelves with incredible deals aimed at keeping our hard earned dollars in our pockets. And if you were hoping to find affordably priced duplicates of your bucket list home goods, then Aldi is without a doubt the place to shop.

Related: Aldi's Cute New $10 Summer-Friendly Foldable Basket Coolers Have Shoppers Ready to Buy Every Style Now

Crofton Cast Iron Braiser

Aldi

Spotted in this week's Aldi Finds list, fans of Le Crueset better grab their pocketbooks because this dupe brings the style and class of your favorite cookware brand, all while being available at a fraction of the price. The Crofton Cast Iron Braiser is your go-to choice for cooking incredible meals at home and looking stylish while doing it. It’s perfect for turning your favorite cuts of meat and vegetables into tender, flavorful dishes and its wide, shallow base and domed lid allow it to act as a cross between a Dutch oven and a skillet.

Sporting either a blue or white colorway, this Le Crueset dupe features an 11.85-inch diameter cooking surface area with a 3.7-quart capacity. The pan is designed with a long lasting porcelain enamel interior and exterior, which boasts superior heat retention and distribution, making this a piece strong, durable and easy to cook with.

Those interested in snagging one of these handy braisers for themselves should note that along with the $24.99 price tag, customers can expect a piece that is oven safe up to 482°F. Additionally, the braiser is compatible with glass ceramic, gas, electric and induction cooking surfaces and even comes with a 2-year warranty to boot. This is your cue to go ahead and snag one now before it’s too late, as this is the perfect way to see if you’re ready to spend the big bucks on the much higher priced version of this incredibly priced pan. 

Up next: Target's New Super-Cute Pink Coolers Have Shoppers Racing to Clear the Shelves

After Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker gave a controversial graduation commencement speech at Benedictine College that led to heavy criticism, the National Football League finally shared its official response.

On May 15, Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, told People, “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

Many others have also shared statements condemning Butker's speech, such as Justice Horn, former Kansas City commissioner, who wrote, "Harrison Butker doesn’t represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members. 🌈."

Harrison Butker doesn’t represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members. 🌈 pic.twitter.com/4vZ14SXgb6

— Justice Horn (@JusticeHorn_) May 14, 2024

The speech got heavy backlash for Butker's problematic comments regarding gender roles, abortion, IVF and more, such as when he told the women in the audience that "one of the most important titles of all" for them was "homemaker."

Criticism was amplified due to the fact that he also quoted singer Taylor Swift in his speech, although he didn't name her, instead saying, "As my teammate's girlfriend says, 'familiarity breeds contempt.'" 

Swifties quickly called him out for his statements, especially given the fact that he appeared to put down the idea of women focusing on their careers yet referenced Swift, one of the most successful businesswomen in the world right now. 

In the days since the speech, people in attendance have also started sharing their reactions to the moment, with one new graduate calling the speech "horrible" and noting that she, her roommate, and some others did "boo" Butker as he spoke. 

As of writing, Butker has not shared any response to the backlash to his speech. 

Next: Fans "Love the Shade" Hoda Kotb Just Sent to Chiefs Player Harrison Butker After His Commencement Speech Went Viral

From the looks of it, Dean McDermott is moving on!

The Saving God actor recently took to Instagram to hard launch his new relationship with girlfriend Lily Calo, after Tori Spelling revealed she officially filed for divorce in March following the former couple's split after 17 years of marriage.

On Wednesday night, May 16, McDermott uploaded a duo of photos, where the two posed together in front of a step and repeat backdrop at an event.

In the first capture, the NCIS actor and Calo posed side-by-side in matching pinstripe ensembles as McDermott wrapped his arm around her lower back while the senior account executive shot a big smile toward the camera.

The second found the pair smitten, as Calo planted a big smooch on the Slasher actor's cheek.

"Sometimes ya just gotta put on your best duds and take your girl to The Magic Castle. Cuz she’s Magic!! 🎩#mylovey," the upload was captioned.

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A post shared by Dean McDermott (@imdeanmcdermott)

And apparently, everything is smoothed over between the estranged spouses, as even Spelling showed her support for the new couple by liking and commenting on the post.

"Love you both," she gushed, alongside a red heart emoji.

Related: Tori Spelling Spotted Reuniting With Estranged Husband Dean McDermott Following Split

Social media users poured into the comments with reactions to the official debut.

Some seemed confused at how quickly the dad of six—five of which he shares with Spelling—introduced a new flame, with two in particular writing, "Tori liked the post … she seems ok with how fast you moved on" and "Amazing how you celebrities can never be alone - just saying."

On the other hand, some fans jumped to his defense, with one noticing, "Funny how everyone is so critical of someone they do not know in real life," and further pointing out, "We only know what the stories tell us, Tori has a side and Dean has a side then the truth is somewhere in the middle. Love and let it go and for heaven’s sake be kind."

Related: Dean McDermott Shares Bombshell Confession About Tori Spelling Split

Meanwhile, several more simply showed love for the duo, dropping notes like "I’m so happy for you Dean! Lookin’ good, my friend!" and "Tori and dean proudly supporting each other. That’s the only that that matters. No need to talk s--t on their situation. Cheers 🥂 🔥🔥🔥."

McDermott and Calo were first linked in Oct. 2023, so it seems the social media debut has been seven months in the making.

As for Spelling, the Beverly Hills 90210 alum was spotted packing on the PDA with advertising agency CEO Ryan Cramer back in November, though it is unclear if the two are still seeing each other.

Next: Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott Announce Separation After 17 Years of Marriage

We can almost hear the fireworks, 4th of July is so close. And what would a holiday weekend be without festive summer cocktail recipes to celebrate? Tropical libations garnished with fresh fruit and herbs are always perfect for sipping on warm summer evenings and we've rounded up 20 fun twists on classic drinks every partygoer will enjoy.

Related: 30 Best Summer Salad Recipes

Best Summer Cocktail Recipes

Not sure how to make a shrub when you're playing bartender for your backyard bash? Find out with one of the easy recipes in this lineup. Need a large-format cocktail for a huge soirée? We've got you covered. From red, white and berry drinks and Pimm's Cups, to vodka poptails, Bellini spritzes and tequila cucumber tipples, check out these boozy thirst-quenchers for inspiration for your Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day parties and don't forget to save them for later!

Aperol Spritz

Kelli Acciardo

There’s nothing to send you straight on a voyage to the Amalfi Coast, faster that one sip of an Aperol Spritz.

Get the full Aperol Spritz recipe here.

• 2 oz Aperol
• 3 oz Cinzano Prosecco
• 1 oz soda water
• Ice
• Slice of orange, for garnish

Woodford Porch Swing

Woodford Reserve

To make this delicious, bourbon-based porch sipper, simply fill a tall glass with ice, pour in your bourbon, then add your peach iced tea, lemon and honey and stir. Garnish with a peach slice and/or lemon wedge. 

• 1.5 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
• 6 oz peach iced tea
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz honey

Watermelon Margarita Recipe

Sandra Lee

This summery and refreshing cocktail is the perfect way to cool off. The watermelon Margarita features Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka and apricot nectar, adding a fruity flair. 

Get the recipe: Watermelon Margarita Recipe

Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini

Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Pineapple and mint make this summer cocktail a drink to remember when paired with Belvedere Vodka. 

Get the full recipe here.

• 2 oz Belvedere Vodka
• 1 oz Monin Chipotle Pineapple Syrup
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice
• ½ oz Simple Syrup
• 6 to 8 Mint Leaves

Classic Italian Select Spritz Cocktail

Select Aperitivo

Stay cool and imagine you're sunning on a beach in Italy with this classic Italian Spritz cocktail.

Get the full Select Spritz Cocktail recipe here.

• 3 oz La Marca Prosecco
• 2 oz Select Aperitivo
• 1 oz soda water
• Ice
• Orange slice

The Vice Strawberry Letter Cocktail

The Vice

Rosé o'clock begins with an Aperol rosé spritz with a homemade summer strawberry shrub. PS—shrub is a term for a concentrated syrup of fruit, sugar and tart vinegar. 

Recipe Courtesy of The Vice:

• .5 oz strawberry shrub (plus fresh strawberries for garnish) 

• 1 oz Aperol 

• 3 oz The Vice Pinot Noir Rosé 

• 1 oz seltzer

Rizzo

The Rickey

Rizzo is the perfect cocktail for a gin lover.

Recipe Courtesy of The Rickey at Dream Midtown:

• 1.5 oz Principe De Los Apostoles Gin 

• 1.25 oz passion fruit 

• .75 oz lemongrass syrup 

• .5 oz grapefruit 

• .5 oz coconut water 

• 4 dashes aromatic bitters

• Egg white

Red, White and Boom

SVEDKA

Big pitchers of cocktails you can make ahead of time are a hostess's best friend. Just combine all these ingredients in one with plenty of ice and garnish with strawberries and blueberries. As the party grows, keep adding ice and fruit. 

Recipe Courtesy of SVEDKA:

• 1 ¾ oz SVEDKA Vodka 

• ½ oz triple sec 

• ¾ oz lemonade 

• 1 oz cranberry juice 

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

Related: 14 Creative Mimosa Recipes

Spritz Violette

Dream Midtown

This might just be the prettiest aperitivo we've ever seen. This cocktail gets its stunning violet color from Crème de Violette and a nice fizz from Prosecco and club soda.

Recipe Courtesy of Dream Midtown in Manhattan, NY:

• 1 oz gin 

• 1 oz Crème de Violette 

• .5 oz lemon 

• Top with splash of Prosecco, splash of club soda and flowers

Green Mountain

WM Mulherin's Sons Philadelphia, PA

Cognac, yellow chartreuse, fresh lemon and a base of a simple syrup make a refreshing summer drink. Garnish with a few sprigs of mint leaves for a summer cocktail.

Recipe Courtesy of Wm. Mulherin’s Sons in Philadelphia, PA:

• 2 oz Cognac 

• 3/4 oz yellow Chartreuse 

• 3/4 oz lemon 

• 1/2 oz simple syrup 

• 3 sprigs of mint

Vodka PopTails

Ketel One Vodka

A delicious blend of summer fruits and vodka in the ultimate whimsical mold: popsicles. 

Recipe Courtesy of Ketel One: 

• 10 oz Ketel One Vodka 

• 24 oz lime club soda 

• Fresh lemon juice 

• 10 popsicle molds 

• 1/2 cup strawberries  

• 1/2 cup pineapple 

• 1/2 cup blueberry 

• 1/2 cup cucumber 

• 1/2 cup blackberries

Candice Kumai's Morning Twist

Belvedere Vodka

Not only is celeb chef Candice Kumai's party-appropriate cocktail pretty to look at, it's beyond delish to drink. The matcha tea ginger beer and vodka combo gives it a bold kick that's perfect to kick off the 4th. 

Recipe Courtesy of Belvedere:

• 1.5 oz Belvedere Vodka 

• .75 oz lemon juice 

• .75 oz honey syrup 

• 1 oz matcha tea ginger beer 

• dried roses for garnish

Hey Bae

Lobby Bar at Line LA

Rum infused with Schisandra berry and St George Spiced Pear Liqueur are mixed with honey syrup and lemon juice to create this cocktail to make this summer for your BAE (before anyone else).

Recipe Courtesty of Lobby Bar at Line LA in Los Angeles, CA:

• 2 oz rum infused with Schisandra berry 

• 5 oz St George Spiced Pear Liqueur 

• 1 oz honey syrup 

• .75 oz lemon juice

Red, White and Berry Crush

Smirnoff

Red, white and berry drinks should always be on the menu on the 4th of July. This mix of cherry, citrus and blue raspberry flavors blend perfectly into any cocktail.

Recipe Courtesy of Smirnoff:

• 1.5 ounces Smirnoff Red, White and Berry 

• 4 oz raspberry lemonade 

• 2 oz lemon-lime soda 

• lemon wedges and fresh raspberries for garnish

Related:  27 Canned Cocktails to Try

American Pie

Grey Goose

What's red, white and blue and tastes like 4th of July spirit? This American flag in a glass, that's what.

Recipe Courtesy of Grey Goose:

• 1.5 oz Grey Goose Le Citron 

• .5 oz Bacardi Pineapple 

• Soda water 

• Raspberries and blueberries for garnish 

D'Usse Fleur de Vie

D'Usse Cognac

Large-format cocktails are the easiest way to entertain when you have a big group coming over and this festive floral punch bowl is pretty epic if you ask us.

Recipe Courtesy of D'Usse Cognac:

• 1 750ml bottle D’USSE Cognac 

• 20 oz St Germain Elderflower Liqueur 

• 20 oz lemon juice 

• 12 oz simple syrup 

• 1 bottle Martini & Rossi Prosecco 

• Lemon wheels and edible flowers for garnish 

Raspberry Rosé Spritz

Effen Vodka

Rosé vodka has arrived and when mixed with sparkling wine, muddled raspberries and a little lemon juice and simple syrup, you have yourself a winning 4th formula.

Recipe Courtesy of EFFEN Vodka: 

• 1 oz Effen Rosé Vodka 

• 3 oz Sparkling Wine 

• .5 oz lemon juice 

• .5 oz simple syrup 

• 6 raspberries (muddled) or .5 oz raspberry liquor

Lil' Shrub

Hotel San Jose Austin, TX

Before you head out to the patio, mix some Topo Chico or sparkling water, with Jardesca Apertiva and shrub to taste. 

Recipe Courtesy of Hotel San José in Austin, TX:

• 4 oz Topo Chico or sparkling water 

• 2 oz red Jardesca Apertiva 

• 1-2 oz shrub (to taste)

Pimm's Cup

Hotel Saint Cecilia Austin TX

If you are planning to watch a cricket match this summer with some British sport fans, you need to have a solid recipe for a proper Pimm's Cup. Pimm's, Jardesca Blanc and a lemony soda makes this a summer favorite for everyone on either side of the pond.

Recipe Courtesy of Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, TX: 

• 1.5 oz Pimm's 

• 1 oz Jardesca Blanc 

• A few splashes of Sprite 

• Cucumber slice for garnish 

• Lemon wedges for garnish 

• 3 mint sprigs

Related: 85 Poolside-Worthy Summer Cocktails

Bianco Spritz

DiAnoia's Eatery Pittsburgh, PA

What do you get when you cross summer's popular white wine spritz with a bellini? This creative cocktail. It combines a dry white wine, vanilla syrup and passionfruit juice for what will become a new warm-weather favorite.

Recipe Courtest of DiAnoia's Eatery in Pittsburgh, PA:

• 1 oz vodka 

• 1 oz cranberry syrup 

• 1 whole grapefruit juiced 

• Grapefruit twist and half a salt rim for garnish

Up next: 62 Best Summer Dessert Ideas

Susannah Leisegang, a freshly graduated alumna of Benedictine College—where Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker gave his infamously problematic commencement speech—has become the first to break her silence about having to sit through his "horrible" words on a day that was meant for celebration. 

Leisegang, who received her bachelor's degree in graphic design from the Catholic institution, took to TikTok on the evening of Wednesday, May 15, to answer the public's call for a first-person account from the viral event. 

"It was...horrible," she said, point blank, sharing that a few members of the graduating class, including her and her roommate, did "boo" the footballer. However, she also confirmed the internet rumors that he received a standing ovation when all was said and done, from just about everyone in the room. As a conservative school, most of Leisegang's male classmates "were excited" about the speech, but she estimates that 10 to 15 women remained seated, "looking back and forth at each other like, 'What...is going on? Did he just come here to speak about politics and his views on women? That's all you got...are you kidding?'"

At just 21 years old, Leisegang is "excited for what [her] career brings [her]." Marriage and children aren't her "ideal situation" at all at the moment, "[making] graduation feel a little less special [to be told], 'I'm nothing but a homemaker.'"

@susi.leisegang

Respuesta a @Kiki Thank you to everyone congratulating me it means so much❤️ butkercommencentspeech benedictinecollege

♬ sonido original - Susannah🤍✨

Her response came as a result of Allison Kuch, who is married to Isaac Rochell, a currently free agent in the NFL, candidly detailing her experience as a WAG. "When my husband got drafted to the NFL, people stopped asking me what I did for work," she shared, emphasizing how much effort she's had to put in to make her own name while chasing her own career aspirations.

"My life didn't start when I married my husband, it started when I was born," she said, directly quoting Butker, who implied that a woman's life held no meaning until she was married. "And I've been working my [butt] off every second since...can you imagine sitting at your college graduation after working your [butt] off for four years and someone telling you that none of that really mattered?"

When the video made its way to Leisegang's FYP, she replied, "thank you🥹 coming from a 2024 Benedictine college grad that had to sit through that speech." While the ceremony may not have felt congratulatory, hundreds of TikTokers made sure she knew what a "big accomplishment" she'd made—a wave of love that the grad says caused her to tear up while reading them. 

Next: Fans 'Love the Shade' Hoda Kotb Just Sent to Chiefs Player Harrison Butker After His Commencement Speech Went Viral

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Woven bags are usually reserved for beach trips or pool days, but there are some distinct styles that work as a perfect everyday accessory. We’re very much into woven purses that have a structured design, and naturally Target has one we've totally fallen in love with.

Check out this adorable mini tote from Universal Thread. It has the perfect upscale touches that make the $20 Target purse look far more expensive than it is, plus it can pair so well with practically any summer ensemble. 

Universal Thread Caning Mini Tote Handbag, $20 at Target

Courtesy of Target

This mini tote can actually be super functional for busy days. It’s about 7.5 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide, which may seem tiny, but according to reviewers this purse is surprisingly roomy. Shoppers say the bag is the “perfect” size and shape to fit “all small essentials” you may need while out running errands.

The woven cane design is made to look like wicker or rattan, but it’s actually all synthetic, which makes the purse water-resistant and extra lightweight. The main body of the bag is outlined with dark brown vegan leather trim that helps give the mini tote its high-end look. (The bag's available in yellow as well for a fun pop of color if that's more your style, too.)

That elevated aesthetic is why so many shoppers gravitated to this bag, and some have even compared it to similar designer styles that are far more expensive. One of the best examples that we found is this purse from Bloomingdale’s. They feature the same type of weaving pattern, similar leather trim, and are virtually the same shape. 

Lusana Emerald Mini Woven Rattan Tote, $113 (was $189) at Bloomingdale’s

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Although the top handles of these two purses are different, the advantage that the Target tote has over the designer option is that it comes with a detachable crossbody strap. So if you’re looking to save money on a purse like this one, the Target tote is the clear winner. 

The lyrics to Billie Eilish's new song "The Greatest" have arrived. The Grammy and Oscar-winning musician releases her third studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft on May 17, 2024, including "The Greatest" as track 6. This new album, which leaked early, is the follow up to Eilish's first two acclaimed albums When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and Happier Than Ever.

Related: Billie Eilish on 'Coming Out' and Her Sexuality: 'I Didn't Realize People Didn't Know'

Ideally a relationship is a 50/50 situation where both partners are bringing everything they've got to the table and participating equally. However, that is often not the case. In track 6, Billie mourns being the only one making sacrifices for a relationship while her partner just takes and takes. 

Here are the lyrics to "The Greatest" by Billie Eilish:

Related: Billie Eilish's Net Worth In 2024 and How the Grammy Winner Built It

Billie Eilish "The Greatest" Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I'm trying my best
To keep you satisfied
Let you get your rest
While I stayed up all night

[Pre-Chorus]
And you don't wanna know
How alone I've been (I've been)
Let you come and go
Whatever I state I'm in, ah

[Chorus]
Man, am I the greatest?
My congratulations
All my love and patience
All my admiration
All the times I waited
For you to want me naked
Made it all look painless
Man, am I the greatest?

[Bridge]
Mm
Oh-oh
Mm

[Verse 2]
Doing what's right
Without a reward
And we don't have to fight (Don't have to fight)
When it's not worth fighting for (Fighting for)
Mm

[Pre-Chorus]
And you don't wanna know (Don't wanna know)
What I would've done (Done, mm)
Anything at all (Anything at all)
Worse than anyone
Mm, ooh

[Chorus]
Man, am I the greatest? (Greatest)
My congratulations (Congratulations)
All my love and patience (All my)
All my admiration (Admiration)
All the times I waited (I waited)
For you to want me naked (Naked)
I made it all look painless
Man, am I the greatest?

[Bridge]
The greatest
(Hey, hey, the greatest)
The greatest, ah-oh
Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah
I, I
I loved you and I still do
Just wanted passion from you
Just wanted what I gave you
I've waited and waited (Oh)

[Chorus]
Man, am I the greatest?
God, I hate it
All my love and patience
Unappreciated
You said your heart was jaded
You couldn't even break it
I shouldn't have to say it
You could have been the greatest

Related: These 75 Billie Eilish Quotes Prove She's the Coolest Kid in Music Today

What is the Hit Me Hard and Soft track list?

Billie Eilish's third album boasts 10 new tracks from the award-winning musician. The new album is 43 minutes and 45 seconds long and is available to stream on all platforms. Here is the track list:

1. "Skinny"
2. "Lunch"
3. "Chihiro"
4. "Birds of a Feather"
5. "Wildflower"
6. "The Greatest"
7. "L'Amour De Ma Vie"
8. "The Diner"
9. "Bittersuite"
10. "Blue"

Next, What We Know About Billie Eilish's New Album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'

The lyrics to Billie Eilish's new song "Wildflower" have arrived. The Grammy and Oscar-winning musician releases her third studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft on May 17, 2024, including "Wildflower" as track 5. This new album, which leaked early, is the follow up to Eilish's first two acclaimed albums When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and Happier Than Ever.

Related: Billie Eilish on 'Coming Out' and Her Sexuality: 'I Didn't Realize People Didn't Know'

Getting into a new relationship is hard especially when there are exes involved. In track 5, Billie discusses being in a new relationship with the specter of an old relationship hanging on in the backs of their minds. 

Here are the lyrics to "Wildflower" by Billie Eilish:

Related: Billie Eilish's Net Worth In 2024 and How the Grammy Winner Built It

Billie Eilish "Wildflower" Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Things fall apart
And time breaks your heart
I wasn't there but I know
She was your girl
You showed her the world
You fell out of love and you both let go

[Pre-Chorus]
She was cryin’ in my shoulder
All I could do was hold her
Only made us closer
Until she lied
And I know that you love me
You don't need to remind me
I should put it all behind me
Shouldn't I?

[Chorus]
But I see her in the back of my mind
All the time
Like a fever
Like I’m burnin' alive by her side
Did I cross the line? Mm
Mm

[Verse 2]
Well, good things don't last (Good things don't last)
And life moves so fast (Life moves so fast)
I'd never ask who was better
'Cause she couldn't be
More different from me
Happy and free in leather

[Pre-Chorus]
And I know that you love me (You love me)
You don't need to remind me (Remind me)
Put it all behind me
But, baby

[Chorus]
I see her in the back of my mind (Back of my mind)
All the time (All the time)
Feels like a fever (Like a fever)
Like I’m burnin’ alive (Burnin' alive) by her side
Did I cross the line? (Cross the line), oh

[Post-Chorus]
You say no one knows you so well
But every time you touch me, I just wonder I should feel
Valentines Day cryin’ in the hotel
I know you didn't mean to hurt me, so I kept it to myself

[Outro]
And I wonder
Do you see her in the back of your mind?
In my eyes
You say no one knows you so well
But every time you touch me, I just wonder I should feel
Valentines Day cryin' in the hotel
I know you didn't mean to hurt me, so I kept it to myself

Related: These 75 Billie Eilish Quotes Prove She's the Coolest Kid in Music Today

What is the Hit Me Hard and Soft track list?

Billie Eilish's third album boasts 10 new tracks from the award-winning musician. The new album is 43 minutes and 45 seconds long and is available to stream on all platforms. Here is the track list:

1. "Skinny"
2. "Lunch"
3. "Chihiro"
4. "Birds of a Feather"
5. "Wildflower"
6. "The Greatest"
7. "L'Amour De Ma Vie"
8. "The Diner"
9. "Bittersuite"
10. "Blue"

Next, What We Know About Billie Eilish's New Album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'

The lyrics to Billie Eilish's new song "Birds of a Feather" have arrived. The Grammy and Oscar-winning musician releases her third studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft on May 17, 2024, including "Birds of a Feather" as track 4. This new album, which leaked early, is the follow up to Eilish's first two acclaimed albums When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and Happier Than Ever.

Related: Billie Eilish on 'Coming Out' and Her Sexuality: 'I Didn't Realize People Didn't Know'

Track 4 starts out as an ode to the ride-or-die, but by the end its a lament to when a relationship you thought was forever just might not be. 

Here are the lyrics to "Birds of a Feather" by Billie Eilish:

Related: Billie Eilish's Net Worth In 2024 and How the Grammy Winner Built It

Billie Eilish "Birds of a Feather" Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I want you to stay
'Til I'm in the grave'
Til I ride away, dead and buried
'Til I'm in the casket you carried
If you go, I'm going too, oh
'Cause it was always you, oh
And if I'm turning blue, please don't save me
Nothing left to lose without my baby

[Refrain]
Birds of a feather, we should stick together
I know I said I'd never think I wasn't better alone
Can't change the weather, might not be forever
But if it's forever, it's even better

[Pre-Chorus]
And I don't know what I'm crying for
I don't think I could love you more
It might not be long, but, baby, I

[Chorus]
I'll love you 'til the day that I die
'Til the day that I die
'Til the light leaves my eyes
'Til the day that I die

[Verse 2]
I want you to see, oh
All you mean to me, oh
You wouldn't believe if I told ya
Who we would become, laments I wrote ya
But you're so full of sh-t, oh
Tell me it's a bit, oh
Say you don't see it, your mind's all brooding
Say you wanna quit, don't be stupid

[Pre-Chorus]
And I don't know what I'm crying for
I don't think I could love you more
Might not be long, but, baby, but I
Don't wanna say goodbye

[Chorus]
(Birds of a feather, we should stick together)
'Til the day that I die
(I know I said I'd never think I wasn't better alone)
'Til the light leaves my eyes
(Can't change the weather, might not be forever)
'Til the day that I die
But if it's forever, it's even better

[Post-Chorus]
How do you do
We had that same
I love you, don't act so surprised

Related: These 75 Billie Eilish Quotes Prove She's the Coolest Kid in Music Today

What is the Hit Me Hard and Soft track list?

Billie Eilish's third album boasts 10 new tracks from the award-winning musician. The new album is 43 minutes and 45 seconds long and is available to stream on all platforms. Here is the track list:

1. "Skinny"
2. "Lunch"
3. "Chihiro"
4. "Birds of a Feather"
5. "Wildflower"
6. "The Greatest"
7. "L'Amour De Ma Vie"
8. "The Diner"
9. "Bittersuite"
10. "Blue"

Next, What We Know About Billie Eilish's New Album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'

Spring is here and before you know it, it will be summer! That means it's time to get out and enjoy that warm weather and switch to lighter meals by eating salad. If you love summer salads, but get bored with the same go-to pasta, corn and strawberry salads, these 28 summer salad recipes are here to inspire you to try something new!

You're going to want to make a lot of salads in the next couple of months. No one wants to eat a lot of heavy food when it's hot out, so salads turn out to be the perfect choice. This collection here includes a huge variety. Some are tomato-based salads like the classic Caprese salad, some include pasta like orzo and rotini and some have copious amounts of summer fruit mixed in.

Related: The Best Grilled Chicken Salads

Best Summer Salad Recipes

You'll find goodies in this bunch such as Peach Salad with Grilled Basil Chicken, Kale Summer Salad, Kiwi Berry Salad, Grilled Vegetable Salad, Shallot Mustard Tomato Salad, and much more!

Related: Best Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes

More Easy Salad Recipes to Try:

• Macaroni Salad Recipes
• Potato Salad Recipes
• Cobb Salad Recipes
• Copycat Restaurant Salads

28 Summer Salad Recipes Hearts Of Palm Salad

Crisp lettuce, artichoke hearts, salty bacon and the star—hearts of palm—make this a dish that leaves a lasting impression.

Recipe here: Hearts Of Palm Salad

Burmese Tea Leaf Salad

Amy Katz

If you've never tried Burmese Tea Leaf Salad, you're missing out on a simple green salad mixed in a light and flavorful dressing, topped with a crunchy nut blend.

Recipe here: Burmese Tea Leaf Salad

Copycat Bob Evans Wildfire Chicken Salad

Everyday Mom's Meals

This Tex-Mex salad is filled with tons of flavor from the corn, black beans, tomatoes and onions.

Recipe here: Copycat Bob Evans Wildfire Chicken Salad

Arby's Pecan Chicken Salad

Everyday Mom's Meals

Love Arby's chicken salad? Never miss out again and make this yummy copycat version whenever the craving strikes.

Recipe here: Arby's Pecan Chicken Salad

Strawberry Salad

Andrew Purcell

One of the dishes that Trisha Yearwood says is a staple for elegant Southern meals is a strawberry salad. Her strawberry salad recipe calls for using a mix of spinach and romaine leaves for the greens.

Recipe here: Strawberry Salad

Peach Salad with Grilled Basil Chicken

Cooking Classy

This Fresh Peach Salad is topped with grilled basil chicken and a sweet and tangy white balsamic vinaigrette. This grilled chicken salad can be served as a side dish or an entree and is the perfect way to use up end-of-summer peaches! 

Recipe here: Peach Salad with Grilled Basil Chicken

Tomato, Cucumber & Basil Salad

Recipe Girl

Throw tomatoes into a salad with crunchy cucumbers, onion and a simple herb dressing, and you have a lovely summer side dish.

Recipe here: Tomato, Cucumber & Basil Salad

Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

Recipe Girl

Here's a pasta salad full of plenty of vegetables, cheese and tossed with a good vinaigrette.

Recipe here: Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

Grilled Chicken Summer Salad

Here, fresh peaches, raspberries and a little cheese are topped on a bed of fresh greens and finished with grilled chicken and corn plus Balsamic dressing.

Recipe here: Grilled Chicken Summer Salad

Grilled Steak Chopped Summer Salad

Here's a gorgeous salad for the meat lovers out there. 

Recipe here: Grilled Steak Chopped Summer Salad

Bacon, Avocado and Corn Salad

This meaty, creamy corn salad will complete any summer barbecue. 

Recipe here: Bacon, Avocado and Corn Salad

Shallot Mustard Tomato Salad

Recipe Girl

Fresh tomatoes are topped with a simple, tangy vinaigrette and capers.

Recipe here: Shallot Mustard Tomato Salad

Blueberry Corn Salad with Prosciutto

Recipe Girl

Dotted with corn, blueberries, tomato and arugula, this salad basically screams summer. 

Recipe here: Blueberry Corn Salad with Prosciutto

Arugula, Berry & Goat Cheese Salad

Recipe Girl

This salad is a way to eat boatloads of berries and goat cheese for dinner. 

Recipe here: Arugula, Berry & Goat Cheese Salad

Watermelon, Feta & Arugula Salad

Recipe Girl

Salty feta marries beautifully with sweet watermelon and peppery arugula. 

Recipe here: Watermelon, Feta & Arugula Salad

Grilled Vegetable Salad

Recipe Girl

Summer simplicity at its best. 

Recipe here: Grilled Vegetable Salad

Kiwi Berry Salad with Raspberry Poppyseed Dressing

This salad, which is bursting with kiwis, fresh berries, pistachios and feta, will let you cling to summer just a little longer!

Recipe here: Kiwi Berry Salad with Raspberry Poppyseed Dressing

Fresh Corn Tomato Salad

Recipe Girl

Here’s an easy summer salad recipe using the best of summer produce.

Recipe here: Fresh Corn Tomato Salad

Orzo Salad with Corn, Green Beans & Tomatoes

A salad with orzo is a terrific choice for a summer salad.

Recipe here: Orzo Salad with Corn, Green Beans & Tomatoes

Summer Macaroni Salad

Recipe Girl

Need an easy side dish for all those great barbecued dinner recipes? This macaroni salad is the perfect complement to all those grilling dishes.

Recipe here: Summer Macaroni Salad

Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

 Zucchini, asparagus, corn, and yellow bell peppers are grilled to perfection and tossed with a fresh, lemony dressing.

Recipe here: Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

Grilled Romaine Salad with Bacon & Blue Cheese

The Garlic Diaries

For salad with extra flavor, take it to the grill. 

Recipe here: Grilled Romaine Salad with Bacon & Blue Cheese

Layered Salad

Lori Lange

This type of salad is a potluck classic. The tasty ingredients are layered in a pretty glass bowl so the layers can be seen in all their colorful beauty.

Recipe here: Layered Salad

Summer Confetti Salad

Sugar Free Mom

This fresh and bright Summer Confetti Salad is the perfect low carb side dish to all of your party needs this season! 

Recipe here: Summer Confetti Salad

Green Goddess Quinoa Summer Salad

Pinch of Yum

File this as your new summer WFH lunch salad. 

Recipe here: Green Goddess Quinoa Summer Salad

Tomato-Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Little Broken

The most festive summer tomato mozzarella salad with balsamic reduction. Make this as an appetizer or side and you’ll be the talk of the party! 

Recipe here: Tomato-Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Kale Summer Salad

The Balanced Berry

With the tangy dressing, ripe fruit and fresh kale this salad is everything. Bring it to your next BBQ, and it will be a hit!

Recipe here: Kale Summer Salad

Orzo Summer Salad

Pinch of Yum

Chock full of chicken and orzo, loaded with fresh veggies, and finished with a zippy lemon dressing and goat cheese, this salad is a complete meal.

Recipe here: Orzo Summer Salad

Up next: Cher's 'Boyfriend Approved' Pasta Salad is Easy, Creamy and Crowd-Pleasing

The lyrics to Billie Eilish's new song "Chihiro" have arrived. The Grammy and Oscar-winning musician releases her third studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft on May 17, 2024, including "Chihiro" as track 3. This new album, which leaked early, is the follow up to Eilish's first two acclaimed albums When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and Happier Than Ever.

Related: Billie Eilish on 'Coming Out' and Her Sexuality: 'I Didn't Realize People Didn't Know'

Chihiro is the name of the main character in the Oscar-winning Japanese film Spirited Away from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. In the movie, a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro "Sen" Ogino enters the spirit world of kami, part of Shinto folktales. The 2001 animated film has garnered a cult following in the US as have other movies from Miyazaki including Ponyo, Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro and last year's Oscar winner The Boy and the Heron. 

There's nothing quite as sad as the ending of a relationship whether that be a friendship, a situationship or a romantic partnering. In track 3, Billie mourns the ending of something and the confusion that comes with it. 

Here are the lyrics to "Chihiro" by Billie Eilish:

Related: Billie Eilish's Net Worth In 2024 and How the Grammy Winner Built It

Billie Eilish "Chihiro" Lyrics

[Verse 1]
To take my love away
When I come back around, will I know what to say?
Said you won't forget my name
Not today, not tomorrow
Kind of strange
Feeling sorrow
I got change (Yeah)
You could borrow (Borrow)
When I come back around, will I know what to say?
Not today, maybe tomorrow

[Chorus]
Open up the door, can you open up the door?
I know you said before you can't cope with any more
You told me it was war, said you'd show me what's in store
I hope it's not for sure, can you open up the door?

[Refrain]
Did you take
My love away
From me?
Me
Me

[Verse 2]
Saw your seat at the counter when I looked away
Saw you turned around, but it wasn't your face
Said I need to be alone now, I'm taking a break
How comе when I returned, you wеre gone away? (Gone away)

[Bridge]
I don't, I don't know
Why I called
I don't know you at all
I don't know you, no, I don't
I don't, I don't know
What I thought
I don't know you at all
I don't know you

[Refrain]
Did you take
My love away
From me?
Me

[Interlude]
And that's when you found me

[Verse 3]
I was waiting in the garden
Contemplating, beg your pardon
But there's a part of me that recognizes you
Do you feel that too?
When you told me it was serious
Were you serious? Mm
They told me they were only curious
Now it's serious? Mm

[Chorus]
Open up the door, can you open up the door?
I know you said before you can't cope with any more
You told me it was war, said you'd show me what's in store
I hope it's not for sure, can you open up the door?

[Outro]
Running my hands up my lap
And you tell me it's all been a trap
And you don't know if you'll make it back
I said, "No, don't say that"
(Running my hands up my lap)
(And you tell me it's all been a trap)
(And you don't know if you'll make it back)
(I said, "No, don't say that")
(Running my hands up my lap)
(And you tell me it's all been a trap)
(And you don't know if you'll make it back)
(Don't say that)
Mhm

Related: These 75 Billie Eilish Quotes Prove She's the Coolest Kid in Music Today

What is the Hit Me Hard and Soft track list?

Billie Eilish's third album boasts 10 new tracks from the award-winning musician. The new album is 43 minutes and 45 seconds long and is available to stream on all platforms. Here is the track list:

1. "Skinny"
2. "Lunch"
3. "Chihiro"
4. "Birds of a Feather"
5. "Wildflower"
6. "The Greatest"
7. "L'Amour De Ma Vie"
8. "The Diner"
9. "Bittersuite"
10. "Blue"

Next, What We Know About Billie Eilish's New Album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'

The lyrics to Billie Eilish's new song "Lunch" have arrived. The Grammy and Oscar-winning musician releases her third studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft on May 17, 2024, including "Lunch" as track 2. This new album, which has leaked early, is the follow up to Eilish's first two acclaimed albums When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and Happier Than Ever.

Related: Billie Eilish on 'Coming Out' and Her Sexuality: 'I Didn't Realize People Didn't Know'

Track 2 is an ode to girl-on-girl action and will likely be the lesbian anthem of summer 2024. Billie famously said she wanted her "face in a vagina," and she's now here to tell the tale. 

Here are the lyrics to "Lunch" by Billie Eilish:

Related: Billie Eilish's Net Worth In 2024 and How the Grammy Winner Built It

Billie Eilish "Lunch" Lyrics

[Intro]
Oh-mm

[Verse 1]
I could eat that girl for lunch
Yeah, she dances on my tongue
Tastes like she might be the one
And I could never get enough
I could buy her so much stuff
It's a craving, not a crush, uh

[Chorus]
Call me when you're there
Said, "I bought you something rare"
And I left it under "Claire"
So now she's coming up the stairs
So I'm pulling up a chair
And I'm putting up my hair

[Verse 2]
Baby, I think you were made for me
Somebody write down the recipe
Been trying hard not to overeat
You're just so sweet
I'll run a shower for you like you want
Clothеs on the counter for you, try 'em on
If I'm allowеd, I'll have you take 'em off
Huh

[Chorus]
I could eat that girl for lunch
Yeah, she dances on my tongue
Tastes like she might be the one
And I could never get enough
I could buy her so much stuff
It's a craving, not a crush, uh

[Post-Chorus]
I just wanna get her off, oh
OhOh, ohOh

[Verse 3]
She's taking pictures in the mirror
Oh my God, her skin's so clear
Tell her, "Bring that over here
"You need a seat? I'll volunteer
Now she's smiling ear to ear
She's the headlights, I'm the deer

[Bridge]
I've said it all before, but I'll say it again
I'm interested in more than just being friends
I don't wanna break it, just want it to bend
Do you know how to bend?

[Chorus]
I could eat that girl for lunch
She dances on my tongue
I know it's just a hunch
But she might be the one

[Outro]
I could
Eat that girl for lunch
Yeah, she
Tastes like she might be the one
I could, I could
Eat that girl for lunch
Yeah, she, yeah, she
Tastes like she might be the one

Related: These 75 Billie Eilish Quotes Prove She's the Coolest Kid in Music Today

What is the Hit Me Hard and Soft track list?

Billie Eilish's third album boasts 10 new tracks from the award-winning musician. The new album is 43 minutes and 45 seconds long and is available to stream on all platforms. Here is the track list:

1. "Skinny"
2. "Lunch"
3. "Chihiro"
4. "Birds of a Feather"
5. "Wildflower"
6. "The Greatest"
7. "L'Amour De Ma Vie"
8. "The Diner"
9. "Bittersuite"
10. "Blue"

Next, What We Know About Billie Eilish's New Album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'

The lyrics to Billie Eilish's new song "Skinny" have arrived. The Grammy and Oscar-winning musician releases her third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft on May 17, 2024, including "Skinny" as track 1. This new album, which has leaked early, is the follow up to Eilish's first two acclaimed albums When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and Happier Than Ever. 

Related: Billie Eilish on 'Coming Out' and Her Sexuality: 'I Didn't Realize People Didn't Know'

The opening track of Eilish's new album addresses her rise to fame. She comments on people critiquing her weight and the internet's obsession with tearing stars apart. 

Here are the lyrics to "Skinny" by Billie Eilish: 

Related: Billie Eilish's Net Worth In 2024 and How the Grammy Winner Built It

Billie Eilish "Skinny" Lyrics

[Intro]
Oh, oh

[Verse 1]
I fell in love for the first time
With a friend, it's a good sign
Feeling off when I feel fine
Twenty-one took a lifetime
People say I look happy
Just because I got skinny
But the old me is still me
Maybe the real me and
I think she's pretty

[Chorus]
And I still cry, cry
And you know why

[Verse 2]
Am I acting my age now?
Am I already on the way out?
When I step off the stage
I'm a bird in a cage
I'm a dog in a dog pound
And you said I was your secret
And you didn't get to keep it
And the internet is hungry for the meat
It's kinda funny that somebody's gotta feed it

[Chorus]
OhDo you still cry?
Still cry?
Oh, cry
Cry
Ah-ah, I

[Bridge]
I nevеr did you wrong (Never did you wrong)
And my (Oh), my patience is gone (Is gone)
And I (I), I never did you wrong (You wrong)I,
I loved you for so long
Mm-mm

[Outro]
(Ah-ah)

Related: These 75 Billie Eilish Quotes Prove She's the Coolest Kid in Music Today

What is the Hit Me Hard and Soft track list? 

Billie Eilish's third album boasts 10 new tracks from the award-winning musician. The new album is 43 minutes and 45 seconds long and is available to stream on all platforms. Here is the track list: 

1. "Skinny"
2. "Lunch"
3. "Chihiro"
4. "Birds of a Feather"
5. "Wildflower"
6. "The Greatest"
7. "L'Amour De Ma Vie"
8. "The Diner"
9. "Bittersuite"
10. "Blue"

Next, What We Know About Billie Eilish's New Album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'

Hoda Kotb didn't hold back in her response to Chiefs player Harrison Butker's viral commencement speech, and fans "love the shade" she's sending his way.

The address, given at Benedictine College—a Catholic school just outside of Kansas City—has been slammed as misogynistic, homophobic, and sexist, among other things—ruffled more than a few feathers after the NFL player quoted Taylor Swift while telling the female graduates that their most fulfilling role in life would be to become a homemaker, rather than the promotions and other career wins they may one day obtain thanks to their hard work and brand-new degrees. 

In response, Kotb uploaded a snippet of the singer performing her song "The Man," which is an imagining of what life for a woman would be like if she had been born male, instead, featuring lyrics like, "I'm so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man," and, "They'd say I hustled, put in the work / They wouldn't shake their heads and question how much of this I deserve."

"Lets [sic] listen to this one for KICKS🏈," Kotb wrote alongside the clip—which appears to have been taken in Paris, based on the colorway of the costume Swift wore, despite Kotb attending the Eras Tour at Metlife Stadium on May 26, 2023—in reference to his position as kicker on the twice-consecutive Super Bowl-winning team. 

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A post shared by Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb)

Followers were enthralled with the subtle shade, with one specifically calling it out as "classy," hyping the Today anchor up with an added, "Go Hoda!"

"Guess I don’t need my sunglasses for this shade 😎," another joked, while someone else encouraged her to "say [it] louder for those in the back!!"

"HODA WITH [THE] PUNNY DIG❤️," another celebrated. 

Next: Hoda Kotb Shares Rare Photos of Daughters Haley and Hope

When you receive a medical diagnosis, it can feel overwhelming to say the least. In the moment, it can be difficult to come up with the right questions to ask. One diagnosis that might feel particularly startling is hepatitis C. It sounds dire, but what is hepatitis C exactly? How is it treated? And what’s the most important question you can ask as soon as you receive a diagnosis?

What Is Hepatitis C?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, 50 million people have chronic hepatitis C, with around one million new infections happening every year.

“Hepatitis C is a virus that infects the liver,” says Taylor Nelson, DO, University of Missouri Health Care infectious disease specialist. “It is transmitted by contact with blood from an infected person. In about 20 to 30% of people with hepatitis C, the body can get rid of the infection on its own, but the majority of people will develop a chronic liver infection.”

Marc Kennedy, MD, a specialist in Gastroenterology and Hepatology through Wisconsin’s Aurora Health Care system, goes on to say that hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis, or scarring and damage, to the liver and cause injury to other organs as well.

Symptoms

“Usually, hepatitis C does not cause any specific symptoms,” Dr. Nelson says. “This makes it dangerous since you would not necessarily know you are infected, and is the reason doctors want individuals to get screening tests—so we can find it and treat it.”

She adds that if symptoms do happen, the most common problem is fatigue. “Less commonly, a person could have nausea, decreased appetite, muscle or joint pains, weakness, or weight loss,” she says.

Dr. Kennedy recommends that all adults 18 years and over be screened for hepatitis C. “Studies have shown that treatment of hepatitis C will result in a longer lifespan, than if not treated,” he says.

Related: 'Inside My Hepatitis C Journey, from the Day I Was Diagnosed to Finally Receiving a Cure'

What Causes Hepatitis C?

Dr. Nelson explains that in the United States, hepatitis C is often transmitted when people share needles, syringes or other tools for injection drug use. “It is possible, though less likely, to become infected with hepatitis C by getting tattoos or piercings if the equipment is not properly cleaned, by sharing things like razors or toothbrushes which could have blood on them, or by having sex with an infected person,” she says.

Additionally, hepatitis C can be transferred from mom to baby during pregnancy. And, according to Dr. Nelson, “Healthcare workers could be exposed at work if they get stuck with a used needle or a scalpel."

Specifically, Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can become a chronic infection.

“Diagnosis of Hepatitis C is made by a blood test,” Dr. Kennedy says. “These tests can detect the actual presence of the virus in the bloodstream, and the viral load, or the amount of virus in the blood.”

Related: 7 Sneaky Signs of Hepatitis C You Should Know About

The #1 Question to Ask Your Doctor After You Get a Hepatitis C Diagnosis

According to Dr. Nelson, the most important question to ask is: “How do I start treatment?”

“Because of the long-term complications associated with Hepatitis C, even if you don’t have symptoms, every person with the infection should be treated if possible,” she says.

And as Dr. Kennedy says, another top-priority question should be: “Is the infection cleared and inactive, or is the infection chronic and active?”

“The importance in asking this question is, if the infection is chronic and active, the patient is at risk for possible liver damage and possibly will develop cirrhosis,” he says.

Other Questions to Ask

Both doctors list additional questions that you can ask after you receive a hepatitis C diagnosis:

• How did I get this infection?
• How much liver damage do I have now?
• What are the treatment options and potential side effects?
• How can I avoid further liver damage?
• What vaccines do I need to protect my liver?
• What other infections should we check for?
• Can I transmit this infection to others?
• Do I have any other health problems that can be a consequence of Hepatitis C infection?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to improve my treatment outcome?

Related: Newly Diagnosed With Hepatitis C? Here's How to Stay Healthy

How Hepatitis C Is Treated

Infectious disease specialists, gastroenterologists and hepatologists (liver doctors) specialize in treating hepatitis C. However, many primary care doctors and clinicians can treat hepatitis C as well, as Dr. Nelson details.

While you may think that treatment for hepatitis C is likely complicated, it actually is surprisingly straightforward. Dr. Nelson says treatment usually involves an oral antiviral medication taken for 8 to 12 weeks.

“Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based on your individual risk factors—the condition of your liver, your overall health, possible medication interactions, and, sometimes, which strain of Hepatitis C is causing your infection,” she says. “Once medication is started, it is important to continue it as prescribed until the entire course is completed, to give you the best chance of cure and the lowest chance to develop resistance.”

When you’ve finished treatment after 12 weeks, your doctor will check the virus level to confirm that the infection is cured.

“Currently, the success of treatment can approach 90%,” Dr. Kennedy explains. “It is important to know that even if a patient has developed cirrhosis, they can possibly still be treated. In some cases, treatment of Hepatitis C in the setting of early cirrhosis can not only be curative but can result in the reversal of liver damage.”

Next up, learn more about Hepatitis C treatment options.

Sources

• Taylor Nelson, DO, University of Missouri Health Care infectious disease specialist.
• Marc Kennedy, MD, a specialist in Gastroenterology and Hepatology through Wisconsin’s Aurora Health Care system.
• World Health Organization (WHO): “Hepatitis C”

Being a 90s baby with a very protective and watchful mother means that she was pretty resourceful when I was growing up; she knew where I was no matter the lack of technology at the time. The day Find My Friends and sharing locations became a thing must have been one of the best days for her, to be honest. And while, of course, she isn’t as worried about my whereabouts 24/7 like she was when I was a child (I am nearing 30, so I could only hope it would change), that protective nature doesn’t just go away. Which is why she was more than thrilled to learn about cruise ship trackers after I told her I was going on a Royal Caribbean cruise earlier this year.

Again, I am a grown woman; my mother is far more reasonable when it comes to anything regarding where I am, what I’m doing, etc. However, let’s bring this into perspective here: This is the woman who called my RA when I was a freshman in college because I didn’t respond to her texts one morning because she was afraid I overslept (or worse). In actuality, a class was canceled so I just went back to bed. So when I told her I was going on a cruise with my partner, her first thoughts rushed to all the bad, "what if" things that could happen on a voyage like this.

Again, I am a big girl now. But to help ease any fears from her—which, again, is understandable thanks to movies like Titanic and whatnot—I found a cruise ship tracker that came in handy while we were on our three-day journey. And if you have family members on the open sea—or you also have family back home anxious to know where your ship is while you’re on a cruise—here’s how to track a cruise ship and what it looked like for us.

Related: The #1 Unexpected Thing To Pack When You're Going on a Cruise

What Is a Cruise Ship Tracker?

A cruise ship tracker is exactly how it sounds; much like tracking flights or Amtrak trains, a cruise ship tracker allows you to see where any active ship is through either an app or a website. As Cruising Earth reported, this type of tracker is made possible thanks to Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, which is required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for “nearly all ships greater than 300 tons.”

The accuracy and updated tracking information of a ship depends on how far the ship is from shore; if a ship is crossing large bodies of water, it might be a bit slower in relaying its location to data points.

Best Cruise Ship Trackers for Royal Caribbean and How To Use a Cruise Ship Tracker

Courtesy Alani Vargas/Canva

Since most major cruise lines have to report their location via AIS and very high frequency radios (VHF) (per Cruise Critic), finding them on a cruise tracker is pretty straightforward. Again, the accuracy of it is based on how far it is into the ocean, but you can probably take a good bet that a three-day cruise setting off from Florida to the Bahamas and back is going to be pretty close to many AIS data points.

And while Royal Caribbean doesn’t have an official cruise tracker, there are different websites that my mom was able to choose from.

Related: Reservations Just Opened for Disney's Newest Cruise Ship, Starting at $3,860 for Two—Get a Glimpse Inside

Cruise Tracking WebsitesCruiseMapper 

CruiseMapper is pretty easy to figure out, and Royal Caribbean is one of the first lines you can select so you only see their ships. You can also search the ship name you're on (I was on Icon of the Seas, their biggest ship yet). The website shows where the ship is, whether it's docked and where it's going (and by what date and time it'll be there). It even gives the weather and how choppy or calm the water is, which is a fun addition. CruiseMapper also shows a ship's route, so you can see where it's been and how it got to its current spot. 

Cruisin 

Cruisin is nice because, right off the bat, you can pick your cruise line and your ship's name. You can also look at your voyage's past route, complete with days and times. 

Cruise Hive 

It doesn't seem like Cruise Hive lets you search your cruise line like the others, which is not as helpful if you don't know where a ship is. But if you know it's docked, and where, it's easy enough to find. And once you do, it's really nice to navigate. You can also turn on alerts for the ship once you find it. Cruise Hive also has a lot of great info on the ship's pages, including 3D maps, last port calls and more.

Marine Vessel 

Marine Vessel is one of the best cruise ship trackers because it can choose your cruise line at the top and is pretty straightforward. Once you find your ship, you can click "Track" to see where it's been, or you can click "Details" which opens another window giving the rundown of the ship, including recent port calls (where it has briefly docked). 

Cruise Tracking AppMarineTraffic - Ship Tracking

There are many apps that I tried when searching on the Apple Store. Many didn't work out or had a lot of paid features for the most basic tasks, so if you want an app on your phone to track cruise ships, MarineTraffic is a good one. 

It's similar to Cruise Hive in that you can't search for a ship using filters, but you can look for it in the search bar. And once you do, it's saved in your log so you can easily come back to it. You can view the ship's destination and what date and time it's supposed to dock there. It also tells you the last time they received info about your ship's voyage (which is nice to know if you wondered about its accuracy). There are still quite a bit of paid features, which isn't fun, but for the basic need of just tracking a ship, it seems to get the job done. 

Related: 18 Phrases To Use With Your Adult Kids That Will Transform Your Relationship, According to Psychologists

A Cruise Ship Tracker App Helped My Mom Out When 'Find My Friends' Acted Up

Courtesy Alani Vargas

As stated up top, my mom loves Find My Friends (and so do I). So that was, of course, her go-to, but it had a pretty bad glitch that made me more glad that I sent her cruise tracking apps ahead of time.

When my mom used her handy-dandy Find My Friends app, the satellites (or something) were off, and it told her that I was in Brooklyn...as in Brooklyn, New York.

At first, I was shocked; had we traveled that far North? There was no possible way in such a short time, plus it was still warm out. Not to mention we also had to be in the Bahamas by the next day. Well, dear reader, of course, we hadn’t gone that far. That definitely threw me for a loop, and my girlfriend and I found it absolutely hilarious. I follow them on Find My Friends too, and it said the same thing for both of us.

The cruise tracker that my mom chose to use, and that came in handy for her, was the MarineTraffic - Ship Tracking app for iPhone.

“I thought it was very cool to be able to see where the ship was at sea,” she told me after our trip. “I saw that it was by that island and everything; it was cool. It also gave me the distance away from [me].”

Courtesy Alani Vargas

While a Royal Caribbean cruise is a pretty safe place and we stuck to our intended itinerary, the cruise ship tracker gave my mom peace of mind. She knew she could take a peek at where we were docked or sailing, especially when her Find My Friends was being finicky. 

Next up: My #1 Unexpected Favorite Thing Aboard Royal Caribbean's Newest Ship 'Icon of the Seas'–REVIEW