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September 23, 2026, is the start of Libra season and carries the frequency of angel number 923. For people born in these three months, the angel number date 9/23 carries a more personal meaning. It’s a cosmic invitation to begin something new.

As the Sun moves into Libra, the focus shifts to partnership, balance, and self-love. The numerological meaning in 9/23 adds another layer for those born in these months. The number 9 stands for completion and wisdom, while 23 is about expression and creativity. Put together, it’s as if the universe is saying: You’re ready. Keep reading to see which three astrological birth months are set for a fresh start.

Learn more about people born in January.

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January: Time to Build What You’ve Prepared For

If you were born in January, you’ve spent the past few months refining your life and letting go of what doesn’t fit your next chapter. You’ve learned to be precise and have a clearer sense of what deserves your time and energy. Now, the challenge is to trust that you’re ready for more—because you are.

You’ve built a strong foundation. Everything you’ve been working toward—whether it’s a new job, a different relationship, a creative project, or a new path—is ready for you to claim with confidence. On 9/23, you’re not being asked to prepare anymore. It’s time to take a leap of faith. However your new beginning looks, you don’t need anyone’s permission. You already have what you need.

Learn more about people born in June.

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June: The New Beginning That Comes From Saying No

Your new chapter begins when you stop holding yourself back to make others comfortable. For too long, you’ve been the one who adjusts. You’ve said yes when you wanted to say no. You’ve softened yourself so others wouldn’t feel uneasy. You’ve stayed in relationships, jobs, friendships, or places that made you doubt your own worth. This angel number day and Libra season are your sign to stop.

Your talents, skills, and voice are not things you should compromise. They guide you. If you were born in June, the universe is helping you let go of what dims your light and putting you in places where you rarely doubt your worth. This means saying no to what doesn’t fit. It’s time to choose people who understand you without needing to be convinced. Build your life around your gifts instead of shrinking them.

This might mean finally leaving a relationship that takes more than it gives, quitting a job that never valued you, or letting go of friendships that make you feel small. Your new beginning isn’t just about finding something better. It’s about ending what hurts you and trusting that what’s meant for you won’t ask you to shrink yourself. On September 23, give yourself permission to stop people-pleasing. Your light matters more than anyone’s comfort.

Learn more about people born in December.

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December: Let Yourself Have Fun Again

If you were born in December, you’ve been taking life too seriously and focusing only on your problems. You’ve been treating every issue as if it needs to be fixed right away and seeing every mistake as a flaw. But your setbacks are just part of your story. This birth month has been so busy fixing and analyzing that you’ve forgotten how to simply… just be. Angel number day 9/23 brings a new chapter. During this time, you’re being asked to leave some matters unsolved for now.

Do you remember what makes you feel alive? Focus on things that make you laugh without effort. Plan activities just because they feel good, not because they serve a purpose. Your inner child has been waiting for a chance to play. Starting September 23, allow yourself to relax and have some fun.

Dance like nobody’s watching, because they aren’t—and honestly, even if they were, it doesn’t matter. Right now, your journey isn’t about achievement or productivity. Ditch burnout. Reconnect with the joy and lightness that are always there for you. The problem-solving skills you’ve been using will still be there tomorrow if you need them, but sometimes things work out better when you stop trying so hard. Life is meant to feel good. September 23 is your reminder to stop putting off that feeling.

UP NEXT:

East Bay Ray, born Raymond Pepperell, who is a prolific punk-rock guitarist and founding member of the band Dead Kennedys, announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The tough news was shared through the band’s official social media account, with the band posting a photo of Ray on Instagram alongside a message to fans. It read, “Dead Kennedys management announced today that the band’s guitarist and founding member, East Bay Ray, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.”

The note also addressed Ray’s future in music, reading, “Ray says he plans to continue performing and touring with Dead Kennedys for as long as his health allows, and expressed his appreciation to everyone for their continued support.”

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Fans shared support for Ray in the comments, with one writing, “Till the wheels fall off! Hell of a dude. 🔥.”

“Sending positive thoughts, Ray will continue til he can’t, legend,” said another, while a different touching reply read, “All the best to you Ray. I hope that everything you’ve given us through your music… comes back to you twofold, and that you can keep doing what you love most!!”

Many more told him to “stay strong” and cheered him on, calling him a “living legend.” Neither the band nor Ray has shared any further comments or information.

The band has a handful of scheduled shows starting on Oct. 6, and as of writing, the Dead Kennedys concerts are expected to continue as planned.

Related: 1967 Rock Song, Sung Defiantly by Jim Morrison, Got Legendary Band Banned From TV 59 Years Ago Today

Parkinson’s Foundation defines the disease as “a progressive brain disorder that damages dopamine-producing neurons.” Many people suffering from the condition experience tremors and movement issues, along with other symptoms.

While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are many treatments available to help maintain quality of life while living with the condition.

Related: 1968 No. 1 Hit Song, Performed by Otis Redding, Among Top Songs of the 20th Century

Noel Fielding gave Great British Baking Show fans a bit of a scare with the opening of his latest update.

The longtime host checked in on Instagram on Tuesday, September 22, after finishing filming on the upcoming season (which goes by Great British Bake Off in the U.K.), beginning his message with, “Just finished the bake-off. Wow, what a year.”

Fielding then started reflecting on the season and praising his fellow cast members—including new judge Nigella Lawson—which, without much context at first, had some viewers wondering exactly where the message was headed.

“I was TERRIFIED he was announcing this was his last season on bake-off,” said one Instagram user in the comments of the video.

“The beginning of this had the tone of bad news we are too fragile Noel don’t do us like that 💀,” another wrote.

A third replied, “Why did I think he was announcing he was leaving?! My heart dropped.”

But there was no goodbye coming. Fielding was simply celebrating another year in the tent and getting fans excited about what they’ve yet to see.

READ MORE: When Does ‘Great British Bake Off’ Season 17 Premiere? Cast Shares New Update

“Couldn’t love her more,” he said of Lawson, before adding, “And Paul’s on good form, Alison, my favorite person on this planet, was out of control as ever.”

“I think it was a really good year. So I think you’re in for a real treat and I really hope you watch it,” Fielding continued. “And yeah, it’s one of the great series I think.”

When does the Great British Baking Show return?

The new season, known as Collection 14 on Netflix in the U.S., will premiere September 25, with new episodes arriving weekly on Fridays. Twelve amateur bakers will enter the tent and once again tackle the show’s signature, technical and showstopper challenges.

There will be a notable change at the judging table, however. Lawson is joining Paul Hollywood following Prue Leith’s departure after nine seasons, while Fielding and Alison Hammond are both returning as hosts.

The show premiered in the U.K. on September 22.

If you’ve ever stood in the candy aisle at Trader Joe’s wondering what bottle of wine would actually go with your favorite sweet treat, a sommelier has some surprisingly delicious answers.

Certified Sommelier Sam Capaldi knows a thing or two about pairing wine with food, but she’s also a big believer that wine pairings don’t have to stop at cheese boards and fancy dinners. In fact, some of her favorite combinations involve candy aisle staples from Trader Joe’s and she shared some of her favorites in a post that’s going viral on Instagram.

From sour gummy candies and rosé to peanut butter cups and Italian Primitivo, Capaldi shared eight Trader Joe’s candy and wine pairings that she says are worth trying.

Emma Reichart Rosé and Sour Strawberry Candy Belts

Capaldi is a longtime fan of pairing rosé with sour candy, and Trader Joe’s Sour Strawberry Candy Belts are no exception.

“Holy…this is a candy and wine pairing I can get behind all year round,” she wrote on Instagram. “It’s very similar to my famous rosé & Sour Patch Watermelon Kids pairing so if you’ve had that then you already know this is 10/10.”

The fruity rosé complements the sweet strawberry flavor, while the candy’s sour kick gives the pairing a little extra punch.

Patroferno Appassimento Puglia Primitivo and Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Trader Joe’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups already have a devoted following, and Capaldi takes that love one step further by pairing them with Primitivo, an Italian wine made from the same grape variety known as Zinfandel in the U.S.

“THE BEST PEANUT BUTTER CUPS IN THE WORLD!” Capaldi says. “Paired alongside a Primitivo (Italian Zinfandel) is one of my go-to pairings every single year!!!”

The rich chocolate and salty-sweet peanut butter filling make a natural match for the bold, fruit-forward wine.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore and Dark Chocolate Sticks With Crispy Rice

Don’t let the humble appearance of Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Sticks With Crispy Rice fool you.

“Ok these chocolate crispy rice sticks look/sound mediocre but I guarantee they are so delightful,” Capaldi says. “I love eating them out of the fridge! It’s a fun crispy texture and sparking effervescent combo!”

The crisp texture of the chocolate sticks paired with the bubbles in Prosecco makes for a combination that’s both rich and refreshing.

Reggiano Lambrusco and Teensy Candy Bars

If you love a miniature candy bar, Capaldi has a wine pairing for that, too.

“These are like TJ’s version of a snickers bar and it’s so good with Lambrusco!” she says. “I love seeing Lambrusco get more love lately and she is so amazing with chocolate because of her cherry and strawberry punchiness and slight effervescence.”

The wine’s fruity character and gentle bubbles help balance the richness of the chocolate and nutty candy.

Ca’Storica Amarone della Valpolicella and Dark Chocolate Bark

Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Bark might be dangerously easy to eat, according to Capaldi.

“OMG why is this bark so addicting? It’s so wild,” she says. “I recently tried it with this Amarone and I think I outdid myself.”

The rich, concentrated flavors of Amarone make it a fitting partner for decadent dark chocolate, creating a pairing that Capaldi clearly considers a standout.

J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay and Apple Crisp Inspired Milk Chocolate Caramels

For anyone who thinks they don’t like Chardonnay, Capaldi has a pairing that might change their mind.

“Chardonnay LOVES anything apple flavored, and then you add the caramel…this combo is unreal,” she says. “I honestly will get you to enjoy Chardonnay even one like this that has a touch of ‘oak’. Trust.”

The apple and caramel combination gives the wine a familiar fall-inspired flavor profile, while the chocolate adds another layer of richness.

Sauvignon Republic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Spooky Bats & Cats Sour Gummy Candies

Capaldi calls this one of her “OG pairings,” and it’s particularly fun for Halloween season.

“One of my OG pairings! Don’t sleep on sour gummy candy’s and Sauvy B baby!!” she says. “It’s a sour/sweet/tangy flavor bomb in your mouth!”

The combination of tart gummies and bright Sauvignon Blanc creates a playful contrast that Capaldi says can convince even skeptics that candy and wine really can work together.

Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier and Fruity Gummy Candies

Finally, Capaldi recommends pairing Trader Joe’s Fruity Gummy Candies with Chenin Blanc, particularly a bottle with tropical fruit notes.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me these gummies are so good?!” she says. “So tropical, they need a wine that packs similar flavors like mango, pineapple and grapefruit!”

According to Capaldi, it’s the similarity between the flavors in the wine and candy that makes this pairing work so well.

“The wine and the gummies mirror each other so well! yum!” she adds.

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Cozy season is officially here, which means sweaters, lounge pants, and matching sets can finally make their way back into rotation. Walmart is making it even easier to add a new one to your closet with the Fantaslook 2-Piece Henley Lounge Set, now on sale for $25, down from $44. It comes in 14 colors and sizes small through 2XL.

The matching set includes a long-sleeve henley top and wide-leg pants made from soft, stretchy fabric with a subtle ribbed look. The pants have pockets and an adjustable drawstring waistband, which makes them just as practical for a lazy day at home as they are for running out for coffee. Both pieces can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and hung to dry.

Fantaslook 2-Piece Henley Lounge Set, $25 (was $44) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The best part about a matching set is that it does half the work of getting dressed for you. You can wear both pieces together when you want to be comfortable without staying in pajamas, but you’re not locked into the full set either. You can wear the henley top with jeans, and the wide-leg pants can easily go with another sweater or long-sleeve shirt.

With over 1,100 five-star ratings, this set has received plenty of praise. One shopper called it “beautiful” and noted that “it feels incredibly soft against your skin.” Another described it as “very pretty” and the “most comfortable outfit I’ve ever had,” while a third person said it’s “super cozy” and “breathable yet soft.” Others added that it’s “cute enough to wear for dinner out,” while still comfy enough for lounging. 

Related: Walmart’s $20 Ballet-Inspired Loungewear Set Is ‘Super Soft,’ ‘Comfy,’ and ‘Flattering’ for Fall 

There are lots of ways to wear this set, too. You can add sneakers and a jacket for errands or travel, or wear it around the house with slippers when you want to be cozy. The wide-leg pants also give you a little more room to move than fitted joggers or jeans, and the pockets are super helpful when you’re heading out without a bag.

Shop More Deals

• Fantaslook 2-Piece Pleated Lounge Set, From $26 (was $46) at Walmart
• Moshu 2-Piece Shorts Lounge Set, From $15 (was $28) at Walmart
• Cueply 2-Piece Long-Sleeve Lounge Set, $20 (was $30) at Walmart

The Fantaslook 2-Piece Henley Lounge Set’s price dropped at just the right time for cooler mornings, movie nights, and travel days ahead. The fact that each piece can also be worn separately gives you even more use out of the set, so be sure to grab your favorite color at Walmart while the deal is still available.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales twice a week.

Your living room is the hub of the home, a spot for your family and friends to gather, watch your favorite movies, get stressed over the Saturday night football game or play board games. Having a media stand is a must in this space, and World Market has a beautiful option available right now.

World Market’s Craft Varan Slate Blue Carved Wood Geo Media Stand is full of artisanal charm. Part of World Market’s Craft collection, this media stand was inspired by vintage Gujarat furniture and features three rustic geometric doors with hand carvings in a stunning slate blue shade, coming together to create an heirloom-esque piece that makes a stunning statement.

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Craft Varan Slate Blue Carved Wood Geo Media Stand, $999.99 at World Market

World Market

This media stand is constructed from durable mango wood, so it is built to last. It has two fixed shelves, but has four compartments total. This gives you plenty of space for extra storage. For dimensions, it measures 60 inches in width, 16 inches in depth and 30 inches in height. It has a weight capacity of 50 pounds and can hold up to a 42-inch flat-screen TV.

World Market shoppers love this media stand, giving it an average rating of five stars on WorldMarket.com.

“Another stunner,” wrote one fan in a five-star review on World Market’s website. “I’ve always been a big fan of the Craft pieces and have collected throughout the years. This piece is so well done. I ordered it site unseen and am so happy with it in person. Beautifully done and fits my space perfectly.”

You can find this striking media cabinet on World Market’s website or in select stores. It retails for $999.99.

Related: World Market’s Pumpkin-Shaped Serving Tray Has ‘the Perfect Rustic Fall Look’

How to Style a Media Stand

World Market

When it comes to styling a media stand, there are several considerations you’ll want to keep in mind:

• Size: First, picking the right size is essential. Choose a media stand that is several inches wider than your TV. This will give a sense of balance and give you enough room for decorative accents and additional storage.
• Remove clutter: Make sure your media stand is clutter-free. This includes everything from the remote control to any cords. This will give a cleaner, more styled look that feels intentional and beautiful. (Psst! This media stand has a cable management system to make corralling all your electronics’ cords a breeze.)
• Create visual interest: Keep your media stand interesting and stylish by creating more visual interest. Incorporating contrasting colors and sizes for your decor pieces, mixing textures and utilizing negative space are all great ways to accomplish this.

Related: World Market’s Fluted 3-Tier Rolling Cart Is Such a Chic Storage Solution

Brad Pitt brought two familiar faces from home along for his latest NASCAR appearance, posing for a rare set of photos with younger brother Doug Pitt and sister Julie Neal.

Grand Marshal Brad Pitt (R) poses with siblings Julie Neal and Doug Pitt on the grid before the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race.

(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Brad, 62, was joined by his siblings at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee on Saturday, September 19, ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The actor served as grand marshal for the event.

In photos from the track, Julie stood between her brothers as the three smiled together in front of the packed grandstands.

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Another shot captured Brad giving the camera an enthusiastic thumbs-up while Doug and Julie smiled beside him.

Why Was Brad Pitt at the NASCAR Race? Grand Marshal Brad Pitt (R) poses with siblings Julie Neal and Doug Pitt

(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Brad was at Bristol in an official role. NASCAR announced earlier in September that the Oscar-winning actor would serve as grand marshal for the Bristol Night Race.

But before the racing began, his appearance also offered fans an uncommon glimpse of all three Pitt siblings together. Brad dressed casually in an olive bomber jacket, green T-shirt, and jeans, finishing the look with a camouflage Bass Pro Shops cap.

Who Are Brad Pitt’s Brother and Sister? View this post on Instagram

Brad is the oldest of three children born to William and Jane Pitt. The siblings grew up in Springfield, Missouri.

Doug, born in 1966, built a career in business while also focusing on philanthropy, according to People.

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He founded Care to Learn, an organization that helps schoolchildren with urgent health, hunger, and hygiene needs.

Julie, born in 1969, has also devoted time to humanitarian causes, including efforts to improve access to clean water.

Brad, Doug, and Julie are also still grieving the loss of their mother, Jane, who died on August 5, 2025, at age 84, according to the official obituary. Jane, a former educator, raised the three siblings with her husband, William, in Springfield, Missouri.

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The family has continued to speak warmly about the close bond she shared with her children and grandchildren, including a tribute from Doug’s daughter, Sydney, who called her grandmother “love in its purest form.”

What Has Doug Pitt Said About Having a Famous Brother?

Doug has occasionally joked about the attention that comes with being Brad’s younger brother. I appreciate the interest, I understand why people want to ask about him,” he told Australian radio hosts Fitzy and Wippa in 2012, as reported by Hello Magazine.

That same year, Doug leaned into the famous-sibling connection for a humorous Virgin Mobile campaign.

See the hilarious ad here.

What Has Julie Neal Shared About Her Family?

Julie and her husband, Rob Neal, are parents to five children, including two sons adopted from Ethiopia. Speaking to WorldServe International in 2018 about adoption, Julie said, “We have the space, the love… all of our kids were on board.” Her connection to Ethiopia later shaped her work supporting clean-water initiatives.

Saturday’s NASCAR outing gave Brad, Doug and Julie a rare public family moment, with the trio looking relaxed as they enjoyed the race weekend together.

Justin Guarini, best known for his stint on American Idol, announced the best news.

The Broadway actor and singer will publish a memoir and self-help guide titled Center Stage Confidence: How to Own Your Story and Command Any Room, where he shares how he turns pressure into presence through self-help exercises.

“The idea for this book didn’t just come from my successes,” Guarini wrote in a statement. “It came from my failures — the moments when I doubted myself, when I let fear hold me back, or when I felt like I wasn’t enough.”

Published by Entrepreneur Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster, Center Stage Confidence draws on Guarini’s experiences in music, television, Broadway and the entertainment business and will feature conversations with celebrated performers and entrepreneurs, including Michael Bublé, Jordan Fisher, Amber Ruffin, Kim Walsh Phillips and Russell Brunson.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 25: Justin Guarini attends “The Great Gatsby” Broadway Opening Night at Broadway Theatre on April 25, 2024 in New York City.

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Guarini first gained national attention when he was a runner-up for the first season of American Idol in 2002. Born in Georgia and raised in Pennsylvania, he started singing in various church and school choirs. Guarini studied at the University of the Arts and the School for Film and Television before competing in American Idol, where he became the runner-up to winner Kelly Clarkson. Soon after, Guarini signed with American Idol’s 19 Management and secured a record deal with RCA. He released two studio albums in the early 2000s, but was eventually dropped by 19 Management.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Guarini found himself successful in theater and Broadway, where he has been a part of the cast for various productions including Rent, Chicago, Wicked, In Transit, Once Upon a One More Time and more.

Now, Guarini runs Profit Under Pressure, which provides one-on-one and group programs that help high-achieving entrepreneurs build confidence and master their storytelling skills. He also co-founded the Elite Speakers Network with Kim Walsh Phillips, where they help business owners and high achievers improve public speaking, storytelling and on-camera presence.

Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini & Brian Dunkleman during the season finale of American Idol.

Photo by SGranitz/WireImage

“It’s about showing up fully — for yourself, your loved ones, and the moments that matter,” Guarini said. “It’s about owning your story, even the uncomfortable parts, and using it to inspire others to own theirs.”

Center Stage Confidence: How to Own Your Story and Command Any Room will be out on Oct. 6 and is available for pre-order now.

Related: Fan-Favorite ‘SNL’ Alum Launches Her First Children’s Book

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When a New England heating bill jumps after the first stretch of freezing weather, homeowners often look first at the furnace or thermostat. But windows can be a significant weak point in the building envelope. Old single-pane glass, worn seals and leaky frames allow heat to escape and cold air to enter, leaving rooms chilly even when the thermostat is working overtime.

So, can replacement windows lower energy bills? Yes. ENERGY STAR says replacing old, drafty windows with certified products lowers household energy bills by an average of 12% nationwide. The actual savings depend on the existing windows, home construction, climate and window specifications.

If drafty windows are already making winter uncomfortable, a free in-home consultation from Renewal by Andersen can provide an assessment of the existing windows, measurements and a project-specific quote.

Do argon gas windows help in cold winters?

Yes. Argon-filled insulated windows reduce heat transfer between the indoors and outdoors. Argon is placed between panes of glass to reduce conduction and convection, while low-E coatings further limit radiant heat loss. In cold climates, the Department of Energy (DOE) recommends prioritizing low U-factor windows and controlling air leakage.

Argon does not create heat. It slows the rate at which heat moves through the window. That distinction matters when comparing replacement windows: the gas fill is one part of a larger insulating system.

Why Argon Improves Window Insulation

A conventional single-pane window provides little resistance to winter temperatures. Modern insulated glass uses two or more panes separated by a sealed space. Filling that space with argon instead of ordinary air improves thermal performance.

DOE identifies several features that reduce a window’s U-factor, including multiple panes, low-E coatings and argon or krypton gas fills. Argon is widely used because it performs well in the typical insulated-glass space and is relatively inexpensive.

The key number to compare is U-factor. A lower U-factor means less heat passes through the entire window assembly. ENERGY STAR notes that window U-factors typically range from about 0.10 to 0.60, with lower values providing better insulation.

Window feature

Winter performance

Single-pane clear glass

High heat loss

Double-pane insulated glass

Better insulation

Double-pane + argon

Further reduces heat transfer

Low-E coating

Reflects radiant heat back toward the room

Triple-pane insulated glass

Adds another insulating layer and can achieve lower U-factors

How much can replacement windows reduce heating costs?

There is no honest one-size-fits-all dollar figure for a New England house. A home replacing relatively efficient double-pane windows will see a different result from a drafty 1950s house with single-pane glass.

ENERGY STAR currently estimates that certified replacement windows reduce household energy bills by an average of 12% nationwide. Its guidance also stresses that window performance varies by climate, which is why products are evaluated against climate-specific requirements.

New England’s long heating season makes heat retention especially relevant. DOE’s cold-climate guidance recommends low U-factor windows and low air-leakage rates. It also notes that higher solar heat gain can be beneficial in cold climates because sunlight can contribute useful heat.

That means homeowners should not shop for “energy-efficient” windows based on one feature alone. The whole-window rating matters.

The Glass Is Only Part of the Equation

A high-performance window needs an effective frame, insulated glazing and a proper installation. A theoretically excellent window will not perform as intended if the opening has installation problems or significant air leakage.

Renewal by Andersen describes its approach similarly: its representatives assess the existing window situation, identify installation challenges and take measurements before providing project-specific options and pricing.

Renewal by Andersen also says its Low-E4 glass is designed to reflect heat back toward the home in winter while limiting unwanted heat gain in summer. Its colder-climate offerings include enhanced triple-pane configurations for homeowners seeking additional insulation.

Is argon enough for a New England home?

Argon can improve an insulated window, but the best winter window is determined by the complete performance package, not the gas fill alone.

Homeowners comparing replacement windows should look at:

• U-factor: Lower means better insulation.
• SHGC: Measures how much solar heat enters through the glass. In colder climates, an appropriately selected higher SHGC can take advantage of winter sunlight.
• Air leakage: Lower air leakage reduces drafts and uncontrolled heat loss.
• Condensation resistance: A higher rating helps limit interior condensation during cold weather.

Triple-pane windows are another option when maximizing insulation is a priority. They add a third layer of glass and another insulating space. DOE research on cold-climate homes has documented triple-pane, low-E windows with U-factors substantially below common older double-pane configurations.

For some homes, however, replacing every window may not produce the best return. If the existing windows are already reasonably efficient, air sealing, insulation or HVAC improvements could address larger sources of energy loss. A professional assessment helps identify where the biggest problem actually is.

Renewal by Andersen’s free consultation includes an assessment of the existing windows, measurements and a personalized quote, with no-obligation consultations advertised by the company.

When should you replace winter-drafty windows?

Persistent drafts, cold interior glass, deteriorating frames, failed seals and difficulty opening or closing windows are reasonable reasons to investigate replacement. Fogging between panes is another sign that an insulated-glass seal has failed.

Winter itself does not automatically mean a homeowner should replace windows immediately. But if a window is visibly deteriorating or allowing significant air leakage, postponing the decision means continuing to pay to heat air that escapes through the building envelope.

For homeowners facing unusually high heating costs, the most useful next step is to identify whether the windows are actually contributing to the problem.

New Windows From Renewal by Andersen

Renewal by Andersen

Professional window replacement from Renewal by Andersen can help you save money on your utility bills.

Get a Free Quote Now

Can replacement windows lower energy bills in New England?

They can, especially when inefficient, drafty windows are replaced with properly installed ENERGY STAR-certified units selected for the home’s climate. Argon-filled insulated glass reduces heat transfer, while low-E coatings, low U-factors and controlled air leakage improve overall performance. Actual savings depend on the home’s existing windows and construction.

If your heating bills keep climbing and certain rooms never feel warm, get the windows evaluated before assuming the furnace is the problem. Schedule a free Renewal by Andersen consultation and request a project-specific quote. A professional assessment can show which windows are losing the most efficiency and which replacement options make sense for your home and budget.

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As we transition from summer to fall, it’s the perfect time to give your seasonal wardrobe a refresh. With fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather, the next few months call for lightweight layers that you can effortlessly put on and take off. This Bianstore Oversized Quilted Puffer Jacket is a great option, and it’s a layer you can put in constant rotation from fall all the way to spring. Equal parts chic, comfortable, and warm, this jacket has racked up nearly 500 five-star ratings at Amazon. 

Many reviewers commented that this puffer “looks exactly like the Free People jacket” and noted that they couldn’t tell the difference between the two. While the name-brand style goes for almost $200, you can currently score this version at Amazon on sale for a fraction of the price. Normally retailing for $50, which is already a fabulous price, this jacket is now marked down to as low as $40 for a limited time. Prices vary depending on size and style, but most are on sale between $40 and $43. 

Bianstore Oversized Quilted Puffer Jacket, From $40 (was $50) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This puffer jacket is available in a whopping 16 colors, including neutrals like black and khaki, autumnal hues like orange, red, and dark green, pastels like sky blue and light purple, and deep tones like cherry red and navy blue. Sizes range from extra small to XXL, and shoppers noted that it fits true to size. This jacket is intended to fit oversized, so if you prefer something a bit more fitted, you should size down.

Designed with a roomy fit and a boxy silhouette, this jacket is a dream for layering. You can throw it over a simple tee or long sleeve on mild fall days, and just as easily wear it on top of a chunky sweater during the colder months. It offers plenty of room to move around, preventing you from feeling restricted. 

While the oversized fit gives this jacket a cozy vibe, it’s elevated by the stand collar and side-split hem. Striking a balance between relaxed and polished, this jacket is ideal for various occasions, whether you’re running casual errands or going into the office. The quilted exterior adds a chic, trendy touch, giving this jacket texture and depth. 

Bianstore Oversized Quilted Puffer Jacket, From $40 (was $50) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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For convenience, this jacket has two side pockets where you can store your on-the-go essentials to roam around hands-free. You can use these pockets for extra warmth when your hands get a little chilly. The cuffs feature a snap closure, keeping the heat trapped in the sleeves. If you want to let your arms breathe, you can also unbutton the snaps and easily roll the sleeves up. 

The outer shell is made of water-resistant nylon, so it should protect you from light rain. This jacket is lightly padded with cotton for additional warmth. It’ll keep you warm, shielding you from autumn breezes, while the lightweight design helps prevent overheating. The interior is lined with polyester, which protects the exterior fabric. Thanks to its smooth texture, the lining allows the sleeves to effortlessly slide on without clinging to your base layers. 

Shoppers loved everything about this jacket, including its stylish design, comfort, and functionality. One reviewer raved that it feels “luxuriously soft” and mentioned that it gives that “effortlessly chic Free People vibe without breaking the bank.” The same reviewer also said that it’s a “stylish steal that’s sure to elevate any wardrobe.” A second customer commented that it’s “lightweight but still very warm,” and added that it’s “comfortable to layer.”

Whenever this jacket needs a refresh, toss it into the washing machine with cold water and tumble dry on low heat afterward. Shoppers commented that it washes well and said that it has held up through multiple cycles. 

Shop More Deals 

• Evaless Faux-Suede Bomber Jacket, From $30 (was $56) at Amazon
• Dokotoo Quilted Corduroy Jacket, From $37 (was $53) at Amazon
• Aimiray Quarter-Zip Fleece Pullover, From $36 (was $46) at Amazon

Related: Walmart Has the ‘Softest, Most Comfortable’ $15 Color Block Sweatshirt That’s So Cute for Fall

If you’re still on the hunt for your go-to jacket, the Bianstore Oversized Quilted Puffer Jacket at Amazon is definitely worth checking out. Light enough for fall, yet warm enough for winter, it’s something you can throw on without hesitation. This sale will only last for a limited time, so don’t hesitate to grab it while it’s still as low as $40!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you’re looking to upgrade your cookware collection without breaking the bank, always start at your local Target before heading anywhere else. With fall settling in and a world of seasonal recipes to explore, the always-on-the-spot retailer has a knack for stocking a wide range of kitchen essentials, including some of your favorite name brands.

Our favorite pick of the week? The Staub Ceramic 3-Piece Rectangular Baking Dish Set, currently on sale for just $99 and designed to help with everyday meals and holiday spreads alike. Available in a slew of beautiful colors while supplies last, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring a designer stoneware set into your kitchen without spending an arm and a leg in the process.

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Staub Ceramic 3-Piece Rectangular Baking Dish Set, $99.99 at Target

Target

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Normally priced at $271, snagging the Staub Ceramic 3-Piece Rectangular Baking Dish Set for just $99 is the definition of a steal. You’re getting three separate dishes that nest together for easy storage, making it a space-saving investment you’ll be happy to keep on hand. Best of all, the set’s stoneware construction gently diffuses heat, retains it exceptionally well and features a vitreous glass porcelain-enamel finish that looks incredible in any kitchen setting.

So what exactly do you get with each set? For starters, there are three nesting rectangular bakers, measuring 7.5 by six inches, 10.5 by 7.5 inches and 13 by nine inches. You can also choose from seven available colorways, including Cherry, Blue, Citron, Dark Blue, Green, Pink and Rustic Turquoise. And with each piece being dishwasher-, microwave-, freezer-, broiler- and oven-safe up to 572°F, you’ll have plenty of options for everything from meal prep and baking to leftover storage and cleanup.

Related: Costco’s New $8 Pantry Staple Brings Southern Comfort to Wholesome Family Dinners

Shoppers Are More Than Impressed

“These are the best dishes for baking and are stunningly easy to clean,” one shopper raved in a review. “And to top it off, they look great!”

With an overall five-star rating, plenty of other shoppers seem to echo the sentiment. Another fan called the bakers their “forever dish set,” noting that they’re not only “wonderful,” but have also held up effortlessly to daily use for a solid eight months already.

“Highest quality bakeware that is not only beautiful but also a pleasure to use and so versatile,” a third shopper chimed in. “I display it on the open shelves in my kitchen where it serves as decor and is easy to grab when I need it,” they added.

Beautiful to look at, easy to use and clean, complete with a scratch-resistant surface and a world of recipe possibilities, you really can’t go wrong adding this set to your cookware collection. Use each piece to perfect your favorite stove-to-oven recipes, pasta bakes, casseroles, roasted meats, veggies and more. 

With a price this right, it almost feels like a crime not picking up a set. At the very least, you can use it as an excuse to start your holiday shopping early. Just don’t wait too long, or you risk your favorite color selling out or, worse, the set going back to its original $271 price. And if you need more kitchen upgrade inspo, don’t miss Target’s beautiful 5-Tier Baker’s Rack and 2-Piece Pour-Over Coffee Set, either.

Related: Sam’s Club’s ‘Beautiful’ $20 Glassware Resembles a Williams-Sonoma Set 5x the Price

Starbucks and Disney have maintained a partnership that has given theme park-goers and Disney Store shoppers exclusive access to merch and drinkware for some time now, and the duo’s latest drop is no different.

Just a few weeks shy of the 100th anniversary of the first Winnie the Pooh book (published on October 14, 1926), a new, themed piece of drinkware has arrived at some stores. And unlike some other nostalgia-inducing anniversary offers, this one doesn’t include a trendy, shaped glass cup that’s nearly impossible to find and probably even harder to wash (yes, we’re talking about the viral Snoopy cup).

Instead, the new reusable cup doubles down on the classics, featuring the “perfect” shade of “Eeyore Blue” and an illustrative design that looks straight out of the storybook.

Starbucks Drops New Winnie the Pooh-Inspired Tumbler—Here’s Where to Find It

The new Winnie the Pooh and Pals 24-ounce stainless steel tumbler officially debuted earlier this week, and it’s covered in navy illustrative artwork featuring the famous faces of the Hundred Acre Wood (Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger) on a light blue background with a matte finish. It’s co-branded with the Starbucks logo on one side, and its semi-translucent lid and straw coordinate with the monochromatic theme without being too matchy.

“Buzz-worthy new drinkware just arrived from the Hundred Acre Wood,” the official Disney store wrote in the caption of its Sept. 21 Instagram upload debuting the item.

Related: Starbucks Is Finally Bringing the Aerocano, a Viral Iced Coffee, to the US This Fall

Fans wasted no time gushing over the new launch, with one social media user calling it the “cutest cup” that they had “ever seen.”

“Would LOVE one of these,” a second declared before a third chimed in calling it “Adorable.”

Even the official account for Disney Animation got in on the fun, noting that “They’re the perfect Eeyore blue.”

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Among the comments were several from international fans begging for a nearby release, with calls to release at least one run in Canada, Ecuador, Germany, Japan, the U.K. and more.

While it’s currently unclear whether the new Starbucks x Disney Winnie the Pooh and Pals tumbler will launch elsewhere, we can confidently report that it is available for purchase at Disney Stores in the U.S. and via its webstore for $49.99 (prices may vary) alongside other drinkware essentials like Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and Pals 33-ounce travel cup ($27.99) and a 22-ounce stainless steel travel tumbler (currently on sale for $19.98; normally $29.99).

Next: Stanley 1913 Unveils 3 New Halloween Collections, Including a Target-Exclusive

Melissa Villaseñor has some exciting news for her younger fans.

The stand-up comedian, impressionist and former Saturday Night Live cast member’s newest book, Cat and Lola: School Picture Day, is out now. The children’s picture book follows Cat and Lola, two best friends. When school picture day is around the corner, Cat, who is a former social media influencer, helps Lola find the perfect outfit.

Illustrated by Mexican artist Jimena Sánchez Sarquiz and written by Villaseñor, this early reader graphic novel is “perfect for kids who love funny stories and characters who don’t always agree, but always care.”

The book is aimed at young readers from age 6-10, but anyone can enjoy a fun picture book.

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Born and raised in Southern California, Villaseñor started her stand-up comedy career when she was just 15 years old at a Laugh Factory Camp in Hollywood. She received national recognition when she was a semifinalist in the sixth season of America’s Got Talent and was apart of the lineup in the 2010 Just for Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival.

Villaseñor first auditioned for SNL in 2009, but didn’t get hired. Seven years later, she was a cast member on the iconic late-night sketch comedy show, joining at the start of its 42nd season alongside Mikey Day and Alex Moffat. The comedian was SNL‘s first full Latina cast member and was known for her impressions of various celebrities and public figures such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Dolly Parton, Kate McKinnon, Jennifer Lopez, Ana Navarro, Sia, Ariana Grande and more. She ended up departing SNL after six seasons to prioritize her mental health.

“At the end of the day, it was about my mental health,” the 38-year-old comedian said on The Daily Beast podcast. “Last season, I had a couple of panic attacks… I was struggling. I always felt like I was on the edge of a cliff every week. And I was like, ‘I don’t want to be doing that to myself anymore.'”

Melissa Villaseñor at SNL50: The Anniversary Special at 30 Rockefeller Plaza on February 16, 2025 in New York, New York.

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

After leaving SNL in 2022, Villaseñor has been touring all over the country, focusing on other creative projects and voice acting. She released her first stand-up special, Welp…What Now? on her YouTube channel in 2024, and booked prominent voiceover work, including roles in Ariel, Max & the Midknights, Toy Story 5 and Hoppers.

Villaseñor is also a singer and has two studio albums on Spotify. Her most recent was Canciones Hermosas, released in 2025, and includes eight tracks, all sung in Spanish.

https://open.spotify.com/album/6tyKUPS6AbZh41LQNm3iBd?si=ucI5NKGDTrqbrB7cazraSw

Cat and Lola: School Picture Day is Villaseñor’s second book. In 2022, the comedian released Whoops… I’m Awesome, a self-help and activity book featuring her own art and writing.

Cat and Lola: School Picture Day was published by Gloo Books and can be purchased on Amazon or the publisher’s site for $16.95.

Related: How Photographer Edie Baskin Defined the Look of ‘SNL’ for 25 Years (Exclusive)

Days of Our Lives’ Kristian Alfonso is opening up about her time on the soap opera she called home for over 40 years as Hope Williams Brady, and how she feels the show could be great again.

Alfonso was recently interviewed by Soap Central writer Michael Maloney, during which they discussed Bo’s (Peter Reckell) closure, Hope’s love story, and her overall love for the show.

During the conversation, Alfonso reflected on how Days of Our Lives’ decision to take their time with Bo and Hope’s love story contributed to the show’s success.  The actress shared how she felt a personal responsibility for her work. “I’ve always felt, and I hold myself accountable as well,” she said.

Alfonso explained that, as an actor, when you show up on set, “it should be all hands on deck.” The actress added, “We’re a team. You have to be a team.”

The actress shared that when you are part of the show, you can “Never take [anything] for granted.”

Alfonso believes that the show can be great again, but it is only when everyone, both behind-the-scenes and in front of the camera, works together. “I say that a show can always be a great, magnificent show if you have all hands on deck and everyone shows up,” Alfonso said.

Alfonso joined the cast of Days of Our Lives in 1983 as Hope Williams, the daughter of Doug Williams (Bill Hayes). Hope’s on-screen romance with Reckell’s Bo skyrocketed both of them into Super Couple status.

Alfonso left Days of Our Lives for the first time in 1987 alongside Reckell, before returning briefly in 1990 to facilitate the return of Reckell to the soap opera. She then returned full-time in 1994 and remained so until her full-time exit in 2020.

Alfonso has since made three further appearances, including a brief stint on the spin-off series Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem. Fans are hopeful that the actress will one day return once again to the soap opera.

In addition to her time in daytime, Alfonso’s credits include appearances in Falcon Crest, Full House, Melrose Place, and V.C. Andrews’ Landry Family, among others.

Days of Our Lives airs weekdays exclusively on Peacock.

Just as Netflix canceled Sweet Magnolias, it offered a renewal for fans of Crew Girl. A second season is officially in the works.

The news comes as no surprise at all, considering the viewership. Within the first four days on Netflix, Crew Girl amassed 5.2 million views. This was despite some mixed reviews, with critics rating it 75% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The first full week on the platform was the deciding factor, though. Again, despite the mixed reviews, double the audience tuned in to check out the series. That led to the show moving from the No. 4 spot to the No. 2 spot on the Global Top 10 for English-Language shows that week. The series pulled in 11.3 million views, which means 70.1 million hours of the series were watched.

What also isn’t surprising is that Netflix is doubling down on the YA content. Prime Video has already proved that young adult shows are where the interest is. The Summer I Turned Pretty and Elle quickly took off, and now that streamer has renewed Every Year After and Sterling Point for second seasons.

Crew Girl S1. (L to R) Miku Martineau as Teagan Tao and Kyle Clark as Cam Dillinger in Crew Girl S1. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2026

Now, Netflix is seeing the YA Effect in action. Fans quickly took to social media with their Team Josh vs. Team Cam debate, and it feels its circa 2009 once more, with the debates over Team Edward and Team Jacob or over Team Stefan and Team Damon.

It’s also another win for Canadian sports romance content. Heated Rivalry started it all, but now Crew Girl continues the winning streak. Plus, just take into account the Canadian dramas like Sterling Point and Every Year After; it’s clear that the nation has something to share.

Miku Martineau plays Teagan Tao, a female rower who moves to the East Coast of the U.S. and finds out that the school doesn’t have a female rowing team. She isn’t going to let that stop her, though, and she becomes the coxswain for the boys’ team, and so starts a romance that she isn’t all too bothered about.

Martineau shared her excitement about the Crew Girl Season 2 renewal, saying, “There’s so much left to explore with the characters, the romances, and the rowing team.” She ended the statement with #teamteagan, making it clear which side she stands on.

The early renewal will hopefully help to keep the wait for new episodes to a minimum. After all, Netflix is struggling to get viewers back, finding a huge drop when it comes to the second season. It may help if the streamer can keep it to just a year between seasons.

 John Goodman is looking super svelte in a tux after dropping 200 pounds.

Goodman, 74, is best known for his role as Dan Conner in the legendary ABC sitcom Roseanne, in which he played a working-class dad opposite Roseanne Barr. He also left his mark on the film world in several Coen Brothers productions, including Raising Arizona, The Big Lebowski, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?. In recent years, he reprised his role as Conner in The Conners, but the series failed to find the same following that Roseanne did. However, he did find an entirely new generation of followers thanks to his hilarious performance on The Righteous Gemstones.

Now, the star is back on the red carpet, and looking more dapper than ever. Sporting a black tuxedo, Goodman attended the Digger Film and TV Charity Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere inside Leicester Square Gardens in London, England. Since dropping 200 pounds, the star has gotten his health and wellness squared away and appears to be thriving.

Variety / Getty Images

To show how far he’s come, take a look at Goodman back in the heyday of Roseanne.

ABC Photo Archives / Getty Images

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What Kicked Off John Goodman’s Weight Loss Journey?

While Goodman’s weight loss may feel sudden, his journey actually began back in 2007. So what kicked off his decision to make some serious changes to his health?

“I just got tired, sick and tired of looking at myself,” Goodman told ABC News in 2016. “You’re shaving in the mirror, and you don’t want to look at yourself. It gets dangerous.”

When it comes to his favorite methods of working out, Goodman told AARP that he enjoys “getting out and walking the dogs” and “boxing.”

“Nobody’s going to get hurt, but it’s just hitting the mitts and trying to learn,” Goodman said in 2023.

What is Digger About?

The Hollywood Reporter describes Tom Cruise‘s role of Digger Rockwell as “the billionaire executive of a major company causing an environmental disaster via a methane leak that is threatening to displace millions of people.”

Goodman plays the President of the United States, while Sandra Hüller, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sophie Wilde, and Emma D’Arcy also appear in the comedy, which is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu.

Check out the trailer below:

Related: John Goodman Shares the Unexpected Reason He Quit Grilling as He Shows Off His 200-Pound Weight Loss

In season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, professional dancers Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson are paired with celebrities who have prior dancing experience, but they say challenges remain.

Chmerkovskiy, 40, is paired with Jenna Dewan, 45, who started her career as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson and is also known for her role as Nora Clark in the iconic 2006 dance film Step Up.

Johnson, 32, is paired with Harry Shum Jr., 44, who has a similar background to Dewan’s: he was a backup dancer for artists including Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, and also played Mike Chang on Glee.

“Premiere: Night Two” – The female celebrities make their competition debut, performing to a No. 1 song from the year they were born, with one eliminated at the end of the night.

Eric McCandless / Getty Images

Speaking exclusively to In Touch, Johnson and Chmerkovskiy believe the judges factor in their dance partners’ prior experience when scoring.

Johnson elaborated: “I think you saw it in the premiere night. I think they are holding our partners to a little bit of a higher standard based on their experience, which is great. We don’t want a free pass. I think both of our partners are very hungry to do ballroom correctly and learn the technique and display it correctly, so it does add that pressure.”

Dewan and Chmerkovskiy, for example, didn’t top the women’s leaderboard during premiere week, earning 19 out of a possible 30 points. Shum Jr. and Johnson, on the other hand, earned 21 out of a possible 30 points, topping the male celebrities’ leaderboard that week.

Chmerkovskiy added that while he thinks Dewan’s “talent is a huge advantage,” the real assets she brings to the show are her artistry and eagerness to reveal herself to the world as an incredible person and mother. He believes all of this translates well to Dancing with the Stars.

Johnson hopes her Glee alum dance partner can rekindle his love for dance, which she says he lost because of high stress and pressure. The pair were prepared for early criticism, but they both agreed that their main focus should be to bring joy to dance. For now, she’s proud that the show’s popularity “has exploded” and, as a result, has brought dance back to the forefront of conversations and public interest.

Dancing with the Stars held its season 35 premiere over two nights, September 15 and September 16. 

Dancing with the Stars is available to watch on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.

Related: Derek Hough Sends a Direct Message After Backlash Over ‘DWTS’ Premiere Scores

Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Creme Pie has now been a household staple for 65 years.

Although the McKee Foods Corporation-owned sweet treat didn’t officially debut until 1960, it’s been around since 1935. O.D. McKee created the recipe while working at a bake shop. He made soft cookies that held a sweet, creamy filling that turned into the creme pie we know today.

The confection that the company calls the “snack that started it all” on the Little Debbie’s website has earned a huge following. However, some fans are questioning whether the Oatmeal Creme Pie has changed its signature recipe.

Little Debbie snacks. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Online, customers are speculating that the treat tastes different in recent months. Many point to potential ingredient changes and size differences, per Tasting Table. The dessert is composed of “Whole grain oats, molasses, and irresistible creme filling combine to create this classic treat,” per the brand’s website.

Little Debbie’s has denied these claims.

“Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies have been a staple treat for decades, and the iconic recipe consumers know and love remains essentially the same,” a spokesperson for Little Debbie’s parent company, McKee Foods, told People in a recent statement.

“Like all packaged food products, minor adjustments are occasionally made over time to account for regulatory updates or ingredient sourcing changes,” the statement continued. “However, there has been no major or intentional reformulation of the Oatmeal Creme Pie—it continues to be crafted to deliver the exact same taste and experience our fans have enjoyed for generations.”

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

As fall migration gets underway, September is a fun time to keep an eye out for hummingbirds making their way south for the winter. A well-placed feeder can give these tiny visitors a welcoming place to stop for a drink, while giving you another reason to spend more time enjoying the backyard before cooler weather settles in.

If you’re hoping to attract a few feathered visitors this fall, Walmart has a pretty option on sale right now. The Koralakiri Glass Hummingbird Feeder is just $23, down from $36. It comes in blue and red and features a retro-inspired glass design that adds a pop of color to an outdoor space. Each feeder is individually hand-blown, so slight variations in the glass pattern may occur, making each one unique. Bird-lovers are already loving its “vibrant” design, with some saying it quickly attracted hummingbirds to their yards once it was set up. 

Koralakiri Glass Hummingbird Feeder, $23 (was $36) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Measuring 9 inches long and 6 inches wide and tall, the Koralakiri feeder holds up to 27 ounces of nectar, giving hummingbirds plenty of room to come and go throughout the day. Four metal, flower-shaped ports let several birds sip at once, while the 360-degree metal perch gives them a place to land and linger between drinks.

The feeder’s wide mouth makes it easier to refill and keep clean between visits from hummingbirds. When it needs a deeper cleaning, you can take the feeder apart for a more thorough scrubbing. A cleaning brush is included to get into the hard-to-reach areas. 

To help keep unwanted visitors away from the nectar, the feeder has an integrated ant moat and bee-resistant ports. Shoppers also said it was “easy to set-up,” thanks in part to the included S-hook and hemp rope for hanging. 

Walmart shoppers also loved the feeder’s colorful design and how quickly it became a hit with hummingbirds. One shopper joked, “If hummingbirds could leave reviews, they’d probably complain that I don’t refill it fast enough.” Another praised its red and orange tones for attracting the birds and said it’s a “great buy and value.”

Another shopper called the feeder “beautiful and well made,” adding that it was much nicer looking than standard feeders they had purchased before.

Shop More Deals

• Youpins 3-Shelf Portable Closet, $30 (was $50) at Walmart
• Costway 2-Piece Modern Floating Nightstand Set, From $60 (was $70) at Walmart
• Camel Windbreaker, $18 (was $29) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s ‘Cute’ $23 Gnome Bird Bath Oozing With Cottagecore Whimsy Turns Your Yard Into a Dreamy Storybook Garden

At just $23, the Koralakiri Glass Hummingbird Feeder is a fun way to welcome a few more feathered visitors to your backyard this fall. The flash deal is only available for a limited time, so be sure to grab one at Walmart while it’s on sale! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

The best home products do more than sit on a shelf, fill a cabinet or look good in a room. They earn their keep. They make the daily routines feel easier, cleaner, calmer or simply more pleasant—be it the morning coffee, the weeknight dinner, the laundry pile, or the bed you climb into at the end of the day.

That was the thinking behind Parade’s 2026 Household Superstar Awards. We wanted to identify the products that actually improve life at home: the appliances worth the counter space, the bedding worth making the bed for, the cleaning tools that pull their weight, and the small upgrades that make an ordinary Tuesday run a little more smoothly.

To find them, we went beyond polished product descriptions and online reviews. Parade editors and writers tested items in their own homes, using them the way real households do: cooking, cleaning, sleeping, hosting, rushing, rinsing and repeating. We looked for products that performed well, solved real problems, felt good to use and justified the space they take up.

Some winners are everyday essentials. Others are the kind of small indulgences that make home feel more considered or comfortable. All of them stood out for one reason: they made life at home better.

How We Tested These Household Products

To come up with our shortlist, we began with recommendations from industry sources, personal experience and products already generating interest in the home space. From there, we selected top contenders and assigned them to testers who could evaluate them in the context they were actually designed for—their homes.

Our judges evaluated the products on criteria including: 

• Overall performance: How well did it handle its primary job, and was that performance consistent over time?
• Quality & value: Did the materials, construction and experience feel in line with the price?
• Comfort: Where relevant, did it feel pleasant, supportive or noticeably better to use?
• Design & style: Was it thoughtfully designed, both functionally and visually?
• Ease of setup & use: How straightforward was it to assemble, operate, clean, maintain or incorporate into a routine?
• Innovation: Did it introduce a genuinely useful feature, improve on a familiar format or offer a more effective solution than comparable products?

Testers also considered how products wore as time went on, health and environmental implications, and how online reviewers experienced the products, too. As they used each product, testers scored them across each criteria. The strongest performers earned a 2026 Parade Household Superstar designation.

Our Team of Experts

Our team of judges was made up of members of our editorial staff, and writers who specialize in testing home products, including:

Kaitlin Madden, a home editor at Parade.com, a mom of three and owner of a 1930s fixer upper, who she spends a lot of time cleaning up and working on her home, She’s been writing about and testing home products for more than 15 years, for publications like Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, and Joss & Main/Wayfair. 

Ashley Zlatopolsky, a home and garden contributor to Parade.com whose work has also appeared in Real Simple, Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest. As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, she brought expert (shut) eyes to our bedding category.

Annie Collyer, a freelance home and garden writer and reviewer for Parade.com, and the former head of e-commerce for RealHomes.com. She has spent years hand-testing the best in home products and knows a keeper when she sees one.

Mark Marino, a home-focused writer and editor, and the former director of product content at Apartment Therapy. He’s tested hundreds of products, ranging from coffee makers and cookware, to bedding and cleaning products. He aims to help readers make the best product choices when shopping online and get the most bang for their buck. Mark’s work has appeared on People, Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and The Strategist.

Brittany Galla, the editorial director of Parade.com, as well as a mom of two and a dog mom of three. She put some of this year’s cleaning and home care contenders through a real-life gauntlet of crumbs, paw prints and everyday messes.

Top 41 Home Products of 2026 Cleaning & Laundry

• Best Stick Vacuum: BISSELL PowerClean DualBrush
• Best Robot Vacuum: Dreame L50 Ultra Robot Vacuum
• Best Robo Mop or Hard-Floor Cleaner: Roborock Qrevo 2
• Best Carpet Cleaner: BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet
• Best Upholstery Cleaner: Shark StainForce
• Best Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner: BISSELL CrossWave HydroScrub All-in-One
• Best All-Purpose Cleaner: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi Surface Cleaner
• Best Dishwasher Detergent: Finish Ultimate Quantum Dishwasher Pods
• Best Laundry Detergent: Tide Evo Original Laundry Detergent Tiles
• Best Stain Remover: Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater

Home Essentials & Comfort

• Best Air Purifier: Shark NeverChange Compact Pro
• Best Humidifier: Vornado MISTIC™ 8 TRUE Top-Fill™ Ultrasonic Humidifier
• Best Fan: Shark TurboBlade Fan
• Best Clothing Steamer or Iron: Vornado Passport™ Handheld Travel Steamer
• Best Home Fragrance: Quince Dark Pomegranate Candle
• Best Smart Calendar: Skylight Calendar 2

Furniture, Decor & Organization

• Best Sofa: Chita Living Ohana 3-Seat Zero Gravity Modular Reclining Sofa
• Best Bed Frame: Quince Linen Upholstered Wingback Bed
• Best Washable Rug: Ruggable Tufted All-in-One
• Best Storage Bins: The Container Store Clear WeatherTight Totes
• Best Pantry Organizer: Caraway 13-pc Glass Airtight Container Set
• Best Closet Organizer: The Container Store Clear Shelf Divider

Kitchen & Cooking

• Best Countertop/Toaster Oven: Our Place Wonder Oven
• Best Air Fryer: Ninja CRISPi Pro
• Best Stainless Steel Cookware: Quince 5-Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan
• Best Nonstick Cookware: GreenPan Reserve 2-Pc. Hard-Anodized Nonstick Frypan
• Best Blender: Breville Fresh & Furious Blender
• Best Coffee Maker: Caraway Coffee Maker
• Best Espresso Machine: Nespresso Lattissima One Original Espresso Machine

Sleep, Bedding & Bath

• Best Mattress: Awara Classic Hybrid Mattress
• Best Mattress Pad: Wamsutta Supreme Comfort Cool and Dry Mattress Pad
• Best Pillow: Vesta LimeZen™ Silk-Filled Pillow
• Best Down Pillow: The Company Store Legends Hotel™ Best Down Gusseted Premium Pillow
• Best Cotton Sheets: Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set
• Best Cooling Sheets: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
• Best Down Comforter: The Company Store LaCrosse™ Premium Down Medium Warmth Comforter
• Best Down Alternative Comforter: Cozy Earth Down Alternative Comforter
• Best Duvet Cover: The Company Store Company Cotton™ Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Duvet Cover
• Best Bath Towels: Boll & Branch Turkish Ultra Plush Bath Towel
• Best Bath Mat: Weezie Luxury Bath Rug
• Best Robe: Riley Home Four Layer Robe

Parade Household Superstar Awards Best Stick Vacuum: BISSELL PowerClean DualBrush

Home writer and product tester Annie Collyer has tested enough vacuums to know exactly what she wants from one: strong cleaning power without the bulk. The BISSELL PowerClean DualBrush hit that balance. Collyer called it a “lightweight [appliance] that still delivers a proper clean,” and especially appreciated its cordless design and how easy it is to carry between floors.

Best Robot Vacuum: Dreame L50 Ultra Robot Vacuum

Perhaps the biggest compliment you can give a cleaning appliance is that it saves you time, and that’s exactly what Collyer loved most about the Dreame L50 Ultra Robot Vacuum. “It cut my weekly cleaning time almost in half,” she says. Collyer also praised its powerful yet quiet motor, dual roller brushes that tackle pet hair with ease, and extending side brush that reaches into edges and corners other vacuums can miss.

Best Robo Mop or Hard-Floor Cleaner: Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro Series

While the Roborock Qrevo 2 is both a robot vacuum and mop, it was the mopping performance that seriously impressed our tester, Kelsey Pelzer, Parade’s lifestyle content director. “When it’s done vacuuming, it automatically connects the mop spinners, adds water and mops the hard floor areas without the user having to designate where to go,” she said. “And when it’s done, it cleans itself.” Pelzer found that seamless switch between vacuuming and mopping especially useful in her own home, where hard floors and carpet meet throughout the space.

Best Carpet Cleaner: BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet

The BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam didn’t just tackle visible stains in home editor Kaitlin Madden’s space. It uncovered dirt her regular cleaning routine had left behind. “This machine pulled months of ground-in dirt and stains out of my carpet, but the real shock was how much dog hair it lifted that my vacuum had clearly been missing,” Madden said. She also found it easy to assemble and appreciated the added steam-cleaning function.

Best Upholstery Cleaner: Shark StainForce

A toddler and a dog provide plenty of opportunities to test a stain remover, and Collyer, who has one of each, found the Shark StainForce more than capable of keeping up. Since she started using it, she’s put it to the test on everything from red wine on a rug to dried chocolate, and it tackled both with easy success. Another plus? The cordless, compact design, which made it easy to grab for quick cleanups. You can read her whole review of the Shark Stain Force cleaner here.

Best Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner: BISSELL CrossWave HydroScrub All-in-One

Speaking of pets and children, Parade’s editorial director Brittany Galla shares her home with three dogs and two kids, making it the perfect laboratory for testing floor cleaners. What stood out to Galla about the BISSELL CrossWave HydroScrub All-in-One, in-particular, is how well it performed at both vacuuming and mopping. “Being able to vacuum and wash my floors at the same time made cleaning up everyday messes so much faster,” she said.

Best All-Purpose Cleaner: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi Surface Cleaner

After testing plenty of all-purpose cleaners over the years, Madden always goes back to Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day. “I love that it’s made with 98% naturally derived ingredients, but it’s still powerful enough for everyday cleanups like wiping down counters and tackling spills,” she said. What really sets it apart, though, is the scent. “They smell light, fresh and natural instead of overly chemical or perfumed,” Madden said. Her longtime favorite: lavender.

Best Dishwasher Detergent: Finish Ultimate Quantum Dishwasher Pods

A dishwasher detergent proves itself when the dishes go in less than sparkling. That’s what stuck out about Finish Ultimate Quantum. “I love that my kids are finally old enough to put their own dishes in the dishwasher, but they don’t do the best job of pre-rinsing them,” Madden said. Even with dried-on oatmeal, ketchup and other leftovers still clinging to plates, she found the pods reliably got dishes clean.

Best Laundry Detergent: Tide Evo Original Laundry Detergent Tiles

Tide

Tide Evo Laundry Detergent Tiles take much of what’s appealing about laundry pods—the pre-measured amount and no messy measuring caps—and packages it in a tile without the plastic casing. Madden found the cleaning performance every bit as dependable as the Tide liquid detergent. “You get the convenience of a pod without the plastic casing or the plastic container, since they come in packaged in a recyclable cardboard box. Plus, my clothes came out just as clean as they do with the regular Tide liquid,” she said.

Best Stain Remover: Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater

Some cleaning products end up relegated to the back of the cabinet, but Miss Mouth’s is one that Madden makes sure she never runs out of. “This stuff is borderline magic,” she said. “Fruit stains, like strawberries, vanish on contact, and just about everything else lifts out in the wash,” she said. In fact, it’s one product Madden keeps on subscription so there’s always a bottle on hand.

Best Air Purifier: Shark NeverChange Compact Pro

The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro proves an air purifier doesn’t need to dominate a room to make itself useful. Collyer calls the purifier “small but seriously mighty,” pointing to its compact footprint, decor-friendly color options and low-maintenance filter system. She also liked the color-changing air-quality indicator, which makes it easy to check conditions at a glance while auto mode handles the adjustments.

Best Humidifier: Vornado MISTIC™ 8 TRUE Top-Fill™ Ultrasonic Humidifier

The Vornado MISTIC 8 earned points from Galla for making a notoriously fiddly appliance much easier to live with. “The top-fill design and large tank mean I don’t have to lug it back and forth or worry about spills,” she said. It also runs quietly enough for overnight use, offers both warm and cool mist and automatically shuts off once it reaches the selected humidity level.

Best Fan: Shark TurboBlade Fan

After testing the Shark TurboBlade through hot summer nights, Collyer found its biggest advantage was how customizable the airflow felt. The fan can be positioned vertically or horizontally, adjusted in height and angled to direct air exactly where it’s needed. “I also loved the NaturalBreeze mode, which simulates a natural wind,” Collyer said in her review of the product, noting that the gentler setting worked especially well for sleeping. She was also impressed by its power, range of speed settings and lightweight design, ultimately calling it “the most impressive [tower fan] I’ve ever tested.”

Best Clothing Steamer or Iron: Vornado Passport™ Handheld Travel Steamer

Compact enough for a suitcase but powerful enough for everyday use, the Vornado Passport impressed Madden with how much it could do for its size. “For something small enough to pack into a carry-on, this handheld steamer punches well above its size and heats up in barely a minute,” she said. It handled everyday blouses as well as more stubborn linen wrinkles without requiring an ironing board. After previously owning a travel steamer that lacked an auto-shut off feature, she also appreciated that this one is programmed to shut off after 10 minutes of inactivity.

Best Home Fragrance: Quince Dark Pomegranate Candle

For Madden, a candle obsessive, a home-fragrance worth buying again has to nail a combo of scent, ingredients and price. Quince’s Dark Pomegranate candle managed all three. “Every scent I’ve burned from Quince smells like a high-end designer fragrance, but the Pomegranate Noir fragrance strikes a mix of fruity, earthy and smoky that makes it perfect for almost any time of year, and particularly so for early fall through the holidays,” she said.

Other pluses? They’re made from cleaner-burning soy wax and cotton wicks, and they cost a fraction of the luxury brands.

Best Smart Calendar: Skylight Calendar 2

For Galla’s busy household, the Skylight Calendar 2 has become more than another screen in the kitchen. “Before the Skylight Calendar arrived in my kitchen, I missed pediatrician and dentist appointments—even with reminders set on my phone. Skylight has completely changed that for me,” Galla said. “Every morning, I can see our entire lineup at a glance, and I receive alerts as each event or appointment approaches. I also love being able to easily look ahead at the rest of the week or view the entire month. It has made keeping track of our busy family’s schedule so much easier.”

Best Sofa: Chita Living Ohana 3-Seat Zero Gravity Modular Reclining Sofa

Reclining sofas have a reputation for sacrificing style for comfort, but Parade contributor and tester Ashley Zlatopolsky found the Chita Living Ohana sofa managed both. “It’s clean, elegant and has a high-end look,” she said. Its space-saving reclining design also lived up to its promise: Zlatopolsky was able to position the sofa just two inches from the wall in her space-strapped family room and still fully recline it.

Best Bed Frame: Quince Linen Upholstered Wingback Bed

After months of comparing upholstered beds, Madden landed on Quince’s Linen Upholstered Wingback Bed because it offered details she usually saw at much higher price points. “What I loved about this one is that it had hallmarks of more expensive pieces, like a headboard that goes all the way to the floor and a wood slatted base, but the price point was comparable to options $300-$400 less,” she said.

Best Washable Rug: Ruggable Tufted All-in-One

Washable rugs promise easy upkeep, but the real test is whether they still look good after a trip through the washing machine. Madden found Ruggable’s Tufted All-in-One delivered on both fronts. “I was impressed with how well my Ruggable kitchen runner washed up,” she said. “Stains and dirt came out easily, but it kept its color and pattern intact.” That combination of practical washability and lasting good looks made it an easy pick for a high-traffic space.

Best Storage Bins: The Container Store Clear WeatherTight Totes

For storage bins, durability and a tight seal matter more than bells and whistles, and The Container Store’s Clear WeatherTight Totes consistently earn high marks for both. When Madden tested hers in a garage that tends to run damp, she found gardening equipment and outdoor decor stayed dry even during summer humidity and rainstorms.

Best Pantry Organizer: Caraway 13-pc Glass Airtight Container Set

Pantry storage should do more than corral dry goods, and Caraway’s Glass Airtight Container Set earned points for making shelves look neater while keeping ingredients fresh.” “These look beautiful and have an excellent seal,” Madden raved in her review. “I also love that they’re made of glass instead of plastic.”

Best Closet Organizer: The Container Store Clear Shelf Divider

Sometimes the simplest closet tools make the biggest difference. The Container Store’s Clear Shelf Dividers help keep stacks of sweaters, jeans and workout clothes upright instead of collapsing into one another, and each divider includes a hook at the base for hanging handbags, a hanger, or accessories. “These are a game changer for the long, wide shelves in my closet,” said Madden. “I used to have baskets on them and could never see what was inside, but these dividers make it easy to stay organized and easily keep track of where things are.”

Best Countertop/Toaster Oven: Our Place Wonder Oven

A countertop appliance earns its space when you actually use its features, and that’s what happened when Collyer tested the Our Place Wonder Oven. “I wasn’t sure how much I would use all of the modes, but to my surprise, I’ve nearly used every single one,” she said. Its versatility made it more than a novelty appliance and turned it into a regular part of her cooking routine.

Best Air Fryer: Ninja CRISPi Pro

Air fryers are convenient right up until it’s time to scrub them clean. The Ninja CRISPi Pro stood out to Collyer by solving that particular pain point. “This is, hands down, the easiest air fryer I’ve ever had to clean,” she said. For an appliance designed to make cooking faster and easier, that low-maintenance cleanup helped seal its win.

Best Stainless Steel Cookware: Quince 5-Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan

Mark Marino, a longtime reviewer of home products and cookware, admits he was once wary of stainless steel pans, but Quince’s 5-ply pieces changed his mind. He found that it heated quickly and evenly, without noticeable hot spots, and performed well across everything from vegetables and potatoes to rice and saucy pasta. “Quince’s cookware may come with a budget price tag, but it doesn’t skimp on quality,” Marino said.

Best Nonstick Cookware: GreenPan Reserve 2-Pc. Hard-Anodized Nonstick Frypan

The polished gold-tone handles and sophisticated colors may be what first caught Madden’s eye, but looks weren’t enough to earn GreenPan Reserve its spot on this list. “After cooking with them a few times I quickly realized their value went way beyond their looks,” Madden said. The set combines the design appeal of cookware you don’t mind leaving on the stove with the everyday practicality she expects from a nonstick pan.

Best Blender: Breville Fresh & Furious Blender

The Breville Fresh & Furious Blender impressed our testers with its sleek design, reliable power and easy cleanup. “It doesn’t take up a ton of room on the counter, the dedicated smoothie setting consistently produces smooth results, and the auto-clean function makes it easier to use regularly,” shared Madden.

Best Coffee Maker: Caraway Coffee Maker

The newly launched Caraway Coffee Maker, the brand’s first appliance, stood out to Parade editor-in-chief Lisa Delaney for pairing a streamlined design with a brew system that felt thoughtful. “I love its sleek, modern design and the simplicity of use—there are no complicated settings,” she said.

Delaney also appreciated Caraway’s Clean Brew System, which uses a glass water reservoir and carafe along with a stainless steel water path, interior parts and filter, meaning there’s no plastic in the brew path. “Anything that reduces exposure to microplastics is a good thing in my book,” she added. And the most important test? “The coffee tastes great!”

Best Espresso Machine: Nespresso Lattissima One Original Espresso Machine

Our judges appreciated that the Nespresso Lattissima One managed to deliver a polished, café-style routine without requiring much technique. “I’m no barista, and I was able to make a pretty delicious latte with this machine,” said Madden. The machine brews espresso and automatically steams and froths milk in the same unit, so making a milk-based drink is essentially a push-button affair.

Best Mattress: Awara Classic Hybrid Mattress

“I’ve slept on all kinds of mattresses from different brands over the years, and this one is a favorite for its combination of softness and support, and the high-quality, non-toxic materials it’s made of,” Madden said. “I purchased this mattress for my daughter’s room and now I’m waiting until I can buy one for myself.”

Best Mattress Pad: Wamsutta Supreme Comfort Cool and Dry Mattress Pad

A mattress pad shouldn’t announce its presence every time you roll over. That’s one reason the Wamsutta Supreme Comfort Cool and Dry Mattress Pad stood out to Zlatopolsky. “It does an excellent job of regulating body temperature overnight, and its waterproof shell doesn’t crinkle or make noise when you move around,” she said.

Best Pillow: Vesta LimeZen™ Silk-Filled Pillow

Pillow preference can be surprisingly specific, and the Vesta LimeZen introduced Madden to an entirely different kind of sleep setup. “I’ve never slept on a ‘thin’ pillow and didn’t even realize that was a thing until I tried Vesta’s silk pillow,” she said. “It’s marketed as a thin pillow, which is apparently better for women.” The lower-profile design, paired with the pillow’s silk fill, gives it a distinctly different feel from the lofty pillows Madden had typically gravitated toward. “I’m converted,” she said.

Best Down Pillow: The Company Store Legends Hotel Best Down Gusseted Premium Pillow

Finding a down pillow that actually stays supportive can be surprisingly difficult. Zlatopolsky, who is a certified sleep coach, found The Company Store’s Legends Hotel pillow lived up to its description. Even under added weight, she said, “the Company Store pillow maintained its support and continued to cushion my head,” rather than quickly flattening or losing its shape.

Best Cotton Sheets: Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set

For sleepers who want bedding that feels crisp rather than silky, Madden loved Boll & Branch’s Percale Hemmed Sheet Set. “These percale sheets have that crisp hotel feel right out of the package, and they get softer every time I wash them,” she said. She also appreciated how they came out of the dryer relatively wrinkle free, making a neat, crisp-looking bed easily attainable.

Best Cooling Sheets: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

Madden doesn’t waver when it comes to Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Sheet Set: “These are some of the best sheets I’ve ever slept on,” she reported. She credits the bamboo fabric with an unusually silky feel and a lightweight, breathable construction that stays cool even during the summer months when she used them.

Best Down Comforter: The Company Store LaCrosse Premium Down Medium Warmth Comforter

For Madden, the best down comforter has to feel plush without turning the bed into a sauna. The Company Store’s LaCrosse Premium Down Comforter hits that balance. “This comforter hits the sweet spot between cozy and breathable, with enough loft to feel indulgent but not so much that I overheat under it,” she said. Madden also found that the fill stayed evenly distributed instead of collecting into clumps and creating cold spots.

Best Down Alternative Comforter: Cozy Earth Down Alternative Comforter

As someone who normally prefers real down, Madden sets a particularly high bar for down alternatives. Cozy Earth came closer than any she’s tried. “For anyone who can’t do feathers, this is the closest alternative I’ve found,” she said, describing the comforter as so “fluffy and cloud-like” that it nearly convinced her to swap out her own down insert.

Best Duvet Cover: The Company Store Company Cotton Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Duvet Cover

The Company Store’s cotton percale duvet cover won over Madden with its unusually light, soft feel. “This is the lightest, softest duvet cover I’ve ever owned,” she said, noting that it makes the duvet underneath feel even cozier. The ultimate endorsement came from one of her kids, who laid down on her bed and immediately requested “one of these blankets” for himself.

Best Bath Towels: Boll & Branch Turkish Ultra Plush Bath Towel

After comparing bath towels, Sophie Hirsh found herself reaching for Boll & Branch’s Turkish Ultra Plush version. “Boll & Branch’s towel has become my new favorite,” she said. What separated it from the competition was its combination of qualities that don’t always coexist in one towel: Hirsh found it more plush, fluffy, lightweight and absorbent than other options she’s tried.

Best Bath Mat: Weezie Luxury Bath Rug

The Weezie bath rug lived up to its luxe label. “It’s soft, absorbent, and washes beautifully,” reported Madden after stationing this bath mat in her kids’ bathroom. The mat is designed to be quick-drying, a spec Madden confirmed after having three kids shower in succession, and its non-slip base keeps it in place even in a high-traffic space.

Best Bath Robe: Riley Home Four Layer Robe

If traditional terry robes feel too heavy, Riley Home’s Four Layer Robe offers a lighter alternative. Made from layers of airy cotton, it has a soft, breathable feel and is designed to dry quickly rather than staying damp long after a shower. “I love a plush robe in the middle of winter, but most of the year I want something lighter,” said Madden. “This one has a cozy feeling without being bulky or overly warm.”

Next, Designers Are Tired of Seeing White in Kids’ Bedrooms—They Say This Calming, Gender-Neutral Paint Color Is a Much Better Choice