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I Tried This $5 Trader Joe’s Limited-Time Snack, and Now I Can’t Stop Thinking About It
If you’re anything like me, you have an affinity for tasty treats that's just a little too hard to ignore. And while every trip to Trader Joe’s feels like a test of my willpower and a direct threat to my idea of moderation, I still manage to walk away with at least a couple of sweet snacks in my tote.
This week’s indulgence? A surprisingly out-of-season favorite you’d normally expect to see during the fall and winter months. If I’ve learned anything from years of shopping at Trader Joe’s, it’s that you don’t ask questions when an unexpected surprise lands in your lap.
Here only for a limited time and perfect for anyone who loves a wholesome, sweet, nostalgic snack, the Trader Joe’s Teeny Tiny Apple Pies might just be your new obsession. And considering they may not be around for much longer, I figured why not grab a box and see if they still live up to my memory of the first time I tried them.
Teeny Tiny Apple Pies, $5.49 at Trader Joe's Teeny Tiny Apple PiesNathan Hutsenpiller
A true American staple that will never lose its charm, a good apple pie is simply not worth passing up. Warm, gooey, sweet, buttery and flaky are just a few of the words that describe an apple pie’s wealth of textures and flavors, and they're elements that these Trader Joe’s Teeny Tiny Apple Pies manage to capture effortlessly.
Sold in a 7.76-ounce, 4-count box for $5.49, this iconic Trader Joe’s creation is made in Canada using sweet-tart Northern Spy apples to create a cinnamon-spiced diced apple filling. Nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, these plump little pies are topped with a brown sugar crumble and baked until golden brown. From there, the finished pies are packed four to a box, each measuring roughly 3 inches in diameter and oozing with rich apple filling.
How to Eat the Trader Joe's Teeny Tiny Apple Pies Assortment of teeny tiny apple piesNathan Hutsenpiller
Designed to be eaten right out of the box with no fork or pie server required, these crumbly baked treats are basically apple pie cookies when you think about it. And while I have no qualms digging in immediately after opening the box, there’s something to be said about warming one up in the microwave or air fryer and enjoying it alongside a cup of coffee in the morning.
If you really want to up your presentation points, however, Trader Joe’s suggests going “full à la mode” by gilding one with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. That said, I wouldn’t mind taking things a step further with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Final Thoughts Bite take from teeny tiny apple pieNathan Hutsenpiller
In the never-ending quest to satisfy my sweet tooth, it’s nice to know a familiar favorite hasn’t lost its spark. While these Trader Joe’s Teeny Tiny Apple Pies unfortunately aren’t a year-round offering, I can confirm their texture and flavor have stood the test of time. The popular seasonal snack may only be a few years old, but it already feels destined to become a staple on everyone’s shopping list.
Do yourself a favor and snag a box while they’re still on shelves, and if you’re looking for even more baked goods inspiration, be sure to check out our list of the 12 best baked goods to buy at Trader Joe’s.
2021 Film Ranked the 'Greatest Fantasy Movie Masterpiece' of the Last 15 Years
Since the start of cinema, movie fans haven't had a shortage of incredible fantasy films. This seems especially true within the last few years.
Collider recently published a ranking of the "10 greatest fantasy movie masterpieces of the last 15 years." The list, released in March 2026, featured hit fantasy films like Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves from 2023, The Boy and the Heron, also released in 2023, 2011's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, and 2017's The Shape of Water.
The Green Knight, from 2021, was named as the top masterpiece from the fantasy genre since 2011. Collider noted that the film, which stars Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, is inspired by the long-beloved 1300s poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. According to the publication, the film, which has a score of 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, is full of spectacle and offers a compelling character arc.
Dev Patel Shared He Was Drawn to the Film's Script Upon Reading ItIn a 2021 interview with Rotten Tomatoes, Patel revealed that he wanted to star in The Green Knight upon reading its script, by David Lowery, who also directed the film.
"I was handed David's script, and I was utterly enthralled. It put me in a spell for weeks after that. And I kind of became obsessed with it. The imagery was ingrained in my brain," said Patel in the 2021 interview.
Patel also said that while he enjoyed working on the film, it was quite exhausting to play Sir Gawain.
"It was a really physically kind of taxing shoot, in the sense that I was in it, and there were long shoot days and short turnovers. And it was cold and damp," said the actor.
Patel clarified that Lowery made sure that the set was "always positive" with his kind, supportive demeanor.
"So as dark or gloomy as the days got, he was this kind of constant source of energy and light," said the Lion star during the Rotten Tomatoes interview. "But we went through some extreme lengths to achieve some of this imagery."
Target's Cutesy New Stoneware Mug Is the Perfect Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift
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If you're looking for a last-minute Mother's Day present or feel like you just need one more small thing to add to your mom's Mother's Day gift basket, Target has you covered for any and all of the above with this darling new stoneware mug that will make every mom feel seen.
Target's Room Essentials' Chaos Coordinator Tall Can Mug is the perfect Mother's Day gift. Boasting a 14-ounce capacity, this mug is plenty big enough for your mom to fill (and refill) her coffee or tea as needed throughout her busy day. It's constructed out of sturdy stoneware and is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Plus, it's great for both hot and cold beverages.
Room Essentials Chaos Coordinator Tall Can Mug, $5 at TargetTarget
Shop It!The best part of this mug has to be its cutesy dark blue "chaos coordinator" label on the front. And, honestly, what is a better way to describe a mom? After all, she's the glue of the family, always keeping everyone (and everything) in order, no matter how crazy life gets.
Related: Target's Fun $5 Mini Coolers Are Perfect for Day Trips
Shoppers are loving this mug, giving it an average rating of 4.8 stars on Target.com, with 100 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend it to others.
"Mug with perfect description of my mom!" said one fan in a five-star review on Target.com. "This mug was purchased as a gift for my always busy mom! It's tall so she can fill it with plenty of java to keep her going through her days with four kids. The larger size nice, but it can be be a little heavy. It's microwave-safe, even though she always uses it for iced coffee! It's ok for top rack dishwasher clean up."
"Okay, I love this mug! I'm a mom and elementary school counselor so I am often coordinating chaos so this mug makes me laugh. I really like the blue and white colors, the font of the text, and the miscellaneous shapes decorating the mug. It's a nice tall size to hold my much needed coffee. I love drinking out of it!" said another Target shopper in a five-star review on Target.com.
You can snag this mug at select Target stores by Mother's Day this Sunday. You can also order it online. It retails for just $5.
Related: Target's Latest 7-Piece Kitchen Find Is Equal Parts Functional and Beautiful
One of America’s Most Underrated Destinations Has Tropical Blue Waters, Tasty Seafood, and Sea Caves—and It’s in the Midwest
You know those travel bucket lists that always feature the same overrated destinations? Well, CNN just ranked Lake Superiorone of America's most underrated destinations—and honestly, it deserves way more attention. Lake Superior stretches across northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota as a vast expanse of water, trees, islands, and wildlife that rivals anything out west.
But here's the thing most people miss: this isn't just any lake. Lake Superior is the largest, cleanest, and wildest of all the Great Lakes, and the biggest lake in the world by surface area, earning it the nickname "The Freshwater Sea". So yes, tropical beaches and Caribbean islands are nice. But Lake Superior offers white sandy beaches, sand dunes, dense forests, ancient shipwrecks, and roaring waterfalls along crystal waters, no passport required.
More Than Just a Pretty ViewWhat makes Lake Superior truly special goes beyond its lovely scenery. The water is extremely clear, with an average underwater visibility of 27 feet, indicating it is very clean, making beaches safe for swimming for most of the year. Another astounding fact: it holds approximately 10% of the entire world’s surface freshwater.
The real crown jewel, though? The Apostle Islands, known as the "crown jewels of Lake Superior," feature a pristine 12-mile stretch of mainland and 21 gorgeous islands with sea caves, lighthouses, and more. Devils Island has the best sea caves in the Apostles, with magnificent rock formations and intricate caves along its northern shore. You can kayak through these caves in the summer, or for the real adventure seeker, hike to frozen ice caves in winter.
And if shipwrecks intrigue you, you're in for a treat. Approximately 550 shipwrecks are thought to be in Lake Superior, with 350 identified, but many are still undiscovered, lending the lake its other nickname, “Graveyard of the Great Lakes”. Some 200 wrecks are known to rest off the Michigan shore on an 80-mile stretch known as Lake Superior's Shipwreck Coast. Kayakers can explore many coves and view shipwrecks in the crystal-clear waters, an excursion not soon to be forgotten.
Fresh Catch Worth the TripIf you're a foodie, Lake Superior won't disappoint. The region is known for its incredible freshwater seafood—think lake whitefish, walleye, and lake trout caught straight from Superior's crystal clear waters. Local restaurants throughout the Duluth, Bayfield, and Marquette areas serve up the catch of the day prepared simply and deliciously, letting the quality of the fish shine. It's the kind of food experience you go home talking about and pairs perfectly with exploring the region's natural wonders.
Related: This Is the Midwest’s Coolest Weekend Getaway Right Now—and It’s Not Chicago
Why You Should Go NowThe Lake Superior region stretches across northern Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, with Pictured Rocks and Apostle Islands national lakeshores, Isle Royale National Park with resident wolves and moose, and winter sports slopes. Whether you're a diver, kayaker, hiker, or someone who just wants to escape the typical vacation crowd, Lake Superior delivers.
The best part? Lake Superior has the longest undeveloped coastline of all the Great Lakes, with less than 5% of its shoreline developed. Not only is that largely pristine and untouched, but it’ll be quiet. That means you won't be fighting crowds everywhere you go and can actually kick back and enjoy the spectacular view.
Sally Field Admits She 'Hated' One of Her Most Beloved Roles
The Flying Nun may have been the role that made Sally Field famous, but the legendary actress has no problem admitting she didn't enjoy playing Sister Bertrille in the beloved 1960s sitcom.
Related: This Feel-Good Musical From 1952 Was Just Named the Greatest Film of All Time
"I hated doing The Flying Nun so much," the 79-year-old told journalist Willie Geist in the preview of his upcoming Sunday Sitdown. The reason why she didn't like working on the ABC hit show? Well, it just wasn't very sexy.
"I was 18, 19 years old. Who wanted to play a nun?" she laughed. "And it was the ‘60s by then! Everybody was, you know, eating granola and dropping out and marching and walking around naked!"
The fan-favorite show aired for three seasons from 1967 to 1970, and while viewers loved it, Field has been open about her distaste for the project, even admitting to Oprah in 2012 that she "didn't want to do it" from the second she heard the concept.
"I was trying to figure out who I was, but I knew who I wasn't: a flying nun," she teased. "I was almost 19, and my sexuality needed to be explored. My real father was Catholic, and I had issues with all religions. So I said no, which I thought was incredibly brave."
However, Field's stepfather, a stuntman who worked in the industry himself, pushed her to take the role after the cancellation of her prior show, Gidget.
Sally Field in 'The Flying Nun' in 1969Getty
"My stepfather said, 'Don't get on your high horse. If you don't take this part, you may never work again,'" she recalled. Ultimately, the role was a success, but she later said that she only took it because "at the time, I wasn't old enough, strong enough, or sophisticated enough to tell him that he was wrong."
Related: Michael Jackson’s No. 1 Hit of All Time Didn’t Even Make It Into His New Movie
Of course, Field went on to have many more famous roles, including aunt May in Marc Webb's The Amazing Spider-Man films, Carrie in Smokey and the Bandit, Sybil Dorsett in Sybil, M’Lynn Eatenton in Steel Magnolias, Miranda Hillard in Mrs. Doubtfire, and Mrs. Gump in Forrest Gump.
How to Watch The Flying NunIf you want to watch The Flying Nun yourself, you can stream the whole series on Roku or Tubi for free.
3 Surprising Ways You Can Claim Social Security Before Retirement
While everyone is busy talking about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) is about to run about of money, experts say that the account holding the funds that millions of Americans rely on each month is fully funded for now.
That means there is plenty of money in there for those looking to start collecting payments. However, many pros warn that it's best to delay applying for benefits until you reach age 70. So, does that mean you're out of luck if you're hoping to start collecting early, or at least looking for a little extra financial help? Not exactly. There are a few other qualifying events that could allow you to tap into your Social Security benefits earlier, or else earn a bigger payday. Find out what they are, and why you may want to try to apply for them this way instead.
You Can Collect Based on Your Ex-Spouse's RetirementIf you are of retirement age, but your Social Security benefits won't quite pay the bills, you may want to see what you're entitled to thanks to your ex-husband or wife. That's right, Yahoo! Finance says that there are some instances when you can claim spousal benefits thanks to your ex. The only caveat is that you have to have been married for at least a decade, and you must've remained unmarried after the split (it doesn't matter if they remarried, though).
However, you can only collect this spousal benefit if it's more than what you would've earned on your own, if you have reached the age of 62, and if your ex is already claiming their benefits. Contact the SSA to start your application, and they will do the legwork to determine which benefit is larger and whether you qualify.
Related: The Secret To Boosting Your Social Security Check by 30 Percent
You Can Claim on Behalf of Your ChildrenMinor and disabled children are able to collect funds based on the earnings of their parents once the parent has begun claiming disability or retirement benefits, or if they have died.
There are a few things to keep in mind with this one, though. According to Yahoo! Finance:
- The benefits only continue until the age of 18 (or 19 if they are in full-time college)
- Disabled children can collect these benefits for the duration of their life as long as the disability began prior to the age of 22
- There are circumstances where grandchildren, step-children, adopted children, and more can be eligible
Similar to how certain children can collect benefits based on their parents' earnings, some parents can collect based on their children's earnings. Usually, this only applies to bereaved parents who were dependent on their child for support.
This one also has a few complicated qualifiers in order to be done, including proving that the child was financially responsible for more than half of the parents' care, that the parent isn't entitled to a bigger benefit if they filed on their own work record, and that the child had earned enough money to qualify for Social Security before their death.
Related: Why Your Social Security Benefits Might Be Taxed for the First Time Ever
Many People Are Delaying Retirement Until They Turn 70People are looking for alternative ways to collect Social Security or boost their benefits because so many experts now advise them to delay their retirement until they reach age 70.
That's because the longer you pay into Social Security, the more money you'll earn in retirement. Not only that, but your benefits increase by 8 percent each year you delay retirement, up until you reach the age of 70.
With the rising cost of living, many people are looking for ways to maximize their benefits anyway they can. These three options may help you do that. Of course, whenever it comes to funding your retirement, it's always best to run any questions by a professional before making any decisions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Heinz Debuts 6 Brand-New Sauces at Walmart – And Fans 'Want to Try Them All'
Heinz remains the go-to sauce for millions of shoppers across the globe for a few key reasons.
Quite possibly the most popular sauce company in the world today, Heinz manages to deliver quality-first flavors through any one of its extensive sauce options.
Whether you're looking for a sauce to dress your cheeseburger, hot dog or fried chicken strips, Heinz's wide selection of delicious products cater to every possible flavor experience you could hope to have during your meal.
Yet even then, the iconic company just found a way to give shoppers even more variety than ever before.
According to multiple food bloggers across social media, Heinz is officially rolling out six new never-before-seen sauces that are sure to please anyone looking for the perfect condiment for their backyard barbecue this summer season.
As per bloggers' post on Instagram, the new sauces from Heinz specifically include the following flavors:
- Buttermilk Ranch Mayonnaise Style Dip
- Lemon Pepper Parm Mayonnaise Style Dip
- Steakhouse Garlic Mayonnaise Style Dip
- Greek-Inspired Garlic Herb
- Japanese-Inspired Ginger Sesame
- Hawaiian-Inspired Tropical Teriyaki
In addition to these six sauces, Heinz will also be rolling out its returning Heinz Mexican-Inspired Street Corn this season as well. Originally introduced last year, the returning sauce features the same zesty, tangy flavors associated with traditional Mexican Street Corn (albeit without all those annoying kernels getting stuck in your teeth).
As expected, the news of the six new sauces from Heinz has already met with an altogether positive response from shoppers, many of whom were quick to voice their enthusiasms for the upcoming products.
"I want them all," one fan commented on Instagram.
"Gimme them all," agreed another, similarly excited shopper.
As of yet, it's not clear whether these flavors are permanent additions to Heinz's lineup, or seasonal offerings that will only be around for a few months. Either way, it's advisable to get these new flavors sooner rather than later!
This Viral Finance Pro Says This Simple Math Problem Can Help You Maximize Your Investments at Any Age
Vivian Tu, whose online persona is YourRichBFF, is somewhat of a financial genius and the Chief of Financial Empowerment at SoFi at the young age of 32. Her simple math problem can have you maximizing your investment portfolio at any age to grow and protect your funds.
View this post on InstagramTu has been doling out financial advice online to her 3.8 million followers since 2021, offering insight on investments, mortgages, inheritance, and more to help Americans make their money work for them. Her popular online videos complement the advice on her website with little digestible nuggets of financial information anyone can understand.
A Healthy BalanceIn a recent video, Tu recommends reassessing your investment portfolio every 5 years to align with where you are in your financial journey. Her latest easy math problem gives you a quick layout for the balance you should strike between growth investments (equities) and protection investments (bonds).
Equities are riskier but meant to help grow your nest egg, while bonds don’t yield as much of a return but protect the money you’ve already made. Her math problem states that your age should determine the percentage of your portfolio to allocate to protection investments.
Related: This 'Lazy' Habit Can Add a 20% Bonus to Your Retirement
One Easy Math ProblemAccording to Tu, you should take your age, subtract ten, and round up or down to the nearest number divisible by five. So if you’re 67, it should look like this:
67 - 10 = 57
The closest number divisible by 5 to 57 is 55
Therefore 55% of your portfolio should be in protection investments
Tu notes that the younger you are, the larger percentage of your portfolio should be in growth funds because you have more time to recover in case of a market crash. Retirees or anyone close to retirement would benefit more from bonds and fixed income products to protect the money they’ve already made.
She Knows MoneyTu became a millionaire at 27 after working as a trader at J.P. Morgan and making smart financial moves. She’s a podcaster and author. Her podcast, Networth and Chill, which has done live tapings at South by Southwest (SXSW), discusses common financial topics with guests. Her book, Well Endowed, is geared toward building generational wealth.
If you haven’t reevaluated your portfolio in the past five years, now is the perfect time. With Tu’s simple math problem, you can adjust your investments so your money is working the hardest to set you up for long-term comfort.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
1976 Nostalgic Classic Became a No. 1 Hit 50 Years Ago Today
In the spring of 1976, one of America’s biggest hit songs came from an unlikely place: a television sitcom.
On May 8, 1976, John Sebastian’s song “Welcome Back,” the theme song for ABC’s hit comedy Welcome Back, Kotter, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the most memorable TV themes of the decade. It also topped the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart and reached No. 93 on the Hot Country Singles chart.
The warm, nostalgic song was written and recorded by Sebastian, the former frontman of the Lovin’ Spoonful, after producers asked him to create the theme for a new sitcom originally titled Kotter. According to the History Channel, Sebastian initially struggled to write lyrics around the title before shifting toward a broader theme about returning to a familiar place and rediscovering purpose.
The song ultimately became so closely tied to the series that producers changed the show’s title to Welcome Back, Kotter.
The sitcom starred comedian Gabe Kaplan as wisecracking Brooklyn teacher Gabe Kotter, who returns to his former high school to teach a remedial class of troublemakers known as the Sweathogs. The cast included a young John Travolta in his breakout role as Vinnie Barbarino alongside Ron Palillo, Robert Hegyes and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs.
Unlike many television themes of the era, “Welcome Back” quickly developed a life beyond the series itself. According to Fred Bronson’s "The Billboard Book of Number One Hits," Warner Bros. Records released the song as a single after public demand surged following the sitcom’s debut. Sebastian even wrote an additional verse for the full-length version because the original TV theme ran less than a minute.
Sebastian later admitted he was caught completely off guard by the song’s success. In an interview with Classic Bands, he recalled feeling “wildly out of style” by the mid-1970s after years of struggling to establish himself as a solo artist following his time with the Lovin’ Spoonful. But according to Sebastian, “Welcome Back” became what he called an “audience driven single,” fueled by viewers walking into record stores specifically asking for the Welcome Back, Kotter theme song by name.
While Sebastian’s gentle, wistful theme song gave the series an almost sentimental tone, the show itself became known for rapid-fire jokes, colorful catchphrases and the chaotic antics of the Sweathogs. Catchphrases like Barbarino’s “What? What?” and Horshack’s famous raised-hand “Oooh! Oooh! Oooh!” quickly became part of 1970s pop culture.
The success of Welcome Back, Kotter also sparked an enormous merchandising boom. The series inspired comic books, trading cards, dolls, lunchboxes and even a board game built around the show’s famous “Up your nose with a rubber hose” catchphrase.
“Welcome Back” remains one of the few television theme songs ever to become a genuine chart-topping pop hit. The song’s success came during a brief era when TV themes regularly crossed over into mainstream radio, alongside hits like “Theme From S.W.A.T.” and “The Rockford Files.”
Fifty years later, both the song and the sitcom still hold a special place in television nostalgia, helping define the quirky pop-culture spirit of the bicentennial era.
1975 Soft Rock Classic, Named No. 1 Hit Song for Three Weeks, Became a Heartbreak Anthem
Fifty-one years ago, iconic '70s soft rocker Olivia Newton-John topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart with her heartbreaking cover of "Please Mr. Please."
Released in 1975 as the second single from her fifth studio album, Have You Never Been Mellow, "Please Mr. Please" was an massive success. Within the first few months of release, the track climbed up the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 5 on the Country Singles chart and at No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart for three consecutive weeks. "Please Mr. Please" marked Newton-John's fifth consecutive top-10 hit, further establishing her as an undeniable figure in the music industry.
Aside from its chart achievements, "Please Mr. Please" also experienced a significant amount of commercial success. In September 1975, the hit was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 1 million copies in the U.S. alone.
John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and Jeff Conaway on the set of the film 'Grease', directed by Randal Kleiser, in 1978.Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images
Produced by John Farrar via EMI label, Newton-John's "Please Mr. Please" wasn't actually the original version of the song. In 1974, the track was recorded by its co-writer Bruce Welch but failed to take off commercially. Newton-John's rendition reimagined the song, creating a more polished, radio-friendly version that resonated with wider-ranging audiences.
"Please Mr. Please" is a quintessential country-pop and soft-rock crossover song. The track is recognizable for its seamless blend of classic country elements, like acoustic instrumentation, and soft rock components, like driving rhythm and soft vocals, to masterfully combine genres.
Written by Welch and John Rostill—both members of the '60s rock band The Shadows—"Please Mr. Please" explores themes of emotional turmoil after a breakup. The lyrics tell the story of a heartbroken bar patron who is haunted by the memory of her old partner when a song plays on the jukebox that reminds her of him. The track's poignant lyricism and melancholic sound made it the perfect mix for a breakup anthem that would persevere for decades to come.
To this day, the cover is still pulling at listeners' heartstrings. On Spotify alone, the track has accumulated over 8.4 million streams, affirming its ability to touch newer generations of listeners in the streaming era.
Related: 1974 Soft Rock Classic, Originally Rejected by ’70s Legend, Became a No. 1 Hit
'My Name is Earl' Star Jaime Pressly Joins OnlyFans, Decades After Playboy Cover
Another pop culture icon has made the decision to join OnlyFans, in a move she calls "evolving with the times." My Name is Earl star Jaime Pressly issued an official statement to her fans announcing she has joined the subscription-based platform as a way to connect with her audience.
Pressly's OnlyFans account officially launched on May 7 at 4 p.m. ET, with her page explaining, "The cameras may catch one version of me…This is where things get a little more personal, playful, and completely unfiltered." Her page also details what fans can expect from her content, from exclusive photos and videos to direct chats with the star. She promises fans things will be a "little sweet," a "little wild," and "always authentic."
The My Name is Earl star spoke with Variety, explaining the move to more NSFW content. She revealed that part of her reason for joining the platform came from her love of interacting with her fanbase over the years at conventions.
“I’ve always believed in evolving with the times," Pressly said in a statement to Variety.
"This is another way for me to connect directly with my audience, on my own terms, with creativity and intention. I’ve loved meeting fans at various Comic Cons, and the excitement of having those real face to face moments made me want to seek options like OnlyFans."
Related: Jamie-Lynn Sigler Reveals Truth Behind 2009 Split from ‘Entourage’ Star: ‘He Deserved More’
Her decision didn't come ill-advised, as she had help from Creators Inc. CEO Andy Bachman in launching her page. He explained that Pressly is an elite entertainer who has a "rare mix of mainstream star power and a real audience connection." Fans who have followed Pressley's career wouldn't be so shocked by her decision to join OnlyFans.
During the late '90s, Pressly was already an up-and-coming actor before she starred in My Name Is Early. In 1998, she appeared in the August issue of Playboy and became one of the magazine's recognizable celebrity models of the era and early 2000s. She later graced the cover of Playboy's February 2004 issue. Since appearing in the magazine, Pressly has spoken openly about nudity and has "never had a problem" with it and finds it "tasteful."
Her decision to join OnlyFans comes shortly after American Pie and Scary Movie star Shannon Elizabeth joined the platform. Since the debut of her page, the actor has earned more than $1.2 million with her content. She stated having joined in an effort to "control the narrative and outcome" of her career.
Paella Is Trending This Year—and This Gourmet Company Is Giving Home Cooks a Reason to Try It
Paella has always carried a certain mystique, conjuring images of leisurely lunches at outdoor cafés along the coast of Valencia, the kind of meals romanticized by writers like Ernest Hemingway. For many Americans, it's traditionally felt more like a restaurant experience or vacation splurge than something casually made in a home kitchen.
But lately, that perception appears to be shifting.
According to trend data from Tastewise, interest in paella has been growing as more consumers look for globally inspired meals and hands-on cooking experiences at home. That growing curiosity also aligns with what Spanish gourmet retailer La Tienda is seeing as it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
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Why Paella Feels Right for This MomentPart of the appeal may be that paella checks several boxes modern home cooks seem drawn to right now. It feels elevated without necessarily being inaccessible, and it transforms dinner into more of an experience.
Unlike quick weeknight meals designed to get food on the table as fast as possible, paella encourages people to slow down a bit. It's communal by nature, built around a large pan meant to be shared, and the process itself becomes part of the meal.
That kind of experience-driven cooking has become increasingly popular as home cooks continue looking for dishes that feel interactive, celebratory, and visually impressive enough to share online. Whether made with seafood, chicken, vegetables or some combination of all three, paella naturally fits into that trend.
La Tienda Is Leaning Into the TrendCourtesy La Tienda
Founded in 1996, La Tienda has spent the last three decades importing Spanish foods, cookware, and pantry staples from artisan producers across Spain. According to a recent press release, the multi-generational company now works with more than 80 producers and ships everything from jamón and charcuterie to saffron and paella kits to customers throughout the United States.
And paella appears to be playing a growing role in that interest.
As part of their 30th anniversary celebration, La Tienda is launching a nationwide paella contest tied to World Paella Day later this year. The company says the competition is designed to celebrate both traditional and modern takes on the iconic dish while encouraging more people to experiment with Spanish cooking at home. Contest details will be announced on July 15, with submissions due on August 31. Winners will be announced on World Paella Day, which falls on September 20.
Making Paella More Accessible for Home CooksPart of what may be helping fuel paella's rise with home cooks is accessibility. Retailers like La Tienda's paella kits are designed to remove some of the intimidation factor by packaging together essentials like bomba rice, saffron, spices, recipes, and traditional pans in one place.
One reviewer on the site said they had "never made Paella before" and wrote that the kit made it easy and added "the flavors are Amazing. My guests raved and ate heartily.”
And despite its dramatic presentation, paella is ultimately less about perfection and more about the experience. Part of the appeal comes from building layers of flavor slowly, letting the rice develop its signature crispy socarrat on the bottom of the pan, and serving a meal designed to bring people together around the table.
For home cooks looking to branch out beyond the usual pasta nights and grill recipes this summer, paella may finally be shedding some of its intimidating reputation. And brands like La Tienda seem more than ready to help people give it a shot.
Related: Adrian Grenier Is Back With a Grilled Cheese Challenge—and the Prize Is Massive
New Report Claims Widows and Widowers Were Cheated Out of More Than $50 Million in Benefits by the Social Security Administration
If you've ever looked at your Social Security benefits and thought that they didn't seem like enough money, you could've been right. At least that's what a new report from the Office of the Inspector General says, after the agency says it uncovered errors by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
It sounds like those little mistakes had big consequences, too. The report says that nearly 9,000 widows and widowers were shortchanged by the SSA to the tune of $50.4 million. Keep reading to find out what they say led to the mistake, and what other expensive errors the report uncovered.
An Investigation Discovered Massive Payment Mistakes at the SSAThe findings were published in a March 2026 audit report by the Office of the Inspector General. According to the findings, the mistakes were made by staff members who didn't correctly calculate the benefits. It sounds like the error came down to failing to use the Widow(er)s Indexing Computation (WINDEX), which is used when calculating the benefits for a bereaved spouse.
"SSA employees did not apply the WINDEX PIA appropriately when they manually processed cases for 11 widow(er) beneficiaries and, as a result, did not pay the appropriate monthly benefits," the report said, noting that the PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) is the basis that is used for the calculations that determine beneficiary payments.
However, when it comes to why this happened, the investigation came up empty-handed. "We could not determine why SSA employees did not appropriately apply the WINDEX PIA for these widow(er) beneficiaries," the report continued. "Based on our random sample, we estimate SSA underpaid 8,618 widow(er)s approximately $50.4 million."
Related: The Secret To Boosting Your Social Security Check by 30 Percent
The Report Uncovered Additional ErrorsAs if that news wasn't bad enough, the report also found that widows and widowers may have lost out on around $114 million in additional benefits after they were given bad advice by SSA staffers. This mistake, which included failing to tell people not to begin collecting benefits too early, likely cost the average beneficiary $21,200.
"We estimate 5,367 widow(er)s would have been eligible for $113.8 million in additional benefits had they chosen to delay their retirement claims," the report continued.
Related: Why Your Social Security Benefits Might Be Taxed for the First Time Ever
What Should You Do If You Were ShortchangedThere may be good news for those beneficiaries who were underpaid, though. The SSA told MarketWatch that it was working internally to address the mistakes and that the agency plans to take corrective action.
Hopefully, that means that those underpaid folks will get reimbursed for the mistakes that led to lower payouts, allowing them to recoup any money that they may have lost in the process of filing for their benefits. Personally, I hope it also means that they plan to address the training or short staffing issues that caused these errors in the first place, so they don't impact future applicants as well.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Costco Removes Food Court Calzone in Favor of New $6.99 Chicken Strips: 'These Are My Go-To!'
It's a sad fact of life that, in most cases, Costco's food courts only seem to have room for a handful of meals.
With that being said, the introduction of one dish tends to mean to the disappearance of another, with Costco recently swapping out its best-selling calzone in favor of their new $6.99 food court Chicken Strips.
According to multiple food bloggers on Instagram, Costco has begun testing out their new Chicken Strips in select food courts within the country. Many of these locations were specifically rooted in Chicago and Illinois, marking the first in what might very well be numerous states interested in adopting the chicken meal as their next food court item.
As the name might imply, Costco's Chicken Strips features an order of five fried chicken breast strips accompanied by a tangy side sauce. Since its original introduction in Canada, the item has been gaining continued traction among American Costco shoppers, many of whom were quick to voice their excitement about the new dish on social media.
"Chicken Strips are my go-to!" wrote one user on Instagram. "I'm so excited for this!"
"Time to go to Chicago," wrote another fan, referencing the product's current availability in the Midwest.
As of yet, it's not exactly clear if or when the Chicken Strips will make their way to nationwide Costco locations. However, as the item continues to go viral on social media, it's safe to assume Costco will adopt the new meal nationally within the coming weeks ahead.
Unfortunately, that does mean that most Costco locations that might adopt the Chicken Strips will bid farewell to the food court's popular Calzone. Initially introduced in mid 2025, the Calzone acted as an overstuffed replacement for Costco's discontinued Combo Pizza, with the food court item featuring a generous amount of cheese, veggies, pepperoni and Italian sausage.
1992 Tearjerker Starring the King of Country Music Became a Beloved Guilty Pleasure
Back in 1992, George Strait accidentally made a beloved comfort movie while trying not to become a movie star. Despite Pure Country underperforming at the box office, the film has evolved into one of the most treasured guilty-pleasure movies of all time.
A feel-good romance brimming with nostalgia, heartache, and hit after hit from the King of Country Music himself, the movie remains the perfect way to celebrate its star’s May birthday more than 30 years later.
View this post on InstagramStrait stars as Dusty Chandler, country music’s biggest act. Disillusioned with the smoke and spectacle that comes with fame, he walks away. Returning to his hometown for a little soul searching, he finds work on a ranch, falls for a warmhearted local played by Isabel Glasser, and slowly rediscovers himself.
Meanwhile, his image-conscious manager, played by Lesley Ann Warren, is desperately keeping the illusion alive by staging fake performances with a Dusty impersonator, played by Kyle Chandler. The whole thing culminates in a climactic acoustic performance of “I Cross My Heart” that still leaves us misty eyed.
Notorious for avoiding on-camera appearances early in his career, Strait starring in a big-screen production movie was a surprise. Learning he almost turned the film down is not. According to IMDb, it took a little coaxing from another legendary music figure: Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker. And here we are.
We mentioned the film experienced a disappointing box office, but the film's soundtrack did not. The Pure Country album was a smash. Featuring No. 1 hits “I Cross My Heart” and “Heartland,” as well as Top 10 favorites like “What Did You Stop Loving Me,” the record became the bestselling album of Strait’s career.
Love for the film followed suit. A mainstay on cable television, Pure Country built a cult following and now ranks in the best country music movies of all time, per The Boot, IMDb, and MovieWeb.
When Pure Country premiered, Roger Ebert praised Strait as “genuine” with “a winning smile,” noting that he carries the film with his easygoing charm. And he was right. That sincerity is exactly why the movie still works.
Between its sunny Texas backdrop, cameos from Strait’s real-life Ace in the Hold band, and the timeless soundtrack,Pure Countrytaps into the kind of warm nostalgia you can only get from twin fiddles, a steel guitar, and KingGeorge.
Happy birthday month, George!
Pure Country is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
Related: 1975 Jukebox Musical Packed With Legends Ranked Among Best Rock Movies of All Time
Aldi's New Multi-Section Charcuterie Board Is Portable, Stylish and Perfect for Summer Get-Togethers
A get-together really is not complete without a good, old-fashioned charcuterie board. Of course, these require quite a mix of ingredients, including meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts and spreads, and the setup can make it difficult to prep ahead of time if you're not the one hosting and are in charge of bringing one. Luckily, in the modern year of 2026, portable charcuterie boards are now a thing, and Aldi is selling an affordable option starting next week as part of its next rotation of weekly Aldi Finds. You definitely won't want to miss this one!
Aldi's Crofton Charcuterie to Go Board in the sectioned design retails for $19.99. It is portable, stylish, and so perfect for get-togethers, especially during the summer. The to-go charcuterie board features two pieces: the board itself and a clear attachable lid, making it easy to transport to barbecues, graduation parties, wine nights on your best friend's patio and more. Simply snap it on and remove the lid when ready to serve. There is no need to fuss with plastic wrap or other means of protecting your hard work!
Crofton Charcuterie to Go Board - Sectioned, $19.99 at AldiAldi
This particular charcuterie board features six sections that make it easy to divvy up all of your charcuterie staples such as grapes, salami, cheese, nuts and fig jam. If you prefer a board without sections, no problem; Aldi will also be selling a non-sectioned style next week for $19.99.
Related: Aldi's Sporty 2-Person Watercraft Takes Weekend Adventures to the Next Level
You can snag either charcuterie board starting next week, on May 13, as part of Aldi's next rotation of Aldi Finds, limited-edition product specials that come and go every single week. Aldi Finds are only available while supplies last, and tend to fly off the shelves quickly, so if you see an Aldi Find you love, make sure to grab it before it's gone for good! Aldi Finds can be shopped in Aldi stores' center aisles.
If you're interested in other Aldi Finds, be sure to check out these whimsical new fairy garden kits, this boho rattan storage accent table that is a small space game changer, these vibrant doormats that add a beautiful pop of color to your front porch or this three-drawer organizer that is perfect for sorting all of the small things.
Related: Recall Issued for Popular Aldi Dessert Over Potential Glass Contamination
'Today' Host Unexpectedly Steals the Show From Zara Larsson With Her Dancing
Who knew Sheinelle Joneshad moves like that?! The Today Show cohost, 48, hopped on stage during Zara Larsson's Citi Concert Series performance on May 8 to show off her dancing skills, and fans think she totally stole the show!
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In clips from the surprise moment, Jones can be seen singing the popstar's 2015 hit "Lush Life" alongside the blonde beauty before doing the choreography from the viral dance to the song side-by-side, all with a huge smile on her face.
"TheToday Showhas never had a prouder moment, our girl can dance!" said Savannah Guthrie after her cohost's unexpected performance. Larsson totally agreed.
View this post on Instagram"That was amazing!" she said. "I was just thinking, like, I know you're busy and all but if you have some time off you can join my girls and go on the next tour!"
"I gotta work for that outfit, but I'll get there!" Jones laughed, pointing at the backup dancers in mini skirts and bikini tops. She added that she and her daughter are huge fans of Larsson, calling her "such an entertainer." She was even dressed in theme for the performance, wearing a pink Zara Larsson "Midnight Sun" t-shirt paired with jeans and sneakers.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/O-aH_1j0G4U
Fans were just as excited to see the mom of three's impressive moves, and rushed to the comments to share their support.
"Omg…. SJ is LEGIT!" said one follower, with another adding, "Sheinelle ate that right up!!! [fire emojis href="https://parade.com/living/emoji-combos-funny-cute"]," and a third agreeing, "Girl can dance!!!!" Many more were just happy to see the journalist having so much fun, with one writing, "Seeing Sheinelle's joy in this moment made my day!" There were also several calls for the reporter to join a future season of Dancing With The Stars.
Related: Michael Jackson’s No. 1 Hit of All Time Didn’t Even Make It Into His New Movie
Larsson appeared on the morning program to promote her new album Midnight Sun: Girl's Trip, which is a full remix of her 2025 album Midnight Sun featuring only female artists, like PinkPantheress, Kehlani, Madison Beer, Robyn, and even Shakira. The album dropped on May 7.
Spice Girl Mel B's Daughter On Growing Up With The Beckham Boys And More
While we always knew that the Spice Girls were a family, it turns out that bond extended to their own kids.
Speaking with Hello! about her career as a DJ, Mel B's daughter, Phoenix, got to talking about how she was close with Victoria Beckham's sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz, when they were younger.
"We were born in the same hospital – I literally grew up with them," the 27-year-old said. "I have so many good memories of me and the boys. We were around each other’s houses a lot. It was like having brothers, as I was an only kid for a long time."
"We’re still in touch, but everyone is busy and has their own life, so we see each other when we can," she added.
View this post on InstagramShe notably, per the outlet, did not discuss Brooklyn's public feud with his parents, however she referred to Beckham, and other Spice Girl members including Emma Bunton, Mel C, and Geri Halliwellas her "aunties."
Phoenix, of course, did discuss the impact her mother — known as "Scary Spice" — had on her and her own music career. (Which includes DJ'ing Mel C's 50th birthday bash in 2024)
"Music is in my blood, it’s a big therapeutic outlet for me," she said. "I grew up in a non-stop music household and was dancing before I could even walk."
However, it was Mel B's embodiment Girl Power that really helped shaped Phoenix into the woman she is today.
"I love that she’s the loudest person in the room and oozes confidence," Phoenix gushed. "She’ll talk back and say it how it is. She’s honest and true to herself. She’s a mama bear, and I grew up with her being a powerhouse. It was a lot, but [it] teaches you very quickly to grow up. In our woman-run household, being confident and loving yourself were top priorities."
Phoenix's father, Jimmy Gulzar, was married to Mel B from 1998-2000. She shares her second daughter, Angel Iris, 19, withEddie Murphy, whom she was with from 2006-2007.
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Sex and the City’s Mr Big Was Almost Played by This Controversial Comedy Actor
Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Noth sizzled for six seasons of Sex and the City as Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big. They were the mismatched couple who couldn't stay away from each other, but Mr. Big was almost played by a totally different actor. Yes, it's hard to imagine anyone but Noth in the role, but he wasn't the first choice.
The show's creator, Darren Star, has revealed that he originally wanted 30 Rock actor Alec Baldwin for the role. "I was thinking of Alec Baldwin for Big initially," he told Entertainment Weekly. That was until he met Chris Noth, and he realized he had found the perfect John James Preston.
“I don’t really watch Law & Order, but I met with Chris Noth and thought he was perfect. I remember the first table read, how good he was. I’m not saying that Chris was Mr. Big, but he brought a lot of his own persona to the role," Darren told the outlet back in 2016. Mr. Big is the perfectly polarizing type of character we can imagine Alec Baldwin playing. In 1998, the year Sex and the City debuted, Alec appeared in Mercury Rising and Thick as Thieves.
In the same interview, Darren admitted that John Corbett almost didn't appear in the famous HBO show. Aidan Shaw, another of Carrie's love interests, was almost played by a totally different actor.
The creator wanted Aidan Quinn, but he wasn't available, so they set their sights on Corbett. "I loved John Corbett in Northern Exposure, and we were like, ‘Well, what’s John Corbett been up to?’ He just had the laconic, dudish vibe. But we kept ‘Aidan’ because we loved the name."
Would Sex and the City still have its charm if an entirely different cast of actors starred in it? Probably not. Would it have become the show we all know and loved without SJP, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis and co?
1980 Classic Power Ballad Ranked Among 'Greatest Soft Rock Songs' of All Time Never Hit No. 1
More than four decades after it first climbed the charts, "All Out of Love" is still earning recognition as one of soft rock’s defining anthems. The emotional 1980 power ballad by Air Supply has been ranked among Amazon Music’s 100 Greatest Soft Rock Songsof All Time—a major honor for a song that became a global sensation despite never reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Released as part of the duo’s breakthrough album Lost in Love, “All Out of Love” helped cement the band as one of the biggest soft rock acts of the early 1980s. The song was written by band member Graham Russell alongside legendary music executive Clive Davis, and showcased the standout vocals of Russell Hitchcock.
While the song famously never topped the Billboard Hot 100, it came remarkably close, peaking at No. 2 in the United States in 1980 and remaining one of the era’s biggest adult contemporary hits. According to Billboard chart archives, the song spent several weeks at No. 2 and stayed on the Hot 100 for a lengthy 27 weeks overall.
The song also became an international success, reaching No. 11 on the U.K. Singles Chart. Its massive popularity helped propel Lost in Love into a multi-platinum success and launched Air Supply into a streak of major hits that included “Every Woman in the World,” “The One That You Love,” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All.”
The band’s rise to fame has become part of pop music lore. Russell and Hitchcock first met in 1975 while performing in the Australian production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, according to the bio on their official website. After forming the group later that year, the duo steadily built a following.
All these years later, the track—which is often noted as Air Supply's most iconic release—continues to resonate with fans across generations. The song’s official music video has amassed more than 238 million YouTube views, while listeners on social media and Reddit still regularly celebrate the track as one of the defining soft rock ballads of its time.
Related: 1971 Funk Rock Classic Ranked Among 'Best Breakup Songs' of All Time Became a Timeless Anthem
Greatest Soft Rock Songs of All Time, According to Amazon MusicComing in at No. 35 on the expansive roundup of 100 best songs, Air Supply's "All Out of Love" is joined by another one of their hits, "Making Love Out of Nothing at All," in the 62nd spot.
More tracks that made the cut include Rupert Holmes' "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)"—which was also ranked among Best Beach Songs of All Time—"Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond, Billy Joel's "Piano Man," entries from the great Hall & Oates, and many more. Taking the crown for the No. 1 Greatest Soft Rock Song of All Time on the list is Toto's "Africa" (1982).