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Matty Matheson is a professional chef who many people know from the award-winning show, The Bear, where he plays Neil Fak. On June 15, he attended FX's The Bear Final Family Meal event to promote the final season of the show. While there, he spoke with PEOPLEand revealed the food trend that he wants everyone to embrace this summer.

“The trend that needs to be anything is going to restaurants, eating in restaurants,” he said, referring to recent reports that people have been dining out less due to rising prices. “Also, here's a sick new trend. Put your phone in your pocket. Keep your phone in your pocket. Relax, enjoy each other. Also, go to restaurants that support farmers, fisher folk and ranchers.”

Related: The Property Brothers Name the Kitchen Appliance You Should Remove From Your Home

Of course, Matheson also encourages people to create their own dishes at home as well. He has several cookbooks aimed at home chefs, including Matty Matheson: Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, which was released in 2024.

When asked about the inspiration behind the book, he told Elle Gourmet, “Cookbooks have turned into these things where, like, titles have turned into sentences. I don’t know. I want to keep mine very simple. I was probably making fun of [contemporary] cookbooks on one of my rants and was just like, ‘I should do a book about soups, salads and sandwiches.’ Then I was like, ‘I should definitely do that. That sounds good.’ Soups, salads and sandwiches are iconic—it’s what people eat, genuinely. And I was able [to create recipes that reflect] the way I make food, and that makes [the book] somewhat original.”

Related: Nate Berkus Says This Budget-Friendly Table Decor Item Will Instantly Elevate Your Home

Matheson continued to explain that he wants his recipes to be easy for anyone to replicate at home. “I’m not trying to get chefs to cook—they already cook,” he said. “I want people at home to be able to cook and share meals with their loved ones. I often say, even in my videos, that [my recipes] are sparks—I’m just giving you ideas. If you know how to cook, you can read a recipe and understand the gist of it. Then if you want to add something, [you can do that].”

Matheson also wrote Matty Matheson: Home Style Cookery, which is meant to help home cooks improve their culinary skills and build confidence in the kitchen, and Matty Matheson: A Cookbook, which focuses on dishes that shaped his childhood and early career in the cooking industry.

Alix Earle had been very clear about what she wanted next. In an April YouTube video, the influencer and Dancing with the Stars runner-up told her audience she had a type in mind after her split from NFL player Braxton Berrios, specifically, a musician. 'I wanna date a rock star so bad,' she said on the video, which quickly circulated among fans. 'It's my dream. That's literally my dream.' She added that she and her friends wanted to be 'rockstar groupies.' Four months later, the internet is putting those quotes to work.

On Thursday night, June 18, Earle was photographed leaving Craig's restaurant in West Hollywood alongside Grammy-nominated singer Benson Boone, and he opened the passenger-side car door for her before they drove off together. Neither has confirmed they're dating. When a TMZ photographer asked Boone point-blank outside the restaurant, the 'Beautiful Things' artist gave a flat 'uh, no,' and clarified they were 'just hanging out.' Earle said nothing and kept walking.

The evening has fed considerable speculation. TMZ had already reported that Boone personally tapped Earle to appear in his upcoming music video for 'The Time of My Life,' due June 26, in what sources describe as a significant role. Earlier this week, Earle posted a TikTok of herself lip-syncing to the unreleased track while dancing on a yacht. Boone later recreated the clip himself, wearing a similar black lace dress, a moment fans immediately read as a flirty echo.

Related: What Happened to Taylor Swift and Keleigh Teller's Decade-Long Friendship

Both are single. Boone and his girlfriend Maggie Thurmon split in September 2025 after about a year together, with the singer delivering an emotional concert speech about people leaving that visibly moved him to tears. Earle spent the early months of 2026 fielding questions about a rumored connection with retired quarterback Tom Brady after they were spotted together in St. Barths on New Year's Eve, a chapter she never formally confirmed or closed.

The two first met at the American Music Awards last year. Fans have tracked their growing online interaction since, including Boone appearing to feature an Earle Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in a TikTok. Their Thursday night appearance at Craig's, a celebrity hotspot routinely covered by photographers, sent social media into a low-grade frenzy. One detail that didn't escape notice: a photographer asked Earle whether she'd be attending Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's rumored July 3 wedding celebration at Madison Square Garden as Boone's plus-one. Sources have reported Boone is expected to attend. Earle declined to answer.

Whether the dinner was a date, a work meeting, or something still taking shape, the timing of Earle's YouTube declaration and the image of Boone holding open a car door has given fans a story that they're likely already writing themselves.

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Mimi Rogers is 70 and stunning in a rare selfie.

The acclaimed actress, 70, is known for films like Someone to Watch Over Me, The Rapture, and Desperate Hours. And of course, who could forget her as Miss Kensington, Elizabeth Hurley‘s mother, in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery? In recent years, Rogers, who was previously married to Tom Cruise, has thrived on TV, with appearances on Mad Men and the fan-favorite series Bosch. But in a rare appearance on social media, Rogers snapped a selfie and showed off her natural beauty. With everyone in Hollywood looking a bit cookie-cutter these days, it's so refreshing to see the stunner look so well.

"At duke city retro con all weekend!" Rogers captioned the selfie, which showed her attending a local festival.

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Photo by Neilson Barnard on Getty Images

Back in January, Rogers appeared at the Sundance Film Festival with her daughter, who’s a dead ringer for her brunette beauty mother. Rogers was there to promote her new film, Night Nurse. Directed by Georgia Bernstein, the film also stars Cemre Paksoy, Bruce McKenzie, and Eleonore Hendricks. 

“As a series of perverse scam calls unsettles an idyllic retirement community, a starry-eyed nurse becomes entangled with her mysterious patient,” a synopsis describes the plot.

Dressed in denim and smiling alongside her stunning daughter, Rogers stepped into her 70th year looking better than ever. As for Rogers-Ciaffa’s good looks, it’s safe to say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

Earlier this month, Variety announced that Independent Film Company (formerly known as IFC Films) had acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to Night Nurse. It's set for a July 10 release date.

Check out the trailer for the thriller below:

Rogers also recently appeared in Adult Children, a coming-of-age dramedy starring Breaking Bad star Betsy Brandt, Aya Cash, Ella Rubin, and Thomas Sadoski.

“The film follows Morgan, a sheltered 17-year-old struggling to define who she is, in order to write her college entrance essay. When a crisis provides her the rare opportunity to spend time with her significantly older half-siblings, she hopes they’ll be able to shed some light on what it means to be an adult, only to be disappointed when she discovers they’re all faking it,” Deadline described the film.

Check out the trailer below:

Related: Mimi Rogers Turns 70 and Stuns on the Red Carpet Alongside Her Beautiful Lookalike Daughter

Changes have been made to Nancy Guthrie's personal Facebook account more than four months after she went missing.

Guthrie, 84, had been active on the social networking site in the days leading up to her disappearance. Her account has been visible and much of the information on it was public, including her posts, friends lists, photos, and more.

In a recent update, however, Guthrie's friends list has been made private. Her account currently shows that she has 372 friends, but none of them are visible. Her personal details are also set to private, with the account now only showing her as “female” without any other public-facing information.

Related: Another Search Underway Following Anonymous Tip in Nancy Guthrie Case

The privacy settings appear to have been changed by someone with access to the account, though it is unclear who made the update.

This isn't the first time that a change was made to Guthrie's Facebook account, either. In mid-February, just weeks after Guthrie vanished, the comments on Guthrie's posts were turned off.

Guthrie's Facebook account is still up on the platform, though it's unclear whether or not her family will keep the account active.

Authorities say that the 84-year-old was abducted from her Arizona home in the middle of the night. Investigators have continued working the case, sifting through tips and evidence in hopes of finding out what happened to Mrs. Guthrie.

The Pima County Sheriff's Office has not shared any public updates on the case in weeks. However, a volunteer group in Mexico said they received an anonymous tip that Guthrie was buried in an unmarked grave near the U.S.-Mexico border and have conducted extensive searches in recent weeks.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts or what might have happened to her is asked to call Tucson’s 88-Crime hotline at 1-520-882-7463 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

READ NEXT: Former FBI Agent Raises New Questions About Possible Attack Theory in Nancy Guthrie Case

When performing in Spain on June 18, Katy Perry shaded two of her exes while on stage. It happened during a performance of “Never Really Over,” her pop hit from 2020, at the O Son do Camiño music festival.

During the performance, she was dancing in front of a giant iPhone as fake calls appeared on the screen. At the same time, she sang the lyrics, "Thought we kissed goodbye, thought we meant this time was the last, but I guess it's never really over.”

Durante “Never Really Over”, Katy Perry recebe ligação de todos seus ex companheiros e no final acaba atendendo apenas a ligação de Justin Trudeau 💖 pic.twitter.com/lajguKx0Ja

When JM appeared on screen along with a guitar emoji, referencing her ex John Mayer, she wouldn't answer the call. She declined another that came in from OB with a spade emoji to represent her ex-fiancé and the father of her daughter, Daisy Dove, Orlando Bloom.

Finally, JPJT appeared on screen to represent her current partner, Justin Pierre James Trudeau, with a Canadian flag emoji. This time, she pressed the green button to answer the call.

Related:Meghan Trainor, 32, Looks Unrecognizable After Shocking New Hair Transformation

Fans captured the moment on video. Although some people on Reddit thought that the performance was "hilarious," others weren't thrilled with the move. One person said, “What a weird thing to perform. How many people thought this was a good idea? Seems more like she’s still obsessed with all of them.”

When Perry and Bloom initially broke up, their reps told E! News, "Due to the abundance of recent interest and conversation surrounding Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry’s relationship, representatives have confirmed that Orlando and Katy have been shifting their relationship over the past many months to focus on coparenting. They will continue to be seen together as a family, as their shared priority is—and always will be—raising their daughter with love, stability and mutual respect."

Related:Country Singer From a Famous Family Releases First New Music in 7 Years

Perry has been publicly dating Trudeau since 2025. When speaking about him with E! Newsearlier this month, she said, “I met the love of my life, and so I felt very anchored by that because I’m a little bit like a rainbow kite. I fly super high and like, you know, touch the veil, cosmos, and sometimes I need to be anchored. So, to have that anchor finally makes me feel really whole now.”

 James Burrows, a legendary director who worked on numerous iconic shows, died at the age of 85, and many in Hollywood are paying tribute. That includes Debra Messing and Eric McCormack, who worked with Burrows on the show Will & Grace.

Messing, who played Grace Adler on the sitcom, posted on Instagram, sharing numerous photos of the two, and referring to Burrows as "a legend. An Icon. A singular talent and revolutionary in television."

"He brought laughter and love into more homes, globally, than any other TV director in history," she wrote. "To me he was Jimmy. To my son, he was Papa Jimmy."

"I can’t express the pain of his loss, and I know that is true for everyone who was lucky enough to be loved by him. Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since. He had a dry sense of humor but exploded in laughter when he orchestrated comic moments that landed. I wanted his laughs most of all," Messing added. "e loved and trusted his actors (which is rare in tv comedy). He let us play and explore and fail terribly and would always see the gem in what was happening, and like a master conductor, he taught us how to play the music. He was quiet and serious, but also very committed to finishing rehearsal so he could make his tee time. He loved talent. He was thrilled by it. Every person he allowed in his sphere felt respected, admired, and important. We were, are, family, and always will be. Every cast member who had the rare privilege of being directed by him for nearly a decade, felt like one of his kids. And today, we lost our TV dad."

McCormack also shared a photo of himself and Burrows, writing that Hollywood "lost a giant today."

"He was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint. An incredible legacy. Jimmy, thank you for everything you gave us. I love you. And I send so much love to Debbie and your whole beautiful family. ❤️🥂," he posted.

Along with his work on Will & Grace, he was the co-creator of Cheers and worked on Taxi, Frasier, Friends, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and more.

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Anthropologie just added a new design to its 100% Cotton Voile Printed Quilt Collection, and it is giving major eclectic aunt energy in the best way, and we are so here for it. It's vibrant, it's quirky, and it's so cozy.

Anthro's 100% Cotton Voile Printed Quilt in the Daria design looks like something from your cool aunt's bedroom. Constructed from a lightweight voile that's airy and oh-so-soft, this quilt is perfect for summertime or layering during the colder months. It has a colorful screen-printed design and is kantha-stitched by hand in the Jaipur tradition, adding an element of artistry to the bedding. These are high-quality and durable, and will be in your life for years and years to come.

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Anthropologie

Of course, the big appeal of this quilt is its vibrant, unique patterns. This quilt is reversible, featuring a jungle-esque scene on one side, complete with flowers, trees, leopards, butterflies and more. It predominantly has shades of green but also has yellow, pink, brown, blue and orange accents. On the opposite side of the quilt, there is a green-and-pink botanical print, adding contrast and visual interest to the bedding.

Related: Marshalls' Pretty Pink 3-Piece Floral Quilt Set Is Giving Storybook Cottage Energy, and We're So Here for It

Anthropologie shoppers love these quilts, giving the collection an average rating of 4.2 stars on Anthropologie.com.

"Would buy over and over again. So comfortable and adorable in our room!" Said one fan in a five-star review on Anthropologie.com.

"I'm so pleased with this quilt! The colors are beautiful. I like that the underside is a different but lovely print. It's a nice weight that I think will be not too hot in summer and great layered with a blanket in the winter," raved another reviewer in a five-star review on Anthropologie's website.

You can pick up the new Daria design as part of Anthro's 100% Cotton Voile Printed Quilt Collection on Anthropologie.com. Prices will vary based on the size chosen. It comes in twin, queen and king sizes. Do note that pillow shams are not included.

If the Daria print isn't really your vibe, no problem; there are plenty of other designs you can choose from in the collection!

Related: Kohl's 3-Piece Reversible Quilt Set Combines Boho and Vintage Styles Beautifully

Janie Sell, a beloved Broadway actress who is best known for her role opposite The Andrews Sisters in the show Over Here!, has died at the age of 86.

Her friend, actor James Dybas, shared the news in an emotional Facebook post.

"It is with deep sadness that I let you know that our beloved JANIE SELL left the planet today (Tuesday June 9, 2026 at 6:30 p.m). Her family was with her at the Englewood Hospital when she peacefully made her transition. She’ll always be in our hearts. May she rest in peace," Dybas wrote.

Sell won a Tony Award for her work in Over Here! in 1974. The show follows "two sisters who entertain by singing at the Stage Door Canteen during World War II, find a third singer, which allows them to form a trio. However, the third singer turns out to be a Nazi spy," according to the synopsis on Playbill.com.

In his 1974 review of the show, Clive Barnes wrote about Sell's performance in the New York Times, saying that she is "quite a knockout in her own right, and she blends very well with the Andrews Sisters, both physically and vocally."

She also appeared in 1968-69’s George M! with Joel Gret, 1973-74’s revival of Irene opposite Debbie Reynolds, 1978-79's I Love My Wife with The Smothers Brothers, 1976’s revival of Pal Joey with Eleanor Parker, and 1977’s Happy End with Christopher Lloyd.

Following her successful acting career, Sell decided to attend Hunter College and pivoted her focus to the business world. She worked as a personal assistant at Young & Rubicam Worldwide. However, the stage came calling once again, and she returned to Broadway in 1995 to serve as a standby for Carol Burnett in Moon Over Buffalo.

She is survived by her son, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

In the early 1970s, radio playlists were built around short, tightly formatted singles—typically three to four minutes long, designed for maximum rotation and advertiser-friendly pacing. Against that backdrop, Don McLean’s 1971 release "American Pie" arrived as something of a gamble: an over eight-minute, narrative-driven epic that challenged nearly every rule of mainstream radio programming at the time.

Many stations reportedly hesitated to add the track to rotation, unsure whether audiences would stay tuned through its extended structure and shifting verses. Its length alone made it a programming risk, forcing some DJs to consider editing it or avoiding it altogether. Yet the song’s momentum quickly proved those concerns wrong.

"American Pie" not only earned heavy airplay but went on to become a defining hit of its era.

It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the position for four consecutive weeks, demonstrating that listeners were willing to embrace a far more expansive style of songwriting than radio conventions had previously allowed.

Part of what made the song so compelling was its ambitious storytelling. Built around a sweeping reflection on American culture and the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll, it references key figures and events, including the tragic 1959 plane crash that claimed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson.

Its layered imagery and symbolic lyrics invited interpretation rather than offering clear answers, turning the song into an ongoing cultural puzzle.

Over the decades, that ambiguity has only deepened its legacy. Fans, critics, and scholars have spent years dissecting its verses, attempting to pin down meaning in a track that seems designed to resist a single interpretation.

McLean himself has largely declined to fully explain the lyrics, reinforcing the idea that the song belongs as much to the listener as it does to its creator.

What once looked like a radio liability ultimately helped expand the boundaries of what popular music could be.

"American Pie" paved the way for longer, more narrative-focused songs to find space on mainstream airwaves including  "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, "American Woman" by The Guess Who, "Hotel California" by the Eagles, "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf, and "Jesus of Suburbia" by Green Day.

RELATED: This Iconic Elton John Song Is Misheard More Than Any Other

Heart health is something that most people don’t think about until they’re older. But according to cardiologists we talked to, heart health during childhood has lifelong effects.

“A major misconception is that heart health is only a concern to be learned in middle adulthood and dealt with in later ages. Indeed, a strong cardiovascular health foundation is laid early in life, during childhood and adolescence,” says Dr. Ali Rahimi, MD, MPH, a cardiologist with Kaiser Permanente in Georgia.

Dr. Rahimi explains that atherosclerosis—the gradual buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries—can begin in toddlers and adolescents. “When kids consistently eat a poor diet, experience high stress or lead sedentary lifestyles, it causes microscopic damage to their blood vessels. Taking care of their hearts while young ensures their major large vessels and pumping chambers, ventricles, stay flexible and clear of premature plaque buildup,” he says.

Related: 11 Scientifically-Proven Strategies for Raising Happy Kids and Grandkids, According to a Child Psychologist

Dr. Robert VandeKappelle Jr., MD, a pediatric cardiologist at Akron Children’s, agrees“The buildup of plaque in our arteries is a slow process that begins in childhood and progresses through our lifetime and can cause heart disease later in life. The habits we create as children are the habits we keep as adults. Each healthy choice we make in our life helps slow the buildup of plaque in our arteries,” he says.

While parents shouldn’t obsess over their child’s heart health, all of the cardiologists we talked to say that helping children establish a healthy relationship with food and teaching them that what they eat and drink impacts their body is important. 

“Helping children learn how to make their own smart choices about diet and exercise is key to having good heart and overall health as they get older,” says Dr. Christopher Knoll, MD, a pediatric cardiologist and the medical director of Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support at Phoenix Children’s.

With this in mind, we asked four cardiologists what food they wouldn’t give their kids. They all had the exact same answer.

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Dr. Ben Reinking, MD, a clinical professor of pediatric cardiology at The University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine, explains that part of teaching kids to have a healthy relationship with food is avoiding labeling any food as “good” or “bad.” 

“Different types of food serve different purposes. Sometimes, it nourishes our bodies. Other times, it connects us to traditions and people we love,” Dr. Reinking says. The other cardiologists echoed this sentiment, all saying that there isn’t one food that they would absolutely never give their kids. 

But there is one type of food in particular that all four cardiologists say they avoid giving their kids regularly: ultra-processed foods. “Highly processed foods with predominant components of sugar or fat should be avoided on a regular basis,” Dr. Knoll says. Dr. VandeKappelle adds to this, saying, “The worst foods are ultra-processed foods such as hot dogs, French fries and ice cream. Ultra-processed foods are often high in saturated fats, sodium and sugar, all of which can lead to heart disease over a lifetime.”

Related: We Asked 3 Cardiologists What They'd Never Drink and They All Said the Same Thing

To this point, a 2024 scientific study that included 1,426 children found that kids who ate ultra-processed foods regularly had a higher body mass index and higher LDL cholesterol than kids who didn’t eat ultra-processed foods regularly. 

“These foods are often designed to taste great, but many are high in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, sodium and unhealthy fats while being lower in fiber and nutrients. When those foods become the foundation of our diet, they contribute to high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and inflammation,” Dr. Reinking says.

Related: We Asked 3 Cardiologists About the Best Afternoon Habit for Heart Health, and They All Said the Same Thing

Something Dr. Knoll recommends parents avoid giving kids is soda, which is high in added sugar. Soda consumption (both regular and diet) is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 

“Liquid sugar bypasses normal satiety cues, meaning kids consume massive amounts of calories without feeling full. A single can of soda easily exceeds a child's recommended daily limit for sugar. This rapid influx forces the liver to convert excess sugar directly into fat, driving up triglycerides, which are fats in the blood, and increasing the risk of insulin resistance and early heart disease,” Dr. Rahimi says.

If your kids want a “fun drink,” Dr. Knoll recommends giving them sparkling water, which is still fizzy but doesn’t have the sugar or other sweeteners that soda has.

While we’re on the subject of drinks, Dr. VandeKappelle and Dr. Rahimi say that many parents don’t realize how much sugar is in many fruit juices. When shopping for fruit juice, look for juices that are 100% fruit juice with no added sugar, artificial dyes or high-fructose corn syrup. 

Dr. Rahimi notes that cereals and yogurts marketed to kids are often a lot less healthy than many parents realize. “Some yogurts marketed to children contain as much sugar per ounce as a scoop of ice cream. Similarly, ‘heart-healthy’ whole-grain box cereals are frequently coated in heavy amounts of added sugar,” he says. Instead of believing marketing claims, take a few seconds to check out a food’s nutritional panel and ingredients list before adding it to your cart.

The food habits formed in childhood can have a lifelong impact. That doesn’t mean kids should never have sweet treats or ultra-processed foods. But it does mean these types of foods should be saved for specific occasions and not eaten every day. 

“The best way to protect a child's heart is to make it all about positivity. Identify and teach about foods that truly make them stronger and give them energy,” Dr. Rahimi says. Dr. Reinking says this, too. “One of the greatest gifts we can give children is a healthy relationship with food. Teach them where food comes from. Let them pick tomatoes from a garden, crack eggs into a bowl, stir the sauce, season the vegetables, eat cookie dough out of the bowl and help create the meal."

Don’t forget to model heart-healthy habits yourself. “When heart-healthy eating is modeled by the whole family, and not forced on the child, the habits are more likely to be a mainstay of their life,” Dr. Rahimi says. 

By teaching your children what foods nourish the body, you’re not only supporting their health now. You’re helping them form habits that will benefit their bodies well into adulthood. 

Up Next:

Related: ‘I’m a Cardiologist—This Is the First Thing I Always Look at in a Patient’s Lab Results'

• Dr. Ali Rahimi, MD, MPH, cardiologist with Kaiser Permanente in Georgia.
• Dr. Robert VandeKappelle Jr., MD, pediatric cardiologist at Akron Children’s.
• Dr. Christopher Knoll, MD, pediatric cardiologist and the medical director of Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support at Phoenix Children’s.
• Dr. Ben Reinking, MD, clinical professor of pediatric cardiology at The University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine.
• Khoury, N., Ángeles Martínez, M., Garcidueñas-Fimbres, T., et al. (2024). Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Metabolic Risk Factors in Children. JAMA Open Network. 7(5):e2411852.
• Cordeiro, Gonçalves, K., Antônio Batista Tonaco, L., Augusto Veloso, G., et al. (2025). Association between soft drink consumption and cardiovascular disease risk among Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional study. Sao Paulo Medical Journal. 143(4):e2023422.
• Gardener, H., Rundek, T., Markert, M., et al. (2012). Diet Soft Drink Consumption is Associated with an Increased Risk of Vascular Events in the Northern Manhattan Study. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 27(9):1120-1236.

Country singer Conner Smith has shared a personal milestone with fans, revealing that he and wife Leah Thompson Smith are expecting their first child.

The announcement comes just over two years after the couple celebrated their wedding and marks a joyful new chapter for the country music artist and his family.

On Thursday, Conner Smith and Leah Thompson Smith revealed the news in a joint Instagram post featuring photos taken on a peaceful farm. The images showed the couple smiling together as they posed with ultrasound pictures while Leah proudly displayed her growing baby bump.

Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach

In the post's caption, the couple wrote, “Couldn’t keep this secret any longer! Baby Smith on the way…We truly couldn’t feel more blessed.”

The announcement quickly drew attention from fans and fellow country music artists. Smith also shared his gratitude in the comments section, writing, “Thank you Jesus.”

Among those celebrating the news was country singer Dylan Marlowe, who commented, “I CANT WAIT TO BE AN UNCLE!!!”

The couple's journey toward parenthood follows a relationship that has included several memorable milestones. Smith proposed to Leah Thompson on Sept. 26, 2023, in a deeply personal moment that honored her family. The date was chosen because it would have been her grandmother's 90th birthday.

Adding even more meaning to the proposal, Smith presented Leah with her grandmother's diamond ring before performing an original song written especially for her.

The couple married on April 14, 2024, in a small chapel ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Following the wedding, they celebrated with loved ones late into the evening.

Now, with their first child on the way, the pair is preparing for another major life milestone. The family news arrives during an active period in Smith's music career.

Just days before announcing the pregnancy, Smith released his latest song, "Match For Your Memory." The track was written alongside Daniel Ross and Jack Rauton and focuses on the struggle of moving on from a past relationship while memories remain difficult to forget.

The song follows other recent releases, including "Easy On The Eyes" and material from his project "Stories I've Never Told – Acoustic Tapes."

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Smith first gained widespread attention after his song "I Hate Alabama" went viral on TikTok. He later signed with Big Machine Records' Valory label and built a growing fan base through releases such as "Creek Will Rise," which became a major hit and earned chart success.

As Smith continues his musical career and prepares for upcoming tour dates, the announcement of his first child signals a hopeful new season for the singer and his family.

Related: Country Star Reimagines Classic Album After 10 Years

It's a classic movie soundtrack that never gets old, and '80s fans clearly still love listening to it.

The soundtrack for Rocky IV re-entered the Billboard music charts this week, marking a resurgence that takes place over 40 years after the movie originally came out.

Released in 1985, Rocky IV followed in line with the rest of the franchise's soundtrack success with its successful 10-song album, featuring hits by Survivor, James Brown and more. Even over four decades after its initial release, the soundtrack officially re-entered the Billboard Soundtracks chart at No. 23 for the week of June 20, 2026, further solidifying it as an defining soundtrack of the '80s.

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The soundtrack for the fourth Sylvester Stallone-led Rocky movie notably includes "Burning Heart" by Survivor, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1986. The band had already produced an iconic soundtrack hit for Rocky III with "Eye of the Tiger," which reigned at No. 1 on the Hot 100 for 6 straight weeks.

The Rocky films are included on an exclusive list of movie franchises that have had Top 10 hits from multiple films in a series. The first Rocky Hot 100 success began with the first film's theme, "Gonna Fly Now," composed by Bill Conti, which hit No. 1 in July 1977. It was followed five years later by "Eye of the Tiger," and then in 1986, the fourth film installation continued the trend with "Burning Heart," as well as James Brown's "Living in America," which peaked at No. 4.

1. "Burning Heart" Survivor
2. "Hearts on Fire" John Cafferty
3. "Double or Nothing" Kenny Loggins, Gladys Knight
4. "Eye of the Tiger" Survivor
5. "War/Fanfare" Vince DiCola
6. "Living in America" James Brown
7. "No Easy Way Out" Robert Tepper
8. "One Way Street" Go West
9. "The Sweetest Victory" Touch
10. "Training Montage" Vince DiCola

Related: 1985 Smash Hit, Named Among the 'Best Songs of the '80s,' Had One of Spotify's Biggest Comebacks 37 Years Later

Even though The Twilight Zone originally aired from 1959 to 1964, the series is packed with episodes that are still relevant to this day. Collider recently named a 1960 episode of the show one of the greatest TV episodes of all time, along with episodes from Breaking Bad and The Sopranos.

“The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” took place during season one of The Twilight Zone. It was about a power outage that caused the residents in town to start turning on each other and accusing each other of being monsters. It’s not only an entertaining episode, but also a powerful commentary on how easily neighbors can start fighting due to paranoia.

Related: 1960 ‘The Twilight Zone’ Episode Ranked Among ‘Best Endings Ever Written’ Was the Hardest To Film

The final lines of the episode were delivered by the narrator and writer of the episode, Rod Serling. He said, “The tools of conquest do not necessarily come with bombs and explosions and fallout. There are weapons that are simply thoughts, attitudes, prejudices to be found only in the minds of men. For the record, prejudices can kill, and suspicion can destroy, and a thoughtless, frightened search for a scapegoat has a fallout all of its own for the children and the children yet unborn. And the pity of it is that these things cannot be confined only to The Twilight Zone.”

When Jan Lawrence Handzlik, a child actor who appeared in the episode, spoke with Noblemania, he discussed the important message that was being delivered. “Even when we were reading our lines with Rod Serling there, it was pretty clear that there was a message was being sent,” he said. “Almost every Twilight Zone had a message, some sort of moral point it was making. [In my episode], it was right off the page. It was a situation where it didn't take much for adults, neighbors, and in some cases, close friends, to turn against each other. I recognized the moral was we are our own worst enemies—as we have found out [again] in the last couple of years.”

Related: 1961 ‘Twilight Zone’ Episode That ‘Predicted the Future’ Almost Gave the Cast and Crew Heatstroke

When speaking about the fan reaction, Handzlik added, “It was on different levels. Kids thought it was scary, funny, and entertaining. Adults pointed out the message that was pretty clear. As time has gone by, it has not lost its meaning.”

During the 2002 revival of The Twilight Zone, this episode was remade. It was titled “The Monsters Are on Maple Street” and was narrated by Forest Whitaker. There was also a radio dramatization of the episode released in the mid-2000s.

Despite all the darkness of the music and lyrics, some of the kindest people in the music industry are metal musicians. I've always believed that the association of dark lyrics and sounds are no indication of the personality beneath, and that some people are just interested in that sort of thing. Look no further than Geezer Butler, the legendary bassist of Black Sabbath, and the incredible activism he has been a part of.

Butler has a massive love of animals. The English artist has been supporting animal charities and organizations for a long time, and is even a vegan himself. About a month ago, Butler joined the Beagle Freedom Project for their Ridglan Release event, which was a massive step forward in the fight for ending animal experimentation.

For those of you who don't know, beagles are bred and used for all sorts of animal testing operations. Ridglan Farms was one of these breeding farms that supplied animals for testing, as well as conducting their own experiments on the animals at the farm. As of today, all the animals have been released from the farm following its closure, and now the BFP is looking for support to help rehabilitate and rehome all of these animals, and they've found a wonderful spokesperson in Geezer Butler.

"Tell your politicians, whoever they are, that you're not gonna take it anymore," Butler urged at the end of the video. It's a powerful cause that is sure to be bolstered by such a big voice coming in support behind it. Fans were flocking to the comments with support and thanks for the gesture to end animal experimentation.

"Thank you Geezer. 🙌"

"Thank you for speaking up for all these pups. 🐶 You Rock! ❤️🙏"

"Very cool! Thank you @geezerbutler and thank you Beagle Freedom! Glad to be a monthly supporter of all of the fantastic work you all do."

There's still a lot of work to be done in the long fight against animal cruelty. If you are able, try to help out and get these Beagles to a safe home.

Related: ‘70s Rock Legend Shares the Bob Dylan Lyrics That Left Him Stunned

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Britt Ekland is best known as a Bond Girl, but the stunning blonde is living her best life in her eighties.

Eklund, 83, who rose to fame as a Bond girl alongside legendary actor Roger Moore in The Man with the Golden Gun, earned acclaim for her role opposite Moore in the 1974 James Bond film. However, she also had several other highly successful projects throughout the years, like The Wicker Man and Get Carter. She was also known for several high-profile romances, like her marriage to iconic star Peter Sellers, and later relationships with Rod Stewart, Lou Adler, and Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom. But fans love to remember Ekland in the role of Mary Goodnight, Bond’s second personal secretary, in the beloved ’70s flick.

In a new photo and video shared to her Instagram account, Eklund showed that she's feeling better than ever at 83 as she enjoys Midsummer in a multicolored sundress. The Swedish beauty completed her look with a sun hat and a jean jacket as she enjoyed the glorious summer weather.

"Another Midsummer at the happiest place on Earth😊," Eklund captioned the post.

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If you need a quick refresher of Eklund's work in the classic Bond film, check out the trailer for The Man with the Golden Gun below:

As a legendary Bond Girl, it’s only right that Ekland has plenty of thoughts about the women who carry on that legacy. Ekland told the UK’s Times that the right woman “should be attractive … chosen for her natural beauty. And she should be athletic.”

The actress has strong feelings about the issues because she’s just so proud of the legacy. It’s also a tremendous responsibility to carry.

“I’m the proudest Bond girl there is because there are not a lot of us left, and there won’t be any in the future,” Ekland told The Guardian back in 2020. In the past, she pointed out in a piece in The Independent that modern Bond girls have it harder than she did since there are “so many demands” on them.

“The Bond girl has to look good in a bikini: that was her role … The Bond girl of my era exists no more because they’re not presented that way. You wouldn’t see her in a bikini next to Daniel Craig in a suit today,” Ekland said. “The PR department would make sure that didn’t happen.”

Related: Former Bond Girl Ursula Andress Turns 90 and Is Glowing Alongside ‘Dynasty’ Diva Linda Evans

Sometimes a song just needs a second chance.

When The Carpenters first released "Top of the World" in 1972, it wasn't intended to be a single.

The upbeat track appeared on the duo's A Song for You album, where it was simply one of several standout recordings. But after country singer Lynn Anderson recorded her own version and found success on the country charts, Richard Carpenter reconsidered, and it changed the song's history.

The Carpenters released "Top of the World" as a single in September 1973, and the decision quickly paid off. The song climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent two weeks atop the chart, becoming the duo's second chart-topping hit and one of the signature songs of the soft rock era.

Written by Richard Carpenter and longtime collaborator John Bettis, "Top of the World" stood apart from many of the duo's more melancholy ballads. Its bright melody and optimistic lyrics perfectly complemented Karen Carpenter's warm, unmistakable voice, creating a feel-good anthem that resonated with listeners around the world.

"A lot of times, she got it right on the first take," Richard Carpenter told Grammy.com. "Occasionally she would have trouble with a particular phrase — the melody, or the words. There's a moment in 'Top of the World' where she sings 'there is only one wish on my mind,' and she was having a hell of a time with that. We carried a Sony 5550 portable recorder, and every night we’d tape the entire show in those big auditoriums. I have all those tapes downstairs. They all sound the same, because it was a good group, it was all locked in, and Karen never missed."

Richard Carpenter later acknowledged that Anderson's successful cover played a major role in convincing him to release the song as a single, proving that audiences had already embraced the composition.

The gamble paid off, giving The Carpenters another No. 1 hit during one of the most successful periods of their career.

Throughout the 1970s, The Carpenters became one of pop music's defining acts with timeless classics including "We’ve Only Just Begun," "Close to You," "Rainy Days and Mondays" and "Yesterday Once More." Karen Carpenter's rich vocals and the duo's meticulous arrangements helped establish a sound that continues to influence artists across generations.

"I never thought it would get as big as it has," Richard told Rolling Stone in 1974. "I never thought it would have as many pressures as it does. How could you imagine it? Before, when the two of us were going to college, it was just screwing around. We rehearsed and said, 'Someday we’ll make it,' and . . . no worries. What worries? Our biggest worry was not being able to afford some microphone we wanted."

More than 50 years later, "Top of the World" remains one of The Carpenters' most enduring recordings. What began as an overlooked album track ultimately became one of the duo's biggest hits, a reminder that sometimes the songs listeners love most aren['t always the ones originally expected to shine.

Related: 1970 Rock Song, Originally Written for Another Artist, Became a Career-Defining Classic

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Summer is the peak season for being on the move. From road trips and farmers market runs to beach days and weekend getaways, the car basically becomes your second home. And while the destinations are fun, the chaos that comes with packing, unpacking, and juggling totes definitely isn’t. Having an easy way to keep everything in place is a necessity.

Instead of tossing everything into the backseat or digging through scattered bags mid-drive, the Hotor Trunk Organizer helps keep your essentials exactly where you need them. Ahead of Walmart's summer deals event, the retailer has marked down this storage solution 43% from its normal $23 price to just $13. That’s probably cheaper than your last gas station snack run!

Courtesy of Walmart

Measuring 21.3 inches long, 12.6 inches wide, and 10.6 inches high and available in four colors, this organizer is designed to make car clutter feel more manageable. The structured layout includes two large main compartments plus four mesh side pockets, giving you designated spots for everything from reusable totes to charging cables, cleaning supplies, and sports gear. Instead of letting items roll around in the trunk, you can assign each section a purpose — one compartment for groceries, another for emergency or first aid items, and the mesh pockets for smaller grab-and-go essentials like sunscreen, snacks, or water bottles

Built with reinforced, machine-washable Oxford cloth and heavy-duty stitching, it’s made to handle frequent use. The reinforced base and sturdy handles support over 60 pounds, making it strong enough for heavier loads with beverage packs, tools, or gardening supplies. 

Adjustable Velcro sides let you customize the setup. It can be fully open for maximum storage, partially folded for tighter spaces, or collapsed flat when not in use. That flexibility means you can move the organizer from trunk to backseat or even front seat. When you’re done, it folds down flat for easy storage at home, in your garage, or in your car

It also doesn’t have to stay in the car to be useful. Parents reported repurposing it as a diaper caddy, using the divided compartments to keep diapers, wipes, creams, burp cloths, and spare outfits all in one easy-to-carry spot that can move from room to room. Others have used it for hobbies and everyday organization — think craft supplies, sewing kits, art materials, or even gym gear. It also works well inside storage closets or laundry rooms, where the structured design helps keep cleaning supplies, backup household essentials, or seasonal items neatly contained and easy to grab off a shelf.

Shoppers raved about this “roomy,” “practical,” and “convenient” tote in the reviews section. “The collapsible design fits perfectly in my car, and the adjustable straps keep everything secure, even on bumpy roads," one reviewer wrote. "The compartments are just the right size for everyday essentials, and the waterproof, reinforced base keeps it sturdy.”

That same shopper added, “Whether you're a busy parent, an on-the-go professional, or just someone who hates chaos, this organizer is a must-have to organize your space and brings flawless functionality.”

• Cshidworld Car Trunk Organizer, from $25 (was $60) at Walmart
• Cyrico Trunk Organizer, $18 (was $26) at Walmart
• Kohree Car Trunk Organizer, from $37 (was $50) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s 'Soft' $80 Cotton-Linen Sheets Are ‘Cool and Comfortable’ for Hot Summer Nights

When summer plans start piling up, the $13 Hotor Trunk Organizer makes staying neat and tidy a whole lot easier. Shop it at Walmart now for 43% off ahead of the summer deals event!

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.

Maya Angelou’s poetry continues to inspire readers because it speaks to some of the most universal aspects of the human experience. Throughout her work, she explored themes of resilience, courage, love, identity, hope, freedom, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Her poems encourage readers to embrace their authentic selves, persevere through challenges, and remain open to both growth and possibility.

Just like in astrology, where the signs of the zodiac encompass various qualities dictated by the stars, Angelou’s poetry reflects a wide range of human qualities and experiences.  Based on the traits most commonly associated with your birth month, here is the Maya Angelou poem that best mirrors your soul.

Check for your birth month below.

If you were born in January, the Maya Angelou poem that mirrors your soul is Still I Rise. This poem’s celebration of perseverance in the face of adversity resonates with determined Capricorns and resilient Aquarians. Capricorns are determined and ambitious, with an innate endurance as they steadily climb to the top of their proverbial mountain, no matter how steep the route or how many obstacles are thrown their way. Aquarians will not be suppressed or bend who they are or their belief system to fit into society or to be more palatable to others. Both signs refuse to let setbacks define them, mirroring the theme of resilience, defiance, and revolutionary vision in "Still I Rise."

If you were born in February, the Maya Angelou poem that reflects your soul is Human Family. Much like those born under the signs of the humanitarian Aquarius and the compassionate Pisces, this powerful poem celebrates empathy, understanding, and the recognition that we are more alike than we are different. Aquarians are motivated by a desire to create a better world and foster a sense of community, while Pisces have the ability to feel everything so deeply and intensely, which they bring forth in every connection. Together, these qualities encourage individuals to seek common ground with others. Like Human Family, people born in February remind those around them of the importance of kindness, acceptance, and our shared humanity.

READ: 4 Birth Dates That Are The Best Writers

If you were born in March, the Maya Angelou poem that mirrors your soul is A Brave and Startling Truth. Like those born under the signs of imaginative Pisces and courageous Aries, this inspiring poem reflects the power of envisioning a better future. March-born individuals are motivated by what could be rather than what already is, inspiring others to think bigger and remain open to new possibilities. Pisces have the ability to dream beyond current circumstances, seeking solutions that center on their core values of boundless compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Aries wants to put plans into action, making those dreams a reality. As with the poem's message, both signs understand that the pursuit of world peace is not a passive dream but a courageous act we commit to together.

If you were born in April, the Maya Angelou poem that mirrors your soul is Life Doesn’t Frighten Me. Similar to the energy of those born under the signs of courageous Aries and steadfast Taurus, this empowering poem celebrates themes of resiliency and the determination to keep moving forward despite uncertainty. Aries are fearless when it comes to taking chances and embracing new experiences. Tauruses are immovable; they have an immense inner strength and the perseverance needed to remain grounded even when challenges arise. Like Life Doesn’t Frighten Me, April-born individuals trust themselves, face obstacles with confidence, and show incredible bravery as they forge ahead into the unknown.

If you were born in May, the Maya Angelou poem that mirrors your soul is Touched by an Angel. Devoted Taurus and curious Gemini value relationships and shared experiences with those they care about, so they can easily relate to this poem’s exploration of love's transformative power and how personal connections have the ability to change us for the better, especially when we dare to be vulnerable and leave our comfort zones. Like the message of Touched by an Angel, May-born individuals understand that some of life’s most meaningful lessons come through love and the courage to open their hearts to others.

If you were born in June, the Maya Angelou poem that mirrors your soul is Continue. Like the qualities of people born under the signs of expressive Gemini and nurturing Cancer, this uplifting poem reflects the power of encouragement, kindness, and using your gifts to positively impact others. Gemini excels at communication and sharing ideas, while Cancer is driven by a sincere desire to care for and support the people they love. Both signs can help people feel understood and seen. Like Continue, June-born individuals remind others to keep believing in themselves, keep moving forward, and keep showing up as their authentic selves.

If you were born in July, the Maya Angelou poem that mirrors your soul is Phenomenal Woman. Like nurturing Cancers who devote themselves to those they love and open-hearted Leos who have the innate ability to inspire others simply through their warmth and confidence, this poem celebrates self-worth and authenticity. Both signs are admired not only for what they do but for who they are, mirroring the message of Phenomenal Woman: confidence begins from within, especially when people embrace their true selves.

If you were born in August, the Maya Angelou poem that mirrors your soul is Woman Work. Much like those born under the signs of passionate Leo and hardworking Virgo, this poem acknowledges the dedication, responsibility, and effort needed to accommodate the relentless daily demands that are placed on women. Both signs are willing to invest significant time and energy into what matters most to them, as Leo gives their whole heart to the people and pursuits they value, while Virgos are happiest when of service. Like the message of Woman Work, August-born individuals understand the importance of perseverance, devotion, and showing up fully, yet also recognizing the value of finding moments to restore and replenish themselves along the way.

If you were born in September, the Maya Angelou poem that mirrors your soul is Alone. Much like those born under the signs of helpful Virgos and collaborative Libras, this poem reflects the importance of receiving support and the understanding that we are not meant to navigate life entirely on our own. Relationships are important to both signs, but they express them differently. Virgos feel comfortable showing their care through acts of service and practical support. Libras value harmony and often feel more like themselves when connected to someone else. Yet both signs understand the strength that can be found in community, friendship, and mutual care. Like Alone, September-born individuals show others that asking for support is not a weakness, and most of life’s greatest challenges are easier to face when we lean on one another.

If you were born in October, the Maya Angelou poem that mirrors your soul is Caged Bird. Much like those born under the signs of harmonious Libra and resilient Scorpio, this poem explores the tension between oppression and liberation, the triumph of the human spirit, and art as a radical act of resistance. Libras appreciate creative expression and understand the importance of art as a means to bring people together. Scorpios are autonomous and need avenues to break free from manipulative or restrictive environments to claim their personal power. Like Caged Bird, October-born individuals recognize that hope is essential in difficult circumstances and that there is power in sharing one’s truth with the world.

If you were born in November, the Maya Angelou poem that mirrors your soul is Our Grandmothers. Much like those born under the signs of insightful Scorpio and philosophicalSagittarius, this poem honors resilience, wisdom, and the enduring strength that can be passed from one generation to the next. Scorpios are not here for small talk; they go deep to the heart of the matter as they want to hear and understand the stories, including the painful or traumatic ones that shape people’s lives. Sagittarians are the philosophers of the zodiac who seek out meaning, truth, and the lessons that connect the past to the future. Like Our Grandmothers, November-born individuals are inspired by stories of courage and endurance.

If you were born in December, the Maya Angelou poem that mirrors your soul is On the Pulse of Morning. Much like those born under the signs of optimistic Sagittarius and determined Capricorn, this poem reflects themes of hope and the promise of new beginnings. Sagittarians are visionary, forward thinkers who believe in the ideals of hope and possibility. Capricorns are more grounded with a focus on maintaining structure and taking responsibility. This birth month encourages a beautiful balance between dreaming and action, and between hope and determination. Like On the Pulse of Morning, December-born individuals inspire others to learn from the past and step confidently into the future.

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Carnival Cruise Line just dropped a massive wave of news for anyone who loves a good theme at sea. While most of the cruise world is currently focused on mid-summer beach getaways, Carnival is playing the long game, officially locking in the dates for 155 separate Halloween-themed cruises across all 29 ships in its fleet for 2026.

Carnival's fleet-wide transformation extends well beyond a traditional one-night Halloween celebration. Through its signature "Frightfully Fun" programming, the cruise line is turning every single ship into a floating autumn festival from late September straight through the end of October.

According to Carnival’s brand ambassador John Heald, the logistics behind this fleet-wide takeover are massive. The seasonal spirit officially kicks off early on September 20, 2026, aboard Carnival Luminosa as part of a unique 19-night repositioning cruise that sails from San Francisco, hits top ports in Alaska, and crosses over to Tokyo. On the flip side, if you're looking for a quick, high-value weekend escape, Carnival Conquest is the undisputed volume leader of the season, packing a record-breaking nine different themed sailings on its 3- and 4-night Bahamas itineraries out of Miami.

Related: Carnival Just Announced Its First-Ever President’s Cruise—Here’s Where It’s Headed

The announcement sparked an instant wave of nostalgia and anticipation from the line's loyal fanbase, with several cruisers highlighting the unique onboard atmosphere. "My Halloween sailing was one of my most memorable cruises," shared traveler Susan Duplantis Saucier, adding that she "loved to see all the people in their costumes. Such creativity!!" Another regular cruiser, Rebecca A Ruthenberg, agreed that the seasonal atmosphere makes for a distinct vacation experience, noting, "I love the special drinks, the themed desserts, and it's just a great vibe!" For many, the high energy and elaborate crowd participation are the ultimate draw, as cruiser Maureen McNally put it: "If you haven’t cruised on Halloween, you must do it at least once."

Onboard, you can expect the entire shipboard atmosphere to get a major thematic glow-up. The daily schedules will be packed with spooky trivia, themed bingo games and special seasonal cocktail menus at the bars. There will also be Halloween movies playing on the poolside big screen, live musical performances and the highly anticipated, ship-wide costume parade and contest.

If you're planning to pack your favorite festive gear, you will need to keep a few practical, family-friendly costume rules in mind. Carnival’s official policy strictly prohibits real or fake weapons, full-face masks (safety first on a ship), and anything featuring obscene images or overt nudity.

Related: I’ve Been on 100+ Cruises—Here’s the One Thing That Stood out about Carnival’s New Private Island

The only minor logistical hiccup to note is that Patch the Pumpkin Pirate—Carnival’s beloved, 12-foot-tall signature mascot—won't be able to board Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Legend or Carnival Freedom this year due to some tight international travel constraints. However, the line has confirmed that those three ships will still be fully decked out with the rest of the fleet's alternative decorations and themed entertainment.

Related: John Heald Shares Huge Update on Carnival’s Strictly Kids-Free Sailings

I know the backrest pillow is often filed under "college dorm essentials," right alongside mini fridges and shower caddies, but as someone firmly in my 40s, I'm here to tell you that these things have absolutely no age limit. In fact, I may appreciate mine more now than I ever would have in a dorm room. There's just something about sinking into that cushy support after a long day that feels like a reward.

Whether I'm propped up in bed with a can't-put-it-down novel or camped out on the couch answering emails instead of sitting at my desk (don't judge me), a good backrest pillow makes everything feel more comfortable. It supports your back, cushions your arms and creates a cozy little cocoon that makes you want to stay put for hours. It's less of a pillow and more of a hug in furniture form.

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Five Below

And let's be real here, because adulthood is all about embracing the things that make life easier and more comfortable. If that means borrowing a dorm-room staple, like Five Below's Fur Armrest Pillow, and turning it into a permanent part of my home setup, so be it. My back, shoulders and weekend reading sessions couldn't be happier.

The Five Below take on the armrest (or backrest—whichever you like to call it) pillow is only $15 and available in pink or ivory. If you've ever looked at Pottery Barn's much pricier (although very enticing) versions, this is your sign to take the plunge on more affordable comfort.

Related: This Beloved Retailer Originated in 1983, and It's Prepping for a Massive 2026 Comeback

Because, yes, at Pottery Barn Teen the sherpa backrest pillow cover and insert combo costs an eye-popping $129. It comes in similar colorways to the Five Below option, too: powdered blush, ivory and light grey. I don't know about you, but it makes sense to me to purchase the $15 version and save your hard-earned dollars. But you do you.

In true Five Below fashion, the retailer has a lot of cute, low-priced finds right now, like pink bow string lights and a vintage-inspired tabletop mirror that looks very Anthropologie-esque. Then there are even more playful items, like a Jaws-themed tote bag that's perfect for summer and plush throw blankets that help keep you snuggled even in industrial-strength air conditioning.

Related: A 139-Year-Old Brand Is Making National Prosecco Week More Inclusive With a Zero-Proof Sparkler