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For generations, the school calendar was the undisputed compass for family getaways. Summer break, Thanksgiving week, and spring recess dictated when suitcases were packed, while term time was strictly off-limits.

Today, that unspoken rule is officially breaking down.

According to a new nationwide survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of travel booking platform Omio, taking kids out of class for a family vacation has become mainstream behavior. The study of 1,000 U.S. parents with children ages 5 to 18 revealed that a staggering 9 out of 10 American parents (91%) have either pulled their children out of school for a vacation (67%) or would consider doing so (24%).

Dads are leading the charge, with 74% saying they have already pulled their children out of class for trips compared to 62% of moms.

Related: 10 Multigenerational Travel Tips for Seniors and Teens

The Generational Divide: Where Gen X Parents Stand on Travel vs. Class Time

While parents across age groups agree that the school year shouldn’t stand in the way of a great family memory, a clear generational split emerges when it comes to how they justify missing class.

Overall, 44% of parents say missing a few days of school is worth it to create meaningful family experiences. However, when asked whether travel offers the exact same educational value as traditional schoolwork, Gen X parents are noticeably more traditional than their younger peers.

While 30% of Millennial parents believe travel can be just as educational as time in the classroom, only 23% of Gen X parents share that philosophy. For Gen X moms and dads—many of whom are parenting older middle and high school students with heavier academic workloads—skipping school is less about trying to replace formal curricula and more about managing practical family logistics, budget constraints, and precious time together before the kids leave the nest.

Related: This Is the Top Multigenerational Trip According to New Research

Cost, Crowds, and Flexibility Trump the Academic Calendar

So what is actually driving parents to ignore the school bell? The survey found that everyday travel pain points are doing far more to shape vacation dates than district schedules:

• Finding better availability and savings: 22% of parents cite better flight and hotel availability as their primary reason for off-calendar trips, while 19% do it to save money outright, and another 19% travel off-peak to avoid extreme weather.
• Low price threshold: If taking a child out of class saves money, 92% of parents admit they would consider it. For many, it takes surprisingly little to tip the scale: 44% said savings under $1,000 would be enough to pull their child out of school.
• Beating the crowds: 16% cite crowd avoidance, while another 16% point to the flexibility of remote work.

The desire to travel outside school holidays spans all four seasons. More than half of open parents look to winter (52%) and spring (52%), while 47% eye fall shoulder season for their off-peak escapes.

As Facundo Viguie Aleman, CMO of Omio, explained: “This data confirms what we are seeing across our platform: family travel isn’t bound by the school year anymore. Parents are booking when it makes sense—for their budget, their schedule, their sanity.”

What Parents Actually Tell the Front Office

When it comes to explaining those mid-semester absences to the school attendance office, honesty varies widely.

While 45% of parents tell the school outright that the absence is for a family vacation, nearly a third opt for a more discreet explanation:

• 18% cite a vague “family or personal reason.”
• 7% tell the school the child was sick.
• 7% provide no specific explanation at all.

Whether dodging holiday airport madness or saving on peak resort pricing, the numbers make one thing clear: for today’s families, the classroom schedule is no longer the final word.

Related: We Asked 3 Disney Travel Experts for the Best Multigenerational Family Vacation Upgrade—They All Said the Same Thing

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Nothing ruins the excitement of getting new shoes more than the realization that you have to break them in. It could take days, or even weeks, to soften or stretch them out, often causing sore, blistered feet. That’s why it’s always such a huge win to find shoes that are comfy right out of the box. If you’re looking for a pair to add to your collection that you can effortlessly throw on as soon as it’s delivered to your doorstep, these Tingrise Pointed-Toe Mary Jane Flats at Amazon are a fabulous choice. Shoppers confirmed that these flats “require no break-in period,”  wearing them as soon as they received them without any issues. 

There’s no better time to snag these flats because they’re currently on sale for less than $30 for a limited time. This is a deal you won’t want to miss, considering that they look and feel like more expensive, name-brand styles that go for over four times the price! Normally retailing for $34, these Mary Janes are now marked down to just $29 in eight colors, including beige, black, brown, green, gray, navy, pink, and red. These flats are also available in white at full price. Sizes range from 6.5 to 10, and shoppers noted they fit true to size. 

Tingrise Pointed-Toe Mary Jane Flats, From $29 (were $34) at Amazon

The Tingrise Pointed-Toe Mary Jane Flats, pictured here, is now on sale at Amazon.

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Featuring a knitted upper, these flats strike the perfect balance. They’re breathable yet offer ample coverage, making them suitable for the unpredictable fall weather. They promote airflow, preventing your feet from overheating in warm temperatures, yet keep your feet shielded from the crisp air and chilly breeze. 

Whether you’re standing for hours or walking miles, these flats should keep you comfortable all day long. They have a memory foam insole that’ll cushion and cradle your feet, delivering lasting comfort. The memory foam absorbs the impact from your steps, minimizing the pressure on your feet and joints so you won’t feel fatigued.  

The soles are made of flexible rubber, designed to bend along with your foot’s movements. They’ll keep your feet from feeling stiff and restricted, and make every step feel as effortless as the last. Fitted with the slightest heel, these flats will subtly elevate your feet for support without compromising stability or comfort. 

Tingrise Pointed-Toe Mary Jane Flats, From $29 (were $34) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

These flats boast a sleek silhouette with pointed toes, offering a bit more of a polished and refined look compared to rounded-toe ballet flats. They’re an easy way to dress up an outfit, whether you’re wearing casual streetwear, professional officewear, or a breezy maxi dress. Worn with nearly any attire, they’ll make your ensemble look put-together and intentional. 

Lending themselves to the Mary Jane style, these flats have a strap that spans across the foot bridge. While it makes for a chic accent, the strap also works to keep your feet in place as you walk around. The strap is stretchy, allowing you to easily slide your feet in and out of these flats for easy wear. 

These shoes have racked up over 800 five-star ratings at Amazon with customers raving about their style and comfort. Numerous reviewers stated that they were able to “walk in these flats all day” without their feet hurting. “These shoes are absolutely adorable and incredibly comfortable,” one shopper said. A second customer commented that they “find these shoes just as cute and comfortable as Rothy’s.”

Shop More Deals 

• Dream Pairs Foldable Ballet Flats, From $21 (were $29) at Amazon
• Tingrise Pointed-Toe Bow Flats, From $28 (were $33) at Amazon
• Fitory Suede Clog Mules, From $20 (was $30) at Amazon

Related: Shoppers Walked 15,000 Steps in These ‘Cute’ and ‘Comfortable’ $28 Pointed-Toe Knit Flats With No Break-in Required

If you want to avoid the dreadful break-in period but still want to look chic, don’t hesitate to snag the Tingrise Pointed-Toe Mary Jane Flats at Amazon while they’re on sale for just $29. Be sure to hurry because they’ll only be available at this fabulous price for a limited time! 

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.

One of the Beatles’ saddest questions inspired an unexpectedly hopeful answer.

“Lonely People” appeared on America’s 1974 album Holiday before becoming a hit the following year. Written by band member Dan Peek and his wife, Catherine Peek, the song speaks directly to people who fear that life or love has passed them by.

America’s three original members, Peek, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, met while attending high school in London as the children of American servicemen. The band’s harmony-driven sound quickly connected with listeners, beginning with “A Horse With No Name.” By the time it recorded Holiday, America was working with longtime Beatles producer George Martin, who helped produce several of its best-known hits.

“Lonely People” came from a much more personal place. Peek had spent years relating to the isolation in the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby,” particularly its repeated question about where all the lonely people come from and where they belong. After marrying Catherine, he wanted to offer those people the reassurance missing from the Beatles song.

“I had always felt like the melancholy, lonely person. And now I felt like I’d won,” Peek recalled. He also described feeling joy for himself but sadness for everyone who had not yet found that same companionship.

That tension gave “Lonely People” its staying power. The lyrics recognize despair without settling into it, repeatedly urging listeners not to give up. Peek’s warm lead vocal, the group’s harmonies and a memorable harmonica solo keep the message from sounding like a lecture.

The single reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975 and topped the publication’s Easy Listening chart. It became Peek’s only top-10 hit as a credited songwriter and one of the songs most closely associated with America’s original three-member lineup.

Peek left the group in 1977 and moved into contemporary Christian music. He later rewrote and recorded “Lonely People” with explicitly Christian lyrics, but the original remains the version generations of listeners know.

More than five decades later, its encouragement has not lost its point. “Lonely People” understands how isolating loneliness can be, then leaves the door open to the possibility that life may still change.

Related: 1966 Rock Song, Created in a Michigan Basement, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit

Mexican rock band The Warning has announced a major hometown concert at Mexico City’s Estadio GNP Seguros on Feb. 5, 2027, after the group was confirmed to perform at halftime during the NFL’s upcoming Mexico City game.

The concert will headline the band’s Everything Falling World Tour, supporting their fifth studio album, Everything’s Falling, which was released on Aug. 28, 2026. 

The Mexican trio will also appear at an NFL event much sooner. Daniela, Paulina and Alejandra Villarreal will perform during halftime when the Minnesota Vikings face the San Francisco 49ers at Mexico City’s Estadio Banorte on Nov. 22, 2026.

Sisters Daniela, Paulina, and Alejandra Villarreal Vélez of Mexican rock band The Warning arrive for the MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Sept. 12, 2023.

Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

The back-to-back announcements give Mexican fans two major opportunities to see The Warning perform on large stages in their home country.

The Warning revealed the Feb. 5 concert through an emotional video showing their journey from childhood performances and small venues to stages around the world.

🪽✨ pic.twitter.com/mH5Pf34LHY

— The Warning (@TheWarningBand2) September 1, 2026

The sisters said they have now performed in more than 30 countries and on more than 500 stages.

The new concert also carries a personal connection for the band. In March 2022, The Warning opened for Foo Fighters in front of more than 60,000 people at the same Mexico City venue, which was then known as Foro Sol.

The new announcement looks back at that moment before revealing the 2027 headline date. 

“Now it’s our turn,” reads the message in the video.

The concert will come after a major year for the band, which began The Warning as a rock trio in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2013. Daniela Villarreal handles guitar and vocals, Paulina Villarreal plays drums and contributes vocals, while Alejandra Villarreal plays bass and provides backing vocals.

Their path to international attention started when they were still children. In 2014, a video of the sisters performing Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” became widely popular among rock fans and eventually passed 26 million views.

That early attention helped the sisters build a career that would later include tours and performances with major rock acts such as Foo Fighters, Muse and Guns N’ Roses.

The Warning Makes Billboard History With “Kerosene”

The Mexico City concert announcement follows another major achievement for The Warning.

“Kerosene,” from Everything’s Falling, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart dated Sept. 5, 2026.

According to Billboard, the achievement made The Warning the first Mexican band and the first all-women band to reach No. 1 in the chart’s 45-year history.

The song had already been gaining ground across rock radio and other charts. “Kerosene” moved from No. 10 to No. 6 on the all-rock Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, recording 3.3 million audience impressions during the week ending Aug. 27, according to Luminate.

The track also entered the top 10 of the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart for the first time.

“Kerosene” is included on Everything’s Falling, which was recorded in the band’s hometown of Monterrey with longtime producer Anton DeLost. The sisters and DeLost wrote the songs on the album, with additional co-writers contributing to several tracks.

The album follows Keep Me Fed, released in 2024, and continues the band’s growth from their early rock and metal influences toward a sound they have developed through years of international touring.

The album includes “Kerosene,” “Ego,” “Ritual,” “Why Do You Like It When I Cry?,” “Bite My Tongue,” “Kill Or Be Killed,” “Break,” “Bruises” and “Waste Your Time On Me,” among other tracks.

The Warning’s 2027 Mexico City concert marks another step in the group’s rise from young musicians playing covers online to an international rock act headlining major venues.

Before becoming headliners, the sisters played some of their early shows in Mexico and later performed around the world. They opened for major artists, appeared at international festivals and completed sold-out tours in Europe.

Related: NFL Announces Beloved Rock Band as Halftime Show Performer

Below Deck alum Ben Willoughby is calling on Bravo to take a hard look at its casting process following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Below Deck Mediterranean deckhand Nathan Gallagher.

Willoughby, who appeared on Below Deck Seasons 10 and 11, said he is increasingly “disheartened” by the franchise’s direction, pointing to Gallagher and other former cast members as examples of why he believes something needs to change behind the scenes.

Willoughby’s comments come as Gallagher faces an arrest warrant in Australia. New South Wales Police confirmed that a warrant was issued after Gallagher failed to appear in court on assault-related charges. Gallagher, who appeared on Seasons 9, 10 and now 11 of the Bravo series, was convicted in absentia and is now wanted by authorities in connection with the case.

But Willoughby said he sees a broader problem with the franchise’s casting, arguing that some people are more interested in becoming influencers and reality TV stars than showing what it’s really like to work in yachting.

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He cites several problematic examples, including Below Deck Down Under bosun Luke Jones, “who, if production did not step in, probably would have raped someone,” Willoughby said. During a drunken night in Season 2, Jones entered the cabin of third stew Margot Sisson while she was passed out and climbed into her bed naked. Production intervened and forced Jones out of the cabin, and Captain Jason Chambers fired him the following day.

“And then you’ve got good old Gary [King] who forced himself on Sam Suarez,” he continued.

Willoughby was referring to former Below Deck Sailing Yacht production staffer Samantha Suarez, who accused King of trying to force himself on her in 2022. Suarez also said she was discouraged from discussing the incident with other production staffers. Bravo said at the time that the concerns were investigated and that “action was taken based on the findings.”

Willoughby said Below Deck’s casting has increasingly favored people seeking fame and influencer status rather than those focused on the work itself. While acknowledging that cast members may have plenty of positive qualities, he said the network’s willingness to approve and spotlight them has left him “so disheartened” with the franchise’s direction.

“I don’t watch it anymore,” Willoughby said, adding that he loved Below Deck in its earlier days. He also questioned how people with troubling behavior continue to make it through the casting process when, as he put it, “everyone goes through a psych exam.”

Henry Winkler is not a fan of horror movies, but he still made a memorable cameo in one—which included a death scene that fans still talk about 30 years later.

In a new interview, the Happy Days actor, who played Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli for 11 seasons on the ABC sitcom, looked back on his role as the doomed high school Principal Arthur Himbry in the 1996 horror classic, Scream. Winkler noted that director Wes Craven schooled him on how to “scream” for the iconic film.

“I don’t like horror movies,” Winkler, 80, admitted to People magazine in an interview published on Sept. 1, before explaining that Craven personally asked him to be in the film, which also starred Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich.

RELATED: ‘Happy Days’ Guest Star’s 1978 Debut Changed Everything

In the interview, Winkler recalled the scene in which his character is brutally murdered by an unknown assailant wearing a Ghostface mask. The scene includes a dramatic fall by the Yale-trained actor, but it required a re-do.

“When I was stabbed the first time, blood came out of tubes all over my body,” Winkler said. “I screamed and fell to the floor. The director came to me and he said, ‘Do you think it might be more excruciating?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ I got a shower, retubed, re-blooded, and screamed my head off.”

“I had the greatest time,” the Happy Days legend added of his death scene, which remains one of the most memorable from the Scream franchise.

Winkler previously told People TV’s Couch Surfing that while he was shooting the stabbing scene, Craven came to him in a “professorial way” to ask him if he could scream louder.

“This one shot, with the bad guy with the mask coming into my eyeball, it took two hours to shoot,” he added.

While he ended up having a great experience shooting Scream, Winkler was a bit put off that his name wasn’t included on posters advertising the movie.

In his memoir, Being Henry: The Fonz and Beyond, the actor recalled that producers said, “We cannot put Henry’s name on the movie. We can’t put Henry’s picture on the poster. He is the Fonz. He will knock the balance of the horror off.”

Realizing that he would forever be typecast for his Fonzie role, Winkler ultimately  took matters into his own hands.

“When I did Scream, they said, you know, all right, the director asked you to be in it, but we’re not putting your name on the movie or on the poster,” the Happy Days icon told NPR in 2023. “It was really bad. That’s why I became a producer and tried directing. I wasn’t getting work as an actor, which was the dream I’ve had since I was 7. And it was devastating.”

Related: Henry Winkler Handled a ‘Happy Days’ Heckler in a Way That Was Pure Fonzie

Music icon John Lennon is a grandpa! Though the Beatles’ co-founder and hitmaker didn’t live to see the day, fans were thrilled to learn late on Tuesday, September 1, that Sean Lennon — one of John’s two sons with wife Yoko Ono — is a first-time dad at age 50.

Sean and his longtime love, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, shared multiple posts with photos of their newborn son, including a family photo that Sean captioned, “@charlottekempmuhl and I have created a Human Bean! His name is Aurelius! Thank you!”

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But before sharing his family photo, Sean shared an image of himself holding baby Aurelius, with his hospital bracelet still wrapped around his tiny wrist.

Sean tagged his mom, dad, and his older brother, Julian Lennon, who took the stunning image. Julian, 63, also shared the photo to his feed, and wrote in the comment section, “Thankfully my ‘Uncle Jules’ nickname has finally come to fruition… 😘”

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Sean shared a third photo, of Charlotte snuggling her newborn in the hospital, and captioned it “Baby Momma!”

The model mom posted additional images in her own feed, including one of her holding a crab at the beach while Aurelius was nestled up to her in a baby carrier. She wrote in the caption, “We made a human! Am convinced DNA is agentic alien quaternary code.
The sleep deprivation only adds to the surrealism…Burping technique tips welcome.
Been playing him Aphex Twin and Stravinsky. Meconium is crazy”

Fans & Famous Friends Celebrate Continuation of the Lennon Lineage

The news of Aurelius’ birth came as a shock to fans, given that Sean and Charlotte — who’ve been together for nearly two decades — had not announced they were expecting. Their posts were flooded with notes of congratulations and sighs of relief, as many had hoped the Lennon family lineage would be carried on somehow.

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Many famous friends celebrated the news, including Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Flea, who wrote, “WOW!!! Congratulations magicmagic!!!❤️❤️❤️ love is so good”

Music legend Patti Smith shared, “Oh SeN I’m❤️❤️ so happy for you both.”

Bijou Phillips gushed, “Soooo happy for you guys!!!! 😍😍😍 He is beautiful! 🐣”

Actress Lindsay Lohan commented, “Congratulations to the beautiful couple!!! 🙌🤍” and Paris Hilton chimed in, “Congratulations on your new baby🥰🫶”

Fans couldn’t contain their excitement, filling each post with comments for the new parents, including one who declared Sean and Charlotte’s baby surprise the “best thing I’ve seen all day today🥹”

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

I am collector of water bottles. I have a tumbler preference for the time of day, the occasion, the day of the week—you name it, I probably have a specific thermos or jug for it.

And after years of trying, buying and collecting the perfect sipper, two brands have found themselves in my kitchen cabinet more often than not: Hydro Flask and YETI. They’re two of the OGs in the insulated water bottle game, and both have earned very loyal followings.

But which one is actually the better bottle overall, especially if your everyday involves spending a lot of time in the car?

I decided to put them through a series of very real-life tests—including a temperature retention face-off, drop test and more—to find out which cult-favorite bottle deserves the coveted, and hopefully well-fitting, spot in your vehicle’s cup holder. I also compared the lids and warranties of each option. Read on to see the results of my YETI vs. Hydro Flask showdown to help you figure out which trendy cup is right for you.

Related: I Tried All 6 Flavors of Spindrift’s New Fruit Soda and 1 Was the Clear Favorite

What I Tested

For my YETI vs. Hydro Flask review, I tested four bottles:

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

• Hydro Flask 24 oz Standard Mouth with Flex Straw Cap
• YETI Rambler 18 oz Bottle with Flip Chug Cap
• Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Cap
• YETI Rambler 26 oz Bottle

Here’s what happened.

Related: I Put the Fan-Favorite Owala Water Bottle Through Some Real-Life Stress Tests To See if It’s Worth the Hype

The Commuter Test: Which Sizes Actually Fit in a Standard Cup Holder?

Before we talk ice retention, durability or lids, I have one extremely practical requirement: Does the water bottle actually fit in my car? Because a giant insulated bottle rolling around the passenger seat isn’t my favorite.

Related: I Tested Stanley and Yeti Tumblers to See Which One Deserves a Spot in Your Cup Holder

Hydro Flask 24 oz

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Shop the Hydro Flask 24 oz

This was easily the best-fitting bottle of the four. It’s the slimmest, and it slid right into my car’s cup holder without any maneuvering or forcing.

Hydro Flask actually markets its 24-ounce Standard Mouth bottle as fitting most cup holders, so my test lined up with the company’s claim.

Cup-holder verdict: WINNER.

Related: The Genius Owala Water Bottle Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

YETI Rambler 18 oz

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Shop the YETI Rambler 18 oz

The 18-ounce YETI also fit in my cup holder, although it was a bit more of a squeeze than the Hydro Flask.

YETI says the Rambler 18-ounce bottle is compatible with most cup-holder sizes, and I’d agree, but if you’re specifically looking for the best water bottle for car cup holders, I would recommend the slimmer Hydro Flask.

Cup-holder verdict: Fits, but snugly.

Related: The Simple Hydration Trick I Wish I Knew About Sooner

Hydro Flask 32 oz

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Shop the Hydro Flask 32 oz

Unfortunately, we’ve entered big-boy territory.

The 32-ounce Hydro Flask did not fit in my car’s standard cup holder. If this is your preferred size, you’ll probably need to keep it on the passenger seat, in a bag or use a cup-holder adapter.

Cup-holder verdict: Nope.

Related: Here’s What Happens to Your Body if You Drink Sparkling Water Every Day

YETI Rambler 26 oz

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Shop the YETI Rambler 26 oz

Same story here. The larger YETI did not fit in my cup holder. However, YETI acknowledges that some of its bottles may be too large for most cup holders, so this wasn’t totally unexpected.

Cup-holder verdict: No.

For the commuter test, Hydro Flask takes the win, specifically the 24-ounce bottle.

The Hot Car Test: Temperature Retention Face-Off

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Next came the test I was most curious about: YETI vs. Hydro Flask ice retention.

I started each bottle with 1 cup of ice, then filled each with room-temperature filtered water. When they went into my car, the water averaged about 44°F.

Ironically, it wasn’t even a particularly brutal August day. It was about 78°F outside, but anyone who has opened a parked car in the summer knows the inside can get considerably hotter than the outdoor temperature.

I left all four bottles in the car for 24 hours.

Hydro Flask says its insulated bottles can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours. YETI doesn’t give a specific hour count for these Rambler bottles on its product pages, but says its double-wall vacuum insulation is designed to keep cold drinks cold.

After 24 Hours:

All 4 bottles no longer had any ice in them.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Hydro Flask 24 oz
Starting temperature: 44°F
24-hour temperature: 59.9°F

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

YETI Rambler 18 oz
Starting temperature: 44°F
24-hour temperature: 55°F

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Hydro Flask 32 oz
Starting temperature: 44°F
24-hour temperature: 58.5°F

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

YETI Rambler 26 oz
Starting temperature: 44°F
24-hour temperature: 57.4°F

Hot-car winner: YETI, however none of the bottles kept the water cold and retained the ice as well as I had anticipated.

Related: I Made the Viral ‘Homemade Sprite’ Recipe and It Was Fresh, Fizzy and So Much Fun

The Drop Test: What Happens When It Falls Out of Your Car?

I like a thorough product test, but I didn’t have the heart to intentionally throw all four of my brand new water bottles onto the ground…so the two smaller bottles took one for the team.

I dropped the Hydro Flask 24-ounce and YETI 18-ounce bottles from about 3 feet high, roughly mimicking what might happen if one fell out of my car when I opened the door.

Honestly? The damage was pretty similar.

Both bottles came away slightly dented, with the exterior color chipped in a few places. Neither sustained the kind of damage that would make me stop using it.

Hydro Flask

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The Hydro Flask picked up some cosmetic damage and a small dent, but overall held up really well.

YETI

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The YETI also sustained a dent and some chipped color. If I had to choose, I’d say the YETI looked slightly more damaged after the fall. It’s also a noticeably heavier bottle, which may have contributed to the impact. Both felt plenty durable for normal everyday use.

Drop-test verdict: Essentially a tie, with a slight edge to Hydro Flask in my test.

The Lid Debate: YETI Flip Chug Cap vs. Hydro Flask Straw Lid

This was where my opinion really depended on how I was using the bottle.

Best Lid for Driving: Hydro Flask

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

For driving, Hydro Flask wins.

Being able to drink through a straw without tipping the entire bottle, and your head, back is simply easier when you’re behind the wheel. I can grab it, sip and put it back without taking much attention away from what I’m doing.

Best Lid for Everyday Sipping: YETI

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

For regular everyday drinking, I prefer the YETI Flip Chug Cap.

I found the straw on the Hydro Flask to be fairly narrow, so the water flow wasn’t as robust as I personally like. The YETI gives you a much more satisfying flow of water.

If I’m sitting at my desk, at the park or carrying a bottle around all day, I’m reaching for the YETI lid.

So this category is a split decision:
Driving: Hydro Flask
Everyday drinking: YETI

Hydro Flask vs. YETI Warranty: Which Is Better?

There’s a pretty significant difference here.

Hydro Flask backs these bottles with its lifetime warranty, which covers eligible manufacturing defects under its Hydro Flask Promise.

YETI Rambler drinkware comes with a five-year warranty.

That doesn’t mean either company is going to replace a bottle simply because you dropped it out of your car and scratched it. Warranties generally apply to qualifying defects rather than normal wear and tear, but purely in terms of warranty length, Hydro Flask has the advantage.

Warranty winner: Hydro Flask.

What I Love About YETI

YETI has been in my kitchen cabinet for so long that I’m admittedly a little emotionally attached.

Between the outdoor wine glasses, which legitimately keep my wine icy cold during the summer, to coffee mugs, travel mugs, coolers, and even the water tumbler I brought with me to the hospital for the birth of my son…I’m kind of a YETI girl through and through.

The products feel substantial, I love the durability, and when it comes to actually drinking water, I really like the flow you get from the Flip Chug Cap.

What I Love About Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask has a different vibe that I also really love. The branding feels outdoorsy and fun and makes you want to get outside and get some fresh air.

I love the colors, the quality feels great, and, most importantly for this particular test, the slimmer 24-ounce bottle is incredibly practical.

It fits easily into my cup holder and the straw lid makes it especially convenient for the car.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Final Thoughts: Is Hydro Flask or YETI Better?

The truth is, all of these bottles are great quality. Their usability it more likely based on what your needs are.

For everyday running around, I think the smaller bottles are more practical. And if your number-one concern is finding the best insulated water bottle for a car cup holder, the Hydro Flask 24 oz is my winner. Its slimmer profile fit my cup holder the best, and the straw lid makes drinking while driving easier.

That said, I prefer the drinking experience of the YETI 18 oz when I’m not in the car. The Flip Chug Cap gives me the stronger water flow I want, and there’s something about a YETI that just feels satisfyingly substantial.

As for the bigger bottles? I wouldn’t choose them as my commuter bottles, but they’re perfect for parking on my desk when I want to make sure I’m actually drinking enough water throughout the day.

So maybe the real answer isn’t that I need to stop hoarding water bottles…I just need a different one for every occasion, which is exactly how I got here in the first place.

Up Next:

Related: Dollar Tree Shoppers Say These Cheerful $1.25 Sip-and-Snack Water Bottles Are ‘Amazing for the Money’

Below Deck Mediterranean fans are making their feelings about Nathan Gallagher crystal clear, with viewers calling for the deckhand to be cut from the show and demanding that Bravo address the situation following news of an Australian arrest warrant.

The backlash comes after New South Wales Police confirmed Tuesday that a warrant had been issued for Gallagher after he failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing tied to an earlier domestic violence case. Gallagher was arrested in December and charged with three offenses, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentionally choking a person without consent and common assault. He has disputed the public account of the incident, saying the situation was “extremely complicated” and that there is “another side and evidence relating to it.”

As news of Gallagher’s arrest warrant spread, Below Deck Med fans began calling for Bravo to take action. One viewer wrote on Threads, “I remember the days when Bravo would edit out racists from a Below Deck show. It seems physically harming others, including the mother of his child, is the one thing Bravo is willing to overlook because this little monster takes up a lot of screen time.”

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Another viewer questioned how much Gallagher might appear in future episodes, writing, “I wonder how the series will edit out as much as Nathan as they can going fwd. he seriously needs help and is currently on the run? Where do they find these ppl!!?”

The first fan was referring to Below Deck Mediterranean Season 5, when deckhand Peter Hunziker was fired by producers and edited out of the remainder of the season after posting a racist and sexist meme on social media.

Other fans called for Gallagher to be fired outright, while some urged Bravo to issue a statement about the arrest. The reaction also included viewers saying they would struggle to watch the rest of the season knowing about the allegations and would prefer not to see Gallagher on their screens at all.

Several fans also took their concerns directly to the official Below Deck Instagram page, where they demanded that Bravo address the situation involving Gallagher.

As the saying goes, saying goodbye is never easy. Whether you’re trying to wrap up a conversation at a party, make a graceful exit from a professional gathering or find the right moment to leave a social event, knowing when and how to end an interaction can be surprisingly tricky. You may want to leave without seeming rude, abrupt or uninterested, but finding that balance isn’t always as simple as saying, “It was nice seeing you.” In fact, because of that confusion, etiquette experts say most people end conversations the wrong way.

The truth is, different situations call for different ways of exiting. What works when you’re chatting with friends may not be the best approach in a professional setting, and the way you leave a larger gathering can feel very different from ending a one-on-one conversation. With so many unspoken rules around saying goodbye, it’s easy to second-guess yourself, or simply not know what to say.

To help you feel more confident when it’s time to make your way home, we reached out to two etiquette experts for their advice. They share what people often get wrong when ending conversations and offer guidance on how to navigate these moments with more ease, confidence and courtesy.

Related: This Phrase Is How ‘High-Class’ People Say Goodbye, Psychologist Explains

The Exit Blunder: What Most People Get Wrong When Saying Goodbye

There are many ways to exit a conversation or situation. However, sometimes people get overwhelmed when they want to head out and think they need an over-the-top reason not to stick around a party or work event as long as others. In these cases, they tend to make up a situation that doesn’t actually exist because they feel like they need to explain why they are leaving.

“The fake excuse is a popular way people say goodbye when you make up a reason to leave,” Nick Leighton, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of the etiquette and manners podcast “Were You Raised By Wolves?,” tells Parade. “The problem is that it’s usually completely unnecessary and it can so easily backfire, and you’ll be caught. Now the last thing someone remembers about you is that you lied.”

Bridget Batson—the CEO of Houston Outplacement LLC and a Certified Corporate Etiquette Consultant—agrees.

“The fake excuse trap is a massive blunder because it builds a boundary out of dishonesty rather than poise,” she adds. “If you claim you have to run to the restroom and the person sees you grabbing a coffee two minutes later, you instantly damage your credibility. Genuine etiquette focuses entirely on respect and authenticity. A fake excuse signals that the other person was not worth a clean, honest transition.”

The Science of the ‘Last Impression’: Why the End Matters More Than the Beginning

“Everyone talks about how important first impressions are, but last impressions are important, too!” explains Leighton. “A first impression will be overwritten by everything that follows after it. But a last impression is it. Nothing comes afterwards, so it’s indeed what people will remember about you.”

Batson says no matter how amazing your conversation is going, how you end it means everything; it’s really what people will remember and leave thinking about.

“A first impression opens the door, but a last impression determines whether that door stays open,” she points out. “In psychology, the peak-end rule shows that people remember the climax and the very end of an interaction most vividly. You can have a brilliant 10-minute conversation, but if you end it awkwardly, abruptly or while looking over someone’s shoulder, that awkward exit becomes the final emotional stamp on your entire interaction.”

Related: What Is the Meaning of an ‘Irish Exit’? Plus, Why It’s Actually Not as Rude as You Might Think

The 3-Step Formula To End Any Conversation Gracefully

Thanks to our experts, you don’t have to stress about what you should and shouldn’t say. Here are three steps they swear work every single time.

1. Plant an exit seed

“It’s OK to leave, you aren’t obligated to stay forever,” Leighton points out. “The first thing is to plant the seed that you’re wrapping things up by saying something like, ‘Well, I’m so glad I got to catch up with you,’ which gets things moving.”

2. Prove you were listening

Next, our experts say you want to acknowledge the other person’s value and show you were paying attention to what they were saying. By doing so, you don’t give off a bad vibe.

“You can throw in a little gratitude and name something specific from the conversation to show you were actually listening,” Leighton suggests.

Batson says an example would be saying something like, “I loved hearing how your team is approaching AI this quarter.”

3. Sign-off and wrap up

Finally, you want to have a warm sign-off with someone.

“Lastly, wrap it up with a clear exit line,” Leighton advises.

So, how can you do that? It’s easier than you think. Batson reveals one example: “Close your conversation clearly by saying, ‘It was a pleasure meeting you. Let’s connect on LinkedIn later this week!'”

Related: Psychologist Says if You Rehearse Conversations in Your Head Before They Happen, You Likely Have These 8 Traits

How To Escape a ‘Conversation Hijacker’ Without Being Rude

“When someone won’t let you get a word in edgewise, wait for a breath,” Leighton notes. “Everyone’s gotta breathe eventually, right? And then use their name to get their attention and then politely let them know that you’ve got to make your exit.”

Batson says you can also use what she calls the interrupt-and-validate method.

“In this case, you can say something like, ‘John, I hate to interrupt because your passion for this project is contagious, but I want to step away before I cut you off mid-thought! I have to catch my next session, but please send me the link to that report you mentioned,'” she suggests.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Hate Silence in Conversations, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

A Script Guide for Modern Social and Professional Environments

Environment

The Wrong Way

The Expert-Approved Script

At a professional event

Don’t give a vague goodbye that suggests you’re leaving but doesn’t clearly close the conversation or provide a natural transition out. Also, don’t look over their shoulder and around the room for someone “more important” to talk to, then abruptly cut them off mid-sentence.

Don’t say: “Well, I guess I should probably get going. Anyway, it was nice meeting you.”

Having business cards is a great prop to send the signal that you’re heading out. You can use them when saying bye, like:

“It was so great learning about your new venture, Sarah. I want to make sure we both get a chance to mingle around the room tonight. Do you have a card? I’d love to follow up with you next week.”

On a first date

Don’t lie and make promises you don’t intend to keep.

If you aren’t planning on texting someone, don’t leave by saying, “I’ll text you.”

If you are interested, then make that known before you depart! 

Say, “I had a great time. We should do this again!”

At work

You don’t want to slip out silently.

Don’t leave by not saying anything at all and just heading out.

Just a brief recap of the day can do the trick.

Say, “I’m heading out. The presentation draft is done and in your inbox… We’ll pick it up first thing tomorrow. Have a good night!”

Casual party or get-together

Don’t make up an excuse or don’t say you’re leaving, but then stick around for another hour.

“I just remembered I need to pick up something for my wife before the store closes. Thanks for having me.”

The best thing to do is to find the host, thank them for something specific and say goodbye.

Say, “Thanks so much for inviting me, I had a great time. I’m going to head out, but it was so good to see you!”

Running into people randomly

No need to make up excuses or pretend to get a call.

“Sorry, I have to go. My husband is calling.”

Be honest, polite and just remember that it’ll be over in only a few seconds.

Say, “So fun to run into you! I’m in the middle of errands, but I’m so glad I got to say hello.”

Up Next:

Related: Psychologists Say People Who Leave Without Saying Goodbye Usually Have These 7 ‘Misunderstood’ Personality Traits

Sources:

• Nick Leighton is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of the etiquette and manners podcast “Were You Raised By Wolves?“
• Bridget Batson is the CEO of Houston Outplacement LLC and a Certified Corporate Etiquette Consultant.

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When the seasons change, having a few reliable layers can make getting dressed a whole lot easier. Early fall can bring unpredictable temperatures, so you want something cozy enough for chilly mornings but light enough to wear comfortably when the sun comes out. A fleece sweatshirt is an easy solution, but traditional hoodies can sometimes feel a little too casual for everyday plans.

One great alternative is the Sunbs Half-Button Pullover Fleece Sweatshirt. Right now, it’s on sale for up to 52% off at Walmart, bringing the price down from $50 to just $24. For a versatile layer you’ll be able to wear throughout fall and beyond, that’s a great value.

Sunbs Half-Button Pullover Fleece Sweatshirt, From $24 (was $50) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

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The sweatshirt comes in four easy-to-style colors: black, brown, gray, and blue. Its half-button placket lets you adjust the neckline depending on the weather, while the stand collar adds extra coverage and a slightly more polished look. There’s also a spacious kangaroo pocket for keeping your hands warm or stashing small essentials.

Available in sizes small through XXL, it has an oversized silhouette with dropped shoulders for a relaxed, laid-back fit. The roomy shape gives you plenty of freedom to move without feeling restrictive, while also making it easy to layer over a T-shirt or lightweight top.

The soft, mid-weight knit fabric has a cozy feel and gentle stretch, keeping you warm without being overly heavy. That makes it useful for cool summer nights, fall and winter, and those early spring days when there’s still a chill in the air. It’s machine washable in cold water with similar colors for easy care, too.

Related: This Office-Ready Knit Cardigan Is Perfect for Staying Cozy Under Blasting AC Vents, and It’s 54% Off

It’s also an easy piece to work into your existing wardrobe. Wear it with leggings for a relaxed day at home, pair it with jeans for errands or coffee with friends, or style it with biker shorts during transitional weather. The half-button design gives it a more elevated feel than a standard hoodie without making it any less comfortable.

One shopper described the sweater as “really cute and comfortable,” writing, “I love the half-button style — it gives a basic sweatshirt a little more personality. It’s easy to throw on with jeans or leggings for a casual, put-together look.” Another said it’s a ”versatile fall wardrobe staple,” adding, “The soft fleece lining keeps you warm without feeling overly heavy”

Shop More Deals

• Qualfort Cotton Button-Front Cardigan Sweater, $19 (was $33) at Walmart
• Moshu Color Block Crewneck Sweater, $13 (was $24) at Walmart
• Eytino Hooded Knit Cardigan Sweater, From $35 (was $54) at Walmart

For a comfortable everyday layer that feels a little more polished than your average hoodie, the Sunbs Half-Button Pullover Fleece Sweatshirt is a great pick. And with Walmart’s current 52% discount, you can save over $25 and snag this versatile staple for as little as $24.

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.

When Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” was first released in 1989, it failed to gain mainstream traction. 

The rock ballad from Isaak’s album Heart Shaped World didn’t receive much airplay and was largely overlooked; however, it would soon become one of the most haunting love songs of a generation.

And it was largely due to director David Lynch (Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive, Eraserhead), who featured the song in the 1990 film “Wild at Heart,” based on the 1989 novel of the same name by Barry Gifford, starring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern.

The melancholic song underscored a surreal and emotional scene, captivating audiences and changing the song’s trajectory. 

An instrumental of “Wicked Game” played over a late-night driving scene in the film, where Cage’s Sailor and Dern’s Lula share an emotional conversation about her late father.

An Atlanta radio music director named Lee Chestnut saw the film and began playing the song on repeat, per Smooth Radio. 

Listener demand surged, as other stations followed suit, and the effect snowballed, bringing the song to a nationwide audience. Suddenly, the track that was largely overlooked just two years prior was exploding and taking over airwaves. 

By early 1991, “Wicked Game” had become a major hit in one of the era’s most surprising chart success stories

The forgotten single climbed its way into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 6. 

Isaak wasn’t new to the scene, as he garnered a cult following and plenty of buzz through the ’80s, but “Wicked Game” was his first major hit, turning him into a household name and catapulting him into the mainstream. 

While many see it as a song of unrequited love, Isaak later revealed in a 1991 interview with Rolling Stone, “There was a girl on the way over.” 

“It was one of those things where they call, they say, ‘I’m comin’ over.’ You know you shouldn’t, but you let ’em. Hang up the phone and go, ‘Oh, no. Now we’re gonna be in trouble,’” he expressed.

The sleeper hit became his career-defining single, proving that it needed the right moment—and medium—to help it find its audience and propel it to new heights. 

In 2019, the song saw renewed interest, rocketing to No. 1 on the digital charts after it was covered on The Voice.

37 years after the release, Isaak, now 70, continues touring, with his recent performance of “Wicked Game” at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, UK, getting plenty of attention from longtime fans who praised him for still sounding “absolutely fantastic.”

When asked in 2023 if he gets tired of singing his smash hit, the platinum-selling singer-songwriter simply responded, “Not at all.”

If you’re already dreaming of crisp sweater weather, roadside cider donuts, and winding mountain drives framed by fiery canopies of red, orange, and gold, it is time to start mapping out your autumn road trips.

Predicting where leaves will pop with brilliant intensity—and where they might turn brown and drop early—comes down to a delicate balance of summer moisture, tree health, and late-season temperature swings.

To help travelers plan their fall getaways, AccuWeather has released its official seasonal outlook, pinpointing the top leaf-peeping destinations, detailing the impact of regional droughts, and revealing the exact weather cues to watch before booking.

According to Paul Pastelok, Lead Long Range Forecaster and Senior Meteorologist at AccuWeather, the most promising color displays this year are concentrated across the northern tier of the country.

Related: A New Priceline Study Reveals Where Everyone’s Leaf-Peeping

Top Regions for Peak Fall Color This Year

“The northern Mississippi Valley/upper Midwest, Great Lakes, through the Northeast are the areas with the best shot at vibrant color this year,” Pastelok explains. “New England and upstate New York stand out in particular, since near-average rainfall frequency through the growing season has kept trees healthy heading into fall—a main ingredient. Much of the Midwest, northern Plains, and Great Lakes are expected to see a near to above-average display, where parts of the Tennessee Valley and northern mid-Atlantic will be a more typical, near average display. The Pacific Northwest can be near to above average on showing this year, a strong contrast to the interior Northwest where heat, drought and fires have left trees destroyed or stressed.”

The Perfect Recipe for Vivid Autumn Leaves

For New England and Upstate New York, steady summer precipitation has laid a solid foundation, but the upcoming transition into September will determine just how brilliant the canopy gets.

“Rainfall has stayed near average in frequency across the Northeast during the summer, which has kept trees in good condition,” says Pastelok. “The key factor now is what happens in the next few weeks: drier stretches in mid- to late September, followed by cooler nights moving into late September and October, are what would set the stage for the most vivid colors. The general recipe for a vibrant season is trees need to enter fall healthy, then get a run of sunny days and clear, cool nights.”

Related: The New England Fall Road Trip Travel Experts Swear By

How Summer Drought and Heat Impact Foliage Out West

“The drought picture is much more severe out West,” Pastelok notes. In the Central Rockies, severe spring and summer drought will likely dull the aspens, though late monsoon rains and higher elevations offer a slight silver lining. Farther northwest across the Interior Northwest, Northern Rockies, and Northern California, the combination of heat, drought, and active wildfires will make viewing tricky. “Check forecasts and local conditions closely before traveling, though fire activity should begin easing by late September,” Pastelok advises.

For travelers heading to the West Coast, California offers a more typical season with vibrant foliage in the far northern reaches, though late-autumn storms could knock leaves down early.

In the East, drought has created sharp regional contrasts. While central and northern Pennsylvania look solid, areas stretching through southeastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia suffered early-season drought stress that late summer rain couldn’t reverse—leading to earlier leaf drop and muted colors.

When Peak Color Will Arrive—and Storm Risks to Watch

When it comes to timing your trip, early-autumn temperature patterns will cause peak windows to arrive at noticeably different paces depending on where you travel.

Related: 10 Best Midwest Hikes to Take This Fall

Peak color will arrive earlier than usual across the Mid-Atlantic, Carolinas, Central Rockies, and interior Southwest due to long-term dry conditions accelerating the shift. Meanwhile, the Northeast, northern Plains, upper Midwest, and Great Lakes are tracking on a near-average timeline. If you are heading to the Ohio Valley or mid-to-lower Mississippi Valley, expect peak vibrancy to run a couple of weeks later than usual due to lingering warmth, with parts of the Northwest lagging about a week behind.

Travelers should also keep an eye on early-season storms that could suddenly strip canopies bare. “On top of that, fall storms are a wildcard,” Pastelok points out. “An increased tropical threat along the mid-Atlantic coast, southern New England, and parts of the Carolinas in September, where strong wind and heavy rain from a tropical system could shorten the viewing window. This can also happen in parts of California as well.”

Tips for Timing Your Autumn Road Trip

If you’re planning to book a spontaneous weekend road trip this fall, tracking daily weather patterns in late September is your best bet for timing the brightest colors.

“Travelers should watch for drier weather patterns settling in during mid-to-late September, followed by a cool-down—that combination is important for peak color in places like New England and upstate New York, the northern Plains and upper Midwest as well,” Pastelok advises.

Conversely, a lingering warm spell without chilly, crisp evenings will hold the season back: “a lack of clear, cool nights (as forecast for parts of the Southeast and lower Mississippi Valley) tends to keep leaves green longer and produce a more muted display.”

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Advisors for the Most Scenic Way to Visit Canada in Fall—They All Said the Same Thing

If you were listening to Top 40 AM radio in late 1977 or early 1978, you couldn’t escape the song “Thunder Island,” performed and written by Jay Ferguson.

The track soared to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming an enduring soundtrack of the soft-rock era. Yet, nearly five decades after the song’s release, many classic rock fans still don’t know that the song’s soaring guitar solo came from an uncredited rock icon.

When Ferguson entered the studio to record his second solo album, he had already honed his chops as a seasoned musician. According to AllMusic, in the late 1960s, he fronted the psychedelic rock band Spirit, co-writing their hit “I Got a Line on You.” He followed that success by co-founding Jo Jo Gunne, scoring another hit with “Run Run Run” before taking a break from the music industry.

Producer Bill Szymczyk asked the now-solo artist to visit his Coconut Grove studio in Miami, where Ferguson would record a new song, “Thunder Island.” Szymczyk, a longtime friend and collaborator with Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, asked him to contribute to Ferguson’s second LP, Thunder Island.

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Walsh provided the guitar solo that gave “Thunder Island” its edge. It was the secret weapon that elevated Ferguson’s lyrics, inspired by a real-life experience involving his wife, into one of the late ’70s’ most enduring rock anthems.

Walsh wasn’t credited on Ferguson’s single. However, his name was listed among the contributors on the LP’s liner notes.

The mystery of who played the solo that transformed the song lingered for decades. Millions of listeners never knew the Eagles icon played lead guitar on the track.

While “Thunder Island” marked Jay Ferguson’s highest peak as a solo performer, followed by his 1979 Top 40 hit “Shakedown Cruise,” his career in the music industry was far from over. He later stepped into a second act as a Hollywood composer.

Ferguson composed the memorable theme song for the hit NBC comedy The Office, as well as scoring major film and television projects such as A Nightmare on Elm Street 5 and NCIS: Los Angeles.

Almost 50 years later, “Thunder Island” stands as one of the most unforgettable songs of the 1970s. The song brought together a seasoned singer-songwriter and an Eagles guitar legend for three and a half minutes of pure pop-rock gold that remains one of the definitive soft rock songs of all time.

Related: 1979 No. 1, Once Called the ‘Best Song of the Summer,’ Remains a Party Favorite Nearly 50 Years Later

Halloween candy is already one of the best parts of spooky season, but Costco has found a way to make digging into something sweet part of the entertainment.

The warehouse’s new Ten Acre Gifts Monster Mash Chocolate Head is a monster-sized Frankenstein-inspired treat made from Belgian milk chocolate. But the real fun starts when you grab the included mallet and smash through the chocolate shell to uncover a creepy surprise hiding inside.

Check it out in this August 30 Instagram post shared by Juli Sandjaja @costcoaisles:

View this post on Instagram Costco’s Monster Mash Chocolate Head Is Made for Halloween Parties

Tatiana Sviridova / Getty Images

At 5.5 pounds, this isn’t your average piece of Halloween candy. The hollow chocolate head is filled with approximately 64 fruit-flavored gummy body parts, so smashing Frankenstein open reveals an assortment of colorful, creepy candy.

It’s priced at $54.99, but this monster is definitely made for sharing. According to the package, the chocolate head contains about 71 servings, making the price a little easier to swallow when you consider just how many Halloween party guests can dig in.

Related: Costco’s New Mini Bakery Treat Is Like a Little Taste of Paris

And that’s really where the fun is. Set the head out on a Halloween dessert table, let everyone gather around for the big smash, and suddenly dessert doubles as entertainment. Between the giant green Frankenstein head, the mallet, and the gummy body parts waiting inside, it has all the makings of a memorable Halloween party centerpiece.

The Ten Acre Gifts Monster Mash Chocolate Head is item #2056395, and you can use the Costco app or website to check availability at your local warehouse.

People are already having fun with the idea in the comments. @mediaqueen77 admitted, “I couldn’t bring myself to break it!” while @costco.love said, “My kids would love this!” Another commenter, @costcobayareafinds, summed it up: “This is so fun!!”

And that’s probably the best way to look at this oversized Costco find. It’s a lot of chocolate, a lot of gummies, and definitely more than anyone needs for an ordinary candy craving. But for a Halloween party where the dessert can double as the night’s entertainment, Frankenstein might just be worth inviting.

Ten years together. No ring. Sound familiar?

Seo Kang-joon and Ahn Eun-jin star in “A Love Other Than Yours” which hits KBS2 on September 12 and streams on Amazon Prime Video in more than 240 countries. He plays Namgoong Ho. She plays Lee Mi-do. They’ve been together a decade. He wants to propose. She’s quietly falling for someone else. Nobody’s said any of this out loud yet. That’s the entire show.

It premieres in ten days. Definitely worth clearing the calendar for.

What makes this one different from your average “will they won’t they” romance is the specific emotional situation it’s putting under a microscope. This isn’t two people falling in love. It’s two people who already did that — ten years ago — and now have to figure out if what they built together is still what they want.

Namgoong Ho is an assistant manager at a snack company. Warm. Steady. Ready for the next chapter. Lee Mi-do is a film director whose career’s hit a wall and who wasn’t expecting to develop feelings for anyone new. Those two situations — one person leaning in one person pulling back — create the kind of tension that doesn’t announce itself. It just quietly builds until something has to give.

Seo Kang-joon just came off the action comedy “Undercover High School” and Ahn Eun-jin was the lead in “Dynamite Kiss” on Netflix. Neither of them is a stranger to carrying a show. The interesting question here is whether they can make ten years of familiarity feel real on screen — not electric or new but genuinely lived-in. That’s harder to pull off than a first kiss.

Related: ‘Made in Korea’ Season 2, the Final Chapter of Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung’s KCIA Thriller, Hits Disney+ September 9

Then the new arrivals. Lee Joo-ahn plays Han Tae-seung a lawyer who becomes part of Mi-do’s life in ways neither of them planned. Jo Aram — who you might know from K-pop group Gugudan — plays Park Su-ah a younger colleague who quietly enters Namgoong Ho’s orbit. Neither character is there just to stir the pot. They’re mirrors. They show Namgoong Ho and Lee Mi-do things about themselves and each other that ten years of comfortable routine had kept safely out of view.

The Question Nobody Wants to Answer

Here’s the question the show is really asking. Not “will they get married?” That’s too simple. The real question is this: after ten years together is staying together an act of love or is it just the easier choice? Because those are very different things and most people in long-term relationships spend a lot of time not thinking about which one applies to them.

That question lands differently when it’s yours. And for a lot of people watching — whether they’re ten years in or two — it probably will be.

The show runs 14 episodes every Saturday and Sunday. It premieres on KBS2 on September 12 and streams on Amazon Prime Video the same day worldwide. The question’s been waiting ten years. Probably shouldn’t wait much longer.

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Shakira’s song, “Dai Dai,” has reached a major Billboard milestone, spending its 10th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.

Billboard shared the update on Instagram, noting that the FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem is still “running the world.” The song also holds the top spot on the Billboard Global 200 for a seventh week.

The latest result puts “Dai Dai” among a small group of songs that have ruled the Global Excl. U.S. chart for at least 10 weeks. Since the global charts began in September 2020, only seven songs have reached that mark.

Shakira performs during the SHAKIRA – Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour held at Intuit Dome on June 13, 2026 in Inglewood, California.

Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

The song first reached No. 1 on both global charts in July and has continued its strong run even more than a month after the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended.

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According to Luminate data for Aug. 21-27, “Dai Dai” recorded 36.7 million streams worldwide, down 9% from the previous week. It also sold 4,000 copies worldwide, a 15% weekly drop.

Outside the United States, the song collected 31.4 million streams and sold 3,000 copies during the same tracking period, per Billboard.

With 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, “Dai Dai” now joins an elite list of global hits.

HUNTR/X’s “Golden” currently holds the record with 20 weeks at No. 1. ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” follows with 19 weeks, while Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” has spent 17 weeks at the top.

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has reached 14 weeks, while Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” and Harry Styles’ “As It Was” each have 13 weeks.

“Dai Dai” is now seventh on that list with its 10-week run.

The song’s latest chart performance adds another milestone to Shakira’s long connection with the FIFA World Cup. She previously recorded “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” the official anthem for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

She also performed “Hips Don’t Lie” during the 2006 World Cup closing ceremony and “Dare (La La La)” at the 2014 World Cup closing ceremony.

For the 2026 tournament, Shakira teamed up with Nigerian singer Burna Boy for “Dai Dai.” The song was released as the official anthem of the competition, which was hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The song’s title and refrain use phrases from several languages. “Dai,” “ikou,” “dale,” “allez” and “let’s go” all serve the same basic purpose: encouraging listeners to move forward.

The song also includes references to famous soccer players, including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah.

While “Dai Dai” remained at the top, other artists also made major moves on the latest Billboard global charts.

Karol G’s “BbY WOW,” featuring Judeline and rusowsky, jumped from No. 37 to No. 5 on the Billboard Global 200. It also climbed from No. 41 to No. 10 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart.

The song’s worldwide streams increased by 45% to 26 million. The result gives Karol G her seventh top 10 on the Billboard Global 200 and her eighth on the Global Excl. U.S. chart. Judeline and rusowsky each earned their first top 10 placements on the two rankings.

The latest Billboard results also saw renewed interest in several songs by Dolly Parton following her Aug. 25 passing.

“Jolene” led Parton’s five songs entering the Billboard Global 200, debuting at No. 16 with 18.5 million streams and 20,000 sales worldwide.

“9 to 5” followed at No. 25, while “Islands in the Stream,” her collaboration with Kenny Rogers, reached No. 43. “I Will Always Love You” debuted at No. 55, and “Here You Come Again” entered at No. 133.

On the Global Excl. U.S. chart, “Jolene” reached No. 70, while “9 to 5” landed at No. 136 and “Islands in the Stream” at No. 141.

For Shakira and Burna Boy, the latest numbers give “Dai Dai” another major chapter in its World Cup run.

Related: Shakira Makes Announcement on Official World Cup Song

Kacey Musgraves had a special way to pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton by putting her own spin on one of the country star’s most beloved songs.

During her Middle of Nowhere Tour, the “I Remember Everything” hitmaker lit up Madison Square Garden by honoring the music legend not just with a heartfelt message but also with a notable performance.

Onstage, digital photos of Parton flashed across the large screen above the country-pop singer, as if bringing the country icon into the performance.

“I’m not over it, and I’m never gonna be over it,” the 38-year-old singer told the crowd, calling the “9 to 5” singer a “supernova of a person.” “The world definitely lost a light, and it’s hard for me to talk about. And I know how much Dolly meant to everybody also in this room. I think why it feels so dark is it’s already hard to navigate these times right now, and then we lose a matriarch like that. It’s the closest thing we’ve ever had to royalty.”

Dolly Parton and Kacey Musgraves perfom onstage during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Late in the main set, Musgraves performed her piano-driven ballad, “Rainbow,” drawing loud cheers from the crowd as they sang along to the beloved song.

The eight-time Grammy winner transitioned into her celebratory cover of Parton’s signature song, “9 to 5.”

Kacey Musgraves covers Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” at MSG during night 1 of the “Middle of Nowhere Tour.” pic.twitter.com/Kjn5YYIuxW

— Kacey Musgraves Access (@KaceyAccess) September 1, 2026

Her rendition of the 1980 song marked Musgraves’ first performance of “9 to 5” in more than four years, following her Star-Crossed: Unveiled Tour in 2022.

The country pop star would sing the Parton-penned theme song during the “Kacey Karaoke” segment.

Her performance of the 1980 song marked Musgraves’ first performance of “9 to 5” in four years, following her Star-Crossed: Unveiled Tour in 2022.

“9 to 5” was a special song for the Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, who passed away Aug. 25.

She personally wrote it for the 1980 film of the same name, in which she starred and made her acting debut.

Parton revealed an interesting story behind her inspiration for the song’s unique rhythm.

“I have acrylic fingernails and they make a great rhythm sound,” she shared in her famous 60 Minutes interview with Morley Safer in 2009 via Smooth Radio. “They sound almost like a typewriter.”

As for the lyrics, they resonate with working women by addressing the frustration of being undervalued and unrecognized in the workforce.

“They just use your mind and they never give you credit,” Parton explained, adding, “It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it.”

“9 to 5” was a career-defining moment for Parton, expanding her audience from music to film while also earning major achievements for the song.

The song reached the top spot on the Billboard Country chart and her first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Related: ’70s Rock Icon Shares Emotional Message After Dolly Parton’s Death: ‘We Will Miss Her’

Sara Bareilles knows the key to creating a radio-friendly hit is not trying to create a radio-friendly hit. Bareilles sat down for a revealing conversation on the Zach Sang Show, sharing how her 2007 hit “Love Song” was born out of the frustration that came with her record label encouraging her to write a hit. She did just that.

Working toward her major-label debut, Little Voice, in 2005, Sara Bareilles was feeling the pressure. Signed to Epic Records, the label encouraged her to write more commercially minded material. Bareilles knew that meant she needed to write a hit that would be popular on mainstream radio.

@zachsangshow

@thesarabareilles didn’t want to write a long song #sarabareilles #lovesong #songwriter #zachsangshow #fyp

♬ original sound – Zach Sang Show

The singer-songwriter tried just about everything to conjure up a hit, including trying to emulate songs she heard on the radio. But nothing felt authentic.

Finally, Bareilles decided to stop trying to create a hit. She went into a rehearsal space and began writing from a different point of view, this time writing for herself, not to impress her label.

That’s when “Love Song” came together.

Once she surrendered to the process of songwriting and not the result, Bareilles shared that “Love Song” “basically wrote itself.” The chorus and verse came quickly, and the song became a timeless anthem. And yes, a radio hit.

Bareilles wasn’t initially sitting down to write a rebellious anthem. She was trying to figure out how to give the record company what it wanted. She experimented with what she thought a radio song was supposed to sound like, but the more she tried to manufacture it, the further she got from herself.

Then she essentially got frustrated with her own approach and remembered who she was as a songwriter.

The song’s piano-driven melody and conversational lyrics came together quickly. Instead of writing the polished, generic pop song she thought the label wanted, she wrote about the very pressure she was experiencing.

The result was completely ironic—and a massive hit.

Related: 1976 Dolly Parton Performance Was the Rare Time She Sang on TV With Both Parents

“Love Song” Wasn’t Really a Love Song @postmabone

More good stuff from the #RedDressCollection because everyone should witness the beauty of @thesarabareilles and her iconic performance ♥️ #sarabareilles #lovesong #aha #americanheartassociation #heartmonth

♬ original sound – jude

The title itself is part of the joke.

“Love Song” implies a straightforward romantic ballad, but Bareilles was actually writing about her frustration with her record label and being pushed toward creating commercially viable hits. The tongue-in-cheek song was written as a response to the pressure she felt to write a hit.

The song was released in 2007 as the lead single from Little Voice. Though “Love Song” wasn’t an overnight success, it gradually built an audience. It was featured as an iTunes free single and in a Rhapsody commercial, both of which helped propel the song up the charts.

“Love Song” eventually reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 19 weeks in the Top 10. It also earned Bareilles two Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

“Love Song” Became the Hit She Wasn’t Trying to Write

But the song became much bigger than Bareilles initially intended. “Love Song” features an instantly recognizable piano melody, coupled with Bareilles’ expressive voice and lyrics that sound more like a conversation than a manufactured hit.

“Love Song” wasn’t just another 2007 radio hit. It was a song about refusing to make a hit—and, ironically, that somehow made it one of the era’s most memorable songs.

Related: Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt Delivered One of the Most Flawless Harmonies Ever Covering a Neil Young Classic

Following Casa Amor, Aniya Harvey was given the option to couple up with someone from Casa, most likely Carl Schmidt whom she had built a connection with, or take a chance at love and see whether her partner, Kuman “KC” Chandler, was returning single for her or with somebody else. Harvey decided to give love a chance and remain loyal to Chandler, only to have his heart broken when she returned with someone else. Now Harvey is reflecting on the life-changing moment and how the future has a way of working itself out.

Elle interviewed Harvey about her experience on the Peacock reality dating series, its highs and lows, and her life post-Villa.

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During the conversation, Harvey was asked about her decision to remain loyal to Chandler, and how it felt to watch him return to the Villa with someone else, as he brought Tierra “Titi” Davis back with him.

Harvey shared that she wasn’t hurt that he decided to bring someone back; rather, “it just hurts being vulnerable up there after having my doubts about who to pick.”

LOVE ISLAND USA — “Week 3 ” Episode TBD — Pictured: (l-r) Aniya Harvey, Kuman Dameon Chandler — (Photo by: Ben Symons/Peacock)

She explained that going into Casa, “KC and I were in a lot of arguments,” sharing that they had various ideas that they were not aligned on, “but I just have a really strong sense of loyalty.”

Harvey added that she was more upset with herself, “because I didn’t put myself first in that pivotal moment.” Still, it allowed her to have a different perspective, so she began looking at her remaining time in the Villa from the outlook of “‘I need to have more pride and be a strong woman in here. This opportunity is for myself.’”

Ultimately, the audience was allowed to send Carl back into the game, and allow Harvey the chance to rewrite history and explore their connection on a deeper level. This brought the two all the way to second place in the finale and has remained a strong bond for the pair.

Love Island USA Season 8 is streaming in full exclusively on Peacock.