Parade

There are certain food combinations that you see online and immediately know you need to try, and the viral blueberry grilled cheese was one of those for me.

I kept seeing versions of this sweet-and-savory sandwich pop up on social media, and all I could think was: Isn’t this basically all the goodness of a grazing table or charcuterie board, but stuffed between two pieces of buttery, toasted bread? Fruit and cheese? Check. Creamy Brie? Check. Something sweet and jammy? Check. Add crispy bread and suddenly we have lunch.

I found a version from TikTok creator @cookinwithmegg that paired blueberries with Brie and mozzarella, and I knew this was the one I wanted to try.

This also ended up being a really fun recipe to make with my kids. We made our own simple blueberry jam for the filling, which made the whole thing feel like more of a cooking project than just assembling sandwiches. They got to help turn fresh blueberries into jam and, maybe even more importantly, try a couple of cheeses they don’t normally reach for.

Once we had our blueberry mixture ready, we layered it with Brie and mozzarella, sandwiched everything between bread and grilled it until the outside was golden and crunchy and the cheeses were completely melted.

Was it messy? Absolutely. Was that potentially because I got a little overenthusiastic with the homemade blueberry jam? Also absolutely.

But this is one trending recipe I had to see to believe.

Related: 37 Perfect Peach Recipes for Summer, From Crisp to Cobbler and Everything in Between

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The Viral Trend: Why Put Blueberries in a Grilled Cheese?

Putting fruit in a grilled cheese isn’t that strange. Fruit and cheese have been paired together forever. We put strawberries and goat cheese in salads, apples and cheddar on cheese boards and figs alongside Brie on appetizer platters. So why not give that classic sweet-and-savory combination some main-meal energy? And that’s essentially what this recipe is all about.

Blueberries are a great fruit for this concept because they bring sweetness but also a little tartness, which helps cut through the richness of the cheese and butter. Brie is creamy, buttery and mild, so it doesn’t overpower the berries.

@cookinwithmegg

This thang was bussssinnnn lol #blueberrygrilledcheese #grilledcheese #sweetandsavory #food

♬ Superman x Hangin On XOsammy Mix – XOsammy

And if you love a sweet and savory grilled cheese trend, there are plenty of ways to play around with the combination. A drizzle of honey can make it sweeter, while balsamic adds acidity and depth. A blueberry balsamic grilled cheese with a sharp cheese would be especially good.

If you already happily put fruit preserves next to the cheese on a charcuterie board, you’re probably going to understand this sandwich immediately.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The Taste Test: I Tried the Blueberry Grilled Cheese

Spoiler: We will be making this again.

Our blueberry Brie grilled cheese was sweet, savory, buttery, crunchy and incredibly satisfying. The Brie and mozzarella became super melty, while the blueberry jam gave you that sweet-tart fruitiness in almost every bite.

It was also a little messy.

I am willing to accept some responsibility for that one because I may have gotten carried away with our delicious homemade blueberry jam. When you’re working with melted cheese and warm jam, a little restraint goes a long way if you’d like to keep everything inside the sandwich.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The biggest surprise for me was how much I liked the concept beyond this specific recipe. I don’t think I would necessarily make homemade blueberry jam every time. If I wanted this for a quick lunch, I’d happily pull whatever jam or preserves I already had in the refrigerator and experiment.

That might actually be my favorite takeaway from trying blueberry grilled cheese: Once you know the formula works, there are so many combinations you could make.

Related: 31 Types of Cheese To Add to Your Next Charcuterie Board

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The Best Cheeses To Pair With Blueberries

The original video called for Brie and mozzarella, so that’s what we used, and they worked really well together.

Brie is an obvious contender for the best cheese for blueberries because its creamy, buttery flavor is mild enough to let the fruit shine. Mozzarella doesn’t add a huge amount of flavor, but it gives you that stretchy, gooey cheese pull you want from a grilled cheese. Both are also great melting cheeses, so our sandwich cooked beautifully.

But I wouldn’t stop there. A sharp cheddar would be delicious with blueberries because you’d get an even bigger salty, sharp and sweet contrast. Goat cheese would be another natural pairing if you like a tangier flavor, although I’d combine it with a good melting cheese rather than use it alone.

The easiest way to think about it is the same way you’d build a cheese board: If you’d happily eat that cheese with fruit or preserves, there’s a pretty good chance it’ll work here.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

How To Make a Blueberry Grilled Cheese

To make a fruit grilled cheese, start with sturdy slices of bread that can hold up to both melted cheese and a juicy fruit filling.

For our version, we made a quick homemade blueberry jam by cooking down blueberries until they became soft, juicy and spreadable. If you want to simplify things, you could use prepared blueberry jam or preserves instead.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Slice the Brie thinly so it melts evenly. There’s no need to remove the rind unless you prefer it that way.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Layer Brie, a reasonable amount of blueberry jam and mozzarella between two slices of bread.

Butter the outsides of the bread, then place the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, keeping the heat relatively low so you don’t end up with beautifully toasted bread and cold cheese in the middle.

Pro tip: cover it with a lid so the cheese melts and your bread doesn’t burn.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Let it sit for a minute before cutting into it, especially if you ignored my advice and loaded yours up with blueberry jam like I did.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Then slice, embrace the inevitable cheese-and-blueberry pull and eat it while it’s warm.

This blueberry grilled cheese definitely earns a spot in the “sounds a little weird, tastes completely right” category of viral recipes. And next time I’m in the mood for my favorite sandwich, I’m raiding my jam drawer and seeing what other fruit-and-cheese combinations we can turn into a hot sandwich.

The blueberry grilled cheese is proof that sometimes the viral recipes that sound a little strange end up being the ones worth repeating.

Sweet, savory, buttery and perfectly melty, this one was a hit with all of us, and now that I know fruit absolutely belongs in grilled cheese, I’m already thinking about which jam-and-cheese combination we should try next.

Up Next:

Related: I Tried the Viral Bell Pepper Sandwich and It’s the Crunchy Lunch I Didn’t Know I Needed

Bill Maher is facing swift backlash after using his first “Real Time” monologue since Dolly Parton’s death to joke about her physical appearance rather than deliver a straightforward tribute.

Maher argued that coverage of Parton’s death had crowded out other major news stories this week, including catastrophic flooding in Nepal and President Trump’s trade war with Canada. He then pivoted into a joke referencing tributes lighting up landmarks around the world in Parton’s honor, noting the Santa Monica ferris wheel lit up with hearts and the Empire State Building glowing pink, before quipping, “The Sphere in Las Vegas added a nipple.”

The joke leaned on Parton’s own long-running humor about her figure. She’d spent decades making similar jokes herself, once saying her look had “served her well” over the years and joking that she’d had things “jacked up a bit” as time went on. During a 2014 performance at Glastonbury, she famously told the crowd, “My boobs are fake, my hair’s fake, but what is real is my voice” and her heart.

Critics were quick to argue that Maher’s version of the joke landed very differently coming from someone else, just days after her death, rather than from Parton poking fun at herself. Rosie O’Donnell reacted to the clip on Threads with a single word: “heartless.” The progressive outlet the Tennessee Holler was more direct, posting on X that Maher was “an absolute asshole.”

Other users online pointed out that even politically polarizing figures managed warmer tributes, with one writing, “Even Trump refused to be shitty about Dolly Parton in her passing,” referencing Trump’s own Truth Social post calling Parton irreplaceable, saying “there has never been anyone like her, and never will.”

As of now, Maher hasn’t publicly responded to the criticism or addressed the backlash beyond the original monologue itself.

The 2007 teen comedy Superbad is widely celebrated across the globe as a definitive cinematic hit, but behind the camera, the script was born entirely from pure teenage boredom. Today, major global film publications, mainstream critics, and casual audiences routinely rank the hilarious picture among the greatest comedy movies of all time. Yet, achieving that legendary status was never the original plan for its young creators, who originally began typing out the screenplay on home computers when they were just 13 years old.

Childhood best friends Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg first met in Bar Mitzvah classes while growing up in the city of Vancouver, Canada. After attending a local movie theater and sitting through a standard Hollywood film they absolutely hated, the eighth-grade classmates walked away completely convinced they could write something far better. They immediately retreated to a bedroom and began drafting a raw, highly fictional script based entirely on their own chaotic, upcoming high school misadventures.

To keep the writing process grounded in absolute reality, the boys famously named the two main characters after themselves. They spent consecutive years refining the dialogue, pulling raw, unfiltered inspiration from real-life classmates at Point Grey Secondary School. By the time they finally finished the project, the script perfectly captured the authentic, foul-mouthed anxiety of teenage friendship, creating a stark contrast to typical Hollywood teen tropes.

When the film finally made it to the big screen in August 2007, it became an instant global box office phenomenon. It grossed over $170 million worldwide and successfully launched the massive Hollywood A-list careers of Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and future Oscar-winner Emma Stone.

What started as an amateur creative outlet for two bored teenagers in Canada ultimately redefined a whole generation of comedy. Decades later, the movie remains an immortal pop-culture treasure, simply because a couple of ordinary kids wanted to beat a film they deeply despised.

Fall is nearly here, and while we’re all getting our last licks of summer in, it’s hard not to be excited about the festive season ahead. From harvest-inspired decor to autumnal scents and all the charming, nostalgic meals that come along with it, the months ahead offer plenty of opportunity for a good seasonal refresh and memorable gatherings alike.

Thankfully, Aldi already has you covered with a brand-new lineup of must-have fall Aldi Finds. Our favorite pick getting ready to hit shelves this week? The Crofton Fall Ceramic Pumpkin Butter Dish is a whimsical $8 kitchen upgrade that looks strikingly similar to a Le Creuset-style dish, which costs over nine times as much. 

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Crofton Fall Ceramic Pumpkin Butter Dish, $7.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Hitting stores starting Wednesday, Sept. 2, Aldi’s Crofton Fall Ceramic Pumpkin Butter Dish arrives alongside a particularly charming lineup of fall kitchen essentials, each offering an easy, stylish way to elevate your home for the season. Sporting a durable ceramic construction, the dish combines the classic shape of a traditional butter dish with the festive look of a pumpkin, complete with beautiful embossed detailing and a gold curved stem on the lid.

Ideal for bringing a little extra flair to your holiday tablescape or a splash of color to your kitchen counter, this charming $8 find can complement your existing themed decor or stand as a statement piece all on its own. And while it might be tempting to leave your butter in the fridge, with a dish such as this, you can always have a stick at room temperature, making it easier to butter your toast, add finishing touches to a pasta dish and more.

Related: Costco’s New Retro Appliance Is ‘So Cool,’ Shoppers Can’t Decide Which Color to Pick

Designer Appeal for Much Less

Where this dish really shines, however, is in its close resemblance to a Le Creuset style that retails for over nine times the price. Sure, the Le Creuset model features the brand’s classic Persimmon colorway, but its Aldi counterpart easily wins with its elegant embossing and beautiful gold stem. And just like the higher-priced model, the Crofton Fall Ceramic Pumpkin Butter Dish is also finished with a vibrant glaze inspired by the rich colors of fall.

At the moment, Aldi has yet to reveal its exact specs and care recommendations, though we can make some educated guesses based on similar models. Due to its ceramic construction, it might be dishwasher- and microwave-safe, giving you a little more versatility when using it in the kitchen. As for its size, dishes like it usually measure roughly 8.5 inches long, 5.5 inches wide and 3.75 inches tall.

If you’re already on the hunt for new items to bring your seasonal refresh to life, keep your eyes peeled this week for this stunning butter dish. While you’re there, you’ll also want to check out Aldi’s rustic Acacia Folding Breakfast Tray and moody Traditional Crystal Print Area Rug. 

Related: Hobby Lobby’s $7 Acacia Kitchen Staple Adds Farmhouse Charm to Halloween

Long before Dolly Parton became one of the most celebrated songwriters in American music, one country legend saw exactly where she was headed.

That legend was Skeeter Davis.

American country music singer-songwriter Skeeter Davis performing on stage, circa 1975. (Photo by Andrew Putler/Redferns/Getty Images)

In 1972, Davis released Skeeter Sings Dolly, an album devoted entirely to songs written by the then-26-year-old Parton. While the music itself showcased Dolly’s remarkable songwriting, it was Davis’ heartfelt liner notes that now read like a prophecy. 

“I can’t think of two girls who look more different than Dolly and I,” Davis wrote in the liner notes of the tribute album, according to a post shared to an Instagram account that honors Davis.

“Yet somehow, I feel there is some quality within our souls that is very much alike.”
She went on to explain why Dolly’s songs resonated so deeply with her.

View this post on Instagram

“It seems like some of Dolly’s songs were written just for me, or about me.”

Davis singled out several favorites from the album, including “In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad),” “Just the Way I Am,” and “Down from Dover.” Of the latter, she wrote:

“There is so much love in that song, and I have so much compassion for the girl — and so much understanding for her — that I feel it could be me.”

She also praised “Joshua,” writing that although many people saw the title character as mean, Dolly’s story revealed something else entirely.
“It is such a good song about a man who everybody thought was so mean, when all it took was an orphan girl who showed him love and made him smile — love was the answer!”

Then came the prediction that, more than five decades later, feels almost astonishing.
“I wanted to sing this tribute to Dolly so I could let you all know that I think she is destined to become a writer whose songs will be sung forever.”

Davis took it one step further.

“Her songs will live because they have soul — and Dolly, if it ain’t hurt you none, I think you’ll become a songwriting legend, just like Hank Williams.”

History proved her right.

Over the next five decades, Parton would write thousands of songs, earn dozens of Grammy Awards, and create enduring classics including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her songwriting became the foundation of one of the most influential careers in country music history, inspiring generations of artists across genres. 

Perhaps the most touching line in Davis’ tribute comes near the very end, where she thanked the young songwriter for something far more personal.

“I’m so proud to know you, and I think through your songs I even know myself a little better,” wrote Davis of Parton’s musical genius.

In the days following Parton’s death at age 80, Davis’ words have taken on new meaning. What sounded like admiration in 1972 now reads as one of country music’s most remarkable predictions, and one artist recognizing another’s greatness — long before the rest of the world did.

(Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage) Dolly Parton’s Favorite Parts of Dollywood and Imagination Library (6:35)

Beyond the Gates fans have an exciting episode ahead for this Monday, and Parade has your first look at all the drama that is going down on the CBS soap opera.

The soap released two first-look photos teasing the upcoming action.

Beyond The Gates on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured: Ashley Jones as Heather Armstrong, Daphnee Duplaix as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, Karla Mosley as Dani Dupree and Robert Christopher Riley as Carlton. Photo: CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Highest quality screengrab available.

The first photo showed Dr. Carlton (Robert Christopher Riley) catching up with his one-night stand, Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones), at the hospital, as Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) and her sister, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix), watched in the background. Is this the start of a new budding relationship in Fairmount Crest? Will Carlton continue to hook up with the Impaler? Or is this the end of their situationship?

Beyond The Gates on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured: Timon Kyle Durrett as Bill Hamilton and Marquita Goings as Hayley Lawson. Photo: CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Highest quality screengrab available.

The second photo shows Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) and his wife, Hayley Lawson Hamilton (Marquita Goings), having a tense conversation in their living room. Is Bill finally confronting his wife over her alleged relationship with Randy Parker (Maurice P. Kerry), and better yet, has he figured out that she is poisoning him? Viewers will have to stay tuned to find out.

Official Beyond the Gates Spoilers for Monday, August 31, 2026:

The official Beyond the Gates spoilers are teasing an exciting day in Fairmount Crest as Bill puts Hayley to the test.

Dani updates Nicole.

Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) doles out some unconventional advice to Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman).

Grayson Perez (Jordi Vilasuso) seeks Jacob’s (Jibrie Hordges) help.

Elon Hawthorne (Malachi Malik) gives Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom) the third degree.

Heather makes a bold move.

How To Watch Beyond the Gates?

New episodes of Beyond the Gates air weekdays on CBS, with episodes streaming weeknights on Paramount+.

Viewers can catch up on all the drama from the beginning of Beyond the Gates on Paramount+, Tubi, and streaming 24/7 on the Beyond the Gates FAST channel on Pluto.

Fifty-one years ago, Southern rock band The Outlaws released “Green Grass and High Tides,” a song that evolved into a country rock phenomenon for honoring past legends.

“Green Grass and High Tides” was released in July 1975 as a track from The Outlaws’ debut self-titled album. Although the song never charted because it was never issued as a commercial single, the parent album peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200.

Shortly after its arrival, “Green Grass and High Tides” began finding widespread popularity through radio play. Rock radio DJs fell in love with the track, spinning it religiously and paving the way for its future legacy as a country rock staple.

Lead guitarist Hughie Thomasson and guitarist Billy Jones of the southern rock band The Outlaws perform on opening night at The Agora Ballroom on August 17, 1978 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Tom Hill/Getty Images

Written by the band’s guitarist and vocalist Hughie Thomasson, “Green Grass and High Tides” serves as a tribute to all the fallen rock stars who died prematurely. Thomasson conceived the idea on the beach in the oldest city in America: St. Augustine, Florida.

In an interview, Thomasson reflected on how the seeds of the song were planted after a beach cookout.

“I wrote that song in Saint Augustine, Florida,” he recalled. “We went to a cookout on the beach and everybody forgot to bring their guitars. I was standing by the ocean and there was a breeze and the words kept coming to me. It’s about all the rock stars I liked that died had come back and were playing a show just for me. Like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison. And eventually more of course.”

Lines like “Lost faces say we adore you / As kings and queens bow and play for you” highlighted the rock ‘n’ roll luminaries who came before them. The song’s title pulled inspiration from The Rolling Stones’ 1966 compilation album Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass)—another nod to the legends who paved the way.

Over five decades after its release, “Green Grass and High Tides” remains a powerful landmark in the country rock and Southern rock genres. On Spotify alone, the nearly 10-minute epic has accumulated over 50 million streams, proving that a track doesn’t need a single release or chart placement to become a lasting sensation.

Related: 1971 Hit, Covered by Johnny Cash, Became One of the ‘Top Country Rock Songs’ of All Time

A recall has been issued for mangoes sold in several states because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, according to a recall announcement published by the Food and Drug Administration on August 29. 

Related: Highest-Level Recall Issued for Thousands of Pounds of Bacon, USDA Urges People ‘Not to Consume’ It

According to the recall published by the government agency, Panorama Produce out of Mamaroneck, New York, “is recalling 302 boxes of size 9 (nine) mangoes because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.” The recall continues, explaining that the fruit was sold in select Walmart stores in four states, including Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The mangoes were distributed in a Martina-branded case, and “the individual mangoes can be identified by a light blue sticker with the label Agrofepac, Produce of Mexico, and a PLU number of 4584 and UPC # 07503061948050.” 

Related: Recall Issued for Canned Soup Sold at Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons

FDA sampling found Salmonella in mangoes that were grown on the same farm as the recalled products, but notes that the mangoes where the Salmonella was found were not distributed into U.S. commerce. As of publication, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled mangoes. 

Consumers who purchased the affected mangoes are urged to either dispose of them or return them to their point of purchase, and anyone who believes they have become ill as a result of eating the mangoes should contact a healthcare provider. 

Related: Recall Issued for Heat-and-Serve Food, Dessert Sold at Kroger, Publix, Food Lion

According to the Mayo Clinic, Salmonella symptoms typically develop within eight to 72 hours after exposure and can include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and stomach cramps, and can last up to a week. In most cases, symptoms clear up on their own, but “life-threatening complications also may develop if the infection spreads beyond the intestines.”

If illness lasts more than a few days, is associated with high fever or bloody stools, and appears to be causing dehydration, a healthcare provider should be contacted if the affected person is a young child, an older adult, or has a weakened immune system. 

Next: Recall Issued for Blueberries, Mixed Berries Due to E. Coli Risk

When Whitney Houston recorded her unforgettable version of “I Will Always Love You,” she knew she was putting her own stamp on one of Dolly Parton‘s most beloved songs.
What she didn’t know was how Parton herself would feel about it.

In a 1993 interview with Rolling Stone, conducted after Houston’s version became a worldwide phenomenon following the release of The Bodyguard, the singer admitted there worried more about Parton’s reaction than any critic’s.

“I was so concerned when I sang her song how she’d feel about it,” Houston said. “In terms of the arrangement, my licks, my flavor.”
Houston explained that she wanted to honor Parton’s original while still making the song her own.

Her concerns disappeared after the two women spoke.

Recalling their conversation, Houston remembered Parton telling her:
“Whitney, I just want to tell you something. I’m just so honored that you did my song. I just don’t know what to tell you, girl.”

Houston responded with a compliment of her own.

“Well, Dolly, you wrote a beautiful song.”

According to Houston, Parton humbly brushed off the praise.
“Yeah, but it never did that well for me. It did well for you because you put all that stuff into it.”

Hearing those words from the song’s original writer meant everything to Houston.
“I think Dolly Parton is a hell of a writer and a hell of a singer,” she said. “When she said she was floored, that meant so much to me.”

Parton originally wrote and recorded “I Will Always Love You” in 1973 as a farewell to her longtime musical partner, Porter Wagoner. Nearly 20 years later, Houston transformed the song into a global phenomenon after recording it for the 1992 blockbuster The Bodyguard.
Houston’s version spent a then-record 14 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and helped introduce Parton’s songwriting to millions of listeners around the world.

The success also created a lasting bond between the two women.

Following Houston’s death in 2012, Parton reflected on hearing “I Will Always Love You” played throughout the week of Houston’s funeral.

“When they buried her and they lifted that coffin up and that song went into that, man, my heart just exploded,” Parton told Extra.

She added that the song had forever connected them.

“We would always be connected, and that song had meant so much to both of us for different reasons—and what it meant to the world.”

Costco’s fan-favorite Kirkland Signature brand just dropped some stylish and comfy women’s joggers that have shoppers raving. Fans love them for their flattering fit, price point and color range.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Women’s Ribbed Joggers retail for $16.99. These comfy joggers are the perfect athleisure staple, featuring a relaxed fit and a wide, flattering drawstring waistband that cinches you at the waist. What makes these joggers unique is the ribbed texture, which adds an elevated look. These versatile joggers are perfect for everything from treadmill runs to errands around town. Convenient slit pockets at the seams make them practical for everyday wear. You can toss your keys, phone or wallet in the pockets, making it easy to get out the door fast.

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Kirkland Signature Women’s Ribbed Jogger, $16.99 at Costco

Costco

Available in brown (pictured above), light blue and dark gray, these joggers come in inclusive sizes that range from XS to 3X. Note that XS, 2X and 3X are only available online, not in Costco warehouses.

Related: Aldi’s Chic 3-Drawer Storage Tower Is a Perfect Organizational Solution for Any Room

Shoppers love these joggers, giving them an average rating of 4.2 stars on Costco.com.

“Great fabric, colors. I had put these into my cart online, but they were in stock at Costco this morning. Couldn’t believe my luck. These will be my new ‘go-to’ pants for the year. I live in Texas, and these are perfect for all winter long. Well made, fits great. Others customers at checkout were asking where I found them. And when I went back people were buying multiple colors. I bought some of these this morning, and went back to get additional colors before they sell out. And they WILL sell out,” raved one fan in a five-star review on Costco’s website.

“Wow This most comfy outfit ever. Its more on lighter weight side, but it’s so soft and comfortable. It literally is like having nothing on. The blue color is gorgeous. Perfect outfit for going out, lounging or sleeping in it. I am going back for brown one now,” said another shopper in a five-star review on Costco.com.

You can find these chic Kirkland Signature joggers on Costco’s website and in select Costco warehouses.

Related: World Market’s Retro Hollywood Storage Cabinet Is Giving Glamorous Vintage Vibes

Nothing beats discovering a new snack that’s right up your alley. And if you shop at Costco, you already know that each week presents a new opportunity to discover something you wish you never had to live without.

This week’s must-try find? I-Mei Cream Puff Milk and Strawberry, a delightful bite-sized Taiwanese snack currently making the rounds to select warehouse locations nationwide for just $16.99. Perfect for school lunches, midday treats and late-night snacks alike, this sweet and creamy 12-pack is worth snatching up the second it pops up at your local.

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I-Mei Cream Puffs, $16.99 at Costco View this post on Instagram

Spotted by @costcofam4u and quickly shared online to spread the news, I-Mei Cream Puff’s Milk and Strawberry flavors are a newly available seasonal combo from a long line of fan-favorite bite-sized snacks. Featuring individually wrapped portions that make them easy to pack inside lunchboxes or enjoy while trying to keep your snacking habits in check, they’re the perfect treat to share with friends or keep all for yourself.

At $17 a pop, you get twelve 2.26-ounce packs per box, with an assortment of Milk and Strawberry flavors. As for their texture and taste, each cream puff features a light, airy puff pastry shell with a smooth, creamy filling hidden inside. The Milk flavor offers a rich, lightly sweet dairy taste, while the Strawberry flavor brings a fruity, delicately sweet cream filling, each making for a sweet way to enjoy as summer winds down.

Related: Sam’s Club’s $17 Mini Stoneware Set Earns a ’10/10′ for Fall Flair

At the moment, this flavorful variety is not yet available online, though Warehouse Runner reports that more than 250 stores nationwide have it in stock. And with fans calling them “delicious” in response to @costcofam4u‘s post, who calls them the perfect “little dessert” to eat “straight from the bag,” there’s plenty of reason to seek them out and stock up.

Whether you’re snacking on them as-is, along with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, or incorporating them into a larger spread with fresh fruit and other tropical sweets, these tasty bite-sized puffs are sure to hit the spot. And considering I-MEI is one of Taiwan’s most popular confectionery brands, you know you’re getting a quality snack that’s favored by people all across the globe. 

Snatch up a box as soon as you see them at your local, and while you’re there, check out Costco’s Pumpkin Bar Cake and Apple Cider Cake Donuts for more sweet treats to indulge in.

Related: Fast-Food Fans Have Spoken: This Chain Still Has America’s Best French Fries

Jenny Slatten needed only four words to convey how much life has changed since her ALS diagnosis.

When her husband, Sumit Singh, invited her to speak during a video update shared Sunday, August 30, the 90 Day Fiancé star responded, “No, I can’t talk.” In a four-part video series, Singh then explained that Slatten’s condition has continued to worsen, affecting her speech, strength and mobility.

How Has Jenny Slatten’s Health Changed? View this post on Instagram

“Unfortunately, the ALS is progressing and now it’s starting showing more in her talk,” Singh said. “Like it’s hard for her to talk now. And again, like a walk and maintain balance as well.”

Singh said Slatten is losing strength around her spine and neck, making it difficult to remain steady while walking. The couple said her symptoms began before she received an ALS diagnosis in December.

“Jenny is getting weaker and now I feel like this is the time when we will start using the equipments,” Singh said.

Singh hopes his wife can access more experienced ALS providers and a stronger support network in the United States. “I always keep my hopes high,” he said. “I always feel that America might have something better for Jenny and she can get at least a better support system.”

What Immigration Help Are Jenny and Sumit Seeking? View this post on Instagram

The couple intended to travel together, but Singh has not secured a U.S. visa. He said the setback is one reason Slatten remains in India.

Slatten does not want to leave without her husband. They fear her health could decline in America, preventing her from returning to India while Singh remains unable to join her. That possibility could separate them indefinitely.

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Singh also responded to suggestions that Slatten should return to her daughters and other relatives in America. He stressed that the couple is married and that her home and family are also with him in India.

Singh hopes an immigration attorney or specialist can help them find a solution.

The couple also established a GoFundMe as the cost of Slatten’s care and support needs increases. Singh asked viewers to spread awareness and connect them with someone familiar with the immigration process.

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“I’m trying to take care of her as much as I can and I don’t think anyone can do that better than me,” he said.

After meeting online in 2011, Slatten and Singh documented their long-distance romance on TLC’s 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way before tying the knot in India in August 2021.

Chris Martin, Gwyneth Paltrow, and power-couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé are just a handful of A-list names who have dined at world-renowned Zuma, which now counts 25 locations worldwide following its West Coast debut in San Diego, California.

Related: Iconic Actress Is Opening Her First-Ever Sit-Down Restaurant in California—and the Menu Has a Healthy Twist

While the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kitzbühel locations hold Michelin Guide recognition, its SoCal newcomer is too new to earn the same distinction — yet. With popular influencers, everyday diners, and food critics all raving, it’s as if you can picture the empty plates piling up.

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Tucked inside downtown San Diego’s storied Guild Hotel, Zuma feels somewhat removed from the usual Gaslamp bustle, serving as an upscale dining destination unto itself where sleek design meets a lively, see-and-be-seen atmosphere — and that’s before the food and artfully crafted cocktails arrive, including 40 types of sake. Sadly, there’s no happy hour, though.

Better yet, the newly buzzing eatery lies just outside downtown San Diego’s new event parking spike during Petco Park concerts and Padres games, so you won’t have to pay extra for street parking north of Broadway.

Sam Sears

Zuma is a Japanese izakaya on steroids, its menu designed for sharing with smaller plates meant to be mixed and matched.

You can begin your feast with crispy, decadent calamari with a serrano pepper and lime kick and a game of shishito pepper roulette, because you know there’s always a hot one.

Related: Babe Ruth’s Favorite Meal Is Still Served Nearly 100 Years Later at ‘Florida’s Oldest Restaurant’

Next up is a smorgasbord of tempting dishes, including one signature staple that’s been on the menu since Zuma’s inception — miso-marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaf.

While interviewing fellow patrons about their first taste of Zuma, this one emerged as the clear favorite, followed closely by the Wagyu skirt steak with shiso sauce.

Sam Sears

Then there’s dessert (if you still have room). The Zuma Deluxe Dessert Platter is a sinful monstrosity of fresh fruit, ice creams and sorbets piled high in a towering spread made for the whole table.

Just a few weeks into its run, Zuma’s early growing pains, at least according to Google Reviews, appear largely limited to service and management, while recent diners have been glowing about what’s coming out of the kitchen.

Related: Jeff Daniels Opens New Restaurant and Music Venue After Favorite Sandwich Goes Viral

“The food was outstanding,” one recent diner wrote. “Every dish we tried was beautifully presented, full of flavor, and clearly prepared with a lot of attention to detail. I also really appreciated the vegetarian options, which made it easy for both of us to have an equally great dining experience.”

Sam Sears

Zuma is slated to open 5 more locations in the near future:

• Saint-Barth
• Niseko, Japan — winter pop-up
• Cabo, Mexico
• Zuma Beach House, Dubai, UAE — opening in 2027
• Milan, Italy — opening in 2027

Ina Garten has written bestselling cookbooks, become a Food Network favorite, and shared a loving marriage with Jeffrey Garten for decades. But despite her many public accomplishments, curiosity has long lingered around one private decision: her choice not to have children.

Motherhood was never part of that picture, and the beloved celebrity chef does not wish it had been. Garten, 78, whose career spans cookbook publishing, television hosting, and culinary entrepreneurship, recently reflected on her decision not to have children, saying she never felt drawn to parenthood and has no regrets about the life she chose.

What Did Ina Garten Say About Not Having Children? Ina Garten speaks onstage during the 28th Annual Webby Awards at Cipriani Wall Street.

(Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for The Webby Awards)

“I think it would have been much harder,” Garten told The New York Times. “I’ve never looked back on the decision and thought, I should have done it differently. I understand how my friends have wonderful families, and they really enjoy being parents, but it’s just not something I ever wanted to do.”

Her answer left little room for regret. “I’m really happy that I didn’t,” she said.

When Did Ina Garten Make the Decision?

Garten discussed the subject during a 2017 conversation with former Today co-host Katie Couric, saying the choice came early. “We decided not to have children,” Garten said. “I really appreciate that other people do, and we will always have friends that have children that we are close to, but it was a choice I made very early.”

Be Ready When the Luck Happens author added, “I really felt, I feel, that I would have never been able to have the life I’ve had [with children].”

Garten offered more insight into that choice during an interview with Hoda Kotb on Today in October 2024. She explained that her difficult childhood shaped the way she once viewed family life.

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“When I got married, I just thought I would be the wife and we would have children and we would have a traditional relationship,” Garten said.

“In my 20s, I kind of resisted having children. I was like, why would I want to re-create that nightmare that I just came from? And I thought that’s what life at home with children would be. (It) never occurred to me that other people’s lives were different because that was my experience.”

How Did Ina Garten Build Her Career?

At 30, Garten left her government job after spotting a classified advertisement for a specialty food store in Westhampton Beach, New York, according to Business Insider. She bought the business, called Barefoot Contessa, despite having no professional food-industry experience.

Garten made the store’s name synonymous with her relaxed approach to cooking and entertaining. She sold the business in 1996 and turned her attention to cookbooks and television, as per Today.

What Is Ina Garten Known for Today?

The Barefoot Contessa name followed Garten into her next chapter. She published more than a dozen cookbooks and became a Food Network favorite through Barefoot Contessa and Be My Guest With Ina Garten.

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Her husband, Jeffrey Garten, has remained a familiar presence throughout her public life. The couple married in 1968.

Fans around the world marked what would have been Michael Jackson’s 68th birthday over the weekend, but Naomi Campbell reached into her archives for a tribute few could forget.

The supermodel honored the late music legend by sharing black-and-white photos from their steamy 1992 music video for “In the Closet.” The throwbacks showed the pair dancing, laughing, and standing nearly face to face against the video’s stark desert backdrop.

Over three decades after Campbell starred opposite the King of Pop, the images brought their unmistakable on-screen chemistry back into focus and sent nostalgic fans rushing to the comments.

What Did Naomi Campbell Say About Michael Jackson? View this post on Instagram

Campbell posted the tribute on Instagram over the weekend, pairing the photographs with a message celebrating Jackson’s lasting presence.

“Your spirit is stronger now than it ever was ?HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY @michaeljackson #KINGOFPOP #MICHAELJACKSON , STILL RULING !! Forever in my /our heart ❤️🎂❤️🎂❤️🎂❤️🎂,” she wrote.

Jackson was born on August 29, 1958. He died on June 25, 2009, at age 50.

Why Did Their Music Video Become So Memorable?

Campbell appeared as Jackson’s leading lady in “In the Closet,” a single from his 1991 album, Dangerous. Released in 1992, the Herb Ritts-directed video placed the stars together against a sunbaked backdrop. Their close dancing and playful chemistry gave the video an intensity that remains striking 34 years later.

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The British supermodel remembered Jackson as “amazing” and a perfectionist who knew exactly what he wanted on camera in a YouTube video in 2019. “We just had so many laughs. We were like kids,” she said.

Campbell revisited the memorable shoot during an appearance on Lil Wayne’s Young Money Radio in July 2020.

She recalled receiving her first phone call from Jackson while she was committed to 30 fashion shows in Paris. “When Michael actually called me I said to Michael, ‘Thank you so much but I can’t do your video because I’ve got 30 shows to do in Paris, and I’ve made my commitment and I can’t cancel them.’

And then Michael said, ‘Well, I’ll pay out the shows so you can come and do the video,’” Campbell said.

How Did Fans Respond to the Throwback?

The post struck a chord with longtime fans who remembered watching the video decades ago. “This is iconic. They don’t make music, they don’t make music videos, like this anymore 🎶 I remember watching this in my youth and appreciating the creativity & drama and knew I had to work as a creativity ❤️👏,” one fan wrote.

Another follower traced the video back to her own childhood overseas. “‘In the Closet’ was my very first favorite music video. 🥹❤️ I watched it endlessly on our VHS player some 35 years ago in the Philippines. It’s amazing how a music video can transport you right back to childhood. Michael and Naomi were simply unforgettable. 🕊️❤️,” she wrote.

A third commenter praised the project itself. “Absolutely STUNNING. One of the best short movies he did. What an honour to have been asked by him to do this, whatever the cost 🖤,” the fan shared.

Others focused on the two stars together. “Your one of the luckiest gurl and you both are so gorgeous,” one person added. “This whole collab screams chemistry,” another wrote. “This is the most beautiful music video ever made. You both were STUNNING!” a fourth added.

One more summed up the lasting appeal of the pairing. “Hottest video in history. Naomi is a goddess 🙌” the fan wrote.

Their connection continued after the cameras stopped rolling. Campbell and Jackson remained friends until his death in 2009. The project also became part of Campbell’s varied music video history. She appeared in Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” as a child and later joined Culture Club for “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya” and George Michael for “Freedom! ’90.”

Blade Runner star Joanna Cassidy just shared a photo with her handsome tattooed son.

The actress, 81, who kicked off her career in the ’70s but rose to superstardom playing replicant Zhora Salome in the iconic 1982 science fiction flick Blade Runner, became a staple of the decade with roles in films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead. Never one to slow down, Cassidy’s successful acting career continues in 2026, and she’s looking better than ever with a full head of white hair. But the star took a break from acting to snap a photo with her handsome son, who showed off tattoos on his bicep. Now that’s one good-looking family!

“My gorgeous son!!!!! I’m proud to be his Mom!!!! #moms #sons #love,” Cassidy captioned the photo.

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Cassidy Rocked White Hair and a Miniskirt

Cassidy and her boyfriend, Alan Hamel, recently looked great for a night out on the town. Cassidy sported a miniskirt as the dynamic duo headed to a concert for the night. With her white hair in a shaggy ‘do, Cassidy looked every bit the rock star.

“My hot date and I went to see the KINGS OF CHAOS last night put together by the king himself Matt Soren!!!! Headlining Ritchie Sambora with these incredible rockers, @Glenhughes @Keithcronin @stevestevens @jackblades and @philx1111 of Bon Jovi. Yay what a night!!!!” Cassidy captioned the photo.

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Earlier this year, Cassidy opened up about dating Hamel, who is the widower of actress Suzanne Somers. During an appearance on the Still Here Podcast with Steve Kmetko, Cassidy got candid about the new relationship.

“Well, I am dating someone. Actually, he’s a widow, and it’s really interesting because I didn’t date for a long time. I just, honestly, I don’t know, it just didn’t enter my life, and Lord knows I’m out there,” Cassidy shared.

Hesitant to answer Kmetko’s requests to identify her new boyfriend, Cassidy eventually answered.

“Well, his name is Alan Hamel, who was married to Suzanne Somers for many years,” she shared.

To check out Cassidy’s full interview, watch below:

Related: ‘Blade Runner’ Star Joanna Cassidy, 80, and Her Daughter, Naomi, Are Like Seeing Double

Mariah Carey is still the undisputed queen of Christmas music, but her most beloved holiday tune, 1994’s “All I Want For Christmas is You,” is in serious jeopardy of losing its spot as the “biggest song of all time.”

Marissa Moss, a senior writer at Rolling Stone, told Vox’s Today, Explained podcast that Ella Langley‘s smash country hit of the summer, “Choosin’ Texas,” is just weeks away from dethroning Carey’s holiday hit — an incredible feat that Moss said she could have “never predicted.”

Langley, 27, is a relative newcomer to the country scene; in 2024, she released her debut album, Hungover, featuring her hit duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me.” Her 2026 sophomore album, Dandelion, debuted in the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 200 chart and “Choosin’ Texas” was its first single, released in October 2025.

Langley co-wrote “Choosin’ Texas” with country superstar Miranda Lambert in just 30 minutes, per Country Living. August 29 marked its 19th week topping Billboard’s Hot 100, joining Lil Nas X‘s “Old Town Road” with Billy Ray Cyrus and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which were tied for second-longest reign atop the chart.

Will Ella Langley Take Over Mariah Carey’s Longtime Record?

Moss said on Today, Explained it’s highly likely Langley’s hit has the staying power to “blow by Mariah Carey” and her long-held record.

“Of course you get a boost every time Christmas comes around,” Moss said, “but we’re a little ways off from Mariah Carey declaring once and for all that it’s Christmas season. So I think Ella has plenty of time to catch up. And it could be the biggest song of all time, which is crazy.”

Ella Langley performs onstage at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest 2026 day one on June 4, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Terry Wyatt/WireImage

Moss also noted that in addition to getting close to breaking Carey’s longtime record, Langley is giving hope to female country music artists. Less than 10 percent of songs played on country radio are by women, she said, so Langley’s success gives her hope that “it’s going to help influence people in Nashville to sign more women, platform more women, do all of those things to try to sort of flip this longstanding sexism that has existed in Nashville.”

We often think so much about what to make for dinner. Dino nuggets (again)? Should I “hide the broccoli” in a pile of cheese? Should I just do what the French do and give kids what I’m having and insist they at least try it? Listen, food is important, and we’re not going to solve any of the above today. But Dr. Amy Todey, Ph.D.—a psychologist who specializes in parenting and co-parenting—encourages parents to think about dinner as so much more than the food.

“It’s one of the most natural places to build connection,” she tells Parade.

You can also use family dinners to build emotional intelligence. But you’ll need to understand how to get kids to talk at the dinner table.

“Children don’t develop emotional intelligence through lectures,” the psychologist shares. “They develop it through conversations. Every time we ask about their day, listen without rushing to fix the problem and make space for both happy and difficult emotions, we’re helping them better understand themselves and other people.”

Over time, she says these small moments teach kids how to recognize their emotions, describe their experiences, view things from another person’s perspective and learn that all feelings are safe to bring home.

Yet, you may just get a whole lot of “fine”—or just grunting—when you ask kids how their days went. Not to put more on your plate, but it’s helpful to know some of the best dinner table questions for kids. And three child psychologists agree that one specific question is the best to ask your children at dinner. They also share more child psychology communication tips ahead.

Related: The 13 Things Schoolteachers Absolutely Wish All Parents Knew

The Unanimous Dinner Conversation Winner: ‘What Was Your Rose and Thorn Today?’

According to three child psychologists, the rose-and-thorn conversation starter is the best question to ask kids about their day because it’s open-ended.

By discussing the rose (best) and the thorn (worst), kids can reflect on the highs and lows of the day and build emotional intelligence at dinner.

Related: The One Emotional Skill Psychologists Say Parents and Grandparents Should Teach Before Age 7

The Psychology of the ‘Thorn’: Why Kids Need To Discuss the Bad

It may feel uncomfortable to discuss the highs and lows of the day, but child psychologists agree that there are so many benefits for parents and kids when we name the “bad.”

“These conversations also help build emotional intelligence because children learn to identify, label and reflect on their emotions,” states Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist. “When parents model talking about both positive and difficult experiences, kids begin to understand that all emotions are normal and that feelings can be talked through rather than avoided.”

Dr. Todey adds that talking about a thorn can make hard feelings, like sadness, anger and embarrassment, less scary. As a result, they can start to understand that they don’t have to “hide” uncomfortable emotions.

“When adults can listen without panicking or immediately trying to fix everything, children learn that uncomfortable emotions are manageable and temporary,” she shares. “It also teaches resilience rather than avoidance. As parents, it’s natural to want to protect our children from difficult feelings.

But Dr. Todey emphasizes that resilience isn’t built by avoiding hard moments.

“It’s built when children experience something difficult, talk it through with someone they trust, and discover that difficult feelings don’t last forever,” she notes. “Every thorn becomes an opportunity to learn: ‘Hard days happen. I can get through them. I don’t have to go through this alone.'”

Which tees up what she believes is the most “powerful lesson hidden inside the thorn.” And it’s not problem-solving.

“It’s about belonging,” she states. “Children learn they don’t have to earn love by being happy, successful or having a perfect day. When families consistently make space for the full range of emotions, children begin to believe something incredibly important: ‘There is nothing I could feel today that would make me less welcome at this table.'”

It gives children emotional safety that can protect them throughout their lives. Also, it gives parents useful information.

“A child’s ‘thorn’ may reveal friendship problems, school struggles, bullying or worries that would not come up through general questions,” says Caitlin Slavens, BAACS, MC, R Psych, a registered psychologist. “These conversations help parents observe patterns and decide when a child needs support, while still giving the child room to work through everyday difficulties.”

Related: We Asked 3 Child Psychologists What Outdoor Activity Is Best for Kids—They All Said the Same Thing

The ‘How Was School?’ Trap: Why Broad Questions Backfire

Dr. Todey explains that parents ask “How was school?” out of genuine care and curiosity. Yet, they often get frustrating answers, like, “Fine,” “Good,” or “I don’t know.”

“The problem isn’t that children don’t want to talk,” she notes. “The question is simply too broad.”

For one thing, Slavens shares that “school” is a broad subject, covering several hours, dozens of interactions and many different emotions.

“That is a lot for a child to sort through on the spot, so ‘fine’ or ‘good’ is often the easiest answer,” she says.

It’s worth getting specific when coming up with alternatives to “How was school?”

“More specific questions give their brain somewhere to begin, such as, ‘What made you laugh today?’ or ‘Was there a part of the day that was hard?'” she suggests.

Related: Parents Often Rush This Part of Bedtime—but Child Psychologists Say It’s the Most Important

Open-Ended vs. Closed-Ended: The Dinner Table Difference

Child psychologists are fans of open-ended questions for kids as alternatives to “How was school?” But what’s the difference between closed-ended questions and open-ended questions?

“Closed-ended questions usually have one short answer,” Dr. Todey tells Parade. “Open-ended questions invite children to reflect.”

Examples of closed-ended questions for kids

• Did you have a good day?
• Was math hard?
• Did you finish your homework?

“They’re useful for gathering information, but they rarely spark conversation,” Dr. Todey explains.

Examples of open-ended questions for kids

• What surprised you today?
• Tell me about your favorite part of the day.
• What felt challenging today?
• What made you proud?
• If you could relive one part of today, what would it be?

“Open-ended questions communicate something powerful: ‘I’m interested not just in what happened—but in how you experienced it,'” Dr. Todey states. “Feeling understood is one of the deepest forms of belonging. When children believe someone is genuinely curious about their inner world, they’re far more likely to keep sharing it.”

Related: This 1990s Backyard Game Still Teaches Kids Teamwork Better Than Most Apps

How To Adapt the ‘Rose and Thorn’ for Toddlers vs. Teens

The rose-and-thorn conversation starter is a great way to get kids talking at dinner, but you’ll want to make it age-appropriate. Below, you’ll find child psychology communication tips for how to discuss the highs and lows of the day in ways your kiddo can understand.

1. Toddlers and kids in Pre-K (ages 2–5)

Slavens says that specific questions are helpful for littler ones. Think: “What made you happy today?” and “Was anything hard or made you feel mad?”

“Young children may need more help or prompting, as remembering specifics throughout a whole day may be too much to remember,” she explains. “Parents can go first and share a simple answer, or use pictures of a rose and a thorn so the child has something visual to point to.”

Related: How To Validate Someone’s Feelings, According to a Clinical Psychologist

2. School-aged children (ages 6-11)

Dr. Schiff said that school-aged kids are ready to explain why something was their rose or thorn.

“Parents can follow up with questions like, ‘What made that your favorite part?’ or ‘What do you think you could do differently next time?'” she suggests. “This is also a great age to encourage problem-solving without immediately jumping in to solve every problem.”

Like adults, sometimes school-aged kids want someone to listen to them before they start coming up with fixes, Dr. Schiff says.

3. Tweens and teens (ages 12+)

It’s natural for teens and tweens to seek more independence, Dr. Todey says.

“The goal isn’t to make dinner feel like an interview—it’s to keep it feeling like a safe place to land,” she explains.

She recommends inviting everyone at the table (parents, grandparents and other adults included) to share their roses and thorns.

“When adults model vulnerability, teens are much more likely to do the same,” she shares. “As children grow, what matters most isn’t getting every detail about their day. It’s preserving the relationship. When teenagers know they’ll be met with curiosity instead of judgment, they’re far more likely to keep bringing the important parts of their lives home.”

And in a world that loves to pull families in multiple directions?

“That may be one of the greatest gifts a simple dinner conversation can offer,” Dr. Todey says.

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 4 Child Psychologists What Parenting Style Is Best—They All Said the Same Thing

Sources:

•  Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., licensed clinical psychologist
• Dr. Amy Todey, Ph.D., psychologist
• Caitlin Slavens, BAACS, MC, R Psych, registered psychologist and the clinic owner and co-founder of Cradles to Couples
  

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If you’re like me, then you probably spent over six hours searching for the right couch, only to find options that were too pricey, too big, or not functional. This is why a lot of shoppers on the internet have turned to cloud couches. The internet-viral sectionals have been an online phenomenon for their affordable prices, comfy cloud-like designs, and easy assembly. Thanks to Amazon’s early Labor day sale, you can now take home your very own cloud couch at a fraction of the cost, with the Grusign Boneless Cloud Couch. It’s now 25% off at Amazon ahead of fall.

@fyimaylin

my favorite purchase of 2026 🫶🏼 #couch #cloudcouch #home #furniture #CapCut

♬ In My Room – Remastered – The Beach Boys

The sectional originally cost $400, but has been reduced to $300 in the striped gray hue during a limited-time deal. Over 500 Amazon customers have already purchased this piece in the last month, and it’s marked as Amazon’s Choice, so it’s selling fast. Make sure to grab yours in three other classic colors: black, white, and just gray (no textured stripes). These remaining hues are on sale for $360. 

Grusign Boneless Cloud Couch, From $300 (was $400) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The discount that we’re referring to is on the 96-inch L-shaped couch with a right-facing chaise. There are six other sizes to choose from, with the maximum size being 107 inches. You can decide which side you want the chaise on or if you want a sofa bed style instead, just note that prices vary (the maximum price is on the sofa bed for $600). You can also purchase a singular ottoman, as it’s currently on sale for as low as $72 in the beige color. 

The polyester couch is 61 inches long and 26.49 inches tall, so a good rule of thumb is to use painters tape to mark exactly where the sectional is going to be and see if it fits. This “beautiful” style has received a lot of attention because there’s no assembly required. All you have to do is wait 38 to 48 hours for the pieces to fully expand, and puff it up with your hands as needed (like when you’re fluffing up pillows). 

The modular sofa comes in two boxes, which is perfect for those who are placing the furniture above the first floor. Aside from its movability, we think that the best feature is the removable corduroy covers on the cushions. According to one shopper, they’re not necessarily washable, but you can take them off and wipe them with a damp cloth after unexpected food and beverage spills. 

 Just like its name suggests, shoppers confirm the couch is indeed “so soft and comfy,” and most importantly, “perfect for napping.” Other customers said that the “stylish” sectional sofa allows for multiple configurations, is “lightweight” and “easy to move,” and is “very comfortable” for movie nights. More specifically, the sectional is made of  “good-quality” memory foam that provides support during long sitting periods. 

Shop More Deals 

• Pokini Ceramic 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, $49 (was $70) at Amazon
• Vatros Counter Height Bar Stools, $170 (was $250) at Amazon
• SnugNiture Raised Garden Bed, $36 (was $51) at Amazon

If you’re in desperate need of a comfy modern couch but don’t want to break the bank, then this cloud-like sectional is the perfect option. Plus, you won’t have to wait months for it to arrive at your doorstep like so many other luxury couch brands. Shop this Amazon furniture find now, while it’s $100 off! 

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

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Rupert Holmes might be best known for singing about a certain rum-spiked cocktail. But it’s the story behind “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” that’s even more intoxicating, and considerably more complicated than its breezy yacht rock sound suggests.

Released in August 1979 on Holmes’ fifth studio album, Partners in Crime, “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” was issued as a single that September and entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 85 in October. It cracked the Top 40 the following month and reached the pinnacle on Dec. 22, 1979, ending Styx’s two-week run with “Babe.” But here’s where things get even more interesting.

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Following a three-week stay in the top spot, KC and The Sunshine Band’s “Please Don’t Go” came along and booted Holmes’ party anthem from the peak for a temporary one-week victory. On Jan. 12, 1980, the beachy hit reclaimed its spot at the top for another week, before Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” took over for a solid month.

In the end, Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” made Billboard history as the final No. 1 song of the 1970s, the first song to hit No. 1 in two different decades, and the only single to hold the No. 1 position in both 1979 and 1980. Not bad for a story song about personal ads and parasol-topped frozen drinks.

“Sometimes I look at personal columns to get ideas for songs because people fascinate me,” Holmes told Songfacts, adding that a woman’s ad looking for love caught his attention. “I thought to myself, What would happen if I answered this ad? and I thought, with my stupid luck, I would answer the ad and find out it had been placed by the woman I was living with, never realizing that she was bored with me. The story took hold of my mind.”

The song then took on a life of its own: A man bored with his relationship answers a personal ad. The woman he’s meeting turns out to be his current partner. They both realize they’ve been looking for something new and decide the relationship itself was what they were missing. It’s an entire season of Melrose Place wrapped up in a single four-and-a-half-minute tune.

Holmes titled his song “Escape.” However, the label wanted something easier to identify, so they added the infamous parenthetical. Initially, Holmes wasn’t thrilled about it but has since given up the fight.

“‘The Piña Colada Song’ is technically called ‘Escape,’ although even I have long since given up referring to it as that,” he said. “It’s my most successful song and probably the least typical of my work.”

With its smooth vocals, polished studio production, soft rock groove, and sun-soaked imagery, “Escape” not only became Holmes’ biggest song, but has since become a staple of the yacht rock canon. Not to mention found itself on the soundtracks of classic blockbusters including Shrek and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Related: 1976 Hit, Featured in James Gunn’s Marvel Debut, Became One of Classic Rock’s Greatest Movie Moments

Before his breakout hit, Holmes, born David Goldstein, worked behind the scenes as a session player, songwriter, arranger, and record producer. As a member of the Street People, he had a single, “Jennifer Tomkins,” crack the Top 40 in 1970. He also wrote “Timothy,” a 1971 Top 20 hit for the band The Buoys, but neither brought the success Holmes saw years later.

Riding the momentum of his dual-decade chart-topper, Holmes enjoyed a string of career highs. Life after “Escape” included winning three Tony Awards for his musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood in 1986, which made him the first in Broadway history to solely win a Tony as an author, composer, and lyricist. He also won an Emmy Award for his series Remember WENN in 1996, and his crime novel Where the Truth Lies was adapted into a major motion picture in 2005.

For all the chapters in Holmes’s storied career, the world still knows him best for the soft-rock bop about a couple, their journey back to each other, and the island slushie that helped them see their glasses as half full.

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