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Amazon's Modern Minimalist Nightstand Set With Built-In Storage Bins Is a Steal at Just $27

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 7:00am

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You can’t underestimate the value of storage space. When it’s scarce in your home, a set of nightstands can be a true game-changer. Don’t be fooled by the name, either — this type of table can be such a workhorse even outside the bedroom, especially when it’s as meticulously designed as the Furinno Tidur Nightstand Set.

This duo adds a hint of subtle modern minimalist style to your space while also providing both shelf and drawer space for miscellaneous items. Right now you can snag the French oak color on sale at Amazon for just $27, down 10% from its usual $30. It’s an amazing deal for two pieces that you can just as easily use in the home office as in the master bedroom! Other hues are also available, including a $29 white, $30 espresso, and $37 dark brown.

Furinno Tidur Nightstand Set, From $27 (was $30) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Standing 17.5 inches tall by 15.6 inches wide by 15.6 inches deep, they’re made from handsome composite wood that looks just like the real thing. Despite being compact, they’re spacious enough to support up to 30 pounds between their top shelves, open middle shelves, and deep fabric bin drawers. The practical design makes them an especially good fit for a small bedroom, a spot by your desk, or even as end tables in the living room.

Because the nightstands are so multifunctional, they can even function as display tables in the entryway or a hallway. Use them to hold a small stack of books, to showcase some flowers, or as a catchall for everyday odds and ends. If you typically lose track of keys, umbrellas, glasses, and other assorted items, these tables can really help you stay organized.

One shopper mentioned how “cute” they are, adding that she used them as a bench for her pets to enjoy under the window. Another perk is the straightforward assembly process. The tables are designed to be put together in as little as 15 minutes. Once complete, you’ll have a pair of tables that are light enough at 11 pounds each to position virtually anywhere in the home.

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Related: Amazon’s $25 S-Shaped End Table Adds Extra Storage While Making Any Room Look ‘Fancier’

If your home could benefit from some added organization or you just love the look of its sleek, minimalist design, now is a great time to pick up the Furinno Tidur Nightstand Set. Snag it while it’s on sale in your preferred color at Amazon!

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.

Heavy Metal Band From L.A. Announces Fall U.S. Tour Ahead of Upcoming Album ‘Nightbloom’

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 7:00am

Butcher Babies, the 2010s heavy metal band, has announced an interesting update to its upcoming U.S. tour.

Amid their multi-city run as the supporting act for Chad Gray’s 30 Years of Madness U.S. Tour, the quartet, composed of lead vocalist Heidi Shepherd, guitarist Henry Flury, drummer Dave Nickles and Sean Violet on bass, is expanding its live schedule with a headlining tour this fall.

In an Instagram post, the band unveiled a seven-date trek scheduled for this October.

The Los Angeles-based band will be traveling across Arizona, Texas, Florida, Tennessee and Colorado for a one-night performance in each state and is also set for two shows in Oklahoma.

Heidi Shepherd of Butcher Babies performs onstage during a concert at O2 Academy Islington in 2026.

Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns

“More cities. More MUSIC. More opportunities for us to experience the show with you!” the caption reads.

The upcoming headlining tour is in support of their soon-to-be-released album Nightbloom.

The sixth album is their first record in three years, following the double album Eye for an Eye and ‘Til the World’s Blind in 2023.

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According to the frontwoman, the album, which will be released on Oct. 2, will be a special one for her as it represents “blooming” from her “darkest moment.”

“A couple of years ago, I found myself in a web of darkness that I couldn’t shake,” Shepherd shared as cited by Distorted Sound Magazine. “A vicious cycle of self-loathing and doubt, all while my support system did everything in their power to remind me of who I am. I desperately wanted to see in myself what they saw in me. I needed a way to look in the mirror and find love for who was looking back at me. So, I shut off social media, and for the first time in my life, I started therapy.”

The experience helped her turn painful emotional moments into creative expression through writing.

“While reliving and experiencing some of my darkest moments, I started to finally bloom,” she furthered. “These songs grew and took on life in the dark. In writing these songs, I was able to turn negative experiences in my life into something positive, which in turn gave these memories a new place to live. Moments that I can look at and think ‘Wow, I survived that. I bloomed in the darkest moments of my life. My Nightbloom.”

For the heavy metal band, the headlining tour and new album mark an exciting new era, with more updates expected to emerge as the group hits the road this fall.

Butcher Babies Headlining Fall 2026 Tour

Oct. 8: Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
Oct. 9: Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s Sports Cafe
Oct. 17: Gainesville, FL @ Heartwood Stage
Oct. 21: Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall
Oct. 23: Tulsa, OK @ Boman Twin Theater
Oct. 24: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
Oct. 25: Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep

Related: 1989 Rock Song, Written by One of the ‘Greatest’ Supergroups of All Time Badlands, Is Still a Powerful Hit 37 Years Later

'1000-Lb Roomies': Jaz & Nesha Share Health and Weight-Loss Updates Ahead of Season 2 (Exclusive)

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:59am

1000-Lb Roomies Season 2 is just around the corner—and TLC viewers have a lot to catch up on with Jasmine “Jaz” Wallace and Nesha Harris.

During an exclusive interview with Parade, the Riverside, Calif., roommates opened up about their health and weight-loss journeys.

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Jaz took weight-loss medication and underwent bariatric surgery before experiencing several medical scares that severely limited her mobility.

“Basically, I started taking a weight-loss shot, and I really stopped eating. Like, once I wasn’t hungry, so I figured, if I’m not hungry, why eat?” Jaz explained. “I started losing muscle mass, which made, like, you know, my legs worse. And after my surgery, I started falling, and I started having seizures as well. So I ended up having three seizures and a stroke. I had to stay in the hospital for three months.”

Currently, Jaz said she uses a motorized chair.

“I do physical therapy,” she added. “I’m basically just in the journey of learning how to walk again, learning how to function and gain my mobility back.”

Meanwhile, Nesha discussed growing up in a cult in Long Beach, Calif., and how that experience still affects her today.

“Honestly, sometimes I’ll feel like I’m OK and I’m fine, she said. “And then I’ll have those kind of like PTSD moments where I’m, like, ‘OK, like, let me figure this out.’ Or, let me, you know, use some steps to try to not fall into depression or try to not fall into like some old habits and stuff.”

Nesha also explained how food being withheld from her as a child led to unhealthy eating cycles.

“Like, wake up, and you need to eat something—instead of starving yourself all day long and waiting to the last minute to eat, and then at night I’m just gorging because I’m famished and I’m starving,” she said. “So just like kind of just rewiring my brain just a little bit and trying to figure out how to navigate through life better.”

Of their weight-loss journeys, Nesha said, “We’re definitely still trying. We’re definitely, you know, continuing to keep our head in the game, but also still being realistic with ourselves as well.”

Jaz also noted that although their progress “may not be on everybody’s time,” they are both “definitely losing weight.” She added, “Nesha is getting very, very active, you know, and she’s doing things the natural way, which I commend her for.”

Finally, Jaz pointed out, “I’m just proud, like, to see how things were a few years ago for us, to where we literally would gorge on food all day…But now, instead of us picking up a taco or a burrito all the time, we’re gonna pick it up maybe twice a week, you know? Healthy food throughout the week.”

She concluded, “A lot of people will see the changes that we are making physically, you know, and I’m very proud of us. I am.”

Catch the Season 2 premiere of 1000-Lb Roomies on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 10 p.m. ET on TLC, and streaming the next day on HBO Max.

Next: Sister Wives Star Janelle Brown Hard-Launches New Boyfriend: “I Certainly Wasn’t Expecting You“

Kim Richards Rare Sighting Sparks Fan Outcry: ‘Leave Her Alone’

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:53am

Kim Richards is back in the public eye, but fans aren’t exactly celebrating the sighting. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star was photographed painting near the Santa Monica Pier, and fans had one immediate message: leave her alone.

The rare sighting comes months after Richards’ eviction drama with sister Kyle Richards, who sued to have her removed from a two-bedroom Encino condo. Although the photo raised questions about Kim’s living situation, sources told TMZ that she is not homeless and that Kyle helped her secure a place in Santa Monica near the beach. Fans, meanwhile, focused less on the family drama and more on their concern that the vulnerable-looking photo should never have been taken.

The reaction on X was overwhelmingly sympathetic, with fans expressing disgust that someone photographed Kim while she appeared to be minding her own business. Several commenters said she should be allowed to have some peace and paint, calling the decision to take and publish the photo “rude.”

“She looks like she is just minding her business and painting in the park,” one fan observed, while another wrote, “This breaks my heart.” Several others kept it simple: “Leave Kim alone!”

Others took aim at Kyle and their sister Kathy Hilton, questioning why the famously wealthy sisters couldn’t simply support Kim. “Kathy and Kyle- both disgustingly wealthy. Take care of your family- even when they’re sick,” one commenter wrote. But not everyone blamed Kim’s sisters, with another fan offering a different perspective: “Try having a sibling as an addict that you have tried to help over and over and over and they never help themselves. After a long time you give up.”

The complicated Richards family drama was laid bare during RHOBH Season 1, when a heated argument between Kim and Kyle in the back of a limo nearly turned physical. The confrontation was fueled in part by Kim’s accusation that Kyle and her husband, Mauricio Umansky, had taken advantage of her financially, including over the family home. Kyle fired back by calling Kim “sick” and an “alcoholic” and telling her she needed help, marking one of the show’s most explosive family moments.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available 24 hours a day through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.

1981 Rock Duet Recorded by Stevie Nicks and Her Ex Don Henley Became the Song That Keeps Them Connected 45 Years Later

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:50am

When Stevie Nicks originally wrote the song “Leather and Lace,” it was intended for her friends Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter. But when the country music couple didn’t use the song, Nicks recorded it for her Bella Donna album—with an assist from her ex, Don Henley.

The 1981 soft rock duet had all of the hallmarks of a hit: gentle acoustic guitar and keyboards with tender lyrics delivered by two superstars. “Leather and Lace” became one of Nicks’ biggest solo hits, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time of its release.

Forty-five years later, the song has kept the exes connected in a special way.

“We did go out for about a year and have remained such good friends,” Nicks, now 78, told Rolling Stone of her relationship with Henley in 2024. “‘Leather and Lace’ draws us together forever.”

Nicks once revealed that she and Henley recorded a demo for “Leather and Lace” in the mid-1970s, but that the song was inspired by multiple relationships.

“I mean, I was writing about Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, but I was writing about me and Lindsey (Buckingham, of Fleetwood Mac),” she told High Times magazine. “And I was, at that point, going out with Don Henley and I was writing about Don and me. I was writing about the few couples that I knew and what they went through to try and work it out. … It was the most disciplined song I had ever written.”

Nicks further explained her mission for “Leather and Lace” in the liner notes for her Crystal Visions compilation album, noting that it was originally meant to be a song about how Jennings and Colter’s relationship “that was somehow working in this crazy music business.”

“While I was working on the song, Don Henley would come over to my house and give me advice about it,” she shared. “Then I found out that Waylon and Jessi were splitting up. Waylon still wanted me to finish the song, and he was going to sing it by himself. But by then I had fallen in love with the song, and felt that Don and were the only two people who could possibly sing it.”

Nick added, “How strange and how wonderful that Don and I remain such great friends all these years later. We still sing ‘Leather and Lace’ together every chance we get. It became part of the tapestry of both our lives.”

Decades later, “Leather and Lace” remains more than a memorable rock duet. It’s also a lasting reminder of a rock ‘n’ roll relationship that ended, but never truly faded.

Related: 1981 Classic, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Rock Duets of All Time,’ Became the Biggest Hit Ever for Both Artists

This Beloved ‘Lady Bird’ Star Has Revealed She Wants To Be the Next Bond Villain

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:44am

As the search for the next James Bond continues, Lady Bird star Saoirse Ronan already knows the part she’d like to play in the franchise’s new film. She’s “dead serious” about how much she wants to play a villain.

“I want to go dark,” Ronan said to Empire. “I said that I wanted to be a Bond villain and I’m dead serious.”

The Little Women actress said in a 2024 interview with Vanity Fair that she would say “again and again” that she would like to play a villain in the next Bond movie.

“Because anytime that I’ve gotten a chance to play someone who’s a little bit evil, I just love it,” she said at the time. “And I think it would be really fun to do that again.”

Although Ronan played a villain named Maria in her new film Bad Apples, it didn’t seem to satisfy her craving.

“I certainly don’t feel like Maria is an out-and-out psychopath,” she said to Empire. “I think she’s the nicest villain you could play.”

When it comes to her enthusiasm for playing a Bond villain, Ronan explained that she thinks it could be “really interesting” to have a young female villain.

“Especially for girls and women, to see someone who can just take all that pent-up anger and direct it somewhere, there’s something interesting in that dramatically,” she continued. “So I would love to do more of that.”

The search for the new Bond is being led by Amazon MGM Studios. Although no casting announcements have been revealed yet, fans have speculated that stars like Callum Turner, Henry Cavill, Jacob Elordi, and Tom Holland could be in the running. In a recent interview with producer Amy Pascal, she said that “the end of the year is a good bet” for when a new 007 might be named.

“We are being really, really methodical,” she explained.

In May, Amazon MGM Studios offered only a brief update, saying that the search for Bond is underway.

“While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right,” they said.

Ella Langley’s Historic Run Continues, but Another Popular Artist Just Won 73% of Billboard Fan Vote

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:42am

Can Ella Langley be stopped?

Turns out the answer is yes — with a caveat.

The key to beating country’s current chart-topping superstar is to find yourself in a competition she’s not in at all. That’s the case for K-Pop superstars ENHYPEN.

Related: Country Star Ella Langley’s Historic 2026 Run Just Got Even Bigger With 4 Songs Soaring to New Chart Highs

Beating out other popular artists, such as Weezer, Reba McEntire, and Sam Smith, ENHYPEN dominated Billboard’s fan poll with nearly 73% of the vote for best new music.

So, who is the red-hot band forcing us to use the caps lock button?

ENHYPEN: K-Pop’s Global Powerhouse

(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for ABA)

If you thought boy bands had gone the way of Justin Timberlake’s frosted tips — you were in the wrong country. Korean pop music, known as K-pop, has taken the world by storm, melting teenage hearts and invading our brains with catchy tunes whether we like it or not, and even taking over Netflix with KPop Demon Hunters.

Formed through the reality competition series I-LAND in 2020, ENHYPEN quickly proved they were more than another boy band hoping to ride the K-pop wave.

The band’s latest eighth mini album THE SIN: BLISS (again with caps lock…) landed them atop Billboard’s poll.

The six-member group has since become a global phenomenon, filling stadiums (including in the U.S.), racking up billions of streams, and repeatedly making its presence known on the Billboard charts.

Related: Ella Langley Reveals Her Dream Collaborations—Including One With the ‘Queen of Rock and Roll’

But it’s not just the dry-read data that’s turning heads—the fans are having their say, too. Clearly, they are a force to be reckoned with, as the next-best finisher was Sam Smith’s “Hazel Eyes” with just shy of 7% of the vote.

And while Langley may still be virtually untouchable on the charts, ENHYPEN just offered a pretty convincing reminder that she’s not the only artist commanding serious attention right now as fans sink their teeth into THE SIN: BLISS, a dark fantasy world of forbidden love, vampires, and a blood-soaked paradise.

ENHYPEN will bring the BLOOD SAGA tour to the United Kingdom and Europe from February through March 2027.

Jelly Roll’s ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ Trump Joke Went From ‘Fat Pig’ to Labubu Real Fast

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:20am

Jelly Roll has lost a staggering 300 pounds, but it was the very specific way he described that weight loss that stole the show during his latest Jimmy Kimmel Live hosting gig.

The country star and rapper returned to host Jimmy Kimmel Live, opening the show by joking about his past—including his time in prison—before turning to his dramatic weight-loss journey. After noting that President Donald Trump weighs nearly 240 pounds, Jelly Roll quipped that he had lost “an entire Donald Trump,” turning his personal transformation into one of the night’s biggest punchlines.

“According to the Washington Post, a lot of doctors are worried about the president’s weight. After his last physical, we found out Trump gained 14 pounds, which means he’s now tipping the scales at almost 240. It’s crazy. Think about this, y’all. In the last few years, I’ve lost 300 lb.,” Jelly Roll said during the monologue.

“That means I’ve lost an entire Donald Trump,” he exclaimed. “And let’s be honest, based on his approval ratings, it seems like most of the country wants to do the same thing.”

But Jelly Roll wasn’t done.

“Now, listen, we should take it easy, y’all. We shouldn’t be making fun of the president for his weight because we know that he would never do that to other people,” he joked.

The joke then cut to a montage of Trump making comments about other people’s weight, often using “fat pig” to describe some.

“Well, if that ain’t the pot calling the kettle fat,” Jelly Roll laughed. “Well, Mr. President, from one fat pig to another, take it from me that physical fitness is very important. And trust me, you’ll be happy to see your penis again.”

Jelly Roll then turned the joke on himself, sharing that after his own dramatic weight loss, he was surprised to see his penis again—and thought it looked like a “little Labubu doll.”

5 ’90s Home Trends Making a Major Comeback, According to Interior Designers

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:16am

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, a new reality show called Totally ’90s House will premiere on HGTV, hosted by someone who couldn’t be more ’90s if he tried: Jaleel White, aka Steve Urkel.

On the show, two teams of ’90s celebrities will search the nation for houses that are “stuck in the 1990s.” And while fans of ’90s interior design will surely get a kick out of seeing all the time capsule homes, their hearts may break a little as they watch the teams completely tear apart, renovate and modernize the houses. Here’s hoping they’ll retain at least a few beloved ’90s features in each home.

In anticipation of the show, we wondered if any ’90s home trends were making a comeback—so, we turned to Pamela O’Brien, luxury interior designer and the founder of the Texas-based Pamela Hope Designs, and Paige Garland, interior designer and the founder of the Chicago-based Paige Garland Interior Design.

The designers shared five of their favorite ’90s trends having a renaissance—as well as four ’90s trends that would be best left in the past. Keep reading for their insights!

Related: Interior Designers Say One Thrift Store Find Makes Every Home Feel More Luxurious—Here Are 7 to Look For

The 5 Biggest ’90s Home Trends Making a Comeback, According to Designers 1. Warm woods

Ekaterina Demidova / Getty Images

“Warm wood has returned in force across the home goods market from furnishings to cabinetry to accent walls,” O’Brien tells Parade.

“Many of us grew tired of the black and white trend and the natural tendency was to warm homes up with more wood,” she continues. “Today’s lighter oak and natural finishes give us the cozy feel of wood without looking dated.”

2. Soft seating

Anastasiia Krivenok / Getty Images

In recent years, living room furniture has trended toward sleek and streamlined—but O’Brien says that’s changing. One of her favorite ’90s trends that’s on its way back in fashion is all about getting cozy: big fluffy armchairs and couches.

“The 90’s was all about comfort at home. Big, rolled arms on sofas and chairs were welcoming and felt delicious,” she says.

“They are attractive again today as a counterpoint to the low, flat and minimalist modern furniture that has been prevalent in the market,” she continues. “Go ahead and indulge in a softer cushion and more padding on the arms. Your body will thank you!”

3. Plate walls

Barry Winiker / Getty Images

“When it’s done wrong it’s cheesy and dated, but when it’s done right it is so good,” Garland says about a plate wall. “It feels like a 3D chinoiserie gallery wall: antique, collected, just the right amount of home-y.”

Garland adds that she’s currently designing a plate wall for a client’s mudroom, and that her favorite plates to use for plate walls are plates featuring Fornasetti’s faces of Lina Cavalieri, which makes for an “eclectic and bold” look distinct from the plate walls of the ’90s.

Related: DIYer Creates Unique Gallery Wall Using Vintage Plates and Faux Food, and It’s So Whimsical

4. Wallpaper

chandlerphoto / Getty Images

“Wallpaper was fun in the ’90s but it’s even better today,” says O’Brien. “Ten years ago, we had a hard time talking clients into wallpaper but once we did, they’d call and ask how many other rooms they could paper.”

O’Brien recommends thinking outside of the box when it comes to wallpaper and using it on places other than just walls.

“Let the paper take center stage by blurring the lines between the paper and the walls,” she suggests. “Consider using paper on the ceiling, too; or, paint the ceiling and trim a color found in the paper to avoid slicing up the room with white ceiling and trim paint.”

5. Warm neutral paint tones

knape / Getty Images

When it comes to paint, Garland says that warm, neutral and earthy colors are on their way back in fashion.

“The days of millennial grey have passed and we are oscillating back to the warm terracotta tones, butter yellows and sages of the past,” she declares.

“I think these can be really timeless in well designed spaces with contrasting elements,” she adds. “I love pairing terracottas with pinks and reds or butter yellow with a cobalt blue. You don’t want a space to feel drab and muddy. I think these colors feel current when they’re paired with exciting or bolder accents.”

Related: Sorry, Mushroom Lamps—Designers Say These 10 Home Decor Trends Are Already Overdone

The 4 Home Trends From the ’90s That Designers Hope Never Make a Comeback 1. Glossy wood sealers

John Keeble / Getty Images

Even though O’Brien is embracing natural wood tones making a comeback, she warns homeowners to keep things natural in terms of color and sealers.

“Avoid heavy honey or golden wood hues, smothered in glossy sealer,” she says. Instead, choose wood with “light natural hues,” and if you need a topcoat, opt for something matte rather than glossy.

2. Furniture skirts and ruffles

Susan Vineyard / Getty Images

Although O’Brien is happy to see the big cozy couches and chairs of the ’90s coming back into fashion, she warns homeowners not to take the trend too far.

“Don’t go too fussy by adding skirts and ruffles unless you really want an old-fashioned room,” she says. Instead, she recommends opting for “clean, tapered legs or an exposed wood trim sofa,” which will help “keep your super comfy seating looking smart and stylish.”

3. Wallpaper borders

jcrosemann / Getty Images

“I’ll admit, I used [wallpaper borders] in the ’90s,” says O’Brien. But now, “they just seem a bit silly.”

If you do want some sort of trim on a wallpapered wall, O’Brien suggests doing so by painting a solid color that compliments the wallpaper. “It’s an elegant approach and gives the room more gravitas than layering paper on paper,” she says.

4. Faux Tuscany

imagedepotpro / Getty Images

“Please no faux Tuscany,” says Garland. “You know what I mean—I don’t want to be transported to Olive Garden. No jars filled with peppers as decor! I think we as a society have moved past the need for this.”

Up Next:

Related: The 7 Best Flea Markets From Around the World, According to Interior Designers

Sources:

Martha Stewart’s 'Pretty' Pumpkin and Sunflower Tablecloth Is Perfect Decor for the Summer-to-Fall Transition

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:15am

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

Sunflowers might be the most charming seasonal tell. By late August, they start popping up everywhere, from front-door wreaths to kitchen accents, signaling that summer is nearing its final stretch. This year, the iconic home guru, Martha Stewart, is taking that late-summer favorite one step further by pairing it with an unmistakable symbol of fall.

The Martha Stewart Fall Time Pumpkin Sunflower Tablecloth pairs those late-summer blooms with plump pumpkins, creating a table covering that lands squarely between sunshine season and pumpkin spice season. And priced at just $22 at Walmart, it’s an affordable way to start nudging your dining space toward fall without going full harvest mode before October even arrives.

Martha Stewart Fall Time Pumpkin Sunflower Tablecloth, $22 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Dubbed by Walmart shoppers as “pretty” with “nice colors,” this autumnal pattern spreads oversized pumpkins, full-faced sunflowers, and loose fall foliage across a warm white background, with each motif painted in a soft, watercolor-like style. The pumpkins are especially detailed, with washes of burnt orange, peach, and golden yellow following their natural ridges instead of filling them in with one flat color. Deep brown, stippled sunflower centers, and green stems break up the warmer shades, giving the pattern plenty of variation.

Then there are all the little details tucked between the main motifs. Rusty brown and ochre leaves, small green accents, and wispy fern-like sprigs point in different directions, filling the empty spaces. Some of the leaves overlap the larger flowers and pumpkins, while others appear almost like little botanical sketches scattered across the fabric. The softened outlines and subtle changes in color give the whole thing a slightly vintage, hand-painted quality, so it feels more like a collection of fall illustrations.

The “smooth” fabric is a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend, combining cotton’s softer, woven feel with polyester for a little extra durability and easier upkeep. Measuring 52 by 70 inches, the rectangular tablecloth is sized for a table that seats roughly four to six people, making it useful for everyday dinners as well as smaller gatherings. It can cover the table for a weeknight meal just as easily as it can serve as the starting point for a fall brunch, game night, or Thanksgiving dinner.

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Because the print already brings plenty of color and personality, you don’t need to build an elaborate tablescape around it. Cream or white dinnerware will let the painted details stand out, while woven placemats or wood accents can play up the natural, botanical feel. Pull out the amber, rust, or olive tones with solid napkins. For the centerpiece, a low bowl of mini pumpkins, a few clipped branches, or a simple arrangement of greenery will add another layer without hiding all those details.

Related: Martha Stewart’s 3-Piece Quilt Set Brings a Calming Sage Green to Your Bedroom

If you’re already counting down to crisp mornings and changing leaves, the Martha Stewart Fall Time Pumpkin Sunflower Tablecloth is a must. Shop it for under $25 at Walmart!

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.

Costco’s $7 Bakery Find Is a Delicious Taste of Fall

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:14am

If you’ve ever been to New England in the fall, you know there’s something special about the season. The leaves turn breathtaking shades of red, orange, and gold, the air is fresh and crisp, and apple cider donuts can be found at local farm stands throughout the region.

Now Costco is bringing a little taste of that fall tradition to warehouses with a bakery find that makes it easy to enjoy one without a trip to the apple orchard.

You can see the seasonal treat in this August 23 Instagram post from @costcobuys:

View this post on Instagram Apple Cider Cake Donuts at Costco Are Back for Fall Apple Cider Donuts

Photo by Jonathan delange on Unsplash

The CT Bakery Apple Cider Cake Donuts come in a 12-count package and are priced at just $6.99 at participating warehouses. Each cake-style donut is flavored with apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar, giving it the warm, cozy flavor that feels right at home with a cup of coffee on a cool fall morning.

According to @costcobuys, the donuts are “soft, cake style, and packed with deliciousness,” adding that opening the package immediately smells like autumn.

Related: Costco’s New Bakery Loaf Looks Like a True Summer Dream

And for anyone who has spent a fall in New England, this Costco find may bring back some memories. One commenter shared, “I had these fresh when I lived in the NE while working on my PhD. The way my greedy ass devoured these.”

Another simply declared, “I love this!”

At $6.99 for a dozen, they also make an affordable treat for a weekend breakfast, an after-school snack, or something sweet to set out when friends stop by. Warm one slightly and pair it with hot coffee or apple cider, and you have a pretty convincing taste of a New England fall without leaving home. And they also make a delightful autumn dessert when paired with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

As with many seasonal Costco finds, availability and pricing can vary by warehouse. You can use item #2080362 to see if they are in a store near you. But with fall still weeks away, spotting apple cider donuts in the bakery section is a pretty delicious sign that the coziest season of the year is on its way.

1976 Classic Rock Hit Inspired by The Three Stooges Is Still a Fan Favorite 50 Years Later

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:12am

Gene Simmons is known for his hard-rocking songs with KISS, but one of his biggest musical moments was inspired by a campy comedy movie. The legendary KISS bassist and co-lead singer penned “Calling Dr. Love” after watching an old Three Stooges film.

“This is gonna sound warped, but Calling Dr. Love started off with the title, which I stole from an episode of The Three Stooges,” Simmons, 77, once told Guitar World. “I also had that silly little word rhyme, ‘They call me Dr. Love/I’ve got the cure you’re thinking of.’”

In a post to X, Simmons shared the exact clip from the 1934 movie Men in Black that spawned the song. “THIS was the inspiration for CALLING DR. LOVE. Yes. The THREE STOOGES,” the rocker confirmed.

The clip featured Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard in a hospital scene alongside a squeaky-voiced nurse who asked them, “Dr. Howard, Dr Fine, Dr. Howard, is it true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away?”

RELATED: 1976 Rock Rebellion Anthem Was Written in 20 Minutes

Written by Simmons, “Calling Dr. Love” appeared on the 1976 KISS album Rock and Roll Over. The swaggering single featured heavy guitar riffs and drums leading into Simmons’ cheeky vocals about a self-proclaimed ladies’ man.

“Calling Dr. Love” peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of KISS’s most memorable tracks 50 years later.

Simmons once revealed that the idea for “Calling Dr. Love” came to him very quickly after he watched The Three Stooges. He then recorded a demo in which he played all of the music himself. He recruited three female singers, including a future TV star, for backup vocals.

“I cut the demo with me playing the guitars and Katey Sagal singing harmony,” he revealed in the biography Kiss: Behind the Mask.

“It was Gene Simmons with three girls singing,“ the rocker said, per Ultimate Classic Rock. “That was the original idea behind ‘Calling Dr. Love.’ They were originally singing the chorus to ‘Dr. Love.’”

Speaking with Guitar World in 1992, Simmons recalled, “I went into the Record Plant in New York and recorded the song as a demo, playing all the instruments myself, and then I took it to the band-and that was it.”

“Sometimes it just happens, and that came very fast, and I never looked back,” the Kiss legend said of the song during a fan event, per NJ 105.

Decades later, fans voted “Calling Dr. Love” one of the greatest KISS songs of all time in a ranking list compiled by Classic Rock magazine. The outlet described the song as a “Gene Simmons jewel.”

“Calling Dr. Love” remains a favorite at KISS reunion shows and is on the setlist during Simmons’ solo appearances to this day.

Related: KISS’s Biggest Hit Wasn’t Even Supposed to Be a Single

1975 ABBA Smash Saved Their Career—And Prevented Them From Becoming a One-Hit Wonder

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:11am

Very few music fans realize just how close ABBA came to disappearing completely before a single three-letter track saved the band from becoming known as a one-hit wonder.

ABBA captured global attention by winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Waterloo.” The win made them a shoo-in for instant stardom, but the Swedish quartet, made up of members Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, quickly experienced a chart slump.

The momentum from “Waterloo” faded fast after the songs “Ring Ring” and “So Long” failed to make a dent on the charts. Needing a clear turnaround, the group pivoted and released “SOS.”

The one-word song became a hit. In the United States, it ranked No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, according to U Discover Music. The song topped the charts in Australia, Belgium, France, New Zealand, South Africa, and West Germany and peaked at No. 6 in the United Kingdom.

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The tune quickly became a fan favorite, gaining celebrity admirers such as The Who‘s Pete Townshend and Beatles founder John Lennon. The official ABBA website reported that Townshend once approached Ulvaeus to tell him that he believed that “SOS” was the best pop song ever written.

For Ulvaeus, “SOS” was the pivotal track where ABBA finally found their musical identity. It also scored a unique pop trivia milestone when manager Stig Anderson named the song. Because both ABBA and “SOS” are palindromes, it became the first hit single in history where both the artist and the song title spell the same thing backward and forward.

Additionally, Paste Magazine named the track one of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 1970s. They ranked the track at No. 21.

The publication wrote, “There’s a startling intensity to this song—like much of ABBA’s discography, it is particularly invested in the psychological trauma that comes from a failed love affair. It is not just that the love is over, but that the mental connection is wearing away.” It added, “Benny and Björn wrote the pop playbook, and ‘SOS’ is the first entry.”

Surprisingly, “SOS” also inspired the Sex Pistols’ anthem, “Pretty Vacant” from the 1977 LP Never Mind the Bullocks, reported Rolling Stone. Glen Matlock explained, “Malcolm [McLaren] came back [from New York] with fliers for the shows, and he brought back setlists, but none of these bands had made records at that stage.”

He continued, “One said ‘Blank Generation’, and that got me thinking about how there was nothing going on in London. There was a real air of despondency and desperation, so I came out with the idea of ‘Pretty Vacant.’”

Matlock concluded that he knew the song “needed a melodic thing, and I heard something on a record [‘SOS’] by a band called ABBA and it inspired the riff I needed. And I said, ‘Guys, I’ve got it.’”

In the end, “SOS” did so much more than rescue ABBA from a temporary slump. It handed four Swedish musicians their true artistic identity, proving to the world—and to themselves—that they were built to last far beyond a single contest stage.

Related: 1975 AM Radio Gold Song, Written on a Road Trip, Was a Career-Defining Hit For John Denver

The Unwritten Airplane Rules Most Travelers Actually Agree On (and the 1 Myth You Should Stop Following)

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 6:10am

If you’ve spent any time in an airport terminal lately, you’ve probably witnessed the shifting landscape of airline etiquette firsthand: passengers playing videos without headphones, rushers crowding the aisle the second the seatbelt sign chimes, and tense negotiations over middle-seat boundaries.

According to a nationally representative survey of more than 2,500 U.S. adults conducted by YouGov and commissioned by The Points Guy, flyer frustration has reached a boiling point. A full 42% of Americans say passenger etiquette has noticeably worsened over the past five years, with a majority (52%) placing the blame squarely on bad passenger behavior rather than crowded airline cabins.

Between viral debates and seatback showdowns, here is where American travelers actually stand on the biggest unwritten rules of the sky.

Related: A Points and Miles Expert Reveals Why 86% of Us Are Wasting Credit Card Points—and the Smarter Way to Book Europe for Less

1. Noise Is Public Enemy No. 1

Forget tight legroom—unfiltered noise is the fastest way to irritate an entire cabin. A leading 27% of respondents named loud talking or passengers playing music and videos without headphones as their single biggest annoyance, beating out seat recliners (21%) and barefoot flyers (8%). Whether scrolling social feeds, watching movies, or taking FaceTime calls in the gate area, using headphones remains the most critical basic courtesy.

2. The Middle-Seat Armrest “Rule” Is an Urban Legend

One of the most frequently cited pieces of flyer lore is that the passenger stuck in the middle seat is automatically entitled to both armrests. According to the data, almost no one actually follows that rule: only 11% of Americans believe the middle-seat flyer gets both armrests. Instead, 31% say armrests should be shared equally, while 20% believe the middle flyer gets priority but must still share.

Related: How to Score Elite Hotel Status in 2026 (Without the 50-Night Grind)

3. Reclining Is Fine—If You Follow the “Check-Behind” Rule

The long-running seatback recline war has a clear consensus: 51% of travelers agree it is completely acceptable to recline in economy, provided you glance behind you first. Only 10% believe passengers should never recline at all. The takeaway: reclining isn’t inherently rude, but slamming your seat back without warning someone who might have a hot drink or an open laptop on their tray table is.

4. Wait Your Turn to Deplane

If you are tempted to leap up and bolt toward the front the moment the wheels touch down, think twice. Nearly two-thirds of travelers (65%) state that deplaning strictly row-by-row from front to back is the only proper way to exit an aircraft. Only 10% consider it acceptable to dash forward when an opening appears.

Related: How to Book a Quick, Last-Minute ‘Points-Cation’ Without Getting Burned

5. It’s Fine to Ask for a Seat Swap (With One Catch)

Asking a seatmate to switch places isn’t considered bad manners by most flyers: 44% say asking to swap seats is not rude, compared to 34% who consider it bad etiquette. However, frequent flyers agree on the golden rule of swapping: you can ask to trade equal or better seats, but never expect another passenger to surrender a premium, extra-legroom, or window seat for a downgrade.

Related: 6 Airline Perks That Are Actually Worth the Money (and 2 to Skip)

'Baylen Out Loud': Baylen Faces Tic Attack at Her & Colin's Wedding Reception (Exclusive Clip)

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 5:58am

The Baylen Out Loud Season 3 finale is just around the corner—and Baylen Dupree faced the possibility of a tic attack at her and Colin Dooley‘s wedding reception.

Ahead of the Aug. 25 finale, TLC shared a sneak peek with Parade of the bride, who lives with Tourette syndrome, struggling with what might be a sudden, severe onset of tics.

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The clip begins with Baylen punching the table, as her mother, Julie Dupree, marveled, “The flowers are out of control. I told Shannon, she totally made it you.” As the bride again punched the place setting, her mom casually moved back the plate, while Baylen followed suit by moving her glass further away.

“Baylen’s had minimal tics at the reception so far,” Colin told producers. “But I could definitely tell that Baylen is becoming a little bit overstimulated and overwhelmed right now.”

That’s when Baylen started banging her head on her plate and the table. As both Colin and Julie attempted to help cushion Baylen’s involuntary movements, they grew worried.

“Oh, God! OK,” Julie exclaimed. She then explained to producers, “Between the drinking and the overstimulation, Baylen’s tics seem to be amping up. Of course it’s a concern.”

‘Baylen Out Loud’: Baylen Faces Tic Attack at Her & Colin’s Wedding Reception (Exclusive Clip) (0:59)

Meanwhile, Baylen’s sister, Sammi Dupree (who also served as the maid of honor at the wedding, also felt overwhelmed at the wedding reception.

“I’m just gonna go outside and get a breath,” she told another woman at the table, who asked if Sammi wanted her to come and sit with her.

“Baylen seems to be on the verge of a possible tic attack,” Julie observed. “And now, on top of that, Sammi is through the roof with her anxiety. I hope we can make it through the rest of this night.”

Did Baylen experience a full-on tic attack at her wedding reception? Fans of the TLC series will have to tune in to find out.

Catch the Season 3 finale of Baylen Out Loud on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 9 p.m. ET on TLC, and streaming the next day on HBO Max.

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'90s Country Legend From Kentucky Turns 65 Today

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 5:47am

He may just be known as Miley Cyrus’ dad to the younger generation, but before his Disney Channel era, he was one of the biggest country stars in the 1990s.

Billy Ray Cyrus is celebrating his 65th birthday on Tuesday. Since his debut, Cyrus has released 17 studio albums and more than 50 singles. His biggest hit, “Achy Breaky Heart,” topped the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and became the best-selling single in 1992, and also made line dancing rise in popularity around the world.

In June, Cyrus released his first album since 2019, titled The Hill, which was co-produced by his son Braison and includes a collaboration with his daughter, Noah, who’s also a singer.

“I gave [Braison] the reins, and he really did a masterful job, with the right blends, the right harmonies. It’s not over-produced. Other than the saving of my Dad’s voice from a 1998 answering machine, that’s about how high-tech this album goes. There is no AI,” Cyrus told Americana Highways over the summer. “There is nothing else brought in. If anything, it’s the most imperfect album I’ve ever released.”

Braison Cyrus, Noah Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus pose for a portrait backstage during the 2026 Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 24, 2026 in Indio, California.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Stagecoach

Billy Ray Cyrus’ beginnings

Cyrus was born on Aug 25, 1961, in Flatwood, Kentucky, to Ruth Ann and Ron Cyrus, a former steelworker who became a politician and served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1975 to 1996. He grew up around music, specifically bluegrass and gospel. While a student at Georgetown College, he attended a Neil Diamond concert and realized that he wanted to become a musician. He dropped out of college and started playing in a band called Sly Dog in 1980.

In his early beginnings, Cyrus struggled and suffered many hardships, including living in his neighbor’s car before signing to PlyGram/Mercury in 1990 and opening for Reba McEntire. Afterward, he started writing and recording music for his debut album, Some Gave All, which became an instant chart and sales success upon its release in 1992.

The album debuted at the top spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, the Billboard 200, as well as multiple charts in Canada and around the world. The most successful song, “Achy Breaky Heart,” also came with a successful music video, which caused line dancing to become mainstream. In addition, the songs “She’s Not Cryin’,” “Could’ve Been Me” and “Wher’m I Gonna Live” also placed on different charts.

A year later, Cyrus released his follow-up, It Won’t Be the Last, which also had three singles make the Top 40 on different charts. After the success of that, he released his third album, Storm in the Heartland, which was successful, but did not hit top spots like his predecessors. Storm in the Heartland ended up being Cyrus’ last album with PolyGram, which shut down in 1995. He was transferred to Mercury Nashville and released three more studio albums before transitioning into Christian music and acting in the early 2000s.

Cyrus’ transition from music to acting

Cyrus recorded two Christian albums: Time Flies and The Other Side, both in 2003. In the early 2000s, Cyrus started acting. In 2001, he appeared in Mulholland Drive as Gene and starred as David Lynch in the TV series Doc. From 2006 to 2011, he played Robby Ray Stewart, the father of his real-life daughter Miley Cyrus, in the hit Disney Channel series Hannah Montana.

Though in 2011 he told GQ that he wished the show never happened, and the magazine ran a headline saying that the show destroyed his family, Cyrus cleared up the accusation in another interview with ABC News that “he hated [the headline] cause that’s not what [he] meant.”

“I hated it because I love Hannah Montana. I love Disney; I love the show. I love the entertainment we’ve been able to make,” Cyrus cleared up. He also explained that he did the GQ interview in the middle of a divorce and it was conducted “at a bad time.”

“I did that interview with GQ two weeks before Christmas in the midst of a divorce, separated from my family,” he explained. “It was a mess. Surrounded in darkness. GQ, the writer, photographer, showed up. And I kind of learned this: that doing an interview when you’re mad is a whole lot like going to the grocery store when you’re hungry. It’s not a real good idea.”

Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus at the World Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures’ “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both World Concert” on January 17, 2008 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

Eric Charbonneau/WireImage

After Hannah Montana ended in 2011, he continued his music career. After releasing a string of albums, his resurgance came back in 2019 when he appeared on a remixed version of Lil Nas X’s hit song, “Old Town Road,” which was crowned the top spot on the Hot 100 for almost 20 weeks. In an interview with Business Insider in 2020, Cyrus revealed that Lil Nas X, who was 19 years old at the time, didn’t know Cyrus was originally a country singer and only knew him from Hannah Montana.

“So really, if I hadn’t done Hannah Montana, I’d have never met Lil Nas X. He would have never known I was on the planet,” Cyrus continued, explaining earlier that he had many doubts about doing the show because he didn’t want to derail his music career. “So you really can’t question God’s plan.”

Billy Ray Cyrus performs onstage during the 2019 Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Field on April 28, 2019 in Indio, California.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach

What is Cyrus doing now?

As Cyrus celebrates his 65th birthday, the legendary musician and actor has been focused on promoting his most recent project, The Hill, and spending time with his girlfriend, actress Elizabeth Hurley. A deluxe version of The Hill is set to be released on Oct. 23.

“As Miley referenced when she got her Hollywood Star, ‘As my dad always says, every skyscraper begins with a jackhammer,'” Cyrus told Americana Highway. “Remember, it’s not the force of the jackhammer that busts up the concrete; it’s the repetition. That’s the thing. You keep on keepin’ on. Hopefully, first of all, you do what you do because you love it. And if you don’t, find something new to do, because life’s too short.”

Related: Billy Ray Cyrus Reacts to Major Update on ‘Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special’

1975 Glam Rock Song, Covered by Ace Frehley, Became an All-American Hit Three Years Later

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 5:43am

British glam rock band Hello had a small stint of fame in the 1970s thanks to Russell Ballard‘s “New York Groove,” but it would become an American classic that to KISS lead guitarist Ace Frehley.

Ballard was better known at the time as the lead singer and guitarist of the band Argent, formed by Zombies member Rod Argent. Beyond the band, Ballard had his own collection of tracks he created and produced for other bands in the ’70s and ’80s. One of them was for Hello, who had a few well-known tracks, like “You Move Me” and “New York Groove.”

The 1975 was all over the UK when it was released by Hell as part of their Keep Us Off the Streets album. It went to No. 9 on the UK charts and did well in Germany. According to Louder AAA, Ballard explains that he had just finished producing Roger Daltrey’s solo album, Ride A Rock Horse. He had it cut in London until Daltrey suggested going to New York, as “people say Bob Ludwig’s cuts are louder at Sterling Sound.”

“While I was sitting on the plane I got out a pen and paper and started thinking of the phrase ‘back in the New York groove’. That’d be a good title for a song, I reckoned; the whole idea of someone going back to New York and singing about the experience,” he explained.

When Ballard returned to London, Hello’s manager asked if he had any tracks for the band, seeing as he had worked with them for their debut single and other hit tracks. Ballard mentioned having the title to “New York Groove,” and the band recorded it in just five hours in a studio in London.

Three years later, in 1978, Frehley of KISS released his first self-titled solo album. His cover of “New York Groove” was an immediate success upon release, landing at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and gaining popularity overseas. His album was released to coincide with the rest of the band’s solo works, but it was Frehley’s cover that outshone all of them.

“A lot of people think I wrote New York Groove. It’s not a myth that I’ve perpetuated, but that’s the way it is. I wish I would’ve wrote the song, though. I would’ve made a lot more cash out of it, ha-ha-hargh!” said Frehley.

The guitarist would go on to explain that they decided to record the track after realizing the album needed a more commercial song, and did it while recording overdubs in Manhattan. While a majority of the album was done in Connecticut, “New York Groove” was instead done in a studio above Radio City Music Hall, where Frehley got a show from the Rockettes.

“It was kinda cool because the Rockettes – the dancers who perform at Radio City – used to sun themselves on the roof. The studio was right there off the stairway. These beautiful, semi-naked girls were constantly walking into the studio and checking out what was going on. So that was quite a nice recording environment.”

When it came to the success of the song, Frehly admits he didn’t feel like he got “one over on the other guys.” He was happy that the track did so well, and it was something that simply happened by luck.

Related: 1979 Soft Rock Song, Nearly Shelved by Steve Forbert, Is Still a Breakthrough Hit 47 Years Later

Legendary James Bond Actor, Who Once Worked as a Milkman, Would Have Turned 96 Today

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 5:35am

Few actors are as closely identified with a single character as Sean Connery was with James Bond. The Scottish actor, who died in 2020 at 90, would have celebrated his 96th birthday on Aug. 25.

Connery didn’t simply play Bond. He helped define what the character would become on the big screen, bringing a combination of danger, sophistication, humor and physicality to Ian Fleming’s secret agent that would influence every actor who followed.

Born Aug. 25, 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Connery grew up in a working-class family and left school as a teenager. Before becoming an international movie star, he worked a series of jobs (including as a milkman and a coffin polisher) and served in the Royal Navy.

Acting eventually offered him a different path.

Connery began appearing in small theatrical productions and television roles during the 1950s, gradually building a reputation as a promising young actor. But his life changed dramatically when he was cast as James Bond in 1962’s Dr. No.

Sean Connery Becomes James Bond

When Dr. No arrived in theaters, audiences were introduced to a version of Bond who was stylish but dangerous, effortlessly charming but capable of startling violence.

Connery returned as 007 in From Russia with Love in 1963, followed by Goldfinger in 1964. The latter became a cultural phenomenon, helping turn Bond into one of cinema’s biggest franchises.

Connery continued with Thunderball in 1965 and You Only Live Twice in 1967. Although he had become synonymous with the role, the relentless attention surrounding Bond began to wear on him.

He temporarily stepped away from the character after You Only Live Twice, only to return for Diamonds Are Forever in 1971.

But Connery was determined not to let Bond define his entire career.

Beyond 007

After leaving Bond behind, Connery demonstrated that his talents extended far beyond the spy franchise.

He appeared in films including The Man Who Would Be King, A Bridge Too Far and The Name of the Rose. In 1983, he returned to the Bond world one final time in Never Say Never Again, an independently produced film outside the official Eon Productions series.

Then came one of the most acclaimed performances of his career.

In 1987’s The Untouchables, Connery played Irish-American police officer Jim Malone opposite Kevin Costner. His performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Connery followed that success with roles in major films including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Hunt for Red October and The Rock. In each, he brought the same commanding screen presence that had made him an international star decades earlier.

A Legacy Bigger Than James Bond

Although generations of actors have portrayed 007, Connery’s interpretation remains the benchmark against which many Bond performances are measured.

His Bond was polished without being soft, funny without becoming a caricature and intimidating without losing his charisma. That balance helped transform Fleming’s literary character into a cinematic icon.

Connery officially retired from acting in the early 2000s, although he occasionally lent his voice to projects afterward. He spent his later years largely away from the spotlight.

He died in the Bahamas on Oct. 31, 2020, at age 90.

More than six decades after he first introduced movie audiences to James Bond, Connery’s influence on popular culture remains unmistakable. The character has changed with the times, but the image of 007 in a tuxedo, delivering a dry quip before confronting danger, still owes an enormous debt to the Scottish actor who made the role his own.

On what would have been Sean Connery’s 96th birthday, his legacy is not simply that he was the first cinematic James Bond.

It is that he made audiences believe there could only ever be one.

RELATED: ‘Frankenstein’ Was Almost Completely Different Before Boris Karloff Was Cast

Dolly Parton’s Pink Guitar-Shaped $8 Kitchen Essential Makes Even the Most Tedious Chores Feel Fun

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 5:30am

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If there is one thing Dolly Parton knows, it is how to turn everyday moments into something special. Now, her unmistakable charm is gracing kitchen sinks across America, thanks to the Dolly Parton Pink Guitar Long Handle Bottle Brush. 

Priced at just $8 on Amazon, this whimsical cleaning tool is delighting shoppers with its playful design and practical utility, quickly becoming a kitchen favorite for fans and gift-givers alike.

Dolly Parton Pink Guitar Long Handle Bottle Brush, From $8 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The Dolly Parton bottle brush transforms dish duty into a miniature performance, bringing a dash of country glam to your countertop. Shaped like a bright pink acoustic guitar and adorned with Dolly’s signature logo, the brush feels right at home in any music lover’s kitchen. 

The long handle makes cleaning bottles, tall glasses, and coffee mugs easy, reaching those tricky spots without a struggle. Whether you are rinsing out a thermos or scrubbing a champagne flute, this brush gets the job done with a little flair.

Built for daily use, the brush features a sturdy handle and a durable pink sponge that stands up to heavy scrubbing. It also includes a hanging rope to help the sponge dry quickly. 

The packaging itself is a treat, with a pink gingham backer card and sparkling rhinestone accents that make it instantly gift-ready. It is a clever option for housewarming gifts, birthdays, bachelorette parties in Nashville, or surprising the Dolly devotee in your life.

Reviews have quickly praised the product’s blend of fun and function. “Any Dolly lover would love this bottle brush,” one shopper noted. “It is made well.”

Another shopper called it a “super cute addition to my kitchen and perfect gift for a Dolly fan,” while a third appreciated that it “dries quickly.” “I like this far better than I ever thought I would,” they added. “Perfect for my glass coffee mugs.”

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Related: Dolly Parton’s Leakproof Insulated Mug Pays Tribute to a Music Icon While Keeping Coffee Piping Hot

In a world where small joys matter, the $8 Dolly Parton bottle brush is a cheerful reminder that a touch of Dolly can make even the most routine chores feel a little more like a hit show. Snag it for under $10 while it’s still in stock!

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The 9 International NFL Games to Book This Year—and Where to Stay in Every City

Tue, 08/25/2026 - 5:10am

Football fans are a passionate bunch. Just think back to the last time you watched a National Football League (NFL) game at your favorite brewpub on Sunday or when you hosted a Super Bowl watch party and your favorite team was playing.

Now think of those iconic rivalries, fan traditions, and more taking to the international stage. While 2026 won’t be the first time teams take each other on outside of the United States, it’s the first time the NFL International Games will be played in seven countries and feature a record-breaking nine games. 

“The NFL’s global expansion is fueling a new era of sports tourism, with fans traveling farther and building international trips around marquee events. NFL International Games are bigger than football. They give host cities a global stage to showcase their culture and pride. In partnership with the NFL, we create hospitality experiences that connect the energy of the game with the identity of each destination, driving record-breaking results year after year,” said Paul Caine, President of On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL. 

This year, the NFL International Games kick off on September 10 in Melbourne, Australia, where the San Francisco 49ers will take on the LA Rams. But throughout the regular season, the NFL will head to plenty of other places, including France, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, and England. Even better, each of these games is being played in a destination you can make an entire trip out of, whether that’s through official ticket packages that include events and transportation, or just exploring a new city on your own. 

If you’re thinking about getting tickets to one of these games, or already booked your tickets and looking for suggestions on where to stay and what to do outside of the game, keep reading. 

Melbourne, Australia on September 10, 2026 Matchup: San Francisco 49ers vs. LA Rams The AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank is a centrally located hotel for game day and beyond.

AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank

If you’re thinking about flying halfway around the world to Melbourne, Australia, for the NFL game between the 49ers and the Rams, there are things you need to know. According to Kayak, this is the priciest NFL game to attend. Flights average about $1,188 per person, with a three-night hotel adding to the cost, totaling about $1,900 to get to the city and have a place to sleep. But it could be worth the splurge if you really want to make a vacation out of an NFL game. 

Consider staying at AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank, which is close to the beach and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the NFL game is being held. The hotel is about a 30-minute tram ride from the stadium. Between touchdowns and exploring Melbourne, you can enjoy the hotel’s spacious infinity pool overlooking the city. 

Some destinations not to miss while enjoying your sports-themed vacation include the Royal Botanic Gardens, the beach town of St Kilda, and enjoying local coffee shops since the city is known as Australia’s coffee capital. 

Related: 9 Bucket-List Sporting Events to Plan Your 2026 Summer Vacation Around

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, on September 27, 2026 Matchup: Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys The hotel pool is a great spot to relax between the football game and exploring the city.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.

When the Ravens take on the Cowboys in September, there’s no better place to call home than at the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort. The property is the only beachfront resort in the city, making it a must-stay. Additionally, the hotel offers complimentary shuttles to Leblon Beach for those who want to spend a day in the sand. The hotel is about 30 minutes from Maracanã Stadium by car. 

While you’re in Rio, be sure to ride the cable car up to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and take in the sights and sounds of Copacabana Beach. 

London, England, on October 4 and 11, 2026 Matchup: Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders, then Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Fans can see two NFL games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season.

Friendly Planet

The London games may be the best travel deal of them all because you could link two or three games together in one trip. While this could be better for flights, the tradeoff is that hotels are more expensive.

Consider staying at The Stafford London. The hotel is located in the heart of St. James, with Tube stations just around the corner. While the ride on the Tube to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium takes about 40 minutes both ways, it’s worth it for a hotel right in the middle of one of London’s best neighborhoods. Besides plenty of dining and drinking options, you’re within walking distance to some of London’s best tourist attractions, like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. 

If you’re looking for an easy way to experience an NFL game in London, Global tour operator Friendly Planet is offering a five-day small group trip to London when the Eagles and Jaguars face off on October 11. The package includes round-trip airfare, all ground transportation, three nights in a nearby hotel, four meals, tickets to the game, and plenty of time to explore the city on your own. 

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London, England, on October 18, 2026 Matchup: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars With close proximity to Wembley Stadium, Hilton London Wembley is ideal for sports fans.

Hilton

While the first two London games are being held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the final game of the series is at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, where the Texans and Jaguars will face off. Between the excitement of the division rivalry and exploring London, make your home at the Hilton London Wembley. The hotel is just an eight-minute walk to the stadium, making game day easier. 

Even better, the hotel is just a short walk from Wembley Park Station, where you can hop on the London Underground to the city’s best tourist attractions such as the British Museum or a show at the West End. 

Paris, France, on October 25 2026 Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints The Hilton Paris Opera is centrally located for game day and city exploration.

Hilton

A trip to Paris is always a good idea, but add on an NFL game, and you’ve got a great trip ahead. Stay in the heart of Paris at the Hilton Paris Opera, a stunning 1889 building that exudes Parisian charm. I’ve been lucky enough to stay here, and it’s a convenient spot for all the major tourist attractions, like the Eiffel Tower just 15 minutes away, and the Louvre and Montmartre within a short distance. Even better, just outside of the hotel is a metro station, which can get you within a few minutes’ walk to Stade de France.

Madrid, Spain, on November 8, 2026 Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons NFL fans can get more out of their international game trips with packages from On Location.

On Location

If getting to one of the European NFL games is on your travel must-dos this year, Madrid may be the best option. It has the cheapest average airfare of the five European destinations, at about $785, and hotels are on the cheaper side at around $262 per night. 

There are plenty of budget-friendly hotel options in Madrid like the AC Hotel Aitana, which is just a short walk to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, making game day easy. On the other hand, travelers looking for an upscale option in the heart of the city will love Rosewood Villa Magna. The 154-room hotel is right in the middle of Madrid’s Salamanca district, known for its shopping and dining, plus easy access to local landmarks. Even better for those attending the game, the property is just 15 minutes from Bernabéu Stadium via public transportation. 

Related: The One City You Should Visit Before It Gets Overrun by Tourists, According to Experts

Munich, Germany, on November 15, 2026 Matchup: New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions The Charles Hotel is a luxurious home base for NFL fans in Munich.

The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

If you’re looking for an easy way to bundle flights, hotels, game day tickets, and more, On Location has you covered. The hospitality provider offers a range of ticket and travel packages, from single-day packages that include a ticket to the Munich game, an Oktoberfest rally, and public transportation, all the way to packages that include flights, four nights at a luxury hotel, round-trip transportation from the airport and game, and plenty of fun before and after the game. 

Football fans who want to have more freedom with their trip have plenty of hotel options near the stadium, but one that stands out is The Charles Hotel. Each of the property’s accommodations was recently redesigned and is inspired by Munich’s Old Botanical Gardens. Even better, if you’re traveling with a large group, the property offers multi-bedroom suites, so everyone can stay together but have their own space. The Charles Hotel is a five-minute walk from the main train station. Then it’s just about 20 minutes by train to Allianz Arena. 

Related: 5 ‘Secret’ European Islands to Add to Your Bucket List

Mexico City, Mexico, on November 22, 2026

Matchup: Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers

Right in the heart of Mexico City is a hotel with plenty of history.

Hilton

According to Kayak, this is the cheapest game of the nine international NFL games to attend. The average airfare to the city is just $494, and hotels average about $223 per night. One great place to make your home base is Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton. The property is housed in a historic building dating back over 100 years in the heart of downtown Mexico City. The art-centric hotel features more than 100 pieces from local artists, plus an outdoor rooftop pool, four restaurants, an expansive vinyl collection, a mini-cinema, and more right at your fingertips. The hotel is about a 40-minute drive to the Estadio Banorte, where the Vikings will take on the 49ers. 

While there are plenty of things to do in the city, you must visit Handshake Speakeasy, which was named one of North America’s 50 best bars. It’s about three miles from the hotel, but worth the taxi or ride-share fee. Drinks can take about two days to fully craft, making each cocktail special and worth savoring. 

Related: I’m an ‘Experiences’ Writer—You Can’t Miss These 9 Bucket-List Sporting Events This Summer

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