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Summer peaches are one of those seasonal treats that hardly need any help. Bite into a perfectly ripe peach, and you get juicy sweetness, floral fragrance and just enough tang to make you reach for another napkin—and another peach.

But when the grill is fired up, this beloved summer fruit gets a delicious makeover. Heat caramelizes the peach’s natural sugars, softens its flesh and adds a smoky, slightly savory flavor that makes even a simple backyard barbecue feel like a special occasion.

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Grilled peaches can become dessert, a breakfast topping, a salad ingredient or a side dish with almost no extra effort. The trick is knowing which peaches to buy and, more importantly, when to add the sweet stuff.

While it might seem natural to slather peaches with butter or sprinkle them with brown sugar before they hit the grates, that can lead to burnt sugar, bitter flavors and fruit that falls apart before you ever get those gorgeous grill marks.

Chef Dennis Littley, chef and culinary expert at Ask Chef Dennis, says the best approach is surprisingly simple, and he has a few key tricks up his sleeve for making the best-ever grilled peaches. Here’s how he takes grilled peaches from good to grilled deliciousness.

The Secret to Perfect Grilled Peaches: ‘Freestone’ and Firm

Jacqueline Nix / Getty Images

If you’re wondering how to grill peaches without ending up with peach jam stuck to your grill grates, your first decision happens at the grocery store or farmers market.

Not all peaches are created equal when it comes to grilling. Chef Littley recommends freestone peaches for grilling because their pits come out cleanly, making them easier to halve and prepare. More importantly, look for fruit that is ripe and flavorful but still firm.

“The biggest mistake is starting with peaches that are too ripe,” Chef Littley says. “They turn mushy very quickly.”

That’s particularly important once the peaches hit the heat. A soft, ultra-ripe peach may be wonderful for eating over the sink, but it won’t necessarily survive a hot grill. You want a peach with enough structure to soften slightly without collapsing.

And here’s another detail worth remembering—leave the skin on. The skin acts like a little natural jacket, helping the peach halves hold their shape while they cook. It also means you don’t have to worry about the fruit sliding apart when you flip it. Cut the peaches in half, remove the pits and you’re ready for the next step.

The Pre-Grill Prep: Oil, Not Butter

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Here’s where your instinct to make everything better with butter needs to take a brief hiatus. Before grilling, brush the cut sides of the peaches with a small amount of neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil. You don’t need to soak them. The goal is simply to help prevent sticking and encourage even browning.

Why not butter? Butter contains milk solids that can burn on a hot grill, potentially leaving the peaches with a bitter, scorched flavor. And since the grill is already bringing plenty of flavor to the fruit, there’s no reason to risk it.

Chef Littley keeps his preparation simple too. “I prefer oil over butter before grilling because butter can burn,” he explains. “You can always add butter afterward for flavor.”

That’s the key distinction: butter belongs in the finishing move, not necessarily the pre-grill lineup.

The same rule applies to sugar. You may be tempted to sprinkle brown sugar over the peaches before grilling to create an instant caramelized crust. But sugar burns easily, especially over direct heat. Instead, grill the peaches first and add your brown sugar glaze for fruit afterward.

Think of the grill as the place where the peach gets smoky and caramelized. The glaze is where you get to have fun.

Related: The Easy Way To Make Sweet Corn 10x Better

The Grill Method: Heat and Timing

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For the best grilled peaches, you don’t need complicated equipment or a long cooking process. A medium-high grill is all you need. Chef Littley recommends heating the grill to 375 to 400°F.

Place the peach halves cut side down on the hot grates. Then—and this is important—leave them alone. Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes without disturbing them. This gives the peaches enough time to develop those coveted dark grill marks and allows their natural sugars to caramelize.

Resist the urge to peek every 20 seconds. Once the cut sides are nicely marked, flip the peaches and cook them for another 2 to 3 minutes.

So, if you’re searching for how long to grill peaches, the short answer is roughly 5 to 7 minutes total, depending on the size and firmness of the fruit and the heat of your grill.

“They should be warm and slightly softened but still hold their shape,” Chef Littley says. That’s your target. You’re not trying to cook the peaches until they’re falling apart. You want them tender enough to be luscious but firm enough to pick up with a fork.

Another grilling rule from Chef Littley—don’t keep moving the peaches around. “Give the grill time to do its job,” he says. Once you’ve got the marks, the caramelization and that warm, juicy interior, transfer the peaches to a plate.

6 Ways To Glaze and Serve Your Peaches

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The beauty of grilled peaches is that the basic technique can go in a dozen different directions. This is where grilled peaches become one of the easiest summer dessert ideas around. Here are six fun ways you can glaze and serve grilled peaches that are guaranteed crowdpleasers.

1. Butter and Honey

For a simple finish, Chef Littley’s favorite is hard to argue with: add a little butter and honey after grilling. The warm peach melts the butter slightly, while honey adds floral sweetness that complements the fruit without overwhelming it. For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg.

2. Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

Want something that tastes like summer and a cozy fall dessert decided to become friends? Combine a little brown sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle or brush it over the hot peaches after they come off the grill. The residual heat helps the sugar melt into the fruit without exposing it to the full force of the grill flame. A tiny splash of vanilla can also turn up the dessert vibes.

3. À la Mode

This might be the easiest of all desserts on the barbecue. Put a warm grilled peach half in a bowl and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between hot, smoky fruit and cold, creamy ice cream is basically a backyard dessert cheat code. Greek yogurt works beautifully too, especially if you’d prefer something tangier and less sweet.

4. Smattered With Fresh Herbs

Fresh mint isn’t just there to make your dessert look fancy. It brings a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm sweetness of the peaches. Chef Littley also recommends fresh basil, which is particularly good when you’re taking the peaches in a savory direction.

5. Go Savory With Burrata

Here’s where grilled peaches get seriously interesting. “Their sweetness pairs so well with salty and tangy flavors,” Chef Littley says. Try warm grilled peach halves with creamy burrata, fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic. You can also build them into a salad with peppery arugula and salty prosciutto.

The combination works because the peaches bring sweetness and acidity, while the cheese and cured meat add richness and salt.

And don’t underestimate the power of seasoning. Chef Littley points out that “a little flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper can completely change the direction of the peach from dessert to savory.”

6. Serve With Dinner

Grilled peaches don’t have to wait for the dessert course. Their sweetness makes a natural partner for grilled meats, particularly pork and chicken. Add peach halves alongside your main course, or slice them into a salad for an easy sweet-and-savory side.

It’s also a clever way to make a barbecue meal feel more substantial without creating another complicated dish.

Final Thoughts

The Washington Post / Getty Images

Nailing grilled peaches is simple—choose firm freestone peaches, leave the skin on, brush them with neutral oil and grill over medium-high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add butter, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon or vanilla after grilling, and don’t be afraid to take them savory with burrata, goat cheese, basil, balsamic, arugula or prosciutto.

The key is to let the peach—and the grill’s smoky char and caramelization—do the work, turning a simple summer fruit into a backyard superstar in just minutes.

Source:

• Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef, recipe developer and the creator of Ask Chef Dennis. Drawing on decades of professional culinary experience, he shares approachable, restaurant-quality recipes designed to help home cooks build confidence in the kitchen. Through Ask Chef Dennis, he combines practical chef techniques with straightforward guidance, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Related: The Italian Way To Make Pasta Salad 10x Better

Nena‘s 1984 hit is at the center of a fresh debate over Billboard’s recent ranking of the best No. 2 songs in Hot 100 history, and this time, it’s about who got left off the list.

Billboard published a staff-curated list of the 100 best songs to ever peak at No. 2 without reaching No. 1. The list sparked enough reaction that Billboard ran a follow-up mailbag column featuring reader pushback, including a submission from reader Pablo Nelson arguing that several deserving songs were snubbed. Nelson pointed to Nena’s German-language hit “99 Luftballons” as one of the clearest omissions, noting the song “peaked at #2” and calling out the surprising list without it.

The debate centers on a song that’s more unusual than its pop chart success might suggest. “99 Luftballons” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1984, kept out of the top spot by Van Halen’s “Jump.” It remains one of the rare non-English-language songs to ever crack the American Top 10, let alone come one spot short of No. 1.

The song’s lyrics take an unexpectedly playful turn for a track rooted in Cold War anxiety, tossing in a reference to Captain Kirk as balloons drifting near the Berlin Wall are mistaken for enemy aircraft, triggering a fictional military response. The story, born from something the band’s guitarist actually witnessed at a Rolling Stones concert in West Berlin, became one of the most distinctive protest songs of the decade.

While the English-language version, “99 Red Balloons,” topped the UK charts, it was the original German recording that became the hit stateside, making Nena a rare case of an artist finding U.S. success in her native language.

Nearly 40 years later, fans and readers are still making the case for just how great “99 Luftballons” is.

Summer is technically over on Hallmark as we head into their “Fall into Love” slate of movies before Countdown to Christmas movies begin in mid-October. First up is Love Finds You featuring When Calls the Heart star Chris McNally and Hallmark regular Aimee Teegarden. In this romcom, a jewelry artisan believes her she was delivered a package meant for her fated love and recruits a overnight deliveryman in helping her find him.

Read on for more about Love Finds You. Don’t forget to check out the Parade exclusive sneak peek!

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What is Love Finds You about?

A mislabeled package convinces jewelry designer Alex (Aimee Teegarden) she’s found her ideal man, sending her and delivery driver Jack (Chris McNally) on a citywide search that helps them discover what they truly want.

Who’s in the cast of Love Finds You? Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

Hallmark Media

Aimee Teegarden as Alex

Aimee Teegarden has appeared in several Hallmark films including My Christmas Family Tree, A New Year’s Resolution and Once Upon a Christmas Miracle opposite Brett Dalton. Other credits include Autumn in the City, Christmas Class Reunion, and Heart of the Matter.

Related: Daniel Lissing Returns to Hallmark in a New Romance—See Parade’s Exclusive Sneak Peek

Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

Hallmark Media

Chris McNally as Jack

McNally is best known to Hallmark viewers as Lucas Bouchard, the saloon owner, businessman and governor on When Calls the Heart. He has appeared on Lucifer, Falling Skies, Supernatural and Riverdale. He also has had recurring arcs on Firefly Lane and Altered Carbon on Netflix, as well as in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies on Paramount+. For Hallmark, McNally has starred in numerous movies including 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost (co-starring with his IRL partner, Julie Gonzalo), A Tail of Love, A Winter Princess, Sailing into Love and Tee for Two.

When does Love Finds You premiere?

Love Finds You premieres on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and can be streamed the next day on Hallmark+.

Does Parade have a sneak peek of Love Finds You?

Yes! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek of Love Finds You below:

PARADE Exclusive – Love Finds You – Sneak Peek (1:04) Check out images from Love Finds You

Take a look at some select images from Love Finds You in the gallery below.

Love Finds YouHallmark

Aimee Teegarden, Natalie Sharp Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

Hallmark Media

Aimee Teegarden, Chris McNally

Hallmark Media

Aimee Teegarden, Chris McNally

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Love Finds You

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Aimee Teegarden, Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

Hallmark Media

Love Finds You

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Chris McNally, Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Chris McNally, Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Love Finds You

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Love Finds You

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Love Finds You

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Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

Hallmark Media

Aimee Teegarden, Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

Hallmark Media

Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Christin Park Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Duncan Spencer, Sacha Joseph Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Christin Park, Chris McNally, Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Luvia Petersen Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Chris McNally, Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

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Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

Hallmark Media

Christin Park, Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien 

Hallmark Media

Next, Jesse Metcalfe Makes Long-Awaited Hallmark Return in ‘Absolutely Devoted to You’

This year marks the 25th anniversary of a beloved romantic comedy — which is suddenly back in the spotlight.

Starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, who both remain active in the entertainment space, Serendipity hit theaters in 2001 and ultimately became a cult-classic. In the age of DVDs, fans of the rom-com genre undoubtedly had it as part of their home collection. Maybe your copy is still kicking around.

And now, Deadline is reporting that acclaimed director Michael Showalter (The Idea of You, The Eyes of Tammy Faye) is set to helm a modern retelling of the hit movie for Amazon MGM Studios and Miramax.

It’s no surprise that the latter company is involved, given that Miramax had released the O.G. film to major success 25 years back — a worldwide gross exceeding $77 million, Deadline also noted on Friday, August 21.

“I am so honored and excited to get to live inside this iconic funny, romantic and intelligent world that [writer] Marc Klein has created,” Showalter, 56, said in a statement, per Deadline. “This new Serendipity is not a remake or even a reboot, I’d say it’s more of a rebuttal. Same title. New characters. New story and new ideas about love and relationships. Me and [fellow producer Jordana Mollick] and everyone at Semi-Formal relish the opportunity to make another film with the whole team at Amazon MGM as well as our new partners at Miramax.”

Why We’ve Seen Less of Cusack on Screen

In recent years, Cusack, 60, has appeared less frequently on the silver screen — and it’s for a reason. Earlier this summer, the longtime actor revealed his latest creative project, which was the right move in stepping away from Hollywood.

The Being John Malkovich star told Variety at San Diego Comic-Con that he was ready to tackle projects without executives weighing in. As a result, Cusack has been working on his upcoming graphic novel titled Momo, set to release in September. Find out more here.

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As anyone over the age of 40 will tell you, there comes a day when you look in the mirror and realize your eyelids are losing the battle with gravity. It’s not a dramatic overnight change—more of a gradual situation where one morning the crease you used to have is just…covered. The skin has migrated south, my friends. Your eyes look tired even when you’ve had your full 10 hours (yes, some of us need 10 hours!).

Drooping eyelids are incredibly common, completely normal and one of the more frustrating visible signs of aging, specifically because they affect how awake and alert you look regardless of how much sleep you actually got. (Again, 10 hours. I got 10 freakin’ hours!)

The skincare industry has responded with an entire category of eye lift creams promising to reverse the droop, but there are limits to what a cream can accomplish versus what a surgeon can. So, do any of them actually work?

The honest answer, which we’re going to get into, is somewhere in the middle. To find it, we talked to six experts—Dr. Robert Schwarcz, double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon in New York City; Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD in San Diego; Dr. Anetta Reszko of Reszko Dermatology; Dr. Sandra Oska; Dr. Rachel Westbay of Marmur Medical in New York; and Dr. Alicia Zalka, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep—about what’s actually causing this, what eye lift cream for hooded eyes can genuinely do and which ones are worth trying.

Related: 11 Best Eye Tightening Creams for a Lifted, Firmer Look, Tested by Dermatologists

What Causes Drooping Eyelids as We Age?

The short answer is several things at once, and they all conspire together with almost impressive coordination. Skin loses collagen and elasticity. The levator muscle that lifts the eyelid weakens or stretches, creating what Dr. Schwarcz calls upper eyelid ptosis. Fat around the eye shifts. The brow gradually descends. And then, as Dr. Zalka cheerfully notes—”oh fun!”—bone resorption. The bony structure of the facial skull actually shrinks slightly with age, creating a sunken-eye effect that contributes to the hooded appearance.

“We live on a planet that has gravitational forces at play on our bodies all day every day,” Dr. Zalka points out. “The result: skin droops.”

Combined with skin that has lost its elasticity and bounce-back, that downward pull eventually wins.

Genetics matter too—some people are simply born with a more hooded or low-set eyelid crease that becomes more noticeable over time. Many people are born with beautiful hooded eyelids, but we are referencing eyes that become hooded due to aging here.

Dr. Oska adds sun exposure, smoking and repetitive facial movements as factors that can accelerate the timeline. Dr. Westbay makes another distinction worth knowing: there’s a difference between true excess eyelid skin (dermatochalasis), brow descent and actual eyelid ptosis. Each has a different underlying cause—and a different treatment.

Related: Forget ‘Baby Botox’: This Peptide Hack Is the Secret to Naturally Plumper Skin

Do Eye Lift Creams Actually Work for Hooded Eyes?

Honestly? It depends on what you mean by “work.”

If you mean can a cream physically remove excess skin, reposition tissue or fix a weakened levator muscle? Well the, sadly no. Dr. Schwarcz says eye lift creams “cannot physically or structurally lift hooded eyes as they cannot replicate the results of surgery or remove excess skin.”

Dr. Zalka shares his skepticism about the before-and-afters circulating in skincare marketing. “Before and after photos I have seen marketed by some cosmetic companies have not impressed me,” she tells Parade.

But if you mean can the right cream improve the skin quality of the eyelid area, reduce crepiness, temporarily depuff, hydrate thin skin and make the whole situation look somewhat better? Actually, yes.

“When the skin is better hydrated and supported, the eyelid can appear smoother, firmer and slightly more lifted,” Dr. Westbay tells Parade.

Dr. Oska agrees that for mild to moderate laxity specifically, consistent use of a well-formulated eye cream can be “a valuable part of an overall skincare routine.”

The key phrase across every expert is “mild to moderate.” If the hooding is major, no cream is going to move the needle enough to matter.

Related: 8 Best Eyeliners for Hooded Eyes, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists

Ingredients To Look for in an Eye Lift Cream for Drooping Eyelids

The ingredient list is where you separate the creams doing real work from the ones coasting on optimistic packaging copy.

• Dr. Oska and Dr. Reszko both point to peptides as the standout ingredient for supporting the appearance of firmer skin.
• Hyaluronic acid handles hydration and temporary plumping.
• Vitamin C and niacinamide brighten and support collagen health.
• Caffeine addresses puffiness by constricting vessels and supporting lymphatic drainage—though its effect is temporary.

Dr. Palm adds defensins to the conversation, and it’s an ingredient worth knowing about. These are small proteins naturally found in the body that activate dormant stem cells in the basal layer of the epidermis, encouraging new healthy skin cell formation.

“Over time, this leads to thicker, healthier skin and a more youthful appearance with improved pigmentation and skin radiance,” she tells Parade—and she’s seen it specifically help with under-eye hyperpigmentation and radiance.

Dr. Oska recommends retinol for stimulating collagen and improving texture, but says it should be introduced gradually given the sensitivity of the eye area.

Dr. Schwarcz agrees it’s becoming popular in eye creams but cautions it should generally be used under the eye rather than on the upper lid.

What to avoid? Well, fragrance, alcohol and aggressive exfoliating acids. The eye area is too sensitive for any of those, and irritation here is particularly unpleasant.

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The Best Eye Lift Cream for Hooded Eyes, Recommended by a Dermatologist

Dr. Westbay uses and recommends Colorescience Total Eye Firm & Repair Cream—and what distinguishes her recommendation is that she’s pointing to the finished formulation’s clinical data, not just its ingredient list.

“The finished formulation has been clinically evaluated,” she explains, noting an eight-week published study showing improvements in eyelid laxity and dryness. She uses it morning and evening on the upper lids as well as underneath.

Other Expert-Backed Products for Your Skincare Routine

For daytime, Dr. Westbay adds Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 on top, specifically because “the eye area is frequently neglected when people apply sunscreen”—and UV protection is one of the most meaningful things you can do to prevent further collagen breakdown.

Dr. Reszko points to two Valmont formulas for patients focused on firmness. Valmont V-Lift Eye uses DNA/RNA and C-Drone peptide technology to improve the appearance of lift and smoothness around the eye area. V-Firm Eye takes a similar approach with hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, lysine and proline amino acids and immortelle flower.

For something focused specifically on reducing puffiness while brightening, Dr. Zalka recommends looking for green tea alongside niacinamide—ingredients that address multiple concerns in the delicate eyelid zone without the irritation risk that comes with more aggressive formulas.

How To Apply Eye Cream Correctly To Lift Hooded Lids

Ring finger, small amount, no tugging. Every single expert says a version of this. The eyelid skin is among the thinnest on the body, and the repeated friction of aggressive application contributes to exactly the kind of stretching and irritation you’re trying to reverse.

Dr. Oska’s specific technique is to apply a pea-sized amount with the ring finger, starting along the orbital bone beneath the eyes and continuing around the outer corners, then lightly apply just beneath the brow bone rather than directly on the mobile upper eyelid—unless the product specifically states it’s safe for that area.

Dr. Westbay applies from the inner portion of the eyelid outward, then smooths any remaining product underneath. “More product is not better—the eyelid skin is thin, and excess product can migrate into the eye or cause irritation,” she says.

Dr. Reszko echoes this, adding that using too much can sometimes actually cause puffiness—which is the opposite of what you’re going for.

Morning and evening application, consistently over weeks and months, is what produces results. 

Related: 11 Best Skin-Tightening Moisturizers, According to Celebrity Derms

What Results Can You Realistically Expect From Eye Lift Creams vs. Surgery?

Eye creams can improve hydration, reduce crepiness, soften fine lines, temporarily depuff and make the eyelid area look smoother and more refreshed with consistent use. That’s real and that’s worth doing.

Surgery can remove excess skin, reposition fat and address structural changes in a way no topical product can touch.

“Eyelid surgery, aka, forehead lift or blepharoplasty, are the gold standard for addressing undesirable eyelid hooding or sagging,” says Dr. Zalka. “These options far exceed anything a cream or serum could do given the technology and science we have right now in skin care.” 

For a realistic routine, Dr. Oska recommends starting with skincare and considering in-office treatments or surgery only if topical products can’t adequately address the concern.

Up Next:

Related: The Surprising Beauty Product French Women Love, Makeup Artist Reveals: ‘Believe It or Not’

Sources:

• Dr. Robert Schwarcz, double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, New York City
• Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Art of Skin MD
• Dr. Anetta Reszko, board-certified dermatologist, Reszko Dermatology
• Dr. Sandra Oska, board-certified dermatologist
• Dr. Rachel Westbay, board-certified dermatologist, Marmur Medical
• Dr. Alicia Zalka, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep

John Steinbeck’s East of Eden is having a moment. The 1952 masterpiece is being reimagined as a new Netflix limited series by writer and co-showrunner Zoe Kazan, just as Collider has named it the greatest American novel of the last 100 years. The book becomes the latest in a long line of Steinbeck adaptations, including The Grapes of Wrath (1940), starring Henry Fonda, and the many adaptations of Of Mice and Men (1939, 1992).

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Originally published on Sept. 19, 1952, through The Viking Press, East of Eden is a sweeping generational saga set in California’s Salinas Valley. It centers on the lives of two families, the Trasks and Hamiltons, while exploring themes of free will and the eternal struggle of good vs. evil. Inspired by the biblical story of Cain and Abel, Steinbeck constructed a dynamic, ambitious masterwork that spans hundreds of pages.  

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“It’s one of those book masterpieces that is perfectly written, a family saga that Steinbeck himself considered not just his most ambitious work, but even his magnum opus,” Collider writes. “It’s only a little over 600 pages long—and the keyword there is ‘only,’ because it’s such a vast, well-rounded, and complex study of free will and the constant battle between good and evil that it could have easily been twice as long.”

Interweaving rich, poetic language with plain, realistic dialogue, Steinbeck’s novel is “beautifully rich in terms of its character writing, plotting, thematic work, and moral messaging” and “almost definitely is the best American book of the last 100 years,” Collider adds.

Before Kazan’s retelling, East of Eden had been adapted for the screen twice: most recently in 1981 as ABC’s Golden Globe-winning miniseries starring Jane Seymour, and earlier in 1955 as the Academy Award-winning feature film starring James Dean and directed by Elia Kazan. Yes, that Kazan. Elia Kazan is Zoe Kazan’s grandfather.

“It will actually be two books,” Steinbeck once said of his novel, “the story of my country and the story of me.”

While making her series, which co-stars Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist and premieres Oct. 1, Kazan kept those words in mind.

“I really took that as my credo,” she told Tudum. “It needs to be epic and intimate. It needs to be as personal for me as it was for him, even though he’s literally writing about his family.”

Winner of the 1962 Nobel Prize in Literature, Steinbeck was truly one of the greatest and most influential writers of the 20th century.

“A champion of the working class and a voice always willing to speak about the harsh realities of the Great Depression,” Collider writes, “he was the mind behind masterpieces of the caliber of East of Eden, arguably the strongest post-1926 contender for the title of The Great American Novel.”

Related: Best-Selling Author’s New Novel, the Latest From the ‘Queen of Twists,’ Ranked Among Amazon’s Most Read Books

Back in March 2025, HGTV star Ben Napier shared that he had lost 95 pounds over the course of three years. While there have been selfies since, fans are continually wowed by his transformation, and his latest Instagram post proves it.

On Aug. 12, the Home Town star posted with a crew member, showing off their T-shirts with an American flag on their sleeve. The caption “These colors don’t run” was connected to the flag, but fans weren’t focused on that at all.

Instead, their focus was on the work that Napier has continued to put into his health. As one user shares, “Looking lean, Ben,” another commented, “Ben, you look fabulous ♥️”

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One fan asked him how much he had lost, and while he hasn’t given an update since the 2025 interview, keeping the weight off requires a lot of dedication. It’s something that he’s willing to put in, with his wife, Erin Napier, noting that he will wake up at 5 a.m. to start his workouts.

He went through shoulder surgery in 2023 to fix his rotator cuff, and it was the buildup to that surgery that made him realize he needed to start losing weight. He wanted to lower his blood pressure and make it easier to sleep on his back, and fans were with him every step of the way. His wife is certainly happy to have him at his healthiest, because she just wants him to be around for their daughters for as long as possible.

There have been some jokes along the way, as Erin has previously noted that he has started growing food in a garden that he built, and he really only wants to eat food from there.

When he originally spoke about the weight loss, he made it clear that he wasn’t quite at his target weight. He’s continued to focus his efforts on eating well and exercising, but he wouldn’t share the goal.

The Napiers are currently in the middle of filming Home Town Season 11. There isn’t a release date set for it just yet, but fans are expecting a 2027 release date.

Hayden Panettiere’s dad, Skip Panettiere, is mourning the loss of her daughter just three years after the death of his son, Jansen Panettiere.

Skip confirmed the Ice Princess star’s death on Sunday, August 16, in a statement to ABC News.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” he said at the time.

On what would have been Hayden’s 37th birthday, Skip took to social media to share a heartbreaking tribute to his daughter.

“Happy Birthday my sweet Hayden. Daddy will never stop missing you,” Skip wrote, later sharing a photo of Hayden and Jansen. “I can only hope that you are with Jansen and he has taken you by the hand.”

Skip’s remarks come just five days after the Remember the Titans actress was found unresponsive inside a Greenville, South Carolina, apartment. Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were also present at the time.

Despite efforts to resuscitate her, Hayden was pronounced dead. An initial autopsy did not find signs of foul play, however, an investigation into her untimely death is underway.

Electrorock singer-songwriter St. Vincent is returning to one of New York City’s most intimate and storied music venues this fall.

The Grammy-winning musician will return to Café Carlyle on Manhattan’s Upper East Side for three shows from Oct. 27 through Oct. 29, bringing her acclaimed live show back to the elegant hotel venue for the second year in a row.

St. Vincent, who was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in Dallas, Texas, performed three shows at Café Carlyle in October 2025, beginning what has quickly become an annual tradition.

The intimate setting has also given her an opportunity to put a different spin on her live performances. During last year’s residency, she covered Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life,” Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” and Rufus Wainwright’s “Poses” on consecutive nights.

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Café Carlyle has long been known for hosting musical residencies in an intimate setting, and the venue has recently welcomed a younger generation of artists alongside its longtime cabaret and jazz performers.

The Cafe Carlyle shows are just one part of a packed stretch of high-profile New York performances for the artist. On September 10, St. Vincent will share the stage with conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the New York Philharmonic at Radio City Music Hall, alongside fellow performers Lizzo and Joaquina. Looking further ahead, she’s also set to perform at The Met’s Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium on February 20.

Between a philharmonic collaboration, a museum performance, and now a return engagement at one of the city’s most storied music venues, St. Vincent’s fall calendar makes clear she’s just as comfortable in New York’s most distinctive settings as she is on a traditional concert stage.

Ella Langley kicked off the second leg of her The Dandelion Tour on Thursday, Aug. 20, bringing both the party and plenty of nostalgia. While performing for a sold-out crowd at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, the country music superstar, 27, had fans singing along to every word of her songs, which ranged from covers to fan-favorites and tracks from her Dandelion album, co-produced with Miranda Lambert and Ben West. 

Midway through her headlining show, Langley surprised fans with a country throwback, delivering the ultimate crowd-pleaser with Gretchen Wilson’s 2004 hit, “Here for the Party.”

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Dressed in a bell-sleeved, pink velvet mini-dress, accessorized with white knee-high boots, Langley showed off her musician skills on a red guitar, playing along with her band as she belted out the words to the rowdy party anthem. Langley effortlessly delivered the cover with her stunning vocals, even breaking to hand out guitar picks to some of her fans standing in the audience. 

This isn’t Langley’s first time performing “Here for the Party.” The song has been a part of the Alabama native’s live set, and she previously joined forces with Wilson for an onstage surprise collaboration of the song, which aired on ABC as part of the 2026 CMA Fest TV special. The celebrity friends also released a studio version of “Here for the Party” as a duet, which can be found below. 

Released in 2004, Wilson’s “Here for the Party” served as the second single and title track from her No. 1 album of the same name. Written by Wilson alongside Big & Rich members Big Kenny and John Rich, the uptempo song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

During Langley’s near two-hour show, she also delivered a second cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” with tour opener Laci Kaye Booth and brought out Ernest for “Loving Life Again,” which they co-wrote alongside Devin Dawson. 

Other highlights during the concert included hits like “Be Her,” “Butterfly Season,” “Weren’t for the Wind,” and Langley’s history-making long-running No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, “Choosin’ Texas.” For the evening’s encore, Langley returned with songs “Made It Out of Mexico,” “Love You Tonight,” and “That’s Why We Fight,” a duet originally sung with Koe Wetzel.

Langley’s The Dandelion Tour, which includes landmark performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and two nights at Los Angeles’ famed Greek Theatre, runs through Oct. 31, with its final stop at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, MN. For a full listing of tour dates, visit Langley’s official website here. 

Related: 1975 Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’ Was Just Reimagined by Ella Langley

Ann-Margret was a screen siren in the 1960s, starring opposite marquee names like Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas, Steve McQueen in The Cincinnati Kid, and Dean Martin in Murderer’s Row. But before she became Hollywood’s It girl, she was climbing the Billboard charts with a proto-classic rock hit called “I Just Don’t Understand.”

Written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kent Westberry, the track, which appears on Ann-Margret’s second studio album, On the Way Up, is an embarrassment of star power. It features not only The Jordanaires, Presley’s famous backup vocalists, but is especially notable for its early use of fuzz guitar, courtesy of studio guitar ace Billy Strange, and polished production by way of the “Country Gentleman” himself, Chet Atkins.

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On the track, Ann-Margret delivers lyrics about mixed messages and toxic love. At the same time, a gritty, driving rhythm propels the song forward, and Strange’s handmade distortion lends the tune a sound that was revolutionary for the Sixties. And fans loved it.

In August 1961, the song cracked the Billboard Top 40, eventually peaking at No. 17 and spending six weeks there. The song would become Ann-Margret’s only Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The only song to ever come close to repeating its success was “Love Rush,” a dance hit produced by Paul Sabu that climbed to No. 8 on Billboard’s disco chart in 1979.

“I knew that I had something to offer,” she told Interview magazine last December. “I just kept going no matter what people said.”

More than three decades later, the song gained an even bigger classic rock footprint when The Beatles released it as part of their compilation album Live at the BBC. The Fab Four famously recorded the track in 1963 during a BBC radio session, with John Lennon delivering the tender vocal lead and Paul McCartney backing. The performance aired on Aug. 20 that same year on the radio program Pop Goes the Beatles, but the song wasn’t formally released until 33 years later in 1994.

Shortly after she released “I Just Don’t Understand,” Ann-Margret sang the Oscar-nominated theme song from Bachelor in Paradise at the 34th Academy Awards. The dynamite performance lit up her calendar, sending her acting career into overdrive and making her one of the biggest stars of the 1960s and beyond.

But she never stopped rocking.

Speaking with Interview about something legendary comedian George Burns told her—that she should get back on the stage—she said, “He was right! He was right. I could do both, so I did.”

In 2023, more than 60 years after “I Just Don’t Understand” made her a Billboard Top 20 hitmaker, Ann-Margret returned to her rock ’n’ roll roots with Born to Be Wild, her first album in more than a decade. The rock album featured legends Pete Townshend, Joe Perry, and Steve Cropper, and reached No. 93 on Billboard’s Top Albums Sales chart.

To this day, Ann-Margret, 85, still rocks.

Related: 1961 Song, Which Saw a Resurgence 51 Years Later on ‘Mad Men,’ Became a 17-Year-Old’s Signature Hit

By the early 1970s, Charlie Rich had spent years trying to find where his eclectic sound belonged. Nashville finally gave him the answer.

The Arkansas-born singer had started his recording career at Sun Records in Memphis, bringing together country, blues, jazz, gospel, and rock and roll. But it was after becoming part of the Nashville country music scene that Rich found his greatest commercial success. In 1973, “Behind Closed Doors” turned the veteran performer into one of country music’s biggest stars.

Today, the song is regarded as much more than a career breakthrough. Rolling Stone ranked “Behind Closed Doors” No. 24 on its list of the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time, placing it among the genre’s most celebrated recordings.

Rich’s road to that success had been unusually long.

“I had met [producer] Billy Sherrill before as an engineer for Sun Records in Nashville,” Rich told NPR in 1992. “Sam [Phillips] also had a studio in Nashville, so we went over there one time and recorded some things and Billy was an engineer on the sessions. That’s really the first place I met him.”

Nicknamed “The Silver Fox,” Rich had struggled to fit neatly into any one musical category. His varied influences were central to his artistry, but they could make him difficult for radio programmers to classify. Sherrill recalled to Billboard that some considered Rich “too bluesy for country,” while others thought he was “too country for anything else.”

“We just needed the right song,” Sherrill explained.

Songwriter Kenny O’Dell provided it. Surprisingly, the song was inspired by the Watergate scandal.

“They’re always talking about no one know what goes on behind closed doors,” O’Dell said in an interview. “Having the sessions, another session, behind closed doors. And I’m thinking, I like the title, ‘Behind Closed Doors.'”

He developed “Behind Closed Doors” around a riff he’d been humming for years, while Sherrill’s production blended traditional country flourishes with the dramatic sweep of an 11-piece string section. Rich’s smooth, restrained vocal brought the pieces together.

The response marked a dramatic turning point.

“Behind Closed Doors” spent two weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and crossed over to the pop charts, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Rich soon followed it with another enormous hit, “The Most Beautiful Girl.”

His newfound prominence also brought major accolades. Rich won two Grammys and earned his only CMA Entertainer of the Year award, completing a remarkable transformation from difficult-to-categorize veteran to Nashville country icon.

More than five decades later, “Behind Closed Doors” remains the recording that crystallized Rich’s singular talents. Its No. 24 placement on Rolling Stone’s all-time country ranking confirms that the song Nashville had been waiting for ultimately became one of the genre’s greatest.

Related: 1967 Rock Song, With 22-Year-Old Singer From Chicago, Is Still a Generational Hit 59 Years Later

Days after the death of Hayden Panettiere was announced, Charmed’s Rose McGowan has broken her silence. While she pays tribute to the late star, she marks the environment that led to the situation.

McGowan took to Instagram on what would have been Panettiere’s 37th birthday with a video of ocean waves with simple text on the screen. Fans quickly joined in with the attack on the industry that has led to many child stars dying too young.

Starting with “Rest in Power,” the Scream alum went on to say, “Don’t put kids in show business. None of this is normal. May her spirit be free of those who orchestrated.”

She’s pointing the finger at those who encouraged Panettiere to get into acting at a young age. The Heroes star was in her first commercial when she was just 11 months old, and one fan noted in McGowan’s comments that she had been in 50 commercials by the time she was five, calling it “children exploitation.”

After the commercials, Panettiere would star on Guiding Light, before landing roles in Heroes, Bring It On: All or Nothing, Nashville, and more. Many have started to rediscover her movies, including Ice Princess, which stars fellow late child actress Michelle Trachtenberg.

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Others praised McGowen for her words, with one saying, “so sad for her, everyone around her failed her, including her own family… heartbreaking 💔”

Another said: “Kids don’t belong to show business.. too many sad stories, well said…”

However, there were a few to point out that it could be impossible to keep children out of show business. That would mean no families in movies. 

McGowan isn’t the first actress to note how many young stars are dying. Shortly after Panettiere’s death, Spy Kids star Alexa PenaVega noted that it was a difficult time losing many friends she grew up with in the business.

Many will remember McGowan for her roles as Tatum Riley in Scream and Paige Matthews in Charmed, but she found herself blacklisted after speaking out about the troubling situation in Hollywood. She has long called it a cult that protects those at the top, rather than those who need it. She was a firm supporter of the #MeToo movement, sharing in 2018 and 2019 that everybody in the business knew about the things Harvey Weinstein would do, but ignored it, and she continues to speak out against the industry.

If you remember the early Reese’s ads, then you’ll know they were the original tasty mashup: “two great tastes that taste great together.” Now, The Nitro Bar is giving those flavors a fall twist with the limited Reese’s Pumpkins PB Whip Latte.

The chocolate-and-peanut-butter-inspired drink is the result of a new collaboration between Reese’s and The Nitro Bar, a cult-favorite coffee shop with locations in Rhode Island. And judging by the reaction to the announcement, fans are already ready to swap their pumpkin spice for something a little more decadent.

“Move over PSL,” The Nitro Bar wrote on Instagram while introducing the drink. “The candy you know and love, but in latte form.”

New Yorkers get first dibs, with a pop-up event running Sept. 14 and 15, before the drink officially rolls out at all Nitro Bar locations from Sept. 18 to 20. The Nitro Bar currently operates three locations across Providence and Newport, Rhode Island, with plans to expand into NYC in 2027. Fans elsewhere won’t be left out, either. Reese’s and The Nitro Bar plan to release a recipe on Sept. 14 so anyone can recreate the latte at home, wherever they happen to live.

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The limited-edition latte was inspired by Reese’s Pumpkin, the chocolate-and-peanut-butter Halloween favorite that returns every fall. Audrey Finocchiaro, founder of The Nitro Bar, told PEOPLE that the collaboration was an opportunity to bring Reese’s signature flavor into coffee in a way that felt “playful” and “unexpected.”

And fans seem more than ready to try it. The comments on The Nitro Bar’s Instagram announcement included one enthusiastic reaction: “This will absolutely wreck my entire stomach system. Give me 37 of them immediately.” Another commenter summed up the seasonal shift rather nicely: “Sorry PSL, we’re on a break. Hellooo Reese latte.”

With a New York City pop-up, a limited Rhode Island release, and a recipe coming for everyone else, Reese’s and The Nitro Bar may have just found a new way to make fall a whole lot sweeter.

Goldie Hawn is returning to a project that puts a different kind of spotlight on her decades-long work with children.

The 80-year-old Oscar-winning star of Cactus Flower, Private Benjamin and Overboard is teaming up with bestselling children’s author Lin Oliver for the second book in their After-School Kindness Crew series. The After-School Kindness Crew #2: Slam Dunk Day is scheduled to hit shelves Nov. 10, 2026.

The new release follows the first installment, Pooch on the Loose, which launched the middle-grade series earlier this year. Hawn and Oliver, 79, created the series around friendship, kindness, mindfulness and the everyday challenges faced by kids.

Goldie Hawn Is Bringing Kindness to the Bookshelf

In Slam Dunk Day, fourth-graders Tony, Mia and River find themselves dealing with new surprises as they continue their mission of spreading kindness.

The book is inspired by Hawn’s work with the Goldie Hawn Foundation and its MindUP program, which focuses on helping children develop emotional resilience, mindfulness and stress-management skills.

Like the first book, the new installment will feature “Brain Breaks” throughout the story. The guided breathing exercises give young readers opportunities to pause, take a breath and collect their thoughts.

“I wanted to create these relatable stories to remind children of the power of kindness, while giving them moments of laughter and calm,” Hawn said in a statement. “The brain breaks woven throughout each book invite children to pause, breathe, and reconnect with joy.”

The actress has long been involved in children’s wellness and education through the foundation, making the book series a natural extension of work that has become an important part of her life beyond Hollywood.

Hawn first rose to fame on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In before becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable comedy stars. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Cactus Flower and later earned another Oscar nomination for Private Benjamin.

Her film résumé also includes Overboard, The First Wives Club, Death Becomes Her and Wildcats, the 1986 sports comedy in which she played a high school football coach.

But these days, Hawn is putting some of that energy toward a younger audience.

Oliver, who has written more than 65 children’s books, said the series draws directly from the principles behind Hawn’s MindUP program, including kindness, self-awareness and empathy.

The After-School Kindness Crew #2: Slam Dunk Day will be published Nov. 10, just ahead of World Kindness Day on Nov. 13.

RELATED: Disney Princess Just Got Its First Peloton Workout

Swapping out your front-porch decor is one of the best ways to welcome in the new season, and fall is no different. As the weather begins to cool down and slowly but surely become crisp, upgrading your porch decor to feel cozier is an absolute must. Your wreath is an easy place to start, and this new option at Aldi is absolutely perfect for this time of year.

Kirkton House’s Burgundy Leaves Harvest Wreath is such a pretty addition to your front door this fall, adding a touch of bold elegance. Measuring 20 inches in diameter, this wreath makes such a beautiful statement.

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Kirkton House Burgundy Leaves Harvest Wreath, $19.99 at Aldi

Aldi

This wreath comes with a hanging loop, making it easy to place wherever you please. If you are not interested in styling it on your front door, that is no problem. It would also look great anywhere else in your home, from a window to your fireplace mantel.

Related: This Sleek Accordion Hanger at IKEA Maximizes Space While Looking Stylish

Of course, the big appeal of this decor piece is its striking burgundy color. The dramatic hue adds something extra to the wreath, giving it a special touch that is on-trend yet unique. In addition to the burgundy leaves, there are lighter-colored burgundy sprigs throughout, adding contrast and visual interest.

If this wreath isn’t really your vibe, no worries. Aldi is also selling a variety of other wreath styles that are perfect for autumn, including this vibrant pumpkin harvest variety and this rustic but charming yarrow version. Each wreath retails for $19.99. There are also plenty of other fall decor pieces you can shop for this week.

You can find these wreaths at select Aldi stores right now, in the German grocery store chain’s center aisles. It will be part of Aldi Finds, weekly product specials that come and go every single Wednesday. These are only available while supplies last. If you see something you are interested in, make sure to snatch it up quickly.

Related: Costco Is Selling Chic Strappy Sandals That Feel Like ‘Walking on a Cloud’

We’re only halfway through August, but it seems every retailer has set their sights on fall. Even coffee shops have already dropped their pumpkin-themed menus to usher in the spooky months.

And while I’m still enjoying the last bits of summer, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t just spend an afternoon at Sam’s Club stocking up on all things Halloween.

That’s when a 12-pack of Angry Orchard hard ciders caught my eye.

It wasn’t just any pack. The spooky packaging instantly pulled me in, as the limited-edition Angry Orchard Scream Thriller Pack went into full horror-movie mode.

In collaboration with the iconic horror franchise Scream, the variety pack features the franchise’s most recognizable villain, Ghost Face, alongside fall-inspired shades of green, red, orange, and purple that reflect the flavors inside.

Lizzy Buczak

Boasting 5% ABV (and naturally gluten-free) and glow-in-the-dark elements, the variety pack includes 3 cans of each of the following flavors:

• Mystery Caller: A secret, elusive fruit-blended crisp apple cider featuring the iconic Ghost Face design (some guess it’s a black cherry flavor).
• Headless Pumpkin: Pumpkin flavor mixed with hints of vanilla ice cream, baked pie crust, and bright apple.
• Blood Orange: Bright citrus and honeysuckle top notes paired with juicy apple.
• Caramel Apple Curse: Tart orchard apples blended with warm, buttery caramel dessert notes

As a fan of all things pumpkin, the Headless Pumpkin was top-tier, though Blood Orange was surprisingly refreshing.

Lizzy Buczak

The hard ciders are understandably the talk of the town, as they bridge a seasonal gap, serving as a must-have sip during Summerween celebrations, scary movie nights, barbecues, and eventually, all fall-themed activities.

If you’re a cider or Scream fan, this one is a must—provided you’re of legal drinking age, of course.

The 12-pack retails for about $18.79, depending on location, and will sell out quickly, as horror fanatics have already sent up the “Code Orange” on social media and are running to stores to get their hands on a pack.

Thankfully, they aren’t exclusive to Sam’s Club and have been spotted at other retailers and liquor stores, so if your location is out of stock, don’t hit the panic button just yet. Availability will run from August through October, while supplies last.

Do you dare?

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Hot take: Fall is hands-down the best season for decorating your front porch. Sorry, spring, but your potted pansies and pastel wreaths just aren’t bringing the same energy. Autumn has the whole package: rich oranges, warm reds, golden yellows and earthy neutrals that practically beg you to pile on the pumpkins, mums and cozy textures.

And then there’s the lighting. Because the sun starts clocking out earlier, you can finally break out the fairy lights and lanterns before bedtime without looking like you’re trying to summon Christmas in September. The result is a front porch that feels warm, welcoming and, dare I say, magical.

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Fall decorating also gives you permission to be a little extra. Stack pumpkins on the steps, tuck mums into every available corner, layer a few cozy doormats and add a wreath. I love it all.

Member’s Mark 32-Inch Pre-Lit Harvest Berry Topiary, $69.98 at Sam’s Club

Sam's Club

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Sam’s Club understands the assignment and its place in bringing that kind of fall flair to life with Member’s Mark 32-Inch Pre-Lit Harvest Berry Topiary. Standing 32 inches tall, it packs plenty of personality into a compact footprint, with a natural solid wood base, a plump rattan pumpkin and a lively mix of vibrant red-orange berries and soft brown leaves that give it that colorful, harvest-season look. And then come the lights: 35 warm white LEDs add a cozy glow that makes this little beauty especially charming once the sun goes down.

While the image above features two of these topiaries on a front porch, that’s just for show. Each topiary is sold individually—not as a set.

Related: Costco’s Set of 2 Fluted Bowls Is the Chic Way to Serve Dinner—or Snacks

The good news, however, is that these topiaries are refreshingly low-maintenance and come with three AA batteries. There’s a built-in timer that keeps the lights on for six hours before putting them on an 18-hour snooze, so you can enjoy the glow without having to remember to switch them on and off. At 18 inches wide and deep, it’s just the right size for an entryway or covered outdoor spot.

After receiving one topiary, a Sam’s Club shopper says they already have plans to expand their collection.

“Lightweight and very pretty,” they wrote in their review. “I will order more.”

Now if only these topiaries could bring on the cooler weather, too.

Related: Target’s New $5 Kitchen Essential Is Clucking Cute

In 1982, Ozzy Osbourne shocked the world when he bit the head off a bat on stage during his “Diary of a Madman” tour. A moment that would solidify the late, great metal icon as Metal’s Prince of Darkness. In the years since, Osbourne has clarified that he thought the bat was a rubber toy, but the bloody incident became one of the most infamous stage stunts in rock n’ roll history.

A stunt that you can now recreate at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights 2026. This year’s annual theme park Halloween haunt is paying homage to Ozzy with a haunted house that will take fans through a haunted, crazy train of the legend’s musical lore. And with that, there will be plenty of metal merch and themed foodie fun, including the “Ultimate Sin-amon” drink. The blood-red Fireball whiskey-based cocktail comes with a chocolate bat to recreate the moment and toast to the greatness of Ozzy’s legacy.

Related: Ozzy Osbourne and ’80s Horror Get the Metal Merch Treatment at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

You’ll be able to find it at Ozzy’s Bar at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood. In addition to the headlining drink, there are more themed cocktails and good inspired by Ozzy’s music hits. Here’s a look at the menu and their descriptions:

• Bark at the Naan: naan taco filled with chicken tikka masala, red cabbage, diced pineapple, lime crema, and cilantro
• Crazy Train Chickpea Curry Burrito: coconut chickpea curry burrito with diced tomato, pineapple chutney, red cabbage and lime crema
• The Prince of Darkness Cake: carrot cake with cream cheese mousse, coated in a black ganache, topped with chocolate mousse and a chocolate bat
• I Just Want You… & Tacos: Fritos, black garlic BBQ brisket, red onion, coleslaw and cilantro
• Mr. Crowley’s Curse: zero proof whiskey, lemonade, blackberry syrup and blue curaçao syrup
• Bark at the Moon Mule: grape vodka mule with a grape Pop Rocks rim and fresh blackberries
• Ultimate Sin-amon: cinnamon fire whiskey, apple juice, spiced brown sugar, lemon juice and beet powder with a cinnamon sugar rim and chocolate bat
• Blizzard of Ozz-arita: tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, simple syrup, and Sprite with a black sugar rim and black rock candy

At a special tasting hosted by Horror Nights, we were able to try the Ultimate Sin-amon drink and can attest to its potent power and warmth that washes down from the Fireball whiskey with intense notes of tart apple. And of course, the detail of the chocolate bat was a devilish delight. Additionally, we were able to try out the Bark at the Naan and Crazy Train Chickpea Curry Burrito, which pays respects to Osbourne’s obsession with curry dishes, and both have a solid spicy kick that would have been to his liking. The Naan features chicken tikka masala, and the burrito stands as a vegetarian option. We like to think Ozzy might send a devil’s minion to come up and grab him these snacks to-go.

Image: Sabina Graves Parade

Image: Sabina Graves Parade

Speaking of the realms, Hellraiser fans will also be pleased to find out that the horror franchise is not only getting a haunted house at this year’s event but also a selection of chillingly curated cuisine. We got to try the Skin & Chips Nachos, spicy pork rinds topped with nacho cheese sauce, and Jack Links beef jerky, and the Lament Configuration puzzle-inspired Open the Box donut bites, which were sour and filled with a blue raspberry filling. The donut choice surprised us because Cenobites’ Cinna-bites were RIGHT THERE as an option and would have balanced out all the spicy and sour.

Image: Sabina Graves Parade

Img: Sabina Graves Parade

And finally, after years and years, Universal has summoned The Simpsons for Treehouse of Horrors foodie frights that we can’t wait to try. Inspired by the long-running cartoon’s annual horror specials, Universal has collaborated with the animation powerhouse for a special menu that includes:

• Sloppy D’oh: ground beef in a tangy tomato chili sauce, topped with Fritos
• Worst.Brat.Ever!: bratwurst in a pretzel roll topped with Duff cheese sauce and sauerkraut
• Road Scrapin’s: French fries topped with white country gravy, cheese, fried chicken, and crispy onions
• Pumpkin Spice Cold Boo: cold brew topped with pumpkin spice pink vanilla cold foam and a donut hole
• Mmm…Forbidden Pumpkin Donut: vanilla donut with pumpkin spice icing topped with sprinkles and a printed candy note

Image: Sabina Graves Parade

Cartoon and metal horror greats unite at this year’s Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, and we cannot wait to go on a whole creepy food crawl in between haunted house fun. For more information on the event, which runs from September 3 through November 1, 2026, visit HHN Hollywood’s official site.

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After a long day on your feet, a tough workout, hours spent walking around on vacation, or just dealing with the heat, your feet may need something soft and supportive that you can slip into without thinking. That’s where recovery slides shine. Easy-to-wear slide sandals give your feet a chance to rest while still being practical enough for pool days and running errands. Right now, Adidas has some of its beloved recovery slides on sale that are worth checking out if you’re in need of a new pair.

Normally $40, you can snag the Lightshift Slides at Adidas for as low as $32. The dark blue and tan options are both currently 20% off, while the black version has a slightly smaller 15% discount. Available in women’s sizes 5 through 16 and men’s 4 through 16, some sizes in select colors have already sold out, so we recommend you act fast if you want to take advantage of this deal.

Lightshift Slides, From $32 (was $40) at Adidas

Courtesy of Adidas

Shop at Adidas

These lightweight slides feature Adidas’ proprietary Lightstrike technology, which provides responsive, low-profile cushioning that feels soft underfoot without adding bulk. The one-piece molded construction keeps the slip-ons easy to wear, while the contoured, textured footbed helps keep your feet securely in place. They’re built for everyday recovery, which makes them great for wearing post-workout, after a long shift, or any time your feet need a break.

Lightshift Slides, From $32 (was $40) at Adidas

Courtesy of Adidas

Shop at Adidas

Adidas shoppers raved about the “sleek” construction and “well-cushioned” soles, noting that they’re “perfect slides for everyday use.” Reviewers also said they provided “foot-hugging confidence” with each step and that they’re “perfect for someone with wider feet.”

“Lightweight and comfortable,” one customer called the pair their “go-to footwear” during this summer’s heatwaves. Another person shared that the grippy outsoles have “great traction when hanging out at the pool.”

Shop More Deals

• Adilette Lite Slides, $28 (was $35) at Adidas
• Cloudfoam Flex Slounge Shoes, $36 (was $65) at Adidas
• Grand Court Shoes, $38 (was $75) at Adidas

Related: Clarks’ ‘Comfortable’ Platform Flip-Flops With Pillow-Like Memory Foam Soles Are 50% Off at Walmart

Supportive sandals are a smart essential every footwear collection needs, and at just $32, the Lightshift Slides are a solid choice. Select sizes are already sold out, so snag them at Adidas now while you still can!

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