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Kitchen upgrades come in all shapes and sizes, but if you’re outfitting yours for the first time or simply looking for easy additions that won’t break the bank, there are a few essentials always worth acquiring first. From creative storage solutions to trusty cookware staples, having the right tools easily accessible can make all the difference when creating a seamless, cohesive meal prep space.

That’s where Costco comes in clutch with the MIU 3-Piece Wood Fiber Cutting Board. Currently on sale for just $27.99, this natural wood fiber set is a step above your average plastic cutting board, bringing a sleek, versatile design to your food prep routine, complete with varying board sizes and rave reviews from fans.

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MIU 3-Piece Wood Fiber Cutting Board, $27.99 at Costco View this post on Instagram

Spotted by the always reliable @costcohotfinds and quickly shared online to spread the news, Costco’s MIU 3-piece Wood Fiber Cutting Board set normally retails for $32.99 online, making snagging it now for just $28 an absolute no-brainer. Designed to be a safer alternative to plastic cutting boards, this set is made exclusively with naturally renewable materials in an environmentally responsible way.

Designed with both style and practicality in mind, each board features a dual-sided design and an integrated hanging loop, making them easy to grab when needed and tuck away between meals. Even better, the entire set comes with four silicone non-slip feet that keep the boards secure on every surface, whether you’re chopping veggies next to the sink or serving charcuterie on the dinner table.

Why Make the Switch to Wood Fiber?

A practical alternative to plastic boards, wood fiber cutting boards offer a reliable middle ground between wood and plastic, combining the natural look of wood with some of the practical benefits of plastic. The material is generally processed into fibers and compressed into a hard, durable work surface that’s resistant to warping, cracking and unwanted absorption of food stains. 

Not only that, wood fiber is super easy to clean, making boards like this Costco set dishwasher safe and more than capable of handling everyday use. Best of all, they’re designed to be highly resistant to deep cuts from constant knife use, giving you a clean meal prep station void of microplastics. If you like the look of plastic but don’t want to deal with the constant upkeep of a solid wood piece, a wood fiber board could be just the pick for you.

Related: Hobby Lobby’s Vintage-Inspired $14 Home Accent Instantly Elevates Any Room

Everything You Need in One Eco-Friendly Set

Costco

While sharing the news on Instagram, @costcohotfinds calls the set an “incredible deal” they’d been “waiting for years” to return, praising its “natural paper/wood-fiber composite” construction that skips materials like sawdust and glue.

“Immediately adding to my list,” one fan raved in response to Laura’s post. “I’ve been looking for a good set to swap my plastic ones with.”

“Got them today,” another shopper chimed in, noting that not only are the boards “easy to clean,” they’ve been “obsessed” with their purchase ever since. 

“Saw this at our warehouse and the quality is SO good,” a third fan added.

Adding to the charm of this set, the two larger boards feature juice grooves to help keep your kitchen counter clean, while the entire set comes in three colors to help each board stand out: Nutmeg, Eggnog and Coffee. Nutmeg measures 17.32 by 12.8 inches, Eggnog measures 14.57 by 10.83 inches and Coffee measures 11.73 by 8.46 inches, giving you plenty of options depending on your mealtime needs.

Be sure to snag this set in store to take advantage of the discounted price, and while you’re there, check out Costco’s Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers and Protein Pint 3-Pack for some tasty bites to bring home.

Related: Shoppers Are ‘Very Impressed’ With Costco’s ‘Sleek’ Japandi Home Upgrade

Allison Janney skyrocketed to fame on The West Wing, but she’s looking back on a time when an agent told her she could only play “aliens or lesbians” because of her height.

Janney, 66, earned endless awards and praise for her role as C.J. Cregg on The West Wing. She went on to get plenty of laughs on Mom and is back in the political arena on Netflix’s The Diplomat. She’s also had plenty of prime film roles over the years, ranging from comedic hits like Drop Dead Gorgeous, I, Tonya, and Juno to dramas like American Beauty and The Hours. But when she was just starting her career, she was told her height would be a hindrance to her success. During an interview on CNN’s new interview series “Coming Up,” hosted by Elizabeth Wagmeister, Janney recalled that a Hollywood agent gave her some very specific advice.

“I remember when I was very young trying to find an agent and I had a meeting with one she said, ‘What can you play? Aliens and lesbians,’” Janney shared, Variety reported. “That’s what she said to me because I’m so tall. I’ve played lesbians. I haven’t played an alien yet. So maybe I’ll play an alien! Yeah, why not.”

NBC / Getty Images

Janney also noted that contrary to what many think, her height doesn’t reflect how she feels inside.

“People think because I’m so tall and imposing that must be the way I feel inside, and it never has been,” Janney added later. “I’ve always been very shy and not totally comfortable speaking as myself. I think that’s why I love acting so much. I don’t have to be myself. I get to jump into to Grace or whoever I’m playing. But just as me now, I feel not just not as confident as my characters are.”

How Does Allison Janney Feel About Aging in Hollywood?

Janney went on to say that contrary to how many people may feel about aging, her career has only gotten better.

“My career has only gotten better as I’ve gotten older. And I’m like, thank God. I mean, I’m still — I know there’s still ageism out there and, and other things that we still have not completely gotten rid of, as far as equality with women and pay. But the roles are far more interesting for women nowadays,” she noted.

Check out a clip of Janney’s interview below:

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Related: ‘West Wing’ Alum Janel Moloney, 56, Is as Stunning as Ever as She Reunites With Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford

There’s something unmistakable about the warm cinnamon, sweet frosting, and rich bakery aroma of Cinnabon. It can make a trip to the mall feel like a treat before you even place an order. And now, Costco has a new find that brings that familiar Cinnabon magic into bite-size form.

The new OMG! Cinnabon Clusters take those bakery-inspired flavors and turn them into a crunchy snack that’s easy to grab by the handful. Each cluster combines crispy grahams with a Makara cinnamon coating, roasted pecans, and buttery toffee bits for a mix of sweet, nutty, and warmly spiced flavors.

Check them out in this August 18 Instagram from Julie (@costcoaisles):

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The 24-ounce bag contains about 23 servings, which works out to roughly 54 cents per serving at the $12.39 warehouse price. Because pricing and availability can vary by location, use Costco item #2061271 to see if it’s in store near you.

Related: Costco’s New Bakery Cake Is a Slice of Pure Bliss With Coffee

Costco’s Cinnabon Clusters Are Made for Fall Snacking

The timing couldn’t be better. With fall gatherings, football season, and weekend road trips ahead, this snack can go with just about everything.

Pour the clusters into a bowl for a party, add them to a game-day snack spread, or bring the resealable bag along for tailgating. The combination of pecans, toffee, and cinnamon makes them feel especially fitting alongside a cup of coffee once cooler weather arrives.

The texture may be part of what makes this Cinnabon-inspired snack particularly interesting. Rather than trying to recreate a soft cinnamon roll, the clusters take the flavor in a completely different direction. Crispy grahams provide the crunch, roasted pecans add a nutty bite, and pieces of butter toffee bring another layer of sweetness. Makara cinnamon, the signature cinnamon associated with Cinnabon’s rolls, ties everything together.

And because the bag is resealable, you don’t have to serve all 24 ounces at once. Keep it in the pantry for something sweet after dinner, set it out when friends come over, or take it in the car for your next fall adventure.

Costco has no shortage of oversized snacks, but combining Cinnabon, cinnamon, pecans and toffee in one crunchy bite gives this newcomer an identity all its own. And with the fall entertaining season right around the corner, finding enough occasions to open the bag shouldn’t be difficult.

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Few spaces exude as much coziness and warmth as the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home, a space where loved ones gather to enjoy good company and good food. The design choices you make amplify that ambiance, making the room feel even more welcoming. This is why so many have embraced the cottagecore trend in recent years.

If you love the idea of introducing homey, rustic elements to your own kitchen, The Pioneer Woman Daisy Dinnerware Set nails the aesthetic with its pretty floral pattern and delicate scalloped edges. Consisting of 12 pieces, the collection is currently just $30 at Walmart in your choice of beige, blue, or pink.

The Pioneer Woman Daisy Dinnerware Set, $30 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four cereal bowls, each saturated with rich color and etched with white artwork. It has a vintage quality that feels appropriate for any lived-in kitchen, whether your preferences lean timeless and traditional or more overtly farmhouse-influenced.

Each piece is made from melamine, a highly durable yet lightweight material. While it isn’t completely indestructible, it’s generally one of the most break-resistant dishware options available. If you live in a busy household, have children, or simply don’t want to risk damage, this set makes a sensible choice. A customer with arthritis even mentioned that it’s easy for her to carry these dishes due to their reasonable weight.

It fits right into the charming Pioneer Woman sensibility, too — a country-inspired look defined by soft colors, pretty florals, and details that liven up the table without feeling like too much. These pieces from Ree Drummond’s popular home line blend right in, complementing other elements you might find in a cottagecore kitchen like earthy palettes, apron-front sinks, and breezy curtains. Everything comes together in the sweetest way.

The set boasts over 1,000 five-star ratings from shoppers, with many people praising the “fresh and beautiful” design and noting that the dishes are “very substantial.” Another reviewer dubbed them a “cute addition to the kitchen.”

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Related: Walmart Has a Set of ‘Beautiful’ Farmhouse Nightstands With ‘Roomy Drawers’ and ‘Vintage Details’ for Nearly 50% Off

Whether it’s time for a kitchen refresh or you just want to warm up the space with one special detail, The Pioneer Woman Daisy Dinnerware Set is just the right choice for a quick shift in direction. With its down-to-earth vibe and $30 price, it’s an affordable option you’ll use for years. Grab it now at Walmart in the color of your choice!

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Donald Trump’s Iran war may have had an ulterior motive: distracting Americans from the Epstein files, Jimmy Fallon joked during last night’s Tonight Show monologue.

Fallon also unloaded on Trump’s 33% approval rating, the escalating Iran conflict and the president’s foreign-policy moves before imagining a White House official admitting the war was designed to shift attention away from Epstein. The joke came as Fallon revived the Epstein files as the punchline to several jokes about Trump’s presidency.

Faux White House spokesperson Alex Russell then joined Fallon with an update on Trump’s foreign policy, joking, “I think we’re ready to start talking about the Epstein files again.” He added that it would be a “huge relief” because “war is complicated.”

“Nuclear negotiations, geopolitical quagmires, Straits of Hormuz. It’s also depressing,” Russell said. “Let’s just go back to the good old days when everyone was like, ‘Is he in the Epstein files?’ And we were like, ‘Yes.’ And everyone was like, ‘How many times?’ And we were like, ‘A million.’ I mean, wasn’t that more fun?”

Fallon then pointed out that some people think Trump started the Iran war to distract from the Epstein files.

“Yeah, we did. We totally did!” Russell exclaimed.

The fictional spokesperson then turned to another late-’90s reference, telling Fallon, “I guess Alanis Morissette was right. Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think?”

Fallon eventually pressed Russell on the question at the center of the Epstein controversy: whether Trump was actually in the files.

“Absolutely not! That’s a disgusting allegation! You should be ashamed of yourself, Fallon!” Russell replied.

The exchange ended with Fallon thanking the fictional White House spokesperson before adding one more jab: “He never went to the island.”

Fallon had plenty of other material aimed at Trump earlier in the monologue, beginning with the president’s reported 33% approval rating.

“Most people like to drop a few for the summer, but this is pretty bad,” Fallon joked before comparing Trump’s numbers to “diarrhea lettuce,” which he said was polling at 34%.

The comedian also jabbed at Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict, joking that the U.S. was not currently engaged in talks with Iran because “we’re out of missiles. Now we’re hitting them with the silent treatment.”

He then mocked Trump’s reported decision to label the Strait of Hormuz as a new U.S. territory, with Fallon joking that at least the president had stopped posting photos of himself as Jesus. “So this is baby steps,” he said.

Fallon also highlighted Trump’s expired 60-day deadline to make a deal with Iran, his threats involving Oman and his continued praise for North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.

Later in the monologue, Fallon returned to Trump while joking about Meta’s plans to use facial-recognition technology with its smart glasses. After showing images of several Trump administration officials and the emojis Meta supposedly identified them as, Fallon revealed how the technology “recognized” Trump.

“A dumpster fire,” Fallon joked, prompting cheers and applause from the studio audience.

If you’re already dreading next winter’s freezing temperatures and gray skies, planning your warm-weather escape just got significantly easier—and much lighter on your wallet.

Low-cost carrier Allegiant has officially expanded its route map with nine brand-new nonstop flights to Florida, timed specifically to meet peak demand for winter getaways and spring break vacations in early 2027. Even better for bargain hunters: introductory one-way fares start as low as $49.

The airline’s latest expansion leans heavily into what leisure travelers care about most: bypassing massive, chaotic airport hubs in favor of convenient, direct service from smaller, easy-to-navigate regional airports straight into the sunshine.

“We’re excited to announce these new routes into our growing network and will continue to look for opportunities to connect travelers with the destinations they want to visit most,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer. “These new routes reflect the flexibility of our unique business model, allowing us to respond to demand and provide more options during peak leisure periods.”

Related: This Major Airline Just Dropped $54 Fall Flights—and $299 Tickets to Europe

View this post on Instagram Direct Routes to the Beach and Theme Parks

The centerpiece of the expansion is a new year-round connection between Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) launching on February 12, 2027, with introductory one-way fares starting at $49.

Mid-country travelers flying out of Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) in North Dakota can also trade snowbanks for palm trees with seasonal flights to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) starting February 10, 2027, and operating through April 17, 2027, with introductory fares as low as $69.

For East Coast flyers looking to dodge frosty winter weather, Allegiant is launching seven “hyper-seasonal” routes running from mid-February through late April 2027:

• From Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Nonstop flights to Orlando Sanford (SFB), Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), and the white-sand coast via St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) beginning February 13, 2027, and operating through April 24, 2027.
• From Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD): Direct access to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and the Gulf Coast waters of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) starting February 13, 2027, through April 24, 2027, as well as Orlando Sanford (SFB) through April 25, 2027.
• From Portsmouth International Airport (PSM) in New Hampshire: Direct flights linking coastal New England straight to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) beginning February 20, 2027, through May 1, 2027.

Related: This Is the Best South Florida Beach Getaway Right Now—And It’s Not Miami

Lock in Spring Sun for Less

The expansion comes on the heels of Allegiant earning the No. 2 spot in The Wall Street Journal‘s annual airline rankings earlier this year, recognized for its strong operational performance and reliability.

Because these limited-time introductory fares are tied to peak spring travel windows, seats at the lowest price points tend to sell out fast. Tickets for all nine routes are officially live on Allegiant.com, making right now the ideal time to lock in your warm-weather getaway before the winter chill sets in.

Related: Popular Budget Airline, Known for No Layovers, To Offer Free Drinks for All Passengers

Elvis Costello recently gave fans an unusually intimate look at his decades-long career, performing a solo show inside a historic church on Martha’s Vineyard.

On Aug. 8, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, 71, took the stage at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown as part of the MV Concert Series. The performance also served as the annual fundraiser for MVY Radio, with Costello performing songs from across his career on guitar and piano.

Photos from the sold-out-feeling event show the church packed with fans, while others gathered outside with the windows open to catch the performance.

The intimate concert comes at a particularly nostalgic time for Costello fans, as the singer-songwriter is also preparing to revisit the album that launched his career.

Elvis Costello’s ‘My Aim Is True’ Is Getting a Massive Reissue

Costello’s 1977 debut album, My Aim Is True, is getting an expansive 49th-anniversary edition this fall.

Due Oct. 2 through UMe, the new collection will arrive as a five-CD box set containing 104 tracks, including 52 previously unreleased recordings. The set includes songs, demos, outtakes, live performances, interviews and other rare material spanning Costello’s early career.

The original album has also been newly remastered from the original analog master tapes for the collection.

Among the songs on My Aim Is True are some of Costello’s best-known early recordings, including “Alison,” “Less Than Zero,” “Mystery Dance,” “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes” and “Welcome to the Working Week.”

The expanded edition also offers a glimpse at the evolution of Costello before he became the artist audiences came to know.

The collection traces his transformation from Declan MacManus into Elvis Costello, including recordings made before and during the sessions that produced his debut album.

Elvis Costello Was Still Finding His Sound When He Made ‘My Aim Is True’

When My Aim Is True was recorded in London in late 1976 and early 1977, Costello was still trying to establish himself as a recording artist.

The album was produced by Nick Lowe, and the backing musicians were members of the American country-rock band Clover. Costello would soon form the Attractions, the group that became his primary backing band for some of his most influential early work.

The album’s history is part of what makes the new box set so extensive. Rather than simply remastering the original 12-song collection, the 49th-anniversary edition digs into the recordings surrounding Costello’s emergence as a new artist.

The set includes early versions, bedroom recordings, studio outtakes and other material that show how some of the songs developed.

It also includes a new 72-page essay by Costello, along with contributions and recollections from musicians and writers including Lowe, 77, Rosanne Cash, Peter Wolf, Jim James and others.

The My Aim Is True (49th Anniversary Edition) arrives Oct. 2 and will include 104 tracks, 52 of them previously unreleased.

RELATED: Country Music Star Lee Ann Womack, With No. 1 Hit ‘I Hope You Dance,’ Turns 60

Pamela Anderson and her handsome sons, Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee, are the most hilarious trio.

Anderson, 59, who rose to stardom on Baywatch and earned critical acclaim for her role in The Last Showgirl, has thrived recently with a career resurgence. She shares her two sons with former Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee. But in a new video for her skincare line, Sonsie Skin, Anderson plays a round of “Who’s More Likely To” with her boys, and the results are hilarious. It’s also hard to miss how handsome Dylan, 28, and Brandon, 30, are! While they heavily resemble their father, you can see the similarities to their mother in their faces.

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Dylan Lee Just Got Married

Dylan Lee just got married in Saint-Tropez, and the entire family looks absolutely stunning at the wedding. Naturally, Anderson shined brightly at the her son’s French wedding to Paula Bruss.

In an exclusive story in Vogue, Dylan noted that he and Bruss grew up on the same street in Malibu.

“She was my real ‘girl next door,’” Dylan told the publication. “We’d see each other around. Then one night in 2017, when my mom left town, my friends and I threw a little get-together at the house—as boys do—and invited her over.”

Check out the stunning photos of the nuptials below, including Pamela Anderson beaming alongside her sons, Dylan and Brandon, in a gorgeous lace dress.

View this post on Instagram What Do Pamela Anderson’s Sons Do Professionally?

Last year, Anderson launched And-Her-Sons Productions, a production company alongside her sons. Deadline reported that the group will bring one of Anderson’s most iconic characters, Barb Wire, back to life in a TV series from UCP and Dark Horse Entertainment. Originally based on Dark Horse Comics’ 1990s comic book character, the series will serve as the company’s first project.

On his Instagram page, Brandon shared how excited he was to bring the character his mother brought to the big screen back to life.

“Barb has become an iconic, celebrated character and we are thrilled to partner with Universal and Dark Horse to give her a second chance on-screen.  ‘Barb Wire’ was my mother’s first lead role in a major feature and the perfect project to launch my family’s And-Her-Sons production company. We are committed to Barb’s legacy and ensuring she gets the moment she deserves. DON’T CALL ME BABE!” he wrote.

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Related: Pamela Anderson’s Son Dylan Lee Just Got Married, and the Entire Family Is So Stunning

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Hosting a seasonal dinner party requires ample seating, so if there’s glaring empty space at your kitchen island, then it’s the perfect time to fill it. Oftentimes though, sifting through hundreds of options to find  high-quality furniture can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve become pros at finding amazing pieces at a discounted price, especially at Walmart. Our latest top picks include these beautiful farmhouse nightstands, this classic patio glider chair set, and the Hommpa Swivel Boucle Bar Stools, which are up to 53% off right now. 

Originally $200, these stools come in a two-pack, and have been reduced to just $95 during a limited-time flash deal. They come in white or black, and are available in a three-pack in the black hue at a discount for $149, and a four-pack in the white colorway for $200.

Each seat measures.18.11 inches wide, 17.91 inches long, and 37.72 inches tall, so they can be tucked underneath home bars, counters, and kitchen islands (just make sure to measure those spaces before adding to your cart, to ensure that they’re tall enough to fit these stools underneath with plenty of room to move freely). 

Hommpa Swivel Boucle Bar Stools, From $95 (was $200) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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We love that these stools have a 360-degree swivel seat that allows you to move freely, which is perfect for when guests come over. The upholstery is made of a foam cushion for ergonomic support and its covered in cozy wool boucle fabric for maximumThe design features a modern round seat with mid-open back, which we think is ideal for modern homes. 

The chair can hold up to 350 pounds, and has a square footrest for extra stability. We’re partial to the black hue, which we think looks especially sleek paired with the black metal legs. You can dress them up with bold pillows for a polished look. Keep in mind you will have to assemble the stools upon arrival, but shoppers said that it can easily be done solo and only takes a few hours.

Customers further described the “chic” stools as “very comfortable,” “sturdy,” “elegant,” “beautiful,” and “very high-quality.” Another reviewer said that the clean lines balance the wood accents in their rustic-inspired kitchen “perfectly.” Shoppers noted that these are a practical choice for those that host dinner parties often and when extra seating is needed. 

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Furniture pieces like these sleek boucle bar chairs will instantly upgrade your space. There are some color and size combinations out of stock already, so make sure to snag yours while you can. Shop this 53% off Walmart deal before it disappears! 

Related: Shoppers’ Drawers Are ‘More Organized Than They’ve Ever Been’ With This $15 25-Piece Storage Bins Set

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Pat Benatar never scored a No. 1 hit, a fact that still surprises fans, even decades into her career. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s 1979 breakout single showed off a voice powerful enough to hit some of rock’s highest notes and turned her into an overnight star.

However, the song stalled just short of the top spot. But it set the tone for a multi-decade career full of hits for the New York native.

Her 1979 debut song, “Heartbreaker,” is a vocal masterpiece, showing off Benatar’s range as a singer. The track catapulted her into stardom, but despite its staying power on rock radio for decades, it never climbed higher than No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Beyond its chart position, “Heartbreaker” is also known for showcasing Benatar’s sheer vocal power. The last note in the track features one of the highest notes any rock singer has ever attempted, a moment that still stands out on classic rock radio decades later.

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She is a classically trained mezzo-soprano, per her official website. This allows her to attempt notes that other female rock singers might not attempt, including the closing push that ends “Heartbreaker.”

Benatar told The Arizona Republic that she “absolutely” knew the song would be a hit when she cut it with husband, Neil Giraldo.

“When Spyder [her nickname for Giraldo] and I first met and put the band together, that was the first song we recorded for the LP In the Heat of the Night. We knew that musically we were attracted to each other in that way, but the minute that we recorded that song, we knew we had it.”

She concluded, “So it was a pivotal moment, a very sentimental song for us. And yeah, we knew.”

Despite her passion for the song, “Heartbreaker” stalled. However, the song became the blueprint for the sound that would define Benatar’s career, a mix of arena-rock power and pop hooks that she’d carry through hit after hit for the next decade.

This style was reflected in hits such as “Little Too Late,” “All Fired Up,” “Treat Me Right,” “Fire and Ice,” “Shadows of the Night,” “Invincible,” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” Her highest-charting songs, which peaked on Billboard at No. 5, are “Love is a Battlefield” and “We Belong.”

Nearly 50 years on, “Heartbreaker” is still a rock classic, kicking off a career currently 47 years strong. Pat Benatar went on to win four Grammys in a row, from 1981 through 1984, and land in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2022; she just never needed a No. 1 to get there.

Related: 1983 Rock Classic, Often Confused for Bruce Springsteen, Soundtracked a Beloved Box Office Dud

Hollywood is full of unlikely friendships: 50 Cent and Bette Midler, Matthew McConaughey and Guy Fieri, Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. But the “strangest” of them all has to be between shock rocker Alice Cooper and wholesome singer, dancer, and actor Dick Van Dyke.

By the late ’70s, Cooper was battling a serious alcohol addiction that was drastically impacting his career. According to American Songwriter, Cooper did one stint in rehab in 1977 and another in 1983, which took, and luckily, the shock rocker has been entirely sober ever since. While over the years Cooper has been a proud advocate for those battling with alcoholism and credits his Christian faith for getting him through, it was actually a random call to The Carol Burnett Show, where Van Dyke was working at the time, that really set him on the right path.

Related: Resurfaced Video of Alice Cooper, 77, Meeting One of His Classic Rock Idols Has Fans In Their Feels

Inside Dick Van Dyke and Alice Cooper’s Shared Journeys to Sobriety

In a resurfaced video, Cooper recalled the moment he reached out to the prolific star for help.

“I read that Dick Van Dyke had gone through this kind of thing, and I actually called him—I had never met Dick Van Dyke—at the Carol Burnett studio. He was in the middle of a taping and came right to the phone,” Cooper recalled. “I told him what it was regarding and said, ‘I want to know what to do. I don’t know what to do. Nobody around me has any idea what to do because they’ve never been in this situation. I understand that it’s an alcoholic’s responsibility to talk to another alcoholic and help him.’ He told me exactly: ‘If you’re going to go to a place, don’t wait till tomorrow. Don’t wait—you go right now.’ And I did. I packed up and left, went to the hospital, and that’s what you have to do. You have to make the decision.”

In 1972, Van Dyke went to the hospital for three weeks to finally deal with his addiction. Two years later, he opened up about the experience on The Dick Cavett Show to help educate others.

“It’s a physical disease,” Van Dyke said. “It has nothing to do with the person not being mature enough not to drink too much. It’s a true addiction, like a heroin addiction.”

In the years following, Van Dyke confessed that he had used alcohol as a way to be socially interactive and to help him navigate the large crowds that came with his fame, but ultimately, it consumed him.

Van Dyke, who is now 100 years old, credits quitting drinking and smoking, plus regimented exercise, for his longevity. At 78 years old, Cooper also credits his sobriety for his ongoing endurance.

“I have absolutely no desire to ever put alcohol in my mouth again, or any drug,” Cooper once told People. “But I’ve never once had anybody come up to me and go, ‘Wow, what a wimp,’ “ he said of maintaining his rockstar status while staying sober. “Sounds like it would be anti the character of rock ‘n’ roll … rock ‘n’ roll is more of an attitude. You don’t have to be drunk or high to be a rocker, you know. It’s just an attitude.”

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Good grief! The wait is finally over. The highly anticipated Duncan Hines and Swiss Miss Charlie Brown Peanuts collab is here, and nostalgia runs deep with this new dessert drop.

Earlier this year, Duncan Hines teased the collection, putting fans on alert. Back in February, news leaked of a rumored Charlie Brown-themed collection. Social media foodie feeds were flooded with sneak peek pics of the supposed sweets. Alas, there was no news on a release date. That is, until right now. 

Conagra Brands just released updated info, and this mouthwatering mash-up is even better than fans thought. Not only does the new limited-time line include six different baking mixes and kits, but it also features hot cocoa in collectible tins and Christmas ornaments. And if pumpkin spice is the only flavor on your mind this fall, the collab includes something you’ll enjoy.

Charlie Brown x Duncan Hines Photo: Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands

Erik Sword, VP/GM, Conagra Brands said of the new line, “We’re excited for our great brands to partner with Peanuts to feature the timeless charm of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and friends. Whether you’re baking with family or enjoying a cozy cocoa break, these new offerings will deliver warm treats and warm smiles.”

Snoopy Bundt Cake mix. Photo: Conagra Brands What Duncan Hines x Peanuts cake mixes and kits just dropped?

The six new options include:

• Charlie Brown-ie Blondie Bar Mix: As the name implies, this boxed blondie mix has a distinctive Charlie Brown theme. The indulgently sweet treat features a yellow and brown zig-zag pattern, just like the lovable character’s iconic shirt.
• Great Pumpkin Bundt Cake and Glaze Mix: PSL lovers will get a kick out of this cake. Based on the legendary Halloween special, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, this pick includes pumpkin-flavored Bundt mix and a bold orange-hued topping. 
• Snoopy Crinkle Cookie Mix: This new addition makes it easy to whip up a warm, fluffy batch of chocolate crinkle cookies.
• Snoopy Skate Yellow Cupcake Mix: Even though fall is in the air, winter is right around the corner. This seasonal selection includes yellow cupcake mix, white frosting, and blue snowflake sprinkles.
• Peppermint Patty Brownie Mix: The wintry Christmas mix has a tangy mint, crushed-candy-cane zip.
• Snowball Cookie Kit: These powdered-sugar cookies look just like mini snowballs, making them perfect for a winter day.

Snoopy Crinkle Cookies. Photo: Conagra Brands What are the new Swiss Miss limited-edition Peanuts Charlie Brown mixes in this collection? Collectible tin. Photo: Conagra Brands

Along with baking mixes, you can also nab four sweet Swiss Miss selections, including:

• 4-Pack Hot Cocoa Box Set: Not sure which flavor you fancy? Try four different options in this Peanuts-themed set: Charlie Brown and Snoopy milk chocolate-flavored hot cocoa, Linus hot cocoa with marshmallows, Peppermint Patty peppermint-flavored hot cocoa, and Lucy and Snoopy dark chocolate-flavored hot cocoa.
• Collectible Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Tins: Each collectible tin includes four envelopes of milk chocolate-flavored hot cocoa.
• Hot Cocoa Ornaments: These Charlie Brown and Snoopy milk chocolate mix and Linus hot chocolate with marshmallow mix envelopes also double as ornaments.
• Swiss Miss Peppermint: This six-pack carton features the zesty winter peppermint cocoa mix. 

How can shoppers get the new Duncan Hines and Swiss Miss Peanuts collab?

Find these brand-new baking and hot cocoa items at participating grocery and retail stores nationwide, with suggested retail prices ranging from $2.49 to $5.49 (for the boxed baking mixes and kit) and $1.79 to $9.99 (for the cocoa). 

Don’t wait to snap up this new line. The current collection is only available through the end of the holiday season (2026), but according to Conagra Brands, new seasonal offerings are coming in 2027!

If you’ve been keeping a close eye on the transformation happening along Austin’s famous Formula 1 circuit, it’s time to mark your calendar. After five years in development—and a few early attraction rollouts—the wait for Texas’ newest thrill destination is nearly over.

Cotaland has officially announced its grand opening for September 26, 2026, kicking off a high-octane celebration weekend right trackside between turns 19 and 20 of the Circuit of the Americas. Designed as a permanent, year-round attraction, the park will operate on a Friday-through-Sunday schedule (plus holiday Mondays) throughout the fall season.

“Cotaland was created to be far more than a traditional amusement park,” founder Bobby Epstein shared. “This is where theme park thrills, world-class racing, live entertainment and family experiences come together in a way that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country.”

Related: Formula One–Inspired Theme Park Set to Open in Texas in 2026

View this post on Instagram Big Drops, Backward Inversions, and True Trackside Thrills

For coaster lovers, Cotaland’s headlining lineup brings serious engineering power:

• Circuit Breaker: The park’s pulse-pounding Vekoma tilt coaster, which opened last year, perches riders high above the track before tilting them forward into a sheer vertical plunge.
• Palindrome: Debuting officially with the park’s September opening, this 95-foot-tall Gerstlauer Infinity shuttle coaster sends riders forward and backward through two inversions at speeds topping 51 mph across 1,230 feet of track.
• Retro Rambler & Flat Rides: Nostalgic fun via a relocated Schwarzkopf Wildcat coaster, alongside soaring thrill rides like the Downforce drop tower, the Cosmic Glider Screamin’ Swing, the high-flying Cloud Flyer, and the Soggy Logger flume ride.

If that isn’t enough of an adrenaline rush, motorsport enthusiasts can book a $175 Hot Lap Experience—a high-performance ride-along on the actual COTA Grand Prix circuit, making it the only permanent F1 track attraction experience in the United States.

Related: Six Flags’ New First-of-Its-Kind Coaster Is Already Making History

Shade, Wildflowers, and Low-Bar Debates

Beyond the high-speed coasters, developers are aiming to make the grounds a scenic, comfortable retreat in the Texas sun, planting approximately 850 trees alongside seasonal floral displays of Texas bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, sunflowers, and yellow roses.

The park’s claim of being “the most shaded and botanically colorful amusement park in Texas” quickly drew playful commentary from industry observers. Weighing in on the botanical buzz, Theme Park Insider editor Robert Niles noted: “TBF, the bar is low. No question at all that Cotaland wins the ‘the most shaded and botanically colorful amusement park in Texas that opened this year.'”

Related: The Roller Coasters Amusement Park Superfans Are Most Excited to Ride in 2026

Planning Your Visit

Opening day tickets for September 26 are priced at $99 and include complimentary food, beverages, and an evening fireworks celebration. Standard single-day admission for subsequent dates starts at $65, with annual passes available starting at $199. For those looking to skip the lines, “Podium Passes” start at $39 for one-time access on participating rides and $69 for unlimited line skips.

Whether you’re visiting for the vertical drops or the roar of Grand Prix engines, Austin’s newest playground is officially ready to wave the green flag.

Related: America’s No. 1 Theme Park Just Unveiled a New Record-Breaking Roller Coaster

Everybody knows Carole King is one of the most successful and prolific songwriters in history, but not everyone realizes exactly how young she was when she wrote her very first #1 hit…or that she was a newlywed teen mother at the time.

King (born Carol Klein) was a child prodigy, both musically and academically. While attending Queens College, she met her future husband and songwriting partner, Gerry Goffin, who was “a great lyricist,” as she told NPR’s Terry Gross in 2012.

“He was just outstanding,” King recalled.

The pair started writing songs together, with King writing the melodies and Goffin writing the words. In 1959, when King was just 17 (and pregnant with their daughter, Louise), the couple got married. Though both King and Goffin got day jobs to support their new family, they continued writing songs, and eventually they were hired at Aldon Music.

It was Scepter Records founder Florence Greenberg who asked King and Goffin to write a song for The Shirelles. King finished writing “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” on the piano in Greenberg’s office.

“I remember giving her baby a bottle while Carole was writing the song,” Greenberg said later.

“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking King and Goffin’s first hit, as well as the first #1 on that chart by an all-girl group…an appropriate song for such an accomplishment, given that countless young women found the words relatable, even though they were written by a man.

“What made [Goffin] so extraordinary as a lyricist was his ability to say in really simple words big ideas, big feelings, big thoughts,” King explained.

“And the thing — for example, ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow,’ you just listen to the lyric of the first verse — tonight you’re mine completely,” she continued. “You give your love so sweetly. Tonight the light of love is in your eyes, but will you love me tomorrow? Is that not what every teenage girl is thinking? You know…he had the ability, he’s, you know, he’s a straight man, and he had the ability to get inside a woman’s head and say the things women were thinking.”

When asked if Goffin was as “sensitive to [her] feelings as a woman as he was sensitive in the lyrics,” King laughed in response.

“No,” she clarified. “But, you know, to be fair, I was so young. I was barely a woman. When we met, I was 16. When we married, I was 17. By the time I was 20, we had already had two children. And so I was really young and didn’t have the ability, A, to identify my feelings or where my feelings fit into a marriage, and I couldn’t have communicated them to him.”

While King and Goffin’s marriage didn’t last forever, the music they made together surely will. Rolling Stone ranked “Will You Love Me Tomorrow at #151 on a list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” while Billboard placed the song at #3 on its list of the “100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.” 

King also went on to record her own version of “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” featuring Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, for her legendary 1971 album Tapestry.

Related: 1971 No. 1 Soft Rock Anthem From One of the ‘Greatest Albums of All Time’ Became an Era-Defining Classic

Think you’re unbeatable at UNO? You may soon have a chance to prove it, and win some serious money while you’re at it.

Mattel is turning the classic card game into a global competitive event with a $50,000 grand prize. The new UNO Championship Series will bring top players together for a live tournament in Los Angeles this fall, giving longtime fans a chance to take their UNO skills to the next level.

The two-hour championship event is scheduled for Nov. 11 in Los Angeles and will stream live on Twitch, according to Mattel.

And yes, there are several ways to qualify.

How to Compete in the UNO Championship Series

UNO fans from around the world will have opportunities to compete for a spot in the tournament.

Mattel has announced in-person qualifying events in three U.S. cities:

• Orlando: Oct. 3
• Chicago: Oct. 10
• Los Angeles: Oct. 17

There will also be digital qualifiers through the UNO! Mobile app, giving players who can’t attend one of the in-person events another way to compete.

Global UNO fans will also be invited to participate, helping round out the field of competitors for the championship.

The ultimate winner will take home a $50,000 grand prize and the title of UNO Championship Series tournament champion.

So if you’ve spent years insisting that you’re really, really good at UNO, this might be your moment.

UNO Is Bringing the Competition Home, Too

The tournament isn’t the only new addition coming to UNO.

Mattel is also releasing a new line of UNO Championship Series products designed to bring the competitive experience home.

The collection includes tournament-style gameplay, an official UNO Championship Belt and a Card Shuffler, giving players a few new ways to make their next game feel a little more serious.

Because nothing says family game night quite like competing for the championship belt.

The UNO Championship Series is part of Mattel’s effort to expand the iconic card game’s presence beyond the kitchen table and into live entertainment. The championship event will give fans around the world a chance to watch the best players compete while also opening the door for regular UNO players to see how their skills stack up.

And with $50,000 on the line, those Skip, Reverse and Wild cards suddenly feel a lot more important.

The UNO Championship Series qualifying events begin Oct. 3 in Orlando, followed by Chicago on Oct. 10 and Los Angeles on Oct. 17, with the championship taking place Nov. 11.

RELATED: Reese’s Halloween Pumpkin Bowl Comes With 110 Candies

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If you’ve been looking for an easy way to add storage to your home that’s more aesthetically pleasing than collapsible totes or bulky plastic bins, Walmart has a smart solution currently on sale for over 30% off. The Idealsoul Tall 5-Drawer Dresser is now available for just $130, down from $190, and it offers ample space to organize shirts, pants, undergarments, linens, accessories, and other items. 

The versatile dresser comes in three colors that are easy to match with a wide range of decor, including black, white, and pink. All three shades are available at the same discounted price and feature a modern-minimalist look that will effortlessly elevate any space.  

Idealsoul Tall 5-Drawer Dresser, $130 (was $190) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

At 15.8 inches deep, 27.6 inches wide, and 48.4 inches high, the dresser has a tall, slim silhouette that helps you maximize vertical storage without taking up too much square footage. It features five extra-deep drawers that are spacious enough to hold stacks of sweaters, pajamas, sheets, and more, with smooth-gliding runners that ensure easy opening and closing. The large tabletop offers additional space to display candles, vases, artwork, photo frames, and even seasonal decor. 

Constructed from medium-density fiberboard, the dresser is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and sturdy enough for long-term use. The clean, modern design makes it versatile enough to use in practically any room in your house, with sleek, beveled-edge drawers preserving the smooth, handle-free look. It also comes with detailed instructions, allowing for hassle-free assembly that requires minimal tools. 

Related: Walmart’s Vintage-Inspired Sideboard Has ‘Plenty of Storage’ and Looks Like a ‘Beautiful’ Antique

The Idealsoul dresser has earned over 140 five-star ratings from Walmart shoppers, who highlighted its “beautiful” design and “clean, sleek look.” One reviewer said it adds “cute, functional storage” to any space, while another said “the drawers open and close smoothly, and overall it feels sturdy.”

Shop More Deals

• Fanral 9-Drawer Dresser, $180 (was $300) at Walmart
• EDX Fabric Dresser, $40 (was $70) at Walmart
• Concetta 8-Drawer Dresser, $47 (was $53) at Walmart

With its versatile design, generous drawer space, and three cute color options to choose from, this tall five-drawer dresser makes a chic storage solution for any home. Make sure to snag one for just $130 before this limited-time flash deal ends 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.

Chris Stapleton‘s performance of the national anthem at the 2023 Super Bowl will go down in history as one of the best of all time. But don’t ask him to do it again — he says he’s done.

Talking to Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dirty Mo Media podcast last year, Stapleton admitted that he studied hard leading up to the big day because he didn’t want to mess it up.

“I don’t get nervous to play, necessarily, [but] that one, I’m going to make sure I’m as prepared as I can be,” he said. His ultimate goal? “To get through it to a degree where I executed the national anthem without insulting the national anthem.”

Stapleton’s rendition went off without a hitch — some would argue it was just as good as Whitney Houston’s, which is an all-time great — but it was such a nerve-wracking experience that it’s a one-and-done for the “Broken Halos” hitmaker.

“I would have people ask me to sing the national anthem for various things, and I jokingly always said, ‘No, I’ll just do it when it’s time to do it at the Super Bowl,'” the country star reflected to Earnhardt Jr. “And I just turned it down a lot.”

“… and I do say now that I’ve officially retired from it, as well,” Stapleton said flat-out.

He will acknowledge his talent and knows it was a successful performance, he’s just not eager to give it another go. “I’m not saying my version wasn’t good. I think it was good,” he continued, modestly giving most of the credit to “TV editing.”

As for whether it was as good as Whitney’s? “I’ll defer,” Stapleton told TODAY in 2023.

Jason Kelce would definitely be on Team Stapleton if he were asked to vote on the best anthem rendition ever. He played for the Eagles in that year’s Super Bowl (against his brother Travis on the Chiefs), and he was seen in tears as Stapleton sang.

.@Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and lineman Jason Kelce got emotional during Chris Stapleton’s National Anthem. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/IVuhIH0KWr

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) February 12, 2023

Three years later, the country singer has stood by his word, and there have been no new national anthem performances since that February football game. He’s sticking to smaller stages and is currently on a headlining tour, with dates booked across the United States (plus one in Canada) into October.

Patti LaBelle released the ballad “You Are My Friend” in 1978. The song was included on her first solo album after leaving the band LaBelle, known for their classic hit, “Lady Marmalade.”

 “You Are My Friend” became one of LaBelle’s signature songs, which she frequently performs at concerts. She even performed it at her mother’s funeral in 1978. However, it never reached No. 1 on the charts. It peaked at 61 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.

“You Are My Friend” was written after LaBelle read a journal entry written by her husband, Armstead Edwards. He had scribbled the words in his journal after an emotional day with their son, Zuri. Noticing he was upset, his son tried comforting him by stroking his forehead and saying, “It’s okay, Daddy. You my friend.”

When LaBelle eventually read the entry along with her musical director, James “Budd” Ellison, her husband was furious. “We had no right to invade his privacy,” LaBelle said in Don’t Block The Blessings: Revelations Of A Lifetime, her 1996 autobiography. “Later, when Armstead cooled off, we all wound up agreeing that his words were the makings of a beautiful song. While I was in the kitchen cooking, Budd was at the piano composing. By the time we finished dinner, the three of us had finished the song Zuri inspired: ‘You Are My Friend.'”

Her son, Zuri, is now her business manager. As she told Philly Mag, “I trust him, and it’s wonderful. We have lots of fights — he’ll tell me I shouldn’t wear something I want to wear, or he’ll tell me not to try something I want to try. Do this. Don’t do that. But I usually win.”

Related: 1987 Hit, Which Took 2 Years for the Pogues To Write, Is the Most Played Christmas Song This Century

LaBelle had other hits over her career, including “If Only You Knew,” “Stir It Up,” and “New Attitude.” She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

LaBelle is currently 82. She is still actively touring across the United States.

Darth Maul has been chasing his revenge since 1999, and Star Wars just confirmed when fans get to watch him keep chasing it. At D23 2026 in Anaheim, Lucasfilm gave the former Sith apprentice’s animated series its first real release window, ending months of speculation about when the story would pick back up.

The confirmation came during the Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord panel at D23, where head writer and executive producer Matt Michnovetz told the crowd that Season 2 will arrive in 2027, adding simply, “Get ready for it.” Welcome news for fans (like me) as it’s the first concrete release information since the show was renewed even before the first season finished airing. Lucasfilm President and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni announced the renewal on StarWars.com just four days ahead of the April 6, 2026 premiere, a vote of confidence that paid off once the show aired.

Related: Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Takes Center Stage in Ahsoka S2 Trailer

Season 1 followed Maul, voiced by Sam Witwer, as he rebuilt his criminal network during the early days of the Empire, only to lose many of his allies along the way. The ten episode run closed with Maul escaping the planet Janix with help from Solo‘s Dryden Vos, agreeing to help him seize control of the Crimson Dawn syndicate in exchange. That alliance sets up the central tension of Season 2, along with unresolved threads involving Devon Izara, the Jedi Padawan Maul looks to train, and the fate of Captain Brander Lawson, who stayed behind at the end of the season to protect his son.

Sam Witwer had already hinted the wait wouldn’t be long. In a May 2026 interview, the actor said, “It’s not a situation where the audiences will have to wait too, too long,” noting the team had already been developing the new season for some time.

The 2027 window promises Shadow Lord’s return in a packed year for the franchise, which marks its 50th anniversary. Lucasfilm has already confirmed Ahsoka Season 2 for January, a limited theatrical re-release of the original 1977 film in February, and Ryan Gosling and Shawn Levy’s Starfighter in May, among other titles. An exact premiere date, episode count, and whether the show keeps its two-episodes-per-week release pattern have not yet been announced.

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If you have perennials in your garden, you know how much TLC certain plants can need. From pruning to deadheading to cutting back, there are endless ways to manage your perennials throughout the growing season.

That said, are there any perennials that need to be cut back in late August? And any that should not be cut back in late August?

To find out, we consulted with two expert gardeners: Sam Niemann, a horticulturist and the founder of houseplant fertilizer company Bleume and landscape design firm Grown by Design, and Bruce Hellerick, a master horticulturalist and the Co-Owner and President of Hellerick’s Adventure Farm.

“There are NO perennials that should be cut back to the ground until the tops have been killed off by cold weather and they have stopped growing,” Hellerick tells Parade. When that happens, it will be “time to ‘deadhead’ or remove spent blooms and/or old flower stalks.” But in late August, all you’ll want to do is partially cut back certain perennials.

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It’s important to note that cutting back does not mean the same thing as deadheading. Deadheading is when you completely remove a plant’s seed heads, spent blooms and old growth, according to Penn State Extension. Meanwhile, cutting back a plant involves trimming off stems and buds during the growing season, with a goal of encouraging more robust blooms to pop up later in the season, per Extension Master Gardener Volunteers from Durham County, N.C.

Curious to find out which perennials you should (and shouldn’t) cut back in late August? Keep reading for Niemann and Hellerick’s insights.

Related: Why Your Pumpkin Plant Has Flowers but No Pumpkins

9 Perennials to Cut Back in Late August 1. Daylilies

eyewave / Getty Images

Once your daylilies have stopped flowering, you can cut them back, says Hellerick.

“Follow the leftover flower stem to the base of the plant and cut off around 2 to 3 inches from the ground,” he explains. “If the stems are brown and dried, a gentle tug on the stem and the stem will easily come away from the base of the plant.” You can then chuck the cut stems in your compost pile.

2. Salvia

Grace Cary / Getty Images

Plants in the Salvia genus, such as sage and rosemary, “bloom throughout the summer but often begin to look a little tired by August,” says Niemann.

“I recommend cutting back spent blooms to keep your Salvias looking fresh,” he advises. “I don’t recommend cutting the plant back to the base, but you can remove the top third of the plant to remove the spent blooms.”

3. Tickseed

wulingyun / Getty Images

Flowers in the Coreopsis genus, like calliopsis and tickseed, can flower all summer long and even into the fall. However, they “sometimes looks tired come August,” says Niemann.

“If your plants are starting to look a little past their prime, you can prune back the top third of the plant,” he advises. “If your Coreopsis still looks nice, you can wait to cut it back till late fall.”

4. Shasta daisy

MargJohnsonVA / Getty Images

By August, most Shasta daisy plants are done blooming—and looking “quite tired,” according to Niemann.

“Although they won’t rebloom, I find that cutting back Shasta daisies helps keep the garden looking tidy,” he says. “I recommend cutting off the top third of the plant, removing the spent blooms but leaving the majority of the foliage.”

Hellerick also recommends deadheading shasta daisies this time of year.

“Follow the stem below the dead flower and look for the second leaf,” he says. “Cut the stem below the second leaf. This will prompt the plant to begin to grow and produce more flowers in a month of so.”

5. Catmints

Konoplytska / Getty Images

Catmints, part of the Nepeta genus, are typically overdue for a trim by late August, according to Hellerick.

“Most catmints have been blooming since Memorial Day,” he says. “At this point they may look a bit ratty and not blooming. Remove the long gangly stems and then cut the outer 4 to 6 inches off the whole plant. By fall it will begin to rebloom.”

6. Hardy geraniums

yujie chen / Getty Images

“By late summer, hardy geraniums are often looking a little overgrown,” says Niemann. “I recommend cutting back spent blooms or wayward branches back to the main part of the plant,” as this can “help encourage more blooms.”

7. Butterfly bush

Westend61 / Getty Images

“At this time of year, butterfly bush has been blooming for about 2 months,” says Hellerick. “Find the dead flower spikes and follow the stem back to the third or fourth leaf behind the dead flower and cut there.” This will help the plant start to grow more flowers and side shoots.

8. Roses

masanii21 / Getty Images

“If you haven’t been able to stay on top of deadheading your roses, August is a great time to cut them back,” says Niemann. “If your roses have gotten too large for their space, you can also give them a late summer prune to keep their size in check. Deadheading or pruning back your roses in August will often encourage a fresh round of blooms in the fall.”

9. Yarrow

Henk Wallays / Getty Images

“Yarrow blooms throughout the summer but may look messy by August,” explains Niemann. “If your yarrow plants have spent blooms or are oversized, you can cut them back in late summer.”

He adds that in many cases, cutting back yarrow can result in a second flush of flowers.

5 Perennials You Shouldn’t Cut Back in Late August 1. Hydrangeas

LAW Ho Ming / Getty Images

According to Niemann, August is when hydrangea blooms typically hit their peak. Because of this, he recommends “leaving hydrangea blooms standing into winter to enjoy their full show and let them provide winter interest.”

2. Black-eyed susans

twomeows / Getty Images

Black-eyed susans are typically in full bloom in August and should be left alone. “Cut them back in early spring before new growth begins,” Hellerick says.

3. Lilacs

Iuliia Bondar / Getty Images

“Lilacs bloom on old wood, so cutting them back in August will just remove next year’s blooms,” Niemann explains. “Instead, I recommend pruning lilacs back immediately after they flower in the spring.”

4. Chrysanthemums

Olga Pankova / Getty Images

“Chrysanthemums are getting ready to bloom in the fall, so it’s important not to cut them back,” says Niemann. If you do, you’ll just be removing the blooms that were getting ready to open up.

“Instead, I recommend cutting them back in early summer to encourage branching and more blooms,” he advises.

5. Peonies

Svetlana Repnitskaya / Getty Images

“Peonies that have bloomed in spring should have a lush set of deep green foliage at this time of year,” Hellerick explains. “As the foliage dies back in the fall, the energy from the leaves is transferred to the roots of plant to produce beautiful flower in the spring.”

Because of this, Hellerick warns, you should never cut back peony foliage. Instead, in early spring, just before new growth starts, you can cut the dead stems to be about 3 inches tall.

Up Next:

Related: 8 Flowers You Should Plant Right Now for Gorgeous Fall Color

Sources:

• Sam Niemann, horticulturist and founder of Bleume and Grown by Design

• Bruce Hellerick, master horticulturalist and Co-Owner and President of Hellerick’s Adventure Farm
• To Deadhead or Not? Your Final Answer is… Penn State Extension.
• Gardening Friends: Deadhead and Cutback. Extension Master Gardener Volunteers from Durham County, N.C.