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If your book collection has officially outgrown your nightstand, Walmart has a simple $70 fix. The Walsunny 6-Tier Farmhouse Bookcase is currently $50 off, down from $120, with six open shelves for books, decor, photos, and more. The black version is on sale for just $70, while the brown color is $85, and both options are also available in sets of two.

The bookcase measures 23.6 inches wide, 9.3 inches deep, and 70.9 inches high. It’s crafted from particle board, and each of its six shelves can support up to 66 pounds. The H-shaped construction and slotted back panel add stability, while an included anti-tip device lets you secure the unit to the wall. The surface is also waterproof and easy to wipe clean, which is always a plus.

Courtesy of Walmart

The six open tiers give you plenty of room to style and display your belongings. You can dedicate a couple of levels to books and use the others for baskets, framed photos, candles, small plants, or other decorative objects. Its narrow 9.3-inch depth also makes it a great option for smaller rooms where you want to use vertical space without adding a bulky piece of furniture to an already-crowded space.

One shopper said the bookcase was “very easy to put together” and “very sturdy and sleek-looking.” Another called it a “great product” and liked that it came with hardware to help keep it secure. Other reviewers also praised the simple assembly, with one noting that the instructions were easy to understand.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Beautiful’ $90 Farmhouse Shoe Cabinet Is a Clever Fix for Crowded Entryways

If you really want to lean into the farmhouse look, you can style the shelves with wooden accents, ceramic vases, woven baskets, and cute framed artwork. You can also mix in books, storage boxes, plants, and keepsakes to make the piece feel both decorative and practical.

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If you’ve run out of places to put your books and decor, now is a great time to snag the Walsunny 6-Tier Farmhouse Bookcase while the black version is down to $70. The six open shelves offer tons of styling possibilities, while its slim footprint makes it easier to fit into smaller spaces. And at $50 off, it’s an affordable way to refresh an empty wall ahead of fall.

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.

In early 1973, radio listeners couldn’t get enough of the Tony Orlando & Dawn song, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.”

Within weeks, the track evolved from a catchy AM radio pop tune into an unstoppable global phenomenon. It sold over 3 million copies in less than a month, and cemented its status as the No. 1 single of the year.

But behind the song’s cheerful vocals about a return home to a loved one lay a high-stakes battle over where its iconic story actually originated. The feud nearly disrupted one of pop music’s greatest success stories.

The song, ranked among the best of the decade in the album-oriented rock category by U Discover Music, was written by L. Russell Brown and Irwin Levine. Its lyrics were said to be based on a traditional oral tale and a story Brown read in Reader’s Digest, as reported by American Songwriter.

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While Tony Orlando & Dawn performed the sunny song for millions of fans across the country, a quiet conflict was brewing behind the scenes, one that had nothing to do with the band itself.

The drama originated after journalist Pete Hamill sued Brown and Levine for copyright infringement. He claimed the songwriters took the tune’s idea from his 1971 newspaper column, as reported by History.

Ultimately, the columnist dropped his lawsuit after it was discovered that there were many versions of the same story circulating for decades before the song was written. Because the central narrative belonged to traditional folk history, no single writer could claim sole ownership of the idea.

“Probably the story is one of these mysterious bits of folklore that emerge from the national subconscious to be told anew in one form or another,” Hamill said, as reported by History.

Brown later told The Tennessean how he came up with the idea to write “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.” He began, “I was reading the Reader’s Digest. I read it from front to back. There was an article about a soldier coming home from Andersonville Prison in the Civil War, and he was going to Pennsylvania.”

The story continued, as the soldier wanted to know if the woman he loved felt the same way. He asked her to tie a yellow handkerchief on the oak tree in their town to show her devotion.

Brown concluded, “He couldn’t bear to look at it himself. So he told the other people in the stagecoach and the driver to please look. When they got to the big oak tree, everybody yelled and screamed. He looked out the window, and it was covered with yellow handkerchiefs. A chill went up my neck. I said, ‘My God!’ I said, ‘Boy, that would make a great song.’”

As the years progressed, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” became a national symbol for hope in times of crisis. It quickly outgrew the airwaves, inspiring millions of families to tie ribbons around trees in their front yards every time service members were deployed.

The legal fight over the song eventually quieted down, but its legacy endured. It gave Tony Orlando & Dawn the biggest record of their career and became a lasting cultural touchstone for anyone waiting for a loved one to return home.

Related: 1970 Tony Orlando and Dawn Smash Named One of Their Most Popular Songs of All Time by Fans

In 1976, Dennis Elliott became the original drummer for a new rock band called Foreigner. Within a year, the group was rocketing up the charts with songs including “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice,” beginning a run that would make Foreigner one of the biggest rock bands of its era.

Now, Elliott is celebrating another milestone. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer turns 76 on Aug. 18.

But long after helping power Foreigner hits including “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Urgent” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” Elliott traded his drumsticks for an entirely different creative pursuit: sculpture.

Born in London on Aug. 18, 1950, Elliott started playing drums remarkably young, performing with his family’s band when he was just 5 years old.

By 16, he was playing professionally with The Shevelles. He later joined the Ferris Wheel and, at 19, became a member of jazz-rock band If, recording several albums with the group.

Another important opportunity arrived when Elliott played on former Mott the Hoople frontman Ian Hunter’s self-titled debut solo album, including “Once Bitten Twice Shy.”

But after that recording, Elliott found himself unemployed in New York and took a job as a mechanic to make ends meet. At a jam session, he met guitarist Mick Jones, who was also in New York following the dissolution of the Leslie West Band.

“A few weeks later,” Elliott recalled to Modern Drummer in 2018, “I got a call from Mick saying that he was forming a new band, and would I care to come down to Manhattan to play some songs and see what happens.”

What happened was Foreigner.

Elliott remembered playing “Feels Like the First Time” at his audition and immediately sensing that something was different.

“The songs were so good that I just felt comfortable with them,” he said. “It felt like we’d been playing together for years.”

Foreigner’s self-titled debut arrived in 1977 and climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The band’s follow-up, 1978’s Double Vision, went even higher, reaching No. 3.

Elliott remained behind the drums as Foreigner’s success continued through albums including Head Games, 4, Agent Provocateur and Inside Information. He also played on some of the band’s most enduring hits, from “Hot Blooded” and “Double Vision” to “Urgent” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You.”

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After 17 years with Foreigner, Elliott left the band in 1993.

“All in all, it was a wonderful time, but very hectic,” he told Modern Drummer of his years with the group. “It takes a toll. I just felt I’d had enough, and it was best for me to stay home.”

By then, however, Elliott had already developed another artistic passion.

He began working with wood in 1972 and taught himself the craft, eventually focusing on large burl wood vessels, wall sculptures and interactive orbital pieces. His work has incorporated carving, burning and sandblasting, along with materials including alabaster, metal, exotic woods and semi-precious stones.

Elliott’s sculptures have ultimately found their way into 21 museum collections across the United States, according to his official website.

For Elliott, the transition from musician to sculptor wasn’t necessarily as dramatic as it might appear. Both allowed him to create, but he saw an important distinction between the two art forms.

“In creating music, you’re creating out of thin air,” Elliott explained on his website. “When you’re working with a solid object like a piece of a tree, you can only do it once.”

Elliott hasn’t completely left Foreigner behind, either. He has reunited with his former bandmates for performances over the years, including Foreigner’s 40th anniversary reunion shows in 2017.

And in 2024, Elliott’s place in the band’s history received its biggest recognition when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Foreigner.

From pounding out the beat behind some of the biggest rock songs of the late ’70s and ’80s to creating works of art held by museums decades later, Elliott has now spent more than half a century creating in one form or another.

Related: Retiring Original Lead Singer Rejoins ’70s Rock Icons for New Version of Iconic Hit

Finding the right travel bag can make or break a trip—and after more than 10 cruises, endless theme park days, and non-stop island hopping this year, I’ve officially pledged my allegiance to the sling-style crossbody.

Honestly, they’re total game-changers. Slings hug your body to keep your wallet and passport safe, leave your hands completely free for a morning latte or a quick photo, and somehow fit way more than you’d expect. (Yes, you can actually stash your sunscreen, a cute souvenir, and a light layer without blowing out the zipper.)

Forget the ugly, hyper-fanny-pack designs of the past, too. Brands like Vera Bradley, Quince, and Calpak are making ridiculously chic options that effortlessly tie an outfit together. After a full year of putting these through the ultimate travel wringer, these are the 8 stylish, hassle-free slings I refuse to pack without.

Related: 8 Quince Carry-On Essentials Every Woman Over 50 Needs

Quince

I am totally obsessed with the Quince Transit Quilted Belt Bag, and it’s easily become one of my most-used travel staples. It is ridiculously soft, lightweight, and so comfortable to wear all day that you practically forget it’s there. Don’t let the sleek silhouette fool you, either—it holds way more than you’d ever expect, easily fitting sunscreen, sunglasses, and all your daily essentials without looking bulky. The three built-in pockets are a total lifesaver for keeping your phone, passport, and lip balm perfectly organized so you aren’t blindly digging around at security. Plus, the water-resistant quilted finish gives it that high-end, modern look that elevates even the most basic travel outfit, whether you’re pacing the cruise deck or catching a flight.

Vera Bradley

I keep both the rich camel leather version and the classic black nylon Vera Bradley Sling on constant rotation, and they’ve easily become two of my most-used travel bags. They are total workhorses for theme park days and cruise port stops, but their sleek, low-profile silhouette means they transition seamlessly to business meetings or dressy dinners, too. If you’re an overpacker who always wants an extra option on hand, these take up virtually zero space in a suitcase—or you can easily tuck one inside your larger personal item to keep your carry-on light. The adjustable strap lets you wear it snug across your chest for hands-free security while walking around, or lengthened over one shoulder depending on your outfit. Combined with the lightweight durability and smart zip pockets that keep everything organized at security, it’s a bag I catch myself reaching for on almost every single trip.

Related: I Went on a Mediterranean Cruise With Just a Carry-on—These 8 Quince Pieces Let Me Blend in Like a Local

Baggallini

The Baggallini Securtex Jet Set Anti-Theft Crescent Sling completely blew me away with its smart design and high-end security features. It’s equipped with built-in RFID-blocking technology and clever locking zipper closures, giving you total peace of mind in crowded markets or busy transit hubs. Because it sits sleek and almost flat against your body, you can easily tuck it under a jacket or layer for an extra level of protection. Don’t let the low-profile shape fool you, though—it holds an impressive amount of gear without feeling heavy or bulky. Combined with that rich plum shade that adds a gorgeous pop of color to any travel outfit, it’s the ultimate mix of functional security and effortless style.

CALPAK

If you’re heading out on an active excursion or tackling water-ride-filled theme park days, the CALPAK Terra Sling Bag is the ultimate do-it-all companion. The water-repellant finish handles splash zones with ease, while the breathable mesh backing is an absolute lifesaver during ultra-hot, humid summer months. You can adjust it to wear around your waist or diagonally across your front or back, giving you total flexibility when slipping into tight ride vehicles. I love the easy-access exterior zips for grabbing lip balm or phone quickly on the go, but my favorite feature has to be the side compression straps—they cinch the whole bag close to your body so it stays completely stable and never flops around, even when packed to the brim.

North Face

The North Face Isabella Sling is my absolute go-to whenever I need to carry heavier gear—like multiple portable chargers or a full water bottle—without straining my shoulders. I’ve even managed to pack a small laptop inside, and thanks to the exceptionally padded, ergonomically designed strap, it distributes the weight so evenly across your back that you barely feel it. It delivers that sporty, rugged durability needed to handle active port excursions, day hikes, or theme parks where your bag might take a beating, all while maintaining a surprisingly sleek, low-profile look.

Related: I’m a Travel Writer Who Practically Lives on Planes—These Are the 7 Quince Pieces I Rely On

Quince

The Quince Revive Nylon Crescent Shoulder Bag is a recent discovery that I have a feeling is going straight into heavy rotation. It’s wonderfully simple and minimalist, making it effortless to throw on with just about anything while still holding a surprising amount of gear. Lately, I’ve been loving minimalist, ’90s-inspired travel capsules built around simple black cardigans, straight-leg jeans, and classic white tees—and this bag’s sleek silhouette and fun pop of color pull that whole nostalgic, Calvin Klein-esque vibe together perfectly. Clean lines keep it sitting flat and low-profile against your chest or back, so you can effortlessly transition from a daytime walking tour to a casual dinner without ever feeling weighed down.

Vera Bradley

As someone who spends plenty of time at Disney, I’m always on the hunt for sleek bags that incorporate Mickey branding without feeling over-the-top, and this Vera Bradley Disney Sling is easily one of my favorites. It hits the absolute sweet spot for capacity—it’s not too bulky, but effortlessly holds a wallet, phone, cooling fan, portable charger, sunblock, and still leaves room for a light layer or souvenir. It’s lightweight, breathable, and just plain cool-looking, giving you all the classic, long-wear comfort you’d expect from Vera Bradley with a subtle, magical twist that brings a fun touch to any park day.

Nordstrom

I am a huge fan of MZ Wallace’s ultra-well-designed travel staples, and this quilted, asymmetrical sling-style shoulder bag is no exception. Its unique crescent shape fits perfectly and comfortably under your arm, holding everything you need for a full day out with plenty of room to spare. Inside, you’ll find a super handy mini zip pouch that keeps essential items like your wallet, lip balm, and keys secure and easy to grab. The craftsmanship and heavy-duty quilted material feel wonderfully high-end, making this a durable, timeless investment piece you’ll keep reaching for on every trip for years to come.

Related: The 9 Best Bags for Every Type of Disney Park Day

Out of New Jersey, the rock band Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show began gaining traction in the 1970s when they released “Sylvia’s Mother,” written by acclaimed writer Shel Silverstein.

Not many may know that Silverstein’s published works go far beyond childhood favorites like The Giving Tree, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and A Light in the Attic. The acclaimed writer and cartoonist was also a musician and songwriter who penned the track “Sylvia’s Mother” for Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show.

The track would end up becoming the band’s first hit single, which landed them at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on Cash Box. It was also an international success at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and in South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia. Behind “Sylvia’s Mother” was a very real story of heartbreak that Silverstein experienced between him and a close friend.

Top 2000 a gogo released an interview with Louisa Pandolfi, Sylvia Pandolfi’s mother. She described the inspiration behind the track as having been based around a phone call. Mrs. Pandolfi recalls Silverstein calling their home to talk to her daughter, and Sylvia having broken the news to Silverstein that she was leaving for Mexico to get married. Her daughter ultimately implied that “their friendship was more or less over, and so forth.”

The following day, Mrs. Pandalfi remembers Silverstein calling again and admitted in the interview that she thought the writer “was very much in love” with her daughter. In 1972, Silverstein spoke with Rolling Stone and revealed the story in “Sylvia’s Mother” is exactly as it happened in real life, but with some tweaks.

“I just changed the last name, not to protect the innocent, but because it didn’t fit. It happened about eight years ago and was pretty much the way it was in the song. I called Sylvia and her mother said, ‘She can’t talk to you.’ I said, ‘Why not?’ Her mother said she was packing and she was leaving to get married, which was a big surprise to me. The guy was in Mexico and he was a bullfighter and a painter,” he explained.

For Silverstein, the moment was heartbreak and recalls her saying, “Shel, don’t spoil it,” and thinking, “For about ten seconds I had this ego charge, as if I could have spoiled it. I couldn’t have spoiled it with a sledge hammer.”

When the Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show track was released in 1972, many wondered who Sylvia was. According to SongFacts, Dutch public television producer named Arjan Vlakveld found Mrs. Pandolfi by accident thanks to an acquaintance. He found Sylvia’s phone number and asked if she was the woman in “Sylvia’s Mother,” which led to the interview in the same room where the original phone call occurred.

“A surprising number of people thought it was a parody, but I always saw it as a truly heartbreaking story, and I did my best to portray the anxiety and sadness that I knew that poor guy in the phone booth would be feeling,” said singer Dennis Locorriere.

Related: 1973 Blues Song, With Lyrics by Bob Dylan and Bette Midler, Became a Pop Culture Staple

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Delicate, dazzling, and versatile enough to go with just about anything, diamonds are a jewelry box classic for a reason. These luminous stones can require quite an investment in some cases, though, unless you make a point to shop for them during big sale events. Right now, Macy’s is giving customers the chance to save big on diamonds with its ongoing jewelry sale, offering up to 70% off on pieces the Black & White Diamond Interlocking Circle Drop Earrings.

The earrings initially cost $240, but have been reduced to $84. The piece features 0.10 carats in black diamonds and 0.10 carats in white diamonds set in sterling silver. The round diamonds are arranged in overlapping circles, which features a more modern and simple look that allows you to sport them everyday or for special occasions. 

Courtesy of Macy's

The earrings have a traditional push back closure that allows you to take them on and off with ease. We recommend taking them off when in contact with water, like when you’re swimming or showering, to ensure that they keep their quality. It’s also advised to avoid sleeping on them because they are a drop earring — you don’t want them to get caught on something or warped throughout the night.

“Since they’re black and white, they complement just about any outfit,” one reviewer said. “They can be shown off while dressing up for a night on the town, or casually worn with a T-shirt and jeans for everyday wear.” The shopper continued that necklaces with similar colors that also feature a circular shape go perfectly with these drop earrings. 

Other customers described the earrings as “elegant,” adding that they offer an “impressive sparkle.” Plus, they’re “very lightweight,” so you don’t have to worry about them weighing down your ears throughout the day. Due to the classic design, you can easily wear them all year-round. 

Related: Macy’s ‘Sparkly’ Diamond Bracelet ‘Looks More Expensive Than It Is,’ Now 65% Off

This is an exclusive Macy’s item, so you can’t get these stunning circle earrings anywhere else. Shop them now while they’re still marked down to only $84.

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.

More than five decades after its release, “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers Band remains one of the most recognizable songs in Southern rock and the biggest Billboard Hot 100 hit of the band’s career. 

Released in August 1973, the Dickey Betts-written song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the group’s only Top 10 single.

The song spent 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 after making its chart debut on Aug. 25, 1973. It reached its No. 2 peak on Oct. 13, 1973, and was held from the top spot by Cher’s “Half-Breed.”

In 2026, “Ramblin’ Man” is 53 years old, but its central message still connects with listeners. The song tells the story of a man who keeps moving, works to make a living, and accepts that life on the road is part of who he is.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Before “Ramblin’ Man,” The Allman Brothers Band had already built a strong name through its mix of blues, rock, jazz and Southern musical styles. However, the group had struggled to find major success with singles.

According to Billboard, “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More,” “Melissa,” and “One Way Out” each charted below the Top 40. “Revival (Love Is Everywhere)” peaked at No. 92, while other singles also failed to make a major impact.

“Ramblin’ Man” also reached No. 12 on the U.S. Easy Listening chart. In Canada, it reached No. 7 on the RPM Top Singles chart.

Its success was especially important because the song sounded different from much of the band’s earlier work. “Ramblin’ Man” had a strong country influence, something that initially made the group unsure about recording it.

Dickey Betts wrote and sang the song, drawing from his own childhood and his love of country music. He had been working on the idea for years, and an early version could be heard during the band’s 1971 songwriting sessions, per Low Down and Dirty.

Betts later explained that his family moved often because his father worked in construction. That meant Betts attended different schools and spent a lot of time traveling.

“Ramblin’ was in my blood,” Betts said, according to American Songwriter.

The song was also inspired by Hank Williams’ 1951 song of the same name. Betts initially considered giving the song to a country performer, but it eventually became a major Allman Brothers Band recording.

The recording also marked an important musical step for the band. Guitarist Les Dudek worked with Betts on the guitar harmonies, while the finished recording used multiple guitar parts and an extended instrumental ending.

The band’s producer, Johnny Sandlin, also played a major role in shaping the final recording. Betts wanted the song to move faster, leading to changes in the tempo during production.

The song’s impact was not limited to its chart performance. In June 2026, CBS News included “Ramblin’ Man” on its list of 250 essential American songs from the past 250 years.

For a song about life on the road, that kind of staying power is fitting. The journey of “Ramblin’ Man” has simply continued long after its first radio play in 1973.

Related: 1971 Rock Song, Featured in ‘Family Guy,’ Ranked Among ‘Most Perfect Guitar Solos’ in Classic Rock History

Foreigner’s Double Vision was one of the biggest albums of 1978, featuring the back-to-back hit singles “Hot Blooded“ and “Double Vision.” But the third single from the  band’s iconic second album was also a hit—and an unlikely one.

“Blue Morning, Blue Day” was released in December 1978, and it quickly began a steady climb up the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song, written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, featured the band’s signature guitar and keyboard hooks as Gramm delivered lyrics about the emotional toll of a broken relationship. “Blue Morning, Blue Day” reached No. 15 on Billboard’s chart on March 3, 1979, giving Foreigner their third Double Vision smash in a row.

Gramm once revealed that “Blue Morning, Blue Day” wasn’t originally intended to be a single and came later in the Double Vision songwriting process.

“It came about a little later in the sessions,” he shared in a 2018 interview with AXS. “It was a dark horse track and the mood of it was dark, but the story of the song was so cool that it ended up being the third single from the album. We still play it to this day, both my band and Mick and his band.”

Jones once revealed that he was inspired by the progressive rock band Procol Harum when he co-wrote “Blue Morning, Blue Day” with Gramm.

“Blue Morning’ was one of my favorite tracks that we wrote,” he told AXS TV in a video interview. “I think I was going through a little phase of really digging Procol Harum, kind of almost semi-tragic, sad, blue. Blue morning, blue day,” he said.

The legendary Foreigner guitarist noted that he really leaned into the darker mood of the song.

“That was a little Procol Harum coming out in me, the period with the big orchestra and ‘Conquistador’,” Jones told In the Studio With Redbeard. “It was that mood. I felt very strongly that it was an inspiration in that song. And I was starting to experiment, I was getting clever (composing) on the piano!”

As for the lyrics, Gramm also shared insight into the meaning of the song, telling Songfacts, “It talks about a young musician that’s burning the candle at both ends. He has a lot on his mind, and walks the street at night.”

Nearly 50 years after its release, “Blue Morning, Blue Day” remains an essential part of Foreigner’s catalog—a powerful, emotionally charged rocker that showcases the band’s distinctive early sound at its best.

Related: 1977 Foreigner Classic Rock Hit, Written in Two Hours, Featured Lyrics Pulled From Real Life

If you’ve ever snorkeled the turquoise waters of The Bahamas, you know that vibrant coral reefs are the beating heart of the Caribbean’s marine magic. Beneath the surface, these living structures provide coastal protection, sustain local fisheries, and create the underwater wonderlands travelers fly from around the world to explore.

Yet rising ocean temperatures have put these vital ecosystems under unprecedented pressure, especially for elkhorn coral—a critical reef-building species that has seen population drops of roughly 97% across the Caribbean since the 1980s.

To help save the species, marine conservationists at the MSC Foundation’s Ocean Cay Marine Conservation Center are taking proactive measures to shield local reefs ahead of an incoming late-summer marine heatwave.

Related: MSC Cruises Is Opening a Brand-New Caribbean Beach Destination This Fall

Through its Super Coral Reefs Program, the team has outplanted 32 nursery-grown fragments of critically endangered elkhorn coral onto a natural reef near Browns Cay, bringing the program’s total to 285 corals returned to the wild.

Each coral fragment was harvested from parent colonies that demonstrated natural heat tolerance, boasting a 100% survival rate through the severe Caribbean marine heatwaves of 2023 and 2024.

With NOAA Coral Reef Watch predicting severe Level 2 bleaching conditions across the Northern Bahamas through September, scientists are adopting a tactical, cautious approach. Marine heat stress causes corals to expel the colorful, nutrient-producing algae living inside them, leading to bleaching and potential starvation. Rather than risking newly planted corals in scorching open water, the team has strategically paused further wild outplanting, keeping remaining fragments safe in specialized underwater nurseries where water flow and health can be closely managed.

Related: The Massive Cruise Line That Just Crushed a Global Environmental Target Five Years Ahead of Schedule

“Exceptionally warm ocean conditions are forecast this year, which could place corals under significant stress,” explained Emeline Bouchet, Marine Program Manager at the Ocean Cay Marine Conservation Center. “We therefore kept more fragments in our underwater nurseries, where the team can monitor and manage them closely. Restoration is not simply about planting more corals—it’s also about putting them in the best position to thrive.”

To track how both wild and nursery-grown corals hold up against peak summer temperatures, marine scientists will conduct monthly dives using advanced photogrammetry—a process that captures detailed photographs to generate precision 3D digital models of the reefs over time.

Once the late-summer heat subsides, the team plans to resume wild outplanting and replenish the nurseries with fresh cuttings, continuing a vital cycle designed to keep Caribbean waters teeming with life for future generations of ocean lovers.

Related: The New Megaship Delivering European Style and Big Value for the Whole Family

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Finding a pair of sneakers that both fits and provides support is basically like hitting the footwear jackpot. All too often, athletic shoes fall just short of checking all of those important boxes. Whether you wear yours to work out, walk the dog, or run errands, you can’t overlook the importance of comfort-forward details.

For thousands of people, a pair of Avia Elevate Sneakers is the answer. Sporty, cute, and supportive all at once, these kicks are available at Walmart in both medium and wide widths and whole and half sizes in assorted colors. Right now you can snag them in cream or silver for just $15, down from their usual $25. Other colors are also available for the regular price. 

Courtesy of Walmart

With a whopping 6,800 five-star reviews, these sneakers stand out with their classic style and cushioned feel. The memory foam footbed conforms to your natural shape, creating a comfortable landing pad that nestles your feet with every step. It even has technology to minimize odors and keep your shoes fresh.

The combination of polyester and polyurethane on the outside lends these sneakers both flexibility and durability. According to one shopper, they offer the most comfort and support of any sneaker they’ve tried, while another reviewer mentioned the kicks have “so much arch support” and feel “so sturdy.”

People with wide feet also weighed in, noting that while it’s normally hard to find shoes that provide enough wiggle room, these fit the bill. One person “walked all over Disney World for three days” and explained that the shoes were comfortable even with plantar fasciitis and tendinitis. Several people mentioned there’s no break-in period, either.

• Dokotoo 2-Piece Lounge Set, $37 (was $61) at Walmart
• Neleus High-Waist Leggings, $18 (was $29) at Walmart
• Dakimoe Initial Crossbody and Belt Bag, $10 (was $18) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s Comfortable $35 7-Piece Comforter Set Is So Cozy, It’s ‘Like Sleeping in the Clouds’

Whether you’re looking for a practical everyday shoe or footwear you can wear to the gym or while playing with the kids, these Avia Elevate Sneakers make an incredible buy at just $15. Don’t miss them while they’re discounted at Walmart in your preferred size and color combination.

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.

Allen Reynolds, the producer who played a major role in shaping Garth Brooks‘ early career, is celebrating his 88th birthday.

Reynolds was born Aug. 18, 1938, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and went on to become one of Nashville’s most respected producers and songwriters.

His career included work with some of country music’s biggest stars, but he is perhaps best known for his longtime collaboration with Brooks, 64.

Reynolds produced virtually every album Brooks released during the early and defining years of his career, helping shape the sound that turned the singer into a household name.

Brooks’ rise in the late 1980s and 1990s helped transform the country music landscape, with albums including No Fences, Ropin’ the Wind and The Chase becoming massive commercial successes.

Reynolds’ work extended well beyond Brooks, too.

He produced Crystal Gayle’s 1977 hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” which became one of the singer’s signature songs and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

As a songwriter, Reynolds also contributed to Nashville’s country music tradition, writing songs recorded by artists including Waylon Jennings, Don Williams and Tanya Tucker.

His influence as a producer was particularly significant during country music’s commercial explosion in the 1990s. His work with Brooks helped establish the polished, arena-ready sound that allowed country music to reach an enormous mainstream audience.

At 88, Reynolds remains an important part of the story behind Brooks’ remarkable rise and one of the Nashville figures whose influence can be heard across generations of country music.

RELATED: Garth Brooks’ ‘Friends in Low Places’ Was Almost Someone Else’s Hit

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Vintage pieces are highly sought after — from hand-me-downs to antique store finds, these items have a unique charm. While some of the appeal comes from thrifting, rifling through piles and scouring through shelves can be overwhelming and exhausting, and these pieces are often expensive. Luckily, many retailers, like Amazon, offer many vintage-inspired products at a budget-friendly price, so you don’t even have to step foot out of your house to find something that looks antique. 

One of our favorite finds at Amazon is this Gogers Mosaic Glass Table Lamp. This kind of lamp is incredibly popular among the TikTok community, with its Turkish-inspired look and artisanal feel. 

While this mosaic lamp looks like an expensive antique shop piece, you can currently snag it on sale for less than $40. Normally retailing between $40 and $47, this table lamp is now marked down to just $37 in seven styles. This price is only available for Amazon Prime members, but if you aren’t a member, you can get a free 30-day membership trial here to snag the discount! 

Courtesy of Amazon

Crafted with a globe-shaped glass lampshade plastered with mosaic glass tiles and beads, this piece has major Turkish influence. This lamp comes in a variety of styles with different motifs, including circular designs, wavy patterns, six-point stars, and more. You can choose from various colorways like black and white, assorted blue tones, blue and orange, and pink and red. The neutral styles will complement the rest of your decor and furniture, while the vibrant versions add a pop of color to your space. 

The tiles are hand-cut and arranged by hand, giving this piece artisanal charm. Because of its handcrafted nature, each lamp is unique in its own way, which only adds to the vintage feel and makes it feel like a true antique store find. 

Just as stunning as the lampshade, the base and cap have an ornate design and a complex silhouette. The base is pedestal-like, boasting a wide base that tapers towards the body and flares back out at the top. Similarly, the cap tapers towards the top and is complete with a decorative ornament. The base and cap are made of metal and have a darkened bronze finish, adding to the vintage-inspired look. They’re engraved with decorative borders and details, and adorned with cutouts, offering some texture and dimension. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Equipped with an LED bulb, this lamp provides just the right amount of light to create a cozy ambiance, effortlessly blending form and function. The bulb emits a warm white light with a yellowish tone, making it ideal for movie nights, intimate dinners, and relaxing. Depending on the style you opt for, the light may have a colorful tint, which adds a bit of whimsy. 

One reviewer described the lamp as “majestic” and said that the light is “mesmerizing yet calming.” A second shopper commented that it’s “absolutely beautiful” and mentioned that it “creates a calming ambiance.” A third customer raved that it adds “very elegant beauty” to a room.

Measuring 5.3 inches wide and long, and 11 inches tall, this lamp will stand out wherever you put it and instantly elevate your room. You can keep it anywhere from your work desk to your bedside table. Just be sure to place it near an outlet, as it’s powered by a standard AC cord and fixed with an on/off switch. 

This lamp is also available in one more style without any mosaic tiles or beads. It features a cracked glass lampshade for a more streamlined look. You can grab this style at full price for $60. 

• Kit Cat Klock, From $60 (was $70) at Amazon
• Cotsoco Vinyl Record Player, From $30 (was $60) at Amazon
• Torchstar Banker’s Desk Lamp, From $50 (was $59) at Amazon

Related: Amazon’s ‘Stunning’ Vintage-Style Floral Lamp Will Transport You to the French Countryside for Just $60

You won’t want to miss the chance to score this heirloom-style lamp for just $40. Add the Gogers Mosaic Glass Table Lamp to your Amazon cart now, and don’t forget to sign up for a Prime membership if you don’t already have one to secure the lowest price.

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.

A major literary figure in the 20th-century, who has an adjective named after him, is Franz Kafka. He was a German-language Jewish Czech writer and novelist who is famous for his visionary, surreal and dreamlike narratives, and his influence is still felt throughout “contemporary discussions of identity and societal structures,” per EBSCO. His most popular works include The Trial (Der Prozess in its original German) in 1925 and The Metamorphosis (Die Verwandlung) in 1915. 

Kafka was not famous while he was alive and didn’t live long enough to see his works resonate with others—many were published posthumously—but his stories focused on anxieties and feelings of alienation that many people in Europe and North America felt in the early 1900s, per Britannica. And our quote of the day features Kafka’s thoughts on how youthful wonder is imperative in being happy.

Born in the city of Prague in 1883, Kafka was the eldest child; his father was very strict and a “prominent” merchant, per EBSCO, and his domineering nature caused a very strained relationship between him and Kafka, which you can later see in Kafka’s works. The family lived in the Josefstadt, which was the Jewish ghetto section of the city. Kafka died of tuberculosis in 1924 at the age of 40, but his three younger sisters all died during the Nazi Holocaust. 

Kafka’s writings inspired the adjective “Kafkaesque,” which means something relates to his work, especially if it has “a nightmarishly complex, bizarre or illogical quality,” per the Merriam-Webster dictionary. The Metamorphosis is maybe the best example of this, because it tells the story of a man who wakes up one day as a bug. It is, of course, surreal and terrifying, but at its core the story deals with existential dread and alienation, which was very relatable at the time (and still is). 

Today’s quote by Kafka is from a book of conversations he had with a friend, and talks about the beauty of youthfulness and how it isn’t jaded by the world yet.

Related: Quote of the Day: ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ Author L. Frank Baum on the Power of Learning

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“Youth is happy, because it has the ability to see beauty.”

This quote is from the book Conversations with Kafka, by Gustav Janouch, a Czech poet and memoirist. He knew Kafka through his father and became “fascinated” by him, so he recorded and wrote down their conversations for “posterity,” per New Directions Publishing. According to Goodreads, Janouch and Kafka—who were about 17 and 37 at the time, respectively—would take long walks together through Prague, talking at length about things that Janouch found to be “amazing” and “incisive.” Some argue that these accounts aren’t fully accurate, while others admire how well it depicts Kafka.

The section this quote is in begins with Janouch talking to Kafka about Kafka’s story The Stoker and how “there is so much sunshine and high spirits” in it. Kafka then responds with why that is: children and young people—“youth”—are the subject, even if they are “not in the story.” He then says:

“Youth is full of sunshine and love. Youth is happy, because it has the ability to see beauty. When this ability is lost, wretched old age begins, decay, unhappiness.”

Janouch then asks, “So age excludes the possibility of happiness?” To which Kafka responds, “No, happiness excludes age… Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Julia Child’s Brilliant Reminder That There’s No Limit to What You Can Create

The one line of the quote that we’re highlighting today is meaningful on its own. But given Kafka’s whole sentiment, it’s an even more beautiful way to view the world.

When Kafka says, “Youth is happy, because it has the ability to see beauty,” he’s saying that childlike wonder and innocence give younger people and kids this innate capacity to see and embrace the beauty in this world. They can see the wonderfulness in the smallest things and aren’t jaded by society yet. Not that children don’t know pain or sadness, but they experience the lovely nature of things and see beauty all around them, to their core. 

He then says that “wretched” old age sets in, leading to unhappiness once they aren’t able to “see beauty” anymore, implying that the fatigue and hate of the world have finally gotten to them and they’ve “grown up” and out of their youth. Kafka clarifies that getting old doesn’t mean you can’t be happy, but rather “happiness excludes age.” He then finishes his thought with maybe the best line of his statement by saying that you can have a forever youthfulness if you keep your ability to see beauty.

Kafka’s point is that the soul can stay “young” and have a childlike wonder if you continue to see the good in things. If you can acknowledge the beauty in little things and not get bogged down and weathered by life, you can keep that youthful happiness. If we choose to lean into curiosity, awe and reverence for the beautiful aspects of life, we can stay forever young—in a way.

Related: Quote of the Day: John Green Perfectly Captures the Absurdity of Toxic Positivity

• “You can hold yourself back from the sufferings of the world, that is something you are free to do and it accords with your nature, but perhaps this very holding back is the one suffering you could avoid.”
• “I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.”
• “No one else could ever be admitted here, since this gate was made only for you. I am now going to shut it.”
• “So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.”
• “How can one take delight in the world unless one flees to it for refuge?”
• “I made the remark that I don’t avoid people in order to live quietly, but rather in order to be able to die quietly.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Stoic Philosopher Epictetus on Embracing the Unknown and Letting Go of Control

American author Colleen Hoover has had a successful career that is nearly unparalleled. In 2018, she originally self-published her psychological thriller, Verity. However, in 2021, Grand Central Publishing republished the novel, helping it achieve even more attention and popularity. As of 2026, Hoover has sold over 35 million copies of her various books, a level of notoriety almost unheard of for a previously indie author.

Despite having been out for eight years in total, five years traditionally, Verity is still immensely popular among readers. In the current bestsellers from the online shopping behemoth Amazon, Verity is currently ranked number seven overall in their bestsellers for all of books.

Verity marked a departure for Hoover, who typically writes romance and not thrillers. Even so, readers devoured the book, with reviewers on the reading platform Goodreads shouting out its suspense, twists, ending, and calling it utterly unputdownable.

Verity follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer with essentially nothing to her name, who is equally lost in her career and next steps. Seemingly out of nowhere, Lowen is hired to ghostwrite injured author Verity Crawford’s bestselling series after the famous writer is left bedridden following a near-fatal car accident. Lowen moves into the Crawford home for the job and becomes enthralled with Verity’s husband, Jeremy. Lowen finds a hidden, disturbing manuscript titled So Be It detailing Verity’s dark, manipulative past and is drawn deeper into the sinister secrets within the Crawford family, which are nothing like what she could possibly anticipate.

In 2020, Amazon Studios acquired the rights to adapt the novel into a feature film. Four years later, Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Josh Hartnett joined the cast as the primary trio of characters. The trailer of the film generated significant buzz, and the film is set to release in October of 2026.

Verity by Colleen Hoover is out now and available on Amazon and wherever else books are sold.

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Related: Best-Selling Classic Novel, Written By a 21-Year-Old, Became a ‘Most Loved Book’

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Cowboy boots are having a major moment, making now a great time to invest in a pair before fall arrives. They’re no longer reserved for traditional Western outfits, country concerts, or rodeos. With the right styling, they can act as an elevated neutral that works with everything from casual denim to dresses and tailored pieces.

One pair that balances style, comfort, and value is the Dream Pairs Mid-Calf Square-Toe Cowboy Boots. Right now, they’re on sale for 43% off at Walmart, bringing the price down from $70 to just $40. They come in sizes 6 through 11 and are currently available in tan, dark brown, and black, so you can choose a classic neutral that fits your wardrobe.

Courtesy of Walmart

The boots feature detailed embroidery that gives them timeless Western charm, while the clean mid-calf silhouette keeps the look feeling current. A square toe adds extra room for a comfortable fit, making them a stylish alternative to the traditional pointed cowboy boot.

Comfort-focused details make them practical for everyday wear, too. The flexible, textured outsole provides traction, while the memory foam insole offers arch support and helps absorb shock as you walk. The roomy square toe is designed to accommodate wider feet and higher insteps without the squeezing or pinching that can come with narrower styles.

Related: Walmart Has an ‘Adorable’ $12 Crochet Tote Bag in 4 Colors That’s ‘Perfect for the Beach’

They’re also surprisingly versatile. Pair them with straight-leg or wide-leg jeans and a simple T-shirt for an easy everyday look, or contrast the structured boots with a flowy dress, linen skirt, or soft knit for a coastal-cowgirl feel. Once fall arrives, they’ll work beautifully with tailored trousers, blazers, denim, and other heavier layers.

One shopper described them as “very beautiful,” adding, “It was my first time wearing any form of boot but these boots exceeded my expectations. They are very comfortable.” Another shared, “I bought these for my daughter and she loves them. She has wide feet and this square-toe style is perfect. She wears them year-round.”

• Northblanc Western Cowboy Boots, $30 (were $52) at Walmart
• Cushionaire Britain-L Womens Chelsea Boots, $80 (were $110) at Walmart
• Dream Pairs Knee-High Square-Toe Boots, $32 (were $36) at Walmart

For a stylish pair you can wear well beyond Western-themed occasions, the Dream Pairs Mid-Calf Square-Toe Cowboy Boots are a great pick. And with Walmart’s current 43% discount, you can snag them for just $40 and have a versatile pair ready for the season ahead.

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.

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Inspired by the traditional style of ballerinas, the balletcore aesthetic has become a key player in the fashion industry. It’s filled with pieces that effortlessly blend soft, graceful looks with everyday practicality, like wrap long-sleeve tops, ballet flats, and tulle skirts. Stylish without sacrificing comfort, these pieces make it easy to dress up, elevating your everyday outfits. If you’re looking to bring this aesthetic into your everyday wardrobe rotation, these Tigeridea Mary Jane Sneakers at Amazon are definitely worth checking out. They look eerily similar to a popular name-brand style that goes for double the price.

TRENDY OR TACKY? @adidas Samba Jane are in for me! Are they in for you? Let me know in the comments 💌 #adidas #maryjanes

Bridging the gap between sneakers and Mary Jane flats, these trendy shoes capture the essence of sporty elegance. Right now, you can score them on sale for under $50. Normally retailing for $50, the black, white, and chocolate mesh versions of these Mary Jane sneakers are marked down to just $40. Sizes range from women’s 6 to 11, and shoppers noted the fit is true to size. 

Courtesy of Amazon

These sneakers are also available in 18 other styles. Some of them have mesh designs and lacy fabric, while others feature a faux-leather exterior in solid colors and fun patterns, like leopard print, metallic tones, neutrals, and bold hues. Prices vary depending on style. Most options are on sale for between $40 and $45, while select styles remain at full price. Some discounts require an Amazon Prime membership, and if you’re not a member, you can get a free 30-day trial for a membership here! 

Featuring a gum sole, these shoes have a retro sneaker look. They’re accented with a suede forefoot overlay and two leather stripes on the side. Balancing out the athletic vibe, these shoes have a sleek profile with an almond-toe silhouette. They boast an open faux-leather upper and a strap that runs across the bridge of the foot where you would normally find laces.

Their open design gives these sneakers breathability and helps promote airflow, making them ideal for warm summer days. When the temperatures start to drop, you can wear them with some crew socks for a look that’s equally as chic, just with some added warmth. 

Because these shoes have a sporty yet chic aesthetic, their versatility is unmatched with countless style possibilities. You can wear them with loungewear and athleisure, and just as easily dress them up with elevated streetwear, dresses, and even office wear. Whether you’re running quick errands, exploring on vacation, or taking your daily stroll, these Mary Jane sneakers are fit for the occasion. 

Courtesy of Amazon

While the straps add an elegant accent, they’re also practical. They have a hook-and-loop closure, designed to hold your feet securely in place as you walk around. The adjustable strap allows you to tailor the fit to your preference and also makes these shoes easier to slip into than classic lace-up sneakers. 

Just as comfortable as they are stylish, these Mary Jane sneakers have a memory foam insole that cushions and cradles your feet. Memory foam molds to the shape of your feet, keeping the pressure evenly distributed to help keep you from feeling fatigued or sore. Made of rubber, the outsoles are flexible and bend along with your feet so you can move around with ease rather than feeling stiff or restricted. The underside of the soles is treaded, ensuring traction on all kinds of surfaces to prevent you from slipping. 

Attesting to the comfort of these shoes, shoppers noted that they were able to walk over 20,000 steps and several miles in them without experiencing any pain or discomfort. Many customers also raved about how these shoes didn’t require a break-in period. 

“They’re incredibly comfortable,” one reviewer said. “I’ve traveled in them, worn them all day at work, and walked miles without any issues.” Another shopper described them as “super trendy” and commented that they “look just like the more expensive ones.” A third customer said that they’re “cute and sporty at the same time.”

• Dobolin Mary Jane Ballet Flats, $32 (were $50) at Amazon
• Acelitt Lace-Trim Long-Sleeve Top, $15 (was $25) at Amazon
• Enchantingessence Wrap Long-Sleeve Top, From $17 (was $25) at Amazon

Related: Walmart’s ‘Stylish’ $15 Mary Jane Espadrilles Are ‘Extremely Versatile’ And Go With Every Outfit 

If you’re one to keep up with trends or just need a pair of shoes that can handle all your everyday outings, don’t hesitate to snag the Tigeridea Mary Jane Sneakers at Amazon while they’re still on sale for as low as $40! 

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.

For today’s New York Times Connections Sports Edition puzzle, think of words that sound like a championship team, words that represent the opposite of winning, things you might purchase at a sports game and members of a famous acrobatic squad.

Get excited—there’s another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you’re looking for some hints and answers for today’s Connections Sports Edition on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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The New York Times

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it’s a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It’s up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you “group sports terms that share a common thread.”

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You’ll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: If you’re losing, you’re not…
• Green: Hotdog, anyone?
• Blue: Gymnastics stars.
• Purple: Sounds like a championship NY team.

OK, time for a second hint…we’ll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: NOT WINNING
• Green: PURCHASES AT A GAME
• Blue: MEMBERS OF THE “MAGNIFICENT SEVEN”
• Purple: ENDS IN A HOMOPHONE FOR KNICKS

If you’re looking for the answers, no worries—we’ve got them below. So, don’t scroll any further if you don’t want to see the solutions!

The answers to today’s Connections Sports Edition #664 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

• NOT WINNING: BEHIND, DOWN, LOSING, TRAILING
• PURCHASES AT A GAME: CONCESSIONS, PARKING, PROGRAM, TICKET
• MEMBERS OF THE “MAGNIFICENT SEVEN”: CHOW, DAWES, MILLER, STRUG
• ENDS IN A HOMOPHONE FOR KNICKS: BEATNIKS, FINICKS, PENIX, PICNICS

Don’t worry if you didn’t get them this time—we’ve all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Monday, August 17, 2026

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As Dolly Parton sings in her 1987 song “Wildflowers,” “When a flower grows wild, it can always survive.” Once those blooms are clipped, though, they need somewhere to live out the rest of their days. And honestly, we’re always looking for an excuse to bring a little more of the outdoors inside. A few garden cuttings instantly add color and make any space feel more welcoming, especially when they’re displayed in a piece with some personality of its own.

The Dolly Parton 6.5-Inch Pink White Speckled Round Bud Vase checks all the right boxes, bringing a cheerful dose of Dolly’s country-inspired style to your decor. Now $14 at Walmart, down from $16, it’s an easy way to add a decorative touch to a room without making a major change. 

Courtesy of Walmart

The shape alone gives this vase plenty of presence. Measuring approximately 6.5 inches wide and 6.9 inches high, it has a rounded, almost gourd-like body that gradually narrows toward the top before opening into a short, gently flared rim. The silhouette is softened by the curved sides and slightly flattened base, while the narrow neck keeps the proportions from appearing overly bulky. 

The most distinctive detail is the vertical ribbed pattern that runs from the shoulder to the bottom of the vessel. Wide coral ridges alternate with recessed white channels, creating a striped effect that follows the rounded contours of the vase rather than sitting on top as a simple printed pattern. The white sections are slightly irregular and dotted with tiny darker speckles, giving the finish a handmade, pottery-inspired quality. Because the stripes curve with the body, they also emphasize the vase’s rounded shape, making it look subtly different depending on the angle you’re viewing it from.

• Dolly Parton 10.5 Mosaic Flower Ceramic Vase, $40 at Walmart
• Dolly Parton 7.87-Inch 2-Tone Colored Vase, $12 at Walmart
• Dolly Parton 8.75-Inch Pink White Speckled Round Bud Vase, $38 at Walmart

At the top, the ribbing tapers neatly into the narrower neck, where the stripes give way to a smooth coral-colored rim. The smaller opening makes it especially suited to a few carefully chosen stems rather than a sprawling bouquet. Fill it with freshly clipped garden flowers, wildflowers, eucalyptus, lavender, delicate branches, or dried grasses for different looks throughout the year. A couple of roses can give it a more traditional feel, while airy stems or wispy grasses lean more cottage-inspired. 

You could even use it to hold faux florals when you want the color and texture of an arrangement without having to keep checking the water levels. The opening is also wide enough to double as a petite catchall, making it handy for corralling pens and pencils on a desk or keeping a few makeup brushes neatly contained on a vanity. Left empty, its sculptural shape and striped surface are enough to make it work as a decorative accent on a bookshelf, nightstand, shelf, or console.

Related: Dolly Parton’s ‘Adorable’ $15 Stoneware Spoon Rest and Wooden Spatula Set Brings Country Charm to the Kitchen

Whether you’re clipping the last flowers from your summer garden or just want an easy way to bring country style into your home, the Dolly Parton 6.5-Inch Pink White Speckled Round Bud Vase makes a charming landing spot for your prettiest stems. Pick it up for $14 at Walmart while it’s marked down.

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.

Ella Langley is getting closer to a major piece of Billboard history as her hit song “Choosin’ Texas” holds the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for the 18th week.

The country star’s first Hot 100 leader is now just one week away from tying the longest run at No. 1 among non-holiday songs in the chart’s history. The song first reached the top in February and has continued its long stay there through the latest chart week.

According to Billboard, only three songs have spent more time at No. 1 on the Hot 100. Mariah Carey’s holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” leads the all-time list with 22 weeks, while Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, each spent 19 weeks at the summit.

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

That puts “Choosin’ Texas” alongside some of the biggest chart hits of the modern era. If it remains at No. 1 for another week, it will tie the 19-week record shared by Shaboozey and Lil Nas X for the longest command by a non-holiday song.

“Choosin’ Texas” posted strong numbers across streaming, radio and sales during the latest tracking period.

Billboard reported that the song earned 25 million official streams in the United States from Aug. 7 through Aug. 13, up 1% from the previous week. It also recorded 54.6 million radio airplay audience impressions and sold 8,000 copies.

The song’s success is not limited to the Hot 100.

Langley’s hit is spending its 18th week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart and its 15th week atop Digital Song Sales. It also remains at No. 6 on Radio Songs after previously reaching No. 4.

On the Hot Country Songs chart, “Choosin’ Texas” is even further into its historic run. The single has now led the multimetric country chart for 36 weeks. It is also spending an 11th week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Songs of the Summer chart. The song first appeared on the Hot Country Songs chart in November 2025 and reached No. 1 about a month later.

Langley has also scored three No. 1 songs on the Country Airplay chart. “Choosin’ Texas” spent three weeks at the top, while “Be Her” held the position for four weeks. Her collaboration with Morgan Wallen, “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” also reached No. 1.

The latest chart milestone came after a busy weekend for Langley in Texas during her 2026 The Dandelion Tour.

She performed in Austin, Corpus Christi and Fort Worth and later shared photos and video from the shows on Instagram.

Her recent Texas posts also drew attention from Drake. The rapper commented, “Goated pen,” alongside a pen emoji, praising Langley’s songwriting.

The interaction came shortly after Langley shared a TikTok in which she lip-synced to Drake and Lil Wayne’s 2011 song “HYFR.”

🤍

Langley’s chart success has continued during a busy year that also included the release of her second album, Dandelion.

For now, “Choosin’ Texas” stands at No. 1 as Langley continues her Dandelion Tour and adds to one of the biggest country music chart runs of 2026.

Related: Country Star Ella Langley Sends Message to Texas After Show

Today’s Strands puzzle refers to a person who pretends to be an expert but is really a fraud.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times‘ recent game, “Strands,” is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and “spangrams” to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #898 on Tuesday, August 18.

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Tricked!

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today’s puzzle, there are seven theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• BI
• DU
• DE
• MI
• BA
• HO
• CH (SPANGRAM)

Today’s Spangram is mostly vertical.

Today’s Spangram answer on Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, is CHARLATAN.

• BILK
• DUPE
• DECEIVE
• MISLEAD
• BAMBOOZLE
• HOODWINK
• SPANGRAM: CHARLATAN

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