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If you’re lucky enough to have a home with an outdoor seating area, you’ve likely thought a lot about the way it’s lit. These days, there are endless options for lighting a backyard, front porch or patio, from fun elements like string lights and LED strips to more practical elements like warm lighting and floodlighting.

That said, there are a number of ways homeowners can go wrong when outfitting their outdoor space with lighting.

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To find out some of the most common outdoor lighting pitfalls, Parade spoke with two designers and lighting specialists who shared five outdoor lighting elements they never recommend: Seymen Usta, Interior Design Specialist, Founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier and Co-Founder of Seus Lighting; and Kaitlin Desbiens, Director of Interior Design at Olson Lewis + Architects.

“Lighting is often misunderstood as an expensive luxury, when in reality, it is one of the most impactful investments a client can make,” Desbiens tells Parade.

Keep reading to learn more!

Related: Amazon’s Magical Cottagecore Lamps Start at Just $20, and They Add Instant Cozy Charm

Why Is Lighting So Important for Outdoor Spaces?

“It is common knowledge that many homeowners consider the outdoor styling of their home to be a mere two-dimensional composition on a floor plan with an emphasis on horizontal features without any consideration of the vertical plane,” Usta tells Parade. “The only decorative element capable of affecting the perception of space is light.”

“Lighting is often misunderstood as an expensive luxury, when in reality, it is one of the most impactful investments a client can make,” adds Desbiens. “A thoughtfully lit outdoor area can extend the walls of a home, making living and entertaining in that zone more enjoyable both during and after sunset.”

Designers Say Homeowners Should Avoid These 5 Outdoor Lighting Elements 1. Floodlighting

bin kontan / Getty Images

If you’re looking for the most “bang for your buck” when it comes to lighting your outdoor space, you may have thought about floodlighting, which essentially involves “using the brightest light source you can find and directing it at the area you want to illuminate,” per Desbiens.

For some more context, floodlighting is the sort of lighting you might see in a football stadium or on the outside of a building for security. So, yeah, not very cozy.

Unsurprisingly, Desbiens is anti-floodlighting when it comes to designing a home’s outdoor space. “While floodlighting can provide a lot of coverage, it rarely provides the best quality of light,” she explains.

“We generally avoid using broad floodlights as the primary source for outdoor living areas because they tend to wash out an environment instead of creating depth, warmth or atmosphere,” she adds. “And most importantly, no one looks good under harsh light. It’s more of a shotgun approach that lights everything equally, rather than helping people focus on the features that make the design unique.”

2. Exposed Edison bulbs at eye level

Gregory Kopylov / Getty Images

“While the vintage industrial style is still extremely popular, the installation of bulbs that are totally unshielded and high wattage bulbs that resemble Edison bulbs mounted directly at eye level to an outdoor seating area is a huge mistake,” warns Usta.

That’s because “the bulbs tend to have complex filaments, and looking at them continuously for a while from this position causes instant eye strain and temporary blindspots.”

If you really love the vintage look of exposed Edison bulbs, Usta suggests instead mounting the bulbs “far from the line of sight and used with good dimmers.”

3. Over-illumination

Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images

Desbiens also recommends avoiding “over-illumination, or lighting everything.”

“Instead of illuminating an entire façade or landscape, we prefer to use lighting selectively to highlight a beautiful tree, an architectural detail or a focal point,” she says. “Thoughtful lighting gives your eye somewhere to land, making the overall design feel more intentional and balanced.”

4. Color-changing LED strips

Roman Budnyi / Getty Images

“I highly recommend against installing simple and unprotected LED tape lights that change colors and are installed below railings or steps,” says Usta.

“While the idea of adding light to your backyard with a bright green or neon purple color might be fun when hosting an event, such a decision automatically makes your house look commercial and arcade-like, not sophisticated,” he says.

Basically, colorful LED tape lights can look, well, tacky. Not only that, but these tape lights are not a very durable choice against the elements.

“Unprotected tape light installations are susceptible to quick degradation due to rain and sunlight, leaving you with half-lit, destroyed parts that will affect the appearance of your property,” says Usta.

5. Inconsistent color temperatures

welcomia / Getty Images

Without consulting a professional to design your outdoor lighting, you may wind up with inconsistent color temperatures, which essentially happens when you combine bulbs with various measurements across the Kelvin scale.

“Like interiors, outdoor living and gathering spaces usually feel best and users look best when the lighting is warm and consistent across all fixtures,” says Desbiens.

She recommends keeping exterior lighting between 2200 Kelvin and 2700 Kelvin if you want a “warmer, more natural glow.”

“Some areas can handle 3000K, but going too cool or mixing ranges can make the space feel less cohesive and less inviting,” she warns.

Up Next:

Related: The Most Overlooked Outdoor Decorating Element, According to Designers—and It Can Completely Transform Your Backyard

Sources:

• Seymen Usta, Founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier and Co-Founder of Seus Lighting.
• Kaitlin Desbiens, Director of Interior Design at Olson Lewis + Architects.

Despite having mere years in the spotlight due to his death in 1970 at the age of 27, Jimi Hendrix managed to cement himself as a rock and roll icon. So, it’s not all that surprising when one of his many guitar-heavy hits gets featured in a “best of” ranking regarding the genre.

For instance, in July 2026, Entertainment Weekly included The Jimi Hendrix Experience‘s 1968 tune, “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” off the Hendrix-produced album Electric Ladyland, on the publication’s list of “the 25 greatest rock songs of all time.” Other songs featured on Entertainment Weekly‘s ranking were The Ronettes‘ 1963 tune “Be My Baby,” “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles from 1967, and 1969’s “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin.

Hendrix penned “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” the final track on Electric Ladyland, which was The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s third album. In a behind-the-scenes interview about the album, uploaded by the official Jimi Hendrix YouTube account, Hendrix discussed recording the record, which also featured memorable tunes like “Voodoo Child,” “All Along the Watchtower,” and “Crosstown Traffic.”

“The whole LP means so much. It wasn’t just slapped together. Every little thing you hear on there means something. It’s not a little game that we’re playing,” said Hendrix.

He also said that he and his band considered their albums “like personal diaries,” suggesting the songs had autobiographical qualities to them.

“That’s why I like all the other songs we did. I’m not saying they’re better than anything else, but I just like them. I have personal feelings for anything that we recorded that we released,” said Hendrix.

In separate behind-the-scenes interviews, the band’s bassist Noel Redding, who died in 2003 at the age of 57, and the album’s engineer, Eddie Kramer, now 84, stated that Electric Ladyland is both timeless and reinvented rules within the rock genre.

“Electric Ladyland, I would say, even if you play it now, it was well ahead of its time. And it’s still valid, musically,” said Redding.

Kramer, who described Electric Ladyland as a “beatiful” and “balanced album,” also said it “definitely broke some rules.”

“It pushed the boundaries way, way out there. It was probably the most experimental album Jimi had ever done,” continued Kramer.

The path to becoming a rock classic isn’t always a smooth one.

For The Kinks, that journey included an unexpected run-in with the BBC. Released in 1970, “Lola” became one of the band’s signature songs despite being temporarily banned from BBC airplay, a setback that ultimately did little to slow its remarkable success.

The controversy had nothing to do with the song’s subject matter, which tells the story of a man drawn to a woman who is later revealed to be a gender non-conforming person.

“In Lola’s journey, I did a bit of research with drag queens,” Davies said in an interview with The New York Times. “I admire anyone who can get up and be what they want to be.”

But that wasn’t the reason for the ban. Instead, the BBC objected to one lyric that mentioned “Coca-Cola,” enforcing its longstanding policy against broadcasting commercial brand names. To secure radio play, songwriter Ray Davies famously flew from New York to London during the band’s U.S. tour to rerecord a single line, changing “Coca-Cola” to “cherry cola.” The revised version was then approved for broadcast.

The unusual episode became part of the song’s legend.

Built around one of Davies’ most memorable melodies, “Lola” tells the story of an unexpected romantic encounter and challenged social conventions in a way that was remarkably progressive for its time. Its witty storytelling, catchy chorus, and distinctive acoustic guitar riff helped make it one of the most recognizable songs in The Kinks’ catalog.

“It was a real experience in a club,” Davis told Louder. “I was asked to dance by somebody who was a fabulous looking woman. I said, ‘No thank you.’ And she went in a cab with my manager straight afterwards. It’s based on personal experience. But not every word.”

Listeners embraced “Lola” around the world.

Released as the lead single from Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One, the song reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The hit revitalized The Kinks’ commercial fortunes and introduced the band to a new generation of fans.

“I wrote ‘Lola’ to be a great record, not a great song,” Davies later recalled. “Something that people could recognize in the first five seconds. Even the chorus, my two-year-old daughter sang it back to me. I thought, ‘This must catch on.'”

Davies was right, and its reputation has only grown in the decades since.

“Lola” has become a staple of classic rock radio and remains one of Ray Davies’ most celebrated compositions. Frequently appearing on lists of the greatest rock songs ever recorded, it continues to be praised for its unforgettable songwriting, humor, and willingness to explore themes that were uncommon in mainstream pop music at the time.

“I didn’t think the song would be so ahead of its time,” Davies told The New York Times. “But time has proven it so.”

Fifty-six years after its release, “Lola” remains one of The Kinks’ most beloved recordings. What was once briefly banned by the BBC over a single lyric ultimately became a timeless rock classic, proving that a great song can overcome even the most unexpected obstacles.

Related: 1972 Soft Rock Song, Inspired by Warren Beatty, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit

Yungblud’s latest photos have fans wondering what exactly happened to his leg.

The 28-year-old rocker surprised fans on Sunday, August 16, when he shared photos on Instagram showing him on crutches and his left leg in a massive cast.

In the first photo, Yungblud (whose real name is Dominic Harrison) sat atop two kegs while wearing shorts and boots, making the extent of his injury hard to miss. His left leg is wrapped in a cast that appears to extend from his foot all the way up to his thigh. The post appropriately featured the song “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John.

While Yungblud didn’t explain exactly what happened, he made it clear he has no intention of letting the injury derail his upcoming performances. “Leg f*ked. Still giggin. Still standin (sort of),” he captioned the post. “Portugal and Belgium I’m comin and it’s gonna be fking mad. See you next week. Let’s ride.”

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Naturally, the sight of the singer on crutches prompted plenty of reactions from fans.

“Get well soon, take care of yourself please ❤️‍🩹” one wrote in the comments.

“What did you do? Wish you a Quick recovery,” another wrote.

“Maybe Dave Grohl will loan you his throne from when he broke his leg lol,” a third said.

“oh Dom….ugh! Heal soonest once you can! Get your throat procedure n leg may be indicating NOW is time to slow your roll, sweet Superstar!” said a fourth.

READ MORE: Bruce Springsteen ‘Heartbroken’ Over Death of ‘Irreplaceable’ Friend

The injury comes during an already demanding year for Yungblud. In June, he was forced to pull out of Norway’s Tons of Rock festival after recurring tonsillitis flared up following a packed touring schedule. At the time, he told fans he had been taking antibiotics and that his doctor warned him to be particularly careful with his voice. The rocker also revealed that he plans to have his tonsils removed in October after repeated bouts of tonsillitis.

His physical health hasn’t been the only challenge of life on the road. In July, Yungblud revealed that he experienced an emotional breakdown shortly after performing at Bludfest Czechia. “I’ve been really struggling,” he wrote at the time, explaining that the relentless pace of touring and his career had left him little time to process everything happening around him.

He added that he knew he needed “to do a bit of work on myself” to find the strength to maintain his pace.

Get well soon, Yungblud.

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With fall on the horizon, the weather can be expected to take a few unpredictable turns. As rainy summer evenings turn into brisk autumn mornings, there’s more than enough reason to keep a reliable outer layer always within reach. 

Fortunately for you, Old Navy has just the piece for the job: the V-Neck Pullover Windbreaker. Perfect for the transitional weeks when heavier layers would otherwise be overkill, this sporty pullover offers a first line of defense against the year’s first temperature drop. Currently on sale for just $34.99, it’s the perfect fall layer to stock up on in every color.

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V-Neck Pullover Windbreaker, $34.99 at Old Navy

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Shop It!

Whether you’re getting in some laps on the track, playing a round of tennis or simply trying to look the part, Old Navy’s V-Neck Pullover Windbreaker keeps you looking great and feeling unrestricted along the way. Featuring a classic V-neck collar, long sleeves with elastic cuffs and an elastic drawstring hem at the waist, it offers an athleisure-inspired style that’s easy to incorporate into a variety of outfits.

Normally priced at $50, snagging it online now will save you 30 percent, giving you all the more reason to grab both the Plant Life and Pacific Blue colorways. Best of all, its loose fit sits higher on the hip, and its 100 percent polyester construction is unlikely to shrink in the wash, meaning it’s safe to stick with your normal size despite the slightly baggier fit.

Related: Shoppers Say Old Navy’s Stylish Workwear Staple Is ‘Bringing Back the ’90s’

Lightweight and Breathable for Every Occasion

Old Navy

With an average five-star rating online, it’s clear shoppers have enjoyed this versatile fall fit.

One fan, praising its “great color,” left a review calling it “perfect for cool summer nights and fall,” while another said they “absolutely love it” for its “perfect” baggy fit.

“Stylish and durable for many occasions,” a third shopper shared. “Green being the lucky color of the Irish, it’s serving me well on cool evenings on ‘The Links.'”

Perhaps the most important review, however, is a short and sweet assessment that proves it to be a solid transitional-weather pick: “Lightweight and breathable. Stylish, but not too oversized.”

While supplies last, you can expect to find regular and tall cuts available in sizes XS through XXXL. But if your size is unavailable online, don’t forget to check with your local store first before writing it off entirely. And while you’re there, keep an eye out for Old Navy’s Denim Coach Jacket and Structured Loose Non-Stretch Jeans for a couple of styling options to go with it.

Related: Uniqlo’s Versatile $40 Sweatpants Are a Must-Have Back-to-School Staple

There are some songs whose lyrics stick with you longer than the tune, and that’s often the case with Joni Mitchell‘s music. Fans love the singer-songwriter’s poetic lyrics, and one of her songs was even said to have some of the best song lyrics of all time.

The particular Mitchell song that earned this title is “A Case of You,” one of the tracks on the 1971 album Blue. The song tells the story of a love that she knows is bad for her but can’t seem to give up.

The chorus of the song goes, “Oh, you are in my blood like holy wine/ You taste so bitter and so sweet/ Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling/ Still I’d be on my feet.”

But one particular verse in the song was spotlighted as standout lyrics by Forbes in an article about “The Greatest Rock Song Lyrics Of All Time.” The publication highlighted the lines that read, “Oh, I am a lonely painter/ I live in a box of paints/ I’m frightened by the devil/ And I’m drawn to those ones that ain’t afraid.”

The writer declared, “Any song from Blue should be required in any master class on songwriting.” They continued to commend Mitchell as one of the best lyricists, calling “A Case of You” “perfect” and possibly the “second best-written song of all time.”

Other well-known singer-songwriters that they ranked Mitchell alongside were Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan.

Related: 1974 Rock Song, Blue Swede’s One-Hit Wonder, Is Still a Global Hit 52 Years Later

“A Case of You” has earned high praise from many others over the years. It is ranked at No. 26 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Best Songs of All Time.” The song has also been covered over 500 times, and it continues to be a favorite of younger songwriters and artists.

Blue was Mitchell’s fourth studio album and she was only 27 years old when it came out. It was a huge success at the time and has been certified platinum for having sold over 1 million copies.

Many people believe it’s her best album, even though she’s released 19 studio albums throughout her career, along with live and compilation albums.

Related: 1973 Rock Song, 3 Years in the Making by the Doobie Brothers, Is Still a Global Hit 53 Years Later

Anne Hathaway brought her whole family out for one of the biggest honors of her career.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 star’s husband, Adam Shulman, and their two sons showed up in full support as Hathaway was inducted as a Disney Legend at D23, the company’s biennial fan event. 

As per a video shared by ET on Sunday, August 16, Jonathan, 10, and Jack, 6, joined their dad in cheering their mom on, a rare public moment for two kids Hathaway has spent years keeping out of the spotlight.

View this post on Instagram Anne Hathaway Joins Hollywood Icons as a Disney Legend

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest hosted this year’s Disney Legends Awards ceremony, which honors individuals who have made a lasting mark on The Walt Disney Company.  Hathaway joins a class of honorees that has included Miley Cyrus, Kelly Ripa, Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis and Harrison Ford, along with past legends like Julie Andrews, George Lucas and Robin Williams, according to ABC News.

Hathaway’s history with Disney stretches back more than two decades. She made her big-screen debut in 2001 as Mia Thermopolis, the awkward teen who discovers she’s secretly a princess, in The Princess Diaries, alongside fellow Disney Legend Julie Andrews.

Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway during The Princess Diaries Premiere After Party

(Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)

She returned to the role in 2004 for The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, and fans have been waiting ever since for word of a third film. One day before her induction, Hathaway finally confirmed it’s in the works.

She got a little sentimental about that history, too. Speaking at the Disney Entertainment Showcase just before the ceremony, Hathaway thanked fans for sticking with her over the years, joking, “Please never stop reciting your favorite lines to me, because I still can’t spell Gabbana.”

Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman Keep Their Two Sons Out of the Spotlight

Hathaway and Shulman, married since 2012, are notoriously private about their two boys. Jonathan arrived on March 24, 2016, with a middle name, Rosebanks, honoring both Hathaway’s grandmother Roseline and Shulman’s mother’s maiden name.

Jack followed in November 2019, though Hathaway didn’t share his name publicly until he was 11 months old. She’s since described the boys’ bond warmly, telling Live with Kelly and Ryan there was “no coping, just love” as Jonathan adjusted to becoming a big brother.

Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman Are Preparing to Welcome Their Third Child View this post on Instagram

Hathaway and Shulman announced this summer that they’re expecting their third child. During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, guest host Anthony Anderson took a guess at the baby’s sex, telling Hathaway, “I consider myself to be a baby whisperer… It looks like it’s a boy. Am I correct, or you’re waiting?” Hathaway kept the answer close, replying, “We know [but] we’re not saying.”

Hathaway has spoken candidly about how becoming a mother reshaped her. “I didn’t feel fully landed and fully here until I was a mom,” she told WSJ Magazine in 2022, adding that motherhood pushed her to be “completely, on every level, true to my word.”

The legend of Babe Ruth recently made headlines when current MLB player Pete Crow-Armstrong jokingly entertained a wild conspiracy theory, after being questioned about an “unpopular opinion,” that the icon, known as The Bambino, was so ahead of his time, maybe he wasn’t even real…

As if grainy game tape, stat books and a Hall of Fame plaque weren’t enough, one historic Florida restaurant that began as a simple, no-frills café in Tampa’s Ybor City offers further proof, serving the very steak Babe used to devour — not once, but sometimes twice in the same meal.

‘Florida’s oldest restaurant,’ Columbia Restaurant, now has seven locations across the Sunshine State, including one in Sarasota’s ritzy roundabout, St. Armands Circle. Open since 1959, it’s also the oldest eatery in the city — a place where you can’t help but wish the walls could talk.

Sam Sears

Diners can still savor the flavor of his Columbia tradition by ordering “The Bambino,” a 14-ounce “wet-aged boneless strip steak” the baseball legend used to enjoy during his visits to the storied restaurant nearly a century ago. And for those visiting nearby Siesta Key — often ranked as America’s best beach — the Sarasota location is just a short trip away.

Ruth’s fame has spanned more than a century, from The Sandlot references to record-breaking MLB feats, but many may not know just how deep his Florida ties run. The Yankees legend spent considerable time in St. Petersburg, where he attended spring training and even lived in a home in the city’s Old Northeast neighborhood.

For a literal taste of history, Columbia’s extensive menu offers not only “The Bambino,” but two tableside traditions: sangria mixed in colorful, hand-painted Spanish pitchers and its “1905” Salad, topped with a hefty helping of grated Romano cheese where you’ll happily take your time saying “when.” The salad is an ode to the restaurant’s founding year and the immigrants who shaped Tampa’s Ybor City, combining culinary influences from the region’s Sicilian and Cuban communities.

Sam Sears

Of course, being in Florida, wrapping up an epic meal with a slice of Key lime pie is practically an unwritten rule. And there’s no better excuse to peruse the restaurant’s old-school gift shop while pretending to burn off a few calories.

Joanna Gaines is making the internet cry, one Instagram caption at a time.

The Fixer Upper star’s latest message for parents in the thick of college move-in season struck a chord instantly. Still, underneath the wholesome words, Gaines is also offering something more: comfort for every parent navigating their own goodbye this month.

On Sunday, August 16, 2026, the mom of five shared a carousel post on Instagram for families in the thick of college move-in season, with notes every parent will relate to. The Reel then unfolds like a string of quiet admissions. 

Joanna Gaines Opens Up About the Bittersweet Reality of Letting Kids Go

“To all the parents sending their kids off to college…” she begins, before adding, “I’m feeling it with you.” She goes on to write that “there’s nothing more fulfilling than watching your kids grow beyond you,” even as she admits to “feeling proud of who they’re becoming and wishing time would slow down.” 

By the end, the message softens into something closer to a confession: “Holding on a little tighter before letting go.” Her final line lingers the longest: “I know that feeling all too well.”

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The message comes as families across the country prepare for the same milestone, with college campuses opening their doors to a new class of first-year students this month.

In her caption, Joanna reflected on having been through move-in day herself and wrote that “there’s nothing more fulfilling than watching your kid grow beyond you.” She closed her message by wishing her followers joy, comfort and gratitude as they navigate the season of letting go.

How Are Fans Reacting to Joanna Gaines’ Message?

The post quickly struck a chord, pulling in more than 20,000 likes within its first hour, including one from Today co-host Hoda Kotb. Fans flooded the comments with their own stories of letting go. One wrote: “Sending one to college was hard. Sending the other to bootcamp was unbearable. Hardest thing I’ve ever done as a mom. It hasn’t gotten much easier. No one warns us about this stuff!!!”

Another added: “Just wait until you are a grandma and all your grandkids are launching at once. You are so thrilled for them, and yet you want them to do it right in front of you instead of far away, so you can watch!”

A third wrote: “Yes, its hard to cut those apron strings (I had really dull scissors!), but the pride you have in them as they grow and tackle life, worth every tear you shed. You will love your relationship with your adult child. You become more of a mentor – of course when they ask your opinion!! Just my two cents!!”

Another wrote: “Every year your off to college posts make me shed a tear…❤️”

Yet another shared: “Boy did I need this… It’s the hardest part of parenting 💔 will be sending my youngest on Wednesday. The quietness of an empty house, especially at night, is what’s the hardest.”

This isn’t the first time Joanna has opened up about the ache of an empty nest. In an August 2022 essay for Magnolia Journal, she wrote that sending her oldest son off to school came “with a lot of gratitude and excitement,” even as it reshaped her family’s day-to-day life.

How Many Kids Do Joanna and Chip Gaines Have? Hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines’ portrait in the finished house, as seen on Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House

Magnolia Network

Joanna and husband Chip Gaines share five children: Drake, 21, Ella, 19, Duke, 18, Emmie, 16, and Crew, 8. Earlier this month, the family spent a few days together at their renovated Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House, fishing, hiking and building forts.

The couple, who has mostly kept their kids out of the spotlight, shared a rare glimpse of all five in a video captioned, “A few days in the mountains with the whole fam,” which Joanna posted to Instagram on August 3, adding that the getaway made her heart happy.

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Between the mountain trip and her latest college message, Joanna continues to show fans that no matter how much her family grows and changes, showing up for each other still comes first.

Two decades after Homer nearly wiped Springfield off the map on the big screen, the long-awaited sequel finally has a name. At Disney‘s D23 Expo in Anaheim, signage at the film’s pavilion revealed that the movie fans have been calling The Simpsons Movie 2 is now The New Simpsons Movie.

The reveal arrived on the show floor. A new logo and poster carried the updated title alongside the September 3, 2027 release date.

The announcement graphics included one of the internet’s favorite Simpsons images. Built around a hedge motif, they recreated the “Homer in the hedges” meme, the clip from the 1994 Season 5 episode “Homer Loves Flanders” in which Homer backs slowly into a bush until he disappears. Guests could step into the gif themselves, and the carpet was colored after Homer’s pink, sprinkle-topped donut.

A title swap fits a show that has spent decades mocking everything in the entertainment industry. A plain “2” never quite matched a franchise whose first film opened with Homer scolding the audience for paying to see something they get free on television. The new name keeps the property front and center while dropping the numbering entirely.

The original Simpsons Movie arrived in July 2007 under 20th Century Fox and became a global hit, grossing more than $500 million worldwide and earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Feature. Disney absorbed the studio, and the Simpsons library with it, in 2019. The company announced the sequel in September 2025 with a teaser showing a donut topped with “2” sprinkles and the line “Homer’s coming back for seconds.” The release later moved from July 23, 2027 to September 3, which the studio branded “Labor D’Oh Weekend.”

Plot details remain under wraps, and the studio has not confirmed which cast members will return, though the core voice ensemble has anchored nearly 800 episodes since the series premiered in 1989.

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In November 1969, Elvis Presley released another smash that climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, just as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “All Shook Up,” and so many more did before it. But this one was special: It was his first in seven years, and little did he know at the time, it would also be his last.

The King of Rock and Roll died on Aug. 16, 1977, at the age of 42. During his music career, he reigned over all genres with 17 No. 1 songs on the Hot 100 and its predecessor, Best Sellers in Stores, according to Billboard.

His final song to reach Hot 100 history, “Suspicious Minds,” hit the pinnacle of the chart for one week. And despite the song’s identity becoming synonymous with Presley, this one was actually a cover.

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Written by future hitmaker Mark James (“Always on My Mind,” “Hooked on a Feeling”), the song is about a married man who’s in love with a former sweetheart and now has a suspicious wife, with its central conflict pulled straight from real life. As James found himself “caught in a trap,” he grabbed his guitar and channeled the love triangle into an emotional chart-topping song.

James initially recorded the song himself for Scepter Records, giving it a country-tinged sound, but his 1968 version went nowhere. That’s where Presley came in.

According to American Songwriter, Presley was hunkered down in Memphis’ American Sound Studios for a 10-day recording session to follow up on his 1968 Comeback Special with From Elvis in Memphis, an album with studio producer Chips Moman and RCA producer Felton Jarvis.

While there, Presley got wind of James’ “Suspicious Minds.”

“I played him Mark’s Scepter record, and he was crazy about it,” Moman told The Wall Street Journal. “He wanted to hear the song over and over again, and learned it on the spot.”

A soulful pop ballad-slash-rock anthem, “Suspicious Minds” became part of Presley’s rediscovery of his musical identity and marked a significant shift away from the film-soundtrack grind and toward more contemporary material. This song is widely considered an absolute masterpiece and a defining peak of Presley’s late-career musical comeback.

But, per AS, the song that would become Presley’s final Hot 100 No. 1 almost didn’t happen. A negative take from Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, and publishing rights tried to get in the way. “However, Elvis went ahead with his recording against Colonel Parker’s issues,” the outlet said. “He recorded the song between 4:00 and 7:00 in the morning.”

Presley’s version of “Suspicion Minds” features a dramatic, building arrangement with the King’s passionate vocals supported by intense gospel backing harmonies. Moving beyond his traditional sound and into something hipper, the track blends soul, pop, rock, and R&B influences, all working together to draw Presley back into its trapped musical cycle.

The song climbed to the peak of the Billboard Hot 100, dislodging The Temptations’ “I Can’t Get Next to You” from the top spot. It would receive the same treatment weeks later courtesy of The 5th Dimension’s “Wedding Bell Blues.”

Although “Suspicious Minds” was Presley’s final No. 1 on the Hot 100, it wasn’t his last chart-topper.

In February 1977, just six months before his death at Graceland, “Moody Blue” reached No. 1 on the publication’s Hot Country Songs chart. And while both songs became especially important markers in Presley’s career, “Suspicious Minds” was something more, solidifying the final time the King reached the summit of America’s main singles chart while alive.

“Way Down,” another posthumous No. 1 hit on the country chart, peaked in the week of Presley’s death, while it continued climbing on the Hot 100 after he was gone. This is just further proof that the King was, and still is, chart royalty.

Related: 1960 Ballad, Covered by The Guess Who, Launched a 15-Year-Old Singer’s Career

Ninja is reminding CREAMi owners to give their machines a thorough cleaning after one woman’s stomach-turning discovery went viral.

The controversy began after a woman shared a TikTok last week claiming she found what appeared to be maggots inside her Ninja CREAMi after making a batch of ice cream. The clip has since racked up more than 1 million likes, while other users have shared videos alleging they discovered mold and other buildup in their own machines.

According to the original poster, she initially noticed something resembling a maggot on her spoon after taking a few bites of her ice cream. She and her partner then inspected the milk, almond milk, protein powder, and other ingredients she’d used without finding the source.

Eventually, their attention turned to the CREAMi. “We look at the blender, which I clean every single night, because I make these Ninja CREAMis every night,” she explained before showing what appeared to be maggots trapped inside part of the appliance.

She claimed they couldn’t figure out how to remove the affected section to properly clean underneath it, adding, “Ninja CREAMi, please, I’m freaking out.”

On August 14, Ninja Kitchen seemingly responded to the viral post with their own instructional video. The brand shared an Instagram carousel with step-by-step video instructions on how to properly clean the CREAMi, writing, “We need to talk about cleaning your CREAMi. Here’s how to keep your machine clean.”

View this post on Instagram

The company instructed owners to remove and clean the Creamerizer Paddle after rinsing the outer bowl lid. Ninja also noted that the paddle, pint, outer bowl, and lids are top-rack dishwasher safe. For the lid, owners should run warm water through the paddle-release lever and drain holes and separately remove and wash the gray rubber seal underneath. Ninja also recommended wiping the spindle beneath the control panel after every use.

However, some viewers aren’t convinced the instructions address the specific concern raised in the original viral video.

“But how are we supposed to clean INSIDE the lid mechanism?! There is visible gunk trapped around an internal spring and another area that is completely inaccessible. I’ve followed the recommended cleaning process and it STILL cannot be reached,” one IG user claimed.

READ MORE: Las Vegas Hotel Accused of ‘Catfishing’ Guests With Fake Name and Photos

“The issue is that you can’t take this lid apart and it’s really hard to get all the water out when u do clean it. I just feel like it can’t dry 100% bc the lid doesn’t come apart 🫠,” said another.

A third pleaded, “please just change the design. the lids are a pain to clean and dry.”

Others thought that maggots were the original poster’s fault.

“I’ve had mine for more than a year and no maggots. She be filthy,” a user commented.

“It’s user error and leaving things out where insects and microorganisms can thrive,” another chimed in.

Shortly after the instructional video was shared, the company gave Parade the following statement: “At SharkNinja, the quality and safety of our products is our top priority. We reached out to the consumer directly to better understand what happened and discussed proper cleaning instructions with her. We recommend our consumers follow the provided cleaning guidelines to maintain their machines. We also encourage anyone with questions to reach out to our customer service team for support if needed.

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

There’s no shortage of reasons to spend as much time outside as possible during the summer. Maybe you’re floating in the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or having dinner out on the patio. But as much as we love those long, warm summer evenings, early fall might actually be the best time to be outside. Once the heat of July and August starts to ease, the cooler temperatures make lingering in the yard feel a lot more comfortable.

The only downside is that the sun starts clocking out earlier, too. That’s where having outdoor lighting makes a difference. Right now, Amazon has Starsoul Solar Hot Air Balloon Lantern for $19, down from $24 when you clip the on-page coupon, discounting it by 21%. It adds a decorative glow to your space during the evening without requiring an outlet, so you can keep enjoying the patio, porch, or backyard even after daylight starts disappearing earlier.

Starsoul Solar Hot Air Balloon Lantern, From $19 (was $24) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Priced at just $19, the dragonfly version of this lantern is the most affordable of the 12 nature-inspired designs, which range from floral motifs to frog-themed variations. The shape is modeled after a miniature hot-air balloon, with a rounded glass chamber suspended between a metal cap at the top and a tapered metal section at the bottom. A series of black metal ribs runs vertically around the glass, dividing it into individual curved panels and giving the piece a stained-glass-lantern look. A chain attaches at three points around the upper rim, while three additional lengths of chain hang from the bottom to suspend a small metal basket underneath.

The dragonfly-and-flower artwork covers nearly the entire glass body. Large dragonflies appear across the panels with elongated, dark bodies and translucent-looking wings, surrounded by oversized blossoms in saturated pink, red, and yellow. The flowers have layered petals and raised-looking yellow centers, while curling green stems and leaves fill the spaces between them. Some of the artwork overlaps the seams between the glass panels, so the motifs don’t read like isolated decals; instead, the garden scene appears to wrap continuously around the rounded form.

The 5.9-inch-wide globe is compact, but the hanging chains extend the overall height to nearly 18 inches, giving it a long, suspended silhouette rather than the squat shape of a traditional lantern. Below the glass balloon, the dark metal section narrows toward the bottom before meeting three chains that hold the openwork basket. The basket has its own decorative construction, with a repeating scroll-like metal pattern and a small circular opening at the top, creating the visual impression of a miniature passenger compartment beneath the balloon.

Shop More Deals

• Larekook Hot Air Balloon Solar Lantern, from $27 (was $32) at Amazon
• Teresa’s Collections Hot Air Balloon Solar Lantern, from $19 (was $27) at Amazon
• Qeemtaco Hot Air Balloon Solar Lantern, from $24 (was $28) at Amazon

Inside, a solar-powered light source was designed to create a flickering flame effect after dark. The solar panel charges during daylight hours, with the manufacturer estimating that it will offer six to eight hours of illumination at night. Because it operates without wiring, the entire piece can hang from a tree branch, porch, or pergola without needing to be positioned near an outlet. 

The “whimsical” and “beautiful” design earned plenty of attention in the reviews section, with Amazon shoppers saying this lantern makes a “gorgeous addition” to any yard, providing “hours of illumination at night.” One reviewer wrote, “This solar hot air balloon is so cute, and you will be mesmerized by the flame at night.”

Related: Amazon’s ‘Powerful’ $25 Solar Light 2-Pack Is Perfect for Brightening Up Late Summer Nights

If you’re planning to squeeze every last bit of outdoor time out of the season, this little hot air balloon is an easy place to start. Clip the on-page coupon and shop the Starsoul Solar Hot Air Balloon Lantern for $19 at Amazon while it’s 21% off!

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.

Jay Weinberg, the son of Bruce Springsteen’s longtime E Street Band drummer, Max Weinberg, was just 18 years old the first time he sat behind the kit for the band himself, filling in for his father on a European tour in 2009.

That early brush with one of music’s biggest stages eventually led him somewhere very different: Slipknot. Weinberg joined the masked metal band in 2013 and spent the next decade behind its drums, becoming one of its most visible members before being let go in 2023.

It’s that decade with Slipknot that Weinberg says came with a hidden cost. In a recent interview, he opened up about the restrictions built into his contract, revealing that for years, he wasn’t legally allowed to collaborate with other artists outside the band. “Not having the legal ability to play music with other people was definitely difficult,” he said, describing music as something meant to be shared, not boxed in.

The toll went deeper than missed opportunities. Weinberg said the inability to create freely left a part of him fading. “A little part of my creative self, it was dying for sure,” he admitted.

Since leaving Slipknot, Weinberg has been making up for lost time. He’s released a string of collaborative songs with a range of artists, joined Suicidal Tendencies for nearly two years, and returned to the E Street Band stage once more in 2024, filling in for his father again during a show in Barcelona, 15 years after his first time standing in.

Looking back, Weinberg doesn’t frame those years of restriction as regret so much as material he’s still working through. Songs he first imagined back in 2013, before Slipknot ever came into the picture, are only now making their way into the world, proof that the ideas he couldn’t chase back then never really left him.

Few songs have generated as much curiosity as “You’re So Vain.”

Ever since Carly Simon released the biting soft rock classic in 1972, listeners have tried to identify the enigmatic man behind its unforgettable lyrics.

Simon had begun writing the melody for a different song titled “Bless You Ben,” but hadn’t gotten very far when it took a totally different turn,.

“It never went anywhere, I could never fall in love with it,” Simon said told Charlie Rose. “And then I was at a party and somebody walked in, and my friend said to me, ‘Doesn’t he look like he’s just walked onto a yacht?’ So, I thought to myself: Hmmm, let me write that in my notebook. And then one day, when I was playing ‘Bless You Ben’ on the piano, I substituted ‘You walked into the party like you were walking onto a yacht’ and the exchange was equal. And it felt natural and it felt good, and then I could get into that man, I knew who I was talking about.”

While Simon spent decades refusing to reveal the man that came to mind in that moment of inspiration, she eventually confirmed that Warren Beatty was one of the people who influenced the song, though not its only subject.

The mystery became part of the song’s appeal.

Simon has repeatedly explained that “You’re So Vain” was never written about a single individual. “I have confirmed that the second verse is Warren,” she told PEOPLE in 2015. “Warren thinks the whole thing is about him!”

Simon emphasized that the remaining verses were inspired by two other men whose identities she has continued to keep private. The revelation finally answered one of pop music’s longest-running questions without completely ending the speculation.

Even without the mystery, the song was impossible to ignore.

Released as the lead single from Simon’s album No Secrets, “You’re So Vain” paired razor-sharp lyrics with an irresistible melody and a memorable chorus. The recording also featured uncredited backing vocals from Mick Jagger, whose distinctive harmonies added another layer to one of the decade’s most talked-about songs.

“Mick and Harry [Nilsson] and I stood around the mic singing ‘You’re So Vain,’ and Harry was such a gentleman,” Simon recalled in 1995. “He knew the chemistry was between me and Mick. In terms of the singing, so he sort of bowed out saying, ‘The two of you have a real blend – you should do it yourselves.'”

The single quickly became the defining hit of Simon’s career.

“You’re So Vain” climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for three consecutive weeks, becoming her only chart-topping single. It also reached the Top 10 in several countries and helped propel No Secrets to the top of the Billboard 200, cementing Simon’s status as one of the leading singer-songwriters of the era.

Its cultural impact has only continued to grow.

The song has appeared in countless films, television shows, and commercials while earning regular airplay on classic rock and adult contemporary radio. Its unforgettable hook and enduring lyrical mystery have kept it relevant for generations, making it one of the defining recordings of the 1970s.

“”It amuses me that I’m still being asked,” Simon told CNN in 2002.

More than 50 years after its release, “You’re So Vain” remains Carly Simon’s signature song. Inspired in part by Warren Beatty but shaped by multiple real-life experiences, the 1972 classic became a career-defining No. 1 hit whose intrigue has never faded.

Related: 1972 Soft Rock Song, Covered by Johnny Cash, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit

If you’ve been keeping count of Disney Cruise Line’s breathtaking fleet expansion, your sailing wish list is about to get much longer.

Following the classic elegance of the Magic and Wonder, the modern scale of the Dream and Fantasy, the wish-filled magic of the Wish, Treasure, Destiny, and upcoming 2027 Believe, and the massive Asia-bound Adventure, Disney is preparing to chart completely new waters.

During the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23 in Anaheim, Walt Disney Imagineering pulled back the curtain on an entirely new, next-generation class of cruise ships set to debut starting in 2029.

Taking the stage to share the very first look at the unnamed class, Imagineering Portfolio Executive Creative Director Claire Weiss explained why this trio of ships will bring a fresh dynamic to Disney’s lineup.

“We also have an entirely new class of ship for Disney Cruise Line that will debut starting in 2029,” Weiss revealed to the arena crowd. “And this is such a cool size. It’s right in the middle of our classic ships and our newer ones, and this gives us some really amazing opportunities to visit new places and reach brand new audiences we haven’t before.”

Related: 9 Best Things To Do For Grandparents On Disney Cruise Line

View this post on Instagram The “Goldilocks” Sweet Spot of the Fleet

While Disney is keeping specific vessel names and venue themes under wraps, the details we do know are already giving fans plenty to get excited about.

Built by the famed Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, the trio of new vessels will roll out back-to-back:

• Ship 11: Early 2029
• Ship 12: Late 2029
• Ship 13: Late 2030 (bringing Disney’s global fleet to a grand total of 13 ships!)

At around 100,000 gross tons and built to hold 3,000 guests, these new additions hit a true “Goldilocks” sweet spot. They’re roughly 20% larger than classic favorites like the Disney Magic, yet noticeably sleeker and more nimble than mega-ships like the Disney Dream or Disney Wish.

If you love shorter walks to your stateroom, easier deck layouts, and a little extra breathing room by the pool, this mid-sized design brings back that cozy, nostalgic feel—without sacrificing any of the top-tier dining, Broadway-style shows, or kids’ clubs Disney is famous for. Even better? Their smaller footprint means these ships can glide into shallow harbors, charming historical ports, and scenic canals that the giant mega-ships simply can’t reach.

Related: Readers Voted This Iconic Fleet the No. 1 ‘World’s Best’ Cruise Line (Again!)

Greener Seas and Panoramic Ocean Views

Beyond getting us into cooler ports, these new ships are getting a major eco-friendly upgrade—in fact, Disney is designing them to be among the lightest and most energy-efficient vessels on the water.

Under the hood (or hull!), they’ll feature a sleek, streamlined design, high-tech battery systems to help power the engines, and shore-power capabilities that let them literally “plug in” and turn off their engines while docked. Plus, Disney is building the power systems to run on low-emission biofuels—like renewable methanol and hydrotreated vegetable oil—as those green fuels become more widely available around the globe.

And then there’s the detail that has everyone talking: the first-look teaser video at D23 revealed a massive wall of lower-deck panoramic windows midship. Built to give guests front-row ocean views right at the waterline, it’s a stunning nod to the classic romance of sea travel that’s sure to be a prime spot for taking in the view.

Whether this means future Disney voyages through the Greek Isles, new corners of the South Pacific, or boutique Caribbean harbors, the new class marks an exciting shift toward destination-rich sailing.

Related: Disney Cruise Line Reveals Who’s Gracing the Bow, Stern, and Grand Hall of the New Disney Believe—And They’re So Good

When you see the whole “dopamine dressing for confidence” trend pop up on your fyp (For You Page), you may roll your eyes and grumble, “We’re still talking about the dopamine thing?” We know psychobabble can become a bit much at times, but there’s value in thinking about how to use color psychology for clothing choices, specifically if you’re a woman.

“Emotional strength isn’t always visible—and for women especially, it can be consistently underestimated in professional and social environments,” states Michelle Lewis, a color psychology expert, certified color analyst, author and the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute. “Color is one of the fastest, most instinctive signals the brain receives from another person. Before a conversation starts, before a track record is established, color is already shaping how someone is perceived.” 

Lewis, who is also the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught, says it’s possible to convey emotional resilience with clothing color. For instance, a woman in deep, saturated tones will come across differently than someone in a washed-out, pale tone.

“That perception influences how people engage with her, the questions they ask and the assumptions they make about her capacity to handle pressure,” the color analyst tells Parade.

She also points to enclothed cognition psychology, which is informed by Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky’s research, published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

“Enclothed cognition established that clothing influences the wearer’s own psychological state through its symbolic meaning and the physical experience of wearing it,” Lewis explains. “The color you put on in the morning isn’t just a signal to others—it’s a signal to yourself. Women who dress intentionally for resilience are activating more tools in their arsenal when it comes to mental clarity, strength and response.”

To help you dress for impact, she shares five colors that mentally strong women wear the most.

Related: Color Psychologist Says Wearing This Color Makes You Appear Instantly More Approachable

The 5 Colors Psychologists Link to Mental Resilience

When we think about what mentally strong women wear, Lewis says it’s important to consider not just the style but the color psychology of clothing.

“Color can shift emotional and neurological states,” she notes.

Below, she shares the colors that make you look confident—and feel it too. Bonus: Many of these picks include top professional colors for women who want to convey emotional resilience in the workplace.

1. Blue

Lewis notes that the psychology of wearing blue—and using the hue—to showcase and support emotional regulation and sustained mental stability is backed by decades of research. For instance, she points to a 2026-published research of 72 peer-reviewed studies indicating that blue consistently improved mood, stress levels and physiological calmness across racial groups.

“Blue doesn’t spike and crash… it holds steady,” Lewis notes. “For women navigating high-pressure environments, that steadiness is one of the most valuable psychological resources available.”

Related: Color Psychologist Says These 5 Colors Are Worn Most by ‘Highly Intelligent’ People

2. Red

Red can be polarizing, but there’s no denying that it conveys a “physical, immediate and demanding” form of resilience, according to Lewis. She notes that one study on color and memory retention indicated that red was the most effective color tested. Plus, a Frontiers in Psychology study pointed to red’s implicit link to “high status” across cultures.

“Red activates the nervous system, which is its own form of strength for the moments that require everything you have,” she says.

3. Yellow

Lewis describes yellow as the “most neurologically activating chromatic color the human eye encounters.”

“Yellow light sits at 570-580 nanometers—precisely where both the eye’s green and red cone receptors reach peak sensitivity simultaneously—making it, with the exception of white, the second highest level of cone excitation the human visual system can experience,” she tells Parade. “That same biological mechanism connects to aposematism—the hardwired warning signal system yellow shares with red in nature—meaning the nervous system responds to yellow faster and more strongly than any other chromatic color.”

4. Orange

Lewis says there’s a growing body of research to support the idea that orange “activates resilience through connection and neurological vitality.”

For instance, a University of Liège study found that exposure to orange light increased activity in the frontal lobes (brain regions that govern alertness and cognition) more than any other color tested. Another large study found that orange carried exclusively positive emotional connotations.

“For women specifically, orange’s ability to make others feel safe, welcome and willing to engage creates a social resilience that compounds over time—the kind built from relationships, trust and a room full of people who feel good in your presence,” she states.

5. Indigo

Confidence can come from within, and indigo sets that tone. Lewis notes that indigo is the “most internally oriented resilience color” on this list. She shares that this hue may help us process experience, make meaning from challenges and tap into our inner resources.

“For women building the kind of resilience that comes from deep self-knowledge rather than performance, indigo is the color most aligned with that process,” she states. “It turns the gaze inward—and that’s where the most durable strength lives.”

Related: Color Psychology Experts Say These 5 Colors Are Worn Most by Authentically Happy People

The Science of ‘Enclothed Cognition’

Lewis explains that enclothed cognition in psychology comes from researchers Adam and Galinsky, as mentioned above.

“[They] gave to something most people have experienced but never had a name for: the way what you wear changes how you think, feel and perform—not just how others see you,” Lewis says.

In that landmark study, the researchers gave participants a lab coat to wear and told half of them that it was a doctor’s coat. The other half were told something else—the same coat was a painter’s coat.

“The group who believed they were wearing a doctor’s coat performed significantly better on attention tasks,” Lewis says. “The coat didn’t change—the meaning did. And the meaning changed intention and performance. This is what enclothed cognition tells us: clothing carries symbolic weight, and that symbolic weight becomes part of how you inhabit your own mind and act.”

In other words, Lewis shares that if you put on something that means “emotional strength,” your brain could start operating from a stronger place.

“Color is one of the most powerful carriers of that symbolic meaning, which is why the color you choose in the morning is doing more work than most people realize,” she says.

Related: Color Psychologist Says Wearing This Color Makes You Appear Instantly More Confident

External Power vs. Internal Regulation

OK, so what are the power colors for female leaders who want to convey emotional resilience? Lewis reveals a few below, including the psychology of wearing navy blue.

The Power Color

How Others Perceive You

How It Regulates Your Brain

Navy

Authoritative, deeply credible and dependable

It carries blue’s alpha wave and stress-reduction properties in a deeper, more saturated form. The added depth increases the sense of gravity and calm simultaneously.

Brown

Grounded, reliable, warm and unpretentious

Brown’s warm undertones—derived from red’s longer wavelength—carry low-arousal calming properties without chromatic stimulation. It produces a settled, stable internal state that reduces emotional reactivity.

Red

Confident, decisive and commanding attention

It activates challenge-mode alertness, sharpens memory retention and focuses cognitive performance under pressure.

Muted green

Calm, trustworthy and emotionally safe to be around

Green environments produce measurable reductions in heart rate and stress markers—muted green carries these properties without the stimulating intensity of a vivid green.

Gray

Objective, analytical and serious

It is achromatic—produces no emotional arousal response, which can be useful when emotional neutrality is the goal.

Soft blue

Approachable, intelligent and trustworthy

It supports alpha wave production and post-stress relaxation.

Lavender

Open, spiritually grounded and quietly confident

It carries enough of blue’s wavelength to support alpha-wave production, while the violet undertone activates theta-wave states associated with intuition and deep internal processing—a genuinely calming combination for the nervous system.

Related: Color Psychologist Says Your Favorite Color May Be Connected to Type A or Type B Personality Traits

3 Colors To Avoid When You Need To Protect Your Peace

Not all colors deserve prime real estate in your wardrobe (and, more importantly, on you) when you want to convey emotional resilience through color. Lewis suggests avoiding these colors if you want to exude mental strength.

1. White

Lewis notes that white surprises people, but research consistently shows that white environments can produce anxiety, stress and poor focus.

“White’s brightness and absence of chromatic information creates a visual flatness the nervous system reads as sterile rather than restful,” she explains. “For women trying to protect their peace, an all-white environment or wardrobe isn’t giving the nervous system anything to settle into. It’s creating a kind of visual silence that research consistently shows tips toward unease rather than calm.”

2. Black

While we often link black to grief and loss, Lewis reports it’s the “most emotionally absent color in the spectrum.”

“Absence, when you’re trying to protect your peace, is its own kind of problem,” she points out. “Black absorbs all frequencies of light rather than reflecting any of them, which means it gives the nervous system nothing to receive, nothing to process toward calm or restoration. For daily wear aimed at emotional protection, black is working against rather than for you.”

3. Gray

Lewis points out that gray regularly ranks among “the lowest colors for both pleasure and arousal in color psychology research.”

“Unlike chromatic colors that generate a measurable physiological response, gray offers the nervous system nothing to receive—no warmth, no activation, no restoration,” she states. “For women trying to protect their peace, a wardrobe or environment dominated by gray is quietly draining something rather than replenishing it.”

Up Next:

Related: Color Psychologist Says This Bedroom Paint Color Is the ‘Most Calming’ To Wake up to—Here’s Why

Sources:

• Michelle Lewis is a color psychology expert, certified color analyst, author and the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute. She is also the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught
• Enclothed cognition. (2012) Journal of Experimental and Social Psychology.
• The Influence of Colours on Well-Being: Psychological and Physical Health. (2026) International Journal of Recent Advances in Psychology & Psychotherapy.
• Color education: A study on methods of influence on memory. (2022) Heliyon.
• The Color Red Is Implicitly Associated With Social Status in the United Kingdom and China. (2018) Frontiers in Psychology.
• Colors cast long shadows on brain activity. (2011) PNAS.
• Cortical excitability is affected by light exposure – Distinct effects in adolescents and young adults. (2025) Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms.
• Do we feel colours? A systematic review of 128 years of psychological research linking colours and emotions. (2025) Psychonomic Bulletin & Review.
• Detrimental Effects of White Valued Walls in Classrooms. (2014) ERIC.
  

Gilbert O’Sullivan is celebrating six decades in music with a brand-new album.

The Irish singer-songwriter announced On The Record, his 21st studio album, arriving Nov. 6 via BMG. The 13-track collection is led by the new single “Growing Old Disgracefully,” which is available now.

The new music comes 54 years after O’Sullivan scored his first No. 1 hit in the United States with “Alone Again (Naturally),” the 1972 smash that spent six nonconsecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.

Gilbert O’Sullivan Announces New Album On The Record

On The Record was produced by Andy Wright, continuing the partnership behind O’Sullivan’s recent albums Driven and Songbook. O’Sullivan recorded the new collection at Eastcote Studios in London with the same group of musicians he has worked with on his recent projects.

Remarkably, they recorded all 13 songs in just five days.

“We have the same musicians. They know how I work,” O’Sullivan explained. “I play the song to them on the piano, we rehearse it a few times, and then we do a take.”

The 79-year-old musician added that there was “no rocket science involved,” revealing that the group completed the entire 13-track album during those five days.

Among the new songs are “It’s Me,” “No Place Like Home” and lead single “Growing Old Disgracefully.” O’Sullivan also teamed up with The Corrs singer Andrea Corr for the new duet “Is That You?”

Gilbert O’Sullivan Celebrates 60 Years in Music

O’Sullivan’s new album arrives during his 60 Years in Music celebrations, which also include an extensive tour of the U.K. and Ireland this fall.

It marks the latest chapter in a career that took off internationally in the early 1970s. After breaking through with “Nothing Rhymed,” O’Sullivan became a major star with “Alone Again (Naturally),” followed by hits including “Clair” and “Get Down.” His career has earned him three Grammy nominations and three Ivor Novello Awards.

But even after six decades, O’Sullivan says songwriting remains at the heart of what he does.

“Daring to be different was the key for me,” he said. “The writing has never stopped being the most important thing.”

And when asked what keeps him inspired after all these years, O’Sullivan had a simple explanation: his love of music.

“You hear the chords of Burt Bacharach? You want that,” he said, adding that musicians are able to keep creating “because we love what we hear.”

On The Record will be released Nov. 6. “Growing Old Disgracefully” is out now.

Related: Last Surviving Member of The Monkees Releases New Music 60 Years After First No. 1 Hit

Eggs are one of the most popular breakfast foods in the United States. According to consumer data firm Civic Science, one in 10 U.S. adults eats eggs every single day. The age group most likely to be egg eaters? People 55 and older. 

Not only are eggs quick and versatile, they’re packed with nutrient density. Eggs contain protein, choline (a nutrient that supports brain health) and vitamin B12 (which also benefits the brain) all in one nice yellow-and-white package. 

But eggs also contain cholesterol, which can be confusing not only for people who want to support their cardiovascular health, but also their liver. Scientific research shows that dietary cholesterol can accumulate in the liver and impair liver function.

So what’s the verdict? Is eating eggs beneficial for the liver or not? Parade consulted a hepatologist to find out.

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Are Eggs Good for Liver Health?

According to Dr. Robert S. Brown Jr., MD, MPH, a hepatologist with Weill Cornell Medicine, the connection between eggs and liver health is more complicated than with other foods. There’s no question that fruits, vegetables and plant-based proteins support liver health. There’s also no doubt that alcohol, ultra-processed meat and sugary pastries are detrimental to liver health. But eggs fall somewhere in the middle.

Dr. Brown says that eggs’ satiating protein is one way the food benefits the liver. Not only does protein provide the body with energy, but it helps prevent overeating later. To this point, according to a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, people with obesity who had two eggs for breakfast consumed fewer calories throughout the rest of the day than those who had cereal for breakfast. 

The choline in eggs also supports the liver. “People with high choline intake tend to have a lower risk of fatty liver. But you can also get choline from other foods, like fish, beans, soy and cruciferous vegetables,” Dr. Brown says.

Related: This Is the #1 Most Important Habit for Liver Health, According to a Hepatologist

The cholesterol in eggs is where it gets tricky. Dr. Brown points out that eggs are high in cholesterol, and high cholesterol forces the liver to work harder and can cause fat buildup. 

“Because of this, the answer to whether or not eggs are good for liver health really depends on someone’s overall diet and their metabolic health,” he says, explaining that if someone is in good health and eats a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods, eggs can have a healthy place in their diet. But if someone has high cholesterol, they may want to eat eggs less frequently.

What Happens to Your Liver When You Eat Eggs

If you have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formally known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or are trying to avoid it, you may wonder how eating eggs impacts your liver. Fortunately, this is something researchers have studied.

One study published in the World Journal of Hepatology included 169 people with MASLD and 782 adults who did not have it. All of the participants were asked how often they ate eggs. Researchers found that people who ate two to three eggs a week were more than three times more likely to have MASLD than those who ate less than two eggs a week.

But Dr. Brown highlights a bigger, more robust study taking into account 1,414 people, which found no association between egg intake and MASLD. In fact, the researchers found that the choline in eggs helped protect against MASLD.

Related: The Common Supplement Hepatologists Wish People Would Stop Taking So Casually

Why the conflicting data? Dr. Brown reiterates that what one’s entire diet looks like matters; protecting your liver doesn’t come down to one singular food. He also emphasizes that what one’s individual health looks like matters greatly too.

If you have low cholesterol and are in good health, eating an egg or two every day likely isn’t going to be detrimental. But if you have high cholesterol, it’s likely best to eat them more moderately and not every day.

Breakfast Foods That Support Liver Health  

Want a breakfast a hepatologist would approve of? Steer clear of simple carbs such as sugary pastries or white bread.

“Sugar is a primary driver of MASLD,” Dr. Brown says, adding that fatty meats like sausage and bacon can put strain on the liver because they are high in saturated fats, which can lead to fat buildup in the liver. 

Instead, Dr. Brown recommends getting your protein from foods such as Greek yogurt, plant-based proteins, nuts and seeds. He says that avocado mash on whole wheat toast is another liver-supporting breakfast because it’s full of fiber and helps keep blood sugar levels steady. This is important because maintaining steady blood sugar levels is important for preventing inflammation and excessive fat buildup in the liver.

In terms of what to pair with your breakfast, Dr. Brown says that coffee and tea are both liver-friendly beverages because they are high in polyphenols, which help prevent inflammation. (Just don’t load your mug with sugar or artificial sweeteners.) 

One breakfast beverage that he says many people think is good for the liver but isn’t is fruit juice. “Fruit juice leads to a big spike of fructose. It’s better to eat the whole fruit instead because you’ll get the fiber, which prevents that big insulin spike,” he explains.

Supporting your liver doesn’t come down to one singular food. It’s what your entire diet looks like that matters. If you want eggs for breakfast, pair them with other liver-supporting foods like whole-grain toast and avocado. Pairing eggs with bacon or sausage may sound good, but it won’t be doing your liver any favors.

Up Next:

Related: 3 Hepatologists Are Begging People To Stop Combining This One Thing With Tylenol

Sources

• Infographic: 1 in 10 U.S. Adults Eat Eggs Daily. Civic Science.
• Püschel, G. and Henkel, J. (2019). Dietary cholesterol does not break your heart but kills your liver. Porto Biomedical Journal. 3(1):e12.
• Dr. Robert S. Brown Jr., MD, MPH, hepatologist with Weill Cornell Medicine.
• Keogh, J. B. and Clifton, P. M. (2020). Energy Intake and Satiety Responses of Eggs for Breakfast in Overweight and Obese Adults—A Crossover Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17(15):5583.
• Fatty liver disease (MASLD). Mayo Clinic.
• Mokhtari, Z., Poustchi, H. Eslamparast, T., et al. (2017). Egg consumption and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. World Journal of Hepatology. 9(10):503-509.
• Yiannakou, I., Long, M. T., Jacques, P. F., et al. (2025). Eggs, Dietary Choline, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Framingham Heart Study. The Journal of Nutrition. 155(3):923-935.

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South Point Home Fashions Microfiber 6-Piece Sheet Set, $15.99 at Costco

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