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Keeping houseplants alive isn't always about remembering to water them. For many people, the real problem is something they can't control: not enough sunlight. Whether your home has north-facing windows, shaded rooms or simply doesn't get enough natural light during the colder months, even low-maintenance indoor plants can struggle to thrive.

The solution is often a grow light—but let's be honest, most grow lights aren't exactly pretty. Many have bulky stands or emit harsh purple and pink light that can make your living room look more like a greenhouse than a cozy home. That's why shoppers are obsessed with these $9 grow light bulbs on Amazon. Instead of buying a separate grow light, you simply screw one of these grow light bulbs into a regular table lamp or floor lamp, instantly giving your plants the light they need without compromising your decor.

These grow light bulbs from Amazon screw into any standard table or floor lamp, making them an easy way to care for your plants without compromising your decor.

Amazon

Effective Grow Lights That Won't Sacrifice Style

Most grow lights aren't exactly known for their good looks, but these grow light bulbs take a different approach. Instead of replacing your decor, they work with it. 

Simply screw one into a table lamp, floor lamp or other standard light fixture you already own to transform it into a functional grow light. That means you can keep your favorite lamp on display while giving nearby houseplants the extra light they need to thrive.

Emily Kay's Amazon review sums it up perfectly: "My plants love love love these!... Best part? You can make your lamps at home grow lights!!! No more ugly industrial looking grow lights... So functional and SO cute!"

Transform a Sunless Corner with Grow Lights

If your home doesn't receive much natural sunlight, grow lights can make all the difference. These grow light bulbs make it easy to brighten dark corners, apartments and other spaces where houseplants might otherwise struggle.

Plant enthusiast Arielle Dilley admits she was initially skeptical before trying them herself. In her Amazon review, she writes, "I was a little hesitant at first as to how well they would work but my plants are growing and thriving. Honestly, they're doing better with the light than they were placed in front of a window with partial sunlight. My dragon tree 'Colorama' has had so much new growth. This light has definitely made my plant mama heart happy."

As Lex De Pascale’s Amazon review notes, they found these grow light bulbs solved a similar problem: "I live in a basement apartment with very little daylight and my issue for a long time was finding the right light for my house plants. I've had these lightbulbs for about 2 months and I can happily say all of my house plants love them. I love that they fit into my regular lamps that I already have around and how affordable it is compared to some other plant lights I've seen. They also completely brighten up the room."

Best Grow Light Bulbs for Encouraging New Growth

One of the biggest reasons shoppers rave about these grow light bulbs is the visible new growth they report after using them.

In her Amazon review, Lisa Lynbee writes, "I've gotten about 3-4 new leaves on my monstera since using it."

Tiffany C. experienced similar results in her Amazon review, writing, "My plants absolutely love these lights. New growth everywhere! I'll definitely be buying more."

Cool to the Touch Grow Lights That Won’t Damage Plants

Many grow lights generate noticeable heat, but reviewers say these bulbs stay cool even after running for hours each day.

Brenda Holmes writes in her Amazon review, "I have wanted grow lights for forever. I have many plants, but only one window that provides enough light. However, everytime I've looked for lights, they have never peaked my interest. But these lights are perfect. I have them on for 10 hours a day, and even after all that, they never get hot. I was very concerned that my plants would get damaged, but the lights are cool to the touch."

Happy Plant Parent-Approved Grow Lights

Many reviewers say these grow light bulbs have become a permanent part of their indoor gardening routine.

Amber McDowell writes in her Amazon review, "I purchased these for my indoor plants, and I'm really impressed. The full spectrum of light provides everything my plants need to thrive... They're perfect for seed starting or providing extra light to plants that need it during the winter months... Overall, these grow lights have been a fantastic addition to my indoor garden, and I highly recommend them for anyone looking to give their plants a boost."

If you've struggled to keep houseplants alive because your home doesn't get enough sunshine—or you've avoided grow lights because you didn't want to sacrifice your home's style—this affordable Amazon find might be one of the easiest indoor gardening upgrades you can make. Sometimes becoming a green thumb is as simple as changing a lightbulb.

Anyone can say the right thing in the moment. Fewer people actually follow through with their comments, praises, and promises once the thrill passes. According to astrologers, a handful of birth months are known for closing that gap. Those born in January, April, September, and December treat their word as something worth honoring, not just something to say. Read on to learn more about the four birth months that walk the talk, and proudly so.

4 Birth Months Walk Their Talk

Check for your birth month below.

January: You Always Follow Through

There's a quiet discipline to how January-born people move through the world. You don't make promises casually, and that's exactly why your word carries weight. Born under determined Capricorn or independent Aquarius, you walk the talk without needing anyone to notice. There's nothing performative about your integrity; it's just how you operate. You'd rather under-promise and quietly deliver than talk a big game and fall short, because your reputation matters more to you than looking impressive in the moment. Others come to rely on you precisely because you never make them wonder whether you'll follow through.

April: You Prove It Through Action

April-born people don't just talk about loyalty. They're usually three steps ahead of it. As a bold Aries or a steady Taurus, you have little patience for empty chat, and you'd rather prove something than announce it. Those born in April are meant to trailblaze. As a natural leader, you know words mean nothing without action, so when someone needs an advocate, you're already moving before they've finished asking. Your consistency isn't loud, but it doesn't need to be — people feel it in how quickly you show up.

RELATED: The 4 Birth Months With Strong Boundaries

September: Your Word Is Your Bond

For September-born people, walking the talk isn't about proving anything. Rather, it's about fairness. Whether you're a meticulous Virgo or a balanced Libra, you don't like the idea of letting someone down, so once you've committed, you'll find a way to deliver even if the original plan has to bend along the way. That adaptability is what makes you so dependable: you'd rather adjust the how than break the promise. People in your life have quietly built their own plans around how steady your word is, even if they've never said so out loud.

December: You Do What You Said You Would

Either an expansive Sagittarius or a disciplined Capricorn, December-born people don't stop at dreaming big. They show up to build what others just longingly envision. You're not interested in passively waiting for life to happen. If you say it, you mean it, and you'll usually go further than expected to prove it. Even when circumstances shift and following through gets harder than you anticipated, you find a way to honor your original commitment rather than quietly letting it slide. For you, walking the talk isn't the hard part — giving up on it would be.

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Bewitched fans know Erin Murphy as the beloved child star who played Tabitha Stephens on the classic TV sitcom, but there’s a surprising coincidence she shares with her onscreen family decades later.

Both Erin and her TV mom Samantha (played by late star Elizabeth Montgomery) married men with the same first name—and it’s not an especially common one.

Speaking with The Guardian Liberty Voice, Murphy, now 62, once shared, “Well, my husband’s name is Darren, and my TV dad was Darrin.”

Murphy married investment banker Darren Dunckel in 1998. In an interview with Bewitched.net, she admitted that it was funny to have a husband with the same name as her TV dad.

“It's a weird coincidence, the name Darren," she said. "My sister [Diane] teased me when I was a kid by calling me Durwood."

On Bewitched, Darrin Stephens was played by Dick York for five seasons before he quit the show due to medical problems and was replaced by Dick Sargent. In a long-running gag on the hit sitcom, the character was often mistakenly called “Durwood” by his mother-in-law Endora (Agnes Moorehead).

Murphy joined Bewitched as a toddler in season 3 in 1966 and remained on the show until its end in 1972. She once noted that the role of Tabitha was created because Montgomery was pregnant in real life.

”She was pregnant with her second son," Murphy shared in a 2026 appearance on Celebrity Drop. “And as a coincidence, I'm the same age as her first son, but she was pregnant with her son, Robert, and they decided it was the perfect time for Darrin and Samantha to have a baby as well.”

Murphy has long said she didn’t have a favorite Darrin on Bewitched.

“I worked equal time with Dick York and Dick Sargent, 3 years each, six total,” she told The Guardian. “I loved them both and definitely thought of all the cast members as extended family, not just co-workers.”

More recently, she admitted that York, who was a real-life family man, was more paternal on set.

“My entire life I have been so diplomatic because I loved them both,” she told People in 2024, “Watching the show, Dick York is a better Darrin. Dick York was a dad, and he had a lot of kids, and he was just more paternal. So he was more like a dad.”

While Bewitched’s Darrin and Samantha only had two kids, Tabitha and Adam (played by David and Greg Lawrence), Murphy, who was married to Terry Rogers and Eric Eden before she wed Dunckel, has six sons: Jason and Grant Rogers, Clark Eden, and Dylan, Carson and Parker Dunckel.

Related: ‘Bewitched’ Star Erin Murphy Reveals How Producers Tried to Trick Fans With Darrin Switch

Steve Von Till of Neurosis is heading back on the road for a solo U.S. tour.

While continuing his legacy with the pioneering post-metal band, the guitarist and vocalist shared his plans for a nine-date tour.

In an Instagram update, the musician announced the cities and dates for the upcoming tour, all scheduled for this August.

Kicking things off on Aug. 19 in Spokane, Washington, he will make multiple stops in California and Arizona before touring through New Mexico, Colorado and Utah, with Salt Lake City serving as the final stop.

“A month from now STEVE VON TILL will be visiting a few western states to continue sharing the songs from his Alone in a World of Wounds album,” the caption reads.

Steve Von Till of Neurosis performs on stage at Rock Kitchen on July 22, 2011 in Madrid, Spain.

Mariano Regidor/Redferns

Moreover, the musician revealed the touring band joining him on the upcoming trek.

For this project, he mentioned performing with his backing band from last year's tour, featuring Dave French on synths, bass and percussion, while Brent Arnold will perform on cello.

“Spokane, Pioneertown, Cottonwood, and Salt Lake City are in for an additional special set by Dave French’s beautifully deep new project Semantron,” he mentioned in the caption.

Adding to this, Six Organs of Admittance will support Von Till on all tour dates except for shows in Spokane and Denver.

Aug. 19: Spokane, WA @ The Big Dipper
Aug. 21: Oakland, CA @ Thee Stork Club
Aug. 22: Los Angeles, CA @ Zebulon
Aug. 23: Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy & Harriet's
Aug. 25: Tucson, AZ @ 191 Toole
Aug. 26: Cottonwood, AZ @ Queen B Vinyl Café
Aug. 27: Albuquerque, NM @ Sister
Aug. 28: Denver, CO @ Ghost Canyon Festival
Aug. 29: Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High Saloon

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The singer and guitarist has a long history of creating music as a solo artist. In 2000, he released his debut solo album As the Crow Flies, followed byIf I Should Fall to the Field in 2002.

In an interview cited by The Creative Independent, he spoke about the journey of starting over and creating music as a solo artist.

“You don’t have four brothers to lean on; you don’t have a wall of noise to hide behind,” he said, in reference to his band Neurosis. “With a band like ours, the whole is so much greater than the sum of the parts. It has a life of its own—it’s almost like its own entity, and we’re just mediums or servants of the entity. But with the solo stuff, you’ve got to own it. And I still find it absolutely terrifying. Because they’re mostly slow, somber songs, there’s a lot of space—which means a lot of space for mistakes. So you have to be okay with imperfection and know that that’s just part of what the project has to offer: Being humble in the face of imperfection. And being exposed and showing a more intimate side of yourself."

Apart from his upcoming solo tour, Von Till is also set for a series of performances with Neurosis in September and October.

Fans will get to see the band perform at a massive show on Sept. 5 in North Carolina with Acid Bath as the headliner and Melvins and Kylesa appearing as special guests.

Adding to the list is the two-night homecoming reunion show in San Francisco, California.

Neurosis Tour Schedule 2026

Sept. 5: Asheville, NC @ Hellbender by The Orange Peel (w/ Acid Bath, Melvins and Kylesa)

Oct. 16: San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore

Oct. 17: San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore

Related: ’80s Metal Band, Disbanded for Five Years, Returns to Stage

Zoe Saldaña's net worth is largely due to her starring roles in some of the most successful movies ever. The actress has appeared in multiple franchises, including Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Star Trek and Avatar, making her one of the most prominent blockbuster actresses of all time.

Despite that, her salary doesn't always reflect the box-office numbers of the films she's starred in, and her net worth may not be as much as some people expect.

Related: Get to Know Zoe Saldaña's Husband, Marco Perego, and Their Kids

How did Zoe Saldaña become famous?

Born in Passaic, N.J., and raised in Queens and the Dominican Republic, Zoe Saldaña got her first taste of show business as a dancer. She quit ballet when she "didn't have the feet" and knew her star shone too bright to be in the background of a troupe. She began acting in 1995 with the Brooklyn, N.Y., theatrical group Faces, then with the New York Youth Theater. She was discovered by a talent agent for her role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This led to her first movie role in Center Stage, as a ballerina, utilizing her prior dance training, in 1999.

Saldaña next appeared in Crossroads alongside Britney Spears in 2002, followed by Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, then as a Star Trek-loving immigration officer in the 2004 Tom Hanks vehicle The Terminal. While The Terminal was a critical and commercial disappointment, playing a Trekkie in the film helped Saldaña get her biggest break, when she was cast as Uhura in Star Trek, released in 2009, and finally got some of the attention she deserved after more than a decade of Hollywood screen work.

Fast-forward through an amazing run starring in Marvel and Avatar movies, Saldaña returned to her dancing roots in the 2024 musical crime comedy Emilia Pérez, for which she won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Saldaña has come full circle in an awesome way!

Related: Avatar: Fire and Ash Is Finally Streaming—See Its Wild Runtime, Cast & More About the Epic Film

What is Zoe Saldaña's net worth in 2026?

Zoe Saldaña's net worth is estimated to be $80 million in 2026. She has starred in three of the most successful movies of all time: Avatar, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, so in theory, it feels like it should be substantially higher!

Is Zoe Saldaña the highest-grossing lead actress?

Yes, Zoe Saldaña officially became the highest-grossing actor of all time, male or female, after the success of Avatar: Fire and Ash, taking the top spot from fellow Marvel actress Scarlett Johansson. Saldaña's total box-office haul is an estimated $15.47 billion.

Related: Scarlett Johansson's Red-Hot Net Worth Revealed

How much did Zoe Saldaña make from Avatar? Zoe Saldaña as Neytiri in "Avatar"

20th Century Films

There are unconfirmed reports that Zoe Saldaña earned $4 million for starring in James Cameron's Avatar in 2009. The film would go on to become the highest-grossing movie of all time.

Related: Sigourney Weaver’s Net Worth, From Alien to Avatar and Beyond

How much did Zoe Saldaña make from Avatar 2? Zoe Saldaña as Neytiri and Sam Worthington as Jake in "Avatar: The Way of Water"

20th Century Films

Zoe Saldaña's salary for Avatar: The Way of Water was reportedly $8 million. The film's director, James Cameron, earned an astonishing $95 million from the project thanks to a deal for backend and bonuses, per Forbes. We're hoping Saldaña was able to negotiate a nice backend deal too.

Related: We Ranked Every James Cameron Movie, From The Terminator to Avatar: The Way of Water

How much does Zoe Saldaña make per movie?

Zoe Saldaña's salaries vary from movie to movie. Given her overall net worth of $80 million, we imagine she's earning between seven and eight figures per movie, and possibly getting backend deals for the Avatar films.

How much did Zoe Saldaña make for Guardians of the Galaxy? Zoe Saldaña as Gamora in "Guardians of the Galaxy"

Marvel Studios/Disney

Zoe Saldaña reportedly earned just $100,000 for her appearance in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, with rumors that she made even less than co-star Karen Gillan, who reportedly made $140,000. The film went on to earn over $770 million at the box office. Her co-star Chris Pratt reportedly made $350,000, making all of this look like a potential case of gender and racial pay disparity.

Related: Chris Pratt's Net Worth Revealed

How much did Zoe Saldaña make for Avengers: Infinity War? Zoe Saldaña as Gamora in "Avengers: Infinity War"

Marvel Studios/Disney

Zoe Saldaña's reported salary for Avengers: Infinity War is an estimated $3 million. Her co-stars reportedly earned tens of millions of dollars for appearing in the film. Pratt is estimated to have made $5 million. It's possible Saldaña negotiated some box-office bonus points, but her contract isn't publicly known.

That said, Saldaña is happy to do other work outside of Marvel, Star Trek and Avatar. "I feel that for the last 10 years of my life, I've been just stuck...doing these franchises," Saldaña told Women's Wear Daily.

"I'm very grateful for the opportunities that they provided, from collaborating with amazing directors and getting to meet cast members who I consider friends and getting to play a role that fans, especially children, love. But it also meant that I felt artistically stuck in my craft of not being able to expand or grow or challenge myself by playing different sorts of genres and different roles."

Related: Every Marvel Movie, Ranked

How much did Zoe Saldaña make from Avengers: Endgame?

Zoe Saldaña's salary for her role in Avengers: Endgame is estimated at $11 million. The movie grossed over $2.7 billion at the box office.

In a 2022 interview with InStyle, Saldaña said that she was frustrated with the secrecy associated with Marvel projects. "That can be annoying sometimes," she said. "That's not cool, because you have to memorize, you have to prepare, you have to do research. And I tend to take myself a little too seriously sometimes."

She added, "I really enjoy working with filmmakers who don't underestimate my intelligence and know that I am an adult. I will be discreet. It is as important to me, as it is for him or her, that I don't let these scripts out of my sight."

Related: How to Watch Every Marvel Movie in Order of Story

How much did Zoe Saldaña get paid for Colombiana? Zoe Saldaña in "Colombiana"

Sony Pictures

Zoe Saldaña's salary for Colombiana has not been publicly revealed. The movie had a budget of $40 million and only went on to earn $71 million at the box office.

How much did Zoe Saldaña get paid for The Adam Project? Zoe Saldaña and Ryan Reynolds in "The Adam Project"

Netflix

Zoe Saldaña's salary for The Adam Project has not been publicly revealed. The movie had a budget of $116 million.

Related: Ryan Reynolds’ Net Worth Shows He Truly Has It All

How much did Zoe Saldaña make on From Scratch?

Zoe Saldaña's salary for the Netflix series From Scratch has not been publicly revealed. The show is based on Tembi Locke's memoir and premiered on the streaming service in 2022.

How much does Zoe Saldaña make for Lioness?

Zoe Saldaña's salary for the Taylor Sheridan-created TV series Lioness is reportedly $500,000 per episode. Forbes reported that her co-star Nicole Kidman is making more than $1 million per episode for her work on the show. She and Kidman also executive-produce the series, meaning they may have a stake in its success. Lioness has proven to be a hit and was renewed for a third season in 2025.

How much did Zoe Saldaña get paid for Emilia Pérez?

Zoe Saldaña's salary for the musical crime comedy film Emilia Pérez is not publicly known. Saldaña reportedly fought for the role and had to audition for French director Jacques Audiard (something she hasn't had to do in a while, given all her success).

Emilia Pérez grossed over $16.3 million at the box office, and Netflix acquired the distribution rights for $8 million. The film received a leading 13 nominations at the 97th Academy Awards. Saldaña won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, so hopefully she saw a nice payday!

Related: Plan a Movie Marathon Weekend—We Ranked the 100 Best Movies of All Time!

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Many home cooks have that one kitchen habit they picked up years ago and never questioned. Maybe it's adding oil to pasta water, searing meat to seal in the juices or rinsing raw chicken before it hits the pan. For plenty of home cooks, that last one still feels like common sense. After all, if you're about to cook raw poultry, wouldn't giving it a quick rinse make it cleaner and remove some of the salmonella-causing bacteria?

Not according to professional chefs—or modern food safety experts.

In fact, what many people think is making chicken safer may actually do the opposite. Rather than washing away harmful bacteria, rinsing raw chicken can spread it around your kitchen, sending tiny droplets of contaminated water onto your sink, countertops, faucet handles, nearby dishes and foods that won't be cooked before eating.

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It's one of those pieces of kitchen advice that has changed over the years. Decades ago, many home cooks were taught to rinse poultry before cooking, so it's no surprise the practice has stuck around. Today, however, both chefs and food safety experts agree there's a better—and much safer—approach.

"Washing raw chicken is one of my biggest culinary bugbears," says Hazel McKinlay, a former head chef with more than 20 years of professional kitchen experience. During two decades in professional kitchens, rinsing raw chicken was never part of her routine, and she says it shouldn't be part of yours either.

The good news? Skipping the rinse doesn't just help keep your kitchen more sanitary; it can also help you cook better-tasting chicken. From achieving crispier skin to avoiding dry, overcooked meat, Chef McKinlay says a few simple changes before your chicken ever reaches the pan can make a noticeable difference. Read on to see her advice for your best chicken yet.

The One Thing to Stop: Rinsing Your Chicken in the Sink

Evgen_Prozhyrko / Getty Images

If you've always rinsed raw chicken before cooking, you're certainly not alone. It's one of those kitchen habits that's been handed down through generations, often with the belief that it washes away bacteria or residue left behind during processing.

The problem is that it doesn't.

"I never rinsed raw chicken in a professional kitchen during 20 years as a chef, and I don't recommend doing it at home either," Chef McKinlay says. "Rinsing doesn't remove bacteria, but it can spread contaminated water around your sink, worktops and nearby utensils. Any bacteria present on the chicken will be destroyed by cooking the chicken to the correct internal temperature."

That's exactly why food safety experts have spent years trying to break the habit. When water hits raw chicken, tiny mist-like droplets can spray well beyond the sink, potentially contaminating surfaces you didn't notice were affected. Even if the chicken itself eventually cooks to a safe temperature, those stray droplets can create opportunities for cross-contamination.

Chef McKinlay says the guidance today is pretty straightforward. "Modern food safety guidance is clear that raw chicken shouldn't be washed before cooking," she says. "Instead, remove it from the packaging, pat it dry with kitchen paper if needed, season it and cook it."

It's one of those rare kitchen tips that's actually easier while also being more effective. By skipping an unnecessary step, you'll save time, reduce the chance of spreading bacteria around your kitchen and set yourself up for better results once the chicken starts cooking.

The Culinary Science: Why Moisture Ruins Your Sear View this post on Instagram

There's another reason professional chefs avoid rinsing chicken, and it has nothing to do with food safety. It's about flavor.

One of the biggest differences between restaurant-quality chicken and the version many people make at home comes down to browning. That deep golden color on roasted chicken skin or the beautifully caramelized crust on a pan-seared chicken breast doesn't happen by accident.

In a recent Instagram Reel, food creator Joseph Abell (@thejosephabell) explains that removing excess surface moisture helps kick-start the Maillard reaction—a series of chemical reactions that occurs when proteins and natural sugars are exposed to high heat. It's what gives seared chicken a deeply browned crust, savory aroma and complex flavor profile.

In order to produce a Maillard reaction, "surface moisture has to evaporate," Chef McKinlay explains. "If the skin or meat is wet, the heat is spent evaporating water instead of creating a golden crust, so the chicken steams before it sears. Dry chicken browns faster and develops much better flavor."

Think of it this way: If your chicken is still wet, your pan has to cook off that water before it can start browning the meat. During that time, you're essentially steaming the chicken instead of searing it. That's why chicken that's gone straight from the sink to the skillet often looks soft and pale instead of crisp and browned.

Related: We Asked 5 Chefs Their Favorite One-Pan Meals—and They're Anything but Basic

The Prep Method to Use Instead

Adventure_Photo / Getty Images

Fortunately, replacing the rinsing habit is incredibly simple.

Rather than holding the chicken under running water, Chef McKinlay recommends removing it from the packaging and patting it thoroughly dry with paper towels. That removes excess surface moisture without sending potentially contaminated water splashing around your kitchen.

"Instead of rinsing chicken, remove it from the packaging and pat it dry thoroughly with kitchen paper," she says. "Dispose of the packaging immediately, wash your hands with soap and warm water, and clean any surfaces or utensils that have come into contact with the raw chicken. That approach is both safer and produces better results in the pan."

Professional kitchens know that dry surfaces are the key to crisp skin and better caramelization, which is why patting chicken dry has long been standard practice. It may seem like a small detail, but it's one that pays off every time you cook.

How To Get Crispy Chicken Skin

Nelea Reazanteva / Getty Images

Once you've stopped rinsing your chicken and started drying it properly, you're already well on your way to crispier chicken skin. But Chef McKinlay says there are a few more tricks professional kitchens rely on.

"The secret to crispy chicken skin is removing as much surface moisture as possible before cooking," she says. "Pat the skin dry with kitchen paper, leave the chicken uncovered in the fridge for a few hours if you have time, then cook it in a hot oven or pan without overcrowding. If the pan is overcrowded, the chicken releases moisture and starts steaming instead of crisping."

Having the uncovered chicken rest in the refrigerator acts like a mini dry brine, allowing even more moisture to evaporate from the skin before it ever reaches the heat. Combined with a hot pan, oven or grill, and enough space between each piece of chicken, and the ideal conditions for a crisp, golden skin are created

It's also worth resisting the urge to fuss with the chicken once it's cooking. Constantly moving or flipping it too soon interrupts the browning process and can prevent the skin from crisping evenly.

Another Mistake to Avoid: Stop Overcooking It

Oksana Ermak / Getty Images

If rinsing chicken is one of Chef McKinlay's biggest kitchen frustrations, overcooking it isn't far behind.

She says many home cooks accidentally dry out perfectly good chicken because they're so focused on making sure it's safe to eat. The irony is that cooking it longer than necessary doesn't make it safer—it just makes it less enjoyable.

"The biggest mistake I see is people cooking chicken until it's dry because they're worried it isn't safe," Chef McKinlay says. "A digital thermometer removes the guesswork. Once the thickest part reaches a safe internal temperature, take it off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving."

A good instant-read thermometer is one of the easiest ways to improve your cooking confidence. Instead of cutting into the chicken to check whether it's done—or leaving it on the heat "just to be sure"—you'll know exactly when it's time to remove it from the pan or oven.

Giving the chicken a few minutes to rest afterward is just as important. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out onto the cutting board, leaving you with a juicier, more flavorful bite.

2 More Chef-Backed Tips

Smith Collection/Gado / Getty Images

Small habits often make the biggest difference in the kitchen, and Chef McKinlay says there are a few more worth adopting if you want consistently better chicken.

• Take your chicken out in advance. One of the simplest ways to improve chicken is by taking the chicken out of the refrigerator about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. Allowing it to lose some of its chill helps it cook more evenly, especially when preparing thicker cuts. She also recommends leaving the chicken alone once it's in the pan. "Bring the chicken out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking so it starts closer to room temperature," she says. "Once it's in the pan, resist the urge to keep turning it. Letting the chicken cook undisturbed helps it brown evenly and release naturally from the pan."
• Say no to rinsing chicken with vinegar or lemon juice. If you've ever wondered whether rinsing chicken with vinegar or lemon juice is any safer than rinsing it with plain water, Chef McKinlay's answer is simple: "No. Neither vinegar nor lemon juice makes raw chicken safer to eat," she says. "They might add flavor if used as part of a marinade, but they don't replace proper cooking or food hygiene."

In the end, great chicken isn't about adding extra steps—it's about skipping the unnecessary ones. Leave the sink out of the process, keep the chicken dry, trust your thermometer and let the heat do what it's designed to do. Your kitchen will stay cleaner, your chicken will stay juicier and that beautifully browned crust will finally have a chance to shine.

Source:

• Hazel McKinlay was head chef at the former Secret Garden in Maldon Essex, UK, where she earned the restaurant numerous accolades, including the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years. Under Chef McKinlay's leadership, the restaurant consistently ranked No. 1 in Essex. She later worked at British TV Chef Mark Baumann'ssteak and lobster restaurant before leaving the kitchen to teach professional cookery and found the online guide Hazel's Travels.

Related: The Greek Way To Make Chicken 10x Better

If you've been dreaming of taking in a live ballet or opera performance at the historic Palais Garnier on your next trip to France, you'll want to adjust those itineraries. The ParisOpera has announced that planned renovations on its 150-year-old home will take three years longer than originally expected due to lead contamination, stretching the closure to a full five years.

While travelers originally knew the iconic Palais Garnier would be shuttering for two years between 2027 and 2029, the expanded overhaul and decontamination project means the doors will now stay closed through 2032.

Related: I've Visited Paris Countless Times—These Are the Best Hotels for a Stay in the City of Light

View this post on Instagram Stricter Regulations and Long-Term Preservation

While stage performances will be completely halted from 2027 to 2032, the Paris Opera has noted that daytime self-guided and architectural tours are expected to remain accessible for most of the restoration, though select areas may face temporary access limits during heavy work.

The delay comes as health and safety standards evolve across the city. Paris Opera Director General Alexander Neef explained that "stricter regulations" require lead to be removed from around the stage area before the venue can safely welcome back audiences.

"It’s a decision we stand by, a decision taken out of responsibility, a decision made to ensure the long-term future of our asset," Neef shared. "We have taken this step today in order to avoid having to launch other major works in a few years’ time."

Related: This Is One of the Easiest—and Prettiest—Emily in Paris Spots Near the Louvre

What It Means for Your Next Trip to the City of Light

Famous for its grand marble entrance and the breathtaking domed ceiling painted by Marc Chagall, the Palais Garnier is one of the most recognizable cultural landmarks in Europe. The full renovation and restoration effort is estimated at 450 million euros ($515 million), with a quarter funded by the French state.

It also isn't the only major site undergoing a facelift in Paris—the Pompidou Centre modern art gallery is currently in the middle of its own five-year modernization project.

For culture lovers, there is still a silver lining: the institution's second, modern venue—the Bastille Opera House—will remain open while work is completed on the Palais Garnier, before eventually undergoing its own two-year refresh down the road.

Related: Disneyland Paris Just Announced a Major New Disney Princess Experience

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Birthstone jewelry has always had a little extra magic behind it. Unlike a trend piece you wear for a season and forget about, a birthstone accessory feels like it was picked with a story already attached — a nod to your birth month, a favorite person, a special memory, or simply a color that feels unmistakably you.

For anyone looking to add a little sparkle to their jewelry box without spending a fortune, Macy’s is making it easy with the Birthstone Cushion Halo Solitaire Stud Earrings. Originally $55, they’re now 40% off, bringing the price down to just $33. The sparkling halo design gives this pair a timeless feel, making them an easy choice for celebrating a milestone, gifting someone special, or adding a colorful new favorite to your own collection.

Birthstone Cushion Halo Solitaire Stud Earrings, $33 (was $55) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

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These halo stud earrings deliver the look of fine jewelry with a colorful, personal twist. Each earring features a cushion-cut simulated birthstone framed by a delicate halo of sparkling cubic zirconia, creating extra brilliance without overwhelming the center stone. The polished silver-plated setting keeps the vibrant gemstone looking crisp and luminous. Measuring just 5/16 inch in diameter, the studs are substantial enough to make a statement yet refined enough for everyday wear. Designed with secure push-back closures, they should stay comfortably in place from morning to night.

The collection is available in nine birthstone-inspired colorways, allowing you to choose a shade that celebrates your birth month or simply your favorite hue. For example, August's peridot offers a bright, botanical green, November's citrine glows with warm honey-gold tones, and July's ruby brings a rich crimson pop that feels especially elegant. Whether you're shopping for yourself, commemorating a birthday, or choosing a meaningful gift, the colorful stones give these classic studs a more personalized feel while remaining timeless enough to wear year-round.

Shop More Deals

• Birthstone Round Cubic Zirconia Halo Solitaire Stud Earrings, $33 (was $55) at Macy’s
• Simona Elegant Oval Birthstone Halo Studs, $21 (was $30) at Macy’s
• Simulated Cubic Zirconia Alternating Hoop Earrings, $45 (was $75) at Macy’s

The classic silhouette makes these earrings incredibly versatile to style, pairing just as effortlessly with a crisp white button-down and jeans as they do with a cocktail dress or tailored blazer. Wear them solo for a refined pop of color, or stack them with dainty huggies, pavé hoops, and simple cuffs if you have multiple piercings. Because each stone represents a birth month, they also layer beautifully with birthstone necklaces, initial pendants, and other meaningful jewelry for a look that feels both personal and polished.

Jewelry lovers shared their adoration for these “absolutely gorgeous” and “beautiful” studs in the reviews section, saying that the design makes them “look like a million bucks.” One Macy’s shopper said that the “very sparkly” cut garners “so many compliments.”

Related: Walmart’s Beautiful $21 Birthstone Necklace Brings the Toi Et Moi Trend to Your Collection for 76% Less

This is one birthday gift you don’t have to wait for. Shop the Birthstone Cushion Halo Solitaire Stud Earrings at Macy’s while they’re still 40% 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.

Zoe Saldaña's husband, Marco Perego, is more than just the beautiful arm candy next to the charismatic and stunning actress. The relationship between the two shows a level of equality not seen in many marriages, in or out of Hollywood. Perego demonstrates a sense of security that allows him to appreciate being married to a woman as strong as Saldaña.

Still, many people don't know a lot about Perego and his relationship with Saldaña. As the Oscar-winning actress is constantly in the spotlight, we admit we’re extremely curious about the man beside her!

Here's everything you need to know about Zoe Saldaña’s husband, Marco Perego.

Related: Zoe Saldaña's Net Worth Is Out of This World

Who is Zoe Saldaña’s husband? Marco Perego and Zoe Saldaña at the 97th Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, California, March 2025

John Shearer/97th Oscars/Getty Images

Zoe Saldaña’s husband is Marco Perego Saldaña. Perego is a former professional soccer player and artist from Italy. The pair first met in 2013 and married that same year.

Related: Zoe Saldaña Delivers Bold Political Statement in Emotional Oscars Acceptance Speech

Is Marco Perego Italian?

Marco Perego Saldaña is Italian, born and raised. However, he moved to New York City to pursue a career as an artist. An avid traveler, he even met his wife, Zoe Saldaña, on a flight.

How old is Marco Perego?

Marco Perego Saldaña’s birthday is March 1, 1979, making him 47 years old. He was born in Salò, Italy, the son of a waiter and a stay-at-home mother. As a result, the artist came from humble beginnings. His professional soccer career was cut short when he suffered a career-ending injury at the age of 21, leading to his pivot into the art world.

Zoe Saldaña was born on June 19, 1978, making her 48 as of this writing.

How did Zoe Saldaña meet her husband?

Zoe Saldaña has claimed she was skeptical about love at first sight—until she met her future husband, Marco Perego, on a flight to New York. She recalled to USA Todayin 2015, "I just saw him from behind. It was 6:30 in the morning, I was on a flight to New York. And I can't even describe to you, it was a vibration. He turned in that moment, because he felt the vibration as well."

Even though that was the first time the two met in person, Saldaña was already aware of Perego—and had been since 2008. In 2014, she told The Hollywood Reporter, “I've known my partner for five years. I knew of his work. I knew of him. Then we met.”

The couple married after just three months of dating, in June 2013, in a secret wedding ceremony in London.

Does Zoe Saldaña speak Italian fluently?

Zoe Saldaña does speak fluent Italian, just like her character in the Netflix movie From Scratch. In fact, in addition to Italian, Saldaña speaks Spanish, French and English (of course). Her first language is Spanish, which is one of the many reasons she was excited to star in the Spanish-language French musical Emilia Pérez. 

Did Marco Perego change his last name?

Marco Perego Saldaña famously took his wife’s last name when they got married in 2013. Zoe Saldaña has spoken at length about this decision, telling InStyle, “I told him, 'If you use my name, you're going to be emasculated by your community of artists, by your Latin community of men, by the world. But Marco looks up at me and says [she puts on his Italian accent], 'Ah, Zoe, I don't give a sheet.'”

She also talked about the reasoning behind the decision with Us Weekly: “He liked it. He wanted to really represent being a part of my family and represent my father’s legacy. He respected the fact that he didn’t want me to have to give up my name just because that’s the norm.”

In a Facebook post (via People), the actress had even more to say.

“Fathers, sons, brothers, men everywhere: Your legacy will not perish if you take your partner's surname, or she keeps hers,” she wrote. “I felt proud that my husband decided to take my last name as his own ... and I his … He also asked me, 'Why not? What are you so afraid of?' And it made me wonder ... What am I so afraid of? Why is it so surprising, shocking—eventful that a man would take his wife's surname? Women have never been asked if it's ok for them to give up their names—why doesn't that make the news? Men, you will not cease to exist by taking your partner's surname. On the contrary—you'll be remembered as a man who stood by change. I know our sons will respect and admire their father more because their father leads by example.”

You gotta love a man secure enough in himself to elevate the woman he loves!

Their children bear a combination of their last names, with the hyphenated Perego-Saldaña.

Related: Who Is Zendaya Dating? All the Hotties She's Been Linked to, Including Tom Holland

What are some of Marco Perego's movies?

Marco Perego Saldaña is a producer, writer and director in addition to being an artist. He wrote, produced and directed the 2023 movie The Absence of Eden and the 2024 short film Dovecote, both starring his wife Zoe Saldaña. In addition, he wrote and directed the short film Burn to Shine. He was an executive producer on 2016’s Black and White Stripes: The Juventus Story and a producer on the 2014 short film Me + Her. He's currently producing the upcoming film Days of Abandonment.

He also appeared alongside his wife, actor Michael B. Jordan, Alicia Keys and Miguel in Keys and Miguel’s music video for their song “Show Me Love.”

Do Zoe Saldaña and Marco Perego have children? Zoe Saldaña, her husband, Marco Perego, and their three sons, Cy, Zen and Bowie, at a movie premiere in Turin, Italy, December 2024

Stefano Guidi/Getty Images

Zoe Saldaña has three sons with her husband, Marco Perego Saldaña. The actress gave birth to twins Cy and Bowie in 2014 and her youngest son, Zen, in 2016. She has stated that she is now done having children and does not intend to try for a daughter.

She told Us Weekly, “I pulled my feminist card out. I [told my husband], ‘No. The answer is no.’ I’m like, ‘You only give me boys so just get over it. You need to come to terms with this’…It’s like, ‘Let’s raise amazing, elegant men that will bring home even better women,’ you know? That’s it.”

Zoe Saldaña, Marco Perego, and kids Bowie Ezio, Cy Aridio and Zen Perego-Saldaña attend Zoe Saldaña's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Hollywood, California, May 2018

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

The progressive couple is raising their children in a gender-neutral environment. She told Us Weekly, “We grew up in a world in a time that it was very gender divided and also [with] our cultural backgrounds. But here we are in the new world. We’re in America … Like my mother always said, being an immigrant here in the States, we brought with us in a suitcase of life, all the things that are worth preserving, and you leave behind all the things that were the reasons as to why you left.”

Related: Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz Spark Baby Buzz After Engagement News

Nicole 'Snooki' Polizziis giving fans an emotional and unfiltered look at one of the most difficult chapters of her life.

On July 31, the Jersey Shore star shared an Instagram video documenting her recent hysterectomy after being diagnosed with Stage 1 cervical cancer earlier this year, hoping her experience will encourage other women to prioritize their health.

"It's a scary thing, and a lot of us women deal with it, and no one really talks about it," Polizzi, 38, said in the video. "So I'm here to give that platform for all of us ladies."

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The former Jersey Shore star explained that after doctors determined abnormal Pap smear results, they took a cone biopsy, which revealed adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer. During surgery, Polizzi said doctors made a "C-section cut" to remove her uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and additional surrounding tissue in her vagina to help ensure all of the cancer was removed. She said doctors left her ovaries in place so that she wouldn't go into early menopause.

While documenting her hospital experience, Polizzi admitted she was "terrified" before the procedure and became emotional while speaking about the recovery process.

"I'm here to show you what's up," she said through tears. "And it's scary, and it's okay to be scared."

The mother of three also shared a heartfelt moment with fans, revealing that both of her parents accompanied her to the hospital.

"You always need your parents. I don't care what age you are," she said. "I need my mom and dad."

Despite the difficult procedure, Polizzi still found moments of humor, joking that the hospital's disposable underwear was "elite."

Now focused on healing, Polizzi said she hopes she'll soon be cancer-free. She also urged women to stay current on Pap smears.

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When you prioritize your skincare routine, makeup application is infinitely easier since you're starting with a smooth canvas. Similarly, focusing on the health of your nails makes nail polish application a breeze. Sadly, ridged, brittle nails are a reality during menopause, but that doesn't mean they have to be the bane of your existence.

To better understand why the "nail slugging" trend is a game changer after menopause and how it can breathe new life into your nails, Parade spoke with two nail experts and a dermatologist. We asked them how menopause affects the health of your nails and how nail slugging can potentially help.

If you're not familiar with the term, you'll want to check out our step-by-step guide, which includes tips to make sure you're gleaning all the hydration benefits of the process. Since everyone's nails are different, we've also included information on who should avoid this trend along with some tips on what to do instead.

If you're ready to try this nail hydration hack, you'll want to stock up on the best keratin treatments, oils and balms to make sure you have everything you need. Luckily, the pros we spoke with were happy to share their top product picks.

Related: Everyone Is Requesting These 9 Toenail Colors This Summer, According to a Celebrity Nail Artist

Why Menopause Causes Your Nails To Become Ridged and Brittle

"As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the nails often become drier and less resilient because estrogen helps support hydration, collagen production and healthy circulation throughout the body, including the nail unit," Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist based in Indiana, tells Parade. "This loss of moisture can make nails more prone to brittleness, splitting, peeling and the development of longitudinal ridges."

As you age, nails also tend to grow more slowly and recover less efficiently from everyday damage. Combine that with other forces working against your nails, and ridges and brittleness are a common reality.

"While hormonal changes are a major factor, nutritional deficiencies, certain medical conditions and frequent exposure to water or harsh chemicals can also worsen nail fragility. Persistent or severe changes should be evaluated by a dermatologist," Spearman says.

What Is 'Nail Slugging'—and Does It Actually Work?

Nail slugging is a moisturizing technique that's inspired by skincare slugging.

"It involves applying a nourishing nail oil or treatment first, then sealing it in with an occlusive balm or ointment to minimize moisture loss," Svitlana Motyl, a nail artist, educator and the co-founder of Artme Nails Studio Chicago, tells Parade.

Maryna Slynko, a nail educator and the founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio in Kansas, says the term "nail slugging" has been gaining popularity, but the concept itself is nothing new.

"When it comes to the skin surrounding the nails, this approach can be very effective. It helps reduce dryness, supports skin elasticity and improves the overall appearance of the cuticle area," she explains.

This trend is particularly useful during and after menopause since it nourishes dry, brittle nails.

"The occlusive layer helps the beneficial ingredients remain in contact with the nail plate and surrounding skin longer, improving hydration over time," Motyl says.

Related: A Celebrity Manicurist Says This Daily Habit Actually Weakens Nails Over Time

However, nail slugging isn't a miracle cure.

"While it will not eliminate ridges caused by aging or hormonal changes, it can improve hydration, reduce brittleness and help minimize splitting and breakage over time. Consistency is important, as healthier-looking nails require ongoing care while new nail growth gradually replaces older, damaged nail tissue," Spearman explains.

Overall, Motyl says nail slugging works best in conjunction as part of a routine that includes gentle filing, minimal prolonged water exposure, a balanced diet and wearing gloves during household chores.

"The biggest mistake people make is expecting one product to transform damaged nails overnight," she continues. "Healthy nails are built through consistent care, protection and patience. Nail slugging is a helpful supportive technique, but it’s most effective when combined with an overall healthy nail care routine."

How to Nail Slug Step-by-Step for Maximum Hydration

Hydration, here we come! To try nail slugging at home, follow these expert-approved tips:

1. Wash and thoroughly dry your hands.
2. Gently massage a high-quality cuticle oil into the nail plate, cuticles and surrounding skin.
3. Let the oil absorb for one to two minutes.
4. Apply a thin layer of an occlusive balm or petroleum-based ointment over each nail and cuticle.
5. For an intensive overnight treatment, wear lightweight cotton gloves.
6. Repeat the process two to four evenings each week, or nightly if nails are severely dry.

When it comes to how much product you're applying, Motyl cautions that less is more.

"Healthy nails need hydration, not excessive amounts of product. A thin layer applied consistently works better than applying too much at once," she says.

Related: The #1 Thing a Nail Technician Wishes Clients Asked More Often 

The 2 Best Keratin Treatments for Slugging

Before getting started on your nail slugging routine, don't forget to stock up on some hydrating products. The pros we chatted with are fond of the picks below.

1. Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler, $20

Amazon

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"This protein-rich treatment helps reinforce fragile nails while smoothing ridges that commonly become more noticeable with age," Motyl says. 

2. Manucurist Paris Nail Strengthening Serum, $15

Amazon

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"It's a lightweight keratin serum formulated with plant-based keratin, biotin and vitamins. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue and works well as the first nourishing step before applying cuticle oil and a protective balm. I like that it fits easily into a simple daily nail care routine," Slynko says.

Related: The Clever Nail Cuticle Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

The 2 Best Oils for Nail Slugging1. Luxio Nail + Cuticle Oil by Akzéntz, $15

Akzéntz

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"The oil is designed for both the nails and the surrounding skin. It helps soften and condition the cuticle, absorbs well and does not leave an overly greasy residue. For nail slugging, it works well as the nourishing step before applying a balm or another occlusive product," Slynko says.

2. CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner, $15

Amazon

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"CND Solar Oil is one of the most recognized professional cuticle oils in the nail industry. It is formulated with a blend of lightweight natural oils and vitamin E to condition the nails and surrounding skin," Slynko says. "It is a strong choice for nail slugging because it can be massaged into the nail and cuticle area before applying a balm to help seal in moisture."

The 2 Best Balms for Nail Slugging1. CeraVe Healing Ointment, $11 Shop It on Amazon

"CeraVe Healing Ointment combines an occlusive base with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. I recommend it because it helps lock in moisture while also supporting the skin barrier. It is a good option for dry or sensitive skin around the nails and works well as the final layer over cuticle oil," Slynko says.

2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $17

Amazon

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"Aquaphor Healing Ointment creates an excellent protective barrier that locks in moisture after applying nail oil without feeling excessively thick," Motyl says.

Related: 11 Pedicure Trends That Everyone Will Be Requesting This Summer, According to Nail Techs

Who Should Avoid Nail Slugging (And What To Do Instead)

Nail slugging is an effective way to hydrate nails, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.

"It's generally safe for most people, but it should be avoided on nails that show signs of an active fungal infection, such as thickening, yellow discoloration, crumbling or separation from the nail bed, unless directed by a health care professional," Spearman warns.

Additionally, occlusive products shouldn't be applied to open cuts, inflamed skin or signs of bacterial infection around nails.

"If nail changes are sudden, painful, involve multiple nails or do not improve with good nail care, a dermatologic evaluation is important to identify any underlying medical condition requiring treatment," Spearman says.

For anyone who can't try nail slugging, Slynko says there are still ways to reap the benefits of the process, explaining, "For people with very sensitive or easily irritated skin, I generally recommend regular use of a high-quality cuticle oil and a moisturizing hand cream instead of applying a heavy occlusive layer."

Up Next:

Related: Celebrity Makeup Artist Reveals a Clever Concealer Trick for Mature Skin I Wish I'd Known About Sooner

Sources:

• Svitlana Motyl is a nail artist, educator, competition winner, international competition judge and the co-founder of Artme Nails Studio Chicago.
• Maryna Slynko is an award-winning nail educator, international judge and the founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio in Overland Park, Kansas.
• Dr. Dara Spearman, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Indiana.

Charlie Hunnam spent a year immersed inside Ed Gein's mind for Netflix's Monster: The Ed Gein Storyand came home every night to play with two street kittens he'd adopted while in Chicago. For this role, he dropped 30 pounds in three and a half weeks. He imagined a voice that turned out to be completely different from Gein's actual voice heard on found psychiatric recordings. He used it anyway. It was disturbing enough that his girlfriend asked him to stop using it at breakfast.

The role earned him his first Emmy nomination at 46. The kittens earned a Four Seasons suite with a full-time cat sitter. Ed Gein's crimes in 1950s Wisconsin inspiredPsycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Silence of the Lambs. Hunnam had no idea any of this was what he'd signed up for.

@rvar_cat_oasis

Charlie Hunnam adopts 2 kitten sisters from RVAR Cat Oasis in Momence Illinois at the end of filming 🖤🖤#netflix #charliehunnam #monster#edgein

♬ original sound - River Valley Animal Rescue

He had no idea that the meeting with Ryan Murphy was about Ed Gein. A mutual friend had made the introduction, and their first conversation ran three hours. "Before I knew what I had done, I said, 'Yeah, that sounds like a great idea.'" The scripts weren't ready. He started researching on his own. That's when the fear arrived.

"Being confronted with some of those images of the crime scenes, I really started to get afraid," he said. He started waking up in the middle of the night. Then, he gained access to Gein's medical records from his 30-year stay in a mental health facility. "It was a human being grappling with the regret of his actions and trying to understand why he did what he did." His fear changed into something he could work with.

Related: Netflix's Shocking Ed Gein Series Gets These Major Details Wrong - What Actually Happened

A costume fitting confirmed that Hunnam looked too healthy for Gein. So, he drastically dropped 30 pounds in three and a half weeks. He pushed for a prosthetic eyelid. Murphy resisted. Three tests later, Murphy agreed. He got a haircut every single day.

The voice was its own story. He assumed no recordings existed, so he invented a higher vocal range from scratch and spoke in character at home for months. His longtime girlfriend, Morgana McNelus, eventually had to ask him to stop. "At breakfast, it's a little too much." A week before shooting, he found an actual recording. "It's nothing like how he actually spoke. He had a very deep and folksy type of rhythm." He'd committed. He used his invented voice anyway.

Then he came home to the kittens.

@ahs_mott

He’s so sweet 😍😍 #charliehunnam #monstertheedgeinstory #foryoupage❤️❤️ #fyp #catlover

♬ original sound - ahs_mott

"I adopted a couple of kittens while I was in Chicago," he told THR. He was at the Four Seasons. He asked the hotel if he could keep his new kittens in his room. They said yes. He worked 14- 15-hour days, so he hired a full-time cat sitter. "They went from the streets to really coming up in life and living that Four Seasons life with a full-time cat sitter playing with them." He came home from what he referred to as "the darkest realm" every night and played with kittens for three hours. That was how he survived playing Ed Gein.

The Role That Took Everything. The First Emmy Nomination That Followed.

Ryan Murphy made Hunnam an executive producer. Not a vanity credit. Hunnam had produced before, and Murphy knew it. The dialogue was good enough that he rarely needed to go off book. "I was really hyper aware that it was a real person," he said.

The scene that he was the most afraid of was the diagnosis sequence in episode seven. He called it "the ticking time bomb in the back of my mind." They did two takes. Director Max Winkler used the first.

The role finally earned Hunnam his first Emmy nomination at 46. Monster: The Ed Gein Story received seven total Emmy nominations, including nods for Laurie Metcalf as Gein's mother and two for makeup and prosthetics. The 78th Emmy Awards are September 14.

Charlie Hunnam said yes before he even realized what he'd agreed to. He lost 30 pounds. He invented a wrong voice and used it anyway. He adopted two street kittens and played with them for three hours every night to survive it. In the end, he earned his first Emmy nomination.

The kittens got the Four Seasons.

Everyone came out ahead.

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If the extreme summer heat has you counting down the days until fall, Sam's Club has a new bakery treat that's sure to get you in the seasonal spirit. And this new Member's Mark creation is anything but an ordinary pumpkin dessert.

For anyone who starts craving those cozy fall flavors the moment temperatures begin to cool, this cake arrives right on cue.

With tender layers of pumpkin cake and latte-flavored frosting, it's the kind of bar cake you might even be tempted to enjoy with your favorite pumpkin spice latte in the morning.

See the new bakery find in this July 29 TikTok from @samsclubfavorites:

@samsclubfavorites

☕ This Pumpkin Spice Latte Bar Cake is NEW Sam’s Club and it’s calling my name! Layers of pumpkin cake and latte flavored frosting, topped with whipped cream swirls and chocolate pearls. 🍁 So delicious and festive…I’m ready for fall! 😊 ($16.87) #samsclub #samsclubfinds #pumpkinspice

♬ original sound - hnmmusic011

Priced at $16.87, the Member's Mark Pumpkin Spice Latte Bar Cake serves approximately 8 to 10 people, making it an easy dessert for family dinners, weekend get-togethers, game-day parties, or the first gatherings of the autumn season.

Related: Costco Now Has a Texas Roadhouse Favorite for Under $8

The bakery dessert features layers of moist pumpkin cake with latte-flavored frosting, finished with whipped cream swirls and chocolate pearls for a festive presentation. The combination of pumpkin cake and coffee-inspired frosting puts a twist on a classic fall dessert, bringing together two flavors that have become seasonal favorites for many. While it's certainly eye-catching enough for a dessert table, it's also just as enjoyable with an afternoon coffee or, for true pumpkin spice fans, alongside a pumpkin spice latte.

Photo by Prchi Palwe on Unsplash

If you're not serving a crowd, the cake is easy to freeze as well. Wrapping individual slices or smaller portions lets you enjoy a taste of fall long after your shopping trip, making it a practical option for smaller households.

For anyone who's already spotted pumpkin-flavored coffee creamers, cereals, and candles making their seasonal return, this bakery find is one more sign that retailers are fully embracing autumn well before the calendar catches up. And because seasonal bakery offerings are typically available for a limited time, pumpkin spice fans may want to keep an eye out for the Member's Mark Pumpkin Spice Latte Bar Cake on their next Sam's Club run.

With a career lasting more than 50 years, iconic rock singer Joe Lynn Turnerhas a lot to celebrate.

Outside of his seasoned career, the musician turns 75 on Aug. 2, a major birthday for the vocalist whose career helped shape the sound of ’80s hard rock.

Born in Hackensack, NJ, Turner has always been musically gifted, playing the accordion as a child and enjoying success as an accomplished guitarist throughout his teenage years. While in high school, he started his own band, Ezra, performing original material along with covers from rock greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Free and Deep Purple. In 1976, Turner cofounded Fandango and enjoyed a ton of success with four studio albums.

Perhaps foreshadowing what was to come, playing covers in a high school band wouldn't be Turner's only experience with Deep Purple. In 1980, following Fandango's split, he received a phone call from legendary Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore's team.

"I thought it was a friend of a friend putting me on. He was like, 'Do you like Deep Purple? Do you like Ritchie Blackmore?,'" he recalled to Rolling Stone in 2023. "I was like, 'Look, I'm going to hang up right now because this is ridiculous. Who the hell are you'? He goes, 'I'm Barry. I'm Ritchie's personal [assistant]. He's standing right here and wants to talk to you.'"

Blackmore enlisted Turner into Rainbow, where the band found major success in Europe and Japan. Difficult to Cure, the rockers' fifth studio album, peaked at No. 3 on the U.K. Official Album Chart and charted at No. 50 on the Billboard 200.

Rainbow disbanded in 1984 after Blackmore left the group. Several years later, in 1989, Turner joined Deep Purple as the band’s new lead vocalist, replacing Ian Gillan. His first and only album with the band, 1990's Slaves and Masters, peaked at No. 87 on the Billboard 200 and reached the top ten in Switzerland.

After leaving Deep Purple in 1992, Turner continued collaborating with other rock veterans, forming the progressive rock band Mother’s Army with former Ozzy Osbourne collaborators Carmine Appice and Bob Daisley, along with Jeff Watson of Night Ranger, while also building a successful solo career.

Related: '90s Rock Singer and Founding Member of Iconic Rock Band Turns 50

When Kansas released Point of Know Return, the album produced two massive radio hits— the title track and the ballad "Dust in the Wind.” But decades later, another track also stands out, and it has a surprising inspiration.

Written by Kerry Livgren and Steve Walsh, “Portrait (He Knew)” is a musical tribute to one of history’s greatest minds.

Led in by the instrumental "The Spider” on the Point of Know Return album, the song features a dynamic blend of progressive rock elements, opening with its own minute-long instrumental piece featuring thunderous drums, intricate keyboards, and soaring violin. Once the vocals start, a tale is told of a brilliant mind seeing beyond his time.

With lyrics such as “a visionary man” who “knew more than you and me,” the song left fans with questions when it was first released.

Livgren, a devout Christian, eventually revealed his inspiration for the song.

“A lot of people thought 'Portrait (He Knew)' was about Christ, but at the time I wrote this song I wasn't doing a lot of thinking about Christ,” he shared in his autobiography Seeds of Change. “Instead, this was a musical portrait of Albert Einstein.”

Livgren once explained that his admiration for the legendary scientist came from reading about his revolutionary ideas.

In an interview posted by In the Studio With Redbeard, the Kansas co-founder noted that he has always been an “avid reader” of science fiction, philosophy, and science-themed books.

“And I was always fascinated by Albert Einstein and the fact that he went so far with mathematics and physics that he actually crossed the line into metaphysics and philosophy. And he was actually getting at the very fabric of the universe,” Livgren said. “I thought ‘what an amazing man.’ And I was so fascinated with the guy that one day  I wrote a song about him.”

He added that it took a long time for fans to realize who or what the song was about.

“The interesting thing about 'Portrait' is that nobody seemed to catch on who it was about,” he shared. “I mean the list of people who they thought it was about was incredibly long. And people would come up with all of these reasons why this is who they thought it was about. And they’d always corner me and say, ‘Hey, who’s that about?’ And when I would say ‘Albert Einstein’ they’d give me this blank look like, ‘Well, I never thought of that.”

“Whenever you can stimulate people to think and to speculate, I think of that as a success,” Livgren added. “That was one of my personal goals in songwriting was to make people use their brain cells.”

The Kansas songwriter later rewrote “Portrait (He Knew)” for his band AD, titling the song “Portrait II,” with the new version focusing on Jesus Christ.

The original version of “Portrait (He Knew)" reached No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1978 and remains a memorable part of Kansas’ catalog nearly 50 years later. The song continues to showcase Livgren’s unique songwriting style, painting a powerful musical tribute to one of history’s greatest visionaries.

Related: 1980 Rock Classic, Written as a Message to Rocker’s Wife, Remains a Timeless Anthem of Hope 46 Years Later

Few fruits say "summer" quite like watermelon. Whether you're slicing one up for a backyard barbecue, packing it for a picnic, or blending it into a refreshing drink, watermelon is synonymous with summer. In fact, Americans love it so much that it even has its own holiday.

Celebrated every year on August 3, National Watermelon Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy this juicy fruit while learning a few surprising facts along the way. From the health benefits of watermelon to how to pick a good watermelon at the grocery store, here's everything you need to know about summer's most iconic melon.

What Is National Watermelon Day? Watermelon gets its own holiday on August 3rd—National Watermelon Day.

Roberto Huczek

National Watermelon Day is celebrated each year on August 3—which  falls right in the middle of watermelon harvest season across much of the United States. While no one knows exactly who created the unofficial holiday, it's become a fun excuse for families, farmers, grocery stores, and watermelon-lovers to celebrate the peak of watermelon season.

Watermelon has been cultivated for thousands of years, originally growing in northeastern Africa before spreading around the world. Today, the United States is one of the world's largest producers, with states like Florida, Texas, Georgia, California, and Arizona growing millions of pounds of watermelon each year.

Is Watermelon Good for You? The Many Health Benefits of Watermelon There are numerous health benefits of watermelon and reasons why watermelon is good for you—it's filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and contains a high percentage of water.

T.J. Breshears

If you've ever wondered is watermelon good for you, the answer is yes—there are plenty of health benefits of watermelon to enjoy! Although it's naturally sweet, watermelon is packed with nutrients while remaining surprisingly low in calories.

• 92% water: One of watermelon’s biggest benefits is its incredibly high water content. At about 92% water, it's an excellent way to stay hydrated during hot summer months, especially after spending time outdoors.
• Vitamin C: Watermelon is also an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system and helps your body produce collagen for healthy skin. 
• Vitamin A: Watermelon also provides vitamin A, an important nutrient for eye health and immune function.
• Lycopene: Another reason nutrition experts often recommend watermelon is because it contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives the fruit its vibrant red color. Lycopene has been studied for its role in supporting heart health and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
• Citrulline: Watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid that may help improve blood flow and support exercise recovery. While more research is still being done, it's one of the reasons watermelon is often considered a great post-workout snack.
• Low-calorie: Although watermelon does contain natural sugar, it's relatively low in calories—one cup of watermelon contains just 46 calories. The nutritional breakdown in one cup of watermelon is as follows: 9.4 grams of sugar, 0.6 grams of fiber, 0.9 grams of protein, and 0.2 grams of fat. 

How to Pick a Good Watermelon? Here’s How to Tell if a Watermelon is Ripe Want to know how to pick a good watermelon? One of the easiest tips for how to tell if a watermelon is ripe is to look for a creamy yellow "field spot."

wgbieber

There's nothing more disappointing than cutting into a watermelon only to discover it's bland, dry, or underripe. Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks that can help learn how to pick a good watermelon and how to tell if a watermelon is ripe every time.

• Look for a creamy yellow field spot: One of the easiest ways to tell if a watermelon is ripe is by checking its field spot—the patch where the melon rested on the ground while growing. A ripe watermelon should have a creamy yellow or golden spot. If the spot is white or barely visible, the fruit was likely picked before it had fully matured.
• Pick one that feels heavy: For its size, a ripe watermelon should feel noticeably heavy. That's because a juicy watermelon contains more water, which generally means it's fresher and sweeter than one that feels light.
• Choose a symmetrical shape: Whether it's round or oval, look for a watermelon that's evenly shaped without large dents, bumps, or flat sides. Consistent growth usually results in better texture and flavor.
• Give it a tap: You’ve probably seen people knocking on watermelons at the grocery store—and there's actually some truth behind the trick. A ripe watermelon typically produces a deep, hollow sound when tapped. An underripe melon often sounds higher-pitched, while an overripe one may sound dull.
• Check the stem: If the watermelon still has part of its stem attached, it can offer another clue. A dry, brown stem generally indicates the fruit ripened naturally before harvest, while a green stem may suggest it was picked too early.

Differences Between Yellow Watermelon vs. Orange Watermelon vs. Red Watermelon You might be surprised to know that in addition to red watermelon, varieties such as yellow watermelon and orange watermelon also exist.

Pixabay

• Yellow watermelon: Yellow watermelon looks almost identical to a traditional red watermelon on the outside, but cutting it open reveals bright golden flesh. It gets its color from natural pigments called carotenoids and tastes slightly sweeter than red watermelon.
• Orange watermelon: Orange watermelon is less common. Its flesh ranges from peach to deep orange and has a sweet, tropical flavor that some compare to cantaloupe or mango.
• Red watermelon: Red watermelon gets its color from lycopene, the same antioxidant found in tomatoes. It has the classic sweet, refreshing watermelon flavor most people are used to and is the variety most commonly sold in grocery stores.

How to Cut a Watermelon Knowing how to cut a watermelon is actually quite simple, and cutting a watermelon into traditional wedges is one of the easiest methods of all.

Rodion Kutsaiev

Once you've picked the perfect watermelon, the next challenge is figuring out how to cut a watermelon without making a huge mess. The good news is there isn't just one right way to do it—it all depends on how you plan to serve it.

• Traditional wedges: The classic triangle slices are perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, and pool parties. Simply cut the watermelon in half, place each half cut-side down, and slice into evenly sized wedges.
• Bite-sized cubes: For fruit salads, lunch boxes, or snacking, cubes are often the easiest option. Slice the watermelon into thick rounds, remove the rind, then cut the flesh into even cubes.
• Watermelon sticks: One of the easiest ways to serve watermelon—especially for kids—is to cut it into sticks. This creates a natural "handle" that's less messy than traditional slices and easy to grab on the go.
• Cookie cutter shapes: Hosting a summer party? After slicing the watermelon into thick rounds, use cookie cutters to create fun stars, hearts, flowers, or other festive shapes. They're perfect for holiday gatherings, baby showers, or fruit platters.

Tip! No matter how you slice it, be sure to wash the outside of the watermelon before cutting. While you don't eat the rind, your knife passes through it, and washing the surface first helps reduce the chance of transferring bacteria to the fruit inside.

Frequently Asked Questions National Watermelon Day is a fun way to celebrate summer's favorite fruit.

Foundry Co

How Long Does Watermelon Last?

A whole watermelon can typically be kept at room temperature for about one to two weeks; however, a cut watermelon should always be stored in the refrigerator and be eaten within three to five days while the texture is still crisp and juicy.

Can You Eat Watermelon Seeds?

Yes—black, brown, and white watermelon seeds are all safe to eat.

Is Watermelon a Fruit?

Yes—watermelon is a fruit. Watermelon develops from the flower of the watermelon plant and contains seeds, which is why it’s classified as a fruit.

Which Watermelon is Sweetest?

Sweetness varies depending on the variety and growing conditions, but many people find that yellow and orange watermelons taste slightly sweeter than traditional red varieties. No matter the color, choosing a ripe watermelon is still the biggest factor in getting great flavor.

Does watermelon make you poop?

For some people, yes. Watermelon contains a high percentage of water and a small amount of fiber—both of which can help support healthy digestion. Eating large amounts may cause stomach pain or loose stools.

Can you freeze watermelon?

Yes. Watermelon freezes well. Cut it into cubes, freeze the pieces on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Yes, dogs can eat small, bite-sized pieces of watermelon in moderation. Remove the seeds and rind first—the rind is tough to digest and can cause stomach upset or even intestinal blockages if eaten in large pieces.

Can cats eat watermelon?

Cats can eat small amounts of watermelon, although avoid giving cats the rind or large seeds.

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One beautiful piece of furniture can completely change the tempo of your living space. Sofas in particular can have that effect because they enhance comfort and give people even more reason to relax for a while. When room is at a premium, though, finding something that's both functional and practical for the space can be a challenge.

A loveseat is one of the best solutions, whether you want to make the most of your room's real estate or you just want something to fill an empty space anywhere in the home. The Yaheetech Corduroy Loveseat opens up a world of seating possibilities, fitting comfortably into even the most unexpected spaces. Normally $130 at Walmart, it's on sale in dark gray for only $90 right now.

Yaheetech Corduroy Loveseat, From $90 (was $130) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Coming in at 39 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 33.5 inches tall, it's compact enough to slide into snug spots like the corner of a room or a reading nook. At the same time, it makes a classy addition to a living area that could benefit from some extra seating. You could even use it as an anchor piece to tie the entire layout together.

Corduroy has had something of a design revival in recent years, too. The ribbed texture evokes the warm and cozy vibe that defines farmhouse and cozy cabin aesthetics, and it can fit in nicely whether your vibe leans more rustic or warm. On this couch, the rich material is paired with plump foam cushioning to ensure maximum comfort inside and out.

While it evokes that conventionally homey feel, this loveseat is equally modern thanks to its clean, armless design. It's also equipped with USB-A and USB-C ports, so you can simply plug in your device, sit back, and get to work without getting up. That's especially convenient in larger rooms or spaces where an outlet may not be situated near the loveseat.

It's sturdy, too, with rubberwood legs that together support up to 600 pounds. Each leg also comes fitted with a protective foot pad, so you can easily set it anywhere from tile to hardwood. One shopper shared that it's "comfortable and the perfect size," while another reviewer said that the overall look was "very cute."

Related: Walmart’s Retro Arched Bookcase Has the Prettiest Scalloped Cabinet Doors

No matter where you intend to place it, the Yaheetech Corduroy Loveseat will add an inherently lived-in touch to any room while also providing some tech-forward convenience to make life simpler. At this price, it's a great option that will easily elevate your home's style and comfort.

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.

Few guitarists have left fingerprints on as many classic rock recordings as Les Dudek, even if his name isn't always the first one fans remember.

The American guitarist, singer and songwriter turns 74 on Aug. 2 after a career that has included collaborations with the Allman Brothers Band, Steve Miller Band, Stevie Nicks, Cher, Boz Scaggs and many more. Along the way, he also built a respected solo career while earning a reputation as one of rock's premier session musicians.

On his official website, Dudek is described as a "Guitar Legend" whose playing has "influenced the history of Rock 'n' Roll." While the title may sound lofty, it's backed by an extraordinary résumé spanning more than five decades.

Les Dudek Shape Two of the Allman Brothers' Biggest Songs

Dudek's breakthrough came in 1973 when his growing reputation landed him in the studio with the Allman Brothers Band during the recording of Brothers and Sisters.

He played the memorable dual guitar harmonies alongside Dickey Betts on "Ramblin' Man," the band's biggest hit, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and also contributed acoustic guitar to the instrumental classic "Jessica," which also charted on the Hot 100. Dudek later said an interview with Rock Star Confessions that he even wrote the section of "Jessica" where the song modulates into G before returning to A.

Reflecting on that era during the interview, Dudek noted that the Allman Brothers were among the pioneers of what became known as Southern rock.

"I think what it was was it was like they were the first band to get a really big hit, which was the one I played on, 'Ramblin' Man,'" he said. "Before even Lynyrd Skynyrd."

Dudek Also Almost Became a Founding Member of Journey

One of the more remarkable "what if?" stories in rock history also belongs to Dudek.

In a 2024 interview with Guitar World, he revealed he briefly rehearsed with the musicians who would become Journey, playing alongside Neal Schon, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory and Aynsley Dunbar before the band had even hired Steve Perry.

"I was actually one of the founding members of Journey for about two hours," Dudek joked.

The story took an unexpected turn when he left rehearsal for a scheduled meeting with Columbia Records. There, executives immediately offered him a solo recording contract.

"It's like the best Cinderella story ever told in the music business," Dudek recalled. "I went from not knowing how I was going to pay my rent to having to decide: Do I go with Journey or a solo deal with Columbia?"

Dudek chose the solo career, releasing four albums for Columbia while continuing to lend his distinctive guitar work to records by a myriad of famous artists. He later co-wrote songs for both Nicks and Miller, further cementing his reputation as one of rock's most in-demand collaborators.

Related: Last Surviving Original Member of Legendary '70s Rock Band Turns 82

There’s never been a better way to cool off this summer. 

Ice cream fans are getting a sweet surprise, as a beloved U.K. frozen treat has made its way to Costco for the first time ever.

The warehouse giant has stocked its shelves with the popular Magnum Twistpop Triple Berry Frozen Confection Pops, allowing shoppers a chance to try one of the brand’s favorite treats without traveling overseas. 

Reported by Instagram influencer Markie_Devo, the Twistpop Triple Berry was spotted at Costco, featuring a spiral shape that combines three flavors berry flavors—raspberry, blueberry and blackcurrant.

View this post on Instagram

The 15-pack is made with real fruit and contains no artificial dyes, which is a big win for parents looking for a better-for-you option for their kids this summer. Prices range from $8.99 to $9.29, depending on location.

Fans were thrilled to see the items appearing on shelves, as one wrote, “Finally 😭,” while another added, “Bring on more UK products to the US!!! Let’s go!!”

The treat is inspired by the Walls Twister Ice Lolly, which launched in 1982, combining fruit ice and smooth dairy ice cream, with a blend of pineapple, strawberry, and lemon flavors in one recognizable shape.

In the U.K., the Berry-licious version naturally colors your tongue, though I’ve yet to see reports of the U.S. version having that same effect just yet. Here's hoping!

The limited-time offering is already drawing attention from shoppers looking to stock their freezers with something new, tasty, and lighter—each popsicle has just 70 calories—making it a fun pick for kids as summer winds down.

Instagram account CostcoBuys also spotted the frozen treat, calling it “a grown up upgrade on the classic twisty pop.”

View this post on Instagram

As is the case with many Costco finds, availability may be limited and vary by location, so you’ll want to act quickly if you spot the treat in the freezer section. 

Though if these have the same success as Percy Pig’s arrival at Target, they may just become a permanent fixture on this side of the pond.

Related: Beloved U.K. Candy Coming to Target Stores for the First Time Ever

The Magnum Ice Cream Company first brought its signature cracking chocolate to the U.S. in 2011, and now offers a full range of chocolate indulgence.

Not every TikTok trend is about the latest dance or viral recipe. Some are shining a spotlight on centuries-old traditions that risk fading away—and viewers can't seem to get enough.

Across the platform, creators are introducing millions of people to "endangered crafts," showcasing everything from hand weaving and pottery to glassblowing and wood carving. By sharing the time, skill and artistry behind these handmade techniques, they're helping preserve cultural traditions while inspiring a new generation to appreciate the craftsmanship behind them.

@sb.monhollon

I never knew her, but my great grandmother Esther was a weaver too. And now her great great granddaughters play under the loom while I treadle away, just like her son did when he was little. Something about that always feels like magic. ✨

♬ Frolic - Jake Xerxes Fussell What Is the 'Endangered Crafts' Trend on TikTok?

The trend centers around creators documenting traditional craft techniques that have been passed down through generations but have become less common in today's mass-produced world. Rather than simply showing the finished product, many videos walk viewers through each step of the process, giving followers a behind-the-scenes look at the patience and precision required to create handmade pieces.

@glassman.poopoo

I created a jellyfish 🪼๋࣭✧˖° I always enjoy working with pink𓈒⟡₊⋆ @Swatch #glassblowing #吹きガラス #Swatch #jellyfish

♬ Booty on the Breakdown - Moyjo

One popular video from creator @spillthedirtflowertruck shows how a handcrafted Buxos pot is made using the traditional three-pull pottery technique. 

@spillthedirtflowertruck

Watch how a handcrafted Buxus pot is shaped using True craftsmanship takes years to master. the traditional three-pull pottery technique, a skill passed down through generations of master potters. #Pottery #Ceramics #Handmade #Craftsmanship #ArtisanMade

♬ original sound - spillthedirtflowertruck

Meanwhile, creators like @kylewilliamdesign regularly share the stories, history and techniques behind age-old crafts, helping make these specialized skills feel accessible to modern audiences.

@kylewilliamdesign

Let’s learn ancient crafts to counter brain rot. Starting with beading!! . Beading is over 100,000 years old and developed independently across cultures and continents. . This is a very basic introduction, there are so many more techniques and skills to learn, but learning by doing is the best teacher! . Can’t wait to see what you guys create! . . #diy #craft #history #beading #beads

♬ Debussy Arabesque - Isabelle Perrin Why So Many People Are Connecting With the Endangered Crafts Trend

Part of the appeal is simply watching talented artisans at work, but the videos also offer something that's becoming increasingly rare: a glimpse into slow, intentional craftsmanship. Instead of emphasizing speed or convenience, these creators celebrate the time and care that go into making something by hand.

@thinkingues

櫻桃木有多香 | 用木頭來雕刻一隻小熊 #WoodCarving #FigureMaking #WoodworkProcess #CuteFigure #雕刻過程

♬ funk funky funk jazz(1447997) - Guitar House

Communities built around hashtags like #TraditionalCraft, #Handmade,#Basketweaving and #Woodworking have become gathering places for people eager to learn about traditional techniques, discover artisans from around the world and celebrate the cultural stories behind handmade work. 

What we love most about the "endangered crafts" trend on TikTok is that it’s proving even centuries-old traditions can find new life online. And for many artisans, every new view, comment and share helps ensure these age-old skills continue to be appreciated for generations to come.