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With shorter days, cooler temperatures, and rainy weather, fall is the perfect season to stay in, cuddle up on the couch, and watch some feel-good movies. Of course, no movie night is complete without a cozy throw blanket and your favorite snacks and drinks. The only downside is that it can be difficult to do anything with your arms once they’re snug and warm under the blanket. However, there’s an innovative solution: a blanket hoodie. Offering the practicality of a sweatshirt with the comfort and warmth of a throw, it’s a must-have for the fall and winter seasons. 

If you’re looking to get yourself one, check out this Bedsure Wearable Blanket Hoodie that’s currently on sale for a limited time at Amazon. It normally retails between $25 and $37, but it’s now marked down to as low as $22. Prices vary slightly depending on size and style, but all the standard-size hoodies are under $30, and all the oversize versions are $32. This blanket hoodie is available in nine colors, including gray, charcoal, dark purple, dark red, lavender, light green, navy blue, sky blue, and pink. 

Bedsure Wearable Blanket Hoodie, From $22 (was $25) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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For size reference, the standard size is recommended for people between 5 feet 3 inches tall and 5 feet 7 inches tall, while the oversized style is recommended for those between 5 feet 11 inches and above. If you aren’t in either of those ranges, you could go either way. 

Made of 100% polyester, this blanket hoodie features plush sherpa fabric inside and out. Sherpa is vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great alternative to shearling. It mimics the same soft and fluffy feel as the real deal, offering luxurious comfort without the high price tag. 

Whether you run cold or simply don’t want to run up your electric bill, just throw on this wearable blanket to keep you warm. Shoppers noted that it does a fabulous job of shielding the cold air. A reviewer even mentioned that it kept them warm in 30-degree weather!

Designed for convenience, this wearable blanket is built like a classic hoodie. It features practical sleeves so you can still get everything done while having a comforting layer draped over you. You’ll be able to eat and drink while watching TV, cleaning the house, or working from your desk, keeping your entire upper body warm while doing so. You could even throw it on for road trips, sporting events, and camping. 

Bedsure Wearable Blanket Hoodie, From $22 (was $25) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This blanket hoodie is fitted with two deep side pockets, where you can stash anything from your phone to your snacks. The pockets are also roomy enough to fit your hands so you can tuck them in when they get a little chilly. The cuffs are ribbed, ensuring a snug fit to prevent the sleeves from falling and to keep cold air out. For additional warmth, this wearable blanket has a spacious hood that you can easily pop on to keep your head and ears toasty. 

It’s no surprise that this wearable blanket racked up over 1,200 five-star ratings at Amazon. One reviewer called this blanket hoodie a “cozy cloud cocoon” and “the best cuddle companion ever.” The same reviewer also said that it feels like “wearing a warm hug.” A second customer commented that it’s “incredibly cozy and perfect for staying warm around the house.” 

Whenever you need to give this piece a refresh, just toss it into the washing machine. Shoppers mentioned that they washed it on a delicate cycle and dried it on low heat, and it came out perfectly fine. Reviewers noted that it held up great after multiple cycles, and some even commented that it came out even cozier than when they put it in. 

Shop More Cozy Deals 

• Pandaplay 6-Pairs of Fuzzy Socks, From $10 (was $13) at Amazon
• Everfoams Fuzzy House Slippers, From $14 (were $36) at Amazon
• Ofeefan 2-Piece Ribbed Lounge Set, From $20 (was $40) at Amazon

Related: Amazon’s ‘Soft and Cozy’ $15 Oversized Ghost Sweatshirt Is ‘Perfect for Spooky Season’

From rainy days on the couch to chilly nights watching baseball, stay cozy wherever you are with the Bedsure Wearable Blanket Hoodie. Head to Amazon and snag it while it’s still on sale for as low as $22. Be sure to hurry because it’ll only be available at this fantastic price for a limited time! 

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When most of us think of a theme park vacation, the mental picture usually involves waking up at dawn to fight for virtual ride queues, navigating packed midways shoulder-to-shoulder, and standing in 90-minute lines under the baking sun.

Now, a massive new destination in Mexico is trying to rewrite that playbook from the ground up.

Grupo Vidanta has officially announced that VidantaWorld’s Beauty of Nature (BON) Luxury Theme Park will begin welcoming its very first guests on October 24, 2026. Billed as the world’s first luxury theme park, the $1.5 billion development is located in Vallarta–Nuevo Nayarit along Mexico’s Pacific coast. It will kick off with an exclusive soft opening for resort guests ahead of its grand public debut in April 2027.

Related: The 10 Most Anticipated Theme Park Launches of 2026

Redefining Luxury on the Midway

Bon

The guiding idea behind BON is that true luxury isn’t just about high-end amenities—it’s about having time, space, and breathing room.

Instead of admitting tens of thousands of visitors each day, the park operates exclusively in the evenings, Tuesday through Saturday, with strictly capped nightly attendance. The goal is an uncrowded atmosphere where multi-generational families—grandparents, parents, and kids—can stroll leisurely, grab a cocktail, and experience top-tier attractions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Rather than licensing existing movie franchises or comic book characters, BON built its own storytelling universe from scratch. The park’s design draws inspiration from Mexico’s rich mythology and natural landscapes, weaving living jungles, tranquil waterways, and glowing night gardens directly into the attractions.

“We set out to create the world’s first luxury theme park and rethink what a theme park experience could be,” said Ivan Chávez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta. “BON brings together the excitement and imagination of a world-class theme park with the space, comfort, service and hospitality of a luxury destination. We want children, parents and grandparents to each find something extraordinary here—and to enjoy it together.”

Related: 10 New Dark Rides Theme Park Fans Should Be Excited About in 2026

Thrill Rides, Lagoon Spectacles, and Cirque du Soleil

Bon

When fully complete across seven themed worlds, BON will house more than 20 attractions and experiences. For the October 24 soft opening, five of those worlds will be open for discovery: Laguna Feliz, Celebration Lagoon, Crystal Star Plaza, Discovery Jungle, and Adventure Valley.

To make sure the rides deliver genuine excitement, Vidanta tapped the world’s premier roller coaster and ride manufacturers—including Vekoma, Intamin, and Mack Rides.

Adrenaline seekers will find The Rise of Soluma, an inverted suspended coaster flying beneath the rail at 54 km/h through the dense canopy of Discovery Jungle, and Floresta Drop, an Intamin drop tower that lifts riders 40 meters above the treeline before a breathtaking plunge. Families can take a spin on Time Quest in Adventure Valley, or gather around Celebration Lagoon at night when The Crater erupts into an illuminated show of water, fire, and dancing fountains.

Live entertainment also takes center stage via Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ. Housed in a custom-designed resident theater within the park, the production blends breathtaking acrobatics with visual storytelling and curated dining, giving guests a full theatrical evening out without leaving the grounds.

If you’ve ever wished for a theme park that prioritizes relaxed strolls, craft dining, and open space as much as world-class coaster drops, BON is setting up to be one of the most intriguing travel openings to watch heading into 2027.

Related: Plans for the World’s First ‘Luxury’ Theme Park Have Been Revealed

“Reach Out I’ll Be There” is a hit 1966 soul song from The Four Tops. It was written by the famous songwriting team Holland–Dozier–Holland. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for two weeks. It was also number one on the Rhythm & Blues chart for two weeks. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

According to SongFacts, Lamont Dozier revealed the inspiration behind the song. “Brian, Eddie and I often had discussions about what women really want most of all from a man,” he said. “And after talking about some of our experiences with women, we all three agreed that they wanted someone to be there for them, through thick or thin, and be there at their beck and call! Thus, this song was born.”

In an interview with SongFacts, Dozier also spoke about how the songs that he created weren’t always easy to perform. “We were on a show, and BeBe Winans had to sing ‘Reach Out.’ He had the hardest time singing it because it was switching keys and going to different places. He said singing it was a b-tch. But he finally got it. Some of those songs are awkward to sing, and you have to be a great singer to sell it.”

Even though Dozier created several huge hits for major artists, he never learned to read or write music. “I was too busy,” he admitted. “I told people I was too busy writing hits. Back in the ’60s, when all of the work was coming out, and I had so many projects and so many artists to work with, there was no time to write the music, so we had other people translate what I did on the piano.” He continued, “It was just what I felt and what I heard in my head, and what I played and practiced. Working on a piano, you come across these chords, not knowing the names of them. You just like the sound of them.”

Related: 1962 Song From a Son to His Father, Performed by a 17-Year-Old on ‘The Donna Reed Show’, Became a Radio Hit

The Four Tops produced several other hit songs, including “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” “When She Was My Girl,” and “Baby I Need Your Loving.” The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

The VMA legacy tribute to George Michael brought an undeniable wave of 1980s nostalgia, reminding music fans everywhere of the sheer genius we lost in 2016 upon his death at age 53.

While artists such as Sombr, Adam Lambert, Raye, and Teddy Swims honored his chart-topping hits and legendary stage presence, the most important chapter of Michael’s rise didn’t happen after superstardom. It unfolded behind closed studio doors, where the artist found himself in a high-stakes battle over his signature song, “Careless Whisper.”

By 1983, Michael was already a household name in the UK as one-half of Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley. But he was fiercely determined to be taken seriously as a songwriter.

Smooth Radio excerpted Michael’s recollection about the song, as written in his autobiography Bare. “I was on my way to DJ at the Bel Air when I wrote ‘Careless Whisper’. I have always written on buses, trains, and in cars. It always happens on journeys.”

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“With ‘Careless Whisper’ I remember EXACTLY where it first came to me, where I came up with the sax line. I can remember very vaguely where I was when I wrote things after Wham! got off the ground, but with ‘Careless Whisper’ I remember exactly the time and place,” he continued.

“I know it sounds really weird and a kind of romantic thing to say, but I remember exactly where it happened, where I was sitting on the bus, how I continued and everything. I remember I was handing the money over to the guy on the bus and I got this line, the sax line: der-der-der-der, der-der-der-der,” Michael added.

“Then he moved away and I continued writing it in my head. I wrote it totally in my head. I worked on it for about three months,” the songwriter concluded.

Engineer Chris Porter recalled to Sound on Sound that Michael and Ridgeley went to Muscle Shoals [in Alabama] to work with producer Jerry Wexler on their second LP, Make It Big. However, after the session, Michael was reportedly very unhappy with the recording of “Careless Whisper” and didn’t want to release it.

Michael then decided to re-record and produce the song himself. That version ended up being the version that was released.

“A few weeks later, I got a call telling me George wasn’t happy with ‘Careless Whisper’ and wanted to know if I’d help him re-record it. Of course, I could, so we went back into Studio 2 at Sarm and worked on that track with a live rhythm section,” Porter said.

“It took quite a long time to make, and we went through 11 sax players to find one [Steve Gregory] who could get the solo’s main phrase done in one breath,” he continued. The song was released as Michael’s first solo single in late 1994, even though he was still a member of Wham!.

The song hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, where it held the top spot for three weeks, in February 1985. “Careless Whisper” lingered on the charts for 22 weeks total.

The star-studded tribute honored the pop icon ahead of a major milestone: the upcoming 40th anniversary of his iconic 1987 solo debut, Faith. It also sets the stage for The Faith Tour live album, dropping on Nov. 6, and the feature-length concert film George Michael: The Faith Tour, which hits theaters on Dec. 11.

Related: One of the Greatest Love Songs of All Time Came From This Electrifying ’80s Pairing

Cheez-It is giving its iconic baked cracker a trendy upgrade this October.

The beloved baked cheese cracker brand made a name for itself with the original, later expanding to include longtime favorites like TK TK and TK, and has since grown to offer more inclusive options, such as the gluten-free version it released earlier this year, as well as bolder formats like Cheez-It Grooves. Now, fans are getting another all-new type of the original cracker.

Cheez-It has been watching the protein trend from afar (and joking about it online), but now the company is tapping into it firsthand, launching an all-new cracker line with more than double the protein of the original.

Cheez-It Debuts New Protein Cracker—Here’s Everything We Know

The new Cheez-It Protein is made with 100 percent real cheese, baked into bite-sized goodness, just like the original, and packs 7 grams of protein per serving (nearly double the OG, which has about 3 grams per serving).

Related: Cheez-It and Club Crackers Are Getting a ‘Major Upgrade’—Here’s What’s Changing

While the full ingredient list and nutrition facts were not immediately available, the brand promises its new protein-forward version still features the same “bold, cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch” that fans know and love—now just with more protein.

According to an official statement shared with Parade, the new Cheez-It Protein crackers are coming as a permanent addition but only in the Original flavor (at least for now). Shoppers nationwide should keep an eye out for its iconic red box with “PROTEIN” across the front at their go-to Cheez-It retailers beginning this October (prices may vary).

Next: Goldfish’s New Cracker Collection Is a First for the Brand—And It’s Starring 2 Classic Flavors

Another Big Brother season has almost reached its conclusion. And yet again, the unexpected has reigned supreme.

Through 12 weeks, we’ve had massive fights, shocking vote flips, and even a giant egg. And, at the end of it all, only three remain in the hunt for $750,000. Drew Campbell, Rick Devens and Taylor Brown. The sole remaining icon, the underdog with her back against the wall from the very first week, and the middleman who became the arbiter of many people’s fates. All that remains is a final HoH competition, one last decision, and a life-changing jury vote that will give their summer-long “time trip” a happy ending.

And, for the first time in a long time, the field feels more wide-open than ever, especially going into the show’s final episode. Considering the unknown of the jury dynamics, and the weight of the Final Three HoH, there’s a fair chance even our third-ranked player will walk out of the house to confetti. That said, ahead of the 90-minute Oct. 1 finale on CBS, and after watching every episode, here are our predictions as to who will win Big Brother 28.

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Who will win Big Brother 28? 3. Taylor Brown Taylor Brown on ‘Big Brother 28’

Evan Mulling/CBS

First off, I want to make one thing incredibly clear: Taylor Brown did not sleep her way through the game. Rather, it’s her game that feels rather slept on from a fans’ perspective. Since the first few days of the season, when she was thrown up on the block, Taylor was clearly an outsider, especially as an icon-led majority kept her out of power. That’s not to say she didn’t have her hand in things, however, especially when her close allies LaTrice “Lala” Verrett and Yash Patel won HoH. Yes, Taylor has won the fewest competitions of the Final Three. But she won when she needed to, earning safety while up on the block in the Week 4 Veto, a crucial Final Four HoH, and now Part 1 of the final HoH competition.

Indeed, with Taylor guaranteed to compete in Part 3, she stands a good chance of winning the final competition of the season. From there, the move is obvious: Cut Devens and take Drew to the Final 2. On paper, this should be a game-clinching move, single-handedly booting the biggest threat of the season. And, while that would certainly help her chances with the jury, it still would be an uphill battle against Drew. Right now, she’s locked in to get Lala’s vote, and assumingly Yash and Barrett Pfeiffer’s. But unless one of the icons and/or Melody Morris decide to flip away from one of their closest allies, it looks like Taylor is ending her season the way she started it: As the underdog.

Related: ‘Big Brother 28′ Shifts Schedule and Cancels Episode Ahead of Finale — Here’s When to Watch

2. Drew Campbell Drew Campbell on ‘Big Brother 28’

Evan Mulling/CBS

At this point, Drew is near-guaranteed to be addressing the jury on Thursday. Both Devens and Taylor will assuredly be taking him to the end, so even though he lost both parts of the final HoH competition, he is also the most locked-in safe. Now, that said, there’s a scenario that will very clearly net him second place. If Devens wins the final HoH and takes him, it will be over before it even begins. Not only is the Survivor icon able to speak to both his dominance and fortitude when his back is against the wall, but, between Lala, Barrett, Yash and Dee Valladares, he’s responsible for their eliminations, oftentimes breaking promises to do so.

That said, if Devens loses the final HoH, things become much better for Drew. It is true that his betrayals and “weasel”-like perception will not earn him the votes of people like Lala and perhaps Barrett. But, despite their reluctance in trusting him in the house, Dee, Melody, and Angela Murray have had very positive things to say about Drew on the way out, cherishing the relationships he made with them. Considering how tight he and Devens are — and the fact Drew has no vote to evict at the Final Three — it would be tough to imagine his father figure doesn’t vote for him there. If Taylor wins the final HoH, Drew may find himself in rarified air: Getting taken to the Final Two, missing out on the biggest move of the season, but still taking home the win anyway.

Related: ‘Big Brother 28’s Melody Morris Says Aligning With Drew ‘Hurt More Than It Helped’ (Exclusive)

1. Rick Devens Rick Devens on ‘Big Brother 28’

Evan Mulling/CBS

It’s a situation Devens has faced many times before, not only in Big Brother 28, but across his entire reality TV career. Win, or go home. All the way back in 2019, during his first Survivor season, he wasn’t able to finish the job, going out one day shy of an almost-guaranteed million dollars. And, as the game began to turn in the jury phase against the icons, Devens found himself in that do-or-die mode once again. But, as is requisite for the icon at this point, he found a way to find a way. And now he sits one competition away from finally rewriting his reality TV history.

Look, we don’t need to do the math on this. If Devens wins the final HoH, he takes home the win against anyone. Unless there is a massive anti-icon bias on the jury, the fact he was able to get to the end despite being a target for so long is something the majority would laud. The biggest intrigue coming into the entire finale is if he’ll actually be able to win this one last clutch competition. If not, it will be yet another devastating headline for the former newscaster.

Related: Dee Valladares Reveals the Real Reason She Could Never Cut Devens on ‘Big Brother 28’ (Exclusive)

From 2000 to 2007, the series Gilmore Girls followed the lives of super close mom-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory Gilmore (Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel) and their friends in Stars Hollow, Connecticut. And while seven seasons—and a four-part revival—covered a lot of ground with storylines about breakups, makeups, love, and loss, there was one arc that fans could not wrap their heads around.

In a new interview with People magazine, Graham, 59, revealed that while she was “always so amazed by the scripts,” Lorelai and Rory’s months-long estrangement did not resonate with fans, which began at the end of Season 5 in 2005 and continued well into Season 6. The feud lasted a shocking 10 episodes in which the two didn’t speak to one another.

“There was that season when Rory and Lorelai were in a fight, and I would hear from people, ‘We don’t like that. It’s going on for so long,’” Graham shared. “But when you do a long-running TV show, you have to have conflict. It can’t all be walking around the gazebo. We got to have some drama.”

The feud took place when Rory dropped out of Yale and moved in with her wealthy grandparents (Kelly Bishop, Edward Herrmann) behind her mother’s back.

Graham previously spoke about the story arc during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast.

“There’s a year when Alexis and I — Rory and Lorelai — are in a fight for a long time, and we would talk about it, [to show creator] Amy [Sherman-Palladino],” she shared. “I forget even what the conflict was, but it went on for a while, and that’s the one that I would hear from people that they didn’t like it.”

Decades later, fans still talk about the Gilmore Girls feud on social media.

“I hate when Rory and Lorelai stop talking in season 6,” one fan wrote in a Facebook group. “It makes me so irritated that they are so childish about the situation. Yes, Rory shouldn’t have left Yale and let her life fall apart …but I also get Lorelai not wanting Rory to let everything slip away after what they went through to get her there. Rory needs to grow up and realize her mom just wants the best for her!”

“I hated all of it,” another wrote on Reddit. “I hated how Rory was acting, I hated that Lorelai let her flounder although I’m not sure Rory would have accepted help, I hated how it always felt like their relationship was different after that.”

Despite the fan complaints about the feud plotline, Gilmore Girls remains a beloved series two decades later, with fan rewatches still an annual fall tradition.

Bledel, now 45, told The New York Times she is “grateful” for the loyalty from fans.

“I appreciate fans sticking with us as we evolved and grew within our roles,” the Gilmore Girls star said. “Teen angst is also timeless. Single mom life, romantic scenes, multigenerational family drama. I think that’s what keeps people coming back.”

Related: 1971 Carole King Song Got an Iconic Second Life as a Duet Recorded in a Laundry Room

Two giant pandas have officially arrived at their new home in the U.S. and they’re already making quite the entrance.

Ping Ping, a 6-year-old male, and Fu Shuang (pronounced Foo Shwong), a 5-year-old female, landed at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Sunday, September 27, after traveling more than 8,000 miles from Chengdu, China.

The pair arrived aboard a specially designated FedEx Boeing 777 dubbed the “FedEx Panda Express” before being transported to Zoo Atlanta under police escort.

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Their arrival marks a new chapter for the Georgia zoo, which returned its previous pandas to China in 2024. Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta, called the arrival a “historic moment” for the city of Atlanta.

“We are elated to welcome Ping Ping and Fu Shuang and could not be more excited about sharing that joy with our Members, guests, city, and community in the coming weeks,” King said. “Zoo Atlanta is honored to partner with the China Wildlife Conservation Association to see important work continue toward the conservation of giant pandas, which is the most important benefit of guarding this species.”

Visitors wanting to sneak a peek of the adorable duo will have to wait a little longer to meet the zoo’s newest residents. The pandas will spend approximately one month in quarantine inside a biosecure area of Zoo Atlanta’s new giant panda complex before making their public debut.

The pair’s arrival is part of a new agreement between Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation Association, with the pandas expected to help support conservation efforts and breeding programs for the vulnerable species.

According to China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ping Ping, whose name means “peace,” was born on March 17, 2020 and shares the same name as the first panda ever gifted to the Soviet Union in 1957. The 6-year-old male panda is described as having dark circles around the eyes, “a sturdy build, and is very good at climbing trees.”

Fu Shuang, whose name translates to “double blessings,” was born seven months later, has a distinctive tuft of fur on the top of her head, and a strong ability to forage.

“The combination of “Pingping” (平平, meaning peace) and “Fushuang” (福双, meaning good fortune) conveys best wishes,” a release from the administration read.

Nestled in a valley between the Catskills and Adirondacks in central New York, there’s a destination so idyllic that it feels like something out of a movie.

Best known as home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown boasts a sparkling lakefront, a grand historic hotel, a championship golf course and a vibrant arts scene—as well as world-class museums, restaurants and attractions, all within an easy stroll (or seasonal trolley ride) of its charming downtown. It’s the kind of place with something for everyone: sports fans, book lovers, history buffs, theatergoers and foodies — and everything feels incredibly accessible and well-planned.

So when we asked three travel experts to name the best U.S. destination for travelers over 60, it came as no surprise that all three landed on the same answer. Here’s why Cooperstown is the top choice for older travelers seeking an engaging, fulfilling and scenic getaway.

Related: Planning a Multigen Trip? Travel Experts Say These Are the 5 Best Destinations for Every Age

Why Cooperstown Works for Every Generation Seen from Otsego Lake, Kingfisher Tower is an 1876 Gothic Revival stone “folley” designed by famed architect Henry J. Hardenbergh.

Photo credit: ThisIsCooperstown.com

Tourists first began visiting Cooperstown in the mid-19th century, drawn by the scenic beauty of Otsego Lake and the literary fame of resident novelist James Fenimore Cooper, whose father established the town in 1786. By the mid-1800s, the village had become a beloved summertime destination for affluent families, and its popularity only grew with the addition of The Otesaga Resort Hotel in 1909 and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which opened in 1939.

“Cooperstown is classic ‘Main Street U.S.A.’ It’s a quaint, dynamic village with four or five blocks of locally owned shops, a gorgeous lake and plenty for visitors to do and see,” says Jay Smith, President of Sports Travel and Tours, a veteran tour company and National Baseball Hall of Fame Officially Licensed Travel Company that has been planning trips to Cooperstown (and across the world) for decades.

Today, Cooperstown offers many unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Just minutes by car from downtown, the family-owned Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard is home to a working 1856 water-powered cider mill and provides a cozy spot for freshly pressed apple cider, craft beverages and artisanal snacks. Brewery Ommegang serves up Belgian-style beers on a picturesque farmstead, with open-air summer concerts and events throughout the year. The year-round Cooperstown Farmers’ Market draws local vendors selling handmade wares, maple syrup, fresh produce and baked goods, while one-of-a-kind restaurants like Origins Café offer seasonal dining inside a working greenhouse.

“Long before baseball was all the rage in town, Cooperstown and its surrounding region was once the hops capital of North America. I always recommend people follow the Cooperstown Beverage Trail to learn all about its history and importance—and enjoy tasty sips along the way,” says travel advisor Kim Foley MacKinnon, founder of Escape with Kim and an award-winning travel journalist, editor and guidebook author.

Related: We Asked 5 Travel Advisors the Best Hotel Brands for Travelers Over 60—One Kept Coming Up

A Walkable, Accessible Village for Every Traveler Shops and restaurants line Main Street in Cooperstown, New York.

Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

One of the things that makes Cooperstown wonderful is how walkable it is. Founded before the widespread use of cars, the village was designed for walking, and it’s still easy to get around today. With a beautifully preserved Main Street and downtown, the village itself spans just 1.6 square miles, making it simple to stroll between attractions and restaurants. And while several notable spots sit just outside the village limits, everything is only minutes away, whether on foot or by car.

“Once you’re within Cooperstown, you can either walk or take the trolley everywhere. Or if not, it’s a very short drive,” Smith says.

For travelers with accessibility needs, access isn’t an afterthought in Cooperstown—it’s built into the region’s best experiences. The village has partnered with Wheel the World to provide verified accessibility information (complete with photos and measurements) for hotels, attractions, restaurants and more.

And Cooperstown boasts many superb boutique accommodation options close to Main Street. One of the village’s most artistic and interesting historic boutique hotels is The Landmark Inn, says travel advisor Joanne M. Telfer, owner of Singing Mermaid Travels and an independent agent with Dugan’s Travels.

“Cooperstown has an arts scene that surprises people who come expecting only baseball. You can build an entire visit around the Fenimore Art Museum, the Cooperstown Art Association, The Smithy Pioneer Gallery and The Art Garage, with time to explore the village between stops,” Telfer says. “The Landmark Inn feels like a natural part of that itinerary. Set in a house built in 1856, it has a curated collection of contemporary and traditional art by local and well-known artists, bringing Cooperstown’s creative side into the stay itself.”

Related: 12 Dreamy Weekend Getaways from NYC for a Quick Vacation

Baseball’s Hometown: A Must-Visit for Sports Fans The 60,000-square-foot National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the legends of baseball.

Photo credit: The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Widely considered the birthplace of baseball (based on the claim that Abner Doubleday invented the game in Cooperstown in 1839), the village draws an estimated 300,000 visitors each year to its historic Doubleday Field and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Crowds surge each summer for Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, when the annual Parade of Legends carries returning Hall of Famers and new inductees down Main Street.

“The best groups are the ones with three generations traveling together. It’s usually grandpa that’s the biggest fan, and watching a family experiencing joy together and carrying on that love for a team and its players is really special,” Smith says, whose tour company’s most popular trips take place during Induction Weekend each July. “And the parade itself is absolutely spectacular to witness.”

Facilities like Cooperstown Dreams Park and Cooperstown All-Star Village draw thousands of players, families and teams throughout the summer season, and the village is filled with baseball-themed restaurants and shops, including Cooperstown Bat Company, known for its professional-quality wooden bats and personalized memorabilia.

“Cooperstown is a dream for baseball fans. Every shop and restaurant celebrates the game, alongside destinations like Doubleday Field and the Hall of Fame,” Smith says. “For first-time visitors especially, it’s an important, life-changing place. It really hits people’s hearts.”

Related: Travel Advisors Say These Are the 5 Best Off-Season Trips to Take in November and December

A Small Village Rich in Museums and Culture Housed in a 1930s mansion overlooking Otsego Lake, Cooperstown’s Fenimore Art Museum features a comprehensive collection of art in both permanent and seasonal exhibitions.

Photo credit: Fenimore Art Museum

While Cooperstown is a small village with a population of only about 1,800 year-round residents, it has an outsized number of cultural attractions. The village is home to the annual summer Glimmerglass Festival—one of the largest opera festivals in the world—along with world-class art and history museums like the Fenimore Art Museum and Fenimore Farm and Country Village.

“There are a lot of cultural gems in town, including the amazing collection of folk art at the Fenimore Art Museum,” MacKinnon says. “My favorite are the works in the museum’s permanent collection by renowned American self-taught artist Grandma Moses (Anna Mary Robertson Moses).”

There’s no shortage of outdoor leisure activities, either, including boat tours aboard the Glimmerglass Queen, offering the best views of Kingfisher Tower, an 1876 Gothic Revival stone castle designed by famed architect Henry J. Hardenbergh. Railway fans will fall in love with the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad, with seasonal excursion trains that wind through the Susquehanna Valley, perfect for fall leaf-peeping.

“There’s so much to see and do in and around Cooperstown,” says Smith. “It’s a real slice of heaven in the middle of New York State.”

Related: Scribner’s Catskill Lodge Hosts a Weekend Just for Dog People

The Otesaga: A Grand Hotel Steeped in History The Otesaga Resort Hotel’s lakeside Fire Bar is a popular spot at the historic resort, which was built in Cooperstown in 1909.

Photo credit: The Otesaga Resort Hotel

On the shores of glacially formed Otsego Lake, The Otesaga Resort Hotel offers year-round luxury in the heart of Cooperstown. A member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America, the 132-room resort has earned AAA’s coveted Four Diamond designation for the past 26 years, delivering a glamorous lakeside experience complete with multiple restaurants and the award-winning Leatherstocking Golf Course.

“I highly recommend treating yourself to lunch or dinner at Hawkeye Bar & Grill or 1909 at The Otesaga,” Smith says. “The food is incredible, and the lake view is absolutely magnificent. It’s well worth a visit.”

The resort features a spa, heated outdoor pool and seasonal outdoor recreation options that include pickleball, tennis, bicycling and boating in the warmer months and snowshoeing in the winter. A popular favorite is the resort’s lakeside Fire Bar, along with its famous veranda, lined with rocking chairs and offering unforgettable views of Otsego Lake and the surrounding hills.

“Once ensconced at the grand Otesaga, it’s tempting not to leave. Reading a book on the enormous veranda overlooking the lake, you can leave the world behind—for a few hours, at least,” MacKinnon says.

How to Plan Your Trip to Cooperstown The Otesaga Resort Hotel’s veranda features rocking chairs and unbeatable views of Otsego Lake.

Photo credit: The Otesaga Resort Hotel

Work with a travel professional. “Setting the trip up through someone who knows Cooperstown well really helps ensure the best experience,” Smith says.

Plan in advance. “Popular hotels and experiences can book up months ahead, especially in high season,” MacKinnon says.

Stay in town. “A stay close to the village center makes it easier to head out, come back for a break and go out for dinner,” Telfer says.

Consider the shoulder season. “You’ll find more value in late spring and early fall than during the busy summer season,” Smith says.

Keep closures in mind. “Some restaurants and attractions close seasonally, though winter is also beautiful,” MacKinnon says.

Extend your stay. “Stay at least two nights. Give yourself one day for the village and museums and another for exploring,” Telfer says.

Pack layers. “Evenings near the lake can turn cool, even in summer,” MacKinnon says.

Map out how you’ll get there. “The closest airports are in Albany and Syracuse, each about 90 minutes away—but once you’re in Cooperstown, it’s very easy to get around,” says Smith.

Related: Travel Experts Say These Warm-Weather Winter Getaways Require Almost Zero Walking

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If you’re constantly trying to squeeze more shoes into the same closet, it may be time to swap horizontal storage for something that works upward. Walmart’s Tacwily 7-Tier 360-Degree Rotating Shoe Rack is on sale for just $89, down from $169, and its tall, circular design gives you plenty of room for sneakers, heels, and more without taking over your entire closet floor.

The white organizer measures 23.2 inches wide, 23.2 inches deep, and 63 inches tall, with seven tiers that rotate a full 360 degrees so you can spin the rack to find whatever pair you’re looking for. It holds 28 to 35 pairs of shoes, depending on size and style, and the shelves can also hold handbags and hats. 

Tacwily 7-Tier 360-Degree Rotating Shoe Rack, $89 (was $169) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Instead of crouching down and digging behind one pair to reach another, you can rotate the rack until the shoes you want are right in front of you. Every tier stays open and visible, too, so it’s easier to remember what you own when you’re putting together an outfit. And since the organizer goes up instead of spreading out, you’ll have more floor space for other storage.   

One shopper said, “This rotating shoe rack completely changed the look of my closet. It gave everything a cleaner and more elevated feel without taking up too much space.” Another reviewer who fit more than 30 pairs on theirs said, “It saves a lot of space while still holding a surprisingly large number of shoes,” adding that it “feels sturdy and stable even when fully loaded.”   

Related: Walmart Has a Stackable Shoe Rack Set With 12 ‘Sturdy’ Tiers for Taming Back-to-School Footwear Clutter

You can also organize the shelves in whatever way makes your mornings easier. You could keep everyday sneakers and flats on the tiers you reach for most, reserve another section for heels, and give fall ankle boots their own spot. And if you have any handbags laying around, they could fill any extra shelves if you don’t have enough shoes to use all seven tiers, making it an easy way to corral more than one part of your wardrobe. 

Shop More Deals

• Ktaxon 10-Tier Shoe Storage Cabinet, $12 (was $25) at Walmart
• Riousery 6-Tier Stackable Shoe Rack Organizer, $28 (was $86) at Walmart
• Junlin 3-Tier Expandable Metal Shoe Rack, $19 (was $33) at Walmart

With the Tacwily 7-Tier 360-Degree Rotating Shoe Rack down to $89 from $169 at Walmart, now is a good time to give an overflowing shoe collection a more organized home before fall boot season is in full swing. Grab it while the deal is still available and reclaim some of that precious closet floor space.

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The Last Waltz is widely remembered as the single greatest concert film ever made, documenting The Band‘s last live performance.

Yet, almost fifty years ago, as five thousand attendees sat down for Thanksgiving dinner before the show, no one in the crowd realized how close the entire historic night was to falling apart. A series of frantic negotiations and near-disasters behind the scenes almost erased rock history and derailed the Martin Scorsese documentary before it could even be filmed.

What made the night of November 25, 1976, so extraordinary wasn’t just that Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson, and Levon Helm were taking their final bow. It was the sheer scale of the spectacle promoter Bill Graham pulled off at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom.

Five thousand fans filed into the venue, paying just $25 a ticket, and saw chandeliers borrowed from the San Francisco Opera, velvet drapery, and a full sit-down Thanksgiving feast featuring 6,000 pounds of turkey, reported the CBC. On stage, rock royalty ranging from Eric Clapton and Joni Mitchell to Muddy Waters and Van Morrison were there to join the group for a marathon set.

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According to Medium, behind the scenes, the night was on the verge of falling apart. Minutes before Bob Dylan was scheduled to step onstage, he dropped a bombshell in his dressing room, flatly refusing to allow Scorsese’s camera crews to film his set over concerns it would compete with his own upcoming feature project, Renaldo and Clara.

Graham and Scorsese engaged in a frantic, last-second standoff, eventually convincing Dylan to perform. Unforgettable moments like Clapton’s mid-song emergency were caught right on camera. When Clapton’s guitar strap snapped during “Further On Up the Road,” Robertson stepped up to the microphone and took over the solo on the spot while Clapton re-hooked his instrument.

Neil Diamond was invited, to Helm’s chagrin. Robertson produced Diamond’s album, and when Helm heard he would be performing, he said, “What the hell does Neil Diamond have to do with us?”

Offstage, disaster was lurking. Mental Floss reported that, unaware of the setlist change, Scorsese believed the crew was taking a break and ordered all 35mm cameras to shut down just as Waters launched into “Mannish Boy”. Thankfully, cinematographer László Kovács kept his camera rolling, single-handedly saving one of the night’s most celebrated performances from being lost forever.

According to Rolling Stone, “The idea was to simply record the evening for posterity, though the then-35-year-old filmmaker had a few ideas of his own to add to the mix. What he ended up with was the definitive document of these American music scholars, an epitaph to a specific era of rock history, and the single greatest concert movie of all time.”

Five decades after The Band took their final bow, and 48 years since Martin Scorsese’s documentary hit theaters in 1978, The Last Waltz remains in a league of its own. The behind-the-scenes madness, last-minute standoffs, and near-misses have long since passed into rock history, but the sheer magic captured still stands as the gold standard of music documentaries.

Related: 1962 Bob Dylan Love Song Was Inspired by an Unexpected Wake-Up Call at Dawn

Country star Ella Langley has won her first MTV Video Music Award, taking home the Best Country Song honor for her hit track “Choosin’ Texas” at the 2026 MTV VMAs on Sunday.

Langley shared her reaction on Instagram Story after the win, posting a photo of her VMA award with a heartfelt message about the moment.

“First VMA,” Langley wrote along with a teary-eyed emoji.

She added, “Knowing it’s fan voted makes it so much more special, thank you.”

The award marks a major moment for Langley, whose “Choosin’ Texas” has become one of the biggest country crossover hits of 2026.

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony marked the return of the VMAs to the Los Angeles area for the first time since 2017.

Ella Langley’s historic “Choosin’ Texas” run continues. pic.twitter.com/stAZ5BfkIf

— mydzn (@MadelaineDizon) September 28, 2026

Langley was competing in a Best Country Song category that featured a strong group of Nashville artists. Six of the seven nominees in the category were Nashville artists, including Kacey Musgraves for “Dry Spell,” Lainey Wilson for “Somewhere Over Laredo,” Luke Combs for “Back in the Saddle,” Shaboozey for “Cowgirl” and Tucker Wetmore for “Brunette.”

Stella Lefty was also nominated for “Boston.”

Langley’s win adds a major award to the growing list of milestones for “Choosin’ Texas,” which has continued to make history on the Billboard charts.

Before her VMA win, “Choosin’ Texas” had already reached a historic point on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song had spent 23 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the longest-running No. 1 song in the chart’s history. It took the record from Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which had previously held the mark.

The song has also spent 23 weeks at No. 1 on the Streaming Songs chart. On the Digital Song Sales chart, “Choosin’ Texas” is tied for the longest-running No. 1, sharing that distinction with two BTS songs.

The track also reached a new high on the Radio Songs chart, moving from No. 6 to No. 2. It was blocked from the top spot by “Dracula” by Tame Impala and Jennie.

“Choosin’ Texas” is one of two Ella Langley songs to reach the top 10 of the all-genre Radio Songs chart. Her song “Be Her” previously reached No. 10.

Langley also had several other songs on the Radio Songs chart, including “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Loving Life Again” and “Jaded,” her collaboration with Koe Wetzel.

The success of “Choosin’ Texas” has helped make Langley one of the most visible country artists of 2026. The song currently appears on 11 Billboard charts and has reached the top 10 on all but one of them, according to the supplied chart information.

The song also reached No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200.

Per Elle, Langley entered the 2026 MTV VMAs with four nominations, putting her among the ceremony’s notable country and crossover artists.

Her VMA win came during a ceremony that also featured major moments for other music stars. Taylor Swift won Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and received the inaugural VMA Artist Director Honor. Swift also won Best Direction for “Opalite.”

Swift and Langley were among the artists representing Music City during the ceremony.

For Langley, however, the night was especially significant because it gave Langley her first VMA.

With her first MTV Video Music Award now added to her achievements, Langley’s 2026 continues to be defined by major chart success and growing recognition for her country music.

Related: Country Star Ella Langley Cites ‘Dark Humor’ Amid Backlash Over Viral Video

Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher delivered an update regarding the highly anticipated Oasis Live ’27 after all 42 shows sold out.

Following the success of the band’s 2025 comeback tour, the “Wonderwall” hitmakers announced on Sept. 14 that they will embark on a new global trek covering European countries like Ireland, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Italy as well as the U.S.

However, after tickets went on sale on Friday, Sept. 25, it took just three days for the shows to sell out.

The unexpected sellout prompted Liam Gallagher to give fans an update in a cheeky way.

Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher attend the UK Premiere of ‘Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger’ at Cineworld Leicester Square on September 7th, 2026 in London.

Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The Walt Disney Company Limited

“That’s all, folks. We have officially sold out; no more tickets left. Congratulations to everyone who got a ticket and to the people who didn’t sneak in f–k it yolo LG,” he posted on X.

The post also sparked hilarious replies from fans who joked about taking Gallagher’s advice.

That’s all folks we have officially sold out no more tickets left congratulations to everyone who got a ticket and to the people who didn’t sneak in fuck it yolo LG x

— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) September 27, 2026

“If I get asked why I’m sneaking, can I say Liam told me too,” one wrote.

“Liam Gallagher gave me permission to sneak into an Oasis concert. I’m so f–king excited,” a commenter echoed.

The same goes for another X user who said: “LIAM GALLAGHER HIMSELF TOLD ME THAT I CAN SNEAK IN ON THE 26TH I’LL SHOW THIS TWEET TO THE SECURITY AT THE OLYMPICO OK.”

As for others who managed to get tickets, they are looking forward to seeing the band on the upcoming tour.

“Grateful that the stars have aligned for us and some of our best friends to all be at the first night at Knebworth together. Oasis, you are the best band in the universe and 2027 is gonna be BIBLICAL.”

The iconic rock band, composed of lead singers Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher, rhythm guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, lead guitarist Gem Archer and bassist Andy Bell, will kick off the five-month tour in May in Scotland. 

The band will then perform Oasis Live ‘27 in a series of shows in England, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Massachusetts, Las Vegas and Ireland before returning to England in September.

Oasis 2027 Tour Dates:

• May 21, 23, 25, 28, 29 – Glasgow, Scotland @ Celtic Park
• June 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26 – Manchester, England @ Etihad Stadium
• July 2, 3, 6 – Munich, Germany @ Allianz Arena
• July 10, 11 – Barcelona, Spain @ Estadi Olimpico
• July 16, 17 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Johan Cruyff Arena
• July 20, 23 – Paris, France @ Stade de France
• July 26, 29, 30 – Rome, Italy @ Stadio Olimpico
• Aug. 10, 13, 14 – Boston, Mass. @ Gillette Stadium
• Aug. 20, 21, 24 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ Allegiant Stadium
• Sept. 4, 5 – Slane, Republic of Ireland @ Slane Castle
• Sept. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 – Stevenage, England

Related: Rock Legend’s Daughter Reacts to Reunion of Iconic ’90s Band

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As a Millennial born in the mid-‘90s, there are so many toys that shaped my childhood. I was a baby for the Tickle Me Elmo craze that turned big-box stores into battle royale showdowns (my parents did manage to get me one, though). I had the Choosy Baby All Gone that you could “feed” either strawberries or vegetables (the mechanism on the spoon would retract back into the spoon so the “food” disappeared). Also, I was a child when American Girl dolls started to become popular (Samantha was my girl at 6 years old), and I was all in on the Pokémon craze going into the 2000s.

There are some toys that I grew up with that I’d love to “play” with or hold one more time as an adult. For me, that’s my light-up Sailor Moon scepter. But for others, they might want to play with something from their childhood that they can’t even buy from resellers because they were recalled for being dangerous.

One such toy with a small fandom of its own is the Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Kid. Thousands of children got this in the fall of 1996, as well as that Christmas, which makes sense given how popular Cabbage Patch Kids were as a whole. 500,000 of these dolls were sold in the nearly five months they were available to buy in the second half of the 1990s before they were banned.

This particular version was not some niche, forgotten plaything of yesteryear; many people remember this one, especially because of its gimmicky function. As the name suggests, it “chewed” on food that came with it. But it’s now known as a “cannibalistic” Cabbage Patch Kid because of what it “ate” instead. 

But did this Snacktime Kid doll actually chew human children’s fingers and hair as the stories said? Read on for the history of the Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Kid and find out if you can legally buy the recalled toy. 

Related: This 1950s Outdoor Toy Was Responsible for Thousands of Emergency Room Visits, But Stayed on Shelves for 3 Decades

Why Was the Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Kid Recalled in 1997?

Brooks Kraft LLC/Sygma via Getty Images

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a warning on Dec. 31, 1996. This was to alert people that the Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Kid dolls were a hazard because “long hair and fingers” would get “entangled in the doll’s mouth due to its chewing action.” The agency urged people who bought the product to “discard” it.

They announced that new warning labels would be put on toys already on shelves and on any future products. It would notify customers of the fact that the toy had been known to get hair and fingers caught in its mouth. It also made it clear that you can stop the “chewing” action of the doll by “immediately” removing its backpack (it won’t “operate without the backpack in place”).

At the time of this warning, the CPSC reported that this warning was for 700,000 units of the Snacktime Kids dolls, which debuted in August 1996. They also noted that they were aware of 35 incidents that involved kids’ hair or fingers getting caught in the doll’s mouth.

Soon after, on Jan. 6, 1997, the CPSC fully recalled the toy, noting around 500,000 units of sold dolls were impacted. 

According to a New York Times article from Jan. 7, 1997, Mattel pledged to pay customers who bought the Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Kid doll $40 for each doll they returned. The company also stated that they were removing any unsold dolls from toy shelves, effectively banning the toy altogether from any new sales. 

Mattel told the New York Times that testing conducted by them, alongside the CPSC, didn’t “turn up any indication of a safety hazard associated with the dolls.” But again, to satisfy and reassure customers of the “safety and value of our toys,” these precautions were taken, Jill Barad, Mattel’s Chief Operating Officer at the time, said in the CPSC statement. 

This all came after 100 reports of kids’ hair getting stuck in the toy’s mouth, the newspaper stated.

Related: Historian Says This Gaming System Was the ‘Most Iconic’ Invention of the ’90s

The ‘Cannibalistic’ Controversy: Did the Toy Actually Eat Hair? @loveminitoys

Did this unlock a core childhood memory for anyone?! Its the 1996 Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Kid! #loveminitoys #nostalgia #nostalgic #childhood #90s #90skids #90sthrowback #asmr #asmrsounds #viral #toytok #satisfying #oddlysatisfying #fyp #fypシ #fy #fypage #fypシ゚viral #fypdongggggggg #foryou #xyzbca #toy #doll #dolls

♬ original sound – Love Mini Toys

If you want to see this chomping doll in action, the original 1996 commercial for the toy shows how it works (and what it’s supposed to eat). It looked like a regular toddler Cabbage Patch Kid (it had the yarn hair, chubby cheeks and bright clothing), but the doll had a battery-operated jaw that would “chew” the “food” you fed it. 

It came with plastic strips of food such as a fry, a piece of gum, a banana and more. Not only could you put the “food” into the toy’s mouth and it would do a chomping motion, but the item would also move to the back of the mouth and disappear. As you can see in the commercial, it took the banana right out of the plastic peel it was in without the child having to shove it into its moving mouth. All items went through the doll into the backpack on its back, which you could remove (though, as mentioned above, it doesn’t seem like it was super clear at first that this would stop its chewing function).

The New York Times reported that there had been around 100 incidents of kids getting their hair or fingers caught in the Snacktime Kid doll’s mouth. Because it was able to pull plastic food into its mouth without having to manipulate it, it makes sense that the toy would be able to pull any outside item small enough to fit into its jaw inside its mouth—human fingers included. That’s why one YouTuber called the doll “cannibalistic,” and the label stuck. And because of the cogs and mechanism inside the doll, hair was especially hard to get out once it went in.

There were a handful of public reports on this issue as well. One CNN news segment, seen on YouTube, from December 1996 shows a young girl named Sarah Stevens who got her hair stuck up to her scalp by the doll (ironically in a hair salon). The only way they could figure out how to stop it was to take the doll apart. 

And according to The Spokesman-Review in a Jan. 11, 1997 article, the parents of a nine-year-old girl whose hair got caught in the “eating” mechanism of the Snacktime Kid toy filed a $25.5 million lawsuit, naming Mattel and Walmart (where they bought the toy). The lawsuit alleged that the family would “need therapy because of an ‘attack’ on their daughter,” at the hands… or jaw, of the Cabbage Patch doll. They stated that their whole family would “require psychological help for ‘mental and emotional injuries.’” While it doesn’t seem like anything came of the lawsuit, at least not publicly, it’s another example of how people were severely affected by this toy.

Related: 25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1950s

Can You Legally Buy or Sell a Recalled Cabbage Patch Doll?

Under the law, you’re not allowed to resell recalled products online, per the CPSC. 

“The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) laws and regulations apply to any person who sells, offers for sale, manufactures, distributes or imports consumer products in the United States,” they wrote on their website. “Among other things, this includes all consumer products sold online – everything from products sold directly by the original manufacturer or importer, to products sold secondhand by a consumer in an online marketplace.”

So if you’re looking to sell a Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Kid online, “it is illegal to sell any recalled product,” under Section 19 of the Consumer Product Safety Act, per the CPSC. They also have a process to report sales of recalled products on their website. 

Related: 7 Inventions That Failed Spectacularly

How Much Is the Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Kid Worth Today?

With that said, Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kid dolls are alive and well on certain resale websites and can be worth a hefty penny, depending on how good the quality of the doll.

While it is a collector’s item, it can be hard to find due to the fact that eBay doesn’t allow recalled items to be sold on their site, and we couldn’t find any on Etsy either. Poshmark does have several options, though, ranging from $125 to $500. But again, it’s technically illegal, so it’s unclear if there will be any issues if you buy one. 

But if you want to bask in any nostalgia you might have with these chewing toys—maybe you owned one as a kid until your parents confiscated it due to the recall, or you just love the lore behind it—you can still buy the 1996 Feeding Chair ($20 on eBay) that came with this line of Cabbage Patch Kids. It has the Snacktime Kid logo on it and could make for a good, safe—and non-cannibalistic—vintage gift.

Up Next:

Related: In 1979, ‘Star Wars’ Made a Boba Fett Toy Too Dangerous to Sell to Kids—45 Years Later, One Sold for $1.3 Million

Foreigner was known as one of the biggest arena rock bands of the 1970s, but by the mid-80s they had become equally associated with producing power ballads.

Three years after the band found massive success with “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” the 1984 album Agent Provocateur featured another massive power ballad with “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The song became Foreigner’s highest-charting song, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1985.

When the next single, “That Was Yesterday,” was released the following month, it fell in the shadow of the monster hit. While it still reached a respectable No. 12 on Billboard in May 1985, it had the difficult task of following a song that had become a commercial phenomenon.

RELATED: 1977 Foreigner Song Featured a Rare Lead Singer Switch

Written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, “That Was Yesterday” featured powerful electric guitars and keyboards with emotional lyrics about the weight of a breakup. The song solidified the band as masters of the power ballad even though it leaned more into the band’s rock side than “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

Jones spoke about “That was Yesterday” in a Songfacts interview, describing it as “a song about a relationship that failed, which you’re still clinging onto. You still feel that there’s a chance to resurrect it.”

“Some of these songs require really digging down deep, and sometimes they bring out very painful moments that you’ve had,” the Foreigner guitarist added. “A lot of the songs that I’ve written of that kind of emotion, they bring me to tears. They’re painful to recall.”

Foreigner bassist Rick Wills once revealed that the whole band hoped “That Was Yesterday” would become as big as “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

“We’ve got our fingers crossed that this one will do just as well,” he told Record Mirror in 1985. “Well, everyone wanted ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ out as the last single. We weren’t pressured into it by the record company, and it certainly did us no harm. Releasing singles like the last one and ‘That Was Yesterday’ confuses some of our heavy fans who accuse us of selling out, but that’s really short-sighted. One single doesn’t make a band, does it?”

But Gramm didn’t agree with the decision to release “That Was Yesterday” in the shadow of “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

“I always thought our rock songs upheld a tradition of good rock and roll and here we release two ballads in a row,” the singer told The Windsor Star in 1985.

He also confirmed “That Was Yesterday” was really a Mick Jones song.

“That’s more of his song than mine,” Gramm told Baltimore Positive in 1990. “I put in a lot on ‘That Was Yesterday’ and I like that song a lot, but, but that’s really a misconception.”

Gramm’s issues with the multiple power ballads caused tension within Foreigner.

“I clearly wanted to steer away from the sappy ballads,” he told My Global Mind in an interview. “We had ‘Waiting for a Girl,’ that was a huge hit. It’s fine, but ‘I Want to Know What Love Is,’ was the first single off an album after ‘Waiting for a Girl’ and now we had two huge ballads in a row, and then the next single from the next album was ‘I Don’t Want to Live Without You.’ So now there are three big singles from three consecutive albums. Our rock reputation and our rock audience were severely diminished.”

Gramm also noted that songs like “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “That Was Yesterday” crossed over to soft rock radio, and he felt it jeopardized keeping the band’s “rock integrity intact.”

Despite the concerns, more than 40 years after its release, “That Was Yesterday” has outlived the shadow of its predecessor, remaining one of Foreigner’s enduring hits decades later.

Related: 1978 Foreigner Hit Was the ‘Dark Horse’ That Climbed the Billboard Top 15

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Girly kitchen finds have a special talent for making everyday cooking and entertaining feel a whole lot more fun. From bow-adorned accessories to pretty pink gadgets, these playful pieces prove your kitchen doesn’t have to take itself too seriously. And if your servingware could use a little extra personality, T.J. Maxx has a charming find that looks ready to steal the spotlight at your next get-together.

The Tiered Bow Server is exactly the kind of kitschy kitchen piece that makes you want to plan a dessert party just so you have an excuse to use it. The two-tier design gives you plenty of room to show off cookies, cupcakes, brownies, chocolates, fruit or bite-size appetizers, while the oversized bow detail adds a decidedly girly finishing touch.

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Made in India Tiered Bow Server, $24.99 at T.J. Maxx

T.J. Maxx

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And because it’s made of marble, the server has a touch of sophistication mixed in with all that whimsy. The natural look of marble keeps the piece from feeling overly cutesy, while the bow adds a playful, feminine charm that sets it apart from the average cake stand or serving tray.

Related: Cozy Up With Aldi’s $5 Plush Halloween Throws

The tiered shape is also practical for entertaining. Instead of spreading all your treats across one large platter, you can create a more eye-catching display by stacking goodies across the two levels. Put cookies or mini pastries on one tier and chocolates or fruit on the other, or use it for appetizers when you’re hosting before dinner. T.J. Maxx’s kitchen collection includes plenty of other playful serving pieces, too, so it would be easy to build an entire tablescape around the look.

At just under $25, the bow server also has that fun T.J. Maxx vibe—It feels special enough to make an occasion out of without requiring a splurge. And considering comparable marble tiered servers can cost considerably more, the price makes this one particularly tempting for anyone who loves a good entertaining piece.

Whether you’re hosting a birthday brunch, setting up a girls’ night dessert spread or want your afternoon cookies to have a little more flair, this tiered server brings plenty of personality to the table. Because honestly, snacks taste better when they’re served on something with a giant bow.

Related: Target’s $10 Layered Leaf Stoneware Plate Is the Prettiest Addition to Your Fall Table

I have been traveling with just a carry-on and a personal item on most trips for about a decade. I find that packing light makes everything easier–from the journey through the airport, hopping from location to location, and everything in between, I truly think it’s the best way to travel.

One thing that many people feel hesitant about is that their carry-on or personal item will be too heavy, because they’ve packed so much inside. In turn, they fear that there will be issues with actually getting these bags around, especially for those with joint or back problems.

Now, another thing that I know all too well is both of those issues. With a few bulging discs in my low back as well as a chronic hypermobility condition, it’s never a good thing for my body to be lugging around heavy items. There are a few key things that I do to make sure that my body stays as pain free as possible while still packing within a small surface area.

Related: I Traveled the World for 5 Years Out of a Carry-On—This is the Only Way to Pack a Personal Item

Choose a personal item with a luggage sleeve My Antler Carry-On is my go-to personal item to pair with a carry-on.

Melissa Cabey

One of the biggest game-changing purchases I’ve made is choosing a personal item that has a luggage sleeve. For those who are unfamiliar, that is a mechanism that usually attaches to the backside of a tote, backpack, or even large purse. It allows you to slip the bag over top of your luggage’s extendable handle. Then, the bag sits comfortably right on top of your carry-on, allowing the two bags to practically become one.

When I am using a bag that does this, I practically never have to physically carry it on my shoulder or my back. It’s easy to glide the carry-on with the personal item secured on top–whether that be through the airport or through the streets of a city. I’ve truly done it all, and truly, it takes so much pressure off of my back when doing so.

Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Trip With a Single Shoulder Bag

Make sure your carry-on has a four-wheel spinner My Quince carry-on rolls smoothly across nearly any type of surface, thanks to its four-wheel spinners.

Now, there is one way that my first tip could backfire for you, and that’s if you have a carry-on that has two wheels instead of a four-wheel spinner. With four wheels, it allows the luggage to easily glide across the ground, spinning in all directions. This makes it easy to maneuver the bag through tight corridors, windy streets, or uneven surfaces.

When you secure your personal item on top of the carry-on, that adds weight, making it more difficult to pull. With four wheels, however, you don’t need to worry about pulling. The carry-on and personal item will easily glide next to you, as long as you maintain a solid grip on the handle. You won’t even notice a weight difference between the carry-on being pushed solo versus with the personal item added on top.

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

Be strategic about where you place things within both bags

Now that you have both of the ideal bags picked out, you need to focus on how you actually place your belongings inside. First and foremost, any items that you might need during actual transport should go in your personal item. There’s nothing worse than having to hunch over, unzipping your carry-on, and sifting through your items to find something. Instead, place items like chargers, medications, and snacks in easy to reach pockets in your personal item.

When you’re moving around with the personal item perched right on top of your carry-on, you won’t have to swing the personal item off of your bag to get something. Instead, the top of the bag should be easily accessible without having to twist or maneuver your body in any uncomfortable ways.

For the carry-on bag itself, I highly recommend packing your bag so the heaviest items are at the bottom of the carry-on, distributed across both halves, towards the wheels. This way, the weight will be distributed in a way that allows the bag to glide much easier across the floor. If you pack with your heaviest items on just one side of the carry-on, you will deal with the carry-on toppling over as you try to roll it. For people with an iffy back or bad joints, that could be a recipe for disaster.

Related: I’ve Traveled to Over 40 Countries—This Is the Only Way I Pack My Most Important Valuables

Fans of Popeyes have been pairing the fast food chain’s fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits together for quite some time, but there’s never been an official chicken biscuit on the Popeyes menu… until now.

As of Sept. 28, there’s an all-new item on Popeyes menus, and the chain says it’s taking inspiration from fans, who are no strangers to how delicious Popeyes fried chicken tastes sandwiched between layers of buttermilk biscuit. The Honey Chicken Biscuit has officially arrived, and it’s available all day long on the Popeyes menu for just $5.

Popeyes’ Honey Chicken Biscuit hits menus across the U.S. on Sept. 28.

Popeyes

This handheld combination of Popeyes fried chicken, a larger version of the chain’s buttermilk biscuit, and two sachets of sweet honey sauce is available at participating Popeyes restaurants now. You can snag your own at Popeyes restaurants, or by ordering ahead in the Popeyes app or at Popeyes.com.

“At Popeyes, quality and bold flavor guide everything we do, and we’re always looking for new ways to bring our most iconic items together,” Matt Rubin, Popeyes’ chief marketing officer, said in a press release. “The Honey Chicken Biscuit is exactly that: our craveable chicken, our iconic buttermilk biscuit, and sweet honey sauce, crafted into one new sandwich. It’s simple, it’s unmistakably Popeyes, and it shows the kind of culinary care that turns flavors people already love into something entirely new.”

Popeyes describes the new menu item as “a delicious, handheld bite, balancing crunchy and soft, savory and sweet, in a combination true to the brand’s Louisiana roots.” The chain has tested Honey Chicken Biscuits in small markets in the past, but the nationwide release marks the first time it’s been an official menu item at all participating Popeyes locations nationwide.

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A change of seasons is always a great time to give your home a little refresh. From cleaning and organizing to swapping out decor pieces, these easy tasks can reset your living space and make it feel brand new. While you’re tidying up your home for fall, don’t forget about the concealed spaces as well. Neat drawers and cabinets bring an extra sense of order and make your day-to-day life easier. 

If you have junk drawers filled to the brim with miscellaneous items, you may want to check out this Martha Stewart 5-Piece Kerry Gold-Trim Drawer Organizer Set at Wayfair. It’ll provide a designated space for all those small items cluttering your compartments, making it easy to find everything you need. Right now, you can score it on sale for less than $30. Normally retailing for $39, the five-piece set is now on sale for just $28, making each bin less than $6! 

Martha Stewart 5-Piece Kerry Gold-Trim Drawer Organizer Set, $28 (was $39) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

Designed to meet all your drawer decluttering needs, this organizer set comes with bins of various sizes, including one large bin, one medium bin, and three small bins. Thanks to the different sizes, you can configure the layout to your preference, arranging them in whatever suits your drawer space best to maximize storage. 

For size reference, the large bin measures 6 inches wide and 15 inches long, the medium bin measures 6 inches wide and 9 inches long, and the small bins measure 3 inches wide and 9 inches long. They each have 2-inch-tall edges, preventing your items from spilling over the sides. However, they should be shallow enough to fit in most drawers. The bottoms of the bins are fitted with non-slip feet, keeping them from moving around whenever you open and close your drawers. 

The large and medium bins offer plenty of room for bulkier objects like tools, toiletries, and kitchen gadgets, while the small bins are ideal for loose items that seem to always get lost in your drawers. You can also use the small organizers for stationery, makeup, craft supplies, trinkets, LEGO pieces, and whatever else you have that’ll fit. 

Shop More Organizers 

• Martha Stewart 2-Piece Desktop Organizer Set, $29 (was $40) at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart Ryder Steel Mesh Desktop Organizer, $36 (was $52) at Wayfair
• Rebrilliant 3-Tier Countertop Organizer, $27 (was $40) at Wayfair

Made of BPA-free plastic, these bins have a transparent design that allows you to see everything inside. Sturdy and durable, they’re crack-resistant, so they should last for a long time. Whenever they collect dust or simply need a refresh, just wipe them down with a damp cloth. 

Accented with a gold trim along the edges, these bins have an elevated appearance. Thanks to their sleek and chic style, you can even keep them out on your countertops to organize your vanity, bathroom, or kitchen. If you want to save space on your desk, countertop, or cabinet, you can stack these bins on top of each other. They have recessed bottoms, allowing you to slide each piece side-to-side to easily access items underneath. 

These drawer organizers have a near-perfect five-star rating, with Wayfair customers raving about everything from their versatility to their stylish appearance. “I love the different sizes included,” one reviewer said. “It made organizing my nightstand so easy.” A second shopper commented that “they’re so versatile and look so nice on the counter.” A third customer said that they look “much classier” than standard organizers. 

Related: Organize Your Tiny Bathroom With Walmart’s Sleek and Chic Storage Cabinet

Organizing those concealed compartments is just as important as tidying up the open spaces of your home. Head to Wayfair and snag the Martha Stewart 5-Piece Kerry Gold-Trim Drawer Organizer Set while it’s still on sale for just $28!

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.

There is a distinct, profound beauty in the way our faces change as we age. Crow’s feet, laugh lines and expression marks tell the vibrant story of a life well-lived—a map of every genuine smile, belly laugh and moment of surprise you have ever experienced.

Yet, even as we embrace the wisdom and confidence that come with growing older, figuring out how to adapt our makeup routines to our changing skin can feel frustrating. Instead of lifting your features, traditional blushes and foundations often settle into those delicate creases around the eyes, caking up and inadvertently adding years to your reflection.

But what if you didn’t have to sacrifice your favorite flush of rosy color just because your skin’s texture is evolving? What if the secret to a youthful, blurred and dewy complexion was already sitting inside your bathroom cabinet? Enter a surprisingly easy, industry-secret makeup hack that celebrity artists completely swear by.

Achieving that effortless, lit-from-within radiance doesn’t require a complicated, 10-step cosmetic routine or a wildly expensive procedure. Instead, it is all about how you thoughtfully use your everyday products. By combining a deeply hydrating eye cream with your go-to cream blush, you can instantly blur crow’s feet, stop makeup from settling into fine lines, and leave your complexion looking vibrant, refreshed and undeniably flawless.

Related: The 6-Minute Makeup Routine That Makes Women Over 50 Look Instantly More Awake

Why the ‘Eye Cream With Blush’ Trick Works Wonders

The overarching goal of makeup should be to enhance your natural beauty rather than mask it—and that’s true at any age.

The skin around our eyes is exceptionally delicate, and in later years, it naturally becomes thinner and less capable of retaining moisture. When you apply heavy, matte or powder-based cosmetics to this area, the makeup inevitably seeks out any available moisture, drying down and cracking into fine lines.

To combat this, professional makeup artist Sarah Egan—who works with celebrities like Amy Sedaris—shared a brilliant, simple trick for keeping the skin around the eyes looking supple and smooth all day long.

“Take a very moisturizing product like a cream blush and top it with some eye cream on the highest point of the cheek near the crow’s feet,” Egan previously told Parade. “This keeps everything soft and keeps skin from creasing.”

By doing this, you are essentially creating a hydrating seal. The eye cream acts as a blurring agent, plumping the skin and preventing the pigment of the blush from drying out and migrating into your laugh lines. The result is a gorgeous, dewy highlight that catches the light beautifully and softens the entire eye area.

Related: 9 Best Eye Serums for Instant Brightness and Hydration, Tested by Dermatologists Themselves

How Hydration Changes the Makeup Game for Mature Skin

The underlying philosophy behind this ingenious eye cream and blush trick is simple: moisture is your absolute best friend. As our skin matures, it craves emollient, nourishing formulas that impart a realistic, skin-like finish.

This is exactly why makeup experts suggest swapping out your old powder products for creamy, blendable alternatives. For example, in an Instagram video discussing eye makeup for mature women, professional makeup artist Michelle Spieler explained the harsh reality of using dry products on aging skin. “With loose crepey skin, powder products can make us look older,” Spieler cautioned.

When you ditch the powder blushes that highlight texture and instead opt for a cream blush layered with a hydrating eye cream, you are actively working with your skin rather than against it. The cream formulas melt into each other, creating a seamless, youthful flush that moves flexibly with your facial expressions rather than cracking under the pressure.

Related: Makeup Artist Reveals How To Give Mature Eyes a ‘Natural Lift’ With 1 Key Product

Perfecting the Technique for a Flawless Finish

Integrating this trick into your daily routine takes less than ten seconds, but the payoff lasts all day. To get the perfect blurred effect, start by ensuring your entire face is properly cleansed and moisturized.

Next, take your favorite cream blush (avoid powder formulations entirely for this trick) and gently tap it onto the apples of your cheeks, blending upward toward your temples to create a natural, lifting effect.

Once your blush is perfectly placed, take a tiny, pea-sized amount of a rich eye cream on your ring finger. Gently dab—do not rub or pull—the eye cream directly onto the highest point of your cheekbones, right where your blush meets your crow’s feet. The gentle tapping motion of your ring finger ensures you aren’t applying too much pressure to the delicate skin.

Adapted from Parade’s “The 9 Best Foundations and Moisturizers for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists” by Laura Beck

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Related: The Subtle Makeup Error That Emphasizes Fine Lines

Source:

• Sarah Egan, professional makeup artist