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HBO's Emmy Award-Winning Series Is Releasing a Christmas Album & the First Single Is Out Now
The Gilded Age is about to return to HBO and HBO Max for its fourth season on Nov. 1, and just after that debut, the beloved cast of the show will be releasing a first-ever Christmas album.
Voices Of The Gilded Age: The Christmas Album will be released on Nov. 6 and will feature Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Ben Ahlers, Christine Baranski, Laura Benanti, Denée Benton, Carrie Coon, Donna Murphy, Kelli O’Hara, Taylor Richardson, Jordan Donica, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Morgan Spector, Taylor Trensch and Adrienne Warren.
The album is being produced by Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Desmond Child, who has also written two original songs for the new album, “The World Needs Some Christmas” and “It’s Been Real.” The full track list includes:
- “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” performed by Mitchell
- “We Need A Little Christmas” performed by Baranski
- “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (Part 1)” performed by Coon and Spector
- “The World Needs Some Christmas” performed by Ahlers
- “I Remember” performed by McDonald, Murphy and O’Hara
- “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” performed by O’Hara
- “O Holy Night” performed by Benton and Donica
- “I Wonder As I Wander” performed by McDonald
- “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (Part 2)” performed by Coon and Spector
- “Let It Snow” performed by Richardson and Trensch
- “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” performed by Warren
- “Wexford Carol” performed by Keenan-Bolger and Benanti
- “Just In Time For Christmas” performed by Benanti
- “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (Part 3)” performed by Coon and Spector
- “It’s Been Real” performed by Murphy
The first single from the album, “The World Needs Some Christmas,” has already been released and can be found now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and elsewhere. The full album can be pre-ordered or pre-saved now.
Voices Of The Gilded Age: The Christmas Album is being co-produced by Grammy Award winner Sean Patrick Flahaven, edited and mixed by Grammy Award winners Ian Kagey and Derik Lee and mastered by Grammy Award winner Oscar Zambrano, with art direction by Derek Bishop.
Paulina Porizkova, 61, Says Women Are ‘Expected to Go Silent’ as They Age: ‘Can’t We Age and Still Be at the Main Table’
Supermodel Paulina Porizkova, 61, is one of the most recognizable faces of the 1980s and 1990s. And now, 45 years after her first Vogue cover, Porizkova is getting candid about aging.
She recently shared a poignant post to “the ladies of Instagram,” saying, “This one is for you…those of you who sometimes stop me on the street just to say hi and say thank you. I’m a little bit shocked by the thank you. I guess maybe I still don’t feel like I deserve it, but getting over that.”
Porizkova continued, “And I guess the thank you is for making them not feel alone about feeling, not being psyched about aging. Aging is such a privilege when we get to do it, and yet it’s so maligned, especially when it comes to women. We do get dismissed from the main tables when we age. We are expected to go silent. We are expected to sort of withdraw from polite society.”
View this post on InstagramThe natural beauty pointed out that some women feel they “have to go through surgical procedures,” while “Those of us who don’t care, yes, can withdraw, sure. And have very happy lives. But there seems to be a lack of balance in here somewhere. Can’t we age and still be at the main table? I mean, we have more to contribute.”
This isn’t the first time Porizkova has spoken out about aging. Last June, the model/actress posted a video of herself looking strong, svelte, and seriously stunning in a bikini, comparing her body now to her body in the ‘80s: “This woman just finished a hard workout.” As the clip flips to a pic from her earlier modeling days, she says, “This woman didn’t do any work to look like this. She took her body for granted. She fed it cr**, she didn’t let it get enough sleep, and exercise—no thanks, that’s boring.”
When the video returns to her current body, Porizkova hits her message home: “This one works hard for this body. She hits the heavy weights two or three times a week and pilates in between and cardio…This one really appreciates her body and all of the years that it has held up and carried her brain.”
But her age-positive posts don’t stop there. Porizkova, who doesn’t use Botox or fillers, posted a similar video last May, saying, “You know what we shouldn’t do? We shouldn’t describe women as wrinkled. Your shirt may be wrinkled, but a shirt is not a woman and a woman is not a shirt. A woman is not an object. We may have wrinkles from laughing and loving and crying and living. I have wrinkles, but they do not describe all of me…What I am is not ashamed of my wrinkles.”
View this post on InstagramBased on Porizkova’s recent post, other women agree they shouldn’t “go silent” as they age. “Our voices matter more. And society makes strong attempts to squash our voices. We have wisdom. We know compassion. And we are strong,” wrote one commenter, as another added, “I love a seasoned woman’s authenticity.”
Walmart Sells a $180 Folding Electric Bike That's a Perfect Way to Enjoy That Crisp Fall Weather
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If you’ve been thinking about getting an electric bike, now might be a good time to go for it. E-bikes make it easy to get around town without dealing with traffic, parking, or gas costs — and they’re just a fun way to get outside, too. Whether you’re looking for a new way to commute or want to find a new way to enjoy the crisp fall weather, this deal at Walmart is worth knowing about.
Right now, the XKJ Electric Bike is on clearance for $180, down from its original $450 price, making it a whopping 60% off. The bike is foldable, which is great for anyone who doesn’t have a truck or bike rack to haul it around — just collapse it and toss it in your trunk. It’s also an easy way to get more movement in your day without having to carve out extra time for the gym.
XKJ Electric Bike, $180 (was $450) at Walmart Shop at WalmartUnlike a full-size electric mountain bike, this one has compact 14-inch wheels and is designed for shorter rides, so it’s perfect for cruising through the neighborhood. It runs on a 500W brushless motor and can reach speeds of up to 18 to 20 miles per hour. In full electric mode, the bike can travel more than 20 miles, depending on rider weight and road conditions.
There are three riding modes to choose from: full electric, pedal-assist, and a standard bicycle mode for days when you want to skip the battery and squeeze in a little exercise. Plus, it comes with a handy basket for carrying groceries, bags, or other personal items while you ride.
The bike is designed to make rides feel smoother and more comfortable, thanks to its multi-shock absorption system that helps cushion bumps and uneven roads. It also has adjustable handlebars and a customizable seat height, making it easy to fit different riders. Plus, built-in front and rear lights add extra visibility for evening rides or nighttime cruising.
Related: Walmart’s Retro Arched Bookcase Has the Prettiest Scalloped Cabinet Doors
The e-bike arrives mostly assembled, so you won’t be spending much time putting it together before your first ride. One Walmart shopper loved it so much they bought a second one, and called it “easy to assemble” and “fun to ride.”
If you’re looking for a bike that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, the $180 XKJ Electric Bike is worth getting. Clearance finds this good — especially on big-ticket items — don’t come around often, so it’s one to grab before it’s gone.
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Are Triple-Pane Windows Worth It in a Mild Climate—Or Is It Overkill?
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If you live in a moderate climate, triple-pane windows can look like an expensive upgrade to a problem you don’t have. Double-pane windows already provide two insulating layers, and today’s energy-efficient windows can use Low-E coatings, insulating gas and efficient frames without adding a third pane. The question is whether that extra layer will deliver enough value to justify its higher cost.
In a mild climate, triple-pane windows are usually a comfort and performance upgrade before they are a financial one. The energy savings from better insulation depend heavily on climate, the condition of the existing windows and the performance of the replacement.
The Department of Energy specifically notes that window energy savings vary by climate and that U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) are the primary measures to compare.
Ready to find the right energy-efficient windows for your unique climate? Schedule a free consultation with Renewal by Andersen today to compare double- and triple-pane options tailored specifically to your home.
Triple-pane windows aren’t automatically overkill in a mild climate, but the financial case is usually weaker than it is in a cold climate. A high-quality double-pane window may already provide sufficient insulation. Triple-pane becomes more compelling when homeowners value greater interior comfort, lower heat transfer or improved acoustic performance enough to justify the additional cost.
ENERGY STAR sets window requirements by climate zone rather than by pane count. Certified products must meet applicable U-factor and, where required, SHGC criteria for the zone where they are installed. That makes the NFRC label more useful than the number of panes by itself.
What the Third Pane ChangesA triple-pane window adds another glass layer and an insulating cavity. With appropriate Low-E coatings and gas fills, that additional layer can lower U-factor and reduce heat transfer.
The benefit is easiest to see in colder climates, where the home spends more time trying to retain indoor heat. DOE identifies additional glazing layers, Low-E coatings and argon or krypton gas as strategies for reducing thermal transmittance.
In a mild climate, however, there is less temperature difference between indoors and outdoors for much of the year. That reduces the amount of energy available to save from improving the window’s insulation. ENERGY STAR’s own guidance notes that savings from efficient windows vary by climate and that savings are generally greater in more severe, colder climates.
For that reason, the incremental cost of triple-pane glass may take decades to recover through energy savings alone in a mild climate. The calculation changes if the existing windows are single-pane, badly deteriorated or particularly inefficient.
Double-Pane vs. Triple-Pane: Compare the Actual SpecificationsFeature
Double-Pane Energy-Efficient
Triple-Pane Energy-Efficient
Insulating Performance
Strong with appropriate glazing
Higher potential insulating performance
Low-E Coatings
Available
Available
Gas Fills
Argon or other insulating gas available
Argon or krypton gas fills available
U-Factor
Can meet ENERGY STAR criteria
Can achieve lower U-factors
Solar Heat Control
Depends on SHGC and coating
Depends on SHGC and coating
Noise Reduction
Depends on glass assembly
Depends heavily on glass thickness, spacing and laminated layers
Weight
Lower
Higher; adding a third pane increases glass weight substantially
Upfront Cost
Generally lower
Generally higher
Best Climate Fit
Moderate, mixed and many warm climates
Particularly useful in colder climates and high-performance homes
The table’s most important row may be noise reduction. A third pane does not automatically make a window dramatically quieter.
Triple-Pane Glass Isn’t Automatically Better for Noise: Here’s WhyAcoustic performance depends on the entire glazing assembly, not simply the number of panes. Three identical panes with equal air spaces can perform worse at certain frequencies than an asymmetrical configuration. Different glass thicknesses, wider cavities and laminated glass can produce more useful sound insulation, according to MDPI.
Recent research on triple glazing found that asymmetric glass configurations provided better sound insulation than symmetric combinations. The study also found that unequal glass thicknesses had a greater effect on acoustic performance than changes in cavity thickness within the tested configurations.
So if noise is the reason you’re considering triple-pane windows, ask for the acoustic rating of the specific glass package. A third identical pane is not an acoustic guarantee.
Not sure whether double- or triple-pane glass is the right investment for your home? Connect with Renewal by Andersen for a free quote to explore high-performance window packages built for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Triple-pane glass is substantially heavier than double-pane glass, and the frame, sash, hardware and installation system must be designed for that added load. The issue isn’t simply whether a frame can hold the glass on installation day; the complete window needs to operate properly under the added weight over time.
Glass weight rises directly with the amount of glass. If three panes use the same glass thickness as two panes, the glass portion is 50% greater before accounting for differences in coatings, spacers and frame construction.
That makes frame engineering relevant when comparing products. Renewal by Andersen, for example, uses Fibrex® composite material in its replacement windows and offers enhanced triple-pane glass as an option. The company describes its Fibrex material as a component of its replacement window construction and offers triple-pane configurations designed for higher energy performance.
That does not mean a particular frame material is required for every triple-pane window. The useful question is whether the specific window assembly is engineered and rated for its glass package.
When Double-Pane Makes Financial SenseFor many mild-climate homes, the largest improvement comes from replacing old, inefficient windows rather than moving from an already efficient double-pane window to triple-pane.
ENERGY STAR says certified windows can reduce household heating and cooling costs by an average of up to 13% nationwide compared with non-certified products, although actual savings vary by home and climate.
A well-specified double-pane window may therefore make sense when the primary problems are:
- Drafts around aging windows
- Poor operation or deteriorated seals
- Excessive solar heat gain
- Single-pane or older double-pane glass
- General comfort rather than maximum insulation
For a moderate climate, compare U-factor and SHGC before paying for another pane. A double-pane window with the right Low-E coating and solar-control characteristics can address a home’s actual heat-flow problem without the additional cost and weight of triple glazing.
When Triple-Pane Is Worth ConsideringTriple-pane becomes easier to justify when the home has a substantial heating load, rooms that feel cold near the windows, or a high-performance building envelope designed around very low heat loss.
It can also make sense when energy savings aren’t the only goal. The warmer interior glass surface associated with better insulation can improve comfort near windows during cold weather. And homeowners focused on noise should consider triple-pane configurations specifically engineered for acoustics rather than selecting them solely because they contain more glass.
Renewal by Andersen describes its Enhanced Triple Pane as its most energy-efficient glass option and says it is best suited to colder climates. Its published glass guide also lists balanced Low-E options for homes that experience both heating and cooling conditions.
If you’re comparing replacement windows, ask for the NFRC ratings of the double- and triple-pane configurations you’re considering. A side-by-side comparison of U-factor, SHGC, air leakage and the actual glass construction gives you more useful information than pane count alone.
New Windows From Renewal by AndersenRenewal by Andersen
Professional window replacement from Renewal by Andersen can help you save money on your utility bills.
Why You Should Check the Window Label Before Paying for an UpgradeThe NFRC label reports the performance of the complete fenestration product, including the frame and glazing. U-factor measures heat transfer; lower values indicate better insulating performance. SHGC measures how much solar heat passes through the product. Air leakage is another useful measure when drafts are a concern.
ENERGY STAR’s climate-zone requirements provide another reference point. The program’s current criteria are based on U-factor and SHGC, not on whether a product uses two or three panes.
For a replacement project, Renewal by Andersen offers both double-pane and enhanced triple-pane configurations, with its own published guidance recommending different glass options according to climate.
For a mild climate, triple-pane windows make the most sense when the homeowner is paying for higher comfort and insulation, not counting on a rapid energy-bill payback. If the existing windows are already good double-pane units, the additional savings may be modest. If they’re old, drafty or poorly insulated, upgrading the entire window system can produce a much larger improvement, whether the replacement uses two panes or three.
Choosing the ideal replacement window doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Schedule a free in-home evaluation with Renewal by Andersen to get expert guidance on the best glass configuration for your budget.
This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.
1977 Fleetwood Mac Hit Was Recorded in the Wrong Key After a Day of Perfecting Its Iconic Guitar Sound
There are few rock albums that have been studied and dissected as thoroughly as Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 release, Rumours. The album, recorded during a turbulent time in the band’s history, was home to hits like “Don’t Stop,” “Dreams,” “Go Your Own Way” and “I Don’t Wanna Know,” each serving as a small time capsule into the dismantling of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks’ relationship and her affair with Mick Fleetwood.
The drama has made for some of the most iconic rock music lore, but the behind-the-scenes story of the recording of “Never Going Back Again” offers a different look at the legendary album.
Lindsey Buckingham Was Meticulous About “Never Going Back Again” @axstvFleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham join forces on this acoustic rendition of ‘Never Going Back Again.’ 🤩 #axstv #fleetwoodmac #stevienicks #lindseybuckingham #christinemcvie #johnmcvie #petergreen #michfleetwood #70srock #nevergoingbackagain #rumours
♬ Dreams (2004 Remaster) – Fleetwood Mac“Never Going Back Again” is a gentle acoustic track Buckingham wrote in the aftermath of his breakup with Nicks. The song sounds almost effortless, even breezy, built around Buckingham’s intricate fingerpicking. Getting that guitar part right was anything but simple.
During the day of recording, Buckingham was meticulous about getting the sound just right. For an entire day, while the Fleetwood Mac legend recorded the guitar work, the acoustic guitar had to be restrung every 20 minutes to maintain the song’s signature bright, fresh sound.
Buckingham and the production team spent hours working on the part, only to discover that his guitar work had been recorded in the wrong key. The following day, the entire guitar performance had to be re-recorded.
“Never Going Back Again” Reveals a Different Side of Rumours @lisabreithaupt680#duet with @Fleetwood Mac Memories 🌙 #fyp #foryou #stevienicks #vibes #lindseybuckingham #lovewins #musicunites #fleetwoodmac #protectyourpeace🧿
♬ Silverspringsrockandrollgal – Rock N Roll 🖤🌙Rumours is one of the most celebrated albums in music history, serving as industry lore for generations of rock enthusiasts. The album is often remembered for the chaos surrounding the personal relationships within Fleetwood Mac, but “Never Going Back Again” reveals another side of the story: the painstaking craftsmanship behind music that can sound completely effortless.
Fifty years later, that’s what makes the story of the recording of “Never Going Back Again” noteworthy. There’s a casual sound to the song, yet Buckingham was singing about heartbreak and regret.
It’s expertly crafted, a reminder that even songs that sound like they required little work were rarely created in one perfect take. Many of our favorite and most enduring songs are shaped by experimentation, frustration, vulnerability and, yes, mistakes.
The Story Behind the Song Is About More Than Heartbreak“Never Going Back Again” is a song about moving forward. Its origin story has a fitting recording history, one that demonstrates that great art can be the result of a willingness to keep going until the sound is just right, even if the finished product sounds like it required no thought at all.
That may be the most surprising thing about the song. Nearly 50 years after Rumours was released, listeners can hear the finished recording as effortless. Knowing how much work went into creating it makes it sound a little different — and perhaps even more remarkable.
Related: These 2 Beloved ’80s Actors Were Friends for 35 Years Before They Quietly Eloped in 2021
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Tackle Everyday Household Fixes With Aldi's Pretty Purple 15-Piece Tool Kit
If the words “tool kit” immediately make you picture a garage full of mysterious gadgets you wouldn’t know how to use, you’re not alone. Maybe you’re perfectly capable of changing a light bulb and assembling an IKEA bookshelf, but the second someone mentions a socket wrench, you’re ready to call in reinforcements. Honestly, fair.
But you don’t have to be a DIY expert to appreciate having a few simple tools around the house. There are always those little jobs that pop up when you least expect them—tightening a loose screw, hanging a picture, putting together a piece of furniture or fixing that one thing that’s been slightly annoying you for months. Having the right tools nearby turns those jobs from an “I need to deal with this” issue into a five-minute fix.
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Workzone Household Tool Kit, $12.99 at AldiAldi
You don’t need an enormous toolbox taking up half your closet to make that happen. Aldi’s Workzone Household Tool Kit can give you the essentials without making you feel like you’re about to open a hardware store. And when it happens to come in a cheerful shade of purple—that’s when being handy feels a little more fun.
Related: Welcome Fall With a Fresh Magnolia Wreath That Brings Fragrance to Your Front Door
This little purple case packs in the household basics, including a hammer, adjustable wrench, pliers and a screwdriver with interchangeable bits for a total of 15 pieces. It’s the kind of starter set that can handle all those aforementioned little jobs around the house—tightening, hanging, assembling and fixing—without requiring you to become a full-fledged DIYer.
If purple isn’t your color, the exact same kit comes in either baby blue or pink. Each set is available at Aldi beginning Wednesday, Sept. 30.
There are a bunch of reasons to hit the Aldi Finds aisle—from Halloween-themed silicone baking pans to cute little cast iron bakers that are perfect for making cozy solo meals. But if your budget is telling you to avoid the infamous Aisle of Shame, there’s still cause to hit up Aldi. The grocery recently announced it’s lowering the prices on a ton of fresh food items through Nov. 3 to give shoppers a little bit of relief at checkout.
Related: This Pink-and-White Aldi Throw Is Giving Halloween Hermès on a Budget
Major Van Morrison Hit, Ranked Among Greatest Classic Rock Songs of All Time, Was Originally Banned by Radio Stations
Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” is now one of the most recognizable songs of the 1960s, but the classic rock favorite faced radio restrictions when it was first released in 1967.
The song appears at No. 94 on Amazon Music’s “100 Greatest Classic Rock Songs,” a list curated around the best-ever classic rock songs.
That recognition stands in sharp contrast to the song’s early radio history. According to 94.7 WCSX, some stations considered the original lyrics too suggestive for airplay, especially the line “making love in the green grass.”
A radio edit was later created, replacing that part with “laughin’ and a-runnin’, hey hey” from an earlier verse.
The issue is especially notable because “Brown Eyed Girl” was released during a period when radio programmers were more cautious about lyrics involving sex and relationships. The song’s eventual longevity makes its early resistance from some radio stations an unusual part of its history.
Musician Van Morrison plays a Martin acoustic guitar at a Bang Records recording session in the studio on March 28, 1967 in New York, New York.Donaldson Collection / Getty Images
Released in June 1967, “Brown Eyed Girl” became Morrison’s first major solo hit after leaving the Belfast band Them. The song reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for 16 weeks.
More than five decades later, the song remains a regular part of classic rock and oldies radio.
“Brown Eyed Girl” was recorded by Morrison in March 1967 during sessions for Bang Records in New York. The recording was completed during a two-day session, with the song captured on the 22nd take on the first day.
The song was originally titled “Brown-Skinned Girl.” Morrison changed the title before its release.
Despite the early restrictions, “Brown Eyed Girl” quickly became a major success. The song became Morrison’s signature recording and his biggest hit. It also helped launch his solo career in the United States after his time with Them.
The song featured backing vocals from the Sweet Inspirations, the vocal group that would later become known for performing with major artists, including Elvis Presley. Morrison handled the lead and backing vocals, while musicians including Al Gorgoni, Hugh McCracken, Russ Savakus, Garry Sherman and Gary Chester contributed to the recording.
Its success continued long after its original chart run.
In 2009, “Brown Eyed Girl” received a BMI London Awards “Million-Air” certificate after reaching millions of radio and television performances. By 2011, it had passed 10 million U.S. radio plays, putting it among a small group of songs recognized by BMI for that level of airplay.
The song has also appeared on several major lists recognizing important recordings. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007 and was included among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. It was also ranked No. 110 on Rolling Stone’s 2010 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Morrison himself, however, has never treated the song as the defining achievement of his catalog.
“I never wanted to be commercial. And suddenly ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ was making me even more commercial,” Morrison said, per Songfacts.
“Brown Eyed Girl” also reached a new high on the U.K. Official Streaming Chart, reaching No. 60. The result showed that the 1967 recording was still finding listeners more than 50 years after its release.
The song’s journey is therefore unusual: a recording that faced radio resistance because of one lyric became a lasting fixture of oldies and classic rock programming.
Its original version is still widely familiar today, while the radio edit remains part of the song’s long history.
Related: 1973 Soft Rock Song, Recorded in London, Is Still a Beloved Hit 53 Years Later
The 1994 Film That Made This 1 Nail Color a Cultural Phenomenon—and Why It's Back, Manicurists Explain
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I was in my early teens the first time I saw Pulp Fiction, which is to say I was absolutely not supposed to be watching Pulp Fiction. It was a sleepover, someone’s older brother had the VHS and most of the movie went straight over my head. What didn’t go over my head was Mia Wallace’s entire vibe. The blunt black bob, the cool white shirt and those nails, so dark they were almost black. That Monday, I headed straight to the drugstore, bought the closest burgundy I could afford and proceeded to wear it for several months straight.
Decades later, I’m watching the same color take over again. Scroll any fall nail inspiration and you’ll hit a wall of dark berry, wine and oxblood after several seasons of sheer pinks and milky neutrals. The shade at the center of it all is Chanel Vamp, the deep burgundy-plum Uma Thurman wore in 1994 that sold out globally and spawned waitlists that lasted years.
To understand why this particular vampy nail polish still has such a grip on us, we talked to two pros. Katie Masters is a celebrity nail artist and the founder of Nail Thoughts. Viktoriia Voloshyna is an international competition judge, award-winning nail educator and the founder of Tory Pro Nails Studio in Beverly Hills. Both experts have thoughts about how to wear it now, which shapes flatter it and where to find similar nail colors for less.
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Bloomingdale's
Shop It at Bloomingdale'sVamp is a very deep burgundy-plum that can pass for black in low light, according to Voloshyna. It launched in 1994, and Chanel still sells the shade today under the name Rouge Noir.
Pulp Fiction is what turned a polish into a phenomenon. “After that movie came out it became an immediate ‘it girl’ color because of Uma Thurman’s amazing work,” Masters tells Parade. She points out that everything about Mia Wallace was deliberate, from the fashion to the hair to the nails, which is exactly why people wanted to recreate it right down to the fingertips.
Voloshyna sees the manicure as part of the character rather than an accessory to her. The dark bob, the white shirt, the red lip and the dark nails added up to something mysterious and a little rebellious, which described Mia perfectly.
Photo by Miramax Films/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images
Mainstream manicures in the early ’90s meant red, pink or neutral, Voloshyna says, and Vamp looked like nothing else on the shelf. It was dark and edgy, but the red undertone kept it elegant enough to actually wear to work.
Masters has a theory about the frenzy that I’ve been thinking about ever since. Back then, regular people had no access to Hollywood hair, styling or makeup. A nail color was different. “When the color of the nails was revealed it actually gave everyone a feeling of accessibility, almost like a peek behind the curtains,” she explains. Suddenly one of the most recognizable looks of the decade felt a little bit within reach, and everybody wanted their piece of it.
Partly because it always does. Masters says this family of color cycles back every fall and winter like clockwork because it’s dark, moody and perfect for cold weather.
Beyond the seasonal rhythm, there’s a ’90s revival happening across fashion and beauty, and Voloshyna thinks people are simply ready for something richer. It also plays well with a fall wardrobe. Deep burgundy works with denim, leather, brown, olive, gray and metallic accessories, which makes it seasonal without screaming about it.
Related: The 13 Best Press-On Nails, Tested by Celebrity Manicurists
Modern Ways To Wear Vamp and Deep Burgundy Nail Shades in 2026Masters votes for gel, full stop. Gel runs shinier than traditional polish, so if you want to amplify the depth of the color, that’s the move. She’s also pro-length here. Don’t be afraid of longer nails with this shade, because “THAT is a look.” And if you want the payoff without the appointment, press-ons will get you there by tonight.
Voloshyna would keep hers simple. She’d wear it as a solid manicure with a very glossy finish, since the color already carries plenty of drama on its own.
If you want to play, she has options. A micro-French over a sheer base gives it a modern edge, and a magnetic cat-eye effect or a light chrome finish adds dimension. She also likes burgundy worked into tortoiseshell or crocodile-inspired nail art, or paired with one small metallic detail and nothing more.
The Best Nail Shapes and Lengths for Dark Berry Polishes Like VampGood news for anyone with a short, unglamorous working manicure: “Honestly, all of them,” Masters says when asked which shapes suit this color.
She does have one rule for dark berry nail polish for short nails, and it’s about shape rather than length. Squaring them off makes all the difference. “The shaping of the nail really helps tie the look together, so try to get a more intentional shape going before applying,” she tells Parade.
Voloshyna agrees that short to medium nails read especially modern in this color, with a soft square, squoval or oval keeping things clean so the shade stays the star. On longer nails she’d go structured almond for a more elegant finish.
Her one warning applies no matter what length you’re working with: Dark polish makes every outline visible, so shaping and a precise application around the cuticle matter more than they would with a sheer pink. (Past me and my seventh-grade cuticle situation can confirm.)
Related: 35 Best Sweater Nails for This Cozy Season
The Best Vamp-Inspired Nail Colors and Dupes To Try Now, Manicurists Reveal- The Original — Chanel Le Vernis in 155 Rouge Noir, $34
- Best Drugstore Dupe — Essie Wicked, $10
- Best Gel Version — Nail Thoughts Movie Night, $17
- Best Black Cherry Tone — JINsoon Risqué, $18
- Best Plum Wine Shade — Olive & June Cabernet, $9
- Best Purple-Leaning Pick — OPI Lincoln Park After Dark, $12
Rouge Noir is the current incarnation of the 1994 original, so that’s your purist option. For everyone else, the Essie Wicked vs. Chanel Vamp comparison is the one that comes up most, and Voloshyna considers Wicked a great deep red-burgundy stand-in at a fraction of the price.
The rest of her list splits by undertone. JINsoon Risqué skews black cherry and Olive & June Cabernet is a rich plum-wine. OPI Lincoln Park After Dark delivers the same dark, moody effect with a stronger purple pull, which is why she files it under Vamp-inspired rather than true dupe.
For gel, Masters makes the case for her own Movie Night, and the reasoning is about formula rather than shade. It’s built on a clear base instead of a white one, so it stays full coverage while keeping a slight sheerness.
“The sheer aspect to it leaves you with a much more glossy finish than any opaque version would,” she says. It’s also the exact color she used on Nicole Kidman for Margo’s Got Money Troubles, which is a fun thing to know while you’re sitting in your kitchen doing your own nails.
Which is what I’ll be doing this weekend, with considerably better technique than I had in 1994.
Up Next:
Related: The Exact Nail Shape That Acts Like ‘Contour’ for Aging Hands
Sources:- Katie Masters, celebrity nail artist and founder of Nail Thoughts
- Viktoriia Voloshyna, international judge, award-winning nail educator and founder of Tory Pro Nails Studio
This ‘Vibrant’ $10 Striped Amazon Sweater Is ‘Super Soft’ and Comes in 23 Colors
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A great fall sweater doesn’t have to come with a great big price tag. If you’re looking to stretch your wardrobe budget, we found a stylish color block sweater on Amazon that can spruce up your fall wardrobe and pair well with everything from jeans and sneakers to trousers and boots. With Prime Big Deal Days coming up Oct. 6 and 7, now is a good time to check it out.
The Wiholl Color Block Sweater is currently on sale at Amazon for as low as $10, down from $15. The long-sleeve style comes in 23 colors, which gives you plenty of options to work with what’s already in your closet. Prices vary by color and size, but select sweaters are currently up to 33% off. Shoppers loved the lightweight sweater for layering, with one calling it “super soft” and “cute for fall.”
Wiholl Color Block Sweater, $10 (was $15) at Amazon Shop at AmazonMade from 70% polyester, 25% rayon, and 5% spandex, the Wiholl Color Block Sweater has a soft, lightweight feel with plenty of stretch. The long-sleeve style has contrasting blocks of color across the chest and sleeves, giving this everyday sweater a fresh, on-trend look for fall.
From running errands to heading into the office or meeting up with friends, this sweater works for all your fall plans. Pair it with jeans and sneakers for a casual look, or dress it up with trousers, a skirt, or boots. You can also layer it under a blazer or coat when temperatures start to drop. Sizes run from small to extra-large.
The sweater can be machine or hand washed in cold water and should be hung or line dried. If it arrives with wrinkles from vacuum packaging, the brand recommends washing it or using a low-heat iron to smooth it out.
Amazon shoppers praised the sweater’s soft feel and flattering fit. One called it a “very comfortable, lightweight top” and praised its “vibrant” colors. Another shopper said it was “one of my new favorite sweaters for fall and winter,” noting that the color was “spot on” and looked exactly as it did in the photos.
The cozy fabric was another standout in the reviews. “Super soft,” one shopper wrote, while another highlighted the “nice, flattering fit.” A third described the sweater as “soft, comfy, and warm” and “perfect for fall layering.”
Shop More Deals- Lukycild Oversized Ghost Sweatshirt, $15 (was $27) at Amazon
- Lomon Long-Sleeve Satin Blouse, From $15 (was $33) at Amazon
- Clarks Juliet Beat Loafers, From $35 (were $95) at Amazon
Related: Sweater Weather Is Officially Here, and Walmart’s $15 Long Cardigan Is ‘Perfect for Fall’
Starting as low as $10, the Wiholl Color Block Sweater is a stylish and affordable way to add some variety to your fall wardrobe. Shop it at Amazon now before your favorite size and color sell out!
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.
Looking for Your Next K-Drama? Song Kang’s 'Four Hands, Two Sonatas' Could Be the One to Watch
If you’ve caught up on your backlog of K-Dramas to watch and are lamenting the end of the uber-popular C-Drama, The Early Spring, take a look at Four Hands, Two Sonatas, if you haven’t already done so. The musical series stars My Demon‘s Song Kang and Reborn Rookie‘s Lee Jun-young as two piano virtuoso whose paths in life have not been easy for many different reasons. As the two form a friendship and a bond through their shared love of the piano, circumstances split the friends apart, altering their lives forever.
The 12-episode series will air it’s final episodes the first weekend in October so it’s the perfect time to catch up on episodes. Read on for more about Four Hands, Two Sonatas.
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What is Four Hands, Two Sonatas about?Song Kang and Lee Jun-young portray beautifully contrasting yet parallel characters. Song Kang stars as Kang Pi-o, an elite, prodigal pianist who has spent his life on a steady path to perfection. Driven by an unwavering obsession with music, Pi-o appears flawless and self-assured on the surface, yet beneath his brilliant talent lies a hidden world of anxiety and pressure. Opposite him, Lee Jun-young plays Choi Jeong-yo, a late-blooming talent who pursues his dream of playing the piano despite a difficult and turbulent childhood. Free-spirited, raw, and unfiltered, Jeong-yo possesses a natural warmth that coaxes out a strikingly different kind of musical brilliance.
When did Four Hands, Two Sonatas premiere?Four Hands, Two Sonatas premiered on Saturday, Aug. 29. Episodes drop on Saturday and Sundays.
Related: ‘The Early Spring’ Got 2 Surprise Bonus Episodes After the Finale—Can U.S. Fans Watch Them?
How many episodes are there in Four Hands, Two Sonatas?There are 12 episodes in Four Hands, Two Sonatas.
Related: ‘The Remarried Empress’ First Trailer Is Finally Here—and the Viral Webtoon Looks Stunning
Where can I watch Four Hands, Two Sonatas?Four Hands, Two Sonatas is available to stream on Netflix.
Related: Looking for Your Next K-Drama? ‘Dive Into You’ Combines Time Travel, First Love and a Body Swap
Who’s in the cast of Four Hands, Two Sonatas? Lee Jun-young, Song KangNetflix
Song Kang as Kang Pi-oSong Kang has been nicknamed “The Son of Netflix” after many of his series became popular with global audiences. While his most popular works with fans are the romantic series, he has starred in a variety of other genres as well including horror, dance, and music. His credits include Nevertheless, My Demon, and Navillera. He became friends with BTS’ V during their time in the military.
Lee Jun-young as Choi Jeong-yoLee Jun-young is a well known rapper and singer, though he is widely recognized for his versatile acting skills as well. His credits include When Life Gives You Tangerines, Love and Leashes, and Melo Movie. He more recently has starred in Weak Class Hero 2 and Reborn Rookie. He also made an appearance as Kaito, a fighting machine that helps Tae-ha (Jung Hae-in) in Our Sticky Love. Lee holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, a third-degree black belt in special forces martial arts (Teukgongmoosol), and a third-degree black belt in Hapkido. He also has been training in MMA (mixed martial arts) and boxing. He’s currently serving out his mandatory South Korean military service.
Jang Gyu-riNetflix
Jang Gyu-ri as Hong Jae-inThe 28-year-old actress was a former singer and part of the girl group Fromis 9. She is probably best known for her role in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. Her other credits include Player, When the Phone Rings, and Pyramid Games.
Related: Netflix’s Our Sticky Love Has a Wild Ending—And That Final Twist Changes Everything
Are the actors really playing the piano in Four Hands, Two Sonatas?Yes, and no. Lee Min-sung and Park Ju-young were the professional classical pianists who performed the musical pieces in the series and worked with the actors, giving them lessons and advice. While Song Kang practiced piano for several months before filming began, Lee Jun-young focused more on memorizing hand placements and fingering cues for the camera.
Is there a trailer for Four Hands, Two Sonatas?Yes, check out the official trailer for Four Hands, Two Sonatas below.
Is there a clip from Four Hands, Two Sonatas?Yes, there are several official clips from Netflix on YouTube. Check one of them out below.
Check out images from Four Hands, Two SonatasTake a look at some select images from Four Hands, Two Sonatas in the gallery below.
Next, These 47 K-Dramas Are Worth Losing Sleep Over
Four Hands, Two SonatasNetflixJang Gyu-ri
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At 68, Shaun Cassidy Jokes He's the Rip Van Winkle of Teen Idols — 'Looks More Like Shirley Jones Now'
Former teen heartthrob Shaun Cassidy just turned 68. The musician, actor, writer, and director celebrated his birthday on September 27. And just a few days before, he spoke with Somebody Feed Phil’s Phil Rosenthal about returning to the public eye, social media, and why fans think he looks like Shirley Jones.
Cassidy recently sat down with Rosenthal and “Naked Lunch” podcast cohost David Wild, revealing why he left the spotlight: “I stopped touring when I was 21. Astrodome was my last show. Not because I didn’t love touring. I did. I loved performing. Loved singing. But I found that writing and producing TV gave me, frankly, a much better life. I got to stay home. I had kids at a young age. And I love writing.”
Shaun Cassidy. Photo: Michael Tullberg / Getty ImagesMichael Tullberg / Getty Images
The 1970s teen idol and star of The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries signed a record deal with Warner Bros. while he was still in high school. With popular tracks like his No. 1 hit “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “That’s Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Cassidy quickly became a household name.
Of course, fame ran in the family. His mother, Shirley Jones, starred in the legendary 1970s musical sitcom The Partridge Family (alongside Cassidy’s half-brother, David Cassidy) and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Elmer Gantry. Cassidy’s father was the Tony Award and Emmy-nominated actor Jack Cassidy.
Cassidy married his first wife, Ann Pennington, in 1979, at the young age of 21. Two years later, daughter Caitlin Cassidy was born. The pair had a son, Jake (John) Cassidy, in 1985. He married his second wife, Susan Diol, in 1995, and his third wife, Tracey Lynne Turner, in 2004. The singer and Turner have four children together: Caleb, Roan, Lila, and Mairin.
After years working behind the camera as a writer and director, Cassidy finally decided to make a comeback. Or in his words, “I don’t want to come back. I want to go forward. Always go forward.” He started playing smaller venues, peppering his set with nostalgic classic hits and personal stories. The tour was a smash, and there Cassidy was again…back in the spotlight.
“This whole thing is a very new part of my life now. I never did it this way the first time. Because I was playing those big arenas,” he told Rosenthal, adding, “But the weird part of it is I’m kind of a public figure again. And I’m reminded that not all of that public figure business is good news for your life. It’s not bad.”
Things have changed a lot in the past four decades, as the now-68-year-old notes, “It’s sort of like Rip Van Winkle. At 21 I went to sleep, and I woke up at 60 and like, ‘Oh, this is what it’s like to be a public figure in your 60s,’ where there’s whole generations, maybe two generations who have no idea who you are. And the one that does know hasn’t seen you in a thousand years. ‘Yeah, looks more like Shirley Jones now. But yeah.’”
Shaun Cassidy Talks Fame and Social MediaBack in the 1970s, fans had to grab a copy of Tiger Beat or 16 Magazine to catch a glimpse of Cassidy. But fame in 2026 is a whole new ballgame.
“For me it feels like a responsibility. And that’s probably my problem. But you know if you’re going to be a celebrity or you care about being a public figure in 2026, you have to service that. I mean, I’m on social media, and I’m only on social media because 12 years ago I had a show on Amazon. I wasn’t on anything, and they said you have to be on Twitter or you have to be on Instagram or whatever to promote the show,” explained Cassidy.
He added, “My life has been greatly enriched by this relationship I have with this audience who have been incredible to me. Because they’ve shown up after a very long time. And encouraged me. They’re the ones who encouraged me to do it in the first place. If you do it, we’ll be there. And they have been…But now if I don’t post something on a Sunday, I feel a little guilty.”
At 68, Cassidy continues to wow screaming fans with a jam-packed tour schedule. Click here to see if he’s coming to a town near you!
We Asked 4 Etiquette Experts the Biggest Mistake People Make With Overnight Guests
You can get together virtually these days—FaceTiming coffee dates, happy hours, wine tastings, card games and more. It’s great to be able to connect with friends and family who live in different states, countries and even on separate continents. Yet etiquette experts say in-person interactions are still king.
“As social creatures designed for community, we crave connection,” Jennifer Porter, an etiquette expert with Satsuma Designs LLC, tells Parade. “There are many ways to build bonds, but two excellent ways are through shared experiences and unstructured time to grow deeper, closer connections.”
Knowing how to be a good host helps, especially if many of your family members and friends live far away. On the flip side, you’ll also want a firm grasp of proper overnight guest etiquette if you’re the one sleeping in the spare bedroom.
“When we have dedicated time with friends and family during overnight visits, it’s an incredible opportunity to create those bonds for a lifetime, which is both healthy and joyful for everyone involved,” she adds.
Still, your next overnight guest may be your first. Or, you may be rusty after not hosting for some time. You may wonder: what are guest essentials these days? Do I still need a welcome basket? What’s the “perfect schedule” for an overnight guest?
These are all good questions, especially since experts say they see common hosting etiquette mistakes. And the biggest snafu often comes from the best intentions, but it can still overwhelm the people staying with you. Below, etiquette experts share the biggest mistake people make when hosting. They also reveal what to provide for overnight guests.
Related: Etiquette Experts Say Most People End Conversations the Wrong Way
The Unanimous Mistake: Overscheduling Your GuestsFour etiquette experts agree that overscheduling overnight guests is one of the biggest hosting etiquette mistakes to avoid.
While people often try to fill every minute to keep overnight guests from getting bored, etiquette experts note that visitors may want time to relax. It also takes away unstructured, memorable time together.
Related: Psychologist Says if You Instantly Apologize ‘For the Mess’ When Guests Arrive, You Likely Have These 7 Traits
Want to know how to host overnight guests? Leave margin in the itinerary and avoid overscheduling them.
“Creating space for downtime, rest and connection really is a gift to guests coming to visit for any length of time,” Porter explains.
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, an etiquette and professional development programs expert, agrees, describing downtime as the “ultimate consideration” for guests.
“Like most of us, they are taking a break from busy schedules, piles of laundry and appointments,” Randall continues. “For these reasons alone, downtime is a welcome luxury.”
In fact, one expert even says that “downtime is often when the magic happens.”
“Kids connect, adults bond and good conversations are had,” states Genevieve (Jenny) Dreizen, who is the COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry as well as a modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert. “Museums are important and fun and can create wonderful memories, but building in a quiet morning to hang with your visitors is probably what they will walk away remembering.”
If you love a good schedule, we get it. But importantly, you’ll want to resist the urge to “schedule in” specific types of downtime for guests. They may have different tastes or desires.
“Mention a nearby trail they could easily walk to, or show them the patio lounge chair that is perfect for a nap,” Randall suggests. “Place a couple of books in their room. Let them know that you expect them to take time for themselves. Hearing it from you lets them know that they don’t have to ‘be on’ all the time.”
Also, for what it’s worth, guests are not the only ones who deserve leisure time.
“Guests deserve some downtime, but so do the hosts,” Jodi RR Smith, an etiquette expert with Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, tells Parade. “Knowing that there are morning activities, a joint lunch, and then some downtime in the afternoon allows the guests to retire to their rooms to relax and allows the hosts a respite from the responsibilities of hosting.”
That much-needed rest will help you show up as your best self for the next activity.
Related: The Everyday Habit Smartphones Quietly Replaced—And Why We Miss It More Than We Realized, Psychologist Explains
Houseguest rules can vary, so visitors may have no idea what to do if they wake up before you (or after you’ve left to run errands or go to work). Etiquette experts suggest the “morning routine rule,” which involves setting clear expectations and letting guests help themselves to breakfast and beverages.
“Unless there are health-related conditions that require you to adhere to a strict schedule and diet, flexibility is key to making houseguests feel welcome and not like they’re in the way,” Randall says.
Communication is also key. She suggests asking guests about their routines to avoid awkwardness. Then, share yours, like what time you wake up. If they get up before sunrise and you like to sleep in, Randall recommends adjusting the coffee pot timer if the guest loves a cup of Joe each morning.
“If you don’t eat a full breakfast, but they do, show them where the eggs, ham and toast are kept, or you can make them feel extra welcome by whipping up breakfast for them the first morning,” she adds. “If you have an alarm system, keep the code near the system so that they can turn it off if they take off before you wake up.”
She suggests inviting your visitor to the gym with you if that’s a part of your morning routine, and adds that most gyms offer one-week guest passes.
Hosting takes a lot of effort. A “preparing for houseguests” checklist can help you dot every I and cross every “T.” Porter shares her must-dos before visitors knock on the door, including a few guest room essentials to prepare in advance.
Category
Preparation Task
Bedding
Make sure guests aren’t allergic to pillows or bedding (like down), and have alternatives for those with fabric or material sensitivities.
Ideally, include a soft and a firm pillow so guests can choose based on their preferences.
Food
Create a snack zone in the kitchen or another common area with an assortment of grab-and-go foods, such as bagged snacks, fruit, breath mints and gum.
Bath
Ensure the bathroom is clean and prepped for guests by swapping out bar soap and/or including pump soap. Make towels available in a guest’s room or sleeping area and show a guest where all the ’supplies’ are in the bathroom, including but not limited to: hair dryer, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products and shampoo.
Tech/media
Use a small 4”x6” frame to display the home’s Wi-Fi network name and password so guests can easily log on. When guests arrive, use phones to ‘share password’ if available.
Invite guests to use the TV as they wish by showing them how to use the remotes and including a short written primer in the media room on how to access streaming services and other perks.
Fun/comforts for kids
Make both quiet and active games and activities available for kids. If needed, borrow games and toys from friends and neighbors to make sure children of all ages have something to do while adults spend time together.
Creature comforts for pets
Ensure host pets and guest pets will tolerate each other by creating zones for each as needed. If your pets are territorial, purchase a used or new set of toys for the visiting pet so there won’t be any “arguing” over plush and squeaky toys.
Related: Is ‘No Response’ Actually a Response? How To Know, According to an Etiquette Expert
3 Other Common Hosting Mistakes To AvoidBesides overscheduling, people often make a few more common hosting etiquette mistakes. They’re avoidable, though. Awareness is the first step. Etiquette experts share a few faux pas to avoid when hosting overnight guests.
1. Hosting out of obligationBefore agreeing to host, ask yourself why you’re saying yes. Randall knows it’s hard to get out of family obligations without a feud, but you shouldn’t feel forced to host, especially if it’s probably a bad idea.
“When personalities can’t make it through a Thanksgiving dinner without a verbal altercation, hosting them for a long weekend is asking for chaos,” she explains. “Under the circumstances, being honest is advisable.”
She suggests something like, “It would be best if you stayed at a hotel nearby. We will meet you for dinner and hang out at the park.”
2. Phone shamingYour overnight guest may not want a digital detox—it’s their choice.
“If the guest is checking their mobile device or responding to an email, do not ask each time what it was about,” Smith states. “As the host, there are times you can request that guests put down their phones. This is often during meals or if there is an additional visitor coming over.”
3. Overlooking the bathroom situationWe can get so caught up in guest room essentials that we skip preparing the bathroom—a big mistake, says Dreizen.
“Towels, extra toilet paper and knowing which bathroom is ‘theirs’ seem obvious until a guest is standing there, unsure whether to use your only towel,” she explains. “It’s a small thing that creates outsized discomfort if it’s not sorted before they arrive.”
The ‘Welcome Basket’: What Every Guest Room Actually NeedsPinterest is full of ideas for guest room welcome baskets, but some are unnecessary (and some lists leave out must-haves).
To help you avoid missing anything, Porter provides a list of guest room essentials:
- Towels for bathing
- Water glass and pitcher
- Water bottle for adventures in city/town and beyond
- Light reading material and/or game books with a pencil or pen
- Earplugs for sleep comfort
- Eye mask for nighttime and daytime napping
- Battery-operated clock with alarm that does not “tick-tock”
- Reading light (ideally bedside)
- Slippers for indoor use
- Over-the-counter pain relief in a low dosage
OK, but do you need a welcome basket for overnight guests? Porter says yes.
“The ‘welcome basket’ is an essential part of any guest’s visit,” she tells Parade.
Up Next:
Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging People To Stop This Common Habit at Restaurants
Sources:- Jennifer Porter is an etiquette expert with Satsuma Designs LLC.
- Jodi RR Smith is an etiquette expert with Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.
- Genevieve (Jenny) Dreizen is the COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, as well as a modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert.
- Rosalinda Oropeza Randall is an etiquette and professional development programs expert.
Welcome Fall With a Fresh Magnolia Wreath That Brings Fragrance to Your Front Door
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If your idea of fall decorating involves a few beautiful touches rather than turning your front porch into a pumpkin patch, I’m right there with you. You want the cozy, welcoming feeling of the season without covering every available surface in orange, plaid and faux leaves. And thankfully, you don’t have to.
A good wreath offers a lot for seasonal decorating. Hang one on your front door, and your entryway feels ready for crisp mornings, changing leaves and all those amazing fall days ahead. The trick is choosing one that feels distinctly autumnal without looking overly themed.
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Rustic Magnolia Wreath, $119.99 at Harry & DavidHarry & David
Shop It!This is why it’s really time for magnolia leaves to shine. With their deep green color and warm, earthy undersides, they bring plenty of fall character while still looking elegant and natural. Harry & David’s Rustic Magnolia Wreath is the perfect example. The wreath, which measures 20 inches in diameter, is designed with fresh magnolia, seeded eucalyptus, dried quince slices, statice, artemisia and tallow berries. This combo works beautifully because magnolia leaves play nicely with just about everything.
Unlike artificial wreaths, this fresh piece is naturally fragrant, which adds another inviting touch to your front porch.
Related: Carnation Just Gave Evaporated Milk a Fall Makeover—Here’s How to Use It
Harry & David might not be the first retailer that comes to mind when you’re thinking about seasonal decorations—but it should be, because it has a great variety, including a matching six-foot-long magnolia garland to complement this wreath. I also loved it styled alongside Harry & David’s Glass Pumpkin LED Lights on a credenza as a bit of indoor autumnal decor that adds an ambient glow. Note that while the photo below shows two glass pumpkin LED lights, they actually come as a set of three for $99.99.
Courtesy Kelly Bryant
Shoppers are absolutely smitten with the Rustic Magnolia Wreath and thrilled with how quickly it arrived at their door… to put on their door.
“Absolutely beautiful and arrived quickly,” says a customer in their online review.
Another person commented on the lovely scent.
“This wreath smells so good and is absolutely gorgeous,” they wrote.
Harry & David recommends hanging this wreath in a sheltered outdoor area, away from direct sunlight. And while you can give the piece a quick dust occasionally, it advises against misting because water could actually cause damage.
Related: A Haunting 1845 Poem Must Have Inspired This Marshalls’ Spooky 2-Tier Cake Stand
Drew Barrymore’s ‘Stunning’ $27 Speckled Ceramic Bowl Doubles as Decor and a Cute Catchall
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I’m a firm believer that the best home decor does more than sit on a shelf looking pretty. A tray can keep your coffee table organized, a stylish basket can hide an impressive amount of clutter, and a beautiful bowl can become a designated home for odds and ends. Bonus points if you can move it from room to room whenever you feel like redecorating.
That’s exactly why the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Round Speckled White Ceramic Bowl caught my eye. Priced at $27, it has a simple, sculptural design that works just as well as a decorative centerpiece as it does a practical catchall. Fill it with fresh fruit in the kitchen, use it to corral everyday essentials in the entryway, or give it a seasonal makeover with a few autumn accents.
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Round Speckled White Ceramic Bowl, $27 at Walmart Shop at WalmartCrafted from 100% ceramic, this bowl features a wide, shallow basin with gently curved sides, a rounded lip, and a tapered pedestal base. Its creamy white finish is scattered with tiny gray and black speckles, creating a pottery-inspired appearance that complements everything from rustic farmhouse furniture to contemporary interiors. Measuring 12 inches across and 12 inches high, it’s substantial enough to serve as a standalone centerpiece on a dining table or kitchen island, even when there’s nothing inside it.
In the kitchen, its generous basin provides plenty of room to arrange fresh fruit or veggies. You could also fill it with lemons and artichokes for a Mediterranean-inspired centerpiece or pile it high with miniature pumpkins, dried orange slices, and decorative gourds for Thanksgiving. Come December, swap those out for oversized ornaments, pinecones, and sprigs of faux greenery.
Beyond the kitchen, there are plenty of unexpected places to put this bowl to work. Set it on an entryway console to collect sunglasses, wallets, and car keys, or use it as a landing spot for incoming mail. On a coffee table, try filling it with decorative wooden beads, stones or shells collected during your travels, or trinkets. It could even become a designated spot for your television remotes.
Shop More Deals- Better Homes & Gardens Marble Trinket Dish, $11 at Walmart
- Mainstays Scalloped White Decorative Tabletop Bowl, $8 at Walmart
- Better Homes & Gardens Distressed Low Stoneware Decorative Bowl, $16 at Walmart
It’s also a fun piece to style for entertaining. Place it in the center of a buffet surrounded by smaller serving dishes, use it to display wrapped party favors, or fill it with individually packaged treats for a holiday gathering. For a charming housewarming gift, tuck a few small home essentials inside, such as linen napkins, a pretty candle, and a handwritten recipe card.
Customers praised this “stunning,” “sturdy,” and “super versatile” bowl in the reviews section, saying that it “can be used for many things.” One shopper wrote, “The price for the quality is awesome.”
Related: Walmart’s Colorful 6-Piece Ceramic Bowl Set Is a ‘Gorgeous’ Way to Serve Fall Meals
From countertop clutter to coffee table centerpiece, this bowl does it all. Shop Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Round Speckled White Ceramic Bowl for under $30 at Walmart!
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'Mad About You' Star, 63, Praised by Fans for Aging Naturally: 'Refreshing to See an Actress Without a Fake Face'
Helen Hunt started acting as a child and became one of the biggest television and film stars of the 1980s and 1990s. As a child, she appeared on St. Elsewhere and The Facts of Life before landing the role of Jamie Buchman on Mad About You, the role that catapulted her to stardom and made her a household name.
Now, at 63, Helen Hunt is as active as ever. Following a major Royal Shakespeare Company debut this summer, she continues to challenge Hollywood’s beauty standards. Fans are taking notice and celebrating what they see as her refreshingly natural approach to aging.
Helen Hunt Makes a Stunning Red Carpet Appearance @fabutainmentHelen Hunt attends the opening night of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, California (Video Credit: Getty Images)
♬ original sound – FABUtainmentHunt made a stunning red carpet appearance at the opening gala for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, California. The newest cultural tentpole in Southern California was founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, former president of Starbucks and current part owner of the Denver Broncos.
The opening gala brought out a who’s who of Hollywood elite, including Hunt, who stunned in a breathtaking pool-blue, one-shoulder Stella McCartney gown.
Hunt is riding high following her Royal Shakespeare Company debut this summer opposite screen legend Kenneth Branagh in Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. A revered actress who has been celebrated and awarded throughout her long career, including for films such as What Women Want, Cast Away and Pay It Forward, she has also positioned herself as a role model for women.
She has spoken openly about the pressure to conform to Hollywood’s beauty standards, telling PEOPLE in a 2025 interview, “It felt impossible not to internalize the way you’re supposed to look.”
Related: These 2 Beloved ’80s Actors Were Friends for 35 Years Before They Quietly Eloped in 2021
Helen Hunt Has Been Challenging Hollywood’s Beauty Rules for Years @fabutainmentActress Helen Hunt says the term “Women in Hollywood” is traumatic, yet celebratory #helenhunt #elle #hollywood #womeninhollywood #fabutainment #fabutainmenttv @ELLE (US)
♬ original sound – FABUtainmentHunt later described the “misery and shame” she felt when she didn’t look the way Hollywood expected her to look. Eventually, she decided to set her own beauty standard.
“I made a decision: I’m not playing,” she said.
That attitude has become increasingly relevant as Hunt continues to work in an industry that has long placed enormous emphasis on women’s appearances.
Fans are all-in on Hunt’s approach to aging.
The Mad About You Star Continues to Inspire FansWhile social media critics can often offer blistering criticism of stars’ red carpet appearances, the reaction to Hunt’s latest look has been decidedly different.
Fans have called it “refreshing” to see an actress “without a fake face,” while others described Hunt as “absolutely classy” and praised her for embracing the realities of aging.
The reaction is notable because Hunt’s career has unfolded in an industry where actresses have often faced intense scrutiny over their appearance as they get older.
Helen Hunt Didn’t Disappear as She Got OlderHunt has not only continued to work as an actress; she has also carved out a career as a director, taking on projects including Then She Found Me and Ride.
She has previously explained that her move into writing and directing was partly influenced by the limited opportunities available to actresses as they got older.
Rather than allowing Hollywood’s expectations to define her career, Hunt continued creating her own opportunities. Her recent work makes that especially clear.
Helen Hunt Is Still Taking on New ChallengesThat’s why Helen Hunt’s red carpet appearance at the opening gala of the Lucas Museum in Los Angeles feels particularly meaningful to fans.
More than a celebration of an actress who isn’t afraid to embrace the various stages of aging, her appearance is a reminder that, from beauty to career achievements, how someone looks is only one small part of who they are.
At 63, Hunt is still acting, directing and taking on new challenges, including her Royal Shakespeare Company debut. Her career is increasingly defined not by how she looks, but by the work she chooses to create.
Judging by the reaction from fans, they seem to appreciate that about her just as much.
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Catherine Zeta-Jones, 57, Struts Her Stuff in a Sheer Gown on the Red Carpet
Catherine Zeta-Jones is showing off her stuff in a beautiful sheer gown on the red carpet.
The Chicago Oscar winner, 57, had her breakout role in The Mask of Zorro after spending years hoofing it on the theater scene. But it was her role in 2000’s Traffic that brought her to critical acclaim, as well as introducing her to her husband, Michael Douglas, 82. Now, the brunette beauty is back on the red carpet at the global premiere of Kill Jackie in London, England. Wearing a sheer gown that shows off her legendary legs, Zeta-Jones made it clear that she can dominate the red carpet at any age.
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Check out the trailer for Kill Jackie, which premieres on October 2.
Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Children Look So Much Like Them in This Striking Family PhotoMichael has a lengthy film resume that includes movies ranging from Wall Street and Basic Instinct to Traffic and Wonder Boys. Married to Zeta-Jones since 2000, the duo have two children together, Dylan and Carys. And in a recent photo, the couple’s children look exactly like their movie-star mother.
“A nice family evening! Hope you all have a wonderful and fun weekend ahead! MD,” Douglas captioned his photo, which showed the fearsome foursome standing with their arms around each other.
View this post on Instagram What Does Carys Douglas Do For a Living? View this post on InstagramCarys Douglas graduated from Brown University’s Watson School of International and Public Affairs in 2025.
Since graduating, the rising starlet has been getting to work in the family business. At the 2025 PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala in October, Douglas told PEOPLE she is excited to delve more into the performing arts following her graduation from college.
“I grew up doing theater, and I didn’t study acting in school, but that’s why I’m happy to be in such an informative arts space, so hopefully more of that,” she explained.
On her Instagram page, Carys shared a post in November from a short movie she stars in, titled F— That Guy.
What Does Dylan Douglas Do For a Living?An actor, producer, and media personality, Dylan Douglas graduated from Brown University in 2022 with a degree in history. On his personal website, he shares that he hosts the weekly series Young American on SiriusXM Progress, which focuses on Gen Z issues. He’s a veteran of several political campaigns, but is also dipping his toes into the family career. Last year, Variety reported that Dylan would make his film debut in the psychological thriller I Will Come to You, “a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche, delving into the intricate intersection of attraction and danger, hidden truths, and the devastating consequences of betrayal.”
View this post on InstagramBrian Austin Green Vulnerably Shares ‘Challenging’ Times, Going Out 'By Myself' as Fiancée Sharna Burgess Shines on DWTS
Fans are rallying around 90s icon Brian Austin Green, who rose to fame on Beverly Hills, 90210 and currently appears on HGTV‘s That ’90s House. The actor, who’s engaged to Dancing with the Stars pro Sharna Burgess, posted a vulnerable video, sitting alone outside a movie theater late on Saturday, September 26.
View this post on Instagram“I am at the mall by myself, I’m gonna watch a movie by myself,” Green said somberly. “I just haven’t had a good couple of days, and I think it’s important to share that. We have a lot of great days, and then some days … not so much. But we persevere. You know, we get through it. I just wanted to share with everyone that life does not stop [expletive] lifing. It is unpredictable, it is challenging. Welcome to it. We all have these days, but we can be okay.”
He was met with an outpouring of love from fans in the comment section of his video, including from one who wrote, “Thank you for being real and showing the realness of life for us all. We all have bad or tough days or times in our lives. No one is immune. And that’s OK. We grow and change for the better during those times. Which is amazing! Every experience makes us who we are. Molds us. Gives us a better perspective of others who may be going through something, too.”
Green replied to them all in the comment section by writing, “Thank you all for the kind words. I’m reminded daily that life is a crazy roller coaster. What’s in our control is who we choose to be during it. It always gets better 😊”
Though Green didn’t specify what caused him to feel so low, he posted another video the next morning, on September 27, to let his followers know he was feeling “exponentially better.” He also thanked the many fans who had shared words of comfort and encouragement the previous night.
In the caption of his Sunday video, Green wrote, “September is National Suicide Prevention month!! With the sunrise comes a new day. Thank you for reaching out and caring.”
“My God, we all go through it sometimes, all of us,” he said as he walked around his backyard at the Los Angeles home he shares with Burgess. “The difference is when you hang in there, when you stick through it, the sun rises the next morning. Things change, feelings change, situations change.”
Green has likely been spending lots of time alone lately, with Burgess busy rehearsing and competing on season 35 of DWTS. The two have been engaged since September 2023 and he has been spotted in the audience, cheering on Burgess and her celebrity partner, Bachelorette alum and new HGTV star Tyler Cameron.
View this post on InstagramHours before Green posted his video about spending his Saturday night alone, Burgess posted her own video about the importance of tending to her mental health with her therapist. She also noted that she was home on a quick break from DWTS to see their kids after school, so the video was likely recorded on Friday.
“DWTS has taught me so much about pushing myself, but I’ve also learned how important it is to take care of my mental health along the way,” she wrote in the caption. “Having someone to talk to and work through things with has been such an important part of my journey🤍”
Burgess will be back on the dance floor for week three of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday, September 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and Green will appear on HGTV’s Totally 90s House finale on September 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Jennifer Aniston Just Paid Tribute to One of the Most Iconic 'Friends' Moments
Jennifer Aniston is giving Friends fans a reason to revisit one of Phoebe Buffay’s most memorable reactions.
The actress, who played Rachel Green on the beloved sitcom, recently shared a photo paying tribute to the iconic “My eyes!” moment from the series.
In the photo, Aniston is wearing a long sleeved white t-shirt that has Phoebe’s image printed on it with the legendary line beneath it while the actress dramatically shields her eyes.
The post comes just days after Friends celebrated the 32nd anniversary of its Sept. 22, 1994, premiere. The sitcom ran for 10 seasons before ending in 2004.
View this post on InstagramThe scene Aniston is referencing comes from the Season 5 episode “The One Where Everybody Finds Out,” when Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) and Rachel discover that Monica Geller (Courteney Cox) and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) are secretly romantically involved.
After catching a glimpse of Monica and Chandler together through Ross Geller’s apartment window, Phoebe famously screams, “My eyes! My eyes!”
The line has gone on to become one of the show’s most recognizable memes, but fans may not know that the delivery was actually inspired by Perry.
Kudrow previously revealed that she borrowed Perry’s signature way of speaking for the moment. During a 2020 conversation with Aniston for Variety’s “Actors on Actors,” Kudrow explained that she even asked Perry for permission to imitate his cadence before filming the scene.
“I stole [it] from Matthew Perry,” Kudrow said at the time, explaining that she asked Perry if it was OK to deliver the line in his style and he gave her the go-ahead.
More than three decades have passed since the show’s premiere, but Aniston has previously said she still enjoys stumbling upon episodes.
“I get very nostalgic and I sort of sit back with pride and I kind of just… it makes me happy. It makes me really happy,” Aniston told Gayle King in 2012. “I’ve forgotten complete episodes that we shot, so there are times when I watch it just as if I’m watching it for the first time. Even after the 10th season, there were episodes we’d forgotten.”
Target’s $10 Layered Leaf Stoneware Plate Is the Prettiest Addition to Your Fall Table
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Fall tablescapes are one of the easiest ways to make your home feel instantly ready for the season. A few warm colors, natural textures, pretty serving pieces and, of course, plenty of leafy details can turn even an everyday dinner into something that feels a little more of an occasion. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the look—Target has a new collection that proves it.
The store’s Threshold line has a Stoneware Layered Leaf Serving Platter that’s practically begging for a spot on your autumn table. The 13.25-inch round platter comes in a rich dark green and features an intricate layered leaf design that gives it plenty of dimension and seasonal charm. Even better, it’s just $10.
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Threshold Stoneware Layered Leaf Serving Platter, $10 at Target Shop It!It’s the kind of serving piece that can do much of the decorating for you. Pile it with roasted vegetables, a cheese assortment, sliced bread or your favorite fall appetizer, and suddenly the food is part of the tablescape, too. The stoneware construction gives it a substantial look, while being both dishwasher- and microwave-safe means you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for pretty presentation.
And if you’re the type who loves a coordinated table, there’s a matching piece that’s arguably even cuter—the Stoneware Layered Leaf Appetizer Plate. The smaller 6.625-inch plate has the same dark green layered-leaf design, but with a distinctly leaf-shaped silhouette. At $5 each, they make it easy to build a collection without turning your tableware budget into a horror story.
Use the appetizer plates for everything from crostini and little desserts to nuts, cheeses or individual snacks. You could also mix several of them around the table for a whimsical, woodland-inspired look, pairing them with neutral dinnerware, linen napkins and warm-toned accents.
Whether you’re hosting a full-blown Thanksgiving feast or simply want your Tuesday night dinner to feel a bit more autumnal, these leafy pieces make a convincing case for letting your serveware join in on the seasonal fun. At $10 for the platter and $5 for each appetizer plate, you can add plenty of fall flair without spending much.
The Heartwarming Reason Behind Buffalo Bills Quarterback Josh Allen’s Colorful Hat
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is bringing a young fan’s creativity to the field in a colorful way.
Ahead of their Sunday game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Buffalo Bills shared a clip of Allen wearing a special hat designed by a young patient at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.
The baseball hat, which appears red, white, and yellow, is part of the second year of the Billustration campaign, an initiative from Allen and New Era that gives pediatric patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital the chance to design custom hats for the Bills quarterback to wear on game day.
This week’s design was created by Mason, a 14-year-old patient at the hospital whose colorful artwork incorporates some of his favorite things, including Pokémon, karate, swimming and soccer.
Each of the Billustration hats also incorporates the “potato-style” Buffalo logo Allen famously drew when he was signed by the Bills as a rookie, adding a personal touch from the quarterback’s early days in Buffalo to the designs created by the young patients.
The finished hat is available for fans to purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Patricia Allen Fund at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
View this post on InstagramThe Billustration campaign debuted during the 2025 NFL season, when pediatric patients created eight custom designs for Allen to wear during Bills home games. The hats were later signed by Allen and auctioned, raising more than $140,000 for the Patricia Allen Fund.
The initiative returned for the 2026 season with eight new designs from young patients. Allen is wearing one of the designs during each of the Bills’ eight regular-season home games, giving the children behind the artwork a special connection to the team.
Dr. Dori Marshall, the chief medical officer at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, told WIVB the Patricia Allen Fund, named in support of the quarterback’s grandmother, helps purchase life-sustaining equipment for the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. As a result, Marshall says, the kids love Allen.
“They just love Josh and whenever they see him, they just light up,” Marshall told the outlet.
