Parade

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

Personalizing your home to create a functional oasis you actually enjoy is one of the best perks of having a space of your own. Whether you live with family, roommates or on your own, there are countless ways to bring both order and practicality to any room while still reflecting your unique style.

When it comes to finding the perfect upgrade without breaking the bank, your local IKEA is a solid choice for home and kitchen essentials. And after spotting the sleek and stylish AFTONHAJ Stainless Steel Carafe last week, we couldn't resist highlighting a matching piece from the collection: the AFTONHAJ Jar with Lid. Retailing for just $12.99, this jar stores a variety of dry goods and offers a modern, brutalist edge that fits seamlessly into a range of kitchen styles.

🍳 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳

AFTONHAJ Jar with Lid, $12.99 at IKEA

IKEA

Shop It!

From cutting down on pantry clutter to bringing order and purpose to kitchen counters and tables, nothing does it better than the AFTONHAJ Jar with Lid. Featuring a timeless stainless steel design complemented by smooth lines and minimalist style, it has a 20-ounce capacity and a lid designed with a single metal handle.

Perfect for storing a variety of dry goods or putting creative storage ideas into action, this jar is a pro at keeping everything inside fresh and ready when you need it. A silicone rubber seal locks in long-lasting freshness, preserving the flavors, aromas and quality of spices, coffee, tea, nuts and more. Plus, the entire piece is dishwasher-safe, making both using it and cleaning it completely seamless.

Related: Aldi's $20 Retro Kitchen Staple Brings Dreamy Pastels to the Dinner Table

Where Form Meets Function

IKEA

In terms of its overall footprint, the jar stands 3.5 inches tall and has a 4.24-inch diameter. It starts narrow at the lid, widens toward the base and tapers slightly at the bottom, giving it a subtle teardrop silhouette. Whether you place it on the kitchen counter, bar cart, dining room table or in the pantry, one thing is for certain: it brings an elegant, modern style to your home with a brutalist edge that looks great anywhere it’s used.

Alongside matching pieces like the AFTONHAJ Stainless Steel Carafe, it can elevate any beverage setup, keep a morning brunch spread organized or even serve as an impromptu cup for tea or coffee. Beyond the kitchen, this stylish jar can also add a modern touch to shelves, hold small office supplies or organize odds and ends around the house.

Be sure to grab this sleek and stylish kitchen essential while it's still in stock, and take a peek at the rest of the AFTONHAJ while you're at it. And if you really like what you see, don't miss the IKEA FJÄLLBO Sideboard and BERGTUNGA Cutting Board for more must-have home and kitchen inspo. 

Related: Dollar General's Elegant $2 Kitchen Essential Looks Strikingly Similar to a Designer Style Over 12x the Price

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

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who love to build LEGOs and those who don't. If you find yourself in the former group, then we've got the perfect deal for you. You now can shop the LEGO Star Wars: ThePhantom Menace Diorama for nearly $20 off on Amazon — but you'll have to hurry to add it to your cart because the sale won't be around for long. 

The brick model, which is for kids or adults, has been discounted from its original $80 to just $64 during the retailer's Big Spring Sale. It features a lineup of pod racers that you can build with along the Arch Canyon backdrop (which is a part of Tatooine's Mos Espa Podracing circuit), a plaque with a Qui-Gon Jinn quotation, and a LEGO Star Wars 25th anniversary brick. The 718-piece set is just 4.5-inches tall, so you can store it on a shelf, your designated LEGO room, or really anywhere in your living space easily. 

LEGO ‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’ Diorama, $64 (was $80) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

"I'm a diehard LEGO fan, but this diorama is possibly my favorite of all the diorama sets," one shopper wrote. "I always loved the pod race scene and this really brings it to life on my shelf. Super fun build and great details on the racers." 

Other reviewers said that the set was "easy to put together," "worth the money," and "a wonderful tribute to ThePhantom Menace." 

Related: Amazon Has Iconic LEGO Sets Starting at Just $24 During Its Big Spring Sale

Prime members can get free shipping and have it delivered as soon as the next day, with free returns offered within the 30-day window. This Amazon LEGO find is part of the Star Wars series, which includes fan-favorite sets like the Millenium Falcon and Darth Vader helmet.  

Transport yourself or a loved one to a galaxy far, far away with this unbeatable Amazon LEGO deal now! This Big Spring Sale deal will only stick around for a limited time.

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.

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

The pace of the beauty industry is dizzying, with new brands, product launches and ingredients popping up all the time. It's a challenge to keep apace of all the new offerings, and who has the time or money to test and sort them all to come up with the "perfect" beauty routine?

Of course perfection isn't realistic, but we can help you make sense of the madness—what's worth it, what these new ingredients actually do, what's truly innovative and what is a good remaster of a tried-and-true favorite.

So far, this year’s launches are all about high-performance ingredients like peptides, NAD+, postbiotics and other exclusive, proprietary ingredients only offered by the brand. Right now beauty is all about promoting clinically-backed formulations and promising visible results. More products are doing double-duty—there's makeup that acts like skincare, skincare that acts like a treatment and SPFs that act like makeup. Where do you start?

We've rounded up our favorite beauty launches of 2026 so far—products that stand out for their innovation and effectiveness. As new products come out throughout the year, we'll test them and add our favorites to the list. Stay tuned!

Related: I Tried Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Eyeliner for 5 Months—Is It Worth the Hype?

Top Beauty Launches of 2026 So Far

• Best New Retinol Alternative: Shiseido Benefiance Dark Spot and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum
• Best New SPF: Clinique UV Solutions SPF 50
• Best New Barrier Support: UBeauty The Barrier Bioactive Mist
• BestNewNAD+ Skincare:Goop Youth Boost NAD+ Peptide Rich Cream
• Best New Travel Set: Kai x Aloha Getaway Travel Set

What Are the Biggest Beauty Trends of 2026?

Beauty in 2026 is all about long-term skin and hair health and a brand's proprietary ingredients to help you get there. There's lots of talk about protecting the skin barrier and making sure each of your products is doing at least two things for you—like cleansing and protecting or hydrating and strengthening.

Along with popular peptides, postbiotics and NAD+ are in many new releases.

What Are Postbiotics in Skincare?

Postbiotics in skincare help support the good bacteria on your skin while also working against harmful bacteria, which can improve overall skin balance. They’re known for helping to soothe inflammation, protect against environmental stressors like pollution, smooth skin texture and reduce excess oil that can lead to breakouts and congestion.

Unlike probiotics, which are live microorganisms applied to the skin, and prebiotics, which feed and support your skin’s existing microbiome, postbiotics are the by-products created during the fermentation of probiotic bacteria.

How Does NAD+ Work in Skincare?

You may have heard the buzz about NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). It's a coenzyme that exists in nature and is used for energy metabolism in every one of our cells. It diminishes as we age, so longevity scientists have been studying how to supplement it.

Many celebrities have talked about NAD+ IV infusions or injections, which are trendy and controversial as to the level of effectiveness. Now, NAD+ precursors (meaning building blocks that can help your body make its own NAD+) have made their way into skincare. But do these products actually work?

Research on the effectiveness of NAD+ in skincare is still in the early stages, but it shows promise.

The Best Beauty Launches of 2026 (So Far)Best New Retinol Alternative: Shiseido Benefiance Dark Spot and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum, $89

Sheila Baylis

Shop It at Sephora

Despite following multiple dermatologists' advice and trying several different brands, both over-the-counter and prescription, my skin does not like retinol. Even after using it long enough and consistently enough for my skin to "retinize," or get accustomed to retinoids, it consistently causes me redness and bumps, so I've pretty much given it up.

If you're like me and you need a retinol alternative, this new serum from Shiseido is a good choice. It has a plant-based retinol alternative called Picão Preto extract that helps
to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and rough texture, but is more gentle than a retinoid. It also has 4MSK, Shiseido's proprietary brightening ingredient created to diminish the appearance of dark spots.

It's pricey, but so is most high-quality over-the-counter retinol, so it's worth it if you're looking for an active, but gentle anti-aging product.

Related: The Number One Tip for Crepey Skin From a Cosmetic Dermatologist

Best New SPF: Clinique UV Solutions SPF 50, $39

Sheila Baylis

Shop It at Ulta

Even though I said perfection isn't possible, I'm always looking for the "perfect" SPF anyway. You really need a good one since you're supposed to wear it every day, even when you're inside and under the covers in the dark! (Well okay, the inside part is true, apparently we get a lot of sun damage sitting by windows.)

Beauty brand OG Clinique just launched the perfect "UV solution." It's SPF 50, and there are different formulations for skin type. I have combination skin so I'm going to pair the formula to the time of year. I'm currently using the hydrating version, which has hyaluronic acid for moisture, but plan to switch to the mattifying one in the summertime that has salicylic acid to control excess shine and oil. (There's also a tinted formula that's coming out in April!)

Best New Barrier Support: UBeauty The Barrier Bioactive Mist, $38

Sheila Baylis

Shop It at Sephora

Products to protect the skin barrier aren't new, but we're seeing more and more of them and in different formulations. This mist includes a postbiotic ferment, which is a byproduct produced by good bacteria meant to support the skin barrier. I love a mist because it's easy to get a quick dose of skincare midday when you're not at your bathroom sink. I'm recommending this new smaller size so you can try it out for less money and throw it in your bag to use throughout the day.

The mist includes UBeauty's proprietary Siren Capsule Technology, which is a special delivery system for skincare ingredients that has been shown to help them penetrate the skin more deeply. In short, you can expect protection and hydration from this mini-mist, and if you love it, it also comes in a full-size.

Related:13 Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists

Best New NAD+ Skincare:Goop Youth Boost NAD+ Peptide Rich Cream, $105

Sheila Baylis

Shop It at Goop

Goop is always on the cutting-edge, so it's no surprise to find NAD+ precursors in their latest skincare launch. Along with the controversial ingredient, this cream incorporates equally buzzy peptides to help with skin firmness, postbiotics, Schisandra fruit for skin elasticity and illipe butter that's derived from the nuts of the Shorea stenoptera tree.

Perhaps it's the butter, but the cream has a very bouncy yet creamy texture that's unusual but pleasant. I've used it for several weeks now, and noticed increased hydration and firmness in my skin.

Best New Travel Set: Kai x Aloha Getaway Travel Set, $98

Nordstrom

Shop It at Nordstrom

If you haven't yet smelled Kai products, this is the perfect opportunity. Experiencing the fragrance is like being a bumble bee in a flower garden. This limited-edition set would be perfect to take on a spring break trip and includes a perfume-oil rollerball, a mini body-glow, which is a dry-oil body mist, and a mini body lotion.

The body lotion is probably my favorite. It's rich and creamy, and for me, it provides the best delivery of the signature scent. And if you haven't tried dry oil, it's a nice, non-greasy way to hydrate the skin. You spray it on and it absorbs quickly, leaving a slight sheen with the lovely springtime scent. The perfume is the most concentrated way to get the Kai fragrance, and I like using it with the other products for scent layering.

Kai smells fresh, with lovely white florals and gardenia. The brand's founder, Gaye Straza, had experienced bad reactions to mainstream perfumes, so she created this scent for herself and others with sensitivities.

Up Next:

Daters were able to book activities to get to know other Age of Attraction participants at the beginning of the season. Couples with large age gaps exchanged promise rings and moved forward on the Netflix show.

Theresa DeMaria and John Merrill were 27 years apart but had chemistry. They lived together and had more dates. But the stylist revealed there was one date we didn't see that made her angry.

Related: ‘Age of Attraction’ Vanessa and Logan: Where Are They Now?

Theresa and John did tantric yoga on Age of Attraction Theresa DeMaria and John Merrill on 'Age of Attraction'

Netflix

Theresa, 54, told Glamour she was uncomfortable with one of the activities she did with the model. "They were setting us up to do tantric yoga, which they don’t show at all because I think it was a little over the top, sexually," she explained. "I was so uncomfortable. In fact, I think I was a little angry at that date because they put me in such an awkward position. I felt like it was too early to be in that world with him."

Related: ‘Age of Attraction’ Theresa and John: Where Are They Now?

The mother said John acted like he didn't mind it. "But I think he was also very uncomfortable," she said. "Tantric yoga is obviously meant to be the precursor to intimate relations. And he and I had barely even kissed at that point, aside from a peck. We’d never done any making out, tongue kissing, or any of that stuff, so it was kind of a little awkward."

The yoga class involved more participants on the show, which we didn't see. Theresa isn't the only person in the cast to talk about an uncomfortable cut date scene. Pfeiffer Hill revealed there was a sexual date for the show with Derrick Fleming that left her in tears.

Season 1 of Age of Attraction is now available on Netflix.

Leann Rimes is letting go of some serious stress after experiencing a deep jaw release.

The country-pop queen, 43, who rose to stardom in the '90s with her hit songs "Blue" and "How Do I Live," got the world dancing with the soundtrack to Coyote Ugly. Rimes continued her thriving career into the aughts and became familiar with the gossip of the tabloids thanks to her relationship and marriage to Eddie Cibrian. Now a happy wife and stepmom to Cibrian's kids, Rimes is doing better than ever. However, that doesn't mean she doesn't need a little stress release like the rest of us!

In a dramatic video posted to Human Garage, the singer underwent a dramatic deep jaw release procedure that reduced her to sobs and wails.

"Healing isn't always quiet. Sometimes it’s a physical letting go of things we didn't even know we were carrying. 🕊️In this powerful session, @garrylineham works with @leannrimes on a deep Jaw Release. You can see the exact moment the tension breaks and the emotional weight lifts, leaving her feeling visibly lighter and more aligned," the caption read.

Check out the powerful video below:

View this post on Instagram

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

What Was Her Reaction to the Deep Jaw Release?

After recovering from her sobs and wails, Lineham instructs Rimes to "say that part of my life is over." She responds by replying, "That part of my life better be over."

"Oh my God, you just don't realize how much tension is in there," Rimes says after recovering, starting to smile.

Photo by Tibrina Hobson on Getty Images

Rimes Has Battled Jaw Issues for Years

Rimes has struggled with jaw issues for years, citing temporomandibular joint disorder — or TMJ- as causing significant trouble for her onstage. In 2014, it got so bad that it left her unable to give a crowd an extra song, USA Today recalled.

"Oklahoma!!!! I love you so much! I'm sorry for no encore," the singer tweeted after the show. "I had my jaw pop out of place & I can't hear out of my left ear. #tmjsucks"

"I had the best time tonight with my Oklahoma fans! I love y'all!" she later added.

The issue has caused significant dental issues for Rimes, who recently had her teeth fall out midway through a concert.

Related: LeAnn Rimes Is 'Absolutely Stunning' in Cut-Out Corset Dress Celebrating New Song

Researchers have once again found something amazing buried underground. This time, archaeologists believe they have uncovered a massive Roman necropolis—another word for a large burial cite that includes both tombs and graves—under the city of Zadar.

This is especially good news for the experts who believe that this information will give them a new and exciting peak into Roman life at the time. Here's everything we know.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

A Large Necropolis Has Been Found in Croatia

According to the Greek Reporter, archeologist uncovered the massive burial ground in Zadar. The necropolis lies under ground in the district of Relja, which has ties to the ancient city of Iader. Experts believe that this find gives them a unique perspective on what life was like for Romans who lived around the Adriatic coast.

That's because the necropolis seems to follow the general blueprint of Roman cities of the time The site was located outside of the city's walls, and then it grew as Zadar's population grew.

Related: This European Destination Has Stunning Architecture, Beautiful River Views, and Will Apparently Make You Believe in the Paranormal

However, it's not just the size and scope of the burial ground that has experts excited, it's the fact that the burial grounds tell a story about the lives of the people who lived there at the time, including the social status which appears to be tied to the items they were buried with. The Greek Reporter notes that some of the finds include:

• Jewlery
• Oil lamps
• Coins
• Ceramic and glass containers (likely used for food and drink for the afterlife)

Zadar Is a History Lovers Dream Vacation

If you're someone who likes to get a glimpse into what the world used to look like when you travel, then Zadar should be on your must-see list. That's because the tourist board calls the city "an open air museum" due to the deep cultural history of the region, which can still be viewed today through the architecture and monuments from the past.

And what a past it is! The Zadar tourist board says that the city dates back around 3,000 years, when it was developed as an urban center by the ancient Romans. But, the true history here dates back even further, and some relics of the late Stone Age can be found in the city.

Today's visitors will want to be sure to take in some of the city's biggest attractions, including the Petar Zoranić Square, the Historic District of Varoš, and the Arsenal of Zadar which dates all the way back to the 16th century.

Related: One of the World's Biggest Historical Attractions Is Getting a Facelift: Here's Why I'm All For It

Then there's the "Secret Zadar," which is what the tourism board calls the parts of the city that are so ancient that you might miss them if you didn't know what you were looking for, including some of the remains from the Roman times, like some of the streets that were once trod by Roman soldiers and citizens, like the main Roman cross street of Decumanus, as well as the roads of Kalelarga and Cardo, all which now go by their modern names of  Široka Street and Šimun Kožičić Benja Street.

Perhaps you have vivid memories of your own 8-track collection or the concerts you saw when Elton John and the Bee Gees ruled the charts. Or you grew up hearing from your parents what it was like to be alive in the era of Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney — as a member of both The Beatles and Wings — and disco. Either way, the songs that dominated radio airwaves in the 1970s have endured for decades following their debut. 

Given how many smash hits came out of the decade, there are plenty to choose from when considering which one most matches your point of view, perspective, and personality. Consider your birth month for helpful insight into the ‘70s hit song that speaks to your soul. Read on to find out which tune reflects your energy best by scrolling to your birth month below. 

EXPLORE: Your Classic Rock Anthem, Based on Birth Month

Which 1970s Hit Song Is Your Vibe, Based on Your Birth Month

Each birth month is listed below. Disregard your birth date.

January: “Rocket Man” by Elton John

If you were born during the first month of the year, the sun was moving through hardworking, pragmatic Capricorn or future-minded, humanitarian Aquarius. Both signs call Saturn, the planet of industriousness and commitment, their ruling planet, and in turn, they’re both willing — in their own unique ways — to put their nose to the grindstone to achieve and make real even their wildest, most fantastical dreams and aspirations. That MO reflects the intriguing inspiration behind John’s 1972 hit, which songwriter Bernie Taupin said was a story by Ray Bradbury, “which was about how astronauts in the future would become sort of an everyday job.”

February: "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac

If you were born when the sun was spending time in either contrarian, rebellious Aquarius or artistic, unique Pisces, you take pride in marching to the beat of your own drum. Though connecting with others is a priority for you, you’re also unashamed to strike out on your own when the moment calls for it, which is the message behind Fleetwood Mac’s epic track which served as the lead single from their stillchart-topping album Rumours. 

RELATE?: The Most Powerful Zodiac Signs Ranked, According to Astrologers

March: “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer

If you were born in March, the sun was either in creative, idealistic Pisces or go-getter, fiery, dynamic Aries, which makes you someone who knows your heart and is unafraid to go after exactly what you want. That point of view is showcased in late Queen of Disco Donna Summer’s 1979 hit, which was the first single off of her Bad Girls album and stayed at no. 1 for three weeks on the U.S. singles chart. It also won Summer the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance the first year it was given out. And winning — especially for passion-stoked artistic pursuits — is very March-birthday-coded. 

April: “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon

If you came into the world in this solidly springtime month, the sun was moving through either playful, go-getter Aries or down-to-earth, sensual Taurus. You’re not exactly one to have the wool pulled over your eyes. In fact, you’re pretty much a pro at telling it like it is, because you’re fairly no-nonsense, much like the tone of Carly Simon’s November 1972 single, which was inspired by three men, one of whom Simon has admitted was Warren Beatty. The track reached No. 1 in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in early 1973 and went down in history as a “feminist breakup anthem,” which mirrors the fierce, Mars- and Venus-ruled vibes of people born in April. 

READ: These 4 Birth Months Transform Pain Into Personal Empowerment

May: “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder

If you celebrate your birthday in May, the sun was moving through grounded, steady Taurus or curious Gemini, and you came into the world during a truly social, buzzy, lively, and often joy-filled time of year. This tribute to jazz musicians like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie, made it to the top of the charts in 1977 and celebrates the universality of music and joy. Given that your sun sign is ruled either by art-loving Venus or communication-fueling Mercury, this fun-loving track is right in line with your vibe. 

June: “Silly Love Songs” by Wings

You were born with your sun in fun-loving Gemini or sentimental, sweet Cancer, which speaks to the fact that you believe in following your heart and cherishing the ones you love the most. Paul McCartney, who has a super-stellium in Gemini and Jupiter in Cancer, wrote “Silly Little Love Songs” for the love of his life, Linda, and released it in 1976 as the lead single off Wings’ fifth album Wingsat the Speed of Sound. “The fact is, deep down, people are very sentimental,” McCartney said of the track — and he should know as a June-born person himself.  

July: “Hotel California” by The Eagles

Born when sun was in sweet, caregiving Cancer or loyal, charismatic Leo, you’re someone who wears your heart on your sleeve and has no problem reveling in the moment. Although the meaning of the 1977 Eagles’ track is considered a mystery to this day, the beloved tune, which continues to show up in films and music charts, is sensual, moody, and transports you to “a dark desert highway” and invokes other vivid visuals (“Sweet summer sweat/Some dance to remember/Some dance to forget”) that mirrors your romantic point of view.

August: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Diana Ross

Whether you were born when the sun was in dramatic, bold Leo or industrious, cerebral Virgo, you’re a planner, a go-getter, and someone who pours their whole self into just about everything you do. That attitude is at the heart of Diana Ross’s 1970 version of the 1966 Motown tune, which became her first solo no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and ended up earning a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The powerful message and thoughtful, delicate vocals are in sync with how you move through life — and approach love. 

FUN!: Which Famously Fabulous Woman Over 50 You Are, Based on Birth Month

September: “Best Of My Love” by The Emotions

Born under either adaptable, romantic Virgo or partnership-oriented, visionary Libra, being in love and caring for the person who you adore the most is a top life priority for you. You also tend to have an effervescent, social, fun-loving spirit — something you can undoubtedly feel coming through in The Emotions’ 1977 lead single from their album Rejoice, which topped both the US Billboard Hot 100 and US Billboard R&B charts. A total classic, which only recently got resurrected as a sample in “Lil Boo Thang” by Paul Russell, celebrates what it means to go “in and out of changes” and still be able to share the best of your love — something you’re intimately familiar with. 

October: “Shadow Dancing” by Andy Gibb

During your birth month, the sun moves through dynamic duo-forging, balance-seeking Libra and powerful, intimacy-loving Scorpio, which makes you someone who is no stranger to putting yourself out there with a lover and devoting yourself to building your bond. Andy Gibb’s 1978 smash, which stayed at no. 1 for seven weeks and became Billboard magazine's #1 single of the entire year, speaks to the power of reveling in the moment with someone you adore and craving the “sweet sensation” of living in their love, which is a feeling you’d gladly center your whole world around.  

CURIOUS?: Your Stevie Nicks Song, Based on Birth Date

November: “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

Whether you were born under transformation-seeking, fearless Scorpio or joyful, unfiltered Sagittarius, you are a lifelong fighter who won’t back down when you’re pursuing your passions. You’re also self-possessed, strong, and in tune with your heart — all qualities that are mirrored by Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 hit. Released in October 1978, the disco staple received heavy airplay in 1979 and became a moving, time-honored anthem of resilience that notably resonated with the LGBTQ+ community and others who’ve been oppressed or marginalized. It’s an enduring ode to self-empowerment and thriving, something you can absolutely get behind.  

December: “Let It Be” by The Beatles

Born with your sun in either philosophical Sagittarius or practical Capricorn, you’re spiritually aware, goal-oriented, and enlightened. These traits are highlighted in the Paul McCartney-penned title track of The Beatles’ albumLet It Be, which was released in March 1970. The soft, introspective guitar solo from the single version of the song, produced by George Martin, and the centering lyrics (“And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me”) echo your ability to quietly center yourself, move forward, and tap into your inner wisdom, no matter the challenges you face in a given moment.

UP NEXT:

In the late 2000s, Jeffrey Donovan graced TV screens in the leading role for USA Network's hit drama series Burn Notice. Despite still working on the small screen, the actor moved away from Hollywood after meeting his wife and doesn't plan to go back.

It hasn't been uncommon for actors to decide that the spotlight of Los Angeles isn't the best place to start and raise a family. Speaking with Fox News Digital, Donovan admits that meeting his wife changed his perspective and admits they're "never leaving" Colorado for the actor hotspot again.

"I met my future wife while I was finishing a job, and she was from Colorado, and once I started visiting there, I never stopped," he explained. "It’s an incredible state and, I’m raising my children there, and we’re never leaving."

The 57-year-old actor married his wife, model and actress Michelle Woods, in 2012 and had their daughter that same year. They had two more children in 2014 and 2017. The two originally met in 2011, and based on Donovan's filmography, the biographical drama J. Edgar was released, in which he played Robert F. Kennedy.

Related: ‘The Price Is Right’ Model Holly Hallstrom Drops Bombshell Truth Behind Her Firing: ‘I Was on His S–T List’

Being in Colorado is "healthy living" for the actor and his family. Despite a majority of his friends living in Los Angeles, and they all agree raising children is a "challenge," Donovan says being away from Hollywood makes it more manageable.

"I find it less challenging in Colorado, which plays to my talent level of raising kids," Donovan explained. "If it’s not hard raising kids in Colorado, then that’s where I wanna be."

The actor has still kept busy with his career, having gained recognition for leading roles in the series Shut Eye after Burn Notice, and Law & Order as Detective Frank Cosgrove. He also played Dodd Gerhardt in Fargo for 10 episodes. When it comes to the big screen, he also became known for his role as Steve Frosting in Sicario and in the sequel Sicario: Day of the Soldado. Donovan also played roles in Wrath of Man, Honest Thief, and will star in Wardriver.

A woman ruffled some feathers on Threads recently, when she shared a photo from a recent flight, showing off how little personal space she was afforded while flying. But oddly enough, it wasn't anything wrong with the plane. Instead, it was the passengers seated on either side of her.

And it's what they were doing that frustrated both her and her followers on Threads: Man-spreading." But, not everyone was sympathetic to the traveler, and some people even got quite heated in the replies. Here's what happened.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

A Woman Went Viral on Threads for Post About 'Man-Spreading'

An unhappy traveler posted a photo from her recent trip at the end of March, which featured her legging-clad legs squashed firmly between the legs of two men. "What it’s like sitting between two men on an airplane," she captioned the photo. "And just so we’re clear, I’m in my seat."

The post immediately went viral, and just days later it had over 1,200 comments and 12,100 likes. Hundreds of people posted their disbelief, noting how this seemed to largely be a problem for men sitting next to women. "How would they sit if there were three men in a row," one person wrote. "Would they do that do another man?"

Meanwhile the men in the comments were very sensitive about being called out, including one man who rationalized touching the traveler by writing, "We need extra ball room. You don't." Other men resorted to name calling, blasting the OP and cursing at her in the comments.

However, there were a few men who spoke out against the growing habit. "I hope you know its not all of us. It's not even a 'man' thing," one man thoughtfully wrote. "It's being raised in a household where your parents taught you of being mindful of others. The big one today is no self awareness!"

Related: Passenger Baffled by Bizarre Carry-On Situation but Not Everyone Is on His Side

People Offered Advice to Cope With 'Man-Spreading'

While there was quite a bit of hostility from the men online, there were a whole lot of humorous suggestions from fellow female travelers who have also had enough of the "man-spreading."

"Start watching Heated Rivalry," one person wrote.

"Just turn to him and be like, 'Can you move your leg off mine? My balls are sticking together,'" another person joked.

Related: First-Class Passenger Ends Up On the Highway Before Realizing Her 'Flight' Was Actually a Bus Ride

Meanwhile there were plenty of more practical suggestions—although my favorite was definitely the one where a woman suggested stretching out and draping your legs across the men's laps—that are more likely to actually work in a situation like this, including:

• Asking the men to move their legs back into their area
• Telling them not to touch you
• Notifying the flight attendant

If all else fails, you can probably pick your favorite response from the comments, because lord knows there were plenty of good ones to choose from. And while they may not all be proper travel etiquette, they may at least make you (and your seatmate) laugh.

Dancing with the Stars pros keep going Down Under to visit Season 33 winner Robert Irwin.

Taking to Instagram over the weekend, pro Jan Ravnik posted a carousel of photos from the Australia Zoo, where the Irwin family is at the helm. Ravnik's post consisted of videos of the DWTSwinner teasing a crocodile as well as various shots of himself with different animals.

View this post on Instagram

"Feeling grateful to witness this animal paradise," Ravnik captioned the photos. "@robertirwinphotography thank you for having me."

To which Irwin responded, "Thanks for stopping by mate, great to see ya!"

And while fans flooded Ravnik's comment section, fellow DWTS pros were also loving the pics.

"It’s the best place ever," said Witney Carson, Irwin's partner that helped him score the mirrorball trophy this past season. She, along with her family also visited the zoo this year in an epic trip.

"The Merkats [sic] are everything!!!!!" pro Emma Slater chimed in, while Aussie native Sasha Farber commented, "My home."

Terri Irwin, Robert's mom also commented on his visit.

"The animals all loved meeting you too!" she said.

Related: 'DWTS' Pro Witney Carson’s Family Twins With Robert Irwin in Khakis on 'Legendary' Australia Trip

Ravnik, who danced on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, made his debut as a pro on DWTS this past season when he was partnered with Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck. They were eliminated in Week 7 of the show.

Robert, who went on to win the competition has been back in Australia working at the zoo that was managed by his late father, Steve Irwin.

When chatting about a possibility that Ravnik joins the DWTS pros again for Season 35, he told People last year that he wasn't quite sure yet.

"We'll see about it. It's still a long way [away]," he said, but if he does make his way back to the ballroom he'll remember to do a double check of his wardrobe.

"The first two weeks, my colors of the costume was hideous. Let me tell you, hideous," he told the outlet.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

As Paradise closed out its second season, it delivered the answer to perhaps the biggest question of Season 2: Who is Alex?

It turns out the mysterious Alex is actually a quantum computer housed in a second bunker in Colorado. It was named after the wife of Henry Miller, the professor who worked on the computer with Dylan/Link (Thomas Doherty) and was killed by a hit man hired by Samantha Redmond (Julianne Nicholson) after he refused to sell his company.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

While the identity of Alex was finally revealed in Episode 8, several questions remain unanswered: Is Dylan a.k.a. Link actually Samantha's son? Is Jane really dead? Why is Xavier having visions of Link? And what is up with those bloody noses?

Despite lingering questions, it was an explosive finale that saw the destruction of the bunker and the death of one of the show's main characters, Samantha, who, before going down with the ship, told Xavier "X" Collins (Sterling K. Brown) to find Alex, follow its instructions, and save the world.

If you were to ask Paradise writer and executive producer John Hoberg what might have been the most surprising part of the finale for fans, he'd say, “I think it depends. Are you sniffing around in quantum stuff before this episode?" 

"At the end of Episode 7, you're like, what is this we're about to reveal? I think that's gonna be surprising," Hoberg told Parade in an exclusive interview the week before the finale. "I think Jane getting killed is going to really surprise people."

"To me, that I think is going to be really surprising," he added. "And the fact that the bunker actually goes down."

While Hoberg asserted that everything will be answered by the end of Season 3, he spoke exclusively with Parade about some of Season 2's biggest questions, as well as why they went the direction they did with Alex...

Nicole Brydon Bloom's character Jane was stabbed in Season 2, Episode 7.

Disney/Ser Baffo

With the bunker gone, how does that change the world of Paradise moving forward?
This show has been in a weird way, it has been like a new pilot for Season 2 and a pilot for a new show in Season 3. So much has to change with each one. If you think about it, that's what we're doing. We've left everybody outside of this bunker. Xavier's been given this mission from Sinatra that he may or may not think is insane and may or may not want to do. And we're picking up from there with all these sort of unfinished storylines, but a brand new world.

Do you think losing the bunker makes it more dangerous now for these characters who have been hunkered down there for all these years?  
Some of them, like the people that arrived with Teri and Xavier have been out in the world,. But yeah, a lot of these people who've been in the bunker are going to be faced with a brand new reality. And so I think there's dangers, there's opportunities for these "cancer cowboys" [who] want to build a new world. It's kind of a big, wide open place for everybody.

Related: Paradise star James Marsden Reveals the Musical Legend He’s ‘Always Wanted’ To Play (Exclusive)

I think fans are going to be so happy to learn who Alex finally is in the finale. What led you guys to take the story in that direction, leaning into AI/the computer?
We have this saying in the writers' room and we call it "Martini's Law," just randomly, but it's sort of this thought that we want this to, like Season 2, to end where you have a way to explain what happened as Sinatra might just be so desperate to connect with her child again, that she's believing something that can't possibly be true, or you can believe she's right, and this is true, and there is a computer, an AI, trying to use quantum physics to manipulate time. That's kind of important to us. You could watch that two ways and say, "Okay, I'm a believer," or "I also am skeptical." So that's one of the things.

It really came out of talking about Sinatra, and if you have unlimited resources, and you are trying to figure out how to save the planet. She's trying to figure out how to save humanity from the beginning, but deep down inside, she's also desperately mourning that her child is gone. And so it just kind of naturally started to come out that it's like, well, if she had this conversation with that Dr. Louge, who said the one thing you billionaires can't buy is time, what she initially, in my mind did is, I need to find the fastest computer because I don't have enough time, so I need the fastest computer in the world to solve this issue, so that the volcano, we can somehow help with climate change and then stop this volcano from erupting. And then this unexpected thing happened, when she hired people and gave them unlimited money, and they added this AI, and suddenly it started thinking different.

And so it started thinking differently than a human would, and it approached it in a way of, like, wait a minute, this might try to solve it by using quantum theories to deal with time and where the professor is like, this is too dangerous, I'm betting Sinatra was like, "Oh my God," like if there was even a hint of maybe things could be changed, and what if you heard like a child that you lost, you might be able to see them again in some way. It would be too tempting for her not to just throw all the resources into it. And so that's where we started talking about it. And then I went out with my co-writer in 208 Seena, and we spent hours at the quantum lab at Caltech [California Institute of Technology], talking to the head of quantum physics there about this theory and what we were doing. He's a consultant on the show, and we worked out what the actual quantum theory is right now about how time works.

I was thinking that as I was watching the episode. I know it started off with Samantha wanting to solve the climate crisis, but at a certain point, I was like, "Could this have something to do with her son? Because, if I recall, in Episode 7, Samantha even tells her husband, "It worked," or something to that effect.
Yeah.

Link has the same name and birthday as Sinatra's son

Disney/Ser Baffo

So maybe this does have something to do with her son. And could Link actually be Dylan? Could Dylan actually be her son?
It's one of my favorite scenes in the finale, when she's in the elevator with Xavier, and she basically says, "I think I saw my son today." And then he's just kind of looking at her, like, "What happened while I was gone?" And she said, "Or I'm just possibly, it's just, I'm finally dealing with my grief." And I think that's up to you to decide a little bit, because it's a really interesting idea.

Will we find out next season?
I will say this, we, from the beginning, made a pact, Dan [Fogelman] and I, that this show would not become frustrating because we didn't answer the big questions. And for two seasons, we've done that. We posed a big question and then answered, and so we will not leave people hanging.

You mentioned you went to Caltechwhen you were writing the Season 2 finale. Did you guys always know who Alex was going to be or that it would be part of the show since Season 1? Or is this something that happened when you guys went back into the writers' room for Season 2?
So we had an inkling that we wanted to, in order to get to where we're going in the third season, when you see that, you'll realize, "Okay, we had an inkling that's what we wanted to do." And just kind of like any sketched out roadmap, it's like turns kind of start happening just because as you're getting into it, but there was this concept from the beginning.

And if you go back and look, the entire show, in some ways, is based on time. We're always flashing back and looking at people's different times their lives. And so time is there. There's a whole thing about unlimited time before this volcano explodes. And so we were kind of trying to weave it in a lot. And then, in the first season, it's shot through a glass prism. ut when things started happening that altered what was going on, you could sort of see like a flare in the frame. And in Season 2, we started increasing that with then the bloody noses. So I think if you look backwards, you'll find some little, little hints. And some of the idea was, "Let's take our time getting there and try to earn sort of this shift as the show evolved."

You brought up the bloody noses. Will we get an explanation as to why Xavier, Samantha and Link had those bloody noses?
We'll get answers. Having just broken out the eighth episode, I feel like it will be a very satisfying third season.

Jane's body was noticeably missing in the final moments of the finale. I'm assuming we haven't seen the last of Jane?
I would. I mean, she was stabbed pretty badly. [Laughs.] I'm curious, what do you think?

I feel like somehow she's connected to Alex. Because before her birth, there was that message that was sent from Alex to that man, which said, "She can be stopped when it matters." So when does it matter? We have a whole third season to go.
Unless it mattered because Gabby needed to be alive. I don't know. Or maybe that's not why. Maybe that's what mattered. Or maybe it's something else that mattered, or maybe that was what mattered. I'm very bad at this because I'm terrified of speaking about anything. [Laughs.]

In the end, Samantha tells Xavier that Alex can stop all of this, and already has stopped all of this. I'm wondering, without giving spoilers, can you explain what exactly Alex has already stopped? Why does Xavier need to follow the instructions, go there and save the world?
Xavier has the information we have. And Season 3, he's going to have to figure out what to do, if anything, and what that actually means...Does that sound evasive? [Laughs.]

We've seen Xavier, throughout the season, is having these memories of Link. So obviously, there's a connection between the two of them. Is Alex at the root of all this?
You have to track the coincidences and what people were talking about. Even the professor right before Billy shot him, said, "Do you believe things happen for a reason, or is it a coincidence?" And in a lot of ways, that's a theme that we're trying to ask people is, "Do you believe in coincidences, or do things just randomly happen?" And a lot of the things that were coincidental all seem to be circling around the professor [who] was working on Alex, seem to be circling around Alex.

I almost wondered at a certain point, could Alex have been behind the climate crisis? Was she the one that started it all?
Maybe. I don't know. It's a cool idea, though.

Julianne Nicholson's character died in the Season 2 finale

Disney/Ser Baffo

Were there any alternative endings that you guys considered before settling on the one we saw this season?
I think one definitely we dealt with, it was really hard to have Julianne go down with the mountain because she's so special. I mean, the good news in a Fogelman show is characters who die are never really dead in a lot of ways, because you have flashbacks and you see them in different times and things like that. That was a hard one. But we realized that's where her character would naturally go. She would feel like, if she's right, she's done her job, and she can now let everything go. Because in that moment, I think it's clear in the show, but you can't press the button to close the doors and get to the doors in time. So somebody was going to have to stay behind, and it made sense for her to stay behind, and it emotionally made sense for her to stay behind. So that was one of the things that we really debated about.

We knew that bunker was going to go down like early on. We knew that the bunker was going to be destroyed back in those early meetings I was talking about with Dan and Scott and Jess. And we knew Xavier was going to be out in the world and that he was going to look for Teri. There was a lot of debate about when we would find Teri, and under what exact circumstances, but we knew we wanted that, with a collection of people to be coming back for the bunker, and then something about that collision was going to cause it to be destroyed. So a lot of little things changed. And, you know, you debate every little corner when you're talking about this. And the writers are so smart on this show and so you've got 10 really smart ideas about how to get there in those big, bold strokes. So we definitely went down a hundred roads on the details, but the big overarching idea was always there.

Related: ‘Paradise’ Star Enuka Okuma on That Long-Awaited Reunion — And Why She Feared It Would End in Tragedy (Exclusive)

I felt like Samantha kind of redeemed herself in the end. It was a redeeming arc.
This show, to me — and Dan might have a different feeling about it. But to me, this is a show so much about grieving and loss and how people grieve. Everybody lost somebody who's down in that bunker. But we started on Xavier laying in bed and looking over. And we thought he had lost his wife, and he thought he lost his wife. And then we find out, "Oh Sinatra is also dealing with a loss that she's not getting over, but she put those horses down in the bunker." And in one version of the show, we were thinking the town was based on a place that she used to visit with her family back when her son was alive. So she's someone who was not making peace about her son being gone. We cut that for time and clarity.

And in my mind, she needed to do that to find peace. And she even told Gabby in Season 1, "I don't need to make peace with this. I just need to be able to function." And it's part of what she had to get over. And so I feel like she completed her arc. I found it redeeming for her, because it's like, "Okay, now I kind of understand all the things she was doing." It wasn't just to be evil. It was sort of a version of one of those morality things where, if someone you love is tied to a train track, you could divert the train, but then a whole trainload of people would die. Or you can let it hit the person you love. What would you do? And in some ways, Sinatra is seeing that to save the world, to save the whole, some people had to be sacrificed. So I don't know if it redeems everything she did, but it helps you understand why she did what she did. It wasn't just malice ever.

Related: ‘Paradise’ Unleashes Its Most Disturbing Twist Yet: Jane’s Chilling Origin

Were there any writing challenges this season?
Yeah. One of the great things as a writer working with Dan, is he's true to character always. To try to make something happen, he'll never make a character do something they wouldn't, and so in some ways, that makes writing it clear. Not necessarily easy, but clear, because you know you need to be true to what a particular character would do in a situation, and sometimes they don't want to do what you need them to do. So that's where it gets tricky, where it's like, okay, well, we clearly haven't found the right series of events to cause someone to do what we're hoping they'll get to do. And sometimes you're just like, "Nope, it can't be done."

Sterling K. Brown and Enuka Okuma with Benjamin Mackey

Disney/Gilles Mingasson

I loved getting to see the POVs of people who were outside the bunker, like Annie's story, with her at Graceland, and Gary and Teri at the post office. It was really cool to see what was going on outside of the bunker.
I feel like we all just, you know, being alive in our current time, we're witnessing things we just didn't think would happen all the time. And a lot of that's just we have cell phones everywhere, so there's cameras everywhere, and so we can all relate. My wife and I just watched something about that terrible tsunami that hit Japan. And we were remembering that we came home from dinner and turned it on CNN just randomly, and it was live footage of that happening, and just how like we were just watching what happened on the news while it's affecting your world. And I think that's why we can all relate. And I think that's why it's almost endlessly fascinating to see people experience that day and how you survived it. 

John, congratulations to all of you. This season was amazing. I feel like everyone I talk to, they're obsessed with Paradise.
It's funny. Season 1, I was blown away by how many [people reached out]. I was getting emails from high school friends I hadn't talked to. And I feel like this season, it's even stepped up more. It feels like we keep kind of landing on the way people are feeling about things. I don't mean politically at all, I just mean the feeling like things are out of control in the world. We keep kind of landing on stuff that I think it's really resonating with people because of that.

And none of that is like, "Ooh, what do we think in a year is really going to relate to what people are going through?" It's more just where everybody else is playing around with, "Okay, what's the worst case scenario of some of the world's situations, and let's just keep rolling with it. What's the worst-case scenario if a giant volcano erupted? Let's go with that." Because I think a lot of people are trying to deal with anxiety in the world. And another reason I think people are responding to it is when you do that, and you have an ending to it, it almost is comforting, even though it's anxiety-provoking. Bbecause at least in a show, you get some sense of closure and some sense of it all happened for a reason.

Yeah, and you're saying that again, so I can't wait to see the reason for why everything unfolded.
[Laughs.] I tried to sneak that in one more time.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Related: 'Paradise' Renewed for Season 3 on Hulu — But Is This the End?

With so many new items constantly rotating through Trader Joe’s, it’s easy for something special in the dairy case to get overlooked. But this spring, one spread is already standing out.

Whipped Carrot Cake cream cheese spread has arrived for $2.79, and it leans a little more indulgent than traditional cream cheese. It’s lightly sweet, with warm spices and small bits of carrot, giving it a flavor that falls somewhere between breakfast and dessert.

It also taps into a flavor Trader Joe’s already knows works this time of year. Carrot cake is a spring staple, and using those same spices in a cream cheese spread makes it easier to incorporate those flavors into everyday meals.

You can get a closer look at this March 28 Instagram from Shannon Fong @traderjoesobsessed:

View this post on Instagram

In the video, Shannon pairs it with Trader Joe’s Jubilant Sprinkle Cookies, using them to scoop up the spread almost like a dip. Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even vanilla wafers would give you a similar result if you’re leaning into the sweeter side of it.

Related: Trader Joe's 'Whimsical' New Candies Have Fans Buzzing This Spring

There are also a few easy ways to work it into breakfast. A spoonful melts into warm oatmeal, while a light spread over pancakes or waffles gives you that carrot cake flavor with no need for syrup. It also spreads easily on an English muffin if you want something a little less dense than a bagel.

For something lighter, apple slices balance out the richness. And if you want to take it further, it can double as a filling between soft cookies or be spread over a slice of pound cake.

One shopper suggested a slightly more unexpected option: “With cinnamon churro chips! Amazingly delicious.” And that sounds like an outstanding way to go.

This whipped carrot cake cream cheese doesn’t really stay in one lane, which is part of what makes it stand out. Whether it ends up as part of breakfast or something closer to dessert, it’s an easy way to bring those classic spring flavors into different parts of the day.

Déjà vu washes over you. Something about this current life feels familiar, as if you’ve been here before or have done this before. What if you have? You may not remember, but your soul certainly does. Each soul has been here before, which means you have had at least one past life. Your most recent past life will have the most profound effect on your mental, emotional, and spiritual development in this lifetime. Gifts, lessons, karma, and so much more from your past life will follow you into this lifetime. There might be nostalgic moments and signs that allude to your past life, but how do you know for sure?

According to numerologists, spiritualists, and astrologers, who you were in a past life is based on your birth date. The spiritual energy of your birth date speaks to your soul’s history. Read on to discover the past lives for birth dates 1 to 31.

RELATED: Who You Were in a Past Life, Based on Birth Month

Your Past Life, Based on Your Birth Date

Check if your date of birth is listed. Disregard birth months.

FURTHER: Who You Were in a Past Life, Based on Zodiac Sign

Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th or 28th

An enterprising yet independent past life is found among those born on the 1st, 10th, and 19th. You may have suspected that you played a part in an important discovery, expedition, or breakthrough. Exploring the great beyond would have been your soul’s calling, so traveling far and wide would have been your life. Although you may have been well-traveled, you could have felt lonely. Leaving your family behind or forgoing the dream of having a family altogether was the trade-off for discovering a new part of this world. You’ll know if your soul has been somewhere before if you naturally understand how to navigate an otherwise foreign environment. Let this be your sign to take that dream vacation to a place your soul feels called to as a way to return to yourself.

Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th

Born on the 2nd, 11th, or 20th? You had a quiet, peaceful past life. It might not sound inherently exciting, but that’s not necessarily the case. In another life, you were the go-to person for settling disputes, disagreements, and so much more. Everyone knew you to be fair and just. Having a balanced personality meant you were determined to create harmony among others. Since you approached each conflict with sensitivity and agreeableness, you might have held the official position of mediator. It’s not unlikely that you could have held a position in the courts or in law enforcement. Being a mediator wasn’t easy if you disliked conflict, but you had the skill and emotional intelligence to settle the score. It wouldn’t be surprising if you continue to seek resolution in this lifetime.

Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th

Do you love learning, reading, and creating in this life? If so, you might not be surprised to find out that you lived a stimulating past life. Having your birthday fall on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th suggests that you were an intellectual yet creative powerhouse in the last life. Your brainpower was your superpower. There was nothing you couldn’t imagine, and therefore, couldn’t create. It’s likely you left behind wonderful work that has greatly contributed to liberal arts education. English students might favor the novel you wrote in a past life, or artists could still be analyzing your sketches. If there’s an artist that resonates with you, you might be surprised to discover that that was you in another life.

EXPLORE: The Most Powerful Zodiac Signs Ranked, According to Astrologers

Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st

Whatever you built in another life may still stand today if your birthday is on the 4th, 13th, 23rd, or 31st. In another life, your greatest contribution was what you built. Depending on how long ago your past life was, you could have left behind a small hut you once resided in or a large fortress you helped build for your empire. You were once known for being a practical, steadfast individual who worked tirelessly to build security for yourself and others. Security would have come in the form of adding new additions to your community, improving your craft, and honing your tools. Remnants of old infrastructures and stray tools are still being found today. Seeing what’s left of your past life in history books and museums will take you right back.  

Born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd

You were the change you wished to see in the world. Having your birthday fall on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd implies you were a dynamic force of nature in a past life. History may remember you as a revolutionary. If you weren’t spearheading a monumental movement, you still played an integral part. You may have felt strongly about a movement that spoke to your values. It may have resonated with your soul’s desire for freedom, innovation, and flexibility. Unlike others, you were brave to participate in such a movement. Your courage could have made you a valuable asset in a radical period. Don’t be surprised if the urge to fight for what’s right finds you in this life, too. 

FUN!: These 4 Birth Months Are Destined to Thrive in Their Golden Years

Born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th

Is home and family a major theme in this lifetime? If so, it’s because this has carried over from your past life. Your birthdate–the 6th, 15th, or 24th–implies that your past life was largely concerned with your home life. It may mean a few things. It’s possible your home and family were immensely fulfilling. Love, support, and connection surrounded you. The opposite may have happened, which could lead you to prioritize home and family in this lifetime. Additionally, you may have experienced displacement, diaspora, and movement. Your past life could have been unexpectedly nomadic if you were forced to relocate. It might be evident if you feel called to live somewhere now. Regardless, your past life would unconsciously influence you to regain control of your home and family in this life.

Born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th

Your teachings have left a mark on this world if your birthdate is on the 7th, 16th, or 25th. Having one of these birthdates suggests that you led a scholarly past life. Now, this may not sound inherently interesting, but you could have been a well-known philosopher, scientist, or mathematician. In another life, you were known for your astuteness. Nothing escaped your careful eye. Your brain worked overtime attempting to answer some of life’s greatest mysteries, to improve your surrounding faculties, and to make sense of everything. You likely had a major breakthrough that has changed the way we live even now. Pay extra close attention when something piques your interest in class–this is your soul’s way of remembering your past life.

Born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th

Insurmountable wealth found those born on the 8th, 17th, and 26th in another life. Unlike other birthdays, you likely had an abundant past life. If you weren’t royalty, you were certainly up there in the hierarchy. Your wealth may have been measured by the land you owned and the people you ruled. Having such a luxurious estate meant having access to dutiful servants, fresh food, and finery. Opulence surrounded you, so you wanted for nothing. However, you would have been tasked with sharing what you had. Generosity was your major karmic lesson in a past life, which you may still be learning in this lifetime if you consistently give to others. Hopefully, your soul has learned that giving is just as important as receiving.

DIVE DEEP: How to Connect With Your Ancestors, According to a Psychic Medium

Born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th

If you’re born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th, you might be able to unlock your past life all on their own. Your past life may come to you in your dreams. Music, movies, books, and museums will help you remember. Your intuitive skills have transcended lifetimes, which is why you’re an old soul who can recall memories and recognize soulmates. In another life, you were known for your psychic abilities. You might have been an oracle, a high priestess, or a witch. Whether you were spiritual or religious, you had a special connection with spirit. Some may have revered you; others may have feared you. No matter what happened in the past, give yourself grace as you find balance between the spiritual world and physical world in this lifetime.

UP NEXT:

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

In the market for a new couch? If so, it’s hard to go wrong with a convertible futon. These versatile pieces seamlessly blend style, comfort, and practicality. A prime example is this Chitooma Convertible Futon that combines a sofa and bed into one sleek, space-saving package. 

There’s no better time than now to grab one. This futon, originally retailing for $317, is currently on flash sale at Walmart for as low as $160!

Chitooma Convertible Futon, From $160 (was $317) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

Comfy, sturdy, and versatile, this "cute" convertible futon couch is great for lounging when you need a cozy place to kick back. "Ideal for small spaces and makes for a perfect hangout spot!" one reviewer said of the sofa. With 7-inch thick, high-density foam cushions, you’ll sink into this couch as soon as you plop onto it. 

Related: Walmart's 'Beautiful and Spacious' $79 4-Drawer Storage Cabinet Is Perfect for Small Bathrooms

Whether you want to chat with friends, indulge in a book, or take a nap, you can tailor this couch to fit your needs. Designed with a click-clack mechanism, the sofa’s backrest can be adjusted to recline further back or lay flat. Buyers can also adjust the armrests to five different angles for optimal comfort. 

The sofa comes in a 66-inch size that starts at $160, as well as a 75-inch size that starts at $163. The smaller version comes in gray, green, and white, while the 75-inch option comes in green and gray. Featuring a 600-pound weight capacity, the table doesn't come assembled but is easy to put together, according to reviewers.

For those with limited space, shoppers noted that this is the perfect size for small areas. Because it can go from a couch to a bed within seconds, this versatile piece is great for entertaining. You can lay the armrests flat to seat additional people or host an overnight guest. 

Shop More Deals 

• Edx Lift-Top Coffee Table, $57 (was $90) at Walmart
• UbesGoo Portable Washing Machine, From $190 (was $320) at Walmart
• Ktaxon Upholstered Chair and Ottoman Set, From $150 (was $195) at Walmart

Complete with a wooden frame and corduroy fabric, this couch offers a silky-smooth, plush feel, while adding a cozy and vintage aesthetic to any room. The comfort factor has been a huge bonus for buyers. “It was soft to the touch and way more comfortable than expected. Many naps were taken on it and no issues. It’s sturdy and holds up well,” a reviewer raved. 

If you’re on the hunt for a new seating piece or your current couch is looking a little worn down, this could just be what your home needs. Be sure to head over to Walmart and check out the Chitooma Convertible Futon for as low as $160 while it’s still in stock!

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.

Every day worldwide, expert astrologers are eagerly asked, "Which zodiac signs are the most powerful?" What a loaded question! While some star signs are more likely to be more influential than others, every zodiac sign can be a strong force to be reckoned with in its unique ways.

According to professional astrologers, the most powerful zodiac signs can be ranked. Read on to discover where your star sign ranks from the most to least likely to be powerful.

The Most to Least Powerful, Influential Zodiac Signs

Read for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. Your sun sign is significantly tied to your visibility, persona, and public image. 

Pro Tip: Every zodiac sign possesses unique strengths and powers. We all have the ability to choose a confident and empowered lifestyle. While the following ranking of zodiac archetypes is helpful, it's important to remember that there's more to consider beyond just sun sign astrology. Your entire natal chart plays a significant role in determining your inner power and how you utilize its inherent energy. Astrology is a cosmic tool, not a set determination of your fate. Nonetheless, this guide can help you understand which zodiac signs are commonly associated with traits of power.

COSMIC CALLINGS: Your Birth Month Describes Your Soul’s Journey

Scorpio

Scorpios are known for their alluring presence. Part of their appeal is their dark mystery, reserved first impression, and intensity. This zodiac sign isn't afraid to make their passions known, heard, and, most of all, felt by everyone in the room. Sometimes, their aura can be intimidating to those caught off guard by their unfiltered attitude. Ruled by Pluto, the planet of transformation, this Water sign transmutes everything they touch.

Leo

Ruled by the Sun, Leo shines the brightest in any room they enter. People take notice of their presence and feel the light vanish when they make their exit. They are influential, whether people are akin to them or not. As Fire signs, they don't back down from wearing their heart on their sleeve, making their desires known, and eagerly pursuing whatever they long for until it's theirs. 

EXPAND: 3 Most Lucky Zodiac Signs, According to Astrologers

Aries

A pioneer, Aries is a trailblazer. While many fall back into the background out of fear of opinions, this Fire sign stands on their truth. Authenticity allows them to navigate new and familiar situations with confidence, capability, and self-assuredness. While they may not be everyone's cup of bold tea, one thing is for sure: you cannot deny the Ram's headfirst approach and how successful it usually is.

Capricorn

While Capricorn may be more silent or reserved about their influence, it is evident. This Earth sign is mature, disciplined, and unwilling to budge on their intentions. No one can distract them from their integrity once they lock in on what they think is the right thing to do. There's a reason this zodiac sign is associated with worldly aims and success - Capricorn becomes a leader, guide, or mentor to many who look up to them.

Libra

Regardless of gender, Libra is associated with societal norms of feminine charm. They are diplomatic, alluring, and easy to like. This Air sign has the gift of gab, able to convince you to do what they want, all while making you feel as if it was your idea in the first place. Many underestimate their power. With exceptional social skills and the ability to mirror almost anyone, they tend to befriend influential people or be at the right place at the right time.

NEXT: How You're Spiritually Gifted, Based on Zodiac Sign

Taurus

Taurus tends to be successful in life, placing them in a decently high ranking in terms of influence. They are resourceful, mindful, and attuned to social and materialistic aims. Their charming, Venusian nature often grants them opportunities, as others find them warm, nurturing, and easy to get along with. While they can be stubborn at times, this allows them to stick to their goals for the long haul, while others give up.

Cancer

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which is associated with the collective's emotions. People easily project their innermost feelings onto this zodiac sign, making them appear relatable, reliable, and familiar. Even strangers feel as if they've crossed paths before. This intuitive Water sign can achieve greatness through empathy, reliability, and comforting presence. Their strong intuition makes them informed, even when it's not apparent to others.

FURTHER: 3 Zodiac Signs With a Rare Mix of Genius and Intuition

Gemini

Known as the jack of all trades of the zodiac, Gemini is intelligent. This star sign doesn't hesitate from a problem-solving challenge, leading them to collect many valuable skills. Associated with The Twins, this star sign is dualistic and can see the truth from multiple perspectives. Therefore, it's easy for them to make friends and connections and build affinity with even those who differ from them.

RELATED: The Most Psychic Zodiac Signs Ranked, According to Astrologers

Virgo

Ruled by Mercury, the planet of intellect, makes Virgo eager to stimulate their mind intellectually. Therefore, they tend to be influential in strategy, data analysis, and the mundane details of life. With a strong work ethic, they tend to reach high in their professional goals. However, their focus on being of service can, at times, lead them to undermine their potential, lack boundaries, or give up before things get good.

Aquarius

Aquarius is a humanitarian eager to connect with the world at large. Their objective lens allows them to remain impartial and detached when emotions run high. Therefore, they can be skilled at meditation and conflict resolution. However, sometimes, their avoidance can prevent them from overcoming hurdles. They hold themselves back from growth when they turn the other cheek instead of confronting problems head-on.

NEXT: The Most Disliked Zodiac Signs (and Why They're Misunderstood) Ranked, According to Astrologers

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is a free spirit. Therefore, they tend not to be too concerned with influence or power. This Fire sign craves adventure above all else. While they spread positivity and good vibes wherever they go, they opt for a more noncommittal approach, taking things one moment at a time.

NEXT: These 4 Birth Months Transform Pain Into Pure Power

Pisces

While the rest of the world strives for power, Pisces seeks love, connection, and affinity above all else. This sensitive water sign doesn't often get lost in the ego. Therefore, they tend to find contentment in the simple things in life, such as reliable connections. Their gentle nature can lead them to wear rose-colored glasses, missing opportunities right before their face. Boundaries help them heal this dilemma. 

UP NEXT:

I'll be honest: there is very little about an airplane or any public transportation that screams "clean" to me. Even if you think you've diligently avoided all of the typically gross areas like the bathroom, the truth is even the most innocuous surfaces can hide a lot of germs.

“Anything that people touch a lot is prone to getting contaminated because we carry a lot of germs on our hands,” Kelly Reynolds, a professor, environmental microbiologist, and public health researcher at the University of Arizona, recently toldReader's Digest.

Related: I Travel Every Month—These Are the Only Carry-On Essentials I Bring

And the place on a plane that carries the highest risk of sanitation issues you likely never thought twice about? The seatbelts. Both the fabric strap and metal buckle are high-touch and highly contaminated, and they are not the easiest surfaces to clean. Plus, they are often missed by cleaning crews.

“Any time you touch something that is a hot spot and then rarely clean, you should have the expectation that it’s going to harbor a lot of germs,” Reynolds reminds readers.

It's also fair to say that while the seatbelt buckle is easier to clean, the fabric strap could present an additional hurdle. Most airplane seatbelts are made of industrial-strength nylon or polyester. These are synthetic, relatively hydrophobic (water-repelling) fibers. A study recently determined that while bacteria may struggle to "soak" into hydrophobic fibers initially, once they do adhere, they can create stubborn colonies. If a seatbelt is synthetic, it may trap the oils from passengers' hands, providing the "food" (sebum) bacteria need to survive.

Related: Southwest's New Cleaning Policy Treats Economy Flyers Like Second-Class Citizens

How Can You Protect Yourself from Germs?

While you might not be able to inspire the airlines to be more diligent, you can show up for yourself. Some of the best ways to combat this dirty area are:

• Wipe it down: Make sure you thoroughly wipe the area with a disinfectant wipe. Be sure to include both the buckle and the straps. Then, use hand sanitizer to disinfect your own hands.
• Avoid touching your face: The easiest way to keep yourself healthy post-flight is to keep bacteria away from your nose or mouth.
• Choose a window seat: This could make a big difference. Studies show only 43% of window seat passengers left their seats during the flight, compared to 62% of middle seat passengers and 80% of aisle seat passengers, meaning they are inherently less "high-touch."

Germs are an inevitable part of life, but the last thing you want is to kick off a trip or end one on a sick note.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Hailed as the most influential and acclaimed figure in the history of jazz in the 20th century, Miles Davis had more than a few outstanding hits. In 1970, the jazz trumpeter, composer, and band leader released his Grammy-winning studio album, which marks 56 years since its inspiring release.

Recorded in mid August 1969, Davis created a studio album that would receive a mixed critical response, but became an overall commercial success. Columbia Records released the hit album Bitches Brew on March 30, 1970. It became a continuation of Davis's innovative style and experimentation with electronic instruments that was first heard in his previous album, In a Silent Way.

The album was a deviation from Davis's usual style and dipped its toes into the influence of the rock genre during the time period. While the album wasn't initially well-received, it has gained traction years later for being one of the greatest jazz albums that was a progenitor of the jazz rock genre. Davis and record producer Tero Macera were reported to have used the studio in "radical" ways with special effects, editing, tape loops, and more to create a unique sound.

Related: ’70s Punk Rock Legend Ranked ‘Best Female Rock Singer’ of All Time

Bitches Brew had six different tracks on a total of four sides, with hits like "Pharaoh's Dance," "Bitches Brew," "Spanish Key," "John McLaughlin," "Miles Runs the Voodoo Down," and "Sanctuary." The album included an array of artists, some were part of Davis's main group, like Wayne Shorter, Dave Holland, Bennie Maupin, and included Chick Corea, Joe Zaqinul and more.

For Davis, the album became his highest-charting success on the Billboard 200 at No. 35. It also landed at No.1 on Billboard's Top Jazz Albums chart and No. 4 on the R&b/Hip-Hop Album charts. It also won him a Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album and landed him his first-ever certified Gold album by the RIAA.

The album has sold over one million copies since its release, and was tagged by musicians for having resurrected jazz into mainstream popularity during the '70s. It opened the eyes of music producers to the success the genre could once again achieve and was reported to be one of the "most remarkable creative statements of the last half-century."

Bitches Brew received one of the ultimate honors and was selected in 2025 by the Library of Congress to be preserved by the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Cast your mind back to 2007. It’s been almost 20 years since Keira Knightly and James McAvoy stole our hearts with a heartbreaking story. That movie was based on the novel Atonement by Ian McEwan, and it reaches a major milestone this year.

Atonement turns 25 in 2026, and it was quickly named one of Time magazine’s 100 greatest novels in the English language since 1923. It wasn’t surprising to see it land on the Booker Prize for fiction list in 2001 and land a movie adaptation within six years.

‘Atonement’ Tells a Story of What Could Have Been

Told over the course of three time periods, we get a story of what could have been. It all starts in 1935 England, where a young girl makes a mistake that changes the course of multiple lives. Had she been honest with both herself and the police, the events that would lead to her sister Cecilia and the former housekeeper’s son, Robbie, being separated would have never happened.

As the story progresses, Briony writes about the events that happened throughout her life, giving us a sense of hope. The two end up finding each other again, and they get the relationship that they always wanted.

That is, until we get to the end. In a shocking turn of events, we learn that the reunion was all in Briony’s head. It’s her attempt to atone for the things that she did in the past, for the lies that she told and the mistakes that she made. Within the story of what could have been, we get a story of heartbreak, leading to some mixed feelings about the author of the tale.

The Debate Over the Ending

As Atonement was released, McEwan faced criticism over his novel. One reason was due to the ending, which led to questions about whether Briony had atoned for her sins by sending an innocent man to prison.

Arguably, this could be seen as a good thing. It shows how stories can be changed, how the ending is always told by the victor. Authors have a duty to tell the truth, but the reveal at the end of Atonement shows that they don’t. 

In the end, Atonement was quickly picked up and turned into a movie. The 2007 movie of the same name kept much of the story the same, especially the twist at the end, as we learned what really happened to Robbie and Cecilia.

The Second Lady, Usha Vance, just opened up in a new interview about pregnancy, parenting, and her new podcast for children. The wife of Vice PresidentJ.D. Vance is currently pregnant with the couple’s fourth child. And that makes her part of the first vice-presidential family to have a baby while in office in well over 100 years. Yes, that’s right—the birth of baby boy Vance this coming July will be the first for a sitting VP since 1870!

The lawyer and mom to three, eight-year-old Ewan, six-year-old Vivek, and four-year-old Mirabel, recently sat down with NBC News’ Kate Snow to talk about her family, her newest venture, and life in the White House. When Snow asked Vance how her pregnancy is going this time around, the Second Lady candidly answered, “There’s some differences obviously. I have to dress up a lot more. My last pregnancy, there were a lot of sweatpants.” 

Vance went on to discuss how she adds some normalcy to her family’s lives, saying, “If I wear my jeans and a t-shirt and pull my hair up and go to the grocery store or go to the library, maybe someone will notice, but for the most part I can do these kinds of things.” When Snow seemed somewhat shocked and asked, “You can just walk out the door and go to a grocery store?” Vance replied, “We do that. We have our neighborhood shops and our Costco membership.” Wait, the Second Lady shops at Costco? Maybe she is just a regular mom like us.

The Yale-educated lawyer also opened up about work and having a family. Snow noted that Vance stopped working in 2024 when her husband, J.D. Vance, was chosen for the role of Vice President. When asked if she missed her former life as a lawyer and whether she would go back to it, the soon-to-be mom of four explained, “Oh, certainly. It was disorienting at first to lose that…But it was an opportunity. There are things that I really care about and want to do, and when the time comes, I mean, I do intend to work.”

Even though she doesn’t have plans to return to the legal field anytime soon, Vance is starting a new book-based “Storytime” podcast for children that she calls “Sort of just an advertisement for reading.” 

So why did Vance choose to start her podcast right now? She went on to say, “I have a long-standing interest in education. It seemed like a really natural fit because we have young children…As I was teaching them to read, I was starting to see some statistics about the decline in literacy rates, and this is a long-term trend and worrisome.” Vance’s “Storytime with the Second Lady” just launched, but already has three episodes, including a dramatic reading of a Disney fan favorite by racecar driver Danica Patrick. 

Bob Dylanhas a Patreon, and fans have one reaction: What are you thinking, Bob?

Patreon, for those who don’t know, is a subscription platform meant to help out creative folks. It’s a play on the term “patron of the arts.” Fans pay a monthly fee to financially support their favorite creatives, such as writers, comic artists, musicians, and video content creators. This pledge usually grants users access to special perks, like behind-the-scenes breakdowns, bonus comics, personalized chats, and more.

Those who sign up for Bob Dylan’s Patreon expecting to hear unreleased demos or get his insights on records like Blonde on Blonde or Highway 61 Revisited will be sorely disappointed: for $5 a month, you can hear Lectures From The Grave, Bob Dylan’s historical fan-fiction.

Dylan announced this new venture on March 29, posting an image to his Instagram Story. The flyer advertised “The Dead speak” with “featured lectures” from Aaron Burr (“On the Art of Survival”), The Last Will and Testament of Frank James (a Civil War outlaw and the older brother to outlaw Jesse James), and the life and death of Wild Bill Hickok.

The “Dead Speak” series is historical fiction, with AI voices as narrators. There are also “Letters Never Sent,” fictional letters from historical figures. One of the first letters, credited to “Herbert Foster,” details Mark Twain writing to Italian silent cinema star Rudolph Valentino.

Dylan has previewed these AI “lectures” on his Instagram in recent months. “I love you, Bob, but someone really needs to take your phone away from you,” commented one fan on a snippet of the Wild Bill lecture in February. “Bro, no one has time for this,” wrote another fan on a clip of the Aaron Burr “lecture” that Dylan posted in September.

In May 2025, Dylan posted a trio of clips titled “Al Capone in his own words." A few months prior, Dylan shared "Edgar Allen Poe speaks from the grave." These might clue fans in on what's coming next on Dylan's Patreon.

View this post on Instagram

In addition to the fictional Twain letter and the three “Dead Speak” essays, Dylan’s Patreon has a short story called “Bull Rider” (credited to “Marty Lombard”) and a post with a YouTube video of Mahalia Jackson performing on The Ed Sullivan Show.

As of the time of publication, Dylan’s Patreon has roughly 1.4k members.

Dylan won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature, credited with creating “new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” In 1964, he released Tarantula, an experimental novel. He has published multiple collections of his lyrics, his memoir (Chronicles: Volume One), and The Philosophy of Modern Song, a collection of essays on popular songs.

Related: Bob Dylan, 84, Stuns Fans With Unexpected Cover of Classic 1958 Song He's Never Performed Live