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Country legend Vince Gill today released the fourth EP in his 50 Years From Home series, and he partnered up with no one less than 2025 Country Music Association Awards entertainer of the year winner Lainey Wilson for the title track.

Down At The Borderline  is a rockin', Cajun-flavored song, co-written with Liz Rose, about a joint in Thibodaux, Louisiana where "they play the Zydeco and wrestle alligators," with a sawdust floor and a shuffleboard table, as well as a matron, Mable, who keeps "a loaded pistol in her beehive hair."

Wilson, of course, is a proud native of Baskin, Louisiana, so she was the perfect duet partner.

"Once I set it in Thibodaux, I asked Lainey to come sing on it,” Gill says. “She graciously said yes, and she killed it! I didn't know if she'd be up for that; it's hard to get somebody when they’re knocking it out of the park like she is, but she did, and I love the sound of our voices together."

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Down At The Borderline contains six new songs as well as “Liza Jane” from Gill’s 1991 album Pocket Full Of Gold. The EP is more up tempo than its three 50 Years From Home predecessors

Vince Gill

Photo Credit: David McClister

"There's a little more zip on this EP," Gill says, "some more guitar playing. Some of the earlier EPs have been singer-songwriter songs, not a ton of whittling around on the guitar. These songs are fun to stretch out a little bit on and just play some guitar."

The additional tracks on the EP are "Never Saw It Coming" (Vince Gill/Stephan Hogan), "Pink Cadillac" (Vince Gill), "Come Back" (Vince Gill/Harper O’Neil), "Love Died" (Vince Gill/Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Preston Cooper), "Whole Lot Of Cowboy Left In Me" (Vince Gill /Josh Thompson), and the aforementioned "Liza Jane" (Vince Gill/Reed Nielsen). 

Courtesy: MCA

Each of the guitars featured on the covers of 50 Years From Home EPs have a special meaning to Gill. The guitar on Down at the Borderline is a white 1953 Fender Telecaster that he bought for $450 in 1978 from Del City Music in his native Oklahoma, and it's been Gill's main guitar ever since.

"It's real special," he says. "I've got several other old Fender Telecasters, but that one just suits my hands, suits my ears. Everything about it is kind of a huge part of my entire catalog of playing guitar over all these years."

Related: ’90s Country Legend Says ‘No One Thought’ This Chart-Topper Would Be a Hit

This EP follows the previous 50 Years From Home volumes: I Gave You Everything I Had, Secondhand Smoke, and Brown's Diner Bar. The year 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of Gill leaving home to pursue a career in music. To honor that milestone, he signed a lifetime contract with his record label MCA, and is releasing the EP series of brand-new music every month for a year, titled 50 Years from Home.

Gill recently announced dates for his upcoming summer tour, which culminates in a six-night residency at the historic Ryman Auditorium. He will continue to tour with the Eagles as well. 

Next, ’90s Country Music Legend Shares Exciting Update to 2026 U.S. Tour

After months of waiting, an official trailer for the upcoming witch cult movie Forbidden Fruits has finally dropped, and audiences are predicting it could have "cult classic" potential.

The teaser trailer for the film was released on December 2, revealing a star-studded cast starring acclaimed actresses Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Victoria Pedretti, Alexandra Shipp and internet personality Emma Chamberlain.

The horror fantasy follows a secret femme witch cult operating out of the basement of the mall store "Free Eden" after hours. Led by Apple (played by Reinhart), the cult is thrown into shambles when new inductee Pumpkin (Portrayed by Tung) shakes up the group dynamic. The group is forced to reckon with their inner darkness and question their once-strong sisterhood before they meet a violent end.

Lola Tung attends the "L'Ete Où Je Suis Devenue Jolie" The Summer I Turned Pretty" Season Three, Prime Video Photocall on September 17, 2025 in Paris, France.

Marc Piasecki/WireImage

Production began back in March of 2025 under Independent Film Company (IFC), with behind-the-scenes clips stirring conversations among fans on TikTok. A year later, the film is finally slated for theatrical release on March 20.

The full-length trailer gives audiences a first look at the impeccable costume and underlying campy humor elements the movie has to offer. In the comments section of the trailer, Instagram users began making comparisons to cult classics, like the 1988 film Heathers and the 1996 classic The Craft, predicting the new 2026 film could be the next.

Users wrote:

"It’s giving Heathers meets The Craft."

"that was the most magnificent piece of cinema i’ve ever seen"

"I feel that this movie is going to be just incredible"

"im seated. the theater employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s not march 20th yet but im simply too seated"

"This is so campy and I LOVE IT❤️🔥"

Related: Kevin O’Leary Reveals True Reason for Accepting Role in ‘Marty Supreme’

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to revisit the greatest love songs of all time — and one '90s hit has just earned the #2 spot on the list.

In a list of the top 50 love songs published by Billboard, the 1981 Diana Ross and Lionel Richie duet “Endless Love” was ranked as the number one love song of all time.

Right on its heels, “I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men secured the No. 2 spot, cementing its place among the most iconic love songs ever recorded.

“I’ll Make Love to You” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks starting on Aug. 27, 1994. It's also the third best performing song in the 1990s on Billboard, won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and was nominated for Record of the Year at the 37th Annual Grammy Awards.

The song was written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, who wrote the track as a response to the group’s hit single “End of the Road.” In that song, the group sings about the painful experience of coming to terms with the end of a romantic relationship.

“I’ll Make Love to You,” on the other hand, is about reassuring a partner that they will be loved exactly the way they want to be loved — both emotionally and physically.

However, before it became one of the greatest love songs of all time, it almost wasn’t recorded.

"When the members of Boyz II Men first heard Babyface’s composition 'I’ll Make Love to You,' they were concerned about recording a song that was too similar to their previous hit," Boyz II Men's Nathan Morris explained to Billboard, “The record company talked us into doing it and thank God it worked.”

“The funny part is that we felt like it sounded too much like ‘End of the Road.’ We didn’t want to do it,” band member Shawn Stockman told Entertainment Weekly in 2019. “We didn’t understand how much of an impact the song was going to have. That’s youth.”

With “I’ll Make Love to You,” Boyz II Men made history as the first act to score consecutive double-digit No. 1 runs on the Billboard Hot 100 — while also surpassing their own previous record of 13 weeks at the top of the chart.

Full lyrics can be found here.

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Christy Turlington rose to stardom in the ’90s as one of the fashion world’s legendary supermodels alongside Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Cindy Crawford. And in 2026, she'll still owning the runway!

Turlington, 57, headed to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City this week to close out the Michael Kors Fall/Winter 2026 Runway Show in a stunning black ensemble. But one of the most noticeable components of her look was the gray roots in her hair peeking through. At a time when women feel the pressure to cover every inch of their grays, it's refreshing to see Turlington, who has made a name for herself in recent years as an activist and documentarian working to advocate for the health of mothers during pregnancy and childbirth, take hold of her natural beauty and show it off. What a beauty!

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris on Getty Images

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Christy Founded a Maternal Health Nonprofit

After going back to school at 26 to get her undergrad degree at NYU, Turlington returned to school at 39 to get a master’s in public health. She’s the founder of Every Mother Counts, a maternal health care nonprofit organization. While she has two children, she previously told Glamour that the organization is “very much like my third child.”

In regard to her best professional advice, Turlington advised that people “cultivate meaningful relationships.”

“I really do try to listen very attentively to any kind of personal story that someone is sharing with me. Not in any kind of game way, but in a true way. Because the more I can absorb in whatever amount of time that I spend with anyone, the more closely we can connect and the more that I will be able to take forward into another relationship at some point,” she said. “There are so many relationships I’ve had since I was a teenager in my first profession that, while I don’t see people very frequently, they come in really handy in other areas of life. The more you put in at the very beginning, I think, the possibilities are that much greater. You just never know where anyone is going to move on to or be.”

Turlington and Burns are Empty Nesters

Turlington is married to Edward Burns, an actor and director who also skyrocketed to stardom in the ’90s, thanks to his beloved indie film The Brothers McMullen, as well as more recent works like Summer Days, Summer Nights, and Millers in Marriage.

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With their kids away at college, Turlington and Burns are getting their first dose of life as empty nesters. However, they’ve chosen to embrace it.

When asked for their best marriage advice, Burns said the duo is advocates of talking things out.

“It’s a cliche to say, but it’s communication,” Burns told USA Today earlier this year. “You kind of know (in the) early days, are you a couple that talks? And if you do, I think you’re going to be fine. That’s worked out for us.”

Related: Ed Burns Reveals His and Christy Turlington’s No. 1 Marriage Rule

Jason Aldeanhas entered the chat regarding Zach Bryan's recent parody of one of his songs.

Bryan, 29, recently made waves when he put his own unserious spin on Aldean's 2010 hit song "Dirt Road Anthem," in an Instagram video earlier this week, switching out the original lyrics to jokingly sing about chili dogs instead.

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Fellow country music star Brantley Gilbert later clapped back at Bryan's video, and now Aldean has officially offered his two cents on the situation, delivering a simple, pointed jab toward Byran and his music.

In the comments under Gilbert's response video on Instagram, Aldean chimed in to say that Bryan's "Dirt Road Anthem" parody is the "Best song I’ve heard from that guy. 🌭"

View this post on Instagram

In Gilbert's video, which showed him actually eating chili dogs while listening to Bryan's parody, he further trolled Bryan by referencing his confrontation with Gavin Adcock at a musical festival in September 2025, where Bryan infamously climbed a fence to challenge Adcock to a fight.

"You can climb all the fences you want, you’re not getting my chili dog," Gilbert captioned his post.

Meanwhile, a number of other country music singers joined in with comments on Gilbert's Instagram post, including Chase Rice who wrote, "Get ur brass knuckles ready" and Tyler Farr who called Gilbert's clap back "amazing."

It's still unclear if Bryan has previous beef with Aldean or Gilbert, or if his initial video was intended as just good fun, but it's worth noting that Bryan recently took aim at the Turning Point USA alternative Super Bowl halftime show, which Gilbert was a part of.

In a since-deleted Instagram Story posted after Sunday's game, Bryan wrote, "I don’t care what side you’re on, a bunch of adults throwing temper tantrums and their own halftime show is embarrassing as hell and the most cringe s—t on the planet," according to Country Chord.

The controversial performance, which was meant to rival Bad Bunny's official NFL Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, also featured performances from Kid Rock, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett.

Related: Country Singer Lee Brice Sends Divisive Political Message in New Song Lyrics

The Traitors Season 4 has arrived! Throughout the season, Mike Bloom will speak with someone from the star-studded cast who was murdered or banished on the iconic Peacock reality series.

Over 20 years ago, we saw Stephen Colletti at the forefront of drama, the center of a high school love triangle on the first two seasons of MTV's smash hit Laguna Beach. When he returned to reality TV for The Traitors, however, he realized very quickly he wasn't in Orange County anymore. Surrounded by hardcore gamers, dramatic Housewives, and lots of conflict, the One Tree Hill star relegated himself to being a bit more of a background player, choosing to sit back and observe any suspicions.

That strategy allowed Stephen to stay in the game while the loudest and most suspicious fell by the wayside. But he had no idea, as the range of Traitor options was decreasing, the odds he would be suspected of one would increase. In one mission, for instance, Lisa Rinna decided to help him out in his bid to win the "Dagger" advantage. When she was revealed to be a Traitor, the long road of his incrimination began. Colton Underwood told a select few he believed Stephen and Candiace Dillard Bassett could be in the turret. And when he was murdered, people began lumping the two of them together, only furthered when it turned out Candiace was also a Traitor.

The third strike, evidently, came in response to Dorinda Medley's murder. Natalie Anderson felt the actor was putting on an inauthentic performance that morning of fearing for his life. And so, despite a lot of heat being on ice skater Johnny Weir, the plurality of the group decided the small transgressions against Stephen led to one big conclusion. Unfortunately, that conclusion turned out to be false, as the man of little words had a few to close out his time in the castle: "You blew it."

Now out of the game, Stephen talks with Parade about the reaction to the sudden heat on him, whether he knew about Johnny and Tara Lipinski's close connection before their reveal, and what to expect from the upcoming Traitors reunion.

Related: Everything to Know About The Traitors Season 4

Let's start with where things finish. Were you aware of how much people were suspecting you to be a Traitor going into the Round Table? And what was your reaction when the votes started coming in against you?
I knew some heat was coming again, I just didn't know exactly how much. And I am kicking myself a little bit because I feel like I was resting on my laurels maybe in some way. I had done a good job at the previous Round Table, and making the case for a while why any of that evidence that was coming up for me was completely inaccurate and that I am a Faithful. So I was feeling good about that. In a way, a lot of my Faithfuls backed me up even before that Round Table and after, like, "Oh, you did a great job." Everyone was convinced.

Now, right before that roundtable, there's that moment where we line up and we're going in. And I wasn't getting any eye contact, and I knew something was up. I was like, "Oh no, who's turned here? Who's flipped?" So then we sat down, and then Natalie just decides that she's got something in her gut that says that it's me. And I say you need to get your gut checked, because it was way off. Because she came gunning for me. She never spoke to me about it before the Round Table. So it was extremely disappointing to see her just go for me at the Round Table with some pretty weak evidence. We never had the opportunity to discuss it. Especially after she tried to go for me at the Black Banquet and was just way off and so paranoid in that moment. So I felt like she owed me, but she clearly did not. She wanted to bury me.

Well, something that may have swayed her and the others is that Johnny and Tara make this big reveal that they have this incredibly close relationship and that, if the other was a Traitor, they would know. Many fans this season have been wondering why nobody knew how close the two of them were, based on following them outside of the castle. Was this actually a big reveal to you?
Absolutely not. No, not to me. I've known Johnny and Tara for so long, as far as being a fan of theirs and their careers with the Olympics. And I saw them get out of the car at the castle on day one. I went right up to them, and I was like, "Man, did you guys know that you're going to be here?!" And they're like, "Well, you know, Olympic year. We thought maybe..." And I learned very quickly, of course, that they knew that they were going to be there.

So that was not a reveal to me. What was a reveal to me was that people were actually buying that! That was a surprise. I'm with you. I'm going, "Wait you guys didn't...do you ever watch the Olympics?! Come on! If you see the Olympics, you can't miss them." They've done some of the opening ceremony. They have such great chemistry together on-screen. I was very surprised to see that there was somebody in that castle who did not know who they were, and that they were very close.

Let's rewind back to the beginning here. The Traitors marked your first time on reality TV since Laguna Beach, which, of course, is a very different experience. So what was it like for you to wade in those waters again?
So much has changed since I was a 17-year-old kid, just running around the the mean streets of Laguna Beach, thinking that you had life figured out, to come all these years and actually take the leap to do a reality show again. Because I'll be honest with you, that first show scarred me in a way. It's one thing to know that you're going to be involved in a reality show and what's going to be told of your story this kind of light documentary. But then to see the edited version that they put together, and some of the lies that are told through that show. And you have no way to defend yourself because you're just a 17-year-old kid, and you don't have publicity and any sort of experience in the industry.

So to come all these years later, it felt like, "Alright, I'm going to take a leap here." Because there is unknown and doing a reality show. But I felt like, in talking to the producers and the fact that the game comes first and foremost, and this is not about your personal life, I was like, "Okay, I think I can do it." But there's been a lot of competition shows over the years that have come my way. But it took me a while to process Laguna and just mature and look back on what had happened there, and be comfortable with what that show was, and that dude at 17 years old, and just let that sit there. There's so much more to me now and who I am that I want people to be able to see you know who I am now.

I think that this show, not only being a fan of it, just how well done it is, and just really the personal challenge and playing the game it was, it was something that I really wanted to take on, and it was too good to pass up. So I feel very grateful that I'm even still relevant in some way to be able to have the opportunity to even be in that show. So that was great. And look, it's awoken a competitive reality competition spirit in me. Because this was something that I really enjoyed doing. And I'm glad that I actually took the leap, because 10 years ago, I would not done it. And now that we've done it, it's like, "Okay, we feel like we could be a little bit more mature to handle these environments." I wasn't so mature back in 2004.

That's so nice to hear! On the topic of your story being told, it didn't seem like we actually saw a lot of you on the show. What's your reaction to your quieter edit compared with some of your castmates?
There is a lot of strategizing and conversations that happen throughout all the episodes. But look, the Traitors are great Traitors. I mean, when you've got Lisa, Candiace and Rob doing as good a job as they did up — until they started getting banished there [Laughs.] — you understand that's gonna eat up a lot of screen time. You've got a lot of of big voices in the room, people that are happy to take on that role. And I'm happy to let them do that.

Because a part of my strategy was, knowing who I am, I'm not the loudest voice in the room. I could sit back and be a bit of a thinker, maybe an overthinker at times. And to not be true to myself in this game, I think would have been a detriment. So I was happy to sit back and do what you're seeing with a lot of people that are making it far. Up to this point, you've got Tara, Kristen, Mark, we're having a lot of conversations; you're just not seeing them. And that's because there's some big personalities and some loud voices in the room, and they're running it. And that's okay, because, look, they want to take heat for that? Better than us. We'll see who makes it the furthest.

You talk about the people who are taking up that airtime in the turret. By the time you had left, who were your main suspects for Traitors?
Eric was a suspect for me at that point. I was onto him, and when he voted for me, I knew in that moment he was a Traitor.

You mean you were suspect of him that round? Or before he even became a Traitor?
I was onto him for a couple of episodes. So it's funny to see that half the time, I was completely wrong. As it goes to Eric, the game, the mission, I felt like he was getting a little suspicious there. And then, of course, at the Round Table, his actions there, I felt, were very suspicious. So I wasn't super strong onto him. I was more strong on Johnny at that point, and that's where a lot of my focus was. And I was almost blinded by that, that I wasn't looking elsewhere, especially with Rob. So Eric would have been next in my book. And the case was building. But it's funny. It actually started before he was a Traitor. So shows how much we really know!

What's one moment from your time in the castle that you wish we got to see?I know you had said on social media you were actually sick for a couple of those early rounds.
There was another moment of somebody taking a dip in the loch. The reason I got sick is I had to jump in the loch at some point to move our boat from the dock. And so I was kind of trying to do it with a rope, and I was running around the dock, kind of leading our boat. And at some point, I just said, "F—k it," and jumped into the water. And it wasn't as graceful or as hilarious as Johnny's, so I understand why it got cut. But yeah, that would also explain why I got sick.

So that was a moment that was pretty funny, looking back. And the boat was cheering me on. Everyone was so excited for me that at the very end, because I did help fix the boat, and then they were trying to take care of me. They're like, "He needs to get some blankets." They were trying to keep me warm once the mission was over. So, yeah, it's funny that I ultimately ended up sick there.

And then there was also an iconic croquet game happening between Rob, Dorinda and I near the end. You saw a little bit in the previous episode, but we had a lot of fun playing that game. We played for 20 minutes, and there was some laughs. I remember that conversation vividly, so I was looking forward to that being in the show. And then it wasn't in there. So that was fun. And Dorinda and I were, again, eating out of Rob's hand, probably looking like a couple of idiots as he's just laughing at us.

Yeah, talk to me more about your thoughts on Rob. You didn't suspect him whatsoever?
I did not. I thought he was a great Faithful up to this point. And when the Traitors were revealed to me, I was shocked to see that it was Rob.

Finally, I know you just finished filming the reunion. Anything you can tease about what we're gonna see in a couple of weeks?
There's some heat at the reunion. I had a front row seat to watching some of the Housewives doing their thing. That was pretty cool to see. I mean, you even get Andy being a little bit frustrated with the conversation and how far off the rails it was going. You got Rappaport, who thinks he's a Housewife, he's jumping right in there just talking, talking, pointing at people, trying to stir the pot. So yeah, you're gonna get a lot of heat back and forth, and it should be fun for the viewers. And a lot of great questions answered. So it was entertaining.

Related: Candiace Dillard Bassett Calls Out Rob Rausch on 'The Traitors': 'You're Not Gonna Pull Wool Over My Eyes' (Exclusive)

The publishing landscape is changing yet again, with the most recent shift set to impact readers of historical romance books.

Harlequin confirmed its plans to end its historical romance line, Harlequin Historical, in the fall of 2027 after nearly 40 years. A spokesperson for the publisher told Publisher’s Weekly in a statement that the decision was made in response to “evolving reader interests globally.”

Harlequin Historical, which launched in 1988, is one of the publisher’s longest running series.

“Step back in time and experience love stories through the ages,” Harlequin teases of the line. “With Harlequin Historical, you’ll be transported to the drama, emotion and passion of different eras, from wild Medieval castles to elegant Regency ballrooms and beyond.”

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Reactor was the first to report the news of the Harlequin Historical line’s impending end. The outlet cited an email sent to the publisher’s authors, claiming that the company would cease its historical romance retail efforts and digital publishing in the U.S. and U.K. as well as no longer acquire new novels for the line moving forward. Despite the setback, an author familiar with the line alleged Harlequin plans to continue offering foreign language rights of its historical titles in popular markets and publish novels already contracted prior to the shutdown.

According to Reactor, the move came after Harlequin scaled back its historical romances in recent years, reducing its retail presence, releasing fewer books and narrowing genre focus. As of 2025, the publisher reportedly shifted to acquiring only Regency and Victorian era novels.

Bronwyn Scott, Louise Allen, Lauri Robinson, Helen Dickson, Sarah Mallory, Christine Merrill and Laura Martin are some of Harlequin Historical’s popular authors.

Earlier this month, Robinson reacted to the news of the discontinued line via Instagram.

“It is true that Harlequin has determined that historical books are not as popular as they once were and has therefore decided to end their Historical Romance line in September of 2027,” she wrote. “As you can imagine, I am greatly saddened by the news. I have loved writing stories for them for over 10 years.”

Robinson went on to share that she would have several more books released by the publisher before the line came to an end.

Harlequin was founded in 1949 and became one of the most recognizable names in romance publishing. HarperCollins acquired Harlequin in 2014.

Despite the publisher’s decision to discontinue its historical romance books, Harlequin will still offer various other lines, including medical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers and contemporary romances.

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Sneaker fans, rejoice! The beloved Adidas Sambae shoes have been winning over footwear fanatics since they first hit the market in 2023, and right now they're available at an exciting price point. Originally retailing for $110, you can now snag these fashionable kicks for over $40 off during Adidas' extra 30% off sale that runs through February 17.

Discounts vary by style, but shoppers who apply the code SAVE can score certain Sambae colors for as low $66. Other hues are marked down to between $69 and $77 after the extra discount.

Sambae Sneakers, From $55 (were $110) at Adidas

The Sambae is a modern twist on Adidas’ classic, celebrity-loved Samba, which has been a favorite for over 70 years. While the Samba was primarily designed as an indoor training shoe, the Sambae brings a fresh, contemporary design to the table. With a smooth leather upper and a synthetic lining, these shoes look chic while offering all-day comfort. The thick rubber outsole ensures durability and traction, making them perfect for both casual outings and daily activities.

What sets the Sambae apart is its vibrant color palette. With options like royal blue, plum purple, white, and black — plus the signature contrasting Adidas stripes on the upper — it adds just the right pop of color to any outfit. 

Related: Columbia's Hiker-Approved Shoes Feel 'Like Walking on Pillows,' and They're Now 40% Off on Amazon

Whether you are dressing up for a night out or looking to add flair to your everyday wear, the Sambae will effortlessly complement your style. With a regular fit and lace closure, they provide a snug yet flexible feel, making them suitable for individuals who are both active and on the go.

Shoppers praised the Sambaes for both their aesthetics and comfort level (although some recommended sizing up, especially if you have a wide foot). From casual strolls in the park to a busy day at work, the Sambae shoes will keep your feet feeling satisfied.

"Great color and comfort," one shopper said, noting that they’re more cushioned than the original Samba. "They’re just different enough to stand out without being overly flashy. I’m on my feet for most of the day, and these are comfortable."

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With their vibrant color palette, comfortable design, and modern twist on the classic Samba style, these shoes are a must-have for any fashion-conscious individual. If you want to elevate your sneaker game, snag a pair of these Adidas Sambae shoes for as low as $66 while they're still on sale. Some colors have already sold out, so don't miss your opportunity to score your preferred style and size combination.

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Nicole Curtis has shared a new social media post in the wake of HGTV canceling her series, Rehab Addict. In the post, Curtis promised fans that she would give them an opportunity to "have a conversation" about what has transpired over the past few days.

On February 12, Curtis took to Instagram to address the situation again. A post she previously shared on Instagram has since been deleted. In that previous post, she promised fans she would be transparent and explained that at this time, her priority is her family.

In the new post, Curtis began by sharing, "This isn't a post a ever thought I'd be writing and I've drafted this more times than I can count and nothing seems to be enough."

"There is anger, there is hate, there is pain. I am here to take it. I haven't been hiding, ignoring, waiting for this to pass," Curtis continued.

She added, "I've just been playing this all over and over again and watching the video and having this all out together to say the right thing, do the right thing after doing the wrongest of wrongs."

Related: Nicole Curtis Speaks Out After HGTV Cancelled ‘Rehab Addict,’ Shares Angry Messages and Texts

"I am sorry. I am filled with remorse and regret, just as much as I was one second after that word was said 4 years ago in 2022," Curtis noted.

Curtis also wrote that fans are getting "a limited view" of the situation. She also alleged that the video that has made waves is "a clip of MY footage that was stolen then manipulated, edited and sold to [a] tabloid to coincide with my return to television only to create this chaos of hate, anger, disappointment."

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The now-fired HGTV star also wrote, "I make no excuse for this. I am not [a] victim." Curtis noted she knows what she said was wrong and insisted it won't happen again.

However, Curtis added, "I want to be clear...I'm not addressing this because I was 'caught.' I'm here because I am not okay with the fact that I said that."

"I am and have been submerged in the African American community my entire adult life...I chose to live and work in the inner cities of many major cities, but most famously Minneapolis and Detroit," Curtis pointed out.

Curtis further shared that she hears "that word" daily, and she "knows that's a word that represents evil, pain, torture, trauma when used by someone like me. And yet, it came from me."

She also acknowledged that when pushed by fans to explain how it "just easily came out" in the clip that has now gone viral, Curtis admits, "I don't have an answer for that. It did and it shocked me as shown."

The Rehab Addict star wrote that she felt she needed to tell her children about what happened, and "My youngest said 'you don't say that word' and I had to say [I] did...my children viewed [the raw footage] with me and saw what happened, a mistake that I realized right away and went into panic."

Curtis also indicated that the video footage that showed her casually using a phrase that included the n-word was not created for HGTV or any other show. She wrote that she filmed it on her own time with her own equipment. HGTV had no knowledge it existed until it surfaced online a few days ago.

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She insists she was "Not terrified this would ruin my career, no, terrified I put that terrible word into the universe."

"No one had [those] footage drives except myself and my ex [boyfriend]," Curtis revealed.

Curtis also noted that she made this new statement without the assistance of a public relations firm and against the advice she's received from people in her inner circle. "I probably said something wrong, again—I hope not."

In less than 24 hours, the new post from Curtis received over 4,100 "likes" and 2,570 comments. The comment section was filled with passionate responses from both people who support Curtis as well as those who remain critical.

One person wrote, "Stop beating yourself up. It'll be okay. We still love you and want you on tv again."

Someone else countered, "She's devastated because she lost her job and it's ruining her reputation. No one casually says the hard er. It was casual for her. She deserves this. Do better!"

I Prevail founder and former co-vocalist Brian Burkheiser is finally getting real about why he left the hugely popular post-hardcore rock band in May 2025, including everything that led up to his departure and everything that transpired after, from a lengthy legal battle to his time in a mental institution.

RELATED: 2010s Rock Artist Announces First Original Song After Departing Band

The clean vocalist, who started I Prevail in 2013, had an extremely rare sit down interview with Rock Feed, and shared his perspective on what went wrong in the band that led to the other members, including vocalist Eric Vanlerberghe, lead guitarist Steve Menoian, rhythm guitarist Dylan Bowman, drummer Gabe Helguera, and new bassist Jon Eberhard, choosing to continue without him.

I Prevail's Rise to Fame

Burkheiser started I Prevail in 2013, with a clear vision for how he wanted to find success. After quitting college, getting a job at Domino's, and finding other band members online, they put out their massively viral cover of Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" in December 2014 and blew up almost immediately, eventually going platinum.

"I learned in the previous band that you can certainly leverage a cover to get people to check out the original music," he told Rock Feed. "We never expected it to blow up that big... Suddenly we had managers in our inbox, we had so many record labels hitting us up."

Shortly after that, they put out their first two singles, "Love, Lust, and Liars" and "The Enemy," followed by their Heart vs. Mind EP. They sold out their third live show, and truly rose to fame overnight.

Burkheiser's Vocal Chords Start to Fail

"As many good moments as there were, I think as the years progressed, and we eventually got into our full length record, the pressure became a little bit of an issue for me," Burkheiser explained. "Not only mentally did I start to get in a dark place, but physically started to feel a lot of discomfort in my throat."

As the band wrapped up Warped Tour in 2017, they immediately dove into a 40-show headliner tour, and his vocal chord damage got worse. "I wish I would have allowed myself to slow down at times," he admitted. "I felt drained, [but] I didn't know how to express it... I had a breakdown [in Chicago], I bawled my eyes out. I had some pretty dark thoughts. I wish I had been a little more communicative with the band, [but] I was scared."

Finally, Burkheiser realized he had to get vocal chord surgery, and although he admitted it was "mentally taxing" to see the tour continue without him in 2017, he "understood it at the time." However, he didn't feel good about waiting so long to put out a statement. "Communication with the fans is everything to me," he said.

Though that was a "dark" time for Burkheiser, things began improving while working on the Trauma album. "The writing of that album was very cathartic," he said. "It wasn't just me, every single person was going through something."

Burkheiser's Eagle Syndrome Diagnosis

Throughout the following tour and despite surgery, Burkheiser was still in "Unbearable pain at times," and feared his bandmates were beginning to see him as "the boy who cried wolf."

"I did start to ask myself, 'Am I crazy?'" he said. "I got sad and felt understood." Then, he discovered the root of his pain was a rare condition called Eagle Syndrome, which according to Cleveland Clinic is where "An elongated styloid process (bone beneath your ear) or a hardened stylohyoid ligament (band of tissue between your styloid process and jaw)" presses on nearby nerves and causes "facial or throat pain."

RELATED: Nickelback Goes Hardcore in New Song and Music Video With Don Broco

The band made a plan for Burkheiser to perform at the ShipRocked festival in early 2023, then take two months off to get surgery for his Eagle Syndrome before they started their Pierce The Veil-backed True Power tour.

Unfortunately, he "wasn't ready" in time. "That was doomsday, I basically came a month before the tour and said I'm not ready," he admitted. "A couple days later we had a big zoom call, and it was contentious."

Burkheiser expressed being afraid that band members would hate him or kick him out. "I wanted to postpone the tour. I don't like being known as the guy who missed all these shows," he said. Ultimately, they did the our without him. "That sucked," he said. "It didn't feel good."

When Did Brian Burkheiser Leave I Prevail?

While the other members of I Prevail completed their European tour, Burkheiser felt "stonewalled."

"Knowing now a lot of decisions were made that I was not a part of, which to this day bums me out, I feel pretty sh--ty about it," he said. "I just was presented with some things after that Europe tour, I felt pretty blindsided. And the communication didn't come directly from the band, which was the hardest thing."

Though Burkheiser hoped to have some discussions and eventually clear the air and fix things, he realized during the Parkway Drive tour in Australia that it was over.

"I still thought we were going to work things out. It's just not what they wanted," he said. "Those conversations didn't happen, so going into Australia, I knew it was the end. The family, the fan base we made with this band, it was really hard to sit in meet and greets and just kinda hide it."

The final decision was shared in a phone call. "I tried to say my piece a little bit, but I wasn't going to beg," he said. "What hurt was it was really framed as my decision, which... sometimes you get backed into corner."

At the time, Burkheiser was expecting his first child, and that "gave him a lot of perspective," but he also felt that he lost a different child in the band breakup. "As much as I lost those relationships with those guys, I lost my baby in a lot of ways. I look as that band as, it was everything to me. I spent my entire adult life in it. Knowing that that was gone hurt me a lot."

He also said that the hardest part was having to "stay quiet" as they dealt with the legal battle.

Burkheiser's Stress Leads to a Manic Episode and Mental 'Break'

"As time progressed and the legal battle drew out, my head got heavy and leading up to the statement, I got pretty dark," said Burkheiser. After the band finally made the announcement about the founder leaving, he expected an outpouring of support from friends in the industry, and while many did reach out, he felt abandoned by others.

"In terms of the industry, there were not a lot of people [who contacted me], and that's when I started to ask myself... what's been said about me? That was tough," he said. He became "consumed" with reading comments on social media. Things reached a fever pitch when he went to Los Angeles to start working on his SCATTERBRAIN project. A walk down memory lane ultimately led to a "break."

"That writing trip turned into a manic episode. I still feel a lot of shame over it," he said. "Everything kinda hit, at that point. I don't feel good about what happened... I broke."

What followed was a nonstop strong of Instagram posts and stories that got increasingly intense. "I tried to give some flowers, I just wanted the beef to end. Cause there was beef that was happening [with my old band,]" he explained. "[But] I went from nice guy me to starting to say some crazy stuff. I just wish i wouldn't have done it. What I put my family through, what I put my parents through. I was not myself. I was mean. I truly think I was manic for months."

Finally, Burkheiser's family insisted he get help. "That manic episode put me in a mental institution or a psych ward," he said. "Thank god I went there. In the moment I held a lot of resentment against everybody, but over time I came to realize I needed it."

Now, Burkheiser seems to be happier and healthier. He just released his first solo song, "PHASES," and he loves being a dad to his one-year-old son.

Are Brian Burkheiser and the Members of I Prevail Still Friends?

Burkheiser's journey with I Prevail was complicated. Following his call about the True Power tour, he got different reactions from different members. "I will give a couple members of the band credit, afterwards I had talks with them. They sat and had real conversations and I told them how I felt," he said. "There were two members I really did not talk with. A couple of them just stonewalled me."

He said there's no denying that things "changed" from when they started the band in 2014 to 2024. "I think there was resentment on both sides," he said, wishing they had all "communicated better," and that "it was a two-way street."

"As things grow, people change. Life always cant slow down for you, in this industry," he admitted.

So, could they ever be friends again? "There's still a lot of respect. There were a lot of moments where I was low and certain people in that group would pick me up," he said. "I just hope going forward we can both do our own things. I don't think were going to be friends for a long time, an there are going to be songs I'm sure on both sides that are about the situation. But I hope one day,... there can at least be some conversations."

No matter the size of your home, creative storage solutions always come in handy. Even when space feels abundant, it only invites us to fill it with more things. And while that's not usually a problem until clutter starts piling up, it doesn't mean you should wait until the issue becomes unavoidable.

That's where Aldi steps in to save the day. Target might have its cute mini shopping baskets, and there are plenty of foldable totes and other organizational products to tackle daily tasks, but none of them hold a candle to the Kirkton House Universal Basket with Handles. Hitting shelves on Feb. 18 for just $7.99, this sturdy, versatile basket is a game-changing essential for every corner of your home.

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Kirkton House Universal Basket with Handles, $7.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Whether you've got mountains of laundry to tackle, a playroom to organize or yet another Aldi grocery run to make, the Kirkton House Universal Basket with Handles is the perfect tool for the job. And its uses don't stop there. With its nine-gallon size, 33-pound load capacity and sturdy carrying handles, this versatile basket can wrangle clutter from every corner, haul groceries in style or even double as a quick grab-and-go tote for impromptu errands.

Arriving Wednesday, Feb. 18, shoppers can expect to find the basket available in green, black and white, with green stealing the show thanks to its bright, spring-ready look. Best of all, all three colors blend effortlessly with existing home decor, making them perfect for a more permanent spot in the house, whether as a catchall for cleaning supplies, dog toys, a children's playroom, office items and more.

Related: Hobby Lobby's Boho-Modern 4-Tier Corner Shelf Brings Instant Charm to Any Seasonal Refresh

Aldi

In terms of size, the basket is smaller than an average laundry basket but still large enough to handle plenty of chores. It stands roughly 10 inches tall, 22.5 inches long, and nearly 15 inches wide, providing ample space for whatever you need while staying compact enough to tuck away when not in use.

If it gets dirty, spot-clean it with a damp rag; if it gets wet, you don't need to worry about damage thanks to its high-quality plastic construction. For tougher messes, a gentle wipe with soap and water works well, and the durable material won't warp or crack over time. 

Keep your eyes peeled for this essential home find, and while you're at it, check out Aldi's cordless stick vacuum and five-piece rechargeable puck lights for even more must-have home staples.

Related: Aldi's Sleek $6 Kitchen Staple Makes Cozy Solo Meals Effortless

More often than not, it can be a bit challenging separating an actor from their most easily recognizable on-screen character.

Such is especially the case when it's an actor whose dramatic performance remains one of the pinnacles of modern cinema, as happens to be the case with Anthony Hopkins' scene-stealing performance in the 1991 horror thriller, The Silence of the Lambs.

Along with the various awards he garnered for his portrayal of the cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Hopkins' impressive performance as the demented doctor was so believable, it apparently ended any chance at a romantic relationship between the Oscar-winning actor and Martha Stewart.

While appearing on a 2022 episode of The Ellen Show, the then 80-year-old TV personality played a variation of "Two Truths and a Lie" with host Ellen DeGeneres, fittingly titled "Where's the Lie, Martha?"

For one of her prompts, Stewart stated, “I dated Sir Anthony Hopkins but broke up with him because I couldn’t stop thinking of him as Hannibal Lecter.”

When DeGeneres claimed the statement was a lie, Stewart revealed it was actually true.

As Stewart indicated, the TV chef admitted she and Hopkins dated for a short time following the release of The Silence of the Lambs. However, Hopkins' performance left such a lasting impression in her mind, she was unable to separate the actor from his infamous Oscar-winning character.

“I have a big, scary house in Maine that’s way by itself on 100 acres in the forest, and I couldn’t even imagine taking Anthony Hopkins there,” Stewart remembered. “I couldn’t — all I could think of was him eating, you know…”

As most audience members might readily remember, Hopkins handed in his breakthrough performance with his role as Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs. Following the release of 1991 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Hopkins reprised his role as the fearsome horror villain in Silence's immediate 2001 sequel, Hannibal, as well as its 2002 prequel Red Dragon.

Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons have made the difficult decision to cancel a series of stops in their upcoming tour of Australia and Europe.

In a post shared to social media on Friday, the band announced that due to medical advice that frontman Phil Campbell's doctor shared with him, the group would be canceling all tour dates between March and May to hopefully return on June 5 with their first show in Slavičín, Czechia.

"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is likely to cause our fans, but Phil’s health will always be our number one priority," the band wrote.

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The canceled tour dates include:
March 6: Brisbane, Australia — The Triffid
March 7: Sydney, Australia — Manning Bar
March 8: Melbourne, Australia — Max Watts
March 10: Adelaide, Australia — Lion Arts Factory
March 11: Perth, Australia — Magnet House
April 18: Remchingen, Germany — No Playback Festival
May 2: Kopervik, Norway — Karmøygeddon Metal Festival
May 9: Tolmin, Slovenia — Open Air
May 16: Oberscheidweiler, Germany — Resäcker Open Air

So far, none of the other tour dates between June and September have been affected by the news of Campbell's health concerns.

Fans of the band offered their well wishes to Campbell and the band and are hoping for a speedy recovery.

"Best wishes to Phil and the family 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️" wrote one fan.

"Best wishes to Phil. Come back stronger. ♠️💪" wrote another.

The Welsh rock band was formed in 2016 by Campbell alongside his three sons Todd, Dane and Tyla Campbell. Their self-titled EP was released in November 2016 and has since been followed with four studio albums. Phil, who is 64 years old, was the former guitarist for the English rock band Motörhead, which disbanded in 2015 following the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister.

Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons 2026 Tour Dates

June 5: Slavičín, Czechia — Karpaty Hard Fest
July 3–5: Mainburg, Germany — Festival Holledau
July 11: Landresse, France — La Guerre du Son
July 24–25: Rengsdorf, Germany — Rock the Forest
July 28: Warszawa, Poland — Supporting Judas Priest
Aug. 2: Ostrava, Czechia — OSTRAVAR ARENA
Aug. 15: Deest, Netherlands — Zeeltje Rock
Aug. 22: Chepstow, United Kingdom — Chepstow Castle
Sept. 5: Coventry, United Kingdom — Hella Rock

Related: Iconic ’70s Rock Band Announces Special Guest for 2026 Farewell Tour

Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like red velvet cake—but if we're being honest, plain old red velvet is a little overdone. Sure, the vibrant chocolate dessert with a moist, tender crumb is tasty, but this Valentine's Day, I wanted something with a little extra pizzazz. That’s why I was excited to try Broma Bakery’s Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies, which up the ante not only by transforming red velvet cake into brownies, but also by adding a rich, creamy cheesecake layer right on top.

There are many variations of red velvet brownies out there, and even red velvet cheesecake brownies specifically, but Broma Bakery creator Sarah Fennel's version went viral, which made me curious to see what all the hype was about.

Aside from how delicious red velvet cheesecake brownies sound all on their own, I was also excited to share them. I imagined they'd make cute gifts and would also be great on a Galentine’s Day dessert board or as a cute at-home date nights dessert.

Read on for my full review of Broma Bakery’s Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies and, importantly, to learn whether or not they're worthy of being a part of your V-Day celebrations.

Related: I Tried the Viral ‘Martha Stewart Fired Me Cookies’ and They’re Chewy, Crispy Perfection

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What Are Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies?

Courtesy Kelly Vaughan

Red velvet cheesecake brownies are the ultimate hybrid of not one, not two but three desserts: red velvet cake, classic fudgy brownies and cheesecake. With their bright red hue and rich flavor, these brownies certainly seem like the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat.

There are dozens of recipes for this type of hybrid dessert out there, but I decided to try Broma Bakery’s version since it's so incredibly popular and beloved.

@bromabakery

cupid told me you need a sweet treat, so here are red velvet cheesecake brownies 💋 they’re a fudgy red velvet brownie swirled with a thick ribbon of luscious cheesecake, and the prefect match to any and all of your plans this feb 14 🫶 grab the full recipe on bromabakery.com or through the link in my bio!

♬ original sound - Broma Bakery

Related: I Tried Ina Garten’s Salted Caramel Brownies That Fans Are Calling ‘So Decadent’

Ingredients Needed for These Brownies

Kelly Vaughan

The red velvet brownie base begins with unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and whole lot of red food coloring. Additionally, you’ll need all-purpose flour, salt and Dutch-processed cocoa powder to create that rich and fudgy bite.

To make that mesmerizing cheesecake-style swirl, you’ll need cream cheese (the full-fat variety), a large egg, and granulated sugar.

Related: Yes, You Absolutely Can Make Your Own Cream Cheese Right at Home—Here’s How

How To Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Before any mixing and baking happens, you’ll start by preheating the oven to 350°F and prepping a square baking pan with parchment paper.

Courtesy Kelly Vaughan

Next, you’ll make the base for the brownies by whisking together melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is glossy. Add the eggs and whisk until the mixture is pale yellow, smooth, and slightly foamy. Add the vanilla and red food coloring, whisk, and watch as the mixture turns an intense pink-red hue.

Courtesy Kelly Vaughan

From here, add the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, cocoa powder and salt) and mix until combined and no streaks of flour remain. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer.

Kelly Vaughan

And now comes the part that everyone has been waiting for: the cream cheese swirl. Whisk together the (softened) cream cheese, granulated sugar and an egg until smooth and creamy, then dollop the mixture evenly over the top of the brownie batter. Use a butter knife (or even a chopstick!) to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter.

Courtesy Kelly Vaughan

Transfer the whole pan to the oven and bake until the top is no longer jiggly and a cake tester inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before removing them, slicing and serving.  

Related: This Viral No-Bake Cookie Butter Cheesecake Is Rich, Creamy and Super Easy

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: My Honest Thoughts

Courtesy Kelly Vaughan

These brownies are such a fun and festive treat to make for a Valentine’s Day (or a Galentine’s Day) party. Although my brownies didn’t look as visually vibrant as the ones pictured in the recipe, I was still able to create a lovely red and cream-hued swirl. I was into the muted palette, which I thought looked rather romantic.

As for the taste, it was pretty much impossible to find any flaws there. Between the luscious, rich and fudgy brownie base to the tangy cream cheese swirl on top, I absolutely loved the flavor of these brownies and feel that they definitely live up to the hype.

There was one small issue I noticed, though. As I was adding the cream cheese mixture to the top of the brownies, I was surprised by just how much there was. The recipe notes that you should create large dollops over the top of the batter, which I did, but ultimately, the mixture covered the entire pan of brownies.

This made it somewhat difficult to swirl together because it seemed like there was almost an equal ratio of brownie batter to topping. Although this ratio created a nice bite that was about 50/50 cheesecake to brownie, if I were to make this again, I’d probably reduce the amount of cream cheese swirl by a third or even by half.

Related: The 2-Ingredient Chocolate Dessert That Comes Together in Minutes

3 Tips and Tricks for Making Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

If you make Broma Bakery's red velvet cheesecake brownie recipe, I have a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.

1. Sift the flour and cocoa powder

To ensure a super-smooth batter, I’d recommend sifting the flour and cocoa powder in a fine mesh sieve into the wet ingredients. Although the recipe doesn’t call for doing so, I did notice that there were still some clumps of cocoa powder in the batter, which made me wish I had sifted the dry ingredients.

2. Use room-temperature ingredients

Using room temperature ingredients is key to a smooth, cohesive batter. Although the recipe notes that you should use room-temperature eggs and cream cheese, I found that it was particularly important for the cream cheese. Using room-temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth cheesecake layer, which means it will be tasty and also easy to swirl into the red velvet batter.

3. Make sure you're swirling the cream cheese properly

When swirling the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter, be sure to insert the tool (whether it be a butter knife, chopstick or something else) deep into the batter and almost use a scooping motion to get the batter and cream cheese mixture to swirl properly. This will help create a pretty swirly pattern and also ensure that the cream cheese is evenly distributed.

Up Next:

Related: How to Make a Boxed Brownie Mix 10x Better, According to Food Network Star Duff Goldman

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If you ask us, you can never have too many blankets. It’s the perfect thing to keep you warm in the winter. Even when the seasons change, it’s nice to have one when it gets chilly throughout the year. Right now, you can get this “cozy” throw blanket for 50% off at Macy’s. Shoppers said the “pretty” blanket is “perfect for colder weather.” 

The Lucky Brand Floral Throw is on sale now for just $23. It features dainty daisies, with a cottagecore aesthetic that’s super trendy right now. There are six colors to choose from, including great winter shades like navy, red, and brown. The beige and green blankets would double as pretty spring decor, and there’s even an ivory blanket featuring pink daisies.

Lucky Brand Daisy Floral Cozy Plush Throw, $23 (was $45) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Mac

If you want to use them year round, don’t worry. “We use throws year-round, and this floral print works in all seasons,” one shopper said. Each throw blanket is 50 inches long, 70 inches wide, and 0.4 inches high, the perfect size to throw over your sofa. Crafted from 100% polyester, they’re “soft” and “plush,” according to shoppers. Weighing just over 2 pounds, the fluffy throw blankets are machine-washable, making them quick and easy to clean and reuse. Shoppers reported no matting or pilling after washing. 

Related: Macy's Is Selling a 'Vibrant' $37 Boho Throw Blanket That Will Instantly Brighten Up Your Space

Shoppers loved this “fluffy” throw because it kept them “comfortable” and “warm.” This would make a great gift for the homebody in your life. If you or a loved one prefers to stay home and snuggle up on the couch while reading a book or watching a movie, this blanket would be a perfect addition to their relaxing routine. 

Shop More Deals 

• Lucky Brand Camper Plaid Cozy Plush Throw, From $23 (was $45) at Macy’s
• Lucky Brand Palmdale Plaid Cozy Plush Throw, From $23 (was $45) at Macy’s
• Lucky Brand Solid Plush Throw, From $23 (was $45) at Macy’s

Add this delicate daisy blanket to your bedroom. Pick up the Lucky Brand Floral Throw for just $23 now at Macy’s. 

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.

If one of your health goals is living a heart-healthy lifestyle, you probably already know the basics by, well, heart. Not using tobacco products, getting regular exercise and eating a primarily plant-based diet are all ways to support your cardiovascular system.

Here’s what’s really great about adopting heart-healthy habits: Your entire body benefits. What’s good for your heart is also good for your brain, gut and the rest of your body. It’s all connected. Need proof? Multiple scientific studies show that following the DASH diet (a dietary plan made to help lower blood pressure) is associated with a decreased risk for Alzheimer’s. 

Another example is daily walking. This cardio-based activity isn’t just good for your heart. It also lowers the risk of certain types of cancer, lowers depression and strengthens bones. The best example of all is not using tobacco. Using tobacco doesn’t just negatively impact the lungs and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s also connected to many different types of cancer, negatively impacts fertility and weakens the immune system.

Even if you consider yourself a heart-health expert, there’s one important habit that you’re likely overlooking. According to cardiologists we talked to, it’s something not many people know about, but it can play a crucial role in supporting the cardiovascular system. And no, it has nothing to do with what you have for breakfast (coffee included).

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The Unexpected Morning Habit That’s Good for Your Heart

According to cardiologists we talked to, one of the best morning habits you can do to support your heart is going for a walk outside, shortly after the sun comes up. While part of this is because of the cardiovascular benefits of walking, they explain that it also helps regulate circadian rhythm, which is a crucial part of heart health that’s often overlooked.

Olga Rolenko/Getty Images

“Circadian rhythm is such a fundamental part of biology for all living things,” says Dr. Mohanakrishnan Sathyamoorthy, MD, FACC, a cardiologist and the chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Texas Christian University. He explains that the heart and vascular system are highly tuned to sleep-wake cycles through a complex web of interactions with the brain and endocrine system, which is the body’s wireless communication network.

“Hormonal interactions with the vascular system, heart and brain are crucially impacted by this rhythm,” Dr. Sathyamoorthy says.

Related: I'm a Cardiologist and This 'Relaxing' Habit Is Actually Harming Your Heart Health

Circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock. It regulates the sleep-wake cycle, hormone release and digestion—all in response to light and dark. When circadian rhythm is out of whack, the whole body suffers, including the heart.

Dr. Joyce Oen-Hsiao, MD, FACC, a cardiologist and an associate professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, explains that going on a morning walk is one way to keep circadian rhythm in sync. “In general, taking a walk in the morning will help with circadian rhythm because the sunlight signals the brain to stop producing melatonin, which, normally, your body will produce to help you sleep,” she says. 

And sleep, both cardiologists emphasize, is crucial for heart health.

Related: This Is the #1 Best High-Protein Snack for Heart Health, According to Cardiologists

How Getting Good Sleep Supports Heart Health

Making it a priority to get consistently good sleep is a crucial part of heart health that many people overlook. “Insomnia and poor sleep can affect the cardiovascular system: it can lead to higher blood pressure and heart rate,” Dr. Oen-Hsiao says, explaining that this is because not getting good sleep negatively impacts metabolism, which in turn can lead to weight gain. 

“The fatigue from not sleeping well leads to not having enough energy to exercise or stay active, which will contribute to weight gain. This can then lead to increased blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar,” Dr. Oen-Hsiao continues. Scientific research backs this up, showing that not getting enough sleep is associated with higher blood pressure, higher LDL cholesterol and weight gain.

Related: The Commonly Overlooked Habit Cardiologists Say Is 'Crucial' for Heart Health

Remember: Circadian rhythm responds to light and darkness cues. This is why going for a morning walk in the sunshine can help support it. Dr. Sathyamoorthy says that it’s also why blue light exposure from screens at night can be disruptive. So another way to support your circadian rhythm is to dim the lights in the evening and stay away from screens.

Sunlight exposure during the day and using dim lighting at night is a great way to support your circadian rhythm—and that’s on top of the cardiovascular benefits going on a morning walk delivers too. Besides, a walk in the sunshine sounds like a pretty great way to start the day anyway. Why not give it a try?

Up Next:

Related: Why Women’s Hearts Age Differently—and How To Protect Yours

Sources:

• Mehdi Abbasi, M., Khandae, S., Shahabi, M., et al. (2025). Association between the DASH diet and Alzheimer’s disease in case-control study.Scientific Reports. 15:23312. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-05416-z
• Ungvari, Z., Fazekas-Pongor, V., Csiszar, A., et al. (2023). The multifaceted benefits of walking for healthy aging: from Blue Zones to molecular mechanisms. GeroScience. 45(6):3211-3239 
• The Effects of Tobacco Use on Health.Public Health Implications of Raising the Minimum Age of Legal Access to Tobacco Products. National Library of Medicine.
• Dr. Mohanakrishnan Sathyamoorthy, MD, FACC, cardiologist and the chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Texas Christian University
• Circadian Rhythm. Cleveland Clinic
• Dr. Joyce Oen-Hsiao, MD, FACC, cardiologist and an associate professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine
• Vinicius Sá Gomes e Farias, A., Peixoto de Lima Cavalcanti, M., Alcȃntara de Passos, M., et al. (2022). The association between sleep deprivation and arterial pressure variations: a systematic literature review.Sleep Medicine: X. 4:100042. doi: 10.1016/j.sleepx.2022.100042 
• Gangwisch, J. E., Malaspina, D., Babiss, L. A., et al. (2010). Short sleep duration as a risk factor for hypercholesterolemia: analysis of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Sleep. 33(7):956-61
• Patel, S. R., Malhotra, A., White, D. P., et al. (2012). Association between Reduced Sleep and Weight Gain in Women. American Journal of Epidemiology. 164(10):947-954

If you don’t have a Valentine yet, you might be feeling the pressure. But don’t worry; we have some great Valentine’s Day pick-up lines for this special day. And honestly, even if you are in a relationship and already have Valentine’s Day plans, these V-Day pick-up lines are going to be such a cute (and somewhat cheesy) way to remind your significant other how much you love them.

And to help us out a little, Parade spoke with Love Island’s Cely Vazquez ahead of Valentine’s Day to get some cute suggestions on what pick-up line to use (and which to leave at home…forever).

Here are the 65 best Valentine’s Day pick-up lines!

Related: 20 DIY Valentine Decorations That Will Win Your Heart

Cely Vazquez’s Favorite Valentine’s Day Pick-Up Line

First off, who better to help you with your Valentine’s Day mojo than Vazquez? Not only did she compete on (and nearly win) Season 2 of Love Island USA, but she also went back to the Love Island franchise to compete on Love Island Games’ first season in 2023. But even better: Cely loves Valentine’s Day.

“I'm such a lover girl,” Vazquez tells Parade. “I just eat that up, whether I have a Valentine or not.”

Regardless of whether she's single or taken, she says, “Any chance I get to tell the people that I love them and appreciate them and also get that back…I love it."

Related: Sweet Nothings to Make Her Feel Truly Appreciated—115 Romantic Love Paragraphs for Her

With that said, what is her favorite pick-up line for Feb. 14?

“You know what I would say? ‘Happy Valentine's Day,’” Cely shares. “Just as simple as saying ‘Happy Valentine's Day’ to a stranger. Like, if I'm picking up coffee and it's the morning of Valentine's Day and there's someone I've never seen before and they're like, ‘Happy Valentine's Day,’ that's so cute.”

See? You don’t even have to put a ton of pressure on yourself to get it right when it comes to flirting on the most romantic day of the year. Vazquez says that it’s just all about “spreading the love and joy,” and if you do that, she’ll take notice. And others might too!

But if you need more inspiration for how to flirt on the ultimate day for love, here are some other V-Day pick-up lines to try.

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65 Best Valentine’s Day Pick-Up Lines

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1. Happy Valentine's Day!

2. Roses are red, violets are blue; I sure am glad I swiped right on you.

3. Cupid called. He says he needs my heart back.

4. Do you have a name, or can I call you mine?

5. You’re so sweet, you could put Hershey’s out of business.

6. Do you have a GPS? I keep getting lost in your eyes.

7. The only sweet I want for Valentine’s Day is a cutie pie like you!

8. I don’t have a library card, but do you mind if I check you out?

9. You’re sweeter than all the candy hearts in the world combined.

10. My name is [your name], but you can just call me your Valentine.

Related: 125 Best Tinder Pick-Up Lines (& Bumble)

11. You know what you would look especially beautiful in this Valentine’s Day? My arms.

12. On a scale from 1 to 10, you’re a 9…and Cupid says I’m the 1 you need.

13. Do you like raisins? No? How about a date on Valentine’s Day?

14. I had to ask Cupid for a map, because I just keep getting lost in your eyes.

15. You should sign up for a marathon, ’cause you’ve already been running through my mind all day.

Related: 55 Epic Anti-Valentine's Day Quotes and Captions for February 14

Canva/Parade

16. What a coincidence—my dream person comes to life, just in time for Valentine’s Day. It’s fate!

17. Excuse me, can you help me pick up my jaw? I seemed to have dropped it just looking at you.

18. Be mine?

19. My stomach is in forget-me-knots just thinking about you.

20. Are you my appendix? Because I have a funny feeling in my stomach that makes me feel like I should take you out.

21. You’re looking Valen-fine tonight.

22. This Valentine’s Day, let’s make like fabric softener and Snuggle.

23. I’d never play hide and seek with you because someone like you is impossible to find.

24. Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?

25. Valentine’s without you is like a broken pencil. Pointless.

26. This Valentine’s Day, let’s make an exchange: I’ll give you tulips, and you give me two lips. Sound fair?

27. Is your name Google? Because you’ve got everything I’m searching for this Valentine’s Day.

28. I love you like Cupid loves Valentine’s Day.

29. Even if Earth didn’t have gravity, I’d still be falling for you.

30. Don’t worry—if your hand feels heavy on Valentine’s Day, I’ll be glad to hold it for you.

Related: 27 Pretty Pink Nails to Inspire You Before Your Next Trip to the Salon

Canva/Parade

Related: 40 Funny Pick-Up Lines for Him and Her

31. There must be a lookout notice out in heaven because they are missing an angel.

32. Roses are red, but some are pink, let’s recreate our first date on Valentine’s Day—what do you think?

33. You can keep the Hershey’s—I just want a kiss.

34. Well, call me Planters—because I’ve been nuts about you for years!

35. They can’t fit what I feel for you on a conversation heart.

36. I think someone must have stolen the stars and put them in your eyes.

37. Remember me? No? Oh, that’s alright, I’ve only met you in my dreams.

38. Have we met before? You look a lot like the love of my life.

39. My candy heart is all yours.

40. Ugh, I lost my favorite teddy bear—can I snuggle with you instead?

41. I’m not a photographer, but I can definitely picture us together.

42. When I text you good morning tomorrow, what number should I text?

43. Can we take a picture? I want to show my mom what Cupid brought me this year.

44. Coffee, tea or love potion number 9? 

45. I hope you know CPR—because you just took my breath away.

Related: 34 Gorgeous Red Nail Ideas Just in Time for Valentine's Day

Canva/Parade

46. Did it hurt? When you got shot by Cupid's arrow. 

47. You’re the best Valentine I could have asked for.

48. Whoever said Disneyland was the happiest place on earth has never been in your presence.

49. I can’t turn water into wine, but I’m hoping to turn you into mine.

50. I don’t think I could possibly love you any amour.

51. You’re so beautiful that I have forgotten my pick-up line.

52. We go together like wine and chocolates on Valentine's Day. 

53. I'm so glad you seduced me with your charming awkwardness. 

54. I'd stay up late on Valentine's Day for you!

55. Do you like Star Wars? Because Yoda one for me this Valentine’s Day.

56. Will you be my Valentine? 

57. If beauty were a crime, you’d be serving a life sentence.

58. Do you like coffee? Because I like you a latte.

59. Are you a cat? Because I’m feline a connection between us this Valentine’s Day.

60. Your eyes are like IKEA. I could get lost in them for hours.

61. If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put U and I together.

62. My doctor says I’m lacking vitamin U.

63. Is your name Wi-Fi? Because I’m kind of feeling a connection.

64. Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears!

65. Kiss me if I’m wrong, but dinosaurs still exist, right?

Related: 200 Happy Valentine's Day Quotes for 2026

The Worst Pick-Up ‘Line,’ According to ‘Love Island’ Star Cely Vazquez

And to end this list, we want to steer you all clear on how not to flirt. And it might be obvious, but Vazquez puts it perfectly. “Oh, a whistle. Hands down, a whistle,” she tells Parade. “I'm not a dog. You are not about to whistle at me.”

Of course, she’ll take a compliment because she knows how good she looks, but when it comes to degrading actions like whistling on the street? Leave that in the dumpster.

“Don't be whistling at me,” Vazquez says. “Like, you could say I look pretty. Just use your words.”

At the end of the day, a little bit of effort (and no whistling) is all that’s needed, even if it’s a little awkward.

“I feel like I’ll embrace the cringe,” Cely admits about this type of flirting. “If you have like a terrible, cringey pick-up line, I'm still like, you know what, A for effort. Thank you for putting yourself out there. 'Cause that's huge. I feel like in these days, it's so difficult. But yeah, no, I just can't take the catcalling.”

Related: 'Will You Be My Valentine?' Here Are 14 Creative Ideas for Asking and Showing Your Affection

There's a good chance Lord of the Flies was part of your education growing up. The classic beloved novel has been adapted to the stage, the big screen — and now, the small screen.

Sony Pictures Television announced on Friday, Feb. 13 that Netflix has acquired U.S. rights to Lord of the Flies (2026), a limited series adaptation written by acclaimed screenwriter Jack Thorne (Adolescence) and directed by BAFTA-winner Marc Munden (Utopia, National Treasure).

It’s a major acquisition for Netflix, as several potential buyers were said to be eying the drama series, Deadline reports.

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“The U.S. sale leads a wave of distribution deals in territories across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Latin America, and Asia-Pacific,” Sony said in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter.

The four-part series launched on the BBC in the U.K. and Stan Australia on Feb. 8 and screens Friday night in the Berlin International Film Festival‘s Berlinale Specials Series program, THR also noted.

It's remarkably the first William Golding's iconic book has ever been turned into a TV show. As readers and fans well know, Lord of the Flies follows a group of young boys stranded on an island in a tale that quickly turns sinister and thematically rich. It's no surprise the publication became one of the most popular books on U.S. school curriculums.

“Jack Thorne's contemporary take on this timeless story is, in one word, powerful,” Mike Wald, co-president of distribution & networks at SPT, said in a statement, per Deadline. “This first-ever television adaptation of the iconic novel delivers on every level, including its cinematic scope and transportive music.”

Another iconic novel — or rather, series of novels — also made headlines recently after the trailer for its own adaptation dropped online. Nicole Kidman portrays the eponymous heroine in Scarpetta, a Prime Video series based on Patricia Cornwell's best-selling books.

With over 120 million copies from the literary series sold worldwide since the character’s 1990 debut, the upcoming show — which also stars Jamie Lee Curtis — marks the culmination of decades of anticipation as the beloved forensic pathologist finally comes to the screen.

For decades, Hasbro has been the leading purveyor of first-rate, endlessly replayable board games that have captivated generations of fans across the globe.

Whether sitting down for a game of Monopoly, Candy Land, Clue or The Game of Life, Hasbro has consistently delivered a nonstop array of engaging gaming material, many of which have become household favorites in players' homes.

Now, the iconic toy manufacturing company is looking ahead to the immediate future with updated versions of three of its most popular games: namely, Yahtzee, Connect 4 and the reliably entertaining Trivial Pursuit.

Hitting stores across the nation on July 15, these three new games will feature updated graphics and design features behind each property, allowing for a more immersive sense of atmospheric gameplay, portability and convenience every time you crack open a box.

The new changes come less than a year after Hasbro updated several more iconic gaming titles, including Monopoly, Operation, Candy Land and Jenga. In particular, Hasbro has said they're aiming to bring more convenient gameplay features to players around the globe.

In the case of Trivial Pursuit, Hasbro has confirmed that they'll be introducing new trivia questions to the game in an exclusive statement shared with us over email. Additionally, the updated versions of Connect 4 comes on the game's 60th anniversary, affording fans a chance to celebrate the game's birthday in grand fashion.

As longtime Hasbro gamers are sure to know, each of these three games have remained popular entities with the company's extensive gaming portfolio.

As mentioned above, Yahtzee was first released by Milton Bradley in 1956, with the simple objective of scoring a combination of points using five dice.

Connect 4, meanwhile, was introduced in 1974 by Milton Bradley, focusing on players attempting to form an unbroken line of four tokens along a vertical grid.

Trivial Pursuit, on the other hand, was released in 1981 by Horn Abbott Ltd. Meant for anywhere from two to six players, the game involves players answering a series of trivia and pop culture questions to navigate around the board.

Actress Kaley Cuoco got candid about the reactions she has received throughout her decades-long career.

Cuoco made an appearance on a February 2026 episode of theNot Skinny But Not Fat podcast, hosted by Amanda Hirsch. During the podcast episode, Hirsch told Cuoco that when she has Googled her name, one of the first autofill suggestions is "Kaley Cuoco Bikini pics." Cuoco said she was aware that the search is popular.

"It's disturbing," said Cuoco during the podcast interview.

In addition, she said that the photos of her in bathing suits are "so old." She also said she doesn't think "half of them are real."

Kaley Cuoco Discussed Her Time Playing Penny on 'The Big Bang Theory'

In the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast episode, Hirsch said she believes that the Google search is popular because of Cuoco's character, Penny, on the hit series, The Big Bang Theory, which had a 12-season run until 2019.

"I think I, like, realized how when you were on Big Bang, like I feel like you were a sex symbol for like nerdy men everywhere," said Hirsch to Cuoco.

Cuoco agreed with the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast host. She also noted that she was only 21 when she was filming the show's first season, which premiered in 2007.

"So I was like at my peak of my best," said the actress during the podcast interview.

Cuoco clarified that she doesn't actually believe she hit her "peak" in her early 20s.

"I think I'm better now. It's a different vibe," said Cuoco to Hirsch.

Cuoco then commented on Penny's hair and wardrobe in The Big Bang Theory.

"It's funny too like that was 12 years. We laugh because the amount of, like, the outfits, the denim changes, the hair, the ridiculous outfits. It was like 'What?' The bleach blonde. Like, so hysterical," said the Flight Attendant star while recording the podcast interview.

Cuoco also said that she had difficulty wrapping her mind around the fact that the CBSsitcom premiered nearly 20 years ago.

"That's 20 years ago. And every time I think about that, I cannot believe that was 20 years," said Cuoco.