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Macy’s 'Soft' $28 3-Piece Coastal Quilt Set Will Add an Instant 'Beach Vibe' to Your Bedroom
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Amidst all these heatwaves, it’s time to ditch the comforter and replace it with a quilt, especially if you tend to sleep hot. A lightweight quilt can keep your body temperature comfortable all night long, preventing you from overheating and waking up in the middle of the night in a puddle of sweat. If that sounds like something you need for the spring and summer, this VCNY Home Shore Embossed 3-Piece Quilt Set at Macy’s is a great option — and it’s currently up to 65% off for a limited time!
Prices slightly vary depending on size and color, but most are under $50! It’s available in five colors and in queen and king sizes. Out of both queen and king sizes, the best price is available on the teal quilt set, which is currently listed at $28 in the queen size.
VCNY Home Shore Embossed 3-Piece Queen Quilt Set, From $28 (was $70) at Macy’s Shop at Macy'sSale prices for the queen sizes in the other colors start at $28, while the king sizes are priced as low as $35. You can choose from teal blue, gray, tan, white, and green. This set includes one quilt and two pillow shams, ensuring that your bed looks put together.
This quilt set looks like it was made for a beach house. Boasting beachy motifs including seashells, seahorses, and starfish, this set captures the coastal aesthetic to a tee and has some whimsical charm to it. Draped over your bed, it’ll instantly transform your room into a beachside resort and give it a breezy, relaxed feel.
While this quilt set is just one solid color, the design still stands out in all its coastal glory. Both the quilt and shams are completely embossed, giving them texture and dimension, which allows the design to pop. Every seashell, seahorse, and starfish sits in a hexagonal frame, creating a symmetrical geometric pattern. Several reviewers raved about the design, describing it as “adorable, beautiful, and very pretty.” One reviewer called this quilt set “fun” and said that it “brings a great beach vibe” to their bedroom.
VCNY Home Shore Embossed 3-Piece Quilt Set, From $28 (was $70) at Macy’s Shop at Macy'sMade of polyester, the fabric is soft to the touch. Because polyester is a non-natural hypoallergenic material, this quilt set is a great choice for those with allergies. The low-maintenance fabric also makes it easy to care for this quilt set. Whenever it’s time for a refresh, you can just toss it into the washing machine. Multiple customers noted that it washes beautifully.
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Many reviewers mentioned that the quilt has a lightweight feel yet still provides a good amount of warmth, which is ideal for the warmer months, especially if you don't want to rack up your electricity bill by running the air conditioner all night long. If you run hot but still need something draped over your body to fall asleep, this quilt is a must-have. “It’s the perfect weight — not too warm but cozy,” one reviewer explained. They described this quilt set as “fabulous and very soft.”
Ready to transform your bedroom into a beachy getaway? If so, head to Macy’s and snag the VCNY Home Shore Embossed 3-Piece Quilt Set while it’s still on sale, starting at just $28. Be sure to hurry because this deal is only available for a limited time!
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'I'm a Dermatologist—This Is the Exfoliation Trick I Swear By'
If the word "exfoliation" triggers bad memories of the harsh facial scrubs you once used as a teenager, you're not alone.
Exfoliation is an important part of any well-balanced skincare routine since it clears away dry, dead cells and makes room for your skin to shine. Still, many of us are intimidated by the process. We always have a dermatologist on speed dial here at Parade, so we reached out to Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, FAAD, to learn more about a genius facial exfoliation trick we wish we'd known about sooner.
Tolpinrud is a board-certified dermatologist who works as the medical director at Curology. While working with patients, she's see the good, the bad and everything in between, and she's developed a few tips for exfoliating effectively.
Knowing which method of exfoliation—chemical or physical—is best for your skin type is typically the first step in mastering your exfoliation routine. Tolpinrud breaks down the difference between the two techniques for us and explains how often you should be exfoliating your face.
Since exfoliation can irritate the skin when it's not done properly, the expert also shares tips on common facial exfoliation mistakes to avoid.
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'I'm a Dermatologist—This Is the Facial Exfoliation Trick I Swear By'Sometimes, exfoliation can be a scary word if you have sensitive skin. But fret not! Tolpinrud says there's a safe way to exfoliate without making your skin rebel, and it's called the "short contact" technique.
"This involves applying a chemical exfoliant, leaving it on for five to 10 minutes, then rinsing it off rather than leaving it on overnight," she tells Parade.
Some chemical exfoliants can be left on overnight, so it's always best to consult with a dermatologist if your skin is reactive. But in general, Tolpinrud says this method is best if your skin is easily irritated.
"Short contact application can provide some of the benefits of exfoliation while limiting exposure time, which may help reduce the risk of irritation," she explains.
Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation: What's the Difference?If you're into skincare, you've likely heard that there's a difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens. Similarly, there are physical and chemical methods of exfoliation, and they both get the job done in slightly different ways.
Physical exfoliation"Physical exfoliation removes dead skin cells through manual action, such as facial scrubs, cleansing brushes or professional treatments like microdermabrasion. One benefit is that results are often immediate, with skin feeling smoother and looking brighter after treatment," Tolpinrud says. "Professional procedures such as microdermabrasion may also help improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture and discoloration."
One thing to note? If you have sensitive skin or perform physical exfoliation too aggressively or too frequently, it can irritate skin.
Chemical exfoliationChemical exfoliation, on the other hand, uses ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or enzymes to loosen and remove dead skin cells.
"These ingredients generally provide a more even exfoliation than scrubs and can help improve concerns such as acne, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation and signs of sun damage," Tolpinrud says.
As always, it's important to consult a dermatologist beforehand to make sure your skin can tolerate chemical exfoliation.
Related: 12 Best Moisturizers With SPF To Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Protected, Tested by Dermatologists
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How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face?There are three main factors to consider when determining how often you should exfoliate your face: your skin type, the products you're using and your skin's tolerance.
"For many people, exfoliating one to three times per week is a reasonable starting point," Tolpinrud says.
If you're using an at-home chemical exfoliant, especially products containing lower concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), she suggests exfoliating once or twice a week to start then "increase gradually if the skin tolerates it well."
"People with sensitive skin may benefit from exfoliating less frequently—more isn't always better," Tolpinrud says. "Over-exfoliation can lead to redness, dryness, irritation and a weakened skin barrier. Some research has also linked overly aggressive exfoliation habits with worsening rosacea symptoms in susceptible individuals."
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How To Exfoliate Without Irritating Your SkinBefore you start experimenting with different exfoliants, Tolpinrud says you should start with gentler options then gradually introduce ingredients.
"Lower concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids, for example, can help remove dead surface skin cells while being less disruptive to the skin barrier," she tells Parade. "For people who find traditional acids irritating, enzyme-based exfoliants may be a good alternative. These products can help improve skin texture and brightness while often causing less stinging or burning."
Steering clear of aggressive scrubbing techniques is another way to avoid potential irritation.
"Vigorous physical exfoliation can irritate the skin and compromise the skin barrier over time," Tolpinrud says.
Overall, if you experience redness, burning or persistent irritation, it's typically a sign that you should reduce the frequency of exfoliation or switch to a gentler approach.
Related: 12 Best Face Massager Tools for Instant Depuffing and Sculpting, Tested by Dermatologists
5 Common Facial Exfoliation Mistakes To AvoidWhile building an exfoliation routine, it helps to have a go-to guide of some common mistakes to avoid any skincare mishaps. Below, Tolpinrud shares some of the biggest mistakes she sees clients making.
1. Over-exfoliatingThe derm says many people make the mistake of exfoliating too often.
"While exfoliation can improve skin texture and brightness, excessive exfoliation may damage the skin barrier, leading to redness, dryness, irritation and increased sensitivity," she warns.
2. Using products that are too strongStronger acids are not always more effective.
"Using potent exfoliants without proper guidance can increase the risk of irritation, peeling and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in sensitive skin or darker skin tones," Tolpinrud says.
3. Combining multiple exfoliation methods at onceYour complexion can easily get confused if you throw too much at it at once.
"Pairing a physical exfoliant with a chemical exfoliant, such as scrubbing the skin and then applying an AHA, can compound irritation and barrier disruption," the derm says. "Although certain combination approaches may be appropriate under professional guidance, using multiple exfoliation methods together at home can contribute to excessive irritation, redness and over-exfoliation."
4. Skipping sunscreenSun protection is a critical part of any skincare routine, but it becomes even more critical while exfoliating.
"Exfoliation removes dead surface skin cells and can leave skin more vulnerable to UV damage. Daily broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher helps protect against sunburn, hyperpigmentation and premature skin aging," Tolpinrud explains.
5. Exfoliating irritated or inflamed skinIt's best to give your skin a break if you're already dealing with a rosacea flareup, eczema, dermatitis or another form of inflammation or irritation.
"Exfoliation may worsen inflammation and delay healing. In these situations, it can be helpful to first focus on barrier repair and allow the skin to recover before resuming exfoliation," Tolpinrud says.
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Source:- Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who works as the medical director at Curology.
1968 Rock Song, Lasting Nearly 18 Minutes, Remains a Classic 58 Years Later
After over 50 years, one song from legendary rock band the Velvet Underground is still just as influential as when it first came out in 1968.
The track is "Sister Ray," a sprawling song that was recorded in one take and comes in at almost 18 minutes long. The song was released on the band's second studio album, White Light/White Heat. The lyrics were written by frontman and guitarist Lou Reed.
"Sister Ray" tells a complex story with several interesting characters featuring debauchery and chaos. In The Velvet Underground Companion: Four Decades of Commentary, Reed claimed that the song was “done as a joke." He then clarified, "No, not as a joke, but it has eight characters in it, and this guy gets killed, and nobody does anything."
The song has black humor and doesn't hold back in any way. Along with the long runtime, the lyrics also pushed the boundaries of what was accepted back then.
While the official recording of "Sister Ray" was just under 18 minutes long, the song's length varied when the Velvet Underground played it live. The live album Bootleg Series Volume 1: The Quine Tapes, released in 2001, includes three different performances of the track. The runtimes were around 24, 29, and 38 minutes.
The Velvet Underground clearly enjoyed performing "Sister Ray," and they often closed out live shows with the crowdpleaser.
Related: ’80s Rock Icons Reissue Career-Defining Album 40 Years Later
Other legendary rock bands have played memorable covers of the song as well, including Joy Division and its successor band New Order in the 1980s. Songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Richman included an homage to the song in his track "Velvet Underground."
While "Sister Ray" and the album White Light/White Heat didn't have as much commercial success immediately after their release as other Velvet Underground albums, their influence on punk rock became clear in the decades that followed.
Over half a century later, the album has been included on many lists of the "greatest albums of all time." As for "Sister Ray," the song remains a significant moment in rock history and a favorite for music fans all over.
Related: 1991 Rock Song, Written in 5 Minutes, Remains a Classic 35 Years Later
Why Craig Melvin Is Missing From ‘Today’ After Last Week’s On-Air Security Incident
Today anchor Craig Melvinis taking a short break from the show.
Melvin, 47, who chased down a studio intruder last week, is taking some time with his family, Savannah Guthrie announced on Monday morning, PEOPLE reported. Sheinelle Jones subbed in for Melvin alongside Guthrie on the anchor desk.
“We’ve got Sheinelle in for Craig, who’s getting a little family vacation,” Guthrie said on air.
Guthrie's announcement marked her first return to the Today studio since last week's incident.
Melvin Chased Down a Studio IntruderOn Thursday morning, a man who was later identified by PEOPLE as Andrew Truelove made his way past security and approached Melvin, yelling a racial slur at him. Melvin quickly alerted security, and Truelove was arrested by the police, NBC News stated.
PEOPLE later reported that Truelove was charged with two felonies: burglary in the third degree as a hate crime, and menacing in the third degree as a hate crime, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office shared. Melvin and Al Roker were granted a temporary order of protection against him.
Melvin Spoke Out After The IncidentOn Thursday evening, Melvin spoke out, reflecting on the incident that occurred at NBC’s headquarters at 30 Rockefeller Plaza earlier that morning. In a photo-free post that was just text written on a black background, Melvin made it clear that he was doing well and would be back in his seat at the studio on Friday.
“Hey everyone. I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours. I’m doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on @todayshow,” Melvin captioned the post, which also featured a statement from NBC News.
View this post on InstagramOn Friday morning’s Today, Melvin spoke candidly about the incident, ensuring everyone is “safe and sound.”
“You may have heard that unfortunately, an intruder made his way into an unauthorized area here in Studio 1A. Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly,” Melvin shared. “He was placed under arrest. We are cooperating fully with the NYPD as they investigate the matter, and we are just very happy that everyone is safe.”
What Did The Statement From NBC Say?A prepared statement from NBC claimed there was no altercation between Truelove and Melvin.
“There was a security incident this morning at the TODAY show studio. An individual entered an unauthorized area in a vestibule near Studio 1A. The person approached anchor Craig Melvin, who alerted security. The individual was detained and taken into custody by law enforcement without further incident. There was no altercation, and no one was injured,” the statement read. “TODAY is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate the matter. NBC and TODAY take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff, and guests extremely seriously. We are reviewing the incident and our security protocols and remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone who works at and visits our studios.”
Related: Craig Melvin Speaks Out After Chasing Down ‘Today’ Intruder Who Yelled a Racial Slur at Him
Trump Claims Credit for Grocer's Price Cuts, Leaving Customers Confused—Just Like Walmart Reductions
Donald Trump is taking credit for another sweeping round of grocery price cuts. After touting recent reductions at Walmart, the President is at it again. But this time, the retailer is not a national chain.
Shoppers might recall a not-so-humble brag a few weeks ago when Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Great news! I have just been informed that one of the biggest, best, and smartest Retailers in America, Walmart, will be lowering prices by a lot.” He continued, “At my Administration's request to celebrate our great Country’s 250th birthday.”
Trump also gets into specifics: “Walmart will, in particular, be dropping the price for a pound of ground beef by almost 15% among many other products. This is a huge deal for the many millions of Americans who, smartly, shop at Walmart, which is a truly patriotic Company who loves the U.S.A.”
Critics were quick to point out that Walmart never credited the President with the company’s decision to lower prices, and the superstore only lowered the price of the 73% ground beef roll by just under 12%.
Sunday evening, Trump took to Truth Social again, this time posting, “Wonderful news! I have just been informed that Giant Eagle, a GREAT American Grocery Company, will be lowering Prices, by a lot, across more than 300 products this Summer, through Labor Day, to help hardworking American families.”
While the President does add, “Giant Eagle, like Walmart, is stepping up in a big and bold way to answer my call to lower costs for working families,” he also seems to take credit for the recent price changes, sharing, “We will continue to bring Prices DOWN, just like Oil, Gas, Eggs, and Prescription Drugs, all of which are dropping FAST after the disaster we inherited from Sleepy Joe Biden.”
The President also calls for other stores to follow suit, again blasting Biden and the Democrats, “Other Grocery Chains must immediately follow the lead of these absolute Patriots at Giant Eagle and Walmart. Together, we will make America stronger and more affordable than ever before, and get rid of the stench and Inflation perpetrated on us by the Dumocrats and Sleepy Joe Biden Administration!”
Giant Eagle owns 197 supermarkets across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana. Earlier this month, the company announced plans to sell all of the locations to Kroger for $1.65 billion.
Like Walmart, Giant Eagle has not credited the President with the decision to lower prices.
Customers from local Pittsburgh stores seemed confused about Trump’s announcement, writing comments on Reddit such as, “He’s good at just taking credit for everything good”, “Did someone just hand him a weekly sales flyer?” and “Just an FYI. Giant Eagle price lock/everyday savings is not a new thing, not a price reduction per se. Every quarter, they rotate featured products they believe will highlight good prices on everyday items…Every grocery store does something like this.”
And yes, this customer is correct. Beyond regular reductions, the recent changes aren't the first time that this store has announced price drops.
In September of 2025, the retailer released this statement: “Giant Eagle lowers prices on key grocery staples through the end of 2025. Prices on more than 300 items across 29 product categories will be reduced by an average of 17 percent.”
If that sounds familiar, re-read Trump’s Truth Social post. He claims the company just decided to reduce prices “across more than 300 products” this summer.
How Milton Berle Took Over Ratt’s ‘Round and Round’ Video in 1984
In 1984, Ratt exploded onto the music scene with the song “Round and Round.” The first single from the glam metal band’s debut album Out of the Cellar became their biggest hit, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
And it was all due to the massive push it got from a music video featuring a comedy legend.
In addition to Ratt bandmates Stephen Pearcy, Warren DeMartini, Robbin Crosby, Juan Croucier, and Bobby Blotzer, the “Round and Round” video starred Milton Berle. The beloved comedian, known to television fans as "Uncle Miltie,” played both a husband and a wife in a scene set at a formal dinner party.
In an interview at the time, Crosby explained that the band had a connection to Berle.
“It’s funny, basically, we just asked him [to be in the video],” Crosby shared. “We had Warren, the other guitarist, go up and ask him, and he said yes. He’s my manager’s [Marshall Berle’s] uncle, so for him, he really is Uncle Miltie.”
In the video, Berle’s male character gets increasingly annoyed as Ratt’s loud musical performance disrupts his dinner party. The late Hollywood icon, long known for cross-dressing in his comedy bits, also appears in full drag to play his character’s wife.
Pearcy once revealed that Berle took over the video shoot.
Speaking with the San Diego Reader, he recalled, “Yeah, Miltie, y’know, when we did that first video ‘Round and Round,’ he was our manager’s uncle at the time, and it was all new back then because all of a sudden you became actors. But when Milton Berle hit that set, he pretty much took over.”
“Don Letts, the director, he was, like, ‘What in the hell...?’” Pearcy continued. “And Milton Berle just said, ‘I’m playing this woman in drag,’ which was his forte, back in the early days on his show, ‘and I’m gonna be the husband, we’re gonna be at dinner.’ It was unreal. We just followed the leader, y’know?”
Berle once told CNN’s Larry King that his desire to be a female impersonator stemmed from “the great female impersonators” from the days of vaudeville.
Berle, who would go on to play a motorcycle rider in Ratt’s 1985 video for the song “Back for More,” spoke about working with the hair metal band in a vintage MTV interview, noting, “There's a generation gap—I'm in my 70s, and the boys are in their 20s.”
Pearcy chimed in to add, "Mr. Television turns Mr. Video!”
RELATED: ‘80s Glam Rocker Was Told He’d Never Sing Again
Pearcy also noted that the Ratt band members never took themselves too seriously.
In an interview with Eagle 95.3, the Ratt frontman looked back on featuring Berle in the “Round and Round” video. “That was our manager’s idea. Marshall Berle is his nephew,” he shared.
“We didn’t really take ourselves as seriously as a lot of these other bands. They’re on fire, they’re leathered to the 10, and we just weren’t like that, and we were kinda tongue in cheek,” Pearcy added. “So when we did Round’, our first video, all of a sudden you’re an actor, it was just all new back then, from MTV. It was just all brand new back then, and we just stayed tongue-in-cheek, humor, and let the music do the talking on the road. It was all new, but if you were lucky enough to have a video on MTV, you scored.”
More than 40 years after its release, “Round and Round” remains one of the most memorable videos of the 1980s. The song was also named on The New York Times' list of 15 Essential Hair Metal Videos.
People Born in These 4 Birth Months Are the Most Misjudged
People born in these 4 birth months are often the most misjudged because first impressions rarely capture who they truly are. Have you ever met someone who seemed quiet, stubborn, or hard to read at first, only to realize later that you had them completely wrong? It happens all the time. First impressions don't always tell the whole story, and some people take a little longer to understand than others. The same can be said for certain birth months. They sometimes get labeled before people really know them. Once you spend enough time with them, though, a very different picture starts to emerge. According to astrologers, those born in January, May, September, and November are the most often to be misjudged.
Which Birth Months Are Often Misjudged?Being misjudged isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes it just means people need a little more time to see who you really are. People with birthdays in January, May, September, and November may not reveal everything right away, but that's part of what makes them interesting. Look beyond the first impression, and you'll often discover someone who's far different—and far more remarkable—than you expected.
JanuaryJanuary-born people are often mistaken for being distant or overly serious. The truth is, they're usually focused on what needs to be done. They're not the type to wear every emotion on their sleeve, which can make them seem harder to get to know than they really are. Spend enough time with someone born in January, and you'll often discover a dry sense of humor, fierce loyalty, and a willingness to help the people they care about. People born in January tend to demonstrate those qualities through actions rather than words. Whether you're a determined Capricorn or an independent Aquarius, you value sincerity over putting on a show.
MayPeople born in May are often described as stubborn, but that only tells part of the story. As a dependable Taurus or a curious Gemini, they combine steady determination with an open mind. Once they have made up their minds, they are not easily swayed, which can be frustrating for those who expect quick compromises. From their perspective, however, they are simply staying true to their beliefs. They also possess more patience than they are often credited with. Friends know they can rely on them, especially during challenging times. While others may come and go, people born in May usually stick around.
SeptemberPeople born in September are often misunderstood because they tend to notice details that others may overlook. They ask questions, double-check information, and prefer to think carefully before making decisions. Whether they are analytical Virgos or balanced Libras, they value honesty and understand the importance of small details. Some may misinterpret this behavior as being overly critical, but in reality, they are dedicated to doing things well. They are often their own harshest critics rather than being critical of others. Once people recognize this, it becomes easier to appreciate the thoughtful advice and reliable support that September-born individuals offer in relationships.
NovemberNovember-born people probably hear the words "mysterious" or "intimidating" more than any other birth month. The truth is, they don't trust quickly, and they aren't interested in sharing everything about themselves with everyone they meet. That doesn't mean they're cold—quite the opposite. Once someone earns their trust, November-borns are among the most loyal friends you'll ever have. They're protective, honest, and willing to stand by the people they care about through just about anything. Resonating with either intense Scorpio or adventurous Sagittarius, you value loyalty and would rather be genuine than liked.
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35 Years Later, the Scent That Changed Perfume Forever Is Getting a New Version
Revlon announced the release of White Diamonds Icon from Elizabeth Taylor, a new perfume debuting 35 years after the original White Diamonds entered the market in 1991.
The launch expands the late actress’s signature fragrance line, which helped establish the modern celebrity perfume category. The new scent was developed by International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) Global Master Perfumer Carlos Benaïm, who co-created the original 1991 formula alongside Taylor, and IFF Senior Perfumer Natasha Côté-Mouzannar.
"Elizabeth adored narcissus, a signature note in White Diamonds, so this time we chose precious jonquille absolute," Benaïm said in a statement. "The modern interplay between jonquille and orris is a pairing you rarely encounter. We then anchored the fragrance using oakmoss for depth, alongside caramel for a smooth, luxurious finish."
The top notes of the fragrance include wild strawberry (Fraise Des Bois), pear blossom, green mandarin, pink pepper, and the synthetic molecule Cristalfizz. The middle notes feature orange flower, orris, and jonquille absolute. The base relies on oakmoss, ambrain, ambergris, and caramel.
"We wanted to preserve the sparkle of her fragrances with Cristalfizz but modernized it with a touch of pink pepper for energy and edge," Côté-Mouzannar said.
A portion of sales from the product line will go to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF), an organization Taylor founded to provide care and support for people living with HIV and AIDS.
"Elizabeth herself directed that a portion of proceeds of any of her branded products support The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation," said Quinn Tivey, Taylor’s grandson, ETAF officer, and co-trustee of her estate.
The original White Diamonds remains one of the longest-running and highest-selling celebrity fragrance lines in retail history. The accompanying commercial went on to become a zeitgeist moment in pop culture. Revlon executives frame the new product as an attempt to reach current consumer demographics while maintaining the core brand.
"As stewards of her vision for fragrance, our role is not simply to preserve that legacy, but to thoughtfully evolve it for today's fragrance consumers," said Amber Garrison, president of Elizabeth Arden and Fragrances at Revlon.
White Diamonds Icon Eau de Parfum launches July 20, retailing at $43.99 for a 3.3 oz. bottle and $32.99 for a 1.7 oz. bottle. A companion Hair & Body Mist (8.0 oz.) will follow on August 31 for $11.99.
I've Been Going to the Jersey Shore My Entire Life—and These Are the Best Hotels on New Jersey’s Beaches
The Shore, as it's more affectionately known by New Jerseyans, is without a doubt an experience. I grew up in Monmouth County, the most northern county and closest to NYC that’s full of beaches, and it meant going to the beach in Spring Lake, where some of my fondest memories, to this day, are from that stretch of sand. Which is why it still stings a little when people hear "Jersey Shore" and picture that MTV show. From where I sit, it was never that, and it certainly isn't now.
Earlier this year I saw a post claiming the Hamptons are cooked, and that the Jersey Shore is the next great beach destination outside New York City, the one that still has the loose, relaxed feeling the East End lost somewhere along the way. I'm not sure I fully agree. But I can tell you that friends who spent years on Fire Island and out east have started texting me about Spring Lake, Ship Bottom, Asbury Park, Cape May, Harvey Cedars and Gunnison, and about Island Beach State Park, my favorite hidden gem in the state.
Dan Koday
That range is a big part of the argument for why the Jersey Shore is starting to read less as a suburban vacation spot and more as a genuine destination. Across roughly 130 miles of coastline you get the party scenes at D'Jais in Belmar and Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant Beach, the ritzy quiet of Mantoloking, the family rides at Fantasy Island on Long Beach Island, and the Victorian splendor of Cape May. There's a vibe and a budget for every type of traveler, often within 20 minutes of each other.
One logistical note: plenty of Shore towns are reachable by NJ Transit, which is a real perk, but to do a Jersey Shore trip right, you'll want a car. I recently picked up a Turo for a long road trip and it was so simple. They rent everything from basic compacts to SUVs to exotics, and I got to drive a vintage Ferrari Mondial, a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a very cool way to see a place. Even if you don't own a convertible, no one can stop you from taking one to the beach for a weekend.
As a longtime Jersey beachgoer, here are the eight I'd actually book, running north to south.
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Best Overall: Asbury Ocean ClubCourtesy of Asbury Ocean Club
Dan Koday
This is a prime example I point people to when they want proof of how far the Shore has come. The 54 rooms sit a block from the boardwalk, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass with double-height ceilings that make even the entry-level rooms feel loft-like, and it picked up a Michelin Key in the guide's inaugural U.S. selection. Rooms feel more Californian contemporary coastal than “Exit 102” and the pool deck is a personal fave, with sophisticated service and salt air. The Drawing Room does a properly cold martini by the fireplace, and the gym has a yoga room and an open-air meditation terrace. It skews grown-up and polished despite being family-friendly.
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Best for Music Lovers: The Asbury HotelCourtesy of The Asbury
Physically, this hotel is walkable from the Ocean Club. Spiritually it's a different planet, and that's the point. Set in a former Salvation Army building, the 110-room Asbury runs on the rock and roll bloodstream that Bruce Springsteen made famous, with a lobby rec room full of pinball and ping-pong, a rooftop lawn called The Baronet that screens movies against a 20-foot wall, and Salvation two floors up for DJ sets and Friday tea dances. Some rooms have bunks for groups, and the pool deck turns into a party by afternoon. If you came to Asbury Park for the Stone Pony and a livelier scene, stay here.
Related: I’ve Visited Paris Countless Times—These Are the Best Hotels for a Stay in the City of Light
Best Design Hotel: The James Bradley View this post on InstagramBradley Beach doesn't always get the spotlight that "happening" Asbury Park does, but it's known for its mile-long, refreshingly quieter and uncommercialized boardwalk, plus its clean family beaches set behind grassy dunes. The James Bradley is a labor of love from an owner who grew up summering here and couldn't walk away from putting a design spin on a century-old Victorian. It's now 17 rooms, including a standalone bungalow, with minimalist, neutral interiors, an art collection more serious than the setting demands, and original clawfoot tubs in some rooms. There's beach concierge service in season, a wraparound porch for wine sips, a courtyard fire pit and rooms that still use physical keys.
Best for Old-School Shore Nostalgia: Grand Victorian Spring Lake View this post on InstagramI'm biased, but Spring Lake is the Shore's most underrated town: no arcades or funnel cake, just two miles of clean, business-free boardwalk and truly gorgeous homes. It’s the type of town you send someone to when they’re a snob and their definition of state is “that smell near Newark Airport”. The Grand Victorian sits directly across from the beach, now part of the ICONA Boutique Collection, with 22 rooms done up in shiplap and nautical stripe, and beach tags, chairs, umbrellas, towels and bikes all included. The on-site Amelia’s by the Sea and its views are a fine choice for dinner, and there's a golf cart to run you into town. Best of all, Spring Lake has an NJ Transit station, so this is the one you can genuinely do car-free depending on where you’re coming from.
Best for Long Beach Island: Daddy OCourtesy of Daddy O
LBI runs 18 miles and has almost no real hotels, which makes Daddy O something of a unicorn. It's also turning 20 this year. The 22-room boutique sits a block off the sand in Brant Beach, in a building that operated as the Brant Beach Hotel back in Prohibition days, speakeasy in the corner and all. Fearless Restaurants opened it in 2006, and partner Sydney Grims still talks about hauling mattresses in as a teenager alongside staffers who are on the payroll today, a crew that has since worked through two hurricanes, a recession and a pandemic. “That's no joke,” as she puts it. The anniversary programming, dubbed A Summer of 20, runs through the end of the year with limited-edition Jetty collaborations and one-off cocktails. Rooms come with Frette linens and Malin + Goetz bath products, beach tags and chairs are on the house, and the rooftop O Bar does sushi at sunset. Fantasy Island is a short drive for the kids.
Ocean Casino ResortCourtesy of Visit Atlantic City
I'd be remiss not to mention Atlantic City as part of The Shore. People from New Jersey tend to think of it as its own entity, and if you want the big-resort version of the beach, this is it. Spanning 20 beachfront acres, Ocean recently finished renovating all 1,860 rooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows over the Atlantic. The real reason to book (beyond the rumors that Beyonce has stayed in the penthouse) is the 40,000-square-foot Exhale Spa + Bathhouse, with its Himalayan salt grotto and heated mineral pools, a legitimately great cure if you went a little too hard on the casino floor the night before. HQ2 Beachclub handles summer fun, Ovation Hall handles the headliners, and the resort claims the world's largest Topgolf Swing Suite when you'd rather swing a club than pull a lever. On the food front, Stephen Starr and Jose Garces both run restaurants on site, making this a surprisingly strong pick for a beachfront hotel that's also part gambling hall.
Best Spa Hotel: The Reeds at Shelter Haven
Stone Harbor is where South Jersey gets genteel, and The Reeds is its anchor. The rooms are coastal and cozy without being cutesy, but I suggest booking their Sky Suite if budget allows, because it comes with two balconies and magical bay views, plus a huge chef’s kitchen and other perks like soaking tubs. The Salt Spa is also a headline at The Reeds: two floors with a brine light inhalation lounge, a Turkish bath with a heated marble table and a zero-gravity float treatment. Four dining options range from margaritas at Buckets to year-round dinner at SAX, and a complimentary shuttle handles the quick run to the beach, an otherwise 7-minute walk. I especially love to visit this area during shoulder season when things quiet down and the walkable town feels very local.
Best for Food Lovers: Beach Plum Farm Cottages
Dan Koday
Historic Cape May has a feel all its own, part New England, part classic Jersey Shore, part Delmarva beach town, shaped by its spot at the very bottom of the state. Located on a working 62-acre spread in quieter West Cape May, just inland from the Victorian bustle of the town proper, Beach Plum Farm rents a handful of historic cottages and barns and runs on genuine agricultural rhythms. I stayed in the Whaler's Cottage, built by the Hand family in the late 1700s and one of the oldest homes on Cape Island, with a storybook picket fence, a wood-burning fire pit, a personal grill and a screened-in porch that begs you to relax. You also get a full kitchen, a fire pit, use of the pool and eggs gathered from the coop that morning, plus produce that supplies some of Cape May's best restaurants. Guests can join field tours, harvesting and gardening, and the seasonal Harvest Dinners are worth planning around. I've been to a few and have my eye on the next Pink Moon Dinner. Bikes are also on hand for the ride to the beach or the historic and nearby Cape May lighthouse.
Related: I’m a Repeat Mexico City Traveler—These Are the 8 Hotels I'd Actually Book
2005 Pop Ballad, Spending Weeks at No. 1, Became a Soft Rock Anthem
If no one has told you yet today, "you're beautiful, it's true."
It's hard to believe more than two decades have passed since James Blunt's love-tinged pop ballad topped the U.K. charts and then made similar waves once it reached America.
This week marks 21 years since "You're Beautiful" first reached No. 1 on the Official Singles Chart overseas, spending four weeks atop the survey and later spending the same duration ruling Billboard's Digital Song Sales list.
Additionally, Blunt's soft rock anthem spent a week at first place on the coveted Billboard Hot 100 the following year. Check out the song's official music video below.
Fans are still commenting on the YouTube upload to this day, believe it or not. "This song is beautiful," wrote one user on Sunday, July 19, while another person simply commented the day before, "Nostalgia."
Blunt Gets Candid on 'Beautiful'In a 2014 interview with Hello!, Blunt, 52, revealed his true feelings about the international hit, nearly 10 years after it swept the globe:
"There was one song that was force-fed down people's throats – 'You're Beautiful' – and it became annoying. And then people start to associate the artist with the same word," he told the magazine. "I think, at the end of the day, I was marketed by a record company to appeal to women during Desperate Housewives' commercials and you lose 50 per cent of the population in doing so."
Blunt Takes a Jab at MinajMore recently, the English singer-songwriter made headlines when he took a jab at Nicki Minaj. “Idk who needs to hear this, but you’re beautiful,” Minaj, who frequently talks to her fans on the app, wrote via X on October 22, 2025. Just hours later, Blunt quote-tweeted the post to add his own commentary.
“You’re a little slow to the party,” he quipped, referencing “You’re Beautiful,” his massively popular hit that has 900 million views on YouTube (and counting). Find out more here.
Iconic Rocker Trashes FIFA’s New World Cup Tradition With Brutal Review
Liam Gallagher has never been one to keep his opinions to himself. The former Oasis frontman had a few choice words after watching FIFA’s first-ever World Cup Final halftime show.
As the global soccer tournament introduced a new entertainment spectacle during the biggest match of the competition, Gallagher, 53, took to X to share his reaction to the performance, calling the moment anything but ordinary.
"This is like a bad trip," Gallagher wrote in a post reacting to the halftime show.
The rocker later doubled down on his thoughts when responding to a fan who suggested Oasis should have done the show.
"It’s not about us well it is but still it’s absolutely insane behavior it’s cuckoo with a capital K," Gallagher replied.
"It’s a good job I’ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge," he said in another post.
The comments quickly came flooding in with many agreeing with Gallagher.
"A bad trip surely would be better then this s---," one X user said.
"It should have been OASIS," another added.
"What the f--- are the muppets doing at the World Cup?" another chimed in.
This is just another example of the singer’s signature no-filter approach to sharing his thoughts on pop culture moments.
Known for his outspoken personality throughout his decades-long music career, Gallagher has never been shy about weighing in on everything from fellow musicians to major cultural events.
FIFA’s decision to introduce a halftime performance to the World Cup Final marked a major change for the tournament, bringing a format more commonly associated with events like the Super Bowl to soccer’s biggest stage. The move was designed to create an even bigger global entertainment moment around the championship match, but it also sparked plenty of conversation about whether the tradition fit the sport’s biggest game.
For Gallagher, the answer appeared to be a firm no.
1965 Hit, Born From an Angry Poem, Became One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded
Some of the greatest songs in music history didn't begin as chart-topping singles. In fact, one of Bob Dylan's most iconic recordings started out as a lengthy poem fueled by frustration before evolving into the groundbreaking anthem that helped redefine rock music.
Released on July 20, 1965, "Like a Rolling Stone" went on to become one of Dylan's signature songs and is widely regarded as one of the greatest recordings ever made. But its origins were far different from what listeners ultimately heard, beginning as a stream of emotions Dylan poured onto the page during a pivotal moment in his career.
According to Rolling Stone, Dylan's hit track originated from something he had written while on tour in Europe. He once referred to the writing as "vomit."
"It was 10 pages long. It wasn't called anything, just a rhythm thing on paper all about my steady hatred directed at some point that was honest," Dylan told the Saturday Evening Post in 1966. "In the end it wasn't hatred, it was telling someone something they didn't know, telling them they were lucky. Revenge, that's a better word. I had never thought of it as a song, until one day I was at the piano, and on the paper it was singing, "How does it feel?" in a slow motion pace – in the utmost of slow motion."
Regardless of how it came together, "Like a Rolling Stone" was a massive success for Dylan. It shot up to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time and now, it's consistently ranked as one of the greatest songs of all time.
More than 60 years later, the song remains a cornerstone of rock history. What started as a raw, frustration-fueled piece of writing ultimately became the track that transformed Dylan's career and continues to inspire artists and listeners around the world.
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1989 Pop Smash Is Still Considered One of the Weepiest Songs Ever Recorded
In 1989, a movie soundtrack song rose to the top of the charts, cementing Bette Midler's place in pop music history.
Still, few songs in history have earned a reputation for making people cry quite like "Wind Beneath My Wings." Decades after its release, the song remains widely remembered as one of the biggest emotional gut-punches ever recorded.
According to Medium, Midler's song, the cornerstone of the Beaches movie soundtrack, is "one of the greatest tearjerker songs of all time. Initially conceived as a love song, it became something more universal — a tribute to all kinds of human relationships."
Nashville songwriters Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley wrote the song in 1982, drawing from a poem Henley had written, as explained by Smooth Radio. Surprisingly, instead of the slow-paced song it ultimately became, "Wind Beneath My Wings" was originally intended as an upbeat tempo number.
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But after a producer changed the tune into a sweeping ballad, the track made its way around the music industry. Before Midler’s version, it was recorded by artists including Roger Whittaker, Sheena Easton, and Gladys Knight. Additionally, there were versions by Colleen Hewett (1982), Lou Rawls (1983), Gary Morris (1983), and Perry Como (1988).
According to Rhino Records, Midler's version of "Wind Beneath My Wings" was ranked at the top of the list of songs played at funerals in Britain in 2002. The Co-Operative Group's Funeral Service noted that Midler's song ranked at No. 1, followed by Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," and Tina Turner's "The Best."
In an interview with CBS Mornings, the entertainer admitted she was initially hesitant to record the song. She had no idea the impact it would eventually have on millions of listeners, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1989.
"I did not," Midler stated. "In fact, Marc Shaiman, who did the music for this, he brought the song to me. It had been a country hit."
"I said, 'I'm not gonna sing that song,'" Midler continued. "I didn't want to sing it. First, I didn't understand it. Secondly, I thought it was a little corny. He said, 'I'm telling you, this is it.'"
When asked by interviewer Gayle King if she liked "Wind Beneath My Wings" now, Midler had a completely different response. "Yes, I really, really like the song," she admitted.
"Wind Beneath My Wings" didn't just top the Billboard charts. It permanently cemented its place in pop culture history as the definitive song for a good cry. More than 35 years later, the tune remains as emotionally hard-hitting as ever.
Related: 1977's Biggest Tearjerker, Sung by a TV Star, Named One of the Saddest Songs of the Decade
Elvis Presley's First Public Show Was in the Most Unexpected Place—See Rare Photos
Before sold-out arenas, Hollywood movies and Graceland, Elvis Presley took the stage in one of the most humble ways imaginable.
On July 19, 1954, the future "King of Rock 'n' Roll" made his first public appearance, performing on the back of a flatbed truck in Memphis, Tennessee.
The performance came just days after Presley recorded his breakthrough single, "That's All Right," at Sun Studio with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. The trio had only recently come together, performing under the name the Blue Moon Boys, and few could have imagined they were witnessing the beginning of one of music's most legendary careers.
The outdoor performance was held to help promote the single "That's All Right," which had quickly become a local sensation after Memphis radio DJ Dewey Phillips premiered the song on his influential Red, Hot and Blue program earlier that month. Listener response was so overwhelming that Phillips repeatedly played the record throughout the evening, turning Presley into one of the city's hottest new names almost overnight.
Just days later, Elvis, Moore and Black climbed aboard the flatbed truck and performed for curious crowds in Memphis, introducing audiences to the energetic new sound that blended country, blues and rhythm and blues in a way few had heard before.
At the time, Presley was just 19 years old and still working his day job as a truck driver while pursuing music whenever he could. His signature hip-shaking stage presence hadn't yet become an international phenomenon, but even in those earliest performances, his charisma stood out.
The Blue Moon Boys would soon become a staple of Presley's live shows as his popularity spread beyond Tennessee. By the end of 1954, he was touring throughout the South, and within two years, he would become one of the biggest stars in the world.
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Disneyland’s Famous Main Street U.S.A. Was Patterned On This Rocky Mountain Railroad Town
Nearly every Magic Kingdom park in the world includes Main Street U.S.A., Walt Disney’s reimagination of a classic American downtown at the turn of the last century, drawn from his own turn-of-the-century childhood. But Marceline, Missouri wasn’t the only inspiration for one of Disneyland’s most iconic features.
Disney artist Harper Goffdrew on his own childhood nostalgia while drafting concept art for what became Main Street, U.S.A. His youthful inspiration? A former military outpost on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, better known as Fort Collins, Colorado.
A set designer who met Walt Disney while shopping for model trains, Harper Goff was tapped to create concepts for a parcel of land in Burbank, California. After the local government rejected Disney’s proposal, both he and Goff were able to dream bigger. Main Street U.S.A. acquired features from Disney’s hometown like the aptly named Hotel Marceline and the Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner. But it also developed elements that are familiar to anyone who has strolled through Fort Collins’ Old Town district, including the famous Disneyland Railroad, Fire Station, and City Hall.
Harper Goff was born in Fort Collins in 1911, just a few years after the Disney family moved to Marceline. Like his future boss, Goff was the son of a newspaperman (albeit one who owned the Fort Collins Express-Courier) and an avid fan of trains. He grew up in a modest brick duplex on Howes Street, just a mile away from the stone-and-brick commercial district that had steadily replaced the city’s eponymous Fort over the previous 50 years.
Goff spent the halcyon years before World War I riding the town trolleys past splendid Victorian and Romanesque buildings, including the historic Linden Hotel, the Avery Blockand the Fort Collins Post Office, which was built the year Goff was born. Much of the gorgeous architecture and easy energy that stuck with Goff is still in full swing a hundred years after his youth in Fort Collins.
RiverNorthPhotography / Getty Images
Catch some of the OG Main Street U.S.A. magic for yourself, and start exploring Fort Collins’ Old Town from the Armstrong Hotel, an independent property that opened in 1923, when Goff was almost thirteen. It was home to the first chapter of the American Automobile Association, better known today as “AAA.”
The arrival of the automobile early in Goff’s childhood, including the construction of the first coast-to-coast highway in the United States just north of Fort Collins, may have helped inspire early Disneyland attractions like the Horseless Carriages. The Street Cars on Main Street U.S.A. also have a Fort Collins equivalent–you can still ride a restored 1919 heritage streetcar between City Park and Old Town on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays May through September.
Related: Disney Fans Are About to See Disneyland’s Origin Story Like Never Before
When you get hungry, grab a bite at The Silver Grill, the oldest restaurant in Old Town. This friendly eatery has been slinging classic breakfasts since 1933. Get the Colorado Trout and Eggs, centered around fresh mountain fish right off the griddle. Or grab one of the Silver Grill’s astoundingly large, fluffy cinnamon rolls–-a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Literally around the corner is Old Firehouse Books, which has been part of the northern Colorado independent bookseller community since 1980, although the shop didn't move to the Fort Collins historic firehouse and former City Hall until 2009. Pick up a copy of Disney's Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the Worldby Richard Snow or Fort Collins: a Brief Historyby Barbara Fleming to learn a little more while you explore.
Next up, head to Choice City Drug. The eclectic aisles aren't packed with Disney souvenirs like the Main Street U.S.A. Emporium, but you will almost certainly find a unique treat or handy item. Choice City Drug has been serving Old Town Fort Collins since the 1870’s, and the current owners have been behind the counter since the 1990s. There's even a little bit of an Epcot vibe here, thanks to the unexpected selection of European groceries like German stollen bread and spaetzle.
Mona Makela Photography / Getty Images
The founder of Choice City went on to co-establish the Poudre Valley Bank in the handsome Victorian Loomis Block, occupying the corner of Walnut and Linden Streets. Although the Poudre Valley Bank long since merged with other institutions, the elegant structure remains one of the gems of Old Town, and was one of Goff’s chief inspirations for Disneyland.
“We had banks that looked like banks, you know, and there was a Victorian city hall,” Goff once explained in an interview. “I was born in 1911 and these buildings were around when I was a kid. When I started working on {Main Street USA}, I had photographs of Fort Collins taken. I showed them to Walt, and he liked them very much. Disneyland's City Hall was copied from Fort Collins...so was the Bank building and some of the others."
Another memorable building Goff incorporated into his Disneyland concepts was the old Union Pacific train station on Jefferson Street. It was built the year Goff was born, and he remembered the wide, grassy median that once sat between the station and the surrounding streetscape. Today, the brick facade houses a Rodizio Grill Brazilian steakhouse, and the square opposite features colorful murals by a new generation of artists. You can also explore theFC Mural Project on foot through Old Town (and the rest of Fort Collins, for that matter) any time.
Just down the street is the beloved Aggie Theater. Originally built in 1906 as a furniture store, the interior burned down in the 1950s and was rebuilt as a movie theater soon after. In the early 2000s, the defunct cinema found new life as a concert venue, and for the last twenty years has attracted national touring acts includingJohn Mayer, Colorado favorites like the String Cheese Incident, and early-career icons like Imagine Dragons. Fort Collins is also home to the electronic music artist Pretty Lights, and the Aggie hosted many of the producer’s early sell-out shows.
View this post on InstagramAs much as some things have remained the same in Old Town, and would be recognizable to Goff today, others have evolved with the times. Check out the local creative scene at maker spaces like Petrichor Collective, which hosts workshops, meditation events, art salons, and even cult movie screenings on the regular. The Center for Creativity is another third space housed in a 1904 library built with funds from Andrew Carneige. Trimble Court has served as a co-op art gallery since the 1970s with dozens of artists whose work spans painting, glass, jewlery, hand-thrown pottery and more. The first Friday of every month, Petrichor, Trimble, and other galleries in Old Town collectively host self-guided Art Walks.
Keep an eye out as you stroll for the numerous public artworks in Old Town and in surrounding neighborhoods, from laser-cut metal Garden Sculpture 01 by Robert Klose in Old Town Square to the 1981 Campbell's Tomato Soup Can signed by Andy Warhol that sits a mile south on the Colorado State University campus.
If you’re wondering, Goff played a role in designing Disney’s beloved Haunted Mansion, but no one of the historic homes in Fort Collins inspired that particular Disneyland attraction. That said, there are still more than a few happy haunts to meet in FoCo. Fort Collins Tours offers guided history tours of Old Town, as well as a family-friendly Ghosts and Goodies outing that blends sweet treats in Old Town with the city’s haunted lore.
Related: Disney Restores Cinderella Castle to Its Classic 1971 Opening Day Colors
Rebel Wilson Teams up With Wellness Brand—but Her Adorable Daughter Steals the Show
Rebel Wilson may be best known for her appearances in the Pitch Perfectmovies, but in the nine years since Pitch Perfect 3 (and with Pitch Perfect 4reportedly in the works but with no confirmed release date), the actress, singer and comedian has found a range of other ventures and endeavors to keep her busy.
In addition to her two children—the youngest of whom Wilson and her wife, Ramona Agruma, just welcomed in May of this year—Wilson has been expanding her expertise with a range of projects on which she is a director, writer and/or producer. That includes her directorial debut with The Deb and her upcoming project Girl Group, for which Wilson is a director, writer and producer.
Being a busy working mom hasn't kept Wilson from new business ventures, though. In fact, Wilson has just partnered with digital health and weight management company Noom, for which she is the Chief Wellness Ambassador, on a brand-new campaign that stars none other than Wilson's oldest daughter, Royce.
Bridging motherhood, her Hollywood career and her health journey, Noom's "Lose for Keeps" campaign highlights Wilson's microhabits to stay healthy while navigating the hectic demands of parenthood and the food noise that can come with it. The new campaign also launches Noom's "Microhabits Challenge," a free feature that offers users a range of quick, healthy habits (including some of Wilson's own) that can be incorporated into daily routines.
As part of the campaign, Wilson stars in two new spots, "Training Wheels" and "Mute Button." The latter shows Wilson navigating food noise in the midst of a chaotic family morning, acknowledging that, for those who have stopped taking GLP-1s, that noise can come back. In addition to touching upon Noom's role in keeping that noise at bay, the ad features a precious moment between Wilson and Royce.
To get an even more behind-the-scenes look at Wilson's 'mom mode' and her adorable dynamic with her daughter, fans can also check out the hilarious blooper reel, in which Wilson asks Royce not to "upstage" her.
I Found the Lost Transcript of My Most Awkward Celebrity Interview Ever—and It Was Even Worse Than I Remember
In the fall of 2002, teen magazines were facing an existential crisis. The safe, bright, bubblegum pop world of boy bands and “not so innocent” pop girlies was fading away. Christina Aguilerawas now X-tina with black streaks and a “Dirrty” new attitude.Justin Timberlake, fresh from his breakup withBritney Spears, was suddenly a mature solo star. But the biggest shift? The rise of punk-rock with a pop twist. It took over TRL, the airwaves, and the pages of our magazines. Tattoos, heavy guitars, and bad girls were in. Particularly a 17-year-old Canadian with a penchant for tank tops with neckties, baggy pants, and heavy eyeliner. If memes were a thing in the early aughts,Avril Lavignewould have been the “IDGAF” poster child.
Her "anti-Britney" schtick made her an instant superstar. Her debut smash single, "Complicated," spent 16 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. As CosmoGIRL!’s entertainment editor at the time, I was thrilled to book her for our "rising star" column, ready to give our readers an intimate look at the punk princess with the relatable lyrics. We knew we’d found the voice of a generation.
While Avril was one of the few breakout stars who actually went on to become a CosmoGIRL! cover girl, 24 years later, I still cannot hear any of her hit songs without cringing at the memory of the single most awkward, painful, and agonizingly difficult celebrity interview of my decades-long career.
Recently, while digging through my archives for my nostalgia Substack, The Teen Mag Time Machine, I unearthed the original, unedited audio transcript of that fateful phone interview. Listening back to it is even worse than I remembered. Had the "skater punk" rebel been giving me an edgy rock-and-roll attitude as part of her “shtick,” I might have been okay with it. Instead, I was talking to a bratty (and exhausted) teenager who clearly did not want to be there. Her act of defiance was giving me a series of exhausted, one-word replies followed by pointed yawns.
The One-Word Brick WallIt’s an entertainment journalist’s job to pull out stories, color, and specifics. I could tell as soon as Avril got on the line that it would be tough to get her to warm up, but I deployed every trick in the playbook: follow-up questions, softball prompts, and shared high school experiences.
Avril threw up a brick wall at every turn.
I started by congratulating her on “Complicated” and asking if her success had sunk in yet. She replied: “Yeah, I don't know. I don't get very overwhelmed by things for some reason. I seem to be taking everything okay. I mean, I like get excited but I'm not like ‘Oh My G-d’ and like I don't freak out or anything.”
Honestly, I was ready to work with that. But it was downhill from there.
When I asked where she got the deep emotional insight for her hit lyrics at just 17, she answered: “Um... I don't know, I just write whatever I go through.”
When I asked about her songwriting process with her guitar player, Evan, and what their latest collaboration was about, she offered: “Um... My life, and what it's like right now.”
When I tried to dig into her rebellious streak, asking what kind of trouble got her grounded, she hit me with: “Um... I don't know, I can't really think of anything.”
I got her to admit that in school, “my teachers hated me . . . because I never did my work. I never paid attention in school.” So I naturally followed up by asking if she was writing lyrics instead. Her reply? “I do remember writing a couple of songs in class but not very many.”
I perked up later when she explained what was it was like figuring out who wanted to hang simply because she was famous.
“I usually can tell if it's a real friend or not...I'm really good at reading people,” Avril revealed. I asked, “What's something that people do that you know they’re not being sincere?” I could hear Avril’s eyes rolling back into her head as she answered: “I just can tell when they're like fake and just say like, ‘Hi!’ and like whatever . . . I don't know. I can totally tell.”
The absolute rock bottom of the 34-minute interview came when I asked her to explain how she lived the “creed” of being skater punk—the very subculture she was the poster child for.
Me:“What is skater punk?”
AVRIL:“I don't know, like sometimes I'm just like I want to go punk, like a little f*er, and I used to skateboard and I love skateboarding.”
Related: 2003 Hollywood Heartthrob Walked Away From a 7-Year ‘Superman’ Deal and “Unconscious Money”
The Ultimate Editorial Salvage JobLooking at a transcript full of "I don't know" and "whatever" is pure panic. Avril eventually admitted she had pulled an all-nighter the night before and was simply too tired to think. Even the lightning round was painful. She named Johnny Resnick of the Goo Goo Dolls as her inspiration; when I asked what she said when she met him, she said, “nothing.” Her good luck charm? A thumb ring gifted by a "famous person” she wouldn't name. I guessed Steven Tyler, and though she replied with a stoic “no,” I secretly think I was right.
Finally, the interview equivalent of pulling teeth without anesthesia ended when Avril abruptly cut me off with: “I have to go, because I have another interview that I'm supposed to be doing right now.”
I know how difficult it is to be 17 and famous. I built a career interviewing many “Avrils” who were uncomfortable and unsure how to present themselves. I knew to be patient and give them grace. I expected Avril to lean into being the “anti-Britney,” but I didn't have much to work with.
To make the piece come together, I had to channel my best Dr. Frankenstein and cobble together fractions of sentences and turn sleepy, disjointed mumblings into cohesive paragraphs that painted her as an insightful, fierce, "old soul." Reading the final version that ran in the October 2002 issue of CosmoGIRL!, you would never guess she was anything but thoughtful and profound. We spun a teenager who was literally yawning into the phone into a commanding pop-rock savior.
The Teen Mag AftermathThe funniest part of this disaster? I wasn’t the only one struggling. Not long after my interview ran, One Tree Hill star Hilarie Burton, then a VJ on MTV’s TRL, admitted to me in a separate interview that Avril was the absolute worst guest they had to deal with, finding her to be “very apathetic.” We actually printed Hilarie's candid complaint!
Decades later, looking back at the stark contrast between the audio tape and the glossy pages of the magazine is a wild reminder of how the Y2K pop-culture sausage was really made. We did our best to make a budding star seem cool and likable, even when the reality on the other end of the line was a sleepy 17-year-old desperately wishing she could just hang up and take a nap.
Want to hear about Lauren’s Y2K adventures in teen magazines? Head over to The Teen Mag Time Machine, and check Parade.com next week for another excerpt!
1981 Massive Pop Smash That Almost Never Happened Hits a 45-Year Milestone
Before it became an inescapable radio smash and an iconic movie theme, 1981’s “For Your Eyes Only” had the potential to be a disaster.
The studio behind the 1981 James Bond film of the same name originally tapped new-wave icons Blondie to helm the track. However, Debbie Harry and the band walked away when producers rejected their original song.
According to Far Out Magazine, the film's producers wanted the band to perform the song written by composer Bill Conti and lyricist Michael Leeson. However, Blondie reportedly refused to do so and backed out of the project.
In an interview with The Guardian, Harry said of the project, "The James Bond thing was a misunderstanding about what they wanted – but so many things have gone right that I don’t dwell on inconsistencies or regrets or think, 'God, that ruined my life!'”
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The Blondie-written version was a high-energy rock song which they wrote at the height of the success of their LP Parallel Lines and its hit single, "Call Me." In contrast, Conti and Leeson's song was a moody ballad.
Instead, Conti took a chance on a rising Scottish newcomer named Sheena Easton to sing his Bond theme. The high-stakes gamble paid off, turning a chaotic behind-the-scenes studio battle into one of the most unforgettable chart-topping hits of the decade.
Before recording "For Your Eyes Only," Easton had a huge pop music hit in the United States with the song "Morning Train (Nine to Five)." It reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1981.
Still, Conti was reportedly unsure about entrusting his song to a relative newcomer. However, Easton told Variety that she was unaware of the behind-the-scenes upheaval.
“To be honest, I’ve heard that story and maybe that comes from Bill’s point of view, but from my point of view, I never heard any of that,” she explained. “When it was brought to me, it was literally done as a fait accompli."
She added, "It was, you know, they want you to do the next Bond song and are you interested? And it’s like, yeah! Of course I’m interested! Please, who would say no to that? So I was never told about any of the behind-the-scenes [discussions] at the time.”
The pop superstar explained that the pressure to perform to expectations was enormous. Easton shared that producers "sat in an anteroom, and they were anxious to make sure this kid hadn’t screwed up their theme song,” she says.
“They wanted to make sure they had bet on the right horse, basically. It almost felt like there was a judge and jury sitting right outside the studio.”
Additionally, Sheena Easton didn't just sing the iconic James Bond track; she became part of the film itself. She is the only artist in the film franchise's history to perform a theme song on-screen during the title sequence.
Forty-five years later, "For Your Eyes Only" is proof that total studio chaos can actually produce a hit. Between pivoting away from Blondie and putting Sheena Easton front and center, it remains one of the best pop music surprises.
Related: 1983 Nostalgic No. 1 Country-Pop Duet Still Feels Like a Warm Memory 43 Years Later
9 Best Light Beers, According to a Brewery Owner and a Professional Brewer
In the U.S., overall beer consumption has been on the decline since 2022. In fact, beer sales in the country went down by three percent in 2025, KCRA reported recently.
Conversely, light beer consumption is on the rise, with industry experts predicting the light beer market to continue to grow, per Stellar Market Research.
Light beer can be a healthier choice than traditional beer in a few ways: it typically has a lower concentration of alcohol, it's often lower in carbohydrates and calories and it is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, per Healthline.
But which light beers are the best? To find out, Parade spoke with two experts in the world of beer: Ashton Guerrero, Head Brewer at Lakewood Brewing Company in Texas, and Wyndee Forrest, co-owner and founder of CraftHaus Brewery in Las Vegas.
Below, both beer pros share some of their favorite light beers on the market, with Guerrero explaining that "these examples have a clean, crisp malt character, restrained bitterness and enough hop or grain complexity to keep the beer interesting without becoming heavy or overwhelming."
Plus, Forest is making it known that "light beer doesn't always need to be light in color" — so some of the nine of the best light beers on this list may surprise you!
Related: 22 Types of Beer To Begin Your Quest To Find Your Favorite Brew
What Is Light Beer?In the U.S., "light beer" is a category of beer that has a lower alcohol by volume (generally, 5 percent or less). But in Europe and other parts of the world, the meaning of "light beer" can vary.
In fact, light beer can refer to a beer that is "light in alcohol, light in color or light in body," according to Forrest.
But something that all light beers have in common is that they "should quench a thirst and not challenge your palate or overpower food. That sparkling pint should brighten any occasion and leaving you wanting another round."
What Makes a Light Beer Good?According to both Forrest and Guerrero, a good light beer is one that you could drink all night long.
"Light beer should make you want to enjoy multiples in one sitting," explains Forrest. "You shouldn't have to overthink a beer style when you're enjoying it and that's exactly light beer's superpower."
Additionally, "a great light beer stands out by delivering plenty of flavor while remaining highly drinkable, which is a difficult balance to achieve," according to Guerrero.
"The best light beers finish clean and encourage another sip, making them ideal for warm weather, social occasions or extended drinking sessions," Guerrero adds. "A truly exceptional light beer combines refreshment, consistency, and subtle flavor in a way that appeals to both casual drinkers and experienced beer enthusiasts."
Related: The Bartender-Approved Way to Make Cheap Beer Taste 10x Better
These Are 9 of the Best Light BeersBelow are nine of Forrest and Guerrero's recommendations for light beers. While some of the beers on this list may not be classified as "light beer" by U.S. standards, our beer experts explain why they are, in fact, light—as well as delicious and refreshing.
1. Paulaner Oktoberfest MärzenForrest is a big fan of Paulaner's Oktoberfest Märzen, as it "holds a beautiful copper hue, frothy pillowy head and goes down a little too easy."
That last quality is important for an Oktoberfest beer, as it is "intended to be consumed in large quantities thanks to its annual celebration in Germany."
Where to Buy It: The Booze Outlet
Price: $54.90/6-pack
Whenever Guerrero visits Austin, Texas, picking up a can of Austin Beer Garden Brewing's Industry Pils is a must.
"It is brewed in the traditional German pilsner style, offering a crisp, clean finish with excellent balance between malt sweetness and firm hop bitterness," Guerrero says. "It has a bright floral and herbal hop aroma, refreshing carbonation and exceptional drinkability that make it enjoyable in nearly any setting.
Where to Buy It: Austin Beer Garden Brewing
Price: $7.50/glass
The Czech Plz at CraftHaus Brewery, which Forrest owns, is her "personal go-to" on a hot day in Las Vegas, Nevada, thanks to its "crisp, light and refreshing" flavor.
As she explains, Czech pilsners "are known for their crisp and refreshing finish with a little bit of a spicy bite from old world Czech Saaz hops."
Where to Buy It: Total Wine & More
Price: $11.99/6-pack
Real Ale Brewing Company's Hans' Pils is a German-style pilsner "that combines a crisp malt backbone with a refreshing, spicy hop character." According to Guerrero, this beer "delivers a clean, dry finish and just enough bitterness to keep each sip flavorful without becoming overwhelming, making it an easy beer to enjoy pint after pint." It's also only available in the state of Texas.
Where to Buy It: Goody Goody
Price: $9.59/6-pack
Hitachino Nest's Yuzu Lager, which is a Japanese rice lager, is made with rice in addition to malted barley, which gives it a "light bodied and delicate flavor profile," per Forrest.
"It's revered for its dry finish with no lingering malty sweetness to stick around," she says, adding that it offers a blank palette for adding in fruit, which allows "the fruit to shine clearly."
Where to Buy It:Whisky & Whiskey
Price: $127.99/24-pack
At Lakewood Brewing Co., where Guerrero serves as Head Brewer, the Stub's Texas Pils offers "light bready malt flavors with corn and is complemented by floral and herbal hop notes, finishing clean and dry with a smooth, refreshing bitterness."
Guerrero adds that this light beer "blends traditional German brewing influences with a Texas craft beer character" and that its approachable flavor makes it a good choice for warm weather. It's also only available in the state of Texas.
Where to Buy It: Lakewood Brewing Co.
Price: $8.99/6-pack
As Forrest always says, a light color isn't a requirement for a light beer. So even though Ayinger's Altbairisch Dunkel is technically a dark German lager, it drinks more like a light beer than a dark one.
"Its almost chestnut brown hue is misleading because it's fermented with a lager strain so its finish is deceptively light," she says. "This beer style is the best of both worlds, rich malt backbone and light on the palate."
Where to Buy It: Good Pour
Price: $14.99
Major beer company Modelo makes a light beer called Especial, which is a lightly-sweet, Mexican-style lager. Guerrero recommends this brew, noting that it has an "exceptionally smooth, crisp, and easy-drinking character" as well a "clean, refreshing finish that appeals to a wide range of beer drinkers."
Where to Buy It: Walmart.com
Price: $10.72/6-pack
Firestone Walker's 805 is a blonde beer — a category of beer that Forrest describes as "a little more flavorful cousin of a typical American Light Lager." She notes that this beer is sweet, has a low alcohol by volume and pairs well with food.
Where to Buy It:Walmart.com
Price: $15.87/12-pack
Up Next:
Related: 6 Underrated Wine Regions in the U.S. That Isn't Napa
Sources:- Ashton Guerrero, Head Brewer at Lakewood Brewing Company
- Wyndee Forrest, co-owner and founder of CraftHaus Brewery
I’ve Traveled to Over 40 Countries—This Is the Only Way I Pack My Most Important Valuables
There's no denying that for many travelers, the most daunting part of the entire journey is simply navigating the airport terminal. Making sure your luggage isn’t overweight, bringing your carry-on and personal item through security, and keeping track of all of your valuables can lead to some stressful moments. As someone who has traveled to over 40 countries, I know a thing or two about how to manage airport stress.
Most of my travels are done solo, so keeping track of my valuables becomes extra important–which can also mean extra anxiety-inducing. When I see fellow travelers going through the airport with a chic-looking bag that doesn’t even zip at the top and that’s it, my heart rate immediately goes up.
I prefer to keep things like my wallet, passport, meta glasses, cash, and phone as close to my body as possible. Fortunately, keeping your essentials locked down doesn't have to look messy—here's how to pull it off seamlessly before your next flight.
Related: I Traveled The World For A Year With One Suitcase—This Shoe Packing Trick Saved Me
Fanny Packs Are The Perfect Travel CompanionAlthough fanny packs hit their peak in the '80s and ‘90s, they've had quite the resurgence in the past 10 years. From popular, everyday brands like Lululemon and Target to luxury brands like Prada and Louis Vuitton, you can find a good fanny pack just about anywhere. I almost always travel with a fanny pack, and find that it makes my airport experience significantly less chaotic.
Run by travel creator Mitch, the YouTube channel Project Untetheredfocuses on practical tips and tricks designed to simplify the travel experience. In one video titled “BEST Way to Pack Carry-On Luggage, According to SCIENCE," Mitch demonstrates various different ways to pack, and ultimately shows the audience the methods that make the most sense. At the end of the video, he shares a final tip which he calls the “stress stabilizer strategy."
According to Mitch, one of the best ways to combat airport anxiety is as simple as wearing a fanny pack. By keeping your most important documents and items physically attached to your body, the persistent worry of misplacing them completely melts away. He even conducted a survey revealing that using a fanny pack can reduce a traveler’s stress by 41%. Respondents noted that this setup is especially life-saving at TSA checkpoints, providing peace of mind because every single valuable is locked down in one secure, predictable spot.
While it’s smart to stay organized, keep in mind that certain airlines occasionally count a fanny pack as your official personal item, requiring you to stuff it into your backpack or carry-on before boarding. I’m all for following the rules, but this is one minor technicality that's incredibly easy to bypass. To keep my fanny pack safely on my body during boarding, I simply layer a large sweatshirt or jacket over it. By keeping it hidden right under my outer layer, I can walk onto the plane hands-free and completely hassle-free.
Related: The One Item To Never Leave Out Of Your Carry On, According to Travel Experts
There Are Also Travel Sweatshirts Designed To Reduce Airport Stress, Too @sarahcramos‼️in case you missed it the first time‼️ @Comfrt VIRAL airplane mode hoodie is back in stock! #comfrt #airplanemode #travel #tiktokshopcreatorpicks #travelessentials
♬ original sound - Sarah RamosLately, my TikTok feed has been flooded with ads for a viral sweatshirt by the brand Comfrt called the “Airplane Mode Hoodie.” It basically acts as a wearable fanny pack—making it an absolute game-changer for travelers who don't want to wear a traditional waist bag but still want to keep their valuables secure. You just throw it on before heading to the gate, and you're completely set.
Related: I Traveled The World For A Year With One Suitcase—This Shoe Packing Trick Saved Me
This clever design features a built-in eye mask right inside the hood—perfect for blocking out bright cabin lights and catching some shut-eye mid-flight without having to pack a separate mask.
Beyond the hood, the sweatshirt is packed with hidden, zippered pockets specifically tailored for travel gear. A small compartment on the arm perfectly fits Bluetooth earbuds, while a larger, strategically shaped pocket keeps your passport secure. Additional compartments are built to easily house daily essentials like your wallet, lip balm, and phone.
Whether you opt for a classic, retro fanny pack or a viral, pocket-loaded sweatshirt, making your next transit day completely hands-free is the easiest trick to upgrading your travel routine—and keeping your peace of mind intact.
Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Trip to Napa With a Single Carry-On