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Yes, temperatures are still warm, and no, you don’t have to retire your sandals just yet. But fall is rapidly sneaking up on us, and before you know it, flip-flops will be heading to the back of the closet and slip-ons, sneakers, and, of course, boots will be getting much more attention. If you’re thinking ahead to cooler days and want a pair that can handle plenty of walking, there’s a deal right now at Walmart worth checking out.

The Clarks Lileigh Charm Leather Booties combine the polished look of a fall boot with comfort-focused features that make them easy to wear for hours at a time. And right now, they’re marked down from the usual $130 price to just $70, which works out to 46% off. That’s a pretty good reason to get your fall footwear lineup sorted ahead of time!

Clarks Lileigh Charm Leather Booties, $70 (were $130) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

If you’re looking for “quality” boots that can handle everything from commuting to dinner plans, this pair has plenty of practical details built into its polished silhouette. The leather upper has a clean, streamlined shape with a softly rounded toe that gives your toes a little more room than a pointed style, while subtle stitching along the side adds definition without limiting what you can wear them with. 

A warm-toned welt and stacked heel break up the black leather and make these boots especially easy to pair with denim, trousers, skirts, and dresses during transitional weather. The 4.5-inch shaft also hits relatively low on the ankle, so it can slip beneath longer pant legs or sit neatly with cropped jeans without creating too much bulk.

Comfort is especially important for boots you’ll potentially have on for hours, and this style pairs an ultimate comfort cushioned insole with a soft textile lining. The approximately 2.4-inch stacked block heel provides a substantial lift, but its wide, sturdy shape is “easy to walk in,” according to Walmart shoppers, making it a more practical choice. 

Shop More Deals

• Clarks Breeze Derby Ankle Boots, from $47 (were $70) at Walmart
• Clarks Hearth Maye Slate Nubuck, $97 (were $130) at Walmart
• Clarks Cloudsteppers Solevana Knit Slip-Ons, from $56 (were $70) at Walmart

A manmade outsole adds another durable element to these boots for everyday wear, while the 11.4-inch calf circumference provides useful context for how the ankle opening will fit. Rather than tugging each boot over your foot, a side zipper opens the shaft so they’re easy to put on and take off. A loop at the back gives you something to hold onto as you pull the boot into place. 

Related: Clarks’ Comfortable and Classic Leather Booties Are So Chic for Fall, and They’re 44% Off at Macy’s

If you’re already thinking about your fall wardrobe, this is one pair worth adding to the list. Shop the Clarks Lileigh Charm Leather Booties at Walmart while they’re 46% off!

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.

By 1978, Don Williams had perfected a style that required little more than his warm baritone, an unhurried melody, and a good story to command attention.

Nicknamed “The Gentle Giant” for his imposing stature and laid-back delivery, Williams brought that approach to “Tulsa Time,” a rollicking country song that became another No. 1 hit during one of the most successful periods of his career. Written by Danny Flowers, the track gave Williams a classic that would eventually reach well beyond country music.

Flowers was a guitarist in Williams’ band when inspiration struck.

The songwriter reportedly came up with “Tulsa Time” while stranded in a snowstorm in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during a trip home to Nashville. Its narrator has tried his luck in Hollywood only to discover that chasing dreams in California isn’t working out. His solution is simple: head back to Oklahoma and start living on “Tulsa time.”

Williams recorded the song for his 1978 album Expressions.

Rather than treating the narrator’s disappointment as heartbreak, his recording moves with an easygoing swagger. The steady groove and Williams’ relaxed vocal made the prospect of abandoning Hollywood sound less like defeat than a welcome homecoming.

Country radio embraced it.

Released as a single in 1978, “Tulsa Time” climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, becoming the eighth chart-topper of Williams’ career. It followed a remarkable succession of hits that included “You’re My Best Friend,” “Till the Rivers All Run Dry” and “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend.”

Williams wasn’t the only musician who immediately recognized the song’s brilliance.

“Don and Eric and I were sitting around playing,” Flowers told Tulsa World. “Don said ‘Play that new song you wrote.’ So I did. Don is playing rhythm guitar and I’m playing rhythm guitar and Eric is playing a slide on a dobro thing. I thought, ‘This is great.'”

A playful argument ensued between the two artists.

“I just put both hands up and said, ‘Stop! If you are going to fight about it, I’m not going to let either one of you do it,” Flowers said.

Clapton eventually got his turn with the track and recorded “Tulsa Time” for his 1978 album Backless, giving Flowers’ composition a bluesier rock treatment. Clapton also made it a regular part of his live performances, and a concert version later appeared on his 1980 album Just One Night.

For Williams, “Tulsa Time” was one milestone in a career filled with them. His understated approach eventually produced 17 No. 1 country hits, and in 2010, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“I think it’s super amazing,” Williams said in an interview reflecting on the longevity of his career. “The fans are still there and they seem to like what I’m doing, and y’know, that makes me real happy.”

Nearly five decades after its release, “Tulsa Time” still captures what made the Gentle Giant so distinctive. Williams never needed to overpower a song to make it memorable. On this 1978 No. 1, his effortless delivery did all the work.

Related: 1970 Iconic Ballad, Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Made 18-Year-Old Singer a Major Star

Upon A Burning Body, the heavy metal band from San Antonio, Texas, delivered unexpected news regarding their exit from DevilDriver’s Strike And Kill Tour.

The band, fronted by lead vocalist Danny Leal with guitarist Ruben Alvarez and bassist Thomas Alvarez, has announced their departure from the ongoing tour as a supporting act.

In an official statement posted on their Instagram, they announced that they were dropping off the remaining U.S. dates of DevilDriver’s tour due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

According to the statement, the decision came after members of their touring camp contracted COVID-19, prompting the band to step away from the tour to avoid putting others at risk.

Danny Leal of Upon a Burning Body performs at the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2014

David A. Smith/Getty Images.

“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances and the safety of others, we will not be playing the remainder of the Strike & Kill Tour. Some of our camp has tested positive for COVID and it just wouldn’t be right to continue putting everyone else at risk. We are sorry, and it hurts us to not be able to play these shows. We promise to make it up to everyone soon. Thank you for understanding. – UABB & CREW,” the caption reads.

Despite the comment section being filled with mixed reactions, many expressed their support and understanding of the band.

“Good on y’all for prioritizing safety above all else!” one wrote.

“Thanks for doing the right thing!” a follower said.

“Good call boys. Much love,” a commenter added.

“Given Dez’s history, I highly respect this,” a fan echoed.

The same goes for another commenter who said, “Seeing as you guys are touring with DevilDriver, I totally commend you on this choice! Dez’s health is more important. Hard choice. But no brainer at the same time.

Some of the fans’ concern was in reference to DevilDriver frontman and founder Dez Fafara, who has been dealing with a non-cancerous tumor near his salivary gland above his jawline.

As for the Strike And Kill Tour in the U.S., DevilDriver will continue the run with Ov Sulfur as the supporting act following Upon A Burning Body’s departure.

The tour’s remaining U.S. dates are scheduled to conclude in Anaheim, California.

Strike And Kill Tour U.S. Dates:

• Sept. 1, 2026 — Boise, ID — Treefort Music Hall
• Sept. 2, 2026 — Reno, NV — Club Underground
• Sept. 3, 2026 — Sacramento, CA — Goldfield Trading Post
• Sept. 4, 2026 — San Jose, CA — The Ritz
• Sept. 5, 2026 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues

Related: 1970 Protest Song ‘Ohio’ Is Still a Powerful Supergroup Hit 56 years Later

Fleetwood Mac‘s members didn’t always agree on much, but they seemed to agree that complicated relationships could make for good songs. “Little Lies” was another example of that unusual chemistry.

Released on August 31, 1987, “Little Lies” came from Tango in the Night, an album that reunited Fleetwood Mac in the studio after a five-year gap between albums. Written by Christine McVie and her then-husband, Eddy Quintela, the song became one of the band’s biggest hits of the decade, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

By the time Fleetwood Mac recorded “Little Lies,” McVie had already written “Songbird,” “Don’t Stop” and “You Make Loving Fun.” Her songs usually got to the point quickly, with strong pop melodies and lyrics that felt conversational. That was a different lane from Stevie Nicks‘ more mystical writing and Lindsey Buckingham‘s more experimental approach in the studio.

But McVie didn’t always feel confident about her songwriting. In a 2019 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she recalled starting to write songs when she was young but feeling that she wasn’t very good at it. 

“I started writing songs when I was very young, but I wasn’t very good,” she said. “In fact, I was quite paranoid about it. Then I joined Fleetwood Mac and Mick [Fleetwood] encouraged me to keep trying. I wrote all the time during that time and my pop developed into more of a blues style. It was Mick who told me to persevere and eventually I wrote a few good songs.” 

“Little Lies” is a snapshot of how her songwriting had matured. Its bright melody sits against lyrics about the painful realization that a relationship may not have much time left.

By the time Tango in the Night was recorded, Fleetwood Mac had already spent years dealing with breakups, romantic complications and disagreements. The band wasn’t exactly known for keeping its personal lives separate from its music.

That doesn’t mean “Little Lies” was necessarily about Fleetwood Mac’s internal relationships. McVie wrote the song with Quintela, and it works perfectly well as a song about a relationship coming to an end.

Whatever inspired it, the song connected in a big way. Tango in the Night gave Fleetwood Mac four Top 20 hits in the U.S., but “Little Lies” stood out from the rest. It climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also became a major hit in the U.K. and across Europe.

“Little Lies” was Fleetwood Mac’s last U.S. Top 10 hit, and it’s still one of the first songs many people associate with the band.

Related: Mick Fleetwood Took a Chance on Two Unknowns — Accidentally Assembling One of Rock’s Greatest Bands

To solve today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, you’ll need to know shorthand, titles for English upper class, common word associations, and a little bit of French.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Monday, August 31, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Monday, August 31, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Spider ___ — HINT: Starts with the letter “M”

4 Across: Quaint term for a boyfriend, from the French — HINT: Ends with the letter “D”

5 Across: Crocodile ___ — HINT: Ends with the letter “P”

6 Across: ___ bird — HINT: Starts with the letter “E”

7 Across: ___ wolf — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Feeling tired and worn out — HINT: Ends with the letter “H”

2 Down: British noble title — HINT: Starts with the letter “C”

3 Down: ___ bee — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

4 Down: Panda ___ — HINT: Starts with the letter “P”

5 Down: Detective, in old shorthand — HINT: Starts with the letter “T”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Monday, August 31, 2026

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Spider ___ — WEB

4 Across: Quaint term for a boyfriend, from the French — BEAU

5 Across: Crocodile ___ — TEARS

6 Across: ___ bird — EARLY

7 Across: ___ wolf — CRY

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Feeling tired and worn out — WEARY

2 Down: British noble title — EARL

3 Down: ___ bee — BUSY

4 Down: Panda ___ — BEAR

5 Down: Detective, in old shorthand — TEC

Related: I Recreated the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every ’90s Kid Loved

The girl-group boom of the early 1960s produced plenty of unforgettable hits, and the Angels’ “My Boyfriend’s Back” was one of the biggest. Released in 1963, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks.

By the early ’60s, doo-wop’s harmonies and call-and-response vocals had found a new home in girl-group pop. The Ronettes, the Blossoms, the Supremes and the Shirelles all helped shape the era, with the Angels bringing a cheekier attitude to the mix. 

That personality came through especially well on “My Boyfriend’s Back,” which turned a story about a persistent admirer into a catchy pop song. The upbeat arrangement makes the lyrics feel almost teasing, even though the singer is clearly telling someone to watch out. 

The Angels’ lineup at the time featured Peggy Santiglia and sisters Barbara Allbut and Phyllis Allbut, all of whom were from New Jersey. Santiglia had been performing with another group when she met the Allbut sisters through the local music scene. The three eventually joined forces and formed the Angels in 1961.

“My Boyfriend’s Back” wasn’t initially intended to be an Angels song. Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein and Richard Gottehrer wrote it as a demo for the Shirelles, but the Angels ultimately recorded their own version.

The Brooklyn songwriting and production trio had plenty of experience with catchy pop songs. Feldman, Goldstein and Gottehrer later wrote “Sorrow,” while the three also performed as the Strangeloves, who scored a 1965 hit with “I Want Candy.”

The Angels’ version feels more like a conversation than a typical pop song. It starts with handclaps and Santiglia delivering a spoken telephone exchange that sets up the whole story.

“He went away, and you hung around,” she sings, making her frustration with the unwanted attention pretty clear. The cheerful vocals and bouncy rhythm make the song feel fun, even when the lyrics get a little tougher.

The song was reportedly inspired by a real incident involving a young girl who ran into a Brooklyn soda fountain and told off a boy who had been bothering her. The relatable situation made the song easy to connect with, while the upbeat sound kept it fun.

“My Boyfriend’s Back” remained the Angels’ biggest hit by far. They followed it with several charting singles, but none came close to its No. 1 run.

The years that followed brought some changes to the group itself. Santiglia briefly left in 1965, and a dispute over the Angels’ name eventually led the trio to perform temporarily as the Halos. Still, the Angels continued performing as their lineup changed over the years.

The group toured internationally and even shared stages with artists such as R&B legend Al Green. They were eventually inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005.

The Angels released Love, The Angels in 2008, nearly five decades after “My Boyfriend’s Back” first became a hit, and continued touring until 2017.

Related: 1977 Rock Song, Sung by the ‘Queen of Country Rock,’ Is Still a Powerful Hit 49 Years Later

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the folk-rock supergroup, released the 1970 song “Ohio,” which remains one of the most powerful protest songs in rock history.

More than five decades later, it still packs the same emotional punch that made it one of the defining tracks of its era while continuing to resonate with a new generation.

In fact, acoustic rock duo Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds revived the song “Ohio” and included it on their setlist during the ninth annual Dave & Tim Riviera Maya concert vacation on Jan. 23, 2026.

Apart from this, Collider ranked the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song as the second-greatest protest song in classic rock, behind Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1969 song “Fortunate Son,” which ranked No. 1.

Written by Neil Young, the song was released by the supergroup just 10 days after the recording session and was introduced as a standalone single in June 1970, during a turbulent moment in Ohio, United States.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young perform at Olympia Stadium on June 12, 1970

Tom Copi/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The song was written in response to the tragic Kent State Shootings that took place on the campus of Kent State University, where four students were killed and nine students wounded.

“He was silent for a long time, then picked up his guitar and 20 minutes later had this song,” David Crosby recalled of his bandmate reading the stories and seeing the photos about the tragedy.

The meaning of the song conveyed raw anger and emotion that can be heard in every line.

“We killed our song ‘Teach Your Children,’ which was my song and we didn’t care about any of our rules,” Graham Nash shared in an interview with David Hoffman as they talked about prioritizing the release of the protest song despite the record label’s hesitation.

“What we wanted to do was bring it out instantly. We were angry now. The kids were angry now. We wanted to speak and scream about this now. We wanted to put that record out on top of our other record and we killed it stone dead and we didn’t care.”

Although Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were already climbing the charts with “Teach Your Children,” the release of “Ohio” quickly drew public attention because of its connection to the tragic incident.

The 1970 protest song ultimately peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, securing its place among rock’s most enduring political anthems.

Related: 1986 Soft Rock Song by Berlin Is Still a Major Hit 40 Years Later

As summer winds down and we prepare for cooler weather here in the Northern Hemisphere, there are so many things to look forward to. Personally, I’m ready for sweater weather, soup season, crunchy leaves and pumpkin-based baked goods.

However, as the weather starts to chill, something else happens: mice get cold and seek shelter. And as adorable as mice can be, they are not the best roommates… So, it’s time to start weatherproofing our homes to prevent mice from moving in this fall.

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To find out how to protect a home from mice as autumn approaches, we spoke with two pest experts: Caleb Fabry, a Pest, Wildlife & Rodent Specialist and the President of Town & Country Pest Solutions Inc., which serves Upstate New York cities including Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse, and Tony King, pest control expert, owner and manager of The Pied Piper in London.

Below, Fabry and King share the six things you need to do to prep your house for fall and prevent rodents like mice, as well as a few ways to humanely handle a mice problem without hurting or killing them. (And for anyone with a phobia of mice, don’t be scared to read on—there are no photos of mice in this article!)

Related: 7 Fall Home Decor Trends Designers Love—and 4 They’re Completely Sick Of

6 Things to Do Before Mice Enter Your Home This Fall 1. Find and seal entry points

ArtMarie / Getty Images

The first thing you should do, according to Fabry, is check around the house’s foundation level for gaps and entry points. Common spots include the spaces near where the air conditioning line enters the house, dryer vents, utility pipes, the house’s foundation and beneath decks.

“Seal gaps with a durable material such as copper mesh, steel wool and exterior-grade silicon sealant over top,” Fabry tells Parade. “Mice can get through surprisingly small openings as little as a quarter to half an inch, so closing those access points is the most important step.”

King concurs that inspecting the outside of your home for openings is an important first step.

“Before the fall, homeowners should visually inspect every area of the exterior of their home for any cracks and openings through which mice can enter,” King tells Parade. “All small openings should be filled with steel wool with a strong sealant, such as caulk. Larger openings are best covered with wire mesh.”

And to take things to the next level, you might consider sealing entry points near the roof. “If you are certain you did a great job sealing the foundation level, do know that if the problems continue, mice are well know for getting in through the roof via chimneys, soffit junctions and ridge and box vent areas up high,” Fabry adds.

2. Remove the outdoor clutter that mice love

aire images / Getty Images

According to Fabry, mice like clutter around the home, as it helps them stay protected and provides them with loose materials to build their nests as the weather keeps getting colder. Outside of the home, this outdoor clutter includes firewood, leaf piles and dense vegetation that is near or touching the house.

All of this “needs to be kept away from the foundation,” says Fabry, and should be moved to the other end of your yard. “Moving these items will make the house less inviting and will help make activity easier to spot.”

This rule can also apply to clutter in rooms used for storage, including the garage, basement and attic. “Remove cardboard boxes from the floor if possible,” says King, adding that you should also “remove piles of paper, cloth, leaves or other nesting materials” and store everything in airtight plastic containers.

3. Seal away food

Edwin Tan / Getty Images

“A dependable and consistent food source gives mice a reason to never leave,” explains Fabry. That being said, all pantry goods and food should be kept in “tight and fully sealed containers” and you should always “clean up anything that spills” right away.

“It is important to follow food storage and disposal practices to avoid or minimize attracting rodents to your home,” adds King. “Store pantry foods in tightly fitting containers; do not leave pet food unattended outside overnight. Remove crumbs and food scraps from floors and shelves [and] under appliances and furniture, where they often accumulate.”

And this doesn’t only go for your food—birdseed, dog food and cat food should also be in airtight containers, as should any grass seed. “A cool fact that may not be widely known, one of mice’s favorite food sources is grass seed!” says Fabry.

Related: 5 Outdoor Lighting Mistakes Designers Say Can Make Your Home Look Worse

4. Repair outdoor faucets and pipes

Guido Mieth / Getty Images

“Water damage and leaking faucets are the No. 1 cause of uninvited pests to your home,” says Fabry, specifically referring to outdoor faucets and pipes. For this reason, you should “repair dripping outdoor faucets, leaking pipes and poor drainage near the foundation.”

5. Clean areas where mice have been

Petra Richli / Getty Images

To determine where you may have already had mice visit your home, Fabry says to start by inspecting the garage, basement and attic for droppings (feces), gnaw marks, oil rubs (sebum) and nesting materials.

“These are all signs of where the mice are located,” he says. “Catching early signs now is much easier than dealing with an established problem later in the season.”

Once you identify any problem areas, Fabry says to clean these areas using a cleaning agent and disinfectant. This “will not only keep them away, it will break up the natural scents that they use to travel safe points back and forth. Mice stay where they are comfortable; keep them uncomfortable and they won’t want to stick around, especially in the early stages.”

6. Replace worn weather stripping

Jens Danny Schneider / Getty Images

Check your weather stripping and door sweeps. If anything has worn down and now leaves a gap, replace it.

“These areas are common weak points and can give mice an easy route indoors,” says Fabry.

Related: Why Your Pumpkin Plant Has Flowers but No Pumpkins

What to Do if You Find Mice in Your House 1. Use live catch traps

DebraMillet / Getty Images

Once you identify the spots where mice have been spotted, King recommends setting live catch traps along the walls. “First, place live rodent traps along walls and near areas where rodents are active,” he says. “Rodents tend to walk along edges rather than across open spaces.”

You can put a small amount of bait inside, such as bird seed, chocolate or peanut butter, adds Fabry. From there, King says you should “check traps frequently”—because if you don’t, the captured mouse could starve to death.

“A live trap is only humane if the animal is not left stressed, hungry or exposed for long inside that trap,” Fabry explains. “But just releasing them right back into your yard, they will come right back in, unless of course you are certain you found the entry points and sealed them. If you haven’t, take them far away.”

King adds that you should always “handle captured rodents with care and release them in accordance with local wildlife and animal welfare regulations.”

2. Remove food, water and nesting materials

Mukhina1 / Getty Images

“They only need these three items to attract them and keep them there,” Fabry says of food, water and nesting materials. “What you might suspect is not enough to keep them alive, is generally a lifetime supply for a mouse. If you can remove at least of one these resources, the mice will need to find another place to go naturally.”

3. Bring in a rodent specialist

AndreyPopov / Getty Images

If you’ve done all you can but are still finding mice in your house, it’s time to “bring in a professional for a thorough inspection and an evaluation,” says Fabry.

“A proper inspection can identify the entry points and conditions that are supporting the problem, so the solution is focused on prevention instead of repeatedly trapping mice,” he explains. “Many homes are challenging to climb, access, and so on. A great rodent specialist will often have the knowledge and tools to identify where the places are that often homeowners might never notice.”

Up Next:

Related: 5 ’90s Home Trends Making a Major Comeback, According to Interior Designers

Sources:

• Caleb Fabry, a Pest, Wildlife & Rodent Specialist and the President of Town & Country Pest Solutions Inc.
• Tony King, pest control expert, owner and manager of The Pied Piper in London.

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There is no denying the magic of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Whether you watch Tim Burton’s beloved 1993 classic at the first sign of a cool breeze or happen to enjoy it year-round, there’s no denying the magic of this iconic film. And if you want to bring some of those cozy-meets-spooky vibes into your home, we found an adorable accessory to honor the movie without overpowering the room.

The Silver Buffalo Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas Glass Jar is an inventive ode that’s as functional as it is decorative. It’s an amazing value at Amazon right now, too, reduced from its usual $39 to only $23 — 40% off the usual price! You can also find other film-themed varieties, including a $30 Lord of the Rings jar and a Hogsmeade-themed vessel straight out of Harry Potter for $23. 

Silver Buffalo Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas Glass Jar, $23 (was $39) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

If you love the idea of bringing some of that Halloween Town spirit to your space, this is ideal. At 6 inches tall, it’s just substantial enough to stand out. Any loyal fan will recognize Jack Skellington and Sally standing on top of Spiral Hill overlooking the graveyard. The crisp yellow moon almost seems to glow, drawing attention to the couple and the many jack-o’-lanterns dotting the patch below.

The jar measures six inches tall and four inches wide. As much as it is a festive accent, it’s also great for storing snacks like fun-size candy bars, energy bars, festive little cookies, or anything you might want to nibble on at your desk. The thick glass is sturdy, and the lid’s rubber seal ensures that everything inside stays super fresh. Keep in mind that it’s hand-wash only, so you’ll want to keep both pieces out of the dishwasher to maintain their integrity.

Reviewers love both the look and the quality. One person dubbed it a “sweet little jar,” noting that it’s “beautiful” and feels “weighty and solid” for its size. Another shopper mentioned that it “stands out as a fun decor piece” in their kitchen and makes an “excellent showpiece” anywhere in the home.

Shop More Deals

• Silver Buffalo The Nightmare Before Christmas Tumbler 4-Pack, $20 (was $25) at Amazon
• Richard Leeds The Nightmare Before Christmas Pajama Set, $20 (was $35) at Amazon
• Futerly The Nightmare Before Christmas Wooden Utensil Set, $12 (was $14) at Amazon

Related: Shoppers Walked ‘10,000 Steps a Day’ in These ‘Cute’ and ‘Comfortable’ Mary Jane Sneakers from Amazon

Don’t miss the chance to snag the Silver Buffalo Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas Glass Jar while it’s on sale at Amazon! It’s a charming little treat for yourself, and an equally great gift for anyone who loves the movie or who wants something cute they can decorate with all the way through to Christmas. 

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.

Some of the most extreme results of cardiovascular disease—heart attacks and strokes—are loud, jarring events. Yet registered dietitians who work with heart patients say warning signs often appear long before these scary, life-changing events, often without our noticing.

“There are a number of reasons why heart disease is called the ‘silent killer,’ such as the fact that it can develop without any obvious symptoms for years before something like a heart attack or stroke occurs,” says Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD, a registered dietitian at Live It Up.

Diet is a big piece of the heart health puzzle.

“If you have a poor diet that’s high in sugar, sodium and saturated fat, [the] silent killer could already be on your trail,” Moody explains. “The importance of prevention through diet and exercise cannot be overstated. Many people are unaware they have underlying heart issues until it’s too late and their life is in danger.”

Registered dietitians want to help you avoid that. They shared their pick for the worst dairy food for heart health, mindful eating tips and some delicious alternatives.

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The Worst Dairy Food for Heart Health, RDs Warn

The cold, hard truth is that ice cream is one of the worst dairy foods for heart health because it’s high in sugar, saturated fat and calories. It’s sad, we know, in part because ice cream is so good. That’s actually part of the problem.

“Ice cream is one of those foods that can be difficult to control,” concedes Julia Zumpano, RD, a registered dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic Center for Human Nutrition. “It can often lead to overconsumption.”

Zumpano notes that ice cream is a processed food—it’s literally made so you say, “More, please.”

“[Processed foods] are designed to stimulate cravings, frequency and excessive consumption because they trigger several pleasure centers in the brain,” says.

Unfortunately, Zumpano explains that ice cream’s great taste can harm the rest of your body, especially your heart.

Related: This One Morning Mistake Makes You Crave Sugar All Day, Registered Dietitians Warn

The Heart-Health Risks of Ice Cream

Registered dietitians say ice cream is high in added sugar, saturated fat, and calories, all of which pose risks to your heart health. Here’s the scoop on how eating too much ice cream can be bad for your heart.

1. You may consume a high-sugar diet

Unlike whole fruits such as strawberries, ice cream isn’t naturally sweet.

“Ice cream has a lot of added refined sugar to give it its indulgent flavor,” Moody explains.

For instance, a half-cup serving of chocolate ice cream can contain more than 20 grams of total sugar—how much of that is added sugar depends on what you’re choosing. Toppings like chocolate syrup and sprinkles layer on even more sugar.

“Sugar is a lesser-known contributor to high cholesterol, but it has a big impact due to the inflammation it causes in the artery walls,” she explains. 

The American Heart Association suggests that women limit daily added sugar intake to 100 calories or less (about 6 teaspoons) and that men cap theirs at 150 calories (about 9 teaspoons).

2. You may load up on saturated fat

Not all fat is bad for your heart health—omega-3s (found in salmon and olive oil) can have a protective effect. However, most ice cream is high in another type of fat, which the American Heart Association advises limiting.

“Ice cream’s cream content is high in saturated fat,” explains Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com.

Routhenstein explains that saturated fat can increase levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB, a protein that transports fats throughout the body, including cholesterol).

“Elevated LDL/apoB levels can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, narrowing vessels and increasing the risk of heart attack,” Routhenstein notes.

3. You may consume too many calories

While a half-cup serving of ice cream without toppings can have fewer than 100 calories, many people go over that amount.

“A single pint of ice cream can be over 800 calories, which is even more than a Big Mac,” Moody warns.

And her calculation does not include mix-ins like chocolate chips and cookie dough.

“You can easily get over 1,000 calories,” she says. “High-calorie diets can lead to conditions like obesity. Obesity itself creates a cascade of mechanisms that cause chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of heart disease.”

Related: Here’s What Actually Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Drink Alcohol

3 Ways To Include Ice Cream in a Heart-Healthy Diet

Is ice cream completely off the menu if you’re trying to improve heart health? No way.

“Don’t restrict completely,” Routhenstein says. “Telling yourself you can never have ice cream often backfires. Instead, be strategic and intentional with when and how you enjoy it.”

Here are some top tips for consuming ice cream without increasing your risk for long-term heart issues:

• Don’t buy it at the grocery store. Note: This tip does not mean you can’t eat ice cream. Rather, it’s about where you purchase it. “Having ice cream in your fridge can be difficult for some people to control,” Zumpano reports. “Instead, go out for a small ice cream cone or buy a pint or half pint to share.”
• Consider how much and how often you eat it. Ice cream can fit into a heart-healthy diet, but it shouldn’t be the centerpiece. “Stick to about half a cup and consider it within your daily saturated fat allowance,” Routhenstein advises. “Enjoying it occasionally in sensible portions allows it to fit into a balanced diet.”
• Choose lower-fat, lower-sugar alternatives. Moody shares that these ice cream varieties have less inflammatory ingredients, making them heart-friendlier.
  

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

Dietitian-Favorite Ice Cream Swaps

If you want to give your heart and taste buds a taste of the sweet life, swapping ice cream for other delicious treats all or some of the time can help. Registered dietitians share a few favorite ice cream alternative below.

• Frozen bananas. Moody swears that blending frozen bananas with a little milk produces a similar consistency to ice cream without all that added sugar and fat. “I even like to add a bit of protein shake to the blend to make the treat more satiating,” she says. “The big bonus is that bananas are high in potassium. High-potassium diets have been shown to help lower blood pressure and keep the heart healthy.”
• Nice cream. Nice cream is a dairy-free variety of ice cream. Zumpano loves these versions, especially this cherry-chocolate chip recipe. Like Moody’s frozen banana suggestion, this recipe contains no added sugar but does have fiber, vitamins and minerals, making it heart-friendlier. Note: “There are versions where coconut milk is used to blend, which would provide a slightly higher fat content,” she adds. “Be sure to use unsweetened coconut milk, or light coconut cream if you choose this route.”
• Greek yogurt bark with blueberries and pistachios. Routhenstein hails this one as her “favorite heart-healthy swap for ice cream.” “It is frozen, so it gives the same chill and indulgent feel as ice cream, and I can make it versatile by adding different berries, chocolate, nuts, seeds and flavor enhancers like vanilla extract or cocoa powder,” she says.

All of these sound delicious to us, but your tastes may vary, so whatever you do:

“Choose options that satisfy you,” Routhenstein suggests. “Picking ‘healthier’ versions is only helpful if you actually enjoy them. Make sure your choice leaves you satisfied so it fits sustainably into your eating pattern.”

Up Next:

Related: Don’t Order This at a Restaurant if You Want To Protect Your Heart, Cardiologists Warn

Sources:

• Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD, a registered dietitian at Live It Up
• Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com
• Julia Zumpano, RD, a registered dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic Center for Human Nutrition
• Ice cream, chocolate. FoodData Central.
• Added sugars. American Heart Association.
• High versus low-added sugar consumption for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Library.
• Saturated fat. American Heart Association.
• Adipocytes orchestrate obesity-related chronic inflammation through β2-microglobulin. Nature.
• Blood Pressure Control Should Focus on More Potassium: Controversies in Hypertension. Hypertension.

It seems like just yesterday we were watching Selena Gomez playing Hannah Montana’s rival or seeing her as Alex in Wizards of Waverly Place. Now, the Disney Channel icon stars in the Wizards of Waverly Place reboot, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, along with Hulu’s Only Murders In The Building. Not only has Gomez had a number of acting projects on Disney Channel and beyond, but she’s also cemented her status as a Disney Channel pop princess, with hits like Come & Get It and Slow Down. 

And we can’t forget about her iconic band, Selena Gomez & The Scene, who had a number of hits including Who Says, Naturally, Round & Round and Love You Like a Love Song. Even though Gomez announced her hiatus from the group in 2012, they still get over 15.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and their Love You Like A Love Song music video has over 841 million views on YouTube. 

Related: What’s Going on With the ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ Cast?

While the group has many popular songs, A Year Without Rain remains one of their most memorable singles. The music video has over 284 million views on YouTube, and today marks its 16th anniversary. The music video was released on IMDb on August 30, 2010, followed by its official YouTube premiere the next day. Disney Channel broadcast the music video days later, on September 3, 2010. Selena Gomez & The Scene’s album was also titled A Year Without Rain, with Round & Round being the first single and music video release from the album. 

Gomez gave desert Coachella music festival vibes before it became popular, sporting a flowy brown dress, chunky earrings and heeled sandals while singing in the desert. If you’re feeling nostalgic, take a trip down memory lane by watching the music video or streaming the song and full album on Spotify or Apple Music. 

a year without rain by selena gomez. pic.twitter.com/yckOIsdcB6

— songs that changed history (@iconiksongs) July 31, 2024

Country star Ella Langley returned to Auburn University for two sold-out shows at Neville Arena, turning her latest performances into a major full-circle moment.

After the back-to-back concerts, Langley shared photos and videos from the shows on Instagram and thanked the Auburn community for making the weekend special.

“War Eagle baby! Two nights sold out at Neville Arena was such a full circle moment 🥹🧡 Thank you, Auburn,” Langley wrote.

The shows held special meaning for Langley because Auburn University is her alma mater. Before her rise to country music fame, she spent her college years at Auburn and got her start performing at local bars in the area.

Ella Langley performs onstage at the Billboard Women in Music 2026 held at the Hollywood Palladium on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

Her return came as her career continues to reach new heights. Langley’s hit song “Choosin’ Texas” has been dominating the Billboard charts, adding another major moment to an already important year for the country singer.

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According to Whiskey Riff, Langley’s two Auburn concerts were both sold out at Neville Arena, where she performed in front of fans on the campus where she once studied.

Her connection to Auburn goes beyond being a former student. Langley was also a member of the Phi Mu sorority while attending the university. During her return, she surprised the sorority and spent time with the girls, taking photos, videos and answering questions.

The visit gave Langley a chance to speak about what she has learned during her career and as she has moved into her later 20s.

She shared advice about taking care of herself physically and mentally, something she said she wishes she had focused on earlier in her 20s.

“Something that I’m doing in my later 20s and something I wish I would’ve done in my earlier 20s is really take care of myself physically and mentally. And showing up for myself before always having to show up for everyone else.”

Langley also told the group that caring for yourself should not bring feelings of guilt.

@kabatikkin1

@Ella Langley PHI MU LOVES UUUU!!! #auburn #ellalangley #dandelions

♬ Loving Life Again – Ella Langley

“Which is a hard thing to do because that can feel selfish in a lot of ways, but if you’re not your best, or even half of your best, how can you show up for anyone else?”

She also encouraged the women to find people they can trust and build strong connections with others.

“And that’s what’s so cool about being in a sorority is you find those people. God put you here for a reason… find your people and take care of yourself.”

The Auburn concerts also became especially meaningful because they took place shortly after the death of country music icon Dolly Parton at age 80.

During her Friday night show, Langley performed Parton’s classic song “Jolene” as a tribute.

A fan who shared footage from the concert said Langley introduced the performance by explaining, “Tonight’s show didn’t feel right without doing something like this.”

@emily.these.days

Last night in Auburn, @Ella Langley said, “Tonight’s show didn’t feel right without doing something like this” and proceeded to sing “Jolene” in honor of @Dolly Parton. One of my favorite moments from the night 🦋 #ellalangley #dollyparton #concert #auburn #fyp

♬ original sound – Emily 🦋

Langley also honored Parton in a message shared on Instagram.

“Dolly, thank you for standing up for yourself as an artist, a songwriter, a musician, a producer, an author, a creative, and most importantly, a woman in this industry.”

She continued, “You paved the way for so many to be brave. Thank you for being unafraid to show your most authentic self. The world needed Dolly and will never see another like it. The gates of heaven just welcomed home a beautiful soul.”

The tribute added another emotional moment to a weekend that was already important to Langley because of her connection to Auburn.

“Choosin’ Texas” also leads five Billboard charts, including the Billboard Hot 100, Streaming Songs, Hot Country Songs and Country Streaming Songs charts.

The song has also returned to its previous peaks on the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts.

Related: 1998 Hit Song, Reimagined by Ella Langley, Is Still a Major Hit 28 Years Later

Every aspiring performer dreams of being discovered, and for the rare few that dream comes to fruition.

For Yvonne Elliman, it was only a matter of time. At just 18 years old, she was singing in London clubs when an unexpected opportunity put her voice at the center of one of the decade’s most ambitious new musicals.

Elliman was chosen to sing Mary Magdalene on the original 1970 concept album of Jesus Christ Superstar, introducing “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” the soaring ballad composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice. The recording helped turn the young Hawaiian singer into an international talent before she had even established a solo career.

Elliman’s path to the project had begun thousands of miles away.

Born and raised in Honolulu, she moved to London after graduating from high school and began performing in clubs. Her voice caught the attention of Rice and Lloyd Webber as they assembled singers for Jesus Christ Superstar, which was initially conceived as an album rather than a stage production.

“I was singing at the Pheasantry on King’s Road where Andrew Lloyd Webber happened to hear me,” Elliman told Goldmine. “The songs ranged from Pete Seeger’s ‘Where Have All the Flowers Gone’ to a new Blind Faith song ‘Can’t Find My Way Home.’ In fact, I believe I sang every song I knew at the time, since the club owner was frantic for someone to take the place of Jon Hendricks, a no-show headliner at the time. Jon, of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, had relocated from the U.S. the prior year. The club owner came to me and said, ‘Sing everything you know,’ so I did, not knowing that Andrew was there to possibly cast Jon for the role of Pontius Pilate in his new, yet-to-be-recorded, Jesus Christ Superstar – A Rock Opera. After finishing my set, Andrew ran up to me and exclaimed, ‘You’re my Mary Magdalene!”

“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” gave Elliman one of the rock opera’s most pivotal moments.

Sung by Mary Magdalene as she wrestles with her feelings for Jesus, the song brought a quieter vulnerability to a score filled with rock guitars and dramatic confrontations. Elliman’s understated performance, delivered in just a single take, proved particularly effective, and she stayed with the role as Jesus Christ Superstar moved beyond the recording studio and onto the stage and screen.

“I was taken off the concert tour and I was given this cherry opportunity to audition,” Elliman told Pop Matters. “I was really a fish out of water because I had no experience pounding the sidewalks.”

She went on to play Mary Magdalene in the original Broadway production in 1971 and reprised the role in the 1973 film adaptation. Her movie performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical.

For Elliman, Jesus Christ Superstar proved to be the beginning rather than the peak. She later worked with Eric Clapton and built a successful solo career, culminating in the 1978 No. 1 hit “If I Can’t Have You,” written by the Bee Gees.

“I began loving the things associated with Mary Magdalene, more than just the song,” Elliman said in a 2011 interview. “I was lucky to be chosen. The role set me off on my career.”

More than five decades later, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” remains one of Jesus Christ Superstar‘s signature songs. For Elliman, it was the performance that transformed an 18-year-old club singer into a major new voice almost overnight.

Related: 1965 Rock Song, Sung by 19-Year-Old Son of Jerry Lewis, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit

Stick Men is full of headlines right now. The progressive-rock supergroup is returning to the road in September in support of its first full-length studio album in a decade. Let’s THRAK Again arrives digitally Sept. 4, 10 years after the trio’s Prog Noir, and serves as a Robert Fripp-sanctioned tribute to King Crimson’s 1995 album THRAK.

“Exactly 10 years after their dark, influential 2016 masterpiece Prog Noir, the unparalleled progressive powerhouse Stick Men is back,” the band’s website shared.

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The new record reunites King Crimson veterans Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto with touch-guitar innovator Markus Reuter for what the band describes as a 60-minute collection of 12 new compositions. The album was conceived as a tribute to the heavy, mechanical impact of the original THRAK era, with two distinct mixes creating two different listening experiences.

Let’s THRAK Again isn’t simply one album with alternate mixes. It’s presented as Reel One and Reel Two, mixed by different producers, with different track sequences and distinct sonic approaches. The band describes them as two different listening experiences built from the same source material.

Founded in 2007, Stick Men grew out of the legendary rhythm section of King Crimson, featuring bassist/Stick player Tony Levin and drummer Pat Mastelotto. Now with touch-guitar innovator and composer Markus Reuter, the trio has cemented their lineup.

Levin, one of the most recorded bass players in music history, famously played with Peter Gabriel and King Crimson, as well as John Lennon, Pink Floyd, and Paul Simon. Mastelotto, for his part, is a premier prog-rock drummer whose roots also lie in King Crimson. He also worked with Mr. Mister. And Reuter, a German composer and multi-instrumentalist, rocks a self-designed 8-String Touch Guitar and actively develops further touch guitars, per the band’s site.

Together, the trio combines Levin’s Chapman Stick, Reuter’s 8-string Touch Guitar, and Mastelotto’s hybrid acoustic-electronic percussion to create an expansive, highly experimental progressive-rock sound.

The Let’s THRAK Again Tour kicks off Sept. 4, running across North America with a heavy focus on the West Coast. Tickets, dates, venues, and albums are all available at stickmen.com.

Related: ’80s Hard Rock Band Adds More Dates to ‘U.S. Reunion Tour,’ Following Talk of Retirement

Nearly five decades after its release, Cheap Trick’s “Surrender” remains one of the band’s best-known songs and a lasting classic rock anthem. 

The song, released in June 1978, first reached No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100, but its long life in movies, television, radio and live shows helped turn it into a much bigger part of rock history.

“Surrender” was the first Cheap Trick single to enter the Billboard Hot 100. It appeared on the band’s third album, Heaven Tonight, as its opening track.

The song is 48 years old this year, yet its chorus, teenage point of view and loud rock sound continue to connect with listeners. Amazon Music included “Surrender” at No. 56 on its list of the “100 Greatest Classic Rock Songs,” placing it among its picks for the best-ever songs in the genre.

American rock group Cheap Trick Robin Zander, drummer Bun E. Carlos, bassist Tom Petersson and guitarist Rick Nielsen posed for a portrait.

Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images

The song’s history also goes back several years before it was officially released.

Cheap Trick was formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973. Before “Surrender” became a recorded classic, the band had already been playing and rehearsing the song.

According to Songfacts, drummer Bun E. Carlos recalled the early days of the track in a Blender interview.

“We had that track back in 1975. We used to rehearse in the basement of Rick [Nielsen]’s dad’s music shop on Seventh Avenue in Rockford, Illinois. As soon as I heard it, I thought it was a really interesting lyric.”

That basement connection gives the song a direct link to Cheap Trick’s Rockford roots. At the time, the band was still building its career and playing venues across the Midwest.

Rick Nielsen, the band’s guitarist and songwriter, had written “Surrender” earlier. He said the song came from thinking about what it was like to be a teenager and how young people often viewed their parents.

Nielsen explained that he had to “go back and put myself in the head of a 14-year-old.”

He also said the song grew from his own experiences and observations of his friends.

“I used to hear my friends saying they thought their parents were strange,” Nielsen said. “The first thing I got was the opening of the chorus: ‘Mommy’s all right, daddy’s all right.’”

According to Nielsen, those words “just rolled off at one sitting.”

The song tells the story of a teenager who believes his parents are strange and overly protective. But the narrator eventually sees them in a different way after discovering that they are listening to his KISS records and “rolling on the couch.”

The KISS reference was also a thank-you to the band for supporting Cheap Trick early in its career. Cheap Trick had opened shows for KISS during the 1977 Love Gun Tour.

“Surrender” did not become Cheap Trick’s biggest chart success when it was first released. Its No. 62 peak on the Billboard Hot 100 was modest compared with the band’s later hits.

“I Want You to Want Me” eventually reached No. 7 in 1979, while “The Flame” reached No. 1 in 1988.

But “Surrender” developed a different kind of success.

Its live version became especially important after appearing on the band’s At Budokan album. The concert recording received major radio play and helped introduce the song to a wider audience.

“The live version of ‘Surrender’ changed things for us,” Nielsen told Guitar Player. “Now we weren’t just an opening band. We were played on the radio all the time. It was tremendously exciting.”

Nielsen also said, “I still love to play the song live. People laugh, they cheer, they sing along. I never get tired of that.”

The song’s reach expanded beyond radio. Its live version appeared in the Detroit Rock City soundtrack, while the studio recording was used in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Daddy Day Care and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. It has also appeared in television shows including Scrubs, Cold Case, Supernatural, South Park, One Tree Hill, New Girl, Californication and Life in Pieces.

Cheap Trick was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. The band has performed thousands of shows and continued making music long after its 1970s beginnings.

Forty-eight years later, “Surrender” remains a major classic rock favorite, showing how a song can grow far beyond its first trip up the charts.

Related: 1965 Classic Rock Song by The Beatles Has the ‘Greatest’ Opening Line

On August 25, Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of Dolly Parton. While the right and the left rarely agree on anything, both sides felt a heartbreaking loss after the sudden, tragic death of the queen of country at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. But now one mayor is facing major backlash for defying the President’s directive.

American flags are lowered to half staff around the Washington Monument in honor of Dolly Parton’s passing on August 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the lowering of flags for one week after Parton died today at the age of 80. (Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images)

Mayor Ken Adams of Olive Branch, Mississippi (a suburb that sits on the Tennessee state line), shared a controversial Facebook post on Friday, August 28, writing, “I want to make something clear about the recent decision to lower the flags for Dolly Parton. First, there is no question that Dolly Parton was a great person. She brought happiness to millions of people and has done tremendous things for others throughout her life. I have nothing but respect for her. My concern is different.”

Adams explained, “I believe lowering the American flag to half-staff should mean something very significant. In my opinion, it should be reserved for our military heroes, fallen first responders, presidents and other major national leaders, or events that have had a tremendous impact on our country.”

The mayor added, “If we lower the flag every time a well-known or beloved person passes away, I believe we eventually lessen the meaning of the gesture.” 

The critique of Trump’s decision didn’t end there. Adams shared his views on government overreach: “I also believe there is a role for local government in these decisions.” He went on to write, “The President can make the decision for the country. The Governor can make the decision for the State of Mississippi. I believe the mayor should have the ability to make a decision for his or her city.”

Even though Adams included, “This isn’t about disrespecting Dolly Parton. It isn’t about politics. And it certainly isn’t about saying she wasn’t a great American,” his statement sparked a fierce backlash. Critics pounced on the post, commenting, “I’d lower it for Dolly before any politician”, “She did more for children than any politician ever has. That should raise her status in your eyes from ‘just celebrity,’” and “Respectfully disagree. You’ve turned something simple, sweet and respectful that nobody would have ever been talking about, into something all about you,” 

Dolly Parton performing. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)

Comment after comment praised the decision to lower the flag to half-staff and paid tribute to Parton: “As a veteran and first responder, I’m 100% ok with lowering the flags for Dolly,” replied one fan, while others wrote, “There’s only one Dolly Parton. She wasn’t just your common ‘celebrity.’ She was the kind of person that everyone should focus on trying to be like,” and “It’s literally a respectful and beautiful gesture to have lthem lowered for Dolly. She was, indeed, no matter how you look at it, a hero to a lot of people.” 

Dolly Parton was laid to rest in a private Nashville burial on August 28, according to her great-niece, Lainey Parton. 

Picking a fragrance is a highly subjective venture. People can react so differently to various smells, but one of the most universally appreciated perfume notes are florals. Not everybody may like the same flowers, but there’s a reason that this type of scent is so enduring.

However, that also means there are a lot of options to sift through. “With so many floral fragrances available today, choosing one can feel overwhelming,” says Zerlina Dubois, Master Perfumer at Osmo, the olfactory technology company.

She and several other fragrance experts spoke to Parade about the best floral perfumes on the market today, and how each one can suit you—whether you’re looking to smell good for a date or add a new everyday fragrance to your getting-ready routine.

Dubois says when she was trained by the well-known perfumer Sophia Grojsman, she was told to “never underestimate the power of florals.” She adds that she was taught that “florals are feminine, joyful, romantic, vibrant and timeless. Always include florals in your fragrances, and people will fall in love with them.”

Patti Kapla, VP of Business Development at Fragrance.com, says that “the right floral is deeply personal,” so she recommends looking at the options on this list as a starting point and always being sure to “test on your own skin before deciding.”

Related: 17 Best Colognes for Your Man, According to Fragrance Experts

Top Floral Perfumes

• Best Floral Perfume Overall: Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum
• Best Rose Perfume: Maison Francis Kurkdjian À La Rose
• Best Jasmine Perfume: Dior J’adore Parfum d’Eau
• Best Light Floral Perfume: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette
• Best Floral Perfume for Everyday Wear: Maya Njie Les Fleurs Eau de Parfum
• Best Floral Perfume for Work: Lancôme Idôle Eau de Parfum
• Best Floral Perfume for Date Night: Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady Parfum
• Best Floral Perfume for Summer: Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Eau de Toilette
• Best Long-Lasting Floral Perfume: Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Nectar Eau de Parfum Intense
• Best Rich Floral Perfume: Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum
• Best Modern Floral Perfume: Le Labo Rose 31 Eau de Parfum

What Makes a Perfume ‘Floral’?

“Perfumery itself was built upon flowers,” says Dubois, adding that scents like rose and lily of valley have been used for centuries, though today modern scents like peony and magnolia are also popular.

Kapla adds that the amount of florals used in a perfume doesn’t necessarily matter, explaining, “Some highlight a single bloom, like rose, while others combine several flowers to create a more layered scent. They can smell fresh and light, rich and sensual, soft and powdery or sweet and romantic.”

She says that floral perfumes make up the largest portion of the fragrance industry.

What are the most popular floral notes in perfume?

Chavalia Mwamba, Principal Perfumer at Pink MahogHany Artisan Fragrances says that some of the most common florals used in perfumes are orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine, magnolia and neroli. Kapla adds that rose, peony, gardenia, freesia and lily of the valley are also popular. “White florals like jasmine, tuberose and gardenia tend to be richer and more dramatic, while peony, freesia and lily of the valley offer a lighter, fresher feel,” she adds.

Related: ‘Better Than Ever’ Beauty Awards: The 65 Best Products for Women 50+ in 2026

How To Choose the Right Floral Perfume for Your Skin Type

Kapla says those with dry skin should lean towards an eau de parfum “and look for richer florals paired with vanilla, amber, musk or woods” for a longer lasting scent.

“If you have oily skin, fragrance often lasts longer naturally, so lighter florals like peony, orange blossom and fresh rose are excellent choices,” she adds.

When choosing a perfume, she recommends testing it on your skin and allowing it to dry for 15 to 30 seconds for the scent to fully develop.

Related: Can’t Tolerate Retinol? Dermatologists Say Bakuchiol Is the Next Best Thing for Mature Skin

11 Best Floral Perfumes To Make a Good First Impression 1. Best Floral Perfume Overall: Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, $105

Amazon

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Kapla says this perfume is “one of today’s most beloved floral fragrances” thanks to its “iconic” blend of scents like rose, jasmine and patchouli.

2. Best Rose Perfume: Maison Francis Kurkdjian À La Rose, $264

Amazon

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Dubois says this is her “top recommendation” for a rose perfume because “it feels like walking through a rose garden on a crisp spring morning.”

She tells Parade it pairs fresh centifolia and damask roses with bergamot, violet, cedar and musks for “one of the most luminous and beautifully balanced rose fragrances ever composed.”

3. Best Jasmine Perfume: Dior J’adore Parfum d’Eau, $115

Amazon

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Kapla says this alcohol-free spray “feels light and luminous” thanks to its combination of white florals “centered on jasmine sambac, with magnolia, neroli, honeysuckle and rose.”

4. Best Light Floral Perfume: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette, $129

Sephora

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Kapla calls this perfume “bright, cheerful and airy” thanks to its blend of fruits like pear and raspberry with florals like rose, violet and jasmine.

5. Best Floral Perfume for Everyday Wear: Maya Njie Les Fleurs Eau de Parfum, $156

Maya Njie

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“Les Fleurs is an easy wear and plays on greenery and florals quite nicely,” says Mwamba, adding, “It’s noticeable but with an airiness they lifts off skin for several hours.”

6. Best Floral Perfume for Work: Lancôme Idôle Eau de Parfum, $128

Amazon

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Kapla says this blend of rose, jasmine and white musk is “clean” and “contemporary,” making it “polished enough for the office yet beautiful for everyday wear.”

7. Best Floral Perfume for Date Night: Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady Parfum, $295

Bloomingdale's

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“Portrait of a Lady is a mature, bold rose that’s classy yet sensual,” says Mwamba. She adds, “It’s a teaser that tantalizes and draws your date in closer as you bond over a five-star restaurant meal.”

8. Best Floral Perfume for Summer: Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Eau de Toilette, $89

Amazon

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“[This perfume is] a sunny blend of ylang-ylang, coconut milk, bergamot and musk that captures the feeling of a warm day at the beach,” says Kapla.

9. Best Long-Lasting Floral Perfume: Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Nectar Eau de Parfum Intense, $187

Sephora

Shop It at Sephora

Kapla says this is “a richer version of the original, featuring jasmine, orange blossom, tonka bean, vanilla and patchouli for impressive longevity.”

10. Best Rich Floral Perfume: Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum, $110

Sephora

Shop It at Sephora

Kapla says this Gucci classic is “rich, elegant and beautifully feminine” with a blend of florals like jasmine, tuberose and rangoon creeper.

11. Best Modern Floral Perfume: Le Labo Rose 31 Eau de Parfum, $113

Le Labo

Shop It at Le Labo

Dubois says this is “one of the fragrances that redefined modern rose.” She adds that it has notes of cedar, cumin and musk, “while the rose adds elegance and warmth.”

Related: This Is the Most Expensive Perfume in the World (and Its $32 Affordable Dupe), According to a Fragrance Expert

How Long Do Floral Perfumes Last?

“Longevity depends on concentration, ingredients and individual skin chemistry,” says Kapla. She highlights the different formulations of perfumes, saying that an eau de cologne lasts around two to three hours, an eau de toilette around three to five and an eau de parfum around five to eight hours.

“Fresh florals often wear lighter because they are commonly paired with citrus or green notes,” she says, adding, “Richer florals blended with amber, woods, vanilla or musk generally last longer.”

How to make perfume last longer

Kapla says you can extend your perfume’s longevity if you apply it to moisturized skin and avoid rubbing your wrists together after application. “Spray pulse points such as your wrists, neck and behind your ears,” she says, adding that you can also spray your hair or clothes.

She recommends storing your bottles away from heat, humidity and sunlight to keep the perfume in better condition.

Up Next:

Related: 11 Autumn Perfumes Women Over 50 Get the Most Compliments On, According to a Fragrance Expert

Sources:

• Zerlina Dubois, Master Perfumer at Osmo, the olfactory technology company
• Patti Kapla, VP of Business Development at Fragrance.com
• Chavalia Mwamba, Principal Perfumer at Pink MahogHany Artisan Fragrances

If you’ve been snacking in moderation all summer, you deserve a little indulgence going into fall. Thankfully, Sam’s Club just stocked the perfect seasonal treat to kick off the coziest time of year on the right foot: Member’s Mark 20-Count Fall Assorted Donut Tray.

Popping up in warehouse bakeries in select locations now, this decadent autumnal assortment offers plenty of ways to enjoy a quick snack, all while retailing for a cool $17.64. Whether you’re on snack duty for the office holiday party or need something you and the family can enjoy throughout the week, this is one seasonal assortment you’ll want to get your hands on fast.

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Member’s Mark 20-Count Fall Assorted Donut Tray, $17.64 at Sam’s Club @samsclubfavorites

🍩 This donut tray is NEW at Sam’s Club and it’s full of delicious fall flavors! It includes 20 donuts covered in seasonal toppings like orange icing, caramel custard crunch, cinnamon powdered sugar, maple crunch, and chocolate iced. 🤤 Every flavor is made without artificial colors or flavors, so you get that fall taste without the extra stuff! 🍂 ($17.64) #samsclub #samsclubfinds

♬ original sound – Sam’s Club Favorites

Spotted by @samsclubfavorites and quickly shared online to spread the news, Member’s Mark 20-Count Fall Assorted Donut Tray couldn’t have arrived at a more opportune time. As we close out a summer full of bright, citrusy, tropical flavors, this delicious assortment comes in hot with a satisfying balance of rich, decadent autumn notes that work wonderfully with your favorite cup of coffee or hot cocoa.

Located in the club’s bakery department, the donuts come in a party-ready, resealable plastic tray with five flavors, including Orange Iced, Caramel Custard Crunch, Cinnamon Powdered Sugar, Maple Crunch and Chocolate Iced. Best of all, each donut in the mix is baked fresh daily with a soft, fluffy texture and plenty of tasty toppings to elevate each bite.

Related: Costco’s ‘Delicious’ $17 Find Is the Perfect Cream-Filled Treat

Classic Fall Flavors in One Sweet Package

So exactly what constitutes each tasty fall flavor? The Orange Iced variety comes with orange icing and black, orange and yellow sprinkles, while Caramel Custard Crunch features white icing, crumble topping, an orange icing drizzle and a caramel-custard filling.

Cinnamon Powdered Sugar, on the other hand, is coated in powdered sugar with a cinnamon filling, while Maple Crunch combines maple icing, crumble topping and a sweet chocolate drizzle. Lastly, Chocolate Iced rounds things out with a classic chocolate icing top and Halloween-ready orange sprinkles.

If you’re eyeing a tray for yourself or your next fall gathering, keep in mind that these donuts are so new they’ve yet to pop up on the Sam’s Club website. So if they aren’t available at your local club just yet, you might need to do a little legwork to track them down. Otherwise, get ready to be the star of the party when you bring them along. With summer nearly in the rearview, you can bet everyone else is already craving this new, flavorful lineup.

Related: Fast-Food Fans Have Spoken: This Chain Still Has America’s Best French Fries

There are certain food combinations that you see online and immediately know you need to try, and the viral blueberry grilled cheese was one of those for me.

I kept seeing versions of this sweet-and-savory sandwich pop up on social media, and all I could think was: Isn’t this basically all the goodness of a grazing table or charcuterie board, but stuffed between two pieces of buttery, toasted bread? Fruit and cheese? Check. Creamy Brie? Check. Something sweet and jammy? Check. Add crispy bread and suddenly we have lunch.

I found a version from TikTok creator @cookinwithmegg that paired blueberries with Brie and mozzarella, and I knew this was the one I wanted to try.

This also ended up being a really fun recipe to make with my kids. We made our own simple blueberry jam for the filling, which made the whole thing feel like more of a cooking project than just assembling sandwiches. They got to help turn fresh blueberries into jam and, maybe even more importantly, try a couple of cheeses they don’t normally reach for.

Once we had our blueberry mixture ready, we layered it with Brie and mozzarella, sandwiched everything between bread and grilled it until the outside was golden and crunchy and the cheeses were completely melted.

Was it messy? Absolutely. Was that potentially because I got a little overenthusiastic with the homemade blueberry jam? Also absolutely.

But this is one trending recipe I had to see to believe.

Related: 37 Perfect Peach Recipes for Summer, From Crisp to Cobbler and Everything in Between

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The Viral Trend: Why Put Blueberries in a Grilled Cheese?

Putting fruit in a grilled cheese isn’t that strange. Fruit and cheese have been paired together forever. We put strawberries and goat cheese in salads, apples and cheddar on cheese boards and figs alongside Brie on appetizer platters. So why not give that classic sweet-and-savory combination some main-meal energy? And that’s essentially what this recipe is all about.

Blueberries are a great fruit for this concept because they bring sweetness but also a little tartness, which helps cut through the richness of the cheese and butter. Brie is creamy, buttery and mild, so it doesn’t overpower the berries.

@cookinwithmegg

This thang was bussssinnnn lol #blueberrygrilledcheese #grilledcheese #sweetandsavory #food

♬ Superman x Hangin On XOsammy Mix – XOsammy

And if you love a sweet and savory grilled cheese trend, there are plenty of ways to play around with the combination. A drizzle of honey can make it sweeter, while balsamic adds acidity and depth. A blueberry balsamic grilled cheese with a sharp cheese would be especially good.

If you already happily put fruit preserves next to the cheese on a charcuterie board, you’re probably going to understand this sandwich immediately.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The Taste Test: I Tried the Blueberry Grilled Cheese

Spoiler: We will be making this again.

Our blueberry Brie grilled cheese was sweet, savory, buttery, crunchy and incredibly satisfying. The Brie and mozzarella became super melty, while the blueberry jam gave you that sweet-tart fruitiness in almost every bite.

It was also a little messy.

I am willing to accept some responsibility for that one because I may have gotten carried away with our delicious homemade blueberry jam. When you’re working with melted cheese and warm jam, a little restraint goes a long way if you’d like to keep everything inside the sandwich.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The biggest surprise for me was how much I liked the concept beyond this specific recipe. I don’t think I would necessarily make homemade blueberry jam every time. If I wanted this for a quick lunch, I’d happily pull whatever jam or preserves I already had in the refrigerator and experiment.

That might actually be my favorite takeaway from trying blueberry grilled cheese: Once you know the formula works, there are so many combinations you could make.

Related: 31 Types of Cheese To Add to Your Next Charcuterie Board

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The Best Cheeses To Pair With Blueberries

The original video called for Brie and mozzarella, so that’s what we used, and they worked really well together.

Brie is an obvious contender for the best cheese for blueberries because its creamy, buttery flavor is mild enough to let the fruit shine. Mozzarella doesn’t add a huge amount of flavor, but it gives you that stretchy, gooey cheese pull you want from a grilled cheese. Both are also great melting cheeses, so our sandwich cooked beautifully.

But I wouldn’t stop there. A sharp cheddar would be delicious with blueberries because you’d get an even bigger salty, sharp and sweet contrast. Goat cheese would be another natural pairing if you like a tangier flavor, although I’d combine it with a good melting cheese rather than use it alone.

The easiest way to think about it is the same way you’d build a cheese board: If you’d happily eat that cheese with fruit or preserves, there’s a pretty good chance it’ll work here.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

How To Make a Blueberry Grilled Cheese

To make a fruit grilled cheese, start with sturdy slices of bread that can hold up to both melted cheese and a juicy fruit filling.

For our version, we made a quick homemade blueberry jam by cooking down blueberries until they became soft, juicy and spreadable. If you want to simplify things, you could use prepared blueberry jam or preserves instead.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Slice the Brie thinly so it melts evenly. There’s no need to remove the rind unless you prefer it that way.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Layer Brie, a reasonable amount of blueberry jam and mozzarella between two slices of bread.

Butter the outsides of the bread, then place the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, keeping the heat relatively low so you don’t end up with beautifully toasted bread and cold cheese in the middle.

Pro tip: cover it with a lid so the cheese melts and your bread doesn’t burn.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Let it sit for a minute before cutting into it, especially if you ignored my advice and loaded yours up with blueberry jam like I did.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Then slice, embrace the inevitable cheese-and-blueberry pull and eat it while it’s warm.

This blueberry grilled cheese definitely earns a spot in the “sounds a little weird, tastes completely right” category of viral recipes. And next time I’m in the mood for my favorite sandwich, I’m raiding my jam drawer and seeing what other fruit-and-cheese combinations we can turn into a hot sandwich.

The blueberry grilled cheese is proof that sometimes the viral recipes that sound a little strange end up being the ones worth repeating.

Sweet, savory, buttery and perfectly melty, this one was a hit with all of us, and now that I know fruit absolutely belongs in grilled cheese, I’m already thinking about which jam-and-cheese combination we should try next.

Up Next:

Related: I Tried the Viral Bell Pepper Sandwich and It’s the Crunchy Lunch I Didn’t Know I Needed

Bill Maher is facing swift backlash after using his first “Real Time” monologue since Dolly Parton’s death to joke about her physical appearance rather than deliver a straightforward tribute.

Maher argued that coverage of Parton’s death had crowded out other major news stories this week, including catastrophic flooding in Nepal and President Trump’s trade war with Canada. He then pivoted into a joke referencing tributes lighting up landmarks around the world in Parton’s honor, noting the Santa Monica ferris wheel lit up with hearts and the Empire State Building glowing pink, before quipping, “The Sphere in Las Vegas added a nipple.”

The joke leaned on Parton’s own long-running humor about her figure. She’d spent decades making similar jokes herself, once saying her look had “served her well” over the years and joking that she’d had things “jacked up a bit” as time went on. During a 2014 performance at Glastonbury, she famously told the crowd, “My boobs are fake, my hair’s fake, but what is real is my voice” and her heart.

Critics were quick to argue that Maher’s version of the joke landed very differently coming from someone else, just days after her death, rather than from Parton poking fun at herself. Rosie O’Donnell reacted to the clip on Threads with a single word: “heartless.” The progressive outlet the Tennessee Holler was more direct, posting on X that Maher was “an absolute asshole.”

Other users online pointed out that even politically polarizing figures managed warmer tributes, with one writing, “Even Trump refused to be shitty about Dolly Parton in her passing,” referencing Trump’s own Truth Social post calling Parton irreplaceable, saying “there has never been anyone like her, and never will.”

As of now, Maher hasn’t publicly responded to the criticism or addressed the backlash beyond the original monologue itself.