Parade

Gillian Flynn is best known for her iconic novel, Gone Girl. However, all of her books are highly rated with huge, unexpected twists. The Grownup, which was originally published as What Do You Do? in an anthology called Rogues, is one of her lesser-known works. It tells the tale of a con artist who is working as a fortune teller.

The story, which won the 2015 Edgar Award for Best Short Story, has since been published as a stand-alone book. Since it is such a quick read with only 64 pages, it recently made BuzzFeed’s list of best “Short Books You Can Finish In Basically One Sitting.”

Stephen King has also recommended the book on his social media, saying, “A short read, but well worth your time. It’s nasty, it’s funny, and has more twists than a corkscrew. I really enjoyed it.”

Related: 2006 Novel Turned Into an HBO Series Tops the List of ‘100 Thrillers To Read in a Lifetime’

In a 2015 interview with NPR, Flynn spoke about the book. “I wouldn't call it a classic haunted house story," she said. "But I do love a good haunted house story. I was a kid who grew up, you know, Turn Of The Screw and The Haunting. And, you know, it sort of starts out as a tale of a grifter and then quickly turns into a much more gothic feel.”

She continued to speak about how not knowing ‘where the source of evil lurks’ is the most frightening part of any story. “That's the case with all good haunted house stories, right?” she said. “Where does the evil really lie? Is it in your mind? Is it with others? Is it in a certain place? And I would sort of say that, you know, all three of my novels have, in a way, been haunted house stories. They've all dealt with the danger that is inside the house, the domesticity, your family members or your loved ones. That idea that in the place that you're supposed to be the safest, you are least safe. And that's always frightened me much more than the serial killer roaming the streets out there.”

If you’ve been looking for a sign to finally start "romanticizing" your summer travel plans, this is it. CALPAK officially launched its highly anticipated Summer Collection, and it is every bit the dreamy, warm-weather aesthetic your Instagram feed—and your overpacked Euro summer itinerary—has been waiting for.

The seasonal drop features a fresh wave of colorways that feel like a vacation in themselves: soft Shell Pink, cool Sea Glass, metallic Moonbeam and a crisp Celadon. But the biggest headline for long-time fans of the brand is the return of Glazed Dark Cherry. This rich, high-shine red became an instant "it-color" and sold out almost immediately in previous launches. If you missed it the first time, mark your calendars: it’s coming back for a limited-time engagement on May 20.

View this post on Instagram

Related: I Stress-Tested the 5 Most Viral Carry-Ons for Six Months—Here's My Honest Verdict

While the new colors are dressing up CALPAK’s most-loved icons—like the sleek Ambeur Luggage and those viral Clear Cosmetics Cases—the collection also introduces a brand-new tool for the organizationally challenged.

The Terra 5 Piece Packing Cube Set ($78)is making its debut, designed to turn a chaotic suitcase into a masterclass in efficiency. Made from lightweight ripstop material, the set includes various cube sizes and a dedicated laundry pouch (essential for keeping your "worn once to dinner" outfits away from your fresh linens). With breathable mesh panels and a water-resistant finish, they are a practical upgrade for anyone attempting the "carry-on only" challenge this season.

Related: I Traveled the World for 2 Years With This Backpack and It Still Looks Brand New

Whether you’re eyeing the utilitarian Terra Collection for a rugged mountain getaway or want to make a statement at the airport with a metallic Moonbeam spinner, the collection is live now. Just remember to move fast if you have your heart set on that Glazed Dark Cherry—if history is any indication, it won't be staying in stock for long.

Related: 8 Carry-On Essentials Every Senior Traveler Needs

The 1959 classic movie starring Marilyn Monroe was named among the best comedy films, but behind its box office status, it sparked controversy across the United States.

American Film Institute (AFI) unveiled the top 100 “Greatest Comedy Movies of All Time” with Some Like It Hot landing at No.1.

Helmed by Billy Wilder, one of the most influential writer-directors of classical Hollywood cinema, was a crime comedy film that featured a unique twist on usual comedy movies.

Apart from the intriguing storyline, it also featured a star-studded ensemble with A-listers Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon joining Marilyn Monroe, showcasing unforgettable performances.

Set in the late 1920s, Some Like It Hot focuses on two struggling male Chicago jazz musicians who disguise themselves as women in an attempt to escape the ruthless mob.

Using their new aliases, Josephine and Daphne, played by Curtis and Lemmon, they joined an all-female band led by Sugar Kane Kowalczyk, portrayed by Monroe.

Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon on the set of 'Some like It Hot', by Billy Wilder.

Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Despite the modest production budget of around $2.8 million, Some Like It Hot became a huge hit upon its theatrical release.

With its blockbuster success, the film earned more than $7 million in its first year, making it the third highest-grossing movie of 1959 and the highest-grossing comedy film of its time.

From its box office influence, the Monroe-led movie scored multiple nods at various award-giving bodies. This includes six nominations at the 32nd Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Actor (Jack Lemmon), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography (Black-and-White) and Best Art Direction/Set Decoration, and it was able to take home the award for Best Costume Design.

Adding to its list of accolades, the movie won three Golden Globe Awards in 1960, including Best Motion Picture in Musical or Comedy, Best Actress for Musical or Comedy, awarded to Monroe, and Best Actor in Musical or Comedy, won by Lemmon.

However, behind the film’s success came an unexpected setback, as the award-winning movie was banned across three U.S. states.

In the 1950s, film censorship was incredibly strict and had extreme limitations, among them the cross-dressing element showcased in Some Like It Hot’s premise.

At that time, Kansas, Memphis and Tennessee banned the film from premiering in their states. Kansas even claimed that the movie was "too disturbing” for its people.

Despite the controversy it faced, Some Like It Hot has consistently topped critics' polls as the funniest movie of all time, cementing its legendary status as one of the greatest comedy films in cinematic history.

Related: 1973 Hit Horror Film, Whose Production Nearly Killed a ’70s Icon, Ranked Among Best Movies of All Time

M&M's is bringing back a summer special—and it's even more meaningful this year.

The Mars Inc. brand of candy-coated chocolates knows its way around the seasonal aisle, offering quarterly exclusives that tap into the vibes—and sometimes flavors—trending that time of year. This time is no different.

As companies like Betty Crocker, Haribo, Lay's, Pillsbury, Pop-Tarts, Powerade and even Yankee Candle tap into the fervor of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and 250th celebration of Independence Day, the chocolate brand is getting in on the fun and making its festive Red, White & Blue M&M's available once again this year.

M&M's Red, White and Blue Mix Is Back Just in Time to Commemorate America250

The returning item features M&M's in a patriotic mix of red, white and blue shells, as its name suggests. The mixes are available across several M&M's varieties, including its original Milk Chocolate M&M's, Peanut Butter M&M's, and Peanut M&M's.

Related: A Seasonal M&M’s Flavor That Fans ‘Can’t Stop Eating’ Is Back—But Only at Target

The summery colorway is offered in the recognizable Share Size (starting at $4.99), bulk 2-pound bags ($44.99), as individually wrapped party favors ($2.25 each), and in more festive, fireworks-inspired 10-ounce packaging with "USA" across the front.

View this post on Instagram Where Are the Red, White and Blue M&M's Mixes Available?

Red, White and Blue M&M's are currently available online via the official M&M's website as well as Amazon. The limited-edition mixes are also expected to be stocked at major retailers like Stop & Shop, Target and Walmart in the coming weeks, if not already (prices may vary).

Next: Twix and Skittles Tease 2 ‘Hauntingly Fun’ Fall Candy Drops

Most people don't think of Star Trek as a horror franchise. They think of it as optimistic science fiction, full of diplomacy, exploration, and the belief that humanity will eventually figure things out. That reputation is largely deserved, but almost entirely incomplete. Across nearly 1,000 television episodes spanning 60 years, the franchise has produced some of the most genuinely terrifying hours in science fiction television history. Here are the best of them.

10. 'Wolf in the Fold' — The Original Series, Season 2
Written by Robert Bloch, the author whose 1959 novel PsychoAlfred Hitchcock adapted for the screen, this episode follows Scotty as he becomes the prime suspect in a series of murders on a pleasure planet. The real culprit is an incorporeal entity that feeds on fear and one that, the episode eventually reveals, was also Jack the Ripper. It's been called the 'scariest episode of the original series' with a Gothic atmosphere that holds up across six decades.

9. 'Catspaw' — The Original Series, Season 2
Another Bloch-penned entry, this one leaning directly into Halloween iconography: black cats, skeletons, witches, a haunted castle on an alien planet. It's campy by modern standards, but it remains the original series' most overt attempt to make the audience genuinely uncomfortable.

8. 'Genesis' — The Next Generation, Season 7
A pathogen spreads through the Enterprise crew and begins de-evolving the crew members into their prehistoric ancestors. Worf transforms into a spined, Predator-like creature. Picard de-evolves into a primate. Data is unaffected and must save the ship alone. MovieWeb ranks it among the most 'disturbing Trek episodes ever', and the image of a fully de-evolved Worf stalking the corridors is hard to shake.

7. 'Conspiracy' — The Next Generation, Season 1
Picard discovers that parasitic alien creatures have infiltrated the upper ranks of Starfleet, taking control of commanding officers from the inside. The episode climaxes in a scene that remains, to this day, perhaps the single most graphically violent moment in franchise history. It's been called a genuine piece of Cronenbergian body horror.

6. 'Empok Nor' — Deep Space Nine, Season 5
Written by future Hannibalshowrunner Bryan Fuller, this episode strands Miles O'Brien and a salvage team on an abandoned Cardassian space station that is very much not empty. SlashFilm calls it Trek's purest execution of the haunted house format, a self-contained slasher episode that functions as a miniature horror film.

5. 'The Thaw' — Voyager, Season 2
The Voyager crew discovers colonists in artificial hibernation, trapped inside a computer-generated environment controlled by a single entity: Fear itself, manifested as a malevolent electronic clown played by Michael McKean. It is one of the stranger hours in franchise history and one of the most unsettling.

4. 'All Those Who Wander' — Strange New Worlds, Season 1 |
The newest entry on this list and among the most deliberately frightening. The Enterprise crew investigates a crashed ship and discovers Gorn hatchlings which, in Strange New Worlds, are not the lumbering lizard men of the original series but fast, vicious, chest-bursting predators that drew directly from Alien, Ridley Scott's horror template and made no effort to hide it. It worked.

Related: Star Trek Legend Weighs in on AI: 'Evolve or Die'

3. 'Schisms' — The Next Generation, Season 6
Crew members on the Enterprise begin suffering sleep deprivation and vague, unshakeable dread. Under hypnosis, they reconstruct fragmented memories of a cold metal table and alien hands working in the dark. Screen Rant calls it the single scariest episode in franchise history, and the alien abduction horror it deploys is all the more effective for how long the episode withholds showing the creatures responsible.

2. 'Q Who' — The Next Generation, Season 2
The first appearance of the Borg. Q launches the Enterprise into deep space and the crew encounters a species that destroys entire civilizations not out of malice but purely out of hunger. The buildup is exquisite with barren planets, stripped clean, as the crew realizes that what left them that way is an existential threat in the true sense of 'cosmic horror.'

1. 'Best of Both Worlds' — The Next Generation, Seasons 3–4
Technically two episodes, and impossible to separate. The Borg return and assimilate Captain Picard, transforming him into Locutus and using him to nearly destroy Starfleet at the Battle of Wolf 359. It's the franchise's greatest cliffhanger and one of the finest horror achievements in science fiction television history. The image of Patrick Stewart in Borg implants, announcing the Federation's imminent destruction in a flat monotone, is as frightening as this franchise gets. And everyone had to wait until the next season to find out how Riker's attempted destruction of Picard would turn out.

Which Trek episodes do you think were scariest?

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

At 9:58 P.M. on Friday, May 16, 1986, a plot twist played out on one of television's most popular dramas that would leave viewers stunned, some claiming it jumped the shark, but ultimately it did its job and kept everyone talking, as one of television's most beloved characters was seen simply taking a shower.

Previously, in 1985, viewers watched as Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) was killed off during the season 8 finale of the primetime hit soap opera Dallas.

Duffy explained that after 8 years, he was ready to leave the series and diversify his career. Only, there wasn’t a ton of work headed his way. The actor later explained he filmed a movie of the week, some commercials, and traveled, but everything changed when he got a phone call from his former co-star, Larry Hagman.

“I knew exactly what he wanted to talk about,” Duffy shared with The Television Academy. “I turned to my wife at the time and said, ‘They're going to ask me to come back on the show,’” and that is exactly what transpired.

The conversation, Duffy shared, was brief. “Well, first we got drunk,” he jokingly added, but all Hagman said was, "Damn it, come on back." To which he simply said, “Okay,” and the rest was history.

Thus, with Duffy on board to return, showrunner Leonard Katzman was hired to return to the series and bring it back to its former glory. Thus, the plan was devised to bring Bobby back from the dead.

In a last-minute scene added to the Season 9 finale, Bobby’s wife, Pamela Barnes Ewing (Victoria Principal), woke up from her dream and went to the shower. She opened the door, and there was her husband, Bobby, taking a shower.

🚿On May 16, 1986, Bobby Ewing was revealed to be alive and showering in his ex-wife Pam's bathroom in the season nine finale of the CBS series, 'Dallas' pic.twitter.com/yvY0IlyL0E

— RetroNewsNow (@RetroNewsNow) May 16, 2026

Viewers were shocked. How had Bobby survived? What was he doing in the shower? What did this mean? With this happening in the final seconds of the season 9 finale, viewers had to wait all summer for their answer.

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

When Dallas finally returned, viewers found out that everything that had occurred from just prior to Bobby’s death until his return in the shower had all been a part of Pam’s nightmare, and in reality, none of the events of the previous season had actually taken place.

On the one hand, this event served as a creative reboot for the series, allowing it to pivot storylines and fix mistakes made by previous regimes. On the other hand, it caused distrust among viewers.

Duffy revealed, “Some of the fanbase were not upset that I was coming back, but rather that they felt shortchanged by having invested a year [that was erased].”

Things were even more complicated when viewers also watched the Dallas spinoff series Knots Landing. Following Bobby’s death, his older brother Gary named one of his children after his deceased brother, so from that point forward, the shows existed in separate universes and the crossovers that had occurred previously ceased to exist going forward.

Though some may consider it the jump-the-shark moment, Dallas would go on to air for an additional five years and over 120 more episodes, with Duffy remaining in place until the very end.

Reflecting on the plot twist, one fan wrote on X, "Criticize this all you want, we’re still talking about it 40 years later. Incredible finale, incredible comeback."

A second pointed out that while it may have been a far-fetched plot line, it led to one of the best seasons of the show, writing, "Jumped the shark moment? Maybe. But the following season was probably the best since the first four seasons."

Following the cancelation of Dallas, Duffy would appear on the sitcomStep By Step, as well as soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful, before reprising his role as Bobby once again for the Dallas reboot on TNT for three additional seasons.

Dallas is available for purchase on VOD platforms.

In May, 37 years ago, The Doobie Brothers released their hit single, “The Doctor.” It was one of the tunes on their 1989 album, Cycles. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard mainstream rock chart and No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song is about the band's love for music. It has lyrics like: “From coast to coast, there's a question everybody's always asking me. People wanna know, everywhere I go, what can the answer be? I tell them music is the doctor, makes you feel like you want to, like I don't listen to the doctor, just like you ought to. Music is the doctor of my soul.”

As one fan on YouTube said, “If you weren't around when this song came out, it was everywhere in the summer of 1989.” Another said, “This video clearly shows what a fantastic group The Doobie Brothers are. Every band member is smiling and having a blast. You never see videos like this anymore. Thank you for providing us decades of great music!”

The Doobie Brothers, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, are still actively touring to this day. The current members include Tom Johnston (77), Patrick Simmons (77), Michael McDonald (74), and John McFee (75).

When asked about the band’s longevity in a 2025 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Johnston said, “Boy, I don’t know. That’s not a planned thing. Once again, it just happens. You don’t make a plan to be doing this if you’re sitting in your 20s, thinking, ‘Well, what are we going to do in 50 years?’ Well, nobody knows.”

Related: 1969 Iconic Folk Rock Song Was Inspired by One of the Greatest Films of All Time

Simmons added, “I will say this, and I believe this wholeheartedly, that whether it’s a band or you’re on your own or whatever you’re doing, you have to have a passion for it. You have to love what you’re doing. And I suspect a lot of folks, they kind of got into it for fame and fortune. That only lasts so long, and then pretty soon, you’re back to, OK, I got to write a good song. We’re not playing Madison Square Garden, we’re playing auditorium theaters. We’re not playing for 20,000, we’re playing for a thousand people.”

The Doobie Brothers are touring through the United States this summer.

Clay Aiken became a household name during season two of American Idol back in 2003. He recently appeared on the competition show again during the season 24 finale, performing his new single, “Rewind.”

When speaking with Insider TV, he discussed the criticism that the judges gave him during his original audition when he was only 24. “He said I was ugly,” the star said about Simon Cowell. “Go look it up. It's in there. You can watch the footage.”

He continued, “Simon came from a world where it was all about the image, not necessarily looks. It was all about the image. In my audition, he said that I didn’t look like a pop star, but that I had a great voice. I think there was an interesting quandary about whether or not America was going to vote for the best singers or are they going to vote for the people who look like pop stars.”

He went on, “So, if you looked at [Season 2’s] Top 12, you know Carmen Rasmusen – gorgeous! Trenyce, gorgeous! Kimberly Caldwell, gorgeous! And then you had me, and well, Ruben, who was a big guy.”

Related: Season 1 ‘American Idol’ Star Splits From Wife After 15 Years of Marriage

Although Cowell was harsh with Aiken, the singer only had kind words to say about the judge. “We'd get to see [Simon] after someone got cut,” he said. “He'd come back and give a hug and say goodbye. [The judges] were all always very warm. [Simon] was very supportive of people.”

He continued, “[Simon] said what he really felt, but that's why he's a TV genius, right? He knows how to make TV and he knew exactly what was necessary in terms of pushing buttons like nobody's business.”

Aiken, who is now 47, is hoping to go on tour again soon. His new single was the first that he has released in 18 years.

“I am hoping to be able to tour,” he said. “It would be lovely. We’ll see how it goes. My kid is old enough, now. He’s almost 18. In the early days of my career, the label gave me what songs to sing. They told me what concept to have on an album. I had to do an album of covers. I had to do an album of 50s and 60s songs. I didn’t get the opportunity to choose stuff. I was kind of waiting for something to just jump out at me like ‘Rewind’ has. I just knew immediately that this is not only a killer song, but it’s about the urge for nostalgia. The need to remember better times.”

If you’ve been waiting for the "happiest" makeover in Hollywood Studios, it’s officially time to warm up your air guitars. As of May 26, the iconic Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster will officially trade the Aerosmith vibes for a full-blown Muppet takeover. But while the Electric Mayhem is technically headlining, the real star of the show is a certain clipboard-carrying gofer who finally gets his moment in the spotlight.

In a move that’s delighting long-time Muppet fans, Disney has revealed that Scooter is the focal point of the reimagined attraction. According to the Disney Parks Blog, guests will encounter the "first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Scooter," a character brought to life using cutting-edge motion-capture technology. This isn't just a static figure; Imagineers tracked the actual performance of the Muppet to ensure the animatronic "looks, moves and emotes exactly like Scooter should."

Disney Parks Blog

Related: Disney Hotel Guests Get First Dibs on the New Muppet Roller Coaster

View this post on Instagram

The story drops you right into the middle of a high-velocity crisis at G-Force Records (which, in a clever nod to Jim Henson lore, is now managed by Scooter’s uncle, J.P. Grosse). The Electric Mayhem—Dr. Teeth, Animal, Janice and the gang—are busy rehearsing "Can You Picture That?" while a restless crowd waits across town.

Per the Disney Parks Blog, Scooter is "doing his best to convince The Electric Mayhem to stop jamming and get to their increasingly restless fans." Naturally, the only solution is to board a Muppet Labs-enhanced L.I.M.O. and blast through the alleyways of Hollywood.

The music has received a massive glow-up as well. The new setlist features Electric Mayhem covers of rock classics like "Born to Be Wild" and "Song 2," including high-profile collaborations with stars like Kelly Clarkson and Def Leppard. Keep your eyes peeled in the queue, too; the label’s "VIP list" includes cameos from everyone from "Weird Al" Yankovic to Travis Barker.

Related: Fans Notice Massive Change For Disney World's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

Once you’ve survived the 0-to-60 launch, the experience continues in the courtyard at the brilliantly named FØØD by Swedish Chef. If you’re looking for a smarter way to navigate the inevitable opening-month crowds, keep an eye out for upcoming Disney Vacation Club and Annual Passholder preview dates. It’s a nostalgic, high-energy remix that proves everything is just a little bit better when there are penguins in the recording booth.

Related: Dave Matthews Band Just Played a Secret Gig at Disney World’s Cinderella Castle—See the Video

When looking for a new home in retirement, there are a few boxes you absolutely want checked. And while affordability and walkability are usually up towards the top of the list, access to good healthcare is always in the mix. This is because many retirees find their healthcare needs increase as they age, and they often spend more time at the doctor's than they did in their working days.

Well, one state that has long been considered a dream retirement destination may turn out to be a nightmare for some residents, as it reports an unusually high number of malpractice claims each year. In fact, this state ranks second in the country for these types of claims, and the number of complaints seems to be growing each year...right along with the population of retirees.

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

Florida Ranks Second in Malpractice Claims

The Sunshine State is known for its beautiful beaches, varied wildlife, and tax-friendly laws. That last one is also one of the things that make Florida very popular with retirees. As such, the state leads the country in the number of active retirement communities, with 673 more than any other state, according to research from The Schiller Kessler Group.

Related: This Illinois City Was Named the Best Retirement Destination for Great Healthcare (And No, It’s Not Chicago)

But Florida may be hiding a less alluring detail as well: the state ranks second in paid malpractice claims. According to the research, the state has had 5,875 reports from 2021 to 2025, totaling in $1.92 billion in payouts. In short, Florida patients say their doctors are making mistakes, and healthcare providers are paying up as a result.

What Florida's Malpractice Rate Means for Seniors

It's no secret that Florida is the number one destination for retirees, and it doesn't seem like that is going to change anytime. That may mean greater strain on the state's healthcare system, which could worry those considering moving to the state.

For example, the Schiller Kessler Group says that Florida's 65 and older population is likely to grow by about 2.7 million people by 2030, accounting for around 25 percent of the state's entire population.

Related: 3 Worst States To Retire In If You Plan On Living On Social Security Alone

"More retirees mean more patients—specifically, more vulnerable patients who require complex, high-stakes care," an email about the report that was sent to Parade said. "And over 20 percent of Medicare patients report experiencing malpractice in nursing home settings. The pressure on Florida's healthcare infrastructure will rise in direct proportion to the population it serves."

While this may not be enough to cause you to change your mind about moving to Florida in retirement, it should be enough to make you carefully consider the medical professionals you hire once you arrive. You can find out more by visiting the Florida Department of Health website, which allows people to search for "Discipline and Administration Actions."

While finding a provider on that list doesn't necessarily mean they did anything wrong, it could uncover a pattern for some providers that is worth considering before you elect them as your new primary caregiver or specialist.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

One of ABBA’smost popular songs, selling more than six million copies after its release in 1976, was originally called "Tango." The best-seller was first released as a solo single for Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad, one-fourth of ABBA. The song was later re-recorded and released on the band’s 1976 album Arrival. One of ABBA’s defining songs, it continues to be used in movies, tribute tours, and social media trends today.

Originally titled "Tango," "Fernando" became one of ABBA’s most beloved songs. Its blend of soft pop melodies and nostalgic storytelling, set against the backdrop of the band’s signature harmonies, helped cement its status as one of the group’s greatest hits. On May 17, 1976, "Fernando" became a No. 1 hit and helped catapult ABBA to international stardom.

@abba

”There was something in the air that night” ✨ #ABBA #Fernando

♬ Fernando - ABBA

Related: John Fogerty, 80, Finally Reveals the Surprising Inspiration Behind 'Proud Mary'

The Story Behind "Fernando"

First released in 1975 as a solo single for Frida before being re-recorded by ABBA, "Fernando" was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with manager Stig Anderson contributing additional lyrics.

"Fernando" tells the story of two aging revolutionaries reflecting on a long-ago battle under the stars. It’s hard to imagine the iconic song having any title other than "Fernando."

To this day, "Fernando" remains a staple of classic radio, streaming playlists, and pop culture retrospectives. Despite being released nearly 50 years ago, the song continues to appear in films, commercials, tribute performances, and stage productions, including the hugely successful Mamma Mia! stage and film productions.

Why ABBA Still Resonates Across Generations

ABBA continues to be one of the most culturally relevant bands of the 1970s and early 1980s, despite the peak of their success occurring nearly 50 years ago. The band — made up of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad — remains one of the bestselling music acts of all time.

While Gen X listeners would be hard-pressed to forget an ABBA lyric, and it’s nearly impossible to play an ABBA playlist without anyone within earshot singing along, the band continues to resonate with younger generations through streaming platforms and social media nostalgia trends.

ABBA may have peaked in the early ’80s, but their music never goes out of style.

Related: '80s New Wave Queen, 67, Stuns With Stripped-Down A Cappella Reinvention of Classic Hit

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

It’s hard to believe that some fan-favorite novels are turning 100 in 2026. One of those is a beloved children’s book, even though the mention and use of particular images from the story are banned in China. Yes, really!

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne remains a favorite for many, taking us on adventures to the Hundred Acre Wood. It’s there that Christopher Robin comes across his friends, Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, and so many more. It sits at No. 11 on the list of “Best Children’s Books Ever” by Goodreads users, proving that old doesn’t mean boring. It’s timeless.

‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ Is Sort of Banned in China

While not fully banned, Milne’s character, Pooh Bear, has been banned in China. This started in 2017 due to comparisons between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the titular character. After initially comparing Xi Jinping to President Barack Obama, many then took an image in 2015 and compared it to Pooh.

As the character was used to mock the leadership of the country, some content has been censored. However, rides at Shanghai Disneyland were allowed to remain, making it clear that the censorship is on the memes rather than the actual character and story. However, the 2018 movie Christopher Robin wasn’t allowed to be released in the country.

There was also a temporary challenge against Piglet in the United Kingdom. Some worried that the talking pig would offend religious groups, but the censorship didn’t stand.

A first edition copy of Winnie-the-Pooh at Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair, at the Saatchi Gallery, London. Picture date: Thursday May 14, 2026. (Photo by Lucy North/PA Images via Getty Images) ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ Turns 100 in 2026

On October 14, 2026, Winnie-the-Pooh will officially turn 100, and nobody is keeping this quiet. As Parade previously announced, there is a new spot in the Hundred Acre Wood opening up, which everyone can explore on YouTube. 

Disney is also teaming up with Old Navy, the Gap, and more to bring exclusive merch. For the book fans out there, The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh will be released as a deluxe boxset, a new Winnie-the-Pooh Paperback Boxset will be available, and there are national birthday campaigns all over.

President and Publisher of Dutton Children’s Books, Julie Strauss-Gabel, shared of the character and story, “Winnie-the-Pooh remains not only a cornerstone of the Dutton Children’s Books list, but an essential part of childhood itself. The artistry, empathy, and humor of Milne and Shepard’s masterpiece sparked my own path to children’s books. Warm and wise, Winnie-the-Pooh is an enduring classic I aspire to honor in every book I publish. It is a privilege and a joy to be a part of this legacy that will shape readers’ lives for many generations to come.”

While it may be censored in one country and there may have been attempts to ban it in another, Winnie-the-Pooh is a timeless classic perfect for all readers. It’s no wonder it remains on the list of “Best Children’s Books Ever.”

Lasting just one minute, this wordless 1969 vocal piece managed to capture the sweeping emotional ambition and intricate harmony work that defined Brian Wilson’s most visionary era.

"Our Prayer" by the Beach Boys was originally recorded for their unreleased 1966–1967 SMiLE project. However, the song wasn't officially released on their 1969 album 20/20.

In a Variety list of Brian Wilson's 20 Best Songs, "Our Prayer" takes the No. 19 spot. The outlet writes, "Don’t bother looking up the lyrics for this one — there aren’t any — just a murdererers’ row of top-flank singers bringing their A-game to what was intended to be the a cappella prelude to 'Smile.'”

It continues, "It’s a short but impossibly sweet example of how the group could turn itself into a full choir, not needing no stinking lyrics to bore into your soul."

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

In a 2004 interview with Magnet Magazine, Wilson recalled the feelings "Our Prayer" evoked.  “Man, this is great!” he said.

He added, "That’s got to be one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever written. Beautiful harmonies.”

RELATED: 1963 Brian Wilson Ballad, Ranked as One of His Best Songs Ever, Was Inspired by a Disney Classic

The website Don't Forget the Songs shared an undated quote from Wilson about writing the song. He explained, “I was sitting at my piano thinking about holy music. I poked around for some simple but moving chords."

"Later, I sat down and wrote 'Our Prayer' in sections. The boys were overtaken by the arrangement. I taught it to them in sections, the way I usually do. The purity of the blending of the voices made the listeners feel spiritual. I was definitely into rock church music.” 

RELATED: Brian Wilson’s 1968 Ode to Simpler Times is Ranked as One of His Very Best Songs

Wilson performed the song live on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in 2001.

Wilson Phillips, comprised of Carnie and Wendy Wilson, as well as Chynna Phillips, famously covered "Our Prayer," releasing their version on their 2010 Christmas album.

MORE: 1966 Hauntingly Personal Brian Wilson Song From a Masterpiece Album Ranks Among His Best Ever

No matter how seriously someone takes pizza, you will likely still find at least one frozen pizza hiding in their freezer at all times. You can spend all weekend making dough from scratch, simmering sauce and carefully layering fresh mozzarella, only to end up grabbing a backup pizza from the freezer a few days later so you don't have to do the whole process every time you want a pie. You're not alone either—even professional chefs have their go-to frozen pizza options for those nights when a multistep production just isn't in the cards.

That’s what made us curious about exactly which frozen pizzas chefs actually buy for themselves. Not the answers you'd expect professional chefs to give, but the frozen pizzas they genuinely keep in their own rotation when they want something comforting, convenient and consistently good.

😋😋SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔

In our talks with five chefs about the best frozen pizzas, there were definitely a few cheffy answers involving Neapolitan-style crusts and carefully sourced ingredients, but not every pick was an artisan-level pie. More than one chef shared that certain grocery store frozen pizzas still genuinely hit the spot after a long day.

We also learned that chefs have strong opinions when it comes to how to make frozen pizza properly. Nearly everyone had a clever trick or finishing touch they swear makes a huge difference, from adjusting oven temperatures to adding fresh ingredients after baking.

After hearing the best frozen pizza choices and easy at-home upgrades five chefs swear by, we're never making pizza the same way again. Here's what they had to say.

Related: The Italian Way To Make Sausage 10x Better

Our Panel of Chefs

To find out which frozen pizzas are worth buying, I asked chefs, pizza pros and food experts which frozen pies they genuinely keep in rotation at home.

Here's who weighed in:

• ChefRocco DiSpirito is the James Beard Award-winning chef, cookbook author and television personality behind Bar Rocco. DiSpirito trained at the Culinary Institute of America and has authored multiple New York Times bestsellers.
• ChefJoe Powers is the lead pizzaiolo at Jay's Artisan Pizza, which was ranked the fourth best pizzeria in the U.S. in 2025 by Italy's 50 Top Pizza guide. Powers trained with the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) and specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza.
• Chef Chris Ayala is the executive chef at Indaco Nashville, known for its wood-fired pizzas and Italian-inspired menu. Ayala trained at the Culinary Institute of America and has led restaurant kitchens across Nashville and Florida.
• Chef Dylan Werth is the executive chef at Typhur and former executive chef at MEATER. Werth has spent more than a decade working across food media, culinary production, and food styling for cooking shows and digital food brands.
• Chef Emma Sullivan is a recipe developer and home cooking expert at DailyCookingRecipe.com. Sullivan regularly tests grocery store products and develops practical cooking tips for home cooks.

5 Chefs' Favorite Frozen Pizzas

Natalia Gdovskaia / Getty Images

These are the seven frozen pizzas these chefs recommend.

1. Genio Della Pizza Margherita View this post on Instagram

Chef Joe Powers says Genio Della Pizza stands out because it approaches frozen pizza with the same ingredient-focused mindset found in traditional Neapolitan pizza making.

“What stands out is the restraint,” Powers says, noting that it uses “quality dough, balanced sauce and thoughtful ingredients without trying to overload the pizza unnecessarily.”

Powers said he gravitates toward frozen pizzas with shorter ingredient lists, balanced toppings and cheeses that brown naturally instead of turning greasy. As someone trained in Neapolitan-style pizza, he also pays close attention to crust texture and caramelization.

To make it even better at home, Powers recommends fully preheating the oven and baking directly on a pizza stone or steel whenever possible. He also likes finishing frozen pizza with fresh basil, Parmigiano, olive oil, chili flakes or hot honey after baking.

“At the end of the day, even frozen pizza is best when the focus stays on balance, texture and ingredient quality rather than excess toppings or shortcuts,” Powers says.

2. Kesté Frozen Margherita Pizza

Chef Rocco DiSpirito recommends Kesté’s frozen Margherita pizza because he likes how simple and balanced it feels.

“A lot of frozen pizzas are overloaded with cheese and sugar-heavy sauce,” DiSpirito says. “Kesté keeps it simple and lets the dough, tomato and mozzarella do the work.”

He says that “the crust has real character, the tomatoes taste like tomatoes and it’s one of the few frozen pizzas that still feels connected to actual Neapolitan-style pizza.”

His biggest recommendation is thoroughly preheating a pizza stone or pizza steel before baking and finishing the pizza under the broiler for extra blistering and caramelization on the cheese and crust.

He also almost always adds olive oil, basil, oregano, chili flakes or Parmigiano-Reggiano after baking.

“My general advice: ignore the exact bake time on the box,” DiSpirito adds. “Frozen pizza gets dramatically better when the crust has real color and crunch.”

3. DiGiorno Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Chef Emma Sullivan says the DiGiorno Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza still holds up surprisingly well, even compared to more expensive frozen pizzas.

“I’ve tried fancy brands, but this one actually crisps up without turning into cardboard,” Sullivan says. “The crust gets legitimately fluffy inside.”

Sullivan recommends moving the oven rack to the bottom position and baking the pizza about 25 degrees hotter than the box instructions recommend to help the crust crisp properly.

She also brushes the crust edges with olive oil and adds fresh herbs during the final few minutes of baking.

Another tip? Let the pizza rest before slicing.

“The cheese needs time to set or it slides the second you cut it,” Sullivan says.

Related: The Genius Way to Make Guacamole 10x Better, According to an Award-Winning Chef

4. Pizza King Pepperoni Pizza View this post on Instagram

Chef Dylan Werth said Pizza King remains one of his favorite frozen pizzas because it doesn’t skimp on toppings or sauce.

“It’s the perfect frozen pizza to reheat,” Werth says. “They pride themselves in having both sauce and toppings go all the way to the crust.”

Werth also praised the overall balance and portion size, especially for the price.

One of his favorite ways to upgrade frozen pizza is by using flavored oils after baking.

“You can never go wrong with flavored oils,” he says, recommending herb oils, garlic oils and spicy oils like chili crisp.

“To sneak a fourth option in there, I have to recommend a good ol’ fashioned hot honey,” Werth adds. “From vegetarians to meat lovers, it ALWAYS hits.”

5. Antico Casa Margherita Pizza View this post on Instagram

Ayala also shouted out Antico Casa’s Margherita Pizza as one of his favorite frozen pizzas to grab at Costco.

“It tastes good, and I can get it from Costco, where I shop for most of my groceries,” Ayala says. “It’s also the best price for the quality.”

His approach to improving it is simple: a little olive oil before baking, and fresh toppings afterward.

6. Newman’s Own Uncured Pepperoni Thin Crust Pizza

Sullivan says Newman’s Own Uncured Pepperoni Thin Crust Pizza is one of her favorite frozen pizza options.

“It’s lighter than DiGiorno, but the pepperoni quality is noticeably better,” Sullivan says, adding that it's “good for when you want something that doesn’t feel heavy.”

Like the other pizzas she mentioned, Sullivan still recommends using higher heat and the bottom oven rack for a crispier crust on this one too.

7. Trader Joe’s Pizza Formaggio

The Trader Joe’s Pizza Formaggio is another frozen pizza Sullivan says she genuinely keeps in rotation.

“It’s four-cheese, thin crust and extremely reliable,” she says. “I’ve served this to people who didn’t realize it came from a box.”

To help the crust crisp more evenly, Sullivan recommends baking frozen pizzas hotter than the box instructions suggest and letting them rest a few minutes before slicing.

Related: I Asked 3 Chefs the Secret Ingredient to the Best-Ever Lemonade, and They All Said the Same Thing

5 Chef-Approved Ways for Making Frozen Pizza 10x Better

Roberto Machado Noa / Getty Images

After talking to all of these chefs, one thing became very clear: almost nobody is making frozen pizza exactly according to the box instructions. Nearly every chef had a finishing touch or cooking method they swear makes a dramatic difference in texture, flavor or crispiness.

Here are the frozen pizza upgrades these chefs kept coming back to again and again.

1. Use a Pizza Stone, Pizza Steel or Preheated Baking Sheet

Multiple chefs said one of the easiest ways to improve frozen pizza is to bake it on a properly preheated surface instead of a cold sheet pan. Powers and DiSpirito both recommended using pizza stones or pizza steels to help the crust develop better texture and caramelization.

If you don’t own either option, Werth suggests preheating an upside-down baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza on top. That extra heat underneath helps crisp the bottom crust much more evenly.

2. Don’t Be Afraid To Bake It Longer

Several chefs mentioned that frozen pizzas are often underbaked when people follow the box instructions too closely.

DiSpirito says many brands intentionally recommend shorter bake times to prevent people from accidentally burning the pizza, but that extra browning is exactly what gives frozen pizza better texture and flavor.

Sullivan also recommends increasing the oven temperature by about 25 degrees and moving the pizza to the bottom oven rack for better crust crispiness.

3. Finish With Fresh Ingredients

One of the most common chef tricks to better frozen pizza was adding fresh ingredients after the pizza comes out of the oven.

Fresh basil, olive oil, chili flakes, oregano, Parmesan, pecorino and cracked black pepper came up repeatedly. Several chefs said these finishing touches help brighten frozen pizza and make it taste less flat or processed.

Werth also strongly recommends flavored oils and hot honey.

4. Let the Pizza Rest Before Slicing

Sullivan says one of the biggest mistakes people make is slicing frozen pizza immediately after it leaves the oven.

“The cheese needs time to set or it slides the second you cut it,” she says.

Even just letting the pizza sit for a few minutes can help the cheese settle and keep the toppings from sliding everywhere.

5. Keep the Toppings Balanced

One of the more interesting takeaways was that chefs consistently preferred frozen pizzas that kept things balanced.

Both Powers and DiSpirito praised frozen pizzas that avoided excessive toppings, overloaded cheese and overly sweet sauces. While it’s tempting to pile on extra ingredients at home, too many toppings can weigh down the crust and make frozen pizza soggy instead of crisp.

Final Thoughts

After getting the inside scoop on the best frozen pizzas and how you can easily upgrade any of them at home, it's safe to say we're never making frozen pizza on autopilot again. After hearing how much attention these chefs pay to crust texture, oven setup and finishing touches, it’s hard not to look at frozen pizza a little differently. With their easy tips in mind, you can turn a decent freezer pizza into something genuinely craveable.

Related: This Viral Muffin Tin Hack Actually Works—Here’s What Happened When I Tried It

People have a way of treating candles like background noise — something you light for guests or during a power outage. But true candle lovers know that the right scent can completely shift your mood, your space, even your energy. Some people need warm and comforting notes after a long day, while others want something bright that feels like opening a window in spring. According to astrologers, your birth month might say more about your ideal candle scent than you think. Read on to find the best candle scent for each birth month below.

Each birth month as a Candle Scent

Check for your birth month.

Learn more about your birth month:

Born in January | Born in February | Born in March |

Born in April | Born in May | Born in June | Born in July |

Born in August | Born in September | Born in October |

Born in November | Born in December

January — Sandalwood & Amber

January babies tend to carry a calm confidence with a rebellious streak underneath, making them equal parts grounded Capricorn and free-thinking Aquarius. They need a scent with depth, like sandalwood and amber. It's cozy without being predictable, and it gives off "main character reading in a bookstore café" energy.

February — Lavender Vanilla

February people are usually emotionally sharp but creatively restless, caught between the dreamy side of Aquarius and the sensitive intuition of Pisces. A lavender vanilla candle suits them perfectly. It softens the noise in their head while still feeling artistic and a little romantic.

March — Sea Salt & Jasmine

March-born personalities often feel deeply connected to other people while quietly living in their own imagination, balancing intuitive Pisces energy with fiery Aries boldness. Their scent match is sea salt and jasmine, airy, emotional, and just dramatic enough to feel memorable.

April — Cedarwood & Fig

April people are passionate, impulsive, and hard to ignore, blending adventurous Aries confidence with steady Taurus loyalty. Rich and earthy, like cedarwood and fig, it fits their personality perfectly. It feels luxurious without trying too hard.

May — Citrus Basil

May birthdays are charming but stubborn, in the best way possible, combining sensual Taurus energy with curious Gemini wit. A citrus basil candle fits their vibe because it feels fresh, social, and slightly unexpected.

June — Coconut & Linen

June-born people are emotional shape-shifters — nurturing one minute and wildly spontaneous the next — thanks to the mix of Gemini playfulness and Cancer sensitivity. They need a scent like coconut and linen, something comforting but still light enough to keep up with their mood swings.

July — Vanilla Musk

July personalities protect their peace at all costs, while craving excitement, by blending the emotional depth of Cancer with the confident warmth of Leo. Their candle scent is vanilla musk: soft, familiar, and impossible not to love once it fills a room.

August — Black Cherry & Clove

August babies are magnetic without trying, carrying Leo's bold charisma along with Virgo's perfectionism. A black cherry-and-clove candle suits them because it's strong, sophisticated, and a little dramatic.

September — Rose & Patchouli

September people are detail-oriented but surprisingly romantic underneath it all, balancing practical Virgo tendencies with Libra's love of beauty and connection. They need rose and patchouli — classic, elegant, and quietly intense.

October — Smoked Vanilla

October individuals are charming and social with hidden emotional depth, thanks to Libra's easygoing nature mixed with Scorpio intensity. Their perfect candle is smoked vanilla, something warm with a mysterious edge.

November — Tobacco & Honey

November souls tend to be fiercely loyal and brutally honest, while carrying Scorpio passion alongside Sagittarius independence. A tobacco-and-honey scent works beautifully for them because it feels bold, comforting, and unforgettable.

December — Pine & Cinnamon

December people are optimistic, nostalgic, and always chasing the next adventure, blending adventurous Sagittarius energy with ambitious Capricorn focus. Their candle match is pine and cinnamon — festive, comforting, and full of life.

Just when you finally figured out how to stop impulse-buying wide-leg sweatpants and Korean collagen sets from your FYP, TikTok is coming for your travel budget.

On Friday, May 12, the platform officially announced the launch of TikTok GO, a brand-new, in-app ecosystem that allows users to discover and book hotels, attractions, tours and local experiences directly inside the app.

If you’ve ever lost three hours of your life watching a travel creator break down a hidden-gem boutique hotel or outline a perfect "carry-on only" itinerary for Europe, you know that TikTok is already a massive discovery engine for travel. With this new feature, the app is completely collapsing the timeline between seeing a dream destination and actually booking it.

Related: Virgin Voyages Just Handed the Keys to Its Flagship to 1,000 Content Creators

Here is everything you need to know about how the new travel feature works:

• Seamless Booking: When you spot a hotel or an excursion you like on a video, search page, or location tag, you can check availability and complete the booking in just a few taps without ever leaving the app.
• Heavy-Hitter Partnerships: TikTok isn't building a travel agency from scratch. They are partnering with the biggest names in the industry—including Booking.com, Expedia, Viator, GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Trip.com—to power the inventory.
• Age Requirements: To use the feature, users must be at least 18 years old to book an experience.

The launch marks a massive shift toward "experience-first" travel, especially for a younger demographic that views booking an excursion as the main event rather than an afterthought. "Whether it's visiting the Vatican or checking out a cooking class in Tokyo, we're collapsing the time between inspiration and action," Johannes Reck, Co-Founder & CEO of GetYourGuide, noted in the announcement.

Related: TikTok's U.S. Future Just Got Clearer, but It's Not Final Yet

What This Means for Travel Creators

If you love sharing your favorite boutique stays or local guide tips, TikTok GO is also introducing a major monetization upgrade. Creators who feature these linked hotels and local services will now have the opportunity to earn direct commissions and participate in targeted creator campaigns when their viewers book through a video.

Between the rise of "stealth wealth" travel aesthetic videos and high-velocity packing hacks, the platform is betting big that its 200 million American users are ready to move from scrolling to packing.

Related: Why The 'Fluxury' Trend Is The Smartest New Way To Travel This Summer

Paul McCartney came full circle on Saturday Night Live. On May 16, the Beatles legend was the musical guest on the NBC variety show, where he performed his new song “Days We Left Behind" as well as the 1970s Wings classic “Band on the Run." The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith played drums during the two performances, and fans assumed that would be it.

But at the end of the show, after standing on the Studio 8H stage for the traditional “good nights” alongside host Will Ferrell, McCartney walked over to the musical stage where Smith and the rest of the backup band awaited. It was there that the 83-year-old music legend went into a surprise encore of his 1980 hit “Coming Up." The expected performance caused the “good nights” segment to go overtime as the SNL cast danced on the main stage.

“Coming Up,” the opening track from McCartney’s 1980 solo album, McCartney II, actually made its debut on SNL exactly 46 years earlier. The May 17, 1980, episode of the late-night sketch show featured Steve Martin as the host and Paul and Linda McCartney as the musical guests, per IMDb. As part of the appearance, McCartney’s “Coming Up” music video premiered on SNL.

McCartney’s song launch came after he appeared in an unusual interview sketch with Don Novello’s iconic SNL character Father Guido Sarducci, according to Rolling Stone. The “Coming Up” music video then aired on the live show, one day before McCartney’s second solo album was released in the U.S.

Rolling Stone described the colorful pre-MTV music video, which showed McCartney dressed as different characters playing all of the instruments,  as “quite innovative for its time” and “fresh and New Wave–y.”

In a video clip, McCartney said the drummer character he played in the music video was “based loosely on” Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, while one of the guitar players was inspired by Hank Marvin. “So I based the characters on some people I knew, some people I saw,” he said.

A live version of “Coming Up” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot  100 on June 28, 1980, making it one of McCartney’s most successful solo singles.

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

Those who move through the world openly expressing divine love are profoundly healing to be around. With otherworldly energy that softens people, these individuals naturally foster comfort, trust, and openness. While everyone is capable of such kindness, certain birth months carry an especially tender, compassionate, and heart-centered way of loving that feels divine. 

In astrology, the month in which a person is born can provide insights into their approach to love and the effect their love has on others. Those who embody a sense of divine love often influence those around them simply through their caring nature. Expert astrologers have identified four birth months that are most likely to be associated with this divine love.

Which Birth Months Embody Divine Love?

Check for your birth month below.

February

Those born in February share a beautiful balance of emotional depth and an altruistic kindness. Either a progressive Aquarius or a compassionate Pisces, February-born individuals love people for who they truly are rather than who they expect them to become. Their hearts are open and expansive with true acceptance. With a humanitarian spirit and an ability to care about people collectively, they hold profound intuition, softness, and an almost spiritual understanding of human emotion.

Together, this creates someone who knows how to hold space for others without judgment. People born in February have a calming presence that makes others feel seen and safe enough to open up fully. Their love feels selfless, as they care deeply about the emotional well-being of those around them and want to offer encouragement, understanding, and support. Even when they’ve experienced heartbreak themselves, they rarely allow it to harden their hearts completely. There’s still a willingness to believe in the power of love.

RELATE?: The 4 Birth Months Who Are Natural-Born Healers

May

Individuals born in May have a unique way of making love feel effortless and enjoyable. Influenced by the sensuality of Taurus and the flirtatious nature of Gemini, their approach to love is fun and light-hearted without being overly serious. They know how to create memorable experiences! Thoughtful, affectionate, and attentive, May-born individuals express their love through tangible acts of care, such as planning exquisite dates. They take the time to remember your favorite meals and beloved spots, ensuring you get home safely.

Attentiveness is part of their nature. These people craft beautiful environments where their loved ones feel comfortable and valued. Known for their warm curiosity, don’t be surprised if they ask many questions; they genuinely care about your answers and want to get to know you better. What makes those born in May so magnetic is that their transcendent love doesn’t need to be heavy; it can also be filled with joy! Divine love can thrive in laughter, good conversations, shared meals, long nights, and the small moments of everyday life.

July

July-borns possess a wholehearted and passionate approach to love, making others feel safe, cherished, and supported. Influenced by the nurturing nature of Cancer and the affectionate qualities of Leo, they care deeply about the happiness and well-being of those closest to them. Cancer represents sensitivity, devotion, and a strong desire to create a safe space for others, while Leos are known for their warmth, generosity, loyalty, and open-heartedness. They instinctively protect the emotional well-being of their loved ones and often become the trusted confidants during vulnerable moments.

People born in July seek to make those around them feel celebrated, appreciated, and valued. When they commit to someone, they do so wholeheartedly. They care deeply for the people closest to them, demonstrating immense loyalty, tenderness, and pride. They protect their loved ones fiercely and serve as a source of strength during life’s toughest challenges. Their profound love leaves others feeling cherished, defended, and respected.

NEXT: The 4 Birth Dates Who Have a Way With Words

September

Individuals born in September express love through intentional actions. Influenced by the service-oriented nature of Virgo and the diplomatic qualities of Libra, they believe that love should be nurtured, protected, and actively maintained. Their understanding of divine love is rooted in attention to detail. Virgos possess a strong sense of devotion and discernment, instinctively seeking to support those they care about. People born in September are known for remembering important dates, checking in after difficult conversations, noticing subtle changes in others' moods, and readily stepping in to make life easier for their loved ones.

September-born individuals embody romance, harmony, and balance. They are deeply committed to creating healthy relationships where everyone feels valued and appreciated. With their calming presence, they make those around them feel cared for and considered. They demonstrate that sustainable love goes beyond mere passion or intensity; it is a fundamental part of their nature. Through consistency, patience, and a choice to be present for the people who matter most, they maintain close-knit connections.

UP NEXT:

If your current travel strategy involves crossing your fingers at the baggage carousel and praying your zipper holds, it might be time for an upgrade.

To find out which wheels are truly worth the investment, Consumer Reports recently put a dozen popular spinner bags through a brutal gauntlet at their testing headquarters—and a definitive winner has emerged.

Landing the coveted No. 1 spot for overall satisfaction is the Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner.

To earn top marks, the suitcase had to survive a series of rigorous lab tests where engineers pulled, dragged, dropped and literally stabbed the luggage to evaluate construction quality, impact resistance and maneuverability.

Related: I Stopped Overpacking—These 9 Carry-On Items Fixed Everything

View this post on Instagram

So, what makes this specific hard-shell stand out from the pack? Constructed from durable polypropylene, the 6.4-pound bag hits the sweet spot of being incredibly lightweight without sacrificing structural integrity.

It features eight multidirectional spinner wheels and an ergonomic trolley handle designed to glide smoothly over everything from airport terminals to bumpy sidewalks. For tech-savvy travelers, it also boasts a built-in TSA lock and an integrated USB port to charge your devices on the fly.

The lab findings mirror rave reviews from real-world travelers. On Samsonite's website, the bag holds a stellar 4.7 out of 5-star rating, with an overwhelming 92% of buyers stating they would recommend it. Reviewers frequently praise its interior compression system, which helps maximize space for long-haul trips without pushing the bag past standard overhead bin dimensions.

Related: I Traveled the World for Years With This Under-$100 Carry-On—And It Doesn’t Even Have a Scratch

While the suitcase typically retails for around $220, it frequently goes on sale. According to the report by Bridget Gleeson for Islands.com, you can currently snag the chart-topping carry-on at Walmart for $158.86 with free shipping, making it a smart, budget-friendly upgrade just in time for the busy summer travel season.

Related: I Stress-Tested the 5 Most Viral Carry-Ons for Six Months—Here's My Honest Verdict

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

Ever since I was a little girl, I've always been a bigger fan of dresses than pants. Even to this day, my closet is packed with feminine frocks. When it comes to bottoms, I mostly own leggings, but I'll occasionally break out something more polished. Still, I've written about denim a lot over the years, and lately, I've been thinking about incorporating more jeans into my wardrobe.

When I was researching 2026 denim trends, I discovered thatbaggy jeans are en vogue right now. I've always been more of a skinny jean type of gal, so I wasn't convinced that the trend would be worth my while. But I decided to keep an open mind and try a little experiment. On a recent weekend, I visited the mall and tried on 12 pairs of baggy jeans to find the best styles.

If you're like me, you dread trying on jeans just as much as you dislike trying on bathing suits, so I brought my husband with me for moral support. It's not the jeans themselves that I was worried about. More so, I wasn't sure what to expect when trying on denim from so many different stores since sizes vary from one brand to the next, and nobody loves carrying four sizes into the dressing room.

Still, I did my research and came up with a list of baggy jeans that ranged from classic wide-leg denim to barrel jeans. Below, I'm recapping how the experience went and breaking down the nine best baggy jeans styles that I'd actually consider buying for myself—and three you can definitely skip.

Related: 7 Best Jeans for Curvy Women, According to Celebrity Stylists

My Testing Process

Before I even went to the mall, I started researching different brands that were currently selling baggy jeans. After finding which brands had products in stock, in stores and online, I then paid attention to what each one offered. I took note of which brands had a wide variety of colors, unique design details, sizes for different heights, etc. Overall, I visited six different stores and tried on 12 pairs of baggy jeans.

Related: This Iconic Designer Launched His First Denim Line in 1978—and It’s Still Going Strong in 2026

The 9 Best Baggy Jeans I Loved—After Trying on 121. Best Overall: LC Lauren Conrad Women's Super High Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $38.24 (originally $44.99) at Kohl's

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Shop it at Kohl's

Price: $44.99 | Materials: Cotton, Polyester, Lycra | Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: 6 | Exact Wash: Allison Wa | Colors: 5 | Inseam: 27-34 Inches

I've always admired the girly designs Lauren Conrad features in her Kohl's collection, so I figured her denim line would have baggy designs with more of a flattering, feminine aesthetic. And I was right.

When I stepped into this pair, I enjoyed the retro vibe of the oversized front pockets. The jeans were just wide enough that I felt like I was stepping outside of my comfort zone while also staying true to my personal sense of style.

2. Levi's Women's 318 Shaping High-Stretch Wide-Leg Jeans, $74.95

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Shop it at Levi's

Price: $74.95 | Materials: 80% Cotton, 19% Polyester, 1% Elastane | Size Range: 23-34 | Fit: 29 x 32 | Exact Wash: Clever Girl | Colors: 6 | Inseam: 32 Inches

I turned to Levi's, a tried and true staple in the denim industry, for the first pair of baggy jeans I tried on. I loved the dark wash and found the mid-rise fit to be quite flattering. I also enjoyed that the jeans were wider on the bottom rather than the top.

3. Steve Madden Women's Sydnee Straight-Fit Jeans, $97.30 (originally $139) at Macy's

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Shop it at Macy's

Price: $139 | Materials: 100% Cotton | Size Range: 24-31 | Fit: 28 | Exact Wash: Juliette | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 31-1/2 Inches

As a girly girl, I love pretty details, so I instantly gravitated towards these baggy jeans with white pearls at the bottom. The light wash felt perfect for the warmer months ahead, and I appreciated the way the jeans tapered nicely at the bottom. The jeans were baggy, yes, but didn't overwhelm my frame.

4. Steve Madden Chlo High Rise Peplum Wide Leg Jeans, $95.20 (originally $119) at Bloomingdale's

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Shop it at Bloomingdale's

Price: $119 | Materials: 100% Cotton | Size Range: 24-31 | Fit: 29 | Exact Wash: Sulphur Spring | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 32 Inches

Peplums and jeans don't usually go hand in hand, but when I saw this pair, I realized it's a genius combo with unrealized potential. I quickly fell for the slight peplum ruffle on the front and back. I also liked the dark line or seam that ran down the length of the front. Typically, I'd assume that wide-leg jeans and peplums would be a tad too baggy, but it somehow works.

Related: 9 Best Jeans for Short Women, According to a Celebrity Stylist

5. Lands' End High Rise Wide-Leg Denim Jeans, $59.97 (originally $99.95)

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Shop it at Lands' End

Price: $99.95 | Materials: 52% Cotton, 20% Recover Recycled Cotton Fiber, 27% Polyester, 1% Spandex | Size Range: 2-18 | Fit: 4 | Exact Wash: River Rinse | Colors: 6 | Inseam: 30-32 Inches

If you're hoping to wade into the world of baggy denim without fully committing, this pair of wide-leg jeans from Lands' End is a nice introduction to the trend. The jeans offer plenty of support and suck you right in, in the best possible way. They offer a subtle bagginess without making you feel sloppy.

6. H&M Baggy Wide Low Waist Jeans, $44.99

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Shop it at H&M

Price: $44.99 | Materials: 100% Cotton | Size Range: 0-20 | Fit: 6 | Exact Wash: Light Denim Blue | Colors: 2 | Inseam: 30.5 Inches

As I made my way through the mall, I got a bit more daring with my baggy denim selections. This pair from H&M was wider than the others I'd tried on, but I was somehow not intimidated by them. I liked the light wash, and they paired well with the brown booties I was wearing. One thing to note: The buttons were a little stiff and hard to secure.

7. Women's Sonoma Goods For Life High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $29.74 (originally $39.99) at Kohl's

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Shop it at Kohl's

Price: $39.99 | Materials: Cotton, Polyester, Spandex | Size Range: 0-18 | Fit: 6 | Exact Wash: Vintage Wash | Colors: 3 | Inseam: 28 1/2-32 1/2 Inches

When I tried on these high-rise, wide-leg jeans, I liked the '70s energy they offered. They were baggier than I'd normally opt for in my everyday life, but not too baggy that I couldn't appreciate how they lent a carefree vibe to my look.

Related: What To Wear With Black Jeans—6 Best Outfit Ideas, According to a Celebrity Stylist

8. Madewell The Ultimate Wide-Leg Jean in Tile White, $148

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Shop it at Madewell

Price: $148 | Materials: 100% Cotton | Size Range: 23-33 | Fit: 29 | Exact Wash: Tile White | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 31 Inches

This pair of white wide-leg jeans felt more like a pair of linen pants for the summer instead of jeans. And I loved that. There's a zipper, button and tie, meaning they offer a pretty secure fit.

9. Primark Low-Rise Baggy Jeans, $28

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Price: $28 | Materials: 100% Cotton | Size Range: 2-14 | Fit: 4 | Exact Wash: Mid Blue | Colors: 1 | Inseam: N/A

When I tried these jeans on, I was surprised that they only had a button closure instead of a zipper and a button. Still, it didn't bother me, and I appreciated the subtle bagginess. Since these are from Primark, you can't buy them online, but you can check the availability at a store near you if you like them, too.

Related: 7 Best Jeans Styles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists

3 Baggy Jeans You Can Skip

Naturally, I ran across a few pairs of jeans that didn't impress me very much. Below, I'm sharing the three that didn't work very well for my petite figure.

One note: Just because I wasn't fond of these jeans doesn't mean they won't flatter other figures.

1. H&M High-Waist Barrel-Leg Ankle Jeans, $47.99

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Price: $47.99 | Materials: 100% Cotton | Size Range: 0-18 | Fit: 6 | Exact Wash: Light Denim Blue | Colors: 2 | Inseam: 28.1 Inches

Barrel jeans aren't my friend, and my husband may have lovingly joked that the style was "frumpy." Enough said.

2. Madewell Pull-On Jeans in Cotton-Linen Denim, $158

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Price: $158 | Materials: 66% Cotton, 34% Linen | Size Range: XX-Small - XX-Large | Fit: S | Exact Wash: Irving Wash | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 30 1/2 inches

Since I'm so fond of leggings, I was excited to try this pull-on pair of jeans from Madewell. However, they looked more like sweatpants when I tried them on. I did like the tie waist, though.

3. Primark Ultimate Cotton Denim Barrel-Leg Jeans

Courtesy Chrissy Callahan

Price: $28 | Materials: 100% Cotton | Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: 6 | Exact Wash: Mid Blue | Colors: 3 | Inseam: N/A

These baggy jeans felt a bit sloppy. My mom described them as "Hammer pants," and I had to agree.

Up Next:

Related: Chocolate Brown Is a Trending Neutral for Spring—Here’s How I’ve Styled It 5 Different Ways