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Like most people, I love having fresh flowers around the house. What I don’t love, though, is bringing home a bouquet, trimming every stem, filling a vase with water, and then realizing I have absolutely no idea how to arrange the flowers so they look like the full, artfully placed display I had in mind. Fortunately, you don’t need florist-level skills (or an enormous pile of flowers) to create a neater arrangement, as one viral tool has now proven to countless floral enthusiasts.

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This little vase buddy makes my flowers look so full ☺️ #amazonhomefinds #vasebuddy #amazonhome #artificialflowers #neutralhome

♬ original sound – elizabeth ⪩༏⪨

The Vase Buddy Reusable Silicone Flower Arranging Grid helps keep each stem exactly where you want it, making it easier to spread flowers throughout the vase instead of letting them all fall toward the center or bunch together on one side. Available at Amazon for just $13, it’s an inexpensive way to give grocery store bouquets and garden clippings a boost.

Vase Buddy Reusable Silicone Flower Arranging Grid, $13 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This flexible silicone grid stretches across the rim of a vase, creating a simple framework that helps keep every flower exactly where you place it. Designed for vase openings between 5 and 8 inches, it self-grips to smooth surfaces when stretched into position and gives you a series of openings to work each stem through individually. That means you can build the arrangement flower by flower instead of dropping everything into the vase at once and hoping it naturally falls into place. 

The tool is especially helpful with wide-mouthed containers and long-stemmed flowers, which can otherwise lean, spread apart, or flop toward one side. By holding stems upright and spaced throughout the opening, the grid helps create a fuller, more balanced arrangement, even when you’re working with fewer flowers.

Using it is straightforward: Stretch the washable silicone over the top of your empty vase, then thread your flowers and greenery through the individual openings as you arrange them. You can vary the placement and height of each stem to build shape, fill empty spots, and keep focal flowers from disappearing into the rest of the bouquet. Once you’re happy with the arrangement, add water to the vase as usual. 

Shop More Deals

• Urolrhi 2-Pack Reusable Silicone Flower Arranging Grid, $14 (was $20) at Amazon 
• Manonosa Silicone Flower Arranging Grid for Vase, $18 (was $20) at Amazon
• Paxcoo Floral Tape and Floral Wire Arrangement Tools Kit, $10 at Amazon

When it’s time for a water change, simply slip the flexible grid off, keeping the flowers in place amongst the slots, refresh the water, and slip the stems back in while stretching the grid back over the vase without having to pull apart and rebuild the entire display. Because it’s reusable, this tool can also take the place of single-use floral foam, tape, or more cumbersome chicken wire, then be removed cleanly when your flowers have expired.

Budding at-home florists praised this “flexible” and “easy to use” tool in the reviews section, calling it an “ingenious idea” that makes your arrangements “look like a professional did them.” One shopper wrote, “It fits on many different bases and stretches without breaking,” and is “very easy to clean,” not leaving behind any residue.

Related: This 3-Piece Set of Radiant Glass Vases at IKEA Gives a High-End Look for Just $15

Ready for your flower arranging skills to blossom? Add the Vase Buddy Reusable Silicone Flower Arranging Grid to your Amazon cart and give your next bouquet a boost!

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In December 1958, Ray Charles created what fans have considered “one of the greatest songs in music history“—and he made it happen accidentally. In fact, “What’d I Say” came together on a whim during a live performance when he had run out of material to perform.

While performing a show in Pennsylvania, the legendary musician and his band had reportedly completed all their rehearsed songs with time still on the clock. With 12 minutes left to fill, he instructed his band and backup singers to follow his lead as he improvised, according to On Stage magazine. “What’d I Say” is what came out of that on-the-spot moment. A purely impromptu set that turned into a timeless classic.

After hearing the response from the live audience and realizing he had a hit on his hands, he officially recorded the tune in-studio at Atlantic Records in New York City on Feb. 18, 1959, the outlet noted.

The lesson? When creativity strikes, go with it. The track instantly became a smash. “What’d I Say” climbed up to No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Charles’ first career Top 10 pop hit and first Certified Gold record. The accompanying studio album of the same name reached No. 20 on the Billboard 200 on July 7, 1962, remaining on the chart for a lengthy 73 weeks total (yes, that’s more than a full year).

Related: 1969 Hit Ranked the No. 2 ‘Greatest Bob Dylan Cover’ of All Time

Nearly seven decades later, fans still rave over the track like it was released yesterday. The song was recently remembered on social media with a black-and-white snippet of the actual occasion, in a post with overlay text reading, “One of the greatest songs in music history was born from pure improvisation.”

“The man was a genius,” one commenter dropped, as another recalled good times of their own: “1963 8th grade from then on every band played this song at dances in NYC because it could be stretched and ad libs made it yours. Great song!!!”

“Brilliant!!! Loved the song the first time I heard it in the 1960s!!!!👏👏👏,” someone else agreed.

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Further pointing to its timelessness, “What’d I Say” had gained over 100 million streams on Spotify at the time of writing.

From the looks of it, the younger generations may recognize good music after all.

Next, 1967 Rock Song, a No. 1 Hit by a 16-Year-Old Box Tops Member, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’

Bon Jovi’s song “Livin’ on a Prayer” is making a resurgence as the 1986 arena rock anthem re-enters the Billboard Global 200.

Four decades after it was released, the band’s No. 1 hit continues to captivate listeners, with its latest chart return putting the classic anthem back in the spotlight.

On Billboard’s weekly chart ranking of the 200 most popular songs, the iconic band fronted by Jon Bon Jovi makes a comeback after securing No. 197 on the list.

The resurgence may coincide with the group’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of their album Slippery When Wet, released on Aug. 18, 1986.

Apart from the award-winning band, some of music’s iconic songs also returned to the Billboard Global 200, including The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling,” Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” and others.

As for “Livin’ on a Prayer,” it was the band’s second No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987, following “You Give Love A Bad Name.”

Rock band Bon Jovi in August 1984.

Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images

The Bon Jovi song stayed at the top spot for four weeks and spent a total of 22 weeks on the chart.

Written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Desmond Child, it was the second lead single from the group’s smash-hit third studio album, Slippery When Wet.

The 64-year-old vocalist once mentioned that “Livin on a Prayer” wasn’t the song initially preferred by the band because for them, it sounded a bit like the English punk rock band The Clash before the famous bassline was added.

“I remember walking out of the room with Richie and I said, ‘Eh, it’s okay. Maybe we should just put it on a movie soundtrack,’” Jon Bon Jovi told The Irish Times, as cited by uDiscover Music. “Richie looked at me and said, ‘You’re an idiot. It’s really good.’ I said, ‘I just don’t know where it’s going.’ But it didn’t have that boom-boom-boom bassline yet, so it sounded more like The Clash.”

Lo and behold, “Livin’ on a Prayer” became one of Bon Jovi’s signature anthems that they’ll be performing for years, including at their long-awaited comeback stage performance for the Bon Jovi Forever Tour 2026.

The multi-city global tour also marked Jon Bon Jovi’s first live performance since his vocal surgery in 2022.

Related: Jon Bon Jovi Sends Emotional Message After World Tour Announcement

A piece of cinematic history just sold for over $400,000. And this prop is absolutely “dino-mite.” The item in question is the Jurassic Park screen-matched opening-scene mosquito-in-amber fossil that started it all. 

As fans of the franchise know, Jurassic Park (the functional dinosaur theme park, not the movie) got its start with the prehistoric biting bug. InGen’s scientists extracted blood and DNA that the pesky preserved pest had ingested millions of years ago and used it to isolate the genetic codes of the velociraptor, brachiosaurus, T. rex, and other Jurassic Period giants. 

‘Jurassic Park’, 1993. (Photo by Murray Close/Getty Images)

The faux fossil was part of Propstore’s Summer Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction (Day 1) held on August 26 in Los Angeles. According to the auction listing, the popular prop is made of resin, textured and painted to resemble amber encased in stone. While it was listed for an estimated price of $100,000 to $200,000, it sold for an impressive $403,200!

Propstore COO Brandon Alinger said, in a press release, “We are thrilled with the results from the opening day of Propstore’s Summer Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, led by the screen-matched mosquito in amber from Jurassic Park.” 

Alinger continued, “Few objects capture the premise and enduring cultural impact of a film so immediately, and the response from collectors reflects the significance of this remarkable piece. With three more days and hundreds of incredible lots still to come, we are excited to see how the rest of the auction unfolds.”

The fossilized amber mosquito prop may have been the highlight of Day 1, but it certainly wasn’t the only auction item that sold. Other notable pieces of nostalgia include a “Midgrade” Starfleet Type-2 Phaser from Star Trek: The Original Series ($315,000), John Travolta’s legendary white suit from Saturday Night Fever ($277,200), Christopher Reeve’s costume with screen- and photo-matched tunic and replica boots from Superman III/Superman IV ($233,100), Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark Light-Up Iron Man Mark 46 Upper Body Armor from Captain America: Civil War ($138,600), Keanu Reeve’s Neo costume from The Matrix Reloaded  ($138,600), Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow Tricorn Hat from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl ($100,800), Johnny Depp’s Scissorhands from Edward Scissorhands ($75,600), and Michael Jackson’s Were-Cat prosthetic teeth from the Thriller video ($47,250). 

Other auction items listed include props and costumes from big-screen blockbusters such as the Alien franchise, Armageddon, Titanic, Austin Powers, Back to the Future, Good Will Hunting, and Barbarella. 

As we approach the end of August, we also approach the end of the growing season in the Northern Hemisphere. I miss you already, fresh summer tomatoes.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to plant vegetables for a fall harvest. In fact, there are a few crops that, when planted this time of year, actually thrive come fall!

To find out which veggies should be planted in late August, we spoke with two professional gardeners: Celina Debrito, the head gardener for Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Virginia, and Samson Mastroianni, the founder and lead designer of Samson Landscape + Design in Cleveland.

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“Although it’s late for the growing season, there are a couple of leafy greens and vegetables that are OK to plant [in late August],” Mastroianni tells Parade. This, he explains, is “because their harvest windows are not more than 2.5 months.”

Debrito agrees, adding that “there are quite a few fall vegetables that not only can be planted now, but should.”

Keep reading for their insights on five veggies that you should plant now—and four that you definitely shouldn’t.

Related: 9 Perennials to Cut Back in Late August—and 5 You Should Leave Alone

Gardeners Say You Should Plant These 5 Vegetables in Late August for a Fall Harvest 1. Kale and baby kale

Penpak S. / Getty Images

According to Mastroianni, kale plants “can last from late August until whenever the first hard-freeze is and sometimes beyond,” and they also germinate well in the warm soil of late summer.

If you prefer the taste of baby kale, your kale plant can “be harvested early as baby leaves.” Or, leave them “in the ground well into late fall, with growth beginning to slow down in winter.”

2. Carrots

Wildroze / Getty Images

“The classics to start in mid-late August are long-growing root crops,” such as carrots, turnips and beets, says Debrito. “They have a long grow window of 50–75+ days, so starting them now while the soil is warm will help them germinate evenly—just be sure to keep the soil moist during dry spells.”

Mastroianni also recommends planting carrots at this time of year. “They take a bit longer than the other choices to get going, but can stay alive year round if given the chance,” he says. “I’ve given them the chance before, and they survive through deer grazing, 2 feet of freezing snow and single digit temperatures.”

Related: The 5 Perennials You Should Stop Deadheading in Late Summer, According to a Gardener

3. Spinach

vm2002 / Getty Images

“Spinach can be started now as well, since it too has a long harvest window and is well adapted to different climates,” says Debrito.

When it comes to spinach, Mastroianni recommends starting your sprouts indoors, as they do better out of the heat. Make sure to keep your soil moist.

“At this point in the year, you can still grow the leaves to whichever maturity you’d like, and it’s even said that cooler temps add some sweetness,” he says. “For overwintering, mulch or cover them over for an early spring harvest.”

4. Swiss chard

alvarez / Getty Images

“Swiss chard is another great option,” says Debrito. She notes that Swiss chard “can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and has a nice long harvest window.” Plus, they add “a beautiful pop of bright color” to a vegetable patch.

5. Leaf lettuce

Irukawa Elisa / Getty Images

Also known as green leaf lettuce or red leaf lettuce, this plant is a “pest magnet,” according to Mastroianni. That said, late August is still the best time of year to plant some leaf lettuce—just make sure to do so somewhere that’s not accessible to rabbits and deer, such as in a planter box on the deck.

After planting leaf lettuce, you should see baby leaves sprouting with four weeks. From there, sow your plants every two weeks, and you’ll have a consistent supply of leaf lettuce until the first frost.

Related: Why Your Hydrangeas Are Wilting Even Though You’re Watering Them, According to Gardeners

4 Plants That Gardeners Do Not Recommend Planting in Late August 1. Radishes

Catherine Delahaye / Getty Images

“Radishes are a cool season crop and easy addition to the garden, and are often recommended to start in late summer,” says Debrito. However, it’s best to wait until late September to plant them.

“I find they get easily heat stressed and can prematurely bolt and not form correctly,” she adds. “I prefer to hold off for a month or so until the daytime temps drop a little. Radishes grow so quickly, so there’s no reason to rush the planting time!”

2. Tomatoes

skaman306 / Getty Images

“Starting tomatoes from scratch or seed this late is not likely to see much of a yield,” warns Mastroianni. “Fungi and deer seem to ravage tomatoes this time of year.”

If you are really dying to grow your own tomatoes this late in the summer, he says your “best bet would be a late-stage farmers market plant, which can pay for itself if it generates a few pounds of tomatoes.”

Related: The One Mistake That’s Causing Your Basil to Flower Too Early, According to Gardeners

3. Pumpkins

Helaine Weide / Getty Images

Even though pumpkins are the quintessential fall plant, if you haven’t planted any yet this year, you’re too late.

“Starting vine, fall-fruiting plants like watermelon or pumpkin this late is unlikely to come up with the best yield either,” Mastroianni explains. “Cantaloupe, gourds, anything that was more of an early-summer plant and commonly take 3-4 months to harvest is not a great idea right now.”

4. Head lettuce

GomezDavid / Getty Images

According to Mastroianni, head lettuce—which includes romaine, iceberg and butter lettuce—is “more fragile to dropping temps” than other greens and lettuces.

Planting these lettuces so late in the summer often “triggers rot and slime,” and you “won’t get to more than half-head by the time the real frosts set in,” Mastroianni says.

“Lettuces are a must for any vegetable garden, and are quite easy to grow!” adds Debrito. “However, they are delicate and sensitive to heat spikes, and fall varieties should not be started outdoors yet, unless they have a decent shade cloth. Even then, there a risk of them turning bitter if they get too hot, so I play it safe and just be patient a little longer!”

Up Next:

Related: The Biggest Mistake People Make Watering Their Lawns in August, According to Lawn Experts

Sources:

• Celina Debrito, head gardener for Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
• Samson Mastroianni, founder and lead designer of Samson Landscape + Design

“This is the 3rd ad I’ve seen her in this week.”

Indeed, Martha Stewart is everywhere these days. Power to her. There are countless fans of the iconic businesswoman, author and TV personality out there.

That also means her loyal followers weren’t shy in weighing in on Stewart’s unexpected new partnership with a buzzy — yet controversial — car company, which is now promoting its latest self-driving vehicle.

Waymo’s brand-new Ojai, a self-dubbed “living room on wheels,” is officially open to all riders in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles, with more cities on the way.

The autonomous driving tech company just took to social media to promote its surprising collab with Stewart, 85, who stars in the Ojai’s new commercial.

“Welcome to the ultimate home tour, Ojai edition. ✨ Join @marthastewart48 as she highlights what makes this cabin special, featuring spacious seating and intuitive technology,” reads the caption of Waymo’s joint Instagram post with the famed writer.

“Welcome to my new home away from home,” Stewart says in that signature TV voice of hers to begin the ad. “This one has excellent architecture.”

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Fans have since flooded the post’s comments section to voice their reactions. A solid group seemed on board with the partnership, with one Instagram user commenting, “Will try anything Martha endorses!” Another person simply wrote, “👏🏼 iconic.”

Virtually everyone else who weighed in, however, expressed reservations — given the nature of Waymo’s service and its potential implications on the humans out there trying to make a buck by providing rideshare. “I love me some Martha, but there’s no “way” I’m getting in a WayMo. I’ve seen too many of them, clog up streets, black, emergency, vehicles, and trap people inside the car,” one Instagram user commented on the reel, while another person commented, “We need REAL PEOPLE DRIVING AND LESS CAMERAS ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️”

Opening up the pages of a fantasy book is one of readers’ favorite ways to get in a healthy dose of escapism. While most novels in the fantasy genre give a glimpse into a magical world full of wonder, some simply bring more delight than others, usually due to their unique characters, quippy dialogue, or lower-stakes plots.

For instance, the publication Collider recently released a list of “the 8 most fun fantasy books of all time.” The ranking featured fantasy novels like 2000’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling, The Princess Bride by William Goldman from 1973, and J. R. R. Tolkien‘sThe Hobbit, published in 1937, with 2006’s The Blade Itself by British author Joe Abercrombie taking home the title of the “most fun fantasy book of all time.”

The Blade Itself, which happens to be Abercrombie’s first book, has a score of 4.22 out of 5 from 334,758 readers on Goodreads. Meanwhile, the book’s sequels, 2007’s Before They Are Hanged and 2008’s Last Argument of Kings, have Goodreads scores of 4.36 from 233,043 readers and 4.37 from 214,910 readers.

Joe Abercrombie Shared His Thoughts About The Lasting Popularity of ‘The Blade Itself’

In a January 2026 interview with Maude Garrett, Abercrombie shared his thoughts about the lasting popularity of The Blade Itself.

“It came out in 2006, and so it’s kind of amazing that people are still buying it, still reading it, and still feeling that it’s kind of relevant. I mean, you’re lucky as a writer if you’re able to get a book published. So, to have something that’s stuck around in that way is brilliant,” said the author.

He then explained that he felt less pressure writing The Blade Itself than his subsequent novels because he hadn’t yet been published.

“I was doing it purely for my own amusement when I wrote this book. I had no audience. I never really expected that I’d get an audience. I was just making stuff up in the middle of the night for my own amusement as much as anything,” said Abercrombie in the January 2026 interview. “So, yeah, there’s definitely a sense of being free when you’re not a published author, and you do miss that somewhat when you become published, even if there’s obviously, you know, it’s great to have it get out there and people to read it and enjoy it and all of that.”

A cluttered workspace can make it harder to focus, but adding more storage does not have to mean filling a room with bulky furniture. The most useful organizational pieces are the ones that hold plenty of supplies while still adapting to the way you actually live and work.

That is why a rolling drawer unit is such a smart home find. It gives you a dedicated place for papers, office supplies, cords, craft materials, and everyday extras, but the wheels make it easy to move when you want to rearrange your setup. Whether you work from home, have a small apartment or need more storage in a bedroom or craft area, flexible furniture can make a huge difference.

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ALEX Drawer Unit on Casters, $169.99 at IKEA

IKEA

IKEA’s ALEX Drawer Unit on Casters in White is a clean, practical option for getting organized. Currently priced at $169.99, down from $219.99, the rolling unit includes six drawers in a sleek white finish. IKEA lists it as a 22 percent discount, saving shoppers $50. 

The storage unit measures 26 ⅜ inches wide, 18 ⅞ inches deep, and 26 inches high. That makes it wide enough to hold a generous amount of supplies while still fitting beneath many desks, alongside a workspace or in a bedroom corner. Each drawer has an interior depth of 16 ½ inches, giving you room for notebooks, chargers, stationery, art supplies and other small household items. 

Related: Anthropologie’s New 10-Piece Marble Kitchen Find Is a Beautiful Addition to Any Counter

The included casters are what make this unit especially useful. You can roll it underneath a desk to create a more streamlined office setup, pull it out when you need access to supplies or move it to another room if your needs change. Since the back is finished, IKEA says the unit can be placed anywhere in a room instead of needing to sit flush against a wall. 

Drawer stops help prevent drawers from being pulled out too far, adding a helpful safety and stability feature. The total maximum load is 40 pounds, with a maximum load of 4 pounds per drawer, so it is best for lighter office and household storage rather than heavy tools or large stacks of books. 

The ALEX unit is made primarily from particleboard and fiberboard with an acrylic-painted and paper-foil finish. It requires assembly, and IKEA recommends re-tightening the screws about two weeks after assembly, then as needed. And if you’re worried it won’t be sturdy enough, don’t be. One shopper noted that they’ve “used it for a couple of decades.” Not bad!

Related: Stanley 1913 Fans Are Racing to T.J. Maxx to Find This Beautiful Tumbler

Joe Keery might be best known as Steve Harrington, but the Stranger Things fan favorite has another identity, and it’s having a moment on the rock charts. His Djo hit “End of Beginning,” a dreamy, ’70s-inspired track that became a viral sensation, is currently No. 1 on Soundcharts’ U.S. rock ranking.

Released in September 2022 as part of his second album, Decide, the track blends warm analog keyboard sounds, nostalgic vocals, and steady rhythms that give the song a distinctly vintage feel, recalling ’70s psych-pop and art-rock influences like Electric Light Orchestra.

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Though it was released in 2022, Djo’s song didn’t become a major hit until early 2024, when it exploded on TikTok, with users soundtracking nostalgic and wistful videos to the Djo’s hazy tune. At the time, it reached a No. 11 high on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot Alternative Songs tally.

In January 2026, the song received another major surge surrounding the Dec. 31, 2025, conclusion of the Duffer brothers’ juggernaut Netflix series. That’s when the song hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Global 200.

But interestingly, the boom wasn’t because of placement in the show, which has helped launch vintage songs back into the stratosphere, like Kate Bush‘s 1985 hit, “Running Up That Hill.” Rather, in Djo’s case, the song’s resurgence came only from the connection between Keery and his character, Steve.

“Reminiscent of new wave hits from the likes of Crowded House and INXS (Keery has noted influence from Annie Lennox’s ‘No More “I Love You’s“‘ as well), listeners have gravitated in particular to the lyrics in its chorus: ‘And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it / Another version of me, I was in it / I wave goodbye to the end of beginning,” Billboard shared.

Keery wrote the song reflecting on his time living, studying, and making music in Chicago. He attended The Theatre School at DePaul University, then joined a garage and psych-rock band called Post Animal. “End of Beginning’ is his synth-pop reflection on those formative years and reconnecting with himself.

“Your late 20s are a wild time,” he told Billboard. “The gist of it is being sad that I wasn’t more appreciative of something in the moment—longing for something that’s over, but also being happy that it happened.”

Djo recently wrapped a run supporting Tame Impala for the 2026 Deadbeat Tour and released The Crux Deluxe, the 12-track companion album to 2025’s The Crux.

Related: 1979 Rock Song, Overlooked for Decades, Ranked Journey’s No. 1 Greatest Deep Cut

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There was a period of time when I wore duck boots every single day throughout the fall and winter. I rediscovered the style during my last home visit when I saw them tucked away in my childhood bedroom, and now they’re becoming a staple in my seasonal wardrobe yet again. Luckily, JCPenney is on the same wavelength as me, because the retailer is  selling these classic St.John’s Bay Denton Flat Heel Rain Boots for 69% off, and they’re incredibly chic.

The boots originally cost $65, but have been reduced to just $20 ahead of the chilly weather. Make sure to use the promotional code SPELLING to receive this low sale price at checkout. You can add the footwear to your cart in three colors: navy plaid, black, and brown. These traditional hues are perfect for those who want to elevate their fashion sense but are in need of something practical. Plus, the navy plaid pattern is on par for the holidays! 

St. John’s Bay Denton Flat Heel Rain Boots, $20 (were $65) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

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The duck boots are described to run small, so it’s recommended that you order a larger size. The shoes are being sold in sizes ranging from 6 to 11 in a medium width, with color and size combinations selling out quickly, so you’ll want to shop for them sooner rather than later. For reference, one customer noted that they usually are a size 9, but instead ordered a size 10 because the “sole liners are thick and extend up beyond the heel a bit.” 

St. John’s Bay Denton Flat Heel Rain Boots, $20 (were $65) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney's

The boots further feature a 0.75-inch heel, round toe, and a lace-up design that keeps your foot and ankle secure but also lets you adjust the comfort throughout the day. They’re made of a nylon upper and outer base, with a synthetic lining and sole. The duck shell is made of rubber so they are waterproof, but remember that only that specific section is water-resistant. Try to avoid getting any significant water on the material above the seam to make sure they last a long time! 

If you do get caught in a puddle or storm, just know that one shopper said that they used the boots in heavy rain and “they held up really well.” Other customers described the boots as “very comfortable,” “stylish,” “cute,” and “durable.” Reviewers particularly love that they’re “lightweight” because they don’t feel frustratingly bulky when they walk. 

Shop More Deals 

• St. John’s Wide Leg Rise Cropped Pant, $24 (was $54) at JCPenney
• Liz Claiborne Carter Shoulder Bag, $39 (was $70) at JCPenney
• Clarks Westlynn Bella Moc Loafers, $65 (was $110) at JCPenney

Make these trendy duck boots even more fashionable by pairing them with boot socks (a white or tan colorway always looks good). Then, you’re set to wear them all season long. Take advantage of this 69% off JCPenney deal before it’s too late!  

Related: Martha Stewart’s ‘Beautiful’ Floral Stoneware Baking Set Takes ‘Vintage’ Style From Oven to Table for 58% Less

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As skin ages, its pH shifts naturally and it may become drier, which changes the way alcohol-based fragrances behave with the body. A scent that had smelled great on you when you were 35 can smell differently as you age, or fade much more quickly. For many women over 50, this is the moment they discover perfume oils.

Perfume oils are alcohol-free fragrances blended into a carrier oil base, typically applied with a rollerball directly to pulse points. They’re not new — oil-based scent has roots going back centuries.

Ancient Egyptians used them for personal grooming, and the Indian tradition of attar, one of the oldest perfume-making methods in the world, uses hydro-distillation to capture botanical essences in oil, producing some of the most complex and long-lasting fragrances ever made. The technique has been practiced for thousands of years in places like Kannauj, India, often called the “perfume capital of the East.”

What is new is the growing awareness that for mature skin specifically, the oil format may work better since it is longer-lasting, gentler and more in tune with how aging skin reacts to perfumes.

To understand more about how perfume oils work with the skin, and which oils are worth trying, we spoke with Molly Brennan, natural perfumer and founder of House of Sacred Scents, a line of natural, oil-based perfumes.

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

Top Perfume Oils for Women 50+

• Most Sophisticated Perfume Oil: Papillon de Nuit by LVNEA
• Best Jasmine Perfume Oil: Moon Flower by M. Hainey
• Best Date Night Perfume Oil: Heart Lift by House of Sacred Scents
• Best Tropical Perfume Oil: Balinese Ylang Ylang Perfume Oil by Lumira
• Best Luxury Perfume Oil: A Woman Is Fire by Kindred Black

What Is a Perfume Oil—and How Is It Different From Eau de Parfum?

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A perfume oil is a fragrance concentrate blended into an oil, typically jojoba, argan or sweet almond oil, rather than dissolved in alcohol. Most eau de parfum sprays contain alcohol and project scent outward, whereas a perfume oil is applied directly to the skin with a rollerball and stays close to the body, releasing gradually through warmth rather than evaporation.

“Perfume oils project less in general because they stay closer to the skin,” Brennan explains. “If you want powerful projection, the increased speed of evaporation of an alcohol-based perfume will not be present.” What you get instead is a more intimate, personal scent—one that people notice when they’re close to you rather than when you enter a room.

Are there any downsides to switching to perfume oils?

There are a few downsides worth knowing before making the switch. The lower projection is the most obvious, if you love a fragrance that announces itself when you walk in a room, oil may feel too subtle.

There’s also a shorter shelf life.

“Oils can eventually spoil. Alcohol is itself a preservative,” Brennan says. “To last longer, perfume oils would require an additional preservative to increase longevity, otherwise they need to be used in six months to a year because they can oxidize and become rancid.”

The exception is jojoba-based perfume oils.

“Jojoba oil is a wax ester rather than a vegetable oil,” Brennan explains, which means it can last two to five years with proper storage. For longevity, a cool, dark, dry space is best.

Why Mature Skin Works Well With Perfume Oils

Here’s the science behind why so many women over 50 find their perfumes no longer performing the way they used to: “In youth, our skin is slightly acidic,” Brennan explains. “As our skin ages and becomes drier, it loses some of its acid mantle—the fatty acids naturally present on the skin that protect its surface and support elasticity.”

“The pH becomes more alkaline, impacting how fragrances smell on the skin,” she continues. “It can cause top notes to sour or become sharper without the oils to soften the effects of the alcohol.”

There’s also a longevity issue.

“Fragrance molecules are lipophilic, which means they bond with oils,” Brennan says. “When there is less oil in or on the skin, the fragrance will evaporate more quickly because it is more likely to evaporate at the rate of the alcohol than temporarily bond with the oils of the skin and release more slowly.”

For women who love their existing spray perfume and want more longevity, Brennan has a useful tip: “You can use unscented lotion or jojoba oil to increase longevity and balance skin pH during application if you are just trying to increase projection and longevity of the alcohol perfume.”

Related: How To Make Your Perfume Last Longer After 50

What fragrance notes work best in oil form for mature skin?

“Deeper base notes like woods, gourmands, ambers, musks, and florals like jasmine, neroli, and rose tend to work best in oil for mature skin,” Brennan says. “These soften any harshness and can remain on the skin for a longer period of time.”

“Citruses and green notes can turn harsh and bitter,” she tells Parade. “If you go citrus, a sweeter citrus could soften the effect.”

However, skin chemistry depends on the person. “Always try things out and see what is right for you. Our pH and hormonal mixes are individual to each of us,” she explains.

What To Look for When Shopping for a Quality Perfume Oil

“They should look for a carrier oil of either jojoba, argan or sweet almond,” Brennan says. “These enhance your lipid layer on the surface while being relatively non-greasy.”

Look for a full list of ingredients and avoid those with elements you can’t pronounce. Also check for labels that state it’s formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

“Avoid labels that just say ‘fragrance oil’ in the ingredient list,” she adds. Fragrance oil is a synthetic or molecularly created scent—not necessarily harmful, but very different from a natural perfume oil, and worth knowing before you buy.

The 5 Best Perfume Oils for Women Over 50

Here are the five that Brennan recommends for mature women.

1. Most Sophisticated Perfume Oil: Papillon de Nuit by LVNEA, $62

LVNEA

Shop It at Ministry of Scent

Brennan recommends this sophisticated, resinous scent built around the deeper base notes of sandalwood and tonka. It also has “palo santo, magnolia, white champaca and botanical white musk accord,” she says.

2. Best Jasmine Perfume Oil: Moon Flower by M. Hainey, $45

M. Hainey

Shop It at M. Hainey

Jasmine and tuberose are two of the florals Brennan highlights as working particularly well in oil form, grounded here by the woodsy depth of frankincense and sandalwood.

It has “night-blooming jasmine, tuberose, Japanese yuzu, violet leaf, vetiver, frankincense and sandalwood,” she says.

3. Best Date Night Perfume Oil: Heart Lift by House of Sacred Scents, $75

House of Sacred Scents

Shop It at House of Sacred Scents

Brennan’s own perfume oil has notes of rose, vanilla, cardamom, sweet orange, geranium, clary sage and lavender.

It “warms and opens our hearts,” she says, with a botanical blend that leads with the brightness of rose and sweet orange before settling into the grounding depth of vanilla and cardamom.

4. Best Tropical Perfume Oil:Balinese Ylang Ylang Perfume Oil by Lumira, $72

Lumira

Shop It at Lumira

A rich, tropical floral built on the deep base notes that wear best on mature skin. “Ylang ylang has a natural warmth that develops beautifully in oil form, and it has notes of jasmine sambac, black orchid, incense, sandalwood,” Brennan says.

5. Best Luxury Perfume Oil: A Woman Is Fire by Kindred Black, $345

Kindred Black

Shop It at Kindred Blaock

This luxury scent is warm and velvety with “notes of Bulgarian rose, sandalwood, jasmine and vanilla,” Brennan says. Perfect for mature skin. It’s made in small batches and each bottle is hand blown glass.

Related: 9 Perfumes Women Over 50 Are Obsessed With Right Now, According to a Fragrance Expert

How To Apply Perfume Oil for the Best Results

Apply to the pulse points, like the wrists, neck and inner elbows. “The added warmth of the increased blood flow at these locations improves longevity and projection,” Brennan says.

Perfume oils should never be rubbed in after application; rolling or pressing and letting them absorb naturally gives the best result.

Up Next:

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

Source:

• Molly Brennan, Natural Perfumer and Founder, House of Sacred Scents

In 1979, Supertramp had a massive hit with “The Logical Song,” and it’s still a classic 47 years later.

Written by Roger Hodgson, the song from the iconic album Breakfast in America is a pop-rock track built around a distinctive keyboard opening and a prominent saxophone solo. Its lyrics look back on the magic of childhood while questioning the pressure to become a “logical” and “practical” adult.

“The Logical Song” reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1979. Decades later, it ranks at No. 67 on Amazon Music’s list of the 100 greatest classic rock songs ever.

Perhaps one of the most surprising things about the song is how the iconic alto sax solo came together.

According to the band’s saxophonist John Helliwell, during the recording sessions for the backing tracks, there was an issue with the sax and the drum mics.

“When we were recording the backing tracks, we didn’t want the sound of the sax to spill onto the drum mics, in case the sax wasn’t good and the drum was good, and we wanted to keep it or whatever,” Helliwell told radio station 102.9 The Whale.

“So the nearest place was the bathroom. So I sat on the toilet there, with a copy of Playboy in my left hand and my sax in my right hand and we did the takes there,” he said. “In fact, the take that turned out to be the real good backing track was the one with the sax solo you hear on it. So I must’ve got the inspiration even through the walls, even sitting on the toilet.”

Helliwell shared further details on the unusual recording situation in an interview on the Vintage Rock podcast, noting, “Roger was, I think he was in the drum booth playing the Wurlitzer, the electric piano, and the bass was somewhere else, so there wasn’t a room left for me. … You don’t want to play in the room with the drums because you’re kind of, the drums are spoiling the sound for the sax and vice versa, so they said, ‘Why don’t you just pop into the toilet down the corridor?’ So that was it.”

“We ended up recording about four or five different versions of ‘The Logical Song’ and I played saxophone on every one. And every solo was kind of different, you know,” he added.

Speaking with Sound on Sound, engineer Peter Henderson recalled the setup at Village Recorder’s Studio B, which featured a control room facing the live area and a drum booth at the far end. He noted that while recording the backing track for “The Logical Song,” drummer Bob Siebenberg was placed on the left side of the main room, while bassist Dougie Thomson was also in the live room. Rick Davies’ Hohner clavinet was on the right side of the live room while Hodgson’s electric piano was indeed placed in the drum booth.

Henderson laughed off the idea of putting Helliwell in the small bathroom when there was nowhere else to fit him. “John kept moaning about his lot, but I think he actually quite enjoyed it,” Henderson shared.

Neraly 50 years after its release, “The Logical Song” remains a beloved song from the classic lineup of Supertramp.

Related: 1979 Rock Classic, Recorded by Power Trio, Remains a Timeless Anthem About Honesty 47 Years Later

Hulu takes with one hand but gives with another. Just days after canceling Not Suitable for Work, the Disney-owned network has renewed its breakout freshman thriller.

Furious starring Emmy Rossum has just been given a second season order. It comes ahead of its first season ending on Aug. 31, 2026. While the streamer hasn’t shared its streaming figures, Nielsen has shared the numbers from the first week drop, which consisted of three episodes, and it proved to be an outstanding success.

The disney streamer isn’t consistent with the way it releases shows. The Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments were released weekly, while Not Suitable for Work and Adults dropped as binge-watches. For Furious, the company opted for the hybrid release, with three episodes dropping at once and then one episode per week, proving to be a successful method.

With its first drop on July 27, 2026, it cracked the Top 10 in the streaming originals list. As Deadline notes, this is based on viewing minutes calculated, and it entered in 10th place with 372 million minutes watched. In recent weeks, shows like Love Island USA, Little House on the Prairie, and Silo have made it to this list.

Hulu usually waits for the finale of a show to air, but it’s clear that it is happy with the viewership of the series with Rossum in the lead. Disney had said that viewership had increased week on week, so we’re expecting to see the show rise up the Top 10 streaming originals list from this point, and it’s believed to be the No. 1 show on Disney+ and Hulu around the world in August, as well as the No. 2 freshman show on Hulu in the United States throughout this whole year.

It is a clear sign that Furious is worth renewing, and it’s also a clear sign that people will stick around for weekly episodes if the show is good. Critics say that the show is great, with a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score. Many have praised Rossum’s Alice Black as she relentlessly tracks down a female serial killer, played by Lola Petticrew. There’s a darkness in both characters, as the lines between right and wrong blur.

The early renewal is a great move for the network as well. It means the pre-production work can start immediately, allowing for a shorter turnaround time between seasons. One of the complaints of many viewers is that there’s such a long wait between seasons that they forget what happened previously and then aren’t interested when it returns. Furious needs to find a way to buck that curve.

Related: Disney+ and Hulu Canceled Just 2 Current Shows in 2026, But a Highly-Anticipated Reboot Was Axed

For the people inside the Big Brother 28 house, it’s just another week. Drew Campbell, Mallory Aurichio, and Taylor Brown sit on the block, all courtesy of repeat HoH Dee Valladares. But outside, it’s an entire celebration, as the show reaches a historic 1,000 episodes on the air. The 90-minute extravaganza will include appearances from legendary alumni, a Block Buster and eviction, and the reveal of the biggest twist of the summer to kick off the next phase of the game. We’ll update this story throughout the night as the Block Buster and eviction results are revealed.

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Who was eliminated on Big Brother 28 tonight? Mallory Aurichio Mallory Aurichio on ‘Big Brother 28’

Evan Mulling/CBS

Mallory Aurichio was the seventh person evicted from Big Brother 28. After throwing the HoH competition to Dee, she was irate to find her “Mosh Pit” member turning on her by putting her up on the block. And so the “Pipe Queen” ran out of pipeline in the game, as she was evicted.

Who won the Block Buster on Big Brother 28 tonight? Drew Campbell Drew Campbell on ‘Big Brother 28’

Evan Mulling/CBS

Drew had no idea, but as of 24 hours ago, he was set to go home. It was a move that would completely blindside him, and shock the icons for the first time all game. But, whether he knew it or not, Drew won a clutch Block Buster, removing himself from the block.

Who’s left in the game on Big Brother 28? Angela Murray Barrett Pfeiffer Dee Valladares Drew Campbell Haley Thogmartin Jason De Puy LaTrice Verrett Melody Morris Rick Devens Taylor Brown Yash Patel

Week 8 will introduce a never-before-seen twist, thrusting the houseguests into Medieval Times and ending one person’s game before the next eviction. The live feeds won’t be up until after the episode on Sunday.

Related: ‘Big Brother 28’s Kamu Kirk Explains Controversial Tea Party Drama: ‘I Wanted to Air Everything Out’ (Exclusive)

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While the high temperatures make it seem like we’re still in the midst of summer, the official start of fall is less than a month away. Before you know it, the leaves will change colors, the smell of rain will fill the air, and sweaters, scarves, and boots will make their reappearance. With the transition of seasons, there’s no better time to give your home a little refresh. Fall decorating is all about earthy hues, autumnal foliage, pumpkin everything, and cozy pieces like throw blankets and pillows. 

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“It’S aUgUsT” IDC ! SO happy 😭🍂 #falldecor #fall

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If your decor collection could use a little upgrade, check out one of our favorite seasonal finds at Walmart: this Way to Celebrate Dogs and Leaves Throw Pillow. Filled with fall charm, it’s a cozy and chic way to welcome the new season into your home. And right now, you can score it on sale for a whopping 50% off. Normally retailing for $12, this throw pillow is currently marked down to just $6! 

Way to Celebrate Dogs and Leaves Throw Pillow, $6 (was $12) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Everything about this decorative throw pillow radiates fall charm. The design features three adorable dogs dressed up in sweaters with geometric prints. The dogs are surrounded by floating and fallen leaves that boast gorgeous autumnal tones. Filled with yellow and orange hues, this pillow brings all the cozy vibes, instantly elevating your living space to make it feel warm and inviting. 

The decorative side of the pillow is made of polyester chenille jacquard, where the design is woven directly into the material for a seamless look. Shoppers raved about the quality of the design, noting that the colors are very bright and vibrant. 

Featuring a soft blue tone, the other side of the pillow is made of solid polyester chenille. While this pillow is fit for the fall season, you could leave it out year-round. Shoppers noted that they flipped it around to the blue side for all-season use. 

Shop More Deals 

• Lyacmy Pumpkin and Sunflower Wreath, From $25 (was $53) at Walmart
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The chenille fabric gives the exterior a velvety texture that feels soft and smooth against your skin. This pillow is packed with polyester filling, and reviewers commented that it’s very plush and fluffy. They also mentioned that it’s comfortable enough to rest your head on. 

Measuring 18 inches by 18 inches, this pillow is large enough to make a statement wherever you place it. Whether you keep it on your bed, the couch, or a lounge chair, it’ll accent your space with major fall energy. Whenever you need to give this pillow a refresh, just spot clean it with a damp cloth.

This throw pillow is a Walmart bestseller, and it’s no surprise that it has a near-perfect five-star rating. It’s loved by shoppers for its exceptional craftsmanship, gorgeous design, and comfortable feel. “This pillow is gorgeous and perfect for fall,” one reviewer said. A second customer described it as “absolutely adorable and very cute,” and said that it looks “warm and inviting.” 

Related: Kendra Scott’s Dainty Pumpkin Necklace Is a Festive Finishing Touch for Fall Outfits, and It’s Under $40

Whether you’re a dog parent or love all things fall, the Way to Celebrate Dogs and Leaves Throw Pillow is a seasonal find you don’t want to miss out on, especially while it’s on sale at Walmart for just $6! 

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If you still haven’t gotten over Pursuit of Jade but are ready for your next C-drama binge, Netflix’s The Early Spring may be exactly what you’re looking for.

The new workplace romance stars Sun Qian and Jing Boran, whose explosive chemistry—and surprisingly steamy scenes—have already generated plenty of conversation among viewers. The series is also reportedly the first mainland Chinese production to employ an intimacy coordinator.

Unlike romances that make viewers wait until the final few episodes for the leads to act on their feelings, The Early Spring wastes little time establishing the attraction between Shang Zhitao and Luan Nian. Their relationship is passionate, complicated and decidedly adult, although their romance unfolds alongside Zhitao’s determination to build a career of her own.

Here’s everything to know about The Early Spring, including its plot, cast, episode count and Netflix release schedule.

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What Is The Early Spring on Netflix About?

New to Beijing, Shang Zhi Tao (Sun Qian) crosses paths with Luan Nian (Jing Boran), a true creative genius. Bold and open-hearted, she grows stronger step by step and gradually breaks through the defenses around Luan’s guarded heart. Drawn to each other, they find themselves caught in an intense, on-again, off-again relationship in the urban jungle. To love is to summon all your courage and leave no regrets, to heal each other, and to grow together. But when love and her career pull her in different directions, she puts her career first. When she has come into her own and he has learned to soften his sharp edges, they finally stand as equals, ready to write a new ending together…

How many episodes are there in The Early Spring?

There are 24 episodes in The Early Spring.

Where can I watch The Early Spring?

The Early Spring is streaming internationally on Netflix.

How Many Episodes Are in The Early Spring?

The Early Spring premieres with the first four episodes on Wednesday, Aug. 26. For the most part, two episodes will be released daily with a grand finale of the final three episodes dropping on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Check out the release schedule below:

• Wednesday, August 26: Episodes 1, 2, 3, and 4 (Premiere)
• Thursday, August 27: Episodes 5 and 6
• Friday, August 28: Episodes 7 and 8
• Saturday, August 29: Episodes 9 and 10
• Sunday, August 30: Episode 11
• Monday, August 31: Episodes 12 and 13
• Tuesday, September 1: Episodes 14 and 15
• Wednesday, September 2: Episodes 16 and 17
• Thursday, September 3: Episodes 18 and 19
• Friday, September 4: Episodes 20 and 21
• Saturday, September 5: Episodes 22, 23, and 24

What time do new episodes of The Early Spring premiere on Netflix?

Episodes of The Early Spring are dropping around midnight ET on Netflix.

Why Is The Early Spring Getting So Much Attention?

The series made history as the first mainland Chinese production to use an intimacy coordinator. Intimacy Coordinators are a fairly new addition to the entertainment industry as a whole, becoming more mainstream after the Me Too movement in 2017. The coordinators are hired to ensure clear boundaries are set for intimate scenes, easing actor anxiety, and designing glances, touches, and movement with explicit intent rather than relying on standard, unguided physical tension. This allows for a more mature, realistic chemistry between the actors and their characters.

Who Stars in The Early Spring? Sun Qian

The Early Spring

Sun Qian as Shang Zhi Tao

Sun Qian is an actress and model from Harbin, a city in the northeast part of China. She is best know for her roles in Meteor Garden, Wild Bloom, and Love in Winter. She studied ballet for seven years before pursuing acting full time. She is a brand ambassador for Celine, Blue Erdos, and FILA. This year alone, Sun Qian has at least three projects in production or being released including the popular period romance Love Story in the 1970s opposite Arthur Chen, The Early Spring, and forensic drama Detective Hours in Our Prime alongside Bai Jingting.

Related: 41 Chinese Dramas So Addictive, You’ll Want to Binge Each and Every One

Screenshot

The Early Spring

Jing Boran as Luan Nian

Jing Boran is an actor-singer who came to prominence after winning the talent competition series, My Hero (think America’s Got Talent or American Idol). He joined forces with fellow contestant Fu Xinbo and formed the boy band, Bobo. Both singers transitioned into acting fairly quickly with Jing now having racked up over two dozen films and televisions series on his resume including Us and Them, The Shadow Play, and Time Raiders.

The 37-year old hails from Shenyeng in the northeastern section of China. Both Sun Qian and Jing Boran were brought up in northeastern China and bonded quickly over the fact while getting to know each other on set of The Early Spring. In fact, many times, when the two were chatting in private they would revert back to their regional dialect.

Is The Early Spring based on a book?

Yes, the television series The Early Spring is based on the popular web novel, 早春晴/Zao Chun Qing Lang (A Clear Early Spring Day) by Gu Niang Bie Ku.

Is there a trailer for The Early Spring?

Yes, check out the official trailer for The Early Spring below:

Next, These 47 K-Dramas Are Worth Losing Sleep Over

There is something about having a matching set of glasses that makes a kitchen feel instantly more put together. Even if you are just pouring water with dinner or making an iced coffee before work, reaching for a glass that feels sturdy, stylish, and intentional can make the everyday moment feel a little more special.

A full drinkware set is also one of the easiest upgrades for anyone who loves hosting. Instead of digging through cabinets for mismatched glasses, you can have enough coordinating pieces ready for family dinners, casual gatherings, game nights, holidays and everything in between. The right set should be pretty enough to put on the table but practical enough to use every day.

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Libbey Century Glass 16-Piece Drinkware Set, $23.62 at Costco

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Costco’s Libbey Century Glass 16-Piece Drinkware Set is a great option for doing exactly that. The set features a fluted design that gives each glass subtle texture and a classic look. It includes eight 17.5-ounce cooler glasses and eight 13.5-ounce double old fashioned glasses, offering two useful sizes for everyday drinks and entertaining.

The taller cooler glasses are ideal for water, iced tea, juice, lemonade, iced coffee, beer and mixed drinks. The shorter double old-fashioned glasses work well for cocktails, mocktails, soda, wine or even small desserts and snack servings. Having both sizes in one coordinating set makes it easy to build a complete drink station without buying several separate collections.

Related: This Iconic Fluted Vase at IKEA Just Got a Stoneware Update and It’s Only $20

The glasses are lead-free and dishwasher-safe, which is especially important for busy households. You can use them for weeknight meals or larger gatherings without worrying about hand-washing every piece afterward. Costco does note that the set should not be used in the microwave.

The fluted detail is what makes the set feel more elevated than plain, smooth tumblers. It adds a vintage-inspired touch while still being neutral enough to blend with modern dishes, colorful dinnerware or more traditional table settings. Pair the glasses with cloth napkins for a dinner party or keep them beside a coffee maker for a simple cafe-style setup at home.

Costco Same-Day has listed the set at $5.66 in some markets, while Instacart shows a price of $23.62, so exact pricing can vary significantly by location and fulfillment method. Be sure to check your local Costco warehouse or the official product page for the current price before purchasing.

No matter the exact price in your area, 16 matching Libbey glasses offer great value for anyone starting a new home, replacing mismatched drinkware or preparing for holiday hosting. The classic fluted design and two practical sizes make this set an easy addition to almost any kitchen.

Related: Stanley 1913 Fans Are Racing to T.J. Maxx to Find This Beautiful Tumbler

During the 1980s, George Michael was a powerhouse taking over music charts with his songs. On this day 38 years ago, he nabbed his fourth No. 1 single from the same album, Faith, when “Monkey” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song was from his debut solo album released the year before. Before “Monkey,” the title track “Faith” and two other singles, “Father Figure” and “One More Try,” all topped the charts in the U.S.

Given the extreme success of the previous singles, when “Monkey” was released as an official single, it wasn’t a huge surprise to see it quickly rise on the Billboard Hot 100. But on Aug. 27, 1988, it finally nabbed the top spot.

“Monkey” was Michael’s sixth No. 1 hit in the U.S., both as a soloist and in the 1980s. Before the release of his album “Faith,” Michael achieved the same milestone with two other singles. These were “Careless Whisper” in 1985 and “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” a duet with Aretha Franklin released in 1987.

While “Monkey” is a dance-rock hit, it also takes on the serious topic of watching a loved one go through drug addiction with the lyrics. It includes lines like, “Always givin’ in to it/ Do you love your monkey or do you love me?”

Related: 1984 Folk-Rock Song, Written by Leonard Cohen, Among “Greatest Rock Lyrics of All Time”

In a retrospective interview about Faith, Michael talked a bit about what inspired him to write the song. He said, “I’d found out that a girl took some drugs that I didn’t know she took; I didn’t know how to help her because I didn’t know anything about it.”

He noted that he hadn’t seen anyone deal with addiction before, before adding, “I think it was around the same time that I met her that, through someone else, I took my first ecstasy tablet.”

While it might not usually be fans’ favorite song from the album, “Monkey” was still a huge hit, and overall, the album is still renowned today. At the time of its release, Faith received great acclaim from critics and fans, and it topped album charts in many countries, including the U.S. and U.K.

Related: 1964 Hit Song, Covered by Bruce Willis, Is Still a Phenomenon 62 Years Later

When Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson finally began gaining traction in country music after a decade of pounding the pavement in Nashville, she found a safe place to land with a country legend who could relate to all of her toils and triumphs: Dolly Parton.

Two weeks before the icon’s death on Aug. 25, 2026, Parton made one last call to Wilson, who shared glimpses into their powerful conversation in a social media post, revealing that their conversation included discussing Parton’s late husband, Carl Dean, and Wilson’s new husband, former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges.

On August 27, Wilson captioned a series of photos and videos with Parton by writing, “My Dolly. 💛 I felt like you were my friend before we even met.. you made everybody feel that way. But once we became friends, boy did we have a lot to talk about…”

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“I sure am glad you called a couple of weeks ago,” Wilson continued. “We got to talk about the business, the sacrifice, how special Carl Dean was to you and how important Duck is to me.. you told me that ‘it’s all great and stuff that Duck lets you be you, but you better make sure you let Duck be himself too.’ You also told me to take my time reading the book of Revelation and that I might need to go on back to Psalms for a minute to catch my breath.”

“We talked about how we both feel like we were called into this business and you told me you felt like you weren’t finished,” Wilson shared. “Well my friend, you are not. The kind of love and light you shined in your lifetime is the kind that never goes away.”

How Lainey Wilson & Dolly Parton Became Such Close Friends Lainey Wilson accepts the Female Artist of the Year award from co-host Dolly Parton onstage during the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards on May 11, 2023.

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Growing up in a tiny Louisiana town, Wilson always dreamed of making it in country music, writing her first song at age nine. Determined to succeed, she moved to Nashville in 2011 and infamously lived in a camper-trailer there while she honed her craft as a songwriter and performer.

When Wilson finally hit it big with her third studio album in 2021, opportunities to collaborate with major country stars began to roll in, but none were as special as working with Parton on the Judds’ tribute album, she told Forbes in 2023. She marveled at the chance to sing alongside “the voice that has inspired me and influenced me more than anybody has,” and shared a video in her post of herself crying as she heard their duet for the first time.

The two powerhouses finally met in person at the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards, where Parton presented Wilson with the Female Vocalist of the Year Award. The two had already forged a special bond that only grew from there, Wilson told Forbes.

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During a January 2026 press event at BMI in Nashville, Wilson told reporters how much she relied on Parton as a sounding board.

“I think all of y’all probably know how important Dolly is to me and my journey, and how important she is to so many people,” she said. “She has definitely been somebody that I look to when I think about like, ‘Can I do this? Can I not? Should I do this? Should I not? Should I say this? Should I not?’ And she somehow always does it with grace and everything, so she’s been, like, a huge pillar for me.”

During a recent in-studio session, Wilson said she cherished having Parton to “coach me up,” noting that “the banter that me and her have been able to have with each other, I feel like I’ve known her from another lifetime.”

Forget the Arch. The ‘Saint Louis’ vacationers will soon be flocking to for a Labor Day getaway lies on the underrated shores of Mississippi, which have long flown under the radar despite vibrant white-sand beaches of their own.

Oozing porch-swing charm and quintessential Southern hospitality, little-known Bay Saint Louis is the trendiest escape this Labor Day, according to vacation rental platform HomeToGo.

Seeing nearly a 600% surge in booking searches year over year, almost doubling second-place Red River Gorge, Kentucky, you can grab a PSL in BSL to kick off the unofficial start of fall with one last sunny beach trip, as the Mississippi Coast is still warm in September, with highs averaging around 86°F.

While most of the state’s shoreline isn’t as snorkel-friendly as other Southern staples like Gulf Shores and Destin, the laid-back vibe couldn’t be more of a draw to wrap up summer.

Plus, costs tend to be very affordable, and Bay Saint Louis isn’t nearly as touristy as the Sunshine State or even nearby Biloxi.

HomeToGo reports you’ll want to hit up this storybook heartthrob for its “colorful Old Town streets, Gulf Coast beaches, and a thriving arts scene.”

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Mississippi has become one of the trendiest states to visit, even becoming one of the top 5 most visited states in 2025.

Its charming small towns, sun-kissed beach hideaways, and epic seafood are all top draws along the coast, as are thriving river cruises along — you guessed it — the Mississippi River.

Bay Saint Louis, though, is arguably the state’s most well-rounded weekend escape, especially for travelers who like to explore on foot.

Beyond lounging in the gleaming white sand, visitors can browse the boutiques and galleries of Old Town, catch live music, feast on fresh Gulf seafood, or walk across the Bay St. Louis Bridge for sweeping views over the water.

And if HomeToGo’s Labor Day numbers are any indication, BSL’s secret may finally be getting out.